Comments You Will Not Hear at the 12-12-04 WT Study (November 1, 2004) Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in bluePERSECUTED YET HAPPY
"Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against your for my sake.?Matthew 5:11
Alternate Translation.?Book Chapter:Verse (TRANSLATION)
www.biblegateway.com /cgi-bin/bible
Opening Comments
I have a vocabulary list for this week:
True Christians = Persecution
Conformity
God?s will, commandments, standards, requirements
Preaching: joy, zeal, happiness
Meetings?suffer persecution
Neutrality, blood--persecution
Preaching?persecution
Loyal companions?great crowd
False accusations
Prophets?persecuted
Vindication?God?s sovereignty
Reward?life, everlasting life?earthly paradise, prospect of living forever
Ever nearer
Reward?righteous new world
START OF ARTICLE
Paragraph 1
When Jesus first sent out his apostles to preach the Kingdom, he warned them that they would encounter opposition. He told them: "You will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my name." (Matthew 10:5-18, 22) earlier, however, in his Sermon on the Mount, he gave his apostles and others the assurance that such opposition would not necessarily endanger their deep-felt happiness. In fact, Jesus even linked being happy with being persecuted as Christians (really only as JWs since the WTS teaches all other religions are false and unapproved by God)! How could persecution bring happiness?
Are only JWs persecuted for being Christians? Are they the only ones that preach the Gospel message?
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/Display.asp?Page=Map***
w99 10/1 p. 8 "For Everything There Is an Appointed Time" ***Of course, the fact that Jehovah?s servants "weep" over the sorry state of world affairs does not preclude their being happy. On the contrary! They are actually the happiest group of people on earth. Jesus provided the touchstone for happiness when he said: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, . . . those who mourn, . . . the mild-tempered ones, . . . those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, . . . the merciful, . . . the pure in heart, . . . the peaceable, . . . those who have been persecuted for righteousness? sake." (Matthew 5:3-10) There is abundant evidence to show that this description fits Jehovah?s Witnesses, collectively, better than it does any other religious organization.
On account of Christ?s name or Jehovah?s name? Where is Christ in their name, Jehovah?s Witnesses?
Suffering for Righteousness? Sake
Paragraphs 2-4
2 The eighth happiness that Jesus stated is: ""Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness? sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them." (Matthew 5:10) Suffering in itself is not meritorious. The apostle Peter wrote: "What merit is there in it if, when you are sinning and being slapped, you endure it? But if, when you are doing good and you suffer, you endure it, this is a thing agreeable with God." He further stated: "However, let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody in other people?s matters. But if he suffers as a Christian, let him not feel shame, but let him keep on glorifying God in this name." (1 Peter 2:20; 4:15,16) According to Jesus? words, suffering brings happiness when it is endured for righteousness? sake.Who is Jesus talking to?according to the WTS only the anointed since "the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them."
"in this name" Christ or Jehovah? What does the omitted verse 14 say?
If YOU are being reproached for the name of Christ, YOU are happy, because the [spirit] of glory, even the spirit of God, is resting upon YOU . 1 PETER 4:14
And only "good" and "righteousness" as defined by the WTS.
3 True righteousness is measured by conformity to God?s will and his commands.Suffering for righteousness? sake, therefore means suffering because one resists pressure to violate God?s standards or requirements (as defined by the WTS).
w97 1/15 p. 25 Helping Others to Learn God?s Requirements ***
Over the years, "the faithful and discreet slave" has provided us with just the right tools, publications specially designed for use in conducting home Bible studies. (Matthew 24:45) We thus have been equipped to help people of "all nations and tribes and . . . tongues" to learn God?s requirements. (Revelation 7:9) From time to time, fresh instruments have been provided to keep up with the changing needs in the world field.w61 5/1 p. 274 Training Your Perceptive Powers ***Jehovah is directing the course of his organization by means of his holy spirit, his active force. Over a period of eighty years in modern times we have been able to observe the reliableness of that course. Recognizing the rich blessings that Jehovah has poured out upon the "faithful and discreet slave" as a class, can we not conclude that these same benefits will result to individuals who follow that example, who pattern their course after the one taken by his organization? Why, then, should we insist on choosing our own way, setting our own standards or endeavor to evaluate our own individual judgment more highly than that of this proved faithful "slave"?The apostles were persecuted by the Jewish leaders because of refusing to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29, 40)Does the WTS preach in the name of Jesus or Jehovah?
Did this undermine their joy or halt their preaching? Far from it!This is not the first and not the last mention of happiness in connection with the preaching. The rank and file among JWs have been demonstrating they are not happy in the preaching with the zero to 1 percent increases in so many countries?not even keeping up with the death/birth rates.
"[They] went their way from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of his name (whose name, Jesus or Jehovah?). And every day in the temple and from house to house (see other translations) they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus." (Acts 5:41,42) This persecution brought them joy and renewed their zeal in the preaching work.Later, the early Christians were persecuted by the Romans because of refusing to practice emperor worship.
Not that meant they were true Christians who were of the 144,000.
w72 7/1 p. 415 Questions from Readers
? Large numbers of Christians are said to have been put to death during the Roman persecution in the first few centuries of the Common Era. How, then, is it possible for thousands in this century to have been called to become part of the body of Christ composed of only 144,000 persons??U.S.A. There are historical indications that many Christians were bitterly persecuted, even killed, in the first few centuries. However, it should be remembered that, in itself, a martyr?s death did not give a person merit before Jehovah God nor did it guarantee membership in the heavenly kingdom. Many persons, even in recent times, have been willing to die for a cause, religious or otherwise. A person?s claiming to be a Christian and even dying for his belief does not in itself mean that he is an approved servant of Jehovah God. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "If I give all my belongings to feed others, and if I hand over my body, that I may boast, but do not have love, I am not profited at all." (1 Cor. 13:3) It is not death, but faithfulness to the very death, that determines whether an individual will receive "the crown of life."?Rev. 2:10.4 In modern times, Jehovah?s Witnesses have been persecuted because they refuse to stop preaching "this good news of the kingdom." (Matthew 24:14)But they are not the only ones though strangely not mentioned by the WTS.
When their Christian meetings are banned, they are willing to suffer rather than stop gathering together as the Bible commands. (Hebrews 10:24,25)
10 December 2004
AZERBAIJAN: Why are religious communities in Nakhichevan "crushed"?
By Felix Corley, Forum 18 News Service
Adventist leaders have told Forum 18 News Service that their community in Nakhichevan (Naxçivan), an enclave between Armenia, Turkey and Iran, has been "crushed," and the police have banned them from meeting. Baha'is have told Forum 18 that "we can't do anything in Nakhichevan," and the imprisonment of one Baha'I and up to ten Muslim imams has been reported? They have been persecuted because of their Christian neutrality or their refusal to misuse blood. (John 17:14; Acts 15:28,29).But the WTS has been willing to compromise their neutrality to be associated with the UN as an nongovernmental organization supporting the UN charter.
http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/preamble.htm
http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/watchtower.pdf
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
But the WTS has been willing to compromise on the blood transfusion issue to be recognized as a religion in Bulgaria.
http://www.pnc.com.au/~fichrist/bulgaria.html
Nevertheless, this stand for righteousness (WTS doctrine) brings God?s people (only JWs) today much inner peace and happiness.?1 Peter 3:14. Reproached for the Sake of Christ (or Jehovah?)Paragraphs 5-9
5 The ninth happiness that Jesus considered in his Sermon on the Mount also deals with the subject of persecution. He stated:"Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake." (Matthew 5:11)The basic reason why Jehovah?s people (aren?t they Christians???) are persecuted is that they are no part of the present wicked system of things (see paragraph 4 comments re blood and UN). Jesus told his disciples: "If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chose you out of the world, on this account the world hates you." (John 15:19)Similarly, the apostle Peter stated: "Because you do not continue running with them in this course to the same low sink of debauchery, they are puzzled and go on speaking abusively of you."?1 Peter 4:4Would protecting paedophiles and persecuting the victims be "low sink of debauchery"?
Do JWs preach in the name of Jesus? What do people think when they see them?there go those Christians, followers of Jesus, or Jehovah?s Witnesses again.
Can you find Jesus? name in these "suggested" WTS magazine presentations?
km 11/03 p. 4 What to Say About the Magazines Awake! Nov. 22"Some people worry that the damage inflicted upon the environment is beyond repair. Do you think the situation is hopeless? [Allow for response.] The Creator did not intend for the earth to become an uninhabitable trash dump. [Read Isaiah 45:18.] This magazine explains how the earth will be saved."
The Watchtower Dec. 1"Some people today are losing faith in God. One reason for this is that they cannot find satisfying answers to troubling questions such as these. [Give an example from the box on page 6.] This issue of The Watchtower discusses one key to building genuine faith in God." Read Philippians 1:9.
Awake! Dec. 8"Do you think mankind will ever enjoy conditions such as those described here? [Read Isaiah 14:7. Then allow for response.] This magazine contains practical information that can benefit us while we await the fulfillment of God?s promises." Feature the article "How Can You Resist Wrong Desires?"
Christ commissioned his followers: "You will be witnesses of me (not Jehovah)?to the most distant part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) The faithful remnant of Christ?s anointed brothers, aided by their loyal companions of the "great crowd," have zealously carried out that commission. (Revelation 7:9) Therefore, Satan wages war "with the remaining ones of her seed [the seed of the "woman," the heavenly part of God?s organization], who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus (not Jehovah?)." (Revelation 12:9,17)Have other religions been persecuted?
What "lies" are the WTS talking about?
Concealing sexual abuse in the organization ( www.silentlambs.org )
Concealing the WTS association with the UN ( http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm )
Can you think of more?
This was certainly true of the early Christians. When the apostle Paul was detained in Rome, about 59-61 C.E., Jewish leaders there said of Christians: "Truly as regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against." (Acts 28:22) Paul and Silas were accused of having "overturned the inhabited earth," acting "in opposition to the decrees of Caesar."?Acts 17:6,78 Writing of Christians at the time of the Roman Empire, historian K.S. Latourette stated: "The accusations varied. Because they refused to participate in pagan ceremonies the Christians were dubbed atheists. Through their absention from much of the community life?the pagan festivals, the public amusements?---they were derided as haters of the human race?It was said that both sexes met together at night?and that promiscuous intercourse followed?The fact that [the Memorial of Christ?s death] was celebrated only in the presence of believers fed the rumours that Christians regularly sacrificed an infant and consume its blood and flesh."Why would the WTS at this point give a source, where we have seen other places where they merely say "a scholar"?
Latourette?s background:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NXG/is_1_37/ai_94160890
In addition, because the early Christians refused to practice emperor worship, they were accused of being enemies of the State.9 Those false accusations, did not prevent the early Christians from carrying out their commission to preach the good news of the Kingdom. In 60-61 C.E., Paul was able to speak of the "good news" that was "bearing fruit and increasing in all the world" and that had been "preached in all creation that is under heaven." (Colossians 1:5,6,23).Notice that the WTS has been able to string together 3 snippets and make it seem like one scripture.
5 because of the hope that is being reserved for YOU in the heavens. This [hope] YOU heard of before by the telling of the truth of that good news 6 which has presented itself to YOU, even as it is bearing fruit and increasing in all the world just as [it is doing] also among YOU, from the day YOU heard and accurately knew the undeserved kindness of God in truth.23 provided, of course, that YOU continue in the faith, established on the foundation and steadfast and not being shifted away from the hope of that good news which YOU heard, and which was preached in all creation that is under heaven. Of this [good news] I Paul became a minister.
How does the WTS interpret verse 23?
w78 5/1 p. 26 How Important Is Christian Giving? ***?That good news was preached in all creation under heaven.? (Col. 1:23) This means that Christians had extended their spiritual giving to the far-flung reaches of the then known world.The same occurs today. Jehovah?s Witnesses are being falsely accused (of what?), even as the first-century Christians were. Yet, today the work of preaching the Kingdom message (without saying the word) prospers and brings those who share in it much happiness.Are only JWs being falsely accused?
www.forum18.orgHappy to Be Persecuted Like the Prophets
Paragraphs 10-12
10 Jesus ended his consideration of the ninth happiness by saying:"Rejoice?, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you." (Matthew 5:12)The prophets whom Jehovah sent to warn unfaithful Israel were badly received and often persecuted. (Jeremiah 7:25,26) The apostle Paul testified to this fact, writing: "What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I go on to relate about?the other prophets, who through faith? received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by bonds and prisons."?Hebrews 11:32-38Does the WTS consider themselves prophets?
Watchtower 1982 October 1 p.27 Be as Men Who Are Facing HarMagedon Unafraid ***
8 In behalf of such individuals who at heart seek God's rule instead of man's rule, the "prophet" whom Jehovah has raised up has been, not an individual man as in the case of Jeremiah, but a class. The members of this class are, like the prophet-priest Jeremiah, wholly dedicated to Jehovah God through Christ and, by the begettal of Jehovah's holy spirit, they have been made part of "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession."11 During the reign of wicked King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel, many of Jehovah?s prophets were killed with the sword. (1 Kings 18:4,13; 19:10) The prophet Jeremiah was put into stocks and later thrown into a miry cistern. (Jeremiah 20:1,2;38:6) The prophet Daniel was cast into the lions? den. (Daniel 6:16,17) All these pre-Christian prophets were persecuted because they defended the pure worship of Jehovah. Many prophets were persecuted by the Jewish religious leaders. Jesus called the scribes and the Pharisees "sons of those who murdered the prophets."?Matthew 23:31.
WTS=early Christians=pre-Christian prophets
www.forum18.org12 Today, we as Jehovah?s Witnesses (where is Christ in this name?) are often persecuted because we are zealous in preaching the good news of the Kingdom.Our enemies accuse of us "aggressive proselytizing." km 8/98 p. 8 Use Brochures to Appeal to Both Mind and Heart ***Publishers who witness in cemeteries use this brochure to comfort mourners. Two sisters approached a family of seven who were praying at a grave. As a result of sharing the comforting message from the brochure, a Bible study was started with the mother the next day!But we know that faithful worshipers of Jehovah (where is Christ is this name?) before us faced similar criticism. (Where are the early Christians?) (Jeremiah 11:21: 20:8,11) We count it a privilege to suffer for the same reason that the faithful prophets of old suffered. The disciple James wrote: "Brothers, take as a pattern of the suffering of evil and the exercising of patience the prophets, who spoke in the name of Jehovah (did James write "Jehovah"?). Look! We pronounce happy those who have endured."?James 5:10,11. Profound Reasons for Being HappyParagraphs 13-14
13 Far from being discouraged by persecution, we are comforted by the thought that we are following in the footsteps of the prophets, the early Christians, and Christ Jesus himself. (1 Peter 2:21)We draw deep satisfaction from the Scriptures, such as the following words of the apostle Peter: "Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning among you, which is happening to you for a trial, as though a strange thing were befalling you. If you are being reproached for the name of Christ (not the name of Jehovah), you are happy, because the spirit of glory, even the spirit of God, is resting upon you." (1 Peter 4:12,14) We know from experience that we are able to stand firm under persecution only because Jehovah?s spirit rests upon us (and only JWs) and strengthens us. The support of the holy spirit is proof that Jehovah?s blessing is upon us, and this brings us great happiness.?Psalm 5:12; Philippians 1:27-29.
Is God?s spirit only on JWs?
www.forum18.org14 Another reason why opposition and persecution for righteousness? sake makes us happy is that it proves we are living as true Christians with godly devotion.Then why are these people persecuted?
www.forum18.orgThe apostle Paul wrote: "All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12) We are supremely happy at the thought that our keeping integrity under trial provides a further answer to Satan?s challenge that all of Jehovah?s creatures serve Him out of selfish interest. (Job 1:9-11, 2:3,4) We rejoice that we have a share be it ever so small, in the vindication of Jehovah?s righteous sovereignty.?Proverbs 27:11.First, be ?supremely happy? to give an answer to Satan..but remember it is ?ever so small.?
Leap for Joy at the RewardParagraphs 15-19
Joy= Reward=Everlasting Life=Carrot motive of most JWs
15 Jesus gave an added reason for you at being maligned and persecuted like the prophets of old. Toward the end of the ninth happiness, he stated: "Rejoice and leap for joy, since you reward is great in the heavens." (Matthew 5:12)So Jesus? followers were to have a reward in the "heavens" not on "earth."
The apostle Paul wrote: "The wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)Everlasting life in the heavens is the gift God gives to Jesus? followers, right?
Yes, the ?great reward? is life, and it is not a wage that we can earn. It is a free gift. Jesus said that the reward is "in the heavens" because it comes from Jehovah.Is that true, did the early Christians hope to live forever on earth and thought that Paul was only talking about the gift coming from the place God dwells? Wasn?t Paul talking to spirit-anointed Christians? What was their hope?
Does the WTS teach that works are necessary? What is your experience?
16 The anointed receive "the crown of life," that is, in their case, immortal life with Christ in heaven. (James 1:12,17)And in once sentence with little scriptural support the WTS says,
Those with an earthly hope, the "other sheep" look forward to inheriting everlasting life in an earthly paradise. (John 10:16; Revelation 21:3-5) For both classes the "reward" is unearned. Both the anointed and the "other sheep" receive their reward by Jehovah?s "surpassing undeserved kindness," which moved the apostle Paul to say: "Thanks be to God for his indescribable free gift."?2 Corinthians 9:14,15.So could you use this information to convince some non-JW that there are 2 hopes?
Notice how these use snippets. What is this indescribable free gift? How is Jesus left out of the picture?
But it is not with the gift as it was with the trespass. For if by one man?s trespass many died, the undeserved kindness of God and his free gift with the undeserved kindness by the one man Jesus Christ abounded much more to many. ROMANS 5:1517 To Christians, some of whom were soon to be cruelly persecuted by Emperor Nero, the apostle Paul wrote: "Let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment." He also said: "Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation." (Romans 5:3-5; 12:12) Whether or hope is heavenly or earthly, our reward (the JW motivator) for faithfulness under trial is immeasurably greater than anything we deserve.Doesn?t that make you feel special and loved?
Our joy at the prospect of living forever to serve and praise our loving Father Jehovah, under our King Jesus Christ is unbounded (all though the FDS channel). We figuratively "leap for joy."18 In some lands, Jehovah?s Witnesses have been and still are persecuted. In his prophecy about the conclusion of the system of things (a nicer term form Armageddon), Jesus warned true Christians (they only mean JWs): "You will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name (Jesus not Jehovah)." (Matthews 24:9) As we near the end, Satan will cause the nations to manifest their hatred against Jehovah?s people (they mean only JWs here). (Ezekiel 38:10-12, 14-16) This signal Jehovah?s time to act. "I shall certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah." (Ezekiel 38:23)And you thought it was Jesus and his angels they would see, eh?
Jehovah will thus sanctify his great name and deliver his people (only JWs) from persecution. Therefore, "happy is the man that keeps on enduring."?James 1:1219 As that great "day of Jehovah" draws ever near, let us rejoice because we are "counted worthy to be dishonored" for Jesus? name. (2 Peter 3:10-13: Acts 5:41)Like the early Christians, may be continue "without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ" and his Kingdom government while awaiting our reward in Jehovah?s righteous new world.?Acts 5:41; James 5:11 Concluding Comments
Persecution = Happiness?
Persecution = True Christianity?
Persecution = God is on your side?
Persecution = Fill in the blank
Persecution = False accusations and lies?
Persecution = You are true prophets?
The WTS thinks the "lies" and the "persecution" are making the rank and file unhappy and slow down or stop in the preaching work.
The end is near is not working any more.
Everlasting life on a paradise earth is proving to be old age and death for many JWs. Millions now living will never die?
Blondie