Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-06-2012 WT Study (AWAKE)

The first 2 articles in this issue tell me that the WTS is concerned that the rank and file jw are asleep themselves and continue believing that their “everlasting life on a paradise earth surrounded by resurrected loved ones” does not depend on their making a single convert, not even their own children.

If jws had to work on commission like many “sales” people do, would they try harder, would they read the publications they present with a view of what would appeal, have an appropriate scripture prepared so they aren’t pushing literature, do they get their names, mark down their address, prepare something to say when they come back, come back in this century?

Or do jws give an indistinct call?

(1 Corinthians 14:8, 9)8 For truly, if the trumpet sounds an indistinct call, who will get ready for battle? 9 In the same way also, unless YOU through the tongue utter speech easily understood, how will it be known what is being spoken? YOU will, in fact, be speaking into the air.

START OF ARTICLE

CAN YOU EXPLAIN?

Why is it vital that Christians

stay awake spiritually?

Why should wakeful ministers

listen and be observant?

What role do kindness and

gentleness play in our ministry?

1, 2. In what sense do many people need to wake up?

EVERY year, thousands die because they get

drowsy or even fall asleep while driving a

motor vehicle. Others lose their jobs because

they do not wake up in time to go to work or because

they fall asleep on the job. But spiritual drowsiness

can have far more serious effects. It is in this important

context that the Bible says: “Happy is the one

that stays awake.”—Rev. 16:14-16.

COMMENTS

Has the WTS stayed awake or have the woken people up in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, 1984 (70 year generation), 1994 (80 year generation) only to dash the hopes of older jws, ending the doctrine of the 1914 generation in 1995.

http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/generation.php

http://www.jwfacts.com/growing/generation.htm

*** g84 10/22 p.7***

The Vanishing Generation of 1914

In the United States, Great Britain and Japan, about one third of the people who were alive in 1914 died between the years 1970 and 1980.

Of all the people alive in 1914, only about 15 percent worldwide were still alive in 1980. How much time can possibly be left before ‘this generation passes away’?

***kc chap. 14 p. 140 par. 33 ***

At this writing, in the United States alone there are more than 10,000,000 persons still living who were old enough to observe “a beginning of pangs of distress” in 1914-1918. Some of these may still survive quite a number of years. Yet Jesus assures us that, before “this generation” passes away, he will come as “Son of man” to execute judgment on Satan’s system of things. (Matthew 24:8, 21, 37-39) We should keep awake, expectant of that ‘coming of the kingdom.’—Luke 21:31-36.

*** w925/1 p.3***

Today, a small percentage of mankind can still recall the dramatic events of 1914. Will that elderly generation pass away before God saves the earth from ruin? Not according to Bible prophecy. “When you see all these things,” Jesus promised, “know that he is near at the doors. Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.”—Matthew 24:33, 34.

2 As Jehovah’s great day approaches, mankind in

general is sleeping in a spiritual sense. Even some of

Christendom’s leaders have referred to their flocks

as ‘sleeping giants.’ What is spiritual sleep? Why is

it vital that true Christians keep awake? How can we

help others to awake from such sleep?

COMMENTS

Quote: “sleeping giants” Source? Charles Coulson?

What about all those religions that believe the “end” is soon? Why does the WTS ignore them? Because they don’t have all the details right? Did and even now does the WTS or will another “adjustment” come next year?

http://www.history.com/topics/the-end-of-the-world

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_time

Oh, yes, the WTS believes that only jws are TRUE CHRISTIANS although they call themselves “Jehovah’s Witnesses” not even Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses.

SPIRITUAL SLEEP—WHAT IS IT?

3. How would you describe a person who is not spiritually

awake?

3 People who sleep are usually inactive. In contrast,

those who sleep spiritually may be very busy

—but not with spiritual matters. They may be frantically

occupied with the daily anxieties of life or

seeking pleasure, prestige, or wealth. With all this

activity, they show little concern for their spiritual

needs. People who are spiritually awake, though, realize

that we live “in the last days,” so they are as active

as possible in doing God’s will.—2 Pet. 3:3, 4;

Luke 21:34-36.

COMMENTS

Of course, that doesn’t mean that many or most “active” jws aren’t sleepwalking through the WTS organization.

So why do the daily anxieties of life suddenly ramp up into seeking pleasure, prestige, or wealth?

Do jws show concern for their spiritual needs as they don’t read the WTS publication, they don’t pre-study, they don’t comment, they don’t put much effort in their talks, they don’t make return visits, can’t remember the person’s name since it has been 6 months since they tried calling back, elders at the meeting who spend the time in personal conversation in the back of the KH with other elders. If jws knew that a tornado was on the horizon, how much time and effort would they put into warning the neighborhood when the alarm did not go off? Jws that spend more time watching tv and playing video games and sports than talking to people about the bible?

4. What is the import of the counsel: “Let us not sleep on as

the rest do”?

4 Read 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8. Here the apostle

Paul exhorts fellow believers not to “sleep on as the

rest do. “What did he mean? One way we can “sleep

on” is by ignoring Jehovah’s moral standards.

Another way we can “sleep on” is

by ignoring the fact that Jehovah’s time

to destroy the ungodly has approached.

We must make sure that such ungodly

individuals do not influence us to adopt

their ways and attitudes.

COMMENTS

Is that what Paul was saying in the context of that quote? Jehovah’s moral standards = 2 people of the opposite sex who stay overnight without a chaperone are guilty of fornication/adultery. There are not 2 eyewitnesses yet under WTS doctrine, these people can be disfellowshipped. But if the circumstances were the same but during the day = not disfellowshipped, because we know sex never happens during the day, right?

Destroy the ungodly = all non-jws, 7 billion men, women, and children, even babies in the womb

And the WTS does not guarantee that they all will or need a personal witness once.

***w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 ***

Fifth,we see a global preaching work being accomplished, which Jesus said would take place just before the end of this system. Jesus stated: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecedented scale. True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah’s due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. (1 Corinthians 16:9) 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.

5. What types of attitudes characterize those

who are spiritually asleep?

5 Some people imagine that there is

no God who will call them to account.

(Ps. 53:1) Others imagine that God is

not interested in us humans, so there

is no point in our being interested in

him. Still others feel that belonging to a

church will make them friends of God.

All these people are spiritually asleep.

They need to wake up. How can we help

them?

COMMENTS

Only jws are true Christians means that going to a church will not make you a friend of God = I wonder how many people jws at the door are told that by the jws that come by?

WE MUST KEEP AWAKE OURSELVES

6. Why must Christians strive to stay spiritually

awake?

6 To be in a position to awaken others,

we must be awake ourselves. What does

that involve? God’s Word associates figurative

sleep with “works belonging to

darkness”—revelries, drunken bouts, illicit

intercourse, loose conduct, strife,

and jealousy. (Read Romans 13:11-14.)

Avoiding such conduct can be challenging.

Vigilance is vital. A car driver who

underestimates the danger of falling

asleep behind the wheel may be risking

his life. How important it is for a Christian

to be aware that spiritual slumber

can be deadly!

COMMENTS

Any ex-jw knows that any witness congregation has revelries (usually the elders and their families), drunken bouts (I can count 40 elders that we known practicing alcoholics and allowed to “lead” the congregation. “Illicit intercourse” what about the true WT policy of handling pedophiles in the organization, hiding them. Loose conduct = means more than sexual faux pas. Strife = battles between sisters, elders, congregations, Cos and BOEs. And jealousy—I remember an elder’s wife who hated and was intensely jealous of a regular pioneer sister, hated her because she was too perfect and proceeded to lie about her to anyone who would listen and destroyed the pioneer’s reputation.

How many jws know these things are happening in the congregation and have a convenient memory?

7. How might a mistaken view of people affect

us?

7 For example, a Christian might

imagine that all in his territory have

irrevocably rejected the good news.

(Prov. 6:10, 11) He might reason, ‘If no

one is going to respond, why be energetic

in trying to reach or help people?’

Granted, many might now be sleeping

spiritually, but their circumstances and

attitudes could change. Some do wake

up and respond. And we can help them

if we ourselves keep awake, such as by

trying new ways to present the Kingdom

message in an appealing manner.

Part of our staying awake involves reminding

ourselves why our ministry is

vital.

COMMENTS

A Christian = only jws

His territory = obviously women must not go door to door, and who do these sheep belong to, the male jw?

I see that the WTS is aware of the years of apathy amongst jws regarding making disciples---no need to be energetic since everlasting life doesn’t depend on results.

Trying new ways = or the same generic presentation used for the last 30 years.

Jws only go in the “ministry” because they are told their everlasting life depends on doing the minimum—1 hour/month for the healthy.

*** w00 7/1 p.11 par.13***

We also preach out of love for people and in order to avoid bloodguilt. (Ezekiel 33:8; Mark 6:34)

WHAT MAKES OUR MINISTRY VITAL?

8. Why is our Christian ministry vitally important?

8 Bear in mind that whatever the current

response, our preaching honors Jehovah

and plays a role in the outworking

of his purpose. Soon, those who

do not obey the good news will undergo

judicial punishment. The way people

react to our preaching will be a basis

for judgment. (2 Thess. 1:8, 9) Furthermore,

it would be a mistake for a Christian

to reason that vigorous preaching

is unnecessary because “there is going

to be a resurrection of both the righteous

and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:

15) We understand from God’s Word

that those who are judged as “goats”

will go “into everlasting cutting-off.”

Our preaching expresses God’s mercy,

opening the way for people to change

and to get “everlasting life.” (Matt. 25:

32, 41, 46; Rom. 10:13-15) If we did not

preach, how would people have the opportunity

to hear the message that can

mean life?

COMMENTS

How does the WTS honor Jehovah when the 4 monthly presentations in the Kingdom Ministry use “God” and no Jehovah?

Obey the good news = get baptized as jws

“the way people react to our preaching” – really despite the WTS statement above that a personal witness is not necessary and the person can be judged worthy of eternal death.

Goats = all non-jws

“if we did not preach” assumes that every person on earth will receive the WTS message; and if they don’t, they still will be judged worthy of eternal death.

9. How has sharing in preaching the good

news benefited both you and others?

9 Preaching the good news also benefits

us. (Read 1 Timothy 4:16.) Have

you not found that speaking about Jehovah

and the Kingdom hope strengthens

your faith and your love for God?

Has it not helped you to develop Christian

qualities? Does not expressing your

devotion to God by sharing in the ministry

contribute to your happiness? Many

who have been privileged to teach the

truth to others have had the joy of seeing

God’s spirit help such ones to improve

their way of life.

COMMENTS

Jws truly preach to assure their own everlasting life; they don’t have to be effective.

So if jws did not turn in time slips and preaching was on the “honor” system, how many would not go out. Do jws want the responsibility of tying up their time on a scheduled basis evenings or weekends; how many turn over such calls to the elders or pioneers.

BE OBSERVANT

10, 11. (a) How did Jesus and Paul show

themselves to be alert and observant? (b) Illustrate

how being alert and observant can improve

our ministry.

10 Individuals’ interest in the good

news may be awakened in different

ways. So Christian ministers must be

alert observers. Jesus is our example.

Being perfect, he could discern the unspoken

indignation of a Pharisee, the

sincere repentance of a sinful woman,

and the self-sacrificing attitude of a widow.

(Luke 7:37-50; 21:1-4) Jesus could respond

to the spiritual need of each one.

However, a servant of God does not

have to be perfect to be a good observer.

The apostle Paul illustrates that. He

adapted his presentation so as to appeal

to different groups and to people

with varying attitudes.—Acts 17:22, 23,

34; 1 Cor. 9:19-23.

COMMENTS

So are jws observant. Do they write down the name and address of those who “show” an interest; do they plan ahead what they will say next time; do they come back soon or do months go by and they forget what the person even looked like?

Servant of God = only jws

Does the average jw “adapt” or is it more likely they have not read the “offer” that week or month or go out at times when few people are home not willing to revisit people not a home at a different time, an inconvenient time such as weekends, Saturday/Sunday afternoons/evenings?

11 By our striving to be alert and observant

like Jesus and Paul, we can discern

how best to awaken interest in

those we meet. For example, as you approach

individuals, look for clues that

indicate their culture, interests, or family

situation. Perhaps you can notice

what they are doing at the moment and

make a polite comment about it as you

initiate a conversation.

COMMENTS

Awaken interest? How many jws run up against a topic they can’t explain despite being jws for 20 or more years? They say, “We’ll come back with an answer” and never darken their door again.

Does the average jw want a conversation?

12. While engaging in the ministry, why

should we be careful about our conversation?

12 An alert observer tries to avoid distractions.

While in the ministry, conversation

with our partner can be upbuilding.

Still, we want to remember that our

purpose in engaging in the field ministry

is to preach to others. (Eccl. 3:1, 7)

So we should be careful that our conversation

between doors does not interfere

with our ministry. Discussing thoughts

that we would like to share with interested

ones is a good way to keep our minds

focused on our objective. Also, although

a cell phone may sometimes help us to

be effective in our ministry, we should

take steps to be sure that a phone call

will not disrupt our conversation with a

householder.

COMMENTS

I remember when I was new that the sister with me said that the only encouragement she had that day was talking to me knowing that someone had listened and was baptized….

So the WTS realizes how much congregation gossip goes on, sports talk, plans for the next movie or dinner out. What, no discussion of spiritual things between the doors!

So jws have been so uncouth to have their cell phone ring at the door when a non-jw is standing there?

SHOW PERSONAL INTEREST

13, 14. (a) How can we discern what interests

a person? (b) What might awaken people’s interest

in spiritual things?

13 Ministers who are awake and alert

listen carefully to those they meet. What

questions can you pose in order to get

someone in your territory to express

his feelings? Is he concerned about the

number of religions, the violence in

the area, or the failure of governments?

Can you awaken interest in spiritual

matters by commenting on the marvelous

design of living things or by pointing

out how practical the Bible’s advice

is? Prayer interests people of nearly all

cultures, even some atheists .Many wonder

if anyone hears prayers. Others may

be intrigued by the questions: Does God

hear all prayers? If not, what should we

do to be heard by God?

COMMENTS

How many jws show personal interest in other jws at the KH? Know their first names (not just sister/brother last name), know if they’re married, have children, how many, their names, how long they have been jws, other family. Ever had them over for a meal or out for dinner, or do they hang out with the same few people, year after year.

Then how do these same people show “personal” interest in strangers? Prayer!! How many jws pray in private with no one to hear them but their God? How many public prayers are the same week after week and consist of a review of the convention directed to God who needs no reminders?

14 We can likely learn much about the

art of initiating conversations by observing

how experienced publishers do

it. Notice how they avoid the appearance

of interrogating or prying. How

do their tone of voice and facial expression

communicate their interest in

understanding the householder’s views?

—Prov. 15:13.

COMMENTS

Shouldn’t jws first learn the “art of initiating conversations” at the KH? At the KH be careful if someone does talk to you because they are looking for information to use against someone, prying or interrogating.

If jws truly love these people at the door, their voice and face with show it naturally, they don’t have to artificially adjust their voice and face.

KINDNESS AND SKILL

15. Why should kindness characterize our attempts

to preach?

15 Do you like to be awakened from

a deep sleep? Many do not react well

when awakened suddenly. A gentle approach

is usually preferred. The same

is true regarding efforts to awaken people

spiritually. For example, if someone

reacts angrily to your visit, what

is usually the best response? Kindly acknowledge

his feelings, thank him for

being frank, and calmly take your leave.

(Prov. 15:1; 17:14; 2 Tim. 2:24) Your kindness

may move such a person to react

more positively the next time a Witness

calls.

COMMENTS

How many jws keep talking when they meet an “angry” person? After all, the jw showed up uninvited and without notice to basically tell them their beliefs are wrong.

How many jws walk away saying in their minds “there’s a goat”?

16, 17. How can we use insight in our ministry?

16 In other cases, you may be able to

overcome a negative reaction. Someone

may say, “No thank you. I have my own

religion” or, “I am not interested” merely

because it seems the easiest way to

end the conversation. Yet, with skill and

kind persistence, you may be able to

raise an intriguing question that awakens

the householder’s interest in spiritual

things.—Read Colossians 4:6.

COMMENTS

So what does the WTS tell jws to say when people at the door say this?

See the Reasoning Book for several.

It all is just a sales pitch.

17 Sometimes when we meet people

who feel that they are too busy to listen,

it is best to acknowledge the situation

and leave. On occasion, though,

you may discern that you can say something

brief and meaningful. Some brothers

are able to open the Bible, read a

thought-provoking text, and leave the

householder with a question—all in less

than a minute. Their concise presentation

has at times awakened so much interest

that the householder finds that he

is not too busy for a brief conversation.

Why not try to do that when the situation

allows?

COMMENTS

Too busy—I remember a women who came to the door with flour on her hands, said she was busy, and the brother with me just kept talking, talking, until I interrupted when I heard to timer go off. As we walked away he told me she was just giving us an excuse!

How many jws would reach for a publication rather than the bible, too many.

18. What might we do to be more effective at

informal witnessing?

18 When we meet people during our

daily activities, we can often awaken

their interest in the good news if we

are prepared to do informal witnessing.

Many brothers and sisters carry some

literature in their pocket or handbag.

They may also have a specific Bible text

in mind to share with others if the opportunity

arises. You might speak with

the service overseer or pioneers in your

congregation about how you can prepare

yourself to do that.

COMMENTS

Prepared! How many jws prepare for planned witnessing on Saturday?

How many do informal witnessing, the same ones that hate going door to door?

How many jws can remember a specific bible text?

HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF AWAKE

Keep busy in doing God’s will (as interpreted by the WTS/FDS/GB)

Avoid works belonging to the darkness (dark works in the KH)

Be aware of the danger of spiritual slumber (how many sleep at the KH)

Maintain a positive view of people in your territory (people who belong to God not jws)

Try new ways to preach to others (canned WT presentations)

Remember the importance of your ministry (your life depends on it as well as your minor children)

GENTLY ROUSING OUR RELATIVES

19. Why should we not abandon efforts to help

our relatives?

19 Naturally, we would like to help

our relatives to accept the good news.

(Josh. 2:13; Acts 10:24, 48; 16:31, 32) If

our initial effort is rebuffed, that could

dampen our enthusiasm for trying

again. We might imagine that there is

little we can do or say that will change

their attitude. Still, events may cause a

change in your relatives’ life or viewpoint.

Or you may have improved in

your ability to explain the truth, so that

you might now have a different result.

COMMENTS

Relatives are a captive audience. Is the only thing they hear from their jw relatives is a sermon? Or their experiences at the conventions? Or how bad things are on earth and the end is near? Why not wait and see if they bring up a question?

20. Why is tact important when speaking to

relatives?

20 We should avoid being insensitive

to our relatives’ feelings. (Rom. 2:4)

Should we not speak as kindly to them

as we do to those we meet in the preaching

work? Speak with mildness and respect.

Without being preachy, give evidence

of how the truth has affected you

for the good. (Eph. 4:23, 24) Make plain

how Jehovah has enriched your life,

“teaching you to benefit yourself.” (Isa.

48:17) Let your relatives see in you an example

of Christian living.

COMMENTS

Since many jws are insensitive to the feelings of people at the KH, why should they be different with non-jw relatives? After all, these are non-jws and the WTS does not encourage jws to socialize with them. When would they spend time with them?

*** w93 8/1 p.19 pars.15-17***

Family ties are particularly strong in some cultures, giving rise to many invitations to meals. Obviously, a balanced view is important, as Jesus manifested. (Luke 8:20, 21; John 2:12) In our dealings with neighbors and relatives, are we inclined to carry on as we did before we became Christians? Rather, should we not now review such dealings and consciously determine what limits are appropriate?

16 Jesus once likened the word of the Kingdom to seeds that “fell alongside the road, and the birds came and ate them up.” (Matthew 13:3, 4, 19) Back then, soil along a road became hard as many feet walked back and forth on it. It is that way with many people. Their lives are filled with neighbors, relatives, and others coming and going, keeping them busy. This, as it were, tramples the soil of their hearts, making it hard for seeds of truth to take root. A similar unresponsiveness could develop in one who is already a Christian.

17 Some worldly neighbors and relatives may be friendly and helpful, though they have consistently shown neither interest in spiritual things nor love for righteousness. (Mark 10:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 6:14) Our becoming Christians should not mean that we become unfriendly, unneighborly. Jesus counseled us to manifest genuine interest in others. (Luke 10:29-37) But equally inspired and necessary is Paul’s counsel to be careful about our associations. As we apply the former counsel, we must not forget the latter. If we do not keep both principles in mind, our habits can be affected. How do your habits compare with those of your neighbors or relatives as respects honesty or obeying Caesar’s law? For instance, they may feel that at tax time, underreporting income or business profits is justified, even necessary for survival. They might speak persuasively about their views over a casual cup of coffee or during a brief visit. How could that affect your thinking and honest habits? (Mark 12:17; Romans 12:2) “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.”

21, 22. Relate an experience that shows the

value of persevering in efforts to help relatives

spiritually.

21 Recently, a sister wrote: “I have al-

ways tried to witness to my 13 brothers

and sisters by my speech and conduct. I

never let a year go by without writing to

each of them. Yet, for 30 years, I have

been the only Witness in the family.”

COMMENTS

So in her self-righteous way she has let them know they don’t measure up. Wouldn’t you like to see what she writes once a year (counting her time all the while)?

She is the only “witness” but she does not identify herself as a Christian which is what the bible identified Jesus followers as being, never once Jehovah’s witnesses, but Christians and witnesses of Jesus.

22 The sister continued: “One day, I

phoned one of my sisters who lives hundreds

of miles away. She told me that

she asked her preacher to study the Bible

with her, but he never did. When I

said that I would be glad to help, she

said: ‘All right, but I am telling you now:

I will never be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.’

After mailing her the book What

Does the Bible Really Teach?, I called her

every few days. But she still had not

opened the book. Finally, I asked her to

get her book, and for about 15 minutes

over the phone, we read and discussed

some of the quoted scriptures. After a

few more calls, she wanted to study for

more than 15 minutes. Then she began

calling me for her study, sometimes before

I was even out of bed in the morning

and sometimes twice a day. The next

year, she got baptized, and the year after

that, she began pioneering.”

COMMENTS

I know of several bible study groups at the local churches here. Did she expect a one on one bible study? So this jw encouraged her sister to open a WT book but not the bible? Why only some of the “quoted” scriptures which did not require opening the bible?

23. Why should we not tire out in trying to

awaken people from spiritual sleep?

23 Helping people to wake up from

spiritual sleep is an art and requires

persistent effort. Yet, meek people are

still responding to our efforts to awaken

them. On average, over 20,000 people

each month get baptized as Witnesses

of Jehovah. So let us take to heart

Paul’s counsel to our first-century brother

Archippus: “Keep watching the ministry

which you accepted in the Lord,

that you fulfill it.” (Col. 4:17) The next

article will help all to appreciate what

it means to preach with a sense of urgency.

COMMENTS

There are many jws that need to wake up and study the bible without WT publications and to read the scriptures in order not bits and pieces sewn together.

20,000 people being baptized as Christians, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit?

(Matthew 28:19) . . .Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,

*** w85 6/1 p.30***

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?

Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism.

CLOSING COMMENTS

The WTS confirms here all the problems with the “ministry” among jws. Will this or the next article “help,” not a chance.

Next week, MAINTAIN YOUR SENSE OF URGENCY. The days pre-1975 are gone. The KHs were full and growing, many people studying, the urgency of making progress in six months or being dropped, and it increased for most jws as each month drew them nearer to 1975. Now with the overlapping generations, the WTS can drag it out longer but more and more jws see death not the new system ahead of them. The promise of never dying, living right through Armageddon into the “new system” is a broken promise for more and more.

*** w88 6/15 p.20 par.17***

Now that we are well along into the end of this system of things, those of the “other sheep” even have the special hope of living through “the great tribulation” and not dying at all.

Love, Blondie

breakfast of champions

Did this article really need 23 paragraphs?

Thanks for the summary, BLONDIE

blondie

Yes, BC, I actually thought the same thing. I love 18 paragraph articles. It tells me that what we talk about on JWN is being felt and done in the organization and the WTS is browbeating the flock once again with the stupid expectation that it will work this time.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein

ziddina

Marking...

Thanks, Blondie!

orchids

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

Thanks Blondie!

Personally, I'm awake to the fact that this is 2012. I have full consciousness of the promises that WT Corp made during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The 'prophetic utterances' by JWs that I'd never have to worry about finishing school or getting old. Every time I look in the mirror and see a face that is no longer a child, I know that I was deceived and betrayed. I'm spiritually awake to the fact that there are wolves in sheep's clothing that have stolen my time and money. They are trying to steal my entire life. I'm alert to the fact that WT flip-flops on doctrine, rewrites their history, and glosses over a long and embarassing history of false prophecy. I'm spiritually awake to what is stated in Deut. 18: 20-22 and I am not frightened at the pathetic threats and fear-mongering of WT. I'm not the one asleep, it is WT that has lulled the JWs into a sleep, a false sense of safety and security that is a complete sham.

JW GoneBad

Par 2 says…

”Even some ofChristendom’s leaders have referred to their flock as ‘sleeping giants.’

WT has a lot of nerve making the above statement. This study article is written as a wake-up alert because many among JW rank and file are in a slumber like state today, what with low meeting attendance and low field service time as an example.

Bubblegum Apotheosis

I enjoyed my "Bible Study" with the aid of "Blondies Studied Watchtower" articles, and comments, along with all source material.

I did find it odd how the writer at "Bethel" qouted the late Chuck Colson's, "Sleeping Giant" analogy of many mainstream Churches.

You post the same complaints that weigh on my mind, "How can a JW love his neighboor when he hate's his brother at the Kingdom Hall?"

Why are JWs knocking on the doors of strangers, instead of building up their faltering congregations? JWs are not the friendlist people in the World, not by a long shot! Travel to any Kingdom Hall and the odds are that the majority will not say one word to you!

This is not the case with odd foreign language Kingdom Halls, the Spanish use to be wonderfully friendly, I believe they have become just as exhausted as their English counterparts, with the newer generation of Spanish children abandoning the "old ways" the Arabic or Armenian's might show more friendliness?

My mother use to hammer me to talk to new ones "what if this person is coming for the very first time, and nobody says "Hello!"?" Guilt got the best of me, so I did my best to work the room, only to watch other brothers (Elders, Servants) "act busy" with their paperwork, PDA, Giant Samson Book Case", head to the Elder Room right after a Sunday Meeting! I swear to you Blondie, I watched new ones walk right out the door, "While I was stuck talking to some other news ones, I taught my daughters to always seek out a new one, chat, chat, chat,!" I am proud to say, they behave with kindness towards all new ones, only to have the "Goof-ball loser pioneer early twenties something, sit on their thumbs!"

What a shame and a sham! Thank you blondie for your hard work, fantastic work!

God Bless You Blondie!

Pams girl

Thank You Blondie

JW GoneBad

Par 20 last sentence says:

“Let your relatives see in you an exampleof Christian living.”

What example of Christian living? What planet did this WT writer come from? Here on planet earth the JWs have the well-earned reputation of being fanatical, weird and bizarre in the way they treat their non JW relatives. Unsociable is another word that comes to mind! Lets' not forget the way they treat their XJW relatives!

Thank you Blondie

LostGeneration

Ha! Great catch there JW GoneBad....

Most "worldly" relatives are simply pissed at their JW family for their unreasonable and unbending stance on everything non-JW. Especially around Xmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and everyone's birthday. Add to that a skipping a few weddings or funerals simply because they are in a "Church" and its no wonder these worldlies get turned off real quick to so called "JW Living"

Christian living, my ass!

Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-06-2012 WT Study (AWAKE)

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