Comments You Will Not Hear at the 2-29-04A SUNDAY WT Study Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in blueJEHOVAH IS GREAT IN LOYAL LOVE
"Jehovah is . . . great in loving-kindness."?PSALM 145:8
The LORD is kind and merciful,
slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.?Psalm 145:8 (New Living Translation)
Opening Comments
This article will convince you that the WTS has no vision of itself as being Christian or its members being Christians. Once again, the emphasis is on an OT book, Psalm 145, and a non-Christian, David. How many ways does the WTS describe its members?
God?s loyal ones
Witness of Jehovah
True worshipers
Worshipers of Jehovah
Jehovah?s loyal servants
Jehovah?s servants
START OF ARTICLE
"God is love." (1 John 4:8) That heart-warming phrase proves that Jehovah?s way of ruling is based on love.
w76 2/15 p. 124 You Must Be Holy Because Jehovah Is Holy
God?s way of ruling is by love. (1 John 4:16) He wants us to do things because they are right. Sometime in the future a test may be imposed upon us to comply with certain information that God brings to our attention. It may hit something that we love very dearly. What will we do? Will we hesitate in applying counsel, perhaps pondering in our mind as to what we want to do about it? If that would be the case, wouldn?t we really be asking ourselves the question, ?Do we really want the rulership of God?? Would not a failure to respond to direction from God through his organization really indicate a rejection of divine rulership?
Why even humans who do not obey him benefit from the sun and rain that he lovingly provides! (Matthew 5:44,45)
Watchtower 1961 July 15 p.420 A Time and Place for Everything
Jesus encouraged his followers to love their enemies, but God's Word also says to "hate what is bad." When a person persists in a way of badness after knowing what is right, when the bad becomes so ingrained that it is an inseparable part of his make-up, then in order to hate what is bad a Christian must hate the person with whom the badness is inseparably linked. Indicating that Jesus did not mean for us to love the hardened enemies of Jehovah, David expressed this God-approved attitude: "Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you, O Jehovah, and do I not feel a loathing for those revolting against you? With a complete hatred I do hate them. They have become to me real enemies."-Matt. 5:44; Amos 5:15; Ps. 139:21, 22.
Because of God?s love for the world of mankind, even his enemies can repent, turn to him and attain to life. (John 3:16)
Soon
, however, Jehovah will sweep away the incorrigibly wicked so that humans who love him can enjoy everlasting life in a righteous new world.?Psalm 37:9-11,29; 2 Peter 3:13.Soon, very soon?the incorrigibly wicked, anyone who is not a dedicated, baptized JW. And we see the first mention of the "carrot," the true motivation for almost all JWs?"everlasting life in a righteous new world."
w89
9/1 p. 19 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the MillenniumOnly 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. As it was in the days of Noah, said Jesus, so it would be in the day when He would be revealed. Inside the ark that took many years of organized effort to complete, only eight human souls survived the global Deluge. They survived as a united family group. (Matthew 24:22, 37-39; Luke 17:26-30) Noah?s wife corresponds to the bride of Christ, and his sons and daughters-in-law to Jesus? present-day "other sheep," who have grown into an increasing great crowd, the final proportions of which we do not now know. (John 10:16) For survival into the Millennium under the Greater Noah, Jesus Christ, they have to remain organized with the anointed remnant, "the chosen ones" on account of whom the days of the "great tribulation" will be cut short.?Matthew 24:21, 22.Knowledge book
chap. 18 p. 180 Make It Your Aim to Serve God ForeverA dedicated, baptized person
faithfully endeavoring to follow Jesus is special to God. Jehovah examines all the billions of human hearts and knows how rare such individuals are. He considers them to be treasures, "desirable things." (Haggai 2:7) Bible prophecies show that God views such ones as marked to survive the execution of his judgment soon to come upon this wicked system of things. (Ezekiel 9:1-6; Malachi 3:16, 18) Are you "rightly disposed for everlasting life"? (Acts 13:48) Is it your earnest desire to be marked as one serving God? Dedication and baptism are part of that mark, and they are essential for survival.2 Jehovah shows love his true worshipers in a precious, lasting way. Such love is denoted by a Hebrew word translated "loving-kindness," or "loyal love." King David of ancient Israel deeply appreciated God?s loving-kindness. Because of his personal experience and his meditation on God?s dealings with others, David could confidently sing: "Jehovah is . . . great in loving-kindness [or, "loyal love"]."?Psalm 145:8.
Did you ever wonder why David was not put to death for adultery and murder as the Law proscribed? While the WTS says it was because David repented and had shown mercy to others, there is to clause in the Law for such exceptions. Did you know that David?s wives were raped by his son before David?s eyes because he had taken another man?s wife? His wives were punished for his sin?.hmmmm! (2 Samuel 12:11; 16:20-22)
Identifying God?s Loyal Ones
3 Regarding Jehovah God, the prophet Samuel?s mother, Hannah, said: "The feet of his loyal ones he guards." (1 Samuel 2:9) Who are such "loyal ones"? King David supplies the answer. After extolling Jehovah?s marvelous qualities, he states: "Your loyal ones will bless you." (Psalm 145:10) You may wonder how humans can bless God. They do so primarily by praising him or by speaking well of him.
Once again where is Christ in this paragraph? Where is the New Testament in the "bible discussion"? Is there nothing about loyalty in the NT?
Ephesians
4:24and should put on the new personality which was created according to God?s will in true righteousness and loyalty.
1 Thessalonians 2:10
YOU are witnesses, God is also, how loyal and righteous and unblamable we proved to be to YOU believers
1
Timothy 2:8Therefore I desire that in every place the men carry on prayer, lifting up loyal hands, apart from wrath and debates.
Titus
1:8but hospitable, a lover of goodness, sound in mind, righteous, loyal, self-controlled
,4 Jehovah?s loyal ones can be identified as those who use their mouths to speak well of him. In social settings and at Christian meetings, what is a common theme of their discussions?
Why it is Jehovah?s Kingdom!
Ask yourself, how many times you discussed the kingdom, before and after the meetings, and in social settings? Hmmmmmm?
Does this sound familiar? See last week?s article:
(last week) We also bless Jehovah God when we discuss his purposes with fellow believers at Christian meetings or during private conversations.
(my comment last week/ditto) What do JWs discuss in their private conversations: what they watched on tv that week or the movie they went to, shopping, sports, their last vacation, their new car or house, and lastly the dirt on someone in the congregation.
God?s loyal servants share the sentiments of David, who sang: "About the glory of your [Jehovah?s] kingship they will talk, and about your mightiness they will speak."?Psalm 145:11.
5 Does Jehovah take note when his loyal ones praise him? Yes, he pays attention to what they say. In a prophecy relating to true worship in our day, Malachi wrote (I guess they couldn?t find an NT prophet): "At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him and for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name." (Malachi 3:16) It pleases Jehovah very much when his loyal ones speak well of him and he remembers them.
The WTS proclaims itself as the only earthly channel to God. Does speaking badly of the organization mean one is speaking badly of God?
Why is nothing mentioned about speaking well of Jesus Christ?
Acts
4:1-2Now while the [two] were speaking to the people, the chief priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, being annoyed because they were teaching the people and were plainly declaring the resurrection from the dead in the case of Jesus;
Acts
4:18With that they called them and charged them, nowhere to make any utterance or to teach upon the basis of the name of Jesus.
Acts
4:29-30And now, Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing and while signs and portents occur through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Acts
5:40At this they gave heed to him, and they summoned the apostles, flogged them, and ordered them to stop speaking upon the basis of Jesus? name, and let them go.
Acts
5:42And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.
Acts
9:27So Bar´na·bas came to his aid and led him to the apostles, and he told them in detail how on the road he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
Acts
11:20However, out of them there were some men of Cy´prus and Cy·re´ne that came to Antioch and began talking to the Greek-speaking people, declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus
.6 Jehovah?s loyal servants (better known as Christians) can also be identified by their courage and initiative in speaking to people who are not worshipers of the true God (anyone not a JW). Indeed, God?s loyal ones "make known to the sons of men his mighty acts and the glory of the splendor of his kingship." (Psalm 145:12)
Do you seek and take full advantage of opportunities to speak to strangers (so you can count your time) about Jehovah?s kingship?
Translation: You?re all slacking out there. Hours are dropping; people aren?t conducting Bible studies.
Unlike human governments, which will soon pass away, his kingship is eternal. (1 Timothy 1:17)
I wonder what the governments think about JWs preaching they will SOON be gone?
It is urgent that people learn about Jehovah?s everlasting kingship (where is Jesus?) and take their stand as its supporters (by dedication and baptism as JWs). "Your kingship is a kingship for all times indefinite," sang David, "and your dominion is throughout all successive generations."?Psalm 145:13.
7 Since 1914, there has been added reason to speak about Jehovah?s kingship. In that year, God established the heavenly Messianic Kingdom with Jesus Christ, the Son of David as King. Jehovah thus fulfilled his promise that David?s kingship would be firmly established to time indefinite.?2 Samuel 7:12,23; Luke 1:32,33.
Actually, at one time the WTS taught that Armageddon would come in 1914.
Charles Taze Russell, first president of the WT Society, predicted Armageddon for 1914: "...the 'battle of the great day of God Almighty', which will end in AD 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced." The Time Is At Hand, 1911 ed., p. 101.
8 Proof that Jehovah now reigns through the Kingdom of his Son, Jesus Christ, is seen in the ongoing fulfillment of the sign of Jesus? presence.
Once the WTS taught that Jesus? presence began in 1874.
w74
8/15 p. 507 No Spiritual "Energy Crisis" for Discreet OnesHence, when C. T. Russell began publishing a new religious magazine in July 1879, it was called "Zion?s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ?s Presence." It was heralding Christ?s presence as having begun in 1874. This invisible presence was expected to continue until the Gentile Times ended in 1914, when the Gentile nations would be destroyed and the remnant of the "chaste virgin" class would be glorified with their Bridegroom in heaven by death and resurrection to live in the spirit.
The most outstanding feature of that sign is the work Jesus foretold for all of God?s loyal ones when he said: "this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:3-14)
Notice there is not mention of the "seven times" and 607 BC being used as proof. Hmmmmmm??
http://www.607v587.com/Because God?s loyal ones (Christians???) are zealously fulfilling that prophecy, over six million men, women, and children (as young as 5 or younger, see picture page 17) are now sharing in this grand, never-to-be-repeated work.
Soon the end will come
for all opposers of Jehovah?s Kingdom (all non-JWs).?Revelation 11:15,18. Benefiting From Jehovah?s Sovereignty 9 If we are dedicated Christians (only JWs), our relationship with the Sovereign Lord Jehovah brings us many benefits. (Psalm 71:5; 116:12) Because we fear God and practice righteousness, for instance, we enjoy his approval and are spiritually close to him. (Acts 10:34,35; James 4:8) By contrast, human rulers are often seen in the company of prominent people, such as military leaders, wealthy businessmen (women?), or sports and entertainment celebrities (like Prince?). According to the African newspaper Sowetan, a prominent government official said the following about poverty-stricken areas in his land: "I understand when most of us do not want to go to such areas, it is simply because we want to forget that such situations exist. It pricks our conscience and we are embarrassed by the expensive [automobiles] we drive." Sounds like the people in my old congregation. They hated working in the poor neighborhoods and black neighborhoods. They were afraid they would be robbed, attacked, or have their car stolen. I laughed inwardly when one had their car vandalized while on a Bible study in a posh neighborhood. They would suddenly remember an appointment they had when the car captain had a territory in the poor area . 10 Of course, some human rulers are sincerely concerned about the welfare of their subjects. But even the most noble among them does not know their subjects intimately. Indeed, we may ask: Is there any ruler who cares for ALL of his subjects so much that he quickly comes to the aid of each one in times of trouble? Yes, there is. David wrote (not sang?): "Jehovah is giving support to all who are falling, and is raising up all who are bowed down."?Psalm 145:14. Are we to suggest that David meant non-Israelites too? The WTS says that God only helps them. 11 Many trials and calamities befall Jehovah God?s loyal ones (JWs) because of their own imperfection and because they live in a world that is lying in the power of Satan, "the wicked one." (1 John 5:19; Psalm 34:19) Christians (JWs) experience persecution. Some suffer from chronic illness or because of bereavement. At times, the mistakes of Jehovah?s loyal ones may cause them to ?bow down? in discouragement. Whatever trial befalls them, however, Jehovah is always ready to give comfort and spiritual strength to each one of them (but only if they associate with the WTS). The King Jesus Christ has the same loving interest in his loyal subjects.?Psalm 72:12-14. Not a mention of the troubles the WTS caused when they put forth 1914, 1925, 1975 as the end or when the said transplants were okay up to 1967 then they were wrong until 1980 (how many died?) and then decided they were right after all and transplants were a personal decision. Satisfying Food In Season 12 Out of his great loving-kindness, Jehovah provides for all the needs of his servants. This includes satisfying them with nourishing food. King David wrote: "To you [Jehovah] the eyes of all look hopefully, and you are giving them their food in its season. You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing." (Psalm 145:15,16) Even in times of calamity, Jehovah can maneuver matters so that his loyal ones get "bread for the day."?Luke 11:3; 12:29,30. Are we to expect it now, today or how has the WTS applied this scripture? w01 1/1 p. 10 Be Built Up by LoveWhile it is proper and natural to have a desire to receive future blessings and hoped-for relief from trials, love builds our appreciation for what should be paramount in our life. It is Jehovah?s will, not ours, that is the important thing. (Luke 22:41, 42) Yes, love builds us up. It makes us content to wait patiently upon our God, satisfied with whatever blessings he gives and confident that in his due time we will receive everything that he has promised?and more. (Psalm 145:16; 2 Corinthians 12:8, 9) In the meantime, love helps us to keep on serving unselfishly because "love . . . does not look for its own interests."?1 Corinthians 13:4, 5. w98 1/1 pp. 23-24 Do You Really Appreciate the Blessings of Jehovah?/Patiently Waiting on Jehovah Before you receive Jehovah?s blessings, though, sometimes you must wait for his time. Jehovah knows your situation and provides for each need when it will do you the most good. (Psalm 145:16; Ecclesiastes 3:1; James 1:17) You may be fond of fruit, but what would you think of a host who served you fruit before it was ready to be eaten? Whether an apple, an orange, or something else, you would prefer your fruit ripe, juicy, and sweet. Similarly, Jehovah provides what you need at the right time?not too early and not too late. Should JWs expect God to provide food like he did manna to the Israelites and Jesus did to the 5,000? Yes, according to this. But does the WTS teach that such miracles will happen in our time? w78 8/15 p. 6 The Sermon on the Mount?"You Must Pray, Then, This Way"Give us today our bread for this day." (Matt. 6:11) In Luke?s Gospel account the wording of this request is: "Give us our bread for the day according to the day?s requirement." (Luke 11:3) Asking God to provide necessary items "for this day" promotes faith in his ability to care for the needs of his worshipers from day to day. It is not a petition for superabundant provisions, but one for daily needs as they arise. It reminds one of God?s command that the Israelites gather the miraculously provided manna "each his amount day for day," and no more.?Ex. 16:4. w96 11/1 p. 30 Why Give to Jehovah? There is no question that Jehovah blesses those who show a giving spirit. (Proverbs 11:25) The widow of Zarephath did not have to suffer for giving up what she thought was her last meal. Jehovah rewarded her with a miracle. As Elijah had promised, her containers of flour and of oil were not exhausted until the drought had passed. But she received an even greater reward. When her son fell sick and died, Elijah, the man of the true God, restored him to her. How that must have built her up spiritually!?1 Kings 17:16-24. Today we do not expect to be blessed with miracles. (1 Corinthians 13:8)13 David mentioned that "every living thing" gets satisfied. That includes the animals. If it were not for earth?s abundant vegetation of the land and plants of the sea, aquatic creatures, birds, and land animals would haven oxygen to breathe or food to eat. (Psalm 104:14) However, Jehovah sees to it that all their needs are satisfied. 14 Unlike animals, humans have a spiritual need. (Matthew 5:3) How wonderfully Jehovah satisfies the spiritual needs of his loyal ones! (JWs) Before his death, Jesus promised that "the faithful and discreet slave" would provide Jesus? followers with spiritual "food at the proper time." (Matthew 24:45) The remnant (around 8500) of the 144,000 anointed ones make up that slave class today. Through them, Jehovah has indeed provided spiritual food abundance. Where in the paragraph above, does the WTS provide proof that the FDS and the remnant of the 144,000 are found in their organization? http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/67457/1.ashx Could you explain how the remaining 8,500 plus JWs that claim to have the heavenly calling participate in the writing of the WTS publications? Do the sisters who make up the anointed on earth participate in writing? Who does write these articles? All the members of the Governing Body? Unanointed men who "assist"? 15 For example, most of Jehovah?s people (why not "Christians"?) now benefit from a fresh (there are many new translations today) and accurate (how are the others inaccurate?) translation of the Bible in their own language. What a marvelous blessing the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures has been! Moreover, millions of Bible study aids continue to be published in over 300 languages. All this spiritual food has been a blessing to true worshipers (JWs) around the earth. Who deserves the credit for all of this? Jehovah God (not Jesus because JWs don?t identify themselves as Christians but Jehovah?s people). By his great loving-kindness, he has made it possible for the slave class to provide "food in its season." (No proof WTS is the FDS provided in this article or referenced to other WTS publications.) Through such provisions, "the desire of every living things" in the present day spiritual paradise (self-proclaimed) gets satisfied. And how Jehovah?s servants (why not "Christians?) rejoice in the hope of soon seeing the earth transformed into a physical paradise!?Luke 23:42,43. First mention of "spiritual paradise" was in 1958. w58 10/1 p. 590 Divine Will International Assembly of Jehovah?s WitnessesThursday afternoon the conventioners waited with intense interest to hear Brother Knorr speak on "Maintaining Our Spiritual Paradise." Knorr told the vast audience of 145,488 persons that when the holy spirit was poured out on Christ?s disciples at Pentecost, making them spiritual sons of God, "a spiritual paradise had then been established." But this paradise did not continue after the death of the apostles. Knorr pointed out that after their death "Satan the Devil brought about the loss of the Christians? spiritual paradise."It was from 1919 onward that spiritual paradise was restored, when Jehovah?s witnesses were freed from Babylonish captivity and began bringing forth the fruits of the spirit. They must maintain this spiritual paradise. Soon? 1914, 1925, 1975, 1984, 1994? What happened to the generation of 1914? Try the following site for some interesting quotes from WTS publications. http://quotes.jehovahswitnesses.com/1914.htm http://quotes.jehovahswitnesses.com/1925.htm http://quotes.jehovahswitnesses.com/1975.htm16 Consider a striking example of spiritual food received in the right season. During 1939 (September), World War II started in Europe. In that same year, the November 1 issue of The Watchtower contained an article entitled "Neutrality." As a result of the clear information presented, Jehovah?s Witnesses around the world saw the need to maintain strict neutrality in the affairs of the warring nations. This brought upon them the wrath of governments on both sides of that six-year conflict. Despite being banned and persecuted, however, God?s loyal ones (only JWs) kept on preaching the good news of the Kingdom. From 1939 to 1946, they were blessed with an amazing increase of 157 percent. Moreover, their striking record of integrity during the war continues to help people to identify true religion.?Isaiah 2:2-4. But JWs were told that WWII would culminate in Armageddon, a big incentive to jump on the bandwagon. WT Sep 15 1941 288 "Receiving the gift, [Rutherford's book, Children] the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon ." Have JWs maintained neutrality? What about the cartilla situation in Mexico in the 70?s? http://www.jwfiles.com/mexico.htmA further ? rather different ? example, to which Franz draws attention, relates to Mexico, where the government required everyone undertake a year?s military service. Completion of this service gained the citizen an ?Identity Cartilla for Military Service?, which was essential for obtaining a driving licence and a passport, as well as for other legal matters. The passport, of course, was particularly important for Witnesses who often need to work abroad, or to go to the U.S.A. for international Assembly. One way of obtaining such a certificate was bribery, euphemistically called ?paying a fee in lieu?, and the Governing Body?s opinion was sought in this matter. Perhaps surprisingly, the Governing Body took the view that such a ?money transaction? or ?payment of fee? was a matter for one?s conscience (they avoided the term ?bribe?), and was only to be avoided if the money went directly to the military establishment. This was the view they expressed, even though the certificate rendered one eligible for military call-up. http://www.cesnur.org/2002/slc/chryssides.htm17 The spiritual food that Jehovah provides is not only timely but also richly satisfying.Flip flop doctrines (how timely were these?) Superior authorities1879 to 1929 Superior authorities secular authorities
1929 to 1962 Superior authorities God/Jesus
1962 to 2004 Superior authorities secular authorities
Organ transplantsUp till 1967 Okay
1967 to 1980 Disfellowshipping offense/cannibalism
1980 to 2004 Okay/personal decision/not DF?ing offense
While the nations were in the thick of battle during World War II Jehovah?s people were helped to focus on something more important than their own salvation. (See paragraph 15 "Jehovah?s servants rejoice in the hope of soon seeing the earth transformed into a physical paradise!") Jehovah helped them to understand the primary issue, involving the whole universe, relates to Jehovah?s rightful sovereignty. How satisfying it is to know that by their loyalty each Witness of Jehovah (Christians?) had a small part in the vindication of Jehovah?s sovereignty and in proving the Devil to be a liar! (Proverbs 27:11) Unlike Satan, who slanders Jehovah and his way of ruling,Translation: Anyone who criticizes the WTS "way of ruling" is like Satan, slandering God.
Jehovah?s loyal ones continue to declare publicly: "Jehovah is righteous in all his ways."?Psalm 145:17Translation: The WTS is righteous in all its ways.
Another example of timely, satisfying spiritual food is the book Draw Close to Jehovah, which was released at hundreds of "Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers" District Conventions held around the world in 2002/03. This book, produced by "the faithful and discreet slave" (all 8,500 plus?) and published by Jehovah?s Witnesses (not the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society), focuses on Jehovah God?s (not Jesus) marvelous qualities, including those mentioned in Psalm 145. This fine book will surely play an important role in helping God?s loyal ones to draw even closer to him.Translation: This is the next book coming up at the book study and you will be there, studied and prepared to answer. You WILL be satisfied or else!
A Time to Draw Closer to Jehovah (not Jesus?) 19 A crucial stage in settling the issue of Jehovah?s sovereignty is drawing near. As foretold in Ezekiel chapter 38, Satan will soon complete his role as "Gog of the land of Magog." This will involve a worldwide attack on Jehovah?s people (only JWs). It will be an all-out attempt on the part of Satan to break the integrity of God?s loyal ones (only JWs). As never before, worshipers of Jehovah (Christians?) will need to call upon him earnestly, even crying for help. Will their reverential fear of God and love for him prove to be in vain? No, indeed for Psalm 145 says: "Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, to all those who call upon him in trueness. The desire of those fearing him he will perform, and their cry for help he will hear, and he will save them. Jehovah is guarding all those loving him, but all the wicked ones he will annihilate (all nonJWs)." ?Psalm 145:18-20. 20 How thrilling it will be to experience Jehovah?s nearness (Jesus too?) and his saving power when he annihilates all the wicked! (I thought Jesus was doing that?) At that crucial time now so near, Jehovah will listen only to "those who call on him in trueness." (only JWs) He certainly will not listen to hypocrites (all non-JWs). God?s Word clearly shows that any last-minute use of his name by the wicked has always proved to be in vain.?Proverbs 1:28,29; Micah 3:4; Luke 13:24,25.21 Now more than ever before in the time for those who fear Jehovah to "call upon him in trueness." His loyal ones delight to use his name (see previous scriptures re Jesus? name) in their prayers and in the comments they make at the meetings (make note during the next few meetings to see how often). They use the divine name in private conversations. And they courageously declare Jehovah?s name in their public ministry.?Romans 10:10, 13-15. (see paragraph 4)
22 To continue benefiting from our close relationship with Jehovah God (not Jesus?), it is also vital that we keep on resisting such spiritually detrimental things as materialism, unwholesome entertainment (video games, television, movies, music, internet, etc.), an unforgiving spirit, or indifference toward needy ones. (1 John 2:15-17: 3:15-17) If not corrected such pursuits and traits can result in the practice of serious sin and the eventual loss of Jehovah?s approval (as determined by a committee of 3 elders). (1 John 2:1,2; 3:6) It is the course of wisdom to bear in mind that Jehovah will continue to show loving kindness, or loyal love, toward us only if we remain faithful to him (faithful to the WTS)?2 Samuel 22:26
23 Let us therefore keep our thoughts centered on the grand future that awaits all of Jehovah?s loyal ones (JWs only).
Not centered on the vindication of Jehovah?s sovereignty?
By doing so, we have the wonderful prospect of being included among those who will exalt, bless, and praise Jehovah (not Jesus) "all day long" and "even forever." (Psalm 145:1,2) May we therefore ?keep ourselves in God?s love with everlasting life in view.? (Jude 20,21) As we continue to benefit from our heavenly Father?s marvelous qualities, including the great loving-kindness he displays toward those who love him (love the WTS), may our sentiments always be like those expressed by David in the final words of Psalm 145: "The praise of Jehovah my mouth will speak; and let all flesh bless his holy name to time indefinite, even forever."Concluding CommentsThis is the second half to last weeks article so why be surprised that the message is still THE END IS NEAR, SOON, SOONER THAN SON. Survival is only possible with the WTS (FDS).
But let?s comment on the pictures
Page 16Three young men in their 20?s, 2 white, 1 black, in Dockers and shirts sitting outside with beverages, a casual situation.
Caption:
"God?s loyal ones take delight in discussing his mighty acts"
Now pick yourself up off the floor and quit laughing you young guys (and others who know the facts).
What are they really discussing? My husband says men are interested in three things, sports, sex, and food. The order may vary. Discussing God does not even make the top 10.
Page 17A white father with his white 5 year old son, both dressed in dark suitcoats, tan slacks, ties. The son is standing in front of his father offering a tract to a woman on her porch. (How cute!?!)
Caption:
Jehovah?s servants courageously help strangers to learn about the glory of his kingship
Well, if that were true, wouldn?t they be sharing a scripture from the Bible?
Page 18Inset 1Elephant and ibex (?) in a savannah setting in Africa
Inset 2Young black boy with plaid shirt (probably in Africa) holding a glass of milk and an apple
(Do Africans drink cow?s milk (besides the Masais) and eat apples?)
Inset 3A book study/congregation in India (not a single person with gray hair)
(only brothers have their hands up)
Caption:
Jehovah provides food for "every living thing"
Page 19
Young black woman with scarf on head praying as she kneels on her bed and holds a Bible (or WTS publication) to her chest
Caption: Jehovah gives strength and guidance to his loyal ones, who seek his help in prayer.
(Question: Does the WTS teach that God listens to the prayers of non-JWs?)
Blondie