Comments You Will Not Hear at the 2-25-07 WT Study (Really Teaches)

Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations , baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."

(Does the WTS baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit" or in the name of a spirit-directed organization? Do the observe all the things Christ commanded or only as interpreted by the WTS?)

Opening Comments

This article is based on the newest "study" book for the general public. Why does the WTS keep coming out with a new one? Didn’t the previous one work? Why do the rank and file have to study it at the book study? First, the WTS is always tweaking their doctrines and chronology so things go out of date quickly. Second, in days gone past when the rank and file paid a set price for the books, the WTS would have a new cash flow into their coffers; with the new honor system of paying, I don’t think they accrue the same amount of funds. Third, because most of the rank and file would never read the book if they weren’t required to study it at the book study. It would sit on the book shelf or in their book bag and they would offer the book to the public having never read it themselves.

Do the rank and file really study the Bible or the WTS book? Ask yourself, on a typical study with the public what book is constantly open? What words are all read, the script in the book or the scriptures cited or partially quoted in book? Why are the weekly small group studies called "book" studies, not "bible" studies?

TEACH WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY TEACHES ACCORDING TO THE WTS (FDS) DOCTRINES.

*** w81 2/15 p. 19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***

We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the "faithful and discreet slave" organization.

*** w02 12/1 p. 17 par. 17 Enjoy Personal Study of God’s Word ***

Then Philip, directed by holy spirit, helped the eunuch to understand the prophecy of Isaiah. (Acts 8:27-35) What does this illustrate? That our private reading of the Bible is not enough. Jehovah, by his spirit, uses the faithful and discreet slave class to help us to understand his Word at the right time.

*** w87 7/15 p. 19 Prayers Require Works ***

Because Jehovah God does not give his holy spirit apart from his Word, and we cannot hope to receive holy spirit if we ignore the earthly channel Jehovah is using today, "the faithful and discreet slave," represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Without help from this "slave," we would neither be able to understand the full import of what we read nor know how to apply what we learn.—Matthew 24:45-47.

*** w81 12/1 p. 27 par. 4 The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter ***

But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his "faithful and discreet slave," made up of spirit-anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do.

START OF ARTICLE

Q1) What can be said about the availability of the Bible?

1) Jehovah’s Word, the Holy Bible, is one of the oldest and most widely distributed books in the world. At least part of it has been translated into more than 2,300 languages. Over 90 percent of earth's inhabitants have it available in their native tongue.

Most widely distributed (but)

*** km 11/93 p. 8 par. 1 The Value of the Bible in Today’s World ***

Many today view the Bible as outdated and unrealistic. While it is the most widely distributed and the most translated book in all history, relatively few read it, and fewer still follow its direction.

Who translated it into more than 2,300 languages? If you asked an average JW would they answer "the WTS"?

Does the WTS give any credit to the Bible societies responsible for this? Until 1961 the WTS did not even have the complete NWT, yet these other bibles were sufficient to learn the thoughts of God for 82 years.

Would a JW walk one mile for a Bible let alone 25?

*** w94 5/15 p. 3 Do You Value the Bible? ***

JUST over 200 years ago, Mary Jones was born in Llanfihangel, a remote Welsh village not far from the Atlantic coastline. Her parents were poor weavers—too poor to own a Bible. But they instilled in their daughter a love for God by telling her Bible stories and repeating texts they remembered. Mary often read a neighbor’s Welsh Bible and started to save what little money she could, determined to buy one of her own.

In the year 1800, when Mary was 16, she heard that a few Welsh Bibles were for sale 25 miles[40km] away in the small town of Bala. Undaunted, she resolved to walk there. This she did, barefoot across the hills. By the time she arrived, however, all copies had been sold. Mary also learned that the sum of money she had saved was far too small.

The local pastor was deeply moved by Mary’s knowledge and love of the Bible. Seeing her tears of disappointment after all the effort she had made, he kindly gave her his own personal copy, saying: "Read it carefully, study it diligently, treasure up the sacred words in your memory, and act up to its teachings."

This story was later related at a meeting of the Committee of the Religious Tract Society of London. There the decision was made to supply Bible translations not just to the people of Wales but to the whole world. From this simple beginning sprang the first of the many Bible societies of the 19th century.

Q2, 3) (a) Why is there confusion about Bible teachings? (b) What questions will we consider?

2) Millions of people read a portion of the Bible every day. Some have read it from cover to cover many times. Thousands of religious groups claim to base their teachings on the Bible, but they do not agree on what it teaches. Adding to the confusion are the strong disagreements between members of the same religion. Some have doubts about the Bible, its origin, and its value. Many view it as a sacred book merely for ceremonial use in making vows or in swearing to tell the truth in court.

Millions of people

— only JWs?

How many JWs have read the Bible cover to cover? When bible games would be played based on the names of the bible books, did you notice that in a group of 30 or more, only one, maybe 2 even knew what all l66 books were, let alone put them in order?

Claim to base their teachings on the Bible

— what would you consider a WT teaching not based on the Bible? Is it enough just to use a scripture along side a statement?

What doctrines of the WTS are the really the "doctrines of men" making the world of God invalid?

(Matthew 15:5-9) 5 But YOU say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother: "Whatever I have by which you might get benefit from me is a gift dedicated to God," 6 he must not honor his father at all.’ And so YOU have made the word of God invalid because of YOUR tradition. 7 YOU hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about YOU, when he said, 8 ‘This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. 9 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.’"

3) Actually, the Bible contains God's powerful word, or message, for mankind. (Hebrews 4:12) As Jehovah's Witnesses, we therefore want people to learn what the Bible teaches. We are delighted to carry out the commission that Jesus Christ gave his followers when he said: "Go ... and make disciples of people of all the nations.... teaching them." (Matthew 28:19, 20) In our public ministry, we find honesthearted people who are distressed over the religious confusion rampant in the world. They want to know the truth about our Creator and desire to learn what the Bible says about the meaning of life. Let us consider three questions that concern many people. In each case, we will take note of what religious leaders mistakenly say, and then we will review what the Bible really teaches. The questions are: (1) Does God care about us? (2) Why are we here? (3) What happens to us when we die?

As Jehovah’s Witnesses

— not as Christians? As a JW what religion he or she is and the answer will most often be, "one of Jehovah’s Witnesses."

Want people to learn what the Bible teaches

— because only the WTS can teach what the Bible teaches (see opening comments)

Distressed over the religious confusion

Flipflop doctrines
Resurrection of people at Sodom and Gomorrah

http://www.cftf.com/comments/blinking.html

Superior Au

thorities—1879 to 1929, secular authorities, 1929-1962, God and Jesus, 1962 to present, secular authorities

http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/superior.htm

Scream and Rape

http://www.freeminds.org/psych/rape.htm

Organ transplants

— until 1967 okay, 1967-1980, disfellowshipping offense, same as cannibalism, 1980 to present, conscience matter

Other flipflops

http://www.quotes-watchtower.co.uk/flip-flops.html

Changes in decades long teachings such as:

1914 Generation not people born in 1914 or earlier

Alternative service now permitted

Separating sheep and goats a future event

"Disgusting thing" (League of Nations/UN) standing in a holy place not in 1919, a future event

Honesthearted people

— only people who listen to JWs are "honesthearted"; one of the WTS buzzwords

Delighted to carry out the commission

— because JWs know they will not survive Armageddon and live forever on a paradise earth unless they are "regular" (one hour a month) publishers.

Does God Care?

Q4, 5) Why do people think that God does not care about us?

4) Let us begin with the question, Does God care about us? Sadly, many people think that the answer is no. Why do they feel that way? One reason is that they live in a world full of hatred, war, and suffering. `If God really cared,' they reason, `surely he would prevent such tragic things from happening.'

If God cared

— do JWs care? What practical help do they give to non-JWs as far as time and money? JWs hope God comes in and kills every non-JW, including babies and children.

5) Another reason why people think that God does not care about us is that religious leaders have made them feel that way. What do clergymen often say when tragedy strikes? When one woman lost her two small children in an automobile accident, her minister said: "It was God's will. God needed two more angels." When clergymen make such comments, they are actually blaming God for the bad things that happen. Yet, the disciple James wrote: "When under trial, let no one say: `I am being tried by God.' For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone." (James 1:13) Jehovah God never causes what is bad. Indeed, "far be it from the true God to act wickedly." Job 34:10.

Religious leaders have made them feel that way (that God does not care)

— It was God’s will

But isn’t that what JWs and the WTS are saying when they say God protects JWs but not non-JWs. Don’t JWs believe that with a simple prayer, they can ask for angelic protection?

Or if someone is not at a meeting or convention and suffers disaster?

*** w98 11/1 p. 19 Pleasing Jehovah Is My Primary Concern ***

On August 20, 1942, as a group of us gathered for a meeting outside Thessalonica, our presiding overseer pointed to the British warplanes dropping bombs on the city and emphasized how we were protected by obeying the exhortation ‘not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together.’ (Hebrews 10:25)

Q6) Who is behind the wickedness and suffering in this world?

6) Why, then, is there so much wickedness and suffering? One reason is that mankind in general has rejected God as Ruler, not wanting to submit to his righteous laws and principles. Humans have unwittingly submitted to God's Adversary, Satan, for "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) Knowledge of this fact makes it easier to understand why bad situations exist. Satan is evil, hateful, deceptive, and cruel. So we should expect the world to reflect the personality of its ruler. No wonder there is so much wickedness!

Unwittingly submitted to…Satan

— does this mean the WTS teaches that they are worshipping Satan indirectly?

Isn’t he called the "god of this system of things"? Doesn’t that mean that everyone who is not worshipping "Jehovah" is worshipping Satan?

*** w05 10/15 p. 23 par. 12 Beware of Developing a Haughty Heart ***

Thus the first human pair rejected God’s right to rule over them and, in effect, became worshippers of Satan.

*** w90 12/1 p. 6 Which God Should You Worship? ***

The apostle John said that "the whole world" is lying in his power, and Paul called him "the god of this system of things." (1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4) Hence, worship of any god apart from Jehovah is really worship of Satan.

Q7) What are some reasons for the suffering we experience?

7) Human imperfection is another reason for the suffering we experience. Sinful humans tend to struggle for dominance, and that often results in wars, oppression, and suffering. Ecclesiastes 8:9 aptly says: "Man has dominated man to his injury." A further reason for suffering is "time and unforeseen occurrence." (Ecclesiastes 9:11) People often experience calamity because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Human imperfection is another reason for the suffering we experience

Yet some imperfection that causes suffering is excusable:

*** w00 6/15 p. 16 par. 16 Honor the Ones Given Authority Over You ***

Congregation elders are appointed by holy spirit, yet they are still imperfect and make mistakes.

And the struggle for dominance in an elder body is also excusable imperfection.

*** w99 6/1 p. 15 par. 4 Appreciating the "Gifts in Men" ***

Jehovah has entrusted the "gifts in men" with a measure of authority in the congregation. Of course, elders do not want to misuse their authority, but they know that it is all too easy as imperfect humans to do so.

Q8, 9) How do we know that Jehovah really cares about us?

8) It is comforting to learn that Jehovah does not cause suffering. But does God truly care about what is going on in our lives? The heartwarming answer is yes! We know that Jehovah cares because his inspired Word tells us why he has allowed humans to pursue a bad course. God's reasons involve two issues: his sovereignty and the integrity of humans. Because he is the almighty Creator, Jehovah is not obligated to tell us why he permits suffering. Yet, he tells us because he cares about us.

[God] does not cause…has allowed…permits

--- JWs carry this farther in saying that God will cause the deaths of 6.5 billion people in the near future including young children and babies and even people who have never heard about the JW good news.

9) Consider further evidence that God cares about us. He "felt hurt at his heart" when badness filled the earth in the days of Noah. (Genesis 6:5, 6) Does God feel differently today? No, for he does not change. (Malachi 3:6) He detests injustice and hates to see people suffer. The Bible teaches that God will soon undo all the harm that has resulted from human rule and from the influ ence of the Devil. Is that not convincing proof that God cares about us?

Do JWs detest the suffering of non-JWs? Are they wishing for the "end" to come knowing it means the end of all 6.5 billion non-JWs? Are JWs selling their homes and other belongings to take up the full-time ministry, not just a few but all?

Why not if "the Bible teaches that God will soon undo all the harm"?

[Picture on page 22] The Bible teaches that suffering will end

Q10) How does Jehovah feel about human suffering?

10) Religious leaders misrepresent God when they say that the tragedies we experience are his will. On the contrary, Jehovah longs to end human suffering. "He cares for you," says 1 Peter 5:7. That is what the Bible really teaches!

Religious leaders misrepresent God

How would non-JWs feel if they really knew that JWs are hoping and praying for their end and the end of all 6.5 billion non-JWs and to happen SOON?

*** w57 7/1 p. 416 Announcements ***

In the Flood it was only through God’s protective provision, the ark of safety. 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. To be under that protection means life; to be outside it means death.

*** w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***

Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (

Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the "flesh" that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.

Why Are We Here?

Q11) What do the world's religions often say about human life on the earth?

11) Let us now consider a second question that many wonder about, Why are we here? The world's religions often answer that man is on the earth only temporarily. They see our globe as little more than a stopover, or stepping-stone, on the way to life somewhere else. Some clergymen falsely teach that God will someday destroy this planet. As a result of such teachings, many people have concluded that they are better off living life to the full while they can because only death awaits them. What does the Bible really teach about why we are here?

The world’s religions often answer that man is on the earth only temporarily

Yet that is what the WTS says about 144,000 humans and it is these humans who are supposedly running the WTS. Then don’t these leaders…

See our globe as little more than a stopover, or stepping-stone, on the way to life somewhere else

Some clergyman falsely teach

— which ones or is the WTS trying to tar everyone with the same brush?

How many teach that the earth will be destroyed? How many teach that it will not be destroyed?

As a result…many people concluded that they are better off living life to the full

What proof is there that "many" people are living life to the full because of this teaching? PROOF.

Q12-14) What does the Bible teach regarding God's purpose for the earth and for mankind?

12) God has a wonderful purpose for the earth and for mankind. He "did not create [the earth] simply for nothing" but "formed it even to be inhabited." (Isaiah 45:18) Moreover, Jehovah "has founded the earth upon its established places; it will not be made to totter to time indefinite, or forever." (Psalm 104:5) Learning these things about God's purpose for the earth and for mankind can help us to understand why we are here.

So the earth will remain to be inhabited—

but what about the 6.5 billion people, men, women, and babies that are slated for eternal destruction SOON without even an individual warning required per the WTS.

13) Genesis chapters 1 and 2 show that Jehovah took great care to prepare the earth for human habitation. At the end of the creative period involving our globe, everything was "very good." (Genesis 1:31) God placed the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, in the lovely garden of Eden and supplied them with an abundance of good food. The first human pair were told: "Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it." They were to have perfect children, to extend the boundaries of their garden home earth wide, and to exercise loving dominion over the animals.-Genesis 1:26-28.

And how do JWs today take care of their home? Do they protect the ecology in how they build, handle refuse, etc.? Will they get a quick training in Paradise?

14) It is Jehovah's purpose to have a perfect human family dwell on earth eternally. God's Word says: "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." (Psalm 37:29) Yes, humankind was meant to enjoy everlasting life in Paradise on earth. That is God's purpose, and it is what the Bible really teaches!

CARROT: Enjoy everlasting life in Paradise on earth.

[Picture on page 23] The righteous will live forever in Paradise

What Happens to Us at Death?

Q15) What do most of the world's religions teach about what happens to us when we die?

15) Now let us discuss a third question that concerns many: What happens to us when we die? Most of the world's religions teach that something inside a person continues living after the body dies. Some religious groups still cling to the idea that God punishes the wicked by subjecting them to eternal suffering in a fiery hell. But is that the truth? What does the Bible really teach about death?

Proof?:
most of the world’s religions teach that something inside a person continues living after the body dies.

But only "some" "fiery hell"

As a JW have you ever made an assumption about someone at the door and been embarrassed when they said your assumption was wrong (though based on the WTS judgment)?

Q16, 17) According to the Bible, what is the condition of the dead?

16) God's Word states: "The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages." Since the dead "are conscious of nothing at all," they cannot hear, see, speak, feel, or think. They no longer earn any wages. How could they? They are incapable of any work! Moreover, "their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished," for they cannot express any emotion.-Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10.

Did you notice how this scripture was broken up into snippets with commentary? What has happened to just a straight reading of a scripture?

17) What the Bible says on this subject is simple and clear-the dead do not continue to live somewhere. There is nothing that leaves our body at death and lives on so as to be reborn in another body, as stated by those who believe in reincarnation. We might illustrate matters this way: The life that we enjoy is like the flame of a candle. When the flame is extinguished, it does not go anywhere. It is simply gone.

Based on only one scripture (snippets with commentary), the WTS says this is "simple and clear."

Q18) When a Bible student learns that the dead are not conscious, what conclusions can he draw?

18) Think of the implications of that one simple but powerful truth. When a Bible student learns that the dead are not conscious, he should easily be able to conclude that no matter how resentful his dead ancestors may have been during their lifetime, they cannot trouble him. He should also quickly grasp the point that his dead loved ones can no longer hear, see, speak, feel, or think. Therefore, they cannot be experiencing unbearable loneliness in purgatory or suffering in a place of fiery torment. However, the Bible teaches that the dead who are in God's memory will be resurrected. What a wonderful hope! John 5:28, 29.

So did you worry about resentful dead ancestors. Or maybe you believed in ghosts and being haunted by them. Or maybe you paid money to have a relative prayed out of purgatory.

Notice how the WTS does talk about how they once taught that people alive in 1914 would be alive then the "end" came when teaching new students. What other WTS doctrines do you think they avoid till later in the indoctrination?

A New Book for Our Use

Q19, 20) As Christians, what responsibility do we have, and what Bible study aid is especially designed for our use in our ministry?

19) We have considered only three questions that many people wonder about. In each case, what the Bible teaches is clear and straightforward. What a joy it is to share such truths with those who want to know what the Bible teaches! But there are many other important questions to which honesthearted ones need satisfying answers. As Christians, we have a responsibility to help them find the answers to such questions.

What the Bible teaches—

what the WTS teaches —is it clear and straightforward. Try using one scripture (snippets and commentary) on the next non-JW you meet.

Christians

— now they are Christians not just Jehovah’s Witnesses but be assured that the WTS says that only JWs are Christians, only JWs teach the truth of the Bible (the rest teach lies), and the WTS has never taught lies, just made mistakes.

20) It is challenging to teach Scriptural truth in a way that is clear and that appeals to the heart. To help us meet that challenge, "the faithful and discreet slave" prepared a book that is especially designed for our use in our Christian ministry. (Matthew 24:45-47) This 224-page book is entitled What Does the Bible Really Teach?

It is challenging to teach Scriptural truth

Because that means the rank and file publisher has to commit to more time and effort than just showing up for their one hour to stay regular. Many JWs would give me names and addresses of people that wanted to study because they did not want to take the time, to make the commitment to meet with them once a week for an hour. These same people would not even study with their own children. Yes, nothing should get in the way of their sports, shopping, video games, snowmobiling, tennis, washing their vehicles once a week, taking weekend jaunts, their weeked work, etc. It will take more than a "clear and simple" book to tempt most JWs to commit that much of their time.

After all, you are not required to convert anyone to get everlasting life; and the WTS only requires 1 hour a month to be "regular" in God’s eyes.

Q21, 22) What are some noteworthy features of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?

21) Released at the 2005/06 "Godly Obedience" District Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses, this book has various noteworthy features. For instance, there is a five-page preface that is proving to be very helpful in starting home Bible studies. You will likely find it easy to discuss the pictures and the scriptures found in the preface. You may also use material in this section to show students how to locate Bible chapters and verses.

Five-page preface…starting home Bible studies

— reminds me of the days when a JW would hand the person a testimony card to read rather than talking to the person.

***jvchap.25p.564PreachingPubliclyandFromHousetoHouse***

Late in 1933 a different method of preaching was begun. By way of introduction, the Witnesses handed people a testimony card that had a brief message for the householder to read. This was especially of great help to new publishers, who did not receive much training in those days. Generally, they made only a few brief remarks to the householder after the card had been read…The use of testimony cards continued well into the 1940’s. It allowed for rapid coverage of territory, and it enabled Witnesses to reach more people, get much valuable Bible literature into their hands, give a uniform witness, and even present the message to people whose language they could not speak.

Easy to discuss the pictures…show students how to locate Bible chapters and verses

Makes it easy for the rank and file publisher to discuss and they might learn how to find the scriptures themselves…I can remember one brother trying to show someone how to look a scripture and the person beat him to the scripture every time…it doesn’t pay to assume that non-JWs don’t know how to use their Bible.

22) The writing style of this book is simple and clear. An effort has been made to reach the student's heart by involving him whenever possible. Each chapter has several introductory questions and a box at the end entitled "What the Bible Teaches." The box contains the Scriptural answers to the introductory questions. Fine pictures and captions as well as written illustrations in this publication will help the student to grasp new ideas. Although the book's main text has been kept quite simple, there is an appendix that will allow you to consider 14 important subjects in greater depth if the student requires additional information.

Simple and clear— is that because only the simple-minded will be fooled by the WTS message or that JWs need it dumb downed?

This will help JWs grasp the ideas; many know very little, just the basics and then only by rote, not being able to use a scripture. How many can just pick up their Bible and turn to one or 2 scriptures without preparation or their crutch "Reasoning from the Scriptures" assuming they have put one in their book bag.

What topics are in the appendix? Why separate these from the main material? Is it to be considered "only" if the student "requires" additional information.

*** Bible Teach book p. 194 Appendix ***

TOPICPAGE

The Divine Name—Its Use and Its Meaning 195

How Daniel’s Prophecy Foretells the Messiah’s Arrival 197

Jesus Christ—The Promised Messiah 199

The Truth About the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit 201

Why True Christians Do Not Use the Cross in Worship 204

The Lord’s Evening Meal—An Observance That Honors God 206

"Soul" and "Spirit"— What Do These Terms Really Mean? 208

What Are Sheol and Hades ? 212

Judgment Day —What Is It? 213

1914—A Significant Year in Bible Prophecy 215

Who Is Michael the Archangel? 218

Identifying "Babylon the Great" 219

Was Jesus Born in December? 221

Should We Celebrate Holidays? 222

Q23) What suggestions are offered regarding the use of the Bible Teach book on Bible studies?

23) The Bible Teach book is designed to help us teach people of different educational levels and from various religious backgrounds. If a student does not have any knowledge of the Bible, it may take more than one study session to cover a chapter. Do not rush through the material, but endeavor to reach the student's heart. If he does not understand a certain illustration used in the book, explain it or use an alternative. Prepare well, do your best to use the book effectively, and pray for God's help so that you can `handle the word of the truth aright.'-2 Timothy 2:15.

People of different educational levels…not have any knowledge of the Bible

More than one study session…chapter— I guess it’s not the 6-month program (Truth book), or the chapter a week program (Knowledge book)

Do not rush— but don’t take 5 years

Prepare well— I guess that means most of rank and file won’t have time

Be Grateful for Your Priceless Privileges

Q24, 25) Jehovah has granted his people what priceless privileges?

24) Jehovah has given his people priceless privileges. He has enabled us to learn the truth about him. We must never take that privilege for granted! After all, God has hidden his purposes from the haughty and has revealed them to humble ones. In this regard, Jesus said: "I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes." (Matthew 11:25) It is a rare honor to be counted among the humble ones who serve the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah.

His people— only JWs

Enabled us to learn the truth about him— only through the WTS

Revealed them to humble ones— only JWs, but only the anointed JWs, but only the anointed male JWs, but only the anointed male JWs on the Governing Body

Humble ones who serve [God]— only JWs

25) God has also given us the privilege of teaching others about him. Remember that he has been misrepresented by those who have taught lies about him. Many people thus have an entirely wrong impression of Jehovah, thinking that he is uncaring and hard-hearted. Are you willing, yes, even eager, to help set the record straight? Do you want honesthearted people everywhere to know the truth about God? Then by all means, demonstrate your godly obedience by zealously preaching and by teaching others what the Scriptures say on vital subjects. Truth-seekers need to learn what the Bible really teaches.

He has been misrepresented by those who have taught lies about him— and that starts with the WTS and their so-called clarifications and flipflops.

Honesthearted people— only people who accept what the WTS teaches

Zealously preaching and teaching— how many JWs are rearranging their lives to preach full-time (not just 70 hours a month) since the end is near, SOON, VERY SOON NOW.

What Are Your Answers?

- How do we know that God cares about us?

- Why are we here on earth?

- What happens to us when we die?

- What features of the Bible

Concluding Comments

Next week, "without a doubt it takes much hard work"…

Well, that will scare off most JWs. Remember, only one hour a month is required to be considered "regular" or "active" to qualify for everlasting life in a Paradise earth. There is nothing requiring the rank and file to study with anyone, let alone bring anyone into the WT organization.

In some congregations I attended, they tried to guilt people into conducting studies. First they would take the count of bible studies, subtract out family studies (another point), then subtract out those conducted by regular pioneers.

For example,

100 publishers

40 bible studies

15 family studies

25 studies

10 studies by regular pioneers

15 studies

100 – 10 pioneers = 90 publishers conducting 15 studies (don’t count family ones)

That meant that 75 publishers did not have a regular bible study

Then there would be the visit of the CO, would see that there were 30 families with minor children but only 15 turning in a slip. "I know brothers and sisters you must be talking to your children about the bible but are forgetting to turn in your bible study slip."

I am willing to bet that this "new" book hasn’t changed the overall trend in congregations. Bible studies take time and interfere with your life. God will see to it that these sheep are fed and found, just not by me.

We have quite bit of snow now…20 inches by tomorrow. I’m almost back to my normal feisty self. I’m planning on painting the inside of our house, picking colors, etc. Have to hire someone because of our vaulted ceilings and our joint fear of heights.

Love, Blondie

Living room, kitchen, foyer

http://recyclepaint.com/catalog/images/Yellow.jpg

Master bedroom/bath

http://stencilease.com/gif/sp5c.gif

Bedroom 1

One wall:

Gypsy red (Sherwin Williams)

Downstairs

http://www.thisoldhousepaints.com/colorDetail.do?page=color&colorId=182&entryId=

(Cactus bud)

Ceilings

Antique White

fokyc

Many thanks for your review of tomorrows watchtower study.

I like the colors you are using for your home painting, glad you are back to your oldself again.

fokyc

compound complex

"I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes." --- Matthew 11:25

Who's who? Anyone can delusionally claim that he is the babe to whom God has revealed His secrets. Shattered faith is a good thing in that it has gotten many of us former JW "babes" here with correct analysis of "holy" GB rhetoric.

C...

5go

Well, that will scare off most JWs. Remember, only one hour a month is required to be considered "regular" or "active" to qualify for everlasting life in a Paradise earth. There is nothing requiring the rank and file to study with anyone, let alone bring anyone into the WT organization.

Now it's fifteen minutes.

anewme

I feel I can no longer keep JWD a secret from my JW relatives. This is just too good!
There is no way I could sit and be spoon fed this distasteful pablum any more.
Lies lies lies!
What is the WTS really after anyway? Why are they doing this to people???

Thankyou Blondie.

OnTheWayOut

Unwittingly submitted to…Satan—does this mean the WTS teaches that they are worshipping Satan indirectly?
Isn’t he called the "god of this system of things"? Doesn’t that mean that everyone who is not worshipping
"Jehovah" is worshipping Satan?

Good call. YES- the mind-control cult teaches that everyone outside of JW's is worshipping Satan.

Q8, 9) How do we know that Jehovah really cares about us?
8) .......Jehovah is not obligated to tell us why he permits suffering. Yet, he tells us because he cares about us.
[God] does not cause…has allowed…permits
--- JWs carry this farther in saying that God will cause the
deaths of 6.5 billion people in the near future including young children and babies and even people who have
never heard about the JW good news.

Another good call. God cares enough to send some people to your door with a piece of paper. If you don't rescue
the piece of paper from the wind or junk mail, you can be destroyed. If you live in a country where JW's didn't get
around to you but once, you should have paid attention, perhaps you should have not told them you were sleeping
on your only day off- too bad for you.

OnTheWayOut

Q16, 17) According to the Bible, what is the condition of the dead?
16) God's Word states: "The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages." Since the dead "are conscious of nothing at all," they cannot hear, see, speak, feel, or think. They no longer earn any wages. How could they? They are incapable of any work! Moreover, "their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished," for they cannot express any emotion.-Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10.
Did you notice how this scripture was broken up into snippets with commentary? What has happened to just a straight reading of a scripture?

Such hugmongous conclusions based on one chapter of Ecclesiastes, three verses. Say what people who studied the bible
have to say about those scriptures. How do others find these in harmony with the teachings of their Church?

OnTheWayOut

Q19, 20) As Christians, what responsibility do we have, and what Bible study aid is especially designed for our use in our ministry?

We have a responsibility- it is tied in with our ministry- and this Bible study aid is
designed to aid us in our responsibility.
Can the JW's feel the pressure- You MUST go door-to-door and offer this book to people.
That is a commandment from God. Well, His representatives on Earth command it, close
enough as we already told you, they represent God. What do you mean, this book forgets
to mention God's representatives on Earth? Get baptized then study another book- whatever
you didn't learn in this book about the Bible, the next book will teach you- but get baptized 1st.

bobld

Thanks for the review Blondie..Q16,17,18.... Last week they said people went to heaven in 1918-35 to give John a vision of things on earth in our day.This week they says "What the bible says is simple and clear,the condition of the dead..they can't hear,see,speak,feel or think" Those almost 144k dead ones can't hear,see,speak,feel or think per GB/FDS in this weeks study.

Bob

justicehope

Blondie: Your time and efforts are appreciated.

Comments You Will Not Hear at the 2-25-07 WT Study (Really Teaches)

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