COMMENTS YOU WILL NOT YEAR AT THE 1-5-03 WT STUDY
NOVEMBER 15, 2002 WT PAGE 14
KEEP ON SERVING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER (OR WATCH OUT FOR THE APOSTATES)
Zephaniah 3:9:
Amplified Bible
Zephaniah 3
9 For then [changing their impure language] I will give to the people a clear and pure speech from pure lips, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one unanimous consent and one united shoulder [bearing the yoke of the Lord].
English Standard Version
Zephaniah 3
9 "For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples
to a pure speech,
that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD
and serve him with one accord.
NIV
Zephaniah 39 Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
It helps to look a different Bible translations. Have you done that in your Bible study program? Try this website: http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible .
He has made it possible for humans everywhere to learn and speak the one and only pure language.
What are some words in the pure language? Weak, immature, disfellowshipped, disassociated, inactive, irregular.
http://bookshelf.info/wordlists/e/eec/www/index.html
HYPERGLOSSARY of American English Hacker THEOCRATESE
- inactive publisher
The "pure language" is the truth of God found in his Word, the Bible.
- The truth as taught by the WTS.
Especially is it the truth about Gods Kingdom.
Yet in all four suggested introductions for the magazines in January 2003 Kingdom Ministry, not once is the word "kingdom" found. And where are the householders directed for their answers? The Bible? "This issue of The Watchtower gives a satisfying answer to that question." "This magazine explains how this will be accomplished." "This issue of The Watchtower discusses a time when all will have work that is rewarding." "This magazine shows what is behind such exploitation of children."
- Give some thought to the phrase "shoulder to shoulder." You can walk ahead or behind someone and be shoulder to shoulder. You have to consider that person an equal to walk right next to them.
- NO PLACE FOR PARTIALITY
- The Christian congregation is no place for partiality, cliques, or favortism.
- And how does the WTS prove this point?
- Regarding her visit (her first and last) to the Kingdom Hall, one college student said, "Usually, churches draw in members of a certain race or ethnic group."
- Good, so far.
- Jehovahs Witnesses were all sitting together and not in certain cliques."
- So all she has proved is that the cliques were not determined by a certain race or ethnic group.
- Now the WTS slips in an unrelated point but highlights what they are concerned about.
- Some members of the congregation in ancient Corinth were creating factions. By thus causing dissensions, they were opposing the operation of Gods holy spirit.
- If we were to foster cliques in the congregation, we would be working against the leadings of the spirit.
- This is what cliques are really all about in the congregation.
Those of little means are an integral part of the congregation. Hence, they should not be made to feel that they are left out because some clique exists among certain ones. "Poor people" were among those whom Jesus recommended inviting to a feast as a demonstration of genuine hospitality.
And even in the New World society we find ourselves drawn to certain ones more than others, do we not? Certainly it is natural to seek the association of those with whom we feel readily at ease and whose companionship we find exhilarating and satisfying. But if we limit our association just to such ones whom we find easy to get along with, is that not giving in to self-interest? If we always associate with just the same ones when we are at the Kingdom Hall, would this not contribute to the making of cliques and divisions? Yes, we might find ourselves thoughtlessly making partial distinctions on the basis of what others are according to the flesh.Jas. 2:4.
Impartialty has always been required of Christians. Some in the first-century congregation were showing favoritism toward wealthy individuals.
Do people in the congregation try to "buy" the circuit and district overseers by buying them clothes, jewelry and giving them cash? Do those with money in the congregation tend to get more than their fair share of "privileges" when they do not scripturally qualify? Do those with money and prestige receive a different justice from the body of elders? What about Bethelites, missionaries, and members of the governing body and the "Nethinim"?
KEEP FREE FROM MURMURINGFaithless Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron, and thus even Jehovah God.
Translation: Complaints about the elders is like complaining about God.
Murmuring is not just a complaint about some wrongdoing.
What then?
Persisent murmurers attach too much importance to their feelings or position, drawing attention to themselves rather than to God.
Someone may criticize the way a certain elder handles his parts or cares for his duties. If we listen to the complainer, we may begin to think as he does. We may begin to complain about him too.
Then complain to the right person. If he is always going overtime, tell the presiding overseer. But of course these arent the real complaints. It could be that this brother has molested your child, there has not been 2 witnesses, and now you are wondering how he can be used in the congregation.
May lead to reviling, slanderously calling down evil on them can detrimentally affect our relationship.
Remember the elders are "glorious ones."
Granted, not all complaints are displeasing to God.
Elders must not stop up their ears to legitimate (determined by elders) complaints.
GUARD AGAINST SLANDERSince murmuring can lead to harmful gossip (yes there is good gossip), we must be careful what we say. Slander, though, is a false report intended to damage another persons reputation.
If a Christian woman (like men dont gossip), finds that she has a weakness for the kind of talk that could lead to slander. Of course, Christian ment must also guard against harmful gossip.
Now the elders sit around in their meetings and gossip and slander everyone in the congregation. Some call that discussing the spiritual qualifications of the sheep. No proof is required merely an elders assertion is the same as fact.
I get the definite feeling that the apostates are creating problems. But how can that be? They are outside the congregation. Its those inside that are creating problems. Are the Indians getting restless?
STOPJUDGING!Even if we do not slander anyone, we may have to make an earnest effort to avoid becoming judgmental.
Of course elders, regular and auxiliary pioneers, elderettes, are not subject to this counsel.
The rafter illustration is recalled to us. Is this like the thread on JWD about getting counsel from someone who is doing what they are counseling your for? Dont be materialistic, counsel from the brother with a big new house, 2 cars, and a boat.
An honest appraisal of our own perfections ought to hold us back from making judgments that God would consider righteous.
Has the governing body/COs/DOs/elders ever admitted their errors and apologized for them. Have they taken an honest appraisal of their imperfections? Not!
FRAIL BUT HONORABLEWe will not just avoid being judgmental. We will take the lead in showing them honor. We will seek their advantage not our own, and will joyfully perform humble tasks in their behalf.
Have you finished vomited yet? Yes, they give us the privilege of cleaning the toilets and vacuuming the floors. Please sister, lets take your car, mine was just washed, or I forgot to get gas this morning, or yours is a junker anyway and wont be damaged doing rural territory, I dont want to run up the mileage on my new car. Lets schedule the meetings so we can get home in time for my favorite TV show; its too bad Sister Single Mother With 5 Children has to rush to get ready.
Only by staying morally and spiritually pure can we remain an honorable vessel for Gods use.
Of course, hiding child molesters in your midst does not affect the WTS moral and spiritual purity?!!
CONTINUE SERVING SHOULD TO SHOULDERThe Christian congregation is a familylike arrangement. (Dysfunctional family)
There is a loving, helpful, and pleasant atmosphere in a family when all its members worship Jehovah.
Really, that means if even one is not a worshipper, then it cant be loving! And it means if all are worshippers, there will be no abuse, verbal, emotional, or physical?! What a crock!
The familylike Christian congregation is also a place where we rightly expect to find loyalty.
Where is the loyalty when little children are not believed and told to shut up about their abuse? Where is the loyalty where "known" abusers are allowed to roam the congregation to find new prey?
Would you want to serve shoulder to shoulder with a child molester?
Translation for article: Quit reading the Internet, do not talk about what you read, even if it is true you will be found guilty of slander, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
PICTURE ON PAGE 18People leaving Kingdom Hall
Anomalies
- 2 brothers have on suitcoats/not matching trousers
- 1 sister has an ankle length tripping hem
- 8 brothers and 3 sisters are shown/the ratio is more like 8 sisters and 3 brothers