blondie	Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 3-30-08 WT Study (God's ways)
	Comments You Will Not Hear at the March 30, 2008 WT Study (February 15, 2008, pages 7-11) (WALK GODS WAYS) Review comments will be in red WT material from today's WT will be in black Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes w = Watchtower g = Awake jv = Proclaimers book Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible WT publications http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/ WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org Blood issue www.ajwrb.org United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm WALK IN JEHOVAH'S WAYS "Happy is everyone fearing Jehovah, who is walking in his ways."--Ps. 128:1 Opening Comments What about all the scriptures in the NT that say we walk in Christ's footsteps. As you read this article, you will see it is no wonder that jws do not have a close relationship with Christ. That is why they call themselves "Jehovah's witnesses" and not Christians. If you ask one what religion they are, the answer will be "one of Jehovah's witnesses." The WTS has replaced Christ as their channel to God. Later I have a quote showing that the WTS believes no one can approach God without going through their organization. Q. 1, 2. Why can we be sure that happiness is attainable? 1. HAPPINESS-everybody wants it. But you will undoubtedly agree that desiring happiness and even pursuing it are not the same as experiencing it. 2 Yet, happiness is attainable. "Happy is everyone fearing Jehovah, who is walking in his ways," says Psalm 128: 1. We can be happy if we revere God and walk in his ways by doing his will. What effect can this have on our conduct and on the qualities we display? The WTS likes to say that their members are the happiest in the world. *** w99 10/1 p. 8 par. 13 “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. *** w95 1/15 p. 12 par. 7 The Joy of Jehovah Is Our Stronghold *** Our close relationship with Jehovah makes us the happiest people on earth. Can anyone be happy if he/she is not a jw? Prove Yourself Trustworthy Q. 3. How is trustworthiness linked with our dedication to God? 3 Those fearing Jehovah are trustworthy-- even as he is. Jehovah fulfilled every promise he made to ancient Israel. (1 Ki. 8:56) Our dedication to God is the most significant promise we could ever make, and frequent prayer will help us to keep it. We can pray as did the psalmist David: "You yourself, O God, have listened to my vows. ...I will make melody to your name forever, that I 'may pay my vows day after day." (Ps. 61:5,8; Eccl. 5:4-6) To be God's friends, we must be trustworthy.-Ps.15:1,4. If those fearing God are trustworthy; how do you explain all the flipflop doctrines. Superior authorities 1879-1929 secular governments 1929-1962 God and Jesus 1962-2008 secular governments Scream when raped or not http://www.quotes-watchtower.co.uk/rape_is_fornication.html http://www.quotes-watchtower.co.uk/rape_is_not_fornication.html People in Sodom and Gomorrah to be resurrected or not http://www.cftf.com/comments/blinking.html Separating 'sheep and goats' (Matt. 25:31-46) 1919 - will take place after the time of tribulation. The Watchtower, August 1, 1919, p. 238; 1923 - is taking place now, before the tribulation. Jehovah's Witnesses — Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, 1993, pp. 163-164; 1995 - will take place after the tribulation. The Watchtower, October 15, 1995, p. 19, 22-23. Q. 4. How did Jephthah and his daughter treat the vow he made to Jehovah? 4 In the days of Israel's judges, Jephthah vowed that if Jehovah gave him victory over the Ammonites, he would present as " a burnt offering" the first one meeting him upon his return from battle. That one turned out to be Jephthah's daughter--his only child. With faith in Jehovah, both Jephthah and his unmarried daughter fulfilled his vow. Although marriage and childbearing were highly esteemed in Israel, Jephthah's daughter willingly remained single and enjoyed the privilege of engaging in sacred service at Jehovah's sanctuary.-Judg. 11:28-40. OT--Jephthah and his daughter Ammonites--descended through Lot's grandson fathered with his daughter jw women are told this story when they are single and no available jw men. And then when they die single, the WTS holds out no hope of marriage for these women. Q. 5. In what respect did Hannah prove trustworthy? 5 The godly woman Hannah proved trustworthy. She lived with her Levite husband, Elkanah, and his other wife, Peninnah, in the mountainous region of Ephraim. Peninnah bore several children and taunted barren Hannah particularly when the family went to the tabernacle. On one of these occasions, Hannah vowed that if she bore a son, she would give him to Jehovah. She soon became pregnant and gave birth to a boy who was given the name Samuel. After he was weaned, Hannah presented him to God at Shiloh, lending Samuel to Jehovah "all the days of his life." (1 Sam. 1:11) She thus fulfilled her vow even though she did not know that she would eventually have other children.-1 Sam. 2:20,21. OT--Hannah, Peninnah, Elkanah, Samuel If Elkanah loved Hannah so much, why did he marry another woman? The WTS uses this story to encourage jw parents to send their sons to Bethel. At least Samuel wasn't turned out when he was 50 or so. Samuel was sent away from his family at the age of 5. How many jw parents "encourage" their children to get baptized at the age of 6...when they can't drive a car, sign a contract, get married, drink alcohol? WTS reasoning: *** w06 4/1 pp. 27-28 pars. 8-9 Meeting the Requirements for Christian Baptism *** Are children in a position to make an intelligent dedication? The Scriptures give no age requirements for baptism. Still, infants certainly could not become believers, exercise faith, or make a dedication to God. (Acts 8:12) Regarding first-century Christians, historian Augustus Neander states in his book General History of the Christian Religion and Church: “Baptism was administered at first only to adults, as men were accustomed to conceive baptism and faith as strictly connected.” In the case of youths, some develop a measure of spirituality at a relatively tender age, while others take longer. Before getting baptized, however, a youngster should have a personal relationship with Jehovah, a sound understanding of the fundamentals of the Scriptures, and a clear comprehension of what dedication involves, as is the case with adults. What is the age of responsibility? *** w06 7/1 p. 29 par. 15 Youths, Make It Your Choice to Serve Jehovah *** Young ones, please do not imagine that by postponing baptism, you avoid accountability. When you have reached the age of responsibility, you are answerable to Jehovah for the way you act whether you are baptized or not.—Romans 14:11, 12. *** w02 5/1 p. 28 Implanting Love for Jehovah in Our Children’s Hearts *** We were touched when Hans Werner got baptized at the age of ten. *** w95 2/15 p. 24 Dominican Republic—Still Open to Discovery *** For example, Tamar and her sister Keila were both baptized at the age of 10 and entered the full-time pioneer ministry by 11. And in the last ten years I knew of 2 that were only baptized at 6 in the Chicago area. 6. How was the trustworthiness of Tychicus manifested? 6 The first-century Christian Tychicus was a trustworthy man and a "faithful minister." (Col. 4:7) Tychicus traveled with the apostle Paul from Greece through Macedonia, into Asia Minor, and perhaps on to Jerusalem. (Acts 20:2-4) He may have been "the brother" who helped Titus to administer the gift for needy fellow believers in Judea. (2 Cor. 8: 18, 19; 12:18) When Paul was first imprisoned in Rome, he had the trustworthy emissary Tychicus carry letters to fellow believers in Ephesus and Colossae. (Eph. 6:21, 22; Col. 4:8, 9) During his second Roman imprisonment, Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus. (2 Tim. 4:12) If we are trustworthy, we too will enjoy blessings in Jehovah's service. NT finally--Tychius "perhaps" "may have been"If the Bible does not say, why is the WTS adding information to the Bible? "carry letters to fellow believers"Didn't someone else have this same privilege which would be denied "her" in today's jw congregation? Phoebe? (Romans 16:1-2) 16 I recommend to YOU Phoe'be our sister, who is a minister of the congregation that is in Cen'chre·ae, 2 that YOU may welcome her in [the] Lord in a way worthy of the holy ones, and that YOU may assist her in any matter where she may need YOU, for she herself also proved to be a defender of many, yes, of me myself. *** Scriptures Inspired book (si) pp. 206-207 par. 7 Bible Book Number 45—Romans *** When and from where was Romans written? There is no disagreement among Bible commentators that this letter was written from Greece, most probably from Corinth, when Paul visited there for some months toward the end of his third missionary journey. The internal evidence points to Corinth. Paul wrote the letter from the home of Gaius, who was a member of the congregation there, and recommends Phoebe of the nearby congregation of Cenchreae, Corinth’s seaport. Apparently it was Phoebe who carried this letter to Rome. (Rom. 16:1, 23; 1 Cor. 1:14) *** w96 12/15 p. 23 Aquila and Priscilla—An Exemplary Couple *** Then there were Fortunatus and Achaicus; Gaius, in whose home the congregation meetings may have been held; Erastus, the city steward; Tertius, the secretary to whom Paul dictated his letter to the Romans; and Phoebe, a faithful sister of the nearby congregation of Cenchreae, who probably carried the letter from Corinth to Rome.—Romans 16:1, 22, 23; 1 Corinthians 16:17. trustworthy = blessings; faithful to the WTS "Jehovah's service"--where's Jesus considering this is an NT example? (Romans 15:15-16) . . .However, I am writing YOU the more outspokenly on some points, as if reminding YOU again, because of the undeserved kindness given to me from God 16 for me to be a public servant of Christ Jesus to the nations, engaging in the holy work of the good news of God, in order that the offering, namely, these nations, might prove to be acceptable, it being sanctified with holy spirit. Q. 7, 8. Why can we say that David and Jonathan were true friends? 7 God expects us to be trustworthy friends. (Prov. 17:.17) King Saul's son Jonathan befriended David. When Jonathan heard that David had killed Goliath, "Jonathan's very soul became bound up with the soul of David, and Jonathan began to love him as his own soul." (1 Sam. 18:1, 3) Jonathan even warned David when Saul wanted to kill him. After David fled, Jonathan met him and made a covenant with him. Speaking to Saul about David almost cost Jonathan his life, but the two friends met again and renewed their bond of friendship. (1 Sam. 20:24-41) At their last meeting, Jonathan strengthened David's hand "in regard to God."-l Sam. 23:16-18. 8 Jonathan died in battle against the Philistines. (1 Sam. 31:6) In a dirge, David sang: "I am distressed over you, my brother Jonathan, very pleasant you were to me. More wonderful was your love to me than the love from women." (2 Sam. 1:26) This love was affection between friends and had no sexual overtones. David and Jonathan were true friends. OT--Jonathan and David Since Jonathan was a trustworthy friend of David and warned and protected him, why was it that God did not protect Jonathan and let him die, executed him, along with his father Saul on the battlefield? I really think that their friendship went above the sexual relationship. It seems that the women in David's life all defied or disobeyed their husband. The first time I visited Italy, I was surprised to see men holding hands, and they were not sexual. Always Be "Humble in Mind" Q. 9. How is the importance of humility shown in Judges chapter 9? 9 To be God's friends, we must be "humble in mind." (1 Pet. 3:8; Ps. 138:6) The importance of humility is shown in Judges chapter 9. Gideon's son Jotham said: "Once upon a time the trees went to anoint a king over them." The olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine were mentioned. They represented worthy individuals who did not seek to rule over their fellow Israelites. But the bramble--useful only as fuel-represented the kingship of proud Abimelech, a murderer eager to dominate others. Though he 'played the prince over Israel three years,' he met an untimely death. Judg. 9:8-15, 22, 50-54) How much better it is to be "humble in mind" ! OT--Jotham, Abimelech What about Gideon's sons? Did any follow in his footsteps as judge? *** it-2 p. 118 Jotham *** Youngest son of Judge Gideon (Jerubbaal) residing at Ophrah. (Jg 8:35; 9:5) After Gideon’s death, Abimelech, his son by a slave girl, murdered all of Gideon’s other sons, his half brothers, that is, all but Jotham, who had concealed himself. Who 'play the prince' over the jw congregation? Using an OT scripture the WTS applies it to the elders. *** w99 6/1 p. 9 par. 2 “Gifts in Men” to Care for Jehovah’s Sheep *** Notice the prophetic description of these elders, or “princes”: “Each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” (Isaiah 32:1, 2) (Isaiah 32:1-2) 32 Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself. 2 And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land. How does that agree with this scripture? (Galatians 3:28) 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for YOU are all one [person] in union with Christ Jesus. Q. 10. What have you learned from Herod's failure to "give the glory to Gad"? 10 In the first century C.E., tensions arose between proud King Herod Agrippa of Judea and the inhabitants of Tyre and Sidon, who sought peace with him. when Herod was giving a public address on one occasion, they cried out: "A god's voice, and not a man's!" Herod did not reject such adulation, and Jehovah's angel struck him so that he died a terrible death "because he did not give the. glory to God." (Acts 12:20-23) What if we are somewhat skilled as a speaker or a teacher of Bible truths? Then let us credit God for what he allows us to do.-1 Cor. 4:6,7; Jas. 4:6. NT--King Herod Agrippa (non Christian) "a god's voice"--yet the WTS says they speak for God. *** w03 6/1 p. 21 par. 16 Stand Still and See the Salvation of Jehovah! *** Trusting in Jehovah will include trusting the modern visible channel that he has clearly been using for decades to serve his purposes. As never before, true Christians will then need to place their confidence in fellow worshipers authorized by Jehovah and his reigning King to take the lead. These faithful men will direct God’s people. Ignoring their direction could end in disaster.—Matthew 24:45-47; Hebrews 13:7, 17. *** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood *** 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. "credit God"--Where's Jesus? Be Courageous and Strong 11, 12. How does Enoch's experience show that Jehovah gives his servants courage and strength? 11 If we humbly walk in Jehovah's ways, he will give us courage and strength. (Deut. 31: 6-8, 23) Enoch, the seventh man in the genealogical line from Adam, courageously walked with God by pursuing an upright course amid his wicked contemporaries. (Gen. 5:21-24) Jehovah strengthened Enoch to deliver a powerful message to them because of their ungodly words and deeds. (Read Jude 14, 15.) Do you have the courage needed to declare God's judgments? 12 Jehovah executed judgment on the ungodly in the global Flood of Noah's day. Yet, Enoch's prophecy is of encouragement to us, for ungodly people of our day will soon be destroyed by God's holy myriads. (Rev. 16: 14- 16; 19:11-16) In answer to our prayers, Jehovah gives us courage to declare his message, whether it relates to his judgments or to blessings under Kingdom rule. OT--Enoch "declare God's judgments"--are jws declaring a judgment message now? *** w06 5/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers *** The worldwide preaching of the established Kingdom of God done by Jehovah’s Witnesses has become just such a threat to the nations. After all, the Messianic Kingdom of God in the hands of Jesus Christ is going to “crush and put an end to all [man-made] kingdoms.” (Daniel 2:44) The message of judgment included in our preaching work is sending out a tremor among the nations. (Isaiah 61:2) And the shaking gets more severe as the preaching work increases in scope and intensity The WTS judgment is soon that all non-jws including their minor children will be killed with no hope of a resurrection. *** w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium *** Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the “flesh” that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history. Q. 13. Why can we be sure that God can provide the courage and strength that we need in order to cope with depressing problems? 13 We need God-given courage and strength to cope with depressing problems. When Esau took two Hittite women as wives, "they were a source of bitterness of spirit to [his parents] Isaac and Rebekah." Rebekah even lamented: "I have come to abhor this life of mine because of the daughters of Heth. If [our son] Jacob ever takes a wife from the daughters of Heth like these from the daughters of the land, of what good is life to me?" (Gen. 26:34, 35; 27:46) Isaac took matters in hand and sent Jacob away to find a wife among the worshipers of Jehovah. Although Isaac and Rebekah could not change what Esau had done, God gave them the wisdom, courage, and strength to remain faithful to Him. If we pray for needed help, Jehovah will do the same for us.-Ps. 118:5. OT--Esau and his wives, Isaac, Jacob, Rebekah, Isaac Esau married out of his group. Why hadn't his parents found a suitable wife for him? Who was there locally for him to choose from? Why did Isaac and Rebekah wait so long? Moses married a non-Israelite...Zipporah was a Cushite/Midianite; nothing was said about his marrying outside his group. (Numbers 12:1) 12 Now Miriam and Aaron began to speak against Moses on account of the Cushite wife whom he had taken, because it was a Cushite wife he had taken. *** w84 4/15 pp. 29-30 Respect Jehovah, Urges the Book of Numbers *** As for Zipporah, she was the daughter of Reuel the Midianite. (Genesis 25:1, 2; Numbers 10:29) At Habakkuk 3:7 “the land of Midian” is paralleled with Cushan, which evidently is another name for Midian or relates to a neighboring country. Moreover, certain Arabic tribes were called Kusi or Kushim. So it seems that “Cushite” was not limited to descendants of Ham through Cush but was also applied to some inhabitants of Midian. Therefore, Zipporah could be called a Cushite. Q. 14. How did a little Israelite girl display courage? 14 Centuries later, a little Israelite girl taken captive by a marauding band became a servant in the home of the Syrian army commander Naaman, a man afflicted with leprosy. Having heard about the miracles God performed through the prophet Elisha, the girl courageously told Naaman's wife: 'If my master would go to Israel, Jehovah's prophet would cure him of his leprosy.' Naaman did go to Israel, and he was miraculously healed. (2 Ki. 5:1-3) What a fine example that girl is for youngsters who rely on Jehovah for the courage to witness to teachers, schoolmates, and others! OT--Israelite girl, Naaman, Elisha Why aren't young jws told to rely on Jesus? Where's Jesus in this article? In the whole WT-CD reliance on Jesus is only mentioned twice. Who is God's prophet today per the WTS? http://www.carm.org/jw/docs/watch_4_1_72_p197-198.htm *** w72 4/1 p. 197 ‘They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them’ *** IDENTIFYING THE “PROPHET” These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? The clergy of the so-called “Christian” nations hold themselves before the people as being the ones commissioned to speak for God. But, as pointed out in the previous issue of this magazine, they have failed God and failed as proclaimers of his kingdom by approving a man-made political organization, the League of Nations (now the United Nations), as “the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth.” However, Jehovah did not let the people of Christendom, as led by the clergy, go without being warned that the League was a counterfeit substitute for the real kingdom of God. He had a “prophet” to warn them. This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. They are still proclaiming a warning, and have been joined and assisted in their commissioned work by hundreds of thousands of persons who have listened to their message with belief. Q. 15. What courageous action was taken by Ahab's household steward Obadiah? 15 God-given courage helps us to endure persecution. Consider King Ahab's house- hold steward Obadiah, a contemporary of the prophet Elijah. When Queen Jezebel ordered the slaughter of God's prophets, Obadiah hid 100 of them "by fifties in a cave." (1 Ki. 18:13; 19:18) Would you courageously aid persecuted fellow Christians, as Obadiah helped Jehovah's prophets? OT--Obadiah, Jezebel "would you courageously aid persecuted Christians"--more importantly would elders courageously turn in the pedophiles in their congregations despite what WTS Legal counsels? These are the same jws that don't call when ill jws are missing, or are inactive, in the hospital...if they can't help in these non-dangerous situations, will they risk their lives? They can't give their time or life now. Q. 16, 17. How did Aristarchus and Gaius react to persecution? 16 If we are persecuted, we can be confident that Jehovah will be with us. (Rom. 8:35-39) In the open-air theater at Ephesus, Paul's coworkers Aristarchus and Gaius faced a mob likely numbering into the thousands. The silversmith Demetrius had incited a riot. He and fellow craftsmen made silver shrines of the goddess Artemis, and their profitable business was threatened because Paul's preaching work caused many of the city's residents to forsake idol worship. The mob dragged Aristarchus and Gaius into the theater and kept shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" Aristarchus and Gaius probably expected to die, but the city recorder quieted the crowd.-Acts 19:23-41. 17 If you had undergone such an experience, would you have sought a less challenging life? There is no indication that Aristarchus or Gaius lost courage. Being from Thessalonica, Aristarchus knew that pro. claiming the good news could result in persecution. Sometime earlier, a riot had occurred when Paul preached there. (Acts 17:5; 20:4: Because Aristarchus and Gaius walked in Jehovah's ways, they had God-given strength. and courage to endure persecution. NT--finally Aristarchus, Gaius God "will be with us"--Where's Jesus? (Matthew 28:20) . . .And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” Keeping an Eye on Others' Interests Q.18. How were Prisca and Aquila "keeping an eye on the interests of others? 18 Whether we are now being persecuted o not, we should be concerned about fellow Christians. Prisca and Aquila were "keeping an eye" on the interests of others. (Read Philippians 2:4. ) That fine married couple may have provided lodging for Paul in Ephesus where the silversmith Demetrius foment ed the riot mentioned earlier. That situation may have moved Aquila and Prisca to 'risk their necks' for Paul. (Rom. 16:3, 4 2 Cor. 1 :8) Today, concern for our persecute brothers makes us "cautious as serpents.' (Matt. 10:16-18) We carry on our work cautiously and refuse to betray them by divulging their names or other information to persecutors. NT--Prisca and Aquila "may have" provided lodging for Paul; "may have" moved Aquila and Prisca to 'risk their necks' for Paul MAY HAVE? Refused to betray them--can jws keep a secret, really? They are trained to run to the elders with every "sin" they perceive in their "fellow believers." Q.19. What good things did Dorcas do for others? 19 Keeping an eye on the interests of other takes various forms. Some Christians have needs, and we may be able to fill those needs. (Eph. 4:28; las. 2:14-17) In the first century congregation at Joppa, there was a generous woman named Dorcas. (Read Acts 9:36-42.) Dorcas "abounded in good deeds and gifts of mercy" that evidently included the making of garments for needy widows. Her death in 36 C.E. caused much sadness among the widows. God used the apostle Peter to resurrect Dorcas, and it is very likely that she spent the rest of her life on earth joyfully preaching the good news and doing good things for others. How glad we are to have such unselfish Christian women among us today! NT--Dorcas "some Christians"--only jws "very likely"--adding to the Bible; "evidently" What needs--food, money, clothing, transportation, etc.--or are jws told to go to the government or their "worldly" family? *** w86 10/15 p. 18 par. 9 Do More Than Say: “Keep Warm and Well Fed” *** In recent times, too, some congregations have aided especially needy ones in their midst. However, most lands now have tax-supported programs for the aged, infirm, or those willing but unable to find work. Christian elders may want to help in another way though. Some who are in genuine need and who fully qualify for public benefits are not receiving such because they do not know how to apply or are too timid to ask. Thus elders may inquire of governmental agencies or contact Witnesses who are experienced in these matters. They then may arrange for a capable brother or sister to help the needy person to receive the available benefits.—Romans 13:1, 4. Q.20, 21. (a) What does encouragement have to do with looking out for others' interests? (b) What can you do to be encouraging? 20 We look out for the interests of others by encouraging them. (Rom. 1:11, 12) Paul's coworker Silas was a source of encouragement. After the circumcision issue was decided about 49 C.E., the governing body in Jerusalem sent out emissaries to carry a letter to believers elsewhere. Silas, Judas, Barnabas, and Paul took it to Antioch. There Silas and Judas "encouraged the brothers with many a discourse and strengthened them." -Acts 15:32. 21 Later, Paul and Silas were jailed at Philippi, but as the result of an earthquake, it was possible for them to give a witness and see the jailer and his household become believers. Before leaving that city, Silas and Paul encouraged the brothers. (Acts 16:12, 40) Like Paul and Silas, seek to encourage others by your comments, talks, and zealous field service. And when you have a "word of encouragement," by all means, "tell it." -Acts 13:15 NT--Silas, Barnabas, Paul Carry a letter, discourse--some elders believe that speaking this way replace have individual conversations jailer and family--6 months of WT publication indoctrination? They had no Jewish background, did they learn the Jewish Bible prophecies in one evening? (Acts 16:30-34) 30 And he brought them outside and said: “Sirs, what must I do to get saved?” 31 They said: “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will get saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of Jehovah (not in the original Greek manuscript, added by the WTS) to him together with all those in his house. 33 And he took them along in that hour of the night and bathed their stripes; and, one and all, he and his were baptized without delay. 34 And he brought them into his house and set a table before them, and he rejoiced greatly with all his household now that he had believed God. Is the DO MORE mantra encouraging? Continue to Walk in Jehovah's Ways Q.22, 23. How can we really benefit from Bible accounts? 22 How grateful we should be for the true- life accounts recorded in the Word of Jehovah, the "God of all encouragement" (2 Cor. 1:3, Byington) If we are to benefit from these experiences, we must apply the Bible's lessons to our life and allow our- selves to be led by God's holy spirit.-Gal. 5: 22-25. 23 Meditation on Bible accounts will help us to display godly qualities. It will strengthen our relationship with Jehovah, who grants us "wisdom and knowledge and rejoicing." (Eccl. 2:26) In turn, we can make God's loving heart rejoice. (Prov. 27:11) May we be determined to do so by continuing to walk in Jehovah's ways. Another quote from the WTS owned Byington translation which while having "Jehovah" in the OT, does not have it in the NT. Apply Bible or WTS lessons? We learned earlier that the Bible cannot be understood without the WTS and its publications. Relationship with Jehovah--Where's Jesus? Walk in whose ways? (1 Peter 2:21) 21 In fact, to this [course] YOU were called, because even Christ suffered for YOU, leaving YOU a model for YOU to follow his steps closely. (Matthew 16:24) 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me." (John 13:15) 15 For I set the pattern for YOU, that, just as I did to YOU, YOU should do also." How Would You Answer? How can you prove yourself trust- worthy? Why should we be I/humble in mind? How can Bible accounts help us to be courageous? In what ways can we keep an eye on the interests of others? Concluding Comments Where's Jesus? Walk in God's ways = doing everything the WTS says even if they are wrong. Don't every fall into that trap. Be a good Beroean and carefully check what they say according to the scriptures. No scripture, then it is suspect. Don't let them add to the Bible. Next week, an article totally about Christ. The rank and file are not being productive enough...not teachers, not converting people. Have a great weekend. Love, Blondie
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