Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-31-09 WT Study (March 15, 2009, pages 24-28)(RIGHTEOUS FOREVER)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
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WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
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RIGHTEOUS ONES WILL PRAISE GOD FOREVER
"The righteous one will prove to be for remembrance ... His righteousness is standing forever. "-Ps. 112:6, 9. [/b]
OPENING COMMENTS
Not much new........the end is near, soon, closer.....the wicked, opposers, really all non-jws is nigh....Can jws will be rejoicing for the end of 7 billion people, their helpful neighbors, their hard-working workmates, the people who provide all the services they enjoy such as garbage pickup, fire protection, law enforcement, the ones who mow the grass in the parks, who process the gas they put in their cars, the ones who volunteer to
pickup the trash on the beach and lakes, who pull the invasive weeds, who help children to read, etc.
So who showed up at your KH to clean and mow the grass, to repair it? All 100 in your old congregation, 80, 60, 40?
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. (a) What happy future awaits all whom God views as righteous? (b) What question is raised?
WHAT a marvellous future awaits all humans whom God views as Righteous! Forever they will delight to learn more about Jehovah's beautiful qualities. Their hearts overflow with praise as they learn ever more about God's creative works. Central to such a glorious future is
"righteousness," which is emphasized in Psalm 112. But how can the holy and righteous God, Jehovah, view sinful humans as righteous? No matter how hard we try to do what is right, we make mistakes, sometimes serious ones.--Rom. 3:23; Jas. 3:2.
Only jws whom GOD or GB/FDS view as righteous have a happy/marvelous future.
What does the WTS teach as to the righteous status of the anointed compared to the other sheep?
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*** w02 7/1 p. 19 par. 15 Jehovah’s Glory Shines on His People ***
All members of that spiritual nation have come into the new covenant. All have Jehovah’s law written on their hearts, and Jehovah, on the basis of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, has forgiven their sins. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) He declares them righteous as “sons” and deals with them as if they were
perfect. (Romans 8:15, 16, 29, 30) Their other sheep companions have also had their sins forgiven on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice and, like
Abraham, have been declared righteous as friends of God by means of faith. “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of
the Lamb.” And these other sheep companions look forward to another outstanding blessing. After surviving “the great tribulation” or after being
resurrected, they will see a physical fulfillment of the words of Isaiah 60:21 when the whole earth becomes a paradise. (Revelation 7:14; Romans 4:1-3)
WE MAKE MISTAKES....is this the GB talking?
http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=315&Itemid=8
Q 2. What are two miracles Jehovah performed out of love?
2. Lovingly, Jehovah provided a perfect solution. How so? First, by performing the miracle of transferring the life of his beloved heavenly Son to the womb of a virgin so that he could be born as a perfect human (Luke 1:30-35) Then, after Jesus' enemies put him to death, Jehovah performed
another outstanding miracle. God raised Jesus back to life as a glorious spirit creature.--1 Pet 3:18.
So what SCRIPTURAL PROOF is there that God "transferred" Jesus life to the womb of a virgin. Based on the WTS view of artificial insemination, wouldn't Mary have been guilty of a) fornication since the "sperm" was not Joseph's or b) adultery (since she was engaged)?
APPARENTLY
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*** w02 3/15 p. 19 Questions From Readers ***Conception requires that an egg become fertile. Apparently, Jehovah God caused an ovum in Mary’s womb to become fertile, accomplishing this by the transferal of the life of his only-begotten Son from the spirit realm to earth.—Galatians 4:4.
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*** w81 6/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
In this case the sperm and the egg came from husband and wife. This is noteworthy from the Biblical standpoint. Why? Because of a law God
gave to the ancient Israelites: “You must not give your emission as semen to the wife of your associate to become unclean by it.” (Lev. 18:20, 29)
That law was given when modern artificial insemination and “test-tube-” baby procedures were not available; yet it does indicate God’s thinking.
From the Bible we must conclude that if conception is accomplished with the sperm and an egg not from husband and wife, it would amount to
adultery or fornication. The Scriptures leave no doubt as to God’s view of such: “God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (Heb. 13:4; Matt. 19:9)
And then what about surrogate mothers? Wasn't that the arrangement with Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar?
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*** w84 8/15 p. 26 Insight on the News ***
Surrogate Mothers
A case of human artificial insemination was recorded as long ago as 1799. But in recent years this has come to be more widely practiced.
According to The New York Times, a woman who is artificially inseminated and bears a child for another woman, as a substitute for her, is called
a surrogate mother. The infertile wife and her husband agree to this arrangement, and when the surrogate mother gives birth the baby is adopted by the couple. The sperm in this case could be from the husband of the couple or from another donor.
Although such an arrangement may be approved by many in the world, the Christian rightfully asks whether it is in harmony with God’s laws. The
Bible, at Leviticus 18:20, is clear on this point when it says: “You must not give your emission as semen to the wife of your associate to become
unclean by it.” Artificial insemination of a woman by a donor other than her legal husband, makes her guilty of adultery, a sin against God.
(Deuteronomy 5:18) The sperm donor and the surrogate woman have not been yoked together by God in matrimony.—Matthew 19:4-6.
Raised back--how?
EVIDENTLY...APPARENTLY
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*** w59 6/1 p. 333 par. 39 “Look! I Am Making All Things New” ***
Note Jesus’ words, “Do not marvel at this.” Even so, how can one long dead be released from death, and brought back to life? Has not his body
returned to the dust? Some of the particles that made up that body may even have been assimilated into other living things, such as plants and
animals. However, resurrection does not mean bringing the same chemical elements together again. It means that God recreates the same
person, with the same personality. He brings a new body forth from the earthly elements, and in that body he places the same characteristics, the
same distinctive qualities, the same memory, the same life pattern that the person had built up until the time of his death.
Q 3. Why was God pleased to reward his Son with heavenly life?
3. Jehovah rewarded Jesus with something that his Son did not have in his prehuman existence--indestructible life in heaven. (Heb. 7:15-17, 28) Jehovah was pleased to do this because Jesus had kept perfect integrity under severe tests. Jesus thereby provided his Father with the best, yes
the complete, answer to Satan's lie that humans serve God with selfish motives and not out of unbreakable love.--Prov.27:11.
indestructible life = immortality (why not just say it?)
Is it impossible for God to kill those with immortality per the WTS?
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*** w56 4/1 p. 219 Questions From Readers ***
An answer in the November 15, 1955, Watchtower said Jehovah could, if he wished, destroy even an immortal creature. The booklet What Do the Scriptures Say About “Survival After Death”? says that if the demons had originally been created immortal they could not be destroyed from the
universe. Which is correct?—J. L., United States.
The statement in the booklet about survival after death refers to immortality according to its basic meaning of deathlessness, indestructibleness.
The other statement about God’s ability to destroy even an immortal creature rested upon the view that he is absolutely almighty without any
limitation upon his own power by even himself. So this latter statement presented what seems in accord with this view. However, it enters into the realm of speculation, because it is in fact based on a speculative question.
Hence we are letting the statement in the booklet stand, in accord with the meaning of absolute immortality as conveyed in the Holy Scriptures. A
fuller discussion on this may be expected in time in the columns of The Watchtower.
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*** w55 11/15 p. 703 Questions From Readers ***Reasoning in the same way, there will be no danger of any of the heavenly class who have gained immortality later choosing to sin, and thus awkwardly having in the universe immortal rebels. But here again, even if such a thing did happen, we need not think that Jehovah would be powerless. Jehovah could destroy even an immortal creature. Immortality means to have the power of life within oneself. In other words, such a creature is not dependent on any outside source or environment to replenish energy or for the continuance of the life processes. Human creatures must eat, and spirit creatures apparently draw upon an outside source for continued existence, but immortal ones would not have to do this. They cannot die from a lack in their environment, but have life complete in themselves. Nevertheless, the all-powerful Jehovah could terminate their existence if he decided to do so.
What if Eve had been faithful and Adam had sinned? Could Adam have been allowed to live and Eve passed on perfect human life?
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*** w65 12/1 p. 717 par. 30 Slaves of Men or Slaves of Your Repurchaser—Which? ***
If Eve, now a transgressor, could not be used by Adam to bring forth a perfect human race, then God could, in His due time, create another perfect wife for Adam to mother his family in perfection.
Q 4. (a) Upon his return to heaven, what did Jesus do for us, and how did Jehovah respond? (b) How do you feel about what Jehovah and Jesus have done for you?
4. In heaven, Jesus did more. He 'appeared before the person of God for us' with the value of "his own blood." Our loving heavenly Father Graciously accepted Jesus' precious offering as "a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins." Therefore, with 'cleansed consciences,' we can render "sacred service to the living God." What a reason to echo the opening words of Psalm 112, “Praise Jah you people”--Heb. 9:12-14, 24; 1 John 2:2.
Jesus presented, offered the sacrifice--he was an active person in this process, not just a tool.
Sacred service
1976
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*** w76 10/1 p. 598 Rendering Sacred Service Night and Day ***
OUR WHOLE LIFE COURSE A “SACRED SERVICE”
“Sacred service,” then, is not something that occupies only a portion of our lives. It is not limited to just one activity or a certain number of activities but it takes in every aspect of our daily living. It can be summed up by these words: ‘Keep doing all things as unto Jehovah, whether eating or drinking or doing any other thing.’ (1 Cor. 10:31)
For example, among us are many parents. Part, in fact, a large part, of your “sacred service” to God involves your children. Psalm 127:3 says that they are “an inheritance from Jehovah.” Are you caring for that inheritance as unto him and for his glory? This too is a “night and day” feature of your service, for God’s Word points out that parents should be instilling God’s fine principles into their children from the time they get up until the time they lie down. (Deut. 6:4-9)
Husbands and wives can render “sacred service” by making their marriage successful and an honor to God’s institution of marriage.
Housewives have a fine opportunity to perform acceptable “sacred service” to God. Their fine works that others can see would certainly include keeping a neat, clean house, taking care of the cooking and the clothing needs of the family.
If children in the household are concerned with rendering “sacred service” to Jehovah they can show respect for their father and help their mother in bringing honor to God by helping them to keep the house in good, clean order. And where parents are not in the truth the children can do much in this way to cause the parents to honor God. Their conduct before schoolmates, respect for teachers, telling others about the good news when opportunity affords and working closely with the congregation in things done at the Kingdom Hall and sharing in the field service, certainly are things God counts as “sacred service” to him.
Then in 1980
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*** w80 8/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
At Colossians 3:23 Christians are counseled to serve their masters “whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men.” Does this mean that secular work done as to Jehovah is part of our sacred service?
Does this “sacred service” mean simply ‘living a good life,’ being a fine example in raising and providing for one’s family, keeping the house
clean, applying oneself at school, and so forth? Hardly, for the Israelites did such things over and above the sacred service that Jehovah
commanded them to perform. (Ex. 7:16; 12:25, 26 [latreia, Greek Septuagint Version]) And though the Sabbath law required them to ‘render
service, and do all their work six days,’ certain sacred services were carried on even during the seventh day, such as at festivals and in giving
instruction in the synagogues.—Ex. 13:5, 6; 20:9; Acts 13:14, 15; 18:4.
Today, there are people who live clean, moral lives, but who have no interest at all in God or his purposes. Surely their lives cannot be described as “sacred service.” Obviously, this has to do specifically with service to God, done out of appreciation for sacred things—something out of the ordinary that calls for the sacrifice of time and energy. It is different from secular work or everyday living, though with Christians this also should be done “for God’s glory.”—1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 1:9.
Outstandingly, in this time preceding the “great tribulation” our “sacred service” requires obedience to Jesus’ commands to preach and to teach “this good news of the kingdom,” warning the people and making disciples. (Matt. 24:14, 21; 28:19, 20)
Q 5. (a) What must we do to maintain a righteous standing with God? (b) In what ways are Psalm 111 and Psalm 112 arranged?
5. For us to maintain a righteous standing with God, we must keep on exercising faith in Jesus' shed blood. Not a day should pass by without our
thanking Jehovah for loving us so much. (John 3:16) We also need to keep studying God's Word and doing our best to live in harmony with its
message. Psalm 112 contains fine advice for all who want to maintain a clean conscience before God. This psalm complements Psalm 111.
Both open with the exclamation "Praise Jah, you people!" or "Hallelujah!" and are followed by 22 lines, each line beginning with one of the 22
letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
not a day SHOULD pass by---an order not a request, where is the love?
Thanking God--not thanking Jesus too at least?
Studying God's word--but not without WTS publications
Quote
Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how
sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible
organization in mind. (The Watchtower; 10/1/1967; pp. 587)
A Basis for Happiness
Q 6. How is the God-fearing "man" described in Psalm 112 blessed?
6. “Happy is the man in fear of Jehovah in whose commandments he has taken very much delight. Mighty in the earth his offspring will become.
As for the generation of the upright ones, it will be blessed.” (Ps. 112: 1,2) Note that the psalmist first mentions an individual "man" and then
changes to the plural "upright ones" in the latter part of verse 2. This suggests that Psalm 112 can refer to a composite group made up of many
individuals. Interestingly, the apostle Paul was inspired to apply Psalm 112:9 in connection with Christians in the first century. (Read 2 Corinthians 9:8, 9.) How well this psalm depicts how Christ's followers on earth today can be happy!
SUGGESTS, CAN REFER--composite man--sounds very speculative
Christ's followers on earth today--ONLY JWs
Q 7. Why do God's servants need to have a wholesome fear of him, and how should you feel about God's commandments?
7. As indicated at Psalm 112: 1, these true Christians experience great happiness as they walk "in fear of Jehovah." To keep a righteous
standing with God we must exercise faith in Jesus’ shed blood. This wholesome fear of displeasing him helps them to resist the spirit of Satan's
world. They take "very much delight" in studying God's Word and in obeying his commandments. That includes the command to preach the good news of the Kingdom throughout the earth. They strive to make disciples of people of all nations while warning the wicked of the coming of God's day of judgment.--Ezek. 3:17, 18; Matt. 28: 19,20.
true Christians (God's servants)--ONLY JWs
COMMAND to preach--not voluntary out of love? Some jws would like to think that if a jw does not preach or attend meetings they are disobeying
a command of God's (Jesus?) and are liable for disfellowshipping. But the WTS officially has said this meaning that so far a jw cannot be kicked
out.
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*** w70 7/1 pp. 405-406 Personally Benefiting from the Bible’s Laws and Principles ***
ATTENDING MEETINGS
Then, there is a law that we should attend the Bible study meetings of God’s people, as set out in Hebrews 10:24, 25, which reads: “Let us
consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but
encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.” We are commanded not even to have the desires and
cravings of this world for material things and its yearnings for sensual satisfaction. (1 John 2:15, 16) On these things there is certainly a sanction
or exacting of a penalty even though the application of the sanction is not within the authority of the congregation; it is to be applied by God himself. Therefore, one who obeys or disobeys one of these laws is certain to experience corresponding repayment. For that matter, does the person who violates the law on adultery and who is disfellowshiped have full Punishment applied by the congregation? No, for if he does not repent, he will eventually receive the full punishment, death, not from the Congregation, but at the hand of God.—Heb. 10:26-31.
make disciples of ALL NATIONS?
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*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***
Fifth, we see a global preaching work being accomplished, which Jesus said would take place just before the end of this system. Jesus stated:
“This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew
24:14) Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecedented scale. True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah’s due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. (1 Corinthians 16:9) 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.
warning WICKED--all non jws--coming judgment--everlasting death for all men, women and children (7 billion of them)
Q 8. (a) How have God's devoted people today been rewarded for their zeal? (b) What future blessings await those with an earthly hope?
8. Because of obeying such commands, God's servants on earth today now number some seven million. Who can deny that his people have
become "mighty in the earth"? (John 10:16; Rev. 7:9, 14) And How "blessed" they will yet be as God carries out his purpose! As a group, those with an earthly hope will be preserved through the coming" great tribulation" to form "a new earth" in which "righteousness is to dwell." In time, Armageddon survivors “will be blessed" even more. They will be on hand to welcome back millions of resurrected ones. What a thrilling prospect! Eventually, those who take "very much delight" in God's commandments will grow to human perfection and enjoy forever "the glorious freedom of the children of God." --2 Pet. 3:13; Rom. 8:21.
God's servants on earth today--ONLY JWs (7 million)
AS A GROUP--meaning that some individual witnesses will die during the great tribulation, individual protection is not guaranteed.
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*** w75 6/15 p. 377 par. 10 Looking to the Future with Confidence ***
Should we expect, moreover, that because Jehovah is on our side he will miraculously intervene to protect each one of us personally from death
or injury during the “great tribulation”? Both Psalm 91:7-12 and Proverbs 3:25, 26 have been mistakenly cited by some as supporting this view.
The psalm says: “A thousand will fall at your very side and ten thousand at your right hand; to you it will not come near.” Lest we read into this text more than it states, we must ask ourselves if Moses is here talking about the coming “great tribulation” and is declaring a blanket protection for individual servants of God then. This would hardly be so when we Remember that centuries later Paul showed that up to his time the devoted
followers of Jehovah had undergone mockings, scourgings, prisons, tribulations and many other persecutions, even violent death. However, we can be assured that, as a group, Jehovah will protect them from being exterminated by their enemies during the “great tribulation,” and He,
himself, will not touch them during his executing of adverse judgments.—Heb. 11:36-38.
welcome back millions--not billions?
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*** it-2 p. 792 Resurrection ***
Resurrection During 1,000 Years. A very liberal estimate of the number of persons that have ever lived on earth is 20 billion (20,000,000,000).
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*** w05 5/1 p. 20 par. 12 The Resurrection Hope—What Does It Mean for You? ***
A sound body and the prospect of perfect health will allow all inhabitants of the new world to share fully in the educational work of instructing those
billions resurrected in the way of life.
EVENTUALLY grow to perfection--when will these humans on earth reach perfection, 100, 200, 300 years of age?
CARROT--enjoy forever
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Isaiah 65:20 “No more will there come to be a suckling a few days old from that place, neither an old man that does not fulfill his days; for one will die as a mere boy, although a hundred years of age; and as for the sinner, although a hundred years of age he will have evil called down upon him.
Wise Use of Riches
Q 9, 10. How have true Christians used their spiritual riches, and how will their righteousness stand forever?
9. "Valuable things and riches are in his house; and his righteousness is standing forever. He has flashed up in the darkness as a light to the upright ones. He is gracious and merciful and righteous." (Ps. 112:3, 4) In Bible times, some of God's servants were noted for their material riches. And in another sense, those whom God approves truly become rich even if that is not in a material sense. The fact is in the main those choosing to humble themselves before God may be poor and looked down upon as was true in Jesus' day. (Luke 4:18; 7:22; John 7:49) But whether one has much or little materially, it is possible to be spiritually rich.--Matt. 6:20; 1 Tim. 6:18, 19; read James 2:5.
SOME of GOD's SERVANTS were noted for their material riches--but not censured
10. Anointed Christians along with their companions do not keep their spiritual riches to themselves. Rather, they have "flashed up" in Satan’s
dark world "as a light to the upright ones." They do so by helping others to benefit from the spiritual treasures of wisdom and knowledge of God.
Opposers have tried to put a stop to the Kingdom-preaching work but have failed. Instead the fruitage of this righteous work will stand forever! By
enduring in a course of righteousness God's servants can have the assurance of living permanently standing forever.
ANOINTED CHRISTIANS along with their COMPANIONS (not Christians?)
OPPOSERS (directly and indirectly)--all NON JWs
stop Kingdom preaching--implies that only jws preach about the kingdom....many areas were opened up to Christianity by non-jw groups making it easy for the WTS to make inroads
GOD'S SERVANTS--only jws
CARROT--living permanently
Q 11, 12. What are some ways that God's people use the material things they have?
11. God's people both the anointed slave class and those making up the "great crowd" have proved to be generous regarding material things.
Psalm 112:9 states: "He has distributed widely; he has given to the poor ones.” True Christians today often make material contributions to fellow
Christians and even to neighbours who are in need. They also use material resources to support relief campaigns in times of disasters. As Jesus
indicated would be so, that is a source of happiness too.--Read Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9: 7.
GOD'S PEOPLE = "slave class" (where in Bible?) and great crowd
TRUE CHRISTIANS--FELLOW CHRISTIANS--only JWs, and rarely do jws make contributions to jws in their local congregations expecting them to go to the secular governments. All jw relief programs are for jws exclusively, with a few non-jws getting the crumbs.
JWs are discouraged from donating to non-jw organizations--they are headed up by fraudulent individuals you know.
12 In addition, think of the expenditure to publish this magazine in 172 languages many of which are spoken by people who are relatively poor.
Consider too, the fact that this journal is made available in various sign languages used by the deaf, as well as in Braille for the blind.
So what does it cost to print a WT today? How many jws actually donate to the worldwide work since it is anonymous?
Relatively poor--yet until 2000 (approx), these jws had to "pay" while the wealthier jws started not have to "pay" ten years earlier in 1990.
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*** yb01 p. 18 Highlights of the Past Year ***
Another factor in reaching more people with the good news has been the simplified literature distribution arrangement. Jehovah has blessed the
faith shown by his servants in this matter. The voluntary donation arrangement is explained to people, but no charge is made for the literature. As of January 2000, that arrangement was extended to all lands where it was not already in operation.
Gracious and Just
Q 13. Who set the best examples of gracious giving, and how can we imitate their example?
13. "The man is good who is gracious and is lending.” (Ps. 112:5) You have no doubt observed that people who give help to others are not
always gracious. Some give in a patronizing or begrudging way. It is not pleasant to receive help from one who makes you feel inferior or who
makes you feel that you are a nuisance or a burden. By contrast, how refreshing it is to receive help from someone who is gracious. Jehovah is
the outstanding example of a gracious happy Giver. (1 Tim. 1:11;Jas.1:5-17) Jesus Christ perfectly reflected his Father’s gracious example. (Mark 1:40-42) Thus to be viewed by God as righteous, we give cheerfully and graciously, especially in field service when offering spiritual help to our neighbors.
Giving help not always gracious, patronizing, begrudging way, makes you feel inferior, nuisance or a burden? Who does this? All non jws? Not
my experience, but my jw family made me crawl the few times I had to ask for money (medical expenses) and all were paid back, only to be
reminded for the next 20 years and in front of strangers.
Give field service? DO MORE is the WTS mantra.
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*** km 5/06 p. 2 Service Meeting Schedule ***
Briefly interview an exemplary publisher who strives to keep his life simple and limits personal pursuits in order to do more to advance Kingdom
interests and serve others. Highlight the blessings he receives from doing so.
Q 14. What are some ways in which we can 'sustain our affairs with justice'?
14. "He sustains his affairs with justice." (Ps. 112:5) As foretold the faithful steward class cares for the Master's interests in harmony with
Jehovah’s justice. (Read Luke 12:42-44.) This is reflected in the Scriptural guidance given to elders who sometimes have to handle cases of gross sin in the congregation. The just way of dealing with matters is evident also in the Bible-based direction the slave class provides on how all congregations missionary homes and Bethel homes should function. Justice is required not only of elders but also of other Christians in their dealings with one another and with unbelievers including in business matters.--Read Micah 6:8, 11.
faithful steward "class"--why Luke instead of Matthew?
What is a GROSS SIN?
Bible-based direction--rules like the Pharisees
One lesson to learn--never do business with jws...you can't sue them when they cheat you.
Blessings for the Righteous
Q 15, 16. (a) What effect does the world's bad news have on righteous ones? (b) What are God's servants determined to keep on doing?
15. "For at no time will he be made to totter. The righteous one will prove to be for remembrance to time indefinite. He will not be afraid even of
bad news. His heart is steadfast, made reliant upon Jehovah. His heart is unshakable; he will not be afraid, until he looks on his adversaries." (Ps.
112:6-8) Never before in history has there been so much bad news, including such things as wars, terrorism, new diseases and resurging old
ones, crime, poverty, and ruinous pollution. Those whom God views as righteous cannot escape the effects of this bad news, but it does not
paralyze them with fear. Instead, their hearts are "steadfast" and "unshakable" as they look to the future with confidence, knowing that God's righteous new world is near. If disaster does strike, they are better able to cope with the situation because they rely on Jehovah for support. He never allows his righteous ones "to totter"--he gives help and strength to endure.--Phil. 4:13.
NEVER BEEN SO BAD--I think the WTS has to open a history book
Righteous cannot escape--WTS is saying the you will get sick, be poor, now but
RIGHTEOUS NEW WORLD IS NEAR
better able to cope?
16. God's righteous ones also have to put up with the hatred and lies spread by opposers, but this has failed to silence true Christians and will
continue to fail Rather, God's servants continue steadfast and unmovable in the work Jehovah has given them--to preach the good news of the
Kingdom and to make disciples of all who respond. No doubt, the righteous will experience increased opposition as the end draws closer. Such hatred will reach a climax in the worldwide attack of Satan the Devil in his role as Gog of Magog. Then, at last, we will 'look on our adversaries' as they go down in humiliating defeat. What an experience it will be to see the complete sanctification of Jehovah’s name!--Ezek. 38:18,22,23.
hatred and lies spread by opposers--what lies? Why not say what the lies are and sources countering it?
true Christians--only jws
END DRAWS CLOSER
Attack of Satan--only against jws though, all non-jws will be the opposers
our adversaries--including all children though only a babe in arms, to descend into everlasting death with no hope of a resurrection.
"Exalted With Glory"
Q 17. How will the righteous one "be exalted with glory"?
17. How enjoyable it will be to praise Jehovah unitedly, without opposition from the Devil and his world! Such enjoyment will be the everlasting lot of all who maintain a righteous standing with God. They will not bow down in disgrace and defeat, for Jehovah also promises that the "horn" of his righteous one "will be exalted with glory." (Ps. 112:9) Jehovah’s righteous one will exult victoriously on seeing the downfall of all enemies of Jehovah’s sovereignty.
praise Jehovah--Where's Jesus?
all enemies--unending death of even children
Q 18. How will the concluding words of Psalm 112 be fulfilled?
18 "The wicked one himself will see and certainly become vexed. He will grind his very teeth and actually melt away. The desire of the wicked
ones will perish." (Ps. 112:10) All who continue to oppose God's people will soon "melt away" in their envy and hatred. Their desire to see an end
to our work will perish with them during the coming" great tribulation."--Matt. 24:21.
SOON
God's people--only jws
melt away--die eternally with no future life
Q 19. Of what can we be confident?
19 Will you be among the happy survivors of that grand victory? Or if it happens that you succumb to sickness or advanced age before the end of
Satan's world, will you be among "the righteous" who will be resurrected? (Acts 24:15) The answer can be yes if you continue to exercise faith in
Jesus' ransom sacrifice and imitate Jehovah, as do those represented by the righteous "man" described in Psalm 112. (Read Ephesians 5: 1,2.)
Jehovah will see to it that the "remembrance" of such ones will never be forgotten, nor will their righteous acts be overlooked. They will be
remembered and loved by Jehovah forever and ever.--Ps. 112:3, 6, 9.
Some jws will die before the great tribulation....big surprise? they're dying now. jws alive in 1975 (around 15) are 49 now....are they hoping for the
end of 7 billion people soon to ensure their survival into the new system without every dying?
Questions for Meditation
What are some reasons we have to cry out "Hallelujah"?
What modern-day development makes true Christians so happy?
What kind of giver does Jehovah love?
CLOSING COMMENTS
Not much to add. As we enter the season of conventions, for those who must attend, may I give some strength to endure. I am putting in my garden and flowers with the help of my hubbie.
Love, Blondie