Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-18-07 WT Study (February 1, 2007, pages 22-25)(YOUR APPRECIATION)
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
NEVER CEASE GROWING IN YOUR APPRECIATION
"How precious your thoughts are! 0 God, how much does the grand sum of them amount to!"-PSALM 139:17.
Opening Comments
A WTS equation:
God’s Word = Can only be explained by WTS/FDS/GB
WTS publications = God’s means of explaining the Bible
God’s Word = WTS publications
Then and now:
*** w54 9/1 p. 529 Recognizing the Theocratic Organization for Life ***
In view of its unbreakable connection with the Christian theocratic organization, the Bible is organization-minded and it cannot be fully understood without our having the theocratic organization in mind. This makes it very necessary for those who humble themselves under God’s mighty hand to take account of the theocratic organization and to recognize it. All the sheep of God’s flock must be organization-minded, like the Bible.
*** w56 4/1 p. 208 par. 44 Making All Mankind One Under Their Creator ***
For the sake of gaining more knowledge associate henceforth with the New World society of Jehovah’s witnesses.It is the only organization on earth today that is really practicing godly harmony and oneness under the one Shepherd Jesus Christ. It is the only visible organization that today offers the hope and the assurance to mankind of living through the unavoidable world catastrophe at Armageddon and surviving into God’s new world.
*** 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.
*** w81 12/1 p. 27 par. 4 The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter ***
But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his "faithful and discreet slave," made up of spirit-anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do.—Compare Acts 8:30-40.
*** 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. How is this done?—Matthew 24:45-47; Luke 12:42.
*** w03 3/15 p. 27 ‘The Lips of Truth Will Endure Forever’ ***
Jehovah gives us sound counsel through his Word and through his organization, using the publications provided by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45; 2 Timothy 3:16) How foolish to reject good advice and insist on our own way! We "must be swift about hearing" when Jehovah, "the One teaching men knowledge," counsels us through his channel of communication.—James 1:19; Psalm 94:10.
*** w05 7/15 p. 22 par. 8 "Keep Proving What You Yourselves Are" ***
Jehovah has provided teachings and instruction through the publications of "the faithful and discreet slave," which explain the Scriptures. (Matthew 24:45)
*** w05 9/15 p. 23 par. 11 Go On Walking as Jesus Christ Walked ***
Yes, Jesus Christ leads his followers today through the holy spirit, "the faithful and discreet slave," and the congregation elders.
START OF ARTICLE
Q1, 2) Why should we appreciate God's Word, and how did the psalmist voice his appreciation?
1) It was a sensational find. While repairs were being made on Jehovah's temple in Jerusalem, High Priest Hilkiah found "the book of Jehovah's law by the hand of Moses," doubtless the original copy completed some 800 years earlier! Can you imagine how God-fearing King Josiah must have felt when that book was placed before him? Indeed, he prized it and immediately had Shaphan, the secretary, read it aloud.-2 Chronicles 34:14-18.
Doubtless
—a word the WTS uses when then is no proof or support, just a speculation on their part.Original copy
— would it have made it more valuable; how many JWs have an original copy of the New World Translation (NWT) let alone the Bible. Would it be more valuable?Immediately had…read aloud
— how often do JWs today hear a whole scripture read aloud even at the meetings?Even the theme scripture was not quoted in whole above or in the next paragraph:
(Psalm 139:17) So, to me how precious your thoughts are! O God, how much does the grand sum of them amount to!
2) Today, God's Word, in whole or in part, can be read by billions. But does that make the Scriptures less valuable, less important? Of course not! After all, they contain the very thoughts of the Almighty, recorded for our benefit. (2 Timothy 3:16) Expressing his feelings about God's Word, the psalmist David wrote: "To me how precious your thoughts are! O God, how much does the grand sum of them amount to! "-Psalm 139:17.
So after effusing about the 800-year-old original manuscript the WTS undercuts the whole paragraph.
Why did they leave out the word "so"? To save space?
How many JWs would know what 2 Timothy 3:16 says without looking it up? How many would even bother looking it up? Will some JW read it in their comment? Will the conductor have it read or paraphrase it himself?
How many JWs know who won the recent rounds of NCAA basketball games? Or the top seeded teams? Or JW women who follow the soaps…who know more about the private lives of people they know for sure never existed?
Q3) What shows that David was a man of spiritual depth?
3) David's appreciation for Jehovah, his Word, and his arrangement for true worship never faded. The many beautiful psalms David composed expressed how he felt. For example, at Psalm 27:4, he wrote: "One thing I have asked from Jehovah-it is what I shall look for, that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of Jehovah and to look with appreciation upon his temple." In the original Hebrew, the expression "to look with appreciation" means to linger in contemplation, to scrutinize, to see with pleasure, delight, admiration. Clearly, David was a man of spiritual depth who truly appreciated Jehovah's spiritual provisions and relished every morsel of spiritual truth that God revealed. His example of appreciation is worthy of imitation.-Psalm 19:7-11.
David’s appreciation for Jehovah, his Word, and his arrangement for true worship never faded
His arrangement for true worship
— a euphemism for the WTS/FDS/GB of todayI do think David took a fade on at least 3 separate occasions:
Under Jewish law, David should have died, instead other people died for this sins. And he never was removed as king.
Clearly, David was a man of spiritual depth who truly appreciated Jehovah’s spiritual provisions and relished every morsel of spiritual truth.
I’m sure he appreciated the provisions of avoiding the death penalty. It would be as if an elder committed adultery and murder and chose to have 70,000 people to die for his sins and was never removed as an elder. Sounds like the man of "spiritual depth" needed today.
Appreciate the Privilege of Knowing Bible Truth
Q4) What caused Jesus to become "overjoyed in the holy spirit"?
4) Gaining insight into God's Word does not depend on intellect or worldly education, which tend to foster pride. Instead, it depends on Jehovah's undeserved kindness, which he extends toward humble, honesthearted people who are conscious of their spiritual need. (Matthew 5:3; 1 John 5:20) When Jesus reflected on the fact that some imperfect humans were having their names inscribed in heaven, "he became overjoyed in the holy spirit and said: `I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones, and have revealed them to babes."'-Luke 10:17-21.
Does not depend on intellect or worldly education, which tend to foster pride.
Well, there is a slam against education.
Instead, it depends on Jehovah's undeserved kindness, which he extends toward humble, honesthearted people
"Undeserved" which seems to indicate that it cannot be earned and that one cannot "qualify" for this "kindness."
Revealed them to babes
— does that explain why the WTS has taught that the end would come in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, (1984),(1994) and now VERY SOON NOW perhaps in 2007?Q5) Why were Jesus' disciples not to take for granted the Kingdom truths revealed to them?
5) After uttering that heartfelt prayer, Jesus turned to his disciples and said: "Happy are the eyes that behold the things you are beholding. For I say to you, Many prophets and kings desired to see the things you are beholding but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them." Yes, Jesus encouraged his faithful followers not to take for granted the precious Kingdom truths being revealed to them. These truths had not been revealed to earlier generations of God's servants, and they were certainly not disclosed to the "wise and intellectual ones" of Jesus' day!-Luke 10:23, 24.
His followers
—only anointed Christians—not to take for granted the precious Kingdom truths being revealed to them.According to the WTS, does God reveal "kingdom truths" to all anointed JWs on earth today or only a select few, like the "governing body"? How does God reveal it to them, as individuals, only as a group?
*** w03 2/15 p. 20 par. 16 What Does the Lord’s Evening Meal Mean to You? ***
Some may have concluded that they have the heavenly calling because they have acquired considerable Bible knowledge. But spirit anointing does not bring extraordinary understanding, for Paul had to instruct and counsel certain anointed ones. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:11-14) God has an arrangement for providing spiritual food for all his people. (Matthew 24:45-47) So nobody should think that being an anointed Christian gives him wisdom superior to that of those having the earthly hope. Spirit anointing is not indicated by proficiency in answering Scriptural questions, witnessing, or giving Bible talks. Christians with the earthly hope also do well in these respects.
Q6, 7) (a) What reasons do we have for being appreciative of divine truth? (b) What contrast is seen today between true religion and false?
6) In our day, we have even more reasons for being appreciative of divine truth, for Jehovah, by means of "the faithful and discreet slave," has given his people still deeper insight into his Word. (Matthew 24:45; Daniel 12:10) Concerning the time of the end, the prophet Daniel wrote: "Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant." (Daniel 12:4) Do you not agree that today the knowledge of God has "become abundant" and that Jehovah's servants are well-fed spiritually?
By means of "the faithful and discreet slave," has given his people still deeper insight into his Word.
Deeper insight examples
- Superior authorities = God and Jesus
- Superior authoirities = secular governments
- Organ transplants—conscience matter
- Organ transplants—cannibalism—disfellowshipping matter
- Organ transplants—conscience matter
Just two examples of flipflop doctrines.
Jehovah’s servants
— only JWs7) What a contrast we see between the spiritual prosperity of God's people and the religious confusion of Babylon the Great! As a result, many who are disillusioned or disgusted with false religion are turning to true worship. They are sheeplike ones who "do not want to share with [Babylon the Great] in her sins" or "receive part of her plagues." Jehovah and his servants invite all such ones into the true Christian congregation.-Revelation 18:2-4; 22:17.
God’s people
— only JWsBabylon the Great
— all other religions —false religionReligious confusion
— I wonder how many JWs are still confused about the 1914 generation doctrine and soon to be confused or obtuse about the change in the 1935 doctrine and those called to heaven? I wonder how many realize that the separating of the sheep and goats did not start when Jesus came in 1914 but is a future even? I wonder how many know that the WTS now teaches that the "disgusting thing" did not "stand in a holy place" in 1919 and that is yet future. And that isn’t even mention flipflop doctrines.His true Christian congregation
*** it-1 p. 498 Congregation ***
Appreciative Ones Flock to GodThe members of the Christian congregation of God are selected by Jehovah.
(Ro 8:30; 2Th 2:13) The first members thereof were called out from the rejected Jewish congregation, which had not accepted God’s Son as their Messiah. However, beginning with Cornelius in 36 C.E., members of the Christian congregation were also called out from the nations in general, so that Paul could say: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one person in union with Christ Jesus." (Ga 3:28; Ac 10:34, 35; Ro 10:12; Eph 2:11-16) Whereas the Law covenant mediated by Moses and under which the congregation of Israel was regulated was fulfilled by Christ and was taken out of the way by Jehovah God (Mt 5:17; 2Co 3:14; Col 2:13, 14), members of the Christian congregation of God partake of the benefits of the new covenant mediated by the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ. (Mt 26:28; Heb 12:22-24; Ac 3:19-23) Also, while the priests and kings of Israel were anointed with oil (Ex 30:22-30; 2Ki 9:6), those chosen by God to be members of the Christian congregation are anointed with holy spirit (2Co 1:21, 22; 1Jo 2:20) and are adopted by Jehovah God as his sons.—Eph 1:5.
Q8, 9) How are the words of Haggai 2:7 being fulfilled today?
8) Concerning his spiritual house of worship, Jehovah foretold: "I will rock all the nations, and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill this house with glory." (Haggai 2:7) This amazing prophecy had a fulfillment in the time of Haggai when a restored remnant of God's people rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem. Today, Haggai's words are having further fulfillment in regard to Jehovah's great spiritual temple.
Jehovah’s great spiritual temple
— only anointed JWs9) Millions have already flocked to the figurative temple in order to worship God "with spirit and truth," and every year hundreds of thousands of "desirable things of all the nations" continue to stream in. (John 4:23, 24) For example, the worldwide report for the 2006 service year shows that 248,327 were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah. That represents an average of 680 new ones every day! Their love of the truth and their desire to serve Jehovah as Kingdom proclaimers give evidence that they truly were drawn by God.-John 6:44, 65.
Millions
— only JWs, non-anointed JWsOf the 248,327 baptized—how many were children of JWs? How many were adults without a JW family background?
(They leave out that 262,416 were baptized in 2004…a downward trend?)
If you still attend, how many were baptized other than children of JWs in your congregation?
PICTURE ON PAGE 23: Notice young girl being baptized in what appears to be a white robe…..is this in response to "suggestive" swimsuits?
*** w95 4/1 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
There are various ways in which each of us can reflect both the seriousness and the joy of a baptism. In some churches those getting baptized wear white robes or black ones. There is simply no Scriptural support for such a requirement. Still, very skimpy or revealing bathing outfits would be inappropriate, whether for men or for women.
*** w90 4/1 p. 28 ‘I Mounted Up With Wings Like Eagles’ ***
So on August 28, 1928, we were baptized. The baptism was different from baptisms today. Behind a curtain was the baptism pool. When the curtain was opened, there was Brother Christian Jensen ready to do the immersing. He was dressed in a tailcoat, standing in the middle of the pool with the water up to his waist. We baptismal candidates were dressed in long white robes. First the men were baptized and then the women.
*** w83 9/1 p. 10 Moving Ahead With God’s Organization ***
On October 10, 1926, in San Jose, California, all of us together symbolized our dedication to Jehovah God by undergoing water immersion.
The baptisms then were conducted somewhat differently from today. The elder doing the baptizing said to me: "Brother Grant, in the name of the Father and the Son and the holy spirit, I now baptize thee into Christ." Each of us being baptized wore half-sleeved long, black robes that reached from the neck down to the ankles. To ensure that the robe remained down and modestly covered the candidate it was heavily weighted in the bottom hem by means of lead weights.
Q10, 11) Relate an experience that shows how people have come to appreciate Bible truth.
10) Many of these honesthearted ones were attracted to the truth because they discerned "the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him." (Malachi 3: 18) Consider the experience of Wayne and Virginia, a married couple who belonged to a Protestant church but who had many unanswered questions. They hated war and were confused and disturbed when they saw the clergy blessing soldiers and weapons. As the couple grew older, they felt ignored by others in the church, even though Virginia had taught Sunday school for a number of years. "No one called on us or expressed interest in our spiritual welfare," they said. "All that the church wanted was our money. We felt lost." They became even more disillusioned when their church adopted a permissive stance on homosexuality.
Honesthearted ones
— non-JWsCan you tell the distinction between a righteous and a wicked one in the KH?
Can you tell which ones are the pedophiles that have been allowed to remain in the congregation because there are not 2 eyewitnesses? Or have "repented" to the elders but no one else knows?
Unanswered questions
— what are JWs told to do with their questions that have no answer?*** w62 6/15 p. 381 Avoid Unprofitable Questions ***
Handling God’s Word of truth aright requires that we discern between profitable and unprofitable questions. Naturally we have questions about the past, present and future. In the Bible Jehovah has provided authentic answers to the questions that properly concern us at this time. Sometimes secular history can fill us in on details not given in the Bible. But there are other questions to which neither the Bible nor profane history provides an answer. It is not wise or safe for us to speculate about questions of that nature.
Felt ignored by others…no one called on us or expressed interest in our spiritual welfare
— when people are first studying and coming to the meetings they get a lot of attention (people can count the time) but after baptism, they are dropped like a hot potato.All that the church wanted was our money
— JWs that give money are guaranteed to get more "attention" than those who don’t.Permissive stance on homosexuality
— I wonder how that would compare with the WTS policy of requiring 2 eyewitnesses to a JW pedophile’s activities before they would act on it or turn them into the authorities.11) In the meantime, Wayne and Virginia's granddaughter and then their daughter became Jehovah's Witnesses. Though Wayne and Virginia were upset about this at first, they later changed their mind and accepted a Bible study. "In just three months," said Wayne, "we learned more about the Bible than we had learned over the previous 70 years! We never knew that God's name is Jehovah, and we knew nothing about the Kingdom and the Paradise earth." Before long, this sincere couple began to attend Christian meetings and to share in the ministry. "We want to tell everyone about the truth," said Virginia. Both in their 80's, they were baptized in 2005. "We have found a true Christian home," they said.
Notice that this is no reason given why the "changed their mind."
We learned more about the Bible
— learned more about the WTS unique view of the Bible.Ask a JW about the "kingdom" and you will get an earthbound response.
"the truth"
— the WTS unique view of the what they say the Bible saysin 2005
— let’s check back in ten years, they will either be dead or hanging on clinging to the hope that the end is SOON .Appreciate Being "Equipped for Every Good Work"
Q12) What does Jehovah always provide for his servants, and what must we do to benefit?
12) Jehovah always helps his servants to do his will. Noah, for example, received clear, specific instructions on how to build the ark--a project that had to be just right the first time! And it was. Why? Because Noah "proceeded to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so." (Genesis 6: 14-22) Today, too, Jehovah fully equips his servants to do his will. Of course, our primary work is to preach the good news of God's established Kingdom and help deserving ones become disciples of Jesus Christ. And as was true of Noah, our success depends on obedience. We must obediently follow the direction Jehovah provides through his Word and his organization.-Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
His servants
— only JWsOT-Noah
He did just so
— what organization was Noah part of? A family? Family ORGANIZATION, have to get that word in there.*** w94 10/1 p. 11 par. 8 God’s Servants—An Organized and Happy People ***
When he brought the Deluge of Noah’s day in 2370 B.C.E., Noah and seven others survived the Flood as a family organization.
*** w84 7/15 p. 11 par. 6 Organized to Serve Jehovah ***
have existed on earth—except one. Noah and the seven other Flood survivors emerged from the ark as a family organization.
*** w65 7/15 p. 426 par. 11 Jehovah’s Advancing Organization ***
Although there were only eight persons in it right before the flood of Noah’s days, it was an advancing organization
*** w55 5/15 p. 307 par. 24 Jehovah’s Channel of Communication ***
They too joined Noah as preachers of righteousness and helped him build the great boat. Noah therefore headed this little preaching organization as the chief agent and official prophetic channel on earth who had dealings directly with God in heaven.
***
w532/1p.86par.20DeliverancetoaRighteousWorld***There was no deliverance apart from Noah and his God-approved family organization for constructing the ark of deliverance.
Deserving ones
—only those who listen to and become JWs
Success depends on obedience
[God] provides through his Word and his organization— referring back to the WTS view that the Bible cannot be understood without their helpQ13) By what means does Jehovah provide us with training?
13) In order to accomplish that work, we must learn to `handle aright' our main tool--God's Word--which is "beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17) As in the first century, Jehovah gives us valuable training through the Christian congregation. Today, in the 99,770 congregations worldwide, the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting are held weekly to help us in the ministry. Do you show your appreciation for these important meetings by regularly attending and by applying the things you learn?-Hebrews 10:24, 25.
Learn to "handle aright" our main tool— The Watchtower —God’s WordTheocratic Ministry School— a meeting where the rank and file JWs obsess about have to give a talk 2 or 3 times a year; talks that end up being manuscripts with a script for the JW playing in the "householder" (for women) and where men never learn how to talk to people one on one, only being trained to give public talks. A school where the elders wing it on the #1 and Bible highlights and where the same 3 sisters answer the questions. Service Meeting— where they learn what the literature to be feature that month is; see poorly rehearsed demonstrations of the WT "suggested" sermons; where the rank and file go home and continue to use the same presentation thay have for the last ten years.
This is also where they learn how to dress and groom themselves.
Q14) How do Jehovah's servants demonstrate their appreciation for the privilege of serving God? (Include comments on the chart on pages 27-30.)
14) Exerting themselves in the ministry, millions of God's people around the world are demonstrating their appreciation for the training they receive. For example, during the 2006 service year, 6,741,444 Kingdom publishers spent a total of 1,333,966,199 hours in all facets of the work, which included the conducting of 6,286,618 home Bible studies. These are just some of the encouraging details listed in the worldwide report. We invite you to take a close look at this report and draw encouragement from it, just as our first-century brothers no doubt drew much encouragement from reports about the expansion of the preaching work in their time. -Acts 1:15; 2:5-11, 41, 47; 4:4; 6:7.
Exerting themselves— means going one hour without a potty break 1,333,966,199 hours— only half in real time in all facets of the work— except for the JWs who don’t keep track of "placements" and call back and have no desire to be tied down to a "weekly Bible (book) study." 6,286,618 home Bible studies— how many are JWS studying with non-baptized children? If the secretary subtracted out these studies, how many would remain? Bible study— making contact 3 times with the same person counts as a study (saying hi counts) [Picture on page 25] Jehovah fully equips us to do his will (if God equips us with the Bible why do we need books written by the WTS?)
Q15) Why should no one feel discouraged about his whole-souled service to Jehovah?
15) The tremendous shout of praise that ascends to God each year reflects the deep appreciation that Jehovah's servants have for the privilege of knowing Jehovah and bearing witness to him. (Isaiah 43:10) True, the sacrifice of praise that some of our aged, sick, or infirm brothers and sisters offer can be compared to the widow's mite. But let us not forget that Jehovah and his Son truly appreciate all who serve God whole-souled, as they do all that they are able to do.-Luke 21:1-4; Galatians 6:4.
Appreciate God = preaching the WTS message
Aged, sick, or infirm brothers and sisters—but only the elders judge who falls into these categories and are "allowed" to give their widow’s mite of 15 minutes a month.
A scripture that gets skipped over; ever had an elder or a "mature" JW compare you with someone else. "Brother Crippled is regular pioneering; you can too."
(Galatians 6:4) . . .But let each one prove what his own work is, and then he will have cause for exultation in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person . . .
Q16) What teaching tools has God provided in recent times?
16) Besides training us for the ministry, Jehovah, through his organization, equips us with excellent teaching tools. In recent decades, these have included the books The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life and, currently, What Does the Bible Really Teach? Those who truly appreciate these provisions make good use of them in the ministry.
Excellent teaching tools— in the first century what were the "excellent teaching tools" they used……………..the Bible????
Since the "truth" supposedly never changes, why has the WTS needed 4 books since 1968 to now to teach "the truth"?
In the "ministry" should the focus be on WTS books or the Bible? If the sheep are to hear Christ’s voice will they hear it from reading the Bible or WTS publications?
Make Good Use of the Bible Teach Book
Q17, 18) (a) Which parts of the Bible Teach book do you like to highlight in your ministry? (b) What did one circuit overseer observe about the Bible Teach book?
17) With its 19 chapters, in-depth appendix, and clear, simple language, the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? is proving to be a boon to the ministry. For example, chapter 12 discusses the subject "Living in a Way That Pleases God." This material explains to the student how he can become a friend of God, something that many have never even considered or thought possible. (James 2:23) How is this Bible study aid being received?
Living in a way that pleases God? Or the WTS?
Become a friend of God— where’s Jesus?18) A circuit overseer in Australia reports that the Bible Teach book has an "instant appeal that quickly draws householders into a conversation." He adds that the book is so easy to use that it "has given many Kingdom publishers renewed confidence and joy in the ministry. No wonder some are calling the book the Gold Nugget!"
instant appeal— does that imply that the previous 3 books did not have the same appeal kingdom publishers— or kingdom proclaimers easy to use…renewed confidence— even after all the training in the Theocratic School, the service meeting, and the other meetings….we aren’t talk about people who just got baptized…how many people in your congregation actually wanted to conduct a study, wanted the time commitment? The Golden Nugget— The Blue Bomb (anyone remember that) Where are all the JWs that come into before 1975.
*** yb95 p. 225 Mexico ***
TheTruthThatLeadstoEternalLife, the book called ‘the blue bomb’ at that time, was published in 1968, and we were encouraged to study it with people in six months. But not everyone took that long. In one case the study was conducted in less than two weeks.
*** yb93 p. 195 Honduras ***
Take, for instance, the world-famous Truth book, alias the "Blue Bomb," of which well over a hundred million have been printed and circulated around the world.
*** yb87 p. 106 Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands ***
It is the study book TheTruthThatLeadstoEternalLife. This book, referred to by the brothers as "labombaazul" (the blue bomb), came to be greatly feared by clergymen of Christendom.
Q19-21) Relate some experiences that highlight the value of the Bible Teach book.
19) "God must have sent you," said a woman in Guyana to the pioneer at her door. The woman's partner had recently left her and their two small children. The pioneer opened the Bible Teach book to chapter 1 and read aloud paragraph 11, under the subhead "How Does God Feel About Injustices We Face?" "The points touched her deeply," said the pioneer. "In fact, she had to get up, go to the back of her shop, and have a good cry." This woman accepted the offer of a regular Bible study with a local sister and is continuing to make progress.
God must have sent you…partner had recently left her with two small children
Does God only send JWs to people with problems; would people without problems have listed to a JW at their door?
I wonder if this woman is still studying as of the printing date of this magazine?
20) José, who lives in Spain, lost his wife in a traffic accident. He sought solace in drugs, and he also obtained professional help. However, the psychologists could not answer the question that disturbed Jose most: "Why did God allow my wife to die?" One day Jose met Francesc, who worked for the same company. Francesc suggested that they discuss chapter 11 of the Bible Teach book, entitled "Why Does God Allow Suffering?" The Scriptural explanation and the illustration of a teacher and a pupil deeply impressed Jose. He began to study in earnest, attended a circuit assembly, and now attends meetings at the local Kingdom Hall.
Lost his wife in a traffic accident…drugs…professional help…could not answer why God allowed his wife to die?
So did Jose find out that JWs teach that God allows individuals to die to put forward a higher cause of vindicating God’s sovereignty and that the end is SOON and he will see his resurrected wife but that they will not longer be able to be a married couple?
21) Roman, a 40-year-old businessman in Poland, has always had respect for the Word of God. But because he was very involved in his work, he progressed only to a certain point in his Bible study. Nevertheless, he attended a district convention and received a copy of the Bible Teach book. Thereafter, he made marked improvement. "With this book," he says, "all the basic teachings of the Bible seem to come together to form a complete picture, like a jigsaw puzzle." Roman now studies the Bible regularly and is making fine progress.
Involved in his work…progressed only to a certain point…Bible Teach book…marked improvement
It’s amazing how deficient the Bible is when it comes to reaching people’s hearts, eh?
Without the Bible Teach book, who could understand the Bible?
Continue to Grow in Appreciation
Q22, 23) How can we continue to show our appreciation for the hope that is set before us?
22) As explained at the thrilling "Deliverance at Hand!" District Conventions, true Christians yearn for the "everlasting deliverance" promised by God and made possible by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. There is no better way to show our heartfelt appreciation for this precious hope than by continuing to be cleansed "from dead works that we may render sacred service to the living God."-Hebrews 9:12,14.
True Christians— only JWsCARROT —"everlasting deliverance"Cleansed from dead works—and what works are those per the WTS?
23) Yes, that over six million Kingdom proclaimers faithfully endure in God's service when the pressure to serve self is at an alltime high is truly a miracle. It is also proof that Jehovah's servants deeply appreciate the honor of serving God, knowing that their "labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord." May that appreciation never cease to grow!-1 Corinthians 15:58; Psalm 110:3.
Six million Kingdom proclaimers (publishers?)— only JWs All-time high— Isaiah 60:22 where are you
*** w04 1/15 p. 13 par. 15 Jehovah’s Greatness Is Unsearchable ***
Because of the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work, spearheaded by anointed Christians, over six million people now entertain the hope of endless life in an earthly paradise. Who should get the credit for such increase in the face of opposition from Satan and his corrupt world? (1 John 5:19) Only Jehovah could accomplish all of this, using his holy spirit.—Isaiah 60:22; Zechariah 4:6.
*** w03 7/15 p. 20 par. 21 How Should We View People as Jehovah’s Day Approaches? ***
God will see to it that the preaching work is carried out fully, in harmony with his will. Today, he is speeding up the final spiritual harvest. (Isaiah 60:22) As we await Jehovah’s day, then, let us zealously share in the harvest work and view people as our loving God views them.
*** w02 1/1 p. 31 Elders—Train Others to Carry the Load ***
Unmistakably, the prophecy at Isaiah 60:22 is being fulfilled today. Jehovah is making "the small one a mighty nation."
Jehovah’s servants— only JWs
If increase is proof of God’s blessing, how do other religions compare? Recent news magazines say Islam is the fastest growing, is that where God’s blessing is?
How Would You Answer?
- What does the psalmist teach us about appreciation for God and his spiritual provisions?
- How are the words at Haggai 2:7 being fulfilled today?
- How has Jehovah equipped his servants to serve him effectively?
- What can you do to show your appreciation for Jehovah's goodness?
Concluding Comments
So are you convinced JWs have the true religion because they are the fastest growing religion? Is that what Jesus said, you would know my followers because they will be the fastest growing group? I always hated to statistical articles because how can you measure love?
Well, the snow is melting away. Many here in the US are glued to the tube watching basketball. The radio was on at work and little work got done. I saw that one law office had a plasma TV in the lounge room and everyone gathered to root on their team.
Have you been invited to the "memorial" yet? We always get a little handwritten note from a kind person, no agenda. But we don’t go. As someone posted elsewhere on JWD, why add to their numbers. Even "when the saints go marching in" the WTS won’t count me in their numbers.
We have been making repairs around the house and outside when we can. We are finalizing our painting plans. Time to get the lawnmower tuned up and make sure the weedwhacker and leafblower work. Trying to find a movie to go to, Mimzy or 300 or Breach.
Hope your weather is not hampering your fun. Good health or at least better health to all.
Love, Blondie