Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-09-10 WT Study (March 15, 2010, pages 10-14)(BAPTIZED IN WHOSE NAME)
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BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF WHOM AND WHAT? "Go therefore and make disciples..., baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit."--MATT. 28:19
http://theocraticapplications.com/studyfeed/Watchtower%20Study.html
OPENING COMMENTS
How often does the OT use all three names, Father, Son, Holy Spirit? Only ONCE at Matthew 28:19. What is said in Bible re baptism in the name of?
What did Peter say (after hearing Matthew 28:19)? Where is God's name or the name of the holy spirit?
(Acts 2:38) 38 Peter [said] to them: “Repent, and let each one of YOU be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of YOUR sins, and YOU will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.
(Acts 8:12) 12 But when they believed Philip, who was declaring the good news of the kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ, they proceeded to be baptized, both men and women.
(Acts 8:14-17) 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Sa·maria had accepted the word of God, they dispatched
Peter and John to them; 15 and these went down and prayed for them to get holy spirit. 16 For it had not yet fallen upon any one of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they went laying their hands upon them, and they began to receive holy spirit.
(Cornelius and his family)(Acts 10:46-48) 46 For they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter responded: 47 “Can anyone forbid water so that these might not be baptized who have received the holy spirit even as we have?” 48 With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they requested him to remain for some days.
(Acts 19:1-7) . . .In the course of events, while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul went through the inland parts and came down to Ephesus, and found some disciples; 2 and he said to them: “Did you receive holy spirit when YOU became believers?” They said to him: “Why, we have never heard whether there is a holy spirit.” 3 And he said: “In what, then, were YOU baptized?” They said: “In John’s baptism.” 4 Paul said: “John baptized with the baptism [in symbol] of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they got baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the holy spirit came upon them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. 7 All together, there were about twelve men.
Why does the WTS capitalize "Holy Spirit" some times and not "holy spirit" at others in its publications? This scripture always baffled me when it says "Jehovah is the Spirit" but then "spirit of Jehovah" but then "Jehovah [the] Spirit." I have yet to find an explanation by the WTS.
(2 Corinthians 3:17-18) 17 Now Jehovah is the Spirit; and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom. 18 And all of us, while we with unveiled faces reflect like mirrors the glory of Jehovah, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, exactly as done by Jehovah [the] Spirit.
Notice how often the WTS says "you" or "your" rather than "we" and "us." Aren't they also supposed to being "fed" by this information and making personal application?
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1, 2. (a) What took place in Jerusalem at Pentecost 33 C.E.? (b) Why were many in the crowd moved to get baptized?
JERUSALEM was bustling with crowds from many lands. On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., an important festival was in progress and many visitors were sharing in it. But something unusual occurred, after which the apostle Peter gave a stirring discourse that had an amazing effect. Some 3,000 Jews and proselytes were touched by his words, repented, and got baptized in water. Thus they were added to the newly formed Christian congregation. (Acts 2:41) The baptism of so many in the pools or reservoirs around Jerusalem must have caused considerable commotion!
COMMENTSIs there historical confirmation as to this baptism in so many locations at one time in Jerusalem?
Why does the WTS say "proselytes" rather than "Jewish proselytes"? The WTS teaches that these would not have been Godfearers only but had been circumcised.
Were there restrictions on the proselytes that natural born Jews were not subject to?
Here is the WTS definition:
***Bearing Witness (bt) chap. 3 p. 27 “Filled With Holy Spirit” ***They were considered Jews in all respects, since they accepted the God and the Law of Israel, rejected all other gods, underwent circumcision (if male), and joined themselves to the nation of Israel.
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Do you see a similarity to the WTS saying "Jehovah's witnesses and their companions" or "the anointed and their companions"?
Peter had denied Jesus three (3) times just a month before. How was it that he had been "repentant" and "reproved" that he was not on some sort of restriction for at least 6 months to a year?
The WTS is very anal about its statistics, such as 1,031,964,523 hours, not rounded as in the account in Acts?
2. What led up to so many getting baptized? Earlier that day, "there occurred from heaven a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze." In the upper chamber of a house, some 120 of Jesus' disciples were filled with holy spirit. Thereafter, reverent men and women gathered and were intrigued to hear these disciples "speak with different tongues." Upon listening to what Peter said, including his pointed comments about Jesus' death, many "were stabbed to the heart." What should they do? Peter answered: "Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ ... , and you will receive the free gift of the holy spirit." --Acts 2: 1-4, 36-38.
COMMENTSNotice how the elliptical (...) starts right after "in the name of Jesus Christ" implying that he said it was to be in the name of more than Jesus. Note that Peter spoke this after Matthew 28:19.
some 120--not an exact number, why not?
Men and women were present this time, not just 12 men. (but note that later in the Bible, Paul attests to there being
500 (again not exact) men who spoke with Jesus after his resurrection. Where were they at this time?
Didn't women receive holy spirit and speak in tongues in the midst of the group? Why not later?
Baptized in whose name? Jesus (God and holy spirit names absent)
Q 3. On the day of Pentecost, what did repentant Jews and proselytes need to do?
3. Think of the religious situation of those Jews and proselytes who heard Peter. They had already accepted Jehovah as their God. And from the Hebrew Scriptures, they knew about the holy spirit, God's active force used during creation and thereafter. (Gen. 1:2; Judg. 14:5, 6; 1 Sam. 10:6; Ps. 33:6) But they needed something more. It was vital for them to understand and accept God's means of salvation--the Messiah, Jesus. Hence, Peter highlighted their need for being "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." Some days before, the resurrected Jesus commanded Peter and others to baptize people "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit." (Matt. 28:19, 20) That had profound meaning in the first century, and it still does. What is it?
COMMENTSJews and proselytes who heard Peter at Pentecost supposed already knew of God and the holy spirit, so Peter left them out. So here is their explanation why Peter did not mention God or the holy spirit....yet in when Peter baptized Cornelius and his family (all Gentiles) he still only mentions baptism in the name of Jesus.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER
Q 4. As to people having a relationship with Jehovah, what change had occurred?
4. As noted, those who responded to Peter's discourse worshipped Jehovah and had previously had a relationship with him. They had been trying to follow his Law, which was the reason those from other lands had come to Jerusalem. (Acts 2:5-11) However, God had just made a significant change in his dealings. He rejected the Jews as his special nation; their keeping the Law was no longer the means to obtain his approval. (Matt. 21: 43; Col. 2:14) If those listeners wanted an ongoing relationship with Jehovah, they needed something else.
COMMENTSA further explanation of why only in the name of Jesus at Pentecost but what about the Gentile Cornelius. Did Peter mention being baptized in the name of God? No!
Q 5, 6. What did many first-century Jews and proselytes do in order to have a relationship with God?
5. It certainly was not to turn away from Jehovah, their Life-Giver. (Acts 4:24) No, those responding to Peter's explanation could see now more than ever that Jehovah was a benevolent Father. He sent the Messiah to deliver them and was willing to forgive even those to whom Peter could say: "Let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you impaled." Actually, those applying Peter's words would now have even greater reason to appreciate what the Father had done for all who wanted a relationship with God!--Read Acts 2:30-36.
COMMENTSAgain we see an impersonal reference to Jesus, no mention of Jesus' choosing to sacrifice his life
Didn't anyone need a relationship with Jesus? How often does the WTS mention that?
6. Indeed, those Jews and proselytes could now see that a relationship with Jehovah involved recognizing him as the Provider of salvation by means of Jesus. You can understand, then, why they repented of their sins, including that of knowingly or unknowingly sharing in killing Jesus. And it is equally understandable that during the following days "they continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles." (Acts 2:42) They could and would want to "approach with freeness of speech to the throne of undeserved kindness."--Heb. 4:16.
COMMENTSYOU (1)
Jews = anointed; proselytes = other sheep?
Why no relationship with Jesus?
What is freeness of speech = I was told my some elders that at their meetings it means they can say anything good or bad about other elders.
UNDESERVED = does that make you feel loved and special?
Q 7. How have many today changed their view of God and been baptized in the name of the Father?
7. Today, millions of people from various backgrounds have learned from the Bible the truth about Jehovah. (Isa. 2:2, 3) Some were atheists or deists,* but they became convinced of the existence of a Creator with whom they could have a meaningful relationship. Others worshipped a triune god or various idols. They learned that Jehovah alone is the almighty God, and they now address him by his personal name. That is in line with the fact that Jesus said his disciples should be baptized in the name of the Father.
* Those with deistic thoughts believe in the existence of God but do not think that he is interested in his creation.
COMMENTS
Millions of people = only jws
What about the truth about Jesus?
Why not "Almighty" God; by his name is not really "Jehovah" only a 12th century concoction by a non-jw.
Knowing that, how could anyone be accurately baptized in the name of God?
Q 8. What did those who had no concept of Adamic sin need to realize about the Father?
8. They have also learned that they inherited sin from Adam. (Rom. 5:12) This was something new that they had to accept as true. Such ones can be likened to a sick man who was unaware of his illness. He may have had some symptoms, such as an occasional pain. Yet, having no diagnosis of a specific disease, he might have imagined that he was basically in good health. The facts proved otherwise, however. (Compare 1 Corinthians 4:4.) What if he got an accurate diagnosis of his illness? Would he not be wise to seek and accept a known, proven, and effective treatment? Similarly, upon learning the truth about inherited sin, many have accepted the Bible's "diagnosis" and have come to understand that God is offering the "cure." Yes, all who are alienated from the Father need to turn to the One who can "cure" them.--Eph.4:17-19.
COMMENTSAnalogy that reaches...............
Known? Proven? Effective? treatment = from the WTS the great FlipFlopper?
all who are alienated from the Father = all non-jws
Q 9. What did Jehovah do to make a relationship with him possible?
9. If you have already dedicated your life to Jehovah God and have become a baptized Christian, you know what a wonderful thing it is to have a relationship with him. You can now appreciate how loving your Father, Jehovah, is. (Read Romans 5:8.) Although Adam and Eve had sinned against him, God took the initiative so that their descendants --including us--could have a good relationship with him. In doing that, God had to face the pain of seeing his dear Son suffer and die. Does knowing this not help us to recognize God's authority and obey his commands out of love? If you have not yet done so, you have reasons to dedicate yourself to God and be baptized.
COMMENTSYOU (8)
Why no relationship with Jesus?
baptized Christian=only jws
So how many people are hanging around the jw congregations who aren't baptized besides the minor children? I do know of 2 non-jw husbands who go to the meetings with their wives, but no move to get baptized, been going for over 60 years. But of course according to jw dogma, they are going to die even if they do go to the meetings.
IN THE NAME OF THE SON
Q 10, 11. (a) How indebted are you to Jesus? (b) How do you feel about Jesus' dying as a ransom?
10. Think again, though, about what Peter said to the crowd. He stressed accepting Jesus, which is directly linked to being baptized "in the name ... of the Son." Why was that vital then, and why is it vital now? Well, accepting Jesus and being baptized in his name means recognizing his role in our relationship with the Creator. Jesus had to be hanged on a torture stake in order to remove the curse of the Law from the Jews; however, his death had a greater benefit. (Gal. 3:13) He provided the ransom sacrifice that all mankind needed. (Eph. 2:15, 16; Col. 1:20; 1 John 2:1, 2) To that end, Jesus endured injustice, reviling, torture, and finally death. How much do you appreciate his sacrifice? Imagine you were a 12-yearold boy traveling on the Titanic the ship that struck an iceberg and sank in 1912. You try to jump into a lifeboat, but it is full. Then a man on the lifeboat kisses his wife, jumps back onto the deck, and puts you into the lifeboat. How do you feel? Certainly you are grateful to him! You can understand how one boy who really had that experience felt. Yet, Jesus did much more for you. He died so that you can gain endless life.
COMMENTSYOU (11)
Why does the WTS put an ellipsis (...) in "in the name...of the Son" when Peter never mentioned the name of God or the holy spirit?
relationship with the Creator...where's the relationship with Jesus?
who provided the ransom....God or Jesus? Without Jesus willing participation could there have been a sacrifice...it's not as if God could have come down to earth and died.
CARROT--endless life, the reasons jws become and stay in the organization.
11. How did you feel upon learning what the Son of God did for you? (Read 2 Corinthians 5:14,15.) Likely you felt deep gratitude. That helped to move you to dedicate your life to God and to 'live no longer for yourself, but for him who died for you.' Being baptized in the name of the Son means acknowledging what Jesus has done for you and accepting his authority as "the Chief Agent of life." (Acts 3:15; 5:31) Previously, you had no relationship with the Creator, and actually you had no valid hope. But by exercising faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and being baptized, you now have a relationship with the Father. (Eph. 2:12, 13) "You who were once alienated and enemies because your minds were on the works that were wicked," wrote the apostle Paul, "[God] now has again reconciled by means of [Jesus'] fleshly body through his death, in order to present you holy and unblemished."-Col. 1:21, 22.
COMMENTS YOU(11)
What about a relationship with Jesus?
relationship with either = having to have a relationship with the WTS
Q 12, 13. (a) How should being baptized in the name of the Son affect your reaction if someone offends you? (b) As a Christian baptized in Jesus' name, what obligation do you have?
12. Though you were baptized in the name of the Son, you are keenly aware of your own sinful inclinations. That awareness is helpful every day. For example, if someone offends you, do you bear in mind that both of you are sinners? You both need God's forgiveness, and you should both be forgiving. (Mark 11:25) To emphasize this need, Jesus gave an illustration: The master of a slave cancelled his debt of ten thousand talents (60 million denarii’s). Later, that slave would not release his fellow slave who owed him 100 denarii. Jesus then made this point: Jehovah will not forgive the one who does not forgive his brother. (Matt. 18:23-35) Yes, being baptized in the name of the Son means recognizing Jesus' authority and striving to follow his example and teachings, including that of being willing to forgive others. --1 Pet. 2:21; 1 John 2:6.
COMMENTSYOU (12)
jws are keenly aware of their sins because they are mentioned from the platform and the elders remind you individually, along with the gossip groups at the kingdom hall. Even if the sin was 20 years ago, it will still be talked about.
Is forgiveness required in every situation?
QUOTES
*** w97 12/1 p. 20 par. 15 ‘Continue Forgiving One Another Freely’ ***What about us? Insight on the Scriptures says: “Christians are not required to forgive those who practice malicious, willful sin with no repentance. Such become God’s enemies.” (Volume 1, page 862) No Christian who has been a victim of extremely unjust, detestable, or heinous treatment should feel forced to forgive, or pardon, a wrongdoer who is not repentant.—Psalm 139:21, 22.
13. Being imperfect, you are not able to imitate Jesus fully. Nevertheless, in line with your wholehearted dedication to God, you want to imitate Jesus to the best of your ability. This involves continuing to work at putting away the old personality and putting on the new. (Read Ephesians 4:20-24.) When you come to respect a friend, you likely try to learn from his example and good qualities. Likewise, you want to learn from Christ and imitate him.
COMMENTSYOU (9)
WTS excuse #1 = we are imperfect
best of your ability = as judged by others in the organization
Learn from Christ = only through WTS
QUOTES
*** w87 2/1 p. 15 par. 1 Doing Our Utmost to Declare the Good News ***“A FEW years ago, many of us thought that only those with special circumstances could pioneer,” wrote a pioneer, or full-time minister, in Japan. “It seems we were wrong. We are learning that only those with special circumstances cannot pioneer.”
Q 14. How can you show that you recognize Jesus' authority as heavenly King?
14. There is another way you can show that you understand what is involved in having been baptized in the name of the Son. God "subjected all things under [Jesus'] feet, and made him head over all things to the congregation." (Eph.1:22) Thus, you need to respect the way Jesus directs those dedicated to Jehovah. Christ is using imperfect humans in the local congregation, particularly the spiritually older men, the appointed elders. The provision of having such men appointed is "with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, ... for the building up of the body of the Christ." (Eph. 4: 11, 12) Even if an imperfect human makes a mistake, Jesus as King of the heavenly Kingdom is able to handle the matter in his time and way. Do you believe that?
COMMENTS YOU (5)
those dedicated to Jehovah = only jws
imperfect humans...elders = cop out = imagine if Jeremiah or Jesus had obeyed the religious leaders in their day.
human makes a mistake = instead of "wait on Jehovah" it's "wait on Jesus" "in his time and way"
QUOTES
*** w08 6/15 p. 21 par. 15 Accept Jehovah’s Authority ***Does this mean that congregation elders are infallible? Of course not! God sees their imperfections more clearly than any human can. Still, he expects us to be submissive. Cooperating with the elders, even though they are imperfect, gives evidence that we accept Jehovah’s authority.
*** w00 6/15 p. 16 par. 16 Honor the Ones Given Authority Over You ***Congregation elders are appointed by holy spirit, yet they are still imperfect and make mistakes.
*** w98 6/1 p. 17 par. 10 “Put Up a Hard Fight for the Faith”! ***It is all too easy to find fault with the appointed elders, for they are imperfect, as all of us are imperfect. But if we dwell on their faults and undermine respect for them, might we be “speaking abusively of glorious ones”?
*** w08 8/15 p. 6 par. 15 Jehovah Will Not Leave His Loyal Ones ***Therefore, even if we as individuals do not fully understand a certain position taken by the slave class, that is no reason for us to reject it or return to Satan’s world. Instead, loyalty will move us to act humbly and wait on Jehovah to clarify matters.
Q 15. If you are yet to be baptized, what blessings can you look forward to after baptism?
15. Again, some have not yet dedicated themselves to Jehovah and been baptized. If you have not, can you see from the above that recognizing the Son is the reasonable and appreciative thing for you to do? Being baptized in the name of the Son will bring you in line to receive grand blessings.--Read John 10:9-11.
COMMENTSYOU (8)
So how many people at the kingdom halls are not yet dedicated and baptized other than minor children of jws? I know of only one like that and she is viewed as flawed; and those non-jw husbands who come with their wives to the meetings and have been "studying" for 20 or more years.
CARROT--in line for grand blessings
IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Q 16, 17. What does being baptized in the name of the holy spirit mean to you?
16. What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the holy spirit? As noted earlier, those hearing Peter on the day of Pentecost were aware of the holy spirit. In fact, they could see proof right before their eyes that God continued to use the holy spirit. Peter was one of those who had been "filled with holy spirit and [who had] started to speak with different tongues." (Acts 2:4, 8) The expression "in the name of" need not imply the name of a person. Today, many things are done "in the name of the government," which is not a person. They are done by the authority of the government. Similarly, one who is baptized in the name of the holy spirit recognizes that the holy spirit is, not a person, but Jehovah's active force. And such baptism means that one acknowledges the role the holy spirit plays in God's purpose.
COMMENTS
YOU (1)At Pentecost did Peter say to baptized in the name of the holy spirit? No.
Does the WTS today say to baptize in the name of the holy spirit? Does being baptized "in association with God's spirit-directed organization" fulfill what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19?
How does the WTS get around that? "The expression "in the name of" need not imply the name of a person."
But what did they say above above being baptized in the name of the Father in paragraph 7?
"They learned that Jehovah alone is the almighty God, and they now address him by his personal name. That is in line with the fact that Jesus said his disciples should be baptized in the name of the Father."
QUOTES
*** w06 4/1 p. 22 ‘Go and Make Disciples, Baptizing Them’ ***
The Two Baptismal Questions
On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?
17. Have you not come to know about the holy spirit through studying the Bible? For example, you have come to appreciate that the Scriptures were written under the inspiration of holy spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16) As you made spiritual progress, you likely gained a deeper appreciation of the fact that 'the Father in heaven gives holy spirit to those asking him,' including to you. (Luke 11:13) You have probably seen holy spirit working in your life. On the other hand, if you are yet to be baptized in the name of the holy spirit, Jesus' assurance that the Father gives holy spirit means that you have real blessings ahead as you receive that spirit.
COMMENTSYOU (10)
Are jws studying the Bible or WT publications? Can jws study the Bible without WT publications?
Per the WTS does God give holy spirit to non-jws?
So what should a person look for signs of the holy spirit working in their lives? When bad things happen does it mean the holy spirit is not working in their lives and they have done something wrong?
QUOTES“Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the SCRIPTURE STUDIES aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years—if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness.” —The Watch Tower, September 15, 1910, p. 298, Watchtower Reprints, p. 4685
“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, October 1, 1967, p. 587
“We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the ‘faithful and discreet slave’ organization.”—The Watchtower, February 15, 1981, p. 19
“Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do.”—The Watchtower, December 1, 1981, p. 27
“Does ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ [Watchtower organization] endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?—Matt. 24:45, 47. No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. …They have also held conferences and produced publications to present their findings and to supplement what is provided at our Christian meetings and through our literature. …Thus, ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight… For those who wish to do extra Bible study and research, we recommend that they explore Insight on the Scriptures, ‘All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,’ and our other publications….”—Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, p. 3
Q18. What blessings come to those being baptized in the name of the holy spirit?
18. It is evident that today, too, Jehovah guides and leads the Christian congregation through his spirit. That spirit also helps us individually in our daily activities. Our having been baptized in the name of the holy spirit involves recognizing its role in our life and gratefully cooperating with that spirit. Some may wonder, though, how we can live up to a dedication made to Jehovah and how the holy spirit is involved. We will consider that next.
COMMENTSChristian congregation = only anointed jws, 144,000, faithful and discreet slave
Doesn't Christ lead the Christian congregation?
cooperating with spirit = cooperating with WT organization
QUOTES
*** w06 11/1 p. 23 par. 6 Do You Share Jehovah’s View of Sacred Things? ***We demonstrate that we share Jehovah’s view of sacred things by joyfully submitting ourselves to our Leader and reigning King, Christ Jesus, the Head of the Christian congregation.
*** w02 3/15 p. 13 par. 2 Christ Leads His Congregation ***The history of early Christianity, as recorded in the Bible book of Acts, shows beyond a doubt that Christ used the authority given him to lead the newly formed congregation. He sent the promised “helper”—the holy spirit—to strengthen his followers and to guide their efforts. How reassuring to know that Jesus Christ provides leadership to his disciples today through the Governing Body, the holy spirit, and the angels! Even if some of Jehovah’s worshipers were to become temporarily isolated from the Governing Body because of persecution or the like, Christ would still provide leadership by means of the holy spirit and angelic support. However, we benefit from his leadership only when we accept it.
*** w92 9/15 p. 18 par. 20 Jehovah’s Spirit Leads His People ***Always show appreciation for the help Jehovah God provides by means of his holy spirit. Follow the direction of his spirit-inspired Word, the Bible. Cooperate fully with God’s spirit-led earthly organization. Never allow yourself to veer off on an unscriptural course that would amount to grieving the holy spirit, for this might eventually lead to the withdrawal of it and thus to spiritual disaster.
*** w92 11/15 p. 21 par. 15 Serve Jehovah Loyally ***Our hearts should impel us to cooperate with Jehovah’s organization because we know that it alone is directed by his spirit and is making known his name and purposes. Of course, those shouldering responsibility in it are imperfect
DO YOU RECALL?
· What does being baptized in the name of the Father involve for you?
· What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Son?
· How can you show that you appreciate the significance of getting baptized in the name of the Father and the Son?
· What does being baptized in the name of the holy spirit mean?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, "Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication." I guess quite a few are not getting baptized and those who do are not 'living up to it' that is doing exactly what the WTS (FDS/GB) says whether what they say agrees with the scriptures or not.
They have seemed to change their opinion about personal study, "we must read and meditate on God's Word...imitating the fine examples of the prophets who made "a diligent inquiry and careful search" of information that was provided." So the prophets had publications from God back then or was it only the "inspired word of God"?
Planting flowers and garden next weekend.
Love, Blondie