Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-17-04 WT Study (September 1, 2004 issue)
Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes will be in red and quotes "" Quotes from other sources will be in blue BEWARE OF "THE VOICE OF STRANGERS" "A stranger they will by no means follow but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."?John 10:5Opening Comments
This talk was given at the district conventions last year.
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/bewarethevoiceofstrangers.htm
Now the rank and file will have a review. The Internet is a powerful tool. In days gone by curious JWs had to take a chance reading "apostate" literature at the library because they were afraid to check it out thinking that some JW working at the library would see what they checked out (and JWs did work at the library in my area, 2 of them). Some would take a chance and check it out. Others would sneak into a Christian bookstore or have it mailed to them to a secret address so their family members would no discover they had "apostate" leanings. Some (I did this) watched people like John Ankerberg when he had on ex-JWs. But with the flick of a switch you have access to DBs, info on the UN, child abuse, blood transfusions, WT history with all its warts, etc., etc.
Is it too late to close the barn door?
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The resurrected Jesus observes the woman standing near his empty tomb. He knows her well. It is Mary Magdalene. Nearly two years earlier, he had cured her of demon possession. Since then she has accompanied him and his apostles, caring for their daily needs. (Luke 8:1-3) Today, though, Mary is weeping, overcome by grief because she saw Jesus die, and now even his body has disappeared! So Jesus asks her: "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Thinking he is the gardener, she answers: "Sir, if you have carried him off, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Then Jesus says: "Mary!" Immediately, she recognizes the familiar way he speaks to her. "Teacher!" She joyfully exclaims. And she embraces him.?John 10:11-18.
Do you see where the WTS is taking this? Just by saying one word, "Mary," after have said 10 words, she finally recognizes him. The point to watch for is does the WTS speak with the voice of Christ?
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This account illustrates in a touching way what Jesus stated some time earlier. Comparing himself to a shepherd and his followers to sheep, he says that the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and they know his voice. (John 10:3,4,14,27,28) Indeed, as a sheep recognizes its shepherd, so Mary recognized her Shepherd, Christ. This also holds true for Jesus? followers (note they follow Jesus not Jehovah) today. (John 10:16) (This scripture per WTS doctrine only refers to the great crowd, not the spiritually anointed). Just as a sheep?s discerning enables it to stay close to its shepherd, so our spiritual discernment enables us to walk closely in the footsteps of our Fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ.?John 13:15; 1 John 2:6; 5:20.
Note here that we follow Jesus, not an organization. If that organization is not walking in Christ?s footsteps what will discerning followers of Christ do?
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However, according to that same illustration, a sheep?s ability to recognize human voices enables it to know not only its friend but also its foe. That is of vital importance because we have devious opposers. Who are they? How do they operate? How can we protect ourselves? To find out, let us see what else Jesus says in his illustration of the sheepfold.
Discerning elders: Do they know your name, first and last, do they have your phone number and address easily accessible? Do they know the name of your spouse and your children?
?He That Does Not Enter Through the Door?
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Jesus states: "He that enters through the door is shepherd of the sheep. The doorkeeper opens to this one, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has got all his own out, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. A stranger they will by no means follow but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:2-5) Notice, Jesus uses the word "voice" three times. Two times he speaks about the voice of a shepherd, but the third time he refers to "the voice of strangers." What kind of stranger is Jesus referring to?
w88
11/1 p. 8 The Sheepfolds and the Shepherd ***The "doorkeeper" of the first sheepfold was John the Baptizer. As the doorkeeper, John ?opened to? Jesus by identifying him to those symbolic sheep that he would lead out to pasture.
Who is/was the doorkeeper in 1919?
How tight a grip does the WTS have on the explanation of John 10:2-5?
w84
2/15 p. 11 The Fine Shepherd and "This Fold" of His ***Are we here identifying the "sheepfold" of John chapter 10, verse 1, with the Mosaic Law covenant arrangement? Why, yes! The former explanation of the sheepfold as being the Abrahamic covenant was based on the view that John chapter 10 mentioned directly only one fold, and if that were so, then the Abrahamic covenant would be its logical meaning.
However, further study of this chapter showed that Jesus actually spoke of more than one sheepfold. Thus, as we will see, an adjustment in explanation proved fitting.Such adjustments become necessary from time to time
, for Proverbs 4:18 tells us that "the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established." Oh, apostate opposers of truth "gnash their teeth" at such progressive revelations, but this does not disturb us. (Acts 7:54) Rather, we thank Jehovah that "light itself has flashed up for the righteous one, and rejoicing even for the ones upright in heart." (Psalm 97:11) We are confident that you will rejoice to know just what meaning Jesus? illustration of the sheepfolds has for you and all others of Jehovah?s Witnesses today.Paragraph 5
Jesus is not discussing the type of stranger to whom we want to extend hospitality?a ward that in the original Bible language (Greek or Hebrew? why not be specific) means "love of strangers." (Hebrews 13:2) In Jesus? illustration, the stranger is not an invited guest. He "does not enter into the sheepfold through the door but climbs up some other place." He is "a thief and a plunderer." (John f10:1) Who is the first individual mentioned in God?s Word who became a thief and a plunderer? Satan the Devil. We find the evidence in the book of Genesis.
So the WT is setting the stage for stranger = Devil = apostate.
When the Voice of a Stranger Was First Heard
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Genesis 3:1-5 describes how the voice of a stranger was heard on earth for the first time.
Notice how the WTS is making application to an OT account when Jesus was talking about dangers for Christians.
The account relates that Satan approached the first woman, Eve, through a serpent and spoke to her in a misleading way.
Now how could a perfect, intelligent woman, believe that a serpent could talk. I?m not a perfect woman and I would have known something was fishy
Granted, in this account Satan is not literally termed "a stranger." Nevertheless (one of the all encompassing WTS words), his actions show that in many ways he was like the stranger described in Jesus? illustration recorded in John chapter 10. Consider some similarities.
Do you think Jesus was thinking of Satan when he said "stranger"?
w84
2/15 p. 12 The Fine Shepherd and "This Fold" of His Other Israelites who came and claimed to be the promised Messiah, or Christ, were the ones whom Jesus branded as strangers. Paragraph 7 Jesus states that the stranger approaches his victims in the sheepfold in a roundabout way. Likewise, Satan approached his victim indirectly, using a serpent. This sly approach exposed Satan for what he really is?a devious intruder. Think about it, besides the absurdity of thinking a serpent could speak, who could be speaking? It wasn?t Adam. There weren?t any other people on earth. There was an angel watching over them, the covering cherub.. Who was that?w58 8/1 p. 455 Why Many Doubt Satan?s Existence *** The Bible also tells us that God created many righteous spirit creatures, angels, among whom was one that God appointed as covering cherub or guardian angel of the first human pair. This one became ambitious to be worshiped like God himself and so induced Adam and Eve to disobey. He instigated rebellion and thereby challenged the universal sovereignty of Jehovah GodFurther, the stranger in the sheepfold sets out to rob the rightful owner of his sheep. In fact, he is worse that a thief for his aim is also to "slay and destroy." (John 10:10) Similarly, Satan was a thief. Deceiving Eve, he stole her allegiance from God. Moreover, Satan also brought death to humans. Hence, he is murderer. Who is the rightful owner of the sheep? Jesus or the WTS?Who have stolen the sheep and turned them from following the footsteps of Christ but rather having to go through them to get to Christ?w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible?A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
CHANNEL TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE JESUS assured us that after his death and resurrection, he would raise up a "faithful and discreet slave" that would serve as his channel of communication. (Matthew 24:45-47) The apostle Paul identified this channel to the Ephesian Christians when he wrote that "there might be made known through the congregation the greatly diversified wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose that he formed in connection with the Christ, Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:10, 11) It was the congregation of anointed Christians, born at Pentecost 33 C.E., that was entrusted with the "things revealed." (Deuteronomy 29:29) As a group, anointed Christians serve as the faithful and discreet slave. (Luke 12:42-44) Their appointed assignment from God is to provide spiritual understanding of the "things revealed."
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah?s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.?John 6:68. Is our loyalty to Christ or an organization? Is Christ even in the equation.w02 4/1 p. 28 Stay Awake, Move Ahead Courageously! *** Are we going to remain loyal to Jehovah and his organization?w01 10/1 p. 22 What Does It Mean to Be Loyal? ***Loyalty to God also includes loyalty to his organization. Necessarily, over the years there have been corrections and adjustments to our understanding of certain scriptures.w98 3/15 pp. 15-16 Dedication and Freedom of Choice ***The idea of being someone?s slave strikes most people as unpleasant. Yet, in today?s world the reality is that people often let themselves be manipulated and influenced in so many subtle ways that they end up involuntarily doing what others want them to do. For instance, the advertising industry and the entertainment world endeavor to press people into a mold, establishing standards for them to follow. Political and religious organizations get people to support their ideas and goals, not always by means of convincing arguments, but often by appealing to a sense of solidarity or loyalty. Since Paul noted that ?we are the slaves of those whom we obey,? each of us does well to ask himself, ?Of whom am I a slave? Who exercises the greatest influence on my decisions and my way of life? Do religious clergymen, political leaders, financial tycoons, or entertainment personalities? Whom do I obey?God or men??w97 8/1 p. 8 Serving Loyally With Jehovah?s Organization ***Expect that Satan will try to undermine your loyalty to Jehovah and to His earthly organizationw97 8/1 p. 14 Serving Loyally With Jehovah?s Organization ***If we refuse to let human imperfections erode our loyalty to Jehovah?s organization and if we guard against such subtle forms of disloyalty as misplaced loyalties, then we will be better prepared should our loyalty be tested more severely Paragraph 8 Satan?s dishonesty was evident in the way he twisted Jehovah?s words and motives. So who has "twisted" the words found in the Bible?
Who up until 1967 said organ transplants were a conscience matter? Who from 1967 to 1980 said it was a DF?ing offense? Who said again in 1980 it was a conscience matter? Anyone who had a transplant between 1967 and 1980 would have been DF?d or it they refused most likely would have died? Did the WTS go their graves and apologize for "twisting" the words found in the Bible? http://quotes.watchtower.ca/transplant.htm"Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree?" he asked Eve. Does the Bible encourage people to make sure what they are being taught comes from God? Immediately by night the brothers sent both Paul and Silas out to Be·roe´a, and these, upon arriving, went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·ni´ca, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so. ACTS 17:10-11 Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps. PROVERBS 14:15 Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, . . . 1 JOHN 4:1 Satan pretended to be shocked, as if he were saying: (as the WTS proceeds to add to the Bible) ?How could God be so unreasonable?? He added: (How could he add it if the first phrase was never in the Bible?) "God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened." Note his words: "God knows." Satan said, as it were: (as the WTS proceeds to add again to the Bible) : ? I know what God knows. I know his motives, and they are bad." (Genesis 2:16, 17: 3:1,5) Sadly, Eve and Adam did not turn away from the voice of this stranger. Didn?t they say this earlier? Granted, in this account Satan is not literally termed "a stranger." Wasn?t Jesus talking about Christians not Adam and Eve? Can?t the WTS find an example in the NT? Instead, they heeded it and brought woe to themselves and their offspring.?Romans 5:12,14. Paragraph 9 Satan uses similar methods to misled God?s people today. (Revelation 12:9) Note: "God?s people" not Jesus? followers or Christians. BTW, when referring to God?s people, the WTS means only dedicated, baptized JWs (and a few unbaptized publishers.) He is "the father of the lie," and those who, like him, try to mislead God?s servants (**see God?s people) are his children. (John 8:44) Satan = his children = apostates Let us note some ways in which the voice of these strangers is being heard today. How the Voice of Strangers Is Heard Today
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Deceptive reasonings. The apostle Paul states: "Do not be carried away with various and strange teachings." (Hebrews 13:9) What sort of teachings? Since they ?carry us away,? it is clear that Paul refers to teachings that undermine our spiritual balance.Now that is a very indefinite statement, "teachings that undermine our spiritual balance."
Who are voicing such strange teachings? Paul told a group of Christian elders: "From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.? (Acts 20:30)Indeed, today as in Paul?s day (not Adam and Eve?s day???), some individuals (wasn?t Paul talking about elders?) who were once part of the Christian congregation now attempt to mislead the sheep by speaking "twisted things"?half-truths and outright lies. As the apostle Peter puts it, they use "counterfeit words"?words that resemble truth but that are actually as worthless as counterfeit money.?2 Peter 2:3.Note: They make the application to "some individuals" rather than what Paul said that these individuals would be "elders."
If you should want to see the words directly from the WTS publications, look at this site below.. See if they resemble the truth. Let?s see if the WTS gets more specific about apostate tactics.
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/Paragraph 11
Peter further exposes the methods of apostates by stating that they "will quietly bring in destructive sects." (2 Peter 2:1,3)Now that makes it more clear!!!!
Are JWs are sect? Read this and tell me.
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/6040/sect.htmJust as the thief in Jesus? illustration of the sheepfold does not enter "through the door but climbs up some other place," so apostates approach us in stealthy ways. (Galatians 2:4; Jude 4)What ways would those be? Will the WTS be more specific later?
What is their aim? (or motives?)
w00 7/15 p. 23 Have You Been Influenced by Cynics? ***
Jehovah can accurately read a person?s heart. We cannot. Therefore, we need to be careful about attributing certain motives to others.w83 3/1 p. 6 Is There a Way out of Unhappiness? ***The lower our spirits become the more likely we are to place the blame on those around us. If we also make the mistake of attributing wrong motives to them, this can give rise to great tension. How much better not to be unduly suspicious!w78 3/15 p. 12 Living as Belonging to Jehovah ***And, just as the Christian tries to do all things to the best of his understanding and ability in order to please Jehovah, so he attributes the same conscientious motives to his brothersPeter adds: "They will exploit you." Indeed, no matter what apostates may say to the contrary, the real aim of intruders is "to steal and slay and destroy." (John 10:10) Beware of such strangers.Notice that there have been no real guidelines laid down for identifying "apostates" except that they are people that used to be in the congregation (that includes inactive people).
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Harmful associates. The voice of strangers may be heard through those with whom we associate. Harmful associations especially endanger youths. (1 Corinthians 15:33) Remember, Satan singled out Eve?the younger and less experienced of the first human pair.But obviously, God considered her mature enough, and intelligent enough to be held responsible for her decision. She was no baby or immature child.
1 Corinthians 15:33 was directed to the adults in the Christian congregation not children.
He convinced her that Jehovah had unduly restricted her freedom, when in reality the opposite was true. Jehovah loved his human creation and cared for their welfare. (Isaiah 48:17) Similarly today, strangers try to persuade you youths that your Christian parents unduly restrict your freedom. How many such strangers affect you?One Christian girl (only a JW though) admits: "For a while my faith was weakened to a certain extent by my classmates. They kept saying that my religion was restrictive and unreasonable.." Yet the truth is that your parents love you. So when schoolmates try to persuade you to distrust your parents, do not be mislead as Eve was.If only they knew that the hypocrisy of their parents and other adults at the kingdom hall, is what leads many children of JWs to leave after reaching 18, either never having been baptized or after being DF?d.
Note: They did not get specific about what is considered restrictive and unreasonable. Hmmm?.
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Regarding harmful associations, the psalmist David states: "I have not sat with men of untruth; and with those who hide what they are I do not come in." (Psalm 26:4) Again, do you note the trait typical of strangers? They hide who they are?just as Satan hid his identify by using a serpent (and how many of us would be fooled by that?)And the WTS doesn?t hide what they are. What about this book (and letters to the bodies of elders) that are never seen by the average witness.
http://www.douknow.net/jw_manual1.htmand a few letters
http://watchtower.observer.org/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040415/BOE/40415016Today some immoral people hide their identity and true intentions by using the Internet.That?s right, demonizing all the Internet by this misuse.
In chatrooms, perverse adults may even pose as youths to lure you into a trap. Young ones, please be extremely cautious lest you be harmed spiritually.?Psalm 119:101; Proverbs 22:3.This is a real danger but what about the perverse adults that are allowed to stay in the congregation, unidentified as the molesters they are; with only the elders able to protect their families since they can tell no one else officially.
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False accusations. Although some news reports about Jehovah?s Witnesses are fair, at times the media let themselves be used to broadcast the biased voices of strangers. For instance, in one country a news report falsely stated that the Witnesses supported Hitler?s regime during World War II.The media let themselves be used?.how then can we believe any good things they say about JWs?
Actually, it was the WTS leaders and it was during the years just before WW2 when Hitler was in power.
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/nazi_conciliation.htmhttp://www.randytv.com/Hitler/trust_watchtower.htm
http://www.cftf.com/online/1998OctDecp08-14.html
In another one, a report accused Witnesses of vandalizing churches.Now we know that the people on this DB, notice right away articles about JWs. How did we miss this one. Why didn?t the WTS site any media sources and give details as to the inaccuracies? Hmmmm???.
In several countries the media accused Witnesses of refusing to give medical treatment to their children?.Isn?t that what refusing blood transfusions would be? Last I checked, blood transfusions were a medical treatment, not a voodoo experience.
And also of deliberately condoning serious sins committed by fellow believers. (Matthew 10:22)The child abuse issue is well documented here:
Even so, sincere people who know us personally recognize that such accusations are false.
Yes, there are still people who will not believe that my father abused all 5 of his children. Five witnesses to his sin but they still believe him. After all he is a hard-working man who has given them many things.
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What should we do if we are confronted with accusations spread by the voice of such strangers?We do well to take to heart the counsel of Proverbs 14:15: "Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps."It is unwise to believe everything presented as truth in the media.While we certainly do not distrust all secular information,
(only that which is negative about the WTS, but believe every negative thing about the Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists., etc., etc.)
we do recognize that "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one."?1 John 5:19.Now there is a thought to share with the media. That they are under the control of the Devil.
"Test the Inspired Expressions"Paragraphs 16-18
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How, though, do we know for sure whether we are dealing with a friend or a foe?Well, Jesus says that the sheep follow the shepherd "because they know his voice." (John 10:4) It is not the literal shepherd?s appearance that moves the sheep to follow him; it is his voice. A book on Bible lands (what book is that?) relates that a visitor once claimed that sheep recognize their shepherd by his dress, not his voice. A shepherd answered that it was the voice they knew. To prove this, he exchanged clothing with the stranger. Dressed in the shepherd?s garb, the stranger called the sheep, but they did not respond. They did not know his voice. Yet when the shepherd called them, though he was disguised, the sheep came at once.Thus, someone may look like a shepherd, but for sheep, that does not prove he really is one.Some elders should note of this statement!
The sheep in effect, test the caller?s voice, comparing it with the shepherd?s voice. God?s Word tells us to do the same?"test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God" (1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:13) What will help us to do so?How many JWs have read and studied the words of Jesus on their own and not filtered through the WTS publications? How many hated the Greatest Man book because it forced them to read the Bible chronologically and in some direct order without the paragraph/then question format? How many could name all 12 of the apostles where they were from, what their occupations were, etc., etc. Who knows why Jesus while born in Bethlehem was raised in Nazareth? Who can name the beatitudes?
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Understandably, the better we know Jehovah?s voice (not Jesus?!!!!) or message, the better we can detect the voice of a stranger. w92 9/1 p. 23 Jesus? Sheep Listen to His Voice *** They hear Jesus? voice and learn to serve him with everlasting life in view. Jesus said at John 10:27, 28: "My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them everlasting life." Notice how honesthearted ones in Madagascar listened to Jesus? voice.w91 3/1 p. 14 "The Sheep Listen to His Voice" ***He further added: "I know my sheep and my sheep know me." (John 10:14) Sheeplike ones listen to Jesus? voice as he speaks to them through the Bible.The Bible points out how we develop such knowledge. It states: "Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: ?This is the way. Walk in it, you people.?" (Isaiah 30:21) That "word" behind us comes from the Word of God (not the WT publications). Every time we read God?s Word (without the WT publications), we hear, as it were, the voice of our Great Shepherd, Jehovah (not Jesus?) (Psalm 23:1) Hence, the more we study the Bible (not the WT publications), the more familiar we become with God?s voice (not Jesus?). That intimate knowledge in turn enables us to detect instantly the voice of strangers.?Galatians 1:8.Is that why when some JWs start reading the Bible on its own, they "detect instantly" who the strangers are?
Since we are discussing John 10, why is God?s voice only mentioned here, rather than Jesus. That is why they are called Jehovah?s Witnesses and not Christians.
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What does knowing Jehovah?s voice (not Jesus?) further involve. Besides hearing, it involves obeying (the organization).Note again Isaiah 30:21. God?s Word declares: "This is the way." Yes, through a study of the Bible, we hear Jehovah?s directions (the organization?s). Next, he commands: "Walk in it." Jehovah wants us to act on what we hear. Thus by applying what we learn, we show that we have not simply heard Jehovah?s voice (not Jesus?) but also listened to it. (Deuteronomy 28:1) Obeying Jehovah?s voice also means obeying Jesus? voice, for Jehovah himself told us to do so. (Matthew 17:5)Finally, Jesus gets a mention.
What does Jesus, the Fine Shepherd, tell us to do?(Do you remember the articles making the distinction of the Great Shepherd, Jehovah and the Fine Shepherd Jesus?)
Finally, Jesus gets some credit.
He teaches us to make disciples and To trust "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45; 28:18-20)Notice there is no attempt to identify and indemnify the "slave."
We can only get to Jesus through the slave?the organization.
Obeying his voice means our eternal life.?Acts 3:23 **the "carrot" motivator for 99.9% of JWs.?They Will Flee From Him?Paragraphs 19-21
How, they should we react to the voice of strangers?Did this article provide the means to identify who the strangers are other than people who were once JWs and no longer attend meetings?
In the way sheep do, Jesus says: "A stranger they will by no means follow but will flee from him/" (John 10:5) Our reaction is twofold.First, we "will by no means follow" a stranger. Yes, we resolutely reject a stranger. In fact, in Biblical Greek, the words, "by no means" translate the strongest way to express rejection in that language. (Matthew 24:35; Hebrews 13:5)Second, we "will feel from him," or turn away from him. That is the only right way to react to those who teachings are out of harmony with the voice of the Fine Shepherd.
Notice except for that one paragraph, they don?t mention any teaching specifically.
This is a clue to those that may want to talk to family and friends. Use the Bible skillfully, especially the words of Jesus to show them where the WTS is teaching things not found in the Bible. Don?t state that directly, let the scriptures prove the point.
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Therefore, when confronted with those who voice apostate ideas, we want to do what God?s Word (and the organization) states: "Keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them." (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10).Likewise, Christian (only JWs) youths facing the dangers of harmful associates want to apply Paul?s counsel given to young Timothy: "Flee from the desires incidental to youth."
It used to gripe me that adult JWs had to associate with people at work and I heard just as many stories of people leaving spouses for people they met at work as "young people" have problems at school. But hardly a word.
And when confronted with false accusations in the media,We will remember Paul?s further advice to Timothy: "They [those who listen to the voice of strangers?added to the scripture by the WTS] will be turned aside to false stories. You, though, keep your senses in all things." (2 Timothy 2:22; 4:3-5) No matter how smooth the voice of strangers may seem, we flee from all that would subvert our faith.?Psalm 26:5; Proverbs 7:5,21: Revelation 18:2,4.Paragraph 21
By repudiating the voice of strangers, spirit-anointed Christians respond to the Fine Shepherd?s words found at Luke 12:32. There Jesus says to them: "Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom." Likewise, the "other sheep" eagerly anticipate hearing Jesus words: "Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world." (John 10:16; Matthew 25:34) What a heartwarming rewards awaits us if we reject "the voice of strangers"!Concluding Comments
Notice how little direct or specific information is provided to identify an "apostate." They didn?t even trot out the official definition. Just about anybody not going to the meetings could be considered a "stranger."
Did you notice while they did not say the media always tells lies, they did poison the well.
The efforts of many as to the child abuse issue, the UN, blood transfusions, twisted WTS history, getting into the media and on the Internet is having an effect.. Getting Witnesses to really examine the organization?s past and current beliefs. Just reading the older WT publications was an eye-opener for me.
Remember this information works both ways, examine the WTS teachings. Do they speak with Jesus? voice?
Blondie