Comments You Will Not Hear at the March 13, 2005 WT Study (February 1, 2005 issue) Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes from today?s WT
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in bluePURSUING THE "PEARL OF HIGH VALUE" TODAY
" This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness."?Matthew 24:14 NWT source
And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then, finally, the end will come.?Matthew 24:14 (NLT)
www.biblegateway.com /cgi-bin/bibleOpening Comments
Last week?s review:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/86302/1.ashx
What kind of kingdom good news was preached prior to 1914?
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/1914.htmThe Time Is at Hand (SS-2), 1907 ed., p. 76-78 ***
[Scans available:
pages 76-77 , pages 78-79 ]In this chapter we will present the Bible evidence proving that the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men...
Firstly, That at that date the Kingdom of God,
for which our Lord taught us to pray, saying, "Thy Kingdom come," will obtain full, universal control, and that it will then be "set up," or firmly established, in the earth, on the ruins of present institutions.Prior to 1925?
Millions Now Living Will Never Die booklet
http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/millions/millions5.htmlThe Lord commanded Moses to institute the Sabbath system the year that Israel entered the land of Canaan, which was 1575 years before A. D. 1 (Leviticus 25:1-12), and that every fiftieth year should be unto them a year of jubilee. This was done on the tenth day of the seventh month, the day of atonement. "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year and proclaim freedom throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; it shall be a jubilee unto you and ye shall return every man unto his possessions and ye shall return every man unto his family. Other Scriptures show that there were to be
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seventy jubilees kept. (Jeremiah 25:11; 2 Chronicles 36:17-21)A simple calculation of these jubilees brings us to this important fact: Seventy jubilees of fifty years each would be a total of 3500 years. That period of time beginning 1575 before A. D. 1 of necessity would end in the fall of the year 1925, at which time the type ends and the great antitype must begin. What, then, should we expect to take place? In the type there must be a full restoration; therefore the great antitype must mark the beginning of restoration of all things. The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life; and since other Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these will have the first favor, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth.
Messiah's kingdom once established
, Jesus and his glorified church constituting the great Messiah, shall minister the blessings to the people they have so long desired and hoped for and prayed might come.Prior to 1975?
w70 5/1 p. 273 An Ingathering Affecting All Mankind How close we may exactly be to the end of the present divisive system of things cannot be predicted, as Jesus reported that even he did not know the day or the hour at the time of his earthly ministry. (Matt. 24:36) However, Bible chronology which indicates that Adam was created in the fall of the year 4026 B.C.E. would bring us down to the year 1975 C.E. as the date marking 6,000 years of human history with yet 1,000 years to come for Christ?s Kingdom rule. So whatever the date for the end of this system, it is clear that the time left is reduced, with only approximately six years left until the end of 6,000 years of human history. (1 Cor. 7:29) This corroborates the understanding of Jesus? words that the generation alive in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I would not pass away until the end comes.w68 5/1 pp. 271-272 Making Wise Use of the Remaining Time
After 6,000 years of misery, toil, trouble, sickness and death under Satan?s rule, mankind is indeed in dire need of relief, a rest. The seventh day of the Jewish week, the sabbath, would well picture the final 1,000-year reign of God?s kingdom under Christ when mankind would be uplifted from 6,000 years of sin and death. (Rev. 20:6) Hence, when Christians note from God?s timetable the approaching end of 6,000 years of human history, it fills them with anticipation. Particularly is this true because the great sign of the "last days" has been in the course of fulfillment since the beginning of the "time of the end" in 1914. And, as Jesus said, "this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur." (Matt. 24:34) Some of the generation that discerned the beginning of the time of the end in 1914 will still be alive on earth to witness the end of this present wicked system of things at the battle of Armageddon.?Rev. 16:14, 16. START OF ARTICLEParagraphs 1-3
The Kingdom of God was a subject of intense interest among the Jews when Jesus came to earth. (Matthew 3:1,2; 4:23-25; John 1:49)At first, however, most of them did not fully comprehend its scope and power; neither did they understand that it would be a heavenly government. (John 3:1-5)Even some who became Jesus? followers did not fully understand what God?s Kingdom is?
Sounds like an excuse for all the false starts of the WTS.
Based on the above quotes, did or does the WTS fully comprehend what the kingdom is?
What aspects about the "kingdom" has the WTS changed since 1975?
The WTS had already adjusted the teaching that the great tribulation started in 1914 and took a time out in 1918 to start up at a future date (1970).
Or that the "generation that discerned the time of the end in 1914 will still be alive on earth to witness the end of this present wicked system of things at the battle of Armageddon" (mentioned twice above) could be any people born after 1914? (1995)
The Jubilee understanding that lead to Rutherford?s advancing 1925 as the end was "adjusted." (1987)
w95 5/15 p. 24 Flashes of Light?Great and Small (Part 2)The understanding of the antitypical Jubilee also received some clarification. Under the Law, every 50th year was a grand Jubilee, in which things were restored to their original owners. (Leviticus 25:10) It was long understood that this foreshadowed the Thousand Year Reign of Christ. In more recent times, however, it was seen that the antitypical Jubilee actually began at Pentecost 33 C.E., when those receiving the poured-out holy spirit were set free from bondage to the Mosaic Law covenant.?The Watchtower, January 1, 1987, pages 18-28.Or that the sheep and goats will not be divided until the start of the great tribulation? (1995)
w95 10/15 p. 27 What Future for the Sheep and the Goats?But the time when Jesus will pronounce final judgment on the sheep and the goats depicted in the parable is yet ahead.(1999) That the disgusting thing (League of Nations) did not stand in a holy place in 1919 as the WTS once thought but was a future event. (1999)
w99 5/1 pp. 17-18 "Let the Reader Use Discernment" *** Since the start of the great tribulation is yet future, is the "standing in a holy place" still ahead of us? Evidently so. While "the disgusting thing" made its appearance early in this century and has, thus, existed for decades, it will take a position in a unique way "in a holy place" in the near future. As first-century followers of Christ must have keenly watched to see how the "standing in a holy place" would develop, so do present-day Christians. Admittedly, we will have to wait for the actual fulfillment to know all the details. Yet, it is noteworthy that in some lands there is already a detectable and growing antipathy toward religion. Some political elements, in league with former Christians who have deviated from the true faith, are promoting hostility against religion in general and true Christians in particular. (Psalm 94:20, 21; 1 Timothy 6:20, 21) Consequently, political powers even now "battle with the Lamb," and as Revelation 17:14 indicates, this fight will intensify. While they cannot literally get their hands on the Lamb of God?Jesus Christ in his exalted, glorified state?they will further vent their opposition against God?s true worshipers, his "holy ones" in particular. (Daniel 7:25; compare Romans 8:27; Colossians 1:2; Revelation 12:17.) We have divine assurance that the Lamb and those with him will be victorious.?Revelation 19:11-21.We know that desolation awaits false religion. Babylon the Great is "drunk with the blood of the holy ones" and has acted as a queen, but her destruction is certain. The unclean influence she has wielded over the kings of the earth will dramatically change as that relationship turns into one of violent hatred on the part of the ?ten horns and the wild beast.? (Revelation 17:6, 16; 18:7, 8) When the "scarlet-colored wild beast" attacks the religious harlot, "the disgusting thing" will be standing in a menacing way in Christendom?s so-called holy place. So desolation will begin on faithless Christendom, which portrays itself as holy.I wonder what future adjustments or clarifications in the understanding of the Kingdom are in the works for JWs?
To set the theme for this week?s study:
Importance of exerting themselves in the pursuit of the heavenly Kingdom?This must have touched their heart deeply because they soon became tireless and courageous proclaimers (not publishers?) of the Kingdom good news to distant parts of the earth?(Acts 1:8; as witnesses of Jesus not Jehovah)What, then, about today? Carrot: The blessings of an earthly paradise under the Kingdom are set out before millions (not billions because it is only JWs).All of this calls for the kind of self-sacrifice and dedication?faith and zeal? The Joy of Discovering the Truth
Paragraphs 4-7
"The Truth"Kingdom (Bible) truth or Watchtower truth? Examples of Watchtower truth see Opening Comments.
That joy moved him to do everything within his power to acquire the pearl. (Hebrews 12:1)Today, the truth about God and his Kingdom (what happened to Jesus?) likewise draws and motivates people.Hundreds of thousands of honest-hearted (buzzword) individuals are moved by the good news of God?s Kingdom (or the WT kingdom?) to dedicate their life to do his will.
Baptism questions since 1985:
w85 6/1 p. 30 Subjecting Ourselves to Jehovah by Dedication ***At the close of the convention baptism talk, the baptism candidates will be in position to answer with depth of understanding and heartfelt appreciation two simple questions that serve to confirm that they recognize the implications of following Christ?s example. The first question is:On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?The second is:Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah?s Witnesses in association with God?s spirit-directed organization?Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism.Matthew 28:19 says to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Notice how the holy spirit is replaced by the by "God?s spirit-directed organization (WTS)"?
262,416 baptized, 235 lands, 6,085,387 bible studies?What made all of this possible? There is no doubt that Jehovah (not Jesus) draws these rightly disposed ones (buzz phrase) to him. (John 6:65; Acts 13:48).However, not to be minimized are the selfless spirit and tireless efforts on the part of those who have expended themselves.That eagerness is also seen among Jehovah?s servants (only JWs, what happened to being Christians?).They Did Not Give UpParagraphs 8-11
Jehovah?s people (only JWs, what happened to being Christians?) today demonstrate their love for God and loyalty to his Kingdom (organization).w02 4/1 p. 28 Stay Awake, Move Ahead Courageously!Are we going to remain loyal to Jehovah and his organization? ?We will have to display such loyalty as individuals,? noted Brother Jaracz.w01 10/1 p. 22 What Does It Mean to Be Loyal?Loyalty to God also includes loyalty to his organization.Necessarily, over the years there have been corrections and adjustments to our understanding of certain scriptures. The fact is that no one is as spiritually well fed as we are. (Matthew 24:45-47)Become disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28,19,20) (finally Christ is in the picture) They "Consider All Things to be Loss"
Paragraphs 12-14
This willingness to give up what may be held as valuable?Many today are willing to make major changes in their life?
Attend all the meetings?
I was able to place a lot of Bible literature with my students?Given up their worldly pursuits
Are you motivated by [the Kingdom good news] to make the necessary changes to bring your life-style, values and goals into harmony with what Jehovah (the organization) requires? Carrot: Doing so will result in rich blessings for you, now and in the future.
Isn?t their motivation and greatest delight the following:
w03 12/1 p. 12 "Take Exquisite Delight in Jehovah" ***As integrity keepers, our greatest delight is to see the vindication of Jehovah?s sovereignty. The Harvest Reaching Its ClimaxParagraphs 15-17
"a large army" of "women telling the good news." (Psalm 68:11)I have no doubt that either the conductor or someone in the audience will make the traditional joke about large women.
Diligence and self-sacrifice on the part of Jehovah?s people (only JWs, no Christians?)Experience about a female pioneer in India who independently took sign language to preach to the deaf?and only now the Indian WT branch is arranging for pioneers to learn sign language?hmmm
Intensely focused on pursuing Keep "Seeking First the Kingdom"Paragraphs 18, 19
Jesus did not say anything about how the merchant was going to maintain his livelihood after having sold all that he had.How would the merchant find food, clothing, and shelter, now that he had nothing to fall back on?
These would be reasonable questions from a fleshly (buzzword) point of faith.
Matthew 6:31-33"all these other things will be added to you""Yes, the end of this system is so very near! Is that not reason to increase our activity?...Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end." (Kingdom Ministry, May 1974, p. 3) Need to demonstrate wholehearted devotion (or loyalty to the organization) to God and zeal for the Kingdom.Whether we have just learned about the wonderful good news (see opening comments) or we have been pursuing the Kingdom and telling others about its blessings for decades (soon, soon now, very soon now), we must continue to make the Kingdom (the organization) the focus of our interest and attention.
Demonstrate wholehearted zeal?privilege
Post URL with 2004 Service Year Report of JWs (is this on JWD somewhere?)
Are you pursuing a kingdom that you don?t understand? Are you giving up all your belongings? Why is the only experience from the US about a man who has been dead for years?
In four pictures of JWs "preaching the good news" we see them using anything but the Bible.
On page 17, a sister doing street work has a party dress on with white heels?I can bet she doesn?t plan on walking far.
Next week: Jehovah Always Does What is Right
(Translation: The WTS Always Does What is Right)
Find out about why Lot offered his daughters to an angry mob.
Find out why God killed Uzzah when he tried to steady the ark.
Love, Blondie