Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-08-06 WT Study (September 1, 2006, pages 22-26)(PRAYER)
Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = 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)
HOW TO APPROACH THE "HEARER OF PRAYER"
"O Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all flesh will come.'--PSALM 65:2.
Opening Comments
Once again, an OT scripture and OT examples form the basis of this article.
Questions to ponder:
- How did Abel know that he could kill animals and use blood for a sacrifice? How did he know that he must not eat animal flesh or blood? How did Abel know that vegetables were not acceptable but Cain did not?
- Why could Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc., pray to God without a mediator and be heard by God?
- Does God hear and/or answer the prayers of non-JWs?
- While the WTS speaks of the non-anointed as being "foreigners," isn’t it true that the anointed were made up of both Jews and Gentiles (foreigners)? Does John 10:16 speak of 2 "hopes" earth or heaven or 2 groups with the same hope, heaven?
START OF ARTICLE
Q1) What sets humans apart from earth's other creatures, and what possibility does this open up?
1) Of all earth's thousands of living creatures, only humans have the capacity to worship the Creator. Only humans are conscious of having a spiritual need and feel the desire to satisfy it. This opens up for us the wonderful possibility of having a personal relationship with our heavenly Father.
Only humans have the capacity to worship…conscious of having a spiritual need
But only the worship of JWs is acceptable.
*** km 5/99 p. 2 Service Meetings for May ***
We encounter many people who are favorable toward the truth and admire Jehovah's Witnesses. However, the ties they maintain with their church hinder them. They find it difficult to believe that we have the only true religion and that their form of worship is false. This becomes a major barrier to their spiritual progress.
Personal relationship with our heavenly Father
What about Jesus? Can you have a personal relationship without Jesus in the picture?
Q2) What adverse effect did sin have on man's relationship with his Creator?
2) God created man with the ability to approach his Maker. Adam and Eve were created without sin. Thus, they could approach God as freely as a child approaches his father. However, that grand privilege was taken away by sin. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and lost their close relationship with him. (Genesis 3:8-13,17-24) Does that mean that Adam's imperfect offspring can no longer communicate with God? No, Jehovah still allows them to approach him but only if they meet certain conditions. What are those conditions?
Created without sin
Sin(s) today are determined by the WTS and change over time.
Until 1973, smoking was not a df’ing offense.
Between 1967 and 1980, having an organ transplant was a df’ing offense.
Up until 1996, choosing alternative (civilian) service was choosing to disassociate yourself.
Until 1936, using the cross was allowed, in fact, a cross appeared on the cover of the WT until 1931
Until 1926, Christmas was celebrated.
*** w86 9/1 p. 20 par. 16 Christian Neutrals in a Bloodstained World ***
Whether the issue wasshedding blood, noncombatant military work, alternative service, or saluting an image such as a national flag, faithful Christians took the position that there was no middle ground. In some cases they were executed because of this stand.
How do you think JWs and the families of JWs who died because of the WT alternative service issue, felt when it changed from a "position that there was to middle ground" to one where "a dedicated, baptized Christian would have to make his own decision on the basis of his Bible-trained conscience" in 1996?
*** w96 5/1 p. 19 par. 16 Paying Back Caesar's Things to Caesar ***
However, there are lands where the State, while not allowing exemption for ministers of religion, nevertheless acknowledges that some individuals may object to military service. Many of these lands make provision for such conscientious individuals not to be forced into military service. In some places a required civilian service, such as useful work in the community, is regarded as nonmilitary national service. Could a dedicated Christian undertake such service? Here again, a dedicated, baptized Christian would have to make his own decision on the basis of his Bible-trained conscience.
Based on the 1986 quote was choosing alternative service always a "conscience" matter as this later quote says? Or was it considered a violation of "Christian neutrality" just like joining the military for which individuals would be considered as having disassociated themselves for "choosing"?
*** w98 8/15 p. 17 par. 6 Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness ***
In the past, some Witnesses have suffered for refusing to share in an activity that their conscience now might permit. For example, this might have been their choice years ago as to certain types of civilian service. A brother might now feel that he could conscientiously perform such without overstepping his Christian neutrality regarding the present system of things.
In modern times, there have been some Witnesses who were very strict in their view of what they would or would not do. For that reason they suffered more than others. Later, increased knowledge helped them to expand their view of matters. But they have no reason to regret having earlier acted in harmony with their conscience, even when this possibly brought extra suffering.
Approach him (God) but only if they meet certain conditions
Conditions set by God or by the WTS?
Requirements for Approaching God
Q3) How should sinful humans approach God, and what example illustrates this?
3) An event involving two of Adam's sons helps us to see what God requires of an imperfect human who wishes to approach Him. Both Cain and Abel made efforts to approach God by presenting sacrifices to him. Abel's offering was accepted, whereas Cain's was not. (Genesis 4:3-5) What made the difference? Hebrews 11:4 states: "By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice of greater worth than Cain, through which faith he had witness borne to him that he was righteous." Clearly, then, faith is a prerequisite for gaining access to God. Another prerequisite is seen in Jehovah's words to Cain: "If you turn to doing good, will there not be an exaltation?" Yes, Cain's approach to God would have been accepted if Cain had turned to doing good. However, Cain rejected God's counsel, killed Abel, and ended up as an outcast. (Genesis 4:7-12) Thus, early on, the importance of approaching God in faith along with doing good works was emphasized.
Faith is a prerequisite for gaining access to God…along with doing good works.
Good works……..and what are good works according to the WTS?
Reading the Bible but only using WTS publications, attending meetings, spending at least 10 hours each month offering WTS publications to people.
*** w04 1/15 p. 11 par. 6 Jehovah's Greatness Is Unsearchable ***
Recent examples of such fine works include the construction of many places of worship by Jehovah's people in poverty-stricken lands. Much of this has been done with the financial assistance of fellow believers in other countries. Some Christians have provided help by voluntarily going to such areas in order to share in the construction of Kingdom Halls. And the most important of all fine works is to praise Jehovah by preaching the good news of his Kingdom.
*** w05 1/1 p. 16 par. 20 Trained to Give a Thorough Witness ***
Today, some individuals try to imitate Jesus' good works by opening hospitals or performing other services among the world's poor. In some cases, they do this at great personal cost, and their sincerity is commendable; but any relief they supply is temporary at best. Only the Kingdom will bring permanent relief. Hence, Jehovah's Witnesses concentrate, as Jesus did, on bearing witness to the truth about that Kingdom.
Q4) What should we recognize regarding our approach to God?
4) Recognition of our own sinful state is essential if we wish to approach God. All men are sinful, and sin is an obstacle to approaching God. The prophet Jeremiah wrote concerning Israel: "We ourselves have transgressed ... You have blocked approach to yourself with a cloud mass, that prayer may not pass through." (Lamentations 3:42, 44) Even so, throughout human history God has shown himself willing to accept the prayers of those who approach him in faith and with the proper heart attitude, observing his commandments. (Psalm 119:145) Who were some of these individuals, and what can we learn from their prayers?
Recognition of our own sinful state is essential
God has shown himself to accept the prayers of those who approach him in faith and with the proper heart attitude, observing his commandments
Notice that the WTS uses 2 OT scriptures: Lamentations 3:42, 44 and Psalm 119:145 to support these statements regarding prayer. Are there no NT scriptures? What NT scriptures put restrictions on prayers?
What commandments did Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, have to observe?
Q5, 6) What can we learn from Abraham's approach to God?
5) One such person was Abraham. His approach to God was accepted, for God called Abraham "my friend." (Isaiah 41:8) What can we learn from Abraham's approach to God? This faithful patriarch asked Jehovah about an heir, saying: "What will you give me, seeing that I am going childless?" (Genesis 15:2, 3; 17:18) On another occasion, he expressed his concern over who would be saved when God rendered judgment against the wicked in Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:23-33) Abraham also made supplication in behalf of others. (Genesis 20:7, 17) And, as in the case of Abel, Abraham's approach to God at times involved an offering to Jehovah.-Genesis 22:9-14.
OT EXAMPLE: ABRAHAM
What do we learn from Abraham’s approach to God?
What mediator did Abraham go through?
He expressed concern over who would be saved
JWs pray for the end of the wicked to come soon; praying for the end of 6.5 billion non-JWs, men, women and children because of concern over ending their OWN troubles soon.
*** w70 8/15 p. 485 How Important Is Prayer to You? ***
Things pertaining to Jehovah's purposes such as the vindication of his name, the destruction of the wicked, the unopposed rule of the earth by his kingdom and the public proclamation of the good news of his kingdom are all suitable subjects for prayer
*** w57 7/1 p. 416 Announcements ***
It is only true worshipers of Jehovah today, those who learn of God's gracious provision for safety and act on it, who will receive his protection at the war of Armageddon.
Involved an offering
What kinds of offerings is the WTS suggesting that the rank and file must give along with their prayers? Are they suggesting that their prayers will most likely be heard if they give to the WTS?
6) On all these occasions, Abraham felt free to speak with Jehovah. However, his freeness of speech was coupled with a humble view of his standing in relation to his Creator. Notice his respectful words, found at Genesis 18:27: "Please, here I have taken upon myself to speak to Jehovah, whereas I am dust and ashes." What a fine attitude to imitate!
Humble view of his standing in relation to his Creator
What a fine attitude to imitate!
Yes, remember your standing in view to the GB/FDS (=God; can only approach Jehovah through them)
Q7) What matters did the patriarchs take to Jehovah in prayer?
7) Patriarchs prayed about a variety of matters, and they were favorably heard by Jehovah. Jacob uttered a prayer in the form of a vow. After asking for God's support, he solemnly promised: "As for everything that you will give me I shall without fail give the tenth of it to you." (Genesis 28:20-22) Later, when he was about to meet his brother, Jacob implored Jehovah for protection; saying: "Deliver me, I pray you, from my brother's hand, from Esau's hand, because I am afraid of him." (Genesis 32:9-12) The patriarch Job approached Jehovah in behalf of his family, offering sacrifices for them. When Job's three companions sinned in their speech, Job prayed in their behalf, and "Jehovah accepted Job's face." (Job 1:5; 42:7-9) These accounts help us to identify matters we might take to Jehovah in prayer. We also see that Jehovah is prepared to accept the prayers of those approaching him in a proper manner.
[Picture on page 23] Why did God accept Abel's offering but not Cain's?
OT EXAMPLES: PATRIARCHS: JACOB, JOB (AGAIN)
"Everything that you will give me I shall without fail give the tenth of it to you"
Is the WTS suggesting that the rank and file tithe to the WTS to make sure their prayers are heard?
When Job’s three companions sinned in their speech, Job prayed in their behalf
When the elders sin in their speech by being "troublesome comforters" can the rank and file pray for them?
Under the Law Covenant
Q8) Under the Law covenant, how were matters taken to Jehovah on behalf of the people?
8) After Jehovah delivered the nation of Israel from Egypt, he gave them the Law covenant. The Law prescribed the arrangement for approach to God through an appointed priesthood. Some Levites were assigned to act as priests on behalf of the people. When matters of national importance arose, a representative of the people--sometimes a king or a prophet--took the matter to God in prayer. (1 Samuel 8:21, 22; 14:36-41; Jeremiah 42:1-3) For example, at the dedication of the temple, King Solomon approached Jehovah in heartfelt prayer. In turn, Jehovah indicated his acceptance of Solomon's prayer by filling the temple with His glory and saying: "My ears [will be] attentive to prayer at this place."-2 Chronicles 6:127:3,15.
OT EXAMPLE: NATION OF ISRAEL
Law covenant = new covenant = per WTS only anointed/144,000 under this arrangement
Approach to God through an appointed priesthood…Some Levites…sometimes a king or a prophet
FDS/GB only = priests, Levites, kings, prophets
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible-A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.-John 6:68.
Q9) What was required for proper approach to Jehovah at the sanctuary?
9) In the Law given to Israel, Jehovah included a requirement for acceptable approach to him at the sanctuary. What was that? Every morning and every evening, in addition to offering animal sacrifices, the high priest was required to burn perfumed incense before Jehovah. Later, underpriests also rendered this service, except on the Day of Atonement. If the priests did not render such respectful homage, Jehovah would not be pleased with their ministry.-Exodus 30: 7, 8; 2 Chronicles 13:11.
[Picture on page 24] "I am dust and ashes"
required to burn perfumed incense…Jehovah would not be please with their ministry
What is the "incense" per the WTS today? Can JWs burn literal incense?
Q10, 11) What evidence do we have that Jehovah accepted the prayers of individuals?
10) In ancient Israel, was approach to God possible only through designated representatives? No, the Scriptures show that Jehovah was pleased to accept the personal prayers of individuals. In Solomon's prayer of dedication at the temple, he entreated Jehovah, saying: "Whatever prayer, whatever request for favor there may occur on the part of any man or of all your people Israel, ... when he actually spreads out his palms toward this house, then may you yourself hear from the heavens." (2 Chronicles 6:29, 30) Luke's account tells us that when Zechariah, the father of John the Baptizer, was offering incense in the sanctuary, a multitude of nonpriestly worshippers of Jehovah were "praying outside." Evidently, it had become the custom for people to gather in prayer outside the sanctuary while incense was being presented to Jehovah on the golden altar.-Luke 1:8-10.
OT EXAMPLE: ANCIENT ISRAEL
Only through designated representatives? No…pleased to accept the personal prayers of individuals
Did God accept the prayers of non-Israelites?
11) Thus, when Jehovah was approached in the proper manner, he was glad to accept petitions from those who represented the nation as a whole and from individuals who sought to approach him personally. Today, we no longer live under the Law covenant. Nevertheless, we can learn some vital lessons about prayer from the ways in which the Israelites of old approached God.
What is the proper manner? Around the temple, towards the temple if far away?
No longer live under the Law covenant…we can learn some vital lessons
That obviously cannot be learned through the words of Christ and his disciples.
Under the Christian Arrangement
Q12) What arrangement is in place for Christians to approach Jehovah?
12) We now live under the Christian arrangement. There is no longer a physical temple in which priests represent all of God's people or toward which we can turn when we pray to God. Nevertheless, Jehovah still has an arrangement in place for us to approach him. What is it? In 29 C.E.,when Christ was anointed and appointed High Priest, a spiritual temple came into operation.* (Footnote: * See The Watchtower, May 15, 2001, page 27.) This spiritual temple was the new arrangement for approaching Jehovah in worship on the basis of the propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus Christ.-Hebrews 9:11, 12.
Christians
Only JWs, anyone else who thinks they are, are only "so-called" or "professed."
*** km 9/93 p. 1 par. 5 What Will We Accomplish During This Service Year? ***
Our worship of Jehovah is not something mechanical, not a form of godly devotion like that of professed Christians in the world, but spirited, active, and alive in accord with the truth as found in God's Word.
*** w92 6/15 p. 4 Is There a Way Out Of Man's Sinful State? ***
However, many of the 3,500,000,000 non-Christians of the world (twice the number of so-called Christians) find the idea of a ransom very difficult to grasp
Physical temple = spiritual temple = anointed JWs only
*** w80 5/15 p. 19 par. 16 "Get Out of Her, My People" ***
They themselves were part of a spiritual temple of his, a figurative temple made up of Jesus Christ the Chief Cornerstone and the 144,000 members of the temple class under him.
Q13) With regard to prayer, what is one parallel between the temple in Jerusalem and the spiritual temple?
13) Many features of the temple in Jerusalem well picture the provisions of the spiritual temple, including those related to prayer. (Hebrews 9:1-10) For example, what was represented by the incense that was offered, morning and evening, upon the altar of incense in the Holy compartment of the temple? According to the book of Revelation, "the incense means the prayers of the holy ones." (Revelation 5:8; 8:3, 4) David was inspired to write: "May my prayer be prepared as incense before you." (Psalm 141:2) Thus, in the Christian arrangement, the sweet-smelling incense appropriately represents acceptable prayers and praise to Jehovah.-1 Thessalonians 3:10.
Incense = prayers
Can JWs use incense in prayer to God?
Acceptable prayers
What are unacceptable prayers?
Q14, 15) What can be said about approach to Jehovah by (a) anointed Christians? (b) the "other sheep"?
14) Who may approach God at this spiritual temple? At the physical temple, the priests and Levites were privileged to serve in the inner courtyard, but only priests could enter the Holy. Anointed Christians with the heavenly hope enjoy a unique spiritual condition foreshadowed by the inner courtyard and the Holy, which enables them to render prayers and praise to God.
Inner courtyard…only priests…unique spiritual condition
Notice how the WTS raises the status of anointed Christians (only JWs); are their prayers more acceptable than non-anointed JWs?
15) What about those with an earthly hope, the "other sheep"? (John 10:16) The prophet Isaiah indicated that people of many nations would come to worship Jehovah "in the final part of the days." (Isaiah 2:2, 3) He also wrote that "foreigners" would join themselves to Jehovah. Indicating his willingness to accept their approach, God said: "I will ... make them rejoice inside my house of prayer." (Isaiah 56:6, 7) Revelation 7:9-15 gives further details, telling of "a great crowd" from "all nations" who gather in worship and prayer to God "day and night" as they stand in the outer courtyard of the spiritual temple. What a comforting thought that all of God's servants today can freely approach God with full confidence that they are heard by him!
[Picture on page 25] "I shall without fail give the tenth of it to you"
earthly hope…other sheep…people of many nations…"foreigners"
Was this speaking of a secondary earthly class or that of non-Jews, Gentiles, would be chosen to be part of those going to heaven?
Outer courtyard
http://www.docbob.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=50Courtyard of the Gentiles
Another doctrinal flip-flop
For years the Watchtower taught that the "great crowd" served God in the figurative "courtyard of the Gentiles" of the temple of God. Then, suddenly, in 1998 that teaching was changed. Here are some quotes from Watchtower publications that show the old teaching and the change.
This teaching was evidently introduced at the district conventions in 1972 as can be seen from the following quote from a review of those conventions that appeared in The Watchtower of October 1, 1972.
The speaker next showed that these spirit-begotten sons of God, as "spiritual Israelites," were not the only ones who are found serving at Jehovah’s temple today. People of all kinds are being invited to come and serve at this temple, even as the Bible foretold would occur. (Isa. 2:2, 3; Rev. 7:9, 15) Those who respond have the privilege of worshiping Jehovah in the nonpriestly courtyard, comparable to the "courtyard of the Gentiles" of the temple built by King Herod. - The Watchtower, 10/1/1972. p. 607 "The Big Issue—Are We for or Against Divine Rulership?"This same teaching was repeated later in 1972 and periodically for 25 more years.This beautiful vision presents the international "great crowd" as serving Jehovah in his temple, that is, in the earthly courtyards reserved for those who are not spiritual Israelites, as it were in the "courtyard of the Gentiles." - The Watchtower, 12/1/1972, p. 722 "The Gathering of All Nations to One Temple to Worship"This beautiful vision presents the international "great crowd" as serving Jehovah in his temple, that is, in the earthly courtyards reserved for those who are not spiritual Israelites, as it were in the "courtyard of the Gentiles." - The Watchtower, 5/15/1979, p. 16 "Persistence in Prayer Has Its Reward"Those making up this "great crowd" are not described in terms that identify them as underpriests. So they must be understood to be standing in what was represented by the courtyard of the Gentiles, a special feature of the temple as rebuilt by Herod. - Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, p. 1081 "Temple""A great crowd" of Jehovah’s other worshipers is "rendering [God] sacred service" in what was represented by the courtyard of the Gentiles at the temple rebuilt by Herod. - The Watchtower, 1/15/1993, p. 25 "Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort"
As foretold, the great crowd "are worshiping [God] day and night in his temple." (Revelation 7:15, footnote) Since they are not spiritual, priestly Israelites, John likely saw them standing in the temple in the outer courtyard of the Gentiles. - The Watchtower, 7/1/1996, p. 20 "The Triumph of True Worship Draws Near"Then, in the 2/1/1998 issue of The Watchtower, the following change appeared.The great crowd worships with anointed Christians in the earthly courtyard of Jehovah’s great spiritual temple. (Revelation 7:14, 15; 11:2) There is no reason to conclude that they are in a separate Court of the Gentiles. - The Watchtower, 2/1/1998, p. 21 "The Other Sheep and the New Covenant""There is no reason to conclude that they are in a separate Court of the Gentiles." ? Basically, they are saying "There is no reason to believe what we taught for 25 years." On that point, I agree wholeheartedly with the Watchtower.As a friend of mine once put it, "Every time the governing body changes direction, 6 millions JWs get whiplash."
What Prayers Are Accepted?
Q16. What can we learn about prayer from the early Christians?
16) The early Christians were people of prayer. Concerning what matters did they pray? Christian elders requested guidance in selecting men for organizational responsibilities. (Acts 1:24, 25; 6:5, 6) Epaphras prayed in behalf of fellow believers. (Colossians 4:12) Members of the congregation in Jerusalem prayed for Peter when he was imprisoned. (Acts 12:5) The early Christians asked God to give them boldness in the face of opposition, saying: "Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness." (Acts 4:23-30) The disciple James urged Christians to pray to God for wisdom when under trial. (James 1:5) Do you include such matters in your petitions to Jehovah?
Christian elders requested guidance in selecting men for organizational responsibilities
And where was holy spirit when this man was selected and remained in place as an elder and at the headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Wallkill?
http://www.silentlambs.org/bethelitechildmolester.htm\
opposition…trial…imprisoned
Do you think the WTS is conditioning the rank and file for persecution along with the tract campaign, "The End of False Religion is Near!"
False religion = all religion but the WTS/JWs.
Q17) Whose prayers does Jehovah accept?
17) God does not accept all prayers. How, then, can we pray with the assurance that our prayers will be accepted? Faithful people to whom God listened in former times approached him in sincerity and with the right heart attitude. They showed faith and backed this up with fine works. We can be assured that Jehovah will listen to those who approach him in like manner today.
Does God accept the prayers of non-JWs?
Is sincerity enough?
*** w03 2/1 p. 32 Sincerity-Desirable, but Is It Enough? ***
For our worship to be acceptable to God, sincerity is not only desirable but also essential. Yet, note that sincerity alone is not enough.
Who only have the "right" heart attitude.
Backed this up with fine works
—only works associated with the WTS.Q18) For their prayers to be heard, what requirement must Christians meet?
18) There is an additional requirement. The apostle Paul explained this, saying: "Through him we ... have the approach to the Father by one spirit." To whom was Paul referring when he wrote, "through him"? To Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:13, 18) Yes, we can have free approach to the Father only through Jesus. John 14:6; 15:16; 16:23, 24.
[Picture on page 26] Are your prayers like sweet-smelling incense to Jehovah?
Through Jesus Christ
But are prayers offered through Jesus Christ to God apart from the WTS acceptable to God?
Q19) (a) When did the offering of incense in Israel become offensive to Jehovah? (b) How can we make sure that our prayers are like sweet-smelling incense to Jehovah?
19) As already mentioned, the incense offered by Israelite priests represents the acceptable prayers of God's faithful servants. However, at times, the incense offerings of the Israelites were disgusting to Jehovah: This was the case when the Israelites were burning incense in the temple but at the same time bowing down to idols. (Ezekiel 8: 10, 11) Likewise today, the prayers of those who profess to serve Jehovah but at the same time practice works that conflict with his laws become like an offensive odor to him. (Proverbs 15:8) Let us, then, continue to keep all aspects of our lives clean so that our prayers are like sweet-smelling incense to God. Jehovah delights in the prayers of those who follow his righteous paths. (John 9:31) However, some questions still remain. How should we pray? For what can we pray? And how does God answer our prayers? Our next article will consider these and other questions.
God’s faithful servants…those who follow his righteous paths
Only JWs
Prayers of those who profess to serve Jehovah…offensive
All so-called or professed Christians
Can You Explain?
- How can imperfect humans approach God acceptably?
- In our prayers, how can we imitate the patriarchs?
- What do we learn from the prayers of the early Christians?
- When are our prayers like sweet-smelling incense to God?
Concluding Comments
Not much new except the flipflop doctrine on the courtyard. Many JWs missed that doctrinal change and are probably still in the dark.
After all the OT examples and the deceptive referencing of the early Christians, is it no wonder that JWs have more in common with Orthodox Jews than Christians?
It’s apple time, the cider is flowing, and the mums are blazing, and the pumpkins are glowing. Are you planting bulbs for next year?
Love, Blondie