Comments You Will Not Hear at the 11-5-06 WT Study (COURAGEOUS FAITH FEAR)

This is the beginning of a series of 3 articles on courage WTS style. The first article consists of OT examples, the 2 nd with a weak attempt to find NT examples but then quickly going into examples of present-day JW examples, the 3 rd article is more detailed as to what the WTS thinks courage means for JWs today.

The fact that these articles come during the tract campaign, False Religion’s End is Near, is no accident. JWs are told that when false religion is destroyed by the UN (or political elements within the UN), that it will mean trouble for the WTS, but that the WTS will be the only religion that survives (does that mean that some individual JWs might not die?). Then these "elements" will try and destroy the WTS or all JWs.

JWs are told that unless they are persecuted they are not true Christians.

(2 Timothy 3:12) In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.

** w04 8/15 p. 12 par. 3 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)

*** w04 11/1 p. 17 par. 14 Persecuted yet Happy ***

Another reason why opposition and persecution for righteousness’ sake makes us happy is that it proves that we are living as true Christians with godly devotion. The apostle Paul wrote: "All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)

*** w02 7/15 p. 10 par. 5 Add Godly Devotion to Your Endurance ***

As those living with "godly devotion

in association with Christ Jesus," we expect to be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)

*** w02 11/1 p. 19 par. 19 Christian Neutrals in the Last Days ***

First, we remember that we must expect opposition

. We should not be shocked or even surprised if we meet up with it. Paul warned Timothy: "All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12) In a world where Satan’s influence reigns, why would we not meet opposition? (Revelation 12:17)

*** w01 5/1 p. 14 par. 5 Maintain Your Joy in Jehovah’s Service ***

As Christians, we too expect to be persecuted

. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Will JWs find the persecution they feel proves that only they are true Christians?

START OF ARTICLE

Q1, 2) (a) From a human point of view, what were Israel's prospects of victory over the Canaanites? (b) What reassurance did Joshua receive?

1) In 1473 B.C.E., the nation of Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land. Regarding the challenges ahead, Moses reminded the.people: "You are today crossing the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, cities great and fortified to the heavens, a people great and tall, the sons of Anakim, about whom you yourself have ... heard it said, `Who can make a firm stand before the sons of Anak?"' (Deuteronomy 9:1, 2) Yes, these giant warriors were proverbial! Furthermore, some Canaanites had well-equipped armies, with horses and chariots that had iron scythes on the wheels. Judges 4:13.

In 1473 B.C.E., the nation of Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land.

The WTS starts out with an OT example and theme scripture. Think about this, did every Israelite soldier survive the battles with the Canaanites? Who of the JWs today are thinking they are going to die and that the "victory" was only for the nation not individuals. Does that mean individual JWs should expect to die in the coming "battle"?

2) Israel, on the other hand, had been a nation of slaves and had just spent 40 years in the wilderness. Hence, from a human point of view, their chances of being victorious would seem remote. Yet, Moses had faith; he could `see' Jehovah leading them. (Hebrews 11:27) "Jehovah your God is crossing before you," Moses told the people. "He will annihilate them, and he himself will subdue them before you." (Deuteronomy 9:3; Psalm 33:16, 17) After Moses' death, Jehovah reassured Joshua of His backing, saying: "Get up, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Nobody will take a firm stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I proved to be with Moses I shall prove to be with you." -Joshua 1:2, 5.

Had just spent 40 years in the wilderness

While the WTS has spent 127 years in the wilderness (1879-2006)

OT example
— Moses had faith

OT example
— reassured Joshua

Q3) What contributed to Joshua's faith and courage?

3) To have Jehovah's support and guidance, Joshua must read and meditate on God's Law and live by it. "Then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely," said Jehovah. "Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and strong. Do not suffer shock or be terrified, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8, 9) Because Joshua listened to God, he proved to be courageous, strong, and successful. Most of his generation, however, did not listen. As a result, they were not successful, and they died in the wilderness.

To have Jehovah's support and guidance, Joshua must read and meditate on God's Law and live by it.

Does this show where Joshua had to attend 5 meetings weekly and be instructed only there?

Does listening to God mean that Joshua could only do it by listening to the religious leaders in his day? Were the priests as a group a reliable source of religious truth in the nation of Israel? What does Bible history show?

Does listening to God = listening to the WTS/FDS?

A Faithless People Lacking Courage

Q4, 5) (a) How did the attitude of the ten spies compare with that of Joshua and Caleb? (b) What was Jehovah's response to the people's lack of faith?

4) Forty years earlier when Israel first approached Canaan, Moses sent 12 men to spy out the land. Ten returned fearful. "All the people whom we saw in the midst of it are men of extraordinary size," they cried. "There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who are from the Nephilim; so that we became in our own eyes like grasshoppers." Were "all the people"--not just the Anakim--giants? No. Were the Anakim descendants of the pre-Flood Nephilim? Of course not! Still, because of these distortions, a wave of fear spread through the camp. The people even wanted to return to Egypt, the land of their slavery! -Numbers 13:31-14:4.

Were the Anakim descendants of the pre-Flood Nephilim? Of course not! Still, because of these distortions

Does the WTS provide any proofs? What "distortions" has the WTS used?

The end is near so

: don’t get married, don’t have children, don’t go to college, don’t pursue a "worldly" career…

5) Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, however, were eager to enter the Promised Land. The Canaanites "are bread to us," they said. "Their shelter has turned away from over them, and Jehovah is with us. Do not fear them." (Numbers 14:9) Were Joshua and Caleb being foolishly optimistic? By no means! Along with the rest of the nation, they had seen Jehovah humiliate mighty Egypt and its gods by means of the Ten Plagues. Then they saw Jehovah drown Pharaoh and his military force in the Red Sea. (Psalm 136:15) Clearly, the fear shown by the ten spies and those who were influenced by them was inexcusable. "How long will they not put faith in me for all the signs that I performed in among them?" said Jehovah, expressing his deep hurt.-Numbers 14:11.

OT examples

— Joshua and Caleb

Foolishly optimistic? By no means…Ten Plagues…drown Pharaoh and his military force…

So what events compare to those so that JWs cannot be considered "foolishly optimistic" and "inexcusable" when the WTS has prophesied that the end would come in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1975, and soon, very soon now?

Q6) In what way is courage related to faith, and how is this seen in modern times?

6) Jehovah went right to the heart of the problem--the cowardly attitude of the people betrayed their lack of faith. Yes, faith and courage are intimately related, so much so that the apostle John could write concerning the Christian congregation and its spiritual warfare: "This is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith." (1 John 5:4) Today, faith like that of Joshua and Caleb has resulted in the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom worldwide by over six million Witnesses of Jehovah, young and old, strong and frail. No enemy has been able to silence this mighty, courageous army.-Romans 8:31.

the cowardly attitude of the people betrayed their lack of faith. Yes, faith and courage are intimately related,

How can JWs today continue to have faith when the WTS has told them the end is near since 1879, even saying that the end would come in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1975, and any moment now.

Preaching of the good news of the Kingdom worldwide—I looked through the suggested presentations for the WTS publications in the KMs from January 2006 through July 2006 and the Kingdom was mentioned once, once out of 32 presentations.

Witnesses of Jehovah

— why not Christians?

Do Not "Shrink Back"

Q7) What does it mean to "shrink back"?

7) Jehovah's servants today courageously preach the good news because they are of the same mind as the apostle Paul, who wrote: "We are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul." (Hebrews 10:39) To "shrink back," as Paul mentioned, does not mean just to experience a temporary bout of fear, for many faithful servants of God have at times been afraid. (1 Samuel 21: 12; 1 Kings 19:1-4) Rather, it means "to draw back, withdraw," to be "remiss in holding the truth," explains one Bible dictionary. It adds that "shrink back" may be a metaphor based on "lowering a sail and so slackening the course" in regard to God's service. Of course, those with strong faith give no consideration to "slackening the course" when difficulty arises--be it persecution, ill health, or some other trial. Instead, they press on in serving Jehovah, aware that he deeply cares for them and knows their limitations. (Psalm 55:22; 103:14) Do you have that kind of faith?

[Picture on page 17] Jehovah commanded Joshua: "Be courageous and strong"

Jehovah’s servants today—

not Christians? But only JWs

Why the dancing around the definition of "shrink back"? only "temporary"

Which Bible dictionary? Perhaps Vines? Are they afraid that someone might go on the internet and look it up?

<

13,,5288,hupostello>
"to draw back, withdraw," perhaps a metaphor from lowering a sail and so slackening the course, and hence of being remiss in holding the truth; in the Active Voice, rendered "drew back" in Gal. 2:12, RV (AV, "withdrew"); in the Middle, in Heb. 10:38, "shrink back" RV (AV, "draw back"); the prefix hupo, "underneath," is here suggestive of stealth. In ver. 39 the corresponding noun, hupostole, is translated "of them that shrinking back"). In Acts 20:20,27, "shrank," RV. See KEEP, Note (6), SHRINK, SHUN, WITHDRAW.

http://www.mf.no/bibelprog/vines?word=draw&hn

God’s service = preaching WTS message door to door

Difficulty arises—be it persecution, ill health, or some other trial…they press on

While God "knows their limitations," do they have to prove their limitations are valid to the elders and others in the congregation?

Q8, 9) (a) How did Jehovah strengthen the early Christians' faith? (b) What can we do to build our faith?

8) At one time the apostles felt that their faith was lacking, so they said to Jesus: "Give us more faith." (Luke 17:5) Their sincere request was answered, especially at Pentecost 33 C.E., when the promised holy spirit came upon the disciples and gave them deeper insight into God's Word and purpose. (John 14:26; Acts 2:1-4) Their faith strengthened, the disciples embarked on a preaching campaign that despite opposition took the good news to "all creation that is under heaven."-Colossians 1:23; Acts 1:8; 28:22.

the promised holy spirit came upon the disciples and gave them deeper insight into God's Word and purpose.

Who only today does the WTS say that Jesus gives "holy spirit" and "deeper insight into God’s Word and purpose"?

*** w81 2/15 p. 19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***

We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the "faithful and discreet slave" organization.

Does the WTS feel that they have preached the "good news" to "all creation that is under heaven"? Or that they even have to?

*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 "Keep on the Watch" ***

True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah's due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. (1 Corinthians 16:9) Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah's satisfaction. Then the end will come.-Compare Matthew 10:23.

9) In order to build our faith and to press on in our ministry, we too must study and meditate on the Scriptures and pray for holy spirit. Only by impressing God's truth on our mind and heart--as Joshua, Caleb, and the early Christian disciples did--will we have faith that gives us the courage needed to endure in our spiritual warfare and to come off victorious.-Romans 10:17.

we too must study and meditate on the Scriptures and pray for holy spirit

Does that mean understanding will come through the scriptures and holy spirit but only through the explanations in the WT publications?

*** w02 12/1 p. 17 par. 17 Enjoy Personal Study of God's Word ***

Then Philip, directed by holy spirit, helped the eunuch to understand the prophecy of Isaiah. (Acts 8:27-35) What does this illustrate? That our private reading of the Bible is not enough. Jehovah, by his spirit, uses the faithful and discreet slave class to help us to understand his Word at the right time

*** w87 7/15 p. 19 Prayers Require Works ***

Because Jehovah God does not give his holy spirit apart from his Word, and we cannot hope to receive holy spirit if we ignore the earthly channel Jehovah is using today, "the faithful and discreet slave," represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.Without help from this "slave," we would neither be able to understand the full import of what we read nor know how to apply what we learn.-Matthew 24:45-47.

Faith-More Than Just Belief

Q10) What does true faith embrace?

10) As demonstrated by integrity-keepers of old, faith that leads to courage and endurance embraces more than mere belief in God. (James 2:19) It requires that we come to know Jehovah as a person and have full confidence in him. (Psalm 78:5-8; Proverbs 3:5, 6) It means believing with all our heart that paying heed to God's laws and principles is in our very best interests. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Faith also involves having full assurance that Jehovah will fulfill all his promises and become "the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him."-Hebrews 11:1, 6; Isaiah 55:11.

More than mere belief in God…know…as a person

What happened to John 17:3?

(John 17:3) This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.

It means believing with all our heart that paying heed to God's laws and principles is in our very best interests.

But only as interpreted or explained by the WTS (FDS).

Did God fulfill the promises the WTS made in regard to 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1975, and very soon now?

Q11) In what way were Joshua and Caleb blessed for their faith and courage?

11) Such faith is not static. It grows as we live the truth, "taste" the benefits, "see" answers to our prayers and, in other ways, sense Jehovah's direction in our life. (Psalm 34:8; 1 John 5:14, 15) We can be certain that the faith of Joshua and Caleb deepened as they tasted God's goodness. (Joshua 23:14) Consider these points: They survived the 40-year trek in the wilderness, as God had promised they would. (Numbers 14:27-30; 32:11, 12) They were given an active role in the six-year conquest of Canaan. Finally, they enjoyed an abundance of life and health and even received their own personal inheritances. How Jehovah rewards those who faithfully and courageously serve him! Joshua 14:6, 9-14; 19:49, 50; 24:29.

[Picture on page 18] Obadiah cared for and protected God's prophets

sense Jehovah’s direction in our life

— Where’s Jesus?

While Caleb and Joshua did not die in battle, how many other men did?

How was that a reward for faithfully and courageously serving?

Q12) How does Jehovah `magnify his saying'?

12) God's loving-kindness to Joshua and Caleb calls to mind the psalmist's words: "You have magnified your saying even above all your name." (Psalm 138:2) When Jehovah attaches his name to a promise, the fulfillment of that promise is "magnified" in that it exceeds all expectations. (Ephesians 3:20) Yes, Jehovah never disappoints those who "take exquisite delight" in him.-Psalm 37:3, 4.

Isn’t Jesus’ name attached to these promises?

*** w05 9/15 p. 22 par. 6 Go On Walking as Jesus Christ Walked ***

"The helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name," said Jesus, "that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you." (John 14:26)

(Acts 9:14-16) 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to put in bonds all those calling upon your name." 15 But the Lord said to him: "Be on your way, because this man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel. 16 For I shall show him plainly how many things he must suffer for my name."

I guess God did not attach his name to the WTS promises that the end would come in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1975, and very soon now, because it did not exceed all expectations and disappointed many.

A Man Who "Pleased God Well"

Q13, 14) Why did Enoch need faith and courage?

13) We can learn much about faith and courage by considering the example set by another pre-Christian witness--Enoch. Even before he commenced prophesying, Enoch likely knew that his faith and courage would be put to the test. How so? Because Jehovah had stated in Eden that enmity, or hatred, would exist between those who serve God and those who serve Satan the Devil. (Genesis 3:15) Enoch also knew that this hatred had erupted early in human history when Cain murdered his brother Abel. Indeed, their father, Adam, lived for nearly 310 years after Enoch was born.-Genesis 5: 3-18.

OT Example
— Enoch

Likely knew

— the WTS has no scriptural "proof" that anyone other than Adam and Eve knew this

14) Despite these facts, however, Enoch courageously "went on walking with the true God" and condemned "the shocking things" that people said against Jehovah. (Genesis 5: 22; Jude 14, 15) This fearless stand for true worship apparently made Enoch many enemies, putting his life in danger. In this instance, Jehovah spared his prophet the pangs of death. After revealing to Enoch "that he had pleased God well," Jehovah "transferred" him from life to death, perhaps during a prophetic trance.-Hebrews 11:5, 13; Genesis 5:24.

[Picture on page 19] Enoch boldly spoke God's word

Apparently

— another word like "likely" which means "the bible doesn’t say but the WTS is now going to add to the bible). The WTS puts words into the bible during its "bible" dramas at its conventions as well.

Spared his prophet the pangs of death

— a fancy way of saying that God euthanized Enoch?

"

transferred" him from life to death — another fancy way

Perhaps

— another word like "likely" and "apparently" where the WTS proceeds to add to the bible.

Q15) What fine example did Enoch set for Jehovah's servants today?

15) Immediately after mentioning Enoch's transference, Paul again stressed the importance of faith, saying: "Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [God] well." (Hebrews 11:6) Yes, having faith gave Enoch the courage to walk with Jehovah and to proclaim His judgment message to a godless world. In this, Enoch set a fine example for us. We have a similar work to do in a world that is opposed to true worship and that is filled with every form of badness.-Psalm 92:7; Matthew 24:14; Revelation 12:17.

Enoch’s transference

= Enoch died!

Enoch…proclaim His judgment message to a godless world

Was Enoch the only person on the whole planet worshipping God? Did Enoch have a family; he was over 300 years old?

Courage Borne of Godly Fear

Q16, 17) Who was Obadiah, and in what circumstances did he find himself?

16) Besides faith, there is another quality that contributes to courage, namely the reverential fear of God. Let us consider an outstanding example of a God-fearing man who lived in the days of the prophet Elijah and of King Ahab, who ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel. During Ahab's rule, Baal worship infected the northern kingdom on an unprecedented scale. In fact, 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the sacred pole, a phallic symbol, were "eating at the table of Jezebel," Ahab's wife.-1 Kings 16:30-33; 18:19.

OT example
— Obadiah…God-fearing man who lived in the days of the prophet Elijah…northern kingdom of Israel

17) A ruthless enemy of Jehovah, Jezebel tried to eradicate true worship from the land. She murdered some of Jehovah's prophets and even tried to kill Elijah, who at God's direction escaped by fleeing across the Jordan. (1 Kings 17:1-3; 18:13) Can you imagine how difficult it would have been to uphold pure worship in the northern kingdom back then? Worse still, what if you worked in the royal palace itself? That was the situation in which God-fearing Obadiah,* (Footnote: * Not the prophet Obadiah.(see Bible book author) Ahab's household steward, found himself.-1 Kings 18:3.

Who at God’s direction escaped by fleeing

— does that mean that fleeing without God’s direction is wrong?

Can you imagine

— the WTS imagines all the time about the bible, using words such as "likely, apparently ."

What if you worked in the royal palace itself?—

Could a JW today be allowed to work for people such as Ahab and Jezebel?

Q18) What made Obadiah exceptional as a worshipper of Jehovah?

18) Undoubtedly, Obadiah was both cautious and discreet in his worship of Jehovah. Still, he did not compromise. In fact, 1 Kings 18:3 tells us: "Obadiah himself had proved to be one greatly fearing Jehovah." Yes, Obadiah's fear of God was exceptional! This wholesome fear, in turn, gave him outstanding courage, as was demonstrated immediately after Jezebel murdered Jehovah's prophets.

Was both cautious and discreet in his worship of Jehovah

— do you mean he wasn’t proclaiming to all that only he was a true worshipper, reading the Law to transgressors he worked with, giving them copies of such Law, and telling them he was not participating in the pagan parties that Jezebel was giving?

Fear of God was exceptional…yet cautious and discreet?

Q19) What did Obadiah do that demonstrated his courage?

19) We read: "It came about that when Jezebel cut off Jehovah's prophets, Obadiah proceeded to take a hundred prophets and keep them hid by fifties in a cave, and he supplied them bread and water." (1 Kings 18:4) As you can imagine, secretly feeding a hundred men was a very dangerous undertaking. Not only did Obadiah have to avoid getting caught by Ahab and Jezebel but he also had to avoid detection by the 850 false prophets who frequented the palace. Besides that, the many other false worshippers in the land, from peasants to princes, would no doubt have seized any opportunity to expose Obadiah so as to curry favor with the king and queen. Nevertheless, right under the noses of all these idolaters, Obadiah courageously attended to the needs of Jehovah's prophets. How powerful the fear of God can be!

Obadiah proceeded to take a hundred prophets and keep them hid by fifties in a cave, and he supplied them bread and water

What about their families? Did Obadiah pay out of his own pocket or did he make an announcement at a meeting telling all in attendance that they should ante up?

850 false prophets who frequented the palace

— and Obadiah still worked there with God’s approval?

Q20) How did Obadiah's godly fear help him, and how does his example help you?

20) Because Obadiah demonstrated courage through godly fear, Jehovah evidently shielded him from his enemies. Says Proverbs 29:25: "Trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected." Obadiah was not superhuman; he was afraid of getting caught and killed, just as we would be. (1 Kings 18:7-9, 12) Still, godly fear gave him the courage to rise above any fear of man he might have had. Obadiah is a fine example for all of us, especially for those who worship Jehovah at the risk of their freedom or even their life. (Matthew 24:9) Yes, may all of us strive to serve Jehovah "with godly fear and awe." -Hebrews 12:28.

Jehovah EVIDENTLY shielded him from his enemies

… but what about the prophets who were killed; why didn’t God shield them?

Q21) What will be considered in the following article?

21) Faith and godly fear are not the only qualities that build courage; love can be an even greater force. "God gave us not a spirit of cowardice, but that of power and of love and of soundness of mind," wrote Paul. (2 Timothy 1:7) In the following article, we will see how love can help us to serve Jehovah courageously during these critical last days.-2 Timothy 3:1.

Faith in the WTS
Godly fear of the WTS
And now
Love of the WTS being first

Builds courage of the coming destruction at Armageddon since JWs have been telling all, at least leaving a tract in their door, that the end of false religion is near. BTW, did you know that the WTS teaches that the "great tribulation" starts with the destruction of false religion and ends with Armageddon?

Can You Answer?

- What contributed to the courage of Joshua and Caleb?

- What does true faith include?

- Why was Enoch fearless in proclaiming God's judgment message?

How does godly fear contribute to courage?

Concluding Comments

A pretty boring OT inspired article. It is not amazing that JWs when asked what religion they are say, Jehovah’s Witnesses, not Christians. Has this article helped you "to know Christ as a person"?

Next week: What movies, TV shows, and computer websites will you be turning off? Will examples be provided at the meeting? Learn how there is no excuse for any person to go out in service when you read of the woman who walks on her hands and knees when on a sandy, dirt road. Or when you hear the sister with depression say, "the field ministry is therapy." Imagine the money people could save.

It is cold here; saw flakes on Thursday but it didn’t stay. The US Thanksgiving is coming up soon only 19 days. I know Canada has Thanksgiving on October 1. What about where you live? Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, hashbrown/cheese casserole, green bean casserole, squash, raspberry jello dessert, pumpkin and lemon meringue pie at my house.

Blondie

fokyc

Thanks Blondie

fokyc

zeroday

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, hashbrown/cheese casserole, green bean casserole, squash, raspberry jello dessert, pumpkin and lemon meringue pie at my house.

And a number of Witness houses as well. Hey, turkeys are on sale this time of year.

Lady Liberty

Thank you Blondie...

Be courageous for there will be much persecution from distributing all those tracts!!

Sincerely,

Lady Liberty

fullofdoubtnow

Thankyou blondie, another excellent review.

As you said, having these three articles during the tract campaign is no accident. Trev was speculating on the fact that maybe the wts are pinning their hopes on their being some adverse reaction and even persecution over kn37. It's almost as if they need it to help keep those still in on their toes. So far, the reaction around here seems to be mainly indifferrence, so maybe the wts's hopes will be dashed.... again

crazyblondeb

Thanks blondie!!

I never did get a tract!! Oh well, one less thing in the trash!!

oh, what time is supper?? Just kidding. I'm cooking this year! First Thanksgiving with my granddaughter!! Can't wait!!

A true funny story: My younger sister finally got to come to one of first Thanksgiving dinners together as a family. J volunteered to bring the "dressing". She showed up, and set 2 bottles of "Ranch Dressing" on the table. She didn't know about the "other dressing"!

cyberguy

Blondie,

I see this WT and tract work as a way to control the R&F by having them do something that everyone hates and will no doubt have a negative response, especially in non-Christian neighborhoods or predominantly non-Christian countries. Then when the “persecution” comes they will say, “We told you this would happen! Therefore, God is with you! The Kingdom is here! Get ready to take-over your neighbor’s home on the lake after the birds have dinner! And don’t forget about the petting-zoo every JW will soon have! All this God has promised!”

parakeet

Thank you, Blondie, but even you could could not make this article less boring. Until I started reading your "Comments You Will Not Hear" studies, I hadn't looked at a WT for many years. They haven't changed a bit.

I love the JW reasoning about their tract bringing about the beginning of the great trib. It reminds me of someone saying "Dogs hate me, and I can prove it." So he finds a dog, start poking at it with a stick until the poor animal cannot stand it any longer and snaps at the provoker, who turns to you in triumph and says, "See! I was right!"

heathen

Great job again blondie , I couldn't help but notice the mention of false prophets , it's like they completely ignore their history of false prophesy yet somehow it only applies to other religions that have never promised immortallity by never dying . I would think that people in the org. that believe they will inherit other peoples properties are only commiting covetousness where as the true promise is far greater than that of an earthly mansion . I like the way you bring out the WTBTS buzz words , likely , apparently and imagine if this was that ........ohhh my God it's like the article puts you in some sort of trance and that stuff slips thru unnoticed. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzombies yikes ..... instead of staying awake they seem to have some sort of pattern of delusion that shuts down the natural erge to question what conclusions are being drawn .

don't know if I'm going to cook a turkey ( I do love roast turkey fresh out of the oven ) or buy a dinner from the grocery store this year . Probly won't have so many people this year . As long as the beer is cold . I am beginning to wonder why the J-dubbs don't have a day of fasting so as to show they are not participating in any way , since everybody else will be over eating and drinking ..................mmmmmmmmm

moomanchu

It's Time for your dosage of Guilt at the ole kingdum hall

6) Jehovah went right to the heart of the problem--the cowardly attitude of the people betrayed their lack of faith. Yes, faith and courage are intimately related,.........Today, faith like that of Joshua and Caleb has resulted in the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom worldwide by over six million Witnesses of Jehovah, young and old, strong and frail.

7) Jehovah's servants today courageously preach the good news because they are of the same mind as the apostle Paul,.............Of course, those with strong faith give no consideration to "slackening the course" when difficulty arises--be it persecution, ill health, or some other trial. Instead, they press on in serving Jehovah, aware that he deeply cares for them and knows their limitations. (Psalm 55:22; 103:14) Do you have that kind of faith?

we really gotta get out and place those tracts

No field service = No faith

No field service means you are a coward, and not like Paul

You're right boring study.

Comments You Will Not Hear at the 11-5-06 WT Study (COURAGEOUS FAITH FEAR)

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