Are the Society planning a 'Pledge of Allegiance'? IT MAY BE TRUE! (page 7)

Flash

What's really scary/funny is, from our own past experiance we know they are capable of this. This Thread that began as a joke may turn out to be prophetic.

observador

The WTS has been having resolutions every few years. Most JWs just hope they aren't too long.

If a resolution is what is coming, it will be totally completely absolutely innocuous!!!

Observador.

observador

For newcomers,

BOGUS THREAD

I repeat...

BOGUS THREAD

bonnzo

i resolved at the last DC to not abuse alcohol(along with everybody else there), that one lasted about one day, the same amount of time any other resolution i make.

bonnzo

its not april 1 yet! thats it! you are d'f'ed!

Just wanted to say that the SOCIETY DID AT ONE TIME BRIEFLY CONSIDER ITS OWN VERSION OF THE "PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE" back when this was an issue in the compulsory flag salute cases in school. I have it somewhere in my notes.

(I realize that is not what this thread is about.)

Just thought someone might be interested.

-Eduardo

stillajwexelder

All Hail Ted Jaracz Hail to thee Thane of Glamis, All Hail Ted Jaracz Hail to thee Thane of Cawdor All Hail Tef Jaracz that shall be KING hereafter

truth_about_the_truth

Too bad this is bogus. It would have been great for it would have been a suicide move for the org.

Voyager

Blondie:

Ezekiel3 posted this information earlier on the new OD book on baptism.

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QUESTIONS FOR THOSE DESIRING TO BE BAPTIZED

PART 1 ELEMENTARY BIBLE TEACHINGS

Unless you were raised by Christian parents, your study of the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses has acquainted you with the pattern of truth, and very likely, you find that it is quite different from what you formerly believed. (2 Tim. 1:13) What you have learned has brought you great spiritual refreshment and has no doubt given you the hope of future life and blessings on a paradise earth under God's Kingdom. Your faith in God's Word has been strengthened, and through association with the Christian congregation, you have already experienced many blessings. You have come to appreciate how Jehovah is dealing with his people today.?Zech. 8:23.
Whether you were raised in a Christian household or not, as you prepare for water baptism in symbol of your personal dedication to Jehovah God, you will benefit from a review of elementary Bible teachings, conducted by the congregation elders. (Heb. 6:1-3) May Jehovah continue to bless all your endeavors to take in knowledge of him, and may he grant you the promised reward.?John 17:3.

1. Who is the true God?

2. What are some of Jehovah's outstanding qualities?

3. What terms does the Bible use to help us understand some aspects of Jehovah's authority?

4. What does it mean to give Jehovah exclusive devotion? Why does he alone deserve such devotion?

5. How should we view and treat God's personal name?

6. Why is it important for us to use God's personal name in worship?

7. How will Jehovah God sanctify his name? How can we have a share in this?

8. Why would it be wrong for us to make an image of God or to attempt to worship him through the use of images?

9. What does it mean for a person to dedicate himself to Jehovah? Have you made your personal dedication to Jehovah in prayer?

10. Who is Jesus Christ?

11. What is Jesus' position in relation to Jehovah God, and what authority has Jehovah given him?

12. Why did Jesus come to earth and die a sacrificial death?

13. Why do we need the ransom, and how does it affect you personally?

14. What is the holy spirit, and what has been accomplished by means of it?

15. How does holy spirit operate for our benefit today?

16. What is the Kingdom of God?

17. What blessings will Kingdom rule bring for the earth and for mankind?

18. What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom?

19. How do we know that we have entered into the time of the end and that God's Kingdom is ruling?

20. Who is Satan the Devil? Where did he and his demons come from?

21. What challenge did Satan make against Jehovah and His rulership in the garden of Eden? What false accusation did Satan make against faithful Job?

22. How can we personally show our support for Jehovah and his rulership and prove that Satan's accusations against God's servants are false?

23. What will become of Satan and his demons, according to Jehovah's judgment against them?

24. What are some of the spiritistic practices that Christians shun?

25. What is the human soul? Can the soul die?

26. What is sin? How did we all become sinners?

27. What should you do if you commit a serious sin?

28. What should be our attitude toward sin?

29. What is death?

30. Why do people die?

31. What hope is there for one who dies?

32. How many from among mankind will be raised to heavenly life with Jesus Christ?

33. What will those who are resurrected to heaven do there?

34. What is the hope for mankind in general?

35. Why should we hold firmly to our hope in the resurrection of the dead?

PART 2 JEHOVAH'S RIGHTEOUS REQUIREMENTS

In your study of the Bible, you have gained knowledge about what Jehovah expects of you and how to measure up to his righteous standards. Responding to what you learned may have entailed a number of adjustments in your attitude toward life itself and in your personal conduct. Now that you have resolved to live by Jehovah's standards of righteousness, you are in a position to render acceptable service as a minister of the good news. A review of the following will help you fix clearly in mind Jehovah's righteous requirements and will remind you of some of the things you can do in order to become one of his approved servants. This information will impress upon you the importance of doing all things with a good conscience and to Jehovah's honor.?2 Cor. 1:12; 1 Tim. 1:19; 1 Pet. 3:16, 21.

1. What is the Christian standard for marriage?

2. What is the only Scriptural basis for divorce that frees one to remarry?

3. What does the Bible say about married people separating from each other?

4. Why should those living together as husband and wife be properly married?

5. If you are married, are you sure that your marriage has been properly registered with the civil authorities?

6. Why should we show respect for the gift of life?

7. How does Jehovah view (a) the unlawful shedding of human blood? (b) abortion? (c) suicide?

8. What responsibility rests upon a person who is infected with a communicable disease that is potentially fatal?

9. To avoid transmitting an infectious or a potentially fatal disease to others, why should an infected person (a) not initiate public displays of affection, such as hugging and kissing? (b) attend the Congregation Book Study at the Kingdom Hall if at all possible? (c) not react negatively when some choose not to invite him into their homes? (d) Why should a person who may have been exposed to an infectious disease voluntarily choose to have a blood test before beginning a courtship? (e) Why should one having a communicable disease inform the presiding overseer before getting baptized?

10. Why should Christians abstain from blood, and what does it mean to do so?

11. Are Christians under the Mosaic Law and its requirements regarding sacrifices and the Sabbath?

12. What Christian quality should outstandingly characterize our relationship with our spiritual brothers and sisters?

13. How should Christians view the shortcomings of fellow believers?

14. If your brother's sin against you is of a serious nature, what should you do?

15. What is the fruitage of the spirit, and how will cultivating it help us to maintain a fine relationship with others?

16. Why must lying be avoided?

17. What is the Christian view of stealing?

18. Does the Bible prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages in moderation?

19. What is the Christian view of overdrinking and drunkenness?

20. Why should Christians abstain from all nonmedi-cal use of addictive or mind-altering natural or synthetic substances?

21. What does the Bible say about fornication, which includes adultery, sexual relations with another person of the same sex, and other ungodly sexual conduct?

22. By adhering to what Bible counsel will you be able to resist temptations and pressures that could induce you to engage in sexual immorality?

23. Why must a Christian avoid becoming involved in any form of gambling?

24. If a person commits a serious sin out of weakness but wants help to be restored to Jehovah's favor, what action should he take immediately?

25. In addition to confessing his own sins, each Christian has what responsibility regarding: serious wrongdoing by others that could threaten the moral cleanness of the congregation?

26. What is the proper viewpoint to have if one is Scripturally reproved?

27. What action does the congregation take when a person in its midst proves to be an unrepentant violator of God's commandments?

28. What is idolatry? What are some forms of idolatry that Christians must guard against today?

29. What is the Christian's position as to the world alienated from God?

30. What was Jesus' attitude toward participation in the political affairs of the world?

31. When a person separates himself from the world and becomes a Christian, what treatment should he expect from those in the world?

32. How does being separate from the world affect a Christian in his choice of secular employment?

33. What Bible principles should a Christian apply regarding his choice of entertainment and recreation?

34. Would it be proper for true Christians to share in worship with other religious groups?

35. What is the only religious ceremony that Christians are commanded to observe?

36. How can you determine whether you should observe or participate in celebrations that are popular in your community?

37. What birthday celebrations are mentioned in the Bible? How does this affect your view of birthday celebrations?

PART 3 JEHOVAH'S ARRANGEMENT OF THINGS

Through your study of the Bible, you have learned that Jehovah has a purpose to bring all things back into subjection to himself, just as they were in the beginning. (1 Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:8-10) Having reached this point in your study, you are no doubt eager to find your place in Jehovah's arrangement and to be submissive to his rule. The following questions and Scripture references will help you examine your own understanding of submission to Jehovah's arrangements regarding congregation organization, Christian family life, and the political elements of this system of things. You will be able to examine your appreciation for Jehovah's arrangement for educating and building up his people spiritually. That includes your attending and participating in congregation meetings to the extent of your circumstances and ability.
Additionally, this section will focus on the importance of having a regular share in the Kingdom-preaching work, helping others to come to know Jehovah and what he is doing for mankind. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19,20) Finally, it will impress upon your mind the seriousness of dedicating yourself to Jehovah God before submitting to water baptism. You can be certain that Jehovah appreciates your sincere response to his undeserved kindness expressed in your behalf.

1. In God's arrangement of things, who is the head of the married woman?

2. How should a husband exercise headship over his wife?

3. Is the wife whose husband is not a believer freed from his headship?

4. Who is primarily responsible before God for the training and disciplining of children?

5. What responsibility do children have in the family arrangement?

6. What is the proper attitude for Christians to maintain toward worldly rulers?

7. Must a Christian pay all taxes and assessments demanded by law?

8. Are there any circumstances under which a Christian would refuse to obey worldly rulers?

9. Should Christians comply with legal requirements that do not conflict with God's laws, such as registering marriages and births, responding to census inquiries, or obtaining required licenses and permits?

10. What is the headship arrangement in the Christian congregation?

11. Who is the Head of the Christian congregation?

12. How can you identify "the faithful and discreet slave" today?

13. What is the Governing Body of the Christian congregation?

14. By what visible means is Christ's headship represented in the congregation?

15. How do members of the congregation demonstrate submission to the headship of Christ in the congregation?

16. Whose ideas are recorded in the Bible? Why should you regularly study God's Word?

17. Why is it beneficial to attend the meetings arranged by the congregation? What efforts do you make to do so?

18. Why should you participate in congregation meetings as your circumstances allow?

19. Why must approved works accompany our Christian faith?

20. What urgent work does the Bible set out for all Christians?

21. Are you sharing the good news of the Kingdom with others? In what ways?

22. Why should you take seriously your responsibility to share the good news with others?

23. How can we give material support to the Kingdom work today?

24. How can we demonstrate our love for brothers and sisters who come to be in need of material assistance?

25. What should be our attitude toward giving of our selves and of our material possessions in Jehovah'! service?

26. What attitude should we have when we are perse cuted or undergoing trial?

27. To whom and in whose name should we pray?

28. How should we pray so as to be heard by Jehovah?

29. What are some of the things you can pray about?

30. What effect might our conduct have on our prayers?

31. Why do Jehovah's Witnesses baptize in water those who embrace the Christian faith?

32. Why is it appropriate for dedicated and baptized Christians to be called Jehovah's Witnesses?

CONCLUDING DISCUSSION WITH BAPTISM CANDIDATES

Baptisms are usually performed at assemblies and conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses. At the conclusion of the baptism talk, the speaker will ask the baptism candidates to stand and answer the following two questions in a loud, clear voice:

On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?

Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?

Affirmative answers to these questions constitute a "public declaration" of the baptism candidates' faith in the ransom and of the fact that they have unreservedly dedicated themselves to Jehovah. (Rom. 10:9,10) Baptism candidates will therefore want to give prayerful advance thought to these questions so that they can answer in harmony with their personal convictions.

What is appropriate attire for baptism? (John 15:19; ill. 1:10; 1 Tim. 2:9)

Those being baptized will want to wear modest clothing, keeping in mind the importance of the occasion. Thus, a swimsuit that is immodest would be unbecoming attire for Christian and should be avoided. Likewise, it would be appropriate for one to be unkempt or slovenly in appearace. Further, it would be fitting to avoid wearing garments with worldly sayings or commercial slogans. In this way, the dignity of the occasion will be maintained, and we will continue to stand out as different from the world.

How should a person conduct himself when getting baptized? (Luke 3:21,22)

Jesus' baptism set the example for Christian baptisms day. He appreciated that baptism is a serious step, and this was reflected in his attitude and actions. Hence, the baptism site would not be the place for jesting, swimming, other conduct that would detract from the seriousness the occasion. Neither would a new Christian carry on though he had won a great victory. While baptism is a joyful occasion, that joy should be expressed in a dignified manner.

Even after you are baptized, why will it be vital for you to maintain a good schedule of personal study and share regularly in the ministry?

How will staying in close association with the congregation help you to carry out your dedication to Jehovah?

Are you now thoroughly convinced that you should be baptized at the first opportunity?

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONGREGATION ELDERS

When an unbaptized publisher makes known to the elders his desire to be baptized, he should be encouraged to review carefully the "Questions for Those Desiring to Be Baptized," found on pages 182-215. His attention should be directed to "A Message to the Unbaptized Publisher," beginning on page 180, which explains how he can prepare for the discussions with the elders. As noted there, the prospective baptism candidate may use his personal notes made on a separate sheet of paper and may have this book open during the discussions. However, there is no need for someone to go over the questions with the person before he meets with the elders.

The presiding overseer should be informed of the person's desire to be baptized. After the person requesting baptism has had time to review the information, the presiding overseer will make arrangements for some of the elders to have discussions with the person based on that material. It is not necessary to wait until an assembly is announced before having these discussions. The three parts can usually be covered in three sessions of about one hour each, although there is no objection to using more time if that is necessary. Neither the candidate nor the elder should be rushed in going through the questions. Where possible, a different elder should be assigned to handle each of the sessions. It would be good to open and close each session with prayer.

Usually it is best to review the questions with each baptism candidate individually, not in a group. By having each candidate comment on every question, the elders will get a clear picture of his depth of understanding, leaving no doubt as to whether he is ready for baptism or not. Additionally, the one requesting baptism may be more inclined to express himself in this setting. A husband and wife may be interviewed together. When the baptism candidate is a sister, the discussions should be held in such a way that the elder is never alone with her.

On occasion, there may be a circumstance in which it is appropriate to meet with more than one candidate at a time. It may be practical to meet with a husband and wife or other family members as a group, especially if they have studied together and plan to be baptized at the same time. Or if there are few elders and many preparing for baptism, it may be necessary to meet with the candidates in groups of not more than two or three. The elders should exercise good judgment in making such arrangements.

The elders will make, sure that a person to be baptized has acquired a reasonable understanding of basic Bible teachings. Additionally, they will want to ascertain whether the prospective minister deeply appreciates the truth and demonstrates proper respect for Jehovah's organization. If the person does not understand primary Bible teachings, the elders will arrange for him to receive the necessary personal assistance so as to qualify for baptism at a later time. Others may need to be given time to demonstrate more appreciation for field service or sub-missiveness to organizational arrangements.

It will be up to the elders to use discretion in apportioning the hour or so spent in each session so as to discern fully whether the baptism candidate is ready to take this important step. Although more time may be spent on certain questions and less on others, all the questions should be reviewed.The elders assigned to help a baptism candidate will meet after the third session and decide whether the person should be accepted for baptism or not. Elders will take into consideration the background, ability, and other circumstances of each baptism candidate. Our interest is in those who have turned their hearts to Jehovah and who have grasped the sense of fundamental Bible truths. With your loving assistance, those being baptized will be helped to enter into the Christian ministry adequately prepared to accomplish that important assignment.

Thereafter, one or two of the assigned elders should meet with the person and inform him whether he qualifies for baptism or not. If the person qualifies, the elders should review with him the "Concluding Discussion With Baptism Candidates," found on pages 215-16. This discussion need take only ten minutes or less.

Are the Society planning a 'Pledge of Allegiance'? IT MAY BE TRUE!

Flash

observador

frankiespeakin

observador

bonnzo

bonnzo

Oroborus21

stillajwexelder

truth_about_the_truth

Voyager

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