Comments You Will Not Hear at the 11-03-2013 WT Study (SEPTEMBER 15, 2013, pages 7-11)(GOD’S REMINDERS TRUSTWORTHY)
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COMMENTS
Life gets busy and things have changed since the first time I posted my comments and typed the magazine articles free hand from the paper copies I received through the congregation and later through jw friends. Then when that dried up, posters on JWN sent me copies they had scanned.
Now with the advent of the www.jw.org website, anyone with access to a computer or other device that allowed access could down load it. It takes some time for me to edit it and insert my comments. I propose to change that by giving access to the magazines here for downloading and to put my comments here by paragraph.
JEHOVAH’S
REMINDERS ARE
TRUSTWORTHY
“The reminder of
Jehovah is trustworthy,
making the
inexperienced one
wise.”—PS. 19:7.
HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What sort of reminders does Jehovah provide in the Scriptures?
(Not in the WTS publications)
How can Jehovah’s reminders help Christians today?
(Christians = only jws)
What reasons do we have for trusting Jehovah’s reminders?
(WTS/GB reminders = God’s reminders?)
Can only the WTS/GB explain the reminders in the bible?
START OF ARTICLE
1. What subjects are regularly discussed by God’s people,
and how do we benefit by reviewing them?
God’s people = only jws
The complaints from the flock must be getting louder and more frequent: “Haven’t we considered this subject before?” Sometimes even with identically worded paragraphs.
Does reviewing a topic insure that jws will do more than hear but “do”? How often did you see a topic coming up and think “now the brothers will change” only to see the same old unloving process?
2. (a) To what do God’s reminders often refer? (b) How do
God’s reminders differ from man’s?
Hebrew noun rendered “reminder” – what word? Why leave it out; to discourage independent research by jws?
*** it-2 p. 762 Recorder ***
Hebrew word za·khar′ (remember) and literally means “remembrancer.”
http://studybible.info/strongs/H2142
“unlike human laws (GB), which often need to be amended or updated, [God’s] laws and regulations are always trustworthy.”
Flip-flop doctrines/laws from WTS/GB
http://www.cftf.com/comments/blinking.html
“given for a particular time or situation, they never become faulty or inadequate” – like allowing and regulating polygamy = polygamy allowed by the WTS until 1947; for a particular time? So is explanation from the WTS from the bible? Remember polygamy is still common in today’s world = long-established. The Mormons used the excuse that it helped them grow faster and gave women left without husbands after the Civil War access to husbands, homes and children and not being shut out of a personal heavenly kingdom. Needed numbers to survive? The same God that took out 185,000 soldiers with one angel in one night.
Why no temporary toleration of adultery but fornication?
*** w09 7/1 p. 30 Does God Approve of Polygamy? ***
To counter the attacks, Jehovah repeatedly sent his prophets to warn his people when they veered from righteous standards. However, he knew in advance that his people would often fail to obey even the most basic of commands, such as the one against idolatry. (Exodus 32:9) If they would struggle to obey so basic a law, how would they fare with a law against polygamy? With his perfect grasp of human nature, Jehovah saw that it was not yet the time to forbid that practice, which was already long-established in those days. Had he done so, Satan would have found a very easy means of seducing Israel into sin.
God’s temporary toleration of polygamy had other advantages. It helped the nation to grow rapidly. The larger population helped to ensure the nation’s survival until the time of the Messiah. Polygamy may also have provided a measure of protection for some women, giving them shelter and a household in dangerous times.
3, 4. (a) Jehovah’s reminders may include what? (b) How
would the Israelites benefit if they heeded them?
Are any of God’s reminders not warnings?
God’s reminders from scriptures or human organization?
The Jews at least knew God’s name…Jehovah is a bastardization from 1200 A.D. and the original form has been lost. God can save the bible but not his more important name?
*** w80 2/1 p. 11 The Divine Name in Later Times ***
Interestingly, Raymundus Martini, a Spanish monk of the Dominican order, first rendered the divine name as “Jehova.” This form appeared in his book Pugeo Fidei, published in 1270 C.E.—over 700 years ago.
And again a faulty WTS reasoning about why using “Jehovah” is better than using “Yahweh.” Why not USE Yahweh rather than substitute “Jehovah”?
*** w64 7/15 pp. 422-423 What Is The Name? ***
Although the exact pronunciation of the Divine Name in Hebrew is not known today, what pronunciation might be the closest? A recent Roman Catholic version, The Holy Bible, edited by Monsignor T. O’Connell, commenting on Exodus 3:14, says: “I am who am: apparently this utterance is the source of the word Yahweh, the proper personal name of the God of Israel.” The Revised Standard Version states: “It is almost if not quite certain that the Name was originally pronounced ‘Yahweh.’” The Evening Star article said: “If the name were to be spelled out it would be more correct to spell it as ‘Yahweh.’”
Yes, many Bible scholars acknowledge that “Yahweh” more nearly represents the Hebrew pronunciation of the Divine Name. But this also shows the inexcusability of the religions of Christendom for taking the Divine Name away from Bible translations and everyday worship! If the pronunciation “Yahweh,” or even another, is said to be more correct, then why do they not use it? What sense does it make to admit a more correct pronunciation and then eliminate its usage altogether? Truly, it is outright hypocrisy to defend one pronunciation over another and then never use either!
Blessings? Are jws promised material blessings as individuals?
(Deuteronomy 28:4) 4 “Blessed will be the fruit of your belly and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your domestic beast, the young of your cattle and the progeny of your flock.
*** w57 1/1 p. 16 par. 19 “Where Your Treasure Is There Your Heart Will Be” ***
Some think that all material prosperity they receive is due to God’s blessing upon them. But, as Paul declared, “the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things.” If you put money first because of what it can get you—ahead of the Word of God and what it surely will bring to you in the way of eternal life—you will be sidetracked: you will no longer be seeking first the interests of God’s kingdom.
5. Why did Jehovah fight for King Hezekiah?
Do you notice the continuing OT theme again for so-called Christians, jws?
Because “he kept sticking to [God]”? He did not turn from following him…what about Hezekiah’s forefather David…was he sticking to God and not turning from following him when he had Uriah killed and committed adultery with Uriah’s wife?
Should jws expect individual protection from God if they stick to him?
*** w08 9/15 p. 9 par. 8 Jehovah Is “the Provider of Escape” for Us ***
As individuals, we know that our immediate physical protection is not guaranteed.
6. How did King Josiah put trust in Jehovah?
Another OT example…is it no wonder that jws feel more like Jews than Christians; anointed jws call themselves “spiritual Israelites.”
How much did Josiah restore “pure” worship?
7. When Israel disregarded Jehovah’s reminders,
what was the result?
God’s people = Jews
Not always full trust or obedient
So the WTS uses Paul’s words to describe the Jews, was Paul doing that?
Bitter fruitage – will the WTS jump into today’s WTS?
8. How can we learn from Israel’s example?
Why can’t jws learn from 1 st century Christians?
God’s modern-day servants = only jws
What is the definition of “free moral agents”?
*** ce chap. 16 p. 190 par. 6 Why Would God Permit Suffering? ***
Also, humans were created to be free agents. They were not made to react like robots, or compelled to do certain things primarily out of instinct, as are animals or insects. But this freedom was to be relative, not absolute. It was to be exercised responsibly, within the boundaries of God’s laws, laws that worked for the common good.
CHOOSE to obey God through what he says in his word or humans who claim to speak for God? Disobeying these humans is said to be the same as disobeying God.
*** w90 5/15 p. 28 Remember Your Grand Creator in Your Youth ***
Similarly, the reminders from God’s Word and his organization are given lovingly, not as restrictions but for our protection.
*** w10 4/15 p. 10 par. 12 Holy Spirit’s Role in the Outworking of Jehovah’s Purpose ***
By being obedient and loyal to the direction received from the earthly part of God’s organization, you show that you are keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot and are working in harmony with his holy spirit.—Heb. 13:17.
*** w91 9/15 pp. 17-18 par. 12 “Help Me Out Where I Need Faith!” ***
During the great tribulation, it will be just as imperative that we follow the leadings of the holy spirit and obey Jehovah’s instructions through his organization. Then we will have no reason to worry and ask: ‘How will our spiritual and material needs be satisfied? What provision will be made for older persons or for those requiring special medical care or treatment? How will Jehovah make it possible for us to survive into the new world?’ With strong faith, all of Jehovah’s loyal servants will leave everything in his capable hands.—Compare Matthew 6:25-33.
9. When the Israelites were in the wilderness,
how did Jehovah assure them that he was backing
them?
Did not give specific details – 1975 not specific?
Did God provide for your basic needs or others around you?
Was it through the congregation or the Red Cross or food pantries?
10. How is Jehovah guiding his people today?
God’s servants today = only jws
Threshold = 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, (1984), (1994) VERY SOON NOW
Will all individual jws survive the GT?
So is the WTS the pillar of fire/cloud jws should be following?
How much bible reading do jws do…can they name the 66 books of the bible, the 9 fruitages of the spirit, the 12 apostles?
So do jws have “Family Worship” evenings any more than they had family studies? How does the WTS know?
Adjustments? How many adjustments did the early Christians make…what meetings did they have? Did they study a book designed by the apostles? What is regular? How many meetings can you miss and become irregular?
Are jws supposed to be more concerned about living alive (without dying) into the new world or sanctifying God’s name?
11. What are ways in which God shows his
care for us?
What is the balanced view of material things…how balanced is the WTS, selling buildings to build more expensive ones; where is their trust in God rather than in technology? How simple is their eye?
Do adult Christians need advice in grooming, ambiguous counsel as to what is entertaining (some Bethel boys went to the 2 nd Indiana Jones movie and saw nothing “wrong”).
APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF EDUCATION = what is that?
*** w03 3/15 p. 14 Should My Child Go to School? ***
The apostle Paul wrote: “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) Appropriate education should also be provided for our children.
SAFETY REMINDERS = how dumb are the local brothers?
PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES (Remember Katrina?) WTS caught with their pants down
12. (a) What is one subject that Jesus repeatedly
spoke to his disciples about? (b) What act
of humility left a lasting impression on Peter,
and how should it affect us?
God’s people = Finally 1 st century Christians not OT
I think it would improve the elders’ attitudes if they had to wash some lowly jw’s feet once a year.
Peter might have remembered the foot washing but failed to apply it in his behavior toward the Gentile Christians in Galatia.
(Galatians 2:11-14) 11 However, when Ce′phas came to Antioch, I resisted him face to face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before the arrival of certain men from James, he used to eat with people of the nations; but when they arrived, he went withdrawing and separating himself, in fear of those of the circumcised class. 13 The rest of the Jews also joined him in putting on this pretense, so that even Bar′na·bas was led along with them in their pretense. 14 But when I saw they were not walking straight according to the truth of the good news, I said to Ce′phas before them all: “If you, though you are a Jew, live as the nations do, and not as Jews do, how is it that you are compelling people of the nations to live according to Jewish practice?”
PICTURE: Sisters are not allowed to shovel snow…unless they wear a head covering
13. Jesus reminded his disciples about the
need to develop what essential quality?
Does the WTS say that faith is required for miracles to occur?
Do words at assemblies, conventions, meetings strengthen faith or actions of love; actions speak louder than words.
14. Why is it important to cultivate Christlike
love today?
Why so many reminders to show love…the identifying mark of a Christian? Because they don’t know what true love is? They don’t feel these people are worthy of it? Or they don’t love themselves? How many jws really sacrifice themselves in love for others? Preaching = but only because their own eternal future depends on it.
The non-jw world is selfish? Why preach to them? Association with other jws is what erodes human caring.
Jws say they would die for someone in the congregation but spend years never talking to them (and that are just the ones in good standing, this is not a df issue)
15. What was Jesus’ primary mission on earth?
Do jws show personal interest in anyone other than family and a few close friends? Note how the WTS defines love by non-jws.
(Matthew 5:43-47) 43 “YOU heard that it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to YOU: Continue to love YOUR enemies and to pray for those persecuting YOU; 45 that YOU may prove yourselves sons of YOUR Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous. 46 For if YOU love those loving YOU, what reward do YOU have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if YOU greet YOUR brothers only, what extraordinary thing are YOU doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing?
*** w11 4/15 p. 19 par. 4 “The Fruitage of the Spirit” Glorifies God ***
Read Matthew 5:43-48.) He noted that even sinners will follow a policy of like for like, treating others as others treat them. Such “love” does not involve real sacrifice but amounts to an exchange of favors.
So the WTS says that Jesus was not that interested in healing or feeding people but preaching…do you think he walked by the sick and hungry?
Thus jws are not that interested in the sick or hungry, after all they will be resurrected.
16. How extensive is the Kingdom-preaching
and disciple-making work today?
Extensive in what way? What about China, India, and the Muslim world.
*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***
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.
17. What counsel did Paul and Peter provide?
Clearly!
Imagine!
Paul: What is the “pattern of healthful words”?
Peter: Was this pre or post avoiding the Gentiles with brotherly affections?
18. How did first-century Christians view reminders?
No they did not resent, but the WTS is saying that many in the congregations of jws are resentful and are not good Christians like the first century.
19, 20. Why should we trust Jehovah’s reminders,
and how do we benefit from doing so?
What are the ample reasons to put trust in reminders, God’s or the WTS?
Prophecy reminders in advance?
*** w11 12/1 p. 12 Who Can Interpret Prophecy? ***
“Interpretations belong to God” also in that he determines and directs when a prophecy is to be understood by his faithful servants on earth. The meaning of a prophecy can be discerned before, during, or after its fulfillment. Since God tied up the prophecies, he will unravel them at the right time—his time.
Not a direct fulfillment because the WTS says not everyone will have an individual witness but will nevertheless die forever at Armaggedon.
Full trust in God or a human organization.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next weekend, MAKE JEHOVAH’S REMINDERS THE EXULTATION OF YOUR HEART.
Why never a mention of a relationship with Jesus?
Love, Blondie