Comments You Will Not Hear at the 5-28-06 WT Study (April 15, 2006 issue date, pages 25-29)(HANDS BE STRONG)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxesw = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible (various Bible translations online) www.reexamine.org (WT publications online) www.silentlambs.org (child abuse) www.ajwrb.org (blood issue) http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm (United Nations issue)
LET YOUR HANDS BE STRONG
"Let the hands of you people be strong, you who are hearing in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets."-Zechariah 8:9.
Opening Comments
from the mouth of the prophets
Who are these prophets? Does the WTS/FDS/GB think of themselves as prophets?
*** w72 4/1 p. 197 'They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them' ***
This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses.
*** Paradise Restored book chap. 3 p. 49 The Remedy for Those with Disappointed Hopes ***
A MODERN-DAY HAGGAI
The religious clergy of Christendom failed to give such a stimulating message like that of ancient Haggai. But thousands of dedicated, baptized Christian readers of the Watch Tower magazine did respond, now that they had survived the trialsome period of World War I and had been reinstated in their rightful spiritual estate on earth by Jehovah of armies.
START OF ARTICLE
Q1, 2) Why do the books of Haggai and Zechariah deserve our attention?
1) The prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah were written some 2,500 years ago, yet they certainly are relevant to your life. The Bible accounts found in these two books are not mere history. They are part of "all the things that were written aforetime ... for our instruction." (Romans 15:4) Much of what we read in them makes us think of real situations that have been transpiring since the Kingdom was established in heaven in 1914.
Again the WTS continues with OT examples to teach Christians.
Written aforetime...for our instruction
So what does the WTS want its members to learn that they could not teach them using NT examples?
Kingdom was established in heaven in 1914
Or was it 1878?
*** jv chap. 28 p. 632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they also concluded that if Jesus' baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King.
Studies in the Scriptures--The Time is At Hand, Volume 2, page B235
The Spring of A.D. 1878 (three and a half years after) corresponds to the date at which our Lord assumed the office of King, rode on the ass, cleansed the temple of its money-changers, and wept over and gave up to desolation that nominal church or kingdom; and it marks the date when the nominal church systems were "spewed out" (Rev. 3:16), and from which time (A.D. 1878) they are not the mouthpieces of God, nor in any degree recognized by him.
page B239
Just so it has been in this harvest: Our Lord's presence as Bridegroom and Reaper was recognized during the first three and a half years, from A.D. 1874 to A.D. 1878. Since that time it has been emphatically manifest that the time had come in A.D. 1878 when kingly judgment should begin at the house of God. It is here that Rev. 14:14-20 applies, and our Lord is brought to view as the Reaper crowned. The year A.D. 1878, being the parallel of his assuming power and authority in the type, clearly marks the time for the actual assuming of power as King of kings, by our present, spiritual, invisible Lord--the time of his taking to himself his great power to reign, which in the prophecy is closely associated with the resurrection of his faithful, and the beginning of the trouble and wrath upon the nations. (Rev. 11:17,18)
Is this a case of the WTS adjusting a mistaken belief? Or does the WTS tell its members that it always taught that Jesus became king in 1914?
*** w93 1/15 p. 5 'Caught Away to Meet the Lord'-How? ***
The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence to honesthearted students of Bible prophecy that Jesus' presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914.
2) Referring to events and circumstances experienced by God's people long before, the apostle Paul stated: "Now these things went on befalling them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived." (1 Corinthians 10:11) So you might well wonder, `What value do the books of Haggai and Zechariah have in our day?'
examples...warning to us
Does the WTS ever use this scripture except in the "warning" application?
What is the WTS warning its members of in this article?
When Paul wrote "upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived" was he talking to and about people living in our time or to the Christians of his time? Were they thinking of a time 2,000 years in the future?
3) On what do Haggai and Zechariah focus?
3) As the preceding article noted, the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah
involved the time when the Jews returned to their God-given land after their
release from captivity in Babylon. The two prophets gave attention to the
rebuilding of the temple. The Jews laid the foundation of the temple in 536
B.C.E. While some older Jews focused on the past, overall there was much
"shouting for joy." In reality, though, something even more momentous has
occurred in our time. How so? -Ezra 3:3-13.
when the Jews returned to their God-given land after their release from captivity in Babylon
The WTS believes that the 144,000 only are spiritual Israelites and that the WTS was in captivity to Babylon the Great (worldwide empire of false religion) until 1919. Does 537 correspond to 1919?
*** w98 3/1 p. 11 par. 15 Festival Milestones of Israel's History ***
A great work lay ahead of these returned exiles-the rebuilding of God's temple and of Jerusalem with its walls. There was much opposition from jealous neighbors. When the temple was being built, it was a "day of small things." (Zechariah 4:10) The situation paralleled the condition of faithful anointed Christians in 1919. In that memorable year, they were released from spiritual captivity to Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion.
Something even more momentous has occurred in our time
The WTS teaches that there is always a "minor" and a "major" fulfillment of any prophecy and that the major one is always on the organization.
Q4) What took place soon after World War I?
4) Soon after World War I, Jehovah's anointed ones were released from captivity to Babylon the Great. That represented a major indication of Jehovah's support. Earlier it seemed that religious leaders and their political associates had brought an end to the Bible Students' public preaching and teaching work. (Ezra 4:8, 13, 21-24) However, Jehovah God cleared away obstacles to the preaching and disciple-making work. Over the decades since 1919, the Kingdom work has flourished and nothing has been able to stop its progress.
Jehovah's anointed ones--only anointed JWs, up until 1935 all JWs were considered "anointed."
How were they released from BTG?
How did the board of the WTS end up in prison? Did God get them out?
http://www.freeminds.org/history/exonerated.htm
How did that indicate God's support? Had no other religions or individuals been released from religious capitivity at that time? No, because the WTS teaches that all other religions are part of Babylon the Great.
Seemed...brought to an end
The WTS teaches they are the 2 witnesses in Revelation that were dead by the road and were resurrected. Seemed???????????? (If this prophecy seems familiar, the 2 people who founded the group, HeavensGate, who killed themselves, thought they were these 2 witnesses).
Q5, 6) To what grand accomplishment does Zechariah 4:7 point?
5) We can be sure that the preaching and teaching done by Jehovah's obedient servants in our time will continue with his backing. At Zechariah 4:7, we read: "He will certainly bring forth the headstone. There will be shoutings to it: `How charming! How charming!"' To what grand accomplishment in our time does this point?
Jehovah's obedient servants--only JWs
Why do JWs thinking they have God's backing? Increase? Has the WTS had increases in Japan...
Japan had a peak of 217,508 publishers in 2003
What was the number of publishers in past years? Is this a yoyo increase/decrease?
1998—220,663 publishers hmmmmm?
6) Zechariah 4:7 is pointing to the time when true worship of the Sovereign Lord will be brought to its perfected state in the earthly courtyards of his spiritual temple. That temple is Jehovah's arrangement for approaching him in worship on the basis of the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Granted, the great spiritual temple has existed since the first century C.E. Yet, true worship in its earthly courtyard will yet be perfected. Millions of worshippers now serve in the earthly courtyard of the spiritual temple. These and multitudes of resurrected ones will be brought to perfection during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ. At the end of the thousand years, only true worshippers of God will be left on the cleansed earth.
earthly courtyards of his spiritual temple
First, what does the WTS say is the "spiritual temple"? Is it really "Jehovah's arrangement for approaching him in worship based on the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ Jesus"? Is that what the Bible says?
(1 Corinthians 3:16-17) 16 Do YOU not know that YOU people are God's temple, and that the spirit of God dwells in YOU? 17 If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] YOU people are.
(2 Corinthians 6:16) . . .For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: "I shall reside among them and walk among [them], and I shall be their God, and they will be my people."
Second, what are the earthly courtyards?
*** w02 5/1 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
When John saw the "great crowd" rendering sacred service in Jehovah's temple, in which part of the temple were they doing this?-Revelation 7:9-15.
It is reasonable to say that the great crowd worships Jehovah in one of the earthly courtyards of his great spiritual temple, specifically the one that corresponds with the outer courtyard of Solomon's temple.
Yes, "it is reasonable to say" another WTS buzz phrase meaning that the Bible does not say.
millions of worshippers--only JWs
Notice how the skip the step at Armageddon where all 6.5 billion non-JWs, including small babies, will be annihilated, killed forever without any hope of resurrection into the Paradise the WTS preaches.
*** w60 1/15 p. 55 This Is a Time of Judgment ***
Divine punishment or blessing that comes to its parents automatically falls upon it. This principle is seen at Ezekiel 9:6, where God's command was to "slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark."-AS.
The unresponsible children of the people who perished in the flood were not preserved with Noah in the ark, but were destroyed with their wicked parents. The same was true with regard to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. If those cities had contained ten righteous persons they would have been spared. Certainly there were more than ten unresponsible children in them; nevertheless, God destroyed the two cities.
Q7) Jesus has what role regarding bringing true worship to its perfected state in our day, and why should we find that encouraging?
7) Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua were on hand to witness the temple's completion in 515 B.C.E. Zechariah 6:12,13 foretold Jesus' comparable role in bringing true worship to its perfected state: "This is what Jehovah of armies has said: `Here is the man whose name is Sprout. And from his own place he will sprout, and he will certainly build the temple of Jehovah. And ... he, for his part, will carry the dignity; and he must sit down and rule on his throne, and he must become a priest upon his throne."' In view of the fact that Jesus, who is in heaven and causes the Davidic line of kings to sprout, is backing the Kingdom work at the spiritual temple, do you think that anyone can hinder its progress? Not at all! Should this not encourage us to move ahead in our ministry, not getting sidetracked by everyday concerns?
Zerubbabel and Joshua are said to both represent Christ? Do other religions make that application?
Sprout--similar root as the word Nazarene
hinder its progress...should this not encourage us to move ahead
Is the WTS saying that if the rank and file don't move enough to suit the WTS that they are hindering Christ?
sidetracked by everyday concerns
So if the rank and file don't have enough food or are suffering a serious illness, the WTS will provide for them? Will it be the Matthew or James path for them?
(Matthew 6:31-33) 31 So never be anxious and say, 'What are we to eat?' or, 'What are we to drink?' or, 'What are we to put on?' 32 For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For YOUR heavenly Father knows YOU need all these things. 33 "Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU.
(James 2:15-16) 15 If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, 16 yet a certain one of YOU says to them: "Go in peace, keep warm and well fed," but YOU do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it?
Priorities
Q8) Why must we give the work at the spiritual temple first place in our lives?
8) In order to have Jehovah's backing and blessing, we must keep the work at the spiritual temple in first place in our lives. Unlike the Jews who said, "The time has not come," we must remember that we are living in "the last days." (Haggai 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:1) Jesus foretold that his loyal followers would preach the good news of the Kingdom and make disciples. We must be careful not to neglect our privilege of service. The preaching and teaching work that was temporarily halted by the world's opposition was resumed in 1919, but it has not been completed. You can be sure, though, that it certainly will be!
In order to have Jehovah's backing and blessing, we must keep the work at the KH the spiritual temple in first place
The time has not come...we are living in "the last days"
and have been since 1799
Careful not to neglect our privilege of service
Translation: The WTS sees decreases again for 2006...there are only 3 months left in the service year.
his "loyal" followers--rank and file that don't do enough in the door knocking work of the WTS are not "loyal." Loyal to them or loyal to God or is it the same thing?
seemed...temporarily halted
Does anyone remember the decreases in 1978 and 1979?
1976 2,138,537 average publishers
1977 2,117,194 average publishers
1978 2,086,698 average publishers
Blurb on page 26: Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jews to work whole-souled and thus receive a blessing
Q9, 10) On what does Jehovah's blessing depend, meaning what to us?
9) To the extent that we continue to work in earnest, we will be blessed-as a people and as individuals. Note Jehovah's promise from which we can draw assurance. Once the Jews returned in whole-souled worship and resumed in earnest their work on the foundation of the temple, Jehovah said: "From this day I shall bestow blessing." (Haggai 2:19) They would enjoy full restoration of his favor. Now consider the blessings found in God's promise: "There will be the seed of peace; the vine itself will give its fruitage, and the earth itself will give its yield, and the heavens themselves will give their dew; and I shall certainly cause the remaining ones of this people to inherit all these things." -Zechariah 8:9-13.
Again...on what does God's blessing depend...can we earn God's blessing?
To the extent that we continue to work in earnest
The WTS is browbeating the rank and file...they aren't producing enough. What is the quota required by God? Is there a ten-hour, 50-hour, 70-hour quota in the Bible? The rank and file are held now to a "unwritten" quota of 10 hours and it is the standard by which ministerial servants/elders are judged.
*** w61 6/1 p. 328 Your Time or Your Money? ***
Each congregation has its hour quota and each Witness strives to meet or exceed it. The average minister in a congregation spends some ten hours monthly in such evangelizing.
10) Just as Jehovah blessed those Jews spiritually and materially, so he will bless us as we diligently, and with a happy heart, do the work he has assigned to us. These blessings include peace among ourselves, security, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Yet, you can be certain that God's continued blessing depends on our doing the work at the spiritual temple in the way that Jehovah wants it done.
blessed...materially, so he will bless us...as we diligently...do the work
Does God promise to bless all JWs materially today? Only the ones who "do the work"? If you are a poor JW, does that mean you aren't "doing the work"?
Q11) How might we analyze ourselves?
11) Now is the time to `set our heart upon our ways.' (Haggai 1:5, 7) We should take some time to analyze our priorities in life. Jehovah's blessing on us today depends on the extent to which we are magnifying his name and moving ahead in our work at his spiritual temple. You might ask yourself: `Have my priorities changed? How does my zeal for Jehovah, his truth, and his work compare to the zeal I had when I was baptized? Is interest in a comfortable life affecting the attention I give to Jehovah and his Kingdom? Is fear of man-concern about what others will think-holding me back somewhat?' -Revelation 2:2-4.
Analyze ourselves...our priorities--or will the elders and other judgemental JWs help you out?
Will they tell you that your car is too expensive, that your house prevents you from pioneering while they build a new home and go to Hawaii for a month, that you shouldn't go to the university while they have a university education, a good job, and aren't pioneering........
Zeal...since I was baptized
What if you were young, healthy, single with no debts when you were baptized...what if it is 25 years later, you are married, have 2 children, 2 sick elderly parents....
Is interest in a comfortable life
Define "comfortable life." Does that mean not worrying about where the food is coming from, if your car will start in the morning so you can go to work, that you can afford your disabled son's medication although you no longer have health insurance.
GUILT----------------GUILT-------------------GUILT-------------YOU ARE NOT DOING ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Q12) What situation among the Jews is highlighted at Haggai 1:6, 9?
12) We do not want God to hold back his rich blessing because of our neglecting the work of magnifying his name. Recall that after getting off to a good start, the restored Jews were "on the run, each one in behalf of his own house," as Haggai 1:9 reports. They became preoccupied with their own daily needs and way of life. Consequently, there was "a bringing of little in," a shortage of good food, drink, and warm clothing. (Haggai 1:6) Jehovah withdrew his blessing. Is there a lesson in this for us?
Blessing = work of magnifying his name
Those that still go door to door, notice often JWs say "Jehovah" in the d2d.
Preoccupied with their own daily needs
The rank and file are not donating enough to the WTS; they better start or the WTS will tell God to withhold his blessing on them.
Q13, 14) How can we apply the lesson drawn from Haggai 1:6, 9, and why is this mportant?
13) Do you not agree that to continue enjoying divine blessings, we must resist eeking things for ourselves at the expense of Jehovah's worship? That is so hether the activity or interest diverting our attention is the pursuit of wealth, get-rich-quick schemes, ambitious plans for advanced education to have a desirable career in this system, or programs for personal fulfillment.
to continue enjoying divine blessings, we must resist seeking things for ourselves
So how far back must the rank and file cut back....can they own a home or must they rent, can they have a car or must they walk or bike to work/meetings/d2d?
Pursuit of wealth, get-rich-quick schemes...advanced education...desirable career...programs for personal fulfillment
get-rich-quick...can you be rich if you do it slower?
ADVANCED EDUCATION...DESIRABLE CAREER Here it comes again folks
Programs for personal fulfillment...another way of saying hobbies
*** w64 9/1 p. 536 Youths, Guard Your Spirituality ***
. Even if it is only a hobby club, is it wise to enjoy hobbies with worldly people? Since Christians should take recreation with other Christians, would it be proper to share hobbies with worldlings? God cannot be mocked: "Bad associations spoil useful habits."
*** w54 8/15 p. 508 par. 21 Endurance Through Hope ***
Hobbies are so varied today that they range from the sedate stamp-collecting to the vigorous athletic exercising. By way of illustration we shall take the common hobby called "photography." A brother finds that this hobby furnishes him much pleasure. His camera records many delightful theocratic assemblies and personal experiences. His "own interests" tell him he needs to keep up with all aspects of this hobby. He buys numerous magazines and reads them. Soon he starts to read books on this hobby, spending more and more time on a "lawful" pursuit. Meetings may be missed to keep up with the latest "camera" magazine. He may even feel it necessary to associate with those outside the truth to learn more about his hobby. This brother's "lawful" interest has grown to a point where it threatens to undermine his hope. If his "own interest" is not checked and put in its theocratic place, shipwreck is ahead.
14) Such things may not be sins in themselves. However, do you not see that from the standpoint of everlasting life, those really are "dead works"? (Hebrews :14) In what sense? They are spiritually dead, vain, and fruitless. If one ersists in them, such works could lead to spiritual death. It happened to some nointed Christians in the apostles' day. (Philippians 3:17-19) It has happened to some in our time. You may know of some who were gradually distracted from Christian activities and from the congregation; now they show no inclination to return to Jehovah's service. We certainly hope that such ones will return to Jehovah, but the fact is that pursuing "dead works" can result in the loss of Jehovah's favor and blessing. You can see how sad a development that would be. It would mean the loss of the joy and peace that God's spirit produces. And imagine what a loss it would be not to share in the warm Christian brotherhood! -Galatians 1:6; 5:7,13, 22-24.
Such things may not be sins in themselves. However.........such works could lead to spiritual death...result in the loss of Jehovah's favor and blessing.
SHAME--GUILT--SHAME--GUILT--SHAME--GUILT
Everlasting life--CARROT
no inclination to Jehovah's service...return to Jehovah
Inactivity reigns....I wonder how many people have dropped off the books?
The hours must be really dropping.
What a loss it would be not to share in the warm Christian brotherhood
That's assuming there is one to share in; that you haven't been going to the KH for years and being ignored and treated as if you had leprosy.
Q15) How does Haggai 2:14 show the seriousness of our worship?
15) This is a very serious matter. Note from Haggai 2:14 how Jehovah viewed the Jews who neglected his house of worship in favor of paneling their own houses, literally or figuratively. "'That is how this people is, and that is how this nation is before me,' is the utterance of Jehovah, `and that is how all the work of their hands is, and whatever they present there. It is unclean.'" Whatever token sacrifices the halfhearted Jews offered up on the temporary altar in Jerusalem were unacceptable as long as they neglected true worship. -Ezra 3:3.
Neglected his house of worship
TRANSLATION: Neglecting the WTS monetarily
Token sacrifices...halfhearted
Yes, I wonder how many 1 hour publishers there are now?
Blurb on page 28: Jehovah promised a blessing, and he has given it
Guaranteed Backing
Q16) Based on visions Zechariah received, of what could the Jews be sure?
16 Obedient Jews who worked at rebuilding God's temple were assured of divine backing, as God indicated through a series of eight visions that Zechariah received. The first guaranteed the completion of the temple and prosperity for Jerusalem and Judah as long as the Jews obediently carried out the work at hand. (Zechariah 1:8-17) The second vision promised the end of all governments that opposed true worship. (Zechariah 1:18-21) Other visions ensured divine protection of the building work, an influx of people of many nations to Jehovah's completed house of worship, true peace and security, the leveling of seemingly insurmountable obstacles to the God-assigned work, a removal of wickedness, and angelic oversight and protection. (Zechariah 2:5, 11; 3:10; 4:7; 5:6-11; 6:1-8) You can understand why with such guarantees of divine support, obedient ones adjusted their lifestyle and centered their attention on the work for which God had liberated them.
OBEDIENT Jews who WORKED...were assured of divine backing
End of all governments that opposed true worship
Notice how the WTS sidesteps the point that they teach that all governments except the Messianic kingdom will be destroyed.
Divine protection--only the organization, individual JWs have no assurance of protection per the WTS
adjusted their lifestyle
so should everyone sell their belongings and go pioneering? If you don't, will that mean you dont' have God's backing?
Q17) In view of the guarantee we have, what should we ask ourselves?
17) Similarly, the guarantee we have of the certain triumph of true worship
should stir us to activity and motivate us to think seriously about Jehovah's
house of worship. Ask yourself: `If I believe that now is the time to do the
work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom and making disciples, do my goals and lifestyle harmonize with my conviction? Am I spending an appropriate amount of time studying God's prophetic Word, making it my concern, and conversing about it with fellow Christians as well as with others whom I meet?'
Guarantee we have of the certain triumph of true worship = stir us to activity...think seriously about Jehovah's house of worship
Are they talking about "Bethel" "house of God"?
APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF TIME...conversing...with others whom I meet
And how much time would that be?
Q18) What lies ahead, according to Zechariah chapter 14?
18) Zechariah referred to the destruction of Babylon the Great followed by the war of Armageddon. We read: "It must become one day that is known as belonging to Jehovah. It will not be day, neither will it be night; and it must occur that at evening time it will become light." Yes, Jehovah's day will truly be a dark, cold day for his enemies on earth! But it will mean continuous light and favor for Jehovah's faithful worshippers. Zechariah also described how everything in the new world will proclaim Jehovah's holiness. True worship at God's great spiritual temple will be the only form of worship on earth. (Zechariah 14:7, 16-19) What a guarantee! We will experience the fulfillment of what was foretold and will see the vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty. How unique will be that day belonging to Jehovah!
Show me where Zechariah said "Babylon the Great" and "Armageddon" 2 phrases that occur only in the book of Revelation.
his enemies on earth--all non-JWs
Jehovah's faithful worshippers--only JWs
New world...new order...new system of things...new world society.....pick one.
True worship...only form of worship--only JWs
Vindication of God's name for many, many years...sovereignty was an "clarification" without explanation.
Permanent Blessings
Q19, 20) Why do you find Zechariah 14:8, 9 encouraging?
19) Following that stupendous accomplishment, Satan and his demons will be confined to an abyss of inactivity. (Revelation 20:1-3, 7) Then blessings will flow during Christ's Thousand Year Reign. Zechariah 14:8, 9 says: "It must occur in that day that living waters will go forth from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. In summer and in winter it will occur. And Jehovah must become king over all the earth. In that day Jehovah will prove to be one, and his name one."
Satan and his demons...inactivity
Do you see where the demons are mentioned in Revelation 20:1-3,7?
Christ's Thousand Year Reign yet "Jehovah must become king over all the earth."
20) "Living waters," or "a river of water of life," picturing Jehovah's
provisions for life, will continuously flow from the seat of the Messianic
Kingdom. (Revelation 22:1, 2) A great crowd of Jehovah's worshippers, having survived Armageddon, will benefit by being released from the condemnation of Adamic death. Even those who are already dead will benefit by means of a resurrection. Thus will begin a new phase of Jehovah's rulership over the earth. Humans earth wide will recognize Jehovah as the Universal Sovereign, the only one to be worshipped.
Notice how the WTS deftly connects OT prophecies with Revelation without any explanation, discussion, or proof.
Jehovah's worshippers, having survived Armageddon--only JWs, the other 6.5 billion plus non-JWs, including babies, will have died forever without any hope of a resurrection.
Actually, you would be doing people a favor to kill them before Armageddon because "those who are already dead will benefit by means of a resurrection."
Q21) What should be our resolve?
21) In view of all that Haggai and Zechariah foretold and all that has been
fulfilled, we have solid reason to move ahead in the work that God has assigned us to do in the earthly courtyards of his spiritual temple. Until true worship is brought to its perfected state, may we all strive to keep Kingdom interests in first place. Zechariah 8:9 urges us: "Let the hands of you people be strong, you who are hearing in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets."
Translation: The rank and file are not going out in d2d enough; you are selfishly wanting to eat every day.
BTW, what happened to the work that Jesus assigned his followers at Matthew 28:19,20?
Do You Recall?
- What historical parallel makes the books of Haggai and Zechariah relevant today?
- Haggai and Zechariah offer us what lesson about priorities?
- Why does considering Haggai and Zechariah give us reason for confidence about the future?
Concluding Comments
Wow, what a good WT study to miss. It is a holiday weekend, try and escape. I'll say it again, the numbers must be dropping, folks. The repetition for emphasis is strong in this article.
Love, Blondie