Comments You Will Not Hear at the 03-11-07 WT Study (February 1, 2007, pages 17-21)(APPRECIATIVE)
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
Bible translations
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bibleWT publications
www.reexamine.orgWT child abuse
www.silentlambs.orgBlood issue
www.ajwrb.orgUnited Nations
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
JEHOVAH IS AN APPRECIATIVE GOD
"God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name."-HEBREWS 6:10.
Opening Comments
Once again the WTS uses several OT examples for Christians. If God’s will is to teach people about the Bible, how many JWs actually teach anyone using the Bible without the crutch of a WT publication? Do they teach their own children? How many can reach for their Bible and not the Reasoning book that is bound inside to give the impression that they are speaking from the Bible? How many can turn to the scriptures that support their basic beliefs, especially those who have been JWs for ten or more years?
How many JWs can name the 12 apostles or the 9 fruits of the holy spirit without a peek in the Bible? How many books are in the Bible (Protestant)? Name them in order? Know if they are an OT or NT book?
What forms of appreciation are show in the WTS? Or are JWs just good-for-nothing slaves just doing what they ought?
START OF ARTICLE
Q1) How did Jehovah show his appreciation for the Moabitess Ruth?
1) Jehovah deeply appreciates the efforts of those who sincerely seek to do his will, and he richly rewards them. (Hebrews 11:6) The faithful man Boaz was acquainted with this beautiful facet of God's personality, for he said to the Moabitess Ruth, who lovingly cared for her widowed mother-in-law: "May Jehovah reward the way you act, and may there come to be a perfect wage for you from Jehovah." (Ruth 2:12) Was Ruth blessed by God? Absolutely! Why, her story is recorded in the Bible! Furthermore, she married Boaz and became an ancestress of both King David and Jesus Christ. (Ruth 4:13, 17; Matthew 1:5, 6, 16) That example is but one of many in the Bible showing Jehovah's appreciation for his servants.
OT—Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, David
Sincerely…faithful…blessed
According to the WTS is sincerity enough?
*** Paradise Earth book chap. 3 p. 31 par. 15 Your Religion Really Matters ***
Since many religions today are not doing God’s will, we cannot simply assume that the teachings of the religious organization we are associated with are in agreement with God’s Word. The mere fact that the Bible is used by a religion does not of itself prove that all the things it teaches and practices are in the Bible. It is important that we ourselves examine whether they are or not. Persons in the city of Beroea were commended because, after the Christian apostle Paul preached to them, they checked the Scriptures to make sure that the things he was telling them were true. (Acts 17:10, 11) The religion that is approved by God must agree in every way with the Bible; it will not accept certain parts of the Bible and reject other parts.—2 Timothy 3:16.
Are JWs allowed to put the WTS/FDS/GB to the same Beroean test?
(see quote at end of review)
People other than JWs are sincerely seek to do God’s will? Does that mean God does not accept their worship?
*** w04 11/15 p. 22 par. 12 Search for Jehovah, the Examiner of Hearts ***
Although some professed Christians accept the truth of God’s Word, Christendom’s worship itself is not motivated by genuine love for God.
Does God only reward "his servants"?
(Matthew 5:45-46) 45 that YOU may prove yourselves sons of YOUR Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous. 46 For if YOU love those loving YOU, what reward do YOU have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing?
(Acts 14:16-17) 16 In the past generations he permitted all the nations to go on in their ways, 17 although, indeed, he did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving YOU rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling YOUR hearts to the full with food and good cheer."
BTW, why was Boaz able to marry a Moabitess, a non-Jew?
Why were Naomi’s Jewish sons able to marry Moabite women? Neither Ruth or Orpah had "embraced" the worship of those sons’ God when they had married Mahlon and his brother in Moab.
*** Scripture Inspired (si) p. 51 par. 3 Bible Book Number 8—Ruth ***
Though marriage with idol-worshiping Canaanites and Moabites was forbidden to the Israelites, this did not exclude foreigners such as Ruth who embraced Jehovah’s worship.
(Deuteronomy 23:3) "No Am´mon·ite or Mo´ab·ite may come into the congregation of Jehovah. Even to the tenth generation none of theirs may come into the congregation of Jehovah to time indefinite,
(Nehemiah 13:1) On that day there was a reading from the book of Moses in the ears of the people; and there was found written in it that the Am´mon·ite and the Mo´ab·ite should not come into the congregation of the [true] God to time indefinite. . .
Q2, 3) (a) What makes Jehovah's expressions of appreciation remarkable? (b) Why is Jehovah able to express true appreciation? Illustrate.
2) Jehovah would consider it unrighteous on his part if he were to show a lack of appreciation. Says Hebrews 6:10: "God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering." What makes this statement remarkable is that God shows appreciation for devoted people even though they are sinners and fall short of his glory.-Romans 3:23.
God shows appreciation for devoted people even though they are sinners
Devoted people
= only JWs3) Because of our imperfection, we may feel that our deeds of godly devotion are insignificant and unworthy of God's blessing. Jehovah, though, fully understands our motives and circumstances, and he truly values our whole-souled service. (Matthew 22:37) To illustrate: A mother finds a gift-an inexpensive necklace-on her table. She could view the gift as of little value and toss it aside. However, the accompanying card reveals that the gift is from her little girl, who spent all her savings to buy it. The mother now sees the gift in a new light. Perhaps with tears in her eyes, she embraces her child and expresses her heartfelt appreciation.
We may feel…insignificant and unworthy
Or because JWs are constantly told to DO MORE, they feel unworthy and insignificant?
*** km 2/05 p. 2 Service Meeting Schedule ***
Encourage all to increasetheir spiritual activity in some way during this Memorial season.
*** km 2/04 p. 4 par. 8 Keep Telling About Jehovah’s Wonderful Works ***
What was the congregation’s previous peak of auxiliary pioneers? Can it be exceeded this year? Book study overseers and their assistants should seek ways to encourage all in the group to increase their activity.
*** km 3/03 p. 2 Service Meeting Schedule ***
When considering paragraph 14, have a brief demonstration of an elder making an encouraging visit on an infirm brother, during which he kindly explains how the brother can share in the congregation’s increased activity during the Memorial season.
[God]…understands our motives and circumstances
Yet elders and other JWs feel they can judge the motives and circumstances of other JWs and say they could DO MORE.
If the necklace had come from someone other than her daughter, would she have viewed it "as of little value and toss it aside"?
Embraces her child
— when was the last time you saw a JW embracing their child?Who determines what our best is? The elders? Other JWs?
[Picture on page 17] As a parent loves her child's simple expression, Jehovah appreciates it when we give him our best
Q4, 5) How did Jesus imitate Jehovah in showing appreciation?
4) Being fully aware of our motives and limitations, Jehovah appreciates it when we give him our best, whether that is a little or a lot. In this regard, Jesus was a perfect reflection of his Father. Recall the Bible account about the widow's mite. "As [Jesus] looked up he saw the rich dropping their gifts into the treasury chests. Then he saw a certain needy widow drop two small coins of very little value there, and he said: `I tell you truthfully, This widow, although poor, dropped in more than they all did. For all these dropped in gifts out of their surplus, but this woman out of her want dropped in all the means of living she had."'-Luke 21:1-4.
Who is aware of our motives and limitations? The elders? Or God?
Who determines if you have given your best, your widow’s mite? The elders or God?
5) Yes, knowing the woman's circumstances--that she was widowed and poor--Jesus understood the true value of her gift, and he was moved with appreciation. The same can be said of Jehovah. (John 14:9) Is it not encouraging to know that whatever your circumstances, you can find favor in the eyes of our appreciative God and of his Son?
Whatever your circumstances, can you find favor in the eyes of the elders and other JWs?
Jehovah Rewards a God-Fearing Ethiopian
Q6, 7) Why and how did Jehovah demonstrate his appreciation toward Ebed-melech?
6) That Jehovah shows his appreciation for those who do his will is repeatedly demonstrated in the Scriptures. Consider his dealings with the God-fearing Ethiopian Ebed-melech, a contemporary of Jeremiah and a servant in the household of unfaithful King Zedekiah of Judah. Ebed-melech learned that the princes of Judah had wrongly charged the prophet Jeremiah with sedition and had thrown him into a cistern, there to die without food. (Jeremiah 38:1-7) Knowing that Jeremiah was bitterly hated because of the message he preached, Ebedmelech risked his own life and appealed to the king. Courageously, the Ethiopian spoke: "O my lord the king, these men have done bad in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have thrown into the cistern, so that he will die where he is because of the famine." At the king's command, Ebed-melech took 30 men and rescued God's prophet. Jeremiah 38:8-13.
For those who do his will
— as interpreted by the WTS*** w63 6/1 p. 351 Questions From Readers ***
And it might not be amiss to note that, since God’s will for his servants was only gradually made plain at a time when inspired apostles were present in the Christian congregation, how much more should we expect that in our day God’s will would only gradually be made plain to his servants on earth, the "faithful and discreet slave" class and their "other sheep" companions—Matt. 24:45-47; John 10:16; Prov. 4:18.
OT—Ebedmelech, Jeremiah
Risked his own life
— the elders who don’t have 10 minutes to call on the depressed or inactive, will they risk their lives?(Luke 16:10) . . .The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.
So if they don’t have time now will they have time later?
7) Jehovah saw that Ebed-melech acted in faith, which helped him overcome any fear he might have had. Thus, Jehovah showed his appreciation and said to Ebed-melech through Jeremiah: "Here I am bringing true my words upon this city for calamity and not for good ... And I will deliver you in that day, ... and you will not be given into the hand of the men of whom you yourself are scared. For I shall without fail furnish you an escape ...; and you will certainly come to have your soul as a spoil, because you have trusted in me." (Jeremiah 39:16-18) Yes, Jehovah delivered Ebed-melech, as well as Jeremiah, from the wicked princes of Judah and later from the Babylonians, who razed Jerusalem. "[Jehovah] is guarding the souls of his loyal ones; out of the hand of the wicked ones he delivers them," says Psalm 97:10.
Acted in faith
—is there any true faith outside the WTS organization?*** w77 12/15 p. 763 par. 20 "They Will Not Prevail Against You" ***
Long ago, in 647-607 B.C.E., Jeremiah himself did a work of planting and building up a class of non-Israelite individuals who were to survive Jerusalem’s destruction in 607 B.C.E. These were the Rechabites, the descendants of Jonadab, and the Ethiopian eunuch named Ebed-melech. (Jer. 35:1-9; 38:1-13; 39:15-18) These God-fearing friends of Jeremiah pictured the "great crowd" who today befriend the Jeremiah class and actively aid this anointed remnant in their work.
Jeremiah = anointed JWs
Ebedmelech = non-anointed JWs
God speaks to the non-anointed JWs (Ebedmelech) through the anointed JWs (Jeremiah)
Does the promise to Ebed-melech that mean JWs won’t die at Armageddon?
*** w52 6/1 p. 349 Fixing Destinies in This Judgment Period ***
Some may die during Armageddon who are not slain by Jehovah, such as some of his people whose physical organisms may not be able to endure the ordeal;
"Your Father Who Looks On in Secret Will Repay You
"Q8, 9) As demonstrated by Jesus, what kind of prayers does Jehovah appreciate?
8) Another evidence that Jehovah appreciates and values our expressions of godly devotion can be seen in what the Bible says about prayer. "The prayer of the upright ones is a pleasure to [God]," noted the wise man. (Proverbs 15:8) In Jesus' day many religious leaders prayed publicly, not out of genuine piety, but out of a desire to impress men. "They are having their reward in full," said Jesus. "However, when you pray," he instructed his followers, "go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you." -Matthew 6:5, 6.
Upright, genuine, impress, reward
Do you know of JWs that prayed publicly that were shortly thereafter df’d? Did God hear those prayers?
Did/do you have men in your congregation that pray to impress God?
Did you know that not all men in the JW congregation are allowed to pray publicly, even if they are not on restrictions?
9) Of course, Jesus was not condemning public prayer, for he himself prayed publicly on certain occasions. (Luke 9:16) Jehovah deeply appreciates it when we pray to him from a sincere heart, with no thought of impressing others. Our private prayers, in fact, are a good indicator of the depth of our love for God and our trust in him. Hence, it comes as no surprise that Jesus often sought out private places to pray. Once, he did this "early in the morning, while it was still dark." At another time, "he went up into the mountain by himself to pray." And before choosing his 12 apostles, Jesus spent the whole night alone in prayer.-Mark 1:35; Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12,13.
Our private prayers…are a good indicator of the depth of our love for God
— isn’t it a good thing that the elders can’t hear our prayers.Did you know that is one of the criteria by which a brother is judged ready to be appointed an MS or elder is by the "quality" of his prayers? Are these brothers trying to impress God or the elders?
Q10) When our prayers reflect sincerity and depth of feeling, of what may we be certain?
10) Imagine how closely Jehovah must have listened to his Son's heartfelt expressions! Indeed, Jesus at times prayed "with strong outcries and tears, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear." (Hebrews 5:7; Luke 22:41-44) When our prayers reflect such sincerity and depth of feeling, we may be certain that our heavenly Father listens closely and appreciatively. Yes, "Jehovah is near to all those ... who call upon him in trueness."-Psalm 145:18.
If non-JWs pray sincerely and depth of feeling, does God hear them according to the WTS?
What part does Christ play in prayer? Where’s Jesus? Does he act as mediator in prayer as 1 Tim. 2:5 says?
*** w02 7/1 p. 8 Worship God "in Spirit" ***
Is it proper to pray to Jesus’ earthly mother, Mary, or to particular "saints," asking them to intercede with God in one’s behalf? The Bible’s direct answer is: "There is only one mediator between God and mankind, himself a man, Christ Jesus."—1 Timothy 2:5.
Does this mean that Jesus only mediates the prayers of the anointed since the WTS applies "mediator" here only in regard to anointed JWs?
*** w79 4/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
At a time when God was selecting those to be taken into that new covenant, the apostle Paul wrote that Christ was the "one mediator between God and men." (1 Tim. 2:5) Reasonably Paul was here using the word "mediator" in the same way he did the other five times, which occurred before the writing of 1 Timothy 2:5, referring to those then being taken into the new covenant for which Christ is "mediator." So in this strict Biblical sense Jesus is the "mediator" only for anointed Christians.
11) How does Jehovah feel about what we do in private?
11) If Jehovah appreciates it when we pray to him in secret, how he must appreciate it when we obey him in secret! Yes, Jehovah is aware of what we do in private. (1 Peter 3:12) Indeed, our being faithful and obedient when we are alone is a good indication that we have "a complete heart" toward Jehovah, one that is pure in motive and that is firm for what is right. (1 Chronicles 28:9) How such conduct makes Jehovah's heart rejoice!-Proverbs 27:11; 1 John 3:22.
Obey him in secret…Jehovah is aware of what we do in private
Why isn’t the he telling the elders then by holy spirit what they are doing?
Can you think of things that you knew JWs were doing in secret?
Smoking
Masturbation
Molesting children
Beating wives and children
Business fraud
Slander and gossip
Visiting strip clubs
Drunken driving
Visiting porn sites
Adultery/fornication
Lying
Add your own
12, 13) How can we guard our mind and heart and be like the faithful disciple Nathanael?
12) Consequently, faithful Christians guard against secret sins that corrupt the mind and heart, such as the viewing of pornography and violence. While some sins can be hidden from humans, we realize that "all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting." (Hebrews 4:13; Luke 8:17) By striving to avoid things that displease Jehovah, we hold a clean conscience and delight in knowing that we have God's approval. Yes, there is no doubt that Jehovah truly appreciates the person "who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness and speaking the truth in his heart."-Psalm 15:1, 2.
Faithful Christians
— only JWsSecret sins that corrupt the mind and heart
Like elders telling an abuse victim that they have to go home to their molester because it is the victim’s word only; or telling a wife that she must accept her beatings from her JW husband because it is her fault; or if non-JW husband, she might "convert" him after 30 years of beatings. Ever hear of many JW husbands staying with opposing non-JW wives?
Displease Jehovah…God’s approval
— where’s Jesus?No doubt [God] truly appreciates
— but only with the elders stamp of approval.13) How, though, can we guard our mind and heart in a world that is saturated with badness? (Proverbs 4:23; Ephesians 2:2) In addition to taking full advantage of all spiritual provisions, we must make every effort to reject what is bad and do what is good, acting quickly so that improper desires do not become fertile and give birth to sin. (James 1:14, 15) Think how happy you would be if Jesus said of you what he said of Nathanael: "See, [a man] in whom there is no deceit." (John 1:47) Nathanael, also called Bartholomew, was later privileged to become one of Jesus' 12 apostles.-Mark 3: 16-19.
World that is saturated with badness
— an example of how the WTS "demonizes" every non-JW on earth.Reject WHAT is bad
— why then do JWs reject their members who do not adhere to every written and non-written rule, such as not attending meetings or turning in field service records ?In whom there is no deceit
—Jesus was definitely not talking about the WTS .
***
w931/15p.5‘CaughtAwaytoMeettheLord’—How?***TheWatchtower has
consistently presented evidence to honesthearted students of Bible prophecy that Jesus’ presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914 .
*** Thousand Years Has Approached chap. 11
p.187par.7"HereIstheBridegroom!"***Due to this fact, when Charles T. Russell began publishing his own religious magazine in July of 1879, he published it under the title "Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence." He had already become familiar with Wilson’s TheEmphaticDiaglott, which translated the Greek word pa·rou·si´a as "presence," not "coming," in Matthew 24:3 and elsewhere. The new magazine was heralding Christ’s invisible
presence as having begun in 1874. This presence was to continue until the end of the Gentile Times in 1914, when the Gentile nations would be destroyed and the remnant of the "chaste virgin" class would be glorified with their bridegroom in heaven by death and resurrection to life in the spirit
"A Merciful and Faithful High Priest"
Q14) How did Jesus' response to Mary's gesture compare with that of others?
14) Being "the image of the invisible God," Jehovah, Jesus always perfectly imitates his Father in showing appreciation for those who serve God out of a clean heart. (Colossians 1:15) For example, five days before surrendering his life, Jesus and some of his disciples were guests in the home of Simon of Bethany. During the evening, Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, "took a pound of perfumed oil, genuine nard, very costly" (worth about a year's wages), and poured it onto Jesus' head and feet. (John 12:3) "Why this waste?" said some. Jesus, however, saw Mary's gesture in a very different light. He viewed it as an act of great generosity and of deep significance in view of his imminent death and burial. Hence, rather than criticize Mary, Jesus honored her. "Wherever this good news is preached in all the world," he said, "what this woman did shall also be told as a remembrance of her."-Matthew 26:6-13.
Now Jesus appears.
Mary = non-anointed JWs
Jesus = anointed JWs
Non-anointed JWs should be more generous materially to the WTS.
Yes, JWs will not be critizied for giving their year’s wages to the WTS.
Does this mean the WTS is going to institute announcements of donations of $250 or more?
Q15, 16) How do we benefit by Jesus' having lived and served God as a human?
15) How privileged we are to have such an appreciative person as Jesus as our Leader! In fact, Jesus' life as a human prepared him for the work Jehovah had in store for him -serving as High Priest and King, first of the congregation of anointed ones and then of the world.-Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 7:26; Revelation 1:15.
Yes, the anointed come first, that is why the non-anointed are mentioned as companions in WTS literature not being part of the "elite" group.
Is the world all people or only JWs? Are non-anointed JWs part of the "congregation"?
16) Before coming to earth, Jesus already had a deep interest in and a special fondness for mankind. (Proverbs 8:31) By living as a human, he came to appreciate more fully the trials we experience in our service to God. "[Jesus] was obliged to become like his `brothers' in all respects," wrote the apostle Paul, "that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest ... For in that he himself has suffered when being put to the test, he is able to come to the aid of those who are being put to the test." Jesus can "sympathize with our weaknesses" because he "has been tested in all respects like ourselves, but without sin."-Hebrews 2:17,18; 4:15, 16.
Jesus can "sympathize with our weaknesses" but not the elders. While Jesus let Peter only days after denying him 3 times speak for the new Christian congregation, today’s elders would have put him on restrictions for at least a year, perhaps even 10 before appointing him to anything.
Q17, 18) (a) What do the letters to the seven congregations in Asia Minor reveal about Jesus' depth of appreciation? (b) For what were those anointed Christians being prepared?
17) The heightened appreciation Jesus had for his followers' trials became evident after he was resurrected. Consider his letters to the seven congregations in Asia Minor, as penned by the apostle John. To the congregation in Smyrna, Jesus said: "I know your tribulation and poverty." Here, Jesus was saying, in effect, `I fully understand your problems; I really know what you are going through.' Then, with both the compassion and the authority borne of his own suffering to the very death, Jesus added: "Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life."-Revelation 2:8-10.
I know your tribulation and poverty…I fully understand your problems
I wonder if elders tell the victims of abuse in their congregation that?
Notice that the anointed Christians knew they had to die; yet most JWs today are told they will never have to die….is the WTS lying?
*** w83 7/1 p. 23 par. 21 The Live Men of Faith Who Will Never Die ***
Unquestionably, so late in this "time of the end" since the end of the Gentile Times in 1914, there are many live men and women of faith and integrity who will never die off the face of the earth, God’s footstool. What an unusual opportunity lies ahead of them! Because of never dying and being buried, they will need no resurrection of the dead during the thousand-year-long reign of Jesus Christ.
18) The letters to the seven congregations are filled with expressions that reflect Jesus' full awareness of his disciples' challenges and his genuine appreciation for their life of integrity. (Revelation 2:1-3:22) Keep in mind that those whom Jesus addressed were anointed Christians with the hope of ruling alongside him in heaven. In the footsteps of their Lord, they were being prepared for their lofty role of helping to administer with the greatest compassion the benefits of Christ's ransom sacrifice to ailing humankind.-Revelation 5:9, 10; 22:1-5.
Keep in mind…addressed…anointed…hope of ruling…in heaven…lofty role of helping administer
Now doesn’t set all 6.5 million non-anointed JWs on earth into a secondary position; some anointed on earth seem to think they are already administering the benefits of the ransom to those THEY deem worthy.
Q19, 20) How do those making up the "great crowd" show their appreciation to Jehovah and his Son?
19) Of course, Jesus' love for his anointed followers is also extended toward his loyal "other sheep," millions of whom now make up the prospective "great crowd ... out of all nations," who will survive the coming "great tribulation." (John 10:16; Revelation 7:9, 14) These ones are flocking to Jesus' side out of appreciation for his ransom sacrifice and for their hope of everlasting life. How do they show their appreciation? They do so by "rendering [God] sacred service day and night"-Revelation 7:15-17.
Of course, Jesus’ love…extended toward…"other sheep"…"great crowd"
Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus’ love has been extended THROUGH the anointed?
"Rendering sacred service" only with the WTS though.
CARROT:
Survive the coming "great tribulation"…hope of everlasting lifeFlocking to Jesus’ side
= flocking to the WTS/FDS/GB side20) The worldwide report for the 2006 service year, set out on pages 27 to 30, gives clear evidence that these faithful ministers are truly rendering Jehovah "sacred service day and night." In fact, during that one year, they along with the relatively small remaining body of anointed Christians devoted a total of 1,333,966,199 hours to the public ministry-equivalent to well over 150,000 years!
Does the WTS teach that everyone will receive a witness before the "end" comes?
*** w62 2/1 p. 96 Questions From Readers ***
Accordingly, by means of his instructions to his twelve apostles Jesus was prophetically telling us today that his anointed disciples or the remnant of spiritual Israel would not complete the circuit of the entire inhabited earth with the preaching of the message of God’s established kingdom before the glorified heavenly King Jesus Christ would arrive as Jehovah’s executional officer in the battle of Armageddon. This means that Jehovah’s witnesses today, who now include hundreds of thousands of the "other sheep" or earthly companions of the spiritual remnant, will not be able to reach personally all parts of the earth with the Kingdom message before the battle of Armageddon breaks out.
*** w97 8/15 p. 14 par. 11 Living for Today or for an Eternal Future? ***
While the good news will surely be announced throughout the earth, we will not in person reach all parts of the earth with the Kingdom message before Jesus "arrives" as Executioner.
*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 "Keep on the Watch" ***
Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness.
But what were those hours spent really doing (list is not all inclusive)
Driving around the territory
Drving to return visits from one end of the territory to the other
Calling on homes when it was known no one would be home
Rounding up from 1 minute to 1 hour
Talking in the car waiting for 2 JWs to come back from a return visit
Breaks
Stopping by to pick up child from school
Stopping by to pick up dry cleaning
Stopping by to do banking
Stopping by to pick up something for dinner
Picking up other vehicle at the garage
Stopping by to visit with baptized JW who goes to meetings
Picking up medications at the pharmacy
Doing phone witnessing with one phone and ten people
Picking up sister for meetings who has unbaptized child
Drinking coffee and eating cookies with woman who has been called on for ten years and never once mentioning anything religious instead discussing every secular topic known to women
Sitting in the car gossiping about other JWs at the KH
How many hours have non-JW religions spent talking to others about their beliefs?
The most significant conclusion in a survey of evangelization is that with 1.27 trillion hours of evangelism produced by Christians in 2005, there is enough evangelism for every person to hear a one-hour presentation of the gospel every other day all year long.
http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/trendsandstatistics/11-2005
http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/world.htm
Continue to Show Appreciation!
Q21, 22) (a) In regard to showing appreciation, why must Christians be especially on guard today? (b) What will be considered in the following article?
21) In dealing with imperfect humans, Jehovah and his Son have shown a depth of appreciation that is truly overwhelming. Sadly, though, the majority of humans give little thought to God, focusing instead on their own concerns. Describing people living in "the last days," Paul wrote: "Men will become utterly self-centred, greedy for money ... They will be utterly lacking in gratitude." (2 Timothy 3:1-5, Phillips) What a contrast such ones are to true Christians, who by means of heartfelt prayer, willing obedience, and whole-souled service demonstrate their appreciation for all that God has done for them!-Psalm 62:8; Mark 12: 30; 1 John 5:3.
Majority of humans give little thought to God— all non-JWs
If you every have or do attend a meeting of JWs, listen to their conversations; how many center around anything spiritual? You might have to tape them secretly.
True Christians— only JWsAppreciation for all that God (or the WTS) has done for them
*** w05 5/15 p. 18 Highlights From the Book of Second Samuel ***
Appreciation for Jehovah and his organization should move us to be submissive.
*** w04 3/15 p. 19 par. 21 "Fully Accomplish Your Ministry" ***
We may also succeed in building respect and appreciation for Jehovah’s organization.
*** w02 10/1 p. 22 par. 21 Cultivate Obedience as the End Draws Near ***
So let us continue to appreciate Jehovah’s wonderful theocratic organization and what it provides.
*** w98 9/1 p. 11 par. 14 Keep Safe as Part of God’s Organization ***
Christian meetings play a vital part in this. A person who is free to attend such meetings but neglects to do so lacks appreciation for his place in God’s organization
22) In the following article, we will review some of the many spiritual provisions that Jehovah has lovingly extended to us. As we reflect on these `good gifts,' may our appreciation grow even deeper. James 1:17.
Spiritual provisions that Jehovah— can you guess what the WTS considers "spiritual" provisions—BTW Where’s Jesus?
Meetings
Meetings
Meetings
Field Service
Field Service
Field Service
FDS—FDS—FDS
How Would You Answer?
- How has Jehovah shown himself to be an appreciative God?
- When in private, how can we make Jehovah's heart rejoice?
- In what ways did Jesus show appreciation?
- How did living as a human help Jesus to be a compassionate and appreciative ruler?
Concluding Comments
Did you find that the topics of this article were all over the map? Well, it is that article that comes with the statistics every year.
Appreciation of God =
Non-anointed JWs supporting anointed JWs, especially financially (see Mary)
God sees the bad things you are doing, stop it.
The anointed come first, the non-anointed with get a reward, of lesser value though
BTW the statistics showed that the anointed increased in number this year.
2005 8,524
2006 8,758
234 more going to heaven; but then that means 234 sinned against the holy spirit and died unfaithful
Well, the snow is melting again. The sun is out and the temps are in the 40’s. Hopefully, floods are not in my future. A new book arrived today, Gardening in XXXX (the state I live in). Heard about it on the local NPR station.
Your tips on orchids have me all excited. I have a window right here next to where my computer is that will be perfect. I can just look over and see them any time I am working here.
A movie is coming out called Chameleon (Piers Anthony) so I have been re-reading that volume. I also ordered the last 3 volumes in paperback.
I have to read now because when spring comes I will be outside appreciating God not the WTS.
Love, Blondie
Berean Test of the FDS? Only place in WTS publications that Acts 17:10,11 is applied this way.
*** w81 2/15 pp. 18-19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***
To help us to understand God’s Word in these "last days," Jehovah God has lovingly provided a visible organization under Christ—the "faithful and discreet slave." The way Jehovah God has prospered the activities carried on under its direction can leave no doubt in the minds of dedicated Christians as to Jehovah God’s approval being upon it.—Matt. 24:45-47.
ANOBLE-MINDEDVIEW
How shall we view the spiritual food provided by this "faithful and discreet slave"? Should it be viewed critically—‘Oh, well, it might be true but then again it might not be and so we have to scrutinize it very critically’? Some apparently have felt that way about it. To support their way of thinking they have quoted Acts 17:11, which says of newly interested persons at Beroea: "Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so."
But does this mean that those Beroeans were looking for flaws in the message they were hearing, or that their attitude was one of doubting? Does this set a precedent for regarding critically the publications brought forth by the "faithful and discreet slave," with a view to finding fault? Not at all!
First of all, let us note the setting of the statement about the noble-minded Beroeans. Paul, accompanied by Silas, was on his second missionary tour. Due to persecution that arose, the brothers at Thessalonica sent them on to Beroea. In Beroea they met sincere Jews who had strong faith in God’s Word. These were not Christians yet. They were simply interested persons who had to satisfy themselves that what Paul was telling them had the support of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Up to this time, these devout Jews in Beroea may never have heard of Jesus Christ. What Paul was telling them was entirelynew. So those noble-minded Jews in Beroea searched the Scriptures daily to make certain that the references that Paul gave were really part of God’s Word. And with what mental attitude did they pursue their studies? With a skeptical attitude, trying to prove Paul wrong? No, they were altogether unlike Paul’s critics on Mars Hill, for we read that they heard Paul’s testimony with "the greatest eagerness of mind."—Acts 17:11, 32.
These Beroeans listened with a readiness, yes, an eagerness, to believe. Thus not only were they open-minded, but they were wanting to have this "good news" proved true. In fact, for a person to acquire faith he must have "the will to believe." If he is determined not to believe, then no amount of evidence will convince him; for if a person looks for them he can always find excuses, plausible reasons for not accepting the accountability that belief will bring upon him. As the apostle Paul well said: "Faith is not a possession of all people." (2 Thess. 3:2) But the Beroeans had the will to believe. They considered what they heard with a receptive frame of mind. As a result, "many of them became believers, and so did not a few of the reputable Greek women and of the men."—Acts 17:12.
Jesus’ disciples wrote many letters to Christian congregations, to persons who were already in "the way of the truth." (2 Pet. 2:2) But nowhere do we read that those brothers first, in a skeptical frame of mind, checked the Scriptures to make certain that those letters had Scriptural backing, that the writers really knew what they were talking about.
OURVIEWOFTHE"SLAVE"
We can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his "slave" to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using. At the Brooklyn headquarters from which the Bible publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses emanate there are more mature Christian elders, both of the "remnant" and of the "other sheep," than anywhere else upon earth.
True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18) However, this has resulted in a continual refining of the body of Bible-based truth to which Jehovah’s Witnesses subscribe. Over the years, as adjustments have been made to that body of truth, it has become ever more wonderful and applicable to our lives in these "last days." Bible commentators of Christendom are not inspired either. Despite their claims to great knowledge, they have failed to highlight even basic Bible truths—such as the coming Paradise earth, the importance of God’s name, and the condition of the dead.
Rather, the record that the "faithful and discreet slave" organization has made for the past more than 100 years forces us to the conclusion that Peter expressed when Jesus asked if his apostles also wanted to leave him, namely, "Whom shall we go away to?" (John 6:66-69) 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.