Comments You Will Not Hear at the 09-06-09 WT Study (July 15, 2009, pages 3-7)(TREASURES JESUS)
Review comments will be in red or headed by COMMENTS
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will headed by QUOTES
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
Also posted on
http://exjehovahswitnessforum.yuku.com
http://www.jwsupportforum.com/index.php
http://www.jehovahswitnessrecovery.com/
FINDING TREASURES "CAREFULLY CONCEALED IN HIM"
"Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.--COL. 2:3
http://e-jehovahs-witnesses.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3375
START OF ARTICLE
Q1,2. (a) What artifacts were discovered in 1922, and where did they end up? (b) God's Word extends what invitation
to everyone?
COMMENTS
Why does the WTS pick only material treasures for non-jws to treasure? I have met many people who treasure
non-physical things such as family and friends, their faith.
Why does the WTS pick something that does not have any effect on our day to day life and then present it as the only
thing to be discussed?
Does anyone remember the hoopla with the tour of Tutankhamen's things? The tour still continues.
http://www.kingtut.org/home
Q3. In what ways are the treasures that Jehovah urges his worshippers to seek beneficial?
COMMENTS
his worshippers = only jws
relationship with God = where's a relationship with Jesus?
fear of God = fear of WTS
knowledge of God = only as the WTS defines it
Q4. What directions to spiritual treasurers do we have?
COMMENTS
WE (WTS) know exactly where found = so no one else thinks that spiritual treasures are found in the bible/
in him = in Christ (not Jehovah)
Q5. Why was Paul writing about spiritual treasures?
COMMENTS
In your experience were jws truly harmoniously joined together in love or fear?
EVIDENTLY = a word the WTS uses when what they say next is not in the bible
So has the WTS returned to Mosaic laws and observances when it comes to the use of blood, 3 gatherings a year =
conventions/assemblies. Can you think of other teachings/procedures that the WTS uses OT references as an
authority?
Q6. Why should we be interested in Paul's counsel?
COMMENTS
Satan and his wicked system = all non-jws
What is secular humanism? The WTS does not define it here.
What about the debased tendencies in the bible: Lot having sex with his daughters, the jewish man who gave his
concubine over to be gang-raped and murdered by fellow jews and then cut her up in 12 pieces?
direction that God provides = only direction from the WTS
Q7. What two things did Paul say would help the Colossians?
COMMENTS
"fully convinced that THEIR understanding of the scriptures was correct" - whose understanding? The one fed to them
on high or was it like the Bereans?
Did you know that the WTS has one application of Acts 17:10,11 for non-jws and another for jws?
QUOTES
*** w03 9/1 p. 7 One True Christian Faith—A Reality ***
Maybe you feel that you have already found that church, or congregation. It is important that you make sure. Why?
Because as in the first century, there can be only one true church. Have you taken the time to make sure that your
church closely conforms to the pattern set by the first-century Christian congregation and that it loyally adheres to the
teachings of Jesus Christ? Why not examine this now? Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to help you to do just
that.—Acts 17:11.
*** w02 4/1 pp. 4-5 Search for God With Your Heart and Mind ***
For example, a number of people in the Macedonian city of Beroea “received the word [of God] with the greatest
eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things [explained by Paul and his
companions] were so.” (Acts 17:11) Two things are worth noting here. First, the Beroeans were eager to listen to God’s
Word; second, they did not blindly assume that what they heard was correct, but they referred back to the Scriptures.
but for jws
*** w81 2/15 pp. 18-19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***
A NOBLE-MINDED VIEW
How shall we view the spiritual food provided by this “faithful and discreet slave”? Should it be viewed critically—‘Oh,
well, it might be true but then again it might not be and so we have to scrutinize it very critically’? Some apparently have
felt that way about it. To support their way of thinking they have quoted Acts 17:11, which says of newly interested
persons at Beroea: “Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with
the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.”
But does this mean that those Beroeans were looking for flaws in the message they were hearing, or that their attitude
was one of doubting? Does this set a precedent for regarding critically the publications brought forth by the “faithful and
discreet slave,” with a view to finding fault? Not at all!
First of all, let us note the setting of the statement about the noble-minded Beroeans. Paul, accompanied by Silas, was
on his second missionary tour. Due to persecution that arose, the brothers at Thessalonica sent them on to Beroea. In
Beroea they met sincere Jews who had strong faith in God’s Word. These were not Christians yet. They were simply
interested persons who had to satisfy themselves that what Paul was telling them had the support of the Hebrew
Scriptures.
Up to this time, these devout Jews in Beroea may never have heard of Jesus Christ. What Paul was telling them was
entirely new. So those noble-minded Jews in Beroea searched the Scriptures daily to make certain that the references
that Paul gave were really part of God’s Word. And with what mental attitude did they pursue their studies? With a
skeptical attitude, trying to prove Paul wrong? No, they were altogether unlike Paul’s critics on Mars Hill, for we read that
they heard Paul’s testimony with “the greatest eagerness of mind.”—Acts 17:11, 32.
These Beroeans listened with a readiness, yes, an eagerness, to believe. Thus not only were they open-minded, but
they were wanting to have this “good news” proved true. In fact, for a person to acquire faith he must have “the will to
believe.” If he is determined not to believe, then no amount of evidence will convince him; for if a person looks for them
he can always find excuses, plausible reasons for not accepting the accountability that belief will bring upon him. As the
apostle Paul well said: “Faith is not a possession of all people.” (2 Thess. 3:2) But the Beroeans had the will to believe.
They considered what they heard with a receptive frame of mind. As a result, “many of them became believers, and so
did not a few of the reputable Greek women and of the men.”—Acts 17:12.
Jesus’ disciples wrote many letters to Christian congregations, to persons who were already in “the way of the truth.” (2
Pet. 2:2) But nowhere do we read that those brothers first, in a skeptical frame of mind, checked the Scriptures to make
certain that those letters had Scriptural backing, that the writers really knew what they were talking about.
COMMENTS
So only nonjws can examine what they believe. jws supposedly already have "the truth" and should not be checking.
If jws are supposed to advance beyond the basics, how many of them can explain a basic WT teaching without reading
for a WTS publication?
Treasures "Concealed in" Christ
Q8. Explain the meaning of the term "concealed in" Christ.
COMMENTS
Maybe not locked away but only accessible through the WTS/FDS/GB.
QUOTES
*** 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.
COMMENTS
Attention directed to Jesus or the WTS/FDS/GB? Direction from Jesus only through WTS/FDS/GB?
QUOTES
*** 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.
*** w01 7/15 p. 16 par. 6 Press On in the Harvest Work! ***
Jehovah thus uses Jesus to direct the harvest work through the heavenly angels and the anointed “faithful and discreet
slave” here on the earth. (Matthew 24:45-47; Revelation 14:6, 7)
*** w01 8/1 p. 14 par. 8 Make Your Advancement Manifest ***
First, since “oneness” is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as
far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas
when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah
God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and “the faithful and discreet slave.” By regularly taking in the spiritual food provided
“at the proper time”—through Christian publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions—we can be sure that we
maintain “oneness” with fellow Christians in faith and knowledge.—Matthew 24:45.
Q9. What roles have been assigned to Jesus?
COMMENTS
Notice how Jesus becomes only a tool to a relationship with God, getting everlasting life, etc. Where is the friendship
with Jesus, the closeness to him as an individual? If you read the older publications of Charles Taze Russell, you will
see that members back then viewed Jesus as a beloved older brother, a close family member.
CARROT: Everlasting life
"careful students of the Bible" or WT publications?
Relationship with God or Jesus?
Q10. What can we learn about Jesus from Colossians 1:19 and 2:9?
COMMENTS
So what have you learned about Jesus as an individual so far?
Q11. What is the connection between Jesus and Bible prophecies?
COMMENTS
Do jws prophesy per Rev. 19:10?
The WTS teaches that prophecies are not understood truly until in the midst of fulfillment or after fulfillment.
QUOTES
*** w04 2/1 p. 21 par. 13 “The Scene of This World Is Changing” ***
Since Bible prophecies are often fully understood only after they are fulfilled or are in the process of fulfillment, we will
have to wait and see.
COMMENTS
Which prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures are puzzling?
Q12,13. (a) How is Jesus "the light of the word"? (b) Having been freed from religious darkness, Christ's followers are
under what obligation?
COMMENTS
Light--from the Bible or the WTS explanation?
False religious teachings: Yet from 1879 to 1931, members of the WTS were slaves as the cross appeared on the
cover of the Watchtower.
QUOTES
*** yb75 p. 148 Part 2—United States of America ***
Some three years thereafter, beginning with its issue of October 15, 1931, The Watchtower no longer bore the cross
and crown symbol on its cover.
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Jehovah%20Witnesses/early_watch_tower_cover.jpg
Christians--only jws
Q14,15. (a) How were sheep and other animals featured in true worship in Bible times? (b) Why is Jesus an
imcomparable treasure in his role as "the Lamb of God"?
COMMENTS
How many jws actually sacrifice themselves; if so, only for the carrot of everlasting life. Jesus again is just a tool to
reach that goal, not a person to have a close relationship too, an older brother to depend on.
jws study the ransom because it is a goal to reach everlasting life in paradise. It is the reward that motivates them and
not necessarily that others outside the "intimate" group get life.
Q16,17. Why is it essential that we understand Jesus' role as "the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith"?
COMMENTS
An examination of older WTS publications will show that women are rarely mentioned as examples. Here we have
Sarah and Rahab mentioned finally.
Do jws today grasp any more what these non-Christians grasped? Were they any less faithful? In fact, Abraham was
faithful although knowing he would not receive the reward in his lifetime. How many jws can say the same?
QUOTES
*** w86 5/15 p. 17 par. 7 Finding Delight in Jehovah’s Word ***
But remember, Abraham abandoned his home city and lived out his life in tents although he would never in his lifetime
see the fulfillment of God’s promises. (Hebrews 11:8-10)
Q18,19. (a) Name other spiritual gems concealed in Christ. (b) Why should we continue to look to Jesus for spiritual
treasures?
COMMENTS
So is Christ merely a role player for jws or meant to be a close friend, an older brother? Once again the CARROT of
"eternal welfare" is what is highlighted, the only true spiritual treasure for jws.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Sorry, this was late. Things with my scanner and my own physical being have been a barrier.
Love, Blondie