Comments You Will Not Hear at the 11-19-06 WT Study (October 1, 2006, pages 26-30)(HOPE JEHOVAH)
Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = 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)
HOPE IN JEHOVAH, AND BE COURAGEOUS
"Hope in Jehovah; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Yes, hope in Jehovah. "-PSALM 27:14.
Opening Comments
Again an OT scripture and a picture of the OT author, David. The WTS even puts in a disclaimer on the word "hope" saying that it does not refer to the NT understanding for Christians who only had but one hope, to die and be resurrected to rule in heaven with Christ forever.
What other OT examples are there:
Abraham
Sarah
Moses
If you ever read any of the Studies in the Scriptures, Volumes 1 through 6, notice how the focus in on the heavenly hope. Of course, then the WTS taught there were 2 heavenly classes, the 144,000 and the great company. Yet little focus is on the ancient worthies or the rest of mankind that would live on earth and their "hope."
http://www.ctrussell.us/ctrussell/ctrussell.nsf/All?OpenView
START OF ARTICLE
Q1) How important is hope, and how is the term used in the Scriptures?
1) Genuine hope is like a bright light. It helps us to see beyond present trials and to face the future with courage and joy. Only Jehovah can give us a sure hope, which he does by means of his inspired Word. (2 Timothy 3:16) In fact, the words "hope," "hoped," and "hoping" appear over 160 times in the Bible and refer both to the eager and sure expectation of something good and to the object of that expectation.* (Footnote: * Although in the Christian Greek Scriptures the word "hope" frequently applies to the heavenly reward of anointed Christians, in this article, hope in the general sense is discussed.) Such hope is superior to a mere wish, which may have no foundation or prospect of fulfillment.
Although in the Christian Greek Scriptures the word "hope" frequently applies to the heavenly reward of anointed Christians, in this article, hope in the general sense is discussed.
But do the scriptures the WTS uses apply in the general sense?
What WTS hopes have failed regarding the "end"?
1914
1915
1920
1925
1940’s
1975
1984
1994
ending in 1995 with the end of the "1914 generation"
Q2) What role did hope play in Jesus' life?
2) When faced with trials and hardships, Jesus looked beyond the present and hoped in Jehovah. "For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Because he was keenly focused on the prospect of vindicating Jehovah's sovereignty and sanctifying His name, Jesus never deviated from his course of obedience to God, no matter what it cost him.
So was Jesus’ hope the one he promised the first century Christians? What about JWs today, do they hope for the same thing Jesus did?
Did you know that until 1986 the WTS preached about vindicating God’s name?
Do you remember an article explaining why that changed? Or did the WTS just slip that one by? Almost 9 years later the WTS was forced to mention the change because so many old-time JWs were confused. Since 1931 the vindication of God’s name had been pushed in conjuction with the name change to Jehovah’s Witnesses.
*** w95 5/15 p. 25 par. 17 Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small ***
Similarly, for a long time, Witnesses spoke of the vindication of Jehovah’s name. But had Satan called Jehovah’s name into question? For that matter, had any of Satan’s agents done so, as if Jehovah did not have a right to that name? No, not at all. It was not the name of Jehovah that was challenged and that needed to be vindicated. That is why the Watch Tower Society’s recent publications do not speak of Jehovah’s name as being vindicated. They speak of Jehovah’s sovereignty as being vindicated and of his name as being sanctified.
Q3) What role does hope play in the life of servants of God?
3) King David points to the connection between hope and courage, saying: "Hope in Jehovah; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Yes, hope in Jehovah." (Psalm 27:14) If we want our heart to be strong, we must never let our hope become vague but always keep it clearly in mind and close at heart. Doing so will help us to imitate Jesus in manifesting courage and zeal as we share in the work he commissioned his disciples to do. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) Indeed, hope is placed alongside faith and love as a vital, enduring quality that characterizes the life of servants of God.-1 Corinthians 13:13.
David—OT example
We must never let our hope become vague
What is the hope the WTS is talking about here? Living forever on a paradise earth.
What is the work Jesus commissioned his disciples to do?
Going door to door? Did women go door to door? Did Paul go door to door or did he go to the synagogues and where people gathered, like the marketplace?Do the scriptures speak of hoping in Jesus?
(1 Corinthians 15:19) . . .If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied.
(Ephesians 1:12) that we should serve for the praise of his glory, we who have been first to hope in the Christ.
(Colossians 1:4-5) 4 since we heard of YOUR faith in connection with Christ Jesus and the love YOU have for all the holy ones 5 because of the hope that is being reserved for YOU in the heavens. This [hope] YOU heard of before by the telling of the truth of that good news
(1 Thessalonians 1:3) . . .for we bear incessantly in mind YOUR faithful work and [your] loving labor and [your] endurance due to [your] hope in our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father.
(1 Timothy 1:1) . . .and of Christ Jesus, our hope,
Do You "Abound in Hope"?
Q4) To what do anointed Christians and their "other sheep" companions earnestly look forward?
4) God's people have a wonderful future before them. Anointed Christians eagerly await serving with Christ in heaven, while the "other sheep" hope to "be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the [earthly] children of God." (John 10:16; Romans 8:19-21; Philippians 3:20) That "glorious freedom" includes deliverance from sin and its horrible consequences. Indeed, Jehovah-the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present"-would extend nothing less to his loyal ones. James 1:17; Isaiah 25:8.
God’s people
— only JWsWhy does the WTS feel it is necessary to use the DREADED BRACKET in the snippet of Romans 8:19-21?
"be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the [earthly] children of God."
Q5) How do we come to "abound in hope"?
5) How large a part should Christian hope play in our life? At Romans 15:13, we read: "May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your believing, that you may abound in hope with power of holy spirit." Yes, hope can be likened, not to a candle in the darkness, but to the brilliant rays of the morning sun, filling one's life with peace, happiness, purpose, and courage. Note that we "abound in hope" when we believe God's written Word and receive his holy spirit. Says Romans 15:4: "All the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." So ask yourself: `Do I keep my hope bright by being a good student of the Bible, reading it daily? Do I pray often for God's spirit?'-Luke 11:13.
Christian hope—
the only hope when Romans 15:13 was written was to rule in heaven with Christ.We might have hope—
anointed Christians only
When we believe God’s written Word—
as interpreted by the WTS only
*** w81 2/15 p. 19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***
No question about it. We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the "faithful and discreet slave" organization.
Receive his holy spirit—
only if a person in closely associated with the WTS*** w85 9/1 p. 7 You Can Walk With God ***
(3) His holy spirit, which we receive through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and association with his people.
Good student of the Bible—
are there bad students of the Bible? Would that perhaps be JWs who don’t espouse the WTS interpretation?Q6) To keep our hope bright, what must we guard against?
6) Jesus, our Exemplar, thrived on God's Word. By considering him closely, we avoid `getting tired and giving out in our souls.’ (Hebrews 12:3) It stands to reason that if our God-given hope grows dim in our mind and heart or if our focus shifts elsewhere -perhaps to material things or to secular goals-spiritual weariness may soon overtake us, eventually leading to loss of moral strength and courage. In that frame of mind, we may even experience "shipwreck concerning [our] faith." (1 Timothy 1:19) On the other hand, true hope strengthens our faith.
Jesus, our Exemplar
— yet why all the OT examples?Our God-given hope
— what hope did Jesus give his disciples?Hope--Essential to Faith
Q7) In what way is hope essential to faith?
7) "Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld," says the Bible. (Hebrews 11:1) Therefore, hope is not just incidental to faith; it is an essential element of faith. Consider Abraham. From a human standpoint, he and his wife, Sarah, were past childbearing age when Jehovah promised them an heir. (Genesis 17:15-17) How did Abraham respond? "Although beyond hope, yet based on hope he had faith, that he might become the father of many nations." (Romans 4:18) Yes, Abraham's God-given hope gave his faith that he would have offspring a firm foundation. His faith, in turn, brightened and strengthened his hope. Why, Abraham and Sarah even had the courage to leave their home and their relatives and live the rest of their lives in tents in a foreign land!
Hope is not incidental to faith, it is an essential element of faith
Abraham and Sarah
—OT examples because the WTS cannot focus on the heavenly hope that the NT emphasizesHow many JWs leave their homes? It is impossible sometimes just to get them to change book studies.
Q8) How does faithful endurance fortify hope?
8) Abraham kept his hope sure by obeying Jehovah implicitly, even when doing so was difficult. (Genesis 22:2, 12) Similarly, by our being obedient and enduring in Jehovah's service, we can be confident of our reward. "Endurance," wrote Paul, results in "an approved condition," which, in turn, produces hope, "and the hope does not lead to disappointment." (Romans 5:4, 5) That is why Paul also wrote: "We desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end." (Hebrews 6:11) Such a positive outlook, which is based on an intimate relationship with Jehovah, can help us to face any hardship with courage, even joy.
Abraham…obeying Jehovah implicitly
So what organization was Abraham part of of and obeying?
What hope was Paul talking about at Hebrews 6:11, living forever on earth?
Intimate relationship with Jehovah
— Where’s Jesus?"Rejoice in the Hope"
Q9) Doing what regularly can help us to "rejoice in the hope"?
9) Our God-given hope is infinitely superior to anything that the world can offer. Says Psalm 37:34: "Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it." Yes, we have every reason to "rejoice in the hope." (Romans 12:12) In order to do so, however, we must keep our hope fresh in mind. Do you regularly reflect on your God-given hope? Can you see yourself in Paradise, glowing with good health, free from anxieties, surrounded by people you love, and sharing in truly fulfilling work? Do you meditate on the Paradise scenes depicted in our publications? Such regular reflection might be likened to cleaning a window that affords a magnificent view. If we neglect to clean the glass, soon dirt and grime will rob us of the scene's clarity and appeal. Other things may then capture our attention. May we never allow that to happen!
What hope do you think the Roman Christians were thinking of?
(Romans 12:12) 12 Rejoice in the hope. . .
Were they visualizing themselves living forever as humans in Paradise?
Do you meditate on the Paradise scenes depicted in our publications?
Yes, I notice that women are wearing dresses to climb ladders, and to work in gardens…..
What is your favorite unreal picture?
http://www.watchtowerinformationservice.org/index.php/racial-ethnic-issues/jehovahs-witness-iconography/[Picture on page 28] Whether young or old, can you see yourself in Paradise?
I was told that JWs should only think IF they get into the Paradise, otherwise they are being presumptuous.
Q10) Why does our looking to the reward reflect well on our relationship with Jehovah?
10) Of course, our main reason for serving Jehovah is our love for him. (Mark 12:30) Still, we should look eagerly to the reward. In fact, Jehovah expects us to do so! Hebrews 11:6 says: "Without faith it is impossible to please him well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." Why does Jehovah want us to view him as the Rewarder? Because when we do, we show that we know our heavenly Father well. He is generous, and he loves his children. Think how unhappy and easily discouraged we would be if we did not have "a future and a hope."-Jeremiah 29:11.
After discussing the CARROT that brings people into the WTS and keeps them there…………
Our main reason for serving Jehovah is our love for him.
But back to the CARROT
Still, we should look eagerly to the REWARD
And what reward were the Hebrew Christians looking forward to….life forever on a paradise earth?
Do you think that Paul told them the end was coming in 63 CE, 64 CE, 66 CE, 70 CE, 73 CE, and when Jesus did not return by 73 CE, did the date setting continue?
Are the "other sheep" God’s children? Aren’t only the anointed adopted as "sons of God"? Doesn’t the WTS teach that the "other sheep" are the children of Jesus and his bride (144,000) making them at best God’s grandchildren?
"The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children. If, then, we are children, we are also heirs: heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16, 17)
The WTS teaches that the "other sheep" don’t become "sons of God" until they successfully pass the final test at the end of the Thousand Year Reign.
*** w04 11/1 p. 13 par. 17 Happy Servants of Jehovah ***
The peaceable "other sheep" serve Jehovah under the Fine Shepherd, Christ Jesus, who becomes their "Eternal Father." (John 10:14, 16; Isaiah 9:6) Those who successfully pass the final test after the Millennial Reign of Christ will be adopted as Jehovah’s earthly sons and "have the glorious freedom of the children of God." (Romans 8:21; Revelation 20:7, 9)
Q11) How did his God-given hope help Moses to make wise decisions?
11) An outstanding example of one who remained focused on his God-given hope was Moses. As "the son of the daughter of Pharaoh," Moses had power, prestige, and the wealth of Egypt at his disposal. Would he pursue these things, or would he serve Jehovah? Moses courageously chose the latter. Why? Because he "looked intently toward the payment of the reward." (Hebrews 11:2426) Yes, Moses was certainly not nonchalant about the hope that Jehovah had set before him.
OT example—Moses—so the emphasis can be on an earthly reward not the heavenly reward Jesus offered his followers.
Power, prestige, wealth…would he pursue these things?
Will the rank and file JW today pursue these things?
Why is intently italicized? What is the WTS implying about JWs today?
What does nonchalant mean and why does the WTS use that word here?
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus - Cite This Source Main Entry: nonchalant Part of Speech:adjectiveDefinition: easygoing Synonyms: airy , aloof , apathetic , blasé , calm , careless , casual , cold , collected , composed , cool , detached , disimpassioned , disinterested , dispassionate , easy , effortless , frigid , happy , impassive , imperturbable , incurious , indifferent , insouciant , lackadaisical , laid-back , light , listless , loose , lukewarm , mellow , neglectful , negligent , neutral , offhand , placid , serene , smooth , trifling , uncaring , unconcerned , unemotional , unexcited , unfeeling , unflappable , unimpressible , unperturbed , unruffled , untroubled
The WTS uses this word only 8 times on the 2005 WT-CD.
*** w05 2/15 p. 12 par. 2 Christians—Be Proud of Who You Are! ***
This slide toward apathy is not surprising to students of the Bible. (Luke 18:8) And when it comes to religion in general, such disinterest is to be expected. False religion has misled and disappointed mankind for so long. (Revelation 17:15, 16) For genuine Christians, however, the pervasive spirit of halfheartedness and lack of zeal presents a danger. We cannot afford to become nonchalant about our faith and lose our zeal for serving God and for Bible truth. Jesus warned against such lukewarmness when he cautioned first-century Christians living in Laodicea: "You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or else hot. . . . You are lukewarm."—Revelation 3:15-18.
Q12) Why is Christian hope like a helmet?
12) The apostle Paul compared hope to a helmet. Our figurative helmet protects our mental powers, enabling us to make wise decisions, set sound priorities, and maintain integrity. (1 Thessalonians 5:8) Do you have your figurative helmet on at all times? If so, then like Moses and Paul, you will rest your hope, "not on uncertain riches, but on God, who furnishes us all things richly for our enjoyment." True, going against popular trends by turning your back on selfish pursuits takes courage, but it is well worth the effort! After all, why settle for anything less than "the real life," which awaits those who hope in and love Jehovah?-1 Timothy 6:17,19.
Hope…helmet…make wise decisions, set sound priorities, and maintain integrity.
Make decisions the WTS feels are wise.
Set priorities the WTS feels are sound.
Maintain integrity to the WTS.
You will rest your hope, "not on uncertain riches"
Another materialism caution, don’t go to college, don’t have a career, women should not work outside the home to buy "extras" for the family, give more money to the WTS, don’t buy a new home or a new car, etc.
I wonder if these are the "popular trends" that JWs should turn their back on?
Hope in and love Jehovah—Where’s Jesus?
"I Will By No Means Leave You"
Q13) What assurance does Jehovah provide his loyal servants?
13) People who rest their hope on the present system of things must think about tomorrow with a deep sense of foreboding as the world suffers ever increasing "pangs of distress." (Matthew 24:8) But those who hope in Jehovah have no such fears. They will continue to "reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity." (Proverbs 1:33) Because their hope is not in the present system, they joyfully heed Paul's counsel: "Let your manner of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: `I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you."'-Hebrews 13:5.
Do people have a deep sense of foreboding as the world suffers? Is the world worse off today than in the past during the Dark Ages, the Black Death, do the wars today compare to WWI or WWII, did the Cold War end in a nuclear holocaust?
When Paul gave his counsel was he hoping in a life forever on a paradise earth?
Let your manner of life be free of the love of money…
by giving it to the WTS. Let them worry about it for you.When things are going well in a JW’s life, they are sufficient money, a home, reasonable health, are they wishing for the end to come? But as financial woes come, their house is too small, old age and sickness are creeping up, then they want the end to come.
Q14) Why do Christians not need to be unduly anxious about their material needs?
14) "By no means," "nor by any means" -these emphatic expressions leave no doubt that God will care for us. Jesus also assured us of God's loving concern, saying: "Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things [the material necessities of life] THE DREADED BRACKETS will be added to you. So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties." (Matthew 6:33, 34) Jehovah knows that it is a challenge for us to be zealous for his Kingdom and at the same time to bear the full weight of the responsibility to provide for our physical needs. So let us put full confidence in his ability and desire to care for our needs. -Matthew 6:25-32; 11:28-30.
How does God care for JWs? If they are hungry, do their fellow believers drop off groceries or send them to the food banks and governmental agencies.
If they are homeless, do they offer a place to stay with them, even permanently or send them to government agencies?
If they are sick and without insurance, do they take up a collection at the KH? Oh, that’s right, that is not allowed by the WTS (50 years in the WTS and I never saw it except for a CO who had heart surgery in the 1950’s).
I know that there are a few exceptions to every case above, but in general what is the trend…send them to the government first. Programs not support by the WTS or congregations by any taxes they pay.
***
w8610/15p.17par.9DoMoreThanSay:"KeepWarmandWellFed"***Their
believing relatives were primarily responsible to help them; neglecting that duty could damage the relatives’ standing with God. If, though, a needy and deserving widow could not obtain help in this way, it was possible for the elders to arrange for some material aid from the congregation. In recent times, too, some congregations have aided especially needy ones in their midst. However, most lands now have tax-supported programs for the aged, infirm, or those willing but unable to find work. Christian elders may want to help in another way though. Some who are in genuine need and who fully qualify for public benefits are not receiving such because they do not know how to apply or are too timid to ask. Thus elders may inquire of governmental agencies or contact Witnesses who are experienced in these matters. They then may arrange for a capable brother or sister to help the needy person to receive the available benefits.—Romans 13:1, 4.
Q15) How do Christians keep a 'simple eye'?
15) We show our reliance on Jehovah when we keep a 'simple eye.' (Matthew 6:22, 23) A simple eye is sincere, pure in motive, and free from greed and selfish ambition. Having a simple eye does not mean living in abject poverty or being negligent in caring for our Christian responsibilities. Rather, it means showing "soundness of mind" as we keep Jehovah's service in first place.-2 Timothy 1:7.
Reliance on Jehovah = reliance on the WT organization
Simple eye…free from greed
JWs are not donating enough to the WTS because of the "selfish ambition" in pursuing a college education.
What is "abject poverty" in the WTS dictionary?
Keep Jehovah’s service in first place
Does that mean if a person works secularly 40 hours a week that they must put in 40 hours a week in the ministry? What is "Jehovah’s service"? Is it more than what gets put on a time slip. There was a time that it did, "sacred service" that is.
*** w76 10/1 p. 598 Rendering Sacred Service Night and Day ***
OUR WHOLE LIFE COURSE A "SACRED SERVICE"
"Sacred service," then, is not something that occupies only a portion of our lives. It is not limited to just one activity or a certain number of activities but it takes in every aspect of our daily living. It can be summed up by these words: ‘Keep doing all things as unto Jehovah, whether eating or drinking or doing any other thing.’ (1 Cor. 10:31) Showing how all-embracing this service should be, the apostle says at Romans 12:1, 2: "I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. And quit being fashioned after this system of things."
Q16) Why are faith and courage needed to keep a simple eye?
16) Maintaining a simple eye calls for faith and courage. For example, if an employer insists that you regularly work at a time scheduled for Christian meetings, will you courageously stick to your spiritual priorities? If a person has doubts that Jehovah will fulfill His promise to care for His servants, then Satan simply needs to keep up the pressure and such a person might stop attending meetings altogether. Yes, a lack of faith on our part can give Satan a hold on us so that he, not Jehovah, sets our priorities. What a tragedy that would be!-2 Corinthians 13:5.
If an employer insists that you regularly work at a time scheduled for Christian meetings
Notice that a JW is allowed to occasionally work at a time scheduled for Christian meetings as long as it isn’t regularly.
I have known elders to have sales jobs that kept them on the road during the week and they never attended a book study or school or service meeting in their home congregation. They rarely even attended a congregation on the road.
I have known elders to miss the Sunday meeting three weekends out of four as they traveled out of town and worked Sunday.
Did they doubt God’s ability to care for them?
His servants—only JWs.
Satan, not Jehovah, sets our priorities— actually the WTS tries to set the priorities"Hope in Jehovah"
Q17) How are those who trust in Jehovah blessed even now?
17) The Scriptures repeatedly show that those who hope and trust in Jehovah never lose out. (Proverbs 3:5, 6; Jeremiah 17:7) True, at times they may have to be content with less, but they consider this a small sacrifice compared with the blessings in store for them. They thus demonstrate that they "hope in Jehovah" and are confident that he will eventually grant his loyal ones all the righteous desires of their heart. (Psalm 37:4, 34) Hence, they are truly happy even now. "The expectation of the righteous ones is a rejoicing, but the very hope of the wicked ones will perish."-Proverbs 10:28.
Hope and trust in Jehovah—where’s Jesus?
Content with less— for JWs I know that means only taking one cruise a year instead of two; waiting 5 years to buy a new motorhome instead of 3, owning 2 vehicles instead of 3 or 4, eating out once a week instead of twice.
But if a JW has more, if they give more to the WTS, they can keep more than the poor JWs.
He will EVENTUALLY grant his loyal ones (only JWs) all the RIGHTEOUS desires of their hearts.
1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, 1984, 1994 (ended in 1995 and VERY SOON NOW)
Q18, 19) (a) What loving assurance does Jehovah give us? (b) How do we keep Jehovah at our "right hand"?
18) When a little boy walks hand in hand with his father, he feels safe and secure. The same is true of us as we walk with our heavenly Father. "Do not be afraid," said Jehovah to Israel, "for I am with you.... I will really help you.... For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, `Do not be afraid. I myself will help you."'-Isaiah 41:10,13.
Little boy…with his father— I always found it hard to put myself in a picture that did not include women or girls.
If the other sheep are not God’s children is God their father? To bridge that the WTS uses an OT scripture.
19) What a warm picture that conveys-Jehovah grasping one's hand! "I have placed Jehovah in front of me constantly," David wrote. "Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be made to totter." (Psalm 16:8) How do we keep Jehovah at our "right hand"? We do so in at least two ways. One, we let his Word guide us in every aspect of life; and two, we look to the glorious prize Jehovah has set before us. The psalmist Asaph sang: "I am constantly with you; you have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel you will lead me, and afterward you will take me even to glory." (Psalm 73:23, 24) With such assurance, we can truly face the future with confidence.
Can the other sheep grasp God’s hand or do they have to go through the WTS/FDS/GB? The WTS uses another OT scripture to bridge that dissonance.
Face the future with confidence— which future, the one the NT holds out to Christians?"Your Deliverance Is Getting Near"
Q20, 21) What future awaits those who hope in Jehovah?
20) With each passing day, it becomes more urgent that we keep Jehovah at our right hand. Soon, starting with the destruction of false religion, Satan's world will experience a tribulation such as it has never experienced before. (Matthew 24:21) Fear will envelop faithless mankind. Yet, during that chaotic time, Jehovah's courageous servants will rejoice in their hope! "As these things start to occur," said Jesus, "raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near."-Luke 21:28.
With each passing day, it becomes more urgent that we keep Jehovah (really the WTS) at our right hand.
SOON, STARTING WITH THE DESTRUCTION OF FALSE RELIGION (Tract tie-in)
Satan’s world…faithless mankind— all non-JWs Jehovah’s courageous servants— only JWsDELIVERANCE IS GETTING NEAR (what was the yeartext for 2006?)
1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, 1984, 1994, VERY SOON NOW
21) Let us therefore rejoice in our God-given hope and not be deceived or tempted by Satan's clever distractions. At the same time, let us work hard to cultivate faith, love, and godly fear. Doing so, we will have the courage to obey Jehovah under all circumstances and to oppose the Devil. (James 4:7, 8) Yes, "be courageous, and may your heart be strong, all you who are waiting for Jehovah."-Psalm 31:24.
Distractions—a word used about 1,000 times on the CD = materialismObey Jehovah under all circumstances— obey the WTS under all circumstances
*** w88 4/1 p. 31 Is Obedience Always Proper? ***
When our heavenly Father, Jehovah God, speaks, whether through his Word, the Bible, or through his earthly organization, it is all the more important for us to listen and obey, thus proving that we are obedient worshipers who do not ignore the loving reminder: "Did you hear me?"
Waiting for Jehovah— how many times have JWs been told to "wait on Jehovah" when serious wrongs are being committed in the congregation?
Can You Answer?
- In what way did Jesus' hope contribute to his courage?
- How do faith and hope relate to each other?
- How can hope along with faith give a Christian the courage to set sound priorities in life?
- Why can those who "hope in Jehovah" look to the future with confidence?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Hope is fading in many congregations. It can be seen by the low meeting attendance, low contributions, and low hours in the door to door work. The WTS has provided so many false hopes over the last 100 years, fewer and fewer JWs have that urgency that was seen prior to 1995. If the end is not coming in their lifetime, why should they live 30 or more years in constrained financial situations, especially when they see other JWs not doing that.
I don’t care if you wallpaper your house with paradise scenes from the WT publications, you will not see yourself in those pictures…the mad vision of some single, male Bethelite.
Deer hunting season opened this morning. A good time not to take a walk in the woods. For some men it is just a reason to get away from the family, sit around and drink until they are stupid. Another reason not to take a stroll. Thanksgiving is coming up too. Many hunters just stop long enough to stuff their face and it’s off after that illusive trophy.
We’re cleaning house and getting things ready for Thursday. Do you have a large or small family that attends? What are your traditional family dishes?
Love, Blondie