Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-26-2012 WT Study (DECEMBER 15, 2011, pages 22-26)(SPIRIT TODAY)
Review comments will be headed by COMMENTS
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Quotes from other sources will be indented and identified
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g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
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GUIDED BY GOD’S SPIRIT
IN THE FIRST CENTURY
AND TODAY
“All these operations the one and the same spirit performs.”—1 COR. 12:11.
OPENING COMMENTS
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/directed-by-holy-spirit.php
does “inspired” = directed by holy spirit?
START OF ARTICLE
1. What points will we consider in this study?
PENTECOST. What thrilling events that
one word brings to mind! (Acts 2:1-4)
The outpouring of holy spirit on that occasion
in the first century marked a momentous
change in God’s dealings with his
servants. In the preceding article, we considered
some of the ways in which God’s spirit
enabled faithful ones of old to carry out difficult
and detailed assignments. But what is
the difference between the way God’s spirit
operated in pre-Christian times and the way
it worked in the first century? And how do
Christians benefit from the action of God’s
holy spirit today? Let us see.
COMMENTS
Remember that the 1 st century Christians were the only ones that had holy spirit. According to the WTS the non-anointed Christians did not come into being until the 1930’s and up until recently, the calling of anointed ended in 1935 (or 1881).
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/memorial-partakers.php
When did the 144,000 calling end
Russell
1881 Thy Kingdom Come p.362 ____________________
"Remember, too, that the Scriptures proved to us in various ways-by the Jubilee Cycles, the 1335 days of Daniel, the Parallel Dispensations, etc.-that the "harvest" or end of this age was due to begin in October, 1874, and that the Great Reaper was then due to be present; that seven years later-in October, 1881-the "high calling" ceased, though some will be admitted to the same favors afterward, without a general call being made, to fill the places of some of the called ones who, on being tested, will be found unworthy." Thy Kingdom Come p.362
"And the three and a half years following the Spring of A.D. 1878, which ended October, A.D. 1881, correspond to the three and a half years of continued favor to individual Jews in the last half of their seventieth week of favor. As in the type that date-three and a half years after the death of Christ-marked the end of all special favor to the Jew and the beginning of favor to the Gentiles, so we recognize A.D. 1881 as marking the close of the special favor to Gentiles-the close of the "high calling," or invitation to the blessings peculiar to this age-to become joint-heirs with Christ and partakers of the divine nature." The Time Is At Hand 1916 ed. p.235
Rutherford
1931 "Let God be True" 1946 ed. p.298 ____________________
Knorr
1935
Watchtower 2007 May 1 p.30 ____________________
Current Governing Body
Not sure
Watchtower May 1 2007 p.31
Rutherford recycled this concept, and without any Biblical basis moved the sealing of the 144,000 from 1881 to 1931.
"God having a fixed time for every purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:1), his time to give creatures on earth the opportunity to get in line for a heavenly reward has been from A .D. 29 until, chiefly, 1931, called the "day of salvation". "Let God be True" 1946 ed. p.298
"Although Jehovah had come to his temple in 1918 and had begun judgment of this anointed class, still others must be brought in, because some were found unworthy and they must be replaced. The evidences show that this continued until especially 1931, when there began a work of gathering those recognized as "other sheep" of the Lord Jesus Christ." Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Purpose 1959 p. 139
This was later changed to 1935.
"Hence, especially after 1966 it was believed that the heavenly call ceased in 1935." Watchtower 2007 May 1 p.30
"Their being identified in 1935 as the great crowd of other sheep was an indication that the choosing of the 144,000 was then about complete." Revelation, Its Grand Climax Now at Hand p.125
In recent years, those that chose to partake of the emblems have been criticised as having emotional issues.
"Over the years some, even ones newly baptized, have suddenly begun to partake. In a number of cases, after a while they acknowledged that this was an error. Some have recognized that they partook as an emotional response to perhaps physical or mental strain. But they came to see that they really were not called to heavenly life. They asked for God's merciful understanding." Watchtower 1996 Aug 15 p.31
These comments a reminiscent of the words of Jesus at Matthew 23:13:
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to."
In 2007 this teaching was once again changed, with the admission that the Bible does not give a date for when the closing would occur.
"As time has gone by, some Christians baptized after 1935 have had witness borne to them that they have the heavenly hope. Thus we cannot set a specific date for when the heavenly hope ends." Watchtower 2007 May 1 p.31
***Do the anointed and the non-anointed have the same amount of holy spirit?
“Look! Jehovah’s Slave Girl!”
2. How had Mary seen the effect of holy spirit?
2 Mary was present in that large upper
room in Jerusalem when the promised holy
spirit was poured out. (Acts 1:13, 14) Yet, for
more than three decades prior to that event,
she had seen the effect of Jehovah’s spirit in
remarkable ways. Jehovah had transferred
his Son’s life from heaven to earth, causing
conception in Mary’s womb while she was
still a virgin. What had been begotten in her
was “by holy spirit.”—Matt. 1:20.
COMMENTS
So Mary received semen from someone not her husband…are jws allowed to also have artificial insemination?
Actually, there is a case of artificial insemination that God approved of, in fact, he performed the insemination, the virgin birth of Jesus by Mary...the seed (semen) was provided by God, not Joseph.
*** g98 12/8 p. 8 What Jesus Is Now ***About 2,000 years ago, God transferred the life of Jesus to the womb of a Jewish virgin, to be born as a human. Even now, by the process of artificial insemination, humans can do something that is in some ways comparable.—Matthew 1:18; John 1:14.
***ct chap. 9 p. 146 A Great Teacher Shows Us the Creator More Clearly ***To illustrate it another way, think of what some physicians accomplish with in vitro fertilization. A life that begins in a "test tube" is transferred into a woman and is later born as a babe. In the case of Jesus, the Bible assures us that by the "power of the Most High," his life was transferred into a virgin named Mary. She was of the line of David, so Jesus could be the permanent heir of the Messianic Kingdom promised to David.—Luke 1:26-38; 3:23-38; Matthew 1:23.
*** rs p. 255 par. 4 Mary***Is this reasonable? Surely it was not impossible for the Creator, who designed the human reproductive organs, to bring about the fertilization of an egg cell in the womb of Mary by supernatural means. Marvelously, Jehovah transferred the life-force and the personality pattern of his firstborn heavenly Son to the womb of Mary. God’s own active force, his holy spirit, safeguarded the development of the child in Mary’s womb so that what was born was a perfect human.—Luke 1:35; John 17:5.
Or how about brother-in-law insemination if a Jewish man died without having had a son, his widow would have sex with one of her husband's brothers, even if he had another wife. It was a property issue, the husband's family did not want family property to pass out of the family to another man.
3, 4. What attitude did Mary display, and how
might we imitate her?
3 Why had Mary been favored with that
unparalleled privilege? After the angel explained
Jehovah’s will concerning her, Mary
exclaimed: “Look! Jehovah’s slave girl! May
it take place with me according to your declaration.”
(Luke 1:38) In stating matters that
way, Mary revealed a heart attitude that God
had already noted. Her immediate response
indicates that she was ready to accept his will
in the matter. She did not raise any question
about how people in the community would
view her pregnancy or what possible effect it
could have on her relationship with her
fiance. By referring to herself as the lowliest
of servants, Mary showed that she trusted
completely in Jehovah as her Master.
COMMENTS
Yes, Mary learned to disobey the Law because God said it is now all right.
“IMMEDIATE” response = are many jws today not saying how high when the WTS says jump?
Ready to accept his will = ready to accept the WTS will
Trust completely in the WTS = God?
"We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval." Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.24 Simplified English Edition
"[A mature christian] does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." Watchtower 2001 Aug 1 p.14
"Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?" Watchtower 2009 Feb 15 p.27
4 Have you at times felt somewhat overwhelmed
by challenges or responsibilities in
God’s service? Each of us does well to ask
himself: ‘Do I completely trust in Jehovah to
work matters out in harmony with his will?
Am I truly demonstrating a willing spirit?’
Be assured that God gives his spirit to those
who trust in him with all their heart and recognize
his sovereign will.—Acts 5:32.
COMMENTS
God’s service or WTS service—where in the bible does it talk about auxiliary pioneering for 30 hours a month for the memorial?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/faithful-discreet-slave.php
Peter Was Helped by Holy Spirit
5. In what ways had Peter seen holy spirit at work
before Pentecost 33 C.E.?
5 Like Mary, the apostle Peter had personally
experienced the powerful operation of
God’s holy spirit prior to Pentecost 33 C.E.
Jesus had given him and the other apostles
authority to expel demons. (Mark 3:14-16)
And although the Scriptures do not provide
many details, it seems likely that Peter used
that authority. God’s power was also made
manifest when Jesus invited Peter to walk toward
him over the Sea of Galilee, and Peter
did so. (Read Matthew 14:25-29.) Obviously,
Peter relied on holy spirit to help
him perform mighty deeds. Soon that spirit
would act on Peter and his fellow disciples
in new ways.
COMMENTS
So have any sisters been artificially inseminated by God?
Do any anointed jws expel demons?..SEEMS LIKELY..ALTHOUGH THE SCRIPTURES DO NOT PROVIDE MANY DETAILS…but the WTS can and will.
Any “governing body” walking across the Hudson?
“Obviously” but “the Scriptures do not provided many details”
6. By means of God’s spirit, what could Peter do
during and after Pentecost 33 C.E.?
6 At the Festival of Pentecost 33 C.E., Peter
and others were given the miraculous ability
to communicate in the languages spoken
by the sojourners visiting Jerusalem. Thereafter,
Peter took the lead in addressing the
assembly. (Acts 2:14-36) Yes, this man who
on occasion was impetuous or fearful was
imbued with courage to give a bold witness
despite threats and persecution. (Acts 4:18-
20, 31) He received knowledge by divine
revelation. (Acts 5:8, 9) And he was even empowered
to perform a resurrection.—Acts
9:40.
COMMENTS
Peter and others communicate in languages miraculously..who were the “others”
That Peter could read the minds of Ananias and Sapphira for lying and they dropped dead—would make JCs easier—but did Peter or anyone in the 1 st century congregation do this?
Do the “GB” perform resurrections or executions today? Can they read minds or hearts?
*** w08 1/15 p.14 par.7***
Jehovah has appointed Jesus as Judge; hence, we do not have the right to judge anybody. That is fitting, since—unlike Jesus—we can judge only by the “mere appearance to [our] eyes” or “the thing heard by [our] ears,” whereas Jesus can read the intimate thoughts and reasonings of the heart.—Isa. 11:1-5; 2 Tim. 4:1.
7. What teachings of Jesus became clear to Peter
only after his anointing?
7 Even prior to Pentecost, Peter got the
sense of many truths that Jesus taught.
(Matt. 16:16, 17; John 6:68) But there were
aspects of Jesus’ teachings that remained
unclear to him before Pentecost. For instance,
Peter had not discerned that Christ
would be resurrected as a spirit on the third
day; nor had Peter grasped that the Kingdom
would be in heaven. (John 20:6-10;
Acts 1:6) The concept of humans becoming
spirit creatures and ruling in a heavenly
Kingdom was foreign to Peter. Once he
himself was baptized with holy spirit and
given the heavenly hope, he could grasp
the meaning of Jesus’ teachings on those
points.
COMMENTS
While Peter was unclear, did he bounce back and forth with flip flops such as
The people of Sodom and Gomorrah being resurrected or not – 8 bounces back and forth
Are the superior authorities the secular government or Jesus and God? 1879 to 1929, gov’ts; 1929 to 1962, God and Jesus; 1962 today gov’ts
Are organ transplants allowed? 1961 to 1967 okay, 1967 to 1980 no, 1980 to now okay
Christians believed that all were going to heaven until too many were called and the WTS came up with an earthly group.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1VUjC3v3Ko
8. Both the anointed and the “other sheep” have
what knowledge available?
8 Insight previously unattainable to Jesus’
disciples became available after the outpouring
of holy spirit. By inspiration, the
writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures set
out—for our benefit—amazing facets of Jehovah’s
purpose. (Eph. 3:8-11, 18) Today,
both spirit-anointed ones and those of the
“other sheep” feed together spiritually, assimilating
these same truths. (John 10:16)
Do you cherish the knowledge and understanding
of God’s Word that holy spirit thus
makes available to you?
COMMENTS
1. 1933 "This is proof that the interpretation of prophecy does not proceed from man, but that the Lord Jesus, the chief one in Jehovah's organization, sends the necessary information to his people by and through his holy angels." (Preparation; 1933; p. 28)
2. 1933 Certain duties and kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels, which include the transmission of information to God's anointed people on the earth for their aid and comfort. Even though we cannot understand how the angels transmit this information, we know that they do it; and the Scriptures and the facts show that it is done. ( Preparation; 1933; p. 36-37)
Are anointed jws inspired to write prophecies and additions to the bible today?
"…does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? He had a prophet to warn them. This prophet was not one man, but was a small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at the time as the International Bible student’s. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. … Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a prophet of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way this can be done is to review the record. What does it show? (W.T. April 1 1972)
Unlike any other Organization the Jehovah Witnesses say they alone represent God as his spokesman on earth. "The Watchtower is amagazine without equal on earth because God is the author."(W.T. April 15, 1943, pg. 127)
"Franz testified in court on Oct. 15, 1931, that "Jehovah God" is theeditor of the Watchtower
"We see no reason for changing the figures- nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, Gods dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." (W.T. pg. 226 July 15, 1894)
"Our lord, the appointed king, is now present since Oct. 1874. According to the testimony of the prophets to those who have ears to hear." (Studies in the Scriptures Vol.4, pg. 621)
So now the WTS inserts their doctrine of a secondary sheep earthly class using John 10:16. Were Russell and Rutherford aware of this?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/great-crowd-other-sheep.php
No scripture states that either the Great Crowd or Other Sheep are on earth. Christians understand the Great Crowd have a heavenly hope, as did Pastor Russell, and even Rutherford for many years.
"Does the Great Company receive life direct from God on the spirit plane? Answer -- Yes, they receive life direct in that they have been begotten of the Holy Spirit, and when they are begotten they are just the same way as the little flock, because we are called in the one hope of our calling. They do not make their calling and election sure, but not being worthy of second death, they therefore receive life on the spirit plane." What Pastor Russell Said p.297
" all the facts and the scriptures bearing upon the matter under consideration show that those who form the great multitude constitute a spirit class, born on the spirit plane." Watchtower 1927 15 January pp.19-20 "The Great Multitude,"
"must be spirit creatures." Vindication Volume 3 (1932) p.204
How do some reason though:
http://www.jwinfoline.com/Documents/Heaven/who_goes_to_heaven.htm
In contrast to the Watchtower's teaching on heaven, who does the Bible promise heaven to? Matthew 5:10-12 makes it clear that those who are persecuted for righteousness sake will be in the kingdom of heaven. Will this be a very small select group of Christians? It can't be because 2 Timothy 3:12 says that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Not a few, but all! Jesus made the statement that those who are born again are the ones who will enter into the kingdom of God. In John 3:3 & 5 Jesus confronts Nicodemus with the truth that unless you are born again you cannot even hope to see the kingdom of God. Is being born again only for a special select few? 1 John 5:1 says that whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Whoever means anyone not a limited number of 144,000. Jesus himself gave a prayer for believers in John 17:20. Here Jesus says that his prayer is not only for his disciples but also for all those who will believe in Jesus through their word. What did Jesus pray for them? John 17:24 says that he prayed that they would be with him where he is. Where is Jesus? John 14:2-3 says, "In my Father's house are many mansions, if were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Jesus is in his Father's house and he desires all those who have believed in him by the word of the apostles would be there with him.
Paul Became “Filled With Holy Spirit”
9. Paul was able to accomplish what by means of
holy spirit?
9 A year or so after Pentecost 33 C.E.,
someone else received God’s gift of the holy
spirit. That was Saul, who became known as
Paul. The spirit operated on him in ways that
benefit us today. The apostle Paul was inspired
to write 14 books of the Bible. And as
was true of Peter, God’s spirit enabled Paul to
understand and write with clarity about the
hope of immortality and incorruptibility in
the heavens. By holy spirit, Paul effected
cures, expelled demons, and even raised the
dead! However, the power received through
holy spirit had a more important purpose,
one that all of God’s servants today experience,
though not miraculously.
COMMENTS
How many books has the WTS been inspired to write? Both Russell and Rutherford identified themselves as the authors of their books (evidently not copying Belzalel from the previous articles by being humble). When Paul wrote his letters were they initially viewed as inspired of God? Were those the only letters he wrote?
Why did God use Paul rather than Peter, who used the keys Jesus spoke of?
No miracles today by the WTS???
Proof
What proof exists to indicate the Governing Body represents the Slave? In Bible times, Jehovah made it simple to recognise those he had chosen to lead his people. Watchtower leaders demonstrate none of these indicators.
Identifying those used by Jehovah | ||
Bible Times | Watchtower Governing Body | |
Miracles | Jehovah used miraculous works to identify those chosen to lead others. For example: | None |
Prophecy | When Jehovah used a person to make future predictions, the prophecies were always correct. For example, Daniel's prophecy for the fall of Babylon and the line of world powers | 100% of Watchtower predictions have been false, such as that the end of the world would be in 1914, then 1925, then 1975. Furthermore, the generation teaching promoted prior to 1995 is about to be proven false, as the last survivors born prior to 1914 die out. |
Consistency | Bible is harmonious, with Bible writers presenting a message without contradiction. | Watchtower doctrine has been in constant flux. This cannot be explained as new light, as there have been numerous flip flops and contradictions, such as the generation teaching, organ transplants, and superior authorities. |
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/faithful-discreet-slave.php
What could be more important than the mission of the 1 st century Christians?
10. How did holy spirit affect Paul’s ability to
speak?
10 Paul, who was “filled with holy spirit,”
spoke boldly against a sorcerer. What an effect
that had on the principal administrator
of Cyprus, who was listening to the whole
conversation! That proconsul accepted the
truth, “as he was astounded at the teaching
of Jehovah.” (Acts 13:8-12) Clearly, Paul
knew well the importance of God’s holy
spirit when it comes to speaking the truth.
(Matt. 10:20) He later entreated the congregation
in Ephesus to make supplication for
him that “ability to speak” might be given
him.—Eph. 6:18-20.
COMMENTS
So does the WTS speak boldly against sorcerers? If not, who does? What politician or ruler has listened and converted to being a jw today?
Does the WTS speak the “truth”?
What the Watchtower said | What the Watchtower claims it said |
"The year A.D. 1878, ... clearly marks the time for the actual assuming of power as King of kings, by our present, spiritual, invisible Lord...." Thy Kingdom Come (1911 ed) p.239 | "The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence to honesthearted students of Bible prophecy that Jesus’ presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914." Watchtower 1993 January 15 p.5 |
"But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. Zion's Watch Tower 1894 July 15 p.226 | "Jehovah's witnesses pointed to the year 1914, decades in advance, as marking the start of "the conclusion of the system of things." Awake! 1973 January 22 p.8 |
http://jwfacts.com/watchtower/failed-1914-predictions.php
11. How was Paul guided by God’s spirit?
11 Not only did holy spirit enable Paul to
speak but, at times, it forbade him to speak in
certain localities. As he embarked on his
missionary journeys, Paul was guided by
God’s spirit. (Acts 13:2; read Acts 16:6-10.)
Jehovah still guides the preaching work by
means of his spirit. Like Paul, all of Jehovah’s
obedient servants strive to declare the truth
with boldness and zeal. Even though God’s
direction is not as obvious today as it was in
Paul’s time, we can be sure that Jehovah is
using his holy spirit to make sure that deserving
ones hear the truth.—John 6:44.
COMMENTS
“EVEN THOUGH GOD’S DIRECTION IS NOT AS OBVIOUS TODAY”
Why can the WTS be sure what he is directing and it is not the words of men?
“Varieties of Operations”
12-14. Does God’s spirit work on all his servants in
the same way? Explain.
12 Do accounts of Jehovah’s blessing on
the first-century congregation of anointed
ones provide significant encouragement to
God’s dedicated servants today? Without a
doubt! Bear in mind Paul’s inspired words to
the congregation in Corinth concerning the
miraculous gifts of the spirit in his day:
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but there is
the same spirit; and there are varieties of
ministries, and yet there is the same Lord;
and there are varieties of operations, and yet
it is the same God who performs all the operations
in all persons.” (1 Cor. 12:4-6, 11) Yes,
holy spirit can operate in different ways on
different servants of God for a purpose.
Indeed, the holy spirit is available both
to Christ’s “little flock” and to his “other
sheep.” (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) Yet, it does
not always operate in the same way on each
member of the congregation.
COMMENTS
God’s dedicated servants today = only jws = all others are professed or so-called Christians
So what operations back then does the WTS/FDS/GB possess now? Remember that Phillip’s 4 daughters were prophets. BUT DO THE ANOINTED GET MORE THAN THE OTHER SHEEP?
God’s spirit enabled Paul to overcome the influence of wicked spirits
13 Elders, for instance, are appointed by
holy spirit. (Acts 20:28) But not all spirit anointed
ones serve as overseers in the congregation.
What are we to conclude from
this? Simply that God’s spirit operates in different
ways on members of the congregation.
COMMENTS
How then does the spirit appoint pedophiles, wife and child beaters, business frauds, murderers?
Yes, I suppose anointed women can’t be elders but some jws think they cannot even rule in heaven as kings and priests except over human women. The WTS teaches that neither angels or the 144,000 are neither men nor women.
What is more important being an administrator in the KH or taking about Christ?
14 The spirit that instills in anointed ones
“a spirit of adoption,” or a sense of sonship,
is the same spirit by which Jehovah raised
his only-begotten Son from the dead to immortal
life in heaven. (Read Romans 8:11,
15.) It is the same spirit by which Jehovah
brought the entire universe into existence.
(Gen. 1:1-3) By that same holy spirit, Jehovah
qualified Bezalel for special work on the
tabernacle, empowered Samson to perform
deeds requiring outstanding strength, and
enabled Peter to walk on water. Let us, therefore,
not confuse having God’s spirit with
being anointed with God’s spirit, the latter
being just one special operation of the
spirit. Spirit anointing depends on God’s
choice.
COMMENTS
The other sheep will not be adopted as sons until the end of the 1,000 year reign. Instant perfection upon resurrection for the anointed, a 1,000 wait for the rest of humankind.
A statement to try and discourage the phenomenal increase in jws partaking: LET US, THEREFORE, NOT CONFUSE HAVING GOD’S SPIRIT WITH BEING ANOINTED WITH GOD’S SPIRIT.
15. Will baptism with holy spirit continue indefinitely?
Explain.
15 God’s holy active force has been operating
in various ways upon his faithful servants for
as long as he has had faithful servants,
yes, for thousands of years before spirit
anointing began. At Pentecost 33 C.E., that
new operation began, but it will not continue
forever. Baptism with spirit will cease, but
holy spirit will continue to operate on God’s
people so that they may do his will for all
eternity.
COMMENTS
Another statement to discourage the increased partakers: active force…operating for as long as…servants…before…Pentecost.
16. What are God’s servants doing now by means
of his spirit?
16 What in particular is now taking place
on earth by means of Jehovah’s holy spirit?
Revelation 22:17 answers: “The spirit and
the bride keep on saying: ‘Come!’ And let
anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’ And let anyone
thirsting come; let anyone that wishes
take life’s water free.” Moved by God’s spirit,
Christians today extend Jehovah’s life giving
invitation to “anyone that wishes” to
accept life’s water. Anointed Christians are
taking the lead in doing this. Yet, those of
the other sheep join in extending this invitation.
Both classes cooperate with the
same holy spirit in accomplishing this work.
Those of both classes have symbolized their
dedication to Jehovah by being baptized “in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the holy spirit.” (Matt. 28:19) And all of
them yield to the action of God’s spirit
in their lives, allowing it to produce in them
its fruitage. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Like the anointed,
the other sheep allow God’s spirit to help
them. With its help, they do their utmost to
measure up to Jehovah’s requirements of
holiness.—2 Cor. 7:1; Rev. 7:9, 14.
COMMENTS
So it is not administration but inviting people to come to Christ.
Jws are baptized in the name of a “spirited-directed organization” not the holy spirit
Keep Asking for Holy Spirit
17. How might we give proof that we have God’s
spirit?
17 So whether your God-given hope is that
of everlasting life in heaven or on earth,
Jehovah can supply you with “power beyond
what is normal” in order for you to
maintain your integrity and receive your reward.
(2 Cor. 4:7) Your continued preaching
of the good news of the Kingdom may draw
ridicule. But remember that “if you are being
reproached for the name of Christ, you
are happy, because the spirit of glory, even
the spirit of God, is resting upon you.”
—1 Pet. 4:14.
COMMENTS
God-given hope…remember than when an elder comes around and questions the validity of your eating the bread and drinking the wine at the memorial.
Reproached for the name of Christ—not Jehovah. Why then did the Watchtower/Rutherford rename then “Jehovah’s witnesses” and let Christian fall by the wayside, the name God chose for Jesus’ followers.
18, 19. How will Jehovah help you by means of his
holy spirit, and what is your determination in this
regard?
18 Holy spirit is God’s free gift to those
who sincerely seek it. It can enhance not
only your abilities but also your desire to do
your best in his service. “God is the one that,
for the sake of his good pleasure, is acting
within you in order for you both to will and
to act.” The precious gift of holy spirit, coupled
with our earnest efforts to keep “a tight
grip on the word of life,” will allow us to
“keep working out [our] own salvation with
fear and trembling.”—Phil. 2:12, 13, 16.
COMMENTS
Free?—only if you do the mandated works of the WTS, meetings and door to door
Sincerely—be sure that the elders and other “mature” jws will judge your sincerity
19 With complete confidence in God’s
spirit, then, pour your heart into every assignment,
become skilled at what you are
given to do, and look to Jehovah for assistance.
(Jas. 1:5) He will give you what you
need to understand his Word, cope with
life’s problems, and preach the good news.
“Keep on asking, and it will be given you;
keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on
knocking, and it will be opened to you,” and
this includes receiving holy spirit. (Luke 11:
9, 13) Indeed, keep on supplicating Jehovah
that you may be like faithful ones—both ancient
and modern—who were guided by
God’s holy spirit.
COMMENTS
How many jws will read the publications before they share them with others? How many will prepare a presentation the night before? How many will write down the names and addresses of those they talk to and return soon, not 3 months later? How many will not want the responsibility of taking time out of their recreation and will give it to a pioneer or an elder. How many will not even write down return visits because the territory is worked so often.
Today, holy spirit is available to aid Christians, whatever their hope
Can You Explain?
Like Mary, what attitude can we
display that will bring blessings?
In what sense was Paul guided by
God’s spirit?
How are God’s servants guided by
God’s spirit today?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, TRUE CHRISTIANS RESPECT GOD’S WORD….hmmmm. One elder in my last congregation held up the Watchtower and said “what do we base our beliefs on”?
Love, Blondie