Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-16-2014 WT Study (MAKE SACRIFICES)

The WTS must be really desperate for cash. They can sell off all their property but then the cash will be gone, spent on their building projects, no interest value. Brooklyn Heights is an expensive area, many want to get property there; but who wants property in Warwick, Wallkill, Patterson, etc. The market is improving but how much did the WTS lose? Will anything replace the monthly cash flow from the congregations for magazines, books, booklets, tapes, CDs, etc.?

Nobody will be selling their homes now because the end is near.

Will You Make Sacrifices for the Kingdom?

“God loves a cheerful giver.”— 2 COR. 9:7.

SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION

How does each of these scriptures help you to evaluate the sacrifices you make for the Kingdom?

1.What sort of sacrifices do many individuals make, and why?

PEOPLE willingly make sacrifices for the things that are important to them. Parents give their time, money, and energy to benefit their children. While their peers play and have fun, young athletes who aspire to represent their country in the Olympics spend several hours every day strenuously practicing and training. Jesus too made sacrifices for things that were important to him. He did not seek luxuries, and he did not have children of his own. Rather, he chose to focus on the advancing of Kingdom interests. (Matt. 4:17; Luke 9:58) His followers likewise gave up much to support God’s Kingdom. The advancement of that Kingdom was of primary importance to them, and they made sacrifices to have as full a share as possible in supporting the Kingdom. (Matt. 4:18-22; 19:27) So we may ask ourselves, ‘What is important in my life?’

So is the WTS concluding that preaching is not important to them unless everyone is a regular pioneer? (WT code word/phrase: full share or as full a share)

Jesus did not seek luxuries, yet his food and abode were provided to him without his working. He also knew that he would not be living a long life on earth and so did not seek a family life knowing he would be dead within 3 ½ years after his baptism.

Is the WTS suggesting that all jws live in poverty and not marry or have children? In my last congregation, all the elders had well-paying jobs and had either just purchased or built a new house. All took cruises each year and had vehicles less than 2 years old…were they bypassing luxuries to pursue the ministry?

*** w52 8/15 p. 488 The Gift of Singleness ***

Truly, to be able to serve Jehovah God with undivided mind and heart, to be able to give his work our constant attention without distraction, is a gift, and one that should be highly prized. Yes, “he also that gives his virginity in marriage does well, but he that does not give it in marriage will do better” because of the larger privileges of service and the corresponding greater happiness.—1 Cor. 7:38, NW.

2.(a) What sacrifices are fundamental for all true Christians? (b) What additional sacrifices are some able to make?

2 Certain sacrifices are fundamental for all true Christians and are essential to our cultivating and maintaining a good relationship with Jehovah. Such sacrifices include devoting personal time and energy to prayer, Bible reading, family worship, meeting attendance, and the field ministry. * (Josh. 1:8; Matt. 28:19, 20; Heb. 10:24, 25) As a result of our efforts and Jehovah’s blessing, the preaching work is accelerating, and many continue to stream to “the mountain of the house of Jehovah.” (Isa. 2:2) To support Kingdom activities, many make sacrifices to serve at Bethel, to assist with building Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls, to organize conventions, or to do relief work in the wake of natural disasters. This additional work is not a requirement to gain life but is vital to supporting Kingdom interests.

*See the article, “Making Whole-Souled Sacrifices for Jehovah” in the January 15, 2012, issue of The Watchtower, pages 21-25. (found at www.jw.org )

True Christians = only jws

“personal time and energy” – code words that just attending and listening at the meetings is not enough

Is the preaching work accelerating in your area? When was the last time someone contacted in the door to door was baptized in your congregation? Children of jws do not count.

Does the WTS preach that works equals life?

3.(a) How do we benefit when we make sacrifices for the Kingdom? (b) What questions should we consider?

3 The need for active support of the Kingdom has never been greater. It is a joy to see that many are willingly making sacrifices for Jehovah. (Read Psalm 54:6.) Such a generous spirit brings us much joy as we await the coming of God’s Kingdom. (Deut. 16:15; Acts 20:35) All of us, though, should examine ourselves closely. Are there ways in which we can make additional sacrifices for the Kingdom? How are we using our time, money, energy, and abilities? What cautions must we consider? Let us review a pattern that we can imitate for making such voluntary sacrifices, thus increasing our joy.

Active support = does that imply many jws provided inactive support?

Generous in time or money? Are jws being reminded more often to make monetary donations?

SACRIFICES IN ANCIENT ISRAEL

4. How did the Israelites benefit from making sacrifices?

4 Offering sacrifices in ancient Israel was the basis for receiving forgiveness of sins. Sacrifices were necessary for the people to enjoy Jehovah’s favor. Some of these were required; others were voluntary. (Lev. 23:37, 38) Whole burnt offerings could be made as voluntary offerings, or gifts, to Jehovah. An outstanding example of offerings was seen in connection with the inauguration of the temple in Solomon’s day.—2 Chron. 7:4-6.

Why does the WTS start out with OT examples? Didn’t Christians make sacrifices and ones that are more in keeping what people today can do? Remember that the Israelites were required by law to give one tenth of their gross to the Levites. No such arrangement in the Christian congregation. No tithing mentioned in Acts 15 as being a necessary thing for Christians.

5.What provision did Jehovah make for those with limited means?

5 Jehovah lovingly understood that not everyone could give the same amount, and he required from each one only according to the individual’s ability. Jehovah’s law stipulated that the blood of the animal be shed, which was to be “a shadow of the good things to come” through his Son, Jesus. (Heb. 10:1-4) However, Jehovah was not rigid in the application of that law. For example, God would accept an offering of turtledoves if the person could not afford an offering from the flock or the herd. Thus, even the poor could joyfully sacrifice to Jehovah. (Lev. 1:3, 10, 14; 5:7) Though the animals sacrificed may have differed, there were two things that were required from each person making voluntary sacrifices.

What provision did God make for Christians with limited means? Why use a law that does not apply to Christians as an example. Did Christians have any donations required by Jesus?

6.What was required of each person when making sacrifices, and how important was it to follow those requirements?

6 First, the person had to give his best. Jehovah told the nation that any offering had to be a sound one in order “to gain approval.” (Lev. 22:18-20) If there was a defect in the animal, it would not be viewed as an acceptable sacrifice to Jehovah. Second, the person giving the sacrifice had to be clean and undefiled. If a person was in an unclean state, he would have to make a sin offering or a guilt offering to restore his standing with Jehovah before making a voluntary offering. (Lev. 5:5, 6, 15) This was a serious matter. Jehovah stipulated that if someone in an unclean state partook of a communion sacrifice, which included voluntary offerings, he would be cut off from God’s people. (Lev. 7:20, 21) On the other hand, when the person making the sacrifice had a good standing with Jehovah and the offering was without defect, the giver could rejoice with satisfaction.—Read 1 Chronicles 29:9.

Where in the NT does it talk about making sacrifices as though under the law for Christian sins?

MAKING SACRIFICES TODAY

7, 8. (a) What joy do many receive from making sacrifices for the Kingdom? (b) What resources do we have at our disposal?

7 Today, many are likewise willing to expend themselves in Jehovah’s service, and Jehovah finds pleasure in this. Working in behalf of our brothers is rewarding. One brother who shares in building Kingdom Halls and assisting those affected by natural disasters states that it is hard to describe the satisfaction he receives from serving in these ways. He says, “Seeing the happiness and appreciation of the local brothers and sisters after they stand in their new Kingdom Hall or when they receive assistance after a natural disaster makes all the work and effort worthwhile.”

Jehovah’s service, Jehovah finds pleasure = where is Jesus, is he not pleased?

That same brother works on halls for jws that are not in his congregation, and jws affected by disasters not in his congregation, strangers; does he put the same effort into helping people he knows in his own congregation, sacrificing his time or is he always too busy with administrative duties?

Many offerings were voluntary, much like the sacrifices we offer today (See paragraphs 7-13)

8 Jehovah’s modern-day organization has always looked for opportunities to support Jehovah’s work. In 1904, Brother C. T. Russell wrote: “Each one is to consider himself as appointed by the Lord the steward of his own time, influence, money, etc., and each is to seek to use these talents to the best of his ability, to the Master’s glory.” Though we reap many blessings, it costs us something to make sacrifices to Jehovah. (2 Sam. 24:21-24) Can we make better use of the resources we have?

Before the establishment of the national of Israel, did God have an organization? What was it?

Charles Taze Russell tied up all his money in the WTS so his ex-wife could not get a penny of it.

Bethel members in Australia

9.When it comes to our use of time, what principle from Jesus’ instructions found at Luke 10:2-4 can we apply?

9 Our time. It takes much time and effort to translate and print our literature, to build places of worship, to organize conventions, to assist in disaster relief, and to engage in many other necessary activities. We have only a fixed amount of hours in a day. Jesus provided a principle that can help. When sending out his disciples into the field, Jesus told them not to “embrace anybody in greeting along the road.” (Luke 10:2-4) Why would Jesus give such instructions? One Bible scholar states: “Salutations among the Orientals did not consist, as among us, of a slight bow, or extension of the hand, but [were] performed by many embraces, and inclinations, and even prostrations of the body on the ground. All this required much time.” Jesus was not encouraging his followers to be rude. Rather, he was helping them see that they had a limited amount of time and that they needed to make the most of it to care for the more important things. (Eph. 5:16) Can we apply this principle so as to have more time to assist with work in behalf of the Kingdom?

So how many of the almost 8 million jws are translating and printing literature, building KHs, organizing conventions, assisting in disaster relief? 1 million, what are the other 7 million doing?

Not take too much time greeting others…visiting with non-jw relatives, non-jw neighbors, non-jw workmates?

*** w93 8/1 p. 19 pars. 15-16 Let No One Spoil Your Useful Habits ***

What we just considered as to the workplace applies also to our association with neighbors. Certainly, the Christians in ancient Corinth had neighbors. In some communities it is normal to be quite friendly and supportive of neighbors. In rural areas neighbors may rely on one another because of isolation. 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?

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.

How many hours can a jw work secularly? How many vehicles can the own? Can they own their own homes (Jesus didn’t).

Kingdom publishers at a Kingdom Hall in Kenya, Africa

10, 11.(a) What are some ways that our donations to the worldwide work are being used? (b) What principle stated at 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 can help us?

10 Our money. Significant funds are needed to support Kingdom activities. Each year tens of millions of dollars are spent caring for the expenses of traveling overseers, special pioneers, and missionaries. Since 1999, over 24,500 Kingdom Halls have been built in lands with limited resources. Yet, nearly 6,400 additional Kingdom Halls are still needed. Each month some 100 million copies of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines are printed. This is all supported by your voluntary donations.

I wonder how many of these 6,400 needed KHs are in underdeveloping countries?

11 The apostle Paul provided a principle to follow when considering donations. (Read 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2.) Under inspiration, he encouraged his brothers in Corinth not to wait until the end of the week to see what was left over but, rather, to set aside funds at the start of the week in harmony with what they could do. As in the first century, brothers and sisters in our time plan ahead to respond generously according to their circumstances. (Luke 21:1-4; Acts 4:32-35) Jehovah treasures such a giving spirit.

Yes, God doesn’t want your leftovers says the WTS. Remember the widow’s mite, she gave out of her need, not her excess (right!). My husband handled the accounts for ten years and saw few jws donate, only the same 7 families.

A Regional Building Committee volunteer in Tuxedo, New York, U.S.A.

12, 13.What concerns may cause some to hold back from giving of their energy and abilities, but how will Jehovah help them?

12 Our energy and abilities. Jehovah supports us in our efforts to use our energy and abilities for the Kingdom. He promises to help us when we tire out. (Isa. 40:29-31) Do we feel that our skills are inadequate to assist with the work? Do we reason that there are others who are better qualified? Remember, Jehovah can enhance anyone’s natural abilities, just as he did for Bezalel and Oholiab.—Ex. 31:1-6; see opening image.

How often does the WTS talk about Jesus supporting us?

How many jws use the same introduction, door after door, as they did 20 years ago?

The WTS says that God gave the skills to these men through holy spirit. They were not trained by others. I can tell you, I have sat through 5 Sundays of inept public speakers, that 20 years as jws did nothing to improve.

*** w11 12/15 p. 19 par. 6 Faithful Ones of Old—Guided by God’s Spirit ***

Bezalel was appointed to take the lead in making the necessary furnishings for the tabernacle. Did he have knowledge of crafts prior to this vast project? Possibly, but in all likelihood his most recent job was that of making bricks for the Egyptians. (Ex. 1:13, 14) So how would Bezalel fulfill his complicated task? Jehovah “proceeded to fill him with the spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in every sort of craftsmanship and for designing devices . . . to make ingenious products of every sort.” Whatever natural aptitude Bezalel may have had was enhanced by holy spirit. The same is true of Oholiab.

13 Jehovah encourages us to give our best and not hold back. (Prov. 3:27) During the rebuilding of the temple, Jehovah told the Jews in Jerusalem to meditate on what they were doing in behalf of the building work. (Hag. 1:2-5) They had become distracted and had lost their focus. We do well to consider whether our priorities are aligned with Jehovah’s priorities. Can we ‘set our heart on our ways’ so as to have a greater share in the Kingdom work in these last days?

But it is the elders and others who judge if you have done your best. Ever have an elder encourage you to auxiliary pioneer and never seen them do so. We had one elder who signed up to auxiliary pioneer when the CO came and was never seen the other three weeks.

SACRIFICES ACCORDING TO WHAT WE HAVE

14, 15. (a) How are we encouraged by the example of our brothers who have limited means? (b) What should be our desire?

14 Many live in areas where hardships or poverty are the order of the day. Our organization endeavors to “offset” the deficiency of our brothers who live in such countries. (2 Cor. 8:14) Yet, even brothers with limited resources value the privilege of giving. It is pleasing to Jehovah when the materially poor are impelled to give cheerfully.—2 Cor. 9:7.

Do you have to live in areas where hardships are the order of the day to live in hardship and poverty? Are there no poor people in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, etc.?

15 In one very poor country in Africa, some brothers mark off a small section of their garden and use the funds from the sale of the produce from that section to support the Kingdom work. In that same country, a building project was scheduled for a much needed Kingdom Hall. The local brothers and sisters wanted to assist. However, the project was to be undertaken in the middle of their planting season. Still determined to have a share, they worked on the Kingdom Hall project during the day and then went into the fields in the evening to make sure that they got their crops planted. What a self-sacrificing spirit! This reminds us of the brothers in first-century Macedonia. They were in “deep poverty,” yet they begged for the privilege of helping with the project at hand. (2 Cor. 8:1-4) May each of us likewise ‘give in proportion to the blessing that Jehovah has given us.’—Read Deuteronomy 16:17.

Guilt making example? How many not so poor jws go in the preaching work in the evening (non-meeting) when people are home, too late, too dark, too dangerous, too tired? How many go out Saturday or Sunday afternoons or evenings? Not many over the 45 years I attended.

16.How can we make sure that our sacrifices are acceptable to Jehovah?

16 However, a word of caution is needed. As was true of the ancient Israelites, we must make sure that our voluntary sacrifices are acceptable to God. We have to maintain our balance so that we care for our primary responsibilities in connection with our families and the worship of Jehovah. The giving of our time and resources in behalf of others should not cause us to neglect the spirituality or physical welfare of our family. Otherwise, we would, in effect, be giving from what we do not have. (Read 2 Corinthians 8:12.) Additionally, we must maintain our own spirituality. (1 Cor. 9:26, 27) Be assured, though, that when we live up to Bible standards, our sacrifices bring much joy and satisfaction to us, and they are “especially acceptable” to Jehovah.

Who judges whether jws are balanced? How many brothers spend too much time away from their families, not studying with them, not spending time as a husband with their wives? I can think of 10 families off hand that ended up in divorce, children off the rails (df’d), shattered, all because dad was off tending to administrative duties (and I don’t mean shepherding calls)

OUR SACRIFICES ARE OF GREAT VALUE

17, 18. How do we feel about all those who are making sacrifices for the Kingdom, and what should all of us consider?

17 Many of our brothers and sisters ‘pour themselves out like drink offerings’ through their work to support the necessary activities of the Kingdom. (Phil. 2:17) We sincerely appreciate those who have demonstrated such a giving spirit. The wives and children of the brothers who take the lead in Kingdom activity are also to be commended for their spirit of generosity and self-sacrifice.

Guilt-making: Are you pouring yourselves out…what are necessary activities of the Kingdom?

So what is the WTS saying, that wives and children should sacrifice the necessary activities of a brother’s family?

18 Much hard work is needed in order to support Kingdom interests. May all of us prayerfully consider how we can have as large a share as possible. You can be confident that the rewards are great now and will be even greater “in the coming system of things.”—Mark 10:28-30.

Hard work is needed = are you jws in the audience giving enough time and money to the WTS, are you pouring yourselves out, where are your garden plots for the WTS? Are you working at night for the WTS?

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

Next week, “THIS IS TO BE A MEMORIAL FOR YOU.” A memorial for 8 million jws, or only the 12,000 plus anointed jws (and are all of them GENUINE?)

Love, Blondie

Laika

Thanks Blondie!

My Dad sacrificed for the Watchtower Society. No pension for him, since he'd never reach retirement. He's 61 now, good work Watchtower!

Julia Orwell

I remember going into bouts of depression and anxiety over articles like this because I was hearing, "No matter what you do Julia, it's never enough." Like a kid who no matter what good grades she gets, her parents say, "Why didn't you get an even better one?" Makes people feel like crap because they're never good enough.

WTWizard

Sacrifice? To what, so joke-hova can use those LIE-bles to place its curse on everyone in the world?

About that vegetable garden, I bet joke-hova made sure there was a bumper crop in the section designated for that thing's interest while letting the bugs eat everything else, leaving them with nothing for themselves. That is how joke-hova operates these days. As for paying joke-hova first, I think that is a horrible idea. You see, joke-hova takes way too much, and then there is no reason why it couldn't allow you to fall into serious hardship. If that thing was paid last, it would have some incentive to ensure abundance because, if hardship comes, it comes out of joke-hova's pay. This way, it doesn't.

And giving for such a lousy cause is another bad idea. Placing LIE-bles everywhere in the world is how they intend to enslave the world. Every LIE-ble buffs the disasters that happen every time "God's chosen people" don't get their way. They send people to do terror attacks, they buff storms and earthquakes, and blame someone else. Every time you donate toward LIE-ble placement, you are donating toward the next terror attack or helping buff that next Katrina or tsunami next time "God's chosen people" don't get their way. Or, instead of a heat wave with highs around 36 C, it could top 40. You may even be contributing to global warming and climate change, always detrimental, every time you place one of these damnation books. I am supposed to be giving for that?

I think I will stick with silver and/or emergency lighting supplies. With all those LIE-bles being placed, I am going to need both.

Frazzled UBM

My wife is so very proud that a plate is not handed around at the KH. That is because it is not necessary as the WBTS guilt the r&f into making donations - we make you feel bad about not giving up enough of your time in service,but we will let you assuage that guilty my making a larger donation...sneeky manipulative b@st@rds

Bobcat

Paragraph 8:

The quote from C. T. Russell, I searched my PDF copy of the 1904 WT (several times) and couldn't find it. Does anyone know where this quote comes from?

Paragraph 9:

The Bible scholar is Albert Barnes, Notes on the Bible, under Luke 10:4. (See here.)

Paragraph 11:

Tricky, clever wording used to describe what Paul said at 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2:

"Under inspiration, he encouraged his brothers in Corinth not to wait until the end of the week to see what was left over but, rather, to set aside funds at the start of the week in harmony with what they could do."

(1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 NWT) . . .Now concerning the collection that is for the holy ones, just as I gave orders to the congregations of Ga·la′ti·a, do that way also yourselves. 2 Every first day of the week let each of YOU at his own house set something aside in store as he may be prospering, so that when I arrive collections will not take place then. (By the way, compare the improved rendering of verse 2 in the rNWT here. No more "at his own house.")

The paragraph employs a false dilemma ('Should I donate at the end of the week or at the beginning - what does God want me to do?' [Note the, "under inspiration," just to make sure you know that this is God's will, not Paul's] But the implied question was, 'Before I take care of my other obligations or after.') What Paul said had nothing to do with deciding which end of the week to wait for. The beginning of the week was convenient because that was the day Christians normally met for worship. (See linked reference here.) So it wasn't a question of the beginning OR the end of the week. It was simply an instruction to do this when they were normally together.

Most common people back then would have been paid every day for their labors. They didn't receive monthly or weekly pay-checks. Moreover, what is the difference between the last day of the week and the first day of the week to someone who gets paid daily for their labors? The real question Paul wanted settled was, 'Should they collect the donation before Paul arrived OR after he arrived.' Paul wanted to avoid the latter. But the paragraph's wording gives a clever, not-so-honest modern twist to how WT readers would understand Paul's words.

Another bit of cleverness is in the words in the paragraph, "not to wait . . . to see what was left over." That is exactly what Paul wanted when he said, "as he may be prospering." (Compare these renderings of 1Cor 16:2, especially the International Standard Version.)

Another mis-application exists in the fact that the Corinthians had asked Paul to have a share in helping the brothers in Jerusalem (along with the Galatians) because the Chritians in Jerusalem were in want. It had nothing to do with normal operating and living expenses. Paul's position was that those who could do so were to support themselves. (Acts 20:34; 2 Thess 3:10)

Paragraph 16:

Thread on changes to the PDF version of the magazine. (See here.)

punkofnice

BluesBrother

"Money - Money - Money....It's a rich man's World".....as the song goes and the WTC certainly want their share. C T Rusell famously wrote in 1879

‘Zion’s Watch Tower’ has, we believe JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support. When He who says: ‘All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,’ fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication.”

Perhaps now is the time to supend publication?

Actually the sacrifices described in this article are more devious and insidious than mere cash. The WTS wants your time, your effort, your soul and life dedicated to it, on the promises of paradise to come...It has been coming for a long time now, we can no longer buy the empty words that never come to reality ..

whathappened

Give till it hurts and then give a bit more. We must inspire others to do the same...the Watchtower's life depends upon it.

eby

BLONDIE:The WTS must be really desperate for cash.

That's the message my husband got from this article and so he deposited some extra funds for the World Wide Work

He didn't like my telling him about the Conti case on the way home.

eby

Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-16-2014 WT Study (MAKE SACRIFICES)

Will You Make Sacrifices for the Kingdom?

“God loves a cheerful giver.”— 2 COR. 9:7.

SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION

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