Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 04-18-10 (SWORD OF THE SPIRIT)

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  • blondie
    blondie

    Comments You Will Not Hear at the 04-18-10 WT Study (February 15, 2010, pages 10-14)(SWORD OF SPIRIT)

    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

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    SKILLFULLY WIELD "THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT" “Accept...the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word.”—EPH. 6:17

    OPENING COMMENTS

    The purpose the the theocratic school is to teach jws how to "preach and teach" about WTS doctrine. But how many

    jws in your old congregation every conducted a study with anyone other than their children (and not even then)? Men

    are trained to give public talks to the congregation and women are lucky if they get 2 assignments a year to talk to

    another woman. Female jws dread these times and script their talks like the WTS does at the assemblies/conventions.

    They have a script for their "householder" knowing ahead of time what they are going to say and how they the jw are

    going to counter it. Not realistic at all in the examples in this article or what they will encounter "in the field." It is no

    wonder that most balk at a sincere question and say they have to go home to prepare an answer (even if they have

    been a jw for 30 years) or enlist the assistance of an elder.

    Most jws "swords" are rusting in their book bag, never brought out in the beginning (don't want to turn people off by

    using the Bible as one CO remarked), or turning to a publication to find an answer, the Reasoning book (not the bible

    despite some jws use of it) or the bible topics in the back of their NWT.

    How many jws could tell you what Genesis 3:15 says or Isaiah 9:6 or Matthew 28:29?

    START OF ARTICLE

    Q 1. 2. How should we respond to the need for more Kingdom proclaimers?

    UPON seeing the spiritual need of the crowds, Jesus told his disciples: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few.

    Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest." Jesus did not let matters go at that. After

    speaking those words, "he summoned his twelve disciples" and sent them out on a preaching, or 'harvesting,' tour.

    (Matt. 9:35-38; 10:1, 5) Later, Jesus "designated seventy others and sent them forth by twos" to do the same work.

    --Luke 10:1, 2.

    COMMENTSNotice that is was 12 MEN that Jesus sent out and later 70 MEN by twos that he sent out. Did Jesus himself ever do a

    preaching tour? Were women ever sent out? Why is it then that the vast majority of the "preaching" done by jws is

    done by women?

    QUOTES
    *** w92 5/15 p. 12 par. 10 Is Marriage the Only Key to Happiness? ***
    Among those successfully meeting this test of devotion to God are quite a number of our Christian sisters, for whom

    we have the deepest regard. In various lands, they outnumber the brothers and therefore have a major share in the

    preaching work.

    *** w91 1/1 p. 23 par. 14 Be Filled With Joy ***Our sisters are to be commended in that they are doing the greater part of the field work.

    *** w68 7/1 p. 413 Letting All Men See Jehovah’s Victory Processions ***How true it is that the women publishing the good news are a large army! By far the majority of the more than one million

    Kingdom proclaimers going from house to house, making return visits, conducting Bible studies in the homes of the

    people and standing on the street corners preaching the good news are womenfolk!

    2. The need for more Kingdom pro claimers is also great today. The worldwide Memorial attendance for the 2009

    service year was 18,168,323. It exceeded the total number of Jehovah's Witnesses by over 10 million. The fields are

    indeed ripe for harvesting. (John 4: 34, 35) We should, therefore, pray and ask for more workers. But how can we act in

    harmony with such requests? We can do so by becoming more effective ministers as we zealously share in the

    Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work--Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 13:10.

    COMMENTSmore EFFECTIVE
    ZEALOUSLY share

    10 million, that means df'd, da'd, inactive, and non-jw family; how many were non-jws off the street or "studies"?
    How many are once-a-year attenders who are called "submarine" jws who surface one a year?

    Q 3. How does God's spirit play a key role in helping us to become more effective ministers?

    3. The preceding article discussed how being directed by God's spirit is instrumental in our "speaking the word of God

    with boldness." (Acts 4:31) That spirit can also help us to be skillful ministers. One way to improve our effectiveness in

    the ministry is to make good use of the excellent tool Jehovah God has provided--his written Word, the Bible. It is the

    product of holy spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16) Its message is inspired of God. Hence, expounding Scriptural truth skillfully in our

    ministry amounts to being directed by holy spirit. Before considering how we can do so, let us reflect on just how

    powerful that Word is.

    COMMENTSHow many jws are speaking "boldly" or are wasting time every Saturday morning, hoping no one answers, if making

    note of as not-at-home, not calling back? There a break at 10:45 or 11:00 to last till noon and the it's making a return

    visit on someone who is never home or has been called on for 10 years without having stepped inside the KH once?

    How EFFECTIVE is that?
    Is the bible or WT publications the tool?
    Scriptural truth or WT truth?
    Don't other religions skillfully use the bible; does that mean they too are directed by holy spirit?

    QUOTES
    *** w00 2/15 pp. 4-5 Stay out of the Danger Zone! ***
    The Watchtower, published in 132 languages and with a circulation of more than 22 million, is a major tool for those

    who declare “this good news of the kingdom” in all the inhabited earth.

    'THE WORD OF GOD EXERTS POWER'

    Q 4. What transformation can God's message found in the Bible bring about in a person?

    4. What power God's word, or message, has! (Heb. 4:12) In a figurative sense, the message emanating from the Bible

    is sharper than any man-made sword, for it figuratively pierces to the dividing of bones and their marrow. Scriptural truth

    reaches the innermost part of a person and penetrates his thoughts and emotions, exposing what he really is on the

    inside. That truth can exert its transforming power and can bring about genuine changes in a person. (Read Colossians

    3:10.) Yes, God's Word can change lives!

    COMMENTSHow many jws use the bible in their discussions? How many try to quickly get the person into a study of a WT

    publication, reading paragraph and question and getting a regurgitation from the paragraph?

    What are the "changes" the WTS is talking about?

    Q 5. In what ways can the Bible guide us, and with what result?

    5. Moreover, the Bible is a book of matchless wisdom. It contains helpful information that can show people how to live

    in this complex world. The Word of God illuminates not only our immediate steps but also the roadway ahead. (Ps.

    119:105) It is a tremendous help when we are dealing with problems or are making decisions about our choice of

    friends, entertainment, employment, dress, and so forth. (Ps. 37:25; Prov. 13:20; John 15: 14; 1 Tim. 2:9) Applying the

    principles found in God's Word makes it possible for us to get along well with others. (Matt. 7:12; Phil. 2: 3, 4) With the

    road ahead figuratively well lit, we are able to take into consideration the long-term effects of our decisions. (1 Tim. 6:9)

    The Scriptures also foretell God's purpose for the future, helping us to pursue a lifestyle that is consistent with that

    purpose. (Matt. 6:33; 1 John 2:17,18) What a meaningful life a person can enjoy if he allows godly principles to guide

    his life!

    COMMENTSWhat problems and then it becomes a "gnat" discussion of friends (WTS approved), entertainment (WTS approved),

    employment (WTS approved), dress (WTS approved, and so forth (WTS approved).

    If applying the bible makes people get along better, I know now why things were so contentious between the elders,

    between elder bodies, and the rank and file. How well lit is the road with constantly changing light from the WTS? A

    lifestyle consistent means that the WTS teaches only jws will be in that future.

    QUOTES
    *** w83 2/15 p. 12 You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth—But How? ***
    A third requirement is that we be associated with God’s channel, his organization. God has always used an organization.

    For example, only those in the ark in Noah’s day survived the Flood, and only those associated with the Christian

    congregation in the first century had God’s favor. (Acts 4:12) Similarly, Jehovah is using only one organization today to

    accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God

    as part of it.

    Q 6. How powerful a weapon is the Bible in our spiritual warfare?

    6. Think, too, of what a powerful weapon the Bible is in our spiritual warfare. Paul called God's word "the sword of the

    spirit." (Read Ephesians 6:12-17.) When presented effectively, the Bible's message can free people from spiritual

    bondage to Satan. It is a sword that is saving lives instead of destroying them. Should we not strive to wield it skillfully?

    COMMENTSHow many doctrines does the WTS that are not clearly based on the bible?
    EFFECTIVELY--SKILLFULLY?

    HANDLE IT ARIGHT

    Q 7. Why is it important to learn to use "the sword of the spirit" well?

    7. A soldier can wield his weapons effectively in warfare only if he has practiced and has learned to use them well. It is

    the same with the use of "the sword of the spirit" in our spiritual warfare. "Do your utmost to present yourself approved

    to God," wrote Paul, "a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright."--2 Tim. 2: 15.

    COMMENTSPRACTICED--when do jws "practice"? Do you remember practice sessions? How many did you take part in? Did you

    enjoy it or avoid it?

    Beyond Matthew 24:14 or Psalm 83:18 what scriptures do jws know? How many know what the bible books are even

    after 30 years? How many know about the book of Hezekiah? How many know how to use the concordance in the

    back of the NWT, the bible topices, or perhaps the Reasoning book they may have had bound into the NWT to give the

    illusion they are reading from the bible not a WT publication?

    QUOTES
    *** km 8/07 p. 1 par. 4 Worshipping Jehovah as a Family ***
    Families have found it beneficial to prepare for the ministry together. Children often enjoy practice sessions with

    members of the family taking turns giving the presentation or being the householder. Some use a few minutes at the

    end of the family study to do this.

    Q 8, 9. What will help us get the sense of what the Bible says? Give an example.

    8. What will help us to 'handle the word of truth aright' in our ministry? Before we can clearly impart to others what the

    Bible says, we need to get the sense of it ourselves. This calls for our giving attention to the context of a verse or a

    passage. According to one dictionary, "the context of a word, sentence, or text consists of the words, sentences, or

    text that come before and after it and help to make its meaning clear."

    COMMENTSHow many jws can explain 1914, blood transfusions, etc., without running home to look it up or get support from an

    elder?

    Can you think of some concepts the WTS uses out of context scriptures to explain? How about that Jesus is the

    mediator only for spirit-anointed Christians (jws) despite what 1 Timothy 2:5 says? Is there anything that says that the

    ones praying are only spirit-anointed jws? Where is there any mention of a new covenant?

    (1 Timothy 2:5) 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus,

    *** What do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe br78 p. 13 What do They Believe? ***Prayers must be directed only to Jehovah through Christ John 14:6, 13, 14; 1 Tim. 2:5

    9. Understanding a Scriptural passage correctly requires that we consider the surrounding text. Paul's statement found

    at Galatians 5:13 illustrates that need. He wrote: "You were, of course, called for freedom, brothers; only do not use this

    freedom as an inducement for the flesh, but through love slave for one another." What freedom was Paul speaking of

    here? Was he referring to freedom from sin and death, from bondage to false beliefs, or from something else? The

    context reveals that Paul was speaking of the freedom that results from being 'released from the curse of the Law.'

    (Gal. 3:13, 19-24; 4:1-5) He was referring to Christian freedom. Those who appreciated that freedom slaved for one

    another out of love. Those who were unloving engaged in backbiting and bickering.--Gal. 5:15.

    COMMENTSSo who has been misinterpreting Galatians 5:13--jws...... Who are backbiting and bickering by correlation--jws. So why

    do you think the WTS pulled this out of the hat?

    Q 10. To understand the meaning of the Scriptures accurately, what type of information should we consider, and how

    may we go about obtaining it?

    10. The word "context" has another meaning. Synonyms for "context" include "background, conditions, ... situation." To

    understand the meaning of a scripture correctly, we should consider background information, such as who wrote the

    Bible book and when and under what circumstances it was written. It is also helpful to know the purpose for which the

    book was written and, if possible, the social, moral, and religious practices of the day.*

    * Excellent aids in getting background information about Bible books are the publications "All Scripture Is Inspired of

    God and Beneficial," Insight on the Scriptures, and such articles as "Jehovah's Word Is Alive," in The Watchtower.

    COMMENTSSo many jws don't even know the names of all 66 books of the bible; should we expect they know the authors, when,

    and circumstances. How many jws know there is an addendum in the back of the NWT that tells them that? Did you?

    How many times have today's jws gone through the Scripture Inspired book and the Insight book at the theocratic

    school? If they didn't listen (or pre-study then) will they look it up now?

    I wonder how knowing the author, time written, social, moral, and religious practices will help a jw understand and

    accept that if a single woman were raped that she could be sold and made to marry her rapist. That the rapist of a

    married or engaged woman would be put to death instead.

    (Deuteronomy 22:23-29) 23 “In case there happened to be a virgin girl engaged to a man, and a man actually found

    her in the city and lay down with her, 24 YOU must also bring them both out to the gate of that city and pelt them with

    stones, and they must die, the girl for the reason that she did not scream in the city, and the man for the reason that he

    humiliated the wife of his fellowman. So you must clear away what is evil from your midst.

    25 “If, however, it is in the field that the man found the girl who was engaged, and the man grabbed hold of her and lay

    down with her, the man who lay down with her must also die by himself, 26 and to the girl you must do nothing. The girl

    has no sin deserving of death, because just as when a man rises up against his fellowman and indeed murders him,

    even a soul, so it is with this case. 27 For it was in the field that he found her. The girl who was engaged screamed, but

    there was no one to rescue her.

    28 “In case a man finds a girl, a virgin who has not been engaged, and he actually seizes her and lies down with her,

    and they have been found out, 29 the man who lay down with her must also give the girl’s father fifty silver shekels, and

    she will become his wife due to the fact that he humiliated her. He will not be allowed to divorce her all his days.

    Q 11. What care should we exercise when explaining scriptures?

    11. "Handling the word of the truth aright" involves more than explaining Scriptural truths accurately. We should be

    careful that we do not use the Bible to intimidate people. Though we can use the Scriptures to defend the truth, as

    Jesus did when he was tempted by the Devil, the Bible is not a club with which to browbeat our listeners. (Deut. 6: 16;

    8:3; 10:20; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10) We should heed the apostle Peter's admonition: "Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts,

    always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so

    together with a mild temper and deep respect."--1 Pet. 3: 15.

    COMMENTSDO NOT USE THE BIBLE TO INTIMIDATE PEOPLE
    THE BIBLE IS NOT A CLUB WITH WHICH TO BROWBEAT OUR LISTENERS
    MILD TEMPER AND DEEP RESPECT

    Have you ever encountered a "Genesis to Revelation" jw at the door; where they cover ever WT topic at that one

    encounter?

    Why no respect...could it be that so many jws see non-jws are already doomed, "birdfood" as some have seen, that it is

    not important to convey an idea to be received well, but merely to assure their own salvation not that of another?

    Q 12, 13. What "strongly entrenched things" can the truth of God's Word overturn? Give an example.

    12. When handled properly, what can the truth of God's Word accomplish? (Read 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5.) Scriptural

    truth can overturn "strongly entrenched things," that is, expose false doctrines, harmful practices, and philosophies that

    reflect imperfect human wisdom. We can use the Bible to cut away any ideas that are "raised up against the knowledge

    of God." The teachings of the Bible can be used to help others bring their thinking in line with the truth.

    COMMENTSscriptural truth--WTS doctrine

    False doctrine--pyramid or whether people at Sodom and Gomorrah would be resurrected (true at one point/false at another)
    Harmful practice--organ transplant, vaccinations
    Philosophies--that God lives in the Pleiades constellation

    jws are expected to bring their thoughts in line with current WTS thinking and prepared to change at a moment's notice

    http://www.seanet.com/~raines/ruthoccult.html
    http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/resurrection.php
    http://www.ajwrb.org/watchtower/data1.shtml
    http://www.seanet.com/~raines/light.html

    13. Take, for example, the case of a 93-year-old woman who lives in India. From infancy she was taught to believe in

    reincarnation. When she began to study the Bible through correspondence with her son living abroad, she readily

    accepted what she was learning about Jehovah and his promises. However, the teaching of reincarnation was so

    embedded in her mind that she protested when her son wrote her about the condition of the dead. She said: "I just

    cannot understand the truth of your Scriptures. All religions teach that something inside us is immortal. I have always

    believed that the body dies and that an invisible part is reincarnated in other bodies over and over again some

    8,400,000 times. How can this not be true? Are most religions wrong?" Can "the sword of the spirit" overturn such a

    strongly entrenched belief? After further Scriptural discussions on the subject, she wrote some weeks later: "I am

    finally beginning to understand the real truth about death. It gives me great joy to know that when the resurrection

    occurs, we will be able to meet our dead loved ones. I hope that God's Kingdom comes soon."

    COMMENTS"I hope that God's Kingdom comes soon." and kills all 7 billion non-jws including innocent children and babies.

    So what scriptures and discussion did her son use........?

    USE IT WITH PERSUASION

    Q 14. How can you direct attention to the Bible in a way that creates respect for it?

    14. Using the Bible effectively in the ministry is not just a matter of quoting scriptures. Paul spoke with "persuasion,"

    and so should we. (Read Acts 19:8) 9; 28:23.) To "persuade" means to "win over." The one persuaded is "so

    convinced that [he] puts confidence in something]." When we persuade a person to accept a Bible teaching, we are

    winning him over to place his trust in that teaching. To accomplish this, we need to convince our listener of the

    truthfulness of what we say. We can do this in the following ways.

    COMMENTSHow many jws can explain the "scriptural" reasons for their beliefs despite current potential members have to go through almost 200 questions with 3 elders prior to baptism?
    Are jws EFFECTIVE, do they CONVINCE or are they convinced they have the "truth" and it needs to explaining. What happens when after baptism the new jw finds out what it really means to be disfellowshipped?

    Q 15. What does it mean to persuade our listeners?

    15. Direct attention to God's Word in a way that creates respect for it. When you introduce a scripture, focus attention

    on the importance of knowing God's thinking on the subject. After posing a question and getting the householder's

    response, you may want to say something to this effect, 'Let us see how we can get God's mind on the matter.' Or you

    might ask, 'What does God have to say about this situation?' Introducing the text in this way emphasizes that the Bible

    is from God and helps build high regard for it in the mind of the listener. Doing so is especially important when we are

    witnessing to someone who believes in God but is unfamiliar with what the Bible teaches.--Ps. 19: 7-10.

    COMMENTSDo jws direct attention to the bible or the publications? Aren't they more comfortable with the publications because that

    is what is emphasized in their own indoctrination sessions at the KH? The average jw cannot use a scripture and pose

    a question unless it is outlined in the kingdom ministry or a paragraph in a publication.

    God's mind = WTS mind. When jws have a question themselves they are not directed to the bible but to WTS

    publications.

    QUOTES
    *** w99 7/1 pp. 15-16 par. 11 Regularly Study God’s Word as a Family ***
    Though you may be using The Watchtower as a basis for your discussion, do not forget the other study tools that are

    available in many languages. If background information or explanation of a Bible expression is needed, Insight on the

    Scriptures may provide it. Other questions may be answered by consulting the Watch Tower Publications Index or by

    using the computer research program provided by the Society.

    Q 16. What will help you to explain scriptures properly?

    16. Do more than just read scriptures; explain them. It was Paul's custom to 'explain and prove by references' the

    things he taught. (Acts 17:3) A Scriptural text often contains more than one point, and you may need to isolate key

    expressions that apply to what you are discussing. You may do this by restating the thought-conveying words or by

    asking questions that will help the householder to recognize them. Then, explain the meaning of that part of the

    scripture. Once that is done, help your listener to see how the text applies to him personally.

    COMMENTSDo more than just read scriptures????? Do jws read the scriptures. For example this is followed by a snippet from

    Acts 17:3 but will the jw look up the whole scripture?

    Yes, now the WTS tells them it is good to isolate a key word or phrase....to direct them to the "proper" thought. What

    happened to the idea of "context" here?

    Explain it to him!!! or have him form an explanation. Make the application yourself or shouldn't that individual. Isn't that

    how Jesus did it...did he do their thinking for them?

    Restating = adding to God's thoughts as if they are not complete in themselves.

    Q 17. How can you reason from the Scriptures in a way that is convincing?

    17. Reason from the Scriptures in a way that is convincing. Using heartfelt entreaty and sound logic, Paul convincingly

    'reasoned with others from the Scriptures.' (Acts 17: 2,4) Like him, endeavour to reach the heart of your listener. 'Draw

    up' what is in it by using kind questions that reflect personal interest in the individual. (Prov. 20:5) Avoid being blunt.

    Present arguments in a clear and logical manner. They should be supported' by satisfying evidence. Your statements

    should be solidly based on God's Word. It is better to use one text well by explaining and illustrating the point than to

    read two or three scriptures in rapid succession. Using corroborative evidence can also I add persuasiveness to your

    lips.' (Prov. 16:23) At times, it may be necessary to do research and provide additional information. The 93-year-old

    woman mentioned earlier needed to know why the teaching of an immortal soul (or spirit) is so prevalent. Understanding

    where that doctrine originated and how it entered most religions of the world was essential to persuade her to accept

    what the Bible teaches on the subject. *

    * See the brochure What Happens to Us When We Die? pages 5-16.

    COMMENTSAre heartfelt entreaty (emotion) and sound logic compatible?
    I wonder how jws answer non-jws when they ask if only jws will survive Armageddon? Do the sidestep it like the WTS in their publications?
    What would be unkind questions? Obviously this happening or the WTS would not be putting so much emphasis on the wrong ways of discussion.
    What would be SATISFYING EVIDENCE; more than just reading the bible per this article.
    Can one text establish a matter; does the WTS use just one and many?

    "It may be necessary to do research and provide additional information"!!!! Is this a change in the previous policy?

    What the Bible teaches or what the brochure "What Happens to Us When We Die" a WTS publication, not the bible?


    CONTINUE TO USE IT SKILLFULLY

    Q 18, 19. Why should we continue to wield "the sword of the spirit" skillfully?

    18. "The scene of this world is changing," states the Bible. Wicked men are advancing from bad to worse. (1 Cor.

    7:31; 2 Tim. 3:13) So it is vital that we continue to overturn "strongly entrenched things" by using "the sword of the spirit,

    that is, God's word."

    COMMENTSSo non-jws are bad and getting worse, all of them, the majority of them, obviously not any women?

    Using God's word or WTS publications?

    19. How happy we are to have God's Word, the Bible, and to use its powerful message to uproot false teachings and

    reach honest hearted ones! No entrenched thing is stronger than that message. Let us, therefore, put forth earnest

    effort to wield "the sword of the spirit" skillfully in our God-given work of Kingdom proclamation.

    COMMENTShonest hearted ones--non jws that listen to jws. What is the message that jws preach? If you asked 25 people, what would they say?

    And what false teaching was thought between 1925 and 1970? That the great tribulation started in 1914 and ended

    temporarily in 1918 to start up at a future date. If you were alive and a jw in 1969 and you believed that the great

    tribulation had not started yet, you could have been disfellowshipped. But in 1970 when the WTS decided it was wrong

    and you still believed that the previous doctrine was correct, you could then be cast out.

    *** w58 11/15 pp. 691-692 par. 22 Signs and Wonders in the Time of the End ***Jehovah God did so. In 1918 he stopped the great tribulation that had begun upon the enemy organization of Satan the

    Devil. Along with it World War I ended on November 11 of that year. His time for Armageddon, “the war of the great day

    of God the Almighty,” was still future. In this way he cut short the days of that tribulation upon Satan’s organization

    invisible and visible.

    *** w65 12/15 p. 754 par. 31 “We Should Not Neglect the House of Our God” ***Do you, our reader, see yourself in that “great crowd”? If so, then you know that the “great tribulation” mentioned above

    began with the “beginning of pangs of distress” during the years 1914-1918, as foretold by Jesus Christ, the “Lamb”

    who shed his blood in sacrifice to God for cleansing away the “sin of the world.” (Matt. 24:8; John 1:29) The end of the

    “pangs of distress” upon the nations has not yet come, for that end means the total annihilation of this system of things.

    *** w70 1/15 p. 53 par. 13 Peace with God amid the “Great Tribulation” ***Were the suggestion made in 1925 true as to cutting short the days of the “great tribulation” in the middle, “for the

    elect’s sake” (Matt. 24:22, AV), what then? Then the time interval between the opening part of the “great tribulation” and

    the closing Armageddon part thereof will prove to be around five times as long as the length of the “great tribulation”

    itself. However, in order to correspond with the events of the first century, from the time of Jesus’ departure by

    ascending to heaven in 33 C.E. to Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 C.E., the antitypical “great tribulation” did not begin in

    1914 C.E. Rather, what took place upon Jerusalem’s modern antitype in 1914-1918 was merely “a beginning of pangs

    of distress” for her and her political allies. The “great tribulation” such as will not occur again is yet ahead, for it means

    the destruction of the world empire of false religion (including Christendom) followed by the “war of the great day of

    God the Almighty” at Armageddon against the political allies of Babylonish false religion. In that “great tribulation” the

    present system of things must end in its religious and political phases.

    What Did You Learn?

    • How powerful is the Word of God?
    • How can we 'handle the word of truth aright'?
    • What can the message of the Bible accomplish as to "strongly entrenched things"?
    • How can you improve your persuasiveness in the ministry?

    CONCLUDING COMMENTSThere is no longer a need to get people into the WT organization as there had been between 1966 and 1975 when the

    end was supposed to come. The WTS designed the 6-month long study program to heighten their feeling that the end

    was near. This was also the time that to be able to regular pioneer required that you already had a viable bible study.

    There is not the same urgency today; the WTS cannot project another date like that having ended the 1914 generation

    concept. jws know that their salvation is not tied to being EFFECTIVE or SKILLFUL. The WTS only focuses on hours

    and only has unofficial quotas for MS and elders; and has lowered significantly those required for auxiliary (70 down to

    50) and regular (90 down to 70) hours.

    Next week, "The Spirit and the Bride Keep on Saying: 'Come!'"

    When John wrote these words, who were they saying come to?

    Love, Blondie

  • bobld
    bobld

    Thanks Blondie

    You hit the nail on the head.Boy the GB/FDS must be really PISSED OFF,because they know that is exactly what is happening and they can't do anything about it.I'am so happy because I can see it.

    Bob

  • agonus
    agonus

    Well, at least this article drew some attention to the Bible. That's not a bad thing. The more JWs actually READ their Bible (and not just verses plucked out of context) - especially the Gospels - the better the chance of them realizing that something is rotten in Denmark.

    Oh, by the way - had a huge "DUH" moment recently...

    JWs say they are the only ones doing "the preaching work" as Jesus and his disciples did...

    But if that's true...

    What LITERATURE did Jesus and his disciples use to "preach the good news" door-to-door?

    WHOOOOPS!

  • blondie
    blondie

    Thanks for your comments. I knew so many jws who had rusty swords. It became very evident when we would have showers or parties with bible games, Bible Pictionary, bible flashcards with either the scripture citation or quote to know (NWT translation), and knowing the Bible books (all 66 and then put in order for a tie breaker). 2 other jws and I were always ahead of the "pack" who whined that we had not responsibilities so we could spend all our time reading the bible....I saw many jws blown away at the door by non-jws, just because they didn't know the scriptural reason the WTS gave...just it's against my religion, the Society says, I have to ask an elder.

  • designs
    designs

    Like the Fundamentalists and the Dispensationalists the Society is all over the board on Eschatology- Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib they've tried it all.

    Livin' for the Big Boom or the Rapture and investing so little in the here and now and all of the good work that needs to be done making this earth better for future generations.

    Now we have the opportunity to make a change, little by little and day by day.

  • WTWizard
    WTWizard

    The Bible is the sword? I will bet that, if anyone were ever to start using the Bible and JUST the Bible on studies, they would be heading for the back room as soon as Brother Hounder finds out.

  • OUTLAW
    OUTLAW

    In Watchtower World..

    The Bible say`s..Whatever the WBT$ says`s,the Bible says..

    For the Moment..

    The WBT$ could decide the Bible says something different tomorrow..

    ....................... ...OUTLAW

  • booby
    booby

    the story about the lady in india has got to be made up. 93 years steeped in that tradition and religion, and just like that, she is changed, notice how in just a few "weeks" she is seein the light. also as blondie alludes, lets also mention how he will have to mention to mommy, that as well as gettin to see some of the dead relatives agin, she will witness many others becomin bird food in the not so distant future.

  • thetrueone
    thetrueone

    Religion is always known to take bullshit and wrap a pretty ribbon around it and present it to people.

    Its called sanctified spirituality.

    Others will see through the ribbon and walk away and others will smear that bullshit

    all over themselves to get the purposed reward for doing so, its a matter of choice.

  • cantleave
    cantleave

    Para 9: The

    "..context reveals that Paul was speaking of the freedom that results from being 'released from the curse of the Law."

    So the WTS comes along and creates its own set of burdensome laws in order to restrict Christian freedom. Well Done WTBS.

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