Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-16-10 WT Study (March 15, 2010, pages 14-18)(LIVE UP DEDICATION)
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http://www.jw.org/index.html?option=QrYQCsVrGZNT (March 15, 2010 WT PDF)
WALK BY SPIRIT AND LIVE UP TO YOUR DEDICATION "Keep walking by spirit and you will carry out no fleshly desire at all."--GAL. 5:16
OPENING COMMENTS
Did you ever wonder why God provided a physical manifestation (tongues of fire over the heads of those gathered at Pentecost and speaking in tongues) to people who had seen Jesus cure sick people, raise the dead, etc., yet in our day, when people are 2,000 years away from those events, get only an "invisible" manifestation?
Also, since 1985, have Jehovah's witnesses been baptized in the name of the holy spirit or the name of a spirit-directed organization, as the Watchtower Society considers their organization to be, the only one? That being baptized identifies them as one of Jehovah's witnesses, not as a Christian. Why was "spirit-directed organization" inserted in 1985, what was wrong with the 1973 questions listed below? More specifically, what questions were asked of potential Christians in the first century?
QUOTES
*** w97 1/15 p. 22 pars. 21-22 What Does God Require of Us? ***This brings us to the fourth requirement. We must serve Jehovah with his spirit-directed organization. How, though, can God’s organized people be identified? According to the standards set out in the Scriptures, they have real love among themselves, they have deep respect for the Bible, they honor God’s name, they preach about his Kingdom, and they are no part of this wicked world. (Matthew 6:9; 24:14; John 13:34, 35; 17:16, 17) There is only one religious organization on this earth that has all these marks of true Christianity—Jehovah’s Witnesses!
*** w85 6/1 p. 30 Subjecting Ourselves to Jehovah by Dedication ***At the close of the convention baptism talk, the baptism candidates will be in position to answer with depth of understanding and heartfelt appreciation two simple questions that serve to confirm that they recognize the implications of following Christ’s example.
The first question is:
On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
The second is:
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?
*** w73 5/1 p. 280 par. 25 Baptizing Follows Discipling ***
If you feel the same about serving Jehovah God and taking Christ’s yoke upon you, we suggest that you consider the following two questions, which are asked of candidates for baptism:
(1) Have you repented of your sins and turned around, recognizing yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. What baptisms occurred on the day of Pentecost?
WHEN Jesus' followers spoke in tongues on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., it was after they had been baptized with holy spirit. They manifested a miraculous gift of the spirit. (1 Cor. 12:4-10) What was the effect of this gift and the discourse that the apostle Peter gave? Many "were stabbed to the heart." At Peter's urging, they repented and were baptized. The historical record says: "Those who embraced his word heartily were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added." (Acts 2:22,36,41) As Jesus had instructed, they would have been baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit.--Matt. 28:19.
COMMENTS"historical record" - only the Bible is meant here, is there any other historical record?
The WTS points to this account as proof that because baptism numbers were kept (not exact numbers though, can you imagine hitting 3,000 exactly, as in the anal way the WTS counts?) that it justifies requiring that jws report monthly the number of hours they spend talking about "the bible"?
QUOTES
*** km 12/02 p. 8 pars. 1-2 Do You Contribute to an Accurate Report? ***At Pentecost 33 C.E., about 3,000 were baptized, and shortly thereafter the number of believers grew to some 5,000. (Acts 2:41; 4:4) It is evident from these accounts that God’s ancient servants put forth much effort to compile a complete and accurate record. Jehovah’s organization today instructs us to report our field service activity each month.
*** w62 10/15 p. 630 Bible-based Society of Kingdom Witnesses ***As in Bible times, Jehovah’s modern witnesses keep accurate records of their ministry. (Ezek. 9:11; Acts 2:41; 4:4) Each minister reports his hours devoted to preaching, literature placements, return visits and Bible studies conducted.
Q 2, 3. (a) Explain the difference between being baptized with holy spirit and being baptized in the name of the holy spirit. (b) Why is water baptism expected of all who become true Christians today?
2. However, is there any difference between being baptized with holy spirit and being baptized in the name of the holy spirit? Yes. Those who are baptized with holy spirit are born again as spirit-begotten sons of God. (John 3:3) They are anointed to be future associate kings and underpriests in God's heavenly Kingdom, and they are part of the spiritual body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Rev. 20:6) So this baptism--being baptized with holy spirit--was what Jehovah performed when, on the day of Pentecost and thereafter, he chose individuals to become joint heirs with Christ. (Rom. 8:15-17) But what of water baptism in the name of the holy spirit, something that regularly occurs at assemblies and conventions of Jehovah's people in our day?
COMMENTSDifference?
Baptized with holy spirit
Baptized in the name of the holy spirit (water baptism)
Yes, per WTS.
Baptized with holy spirit = ONLY born again spirit-begotten sons of God...kings and underpriests in God's heavenly Kingdom, part of spiritual body of Christ, joint heris with Christ = 144,000, anointed, etc.
Baptized in the name of the holy spirit = then the above were not baptized in the name of the holy spirit as commanded by Jesus at Matthew 28:19??
Jehovah's people = only jws
3. Water baptism is a step that true Christians undertake in symbol of their unreserved dedication to Jehovah God. That is so of those who received the heavenly calling. But water baptism is also a necessary step for millions of men and women in modern times who now have the hope of living forever on earth. Regardless of a person's hope, being baptized in water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit is a necessary step that one must take in order to be acceptable to God. All Christians who are thus baptized are expected to "keep walking by spirit." (Read Galatians 5:16.) Are you walking by spirit and thus living up to your dedication?
COMMENTStrue Christians = only jws
millions of men and women (and children as young as 6) in modern times = only jws
all Christians = only jws
So where in the bible did Jesus say there would be a group of his followers that would be baptized only in the name of the holy spirit but not baptized in holy spirit?
Where in the bible did it say that Christ's followers would be baptized in the name of a spirit-directed organization?
CARROT on a stick = hope of living forever on earth
WHAT "WALKING BY SPIRIT" MEANS
Q 4. What does “walking by spirit” basically mean?
4. "Walking by spirit" involves accepting the action of the holy spirit upon you, allowing the holy spirit to influence you. You might say that it means to be governed by the holy spirit in your daily activities. Galatians chapter 5 brings out the contrast between being under the influence of the holy spirit and that of the flesh.--Read Galatians 5:17, 18.
COMMENTSCan a person accept the action of the holy spirit and allow it to influence that person without being closely associated with the WTS? Does the helper come through Christ or through a human organization?
QUOTES
*** w62 1/15 p. 40 Benefiting Now from Christ’s Ransom ***By means of this holy spirit you will be able to follow a course of righteousness, but not without the additional help of God’s Word and his visible organization.
Q 5. Being under the influence of the holy spirit involves refraining from what works?
5. If you are under the influence of the holy spirit, you seek to refrain from the works of the flesh. Those include such things as "fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries." (Gal. 5:19-21) In a sense, you "put the practices of the body to death by the spirit." (Rom. 8:5, 13) It will help to set your mind on the things of the spirit and cooperate with its leadings, rather than let yourself be controlled by fleshly desires.
COMMENTSBut the WTS defines what "fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct" are.
COOPERATE with the WTS/FDS/GB, let yourselves be CONTROLLED by them.
QUOTESPay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock (www.bible.cfmin.com/PAYATTENTION.pdf )
Uncleanness includes an intentional momentary touching of sexual parts or caressing of breasts. ( I Thess. 4:7, 8;
1 Tim. 5:1,2)
Such minor uncleanness can be handled at the discretion of an elder or two; it does not require a judicial
hearing. There is a need for strong counsel, admonition, and assistance to help the individual to maintain chaste
conduct in the future.
If not corrected, such conduct may escalate in gravity and by frequent repetition become loose conduct.
Loose conduct is a shocking, flagrant disregard for Jehovah's moral standards. (Gal. 5:19; w83 3/15 p. 31; w73
9/15 pp. 574-6) It may include the willful practice of heavy petting or the fondling of breasts.
The nature, circumstances, and actual extent of what has occurred may indicate loose conduct, which would
require judicial action.
Such practices can easily lead to por.nei´a.
"Por.nei´a" involves immoral use of the genitals of at least one human ( whether in a natural or a perverted way ), and
there must have been another party to the immorality‹a human of either sex or a beast; willing participation incurs
guilt and requires judicial action. It is not a casual touching of the sex organs between persons but involves the
manipulation of the genitals. (w83 6/1 pp. 23-6; w83 3/15 pp. 30-1)
It includes oral and anal sex or mutual masturbation between persons not married to each other, homosexuality,
lesbianism, fornication, adultery, incest, and bestiality. (Lev. 20:10, 13, 15, 16; Rom. 1:24, 26, 27, 32;
1 Cor. 6:9, 10)
Q 6. Illustrate what is necessary in order to manifest the fruitage of the spirit.
6. As holy spirit operates upon you, you manifest godly qualities, "the fruitage of the spirit." (Gal. 5:22, 23) You realize, though, that this calls for effort on your part. To illustrate: A farmer cultivates the land. Of course, sunshine and water are necessary; without such he cannot expect any harvest. We might compare holy spirit to sunshine. Holy spirit is needed for us to manifest the fruitage of the spirit. Yet, what would be produced without the farmer's hard work? (Prov.10:4) Yes, how you cultivate the soil of your heart makes a difference in the quality and quantity of the fruitage of the holy spirit in you. So ask yourself, 'Am I permitting holy spirit to produce its fruitage by working along with it?'
COMMENTSAnd what would be the fruit of the spirit that would outweight all the others? What did Jesus say would be the identifying mark of his followers? What did Paul would be the quality that would remain above the other three? What did John say was more important than loving God?
Did you show, receive, and see that kind of love? Do jws even know how other religions operate in showing a similar love or is their knowledge only in a self-serving, backhanded way through the WTS?
working along with holy spirit = only by cooperating with the WTS/FDS/GB
Q 7. Why are study and meditation so important if you want to cultivate the fruitage of the holy spirit?
7. To obtain a good harvest, farmers also need to water their crops. In order to cultivate the fruitage of the spirit, you need the waters of truth found in the Bible and available through the Christian congregation today. (Isa. 55:1) You have likely pointed out to many people that the Holy Scriptures are a product of holy spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16) Also, the faithful and discreet slave class provides much-needed understanding of the pure waters of Bible truth. (Matt. 24:45-47) The implication is clear. In order to come under the influence of the holy spirit, we must read and meditate on God's Word. If you are doing that, you are imitating the fine examples of the prophets who made "a diligent inquiry and a careful search" of information that was provided. It is noteworthy that even the angels have shown deep interest in spiritual truths regarding the promised Seed and the anointed Christian congregation. --Read 1 Peter 1:10-12.
COMMENTSWhile the Holy Scriptures may be "a product of holy spirit" has the understanding provided by the FDS provided to be pure waters?
The WTS is really saying "in order to come under the influence of the holy spirit, we must read and meditate on" their publications.
Did the prophets made "a diligent inquiry and a careful search" of articles written by the high priest and other prophets of their time? Oh, that's right, all they needed was the unadulterated word of God. What did Jesus say about the auxiliary holy book, the Talmud...that it was invalidating the word of God.
Does the average jw realize that the WTS orginally taught that the superior authorities were the secular governments
(1879-1929), from 1929 to 1962, taught that they were God and Jesus, and from 1962 to today RETURNED to the original teaching that the superior authorities are the secular governments.
For other examples of the so-called accurate understanding of the pure waters of bible truth, look at this excellent website.
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/superior-authorities.php
These prophets were like the Bereans of Paul's day...are jws encouraged to diligently search the teachings of the WTS? BTW, this 2/15/1981 article and articles like it applying Acts 17:11 this way are found during the time the so-called apostasy broke out at Bethel. Note what the WTS said in 1979. What about 30 years later in 2009? So doesn't the WTS tell its members things that are new...shouldn't jws examine them carefully...hasn't the WTS been wrong in the past...isn't their everlasting life depending on the information being accurate?
QUOTES
*** w81 2/15 p. 18 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***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!
*** w79 7/1 pp. 24-25 par. 20 Who Really Have the Truth? ***An impartial investigation of God’s Word, comparing it to the teachings and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses, will provide the evidence that God’s spirit is indeed backing them, and that he is using them as his instrument for proclaiming truth today. However, all persons who have a love for the truth are invited to examine this claim that Jehovah’s Witnesses really do have the truth. In doing so, they should imitate what those persons in the first century did who listened to the preaching of the apostles: “They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.”—Acts 17:11
*** w09 2/1 p. 21 You Are Warmly Invited ***In most congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the public talk is followed by the Watchtower Study, a one-hour question-and-answer discussion of a Bible subject. This meeting encourages those in attendance to follow the example of the Beroeans in Paul’s day, who “received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures.”—Acts 17:11.
INFLUENCED BY THE SPIRIT HOW?
Q 8. Why is it vital for you to ask Jehovah for his spirit?
8. It is not a matter of simply studying the Scriptures and meditating. You need to keep asking for Jehovah's help and guidance. He can "do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive." (Eph. 3:20; Luke 11:13) How would you answer, though, if someone inquired, "Why should I continue to ask if God already knows 'what things I am needing before ever I ask him'?" (Matt. 6:8) Well, for one thing, by praying for holy spirit, you acknowledge your reliance on Jehovah. For example, if someone came to you for aid, you would do whatever you could to help him, one reason being that he asked you to assist him, showing trust in you. (Compare Proverbs 3:27.) Likewise, Jehovah finds pleasure in your asking him for his spirit, and he will give it to you.--Prov. 15:8.
COMMENTSBut a jw can only get God's help and guidance through the WTS/FDS/GB.
Does a normal parent make their child ask many, many times before they will give them what they ask for?
Did Jesus say that by many words a person's prayer would more likely be heard? Why did the WTS leave out verse 7 of Matthew chapter 6?
(Matthew 6:7-8)7 But when praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words. 8 So, do not make yourselves like them, for God YOUR Father knows what things YOU are needing before ever YOU ask him.
Are jws acknowledging reliance on God or the WTS?
Q 9. How can attending Christian meetings help you to come under the influence of God's spirit?
9. You can well appreciate that another way to come under the influence of God's spirit involves our meetings, assemblies, and conventions. Making an effort to be in attendance and paying attention to the program is very important. Doing so helps you to understand "the deep things of God." (1 Cor. 2:10) There are also benefits from regularly making comments. Think back on the meetings you attended in the last four weeks. How often did you raise your hand, offering to answer, to make an expression of your faith? Do you see room for improvement in this area? If you do, resolve what you will do in the weeks ahead. Jehovah will see your willingness to participate and will provide his holy spirit, which will help you to get even more out of the meetings you attend.
COMMENTSDoes that mean if jws don't go to the meetings,etc., for some reason or another, they cannot receive God's spirit? And as if they are children, the WTS tells them to pay attention and to regularly make comments. When I attended, the biggest offenders of not doing this were the elders standing in the back talking (after all they were spiritual giants in their own minds and knew all things). Their wives and the regular pioneers did not have their hands up regularly. I once commented during a meeting when the conductor was getting frustrated that there were 7 elders, their 7 wives, and 5 pioneers there. That was a total of 19 spiritual people and an article rarely had more than 23 questions....there should be no problem especially if you added in the 5 MS and their wives, a total of 29 possible hands up to answer.
If you attend still, do the elders, their wives, the MS, their wives, and the regular pioneers, comment at least once?
Q 10. Walking by spirit involves extending what invitation to others?
10. Walking by spirit includes responding to the invitation we read at Revelation 22: 17: “The spirit and the bride keep on saying: ‘Come!’ And let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’ And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” The spirit, working through the anointed bride class, is extending this invitation regarding life’s water. If you have accepted the call to “come!” are you determined to say,“Come!”? What a privilege it is to be able to share in this lifesaving work!
COMMENTSLast week, the WTS identifies the bride as the anointed jws, now UP to almost 11,000 strong. So is the water they are offering without contamination. www.jwfacts.com
Q 11, 12. How is holy spirit involved in the preaching work?
11. This vital work is now being accomplished under the guidance of holy spirit. We read how the holy spirit was involved in the first century in opening up new territories for missionaries. The apostle Paul and his companions were “forbidden by the holy spirit to speak the word in the district of Asia”; nor were they permitted to go into Bithynia. We do not know exactly how the spirit prevented their going into those places, yet it is clear that the spirit led Paul into the vast field of Europe. He received a vision of a Macedonian man pleading for help.—Acts 16:6-10.
COMMENTSNow the bible does say that the early Christian congregation preached under the guidance of the holy spirit.
12. Today, Jehovah’s spirit is likewise directing the worldwide preaching. No miraculous visions are being used to give direction; instead, Jehovah guides the anointed by holy spirit. And the spirit motivates brothers and sisters to do all they can in preaching and teaching. You no doubt have been participating in this vital work. Can you increase your joy in this exciting activity?
COMMENTSHave you noticed that the WTS never details how the GB know what to do? Have you ever read Crisis of Conscience where Ray Franz, a GB member, shows how they were in the dark as to what to do on many important issues, such as alternative service?
http://www.commentarypress.com/Publication/English.html
Q 13. How can you submit to the direction of the holy spirit? Illustrate.
13. You can submit to the direction of holy spirit by applying the information provided for God’s people. Consider young Mihoko from Japan. As a new pioneer, she felt unqualified to make return visits; she felt that she did not know how to capture the householder’s interest. About that time, practical suggestions on how to make brief return visits were provided in Our Kingdom Ministry. Then the brochure A Satisfying Life—How to Attain It was published. It proved to be especially useful in the Japanese field. Mihoko applied the suggestions given on how to use the brochure, especially on how to make brief return visits. Soon she was starting Bible studies with those who might previously have declined a study. She says, “I had so many studies—as many as 12 at one time—that I had to put some on a waiting list!” Indeed, when you walk by spirit, applying the direction given to Jehovah’s servants, you can reap bountifully.
COMMENTSGod's people - only jws
Remember when Japan had increase after increase; and then the Theocratic News column ended in the Kingdom Ministry. BTW when did that publication come out? 2001, nine years ago. Did I miss the mention of Mihoko praying? So how many other Japanese had 12 bible studies at one time? Or a waiting list? No mention of using the bible at the door.
QUOTES
*** w02 1/15 p. 28 Teachers of God’s Word Urged to Fulfill Their Commission ***
The brochure A Satisfying Life—How to Attain It was released at the end of the convention’s second day. This brochure was prepared for the purpose of starting Bible studies with those who have no concept of a Creator having personality and of a divinely inspired book
Japanese JWs1998 - Publishers Peak 222,912 Congs. 3,802
EIGHT YEARS LATER----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 - Publisher decline 217,519 {Loss -5,357} Congs. 3,164 {loss of -638}
Basically no growth in 10 years with huge losses about an entire "District."
RELY ON GOD'S SPIRIT
Q 14, 15. (a) How is it possible for imperfect humans to live up to their dedication? (b) How can you find the best friends?
14. As an ordained minister, you have a ministry to perform. (Rom. 10:14) You may not feel fully qualified to shoulder such a responsibility. But, as is the case of the anointed, it is God who qualifies you. (Read 2 Corinthians 3:5.) You can live up to your dedication by doing your best and relying on God's spirit.
COMMENTSDid you know that for a period of time in 1976-1982, all jws were not regarded as ordained ministers. That is why the Our Kingdom Ministry became known as the Our Kingdom Service and then reverted back to KM in 1982.
QUOTES
*** w75 12/1 p. 734 par. 25 What Does It Mean to Be a “Minister”? ***Of course, if one actually has been appointed by the duly authorized men to a particular position of service, he can so reply and can give, as the time of his “ordination,” the date—not of his baptism—but of the time when the Christian appointive body, in effect, ‘laid hands upon him’ by giving him such appointment.
15. Granted, it is not easy for us imperfect humans to live up to our dedication to our perfect God, Jehovah. One complication is that some with whom you once associated may be puzzled at your new way of life and may 'speak abusively of you.' (1 Pet. 4:4) Yet, do not overlook the fact that you have since cultivated new friendships, the most important being with Jehovah and Jesus Christ. (Read James 2:21-23.) It is also vital to get to know the brothers and sisters in your local congregation, part of 'the whole association of brothers" throughout the world. (1 Pet. 2:17; Prov. 17:17) Jehovah through his spirit will help you to have friends who will continue to be a good influence on you.
COMMENTSThe real challenge jws face is those in the congregation that "speak abusively" of them.
Finally, Jesus is included in the friendships a Christian should have.
Of course, this is assuming that the jws in your congregation want to get to know you. I remember that my husband and I once got up the courage to talk to the people sitting next to us after the convention...they could hardly get away, they had plans with their "real" friends. The WTS is either naive or just CYAing themselves.
As to being a good influence, I saw how elders lied, how some women stabbed others in the back with their words, how people deliberately excluded people from social functions, and those who had no time to write a simple sympathy card when a local jw lost a loved one, people who moved across town that couldn't find the time to return a phone call to invite them over for dinner. One elder said his phone wasn't working...next time I called from another family's phone and he was shocked to hear my voice...his phone was working.
Q 16. Why can you, like Paul, "take pleasure in weaknesses"?
16. Even with helpful friends around you in the congregation, you may still find it difficult to cope with daily challenges. What you have to contend with may at times leave you feeling lost, as if you were in a long tunnel of problems. That is especially a time for you to turn to Jehovah, asking for his holy spirit. "When I am weak," wrote the apostle Paul, "then I am powerful." (Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-10; 12:10.) Paul knew that God's spirit can make up for human weaknesses, regardless of their nature. Thus, God's active force can strengthen you whenever you feel weak and in need of help. Paul wrote that he could "take pleasure in weaknesses." It was when he was weak that he felt holy spirit operating on him. You can experience the same feeling!--Rom. 15:13.
COMMENTShelpful friends==does that mean there are "unhelpful" friends at the KH?
Turn to Jehovah = Wait on Jehovah = not realizing that perhaps God is trying to help you through them.
Q 17. How can holy spirit help you as you move toward your destination?
17. We need God's spirit so that we can lead a life dedicated to him. Think of yourself as the skipper of a sailboat. Your goal is to serve Jehovah forever. Holy spirit is like the wind that you want to catch so as to arrive at your destination safe and sound. You do not want to be carried hither and thither by the spirit of Satan's world. (1 Cor. 2:12) You have to identify, as it were, the right wind and catch it. That is the holy spirit. Through God's Word and his spirit-directed organization, holy spirit will move you in the right direction.
COMMENTSInteresting example of holy spirit helping us reach our destination. See this previous illustration showing how many wrong turns the WTS has taken. jws were carried hither and thither (not cited Ephesians 4:14,15) by the spirit and trickery of the WTS. Notice it too appeared in 1981, the so-called year of apostasy at Bethel.
(Ephesians 4:14-15) 14 in order that we should no longer be babes, tossed about as by waves and carried hither and thither by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in contriving error. 15 But speaking the truth, . . .
*** w81 12/1 p. 27 par. 2 The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter ***However, it may have seemed to some as though that path has not always gone straight forward. At times explanations given by Jehovah’s visible organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case. This might be compared to what is known in navigational circles as “tacking.” By maneuvering the sails the sailors can cause a ship to go from right to left, back and forth, but all the time making progress toward their destination in spite of contrary winds. And that goal in view for Jehovah’s servants is the “new heavens and a new earth” of God’s promise.—2 Pet. 3:13.
Of course, such development of understanding, involving “tacking” as it were, has often served as a test of loyalty for those associated with the “faithful and discreet slave.” However, progress is being made continually toward fuller appreciation of the “good news” and all that it means. It has been the experience of those who stay close to God’s organization that questions and things hard to understand are always cleared up with the passing of time. And as the light shines forth ever more clearly, how heartwarming and satisfying the way proves to be! It is as Peter expressed it when some of the disciples stumbled over Jesus’ teaching: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.” (John 6:68)
Q 18. What is your determination now, and why?
18. If you have been studying with Jehovah's Witnesses, enjoying spiritual association with them, but you have yet to take the vital steps of dedication and baptism, ask yourself, 'Why should I hesitate?' If you recognize the holy spirit's role in accomplishing Jehovah's will today and appreciate its operation, then take the steps you have learned to be right. Jehovah will richly bless you. He will generously provide his holy spirit for you. If you were baptized years or decades ago, surely you have experienced the influence of the holy spirit. You have seen and felt how God can strengthen you with his spirit. That can continue to be the case--yes, into the endless future. Thus, be determined to keep on walking by holy spirit.
COMMENTSSo how many non-jws were in the audience today or any day, not including minor children of jws? I was in a congregation that had only one person aptized over a ten year period, that was not born into the organization, and they had been df'd.
Have they "learned" what is right if they are not encouraged to examine it?
CARROT on the stick - endless future.
DO YOU RECALL?
What does "walking by spirit" mean?
What can help you to "keep walking by spirit"?
How can you live up to your dedication?
CLOSING COMMENTS
SNIPPETS"were stabbed to the heart."
"keep walking by spirit."
"fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries."
"put the practices of the body to death by the spirit."
"the fruitage of the spirit."
"a diligent inquiry and a careful search"
"do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive."
"the deep things of God."
“forbidden by the holy spirit to speak the word in the district of Asia”
'speak abusively of you.'
'the whole association of brothers"
"take pleasure in weaknesses"
"When I am weak," wrote the apostle Paul, "then I am powerful."
How often does the WTS quote a whole scripture verse? When I was growing the books and magazines would sometimes have whole paragraphs that were only a scripture quotation. How many jws look up the scriptures? Perhaps they secretly go online and find where another jw has printed them out from the WT-CD. Most of the sites were shut down. I know one who reduces them and puts them between the pages of her WT. I wonder if jws can use their laptops to follow along in the article?
Next week, "The Righteous Ones Will Shine as Brightly as the Sun."
Who does the WTS teach are the wheat, the weeds. It seems to be a new idea or they are trying to make an old idea more understandable to people who want to be spoon fed the WTS doctrines.
Are the weeds Christendom or WT members (apostates) who have left?
Love, Blondie