Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-11-2014 WT Study (AUGUST 15, 2014, pages () USE WORD OF GOD
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20140815/use-the-word-of-god/
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OPENING COMMENTS
Using the word of God or as selected by the WTS?
How many scriptures are quoted in the publications? How many are merely cited requiring the reader to look them up to prove to themselves the scripture supports the WTS premise? How many times does the WTS use a snippet, a phrase or a word not providing the context in the paragraph? How many jws are noticed that the phrase “governing body” never is in quotes; why, because that phrase is never in the bible.
How many jws say, “in the paragraph,” “in the magazine,” “the Society says (or the governing body) says? How many actually look up the scripture before the meeting or opens the bible to prove their point or rather uses the publication and a quote from it…where is the bible
How many jws have actually ready the whole bible? My experience is few including those coming to the KH for 20 or more years.
START OF ARTICLE
Use the Word of God—It Is Alive!
“The word of God is alive and exerts power.”—HEB. 4:12 .
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What will add power to the presentations we use in the ministry?
How do our tracts prompt us to use the Bible on initial calls and on return visits?
How can we imitate Paul’s attitude when preparing for the ministry?
1, 2. What assignment did Jehovah give Moses, and what assurance did He provide?
CAN you imagine how you would feel if you had to stand before the most powerful ruler on earth and speak up in behalf of Jehovah’s people? You would likely feel anxious, inadequate, and intimidated. How would you prepare your presentation? What could you do to add power to your words as a representative of the almighty God?
COMMENTS
Now imagine that you are only spoken the words written by the religious leaders; or never have read God’s word through once in 40 years; that you have nothing in your memory for the spirit to retrieve?
2 Moses was in that exact situation. Jehovah had told him, “the meekest of all the men on the face of the earth,” that he was being sent to Pharaoh to rescue God’s people from their oppression and slavery in Egypt. (Num. 12:3) As events would prove, Pharaoh was a disrespectful and arrogant man. (Ex. 5:1, 2) Yet, Jehovah wanted Moses to order Pharaoh to let several million of his slaves leave the country! Understandably, Moses asked Jehovah: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Moses must have felt inadequate and incapable. But God assured him that he would not be alone. “I will prove to be with you,” said Jehovah.—Ex. 3:9-12.
COMMENT
OT example; who of the Israelites at this moment spoke to this ruler? Aaron at first then his brother Aaron. Not one of the other Israelites did this. Are we Aaron’s or Moses’ in the WTS today? Did they not picture the anointed (governing body) today? No women, no children.
Based on the following scripture, many jws don’t feel they need to prepare…but they have to have something for the spirit to bring back.
(Luke 21:12-15) 12 “But before all these things people will lay their hands upon YOU and persecute YOU, delivering YOU up to the synagogues and prisons, YOU being haled before kings and governors for the sake of my name. 13 It will turn out to YOU for a witness. 14 Therefore settle it in YOUR hearts not to rehearse beforehand how to make YOUR defense, 15 for I will give YOU a mouth and wisdom, which all YOUR opposers together will not be able to resist or dispute.
3, 4. (a) Moses had what fears? (b) In what respect may you be able to relate to the challenge that Moses faced?
3 What fears did Moses have? Evidently, he was afraid that Pharaoh would not receive or pay attention to a representative of Jehovah God. Moses also feared that his own people would not believe that Jehovah had appointed him to lead them out of Egypt. Thus, Moses said to Jehovah: “Suppose they do not believe me and do not listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘Jehovah did not appear to you.’”—Ex. 3:15-18; 4:1.
COMMENTS
Evidently…a word the WTS uses that means….”the bible does not say but we will interpret it for you.”
*** w12 7/1 p. 24 “Where You Go I Shall Go” ***
Nevertheless, Mahlon and Chilion married Moabite women. If Naomi was concerned or disappointed, she evidently made sure that she showed her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, genuine kindness and love. Perhaps she hoped that they too would someday come to worship Jehovah as she did.
*** w12 1/15 p. 30 pars. 17-18 A Royal Priesthood to Benefit All Mankind ***
17 By the end of 1,000 years of beneficial service, the royal priesthood will have elevated its earthly subjects to human perfection. As High Priest and King, Christ will then present the completely restored human family to Jehovah. (Read 1 Corinthians 15:22-26.) The royal priesthood will have fully accomplished its purpose.
18 Thereafter, how will Jehovah use these highly privileged associates of Christ? According to Revelation 22:5, “they will rule as kings forever and ever.” Over whom? The Bible does not say. Butthe quality of life that they possess and their experience in helping a world of imperfect people will equip them to hold a regal position in Jehovah’s purposes forever.
4 Jehovah’s response to Moses and the events that followed can teach each one of us a powerful lesson. True, you may never have to appear before a high government official. But have you ever found it challenging to talk about God and his Kingdom even to common, everyday people whom you meet? If so, consider what can be learned from Moses’ experience.
COMMENTS
So are there no NT examples for Christians today? Can you imagine yourself as Moses? Did Israelites have this to face?
“WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?”
5. What did Jehovah put in Moses’ hand, and how did that allay his fears? (See opening image.)
5 When Moses expressed his fear that his words would not be taken seriously, God prepared him to deal with what lay ahead. The account recorded in Exodus states: “Jehovah said to [Moses]: ‘What is that in your hand?’ He answered: ‘A rod.’ He said: ‘Throw it on the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Jehovah now said to Moses: ‘Reach out your hand and seize it by the tail.’ So he reached out and seized it, and it became a rod in his hand. God then said: ‘This is so that they may believe that Jehovah . . . has appeared to you.’” (Ex. 4:2-5) Yes, God put in Moses’ hand the means by which he could prove that his message was from Jehovah. What seemed to others like nothing more than a rod came to life by God’s power! What force such a miracle would add to Moses’ words, proving conclusively that he had Jehovah’s backing! Hence, Jehovah told him: “You will take this rod in your hand and perform the signs with it.” (Ex. 4:17) With that proof of God’s authority in his hand, Moses could go forth and confidently represent the true God before his own people and before Pharaoh.—Ex. 4:29-31; 7:8-13.
COMMENTS
So is the WTS saying that jws today can expect to perform “magic” with a rod?
6. (a) What should be in our hand when we preach, and why? (b) Explain how “the word of God is alive” and how it “exerts power.”
6 The same question may be asked of us when we go forth to share the Bible’s message with others: “What is that in your hand?” In many cases, the Bible will be in our hand, ready for use. Although some may view the Bible as nothing more than a book, Jehovah speaks to us through his inspired written Word. (2 Pet. 1:21) It contains God’s promises concerning the things that will occur under the rule of his Kingdom. That is why the apostle Paul could write: “The word of God is alive and exerts power.” (Read Hebrews 4:12.) All of Jehovah’s promises are dynamic, not static, because he is constantly working toward their fulfillment. (Isa. 46:10; 55:11) Once a person realizes this about Jehovah’s Word, what he reads in the Bible can exert a powerful force in his life.
COMMENTS
Do jws have a bible in their hand? (do they have one in their bookbag?) Do they reach for the bible or a WT or Awake?
How are they taught in the Kingdom Ministry? Turn to the bible (scripture in the magazine); make God’s name known or use “God” and make known the “kingdom” or an organization.
*** km 1/12 p. 4 Sample Presentations ***To start Bible studies on the first Saturday in February
“Do you think that God has an organization today, or do you think that he deals only with individuals? [Allow for response.] Notice what this says about a people whom God organized many years ago.” Turn to page 26 of the February 1 issue of The Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first subheading and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return and discuss the next question.
7. How can we ‘handle the word of the truth aright’?
7 Yes, Jehovah has put in our hand his living written Word with which we can prove that our message is credible and is from him. No wonder that after writing to the Hebrews, Paul urged his spiritual protégé Timothy to ‘do his utmost to handle the word of the truth aright.’ (2 Tim. 2:15) How can we apply Paul’s counsel? By reading aloud well-chosen scriptures that can touch the hearts of those who will listen to us. The tracts that were released in 2013 were designed to help us do just that.
COMMENTS
If jws don’t even read one scripture from their bible (not a publication) how can the sheep hear Jesus’ voice? That was asked of me at pioneer school years ago. How many of you who still attend use the bible to prove what you believe?
READ A WELL-CHOSEN SCRIPTURE!
8. What did one service overseer say about the tracts?
8 All the new tracts follow the same format. So when we have learned to use one of them, we have learned to use all of them. Are they easy to use? One service overseer in Hawaii, U.S.A., wrote: “Little did we realize how effective these new tools would be both in the house-to-house work and in public witnessing.” He has found that the way the tracts are written prompts people to respond much more readily, and this often leads to stimulating conversations. He feels that this is because of the question and multiple-choice answers that appear on the front of the tracts. The householder does not have to worry about giving a wrong answer.
COMMENTS
Message here, tracts are easy to use, not the bible. People including jws will not hear God’s message without WTS publications, and the tracts are easy.
So the WTS is prompting, programming jws and non-jws to see only what the WTS was people to see. Is there a scripture today that you view differently because you read it without WTS prompting?
9, 10. (a) How do our tracts prompt us to use the Bible? (b) Which tracts have you had the most success using, and why?
9 Each tract prompts us to read a well-chosen scripture. For example, look at the tract Will Suffering Ever End? Regardless of whether the householder picks “yes,” “no,” or “maybe” in response to that question, turn to the inside page and without adding anything more, say, “Here is what the Bible says.” Then read Revelation 21:3, 4.
COMMENTS
Multiple choice Christianity? Does this answer whether Christians are going to heaven or just some? Too controversial to discuss at the door until non-jws have been prompted/programmed more.
10 Likewise, when using the tract How Do You View the Bible? it does not matter which of the three choices on the front of the tract the householder selects. Just turn to the inside page and say, “The Bible says that ‘all Scripture is inspired of God.’” You could add, “Actually, that passage says much more.” Then open your Bible, and read all of 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
COMMENTS
But what if the non-jw has really done his/her homework and can bury the jw at the door with logical reasoning?
11, 12. (a) What satisfaction do you get from the ministry? (b) How can tracts help you prepare for return visits?
11 The householder’s reaction will determine how much more of the tract you might read and discuss. In any case, besides putting the tracts in people’s hands, you have the satisfaction of having read some of God’s Word to them—even if you could read only one or two verses on the initial call. Later, you can continue the discussion.
COMMENTS
So if the person doesn’t fall in line with the “simple” one scripture answer, don’t discuss any more and don’t come back.
12 The back of each tract provides a question under the heading “To Think About” and scriptures that can be discussed on a return visit. In the tract How Do You View the Future? the question for the next call is “How will God change our world for the better?” Matthew 6:9, 10 and Daniel 2:44 are cited. For the tract Can the Dead Really Live Again? the question is “Why do we grow old and die?” Genesis 3:17-19 and Romans 5:12 are cited.
COMMENTS
What if the homeowner has given the jw something to think about….should the jw come back?
13. Explain how to use the tracts to start Bible studies.
13 Use the tracts as stepping-stones for starting Bible studies. When a person scans the QR Code * on the back of a tract, he will be directed to something on our Web site that may encourage him to study the Bible. The tracts also highlight the brochure Good News From God! and point to a specific lesson in it. For example, the tract Who Really Controls the World? leads into lesson 5 of that brochure. The tract What Is the Key to Happy Family Life? leads into lesson 9. By using the tracts in the way intended, you will be following the good routine of using the Bible on initial calls and on return visits. In turn, that may result in starting more studies. What else can you do to use God’s Word effectively in your ministry?
COMMENTS
The WTS is so arrogant to think that every person they meek has the technology to do this or can afford it. Or so arrogant to think that every jw can afford a tablet to bring up these articles on a similar device.
DISCUSS A TOPIC THAT WEIGHS ON PEOPLE’S MINDS
14, 15. How can you imitate Paul’s attitude toward the ministry?
14 Paul had an earnest desire to relate to “as many people as possible” in his ministry. (Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.) Notice that it was Paul’s hope “to gain Jews . . . , to gain those under law . . . , to gain those without law . . . , to gain the weak.” Yes, he wanted to reach “people of all sorts, so that [he] might by all possible means save some.” (Acts 20:21) How can we imitate Paul’s attitude as we prepare to share the truth with “all sorts of people” in our territory?—1 Tim. 2:3, 4.
COMMENTS
Paul wanted to relate to as many people as possible. Do you think he went to their homes when they were consistently not home? In my area there is a large neighborhood of family houses of married gay couples, 2 women and children, 2 men and children. The “brothers” will not go there and send the sisters. There are “bad” neighborhoods as well where the wealthier jws never go. Once I say that the group conductor had a territory in that area and 2 couples from the wealthier area suddenly wanted to make return visits…happened every time.
15 Suggested presentations appear in Our Kingdom Ministry each month. Try them. But if other topics are weighing on the minds of people in your territory, formulate interest-arousing presentations to meet those needs. Think about the environment in which you live, about the other people who live there, and about what concerns them the most. Then, think of a scripture that addresses their needs. A circuit overseer says this about the way he and his wife focus on the Bible: “Most householders will allow us to read one verse if we are brief and to the point. After a customary greeting with our open Bibles in hand, we read the scripture.” Consider a few field-tested examples of topics, questions, and scriptures that you might try in your territory.
COMMENTS
“suggested presentations” most jws interpret this as optional and do not use them sticking to their 20-year-old presentation.
Many jws do not prepare, many realize their everlasting life does not depend on their making any disciples, just warning people the end is near and they may die.
After this article, how many jws will have their bible in hand at the door; how many will readily identify themselves as jws or avoid it by saying they are a neighbor making brief calls?
Are you using the Bible and tracts effectively in your ministry? (See paragraphs 8-13)
16. Explain how Isaiah 14:7 could be used in the ministry.
16 If you live in a region where peace is often disrupted, you might ask a person: “Could you ever imagine this as being the lead news story of the day: ‘The whole earth now rests, free of disturbance. People cry out for joy’? That is what the Bible says at Isaiah 14:7. In fact, the Bible contains God’s many promises of peaceful times that are coming in our future.” Then offer to read one of those promises from the Bible.
COMMENTS
How many brothers in charge of a service group will have demos; who will do them, their wives, regular pioneers? Afterwards how many will uses these optional presentations?
17. How can you introduce Matthew 5:3 in a conversation?
17 Is it hard for many men in your area to make a living? If so, you might start a conversation by asking: “How much money does a man have to make in order for his family to be happy?” Follow the person’s response with: “Many men earn much more than that, but their families are still not content. So, what is really needed?” Then read Matthew 5:3 and offer a Bible study.
COMMENTS
I hope this brother is not standing there in his $1,000 suit and his $40,000 car parked on the street.
18. To comfort others, how can you use Jeremiah 29:11?
18 Are people in your locality suffering from the effects of a recent tragedy? You could begin your presentation by saying: “I came to your door to offer some comfort. (Read Jeremiah 29:11.) Did you notice the three things God wants for us? ‘Peace,’ ‘a future,’ and ‘a hope.’ Isn’t it nice to know that he wants us to have a good life? But how is that possible?” Then direct attention to an appropriate lesson in the Good News brochure.
COMMENTS
The WTS has found that people who are depressed say over 9/11, fires, a tornado, tsunami, etc., are vulnerable. How many experiences revolve around a jw stopping at an opportune time, illness, death, etc.?
19. Explain how Revelation 14:6, 7 can be used in talking with religious people.
19 Do you live in a neighborhood where people are interested in religion? If so, you might start a conversation by asking: “If an angel spoke to you, would you listen to what he had to say? (Read Revelation 14:6, 7.) Since this angel says ‘fear God,’ would it not be important to identify which God he has in mind? The angel gives us a clue when he says that it is ‘the One who made the heaven and the earth.’ Who was that?” Then read Psalm 124:8, which says: “Our help is in the name of Jehovah, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Follow that up with an offer to explain more about Jehovah God.
COMMENTS
(Galatians 1:7, 8) . . .. 8 However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to YOU as good news something beyond what we declared to YOU as good news, let him be accursed.
Should we be listening to angels today?
20. (a) In what way can Proverbs 30:4 be used to teach someone God’s name? (b) Is there a particular scripture that you use with good results?
20 You might start a conversation with a young person by saying: “I would like to read a scripture that asks a very important question. (Read Proverbs 30:4.) There is no human who fits this description, so it must be describing our Creator. * How can we find out what his name is? I would be happy to show it to you in the Bible.”
COMMENTS
Yes, jws be sure to use the OT to explain God’s name because it is not in the NT.
Don’t ask non-jws why Jesus never mentioned “Jehovah” in the prayer where he said he made God’s name known.
LET GOD’S WORD EMPOWER YOUR MINISTRY
21, 22. (a) How can a well-chosen scripture change a person’s life? (b) What are you determined to do as you carry out your ministry?
21 You never know how people will react to a well-chosen scripture. For instance, two Witnesses in Australia knocked on a young woman’s door. One of them asked her, “Do you know God’s name?” and then read one scripture—Psalm 83:18. “I was floored!” the woman says. “After they left, I drove 35 miles (56 km) to a bookstore to check other Bible translations and then looked up the name in a dictionary. Having convinced myself that God’s name is Jehovah, I wondered what else I didn’t know.” Soon thereafter, she and her future husband began studying the Bible, and later they got baptized.
COMMENTS
So what scriptures are not well-chosen?
Did this couple check other sources?
22 God’s Word changes the lives of those who read it and develop faith in Jehovah’s living promises. (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13.) The Bible’s message is more powerful than anything we might say to try to reach the heart of another person. That is why, at every possible opportunity, we should use the Word of God. It is alive!
COMMENTS
Have jws really read the bible or only the few quoted scriptures in their publications at meetings. How many and who comments at the Bible highlights? The same people week after week?
How many witnesses for 20 years or longer know how many books are in the bible, in the OT, the NT, who wrote them, approximate time. How many know they aren’t written in the Hebrew or Greek of today?
Footnotes
^ par. 13 QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.
^ par. 20 See “Questions From Readers” in The Watchtower of July 15, 1987, page 31.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
I was stunned to see an article usually found in a Kingdom Ministry. Does this mean the faithful are not listening to the KM? Maybe the skilled jws should actually help and go door to door instead of the same people all the time. When was the last time an elder worked with you?
The bible says the early Christians covered their known world without the technology of today. Love of people is what is needed, not an I-pad in your hand.
Love, Blondie