Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-23-05 WT Study (September 15, 2005 issue)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/
www.silentlambs.org
www.ajwrb.org
WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT!
"We are walking by faith, not by sight."-2 CORINTHIANS 5:7.
Opening Comments
Do you see a pattern here in the titles of the WT study articles?
9/1/05Walk With God in These Turbulent Times
We Shall Walk in the Name of Jehovah Our God
9/15/05Walk By Faith, Not by Sight!
Go On Walking as Jesus Christ Walked
11/1/05Jehovah is Our Shepherd--last paragraph: However, as his sheep we have the responsibility to walk with our great Shepherd.
Will You Walk With God?
11/15/05Hosea's Prophecy Helps Us to Walk With God
Walk With God and Reap What is God.
"The Ways of Jehovah Are Upright"--Last segment: Keep Walking in Jehovah's Upright Ways
I see a trend here. To help you the reader understand what the WTS means when it says "walk with God," remember these points.
*** w85 6/1 p. 19 Walk With Confidence in Jehovah's Leadership ***
Like earlier servants of God, then, we should shun an independent spirit, joyfully cooperate with God's theocratic organization, and walk with complete confidence in Jehovah's leadership.
*** w63 2/15 p. 107 Walking with God ***
To help us walk with him God has also provided a visible earthly organization, "the faithful and discreet slave," or "remnant," whom Jesus Christ has placed in charge of all his goods, even as he foretold. This "slave" provides leadership and spiritual food by means of appointed servants, meetings of various kinds and printed publications.
*** w62 6/15 p. 380 Avoid Unprofitable Questions ***
Yes, from Jehovah God, his Word and organization comes the instruction that enables Christians to walk in His paths, worshiping the Father with spirit and truth.
*** w57 5/1 p. 274 Show Respect for Jehovah's Organization ***
If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother.
START OF ARTICLE
THE year is 55 C.E. Some 20 years have passed since a man then named Saul, a
persecutor of Christians, embraced Christianity. He has not allowed the passing
of time to diminish or weaken his faith in God. Even though he has not beheld
heavenly realities with his physical eyes, he is firm in faith. When writing to
anointed Christians, who had the heavenly hope, the apostle Paul therefore said:
"We are walking by faith, not by sight."-2 Corinthians 5:7.
Paul converted around 34 C.E. and died around 65 C.E. for a "passing of time" of 31 years. How long have you been waiting, your parents or other JWs?
How long have JWs as a group been waiting? 1879 to 2005 (126 years) or 1914 to 2005 (91 years)
He [Paul] has not beheld heavenly realties with his physical eyes.
But he had beheld people and events we have not.
(Acts 9:3-6) 3 Now as he was traveling he approached Damascus, when suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" 5 He said: "Who are you, Lord?" He said: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 Nevertheless, rise and enter into the city, and what you must do will be told you."
(2 Corinthians 12:1-4) 12 I have to boast. It is not beneficial; but I shall pass on to supernatural visions and revelations of [the] Lord. 2 I know a man in union with Christ who, fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know; God knows-was caught away as such to the third heaven. 3 Yes, I know such a man-whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know, God knows- 4 that he was caught away into paradise and heard unutterable words which it is not lawful for a man to speak.
Writing to anointed Christians--remember that the NT is only for Christians who hope to go to heaven--where does the great crowd the WTS says will live forever on earth fit in?
2 Walking by faith requires implicit trust in God's ability to direct our lives.
We must be fully convinced that he really knows what is in our best interests.
(Psalm 119:66) As we make decisions in life and act on them, we take into
account "realities we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1, The New English Bible) These
include the promised "new heavens and a new earth." (2 Peter 3:13) Walking by
sight, on the other hand, means that we pursue a life course governed solely by
what we perceive with our physical senses. This is dangerous because it can lead
to our ignoring God's will altogether.-Psalm 81:12; Ecclesiastes 11:9.
Implicit trust in God's ability to direct our lives--only through the WTS
He really knows what is in our best interests--only as interpreted by the WTS
Ignoring God's will--ignoring the WTS
3 Whether we are of the "little flock," with the heavenly calling, or of the
"other sheep," with the earthly hope, each one of us should take to heart the
admonition to walk by faith and not by sight. (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) Let us
see how following this inspired advice will protect us from falling victim to
"the temporary enjoyment of sin," from the snare of materialism, and from losing
sight of the end of this system of things. We will also examine the dangers of
walking by sight.-Hebrews 11:25.
Other sheep...earthly hope--or the Gentile Christians having a heavenly hope starting with Cornelius?
Temporary enjoyment of sin
Snare of materialism
Losing sight of the end
These are the 3 reasons the WTS thinks they are losing members, not retaining the children of JWs, and the slowing down of the JWs that remain.
Rejecting "the Temporary Enjoyment of Sin"
4 Imagine the life that Moses, a son of Amram, could have had. Raised among the
royal offspring in ancient Egypt, Moses had within his grasp power, wealth, and
influence. Moses could have reasoned: `I have been well-educated in the vaunted
wisdom of Egypt, and I am powerful in word and deed. If I stay attached to the
royal household, I can use my position to benefit my oppressed Hebrew brothers!'
(Acts 7:22) Instead, Moses chose to be "ill-treated with the people of God."
Why? What moved Moses to turn his back on all that Egypt had to offer? The Bible
answers: "By faith [Moses] left Egypt, but not fearing the anger of the king,
for he continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible." (Hebrews
11:24-27) Moses' faith in Jehovah's sure reward for righteousness helped him to
resist sin and indulgence and its fleeting pleasure.
Enjoyment = sin
Moses--OT example, I guess there no examples of Christians giving up power; not like Paul who gave up his authority as a Pharisee
Moses could have reasoned--meaning the Bible does not say but the WTS will speculate
Translation: If I stay attached to the royal household (UN), I can use my position to benefit my oppressed Hebrew brothers (JWs). I guess the WTS chose to violate its so-called neutrality and use its association (position) with the UN as an NGO (non-governmental organization) to supposedly benefit the rank and file.
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
5 We too are often faced with the need to make difficult decisions on such
issues as these: `Should I give up certain practices or habits that are not
fully in line with Bible principles? Should I accept employment that has
apparent material advantages but that would hinder my spiritual progress?'
Moses' example encourages us not to make choices that reflect the
shortsightedness of this world; rather, we should exercise faith in the
farsighted wisdom of "the One who is invisible"--Jehovah God. Like Moses, may we
cherish Jehovah's friendship more than anything that this world has to offer.
Certain practices or habits that are not fully in line with Bible principles--notice how the WTS does not name any at this point. Can you think of some?
Men not wearing beards---women not being able to have more than one piercing in each earlobe (not any for men)
Employment that has apparent material advantages but would hinder my spiritual progress--I can think of several elders that routinely missed meetings because of their jobs.
Cherish Jehovah's friendship--Where's Jesus?
6 Contrast Moses with Esau, a son of the patriarch Isaac. Esau preferred instant
gratification. (Genesis 25:30-34) "Not appreciating sacred things," Esau gave
away his rights as firstborn "in exchange for one meal." (Hebrews 12:16) He
failed to consider how his decision to sell his birthright would affect his
relationship with Jehovah or what influence his action would have on his
offspring. He lacked spiritual vision. Esau closed his eyes to God's precious
promises, viewing them as of little value. He walked by sight, not by faith.
Blurb on page 17: Moses walked by faith
Esau--another OT example, why not Ananias and Sapphira
How is the WTS any different than Esau when they sold their "birthright" for association with the UN as an NGO? The UN that the WTS describes as:
1995 (4 years after associating with the UN as an NGO)
*** w95 10/1 p. 7 A World Without War-When? ***
THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF THE UNITED NATIONS
In Bible prophecy, human governments are often symbolized by wild beasts. (Daniel 7:6, 12, 23; 8:20-22) Hence, for many decades the Watchtower magazine has identified the wild beasts of Revelation chapters 13 and 17 with today's worldly governments. This includes the United Nations, which is depicted in Revelation chapter 17 as a scarlet-colored beast with seven heads and ten horns.
However, this Scriptural position does not condone any form of disrespect toward governments or their officials. The Bible clearly states: "Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves."-Romans 13:1, 2.
Accordingly, Jehovah's Witnesses, who are maintaining strict political neutrality, do not interfere with human governments. They never foment revolution or participate in acts of civil disobedience. Rather, they recognize that some form of government is necessary to maintain law and order in human society.-Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1.
Jehovah's Witnesses view the United Nations organization as they do other governmental bodies of the world. They acknowledge that the United Nations continues to exist by God's permission. In harmony with the Bible, Jehovah's Witnesses render due respect to all governments and obey them as long as such obedience does not require that they sin against God.-Acts 5:29.
Yet only 10 years earlier in 1985:
*** g85 10/22 p. 9 The UN-God's Way to Peace? ***
The Bible leaves no doubt as to the origin of the "wild beast" political system and its UN "image." In Revelation 13:2 we read: "And the dragon gave to the beast its power and its throne and great authority." Who does "the dragon" represent? The same Bible writer clarifies that "the dragon" is "the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth." But in what way is Satan misleading the world?-Revelation 12:9.
*** w85 10/1 p. 16 Peace, Security, and the 'Image of the Beast' ***
The United Nations does not enjoy good relations with God's Kingdom. In fact, its supporters oppose that Kingdom. The angel told John: "[The ten horns] will battle with the Lamb, but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so." (Revelation 17:14) True to the prophecy, the nations have persistently 'battled with the Lamb' throughout this time of the end, opposing and persecuting those who act as ambassadors of his Kingdom.
*** w84 9/15 p. 15 "All Israel" Saved to Bless All Mankind ***
The UN really stands in the way of God's Kingdom by the "seed" of Abraham. Hence, it is the present-day "disgusting thing that causes desolation." (Matthew 24:15) No, the UN is not a blessing, even though the religious clergy of Christendom and the rabbis of Jewry pray heaven's blessing upon that organization. It is really "the image of the wild beast," the visible political, commercial organization of "the god of this system of things," Satan the Devil. So the UN will soon be destroyed along with that beastly organization.-Revelation 13:1-18; 2 Corinthians 4:4.
7 Esau provides a warning example for us today. (1 Corinthians 10:11) When we
face decisions, whether great or small, we must not be seduced by the propaganda
of Satan's world, which says that you must have what you want right now. We do
well to ask ourselves: `Are Esaulike tendencies showing up in the decisions I
make? Would pursuing what I want now mean putting spiritual interests in the
background? Are my choices endangering my friendship with God and my future
reward? What kind of example am I setting for others?' If our choices reflect
appreciation for sacred things, Jehovah will bless us.-Proverbs 10:22.
Propaganda of Satan's world...you must have what you want right now.
Do you think some will comment on putting aside further education at the university/college?
How many elders put aside a good job, marriage, children to follow Christ full-time like Paul did?
What kind of example am I setting for others?--yes, what kind of example do those elders set?
Avoiding the Snare of Materialism
8 In a revelation to the apostle John toward the close of the first century, the
glorified Jesus Christ delivered a message to the congregation located in
Laodicea, Asia Minor. It was a warning message against materialism. Though
materially rich, Laodicean Christians were bankrupt spiritually. Instead of
continuing to walk by faith, they allowed material possessions to blind their
spiritual vision. (Revelation 3:14-18) Materialism has a similar effect today.
It weakens our faith and causes us to stop `running with endurance the race' for
life. (Hebrews 12:1) If we are not careful, the "pleasures of this life" can
smother spiritual activities to the point that they are "completely
choked."-Luke 8:14.
Laodicea...materialism...materially rich...bankrupt spiritually--What about Prince? Is he giving up his millions to regular pioneer? Do you know of other less well known JWs who have much materially but are not giving it all up?
Pleasures of this life--like eating, living in a dry, warm, safe home, wearing clothes that meet the stringent WTS requirements. What pleasures are not allowed--movies, tv, radio, CDs, sports cars..
Smother spiritual activities--indicates that the WTS is trying to combat low meeting attendance (about 60% in the congregations in my area) and low hours in the door to door work.
9 A key to spiritual protection is contentment rather than the use of this world
to the full and the enrichment of ourselves materially. (1 Corinthians 7:31; 1
Timothy 6:6-8) When we walk by faith and not by sight, we find joy in the
present spiritual paradise. As we partake of nourishing spiritual food, are we
not moved to "cry out joyfully because of the good condition of the heart"?
(Isaiah 65:13, 14) Moreover, we take delight in our association with those who
manifest the fruitage of God's spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23) How vital that we
find satisfaction and refreshment in what Jehovah provides in a spiritual way!
Blurb on page 18: Does recreation often keep you from theocratic activities?
Contentment...use of this world to the full--and who determines that...the elders/busybodies in your congregation will let you know when you step over the line without setting the same example. How many parents regular pioneered or went to Bethel, yet push it on their children?
We find joy in the present spiritual paradise--evidently many JWs are not finding joy and are absent often from the "spiritual paradise."
Nourishing spiritual food--that is tasteless and cold
Take delight in our association with those who manifest the fruitage of God's spirit--people who are no longer found at the KH of JWs but rather people who are
Unloving (love)
Joyless (joy)
Unpeaceful (peace)
Quick to anger (long-suffering)
Unkind (kindness)
Without moral excellence (goodness)
Faithless (faith)
Ungentle (mildness)
Uncontrolled (self-control)
10 Some questions we do well to ask ourselves are: `What place do material
things occupy in my life? Am I using the material possessions I have to live a
life of pleasure or to promote true worship? What brings me the greatest
satisfaction? Is it Bible study and fellowship at Christian meetings, or is it
weekends away from Christian responsibilities? Do I reserve many weekends for
recreation instead of using such time for the field ministry and other
activities in connection with pure worship?' Walking by faith means that we keep
busy in the Kingdom work, with full trust in Jehovah's promises. -1 Corinthians
15:58.
Am I using the material possession I have to live a life of pleasure or to promote true worship?
This goes hand in hand with the increase in requests for donations and the upfront donations of thousands of dollars made at assemblies and conventions. Where donations for disasters go to the general WTS fund and the WTS decides how much goes to the JWs affected, determining whether they qualify by the number of meetings they attend and the number of hours they turn in on a time slip.
Is it weekends away from Christian responsibilities--I can tell you that the elders I knew missed many, many meetings on the weekends when they recreated. No attending KHs in far away places.
Reserve many weekends for recreation instead of using such time for the field ministry--I know of one area in the US near some prime winter recreation where the elders have only one meeting for field service on Saturday, assigning one elder or MS, so that the other elders and their families are free to ski. Or beach areas; or hunting to the point of missing the CO visit.
Walking by faith = busy in WTS work, with full trust in WTS promises, that keep changing (1914, 1915, 1925, 1975, 1984, 1994, 1995 (end of 1914 generation).
Keeping the End in Sight
11 Walking by faith helps us to shun fleshly views that the end is far off or is
not coming at all. Unlike skeptics who make light of Bible prophecy, we discern
how world events line up with what God's Word foretold for our day. (2 Peter
3:3, 4) For example, do not the attitude and the behavior of people in general
give evidence that we are living in "the last days"? (2 Timothy 3:1-5) With the
eyes of faith, we see that current world events are not just history repeating
itself. Rather, they form "the sign of [Christ's] presence and of the conclusion
of the system of things."-Matthew 24:1-14.
Shun fleshly views that the end is far off or is not coming at all--with the end of the 1914 generation in 1995, many JWs no longer have that urgency; and as the older generation dies off, those who remain wonder if they will see "the end" in their lifetime.
Attitude and behavior of people in general--another attempt to demonize 6 billion people; people who routinely prove their love for their fellow humans in ways that JWs never do.
Christ's presence--1874 or 1914?
12 Consider an event in the first century of our Common Era that has a parallel
in our day. When on earth, Jesus Christ warned his followers: "When you see
Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her
has drawn near. Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains, and let
those in the midst of her withdraw." (Luke 21:20, 21) In fulfillment of this
prophecy, Roman armies under the command of Cestius Gallus laid siege to
Jerusalem in 66 C.E. But the armies withdrew abruptly, furnishing the signal and
the opportunity for the Christians there `to flee to the mountains.' In 70 C.E.,
the Roman armies returned, attacked the city of Jerusalem, and destroyed its
temple. Josephus reports that over a million Jews died, and 97,000 were taken
captive. Divine judgment was executed upon that Jewish system of things. Those
who walked by faith and heeded Jesus' warning escaped the calamity.
Parallel in our day--the WTS teaches that everyone but JWs will die yet 97,000 Jews survived although in captivity. How is that a parallel?
How many false alarms were there in the first century? 1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's, 1975, (1984), (1994), 1995 (the demise of the 1914 generation)
13 Something similar is about to take place in our day. Elements within the
United Nations will be involved in the execution of divine judgment. Just as the
Roman armies of the first century were designed to maintain the Pax Romana
(Roman Peace), the United Nations of today is intended to be a peacekeeping
instrument. Although the Roman armies tried to ensure relative safety throughout
the then known world, they became the desolater of Jerusalem. Likewise today,
Bible prophecy indicates that militarized powers within the United Nations will
see religion as a disturbing element and will act to destroy modern-day
Jerusalem -Christendom-as well as the rest of Babylon the Great. (Revelation
17:12-17) Yes, the entire world empire of false religion stands on the brink of
destruction.
Elements within the United Nations will be involved in the execution...militarized powers within the United Nations will see religion as a disturbing element and will act to destroy modern-day Jerusalem--Christendom--as well as the rest of Babylon the Great.
Now that the WTS has broken with the UN, it has nothing to lose labeling it. Notice how they avoided calling it the "scarlet-colored wild beast."
(Revelation 17:3) 3 And he carried me away in [the power of the] spirit into a wilderness. And I caught sight of a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored wild beast that was full of blasphemous names and that had seven heads and ten horns.
Brink of destruction--VERY SOON NOW
14 The desolation of false religion will mark the beginning of the great
tribulation. In the final part of the great tribulation, the remaining elements
of this wicked system of things will be destroyed. (Matthew 24:29, 30;
Revelation 16:14, 16) Walking by faith keeps us alert to the fulfillment of
Bible prophecy. We are not duped into thinking that any man-made agency like the
United Nations is God's means of bringing true peace and security. So, then,
should not our way of life demonstrate our conviction that "the great day of
Jehovah is near"?-Zephaniah 1:14.
Desolation of false religion...beginning of great tribulation
Remaining elements of this wicked system will be destroyed--all 6 billion plus, men, women, and children whether they receive a "personal" witness or not.
Alert to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy--which can only be understood best while in the process of fulfillment per the WTS
*** w97 8/15 p. 16 Living for Today or for an Eternal Future? ***
As events develop, though, our understanding of prophecy has become clearer. History shows that rarely, if ever, are divine prophecies fully understood before their fulfillment
Our way of life demonstrate our conviction...day...is near--by giving more money to the WTS
Walking by Sight-How Dangerous?
15 The experiences of ancient Israel illustrate the dangers of allowing walking
by sight to weaken one's faith. In spite of witnessing the ten plagues that
humiliated the false gods of Egypt and then experiencing the spectacular
deliverance through the Red Sea, the Israelites disobediently made a golden calf
and began to worship it. They became restless and grew weary of waiting for
Moses, who "was taking a long time about coming down from the mountain." (Exodus
32:1-4) Impatience moved them to worship an idol visible to the natural eye.
Their walking by sight insulted Jehovah and led to the execution of "about three
thousand men." (Exodus 32:25-29) How sad it is when a worshipper of Jehovah
today makes decisions that indicate distrust of Jehovah and a lack of confidence
in his ability to fulfill his promises!
College, insurance, retirement, spending money on health issues, etc.
Ancient Israel--OT example again
Impatience moved them...lack of confidence in his ability to fulfill his promises--lack of confidence in the WTS to fulfill their promises.
http://www.freeminds.org/history/new1914.htm
*** w78 10/1 p. 31 Questions from Readers ***
Thus, when it comes to the application in our time, the "generation" logically would not apply to babies born during World War I. It applies to Christ's followers and others who were able to observe that war and the other things that have occurred in fulfillment of Jesus' composite "sign." Some of such persons "will by no means pass away until" all of what Christ prophesied occurs, including the end of the present wicked system.
*** w80 10/15 p. 31 Questions from Readers ***
Yes, there was a generation of people that was living in 1914, and that saw the major historical changes from an era of comparative tranquillity to the present era of war, lawlessness and ruination. Many who are now Jehovah's Witnesses were among them. Truly, 1914 marked "the supreme example" of change, for that year set in motion the foretold "beginning of pangs of distress" among the nations. Many persons are still alive who can tell us how catastrophically conditions on earth changed in the year 1914. And the world continues to plunge into worse and worse trouble. We can be happy, therefore, for Jesus' assurance that there will be survivors of "the generation of 1914"-that this generation will not have completely passed away-when the "great tribulation" rings down the curtain on this wicked world system.
And after such confidence, the WTS in 1995 says:
*** w95 11/1 p. 17 A Time to Keep Awake ***
Eager to see the end of this evil system, Jehovah's people have at times speculated about the time when the "great tribulation" would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914. However, we "bring a heart of wisdom in," not by speculating about how many years or days make up a generation, but by thinking about how we "count our days" in bringing joyful praise to Jehovah.
Does our more precise viewpoint on "this generation" mean that Armageddon is further away than we had thought? Not at all! Though we at no time have known the "day and hour," Jehovah God has always known it, and he does not change
Yes, as one sister said to me, "We don't know the day or the hour, but we know the year, 1975."
Whose promises have been broken, God's or the WTS?
16 Outward appearances affected the Israelites negatively in other ways. Walking
by sight made them tremble in fear of their enemies. (Numbers 13:28, 32;
Deuteronomy 1:28) It caused them to challenge Moses' God-given authority and
complain about their lot in life. This lack of faith led to their preferring
demon-controlled Egypt to the Promised Land. (Numbers 14:1-4; Psalm 106:24) How
hurt Jehovah must have been as he witnessed the gross disrespect his people
showed for their invisible King!
Blurb on page 20: How does paying attention to God's Word protect you?
It caused to challenge Moses' God-given authority--the WTS self-proclaimed God-given authority
What sea has the WTS parted?
Gross disrespect for God = gross disrespect for the WTS according to the WTS
WTS = God
17 Again in the prophet Samuel's day, the favored nation of Israel was caught in
the snare of walking by sight. The people began to desire a king whom they could
see. Even though Jehovah had demonstrated that he was their King, this was not
enough to make them walk by faith. (1 Samuel 8:4-9) To their own harm, they
foolishly rejected the flawless guidance of Jehovah, preferring instead to be
like the surrounding nations. -1 Samuel 8:19, 20.
But God has given his people a King, Jesus Christ not the WTS.
Flawless guidance--Is the WTS flawless?
Superior authorities--1879 to 1929, secular authorities; 1929-1962, God and Jesus; 1962--secular authorities
Organ transplants--until 1967--conscience; 1967-1980--DFing offense; 1980--conscience
(Scream--rape; resurrection--Sodom and Gomorrah)
18 As Jehovah's modern-day servants, we cherish our good relationship with God.
We are eager to learn and apply in our lives valuable lessons from past events.
(Romans 15:4) When the Israelites walked by sight, they forgot that God through Moses
was directing them. If we are not careful, we too can forget that Jehovah God
and the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, are directing the Christian congregation
today. (Revelation 1:1216) We must be on guard against taking a human view of
the earthly part of Jehovah's organization. Our doing so can lead to a
complaining spirit and a loss of appreciation for Jehovah's representatives as
well as for the spiritual food provided by "the faithful and discreet
slave."-Matthew 24:45.
Jehovah's modern-day servants--only JWs (what happened to being Christians?)
Good relationship with God--Where's Jesus
Jesus Christ, are directing--only through the WTS though
Complaining spirit...loss of appreciation for Jehovah's representatives...spiritual food...FDS
FDS = Christ = God?????
The rank and file are getting restless.
Be Resolved to Walk by Faith
19 "We have a wrestling," states the Bible, "not against blood and flesh, but
against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of
this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places."
(Ephesians 6:12) Our chief enemy is Satan the Devil. His aim is to destroy our
faith in Jehovah. He will not overlook any type of persuasion that might sway us
from our decision to serve God. (1 Peter 5:8) What will protect us from being
deceived by the outward appearance of Satan's system? Walking by faith, not by
sight! Trust and confidence in Jehovah's promises will safeguard us from
experiencing `shipwreck concerning our faith.' (1 Timothy 1:19) By all means,
then, let us be determined to continue walking by faith, fully confident in
Jehovah's blessing. And may we keep on praying that we may escape all the things
destined to occur in the near future.-Luke 21:36.
Our chief enemy is Satan...not overlook any type of persuasion that might sway us--do we wonder why JWs think that they are individually attacked by Satan?
Near future--near for the last 126 years. Even Paul only waited 31 years and other Christians alive in 33 CE only waited 37 years until 70 CE for the destruction of Jerusalem.
20 As we walk by faith, not by sight, we have a superb Exemplar. "Christ
suffered for you," states the Bible, "leaving you a model for you to follow his
steps closely." (1 Peter 2:21) The next article will discuss how we can go on
walking as he walked.
Watch how "Jehovah's modern-day servants" morph into Christians for next week's article, or do they?
Concluding Comments
The end is near although the WTS has been waiting for 126 years with false starts of 1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's, 1975, (1984), (1994), and VERY SOON NOW.
The rank and file are slowing down in meeting attendance, hours spent in door to door, and money donated to the WTS. Older JWs are realizing that they will see death and will not be part of the millions who will never die.
Perhaps some are even finding that walking with God means no longer walking with the WTS/FDS/GB.
(Matthew 15:14) . . .Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit."
Does anyone know what October 24 is?
Love, Blondie
Do You Recall?
- What did you learn from the examples of Moses and Esau about walk ing by
faith, not by sight?
- What is a key to avoiding materialism?
- How does walking by faith help us to avoid the view that the end is far off?
- Why is walking by sight dangerous?
Questions
1. What shows that the apostle Paul walked by faith, not by sight?
2, 3. (a) How do we demonstrate that we are walking by faith? (b) What does it
mean to walk by sight?
4. What choice did Moses make, and why?
5. How does Moses' example encourage us?
6, 7. (a) How did Esau show that he preferred to walk by sight? (b) What warning
example do we find in Esau?
8. What warning did the Laodicean Christians receive, and why is that of
interest to us?
9. How do contentment and appreciation for spiritual food protect us?
10. What questions do we do well to ask ourselves?
11. How does walking by faith help us to keep the end in sight?
12. How were Jesus' words recorded at Luke 21:20, 21 fulfilled in the first
century?
13, 14. (a) What events lie ahead? (b) Why should we stay alert to the
fulfillment of Bible prophecy?
15. In spite of their experiencing God's blessing, what snare did the nation of
Israel fall into?
16. How were the Israelites affected by outward appearances?
17. What caused the Israelites to reject Jehovah's guidance in Samuel's day?
18. What lessons can we learn about the dangers of walking by sight?
19, 20. What are you resolved to do, and why?
