Comments You Will Not Hear at the 9-25-05 WT Study (August 15, 2005 issue)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
CHRISTIANS REFLECT THE GLORY OF JEHOVAH
"Happy are your eyes because they behold, and your ears because they
hear."-MATTHEW 13:16.
Opening Comments
Christians--only JWs
Glory of Jehovah--Where's Jesus?
What spin does the WTS put on "reflecting the glory of God"?
The first heading "missed opportunities" might give a clue.
What does it mean to "appreciate his many provisions"?
What is does the buzzword "more fully" really mean? DO MORE.
START OF ARTICLE
THE Israelites gathered at Mount Sinai had every reason to draw close to
Jehovah. After all, he had delivered them from Egypt with a mighty hand. He
cared for their needs, providing food and water in the wilderness. Next, he
gave them victory over an attacking Amalekite army. (Exodus 14:26-31;
16:2-17:13) As they camped in the wilderness before Mount Sinai, the people
were so frightened by thunders and lightnings that they trembled. Later,
they saw Moses descend from Mount Sinai, his face reflecting the glory of
Jehovah. Yet, instead of responding with wonderment and appreciation, they
withdrew. "They grew afraid of coming near to [Moses]." (Exodus 19:1019;
34:30) Why were they fearful of beholding a reflection of the glory of
Jehovah, the one who had done so much for them?
Blurb on page 19: The Isrealites could not gaze at Moses' face
Gave them victory
When the Bible records that the Israelites are in "good standing" with God and he gives them the victory, does that mean no Israelite soldiers die?
This is the only account that indicates that soldiers died when a "good" king was ruling.
(2 Samuel 11:16-17) 16 And it came about that while Jo´ab was keeping guard over the city he kept U·ri´ah put in the place where he knew that there were valiant men. 17 When the men of the city came on out and went fighting against Jo´ab, then some of the people, the servants of David, fell and U·ri´ah the Hit´tite also died.
2 Likely, much of the Israelites' fear on this occasion had to do with what
had happened earlier. When they deliberately disobeyed Jehovah by making a
golden calf, he disciplined them. (Exodus 32:4, 35) Did they learn from
Jehovah's discipline and appreciate it? No, most did not. Toward the end of
his life, Moses recalled the incident of the golden calf along with other
instances of Israelite disobedience. He said to the people: "You behaved
rebelliously against the order of Jehovah your God, and you did not exercise
faith toward him and did not listen to his voice. You have proved yourselves
rebellious in behavior with Jehovah from the day of my knowing you."
-Deuteronomy 9:15-24.
Likely
Buzzword used by the WTS just before they say something that is not in the Bible, just their speculation.
Deliberately disobeyed Jehovah by making a golden calf
Did you ever wonder why Aaron was not "disciplined"? Notice how he blames his sin on the Israelites.
(Exodus 32:1-6) 32 Meanwhile the people got to see that Moses was taking a long time about coming down from the mountain. So the people congregated themselves about Aaron and said to him: "Get up, make for us a god who will go ahead of us, because as regards this Moses, the man who led us up out of the land of Egypt, we certainly do not know what has happened to him." 2 At this Aaron said to them: "Tear off the gold earrings that are in the ears of YOUR wives, of YOUR sons and of YOUR daughters and bring them to me." 3 And all the people began tearing off the gold earrings that were in their ears and bringing them to Aaron. 4 Then he took [the gold] from their hands, and he formed it with a graving tool and proceeded to make it into a molten statue of a calf. And they began to say: "This is your God, O Israel, who led you up out of the land of Egypt." 5 When Aaron got to see this, he went to building an altar before it. Finally Aaron called out and said: "There is a festival to Jehovah tomorrow." 6 So on the next day they were early in rising, and they began offering up burnt offerings and presenting communion sacrifices. After that the people sat down to eat and drink. Then they got up to have a good time.
(Exodus 32:21-24) 21 After that Moses said to Aaron: "What did this people do to you that you have brought a great sin upon it?" 22 To this Aaron said: "Do not let the anger of my lord blaze. You yourself well know the people, that they are evil-inclined. 23 So they said to me, 'Make for us a god who will go ahead of us, because as regards this Moses, the man who led us up out of the land of Egypt, we certainly do not know what has happened to him.' 24 Hence I said to them, 'Who have any gold? They must tear it off themselves that they may give it to me.' And I proceeded to throw it into the fire and this calf came on out."
Notice how Aaron blames his sin on the people. "I proceeded to throw it (gold) into the fire and this calf came on out." Where as the Bible account says
Then he took [the gold] from their hands, and he formed it with a graving tool and proceeded to make it into a molten statue of a calf
(Exodus 32:25-28) 25 And Moses got to see that the people went unrestrained, because Aaron had let them go unrestrained for a disgrace among their opposers. 26 Then Moses took his stand in the gate of the camp and said: "Who is on Jehovah's side? To me!" And all the sons of Le´vi began gathering themselves to him. 27 He now said to them: "This is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said, 'Put each one of YOU his sword on his side. Pass through and return from gate to gate in the camp and kill each one his brother and each one his fellow and each one his intimate acquaintance.'" 28 And the sons of Le´vi proceeded to do as Moses had said, so that there fell of the people on that day about three thousand men.
3,000 men people were disciplined--killed, but not Aaron, the high priest
Note the WTS explanation why Aaron was not killed although 3,000 men were.
w83 10/15 p. 31 Exodus-From Tyranny to Theocratic Order
Why was Aaron not punished for making the golden calf?
Aaron did this at the behest of the people, not because he was in heartfelt sympathy with the idolatry. Later, he apparently joined fellow Levites in taking a stand for Jehovah and against those who withstood Moses on this occasion. About 3,000 persons (likely ringleaders) were slain, but more were guilty because after the 3,000 were gone Moses reminded the people that they had sinned greatly. So more persons than just Aaron received Jehovah's mercy at that time.-Exodus 32:1-6, 26-35.
You behaved rebelliously against the order of Jehovah your God
The WTS teaches that disobeying the WTS/FDS/GB is the same as disobeying them.
w98 8/15 p. 19 Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness ***
Let us be convinced that obeying Jehovah, following the direction given through his organization and accepting his decisions, is the right thing to do.
w91 9/15 p. 17 "Help Me Out Where I Need Faith!" ***
To ensure their salvation, Noah and his family needed to exercise faith. This meant following instructions and the leadings of God's holy spirit. During the great tribulation, it will be just as imperative that we follow the leadings of the holy spirit and obey Jehovah's instructions through his organization.
3 Consider how Moses reacted to the fear shown by the Israelites. The
account reads: "When Moses would finish speaking with them, he would put a
veil over his face. But when Moses would go in [to the tabernacle] before
Jehovah to speak with him, he would take away the veil until his going out.
And he went out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he would be commanded.
And the sons of Israel saw Moses' face, that the skin of Moses' face emitted
rays; and Moses put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak
with [Jehovah]." (Exodus 34:33-35) Why did Moses veil his face at times?
What can we learn from this? The answers to these questions can help us to
evaluate our own relationship with Jehovah.
When Moses would go in before Jehovah to speak with him, he would take away the veil
Remember the WTS says Moses did not really talk to God but to an angel.
Missed Opportunities
4 The apostle Paul explained that Moses' wearing of the veil had to do with
the minds and the heart condition of the Israelites themselves. Paul wrote:
"The sons of Israel could not gaze intently at the face of Moses because of
the glory of his face ... Their mental powers were dulled." (2 Corinthians
3:7,14) What a sad situation! The Israelites were Jehovah's chosen people,
and he wanted them to draw close to him. (Exodus 19:4-6) Yet, they were
reluctant to gaze intently on the reflection of God's glory. Instead of
turning their hearts and minds toward Jehovah in loving devotion, they in a
sense turned away from him.
Apostle Paul--did you know the originally WTS publications capitalized "apostle". Why do you think it changed?
Minds and the heart condition of the Israelites
Paul is talking about spiritual Israelites, the 144,000, not the great crowd per the WTS doctrine.
In a sense turned away from him
How has the WTS turned away from the God they say they worship?
By associating itself with the UN as an nongovernmental organization (NGO); NGOs must support the UN Charter. Isn't that committing spiritual adultery with the organization they identify as the scarlet-colored wild beast?
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
5 In this, we find a parallel in the first century C.E. By the time of
Paul's conversion to Christianity, the Law covenant had been replaced by the
new covenant, mediated by Jesus Christ, the Greater Moses. In both word and
deed, Jesus perfectly reflected the glory of Jehovah. Paul wrote concerning
the resurrected Jesus: "He is the reflection of [God's] glory and the exact
representation of his very being." (Hebrews 1:3) What a magnificent
opportunity the Jews had! They could listen to the sayings of everlasting
life from the Son of God himself! Sadly, most of those to whom Jesus
preached did not listen. Concerning them, Jesus quoted Jehovah's prophecy
through Isaiah: "The heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with
their ears they have heard without response, and they have shut their eyes;
that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get
the sense of it with their hearts and turn back, and I heal them."-Matthew
13:15; Isaiah 6:9,10.
New covenant, mediated by Jesus Christ
This involves only those the WTS calls the anointed, spiritual Israelites. Jesus is not the mediator for the great crowd.
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/mediator.htm
Most of those to whom Jesus preached did not listen
Yet they will be resurrected into the Paradise; whereas those that do not listen to the WTS or even have a chance to hear will die forever at Armageddon, all 6 billion plus, men, women and children.
6 There was a sharp contrast between the Jews and Jesus' disciples, of whom
Jesus said: "Happy are your eyes because they behold, and your ears because
they hear." (Matthew 13:16) True Christians yearn to know and serve Jehovah.
They delight to carry out his will, as it is revealed in the pages of the
Bible. In turn, anointed Christians reflect Jehovah's glory in their
ministry of the new covenant, and those of the other sheep do similarly.-2
Corinthians 3: 6,18.
True Christians-only JWs
Yearn to know and serve Jehovah--Where's Jesus? Don't JWs who say they are the only true Christians want to know Christ?
(John 17:3) 3 This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.
His will, as it is revealed in the pages of the Bible--WT publications
Anointed Christians reflect Jehovah's glory in their ministry of the new covenant
And those of the other sheep do similarly
How is that possible if Jesus only mediates the new covenant with the anointed, 144,000, those with a heavenly hope? What part do the other sheep/great crowd have in the ministry of the new covenant, similarly, in the same way?
w02 2/1 p. 21 Have You Received "the Spirit of the Truth"? ***
Having in mind the limited number of Christians called to make up spiritual Israel, Jesus referred to them as the "little flock." They are admitted into the "fold" of the new covenant, in contrast with the numberless "other sheep," whom Jesus said he must also gather. (Luke 12:32; John 10:16)
w98 2/1 p. 19 The Other Sheep and the New Covenant ***
Hence, only the 144,000 members of the Israel of God have properly partaken of the emblems during the Memorial of Jesus' death, and only with them did Jesus make his covenant for a Kingdom. (Luke 22:19, 20, 29) Members of the great crowd are not participants in the new covenant.
w86 2/15 p. 15 Unitedly Pursuing the Goal of Life ***
Those of the "other sheep" class are not in the new covenant and so do not partake
Why the Good News Is Veiled
7 As we have seen, both in Jesus' day and in Moses' day, most Israelites
rejected the unique opportunity open to them. It is similar in our time.
Most people reject the good news that we preach. This does not surprise us.
Paul wrote: "If, now, the good news we declare is in fact veiled, it is
veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the god of this system of
things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers." (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) In
addition to Satan's efforts to conceal the good news, many people veil their
own faces because they do not want to see.
Most people reject the good news that we preach. This does not surprise us.
It doesn't surprise me either. The negative message of the WTS that soon 6 billion people will die forever because the WTS could not find them home or could not reach people in proscribed countries doesn't appeal to me either.
Many people veil their own faces because the do not want to see.
Examples of mostly negative opening statements in suggested WT door to door presentations
"Many people who believe in God would like to feel closer to him. Did you know that God invites us to draw close to him? (where's Jesus and his kingdom)
"Today injustice abounds. It is just as described here. [Read Ecclesiastes 8:9b.] Many wonder if God even cares.
"You would probably agree that the family is under attack today. What do you think can be done to strengthen family ties? (of course they don't know about the DFing policy of the WTS)
"In these challenging times, many people are finding it hard to make ends meet. Do you think human governments will solve our financial problems in a way that will be fair to everyone?
"Most of us have lost loved ones in death. Have you ever wondered whether we will see them again?
"Have you ever thought about why humans yearn for a longer life?"
"Would you like to know what the future holds for us and for the earth? [Allow for response.] The Bible sums up the future in one word-Paradise! (Carrot)
8 The figurative eyes of many are blinded by ignorance. The Bible speaks of
the nations as being "in darkness mentally, and alienated from the life that
belongs to God, because of the ignorance that is in them." (Ephesians 4:18)
Before he became a Christian, Paul, a man versed in the Law, was so blinded
by ignorance that he persecuted the congregation of God. (1 Corinthians
15:9) Yet, Jehovah revealed the truth to him. Explains Paul: "The reason why
I was shown mercy was that by means of me as the foremost case Christ Jesus
might demonstrate all his long-suffering for a sample of those who are going
to rest their faith on him for everlasting life." (1 Timothy 1:16) Like
Paul, many who once opposed God's truth are now serving Him. This is a good
reason for continuing to bear witness even to those who oppose us.
Meanwhile, by regularly studying God's Word and getting the sense of it, we
are protected from acting in ignorance in a way that brings Jehovah's
displeasure.
Blurb on page 21: Like Paul, many who once opposed God's truth are now
serving Him
The figurative eyes of many are blinded by ignorance--All non-JWs.
Paul...Jehovah revealed the truth to him--actually Jesus revealed it to him in a blinding flash of light. If people received the same revelation as Paul did do you think more would be convinced?
Everlasting life--the ones Paul was talking to were expecting to live forever in heaven not on earth.
Regularly studying God's Word--not without the "aid" of WT publications
Protected from acting in ignorance in a way that brings Jehovah's displeasure
What if a JW from 1929 to 1962 thought that Jesus and Jehovah were the superior authorities and those disobeyed secular laws and were persecuted?
What if some of Christ's precious ones died because the WTS said that organ transplants were forbidden from 1967 to 1980? Who is responsible for those lies, God or the WTS? God would be displeased with the WTS for misrepresenting him.
What about all the young men who spent years in prison who could have chose alternative service instead? By acting in ignornance at the WTS direction, who is responsble for their suffering God or the WTS?
9 For many, spiritual vision is obstructed because they are unteachable and
rigid in their views. Many Jews rejected Jesus and his teachings because
they doggedly clung to the Mosaic Law. There were, of course, exceptions. For example, after
Jesus was resurrected, "a great crowd of priests began to be obedient to the
faith." (Acts 6:7) Nevertheless, concerning the majority of the Jews, Paul
wrote: "Down till today whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their
hearts." (2 Corinthians 3:15) Paul likely knew what Jesus had previously
said to the Jewish religious leaders: "You are searching the Scriptures,
because you think that by means of them you will have everlasting life; and
these are the very ones that bear witness about me." (John 5:39) The
Scriptures they so carefully searched should have helped them discern that
Jesus was the Messiah. However, the Jews had their own ideas, and not even
the miracleworking Son of God could persuade them otherwise.
unteachable and rigid in their views
Rigid views of the WTS
Beards forbidden to males in the congregation
Only males can handle microphones
No blood transfusion, unless it is broken down into blood fractions
Time slips must be turned in monthly although no scripture example
Add your own
Majority rejected Jesus--consolation to JWs today who find most reject their negative message
Likely they knew--the Bible does not say
The Scriptues they so carefully search should have helped them discern that Jesus was the Messiah.
The WTS had more scriptures than the Jewish religious leaders yet predicted that Jesus had begun and invisible presence in 1874 then changed it to 1914 officially in 1943. They also thought Jesus was coming in 1925 and 1975. Perhaps if they had carefully searched the Bible and not the Adventist writings of the time, they would have known that no one could know the day or the hour.
Thy Kingdom Come (Studies in the Scriptures Vol. 3) (1908) p.216 ***
[Scan Available]
It will be remembered that Israel's "seventieth week"—the last seven years of their favor—was very exactly marked at its beginning, middle and close; and we believe for the very purpose of giving us clearly defined dates in the close of the Gospel age of favor to Spiritual Israel. We have seen that the beginning of that week was to Fleshly Israel the date of the beginning of their harvest testing, in A.D. 29. It was marked by our Lord's baptism and recognition as Messiah at Jordan, when the reaping work began—the parallel to which, here, is the recognition of the presence of the Lord, in A.D. 1874, at the beginning of this harvest.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1922, pp.332-337 DISCOURSE BY BROTHER J. F. RUTHERFORD
[This is the "Advertise, advertise, advertise" discourse delivered by Rutherford, Cedar Point, Ohio, Friday September 8, 1922]
[Scans Available: Cover page, page 324 (Resolution), page 325, page 332, page 333, page 336, page 337]
DISCOURSE BY BROTHER J. F. RUTHERFORD
Bible prophecy shows that the Lord was due to appear for the second time in the year 1874. Fulfilled prophecy shows beyond a doubt that he did appear in 1874. Fulfilled prophecy is otherwise designated the physical facts; and these facts are indisputable. All true watchers are familiar with these facts as set forth in the Scriptures and explained in the interpretation by the Lord's special servant.
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/1874.htm
10 The same is true of many in Christendom today. Like the first-century
Jews, "they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge."
(Romans 10:2) Though some study the Bible, they do not want to believe what
it says. They refuse to accept that Jehovah teaches his people through his
faithful and discreet slave class of anointed Christians. (Matthew 24:45)
We, though, understand that Jehovah is teaching his people and that the
understanding of divine truth has always been progressive. (Proverbs 4:18)
By allowing ourselves to be taught by Jehovah, we are blessed with the
knowledge of his will and purpose.
The same is true of many in Christendom today
Zeal for God, but not according to accurate knowledge
The same is true of the WTS today. 1874 or 1914; 1925, 1975....
First century Jews=Christendom=WTS
Some study the Bible, they do not want to believe what it says--they do not want to believe what the WTS says and with its track record of flipflop doctrines, why should they?
They refuse to accept that Jehovah teaches his people through his faithful and discreet slave class of anointed Christians--actually the WTS teaches that only a few select anointed men on the governing body do this teaching. Based on its track record of adjusted prophecies and flipflop doctrines, the WTS could not have God's backing.
his people--Where's Jesus?
The understanding of divine truth has always been progressive (Proverbs 4:18)--the explanation the WTS gives for the errors in interpretation it has made over the years.
http://www.jwfiles.com/light.htm
If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now; But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. "New light" never extinguishes older "light," but adds to it. --
Zion's Watch Tower, February 1881, page 3
taught by Jehovah=taught by the FDS or taught by Jesus?
w98 3/1 p. 13 Festival Milestones of Israel's History ***
That does not mean that anointed Christians are without law. They come under the divine law taught by Jesus Christ and written on their hearts. (Galatians 6:2)
km 4/96 p. 8 Search Out Those Who Are Rightly Disposed ***
With the hundreds of religions existing in the world, do you think they could all be acceptable to God? [Allow for comment.] Jesus foretold that despite the claims of many religious persons, those not doing God's will would be rejected. [Read Matthew 7:21-23.] It is important that we identify the true religion taught by Jesus."
11 Others are blinded by wishful thinking. It was foretold that some would
ridicule God's people and the message they proclaim concerning Jesus'
presence. The apostle Peter wrote: "According to their wish, this fact
escapes their notice," namely that God brought a deluge upon the world of
Noah's time. (2 Peter 3:3-6) Similarly, many professed Christians readily
acknowledge that Jehovah displays mercy, kindness, and forgiveness; yet they
ignore or reject the fact that he does not give exemption from punishment.
(Exodus 34: 6, 7) True Christians take care to understand what the Bible
really teaches.
Blinded by wishful thinking
1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's, 1975, 1984, 1994
God's people--only JWs
Many professed Christians--All non-JWs
Ignore or reject the fact that he does not give exemption from punishment--WTS teaches that only JWs will live through Armageddon, that the rest of humankind, all 6 billion plus, men, women and children will be punished by death eternal, no hope of resurrection even though they admit that not every individual will be reached by the WTS with the "kingdom message."
True Christians--only JWs
What the Bible really teaches--which the WTS has flipflopped in its interpretation for the last 130 years.
12 Many churchgoers are blinded by tradition. To religious leaders in his
day, Jesus said: "You have made the word of God invalid because of your
tradition." (Matthew 15:6) The Jews zealously restored pure worship after
returning from exile in Babylon, yet the priests themselves became proud and
self-righteous. Religious festivals became formalistic, devoid of genuine
reverence for God. (Malachi 1:6-8) By Jesus' time, the scribes and the
Pharisees had added countless traditions to the Mosaic Law. Jesus exposed
those men as hypocrites because they had lost sight of the righteous
principles on which the Law was based. (Matthew 23:23, 24) True Christians
must take care not to allow man-made religious traditions to sidetrack them
from pure worship.
Blinded by tradition--WTS traditions
Can you give the chapter and verse in the Bible that confirms the Society's tradition that the door to heaven was closed in 1935? What scripture would you use to justify the Society's tradition that certain blood components are allowed to be transfused into a patient, yet whole blood is not?
w95 12/1 pp. 4-5 When Tradition Conflicts With Truth ***
We might innocently hold fast to traditions-information, opinions, beliefs, or customs handed down from one generation to the next-that have, in fact, been contaminated by "a witch's brew" of false, misleading ideas and philosophies. Just like contaminated water, these may cause untold harm-spiritual harm.
Even if we feel that our traditional religious beliefs are based on the Bible, all of us should take the time to examine them carefully. Remember, when Martin Luther held to the traditional belief of the day and condemned Copernicus, he believed that he had the support of the Bible. Yet, Luther failed to follow the fine example of the ancient Beroeans who 'were noble-minded in carefully examining the Scriptures as to whether these things were so.'-Acts 17:10, 11.
Priests themselves became proud and self-righteous
Elders themselves became proud and self-righteous.
Religious festivals became formalistic, devoid of genuine reverence for God--manuscript talks, preapproved, manuscript prayers, no beards on men, ties and suitcoats required on men, dresses required on women/girls
Added countless traditions--add your own.
Hypocrites...lost sight of the righteous principles--where is the love?
True Christians--only JWs
Not to allow man-made religious traditions to sidetrack them from pure worship--are you a Beroean?
"Seeing the One Who Is Invisible"
13 Moses asked to see God's glory in the mountain, and he did see the
afterglow of Jehovah's glory. When he went into the tabernacle, he did not
wear a veil. Moses was a man of deep faith who desired to do God's will.
Though he was blessed with seeing some of Jehovah's glory in vision, in a
sense he had already beheld God with eyes of faith. The Bible says that
Moses "continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible." (Hebrews
11:27; Exodus 34:5-7) And he reflected God's glory not merely by those rays
that emanated from his face for a time but also through his efforts to
assist the Israelites to come to know and serve Jehovah.
Blurb on page 23: Jehovah's servants delight to reflect God's glory
When he went into the tabernacle, he did not wear a veil--second mention of this, did I miss the WTS point?
Seeing some of Jehovah's glory in vision--in a vision? If it wasn't real, just a vision, why did his face glow?
Moses--OT example, keeps Jesus out of the picture.
Jehovah's servants--only JWs--Moses wasn't a Christian
14 In heaven, Jesus directly beheld the glory of God for untold ages, even
since before the universe was created. (Proverbs 8: 22, 30) During all that
time, a deeply loving and affectionate relationship developed. Jehovah God
expressed the most tender love and affection for this firstborn of all
creation. Jesus reciprocated in expressing his deep love and affection for
his divine Life-Giver. (John 14:31; 17:24) Theirs was a perfect love between
Father and Son. Jesus, like Moses, delighted in reflecting Jehovah's glory
in the things he taught.
Jesus directly beheld the glory of God--actually he directly beheld God without a vision or through an angel...perfect love...delighted in reflecting Jehovah's glory in the things he taught
Can individual people reflect God's glory or do they have to go through a man-made organization?
w93 8/15 p. 11 Why You Need to Attend Christian Meetings ***
Holy spirit, working through God's organization, will also help us to gain a wonderfully clear understanding of what Jehovah has in store for those who love him.
15 Like Moses and Jesus, God's present-day Witnesses on earth are eager to
contemplate Jehovah's glory. They have not turned away from the glorious
good news. The apostle Paul wrote: "When there is a turning to Jehovah [to
do his will], the veil is taken away." (2 Corinthians 3:16) We study the
Scriptures because we want to do God's will. We admire the glory reflected
in the face of Jehovah's Son and anointed King, Jesus Christ, and we imitate
his example. Like Moses and like Jesus, we have been blessed with a
ministry, teaching others about the glorious God whom we worship.
Eager to contemplate Jehovah's glory--eager to do what the WTS/FDS/GB says
Not turned away from the glorious good news--but have turned away from the lies of the WTS
Turning to Jehovah (2 Cor 3:16)--is "Jehovah" found in that NT scripture in the original manuscripts?
We study the Scriptures because we want to do God's will--We study the WT publications because we want to do God's will as the WTS interprets it.
Jesus...imitate his example...blessed with a ministry--how many JWs actually teach anyone, including their own children?
16 Jesus prayed: "I publicly praise you, Father, ... because you have hidden
these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to
babes." (Matthew 11:25) Jehovah gives an understanding of his purposes and
personality to those who are sincere and humble in heart. (1 Corinthians
1:26-28) We have come under his protective care, and he teaches us to
benefit ourselves-to get the most out of life. May we take advantage of
every opportunity to draw close to Jehovah, appreciating his many provisions
to come to know him more intimately.
Jehovah gives an understanding of his purposes...those who are sincere--only JWs and really only the GB.
Protective care--but that doesn't mean an individual JW is protected from hunger, illness or death.
Teaches us to benefit ourselves--only by doing what the WTS says
Draw close to Jehovah--draw close to the WTS really--where's Jesus?
Appreciating his many provisions
w02 1/15 pp. 26-27 Teachers of God's Word Urged to Fulfill Their Commission ***
We should use all of God's provisions-prayer, personal study, meetings, and the ministry-to build godly devotion.
17 Paul wrote to anointed Christians: "We with unveiled faces reflect like
mirrors the glory of Jehovah [and] are transformed into the same image from
glory to glory." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Whether our hope is heavenly or
earthly, the more we come to know Jehovah-his qualities and personality as
revealed in the Bible-the more we become like him. If we appreciatively
contemplate the life, the ministry, and the teachings of Jesus Christ, we
will reflect Jehovah's qualities more fully. What a joy to know that we
bring praise to our God, whose glory we seek to reflect!
Paul wrote to anointed Christians--not to the great crowd, how then do these scriptures apply to those of the great crowd? Notice how the WTS segways into earthly hope without any scriptural explanation.
Come to know Jehovah--know Jesus?
Appreciatively contemplate the life...of Jesus Christ--is this knowing Jesus?
Concluding Comments
Now there have been 2 articles on "reflecting God's glory." A third is coming up.
Translation: Reflecting God's glory = going door to door placing WT publications.
We can surmise with some certainty that JWs are not "reflecting" enough. Based on the reports I get from the field, things are slowing down. Even the recent disasters are not cranking up the rank and file.
page 23 pictures
Shows young married white couple studying the Bible? Or is that a WT publication (Insight book) in his hand. Then shows them going door to door with the wife offering a WT publication to the woman at the door with the Bible taking second place in the husband's hand. Shows how JWs speak from the publications not the Bible. Why don't JWs place more Bibles--oh, that's right, they don't ask for contributions for the publications any more. Maybe now that the NWT will be in paperback...
page 21 picture
Shows Paul in the marketplace reading from a scroll to a woman. Was that part of the scriptures? or was it part of his letter to the early Christians which did not become part of the Bible canon till the end of the first century? Or was it an article written by the governing body? (ha)
p 19--Moses--stone tablets with God's laws
p. 21--Paul--scrolls of the Hebrew scriptures (?)
p. 23--WTS/JWs--WT publications
Do you see the WTS making a correlation?
BTW, on another thread on JWD someone mentioned tracts and their value to the WTS. Think about this, is there a place on the time slip to record tracts placed? No. Pre-1990, JWs did not ask for contributions for the tracts, they were left with people without cost. The WTS only wanted publications with a price affixed kept track of.
Have a good weekend. For those affected by the storms, may you be somewhere safe. For the rest of us, do we have a "new" disaster plan?
Love, Blondie
Questions
1. What question comes to mind concerning the Israelites' reaction to Moses
at Mount Sinai?
2. Why might the Israelites have been fearful at seeing the glory of God
that Moses reflected?
3. What did Moses do as to veiling his face?
4. What meaning did the apostle Paul reveal about Moses' wearing of the
veil?
5, 6. (a) What first-century parallel was there to the Israelites of Moses'
day? (b) What contrast was there between those who listened to Jesus and
those who did not?
7. Why is it not surprising that most reject the good news?
8. In what way are many blinded by ignorance, and how can we avoid being
similarly affected?
9, 10. (a) How did first-century Jews show themselves unteachable and rigid
in their views? (b) Is there a parallel in Christendom today? Explain.
11. What role has wishful thinking played in hiding the truth?
12. How have people been blinded by tradition?
13. In what two ways did Moses behold some of God's glory?
14. How did Jesus behold God's glory, and in what did he delight?
15. In what way do Christians contemplate God's glory?
16. Why are we blessed to know the truth?
17. How do we come to know Jehovah's qualities more fully?
Do You Remember?
- Why were the Israelites afraid to behold the glory of God that Moses
reflected?
- In what ways was the good news "veiled" in the first century? in our day?
- How do we reflect God's glory?