Comments You Will Not Hear at the 2-1-04 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 blue PROVE YOURSELF READY FOR JEHOVAH?S DAY "Prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming."?MATTHEW 24:44.
You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected.?Matthew 24:44 (New Living Translation)
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Opening Comments
The theme of this article is materialism, materialism, materialism. Let me add, materialism.
Phrases on that theme
Avoid a certain (complacent) attitude prevalent today
Resist falling into a particular spiritual state
Shun certain life-styles (non-sexual)
Engrossed in personal affairs
Not to be so absorbed in their mate
Spiritual interests are being crowded out
Anxiety brought on by materialistic pursuits
Living beyond their means
Enticed by get-rich quick schemes and risky financial investments
Secular education as a means to attain financial success becomes a snare
A materialistic life-style can blind us, leaving little or no time for spiritual pursuits
Unnecessary material possessions
Simplify our life by freeing ourselves of certain belongings
START OF ARTICLE
It will be a day of battle and fury, of anguish and distress, of darkness and desolation. Jehovah?s "great and fear-inspiring day" is certain to come upon this wicked system of things (buzz phrase), even as the Flood drowned the wicked world in Noah?s day. There is no escaping it. Yet, "everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe." (Joel 2:30-32; Amos 5:18-20) God will destroy his enemies and save his people (only dedicated, baptized JWs and their minor unbaptized children, how young is that, under 6, the age JW children are allowed to be baptized). With a sense of urgency (buzz phrase), the prophet Zephaniah declares: "The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near, and there is a hurrying of it very much." (Zephaniah 1:14) When, though will this divine judgment be executed? (According to the WTS in 1914, 1925, 1975)?
You will notice the absence of the word "Armageddon" and only phrases such as "Jehovah?s day" and "the day of Jehovah." Why? Is it more PC? Is it a PR move considering the negative aspect the word Armageddon has and how it is the byword of religious organizations other than the WTS?
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1/1 p. 31 Accept the Implanting of the Soul-saving Word *That day of Jehovah?s anger is the foretold "great tribulation," including Armageddon
, "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." Only those who accept the implanting of the soul-saving Word can hope to be spared at that time.?Zeph. 2:3.w65
9/1 p. 518 God?s Kingdom and Christ?s TransfigurationBecause that prophecy said that such a work would be done preceding "the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah," which day is rapidly approaching and which includes "the war of the great day of God the Almighty," Armageddon
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3/1 p. 157 Courageous like the Lion Among NationsShortly God?s people will enter into the great day of Jehovah known as Armageddon
Also, once again the theme scripture is from the NT but the above paragraph cites 3 OT prophets, Joel, Amos, and Zephaniah. What is wrong with the 1 st century prophecies?
"Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father," said Jesus. (Matthew 24:36) Since we don?t know the precise time, it is vital that we take to heart the words of our yeartext for 2004: "Keep on the watch?Prove yourselves ready."?Matthew 24:42,44.
Yes, the WTS does not know the day or the hour but they know the year, 1914, 1925, 1975.
For quotes from WTS publications regarding these dates, see the following website containing only direct quotes, no commentary.
http://quotes.jehovahswitnesses.com/default.htmIndicating how suddenly those who are ready will be gathered to safety while others will be forsaken, Jesus said: "Two men will be in the field: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned; two women will be grinding at the hand mill: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned." (Matthew 24:40,41)
You might have heard this scripture used by many born-again faiths in explaining the rapture, the time when Jesus comes and takes his followers to heaven. But have you heard it used by the WTS much? Where is this place of safety? Attending meetings. Jesus was only talking to his disciples, those that would rule with him in heaven. So how does this apply to the "great crowd"?
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1/1 p. 11 Will You Live to See Christ?s "Coming"?The ones "taken along" are spiritually sharp-sighted, like eagles, who gather to the one whom they discern to be the Messiah, for the spiritual feast that Jehovah provides within his place of safety. They will gather together with God?s congregations on earth, under his true Messiah. Those "abandoned" will be those who do not keep spiritually awake and who consequently get swallowed up in a selfish way of life, as did the people in Noah?s day. Such are "abandoned" to destruction along with the world system of things in which they are involved.
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6/15 pp. 375-376 Maintaining the Way of FavorAfter Jesus had cited the examples of Noah and Lot to show the nature of his presence and revelation he then gave evidence to show that his manifestation must precede the execution of adverse judgment. He said: "Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned; two women will be grinding at the hand-mill: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned. Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Master is coming." (Matt. 24:40-42; Luke 17:34, 35, NW) The word used here in the Greek for the expression "taken along" is also used when Joseph is said to have taken his wife home. It is also as when Jesus is said to have taken Peter, James and John along with him into the mount of transfiguration. Jesus used the word when he said: "I am coming again and will receive you home to myself, that where I am you also may be." (John 14:3; Matt. 1:20, 24; 17:1, NW) Thus, those "taken along" receive a favorable standing with the Lord and are brought into a way of salvation. This corresponds to Noah?s being taken into the ark the day of the flood and to Lot?s being taken by the hand and led out of the city and therefore precedes the execution of judgment.
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10/15 p. 6 The Sign?Are You Heeding It?When that crucial time arrives, what will your position be? Will you be abandoned to destruction, or will you be taken along for survival? To guide you in the right direction, consider again the illustration that Jesus gave: "Where the body is, there also the eagles will be gathered together."?Luke 17:34-37; Matthew 24:28.
Jesus was thus emphasizing the need for farsighted, united action. Those who are taken along for survival are ones who regularly gather together and benefit from the spiritual nourishment God provides. Millions have experienced that such spiritual feeding comes through close association with one of over 55,000 congregations of Jehovah?s Witnesses and through studying Bible-based publications such as the one you are reading.
At that critical stage, what will be our personal situation? Will we be ready, or will that day catch us off guard? Much depends on the measures we take now. To prove ourselves ready for Jehovah?s day (GT/Armageddon) requires that we
Avoid a certain attitude prevalent today,
That we resist falling into a particular spiritual state,
And that we shun certain life-styles.
Avoid a Complacent Attitude
Consider the days of Noah (why not the days from 33 to 70 CE, the period of time Jesus? words were fullfilled).
"By faith, Noah, after being given divine warning of things not yet beheld, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household," states the Bible. (Hebrews 11:7) The ark would be unusual and quite visible (PROOF? Or is this adding to the Bible account?). Moreover, Noah was "a preacher of righteousness." (2 Peter 2:5) Neither Noah?s building nor his preaching moved the people of his day to act. Why? Because they were "eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage." Those to whom Noah preached were so engrossed in personal affairs and pleasures that "they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away."?Matthew 24:38,39
What does the WTS interpret, "they took no note" to mean? When did Christ?s presence start?
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11/1 p. 10 Jehovah Is a God of Long-SufferingTrue, those outside Noah?s immediate household "took no note" of his preaching. (Matthew 24:38, 39)
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3/1 p. 12 Are You Ready for Jehovah?s Day?He was also "a preacher of righteousness," but his contemporaries "took no note" of his God-given message.
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12/15 p. 12 They "Did Just So"Prophetically, Jesus compared that rebellious generation of Noah?s day to the generation of mankind that has rejected him since the sign of his "presence" began to become evident in 1914
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8/15 p. 507 No Spiritual "Energy Crisis" for Discreet OnesChrist?s presence was thought to have begun in October 1874
, at the start of the great antitypical Jubilee.From that understanding, it was thought that the "chaste virgin" class began going forth to meet the Bridegroom in 1874. (2 Cor. 11:2) Hence, 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,
In 1943 the Watch Tower Society?s book
"The Truth Shall Make You Free" did away with the nonexistent extra 100 years in the period of the Judges and placed the end of 6,000 years of man?s existence in the 1970?s. It also fixed the beginning of Christ?s presence, not in 1874, but in 1914 C.E.It was the same in the days of Lot. The scriptures will us: "They were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building. But on the day that Lot came out of Sodom it rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed them all." (Luke 17:28,29) After angels warned Lot of the impending destruction, he spoke to his sons-in-law about what was coming. In their eyes, though, "he seemed like a man who was joking."?Genesis 19:14.
Is this called preaching? Did Lot tell the others in Sodom and Gomorrah? Noah was given 500 years to preach but Lot only 5 minutes?
As it was in the days of Noah and Lot, "so the presence of the Son of man" would be, said Jesus. (Matthew 24:39; Luke 17:30) Indeed, the prevailing attitude of many today is that of complacency (especially in the congregations of JWs). We must be on guard against being influenced by such an outlook.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying good food and drink in moderation. Similarly, marriage is an arrangement of God.
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7/15 pp. 30-31 You Can Remain Chaste in an Immoral WorldTo married Christians, the apostle Paul gives this counsel: "This I say, brothers, the time left is reduced. Henceforth let those who have wives be as though they had none." (1 Corinthians 7:29) What does this entail? Well, the followers of Jesus Christ are to ?keep on seeking first the kingdom.? (Matthew 6:33) Therefore, married couples are not to be so absorbed in one another that they give Kingdom interests a secondary place in their lives.
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10/1 p. 9 "For Everything There Is an Appointed Time"Should even married couples occasionally "keep away from embracing"? Evidently so in a sense
, Evidently so in a sense, for Paul noted: "This I say, brothers, the time left is reduced. Henceforth let those who have wives be as though they had none." (1 Corinthians 7:29) Accordingly, the joys and blessings of marriage must at times take a backseat to theocratic responsibilities. A balanced view of this matter will not weaken a marriage but strengthen it because it helps to remind both partners that Jehovah must always be the central stabilizing figure in their relationship.?Ecclesiastes 4:12.However,
If such matters have become all important in our life and spiritual interests have been pushed aside (meeting attendance and trying to place WTS literature), are we personally ready for the fear-inspiring day of Jehovah?
"The time left is reduced," said the apostle Paul (who was not married). "Henceforth let those who have wives be as though they had none." (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) Only a limited time remains for us to finish our God-given Kingdom-preaching work. (Matthew 24:14) Paul admonished even thos who are married not to be so absorbed in their mate that they give Kingdom interests a secondary place in their lives. Clearly (buzzword), the mental inclination that Paul was recommending is the opposite of complacency. Jesus said: "Keep on then seeking first the kingdom and [God?s] righteousness." (Matthew 6:33) When making any decision or before undertaking any pursuit, the imperative questions to ask is, ?How will this affect my keeping Kingdom interests first in my life?"
Translation: Do not get married, if married ignore your mate as if single, do not have children. If I play basketball for 1 hour, I must preach for 2. If I spend $1 on pleasure, I must give $2 to the WTS.
What if we realize that we are already involved in the normal day-to-day things of life to such an extent that spiritual interests are being crowded out?
Divorce your spouse, quit your job, sell your belongings and pioneer until the end comes?
Is there little difference between our manner of life and that our neighbors who lack accurate knowledge of the Scriptures and are not Kingdom proclaimers?
If that is the case then we need to make this a matter of prayer (ask the elders and the CO what they think we should do). Jehovah can enable us to have the right mental attitude. (Romans 15:5; Philippians 3:15) He can help us to keep Kingdom interests first, to do what is right, and to fulfill our obligation to him (to the WTS).?Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 13:7.
PICTURES (Page 21)
First shows young adults drinking at a bar
Second shows a couple getting married at quite a fancy wedding (quite a low neckline on that dress)
Third shows a young couple with sunglasses (expensive) pushing daughter in a stroller, carrying several shopping bags
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3/1 p. 26 Responsible Childbearing in This Time of the EndSo the matter of childbearing in this time of the end is a personal one that each couple must decide for itself. However, since "the time left is reduced," married couples would do well to weigh carefully and prayerfully the pros and cons of childbearing in these times. (1 Corinthians 7:29) Those who do choose to have children should be fully aware not only of the joys childbearing can bring but also of the responsibilities involved and the problems that can arise for them and the children they bring into the world.
Yes, they are wasting their time, money, and effort on things of no value in this time of the end (right?!)
Resist Spiritual Drowsiness
The very prophecy that speaks of the oncoming "war of the great day of God the Almighty" at Armageddon (finally the words appears) warms that some may not keep awake. "Look! I am coming as a thief," says the Lord Jesus Christ. "Happy is the one that stays awake and keeps his outer garments, that he may not walk naked and people look upon his shamefulness." (Revelation 16:14-16) The outer garments mentioned here refer to what identifies us as Christian Witnesses of Jehovah (PROOF?). This includes our work as Kingdom proclaimers and our Christian conduct (Love is the identifying mark, isn?t it?). If we slide into sleeplike inactivity (inactive JWs are problem?), we may be stripped of our Christian identity (so does that mean inactive JWs are not Christians?) That is shameful and dangerous. We must resist falling into a state of spiritual drowsiness or lethargy. How can we resist such an inclination? (Avoid the boring talks at the meetings and assemblies). Is our Christian identity determined by the WTS or by Christ? The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the need to keep awake and keep our senses. For example, the Gospel accounts remind us; "Keep on the watch" (Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35,37); "prove yourselves ready" (Matthew 24:44); "keep looking, keep awake" (Mark 13:33); "keep ready" (Luke 12:40. After stating that the day of Jehovah (Armageddon) is going to come unexpectedly upon this world (but the WTS will know the year, so far 1914, 1925, 1975), the apostle Paul urges fellow believers: "Let us know sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses." (1 Thessalonians 5:6) In the last book of the Bible, the glorified Christ Jesus stresses the suddenness of his coming (presence?), saying: "I am coming quickly." (Revelation 3:11; 22:7,12,20) Many of the Hebrew prophets also described and warned of the great day of Jehovah (Armageddon) judgment. (Isaiah 2:12,17; Jeremiah 30:7; Joel 2:11; Zephaniah 3:8) Reading God?s Word (day?s text and Bible highlights if the average JW is diligent), the Bible, daily and reflecting on what we read (read the WTS comments and listen to the elder?s application) is a fine help in remaining spiritually alert.Christian meetings, assemblies, and conventions also help us to fight spiritual drowsiness. How? By means of the instruction we receive. And what helps us with the literal drowsiness at these events? BS Bingo courtesy Mulan. At these gatherings, are we not regularly reminded of the nearness of the day of Jehovah (near, soon, imminent, very soon, very near, fast-approaching, yes, since 1879)? Weekly Christian meetings also provide opportunities to ?incite one another to love and fine works.? And if you aren?t at the meetings, you will be ignored and treated as if you are DF?d. Such inciting, or stirring up, is conducive to spiritual wakefulness. Not surprisingly, we are commanded to gather regularly as we "behold the day drawing near."?Hebrews 10:24,25. (where in this scripture does it say command? Where does it say meetings are commanded any way in the NT?)
We are also helped to remain awake when we share wholeheartedly (buzzword) in the Christian ministry. What better means is there to keep fresh in mind the signs of the times and their meaning than to talk to others about them? And when we see those with whom we study the Bible make progress and begin to act on what they are learning, our own sense of urgency (buzz phrase) is heightened. "Brace up your minds for activity," said the apostle Peter, "keep your senses completely." (1 Peter 1:13) "Always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord" is a fine remedy for spiritual stupor.?1 Corinthians 15:58. I can?t believe how many snippets and unquoted scriptures there are. See, the purpose of the ministry is personal salvation not the salvation of those we talk to. Yes, brace up your mind for the same old propaganda the WTS has presented for over 100 years. People at the KH are senseless today and are in a stupor, trying to block out and tune in to something better. Try a carefully concealed pen radio.Shun Spiritually Damaging Life-Styles In his great prophecy about the sign of his presence (1874 or 1914), Jesus gave yet another warning. He said: "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. Keep awake, then all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man." (Luke 21:34-36) Jesus accurately described the life-styles that people in general pursue: overindulgence in food, drunkenness, and a way of life that brings anxieties.
Overeating and heavy drinking are out of harmony with Bible principles and are to be shunned. "Do not come to be among heavy drinkers of wine, among those who are gluttonous eaters of flesh," states the Bible. (Proverbs 23:20) For it to be dangerous, though, eating and drinking does not have to reach that level.It can make one drowsy and lazy long before that. "The lazy one is showing himself desirous," says a Bible proverb, "but his soul has nothing." (Proverbs 13:4) Such a person may want to do God?s will (as interpreted by the WTS), but his desire remains unfulfilled because of his negligence (of what?).
What are the anxieties of life that Jesus warned about? They involve personal concerns, providing for the family, and the like. How unwise to allow these to weigh us down! "Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?" asked Jesus. He admonished his listeners: "Never be anxious and say, ?What are we to eat??? or, ?What are we to drink?? or, ?What are we to put o.? For all these things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things." Putting Kingdom interests first in our lives and having confidence that Jehovah will provide for us will keep anxieties at bay and help us stay awake.?Matthew 6:25-34. So speak men who have all their personal concerns provided for them, who have no children to raise, no house payment to make, no food bills, no health insurance to pay, and the like. Anxiety may also be brought on by materialistic pursuits.
For example, some complicate their lives by living beyond their means.
Others have been enticed by get-rich quick schemes and risky financial investments.
For others, secular education as a means to attain financial success becomes a snare. Granted a certain level of schooling may be useful to obtain employment. However, the truth is that in the time-consuming pursuit of obtaining advanced education, some have harmed themselves spiritually.
Yet the WTS can send Bethelites to law school at the expense of the brothers and sisters who have low-paying jobs.
What a dangerous situation to be in as the day of Jehovah (Armageddon) nears! The Bible warns: "Those who are determined to be rich (support themselves) fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin."?1 Timothy 6:9.Essential to not being drawn into a materialistic way of life is cultivating the ability to distinguish between right and wrong when making decisions.
This ability is developed by regularly partaking of ?solid spiritual food belonging to mature people? and by ?having our perceptive powers trained through use.? (Hebrews 5:13,14) Making sure "of the more important things" when setting priorities will also safeguard us from making wrong choices.?Philippians 1:10.
Trained to think the way the WTS wants you to; the Bible comes second. Where there is no Bible verse, the WTS procedure/principles prevails.
A materialistic lifestyle can blind us, leaving little or no time for spiritual pursuits. How can we examine ourselves (the elders will help you, making your choices/decisions for you) and avoid being ensnared by such a life-style? We need to consider prayerfully how and to what extent we can simplify our life.w01 3/1 p. 6 How to Find Real Happiness Tom, a builder living in Hawaii, volunteered to help build places of worship on Pacific islands where people have little materially. Tom noticed something about these humble people. He said: "My Christian brothers and sisters in these islands were truly happy. They helped me see more clearly that money and possessions are not the secret to happiness." He also observed the volunteers who worked with him in the islands and noticed how contented they were. "They could have made a lot of money," said Tom. "But they chose to keep spiritual things in first place and maintain a simple life-style." Moved by these examples, Tom simplified his own life so that he could devote more time to his family and to spiritual pursuits?a move he has never regretted.w01 8/15 p. 28 Do Not Give Up in Doing What Is FineIf Abraham could keep his life centered on promises the fulfillment of which were "afar off," how much more so should we today, with the fulfillment of these things so near! Like Abraham, we must view ourselves as "temporary residents" in Satan?s system, refusing to settle down in a self-indulgent life-style. Naturally, we would prefer that this "end of all things" be here, not simply near.King Solomon of ancient Israel said: "Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, regardless of whether it is little or much that he eats; but the plenty belonging to the rich one is not permitting him to sleep." (Ecclesiastes 5:12)Did Solomon run out then and get rid of his riches and his 1,000 wives and become one serving? Hardly.
Does taking care of unnecessary material possessions, consume a lot of our time and energy? The more we own, the more we have to maintain, insure, and protect. Could it be our advantage to simply our life by freeing ourselves of certain belongings?PICTURE (PAGE 23)Older couple, approaching retirement, seated on couch. Husband is talking and wife is listening. He is in a pullover and casual slacks; she has on an outfit suitable for the KH. In front, are pictures of people in cap and gown, behind them are diplomas on the wall. She looks astonished and he is looking off in the space in front of him not at her.
"Honey, I?ve decided we need to simplify our lives. I am going to quit my job at the company although I am only 1 year from retirement. We are going to sell the house, and move into a mobile home?"
By All Means, Prove Yourself ReadyTime ran out for the world of Noah?s day (what about the generation of 33 to 70 CE?), and it will run out for the present system of things (buzz phrase). The apostle Peter assures us: "Jehovah?s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered." Neither the symbolic heavens?wicked governments (no proof developed or referenced here)?nor the symbolic earth?mankind alienated from God (anyone not a JW)?will survive the heat of God?s burning anger (all 6 billion include babies). Indicating how we can prove ourselves ready for that day, Peter exclaims: "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah!"?2 Peter 3:10-12.Our regularly attending Christian meetings and sharing in preaching the good news are included among these acts and deeds of godly devotion.
If there is not time or energy left over to give practical help and encouragement to people, too bad.
May we perform them with heartfelt devotion to God (the WTS) while we wait patiently for Jehovah?s great day. Let us "do [our] utmost to be found by [God] spotless and unblemished and in peace."?2 Peter 3:14.Concluding CommentsSo start examining your possessions, which ones are unnecessary. Be assured, that others, including the elders, will be examining you.
Those things will weigh you down and you won?t make it through the day of Jehovah, soon, near, announced since 1879, 125 years ago.
Give all those things to the WTS to be used in the preaching and building work.
As the WTS says:
w01 1/1 p. 29 "Run in Such a Way" What type of weight can hinder us in the race for life? One would be the desire to accumulate unnecessary material things or to maintain a costly life-style. Some may look to wealth for security or see it as a source of happiness. Such excess "weight" may slow a runner down to the extent that, eventually, God may not really matter very much to him. (Luke 12:16-21) Everlasting life may come to seem like a distant hope. ?The new world will come someday,? a person may reason, ?but in the meantime we might as well take advantage of what this world offers.? (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Such a materialistic outlook can very easily sidetrack one from the race for life or prevent one from even starting it.I firmly believe that few of those who remain at the KH believe that end is near. They have slowed down in the amount and quality of preaching and have turned their attention to buying homes and having families. All this takes money and time away from the WTS.
So the whip is out and I don?t think it will be put back soon. Next topic: Preaching and the "increase" from last year.
A genuine Christians has to share in the preaching work because it is inseparably linked to faith?all true Christians?all loyal Christians. Blondie