Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-26-06 WT Study (January 15, 2006 issue, pp. 26-30)(OPPOSE SATAN)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxesw = Watchtower
g = Awake
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible (various Bible translations online)
www.reexamine.org (WT publications online)
www.silentlambs.org (child abuse)
www.ajwrb.org (blood issue)
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm (United Nations issue)
OPPOSE SATAN, AND HE WILL FLEE!
"Subject yourselves ... to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from
you." -JAMES 4:7.
What Is Your Reply?
- Should we fear Satan the Devil?
- Why does Satan bring persecution upon Christians?
- Why do we pray to be delivered from "the wicked one"?
- How can we be successful in waging spiritual warfare?
Questions
1, 2. (a) What trait of the Devil is reflected in a declaration recorded in Isaiah chapter 14? (b) We will discuss what questions?
3, 4. Why are anointed Christians and their companions not afraid of the Devil?
5. What do we learn from Hebrews 2:14, 15?
6, 7. To what extent does Satan have the means to cause death?
8. Why does the Devil bring persecution upon God's servants?
9, 10. The Devil has raised what issue, and how is the conduct of humans related to it?
11. What is meant by the request, "Do not bring us into temptation"?
12. Why do we pray: "Deliver us from the wicked one"?
13, 14. Why did the Corinthians need to change the way they dealt with a man in the congregation who had been immoral?
15. What warfare do we wage, and on what does victory depend?
16. How can we have continued protection against the wicked spirit forces?
17. What will help us to be effective proclaimers of the good news?
18. How can we "stand firm against the machinations of the Devil"?
19. What is one way to go on the offensive in opposing the Devil?
20. How can we oppose the Devil?
Opening Comments
I am trying something new by putting the questions and the review questions first. Also, the whole article with pictures can be found here:
http://www.reexamine.org/watchtowers/wt15ja2006study.pdf
(this week's is towards the end of the pdf file)
"Should we fear Satan?" (Paragraph 2)
"Anointed ones and their companions with an earthly hope are not afraid of the Devil." (Paragraph 3)
"They [early disciples of Jesus Christ] did not succumb to fear of what Satan could do..." (Paragraph 4)
"There is no reason to quake in fear of Satan..." (Paragraph 19)
*** w01 9/1 p. 7 The Devil-More Than Just Superstition ***
Of course, we do not want to become obsessed with the Devil or allow superstitious fear of him to paralyze us.
http://www.freeminds.org/stories/lucky.htm
But worst of all was Satan, who was in charge of just about everything. He ran the Governments and Churches, operated Ouiji Boards and, according to my mother, wrote most of the Science Fiction books I liked to read. Just about everyone in the world was under the control of Satan and his demons. Demons did the real dirty work, and would make things move around your room at night, and hide your book bag when you were supposed to go out in service. People at the Kingdom Hall liked to trade demon stories with each other. One man had demons who would untie his dog at night and let it run loose. Another lady had wind chimes that were possessed, and had to be burned. Even though demons possessed a lot of different things, we didn’t have any superstitions.
http://www.freeminds.org/stories/urbanlore.htm
http://dianewilson.net/work1.htm
Notice here though how the WTS speaks out of both sides of their mouth. How can JWs not be affected by the fetishes because "they generally did not know that the fetishes had been planted on their property." Why do many JWs then worry about things they have no knowledge of having brought into their house, say something like a pot they bought at a garage sale or at a thrift shop?
*** w74 12/1 p. 716 Is There Danger in Occult "Charms"? ***
Now, it is common knowledge that in some parts of the world there are medicinemen and juju priests who have, by spells and fetishes, caused death or calamity to people there. These practitioners have often tried their spells against those from among these people who have become Jehovah's witnesses, even planting fetishes on their premises. But they have been completely unsuccessful in causing any effect on the Witnesses. Of course, the Witnesses had absolutely rejected any association with these magic-practicing priests and had not accepted any gifts from them. They generally did not know that the fetishes had been planted on their property. And they were not harmed, much to the dismay of the practitioners.
You can see from this that you need not live in fear of the demons. You should not be terrified at astrological horoscopes or other predictions, nor of spells of practitioners of spiritism. But you are safe only if you utterly reject any connection with such persons, and absolutely abhor and reject any gifts they may offer. You need to avoid knowingly allowing such detestable things into your house. You are putting yourself into danger if you read horoscopes to see what they say, thereby giving some recognition that they just might turn out right. If you do, you show some liking, some leaning toward these detestable things, or a desire for some material thing connected with them. In that case, you should not be surprised if you suddenly experience demon attacks, perhaps hearing voices or being seriously afflicted.
If you have had such troubles, get rid of anything that you know that you or members of your family have taken from dabblers in spiritism. Cut off fellowship with such persons. Having done this, ask Jehovah God in the name of Christ to bring you assistance and relief. If you are a member of a congregation of Jehovah's witnesses, approach the elders and get their help, not as of exorcists, but so that you may receive their counsel and the help of their united prayers.-Jas. 5:13-18.
Is it no wonder that so many JWs do "fear the Devil."
START OF ARTICLE
THE Devil is the epitome of arrogance. His pride is reflected in words recorded by God's prophet Isaiah. Over a century before Babylonia became the chief world power, Jehovah's people were represented as making this declaration against "the king of Babylon": "You have said in your heart, `To the heavens I shall go up. Above the stars of God [kings of David's royal line] I shall lift up my throne . I shall make myself resemble the Most High."' (Isaiah 14:3, 4,1215; Numbers 24:17) The pride of "the king of Babylon" was similar to the spirit of Satan, "the god of this system of things." (2 Corinthians 4:4) But Satan's arrogance will end in disaster, even as the Babylonian dynasty came to an inglorious end.
Epitome of arrogance
Is the WTS/GB/FDS the "epitome of arrogance"? Does it try to make itself "resemble the Most High"?
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible-A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.-John 6:68.
2 As long as the Devil exists, however, we may be concerned about such questions as these: Should we fear Satan? Why does he incite people to persecute Christians? How can we avoid being overreached by the Devil?
Christians--only JWs
The website below has many news items on "Christians" who aren't JWs that are persecuted for their faith.
Blurb on page 26: Fearless early followers of Christ proved faithful to death
(How many JWs do you know that are ready to die in the arena for their faith? How many expect instead to live into the "new system" without ever dying?"
Should We Fear the Devil?
3 Very strengthening to anointed Christians are these words of Jesus Christ: "Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison that you may be fully put to the test, and that you may have tribulation ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10) Anointed ones and their companions with an earthly hope are not afraid of the Devil. This lack of fear does not stem from inherent courage. It exists because they have reverential fear of God and `take refuge in the shadow of his wings.'-Psalm
34:9; 36:7.
To anointed Christians--only anointed JWs; showing that the WTS believes that the NT was written only to Christians with the hope of going to heaven.
Anointed ones--only anointed JWs
Their companions with an earthly hope--other sheep, great crowd who can only understand the Bible in association with the organization.
Take refuge in the shadow of his wings--take refuge in the WTS
*** w01 11/15 p. 17 Jehovah Is Our Refuge ***
Like mere fledglings, we are secure under Jehovah's figurative pinions because we have taken refuge in his true Christian organization.
4 Fearless early disciples of Jesus Christ proved faithful to death despite the things they suffered. They did not succumb to fear of what Satan the Devil could do, for they knew that Jehovah would never abandon those who proved loyal to Him. Similarly, in the face of intense present-day persecution, anointed Christians and their dedicated associates are determined not to break their integrity to God. However, the apostle Paul indicated that the Devil could cause death. Should that not make us fearful?
Faithful to death--no millions now living will never die?
anointed Christians--only anointed JWsTheir dedicated associates (companions, see above)--only JWs
Paul indicated that the Devil could cause death--kill individuals?
5 Paul said that Jesus 'partook of blood and flesh' that "through his death he might bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, that is, the Devil; and that he might emancipate all those who for fear of death were subject to slavery all through their lives." (Hebrews 2:14, 15) As "the one having the
means to cause death," Satan got control of Judas Iscariot and then used the Jewish leaders and the Romans to execute Jesus. (Luke 22:3; John 13:26, 27) Through his sacrificial death, however, Jesus frees sinful mankind from Satan's grip and makes it possible for us to have everlasting life.-John 3:16.
"bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, that is, the Devil"
*** w03 7/1 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
At Hebrews 2:14, why is Satan called "the one having the means to cause death"?
In brief, Paul meant that Satan, personally or through his agents, can cause the physical death of humans. In harmony with that, Jesus called Satan "a manslayer when he began."-John 8:44.
Misunderstanding may arise over Hebrews 2:14 because of the way some translations render it, saying that Satan has the "power of death" or the "power over death." (King James Version; Revised Standard; New International Version; Jerusalem Bible) Such renderings could make it appear that Satan has unlimited ability to kill anyone he chooses. However, that is clearly not the case. If it were, he would very likely have wiped Jehovah's worshipers off the face of the earth a long time ago.-Genesis 3:15.
How does Satan exercise "the means to cause death"? In the book of Job, we read of one instance that may be somewhat exceptional. The account says that Satan used a storm to 'cause the death' of Job's children. Notice, though, that Satan could do this only with God's permission, which was given because a vital issue was being decided. (Job 1:12, 18, 19) Indeed, Satan was not able to kill Job himself. Permission for that was withheld. (Job 2:6) This shows that even though, on occasion, Satan has been able to cause the death of faithful humans, we need not fear that he can snuff out our lives at will.
Satan...used the Jewish leaders and the Romans to execute Jesus--does this prove that Satan causes the deaths of individuals?
Makes it possible for us to have everlasting life--CARROT
6 To what extent does the Devil have the means to cause death? Well, from the start of Satan's career of wickedness, his lies and leadings have caused death among humans. This is because Adam sinned and thus passed sin and death on to the human family. (Romans 5:12) In addition, Satan's earthly servants have persecuted worshippers of Jehovah, sometimes to the point of death, even as they did in the case of Jesus Christ.
his lies and leadings have caused death among humans--WTS lies have caused death among humans, flipflop doctrine of organ transplants and alternative service to name two.
Adam sinned and thus passed sin and death--does that mean if only Eve had sinned, her sin would not have been passed onto to the human family?
worshippers of Jehovah--putting the focus into OT timessometimes to the point of death--but not to the death of any JW reading this article
Yes, no JW will die unless it is with God's permission (see WT quote above)
7 Nevertheless, we should not think that the Devil can cause the death of any individual whom he wants to kill. God protects those belonging to Him and will never permit Satan to wipe out all true worshippers on earth. (Romans 14:8) True, Jehovah allows persecution to come upon all his people, and he permits
death to come to some of us as a result of the Devil's assaults. Yet, the Scriptures hold out the wonderful hope of a resurrection for those in God's "book of remembrance" -and the Devil can do absolutely nothing to prevent such restoration of life!-Malachi 3: 16; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15.
Nevertheless, we should not hink that the Devil can cause the death of any individual whom he wants to kill
Do you see the crass idiocy of that statement based on what has been said so far?
Never permit Satan to wipe out ALL true worshippers (only JWs) on earth
This is the "as a group" deferral clause.
*** w02 12/15 p. 15 "He Will Draw Close to You" ***
How, though, does Jehovah guard his people? His promise of protection does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this system; nor does it mean that he is obligated to work miracles in our behalf. Nevertheless, Jehovah does provide physical protection for his people as a group. After all, he would never allow the Devil to efface true worshipers from the earth! (2 Peter 2:9)
Jehovah allows persecution to come...permits death to some of us (only JWs)
Have you ever thought that there are human laws that charge people with a crime who allow bad things to happen to people?
Hope of the resurrection
The book of Job says that God allowed the first 10 children of Job to be killed by the Devil...do you think when they are resurrected and are told they cannot marry or have children that they will feel that it was a fair exchange?
Why was David's first son with Bathsheba allowed to die, but David was allowed to live after committing capital offenses such as adultery and murder? What will that boy say when he is told he cannot marry or have children? Will he feel robbed?
Blurb on page 27: The Devil cannot prevent the resurrection of those who are in
Jehovah's memory
(picture shows people coming out of the grave fully clothed, the woman in a dress and the man in a suit and tie. Are those the clothes they were buried in? Remember the pictures of days gone by where the family members greeted them in the cemeteries with clothing in hand, tastefully hiding the offending body parts?)
Why the Satanic Persecution?
8 If we are loyal servants of God, there is a basic reason why the Devil brings persecution upon us. His objective is to cause us to compromise our faith. We have a precious relationship with our heavenly Father, and Satan desires to destroy it. This should not surprise us. In Eden, Jehovah foretold that there
would be enmity between his symbolic "woman" and the "serpent" and between their respective seeds.' (Genesis 3:14, 15) The Scriptures identify the Devil as "the original serpent" and reveal that his time is now short and his anger great. (Revelation 12: 9, 12) As enmity between the two `seeds' continues, those faithfully serving Jehovah can expect to be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12) Are you
aware of the underlying reason for such satanic persecution?
loyal servants of God--only JWsus...our faith...our heavenly Father---only JWs
compromise our faith...relationship with our (only JWs) Father---where's Jesus?
His time is now short--since 1914, 92 years ago, short?
those faithfully serving Jehovah--where's Jesus
can expect to be persecuted--in fact the WTS says all "true" Christians will be persecuted.
*** w04 8/15 p. 12 Hated Without Cause ***
Further, the apostle Paul wrote that all of God's servants-including each one of us-SHOULD expect to be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)
"All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)
9 The Devil has raised the issue of universal sovereignty. Related to it, he has called into question the integrity of humans to their Creator. Satan brought persecution upon the upright man Job. Why? In order to break Job's integrity to Jehovah. Job's wife and his three "troublesome comforters" served the Devil's
purpose at that time. As shown in the book of Job, the Devil challenged God, claiming that no human would remain faithful to Him if Satan were allowed to test that person. But Job held fast his integrity, thus proving Satan a liar. (Job 1:8-2:9; 16:2; 27:5; 31:6) The Devil persecutes Witnesses of Jehovah today in an effort to break their integrity and prove his challenge true.
His three "troublesome comforters" served the Devil's purpose--like many judicial committees do today with men who give counsel from the WTS publications not the Bible.
The Devil persecutes Witnesses of Jehovah--Witnesses of Jesus (Acts 1:8)?
Any other so-called "Christians" bring their persecution on themselves per the WTS.
10 Knowing that the Devil brings persecution upon us because he desperately wants to break our integrity to God can actually help us to be courageous and strong. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Our God is the Universal Sovereign, and he will help us to maintain our integrity. May we always seek to make Jehovah's heart rejoice by being integrity keepers, giving him a reply to the great taunter, Satan the
Devil. -Proverbs 27:11.
brings persecution upon us (only JWs)...our integrity...help us (only JWs)...Our God...help us...our integrity
Is every bad event in one's life direct persecution from Satan?
"Deliver Us From the Wicked One"
11 Being an integrity keeper is not a simple matter; it calls for earnest prayer. Especially helpful are the words of the model prayer. In part, Jesus said: "Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one." (Matthew 6:13) Jehovah does not tempt us to sin. (James 1: 13) However, the Scriptures sometimes speak of his doing or causing things, when he, in fact, merely permits them. (Ruth 1:20, 21) By praying as Jesus indicated, then, we are asking Jehovah not to abandon us to temptation. And he will not do so, for we have this Scriptural assurance: "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it."-1 Corinthians 10:13.
Jehovah does not tempt us to sin...however, the Scriptures speak of hs doing or causing things, when he, in fact, merely permits them.
Did God cause the Malawi event where many JWs were tortured and killed and across the world in Mexico, JWs were allowed to bribe their way out of torture and death?
http://www.jwfiles.com/malawi.htm
Blurb on page 28: Do you pray for deliverance from "the wicked one"?
(picture, JWs can't seem to study the Bible without a WT publication.)
12 After mentioning temptation in the model prayer, Jesus appropriately said:"Deliver us from the wicked one." Some Bible translations read: "Deliver us from evil" (King James Version; Revised Standard Version) or "Protect us from evil." (Contemporary English Version) In the Scriptures, however, the expression `deliver from' is used chiefly with regard to people, and Matthew's Gospel refers to the Devil as "the Tempter," a person. (Matthew 4:3, 11) So it is important to pray for deliverance from "the wicked one," Satan the Devil. He tries to maneuver us into sinning against God. (1 Thessalonians 3:5) When we
make the request, "Deliver us from the wicked one," we are asking our heavenly Father to guide and help us so that we are not overreached by the Devil.
Matthew 6:13 (The Message)
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
Matthew 6:13 (New Living Translation)And don't let us yield to temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:13 (Amplified Bible)And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:13 (New King James Version)And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
And so on; the WTS would like to imply that non-JW Bibles are seriously flawed.
Our heavenly Father--only JWs
Do Not Be Overreached by the Devil
13 When Paul urged Christians in Corinth to be forgiving, he wrote: "Anything you kindly forgive anyone, I do too. In fact, as for me, whatever I have kindly forgiven, if I have kindly forgiven anything, it has been for your sakes in Christ's sight; that we may not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs." (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11) The Devil can overreach us in various ways, but why did Paul make the statement just quoted?
Christians--only anointed Christians
Can individuals know what those are using the Bible alone? No, only through the WTS publications.
*** w04 2/15 p. 20 Guard Against Deception ***
Thankfully, Jehovah has not left us in the dark regarding Satan's deceptive tactics. The Bible and the Bible-based publications of "the faithful and discreet slave" clearly expose the Devil's evil methods. (Matthew 24:45)
14 Paul had reproved the Corinthians because they allowed an immoral man to remain in the congregation. This must have delighted Satan, for reproach fell upon the congregation for tolerating "such fornication as is not even among the nations." Eventually, the wrongdoer was disfellowshipped. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 11-13) The man later repented. If the Corinthians refused to forgive and reinstate that man, the Devil would overreach them in another way. How so? They would be harsh and merciless, like Satan himself. If the repentant man became "swallowed up by his being overly sad" and gave up entirely, especially would the elders bear some responsibility for this before the merciful God, Jehovah. (2 Corinthians 2:7; James 2:13; 3:1) Of course, no true Christian would want to imitate Satan by being cruel, harsh, and merciless.
Allowed an immoral man to remain in the congregation--foundation of WTS disfellowshipping policy
Must have delighted Satan--evidently the WTS can read his mind
Eventually, the wrongdoer was disfellowshipped (1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 11-13)--not a trace of the word "disfellowship" is in those scriptures, no mention of a 3 man judicial committee held in private, no mention of a procedure to be "reinstated," no mention of announcing it from a platform, "so-and-so is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses."
If the Corinthians refused to forgive and reinstate that man---"Corinthians"? Not the 3 elder judicial committee?
Can any of you think of someone who had to come to the KH for years being ignored by those attending and perhaps sitting off by themselves before the person gave up, even committing suicide?
No true Christian would want to imitate Satan by being cruel, harsh, and merciless. Well, that rules out most JWs.
Also, both first and second Corinthians were said to be written in the same year 55 CE, indicating that this man was not "disfellowshipped" for many months or years.
Protected by Armor From God
15 If we are to be delivered from the Devil, we must wage spiritual warfare against the wicked spirit forces. Victory in the face of such odds depends on our wearing "the complete suit of armor from God." (Ephesians 6:11-18) This armor includes "the breastplate of righteousness." (Ephesians 6:14) King Saul of ancient Israel disobeyed God and suffered the loss of holy spirit. (1 Samuel 15:22, 23) But if we practice righteousness and have on the full suit of spiritual armor, we will have God's holy spirit and the needed protection against Satan and his wicked angels, the demons.-Proverbs 18:10.
wage spiritual warfare--which includes lying to people not entitled to know the facts.
Practice righteousness--as defined by the WTS.
We will have God's holy spirit--only if you are in association with the WTS.
*** w93 8/15 p. 11 Why You Need to Attend Christian Meetings ***
Holy spirit, working through God's organization, will also help us to gain a wonderfully clear understanding of what Jehovah has in store for those who love him.
*** w88 12/1 p. 25 How Shall We Repay Jehovah? ***
Furthermore, Jehovah's active force works effectively for our benefit because a framework has been set up, an earthly organization, through which the holy spirit operates
*** w04 5/15 p. 29 Questions From Readers ***
If we are God's servants with an earthly hope, we have not been anointed with holy spirit. Nevertheless, we can have just as much of God's spirit as those with the heavenly hope.
Blurb on page 29: Are you wearing "the complete suit of armor from God"? (from the WTS)
16 For continued protection against the wicked spirit forces, we need, among other things, to read and study God's Word regularly, making good use of publications provided through "the faithful steward." (Luke 12:42) We will thus be filling our mind with wholesome spiritual matters, in harmony with Paul's counsel: "Brothers, whatever things are true, what ever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things." -Philippians 4:8.
For continued protection against the wicked spirit forces, we need, among things, to read and study God's Word (preferably the NWT), making good use of publications provided through
"the faithful steward." (Luke 12:42)---the WTS/GB/FDS
good use--not letting them sit on the shelf or in the closet
Filling our mind with wholesome spiritual matters--WTS propaganda
17 Jehovah enables us to have our "feet shod with the equipment of the good news of eace." (Ephesians 6:15) Regular participation in Christian meetings equips us to proclaim the good news of God's Kingdom. What joy we derive from helping others to learn God's truth and experience spiritual freedom! (John 8:32) "The sword of the spirit, that is, God's word," is indispensable in warding off false teachings and "overturning strongly entrenched things." (Ephesians 6: 17; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5) Deft use of God's written Word, the Bible, helps us to teach the truth and safeguards us from succumbing to the Devil's wiles.
Regular participation (not just attendance) in Christian (JW) meetings....equips us to proclaim the good news of God's kingdom--without mentioning the words "kingdom" "good news" or "Jesus" at the door, and heavens, never mention "Jehovah."
What joy we derive--finding no one home so we need not talk to anyone, saving them from the spiritual slavery to the WTS Talmud.
God's word...is indispensable--which is why almost all JWs never read a scripture at the door and their Bible (if it is in their book bad) never gets taken out. I can remember a CO who told us to have the magazines in our hand and get them into the hand of the householder right away. Not to get our Bible out, because it turned people off.
Deft use--certainly not from the hours spent reading the Bible by most JWs; don't let the theocratic ministry school schedule fool you, few if any rank and file read the assigned scriptures, sometimes even the elder assigned to the review hasn't read it.
Devil's wiles--any thinking or teaching not found in the WTS publications, and that includes anything in the Bible.
18 Paul opened his discussion of our spiritual armor by saying: "Go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations crafty acts," footnote] of the Devil." (Ephesians 6:10, 11) The Greek word rendered stand firm" relates to a soldier's holding his position. We stand our ground in spiritual warfare, although Satan uses various crafty means in his efforts to disrupt our unity, corrupt our teachings, or break our integrity to God. But the Devil's assaults have not succeeded so far-and they never will! * (Footnote: * For further information on the spiritual armor from God, see The Watchtower, May 15, 1992, pages 21-3.)
Holding his position--has the WTS held their position on things or are they always flipflopping?
1879-1929--Superior authorities--secular governments
1929-1962--Superior authorities--God and Jesus
1962-now---Superior authorities--secular governments
to 1967--Organ transplants--personal conscience
1967-1980--organ transplants--disfellowshipping offense
1980-present--organ transplants--personal conscience
1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975---End of wickedness on earth
Disrupt our unity--unified in falsehood is not unity
Corrupt our teachings--point out the scriptural flaws
(Matthew 15:6-9) . . .And so YOU have made the word of God invalid because of YOUR tradition. 7 YOU hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about YOU, when he said, 8 'This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. 9 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.'"
Oppose the Devil, and He Will Flee
19 We can be successful in our spiritual warfare against the Devil and the wicked spirit forces under his direction. There is no reason to quake in fear of Satan, for the disciple James wrote: "Subject yourselves ... to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) One way to go on the offensive in opposing Satan and the wicked spirit creatures in league with him is by having nothing to do with occult or magical practices and those indulging in them. The Scriptures clearly show that servants of Jehovah must refuse to look for omens or to engage in astrology, divination, and spiritism. If we are spiritually active and strong, we need not be afraid that someone will cast a spell on us.-Numbers 23:23; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 47:12-15; Acts 19:18-20.
Having nothing to do with occult or magical practices and those indulging in them.
Does that mean that Disney movies are out?
The Shaggy Dog coming out 3/10/06
Herbie Fully Loaded
Cinderella, Snow White, Fantasia, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, The Chronicles of Narnia..........all magic based.
Servants of Jehovah--only JWs; Where's Jesus?
Must refuse to look for omens...astrology, divination, and spiritism--but can continue to look in the WT publications for interpretation of future events since they are "true" prophets; right!
Spiritually active--attending all 5 meetings and participating, doing your "full share" in the ministry, and asking the WTS how high when they say to jump.
Cast a spell on us??????????????????????????
20 We "oppose the Devil" by adhering to Bible standards and truths and by taking a firm stand against him. The world is in harmony with Satan because he is its god. (2 Corinthians 4:4) We therefore reject the world's traits, such as pride, selfishness, immorality, violence, and materialism. We know that the Devil fled when Jesus resisted his attack by using the Scriptures during the temptation in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10, 11) Likewise, Satan will `flee from us' in defeat if we are in full submission to Jehovah and prayerfully rely on Him. (Ephesians 6:18) With the support of Jehovah God and his beloved Son, nobody can do us permanent harm--no, not even the Devil!-Psalm 91:9-11.
Bible standards and truths--only as interpreted by the WTS; such as no beards on brothers.
Reject the world's traits, such as pride, selfishness, immorality, violence and materialism--traits, of course, never seen in the WTS!
Resisted his attack by using the Scriptures--always use the Bible and the WTS own words when they attack.
Full submission to Jehovah...rely on him--full submission to the WTS
*** w88 1/15 p. 27 A Convention That Increased Our Trust in Jehovah ***
Powerfully underscoring all these principles was the drama that immediately followed. Entitled Loyal Submission to Jehovah and His Organization, it contained much food for thought as it portrayed how an elder felt compelled to step down because his daughter was exposed as one leading a double life. The drama elicited many enthusiastic expressions of appreciation.
*** w88 11/15 p. 17 Helping Others to Worship God ***
The two elders will inform the student that when he qualifies for and shares in the field service, he may turn in a field service report and a Congregation's Publisher Record card will be made out in his name. This will demonstrate his affiliation with the theocratic organization of Jehovah's Witnesses and his submission to it. (This would also be true of all others turning in field service reports.)
His beloved Son--finally Christ gets a mention
Nobody can do us permanent harm, no, not even--the WTS.
Concluding Comments
Unlying all this babble, is the theme, the rank and file are sloughing off and even leaving. It can't possibly be anything the WTS is doing, so they blame Satan.
*** w95 2/1 p. 28 Whose Fault Is It? ***
However, some believe that practically everything, good or bad, in their life is the result of intervention by God or by Satan. It is as if nothing that happened to them was a consequence of their own actions
Next week it will be March, is spring just around the corner? I'm planning my flower beds and garden and ordering bushes and trees. How about you?
Love, Blondie