Comments You Will Not Hear at the 08-27-06 WT Study (July 15, 2006, pages 19-24 )(FOCUS ON ORGANIZATION)
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
jv = Proclaimers book
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)
FOCUS ON THE GOODNESS OF JEHOVAH'S ORGANIZATION "We will certainly be satisfied with the goodness of your house."--Psalm 65:4
Opening Comments
Ask yourself, isn't there goodness in many organizations? Does the WTS think that outweighs the bad in those organizations? I was just watching a show about an organization that feeds, houses, and provides medical treatment to orphaned children with HIV or AIDS in Africa. Some do get better and healthier and are adopted by local African families. Can you imagine the WTS encouraging its members to adopt HIV children? When I was growing up I wondered why more JWs did not adopt children since it would ensure their eternal survival. Do you think the WTS encourages its members to focus on the goodness in that organization, to support it financially? Can a person really examine the "chariity" activities of the WTS compared to other organizations?
*** w86 10/1 p. 23 "Love Your Neighbor"-What Is the Most Practical Way? ***
In fact, even though pity for the people prompted Jesus to care for them in a physical way, his chief interest was in offering them the spiritual help their religious leaders had failed to provide. (See Matthew, chapter 23.) Jesus was "the fine shepherd," one willing to surrender "his soul in behalf of the sheep." (John 10:11) Because he gave this preaching activity-not engaging in social work or building hospitals or running relief agencies-top priority in life, he was later able to tell Pilate: "For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth."-John 18:37.
Many religious organizations in Christendom point with pride to their "good works" of caring for the sick, the needy, and the unfortunate. But they would do better to place more emphasis on offering spiritual help, even as Jesus did. Like the religious leaders of the first century, they have failed to carry out the more important commission. They may have filled the stomachs of some poor people with literal food, but they have left their minds and hearts hungering for words of truth. (See Amos 8:11.) They may have donated money to help the needy of the nations, but they have not declared "to the nations the good news about the unfathomable riches of the Christ" or about God's Kingdom government. (Ephesians 3:8) Their missionaries may have helped undeveloped nations to become more proficient in the use of the plow, but they have not induced them "to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears."-Isaiah 2:4.
*** w03 6/1 p. 7 Giving That Pleases God ***
When it comes to organized charity, though, we need to be cautious as we evaluate the many appeals we receive. Some charities have high administrative or fund-raising costs, leaving only a small portion of the collected money for the intended purpose. Proverbs 14:15 says: "Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps." So it is the course of wisdom to examine the facts carefully.
START OF ARTICLE
Q1, 2) (a) The arrangements in connection with the temple would have what effect on God's people? (b) What provisions did David make for the temple's construction?
1) David of ancient Israel is one of the most outstanding people discussed in the Hebrew Scriptures. This shepherd, musician, prophet, and king placed implicit trust in Jehovah God. David's deep personal attachment to Jehovah aroused in him a desire to build a house for God. Such a house, or temple, would become the center of true worship in Israel. David knew that the arrangements in connection with the temple would bring joy and blessings to God's people. David therefore sang: "Happy is the one you [Jehovah] choose and cause to approach, that he may reside in your courtyards. We will certainly be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holy place of your temple."-Psalm 65:4.
The theme scriptures is from the OT again, Psalm 65:4. The WTS teaches that the temple represents Jesus and the 144,000. Thus true worship can only be connected with the FDS/GB and there is a special holiness connected with the anointed that there is not with the great crowd.
*** it-2 p. 1083 Temple ***
Anointed Christians-A Spiritual Temple. Anointed Christians on earth are likened to a number of things, including a temple. This comparison is fitting because God's spirit dwells within the congregation of anointed ones. Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus "in union with Christ Jesus," those who are "sealed with the promised holy spirit," saying: "You have been built up upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, while Christ Jesus himself is the foundation cornerstone. In union with him the whole building, being harmoniously joined together, is growing into a holy temple for Jehovah. In union with him you, too, are being built up together into a place for God to inhabit by spirit." (Eph 1:1, 13; 2:20-22) These "sealed" ones, laid upon Christ as Foundation, are shown to number 144,000. (Re 7:4; 14:1) The apostle Peter speaks of these as "living stones" being "built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood."-1Pe 2:5.
Since these underpriests are "God's building," he will not let this spiritual temple suffer defilement. Paul emphasizes the holiness of this spiritual temple, and the danger to one who attempts to defile it, when he writes: "Do you not know that you people are God's temple, and that the spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you people are."-1Co 3:9, 16, 17; see also 2Co 6:16.
OT example--David...most outstanding people
Adulterer (a capital offense under the Mosaic law yet David was not put to death), murderer of an innocent man to cover up David's adultery with the man's wife (yet David is a "good" example because he would not kill King
Saul who was trying to kill him because Saul was "God's anointed), disobedience led to the death of one young son, public raping of his wives by another adult son, deaths of 70,000 people because of David's sin taking a census.
2) David was not permitted to supervise the construction of Jehovah's house. Instead, that privilege was reserved for his son Solomon. David did not murmur because someone else was granted the privilege that he himself so earnestly desired. What was most important to him was that the temple be built. He wholeheartedly supported the project by passing on to Solomon the architectural plans that he had received from Jehovah. Moreover, David organized thousands of Levites into divisions of service and donated a large amount of gold and silver for temple construction.-1 Chronicles 17:1, 4, 11, 12; 23:3-6; 28:11,12; 29:1-5.
David was not permitted to supervise the construction of Jehovah's house
Why? Because he was an adulterer and a murderer? No, because he was a man of war...wars approved of by God.
(1 Chronicles 22:7-8) 7 And David went on to say to Sol´o·mon his son: "As for myself, it became close to my heart to build a house to the name of Jehovah my God. 8 But Jehovah's word came against me, saying, 'Blood in great quantity you have spilled, and great wars you have waged. You will not build a house to my name, for a great deal of blood you have spilled on the earth before me.
***David did not murmur because someone else was granted the privilege
Yet he disobeyed God and grasped the privilege of taking an illegal census.
wholehearted supported the project...donated a large amount of gold and silver
Is this a "subtle" hint to the rank and file to start supporting WTS projects wholehearted, donating large amounts of money?
Q3) What attitude do God's servants have toward arrangements for true worship?
3) Faithful Israelites supported the arrangements made for true worship at the house of God. As present-day servants of Jehovah, we similarly support provisions for worship within the earthly part of Jehovah's organization. We thereby demonstrate that we have the same frame of mind that David had. Ours is not a spirit of complaint. Instead, we focus on the goodness of God's organization. Have you thought about the many good things for which we can truly be grateful? Let us consider some of them.
[Picture on page 20] David gave Solomon the temple plans and wholeheartedly supported true worship
Faithful Israelites supported the arrangements made for true worship at the house of God = give money to the WTS
present-day servants of Jehovah (only JWs), we similarly support...earthly part of Jehovah's organization (only WTS/FDS/GB)
Another not so subtle hint for increased donations to the WTS
Not a spirit of complaint...focus on the goodness of God's organization
Not the bad...flipflop doctrines, ever changing dates of the end, 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975, (1984), (1994), VERY SOON NOW, association with UN as non-governmental organization from 1991 to 2001 all the while supporting the UN charter, covering up of child abuse cases (www.silentlambs.org), etc.
Grateful for Those Taking the Lead
Q4, 5) (a) How does "the faithful and discreet slave" fulfill its commission? (b) How have some Witnesses felt about the spiritual food they receive?
4) We have sound reasons to be grateful for "the faithful and discreet slave" appointed by Jesus Christ over his belongings on earth. The slave class of spirit-anointed Christians takes the lead in preaching the good news, arranges meetings for worship, and publishes Bible-based literature in over 400 languages. Millions of people earth wide gratefully partake of this spiritual "food at the proper time." (Matthew 24:45-47) There certainly is no reason to murmur about it.
sound reasons to be grateful (see "bad" listed above)
Where is the proof that God appointed the WTS/FDS/GB over all its belongings? What was the WTS teaching in 1919, the so-called inspection/appointment year? Use of cross, celebration of birthdays and holidays, use of pyramid in Bible chronology, time of the end 1799, Jesus' presence 1874, prayed for military victory in 1918, encouraged purchase of Liberty bonds in 1918, displaying flag, worship of Jesus, new covenant applies only to literal Israel, inauguration of new covenant a future event, great crowd is a secondary heavenly class, etc.
http://www.equip.org/free/DJ555.pdf.
Millions of people earthwide--only the 6.25 million JWs
Certainly no reason to murmur about it (see "bad" listed above)
Would it have been proper to murmur about the Israelite's sacrifice of their children in the fire of Molech? Why not the sacrifice of child on the altar of blood transfusion and child abuse doctrines of the WTS?
5) For many years, an elderly Witness of Jehovah named Elfi has experienced comfort and support by taking to heart the Scriptural counsel found in publications of the slave class. Deep appreciation moved Elfi to write: "What would I do without Jehovah's organization?" Peter and Irmgard have also been God's servants for decades. Irmgard expresses gratitude for all the provisions made by "Jehovah's loving and caring organization." These publications include those designed for people with special needs, such as individuals with impaired vision or hearing.
Witness of Jehovah--why not "Christian" Witness of Jehovah?
publications of the slave class--actually only the GB has any part in the development of the publications and their anointed and non-anointed assistants.
What would I do without Jehovah's organization...loving and caring...designed for people with special needs...impaired vision or hearing
How long have the publications been in Braille or recorded? How did the FDS feed those people before that?
*** g77 4/8 p. 19 They Read with Their Fingers ***
Back in 1960, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, a corporation used by Jehovah's Witnesses, began reproducing selected articles from their Biblical journal The Watchtower in grade-two English Braille. These were produced monthly, but in very limited quantities, since each copy had to be made by hand with a stylus.
*** km 3/96 p. 3 Announcements ***
Congregations may now begin submitting requests for the videocassettes Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life (Volumes 2-6) in American Sign Language.
Q6, 7) (a) How are the activities of congregations earth wide supervised? (b) What has been said about the earthly part of Jehovah's organization?
6) The `faithful slave' is represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah's
Witnesses, a small group of spirit-anointed men serving at the world
headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York. The Governing Body appoints experienced servants of Jehovah to serve at branch offices that supervise the activities of over 98,000 congregations earth wide. Men who meet the Biblical requirements are appointed as elders and ministerial servants in these congregations. (1 Timothy 3:1-9, 12, 13) The elders take the lead and lovingly shepherd the flock of God in their care. What a blessing it is to be part of that flock and to experience the love and unity that exist among "the whole association of brothers"!-1 Peter 2:17; 5:2, 3.
The 'faithful slave' is represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses...spirit-anointed men
Did you know that the phrase "governing body" never appears in the Bible? Nor the word "organization"? The WTS says that the trinity is not a valid doctrine because the word "trinity" does not appear in the Bible? Should we conclude then that there is no "governing body" or "organization"?
Governing Body appoints--actually the GB delegates this function to other people, mostly non-anointed
servants of Jehovah--Where's Christ?
Are you reading here because you did not "experience the love and unity" and were told that YOU were the problem?
7) Far from registering complaints, individuals often express appreciation for the loving spiritual guidance they receive from the elders. For example,
consider Birgit, a Christian wife in her 30's. As a teenager, she got into bad
company and almost slipped into wrongdoing. But the clear Biblical counsel of the elders and the support of fellow believers helped her out of a potentially harmful situation. How does Birgit feel now? She says: "I am deeply grateful that I still belong to Jehovah's wonderful organization." A 17-year-old named Andreas states: "This is really Jehovah's organization, the best organization in the world." Should we not be grateful for the goodness of the earthly part of Jehovah's organization?
Far from registering complaints--is this the 3rd time this mentioned, must be a lot of complaints!
Almost slipped into wrongdoing--I wonder what would have happened if she had slipped into actually doing something "wrong"?
clear Biblical counsel of the elders--like the kind that tells members that it is unscriptural for men to wear a beard?
support of fellow believers--being threatened with being "marked" or "shunned"?
grateful that I still belong to Jehovah's wonderful organization--where is Christ?
Jehovah's organization, the best organization in the world--but where is his proof?
Those Taking the Lead Are Imperfect
Q8, 9) How did some of David's contemporaries act, and how did David react to such behavior?
8) Of course, those appointed to take the lead in true worship are imperfect. All of them make mistakes, and some have persistent weaknesses that they are working hard to control. Need we be upset because of this? No. Even individuals entrusted with much responsibility in ancient Israel made grave errors. While David was still a young person, for instance, he was called upon to serve as musician to calm troubled King Saul. Later, Saul tried to kill David, who ultimately had to flee for his life.-1 Samuel 16:14-23; 18:1012; 19:18; 20:32,33; 22:1-5.
This is the typical disclaimer/excuse the WTS makes for the cruelities of its appointees.
What persistent weaknesses--child abusers, alcoholics, viewing pornography, wife abusers, liars, etc.?
Need we be upset because of this?
Saul was removed/killed from being king for trying to kill David. David remained king even after murdering Urijah and committing adultery with his wife. Are they suggesting that elders should remain elders even if they commit adultery and commit murder?
9) Other Israelites behaved treacherously. For instance, David's military
commander Joab murdered Saul's relative Abner. Absalom conspired against his father, David, for the kingship. And David's trusted adviser Ahithophel betrayed him. (2 Samuel 3:2230; 15:1-17, 31; 16:15, 21) Yet, David did not become a bitter complainer; nor did he turn his back on true worship. In fact, the opposite was true. Adversity moved David to cling to Jehovah and maintain the fine attitude he had when he ran away because of Saul. At that time, David sang: "Show me favor, O God, show me favor, for in you my soul has taken refuge; and in the shadow of your wings I take refuge until the adversities pass over."-Psalm 57:1.
Joab murdered...Abner; Absalom conspired against his father...Ahithophel betrayed him...yet David did not become a bitter complainer (4th mention); nor did he turn his back on true worship
Even when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband put to death?
Yet David saw to it that all the descendants of Saul but the young Mephibosheth (Jonathan's son) were put to death. (2 Samuel 21:1-9).
Q10, 11) What did a Christian named Gertrud experience as a young person, and what did she say about the failings of fellow believers?
10) We have no reason to complain of treachery within God's organization today. Neither Jehovah nor his angels nor the spiritual shepherds tolerate the presence of treacherous, wicked ones in the Christian congregation. Nevertheless, all of us are confronted with human imperfection-our own and that of other servants of God.
We have no reason to complain of treachery within God's organization today.
God's organization--only WTS
Neither Jehovah nor his angels nor the spiritual shepherds tolerate the presence of treacherous, wicked ones in the Christian congregation.
Do you think child abusers might qualify as treacherous, wicked ones?
www.silentlambs.org
www.ajwrb.org
www.freeminds.org (UN)
11) When Gertrud, a longtime worshipper of Jehovah, was a young woman, she was falsely accused of being a fraud and not a full-time Kingdom proclaimer. How did she react? Did Gertrud murmur about such treatment? No. Shortly before her death in 2003 at the age of 91, she looked back on her life and explained: "These and later experiences taught me that despite mistakes made by individuals, Jehovah directs his great work, in which he uses us imperfect humans." When confronted with the imperfections of other servants of God, Gertrud turned to Jehovah in heartfelt prayer.
longtime worshipper of Jehovah--but not a long-time Christian?
falsely accused of being a fraud and not a full-time Kingdom proclaimer--accused by whom? non-JWs, elders, other JWs?
Did Gertrud murmur? (5th time)
Despite mistakes made by individuals--does that mean that the WTS corrected these individuals? Or were these mistakes validated by the WTS? Was she DF'd? Did her family and friends shun her for years because of these "mistakes" by individuals? Did she feel that she would die at Armageddon because of this "mistake" by individuals?
turned to Jehovah--but not to Christ for comfort
Q12) (a) What poor example did some first-century Christians set? (b) On what should we fix our thoughts?
12) Since even the most loyal and devoted Christians are imperfect, when an appointed servant makes a mistake, let us continue to do "all things free from murmurings." (Philippians 2:14) How sad it would be if we were to follow the poor example of a few in the first-century Christian congregation! According to the disciple Jude, false teachers of that day were disregarding lordship and speaking abusively of glorious ones." Moreover, those wrongdoers were "murmurers, complainers about their lot in life." (Jude 8, 15) May we reject the path followed by murmuring complainers and fix our thoughts on the fine things that come to us through the `faithful slave.' Let us appreciate the goodness of Jehovah's organization and "keep doing all things free from murmurings."
even the most loyal and devoted...makes a mistake
free from murmurings (6th time)
speaking abusively of glorious ones
That's right, the elders are "glorious ones"! And pointing out that they are alcoholics who drive drunk, child/wife abusers, liars, is wrongdoing. Nathan pointed out the wrongs of David.
murmurers, complainers (7th time)
murmuring complainers (8th time) Do you think there is a problem and the rank and file are voting passively with their pocketbooks and their feet?
Appreciate the goodness--but ignore the bad?
How about the Mexico versus Malawi card issue during the 1970's?
The Malawi Incident
Below is a Watchtower article that appeared in 1968 about the Jehovah's Witnesses in Malawi and the persecution inflicted upon them. What is of interest, the Jehovah's Witnesses refused to buy a political membership cards in Malawi's Congress Party, which was required by law. This was against the Watchtower Society's rules and as a result, many innocent people were tortured and murdered. The Government that caused these atrocities are definitely guilty, but the Society also is accountable before God for not allowing their people to exercise their conscience in these matters. The Society now says that Voting is up your conscience. Why was this not allowed with the innocent victims in Malawi? Also, why has the Society turned a blind eye to the Witnesses in Mexico and allowed them to obtain a "Cartilla" by bribing officials. To legally obtain the"Cartilla" one would have to serve a period of one year in military service. (continued)
http://www.jwfiles.com/malawi.htm
"This Speech Is Shocking"
Q13) How did some react to certain teachings of Jesus Christ?
13) Whereas some in the first century murmured against appointed servants, others were murmurers against Jesus' teachings. As recorded at John 6:48-69, Jesus stated: "He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life." Upon hearing these words, "many of his disciples ... said: `This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?"' Jesus was aware that "his disciples were murmuring about this." Moreover, "owing to this many of [them] went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him." But not every disciple murmured. Note what happened when Jesus asked the 12 apostles: "You do not want to go also, do you?" The apostle Peter answered: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life; and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God."
others were murmurers against Jesus' teachings (9th time)
disciples were murmuring (10th time)
does WTS teachings = Jesus' teachings?
WHOM (not WHERE) shall we go away to?
Jesus' disciples stuck with him not some organization which is proved by the fact that the did not remain with the Jewish way of worship after Jesus was resurrected.
Q14, 15) (a) Why do a few become disgruntled with some aspect of Christian teachings? (b) What can we learn from the case of a man named Emanuel?
14) In modern times, a very small number among God's people have become disgruntled with some aspect of Christian teaching and have murmured against the earthly part of Jehovah's organization. Why does this happen? Such murmuring is often caused by a lack of understanding of God's way of doing things. The Creator progressively reveals the truth to his people. Hence, our understanding of the Scriptures is bound to be refined from time to time. The vast majority of Jehovah's people rejoice over such refinements. A few become "righteous overmuch" and resent the changes. (Ecclesiastes 7:16) Pride may play a role, and some fall into the trap of independent thinking. Whatever the reason, such murmuring is hazardous, since it can draw us back into the world and its ways.
few...a very small number among God's people have been come disgruntled
Few? very small number? Enough to slow down the growth to 1.2% in 2005, not enough to replace the number who die each year.
Disgruntled with some aspect of Christian teaching
1) change in teaching re 1914 generation in 1995 (after almost 100 years)
2) change in teaching re when sheep and goats judged
3) change in alternative service
4) changes in what constitutes a blood transfusion (fractions)
5) change in organ transplants (flipflop)
6) change in when disgusting thing stands in a holy place
7) change in courtyard where great crowd serve
Caused by a lack of understanding of God's way of doing things. The Creator progressively reveals truth to this people.
Is it progressive to teach up till 1967 that organ transplants are a conscience matter, that from 1967 to 1980 JWs could and were DF'd for taking a transplant, and then in 1980 it became a conscience matter again not subject to being DF'd?
I bet the "vast majority of Jehovah's people rejoice over such refinements" in 1980 when organ transplants were once again made a conscience matter.
"A few"...resent the changes....pride MAY play a role
Or maybe the desire to keep living.
Trap of independent thinking
http://www.docbob.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=45
The Watchtower has not always used the phrase "independent thinking" in a negative context. In the 8/1/1957 Watchtower, they were promoting independent thinking and criticizing those who were afraid to be alone with their own thoughts.
Though not sought by crowds as Jesus was, his followers today are hard-pressed by modern living to find solitude for meditation. In many places in the world simplicity of living has been replaced by a life of complexity, with waking hours crammed with both important and trivial matters. Moreover, people today are developing an aversion to thinking. They fear being alone with their own thoughts. If other people are not around, they fill the void with television, movies, light reading matter, or if they go to the beach or park the portable radio goes too so they will not have to be with their own thoughts. Their thinking must be channeled for them, ready-made by propagandists. This suits Satan's purpose. He deluges the mass mind with anything and everything but God's truth. To keep minds from doing godly thinking Satan keeps them busy with thoughts that are either trivial or ungodly. It is tailor-made thinking, and the tailor of it is the Devil. Minds work, but in the way that a horse is led. Independent thinking is difficult, unpopular and even suspect. Thought conformity is the order of our day. To seek solitude for meditation is frowned upon as antisocial and neurotic.-Rev. 16:13, 14. - The Watchtower, 8/1/1957, page 469, para 7, "Will You Get to Live on Earth Forever?"
In the 1958 Watchtower, they talk about how the Irish do little independent thinking because of the influence of the Church.
Fear has a great hold on the people. People are afraid of what their neighbors, their friends, relatives and clergy might think if they were even so much as to read the Bible on their own. For centuries the clergy have dominated their lives, told them what they can read, what they should believe and do. To ask a sound religious question is a demonstration of lack of faith in God and the church, according to the clergy. As a result, the Irish people do very little independent thinking. They are victims of the clergy and fear; but freedom is in sight. - The Watchtower, 8/1/1958, page 460 While the 1957 Watchtower talked about how the world filled people's minds with Satan's tailor made thinking in order to keep them from independent thinking, just three years later the Watchtower says the following:
Today the trend of this world is to seek independent thinking as the ideal goal, but even as the unrealistic thinking of a scientist who tries to ignore the law of gravity is doomed to failure, so also is the unrealistic thinking of those who try to ignore the fact of man's dependence on God. ."It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his steps." (Jer 10:23; Prov. 16:1-3) When men try to think independently of God, they set aside the perfect standard of goodness, righteousness, virtue and faithfulness and become victims of their own selfish, sinful inclinations and degrade their own thinking ability.-Rom. 1:21-32; Eph. 4:17-19. - The Watchtower, 2/15/1960, page 106-7, para 5, "Safeguard Your Thinking Ability"
My, how the world changed in 3 short years.
And what about examining other religions?
http://www.corior.blogspot.com/2006/02/thinking-ability-and-watchtower.html#rel
Then under the subheading "If Your Church Fails to Act, Will You?" the article said:
If, after making an honest investigation, you are less than pleased with what you see, do more than just complain. A journalist, while commenting on Karl Barth's statement that a church is its members, logically concluded: "Church members... are responsible for what the church says and does." So ask yourself: Am I willing to share responsibility for everything my church says and does?....
You may sincerely believe that your church is no part of false religion that God says he will soon destroy. But your life depends upon being 100 percent sure. Are you?
For those of other religions, absolute truth is set as the criterion -- everything should be "really true." They should be "100 percent sure" about their religion. If they are "less than pleased" with what they see, they should "do more than just complain," because they share responsibility for "everything [their] church says and does."
*** g87 9/8 p. 11 Future Prospects for Protestantism-And for You! ***
While considering these questions, do not overlook the significance of Revelation 18:4, 8. Speaking of the world empire of false religion, displeasing to God, it says: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues . . . [for] her plagues [shall] come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."
You may sincerely believe that your church is no part of false religion that God says he will soon destroy. But your life depends upon being 100 percent sure. Are you?
False religion has no future, nor do those who support it. True religion will last forever, along with those who practice it. Make your choice accordingly.
15) Emanuel, for instance, was a Witness who found fault with some things he read in publications of "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) He stopped reading our Christian literature and eventually told the elders of the local congregation that he no longer wished to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Within a short time, however, Emanuel came to realize that the teachings of Jehovah's organization were correct after all. He contacted the Witnesses, admitted his mistake, and was reinstated as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. As a result, he again became a happy man.
a Witness (not a Christian?) who found fault with some things he read in the publications (don't you wonder what it was?)
Told the elders of the local congregation that he no longer wished to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses (but still a Christian?)
Within a short time...came to realize that the teachings of Jehovah's organization were correct after all
Correct according to the Bible? Or did he realize that he could not deal with the shunning from this family and friends after he "disassociated" himself.
Admitted his mistake--not something the WTS ever does...they blame it on the rank and file.
Was reinstated as one of Jehovah's Witnesses (as a Christian?)
He again became a happy man
Meaning that you can't really be happy unless you are a JW.
Q16) What can help us to overcome doubts about certain Christian teachings?
16) What if we are tempted to murmur because of having doubts about certain teachings that Jehovah's people hold in common? Then let us not be impatient. The 'faithful slave' may eventually publish something that answers our questions and clears up our doubts. It is wise to seek the help of Christian elders. (Jude 22, 23) Prayer, personal study, and association with spiritually-minded fellow believers can also help to remove doubts and can deepen our appreciation for the faith-strengthening Bible truths we have learned through Jehovah's channel of communication.
Christian teachings or "teachings of Jehovah's organization" or "teachings that Jehovah's people (Christians? or only JWS?) hold in common
may eventually publish something that answers our questions and clears up our doubts...seek the help of Christian (only JW) elders
association with spiritually-minded fellow believers
truths we have learned through Jehovah's channel of communication (not Jesus?)
Imagine you had doubts about who the "superior authorities" were in1879 to 1929 Official--secular governments (You thought Jesus and Jehovah)
1929 to 1962 Official--Jesus and Jehovah (You feel vindicated)
1962 to 2006 Official--secular governments (You wondered why the WTS changed and are wondering when it will change back to Jesus and Jehovah)
Or you thought that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah would be resurrected, then not, then yes, then not and are a holding pattern since 1988 wondering when it will change again.
Will the men of Sodom be resurrected? The Society has answered 'yes' (Wt. July 1879, p. 8), 'no' (Wt. June 1, 1952, p. 338), 'yes' (Wt. Aug. 1, 1965, p. 479), 'no' (Wt. June 1, 1988, p. 31), 'yes' (1988 book Insight on the Scriptures, p. 985), 'no' (1988 book Revelation: Its Grand Climax At Hand!, p. 273). In fact, as pointed out in Our Kingdom Ministry (December, 1989, p. 7) early printings of the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth say 'yes' but later printings of the same book say 'no.' (pp. 178-179)
Maintain a Positive Spirit
Q17, 18) Instead of murmuring, what attitude should we have, and why?
17) Admittedly, imperfect humans have an inherent tendency to sin, and some may have a strong inclination to voice unwarranted complaints. (Genesis 8:21; Romans 5:12) But if we were to become habitual murmurers, we would be putting at risk our relationship with Jehovah God. Hence, we need to control any possible inclination to murmur.
imperfect...tendency to sin...voice unwarranted complaints
unwarranted? In whose opinion? What is a complaint that is unwarranted?
habitual murmurers....risk our relationship with Jehovah God (but not Jesus?)
murmuring against WTS = murmuring against God meansWTS = God
18) Instead of murmuring about things in the congregation, we do well to
maintain a positive attitude and follow a routine that keeps us busy, joyful,
reverent, balanced, and healthy in faith. (1 Corinthians 15:58; Titus 2:1-5)
Jehovah is in control of everything within his organization, and Jesus is aware of developments in each congregation, just as he was in the first century. (Revelation 1:10, 11) Patiently wait on God and Christ, the Head of the congregation. Responsible shepherds may be used to correct matters that may need to be readjusted.-Psalm 43:5; Colossians 1:18; Titus 1:5.
positive attitude...routine that keeps us busy, joyful....
Close your eyes to the serious flaws and get to all the meetings and out in field service. If you have time for murmuring, you are not spending enough time doing those things.
JEHOVAH IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING WITHIN HIS ORGANIZATION, AND JESUS IS AWARE OF DEVELOPMENTS IN EACH CONGREGATION.
Thus the fact that children contine to be molested and it is being covered up by the WTS proves that the WTS is not controlled by God. The Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes in Jesus' day thought God was in control of their organization...by 73 C.E. they learned differently.
Q19) Until the Kingdom is in full control of mankind's affairs, on what should we focus our attention?
19) Soon this wicked system of things will end, and the Messianic Kingdom will take full control of mankind's affairs. Until then, how important it is that each of us maintain a positive spirit! This will help us to recognize the virtues of our fellow believers, instead of focusing on their faults. Focusing on the good aspects of their personality will make us happy. Rather than being emotionally drained by murmuring, we will thus be encouraged and built up spiritually.
SOON this wicked system of things will end
The WTS teaches that all the "wicked" will be eternally destroyed, all 6.5 billion men, women, and children, who are not dedicated, baptized JWs.
positive spirit...recognize the virtues of our fellow believers, instead of focusing on their faults
Do you know what parts of some elders meetings consist of; a person by person "examination" of the flaws of every male in the congregation, and families. When was the last Local Needs talk one commending the congregation? When has there every been a talk saying that everyone is doing all they can to serve God or is there always something more that is expected?
If we are unhappy in the congregation, it is because "of focusing on their faults." More likely, it is because the elders and the "mature" ones are focusing on our faults. If we are "emotionally drained," it is because of what we are doing not what unloving ones are doing to us.
Q20) A positive attitude will enable us to enjoy what blessings?
20) A positive spirit will also enable us to bear in mind the many blessings we enjoy because of being associated with the earthly part of Jehovah's
organization. This is the only organization in the world that is loyal to the
Sovereign of the universe. How do you feel about that reality and the privilege of engaging in the worship of the only true God, Jehovah? May your attitude be like that of David, who sang: "0 Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all flesh will come. Happy is the one you choose and cause to approach, that he may reside in your courtyards. We will certainly be satisfied with the goodness of your house." -Psalm 65:2,4.
[Picture on page 23] Christian elders gladly provide spiritual assistance
positive attitude...spirit
many blessings we enjoy because of being associated with the earthly part of Jehovah's organization
And what would those be: the joys of backbiting and gossip, the elder and his wife who lied to the new couple so that they now avoid you, being grateful that you got your organ transplant after 1980, being glad that you could accept alternative service and did not have to go to prison like Brother Disgruntled, knowing that if there are any child molesters in your congregation, the elders are keeping an eye on them to make sure your no their child is safe, that if no one has time to help you with your elderly non-JW mother you can rest assured that they are spending the time wisely in field service.
This is the only organization in the world that is loyal to the Sovereign of the universe.
That pretty much means that all non-JW organizations are disloyal to God.
Do You Recall?
- Why should we be grateful for those taking the lead in the congregation?
- What should be our reaction when responsible brothers make mistakes?
- How should we view refinements in the understanding of the Scriptures?
- What can help a Christian to overcome doubts?
Concluding Comments
Quite a lot of meaty concepts to dissect in this article. I know I haven't done it justice. It's amazing that there is no talk about focusing on the goodness of God or Christ but instead a human organization is put in their place.
I can definitely tell there is grumbling in the ranks. As the generation of 1914 dies and the generation behind them sees sickness and death ahead not the hope of never dying, are they murmuring? Are they praying that the end comes this year or next before they breathe their last? Remember that such a hope is not offered the anointed, they have to die to receive their reward...but are they in any hurry to die? I can remember hearing a GB member who had been diagnosed with cancer and had less than a year to die, saying he was sad that he would not be on earth to see the end...a man who supposedly believe that if he were in heaven he would see the end and he would be by Christ's side destroying the wicked.
Were Jeremiah, or Isaiah, or Ezekiel murmurers? Their words did not support the teachings of the religious organization they were part of. If it be your inclination, remember to focus on God and Jesus. Don't give their power over to a human organization.
It has rained quite a bit around here with lightning touching off a few house fires and shocking a few construction workers (who lived). The garden survived and the tomatoes are still ripening fast and furious. BLTs are on the menu today.
Love, Blondie