Comments You Will Not Hear at the 07-27-08 WT Study (May 15, 2008, pages 17-21 (YOUNG SERVE)Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in blackQuotes 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
WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG, CHOOSE TO SERVE JEHOVAH "Continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe. "-2 TIM. 3:14.
OPENING COMMENTS
The more things change, the more they stay the same. I heard these same words 40 years ago from the WTS in the pre-1975 era. A few jw children even quit high school to go pioneering to only go back in the late 70's to get their diploma because they were unemployable.BTW, who decides if you get baptized. When Peter met Cornelius and was reluctant to baptize him, didn't God show he was qualified. How many questions had the prison guard studied and how many meetings had he and his family attended when Paul baptized them
(Acts 16:26-34) 26 Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the jail were shaken. Moreover, all the doors were instantly opened, and the bonds of all were loosened. 27 The jailer, being awakened out of sleep and seeing the prison doors were open, drew his sword and was about to do away with himself, imagining that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying: “Do not hurt yourself, for we are all here!” 29 So he asked for lights and leaped in and, seized with trembling, he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them outside and said: “Sirs, what must I do to get saved?” 31 They said: “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will get saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of Jehovah to him together with all those in his house. 33 And he took them along in that hour of the night and bathed their stripes; and, one and all, he and his were baptized without delay. 34 And he brought them into his house and set a table before them, and he rejoiced greatly with all his household now that he had believed God.
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. How does Jehovah view the service of his young Witnesses?
THE sacred service of young people is so important to Jehovah that he inspired a prophecy regarding them. "Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day of your military force," sang the psalmist. "In the splendors of holiness, from the womb of the dawn, you have your company of young men just like dewdrops." (Ps. 110:3) Yes, Jehovah holds in high esteem youths who are willing to serve him.
Psalm 110 was written by King David; notice that only young "men" are discussed. What value do women have in the WTS? What does the
WTS view as valuable privileges: microphone handling, sound, public reading at the meetings, public speaking, acting as elders and ministerial servants. How valuable is preaching for men. If it is a choice between being a pioneer or an elder, what is the proper choice?
Q 2. Young people today face what secular influences concerning their future?
2. You young ones in the Christian congregation, have you made a dedication to Jehovah? Many may find the choice to serve the true God difficult to make. Business leaders, educators, and sometimes family members and friends point youths toward materialistic goals. When young people pursue spiritual goals, the world often scorns them. But the fact is that serving the true God is the best way of life you can pursue. (Ps. 27:4) In this regard, consider three questions: Why should you serve God? How can you succeed in leading a life of dedication to God despite what others may say or do? What wonderful opportunities of sacred service can open up for you?
young ones...young people, youths
Christian congregation--according to the WTS only the anointed are truly the Christian congregation. Where in the Bible are any but the "anointed" mentioned?
What are materialistic goals? Does that mean that the elders have subsistent jobs? If not, wouldn't they be considered materialistic?
*** w06 1/1 p. 21 par. 7 How Firm Is Your Trust in God? ***
Anyone who does not trust firmly in Jehovah might think differently. The majority of humans view material wealth as a major key to security. Hence, parents have encouraged their offspring to invest much of their young adulthood in higher education, hoping that it will prepare them for well-paying careers. Sadly, some Christian families have found the cost of such an investment to be very high, as their children have lost their spiritual focus and turned to pursuing materialistic goals.
Notice what elders say to excuse their "materialism."
*** g03 4/8 p. 21 What Is Materialism? ***
What is the point of these two accounts? They help us to see that an individual is materialistic, not because of how much he has, but because of putting a priority on material things. The apostle Paul stated: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) It is the determination to be rich and the love of material things that cause problems.
What was sacred service in the 1970's?
*** w76 10/1 pp. 598-600 Rendering Sacred Service Night and Day ***
OUR WHOLE LIFE COURSE A “SACRED SERVICE”
9 “Sacred service,” then, is not something that occupies only a portion of our lives. It is not limited to just one activity or a certain number of activities but it takes in every aspect of our daily living. It can be summed up by these words: ‘Keep doing all things as unto Jehovah, whether eating or drinking or doing any other thing.’ (1 Cor. 10:31) Showing how all-embracing this service should be, the apostle says at Romans 12:1, 2: “I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. And quit being fashioned after this system of things.”
10 Many things are involved, but your aim, your goal and your heart motivation are key factors in determining whether what you do is really “sacred service” or not. For example, among us are many parents. Part, in fact, a large part, of your “sacred service” to God involves your children. Psalm 127:3 says that they are “an inheritance from Jehovah.” Are you caring for that inheritance as unto him and for his glory? This too is a “night and day” feature of your service, for God’s Word points out that parents should be instilling God’s fine principles into their children from the time they get up until the time they lie down. (Deut. 6:4-9) To do this, a basic thing is to study the Bible with them. But a parent should not say to himself, ‘I have a Bible study once a week with my children, just as I have with other people. Therefore that is enough for them to know what is right and to follow Bible principles.’ This is just not true. Remember, the Bible says that children of a believing parent are viewed by God as “holy” or sacred. (1 Cor. 7:14) How would you treat something left in your care that you knew was sacred to God? Would you not guard it most carefully every day, day and night?
11 What you do now to teach and discipline your children could well save them. On the other hand, if you are lax now, you may lose them. That is, the time may suddenly come—before you know it—when your words to them fall on deaf ears. The world will have more influence over them than you will have. Then, how will God view the way you have handled property sacred to him?
12 To instill God’s Word in the children all day long does not mean constant preaching to them. It calls for your exemplifying what God’s truth is all about by your daily life and conversation. On every occasion, either by your loving, close relationship with them and your friendly, intimate association and free communication, you can help them to appreciate Jehovah God, his wisdom, his love and the rightness of his ways. Listen to them, reason with them. When giving instructions or jobs for them to do, or in disciplining, show why, and explain the good results of obeying you as a parent and, consequently, of obeying God as Head over all.
13 You cannot simply try to have a “good child” in the sense that the world uses that term. Of course, you want your child to be well-mannered, respectful, honest, and considerate of others. But you want him or her to be that way because, above all, your child has come to know and to love Jehovah God. For your upbringing of your child to be different from the world’s youth, and to be truly a “sacred service,” the child’s mind and heart must be directed toward Jehovah, so that he or she becomes a praiser of Jehovah.—Ps. 148:12, 13.
14 Husbands and wives can render “sacred service” by making their marriage successful and an honor to God’s institution of marriage. A man or a woman may be very kind and pleasant to others, patiently putting up with mistakes or even suffering indignities and injuries from them without retaliation. But when it comes to the marriage mate, a husband or a wife may be quick to anger, ‘reading between the lines’ of what the mate says, with a ‘chip-on-the-shoulder’ attitude, looking for an occasion to find fault. Or the couple may cut off communication with each other. No matter what other things a married person may do, he or she is not fully rendering acceptable “sacred service” to God if he or she ignores the sacred marriage covenant.—Eph. 5:22-25, 29.
15 Housewives have a fine opportunity to perform acceptable “sacred service” to God. Their fine works that others can see would certainly include keeping a neat, clean house, taking care of the cooking and the clothing needs of the family. For what is more on display to others than one’s home? A wife’s hospitality, her readiness to help her neighbors, particularly her willingness to ‘put herself out’ to assist other sisters in the congregation in whatever their needs may be—these are sacrifices in which God is well pleased. When people know these things about her, then her public declaration of the good news in the congregation territory will have a more powerful influence.—Acts 9:36-41; Titus 2:4, 5.
16 If children in the household are concerned with rendering “sacred service” to Jehovah they can show respect for their father and help their mother in bringing honor to God by helping them to keep the house in good, clean order. And where parents are not in the truth the children can do much in this way to cause the parents to honor God. Their conduct before schoolmates, respect for teachers, telling others about the good news when opportunity affords and working closely with the congregation in things done at the Kingdom Hall and sharing in the field service, certainly are things God counts as “sacred service” to him. (Prov. 20:11; Titus 2:6-8) A good test of your service, as to whether it is true “sacred service” or not, is the question you might ask yourself: ‘Do I go in the field service, perhaps carrying Bible literature to others?’ That is commendable. But, now, also ask yourself: ‘At school and elsewhere, what is my conduct? Do I do what worldly youths do? Or do I remember that I am to render “sacred service” to Jehovah night and day?’ You, like others, can do much to interest people in the good news by your daily conduct and fine attitude.
But what happened 4 years later?
*** w80 12/15 p. 29 Do You Remember? ***
Does “sacred service” include everyday activities of life, such as caring for our families, maintaining good morals and the like?No. “Sacred service” applies to that which directly involves our worship of God. It includes formal and informal witnessing, sharing in worship at Kingdom Halls, caring for our meeting places, all activity related to providing Bibles and Bible literature, as well as sacrifices that we may make in encouraging and aiding our brothers, spiritually and materially, to keep active in Jehovah’s work.—8/15, pp. 30, 31.
Serving Jehovah Is the Right Thing to Do
Q 3. How should Jehovah's creation affect us?
3. Why should you serve the true and living God? Revelation 4:11 gives the main reason: "You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created." Jehovah is the wonderful Creator of everything in existence. How beautiful the earth is! The trees, the flowers, the animals, the oceans, the mountains, and the waterfalls-Jehovah has made them all. "The earth is full of [God's] productions," states Psalm 104:24. How grateful we can be that Jehovah has lovingly given us a body and a mind that allow us to enjoy the earth and the good things on it! Should not heartfelt appreciation for the wondrous creation make us want to serve him?
given us a body and a mind--but the WTS will tell us what to think and what is the "proper" way to use that body.
*** 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.—John 6:68.
Q 4, 5. What divine acts drew Joshua close to Jehovah?
4. Another reason to serve Jehovah is found in the words of the Israelite leader Joshua. Near the end of his life, Joshua told God's people: "You well know with all your hearts and with all your souls that not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you." Why could Joshua say this?-Josh.23:14.
OT--Joshua
But have the words of the WTS failed?
Starting in 1879
1879 "Christ came in the character of a Bridegroom in 1874.... at the beginning of the Gospel harvest." (Watchtower, Oct 1879, p. 4)
http://www.towerwatch.com/Witnesses/Prophecies/failed_prophecies.htm
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/1914dates.htm
5. As a child growing up in Egypt, Joshua must have come to know of Jehovah's promise to give the Israelites a land of their own. (Gen. 12:7; 50:24, 25; Ex. 3:8) Then Joshua watched as Jehovah began to fulfill that promise by bringing the Ten Plagues upon Egypt and forcing obstinate Pharaoh to let the sons of Israel go. Joshua was among those who were delivered through the Red Sea, and then he watched as that sea swallowed up Pharaoh and his army. During a long journey through "the great and fear-inspiring wilderness" of the Sinai Desert, Joshua saw how Jehovah provided everything the Israelites needed. Not a single one died of thirst or hunger. (Deut. 8:3-5, 14-16; Josh. 24:5-7) When the time came for the Israelites to conquer mighty Canaanite nations and take possession of the Promised Land, Joshua saw how the God whom he and the other Israelites worshipped backed them in this work.-Josh.10:14, 42.
Joshua actually saw...have jws seen the prophecies above be fulfilled?
Q 6. What will help you to cultivate the desire to serve God?
6. Joshua knew that Jehovah had kept His promises. Hence, Joshua declared: "As for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah." Josh. 24:15) What about you? When you think of the promises that the true God has already fulfilled and those that he will yet fulfill, do you desire to serve him as did Joshua?
Do jws know that God kept his promises in 1874, 1914, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975, and the 1914 generation which teaching ended in 1995?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology_of_Jehovah's_Witnesses
http://www.xjw.com/predict.html
Q 7. Why is water baptism a vital step to take?
7. Contemplating Jehovah's creative works and reflecting on his wonderful and completely reliable promises should move you not only to make a dedication to Jehovah but also to symbolize that dedication by water immersion. Baptism is a vital step to be taken by those wanting to serve God. This is made clear by our Exemplar, Jesus. Just before starting his work as the Messiah, he presented himself to John the Baptizer for baptism. Why did Jesus take that step? "I have come down from heaven to do, not my will," he later said, "but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38) To symbolize his presentation of himself to carry out his Father's will, Jesus was baptized.-Matt. 3:13-17.
Dedicate yourself to God or an organization?
http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/baptism.htm
*** w96 7/15 p. 13 par. 13 Jehovah’s Family Enjoys Precious Unity ***
thousands voluntarily and joyfully become part of Jehovah’s organization by getting baptized in symbol of their wholehearted dedication to God.
Do jw parents and elders let children under 18 get married; what are the reasons they don't; then why let them get baptized? How old was Jesus...30?
*** w99 2/15 p. 5 What Is Needed for a Successful Marriage? ***
“It is very risky to get married too young,” says Nikki, who was 22 when she married. She cautions: “Your feelings, goals, and tastes will continue to change from the time you are in your late teens until you are in your mid-to-late 20’s.”
*** w93 4/1 p. 21 Growing Up With Jehovah’s Organization in South Africa ***
We were romantically attracted to each other, but we were still teenagers, too young to get married
*** g78 10/22 p. 11 Why Marriage Ties Are Breaking Down ***
Marrying Too Young
A fruit picked too soon, before it ripens, can be bitter to the taste. Similarly, those who marry too young often reap a bitter harvest. The highest rate of marriage failure is found in very young couples, especially teen-agers. The younger the couple, the higher the risk.Australia’s Women’s Weekly bluntly put it this way: “Marrying at 18 is stupid. You are so young. You haven’t lived enough. You don’t know who you are and you make immature decisions. Little things that are important then are not important later on.” Yes, it takes time to get to know oneself, and also to get to know one’s prospective mate.
*** w01 5/15 p. 19 par. 11 Divine Guidance for Selecting a Marriage Mate ***
By waiting to marry, I was able to focus on my relationship with Jehovah and to gain some experience in life, which you cannot possibly have in your teenage years
Q 8. Why did Timothy choose to worship God, and what may you need to do?
8. Consider also the case of Timothy, a young Christian to whom Jehovah eventually gave much work and many privileges. Why did Timothy decide to worship the true God? The Bible tells us that 'he had learned things and was persuaded to believe.' (2 Tim. 3:14) If you have studied God's Word and have been persuaded to believe that its teachings are true, you are in a position similar to that of Timothy. Now you need to make a decision. Why not speak to your parents about what you wish to do? Along with congregation elders, they can help you understand the Scriptural requirements for baptism.-Read Act, 8:12.
Did you see the drama about Timothy at the 2005 district convention? Did you notice how many aspects of the tale never appeared in the Bible?
Is it really a "Bible" drama? Have you ever heard of an "Andre" in the Bible?
*** km 4/07 p. 6 par. 3 What Will You Do With Your Life? ***
The Drama: As you watch the drama, consider these questions: (1) What similarities are there between Timothy, who is spoken of in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and Andre? (Acts 16:1; 1 Tim. 4:8; 2 Tim. 1:5) (2) How was Andre being pressured to excel in athletics, and by whom? (3) Who proved to be positive influences on Timothy and on Andre, and in what ways? (2 Tim. 1:1-4; 3:14, 15) (4) How did the admonition at Matthew 6:24 and Philippians 3:8 affect Andre, and how does it affect you?
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/94277/1.ashx
Q 9. How may others be affected when you take the step of baptism?
9. If you get baptized, this will be an excellent start in serving the true God. By taking this step, you enter a long-distance footrace in which the rewards are everlasting life and the joy that comes now from doing God's will. (Heb. 12:2, 3) You will also bring joy to your family members who are already in the race and to your friends in the Christian congregation. Most important of all, you will make Jehovah's heart rejolce. (Read Proverbs 23: 15.) True, others may not understand why you have chosen to worship Jehovah, and they may question your decision. They may even oppose you. But you can successfully meet these challenges.
Do jw children need their parents permission to get baptized? I know of cases where children wanted to, parents did not and the elders overruled the parents. In the end, it is the elders that decide, so who is questioning their decision?
*** km 9/86 p. 4 Question Box ***
Elders reviewing the questions with a person desiring to be baptized may decide that it would be advisable for him to make further spiritual advancement before taking this important step.
When Others Question or Oppose You
Q 10, 11. (a) What questions may people ask you about your decision to serve God'! (b)What can you learn from the way Jesus answered questions about true worship?
10. Your decision to serve Jehovah may leave schoolmates, neighbors, and relatives perplexed. They may ask you why you have chosen to follow this course and question you about what you believe. How should you respond? Of course, you need to analyze your thinking and feelings so as to be able to explain the reasons for your choice. And in answering questions about your beliefs, what better example can you follow than that of Jesus?
Might not the young age of these children be what concerns their schoolmates, neighbors, and relatives. Or the fact that few of these jw children can explain their beliefs without reaching for a WT publication? Reasons: because mom and dad want me too, I want to be baptized like my friends, I don't want to die at Armageddon, I want to see grandma and grampa in the resurrection.
11. When Jewish religious leaders interrogated Jesus about the resurrection, he directed their attention to a scripture that they had not taken into account. (Ex. 3:6; Matt. 22:23, 31-33) When a scribe asked him which was the greatest commandment, Jesus quoted appropriate Bible verses to him. That man was grateful to Jesus for the answer. (Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:5; Mark 12:28-34) Jesus' use of the Scriptures and his way of speaking caused "a division over him ... among the crowd," and his opposers could not bring harm to him. (John 7:32-46) When you answer questions about your faith, use the Bible and respond "with a mild temper and deep respect." (1 Pet. 3:15) If you do not know the answer to a question, admit that fact and offer to do research. Later, look into the subject, using the Watch Tower Publications Index or Watchtower Library on CD-ROM if it is available in your language. With good preparation, you will "know how you ought to give an answer." -Col. 4:6.
Yes, Jesus did not reach for a WT publication or even a Jewish publication, not even a bible scroll except the time he was in the synagogue.
When jws are asked questions do they quote appropriate bible verses or reach for a WT publication.
And where do you research? The Bible? or WT publications? Is that what Jesus did?
Q 12. Why should you not allow persecution to discourage you?
12. You may encounter more than questions about your position and beliefs. After all, God's enemy, Satan the Devil, controls the world. (Read 1 John 5:19.) It would be unrealistic to expect commendation or approval from everyone, and you may meet up with opposition. Some people may 'speak abusively of you,' and they may keep on doing so. (1 Pet. 4:4) But remember, you are not alone. Jesus Christ too suffered persecution. The apostle Peter also did, and he wrote: "Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning [suffering] among you, which is happening to you for a trial, as though a strange thing were befalling you. On the contrary, go on rejoicing forasmuch as you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ." -1 Pet. 4:12, 13.
If Satan controls the world, does that mean he controls every non-jw? jws are taught that they must be persecuted to have God's favor. Have you known jws that provoked persecution? I can remember many belligerent jws that I refused to go in field circus with because it ended up a fight with the homeowner.
(2 Timothy 3:12) 12 In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.
*** w06 1/15 p. 28 par. 8 Oppose Satan, and He Will Flee! ***
As enmity between the two ‘seeds’ continues, those faithfully serving Jehovah can expect to be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)
Q 13. Why can Christians rejoice when they are persecuted?
13. Enduring persecution or opposition as a Christian is a reason to rejoice. Why? Because having the world's approval would indicate that you are living according to Satan's standards-not God's. Jesus warned: "Woe, whenever all men speak well of you, for things like these are what their forefaters did to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26) Persecution indicates that Satan and his world are angry with you because you serve Jehovah. (Read Matthew 5:11, 12.) And "being reproached for the name of Christ" is something to rejoice over.-]1Pet. 4:14.
A Christian--only jws
world's approval--all non-jws
the world is living according to Satan's standards--in other words only jws tell the truth, love their children and spouses, are honest in business, show practical assistance to their neighbors....
So if a person drives drunk, molests children, defrauds the elderly, reckless speeds, and the world's law punishes them, that is from Satan?
But aren't jws reproached for the name of "Jehovah"? When asked what religion they are, jws proudly say "one of Jehovah's Witnesses." They certainly don't want to say a Christian and be confused with those born-agains.
Q 14. What good can result when a person remains faithful to Jehovah despite persecution?
14. When you remain faithful to Jehovah despite opposition, there are at least four positive results. You give a witness about God and his Son. Your faithful endurance encourages your Christian brothers and sisters. Some observers who do not know Jehovah may be moved to search for him. (Read Philippians 1:12-14.) And as you sense how Jehovah provides strength to endure trials, your love for him grows.
But if the young jw is not equipped to explain their beliefs...instead I hear from jw kids, "I can't do that because my parents (or my religion) won't let me...or the bible says it is wrong but I don't know the scripture right now."
Do you get the feeling that Jesus plays a limited supporting role?
"A Large Door" Is Open to You
Q 15. What "large door" was opened to the apostle Paul?
15. Concerning his ministry in Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote: "A large door that leads to activity has been opened to me." (1 Cor. 16: 8, 9) It was the door leading to great activity in preaching the good news and making disciples in that city. By going through that door, Paul helped many to learn about Jehovah and worship Him.
Did Paul preach "door to door" or in the synagogue and marketplace where he could reach the most people.
http://www.escapefromwatchtower.com/house.html
Didn't Paul help people to learn about Jesus?
Q 16. How did the anointed remnant go through "an opened door" in 1919?
16 In 1919 the glorified Jesus Christ placed "an opened door" before the anointed remnant. (Rev. 3:8) They went through that door and began preaching the good news, teaching Bible truth with more fervor than ever before. What has been the fruitage of their ministry? The good news has now reached to the ends of the earth, and about seven million people have the hope of gaining eternal life in God's new world.
Where does the WTS grab the date 1919? Hadn't the Bible students been preaching from 1879 to 1919? Did the WTS start preaching in 1919 or was it only by 1922 they started pushing it.
If the good news has reached to the ends of the earth, how is it that few of the billions in India, China, and Muslim countries have heard nothing?
about seven million people--only jws--have the hope of gaining eternal life.
Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil." Watchtower 1989 Sep. 1 p.19
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/salvation.htm
Q 17. How can you go through "a large door that leads to activity"?
17. "A large door that leads to activity" is still wide open to all of Jehovah's servants. Those passing through it find joy and satisfaction as they have a greater share in the preaching of the good news. You young servants of Jehovah, how highly do you value the incomparable privilege of helping others to "have faith in the good news"? (Mark 1:]4, 15) Have you considered serving as a regular pioneer or as an auxiliary pioneer? Kingdom Hall construction, Bethel service, and the missionary field are other opportunities that may open up to many of you. Since time is running out for Satan's wicked world, entering these avenues of Kingdom service becomes more urgent every day. Will you go through the "large door" while there is still time?
only jws--Jehovah's servants...young servants of Jehovah
greater share--and others will judge what that is, your parents, the elders, other jws
Have the elders considered pioneering? Why do they get out free card?
Why does the WTS fail to mention that few females will be allowed to be involved in KH construction, Bethel service, missionary, and not the MTS School.
My generation of teenagers was told this:
*** 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.
I am now 40 years older and definitely no longer young and the generation of 1914 passed away in 1995 by WT decree. Fortunately, I didn't listen to this fairy tale.
"Taste and See That Jehovah Is Good"
Q 18, 19. (a) What helped David to have a strong desire to serve Jehovah? (b) What shows that David never regretted serving God?
18. 'The inspired psalmist invited others to "taste and see that Jehovah is good." (Ps. 3-18) When King David of ancient ]srael was a shepherd boy, Jehovah saved him from the attacks of wild animals. God supported him in his fight with Goliath and rescued him from many other calamities. (1 Sam. 17:32-51; Ps. 18, superscription) Because of God's great loving-kindness, David was moved to write: "Many things you yourself have done, O Jehovah my God, even your wonderful works and your thoughts toward us: there is none to be compared to you." -Ps. 40:5.
OT example--David, a murderer and an adulterer who disobediently conducted a census and chose death for 70,000 other people as his punishment. On top of that his wives were raped, and his sons died. God rescued him from the punishment of death under the Law. I wonder how many other adulterers and murderers were allowed to skirt the Law.
Do you think God will make a judicial committee, wink at your sins and not disfellowship you?
19. David came to love Jehovah deeply and wanted to praise Him with his whole heart and mind. (Read Psalm 40:8-10.) As the years passed, David never regretted spending his life worshipping the true God. Living with godly devotion was his greatest treasure-a source of happiness without equal. In old age, David said: "You are my hope, o Sovereign Lord Jehovah, my confidence from my youth. And even until old age and gray-headedness, O God, do not leave me." (Ps. 71:5, 18) David's trust in Jehovah and friendship with Him became stronger, even though his physical strength had waned.
After God had prevented David from being properly punished under the law, I would think he felt obligated to him.
Remember that God had promised to make an everlasting kingdom through David. Has he made the promise to any jw. Perhaps some of the anointed think that but do the rank and file?
20. Why is serving God the best way to spend your life?
20. The lives of Joshua, David, and Timothy add proof that serving Jehovah is the best way to spend your life. The short-term material advantages of a career in this world cannot approach the long-range benefits you receive from 'serving Jehovah with your whole heart and soul.' (Josh. 22:5) If you have not made a dedication to Jehovah in prayer, ask yourself, 'What is stopping me from becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses?' If you are already a baptized worshipper of Jehovah, would you like to increase your joy in living? Then expand your ministry, and make steady spiritual progress. The following article will show you how you can grow spiritually by following the example of the apostle Paul. Based on the comment above made in 1969 to young jws (like myself), what do you think about listening to the WTS statements not to pursue a good education and livelihood.
becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses--or rather becoming a CHRISTIAN?
Where is Jesus Christ in this paragraph?
How Would You Answer?
·Give two reasons why we should serve God.
·What helped Timothy to make a decision to serve' God?
·Why should you remain firm in the face of persecution?
·What opportunities for service may open up to you?
CLOSING COMMENTS
The good news has now reached to the ends of the earth
Then why is the WTS still "preaching"? Has it been preached sufficiently for the end to come?
*** 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. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare Matthew 10:23.
I wonder where Andre was in the account of Timothy?
Love, Blondie