Comments You Will Not Hear at the 04-18-10 WT Study (February 15, 2010, pages 10-14)(SWORD OF SPIRIT)
Review comments will be in red or headed by COMMENTS
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will headed by QUOTES
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
Also posted on
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http://www.jwsupportforum.com/index.php
http://www.jehovahswitnessrecovery.com/
SKILLFULLY WIELD "THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT" “Accept...the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word.”—EPH. 6:17
OPENING COMMENTS
The purpose the the theocratic school is to teach jws how to "preach and teach" about WTS doctrine. But how many
jws in your old congregation every conducted a study with anyone other than their children (and not even then)? Men
are trained to give public talks to the congregation and women are lucky if they get 2 assignments a year to talk to
another woman. Female jws dread these times and script their talks like the WTS does at the assemblies/conventions.
They have a script for their "householder" knowing ahead of time what they are going to say and how they the jw are
going to counter it. Not realistic at all in the examples in this article or what they will encounter "in the field." It is no
wonder that most balk at a sincere question and say they have to go home to prepare an answer (even if they have
been a jw for 30 years) or enlist the assistance of an elder.
Most jws "swords" are rusting in their book bag, never brought out in the beginning (don't want to turn people off by
using the Bible as one CO remarked), or turning to a publication to find an answer, the Reasoning book (not the bible
despite some jws use of it) or the bible topics in the back of their NWT.
How many jws could tell you what Genesis 3:15 says or Isaiah 9:6 or Matthew 28:29?
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. 2. How should we respond to the need for more Kingdom proclaimers?
UPON seeing the spiritual need of the crowds, Jesus told his disciples: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few.
Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest." Jesus did not let matters go at that. After
speaking those words, "he summoned his twelve disciples" and sent them out on a preaching, or 'harvesting,' tour.
(Matt. 9:35-38; 10:1, 5) Later, Jesus "designated seventy others and sent them forth by twos" to do the same work.
--Luke 10:1, 2.
COMMENTSNotice that is was 12 MEN that Jesus sent out and later 70 MEN by twos that he sent out. Did Jesus himself ever do a
preaching tour? Were women ever sent out? Why is it then that the vast majority of the "preaching" done by jws is
done by women?
QUOTES
*** w92 5/15 p. 12 par. 10 Is Marriage the Only Key to Happiness? ***Among those successfully meeting this test of devotion to God are quite a number of our Christian sisters, for whom
we have the deepest regard. In various lands, they outnumber the brothers and therefore have a major share in the
preaching work.
*** w91 1/1 p. 23 par. 14 Be Filled With Joy ***Our sisters are to be commended in that they are doing the greater part of the field work.
*** w68 7/1 p. 413 Letting All Men See Jehovah’s Victory Processions ***How true it is that the women publishing the good news are a large army! By far the majority of the more than one million
Kingdom proclaimers going from house to house, making return visits, conducting Bible studies in the homes of the
people and standing on the street corners preaching the good news are womenfolk!
2. The need for more Kingdom pro claimers is also great today. The worldwide Memorial attendance for the 2009
service year was 18,168,323. It exceeded the total number of Jehovah's Witnesses by over 10 million. The fields are
indeed ripe for harvesting. (John 4: 34, 35) We should, therefore, pray and ask for more workers. But how can we act in
harmony with such requests? We can do so by becoming more effective ministers as we zealously share in the
Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work--Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 13:10.
COMMENTSmore EFFECTIVE
ZEALOUSLY share
10 million, that means df'd, da'd, inactive, and non-jw family; how many were non-jws off the street or "studies"?
How many are once-a-year attenders who are called "submarine" jws who surface one a year?
Q 3. How does God's spirit play a key role in helping us to become more effective ministers?
3. The preceding article discussed how being directed by God's spirit is instrumental in our "speaking the word of God
with boldness." (Acts 4:31) That spirit can also help us to be skillful ministers. One way to improve our effectiveness in
the ministry is to make good use of the excellent tool Jehovah God has provided--his written Word, the Bible. It is the
product of holy spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16) Its message is inspired of God. Hence, expounding Scriptural truth skillfully in our
ministry amounts to being directed by holy spirit. Before considering how we can do so, let us reflect on just how
powerful that Word is.
COMMENTSHow many jws are speaking "boldly" or are wasting time every Saturday morning, hoping no one answers, if making
note of as not-at-home, not calling back? There a break at 10:45 or 11:00 to last till noon and the it's making a return
visit on someone who is never home or has been called on for 10 years without having stepped inside the KH once?
How EFFECTIVE is that?
Is the bible or WT publications the tool?
Scriptural truth or WT truth?
Don't other religions skillfully use the bible; does that mean they too are directed by holy spirit?
QUOTES
*** w00 2/15 pp. 4-5 Stay out of the Danger Zone! ***The Watchtower, published in 132 languages and with a circulation of more than 22 million, is a major tool for those
who declare “this good news of the kingdom” in all the inhabited earth.
'THE WORD OF GOD EXERTS POWER'
Q 4. What transformation can God's message found in the Bible bring about in a person?
4. What power God's word, or message, has! (Heb. 4:12) In a figurative sense, the message emanating from the Bible
is sharper than any man-made sword, for it figuratively pierces to the dividing of bones and their marrow. Scriptural truth
reaches the innermost part of a person and penetrates his thoughts and emotions, exposing what he really is on the
inside. That truth can exert its transforming power and can bring about genuine changes in a person. (Read Colossians
3:10.) Yes, God's Word can change lives!
COMMENTSHow many jws use the bible in their discussions? How many try to quickly get the person into a study of a WT
publication, reading paragraph and question and getting a regurgitation from the paragraph?
What are the "changes" the WTS is talking about?
Q 5. In what ways can the Bible guide us, and with what result?
5. Moreover, the Bible is a book of matchless wisdom. It contains helpful information that can show people how to live
in this complex world. The Word of God illuminates not only our immediate steps but also the roadway ahead. (Ps.
119:105) It is a tremendous help when we are dealing with problems or are making decisions about our choice of
friends, entertainment, employment, dress, and so forth. (Ps. 37:25; Prov. 13:20; John 15: 14; 1 Tim. 2:9) Applying the
principles found in God's Word makes it possible for us to get along well with others. (Matt. 7:12; Phil. 2: 3, 4) With the
road ahead figuratively well lit, we are able to take into consideration the long-term effects of our decisions. (1 Tim. 6:9)
The Scriptures also foretell God's purpose for the future, helping us to pursue a lifestyle that is consistent with that
purpose. (Matt. 6:33; 1 John 2:17,18) What a meaningful life a person can enjoy if he allows godly principles to guide
his life!
COMMENTSWhat problems and then it becomes a "gnat" discussion of friends (WTS approved), entertainment (WTS approved),
employment (WTS approved), dress (WTS approved, and so forth (WTS approved).
If applying the bible makes people get along better, I know now why things were so contentious between the elders,
between elder bodies, and the rank and file. How well lit is the road with constantly changing light from the WTS? A
lifestyle consistent means that the WTS teaches only jws will be in that future.
QUOTES
*** w83 2/15 p. 12 You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth—But How? ***A third requirement is that we be associated with God’s channel, his organization. God has always used an organization.
For example, only those in the ark in Noah’s day survived the Flood, and only those associated with the Christian
congregation in the first century had God’s favor. (Acts 4:12) Similarly, Jehovah is using only one organization today to
accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God
as part of it.
Q 6. How powerful a weapon is the Bible in our spiritual warfare?
6. Think, too, of what a powerful weapon the Bible is in our spiritual warfare. Paul called God's word "the sword of the
spirit." (Read Ephesians 6:12-17.) When presented effectively, the Bible's message can free people from spiritual
bondage to Satan. It is a sword that is saving lives instead of destroying them. Should we not strive to wield it skillfully?
COMMENTSHow many doctrines does the WTS that are not clearly based on the bible?
EFFECTIVELY--SKILLFULLY?
HANDLE IT ARIGHT
Q 7. Why is it important to learn to use "the sword of the spirit" well?
7. A soldier can wield his weapons effectively in warfare only if he has practiced and has learned to use them well. It is
the same with the use of "the sword of the spirit" in our spiritual warfare. "Do your utmost to present yourself approved
to God," wrote Paul, "a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright."--2 Tim. 2: 15.
COMMENTSPRACTICED--when do jws "practice"? Do you remember practice sessions? How many did you take part in? Did you
enjoy it or avoid it?
Beyond Matthew 24:14 or Psalm 83:18 what scriptures do jws know? How many know what the bible books are even
after 30 years? How many know about the book of Hezekiah? How many know how to use the concordance in the
back of the NWT, the bible topices, or perhaps the Reasoning book they may have had bound into the NWT to give the
illusion they are reading from the bible not a WT publication?
QUOTES
*** km 8/07 p. 1 par. 4 Worshipping Jehovah as a Family ***Families have found it beneficial to prepare for the ministry together. Children often enjoy practice sessions with
members of the family taking turns giving the presentation or being the householder. Some use a few minutes at the
end of the family study to do this.
Q 8, 9. What will help us get the sense of what the Bible says? Give an example.
8. What will help us to 'handle the word of truth aright' in our ministry? Before we can clearly impart to others what the
Bible says, we need to get the sense of it ourselves. This calls for our giving attention to the context of a verse or a
passage. According to one dictionary, "the context of a word, sentence, or text consists of the words, sentences, or
text that come before and after it and help to make its meaning clear."
COMMENTSHow many jws can explain 1914, blood transfusions, etc., without running home to look it up or get support from an
elder?
Can you think of some concepts the WTS uses out of context scriptures to explain? How about that Jesus is the
mediator only for spirit-anointed Christians (jws) despite what 1 Timothy 2:5 says? Is there anything that says that the
ones praying are only spirit-anointed jws? Where is there any mention of a new covenant?
(1 Timothy 2:5) 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus,
*** What do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe br78 p. 13 What do They Believe? ***Prayers must be directed only to Jehovah through Christ John 14:6, 13, 14; 1 Tim. 2:5
9. Understanding a Scriptural passage correctly requires that we consider the surrounding text. Paul's statement found
at Galatians 5:13 illustrates that need. He wrote: "You were, of course, called for freedom, brothers; only do not use this
freedom as an inducement for the flesh, but through love slave for one another." What freedom was Paul speaking of
here? Was he referring to freedom from sin and death, from bondage to false beliefs, or from something else? The
context reveals that Paul was speaking of the freedom that results from being 'released from the curse of the Law.'
(Gal. 3:13, 19-24; 4:1-5) He was referring to Christian freedom. Those who appreciated that freedom slaved for one
another out of love. Those who were unloving engaged in backbiting and bickering.--Gal. 5:15.
COMMENTSSo who has been misinterpreting Galatians 5:13--jws...... Who are backbiting and bickering by correlation--jws. So why
do you think the WTS pulled this out of the hat?
Q 10. To understand the meaning of the Scriptures accurately, what type of information should we consider, and how
may we go about obtaining it?
10. The word "context" has another meaning. Synonyms for "context" include "background, conditions, ... situation." To
understand the meaning of a scripture correctly, we should consider background information, such as who wrote the
Bible book and when and under what circumstances it was written. It is also helpful to know the purpose for which the
book was written and, if possible, the social, moral, and religious practices of the day.*
* Excellent aids in getting background information about Bible books are the publications "All Scripture Is Inspired of
God and Beneficial," Insight on the Scriptures, and such articles as "Jehovah's Word Is Alive," in The Watchtower.
COMMENTSSo many jws don't even know the names of all 66 books of the bible; should we expect they know the authors, when,
and circumstances. How many jws know there is an addendum in the back of the NWT that tells them that? Did you?
How many times have today's jws gone through the Scripture Inspired book and the Insight book at the theocratic
school? If they didn't listen (or pre-study then) will they look it up now?
I wonder how knowing the author, time written, social, moral, and religious practices will help a jw understand and
accept that if a single woman were raped that she could be sold and made to marry her rapist. That the rapist of a
married or engaged woman would be put to death instead.
(Deuteronomy 22:23-29) 23 “In case there happened to be a virgin girl engaged to a man, and a man actually found
her in the city and lay down with her, 24 YOU must also bring them both out to the gate of that city and pelt them with
stones, and they must die, the girl for the reason that she did not scream in the city, and the man for the reason that he
humiliated the wife of his fellowman. So you must clear away what is evil from your midst.
25 “If, however, it is in the field that the man found the girl who was engaged, and the man grabbed hold of her and lay
down with her, the man who lay down with her must also die by himself, 26 and to the girl you must do nothing. The girl
has no sin deserving of death, because just as when a man rises up against his fellowman and indeed murders him,
even a soul, so it is with this case. 27 For it was in the field that he found her. The girl who was engaged screamed, but
there was no one to rescue her.
28 “In case a man finds a girl, a virgin who has not been engaged, and he actually seizes her and lies down with her,
and they have been found out, 29 the man who lay down with her must also give the girl’s father fifty silver shekels, and
she will become his wife due to the fact that he humiliated her. He will not be allowed to divorce her all his days.
Q 11. What care should we exercise when explaining scriptures?
11. "Handling the word of the truth aright" involves more than explaining Scriptural truths accurately. We should be
careful that we do not use the Bible to intimidate people. Though we can use the Scriptures to defend the truth, as
Jesus did when he was tempted by the Devil, the Bible is not a club with which to browbeat our listeners. (Deut. 6: 16;
8:3; 10:20; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10) We should heed the apostle Peter's admonition: "Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so
together with a mild temper and deep respect."--1 Pet. 3: 15.
COMMENTSDO NOT USE THE BIBLE TO INTIMIDATE PEOPLE
THE BIBLE IS NOT A CLUB WITH WHICH TO BROWBEAT OUR LISTENERS
MILD TEMPER AND DEEP RESPECT
Have you ever encountered a "Genesis to Revelation" jw at the door; where they cover ever WT topic at that one
encounter?
Why no respect...could it be that so many jws see non-jws are already doomed, "birdfood" as some have seen, that it is
not important to convey an idea to be received well, but merely to assure their own salvation not that of another?
Q 12, 13. What "strongly entrenched things" can the truth of God's Word overturn? Give an example.
12. When handled properly, what can the truth of God's Word accomplish? (Read 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5.) Scriptural
truth can overturn "strongly entrenched things," that is, expose false doctrines, harmful practices, and philosophies that
reflect imperfect human wisdom. We can use the Bible to cut away any ideas that are "raised up against the knowledge
of God." The teachings of the Bible can be used to help others bring their thinking in line with the truth.
COMMENTSscriptural truth--WTS doctrine
False doctrine--pyramid or whether people at Sodom and Gomorrah would be resurrected (true at one point/false at another)
Harmful practice--organ transplant, vaccinations
Philosophies--that God lives in the Pleiades constellation
jws are expected to bring their thoughts in line with current WTS thinking and prepared to change at a moment's notice
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/ruthoccult.html
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/resurrection.php
http://www.ajwrb.org/watchtower/data1.shtml
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/light.html
13. Take, for example, the case of a 93-year-old woman who lives in India. From infancy she was taught to believe in
reincarnation. When she began to study the Bible through correspondence with her son living abroad, she readily
accepted what she was learning about Jehovah and his promises. However, the teaching of reincarnation was so
embedded in her mind that she protested when her son wrote her about the condition of the dead. She said: "I just
cannot understand the truth of your Scriptures. All religions teach that something inside us is immortal. I have always
believed that the body dies and that an invisible part is reincarnated in other bodies over and over again some
8,400,000 times. How can this not be true? Are most religions wrong?" Can "the sword of the spirit" overturn such a
strongly entrenched belief? After further Scriptural discussions on the subject, she wrote some weeks later: "I am
finally beginning to understand the real truth about death. It gives me great joy to know that when the resurrection
occurs, we will be able to meet our dead loved ones. I hope that God's Kingdom comes soon."
COMMENTS"I hope that God's Kingdom comes soon." and kills all 7 billion non-jws including innocent children and babies.
So what scriptures and discussion did her son use........?
USE IT WITH PERSUASION
Q 14. How can you direct attention to the Bible in a way that creates respect for it?
14. Using the Bible effectively in the ministry is not just a matter of quoting scriptures. Paul spoke with "persuasion,"
and so should we. (Read Acts 19:8) 9; 28:23.) To "persuade" means to "win over." The one persuaded is "so
convinced that [he] puts confidence in something]." When we persuade a person to accept a Bible teaching, we are
winning him over to place his trust in that teaching. To accomplish this, we need to convince our listener of the
truthfulness of what we say. We can do this in the following ways.
COMMENTSHow many jws can explain the "scriptural" reasons for their beliefs despite current potential members have to go through almost 200 questions with 3 elders prior to baptism?
Are jws EFFECTIVE, do they CONVINCE or are they convinced they have the "truth" and it needs to explaining. What happens when after baptism the new jw finds out what it really means to be disfellowshipped?
Q 15. What does it mean to persuade our listeners?
15. Direct attention to God's Word in a way that creates respect for it. When you introduce a scripture, focus attention
on the importance of knowing God's thinking on the subject. After posing a question and getting the householder's
response, you may want to say something to this effect, 'Let us see how we can get God's mind on the matter.' Or you
might ask, 'What does God have to say about this situation?' Introducing the text in this way emphasizes that the Bible
is from God and helps build high regard for it in the mind of the listener. Doing so is especially important when we are
witnessing to someone who believes in God but is unfamiliar with what the Bible teaches.--Ps. 19: 7-10.
COMMENTSDo jws direct attention to the bible or the publications? Aren't they more comfortable with the publications because that
is what is emphasized in their own indoctrination sessions at the KH? The average jw cannot use a scripture and pose
a question unless it is outlined in the kingdom ministry or a paragraph in a publication.
God's mind = WTS mind. When jws have a question themselves they are not directed to the bible but to WTS
publications.
QUOTES
*** w99 7/1 pp. 15-16 par. 11 Regularly Study God’s Word as a Family ***Though you may be using The Watchtower as a basis for your discussion, do not forget the other study tools that are
available in many languages. If background information or explanation of a Bible expression is needed, Insight on the
Scriptures may provide it. Other questions may be answered by consulting the Watch Tower Publications Index or by
using the computer research program provided by the Society.
Q 16. What will help you to explain scriptures properly?
16. Do more than just read scriptures; explain them. It was Paul's custom to 'explain and prove by references' the
things he taught. (Acts 17:3) A Scriptural text often contains more than one point, and you may need to isolate key
expressions that apply to what you are discussing. You may do this by restating the thought-conveying words or by
asking questions that will help the householder to recognize them. Then, explain the meaning of that part of the
scripture. Once that is done, help your listener to see how the text applies to him personally.
COMMENTSDo more than just read scriptures????? Do jws read the scriptures. For example this is followed by a snippet from
Acts 17:3 but will the jw look up the whole scripture?
Yes, now the WTS tells them it is good to isolate a key word or phrase....to direct them to the "proper" thought. What
happened to the idea of "context" here?
Explain it to him!!! or have him form an explanation. Make the application yourself or shouldn't that individual. Isn't that
how Jesus did it...did he do their thinking for them?
Restating = adding to God's thoughts as if they are not complete in themselves.
Q 17. How can you reason from the Scriptures in a way that is convincing?
17. Reason from the Scriptures in a way that is convincing. Using heartfelt entreaty and sound logic, Paul convincingly
'reasoned with others from the Scriptures.' (Acts 17: 2,4) Like him, endeavour to reach the heart of your listener. 'Draw
up' what is in it by using kind questions that reflect personal interest in the individual. (Prov. 20:5) Avoid being blunt.
Present arguments in a clear and logical manner. They should be supported' by satisfying evidence. Your statements
should be solidly based on God's Word. It is better to use one text well by explaining and illustrating the point than to
read two or three scriptures in rapid succession. Using corroborative evidence can also I add persuasiveness to your
lips.' (Prov. 16:23) At times, it may be necessary to do research and provide additional information. The 93-year-old
woman mentioned earlier needed to know why the teaching of an immortal soul (or spirit) is so prevalent. Understanding
where that doctrine originated and how it entered most religions of the world was essential to persuade her to accept
what the Bible teaches on the subject. *
* See the brochure What Happens to Us When We Die? pages 5-16.
COMMENTSAre heartfelt entreaty (emotion) and sound logic compatible?
I wonder how jws answer non-jws when they ask if only jws will survive Armageddon? Do the sidestep it like the WTS in their publications?
What would be unkind questions? Obviously this happening or the WTS would not be putting so much emphasis on the wrong ways of discussion.
What would be SATISFYING EVIDENCE; more than just reading the bible per this article.
Can one text establish a matter; does the WTS use just one and many?
"It may be necessary to do research and provide additional information"!!!! Is this a change in the previous policy?
What the Bible teaches or what the brochure "What Happens to Us When We Die" a WTS publication, not the bible?
CONTINUE TO USE IT SKILLFULLY
Q 18, 19. Why should we continue to wield "the sword of the spirit" skillfully?
18. "The scene of this world is changing," states the Bible. Wicked men are advancing from bad to worse. (1 Cor.
7:31; 2 Tim. 3:13) So it is vital that we continue to overturn "strongly entrenched things" by using "the sword of the spirit,
that is, God's word."
COMMENTSSo non-jws are bad and getting worse, all of them, the majority of them, obviously not any women?
Using God's word or WTS publications?
19. How happy we are to have God's Word, the Bible, and to use its powerful message to uproot false teachings and
reach honest hearted ones! No entrenched thing is stronger than that message. Let us, therefore, put forth earnest
effort to wield "the sword of the spirit" skillfully in our God-given work of Kingdom proclamation.
COMMENTShonest hearted ones--non jws that listen to jws. What is the message that jws preach? If you asked 25 people, what would they say?
And what false teaching was thought between 1925 and 1970? That the great tribulation started in 1914 and ended
temporarily in 1918 to start up at a future date. If you were alive and a jw in 1969 and you believed that the great
tribulation had not started yet, you could have been disfellowshipped. But in 1970 when the WTS decided it was wrong
and you still believed that the previous doctrine was correct, you could then be cast out.
*** w58 11/15 pp. 691-692 par. 22 Signs and Wonders in the Time of the End ***Jehovah God did so. In 1918 he stopped the great tribulation that had begun upon the enemy organization of Satan the
Devil. Along with it World War I ended on November 11 of that year. His time for Armageddon, “the war of the great day
of God the Almighty,” was still future. In this way he cut short the days of that tribulation upon Satan’s organization
invisible and visible.
*** w65 12/15 p. 754 par. 31 “We Should Not Neglect the House of Our God” ***Do you, our reader, see yourself in that “great crowd”? If so, then you know that the “great tribulation” mentioned above
began with the “beginning of pangs of distress” during the years 1914-1918, as foretold by Jesus Christ, the “Lamb”
who shed his blood in sacrifice to God for cleansing away the “sin of the world.” (Matt. 24:8; John 1:29) The end of the
“pangs of distress” upon the nations has not yet come, for that end means the total annihilation of this system of things.
*** w70 1/15 p. 53 par. 13 Peace with God amid the “Great Tribulation” ***Were the suggestion made in 1925 true as to cutting short the days of the “great tribulation” in the middle, “for the
elect’s sake” (Matt. 24:22, AV), what then? Then the time interval between the opening part of the “great tribulation” and
the closing Armageddon part thereof will prove to be around five times as long as the length of the “great tribulation”
itself. However, in order to correspond with the events of the first century, from the time of Jesus’ departure by
ascending to heaven in 33 C.E. to Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 C.E., the antitypical “great tribulation” did not begin in
1914 C.E. Rather, what took place upon Jerusalem’s modern antitype in 1914-1918 was merely “a beginning of pangs
of distress” for her and her political allies. The “great tribulation” such as will not occur again is yet ahead, for it means
the destruction of the world empire of false religion (including Christendom) followed by the “war of the great day of
God the Almighty” at Armageddon against the political allies of Babylonish false religion. In that “great tribulation” the
present system of things must end in its religious and political phases.
What Did You Learn?
• How powerful is the Word of God?
• How can we 'handle the word of truth aright'?
• What can the message of the Bible accomplish as to "strongly entrenched things"?
• How can you improve your persuasiveness in the ministry?
CONCLUDING COMMENTSThere is no longer a need to get people into the WT organization as there had been between 1966 and 1975 when the
end was supposed to come. The WTS designed the 6-month long study program to heighten their feeling that the end
was near. This was also the time that to be able to regular pioneer required that you already had a viable bible study.
There is not the same urgency today; the WTS cannot project another date like that having ended the 1914 generation
concept. jws know that their salvation is not tied to being EFFECTIVE or SKILLFUL. The WTS only focuses on hours
and only has unofficial quotas for MS and elders; and has lowered significantly those required for auxiliary (70 down to
50) and regular (90 down to 70) hours.
Next week, "The Spirit and the Bride Keep on Saying: 'Come!'"
When John wrote these words, who were they saying come to?
Love, Blondie
