Comments You Will Not Hear at the 07-13-08 WT Study (May 15, 2008, pages 7-11(DOING GOOD)Review comments will be in redWT 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 www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
KEEP ON DOING GOOD "Continue ... to do good. "-LUKE 6:35.
OPENING COMMENTS
Rarely does the WTS quote a scripture; instead it is a phrase, snippet, from the scripture or it is only cited. Even the theme scripture has the third way, using an ellipsis (...). Should we wonder what is left out.
Luke 6:34 Also, if YOU lend [without interest] to those from whom YOU hope to receive, of what credit is it to YOU? Even sinners lend [without interest] to sinners that they may get back as much.
Luke 6:35 (missing words in red)To the contrary, continue to love YOUR enemies and to do good and to lend [without interest], not hoping for anything back; and YOUR reward will be great, and YOU will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked.
Is Jesus only talking about spiritual giving when he says "to lend, not hoping for anything back"? And is the reward life everlasting on earth or is it to be "sons of the Most High" which refers to ruling in heaven with Christ? Did only the Jews lend without interest? Why does the NWT have "without interest" in brackets?
*** Rbi8 p. 7 Introduction ***
BRACKETS: Single brackets [ ] enclose words inserted to complete the sense in the English text. Double brackets [[ ]] suggest interpolations (insertions of foreign material) in the original text.—See Luke 23:19, 34.
But does the WTS always show brackets or leave them out giving the impression that it is part of the Bible?
*** w04 4/15 p. 16 par. 19 God’s People Must Love Kindness ***
Let us look at other loving counsel that Jesus offered. Showing the extent of Jehovah’s kindness, Jesus said: “If you love those loving you, of what credit is it to you? For even the sinners love those loving them. And if you do good to those doing good to you, really of what credit is it to you? Even the sinners do the same. Also, if you lend without interest to those from whom you hope to receive, of what credit is it to you? Even sinners lend without interest to sinners that they may get back as much. To the contrary, continue to love your enemies and to do good and to lend without interest, not hoping for anything back; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked. Continue becoming merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”—Luke 6:32-36.
Are there other problems with this inconsistent use of brackets in the NWT?
http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/nwtontrial.htm
Q 1, 2. Why is doing good to others often challenging?
DOING good to others can be a challenge. Those to whom we show love may not reciprocate. Although we seek the spiritual welfare of people by endeavoring to share with them "the glorious good news of the happy God" and his Son, they may be apathetic or ungrateful. (1 Tim. 1: 11) Others prove to be hateful "enemies of the torture stake of the Christ." (Phil. 3:18) As Christians, how should we treat them?
So if non-jws don't become jws, they are apathetic or ungrateful? Or if they are hateful to jws.
Christians--only jws are "true" Christians per the WTS. All others are only "professed."
*** w06 5/15 p. 22 par. 6 Are You Prepared for Survival? ***
Neighbors, employers, or relatives may speak highly of the fine qualities of true Christians but then lament, “If only they were not Jehovah’s Witnesses!”
*** w97 1/15 p. 22 par. 22 What Does God Require of Us? ***
There is only one religious organization on this earth that has all these marks of true Christianity—Jehovah’s Witnesses!
*** w04 11/15 p. 22 par. 12 Search for Jehovah, the Examiner of Hearts ***
Other parallels can be noted between worship carried on by the calf-worshiping Israelites and that found in Christendom. Although some professed Christians accept the truth of God’s Word, Christendom’s worship itself is not motivated by genuine love for God.
2. Jesus Christ told his disciples: "Continue to love your enemies and to do good." (Luke 6:35) Let us now take a close look at this admonition. We wiII also benefit from other points Jesus made about doing good to others.
"Love Your Enemies"
Q 3. (a) In your own words, summarize Jesus' statement recorded at Matthew 5:43-45. (b) What view regarding Jews and non-Jews had developed among first-century Jewish religious leaders?
3. In his renowned Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his audience to love their enemies and to pray for those persecuting them. (Read Matthew 5:43-45.) Those present on that occasion were Jews, who were aware of God's command: "You must not take vengeance nor have a grudge against the sons of your people; and you must love your feIIow as yourself." (Lev. 19:18) First-century Jewish religious leaders held that "the sons of your people" and "your fellow" referred only to Jews. The Mosaic Law required that the Israelites stay separate from other nations, but the viewpoint had developed that all non-Jews were enemies, to be hated as individuals.
I always used Matthew 5:43-45 to show jws that loving other jws was not enough because non-jws loved other non-jws.
Isn't this how jws really treat each other?
*** w88 10/1 p. 11 par. 6 Appreciation for Our Brothers ***
On the pretext that the Scriptures allow for our having warmer feelings for some brothers than for others, are we inclined to rationalize our feelings? (John 19:26; 20:2) Do we think we can express a cold, reasoned “love” to some because we have to, while we reserve warm brotherly affection for those to whom we are attracted? If
So based on the statement "hated as individuals" does that mean that jws can hate non-jws as a group? What about jws?
*** w80 6/15 p. 19 par. 13 Harvesting Fruit Suitable for God’s Kingdom ***
Even in the Christian congregation there may be an environment or association that is spiritually not most helpful. Some who recently came out of the world and symbolized their dedication to God by water baptism may tend to bring into the congregation something that still clings to them—a measure of worldliness.
*** w06 3/15 p. 23 par. 9 “Each One Will Carry His Own Load” ***
What about having close association with those who may be morally clean but who lack faith in the true God? The Scriptures tell us: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) We come to discern that bad associations are not limited to permissive or morally debased people. Hence, we are wise to cultivate close friendships only with those who love Jehovah.
*** g05 7/22 p. 19 Why Am I Drawn to the Wrong People? ***
But are all people who do not worship Jehovah bad association? What if they have some likable, even admirable, qualities? Then, too, what of a person who is a fellow believer yet is setting a poor spiritual example?
Q 4. How were Jesus' disciples to act toward their enemies?
4. In contrast, Jesus declared: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you." (Matt. 5:44) His disciples were to act lovingly toward all !who showed hostility to them. According to the Gospel writer Luke, Jesus said: "I say to you who are listening, Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you." (Luke 6:27, 28) Like first-century individuals who took Jesus' sayings to heart, we "do good to those hating" us by responding to their hostility with gracious actions.We "bless those cursing" us by speaking to them in a kind way. And we "pray for those persecuting" us with physical violence or other forms of "insulting" treatment. Such petitions are loving requests that persecutors might have a change of heart and take action that brings them Jehovah's favor.
Are we to think that all non-jws are showing hostility to jws or is it rather than their not becoming jws in itself is showing hostility>
Do jws pray for those "insulting" them or isn't it rather that jws then condemn them as goats?
*** w50 6/1 p. 176
Field Experience
PREACHING DESPITE PHYSICAL HANDICAP
While group witnessing in Pasadena, California, finding very little interest, I came to a house on the corner. A goatish woman at the door cared more for her religious fodder than for the bread of life, so I went to a small house in the rear.
"might have a change of heart" -- become jws is the only salvation
Charles Davis left the Catholic Church, but did not leave his faith.
Davis explained that he still considers himself a Christian, although he has no plans to affiliate with any other church. As for Catholicism, he declared: "I do not think that the claim the church makes as an institution rests upon any adequate Biblical and historical basis. I don't believe that the church is absolute, and I don't believe any more in papal infallibility. There is concern for authority at the expense of truth, as I am constantly shown by instances of the damage to persons by the workings of an impersonal and unfree system."
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,901944,00.html
Q 5, 6. Why should we love our enemies?
5. Why show love for our enemies? "That you may prove yourselves sons of your father who is in the heavens," said Jesus. (Matt. 5:45) If we heed that counsel, we become "sons" of God in that we imitate Jehovah, who makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous." As Luke's account puts matters, God "is kind toward the unthankful and the wicked." -Luke 6:35.
But per the WTS only 144,000 are "sons of God" and that the non-anointed jws won't become sons until the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ.
*** w04 11/1 p. 13 par. 17 Happy Servants of Jehovah ***
The peaceable “other sheep” serve Jehovah under the Fine Shepherd, Christ Jesus, who becomes their “Eternal Father.” (John 10:14, 16; Isaiah 9:6) Those who successfully pass the final test after the Millennial Reign of Christ will be adopted as Jehovah’s earthly sons and “have the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21; Revelation 20:7, 9) .
6. Stressing how important it was for his disciples to 'continue loving their enemies: Jesus said: "If you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing?" (Matt. 5:46, 47) If we were to limit our love to those who reciprocate, this would not inherit any "reward," or favor, from God. Even tax collectors, who were generally despised, showed love for people who loved them.-Luke 5:30; 7:34.
Do jws provide materially for non-jws? Or is this love only "preaching" to them their peculiar doctrines?
Q 7. Why would it not be extraordinary if we were to greet only our "brothers"?
7. The common Jewish greeting included the word "peace." Judg. 19:20; John 20:19) This was an implied wish for the health, welfare, and prosperity of the person greeted. It would not be an "extraordinary thing" if we were to greet only those whom we consider to be our "brothers." As Jesus pointed out, something similar was done by "people of the nations."
How many jws at your congregation talked to you? How many judged you as "bad association"? How many invited you to their home? I can Remember some I knew for 20 years and had never seen the inside of their home despite the fact they had eaten at my table many times.
Yes, did or do you find non-jws to be more loving than jws?
Q 8. What was Jesus encouraging his listeners to do when he said: 'You must be perfect'?
8. 'Inherited sin made it impossible for Christ's disciples to be flawless, perfect. (Rom. 5:12) Yet, Jesus concluded this part of his discourse by saying: "You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly father is perfect." (Matt. 5:48) He was thereby encouraging his listeners to imitate their "heavenly Father," Jehovah, by perfecting their love -making it complete by loving their enemies. The same thing is expected of us.
Once again the WTS makes sure the rank and file that the WTS makes mistakes, that don't count. Of course, the WTS has said the end was coming in 1914, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975, and implied in 1984 (70 years generation from 1914), and 1994 (80 years generation from 1914) only to dismantled this dating in 1995.
*** w07 3/1 p. 22 par. 11 Let Us Exalt Jehovah’s Name Together ***
And consider what he has accomplished by means of the earthly part of his organization! Although they are imperfect, Jehovah has used faithful humans mightily in modern times.
*** w07 4/1 p. 30 par. 17 Humbly Submitting to Loving Shepherds ***
Jehovah God knows that the men he has appointed as overseers are imperfect. Yet, he is using them, and by means of his spirit, he shepherds his people on earth.
http://www.jwfiles.com/1925-1975.htm
Why Be Forgiving?
Q 9 . What is meant by the words: "Forgive us our debts "?
9. We keep on doing good when we mercifully forgive someone who sins against us. In fact, part of Jesus' model prayer contains the words: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matt. 6:12) Of course, this does not refer to forgiving financial debts. Luke's Gospel shows that the "debts" Jesus had in mind are sins, for it says: "Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone that is in debt to us." -Luke 11:4.
So who judges whether another person has sinned? What is a sin? Does this mean that jws should not expect other jws to change just forgive?
So jws are not required to forgive financial debts?
Q 10. With respect to forgiveness, how can we imitate God'
10. We need to imitate God, who freely forgives repentant sinners. The apostle Paul wrote: "Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you." (Eph. 4:32) The psalmist David sang: "Jehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness .... He has not done to us even according to our sins; nor according to our errors has he brought upon us what we deserve .... As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions. As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him. For he himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust."-Ps.103:8-14.
Who determines repentance? If only God and Christ can read hearts, how are jw elders able to know if someone is repentant? I know several people who confessed just to get out of being df'd and later told their victims that they were not guilty....where was the holy spirit?
*** w07 7/15 p. 20 par. 18 Have You Sinned Against the Holy Spirit? ***
To be restored spiritually, however, erring ones need to accept the Bible-based spiritual help of Christian elders and give evidence of true repentance. They must “produce fruits that befit repentance.”—Luke 3:8.
So what are those "fruits"? Did David accept responsibility before the nation of Israel or only to Nathan? Hadn't David "made calculating efforts to conceal the wrong" by have Uriah murdered? Do you think David's men in his army had no idea why or was Bathsheba ignorant thus David was "corrupting others"?
*** w95 1/1 p. 27 Determining Weakness, Wickedness, and Repentance ***
Elders may have to determine: Is the individual repentant? What led up to the sin? Was it the result of an isolated moment of weakness? Was it a practice of sin?
One determining factor is how the sinner views what he has done and what he intends to do about it.
Does the sinner—like David when he was convinced of his sin—forthrightly accept the blame and repentantly look to Jehovah for help and Forgiveness, or does he seek to minimize what he has done, perhaps blaming someone else?
If someone hypocritically tries to deny his serious sins even when speaking with the judicial committee, or grudgingly admits only what is already known by others, refusing to confess fully, this could well be evidence of a wicked heart.
They do, however, give an idea of some things that Jehovah views as truly wicked. Is there a refusal to accept responsibility for the wrong committed? Has the one who sinned brazenly ignored previous counsel on this very matter? Is there an entrenched practice of serious wrongdoing? Does the wrongdoer manifest a blatant disregard for Jehovah’s law? Has he made calculating efforts to conceal the wrong, perhaps corrupting others at the same time?
After kindly Scriptural counsel is given, is he haughty or arrogant? Does he lack a heartfelt desire to avoid repeating the wrong? If the elders perceive such things, which strongly indicate a lack of repentance, they may conclude that the sins committed give evidence of wickedness rather than merely weakness of the flesh.
Q 11. To whom does God grant forgiveness?
11. People can receive God's forgiveness only if they have already forgiven those who haw sinned against them. (Mark 11 :25) Stressing this point, Jesus added: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; whereas if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matt. 6:14, 15) Yes, God grants forgiveness only to those who freely forgive others. And one way to keep on doing good is to comply with Paul's counsel: "Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also." -Col. 3: 13.
I have family members who have judged me guilty of sins that never happened. While admitting they had been mistaken, they still shun me and my husband. Does that mean they won't receive God's forgiveness? Do you think they believe that?
"Stop Judging"
Q 12. What counsel did Jesus give about judging others?
12. Another way to do good was set out in the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus told his listeners to stop judging others and then used a powerful illustration to emphasize this point. (Read Matthew 7:1-5.) Let us consider what Jesus meant when he said: "Stop judging."
Consider how jws are taught to judge people inside and outside as "good or bad association."
*** w80 6/15 p. 19 par. 13 Harvesting Fruit Suitable for God’s Kingdom ***
Even in the Christian congregation there may be an environment or association that is spiritually not most helpful. Some who recently came out of the world and symbolized their dedication to God by water baptism may tend to bring into the congregation something that still clings to them—a measure of worldliness.
Q 13. How could Jesus' listeners "keep on releasing"?
13. Matthew's Gospel quotes Jesus as saying: "Stop judging that you may not be judged." (Matt. 7:1) According to Luke, Jesus said: "Stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned. Keep on releasing, and you will be released." (Luke 6: 37) The first-century Pharisees judged others harshly, in keeping with unscriptural traditions. Any of Jesus' listeners who did that were to "stop judging." Instead, they were to keep on releasing," that is, forgiving the shortcomings of others. The apostle Paul gave similar counsel regarding forgiveness, as noted above.
So did you know "Pharisees" that judged others harshly in the congregation, "unscriptural traditions"? Where in the Bible does it say men cannot have beards? Watch R-rated movies?
Q 14. By extending forgiveness, Jesus' disciples would move people to do what?
14. By extending forgiveness, Jesus' disciples would move people to respond with a forgiving spirit. "With what judgment you are judging, you will be judged," said Jesus, "and with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you." (Matt. 7:2) With respect to our treatment of others, we reap what we sow.-Gal. 6: 7.
Do jws reap what they sow? What about pedophiles? Or are they protected in the WTS?
Q 15. How did Jesus show that it is wrong to be overcritical?
15. Recall that in order to indicate how wrong it is to be overcritical, Jesus asked: "Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother's eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Allow me to extract the straw from your eye'; when, look! a rafter is in your own eye?" (Matt. 7:3, 4) A person inclined to criticize another individual takes note of a minor defect in his brother's "eye." The critic is suggesting that his brother has impaired perception and poor judgment. Though the fault is minor-like a bit of straw-the critic offers to "extract the straw." He hypocritically volunteers to help the brother see things more clearly.
Overcritical? Really what the WTS is saying is that jws should not criticize the organization for real and serious sins.
From 1991 to 2001 the WTS was associated with the UN as a nongovermental organization which required they support the UN Charter. One
point on that charter is:
to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and
http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/
Q 16. Why can it be said that the Pharisees had a "rafter" in their eye?
16. Especially were the Jewish religious leaders highly critical of others. To illustrate: When a certain blind man who was healed by Christ declared that Jesus must have come from God, the Pharisees retorted: "You were altogether born in sins, and yet are you teaching us?" (John 9:30-34) As regards clear spiritual vision and the ability to judge properly, the Pharisees had" a rafter" in their own eye and were totally blind. Jesus therefore exclaimed: "Hypocrite! First extract the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to extract the straw from your brother's eye." (Matt. 7:5; Luke 6:42) If we are determined to do good and treat others well, we will not be harsh critics, always looking for a figurative straw in our brother's eye. Instead, we will acknowledge that we are imperfect and should therefore avoid being judgmental and critical of our fellow believers.
So when the WTS says a jw cannot be part of the YMCA, but is associated with a similar organization, who has the rafter in their eye, the WTS.
*** w79 1/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
While interfaith efforts and ecumenism are popular today, they are not upheld by the true God, who told his servants: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. . . . ‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves.’” (2 Cor. 6:14-17) Also, Jesus plainly said that the Almighty must be worshiped “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) Most definitely that does not mean joining in a religious cause with persons holding beliefs contrary to what the Scriptures teach. (Rev. 18:4, 5) Thus, it is because of their understanding of what God expects of true worshipers, and of what the purposes and direction of the YMCA are, that Jehovah’s Witnesses may not become members of that organization.
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/un.htm
How We Should Treat Others
Q 17. In view of Matthew 7:12, how should we treat others?
17. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus pointed out that God displays a fatherly attitude toward His servants by answering their prayers. (Read Matthew 7:7-12.) It is noteworthy that Jesus set out this rule of conduct: "All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them." (Matt. 7: 12) Only if we treat fellow humans in this way can we prove that we are true followers of Jesus Christ.
His servants...true followers of Jesus Christ - only jws
Does God answer the prayers of non-jws?
Q 18. How did "the Law" show that we should treat others as we want them to treat us?
18 After saying that we should treat others as we want them to treat us, Jesus added: "This, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean." When we treat others in the way that Jesus specified, we are acting in harmony with the spirit behind "the Law"-the writings that make up the Bible books of Genesis through Deuteronomy. Besides revealing Jehovah's purpose to produce a seed that would do away with evil, these books set out the Law given by God to the nation of Israel through Moses in 1513 B.C.E. (Gen. 3:15) Among other things, the Law made it clear that the Israelites were to be just, were not to show partiality, and were to do good to the afflicted and to alien residents in the land. -Lev. 19:9, 10, 15, 34.
Now what Law is that now? The Law of the WTS. The WTS uses so many OT examples that many jws think of themselves as Israelites; oh, only the anointed jws are Israelites.
Do jws show partiality in the KH? How can they not when they are judging each other as "spiritual" or not and "good association" or not? What do you think would happen at a jw KH if a man if "filthy clothing" entered?
(James 2:1-4) . . .My brothers, YOU are not holding the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, our glory, with acts of favoritism, are YOU? 2 For, if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in splendid clothing enters into a gathering of YOU, but a poor [man] in filthy clothing also enters, 3 yet YOU look with favor upon the one wearing the splendid clothing and say: “You take this seat here in a fine place,” and YOU say to the poor one: “You keep standing,” or: “Take that seat there under my footstool,” 4 YOU have class distinctions among yourselves and YOU have become judges rendering wicked decisions, is that not so?
Q 19. How do "the Prophets" show that we should do good?
19. By referring to "the Prophets," Jesus had in mind the prophetic books of the Hebrew Scriptures. They contain Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ himself. Such writings also show that God blesses his people when they do what is right in his eyes and treat others in a proper way. For instance, Isaiah's prophecy gave the Israelites this counsel: "This is what Jehovah has said: 'Keep justice, you people, and do what is righteous .... Happy is the mortal man that does this, and the son of mankind that lays hold of it, ... keeping his hand in order not to do any kind of badness.''' (lsa. 56:1, 2) Yes, God expects his people to keep on doing good.
Only jws are blessed since non-jws are not considered Jehovah's people. "Right in his eyes" or right in the WTS eyes?
Always Do Good to Others
Q 20, 21. How did the crowds react to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and why should you meditate on it?
20. We have considered only a few of the many vital points made by Jesus in his peerless Sermon on the Mount. Even so, we can readily understand the reaction of those who heard what he said on that occasion. Says the inspired record: "Now when Jesus finished these sayings, the effect was that the crowds were astounded at his way of teaching; for he was teaching them as a person having authority, and not as their scribes."-Matt. 7:28, 29.
Too bad the talks at the WTS conventions/assemblies don't approach the same caliber. Do the rank and file view the WTS "as a person having authority"?
21. Jesus Christ unquestionably proved to be the foretold "Wonderful Counselor." (lsa. 9:6) The Sermon on the Mount is a prime example of Jesus' knowledge of his heavenly Father's way of viewing things. In addition to the points we have discussed, that discourse has much to say about genuine happiness, how to avoid immorality, the way to practice righteousness, what we must do to enjoy a secure and joyous future, and many other matters. Why not read Matthew chapters 5 through 7 once again carefully and prayerfully? Meditate on Jesus' wonderful counsel recorded there. Apply in your life what Christ said in his Sermon on the Mount. Then you will be better able to please Jehovah, treat others properly, and keep on doing good.
Now if only the WTS actually applied the points in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus didn't do things the way an organization viewed them.
Please Jehovah or the WTS?
*** w92 5/1 p. 28 Part 2—Jehovah Cared for Us Under Ban ***
How important it was that we had obediently followed organization instructions closely!
*** w07 4/1 p. 29 par. 13 Humbly Submitting to Loving Shepherds ***
Our obedience to the appointed elders also gives evidence of our submission to Christ, the Head of the congregation
How Would You Answer?
How are we to treat our enemies?
Why should we be forgiving?
What did Jesus say about judging people?
According to Matthew 7:12, how should we treat others?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
I have always found Jesus' words at the Sermon on the Mount, universal and practical. But knowing it and doing it are different things. I left the WTS after 45 years because no matter what congregation I was in, what elder body presided, and who the rank and file were, I did not see these things applied. The WTS pats itself on the back saying it is the only religious organization that does these things. Show me.
The WTS teaches that only jws have God's approval and will survive Armageddon. While the WTS pulls the imperfection card to excuse its sins, the same reasoning does not apply to the 6.5 billion people, men, women and children that the WTS is assigned to eternal death.
*** 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.
Love, Blondie