Comments You Will Not Hear at the 5-6-07 WT Review (Resist Demons)

by blondie 22 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • blondie
    blondie

    Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-06-07 WT Study (March 15, 007, pages 26-30)(RESIST DEMONS)

    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/bible

    WT publications

    www.reexamine.org

    WT child abuse

    www.silentlambs.org

    Blood issue

    www.ajwrb.org

    United Nations

    http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm

    DEMONS--HOW CAN WE RESIST THEM?

    "Angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place [God] has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day. "-Jude 6.

    Opening Comments

    Are the demons to be destroyed at Armageddon or at the end of the 1,000 Year Reign of Christ per the WTS?

    START OF ARTICLE

    Q1, 2) What questions arise about Satan the Devil and the demons?

    1) Keep your senses, be watchful," warns the apostle Peter. "Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone." (1 Peter 5:8) Concerning the demons, the apostle Paul says: "I do not want you to become sharers with the demons. You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of `the table of Jehovah' and the table of demons."-1 Corinthians 10:20, 21.

    Sharers with the demons

    Wedding rings versus wedding toasts

    *** w72 1/15 p. 63 Questions From Readers ***

    Some of the questioners know that Catholic prelate John H. Newman wrote: "The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, . . . sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison, are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church." (AnEssayontheDevelopmentoftheChristianDoctrine, 1878)

    Really, the question is not so much whether wedding rings were first used by pagans but whether they were originally used as part of false religious practices and stillretainsuchreligioussignificance.

    Do you think that people still think toasts "retain such religious significance"? Based on Catholic prelate John H. Newman were wedding rings of pagan order?

    *** w68 1/1 p. 32 Questions From Readers ***Toasts

    Customs and traditions abound all over the earth. If a mature Christian knew that a particular one was directly based on false religion, obviously he would avoid it.

    A mature Christian would also avoid even imitating false religious rituals.

    Notice how differently the WTS applies the same quote by Newman.

    *** re chap. 33 p. 236 Judging the Infamous Harlot ***

    Indicating the non-Christian origin of many of apostate Christendom’s doctrines, ceremonies, and practices, 19th-century Roman Catholic cardinal John Henry Newman wrote in his EssayontheDevelopmentofChristianDoctrine: "The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occasions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, and candles; votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water; asylums; holydays and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison [the song "Lord, Have Mercy"], are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church."

    Rather than sanctify such idolatry, "Jehovah the Almighty" admonishes Christians: "Get out from among them, and separate yourselves, . . . and quit touching the unclean thing."—2 Corinthians 6:14-18

    .

    Drinking…the cup of demons

    Luaus

    *** g03 4/8 p. 30 From Our Readers ***

    Luaus

    I read with interest your article "Let’s Have a Hawaiian Luau." (June 8, 2002) Several years ago I attended a luau in Hawaii. I felt there were strong religious and spiritistic overtones. Even if luaus today do not involve religious or spiritistic aspects, how are they different from other celebrations that have pagan origins but simply have been adopted by modern cultures to be a family fun gathering?

    L. F., United States

    "Awake!"

    responds: As noted there in our footnote on page 24, while the luau may at one time have had a connection with false religious practices, the word now has simply come to refer to a Hawaiian banquet. A specific gathering to which the word "luau" is applied may or may not be appropriate for a Christian to attend. As in all aspects of life, Christians should make decisions that will leave them with a clear conscience before Jehovah God.—1 Timothy 1:5, 19; see also the January 8, 2000, issue of "Awake!" pages 26-7.
    http://www.indigoguide.com/kauai/luau.htm

    Kauai Luau Celebrations and Feasts

    A Kauai luau is a party or celebration with Hawaiian music, dancing, food and fun.

    Traditionally luaus were held as a thank you to the gods to celebrate a battle victory, the birth of child or a safe return from a long voyage. As a religious ceremony a luau consisted of elaborate rituals which needed much preparation. In modern-day Kauai, luaus are held to celebrate all sorts of occasions such as weddings, babies, graduations or successful business ventures. Visitors to the island attending a luau can expect music, entertainment, Hawaiian food and a friendly welcome.

    Doesn’t sound that the religious aspect is not longer practiced or remembered.

    Pinatas

    Piñatas

    I read with interest the article "The Piñata—An Ancient Tradition." (September 22, 2003) It left me with some questions. The ties to false religion are well-documented. But the article seemed to take the position that as long as it doesn’t bother someone’s conscience, it is OK. What about birthdays and holidays such as Christmas?

    S. W., United States

    "Awake!"

    responds: Christians refrain from any celebrations or customs that continue to involve false religious beliefs or activities that violate Bible principles. For example, the Bible definitely puts birthday celebrations in a bad light. (Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6-10) However, if it is very obvious that a custom has no current false religious significance and involves no violation of Bible principles, each Christian must make a personal decision as to whether he will follow such a custom.

    Does the pinata no longer have a religious meaning?

    http://www.asu.edu/clas/hrc/latino/home/altars.intro.html

    Even today when we see children breaking a pinata at birthday parties, we must remember that the pinata had a religious significance. The pinata represents a challenge for the blind-folded persons to break the unseen recepticle of rewards. In the game, the person swings in hope of striking the pinata open. In a spiritual sense, the stick is swung against evil. It is evil and ignorance that keeps people from Christ. When the pinata is broken, evil is supposedly destroyed and the reward spills out for the benefit of the others as well. Our brothers and sisters and neighbors present at the party are rewarded.

    2) Who, though, are Satan the Devil and the demons? How and when did they come into existence? Did God create them? How powerful is their influence over humans? What defense, if any, do we have against them?

    Did only God create the angels?

    How powerful is their influence? Are humans demonized?

    How Did Satan and the Demons Come to Be?

    Q3) How did an angel of God become Satan the Devil?

    3) Early in human history, when mankind had its start in the garden of Eden, an angel of God became rebellious. Why? Because he was not satisfied with his role in Jehovah's heavenly arrangement. With the creation of Adam and Eve, he saw an opportunity to divert their obedience and worship away from the true God and to himself. By rebelling against God and by inducing the first human pair to pursue a sinful course, this angel made himself Satan the Devil. In time, other angels got involved in his rebellion. How? -Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12; Revelation 12:9.

    Is this rebellious angel, Lucifer?

    What scripture says that he was not satisfied with his role?

    When did other angels get involved in the rebellion. Since angels are genderless in heaven why were they attracted to women? Was it the ability to produce children that attracted them, something only humans could do?

    *** it-1 p. 107 Angel ***

    It is true that angels are sexless, because Jehovah made them so, not because they are impersonal forces.

    [Picture on page 26] "The sons of the true God began to notice the daughters of men"

    Q4) What did some rebellious angels do before the Flood of Noah's day?

    4) The inspired Scriptures tell us that sometime before the great Flood of Noah's day, certain angels began to take an unusual interest in the women on earth. For a wrong purpose, "the [heavenly] sons of the true God began to notice the daughters of men, that they were good-looking," states the Bi ble, "and they went taking wives for themselves, namely, all whom they chose." These unions were unnatural, and they produced hybrid offspring known as Nephilim. (Genesis 6:2-4) The spirit creatures who thus disobeyed God joined in Satan's rebellion against Jehovah.

    Before the blood…angels…interest in---yet angels are sexless per the WTS

    Q5) How were the rebels affected when Jehovah brought about destruction by means of the great Flood?

    5) When Jehovah brought the Flood upon mankind, the Nephilim and their human mothers perished. The rebel angels were forced to dematerialize their human bodies and return to the spirit realm. However, they could not resume "their original position" with God. Rather, they were consigned to "dense [spiritual] darkness," known as Tartarus.-Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4.

    This was a permanent judgment without any resurrection. Do you think the women of that time had any choice of their husbands?

    According to the WTS, no angels can materialize any more without God’s permission. How is it then that humans see demons?

    Q6) How do the demons deceive people?

    6) Ever since the wicked angels lost "their original position," they have been the demon companions of Satan and have served his evil interests. From that time onward, the demons have no longer had the power to materialize human bodies. However, they can entice men and women to engage in various forms of sexual perversion. Demons also actively deceive mankind by means of spiritism, which can involve such things as magic spells, voodoo, and spirit mediums. (Deuteronomy 18:10-13; 2 Chronicles 33:6) The destiny of the wicked angels is the same as that of the Devil--eternal annihilation. (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10) In the meantime, though, we need to stand firm and resist them. We are wise to consider how powerful Satan is and how we can successfully resist him and his demons.

    Demons no longer had the power to materialize human bodies---Proof, scriptures?

    When will the demons be eternally annihilated per the WTS?

    Why are some JWs always talking about be attacked by demons? If these JWs are faithful would not God protect them?

    How Powerful Is Satan?

    Q7) What power does Satan have over the world?

    7) Satan has maligned Jehovah throughout history. (Proverbs 27:11) And he has influenced a large part of mankind. "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one," states 1 John 5:19. That is why the Devil could tempt Jesus by offering him the authority and the glory of "all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth." (Luke 4:5-7) Concerning Satan, the apostle Paul says: "If, now, the good news we declare is in fact veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through." (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) Satan is "a liar and the father of the lie," but he portrays himself as "an angel of light." (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:14) He has the power and the methods needed to blind the minds of the world's rulers and their subjects. With propaganda and religious myths and lies, he has deceived mankind.

    If the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one, are they actually worshipping him?

    Didn’t Jesus reject worshipping Satan which was Satan’s true goal, to get everyone to worship him?

    *** it-1 p. 649 Dragon ***

    Dragonlike Satan is also the one that gives power and great authority to the symbolic wild beast having seven heads and ten horns, and in turn, he is worshiped by the peoples of "all the earth." (Re 13:2-4)

    Q8) What does the Bible indicate regarding Satan's influence?

    8) Satan's power and influence were evident in the time of the prophet Daniel, some five centuries before our Common Era. When Jehovah sent an angel to deliver a message of encouragement to Daniel, the angel encountered resistance from "the [spirit] prince of the royal realm of Persia." The faithful angel was held up for 21 days until "Michael, one of the foremost princes," came to help him. The same account also speaks of "the [demon] prince of Greece." (Daniel 10:12, 13, 20) And at Revelation 13:1, 2, Satan is portrayed as "the dragon" who gives to the political wild beast "its power and its throne and great authority."

    Nameless angel sent to Daniel

    Michael, one of the foremost of the princes—If he is Jesus he would not be "one of the foremost" but the foremost.

    If Satan gives power to the wild beast, everyone but JWs are worshipping the Devil.

     

    Q9) Against whom are Christians fighting?

    9) No wonder the apostle Paul wrote: "We have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6: 12) Even today, demonic forces under the control of Satan the Devil are behind the scenes, exercising influence on human rulers and on mankind in general, prompting them to commit unspeakable acts of genocide, terrorism, and murder. Let us now examine how we can successfully resist these powerful spirit forces.

    Are JWs being attacked by demons? Where is God’s protection?

    What Defense Do We Have?

    Q10, 11) How can we resist Satan and his wicked angels?

    10) We cannot resist Satan and his wicked angels in our own strength, whether physical or mental. Paul counsels us: "Go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength." We need to turn to God for protection. Paul adds: "Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil ... Take up the complete suit of armor from God, that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm."-Ephesians 6:10,11,13.

    We cannot resist Satan and his wicked angels in our own strength, whether physical or mental

    Evidently, JWs can’t protect themselves with God’s help with all the demon stories they tell.

    11) Paul twice urges his fellow Christians to put on "the complete suit of armor from God." The word "complete" implies that no halfhearted approach would be sufficient to resist demonic attacks. So, what are the vital components of the spiritual armor that Christians today urgently require in order to resist the demons?

    Q12) How can Christians gird their loins with truth?

    12) Paul explains: "Stand firm, therefore, with your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness." (Ephesians 6:14) The two pieces of armor referred to here are a girdle, or a belt, and a breastplate. A soldier had to keep his belt tight in order to protect his loins (hips, groin, and lower abdomen) and to bear the weight of his sword. Likewise, Bible truth needs to be wrapped around us tightly, as it were, so that we live in harmony with it. Do we have a schedule for reading the Bible daily? Is the whole family involved? Do we have a routine to consider the day's text as a family? In addition, do we keep up with the explanations in publications provided by "the faithful and discreet slave"? (Matthew 24:45) If so, we are endeavoring to apply Paul's counsel. We also have videos and DVDs that can provide Scriptural guidance. Keeping a tight hold on the truth can help us make wise decisions and protect us from following a wrong course.

    [Picture on page 28] Can you identify the six components of our suit of spiritual armor?

    "Stand Firm"-How?

    Q13) How can we protect our figurative heart?

    13) The literal breastplate served to protect the soldier's chest, heart, and other vital organs. The Christian can protect his figurative heart-the person he is on the inside-by cultivating love for God's righteousness and by adhering to Jehovah's righteous standards. The figurative breastplate protects us from watering down God's Word. As we come to "hate what is bad, and love what is good," we restrain our feet "from every bad path."-Amos 5:15; Psalm 119:101.

    Q14) What does it mean to have our "feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace"?

    14) The feet of Roman soldiers were usually well shod for long marches along the hundreds of miles of Roman highways that crisscrossed the empire. What does the expression "feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace" mean for Christians? (Ephesians 6:15) It means that we are prepared for action. We are ready to share the good news of God's Kingdom on every suitable occasion. (Romans 10:13-15) Our being active in the Christian ministry is a protection against Satan's "machinations," or "crafty acts."-Ephesians 6:11; footnote.

    [Picture on page 29] How is sharing in these activities a defense against Satan and his demons?

    Q15) (a) What shows that the large shield of faith is very important? (b) What "burning missiles" can have a detrimental effect on our faith?

    15) "Above all things," Paul continues, "take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles." (Ephesians 6:16) The advice to take up the large shield of faith is introduced with the expression "above all things," indicating that this piece of armor is very important. There must be no deficiency in our faith. Like a large protective shield, our faith protects us from Satan's "burning missiles." What might these represent today? They could be penetrating insults, lies, and half-truths put out by enemies and apostates trying to weaken our faith. These "missiles" could also be temptations to be materialistic, causing us to become preoccupied with buying many consumer goods and even inducing us to compete with those who have fallen into an ostentatious lifestyle. Perhaps they have invested in bigger and better homes and vehicles or make a show of their expensive jewelry and the latest clothing fashions. Regardless of what others do, we must have faith that is strong enough to turn aside these "burning missiles." How do we build and retain strong faith?-1 Peter 3:3-5; 1 John 2:15-17.

    Q16) What can help us to build strong faith?

    16) We can draw close to God by means of regular personal study of the Bible and by earnest prayers. We can supplicate Jehovah for a strengthened faith and then back up our prayers with the necessary actions. For example, do we carefully prepare for the weekly Watchtower Study with a view to participating? Our faith will be strong if we study the Bible and Bible-based publications.-Hebrews 10:38,39; 11:6.

    Q17) How may we "accept the helmet of salvation"?

    17) Paul concludes his description of the suit of spiritual armor with the counsel: "Accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God's word." (Ephesians 6:17) The helmet protected the soldier's head and brain, the center of decision making. Likewise, our Christian hope protects our mental powers. (1 Thessalonians 5:8) Rather than filling our minds with worldly goals and materialistic dreams, we should focus our thinking on our Godgiven hope, even as Jesus did.-Hebrews 12:2.

    Q18) Why should we not neglect our program of regular Bible reading?

    18) Our final protection against the influence of Satan and his demons is God's word, or message, recorded in the Bible. This is yet another reason why we should not neglect our program of regular Bible reading. A thorough knowledge of God's Word protects us from Satan's lies and demonic propaganda as well as from the embittered outpourings of apostates.

    "Carry On Prayer on Every Occasion"

    Q19, 20) (a) What awaits Satan and his demons? (b) What can fortify us spiritually?

    19) The removal of Satan, his demons, and the wicked world is near. Satan knows he has "a short period of time." He is wrathful and at war with those "who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 12: 12, 17) It is vital that we resist Satan and his demons.

    20) How grateful we can be for the admonition to put on the complete suit of armor from God! Paul concludes his discussion of the spiritual armor with this counsel: "With every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end keep awake with all constancy and with supplication in behalf of all the holy ones." (Ephesians 6:18) Prayer can fortify us spiritually and help us to stay alert. Let us take Paul's words to heart and carry on prayer, for this will help us to resist Satan and his demons.

    What Did You Learn?

    • How did Satan and his demons come into existence?

    • How powerful is the Devil?

    • What defense do we have against Satan and his demons?

    • How can we put on the complete suit of armor from God?

    Sorry, I can’t finish this this week. The challenge will be for all of you to add to the material. Will be at a wedding and have to get some sleep.

    Love Blondie

  • Arthur
    Arthur

    One of the most effective ways that the Watchtower organization can control it's members is through their discussions on demons.

    Basically, any information (science, archeology, psychology) that does not agree with the assertions and teachings of the Watchtower Society can be labeled "teachings of demons". This is a tactic that the Society does indeed employ with great success. Convention talks routinely use the term "teachings of demons" when discussing topics of psychology and spirituality in the modern world. It is especially used to dismiss the arguments that are raised by former members or critics.

    For example, if anyone attempts to point out the Society's flawed interpretations of Scripture; the mere attempt to uncover such inaccuracies can be attributed to demonic influence. If anyone attempts to question the Watchtower's centralized authority structure (ecclesiastical council), or it's climate of legalism, the mere attempt to question can be attributed to Satan and the demons.

    Satan and the demons are in a sense used as a mental barrier by the Society to prevent it's members from engaging in the natural human process of critical thinking and deliberative questioning. When it comes to considering any Scriptural teaching, there is always that "forbiden territory" where the Witness dares not to venture into. They believe that once they begin to ask serious questions about what they are being taught; that Satan and the demons have a grip on them. When any organization can instill this kind of fear into it's members, they have enormous power over them.

    The Bible does indeed describe Satan as someone who transforms himself into an "angel of light". But, it is also important to note that Satan always uses methods in direct oposition of those of God (lies, falsehood, violence, and lack of love).

    If one looks at the Scriptures in their proper context, they will see that Satan's "angel of light" appearance would mislead people; not by imitating God, but by behavior directly opposite to God. When we look at the way in which people like Hitler and Osama Bin Laden have been able to mislead millions of people by appearing to be "saviors", we can see the truth in such verses. But when the Watchtower Society tries to attribute Satanic and demonic powers to anything that doesn't agree with them (namely other Christian churches, and groups), they are guilty of twisting the Scriptures to suit their own purposes. It is a trick that many other Bible cults have used, with great effectiveness.

    There is a great book entitled "Churches That Abuse" by Ronald Enroth. Enroth uncovers the tactics that Bible cults use to control their members. One of the most effective methods is to instill a morbid fear of Satan and the demons - making members believe that they inhabit all influences outside of the group.

  • truthsetsonefree
    truthsetsonefree

    You know how they say: "Same s**t, different day?" That's an accurate description of WT meetings. Except for the "new light" of course.

    tsof

  • ThomasCovenant
    ThomasCovenant

    No need to apologise. I appreciate the effort you make every time thank you very much.

    Thomas Covenant

  • jgnat
    jgnat

    Drat. This is one of those magazines I'd dearly love to toss. I'm half tempted to bake cookies all week and tell hubby he can't have any, they are 'demonised'. Here's the rest of the study, Blondie, jgnat-style.

    11) Paul twice urges his fellow Christians to put on "the complete suit of armor from God." The word "complete" implies that no halfhearted approach would be sufficient to resist demonic attacks. So, what are the vital components of the spiritual armor that Christians today urgently require in order to resist the demons?

    "no halfhearted approach would be sufficient to resist demonic attacks".

    That's not the implication I get. I figure the Christian adventure is much like a RPG. One builds one's armor one piece at a time. Strength comes with practice. As my pastor used to say, David killed the lion and the bear before he took on Goliath.

    Q12) How can Christians gird their loins with truth?

    12) Paul explains: "Stand firm, therefore, with your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness." (Ephesians 6:14) The two pieces of armor referred to here are a girdle, or a belt, and a breastplate. A soldier had to keep his belt tight in order to protect his loins (hips, groin, and lower abdomen) and to bear the weight of his sword. Likewise, Bible truth needs to be wrapped around us tightly, as it were, so that we live in harmony with it. Do we have a schedule for reading the Bible daily? Is the whole family involved? Do we have a routine to consider the day's text as a family? In addition, do we keep up with the explanations in publications provided by "the faithful and discreet slave"? (Matthew 24:45) If so, we are endeavoring to apply Paul's counsel. We also have videos and DVDs that can provide Scriptural guidance. Keeping a tight hold on the truth can help us make wise decisions and protect us from following a wrong course.

    In addition, do we keep up with the explanations in publications provided by "the faithful and discreet slave"? (Matthew 24:45) - Adding to the scriptures again. How can a Witness family keep up on their BIBLE reading if the Watcthower insists on all this 'extra reading'? Note their favorite catch-all scripture to justify this. It means there is NO foundation for 'extra reading'.

    [Picture on page 28] Can you identify the six components of our suit of spiritual armor?

    "Stand Firm"-How?

    Q13) How can we protect our figurative heart?

    13) The literal breastplate served to protect the soldier's chest, heart, and other vital organs. The Christian can protect his figurative heart-the person he is on the inside-by cultivating love for God's righteousness and by adhering to Jehovah's righteous standards. The figurative breastplate protects us from watering down God's Word. As we come to "hate what is bad, and love what is good," we restrain our feet "from every bad path."-Amos 5:15; Psalm 119:101.

    Jehovah's Watchtower's righteous standards. Like short hair (scriptures, please), clean shaven (scriptures please), suits and ties for the men (scriptures, please), skirts and nylons for the ladies (scriptures, please). Who is playing with God's Word?

    Q14) What does it mean to have our "feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace"?

    14) The feet of Roman soldiers were usually well shod for long marches along the hundreds of miles of Roman highways that crisscrossed the empire. What does the expression "feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace" mean for Christians? (Ephesians 6:15) It means that we are prepared for action. We are ready to share the good news of God's Kingdom on every suitable occasion. (Romans 10:13-15) Our being active in the Christian ministry is a protection against Satan's "machinations," or "crafty acts."-Ephesians 6:11; footnote.

    I've noted a few older Witnesses with foot problems. Some cannot stand more than a few minutes at a time without pain. How might they share in the good news of the Kingdom? Does the organization allow any alternative other than field service? Must the roman footwear be taken literally by ALL witnesses?

    [Picture on page 29] How is sharing in these activities a defense against Satan and his demons?

    Q15) (a) What shows that the large shield of faith is very important? (b) What "burning missiles" can have a detrimental effect on our faith?

    15) "Above all things," Paul continues, "take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles." (Ephesians 6:16) The advice to take up the large shield of faith is introduced with the expression "above all things," indicating that this piece of armor is very important. There must be no deficiency in our faith. Like a large protective shield, our faith protects us from Satan's "burning missiles." What might these represent today? They could be penetrating insults, lies, and half-truths put out by enemies and apostates trying to weaken our faith. These "missiles" could also be temptations to be materialistic, causing us to become preoccupied with buying many consumer goods and even inducing us to compete with those who have fallen into an ostentatious lifestyle. Perhaps they have invested in bigger and better homes and vehicles or make a show of their expensive jewelry and the latest clothing fashions. Regardless of what others do, we must have faith that is strong enough to turn aside these "burning missiles." How do we build and retain strong faith?-1 Peter 3:3-5; 1 John 2:15-17.

    "What shows that the large shield of faith is very important?" Why the emphasis on LARGE? Is the power of Satan magnified by the Witnesses? Isn't Christ stronger than any machinations of the evil one? Isn't Satan defeated and thrown down?

    Note that "apostates" are trying to " weaken [the] faith ". Like I have any time to mess with other people's faith. Just like the Witnesses, I have a passion for the truth. I hate seeing so many people deceived...for what? Steady publication distribution?

    Maybe our words are penetrating for a reason.

    Here, again, the Witnesses are chastised for being too materialistic. Is this another indication that contributions are down? Perhaps Witness empty nesters are waking up to the fact that they will never be able to settle in a comfortable home with a reliable car and a steady pension. They have not invested for their future, invested in their own education, and Armageddon ain't coming any day soon.

    My friend whose daughter was pursued by a Circuit Overseer's son had an oddly natural conversation with his mother. This Circuit Overseer's wife told my friend all about her beatiful new kitchen. I wonder if my "worldly" friend was chosen for this conversation as the poor CO's wife could never confide in the ladies at the hall?

    Q16) What can help us to build strong faith?

    16) We can draw close to God by means of regular personal study of the Bible and by earnest prayers. We can supplicate Jehovah for a strengthened faith and then back up our prayers with the necessary actions. For example, do we carefully prepare for the weekly Watchtower Study with a view to participating? Our faith will be strong if we study the Bible and Bible-based publications.-Hebrews 10:38,39; 11:6.

    regular personal study of the Bible Watchtower

    Why is frequent reinforcement of the Watchtower necessary? Is it because that even a few days away will "wake up" the natural intelligence of the reader, and they may start doubting their obligations to a publishing conglomerate?

    Q17) How may we "accept the helmet of salvation"?

    17) Paul concludes his description of the suit of spiritual armor with the counsel: "Accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God's word." (Ephesians 6:17) The helmet protected the soldier's head and brain, the center of decision making. Likewise, our Christian hope protects our mental powers. (1 Thessalonians 5:8) Rather than filling our minds with worldly goals and materialistic dreams, we should focus our thinking on our Godgiven hope, even as Jesus did.-Hebrews 12:2.

    Isn't the Witness dream of paradise materialistic? My Christian dream is quite different. I look forward to a steady refining of my character, so that I can meet my creator face-to-face without shame.

    Q18) Why should we not neglect our program of regular Bible reading?

    18) Our final protection against the influence of Satan and his demons is God's word, or message, recorded in the Bible. This is yet another reason why we should not neglect our program of regular Bible reading. A thorough knowledge of God's Word protects us from Satan's lies and demonic propaganda as well as from the embittered outpourings of apostates.

    regular BibleWatchtower Reading

    "Carry On Prayer on Every Occasion"

    Q19, 20) (a) What awaits Satan and his demons? (b) What can fortify us spiritually?

    19) The removal of Satan, his demons, and the wicked world is near. Satan knows he has "a short period of time." He is wrathful and at war with those "who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 12: 12, 17) It is vital that we resist Satan and his demons.

    Note how six billion inhabitants are casually thrown in with the demons. At least Russell taught that all mankind had the hope.

    20) How grateful we can be for the admonition to put on the complete suit of armor from God! Paul concludes his discussion of the spiritual armor with this counsel: "With every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end keep awake with all constancy and with supplication in behalf of all the holy ones." (Ephesians 6:18) Prayer can fortify us spiritually and help us to stay alert. Let us take Paul's words to heart and carry on prayer, for this will help us to resist Satan and his demons.

    For any doubters and lurkers who are following JWD, I offer the following ten-day challenge. Step away from the magazines. Read anything BUT the magazines. After the ten day challenge, how has your thinking changed? Are you clearer-headed and focused, more confident? Why might that be?

  • ninja
    ninja

    resist denims...wow they really hate those cotton trousers don't they?....(psst its demons ninja...not denims)....dyslexia is a horrible affliction.....by the way ..what is DNA..???...is it the "National Dyslexia Association"

  • Liberty
    Liberty

    Great observations as usual Blondie!

    I was amazed when I read the Bible without Watch Tower blinders on at how the third most important spirit being in JW life, Satan, is almost completely nonexistant for the vast majority of the Bible's texts. The Old Test. only talks about the Devil in one book, Job, and this story is clearly of Persian origin even being prefaced by how it is about a man from the east. An objective study of the origins of Satan will show that he is indeed a very late arrival in Jewish cosmology barrowed from the Persian's, hence some mentions of Satan in the New Test.

    The Adam and Eve story never says that the talking serpent is Satan. It is also clear from the story who the real liar is, as it is the serpent who is the giver of both truth and knowledge. The Son's of God are never identified as demonic angels in the Flood account either. Nor does it make any sense that highly intelligent spirit beings second only to God would be interested in sex with smelly, hairy, and fast aging humans. I know I really get horney around female flies as they buzz a turd pile or a rotting corpse. My interest is not peaked even though I am a male and I and my fly maidens inhabit the same physical realm. How much less attractive would we be to super intelligent spirits? All of our concepts about Satan and his demon hoards are based upon fairly recent extra-biblical apologetics or upon Persian/Greek traditions influencing late Jewish culture and not upon ancient Hebrew concepts found in the Old Test..

    Where is this great player in the Biblical drama who is God's cheif nemesis for most of human history according to the Watch Tower Society and other Fundie groups? A real NO SHOW in the vast majority of the very book they supposidely base everything on.

    It is clear that Satan and his demons are used by the Watch Tower to control their frightened and gullable followers. Satan has proven to be just as REAL as the 1914 enthronement of Christ, the 1914 Generation, the 1925 arrival of the "ancient worthies", the Heavenly calling ending in the 1930's, the 144,000 Remnent who recieve Jehovah's spirit direction and rule the Watch Tower, the BIG "A" by 1975, and Armeggedon any-day-now for the past two thousand years.

  • nvrgnbk
    nvrgnbk

    The demons get off on being resisted. If you ignore them or are nice to them, it confounds them.

    Did I say demons?

    I meant elders.

    Nvr

  • proplog2
    proplog2

    JW's are not the only ones that believe in the existence of demons.

    In fact it is Christian to believe in demonic possession since Christ performed exorcisms.

    They don't acknowledge that the Demons that possess epileptics seem to have an aversion for the drug Dilantin.

  • heathen
    heathen
    Q12) How can Christians gird their loins with truth?

    obviously by not reading older WTBTS publications.

    I also notice they backed off on the scarlet colored beast being the UN in this article still. Time to check the NGO site again .LOL

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