Comments You Will Not Hear at the 06-15-08 WT Study (April 15, 2008, pages 12-16)(YOUNG PEOPLE)Review comments will be in redWT 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/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
YOUNG PEOPLE, REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR NOW "Remember; now, 'your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood." -Eccl. 12:1.
OPENING COMMENTS
True definitions of words used by the WTS:
Christian/Christians: only jws
Jehovah's servants: only jws
God's people: only jws
God-fearing older ones: only jws
Christian youths: only jws
people in general were godless: all non-jws
young brothers and sisters: only jws
young men and women...in Christ's service: only jws
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. How does Jehovah express his confidence in his young worshippers?
JEHOVAH views Christian youths as precious and as refreshing as dewdrops. Indeed, he foretold that on the day of his Son's "military force," young men and women would "offer themselves willingly" in Christ's service. (Ps. 110:3) That prophecy was to be fulfilled at a time when people in general were godless, obsessed with self and money, and disobedient. Yet, Jehovah knew that young people who worshipped him would be different. What confidence he has in you young brothers and sisters!
willingly? Actually with the WTS dictating what they wear, what education they can have, what music they listen to, what movies and tv shows they
watch....jw "young people" don't have free will or a choice.
people in general were godless, obsessed with self and money, and disobedient--were not jws
You can see how jws are programmed to believe that the vast majority of non-jws are hopeless causes for conversion.
Q 2. Remembering Jehovah involves what?
2. Imagine the joy that God must feel when he sees young ones remembering him as their Grand Creator. (Eccl. 12:1) Naturally, remembering Jehovah involves more than merely calling him to mind. It means taking action-doing what pleases him, letting his laws and principles guide us in daily life. It also means trusting in Jehovah, knowing that he has our very best interests at heart. (Ps. 37:3; Isa. 48:17, 18) Is that how you feel about your Grand Creator?
involves more than merely calling him to mind--and more than merely saying "Jehovah"
*** w06 10/15 p. 6 Taking in Knowledge of God—How? ***
In reality, knowing and using the name Jehovah is an earmark of true religion.
"Trust in Jehovah With All Your Heart"
Q 3, 4. How did Jesus demonstrate trust in Jehovah, and why is it important to trust in Jehovah today?
3. The finest example of one who trusted in God was, of course, Jesus Christ. He lived by the words of Proverbs 3:5, 6: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." Shortly after his baptism, Jesus was approached by Satan, who tried to tempt him to accept worldly power and glory. (Luke 4:3-13) Jesus was not misled. He knew that true "riches and glory and life" are "the result of humility and the fear of Jehovah." -Prov. 22:4.
NT example--with a hook, saying that young jws are faced with temptation from Satan to accept worldly power and glory = university/college education.
4. Today's world is ruled by greed and selfishness. In such an environment, we are wise to follow Jesus' example. Keep in mind, too, that Satan will do anything to lure Jehovah's servants off the cramped road leading to life. He wants to see everyone travel on the broad road that leads off to destruction. Do not be deceived by him! Instead, be resolved to remember your Grand Creator. Trust in him completely, and get a firm hold on "the real life," which is both sure and near.-1 Tim. 6:19.
Demonizing nonjws again by saying "world is ruled by greed and selfishness."
Trust in God by not in the WTS doctrines and policies which have flipflopped many times.
Superior authorities
Scream when raped
Organ transplants
Sodom and Gomorrah resurrected
http://www.cftf.com/booklets/jwslisten/flipflops.htm
http://www.cftf.com/comments/blinking.html
Young Ones, Be Wise!
Q 5. How do you feel about the future of this world?
5. Young people who remember their Grand Creator are wise beyond their years. (Read Psalm 119:99, 100.) Because they adopt God's viewpoint, they are fully aware of how dim this world's prospects really are. Even in your relatively short lifetime, you young ones have no doubt seen fear and anxiety increase. If you are still in school, you have likely heard about pollution, global warming, deforestation, and similar problems. People are deeply concerned about these trends, but only Jehovah's Witnesses fully understand that they are part of the sign that points to the end of Satan's world. -Rev. 11:18.
Adopt God's viewpoint = WTS viewpoint
How dim this world's prospects are = do you think that teenagers in 1969 are 'growing old in this system'?
*** Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15 *** If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the 'last days' in 1914, Jesus foretold:'This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers.
only Jehovah's Witnesses fully understand that they are part of the sign = like they fully understand that the end was coming in 1914, 1915, 1920,
1925, 1940's, 1975, (1984), (1994) then cancelled the generation of 1914 doctine.
http://www.towerwatch.com/Witnesses/History/a_brief_history_of_the_watchtower.htm
Q 6. How have some young ones been deceived?
6. Sadly, some young servants of God have let their guard down and have allowed themselves to lose sight of how short a time this world has. (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) Others have been lured into gross sin through bad associates and pornography. (Prov. 13:20) How sad it would be to lose God's Favor now that we are so close to the end! Instead, learn from what happened to the Israelites in 1473 B.C.E. when they were camped on the Plains of Moab, at the very threshold of the Promised Land. What took place there?
Have only young jws lost sight? What about older jws that have been waiting since 1975 (33 years), or 1940's (68 years), or 1925 (83 years, are they even still alive?)?
Was it the Israelites or was it the Israelite men who failed?
They Fell Near the Finish Line
Q 7, 8. (a) What strategy did Satan use on the Plains of Moab? (b) What strategy is Satan using today?
7. Back then, Satan clearly wanted to prevent the Israelites from gaining their promised inheritance. After failing to have them cursed by the prophet Balaam, Satan used a more subtle strategy; he tried to disqualify them from being blessed by Jehovah. The seductive women of Moab were used to entice them, and this time the Devil had a measure of success. The people started to have immoral relations with the daughters of Moab and to bow down to the Baal of Peor! Although their precious inheritance, the Promised Land, was very close, some 24,000 Israelites lost their lives. What a tragedy that was!-Num. 25:1-3, 9.
The people = wasn't it only men who had immoral relations? Why condemn the women? 24,000 Israelites = 24,000 Israelite men. So why did
they die but years later King David was allowed to live although he committed adultery and murder?
8. Today, we are rapidly nearing a much better promised land-the new system of things. True to form, Satan is again using sexual immorality to corrupt God's people. Moral standards in the world have fallen so low that fornication is considered normal and homosexuality is viewed simply as a matter of personal choice. Said one Christian sister, "It is only at home and at the Kingdom Hall that my children learn that homosexuality and sex outside of marriage are bad in God's eyes."
rapidly nearing--1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975............92 to 33 years, how rapid is that?
Why is pedophilia not mentioned....isn't that sexual immorality on the part of the pedophile?
So only jws teach that homosexuality and sex outside marriage is bad in God's eyes? I don't think this woman has been watching the news.
Q 9. What might occur during "the bloom of youth," and how can young ones deal with this?
9. Young people who remember their Grand Creator know that sexual intimacy is a sacred gift that has to do with life and procreation. Hence, they recognize that sexual relations should be enjoyed in the way that God directed-within the marriage arrangement. (Heb. 13:4) However, during "the bloom of youth" -the period when sexual feelings become strong and can distort one's judgment-it can be a struggle to remain chaste. (1 Cor. 7:36) What can you do when improper thoughts enter your mind? Pray earnestly to Jehovah for help to focus on wholesome things. Jehovah always listens to those who sincerely turn to him. (Read Luke 11:9-13.) Upbuilding conversation can also heIp to refocus the mind.
Is the WTS implying that sex can only be engaged in if children are the intended result?
Was Judah married to Tamar? Was David married to Bathsheba?
Is the WTS suggesting that the vast majority of jws disfellowshipped for sexual immorality are young? Actually, the vast majority of jws are df'd for adultery. Why doesn't marriage keep these older jws safe from adultery?
Choose Your Goals Wisely!
Q 10. What negative state of mind do we want to avoid, and what questions can we ask ourselves?
10. One reason that many young people in the world are unrestrained and live for fleshly pleasures is that they have no "vision" -no divine guidance or sure hope for the future. (Prov. 29:18) They are like the godless Israelites of Isaiah's day who lived for "exultation and rejoicing, ... the eating of flesh and the drinking of wine." (Isa. 22:13) Instead of envying such people, why not reflect on the precious hope that Jehovah has set before his loyal ones? If you are a young servant of God, do you eagerly look forward to the new world? Do you make every effort to "live with soundness of mind ... while [you] wait for the happy hope" that Jehovah has placed before you"! (Titus 2:12,13) Your answer will influence the goals and priorities that you set for yourself.
demonizing non-jws again--many...unrestrained and live for fleshly pleasures
CARROT--precious hope (everlasting life on a paradise earth)...new world
Q 11. Why should young Christians who are still in school work hard?
11. The world wants young people to focus their energies on secular goals. Naturally, those of you who are still in school should work hard to get a good basic education. After all, your aim is not simply to find suitable employment but also to be an asset to the congregation and a productive Kingdom proclaimer. To that end, you need to be able to communicate well, to think logically, and to reason calmly and respectfully with others. Still, young ones who study the Bible and strive to apply its principles in their lives get the best education available and lay a fine foundation for a successful and everlasting future.-Read Psalm 1:1-3. *
* In regard to higher education and employment, see The Watchtower, October 1, 2005, pages 26-31.
Is the WTS saying that there are no younger people among Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists that have spiritual goals? Don't jws watch the news?
Can a jw be an asset to the congregation if they are unemployed? Who is going to support them, mommy and daddy, the government, certainly not the WTS?
Q 12. What example would Christian families do well to imitate?
12. In Israel, the education of children by their parents was a high priority. That education covered virtually every facet of life, especially spiritual matters. (Deu!. 6:6, 7) Hence, young Israelites who listened to their parents and other God-fearing older ones gained not only knowledge but also wisdom, insight, understanding, and thinking ability-rare traits that divine education can provide. (Prov.1:2-4; 2:1-5,11-15) Christian families today should pay similar attention to education.
OT example--Israel
Demonizing non-jws by saying that they can't possibly have 'wisdom, insight, understanding, and thinking ability'
How many jw parents have family studies? In a survey of the bible study slips, a PO found that out of 20 possible family studies, only 4 were "reported" trying to imply that more were be conducted but not reported. I knew of 3 families that reported 4 hours but never had a study with their children. Daddy had to be sure to make the national average, and these 4 hours meant he had 4 hours less to put in door to door.
Listen to Those Who Love You
Q 13. What kind of advice do some young people receive, and why should they be cautious?
13. Young ones receive advice from all kinds of people-including school guidance counselors, who usually think purely in terms of success in the secular world. Please weigh all such advice prayerfully in the light of God's Word and the spiritual food provided by the faithful and discreet slave class. From your study of the Bible, you know that the young and inexperienced are a prime target of Satan. For example, in the Garden of Eden, inexperienced Eve listened to Satan, a stranger who had shown not a hint of love for her. How different the outcome would have been had she listened to Jehovah, the one who had proved his love for her in many ways! -Gen. 3:1·6.
OT example--Eve
Demonizing guidance counselors is not a new tactic.
Watchtower 1969 March 15 p.171 What Influences Decisions in Your Life?
The influence and spirit of this world is to get ahead, to make a name for oneself. Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them "brainwash" you with the Devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. This world has very little time left! Any "future" this world offers is no future! Wisely, then, let God's Word influence you in selecting a course that will result in your protection and blessing. Make pioneer service, the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal. This is a life that offers an everlasting future!
Can the bible be understood without the help of the FDS?
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave
Q 14. Why should we listen both to Jehovah and to believing parents?
14. Your Grand Creator loves you too, and he does so in a way that is absolutely pure. He wants you to be happy forever, not just now! Hence, with the tenderness of a caring parent, he says to you and to all who worship him: "This is the way. Walk in it." (Isa. 30:21) If you have believing parents who truly love Jehovah, you have an additional blessing. Respectfully listen to their counsel when setting priorities and goals. (Prov. 1:8, 9) After all, they want you to gain life, something far more valuable than wealth or prestige in this world.-Matt. 16:26.
Nonbelieving parents must not be a blessing; I wonder what fathers or mothers are are not jws would say if they knew they were being labeled unbelievers?
Non-jw parents don't want their children to live?
Q 15, 16. (a) What confidence can we have in Jehovah? (b) What important lesson do we learn from the experience of Baruch?
15. Those who remember their Grand Creator keep their life simple, confident that Jehovah will "by no means" leave them "nor by any means" forsake them. (Read Hebrews 13:5.) Because this wholesome attitude runs contrary to the thinking of the world, we must be careful not to let the world's spirit influence us. (Eph. 2:2) In this regard, consider the example of Jeremiah's secretary, Baruch, who lived during Jerusalem's difficult last days leading up to the city's destruction in 607 B.C..E.
Life simple--so are jws in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and Europe living frugal lives, no cars, no TVs, only 2 sets of clothes, walking to the KH or using bicycles, etc. How "simple" do they live?
Demonizing non-jws--this wholesome attitude runs contrary to the thinking of the world
OT example--Baruch
16. It may be that Baruch wanted to make a better life for himself materially. Jehovah noted this and kindly warned Baruch not to keep seeking "great things" for himself. Baruch proved to be humble and wise, for he listened to Jehovah and survived the destruction of Jerusalem. (Jer. 45:2-5) On the other hand, Baruch's contemporaries who did acquire "great things" materially, putting Jehovah in the background, soon lost all at the hands of the Chaldeans (Babylonians). Many also lost their lives. (2 Chron. 36:15-18) Baruch's experience helps us to see that a good relationship with God is much more important than wealth and prominence in this world.
"may be" means "the Bible doesn't say but we will add to it"
How did God warn Baruch...did he talk directly to him....use holy spirit to talk to him????
Does this imply that jws don't lose their possessions or lives in "this world"?
Look to the Best Examples
Q 17. Why are Jesus, Paul, and Timothy fine role models for Jehovah's servants today?
17 To help us along the path to life, God's Word provides us with many fine role models. Jesus, for example, was the most gifted human who ever lived, yet he focused on that which would help people forever-"the good news of the kingdom." (Luke 4:43) In order to give Jehovah his best, the apostle Paul abandoned a promising career and used his time and energy to preach the good news. Timothy, "a genuine child in the faith," imitated Paul's fine example. (1 Tim. 1:2) Did Jesus, Paul, and Timothy regret their course in life? By no means! In fact, Paul said that he regarded what the world has to offer as "a lot of refuse" compared with the privilege of serving God.-Phil. 3: 8-11.
Finally, NT examples.
Timothy--a recent drama depicted Timothy as rejecting secular education his non-Christian Greek father wanted him to pursue. Look though you may, you will not find that in the Bible.
So how many jws have minimal education, jobs, and possessions and are regular pioneering, moved to countries with few jws, etc.? Not many in comparison to the majority.
Q 18. What big changes did one young brother make, and why does he have no regrets?
18. "Many Christian youths today imitate the faith of Jesus, Paul, and Timothy. For example, one young brother who used to have a well-paying job wrote: "Because I live by Bible principles, I soon received promotions. Despite the financial benefits, I felt that I was striving after wind. When I approached the company's executive committee and expressed my desire to pursue the full-time ministry, they hastily offered me generous financial options, hoping I would stay. But my mind was made up. Many people could not understand why I left a lucrative career to pursue the full-time service. My answer is that I truly want to live up to my dedication to God. Because my life is now centered on spiritual things, I have a measure of happiness and contentment that no amount of money or prestige could give me."
I knew several elders that did not imitate this example. One is a millionaire, 2 have jobs that make their miss meetings on a weekly basis, one buys a new car every year for cash and has purchased new cars for each of his 4 children. Why does making a decent living translate to wanting prestige. Yes, choose a minimal job and you can have all the prestige you want as an elder at the KH.
Q 19. What wise choice are young ones encouraged to make!
19. Worldwide, thousands of young people have made similar wise choices. So, young ones, when pondering your future, keep Jehovah's day close in mind. (2 Pet. 3:11, 12) Do not become envious of those who are making the most of this world. Rather, listen to those who truly love you. Storing up "treasures in heaven" is the most secure investment you can make and the only one with everlasting benefits. (Matt. 6:19, 20; Read 1 John 2:15-17.) Yes, remember your Grand Creator. As you do, Jehovah will bless you.
Where are this young jws years later when the promised end doesn't come "soon" as promised.
CARROT--everlasting benefits.
Can You Recall?
How do we demonstrate trust in God?
What is the very best education?
What lessons can we learn from Baruch?
Who serve as fine role models, and why?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
This focus on young jws is not new. This was being touted when I was a teenager in the 1960's. I didn't go to college because of family obligations but I did get additional education. My contemporaries at the KH are struggling financially today, the end did not come in 1975, or 1985 or 1995 or 2005. We are in our fifties now facing our retirement years. If you are out now, do not think it is too late to get a better education.
Love, Blondie