Comments You Will Not Hear at the 03-04-07 WT Study (January 15, 2007, pages 26-30)(OBEY BIBLE)
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
Bible translations
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bibleWT publications
www.reexamine.orgWT child abuse
www.silentlambs.orgBlood issue
www.ajwrb.orgUnited Nations
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
HELP OTHERS OBEY WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
As for that on the fine soil, these are the ones that, after hearing the word with a fine and good heart, retain it and bear fruit with endurance. "-LUKE 8:15.
Opening Comments
If you read the WTS comments, you might have wondered is this an article telling how a student should progress or how a JW should progress to be a teacher. Are the goals for the student really goals for the JW?
Few JWs have progressed past the milk stage because they see no need to do so and insure their receiving everlasting life. Does a JW believe they have to be a teacher to live forever or just a one-hour a month "preacher’?
Perhaps they have become what Paul describes here:
Does the average JW know how to use their perceptive powers and distinguish between what is right and wrong or can they only do what the WTS says is right and wrong, not being allowed to use their personal perceptive powers?(Hebrews 5:11-14) . . .Concerning him we have much to say and hard to be explained, since YOU have become dull in YOUR hearing. 12 For, indeed, although YOU ought to be teachers in view of the time, YOU again need someone to teach YOU from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God; and YOU have become such as need milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone that partakes of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.
START OF ARTICLE
Q1, 2) (a) For what purpose is the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? designed? (b) In recent years, how has Jehovah blessed the efforts of his people to make disciples?
1) The book is simply excellent. My students love it. I love it. This book makes itpossible to start Bible studies with people right at their doorstep." So said a fulltime pioneer minister of Jehovah's Witnesses concerning the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?* (Footnote: * Published by Jehovah's Witnesses.) Referring to the same publication, an elderly Kingdom proclaimer said: "I have had the privilege of helping many people come to know Jehovah in the 50 years I have been active in the ministry. But I must say, this study publication is outstanding. The refreshing word pictures and illustrations are a delight." Is that how you feel about the Bible Teach book? This Bible study aid is designed to help you fulfill Jesus' command: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.... teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you."-Matthew 28:19, 20.
The book…this book…the book…the same publication…this study publication…outstanding…refreshing…delight
Are they talking about the Bible? Why does the Bible need an aid to help Christians fulfill Jesus’ command?
Isn’t it possible to start a Bible study "with people right at their doorstep" with the Bible? What Bible study aids did Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, Mary, Martha, etc., use to teach people about the Bible?
Notice that the WTS has stopped publishing books, they are now published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Does that mean that printing facilities are now in the KHs and that JWs have become the "publishers" they have been named for so many years instead of the "proclaimers" in this paragraph?
Why is it when the WTS quotes people they rarely given their full names (sometimes first names with a disclaimer that it is not their real name). Rather they identify them as "full-time pioneer minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses" or "elderly Kingdom proclaimer (note there is no mention of "publisher").
2) No doubt, Jehovah's heart rejoices as he sees some 6.6 million of his Witnesses willingly obeying Jesus' direction to make disciples. (Proverbs 27:11) Jehovah is obviously blessing their efforts. During 2005, for example, the good news was preached in 235 lands and, on average, over 6,061,500 Bible studies were conducted. As a result, many people `heard God's word and accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.' (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Over the past two years, more than half a million new disciples have conformed their lives to Jehovah's standards and dedicated themselves to God.
Yes, God’s heart only rejoices over the JWs because of course only the JWs are preaching, teaching and making disciples. Did you believe that as a JW? I knew though that the Mormons were making more disciples than the JWs and that Baptists went door to door.
Do numbers prove that a religious organization has God’s backing?
http://gatheringofisrael.com/gospelclock/gospelclock2002.htmlNotice this statement that seems to say that increase does not mean God’s blessing but then ends with a statement that again says it does:
*** w05 9/15 p. 8 Multitudes Embrace Jehovah’s Worship ***
Although numerical increase is not in itself proof of God’s blessing, it does provide evidence that "the hand of Jehovah" is with his people.
*** w01 3/1 p. 20 par. 13 Salvation for Those Who Choose the Light ***
God blessed the repentant spirit of his anointed servants in 1919 and gave them increase.
Yet there was a decrease after 1925
- 90,434
- 89,278
- 88,544
- 44,080
And again in 1977 and 1978
Doorstep studies
— talking to the same person at the door 3 separate times…how long, 60 seconds? Even if it does not continue, one study can be counted. A new way to count "return visits."[Picture on page 26] Are you putting this book to good use?
(Note it is not a picture of the Bible. Are JWs putting the BIBLE to good use or the words of humans?)
Q3) What questions regarding the use of the Bible Teach book will be examined in this article?
3) Have you recently experienced the joy of conducting a Bible study with someone? Worldwide, there are still individuals with "a fine and good heart" who upon hearing the word of God will "retain it and bear fruit with endurance." (Luke 8:11-15) Let us consider how you can use the Bible Teach book in the disciple-making work. Our discussion will examine three questions: (1) How can you start a Bible study? (2) What teaching methods work best? (3) How can you help a person to become not only a student but also a teacher of God's written Word, the Bible?
Have you recently experienced the joy of conducting a Bible study
How many JWs conduct Bible studies? If the service overseer subtracted out the "family" studies, how many would be with individuals found going door to door? How many would be conducted by pioneers and elders? How many by the rank and file? My experience was that few rank and file wanted the "responsibility" of a study, not to make "return visits" and definitely not to set aside an hour during the evening or weekend and take out time from their recreational hours. Instead, they would give them to pioneers and the elders who conduct the bulk of any "bible" studies.
Worldwide, there are still individuals with "a fine and good heart"
But everyone does not have to receive an individual witness from JWs?
*** w97 8/15 p. 14 par. 11 Living for Today or for an Eternal Future? ***
While the good news will surely be announced throughout the earth, we will not in person reach all parts of the earth with the Kingdom message before Jesus "arrives" as Executioner.
After reading statements like this, one brother said he never made return visits any more because he had to contact everyone at least once. Obviously, he wasn’t interested in starting a study and "saving" anyone.
*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 "Keep on the Watch" ***
Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare Matthew 10:23.
How You Can Start a Bible Study
Q4) Why might some hesitate to study the Bible, and how may you help them to overcome their reluctance?
4) If you were asked to leap a wide stream in one bound, you might balk at the suggestion. But if stepping-stones were placed at regular intervals across it, you would likely be more inclined to attempt the crossing. Likewise, a busy person may hesitate to study the Bible. The householder may think that too much time and effort are required to study it. How can you help him to overcome his reluctance? By conducting a series of brief, informative discussions, you can use the Bible Teach book to lead the person into a regular study of God's Word. If you prepare well, each return visit on the person will become like a stepping-stone toward his friendship with Jehovah.
Stepping-stones
— setting a trap reallyBusy person may hesitate to study the Bible
— actually to study WTS publicationsToo much time and effort
— many JWs feel it takes too much time and effort to study the WTS publicationsLead them
— trap themRegular study of God’s Word—
regular study of WTS publicationsFriendship with Jehovah
— Where’s Jesus?Q5) Why do you need to read the Bible Teach book?
5)However, before you can help someone else benefit from the Bible Teach book, you need to become thoroughly familiar with it. Have you read the book from beginning to end? One couple took the publication with them on vacation and started reading it while relaxing at the beach. As a local woman selling goods to tourists approached them, she noticed the title What Does the Bible Really Teach? She told the couple that just a few hours earlier, she had prayed about that very question, asking God for an answer. The couple gladly gave the woman a copy of the book. Have you `bought out time' to read this publication, possibly a second time, while waiting for an appointment or taking a break at work or at school? (Ephesians 5:15, 16) If you do, you will become familiar with this Bible study aid and may also create opportunities to talk to others about its contents.
You need to become thoroughly familiar with IT
— the WTS publication not the BibleHave you read the book from beginning to end—
Have you read the BIBLE from beginning to endReading while relaxing on the beach
— how many JWs do you know that would read anything on the beach, let alone a WTS publication. Why not read the Bible and attract people?Have you ‘bought out time" to read this publication, possibly a second time—
Have you read the BIBLE? Believe me, attending meetings at a KH for 30 years does not mean you have read the Bible.How familiar are JWs with the Bible? When asked a Bible question, do the reach for the Bible or a WTS publication to answer?
[Picture on page 27] A brief discussion can whet a person's appetite for Bible knowledge
(Wait till they find out that being a JW means a minimum of 5 hours of WT publications study every week)
Q6, 7) How can you use the Bible Teach book to start Bible studies?
6) When offering the book in the public ministry, make good use of the illustrations, scriptures, and questions on pages 4, 5, and 6. For example, you might start a conversation by asking, "With all the problems facing mankind today, what do you feel is a reliable source of guidance?" After listening carefully to the person's response, read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, and explain that the Bible offers a real solution to mankind's problems. Then, direct the householder's attention to pages 4 and 5, and ask: "Of the conditions illustrated on these pages, which one distresses you most?" When the householder points to one, have him hold the book while you read the associated scripture from your Bible. Next, read page 6, and ask the householder, "Of the six questions mentioned at the bottom of this page, which one would you like to have answered?" When the person picks one, show him the chapter that answers that question, leave the book with him, and make definite arrangements to call again and discuss that question.
Offering the book in the public ministry
—they are not talking about the BibleMake good use of the illustrations, scriptures, and questions
— in the Bible?With all the problems facing mankind
— a typical negative WT introductionExplain that the Bible offers a real solution
— then direct their attention to the WT book not the BibleLeave the book with him
—the WT book, BTW, does this person have a Bible?7) The presentation just outlined would take about five minutes to complete. In those few minutes, however, you will have learned what concerns the householder, read and applied two scriptures, and laid the basis for a return visit. Your brief conversation with the householder may well be the most encouraging and consoling experience he has had in a long time. As a result, even a busy person is likely to look forward to spending a few more minutes with you as you help him take his next step to get on `the road that leads to life.' (Matthew 7:14) In time, as the householder's interest develops, the duration of the study should be extended. This can be done by offering to sit down and study for a longer specified period.
Would take about five minutes
— a door step bible study, the same length of talks in the school, yet most JWs dread preparing and giving one. Even if handed a script, many JWs don’t want the responsibility of a bible study.VOMIT ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!
May well be the most encouraging and consoling experience he has had in a long time
— then this must truly be a prime target, someone who is so isolate and so down, that a JW visit is their high spot.CARROT:
Next step…get on ‘the road that leads to life.’Offering to sit down and study for a longer specified period.
But don’t mention 5 hours of meetings weekly required to get on that road to life.
Teaching Methods That Work Best
Q8, 9) (a) How can you prepare your Bible student to stand up to the obstacles and tests that he will likely encounter? (b) Where can the fire-resistant materials to build strong faith be found?
8) Once a person starts to obey what the Bible teaches, he will probably face obstacles that could hinder his progress. The apostle Paul said: "All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12) Paul compared these trials to a fire that would destroy inferior building materials but leave such materials as gold, silver, and precious stone unharmed. (1 Corinthians 3:1013; 1 Peter 1:6, 7) To help your Bible student develop the qualities required in order to stand up to the tests that he may encounter, you need to assist him by building with fire-resistant materials.
Starts to obey what the Bible teaches
—not celebrating birthdays and holidaysWill be persecuted
—JWs believe that if you aren’t being persecuted that you must be lax in obeying God
*** w04 8/15 p. 12 par. 3 Hated Without Cause ***
Further, the apostle Paul wrote that all of God’s servants—including each one of us—should expect to be persecuted.
Prepare the person to be "persecuted" and that it means God is blessing them because other religions are not being persecuted, right!
9) The psalmist likens "the sayings of Jehovah" to "silver refined in a smelting furnace of earth, clarified seven times." (Psalm 12:6) Indeed, the Bible contains all the precious materials that can be utilized to build strong faith. (Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6) And the Bible Teach book shows you how to be effective in using the Scriptures.
Bible contains all the precious materials that can be utilized to build strong faith—but not without the WTS to tell you what to believe
*** 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. How is this done?—Matthew 24:45-47; Luke 12:42.
*** w05 8/15 p. 22 par. 10 Christians Reflect the Glory of Jehovah ***
Though some study the Bible, they do not want to believe what it says. They refuse to accept that Jehovah teaches his people through his faithful and discreet slave class of anointed Christians. (Matthew 24:45)
Q10) How can you focus the student's attention on the Bible?
10) During the study, focus the student's attention on the scriptures provided in each chapter under discussion. Use questions to help the student understand key Bible texts and apply them personally. Be careful not to tell him what to do. Instead, imitate Jesus' example. When a man versed in the Law questioned him, Jesus replied: "What is written in the Law? How do you read?" The man answered from the Scriptures, and Jesus helped him see how to apply the principle to himself. Giving an illustration, Jesus also helped the man see how the teaching should affect him. (Luke 10:25-37) The Bible Teach book is full of simple illustrations that you can use to assist a student in applying Scriptural principles to himself.
Focus the student’s attention on the scriptures provided in each chapter
— yes, heavens if they should read other scriptures and those scriptures in context…does this person have a Bible yet?Be careful not to tell him what to do
— but you can tell them what to THINKAsk slanted questions.
The Bible is full of simple illustrations, so why must the WT ones be used.
Can or may a JW conduct a study without using a WT publication?
Q11) How much material should you cover in each study session?
11) The Bible Teach book uses simple, direct language to explain God's Word, just as Jesus conveyed complex ideas in simple terms. (Matthew 7:28, 29) Follow his example. Convey the information simply, clearly, and accurately. Do not rush through the material. Rather, let the circumstances and the ability of the student determine the number of paragraphs you discuss during each study session. Jesus knew the limitations of his disciples and did not burden them with more information than they needed at the time. -John 16:12.
Uses simple, direct language to explain God’s Word
— a WT publication that is and the Bible cannot be understand without the WTS/FDS/GB.Convey the information…accurately
— does this allow room for individual JW belief and speculation?Number of paragraphs
— in the blue Truth book days people were expected to be done in six months or were dropped, and with the Knowledge book it was recommended that a chapter a week be studied.Burden them with more information than they needed at the time
— probably 607 BCE, disfellowshipping, and transfusions are not the subjects to start out on. In fact if you can wait till the day they are going to be baptized would be best.Q12) How should the appendix be used?
12) The Bible Teach book contains an appendix that has 14 topics. Based on the needs of the student, you as his instructor should be able to determine how this material can best be used. For example, if a student finds a subject difficult to grasp or has questions on specific matters because of previously held beliefs, it may suffice to direct his attention to the appropriate section of the appendix and let him consider the subject himself. On the other hand, the student's needs may dictate that you cover the material with him. The appendix contains essential Scriptural subjects, such as "'Soul' and 'Spirit'-What Do These Terms Really Mean?" and "Identifying `Babylon the Great."' You may want to discuss these topics with your student. Since no questions are provided for the subjects discussed in the appendix, you will need to be familiar with the information in order to formulate meaningful questions.
Appendix that has 14 topics
— separated so not to slow down the indoctrination schedule. Which ones do you think a JW should not discuss with the student (I have underlined my top ones).Topics not mentioned:
The Divine Name—Its Use and Its Meaning
How Daniel’s Prophecy Foretells the Messiah’s Arrival
Jesus Christ—The Promised Messiah
The Truth About the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Why True Christians Do Not Use the Cross in Worship
The Lord’s Evening Meal—An Observance That Honors God
"Soul" and "Spirit"—What Do These Terms Really Mean?
What Are Sheol and Hades?
Judgment Day—What Is It?
1914—A Significant Year in Bible Prophecy
Who Is Michael the Archangel?
Identifying "Babylon the Great"
Was Jesus Born in December?
Should We Celebrate Holidays?
YOU MAY WANT TO DISCUSS THESE TOPICS WITH YOUR STUDENT.
No questions are provided— after carefully holding the hand of the JW studying with this person, now the WTS throws the JW to the wind…to discourage the JW from discussing these topics.You will need to be familiar with the information in order to formulate meaningful questions—when the Babylon the Great book came out there were no questions in the book—they provided a question booklet instead. Were they suggesting that each conductor formulate his own questions ?Q13) What role does prayer play in strengthening faith?
13) "Unless Jehovah himself builds the house, it is to no avail that its builders have worked hard on it," states Psalm 127:1. Therefore, as you prepare to conduct a Bible study, pray for Jehovah's help. Let the prayers you say at the beginning and end of each study reflect your warm relationship with Jehovah. Encourage the student to pray to Jehovah for the wisdom to understand His Word and the strength to apply its counsel. (James 1:5) If he does so, the student will be strengthened to endure trials and will continue to grow strong in faith.
Pray for [God’s] help— what happens when the student wants to give the prayer? Reflect your warm relationship with Jehovah— Where’s Jesus? Encourage to student to pray— but not at the study, not qualified yet—Where’s Jesus? Strong in faith— in the WTS/FDS/GB organization
*** w05 2/15 p. 19 par. 10 Safeguarding Our Christian Identity ***
Strong faith is built on knowledge. "Faith follows the thing heard," stated Paul. (Romans 10:17) What did he mean by that? He meant that by feeding on God’s Word, we build our faith and confidence in Jehovah, his promises, and his organization.
[Picture on page 29] What can you do to direct the student's attention to the Bible?
Direct attention to the organization
*** km 11/98 p. 1 par. 4 All Must ‘Embrace the Word Heartily’! ***
When discussing various aspects of morality, ask your Bible student how he really views these matters and what he should do if he sees a need to make changes in his life. Direct his attention to the organization through which he is learning the truth, and encourage him to attend congregation meetings regularly
*** km 8/82 p. 1 par. 2 Directing Interest to the Organization—Part I ***
If our teaching is to be effective in producing true disciples of Christ, then we must faithfully help interested persons to recognize and appreciate Jehovah’s organization. Many Kingdom proclaimers have enjoyed encouraging results from systematically directing attention to the organization.
Help Bible Students to Become Teachers
Q14) What progress do Bible students need to make?
14) If our Bible students are to obey "all the things" Jesus commanded his disciples, they need to progress from being students of God's Word to being teachers of it. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:6-8) What can you do to help a student make that kind of spiritual progress?
Obey "all the things" Jesus commanded— which can only be explained by the WTS Progress from being students…to being teachers— something many JWs have not done yet even after 20 or 30 years.
Q15) Why should you encourage your Bible student to attend Christian meetings?
15) Right from the first study, invite the student to attend congregation meetings with you. Explain to him that the meetings are where you receive your training as a teacher of God's Word. Over a number of weeks, take a few minutes at the end of each Bible study to describe the program of spiritual instruction that you receive at the various meetings and assemblies. Speak enthusiastically about the benefits you gain on these occasions. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Once the student starts attending meetings regularly, he is likely to become a teacher of God's Word.
Right from the first, invite the student to attend congregation meetings with you— of course that means that JW will have to be regular attenders. Meetings are where you receive your training— yes, personal Bible reading is of no use without attending meetings. Speak enthusiastically— so JWs have to be told to be enthusiastic about the meetings? Attending meetings regularly…become a teacher of— so how many JWs other than pioneers and/or elders conduct bible studies. Are many JWs really qualified teachers? What about you?
Q16, 17) What are some goals that a Bible student can set and attain?
16) Help the Bible student to establish goals that he can attain. For example, encourage him to share what he is learning with a friend or a relative. Also, suggest that he set the goal of reading the entire Bible. If you help him to establish and maintain a routine of regular Bible reading, this habit will benefit him long after he is baptized. In addition, why not suggest that the student make it a goal to remember at least one Bible text that answers a key question from each chapter of the Bible Teach book? By doing so, he will become "a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright."-2 Timothy 2:15.
Establish goal…share what he is learning with a friend or a relative
Can a non-JW be a friend? How much contact with non-JW relatives are JWs allowed?
Reading the entire Bible— how many JWs have read the entire Bible? I know many say they have, but is just showing up for meetings for 20 years mean that you have read the entire Bible. Most JWs have just hopscotched through the Bible but have not read it in context despite the Bible reading assignments every week. Several school conductors said that even some of the elders did Bible Highlights without having read the material and that few commented from the audience because they had NOT read the material. Remember at least one Bible text that answer a key question from the WT book or the Bible?So how would you do?
Hell not hot
Soul not immortal
God not 3 persons
Armageddon, what is it
Blood transfusion
1914 C.E.
Cross Christian?
Birthdays
Christmas
God’s name
Jesus, Michael the archangel?
17) Rather than teaching a student simply to repeat scriptures or to give the gist of what they say, encourage him to explain pertinent Bible verses as he provides an answer to those who demand of him a reason for his faith. Brief practice sessions may help, with you playing the part of a relative or a workmate who asks him to explain his beliefs. As the student responds, show him how to answer with "a mild temper and deep respect." -1 Peter 3:15.
Rather than..simply to repeat scriptures or to give the gist of what they say
Notice that the WTS rarely quotes a scripture but instead cites them or gives "snippets" of the verse, "gives the gist of what they say."
Encourage him to explain— with all the cited and snippet scriptures the average JW is exposed to every week, are they equipped to "provide an answer to those who demand a reason for his faith" or do they sayI’m a Jehovah’s Witness
It’s against my religion
Show him how to answer with a mild temper and deep respect.
So does this mean many JWs weren’t trained and are rude at the door? What can you expect when they are told every week that every non-JW is doomed and will die soon.
[Picture on page 30] Help the Bible student to progress
Q18) When a Bible student qualifies as an unbaptized publisher, what further help can you give him?
18) In time, the student may qualify to engage in the field ministry. Emphasize that it is a privilege to be allowed to share in this work. (2 Corinthians 4:1, 7) Once the elders have determined that the student qualifies as an unbaptized publisher, help him prepare a simple presentation and then accompany him in the field service. Continue to work with him regularly in various aspects of the public ministry, and teach him how to prepare for and make effective return visits. Your own good example will be a positive influence.-Luke 6:40.
May qualify…field ministry—yes, I wonder if they students know they will have to confess to the elders the status of their sex life?
It is a privilege— such a privilege that the average JW knows he/she needs only to put in 1 hour a month to be considered "active" and set for eternal life. Help him prepare…accompany him— in the olden days that just pointed what direction you were going and they went the other. Various aspects of the public ministry— how many JWs today have ever made a return visit, tried to start a study, done business territory, phone witnessing, etc. Just door to door enough to hate it. In days gone by, the book study overseer (fka conductor) would routinely work with people in his group and teach them this. Now you are fortunate if he shows up and doesn’t delegate it to his "assistant."
"Save Both Yourself and Those Who Listen to You"
Q19, 20) What goal should we have, and why?
19) Without a doubt, it takes much hard work to help a person come to "an accurate knowledge of truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) However, few joys in life can compare with the pleasure of helping someone obey what the Bible teaches. (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20) Indeed, what a privilege we have to be "God's fellow workers" in this worldwide teaching work!-1 Corinthians 3:9.
It takes much hard work— too much for many JWs who realize that if they get 1 hour a month in they are set for eternal life. Nothing in the WT publications says they have to convert someone to the WTS to be "saved." Obey what the Bible teaches— obey what the WTS says the Bible teaches God’s fellow workers— actually only the 144,000 anointed are called this and the "great crowd" are their companions; using a snippet scripture the WTS obscures this application. Only the anointed are considered the temple of God, the stones built upon the 12 apostles and Christ, the cornerstone. The WTS even cross-references 1 Peter 2:4-6. If you go through the WT CD and look at this scripture, rarely if ever does it mention the "building" part.
(1 Corinthians 3:9) For we are God’s fellow workers. YOU people are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.
(1 Peter 2:4-6) 4 Coming to him as to a living stone, rejected, it is true, by men, but chosen, precious, with God, 5 YOU yourselves also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it is contained in Scripture: "Look! I am laying in Zion a stone, chosen, a foundation cornerstone, precious; and no one exercising faith in it will by any means come to disappointment."
20) By means of Jesus Christ and powerful angels, Jehovah will soon call to account those "who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus." (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8) Lives hang in the balance. Can you make it your goal to conduct at least one home Bible study in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? As you engage in this work, you have the opportunity to "save both yourself and those who listen to you." (1 Timothy 4:16) Now more than ever, it is urgent that we help others obey what the Bible teaches.
Will SOON call to account those "who do not know God"
It is URGENT
Everyone that is not a JW (6.5 billion) is going to die forever without hope of a resurrection including their children, even babies.
*** 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.
What Did You Learn?
- The Bible Teach book is designed for what purpose?
- How can you start Bible studies using the Bible Teach book?
- What teaching methods work best?
- How can you help a student to become a teacher of God's Word?
Concluding Comments
I wonder how many more JWs will "reach out" to be teachers? To have an evening taken up each week or a weekend afternoon? Is it any wonder that the few JWs that have studies schedule them for Saturday morning? Of course, that takes away from the time they have to work with their fellow JWs from door-to-door.
I was surprised to see that so many elders had bible studies since I rarely saw them go door to door. Then I found out that people call in for studies or they move into the territory and the JW that studied with them calls to have someone continue the study. Any male studies are grabbed up by the elders. Plums that fall into their lap without having reach up to pluck them.
Then there were the studies with "unbelieving" husbands of sisters or even their children…even though the official WTS policy is that believing parents study with their own children.
How can JWs prepare to study with non-JWs when they don’t prepare for their own "studies" at the book study, school, and WT study?
Yes, many if not most JWs have not progressed past the "milk" of their own initial study with JWs. Is it no surprise that the majority if not all of those being baptized today are children of JWs?
How many remember the days of regular pioneering, when you had to have a bible study in order to be appointed? How many people would be pioneering today if that were still required?
It snowed again and spring seems far away. We had a six foot drift block the front door and about 3 feet block the garage. Irreverent was happy that the snowblower was working. No tornadoes flew our way. I’m still struggling with my illness but I am getting better.
I’m thinking of getting an orchid. Does anyone have some tips?
Love, Blondie