BLONDIE’S COMMENTS YOU WILL NOT HEAR AT THE APRIL 23, 2017 WT Study (FEBRUARY 2017) (LEADS)
EXCELLENT GENERAL WEBSITE: www.jwfacts.com
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications http://www.a2z.org/wtarchive/archive.htm (old)
www.jw.org (new)
WT child abuse www.watchtowerdocuments.com/
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
OPENING COMMENTS
This is a “preparatory” article to remind jws how “God” led his people in the past, but I’m
sure in the next article, the WTS/GB (now they are only the FDS) will sort out what still
applies to “Jehovah’s people” today, jws.
I have been bolding more of the paragraph that I will be commenting on, and underline
the key words the WTS/GB hopes will signal what they really mean. If you want a clean
copy, I suggest using the link above** to do that.
Remember that the WTS/GB has placed itself between jws and Jesus and thus Jehovah by
setting itself as the only go-between between anyone on earth and Jesus including other
anointed jws.
Jehovah Leads His PeoplePlayPauseDisable audioEnable audio
Jehovah Leads His People
“Jehovah will always lead you.”—ISA. 58:11.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN?
How did the leaders of God’s ancient people and Jesus Christ give evidence that they were . . .
empowered by holy spirit?
assisted by angels?
guided by God’s Word?
1, 2. (a) How do those taking the lead among Jehovah’s Witnesses differ from those doing so in other religions? (b) What will we consider in this article and the next?
“WHO is your leader?” That is a question often put to Jehovah’s Witnesses. And no wonder! In many religions, one man or one woman acts as leader, or chief. In contrast, we are proud to tell those who inquire that our Leader is not an imperfect human. Rather, we follow the lead of the resurrected Christ, who in turn follows the lead of his Father, Jehovah.—Matt. 23:10.
COMMENTS
The question should be “Who is leading you on earth?”
Not all religious groups have a single leader…which is why the WTS says “many” not “all.” Is it just a matter of semantics to say “those taking the lead” rather than “leader” or “leaders”? Reading below we see that the WTS/GB are the primary ones “taking the lead among” jws, in effect being “leaders.”
And what does the WTS/GB consider “taking the lead” and what not?
w10 9/15 p. 13-14
Christian overseers also promote unity by taking the lead in preaching. The spirit of companionship that unites those who work together in God’s service is far stronger than the spirit that unites others in the world who merely socialize together. The Christian congregation was founded, not to function as a social club, but to honor Jehovah and to get a job done—the work of preaching the good news, making disciples, and building up the congregation.
w13 11/15 p.29
Elders can also set a good example for their brothers by preparing for and participating in congregation meetings and other activities, such as cleaning and maintaining the Kingdom Hall.—Eph. 5:15, 16; read Hebrews 13:7.
Hebrews 13:7--Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out, imitate their faith.
2 Nevertheless, there is a visible group of men, “the faithful and discreet slave,” who take the lead among God’s people today. (Matt. 24:45) So how do we know that it really is Jehovah who is leading us by means of his invisible Son? In this article and the next, we will examine how for millenniums Jehovah has directed certain humans to take the lead. Both articles will consider three lines of evidence that Jehovah has indeed been behind those men, proving that he was—and still is—the true Leader of his people.—Isa. 58:11.
COMMENTS
Visible group of men—GB/FDS
God’s people today—only jws
Three lines of “evidence”
EMPOWERED BY HOLY SPIRIT
3. What empowered Moses to lead Israel?
3 Holy spirit empowered God’s representatives. Consider Moses, who was commissioned to be the leader of the Israelites. What equipped him to care for that weighty assignment? Jehovah “put within him His holy spirit.” (Read Isaiah 63:11-14.) By empowering Moses with holy spirit, Jehovah continued to lead His people.
COMMENTS
Only OT examples this week…No Jesus leading Israelites
Think back on what you remember about Moses and the evidence that he had “holy spirit.”
4. How could the Israelites discern that Moses had God’s spirit? (See opening image.)
4 Since holy spirit is an invisible force, how could the Israelites discern that it was operating on Moses? Holy spirit enabled Moses to perform miracles and to declare God’s name to Pharaoh. (Ex. 7:1-3) Holy spirit also produced in Moses beautiful qualities, such as love, meekness, and patience, that qualified him to lead the Israelites. What a contrast to the harsh and self-centered leaders of other lands! (Ex. 5:2, 6-9) The evidence was clear: Jehovah had selected Moses to be the leader of His people.
COMMENTS
First, holy spirit is invisible….so Moses performed visible miracles to prove he had it. What is a miracle per the WTS/GB/FDS?
Insight Book Vol. 2 p.411
MIRACLES--Occurrences that excite wonder or astonishment; effects in the physical world that surpass all known human or natural powers and are therefore attributed to supernatural agency. In the Hebrew Scriptures the word moh·phethʹ, sometimes translated “miracle,” also means “portent,” “wonder,” and “token.” (De 28:46; 1Ch 16:12, ftn) It is often used in conjunction with the Hebrew word ʼohth, meaning “sign.” (De 4:34) In the Greek Scriptures the word dyʹna·mis, “power,” is rendered “powerful works,” “ability,” “miracle.”—Mt 25:15; Lu 6:19; 1Co 12:10, AT, KJ, NW, RS. A miracle, amazing to the eye of the beholder, is something beyond his ability to perform or even to understand fully. It is also a powerful work, requiring greater power or knowledge than he has. But from the viewpoint of the one who is the source of such power, it is not a miracle. He understands it and has the ability to do it. Thus, many acts that God performs are amazing to humans beholding them but are merely the exercise of his power.
5. Explain how Jehovah empowered other Israelite men to lead his people.
5 Later, Jehovah’s holy spirit empowered other men whom he appointed to lead his people. “Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom.” (Deut. 34:9) “Jehovah’s spirit came upon Gideon.” (Judg. 6:34) And “the spirit of Jehovah began to empower David.” (1 Sam. 16:13) All those men relied on God’s spirit to help them, and that spirit empowered them to perform feats that they could not have done in their own strength. (Josh. 11:16, 17; Judg. 7:7, 22; 1 Sam. 17:37, 50) As a result, Jehovah rightly received praise for those mighty acts.
COMMENTS
Another definition: feats that they could not have done in their own strength.
6. Why did God want his people to respect the leaders in Israel?
6 How should the Israelites have responded to clear evidence that those men were empowered by holy spirit? When the people complained about Moses’ leadership, Jehovah asked: “How much longer will this people treat me without respect?” (Num. 14:2, 11) Indeed, Jehovah chose Moses, Joshua, Gideon, and David to represent him as Leader. When the people obeyed these men, they were actually following Jehovah as Leader.
COMMENTS
Now the WTS/GB point: Complain about God’s appointed/anointed = complaining about God
Then God chose a man who needed anger management issues once and was not allowed to go into the promised land (Moses) and a man who became an adulterer and murderer but was not punished (David)
ASSISTED BY ANGELS
7. How did angels assist Moses?
7 Angels assisted God’s representatives. (Read Hebrews 1:7, 14.) Jehovah employed angels to commission, equip, and guide Moses. God sent Moses “as both ruler and deliverer by means of the angel who appeared to him in the thorn bush.” (Acts 7:35) Jehovah “transmitted through angels” the Law, which Moses used to instruct the Israelites. (Gal. 3:19) And Jehovah told him: “Lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you. Look! My angel will go ahead of you.” (Ex. 32:34) The Bible does not report that the Israelites saw a materialized angel perform those duties. However, the way Moses instructed and guided the people made it clear that he had superhuman help.
COMMENTS
Moses—did he see the angels visibly? Thorn bush? “through angels” on Mount Sinai. But the Israelites did not see this. Were there any other humans present?
8. What help did angels give to Joshua and Hezekiah?
8 After Moses’ time, his successor, Joshua, was strengthened by “the prince of Jehovah’s army” to lead God’s people into battle against the Canaanites; and the Israelites won the victory. (Josh. 5:13-15; 6:2, 21) Later, King Hezekiah faced an overwhelming force of Assyrian soldiers who threatened to invade Jerusalem. In one night, “the angel of Jehovah went out and struck down 185,000 men.”—2 Ki. 19:35.
COMMENTS
OT-Joshua…saw a visible man……….
“When Joshua was near Jerʹi·cho, he looked up and saw a man+ standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand.+ Joshua walked up to him and asked: “Are you on our side or on the side of our adversaries?” 14 To this he said: “No, but I have come as prince* of Jehovah’s army.” (Note: Everything living, drawing breath died)”
Hezekiah—185,000 killed in one night—another other corroborating record?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assyrian_Siege_of_Jerusalem
9. Did the imperfections of God’s representatives excuse the Israelites from following their lead? Explain.
9 Of course, while the angels are perfect, the men whom they assisted were not. Moses once failed to sanctify Jehovah. (Num. 20:12) Joshua neglected to seek God’s guidance before concluding a covenant with the Gibeonites. (Josh. 9:14, 15) For a brief period, Hezekiah’s “heart became haughty.” (2 Chron. 32:25, 26) Nevertheless, despite the imperfections of these men, the Israelites were expected to follow their lead. Jehovah was supporting those men with his superhuman agents. Yes, Jehovah was leading his people.
COMMENTS
Now “imperfections of God’s representatives excuse the Israelites from following their lead”
Now did the imperfections of the WTS/GB excuse jws from following their lead?
Joshua—neglected to seek God’s guidance….running ahead? How many times has the WTS done that and blamed it on the dim light from god
Hezekiah…haughty…how did God humble him? Isaiah 39:1-7, Isaiah rebuked him saying eventually Israel would be taken captive, including some of Hezekiah’s descendants.
GUIDED BY GOD’S WORD
10. How was Moses guided by God’s Law?
10 God’s Word guided his representatives. The Bible refers to the Law given to Israel as “the Law of Moses.” (1 Ki. 2:3) Nevertheless, the Scriptures identify Jehovah as the actual Lawgiver, and Moses himself was subject to that Law. (2 Chron. 34:14) After Jehovah had given instructions on how to set up the tabernacle, “Moses did according to all that Jehovah had commanded him. He did just so.”—Ex. 40:1-16.
COMMENTS
So with all the WTS clarifications, adjustments, flipflops, have they been doing “just so”?
11, 12. (a) What were Joshua and the kings who ruled God’s people required to do? (b) How did God’s Word affect the leaders of God’s people?
11 From the beginning of his leadership, Joshua had a written record of God’s Word. “You must read it in an undertone day and night,” he was told, “in order to observe carefully all that is written in it.” (Josh. 1:8) Later, the kings who ruled God’s people followed a similar routine. They were obligated to read the Law daily, write a copy of it, and “observe all the words of this Law and these regulations by carrying them out.”—Read Deuteronomy 17:18-20.
COMMENTS
So what is the point, that the WTS didn’t have God’s Word from the beginning, not until the first pages of the NWT were printed in 1950?
Do the GB, branch servants, DOs, COs, elders, MS read the scriptures daily, why are they not obligated to write a copy of it as the kings of Israel did? Are there “words” the WTS invalidates for their own purposes?
*This may have been the original document written by Moses. (Basis for this statement?)
12 What effect did God’s Word have on the men who took the lead? Consider the example of King Josiah. After a document containing the Mosaic Law was found, Josiah’s secretary began to read it to him. * How did the king react? “As soon as the king heard the words of the book of the Law, he ripped his garments apart.” But he did more. Guided by God’s Word, Josiah began a vigorous campaign against idolatry and arranged an unprecedented celebration of the Passover. (2 Ki. 22:11; 23:1-23) Because Josiah and other faithful leaders were guided by God’s Word, they were willing to adjust and clarify the direction they gave to God’s people. Those changes brought God’s ancient people into harmony with his will.
COMMENTS
What effect? How many of all the kings of Israel were considered faithful? Very few. In Josiah’s time there were no know copies of the Law, this one was found accidentally.
Was Josiah able to stamp out idolatry in Israel….no.
Did Josiah change the Law or the unlawful things the Israelites doing?
Key phrase the WTS will follow up on: willing to adjust and clarify the direction they (faithful leaders) gave to God’s people (only jws)
13. What contrast existed between the leaders of God’s people and those of pagan nations?
13 How different those faithful kings were from the leaders of other nations, men who were guided by human wisdom and shortsighted strategy! Under Canaanite leadership, people did detestable things, which included incest, homosexuality, bestiality, child sacrifice, and gross idolatry. (
Lev. 18
not follow the scientifically sound practices on hygiene that God gave to Israel. (Num. 19:13) In contrast, God’s ancient people saw how their faithful leaders promoted spiritual, moral, and physical cleanness. Clearly, Jehovah was leading them.
COMMENTS
Incest—WTS child sexual abuse policies? Promoting moral cleanness? *see links above
Child sacrifice---no blood transfusions *see links above
Gross idolatry—placing the GB between jws and Jesus then god
14. Why did Jehovah discipline some of the leaders of his people?
14 Not all the kings who ruled God’s ancient people followed God’s instructions. Those who did not obey Jehovah refused to accept the guidance of God’s holy spirit, his angels, and his Word. In some cases, Jehovah disciplined or replaced those leaders. (1 Sam. 13:13, 14) In his own due time, he appointed someone who would be superior to any of the men he had used thus far.
COMMENTS
Not all the kings---just a handful, some even threw their children into the fire worshipping false gods (Manasseh, Hezekiah’s son)
Why only “in some cases” did god replace those leaders?
In his own due time—waiting on Jehovah?
JEHOVAH APPOINTS A PERFECT LEADER
15. (a) How did the prophets indicate that a unique leader was coming? (b) Who was the prophesied leader?
15 For centuries, Jehovah prophesied that he would appoint a uniquely qualified leader for his people. “Jehovah your God will raise up for you from among your brothers a prophet like me,” Moses told the Israelites. “You must listen to him.” (Deut. 18:15) Isaiah foretold that this One would become “a leader and commander.” (Isa. 55:4) And Daniel was inspired to write about the coming of “Messiah the Leader.” (Dan. 9:25) Finally, Jesus Christ identified himself as “the Leader” of God’s people. (Read Matthew 23:10.) Jesus’ disciples followed him willingly, and they affirmed that he was Jehovah’s choice. (John 6:68, 69) What convinced them that Jesus Christ was the one through whom Jehovah was leading his people?
COMMENTS
Messiah The Leader, only Jesus….unless you are one who takes the lead after he leaves this earth.
Jesus’ disciples…after viewing many “miracles”—followed him willingly. What miracles like Jesus’ has the WTS performed?
16. What proved that Jesus was empowered by holy spirit?
16 Holy spirit empowered Jesus. At Jesus’ baptism, John the Baptizer saw “the heavens being parted and, like a dove, the spirit coming down upon him.” Thereafter, “the spirit impelled him to go into the wilderness.” (Mark 1:10-12) For the rest of Jesus’ earthly ministry, God’s holy spirit empowered Jesus to perform miracles and to speak with divine authority. (Acts 10:38) In addition, holy spirit produced in Jesus perfect fruitage, including love, joy, and stalwart faith. (John 15:9; Heb. 12:2) No other leader provided such convincing evidence. Jesus was Jehovah’s choice.
COMMENTS
John the Baptizer – originally the WTS used “John the Baptist.” Why did they change it and when? See addendum at the end.
Does the WTS speak with divine authority?
“perfect” fruitage—yes the GB are imperfect men.
Why “stalwart” faith? Is there more than one kind of positive faith?
PICTURE IN WT How did angels assist Jesus shortly after his baptism? (See paragraph 17)
17. What did angels do to assist Jesus?
17 Angels assisted Jesus. Shortly after Jesus was baptized, “angels came and began to minister to him.” (Matt. 4:11) Hours before his death, “an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” (Luke 22:43) Jesus was confident that Jehovah would send angelic help whenever he needed it to accomplish God’s will.—Matt. 26:53.
COMMENTS
So Jesus saw the angels…did any of his followers see angel? So I guess god didn’t feel the need to send angelic help to Russia.
18, 19. How did God’s Word guide Jesus’ life and teaching?
18 God’s Word guided Jesus. From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus allowed the Scriptures to direct him. (Matt. 4:4) In fact, his obedience to God’s Word went as far as submitting to death on a torture stake. Even his final words before he died included quotations of Messianic prophecies. (Matt. 27:46; Luke 23:46) In contrast, the religious leaders of that time disregarded God’s Word whenever it contradicted their own traditions. Quoting Jehovah’s words through the prophet Isaiah, Jesus said about them: “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshipping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines.” (Matt. 15:7-9) Could Jehovah really choose any of those men to lead his people?
COMMENTS
Yes, Jesus almost always quote from an applicable scripture when answering his disciples and other people…and made application (not waffling a few months later). Does the WTS always use an appropriate scripture when supporting their teachings.
What scripture supports this edict from the WTS:
https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/423480001/billys-comments-rc-1-we-always-require-least-two-witnesses-except-when-we-dont
- The elders’ manual includes two exceptions to that rule on the same page, p. 129.
The first,
12. In some cases adultery is not proved, but it is established by confession or by two or more witnesses that the mate stayed all night in the same house with a person of the opposite sex (or a known homosexual) under improper circumstances.... Even if adultery is not established, it may be that the Christian was involved in an immoral sleeping arrangement.
In this case, it is not required for there to be two witnesses to adultery/fornication. It requires two witnesses to circumstantial evidence that the JC can choose to accept or reject as proof of an "immoral sleeping arrangement". Witnesses of such circumstantial evidence is not the same as being witnesses of seeing two people engaging in sexual relations.
Next,
13. Even if the accused mate is not one of Jehovah's Witnesses (disfellowshipped, disassociated, or never baptized), two witnesses are also generally required to establish wrongdoing that would provide a bases for Scriptural freedom. An exception may be made, however, if the unbeliever privately makes an unambiguous confession of adultery to the Christian mate. In such a case, if the innocent Christian mate believes that the confession is true and does not wish to reconcile, he can submit a letter to the elders outlining his situation. The body of elders should then consider the letter. Is there any known reason to conclude other than that the unbelieving mate has been immoral?.... If there is no known reason to conclude otherwise, the innocent mate can be allowed to take responsibility before Jehovah for obtaining a Scriptural divorce; if he remarries, no judicial action will be taken
19 Jesus allowed God’s Word to guide not only his actions but also his teaching. When confronted with religious controversies, he appealed neither to his vast wisdom nor to his unparalleled experience. Instead, he held up the Scriptures as the final authority. (Matt. 22:33-40) And rather than regale his listeners with personal stories about life in heaven or the creation of the universe, “he opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:32, 45) Jesus loved God’s Word, and he was eager to share it with others.
COMMENTS
Jesus—not only actions….teaching…how many elders use scriptures but when you point out a scripture as well are told, this what the “governing body” says or when there is no scripture except obey the GB.
20. (a) How did Jesus acknowledge his submission to God? (b) What does the contrast between Jesus and Herod Agrippa I teach us about Jehovah’s choice of a leader?
20 Although Jesus amazed his listeners with “gracious words,” he gave credit to his Teacher, Jehovah. (Luke 4:22) When a rich man tried to glorify Jesus with the title “Good Teacher,” Jesus modestly replied: “Why do you call me good? Nobody is good except one, God.” (Mark 10:17, 18) What a contrast to Herod Agrippa I, who became king, or leader, of Judea about eight years later! At a diplomatic function, Herod clothed himself “with royal raiment.” His adoring crowd shouted: “A god’s voice, and not a man’s!” Herod evidently basked in the praise. What happened next? “Instantly the angel of Jehovah struck him, because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten up with worms and died.” (Acts 12:21-23) Surely, no objective observer could conclude that Herod was chosen by Jehovah to be leader. Jesus, on the other hand, gave convincing evidence of being appointed by God, and he constantly glorified Jehovah as the Supreme Leader of his people.
COMMENTS
How often to elders or others give credit to God or Jesus but only the GB? Is the GB acting like Herod Agrippa I by accepting the adulation of the rank and file as being the closest we can get to god?
21. What will we discuss in the next article?
21 Jesus’ leadership was not meant to last only a few years. “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth,” he declared after his resurrection. “And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:18-20) But as an invisible spirit in heaven, how would Jesus lead God’s people on earth? Whom would Jehovah use to work under Christ’s leadership and take the lead among His people? And how would Christians be able to recognize his representatives? The next article will consider the answers to those questions.
COMMENTS
How convenient for the GB for Jesus to be in heaven and people on earth can only be associated through the WTS and the GB, the only true brothers of Jesus on earth (and any living anointed jws on earth).
Next week, WHO IS LEADING GOD’S PEOPLE TODAY? (The real question is who are God’s people today?
Love, Blondie
ADDENDUM—JOHN THE BAPTIZER
- There is a marked drop in the use of "John the Baptist" in the WT publications from 1976 on. You might wonder why this question merited a discussion in Questions From Readers. Because too many JWs were battling that one was preferred over the other. In one congregation the school overseer would correct you if you said "John the Baptist" explaining that it gave people the idea that John was part of false religion or had founded the Baptist religion.
w93 8/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers
Should John who baptized Jesus be referred to as "John the Baptist" or as "John the Baptizer"?
Both designations are correct and Biblically supported.
John was "to get ready for Jehovah a prepared people," which he did by "preaching baptism in symbol of repentance for forgiveness of sins." (Luke 1:17; 3:3) The apostle Matthew wrote: "John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying: ?Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.? . . . Then Jerusalem and all Judea . . . made their way out to him, and people were baptized by him in the Jordan River, openly confessing their sins." Matthew 3:1-6.
Notice that Matthew identifies John as "the Baptist." Matthew, who was evidently tailoring his account to Jews, must have felt that the Jews would know who "the Baptist" was. He used "the Baptist" as a sort of surname. Jesus and his disciples used "John the Baptist," as did the servants of Herod. Matthew 11:11, 12; 14:2; 16:14.
The disciple Mark reports a similar use of "the Baptist." (Mark 6:25; 8:28) But when introducing John, Mark called him "John the baptizer." (Mark 1:4) The Greek involved at Mark 1:4 differs slightly from that of the other verses. Mark 1:4 might also be rendered "the baptizing one." Mark was highlighting what John was doing; he was the one doing baptizing, the baptizer.
It does not appear, however, that we must distinguish between these ways of referring to John. At Mark 624, 25, we read about Salome: "She went out and said to her mother: What should I ask for? She said: The head of John the baptizer. Immediately she went in with haste to the king and made her request, saying: I want you to give me right away on a platter the head of John the Baptist.?" The two designations were used interchangeably.
Some people might understand "the Baptist" according to the second definition in a dictionary: "A member or adherent of an evangelical Protestant denomination marked by congregational polity and baptism by immersion of believers only." John certainly was not that.
Hence, both "John the Baptist" and "John the Baptizer" are correct and proper.
[Footnotes] The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote of "John, surnamed the Baptist."