WATCHTOWER - MAY 1, 2000

 

Page 4: Jesus, however, was incorruptible, and he taught his followers to behave in a similar way.

Correction: We can never be sinless in this lifetime like Jesus Christ is.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

 

Page 4: Instead of bribing Felix, Paul spoke to him frankly about righteousness and self-control. Felix did not change his ways, and Paul remained in prison rather than try to sidestep the legal process with a bribe. He preached a message of truth and honesty, and he lived accordingly.

Correction: Paul preached Jesus Christ to Felix.

Acts 24:24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

 

Page 5: The obvious first step in curbing corruption is to recognize that corruption is destructive and wrong, since it benefits the unscrupulous to the detriment of others.

Correction: Righteousness comes only from being reconciled to the Father through the Son.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

Page 5: Eliminating corruption across the board requires a second, much more difficult step: a change of heart or, rather, a change of many hearts. People everywhere must learn to hate bribery and corruption. Only then will graft disappear.

Correction: Only sincere faith in Jesus Christ produces true righteousness.

Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.

 

Page 5: Seeds of virtue and integrity have to be sown in people's hearts. This can best be achieved by use of what the apostle Paul described as "the sword of the spirit," God's Word, the Bible. - Ephesians 6:17.

Note: The Bible teaches that true righteousness, peace, and joy is in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

 

Page 5: Why did Paul refuse to condone corruption? Because he wanted to do the will of God, "who treats none with partiality nor accepts a bribe." (Deuteronomy 10:17)

Note: Paul was doing the will of Jesus!

Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."

 

Page 6: He wants each and everyone of us to replace greed with unselfishness and corruption with righteousness. "He that is defrauding the lowly one has reproached his Maker, but the one showing favor to the poor one is glorifying Him," Jehovah reminds us. - Proverbs 14:31.

Note: True Christians will serve Jesus Christ and be rewarded with the Kingdom.

Matthew 25:34-36 "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'"

 

Page 6: What can move a person to make such a change? The same force that moved Paul to renounce the life of a Pharisee to become a stalwart follower of Jesus Christ. "The word of God is alive and exerts power," he wrote. (Hebrews 4:12)

Correction: The Holy Spirit is not a force since He speaks.

Hebrews 3:7-9 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, and saw My works forty years."

 

Page 7: Happily, though, the Creator of mankind does not plan to leave such matters to chance. He has determined "to bring to ruin those ruining the earth." (Revelation 11:18)

Note: Creator Jesus will "bring to ruin those ruining the earth."

Revelation 6:15-16 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!"

 

Page 7: And Jehovah promises those who long for a world free from corruption that shortly there will come "new heavens and a new earth ... and in these righteousness is to dwell."

-2 Peter 3:13.

Note: The "new earth" will be after this earth is destroyed.

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

 

Page 7: By renouncing corruption now, we show our sincerity when we pray to God: "Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." - Matthew 6:10.

Correction: Are you in the spiritual kingdom of God through Jesus Christ?

Luke 17:20-21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

 

Page 8: Curiosity has long been a human trait. The dangers of wasting too much time in the pursuit of useless or even harmful information were recognized back in the days of King Solomon. He said: "Take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh." (Ecclesiastes 12:12)

Note: Are you getting tired of carrying bookbags filled with Watch Tower books?

Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

 

Page 8: Jehovah's people also do well to heed the words of Proverbs 3:5, 6: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight."

Note: True Christians will have Jesus Christ "first place" in their lives.

Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

 

Page 8: Trusting in Jehovah includes rejecting any idea that conflicts with God's Word, whether it stems from our own reasoning or from that of our fellowman.

Note: Have you rejected C.T. Russell?

Watchtower 1/1/2000, page 9: In 1886 when C.T. Russell published a book that came to be called The Divine Plan of the Ages, this volume contained a chart linking the ages of mankind with the Great Pyramid of Egypt.

 

Page 9: Apostates can present yet another threat to our spirituality. The apostle Paul foretold that apostasy would arise among professed Christians. (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thessalonians 2:3)

Note: The apostasy will not occur until the "great tribulation."

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Note: The "great tribulation" will coincide with a future world leader.

 

Page 9: In fulfillment of his words, after the death of the apostles, a great apostasy led to the development of Christendom. Today, there is no great apostasy taking place among God's people.

Note: Have you filled out your timecard (field service report) this month for the Watch Tower?

Acts 20:30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves."

 

Page 9: Still, a few individuals have left our ranks, and some among them are bent on defaming Jehovah's Witnesses by spreading lies and misinformation. A few work with other groups in organized resistance to pure worship. In doing so, they side with the very first apostate, Satan.

Correction: The Watch Tower does not do pure worship of God.

Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!"

 

Page 10: Some apostates are increasingly using various forms of mass communication, including the Internet, to spread false information about Jehovah's Witnesses. As a result, when sincere individuals do research on our beliefs, they may stumble across apostate propaganda.

Correction: True Christians are Jesus Witnesses.

Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Note: The Watch Tower is an apostasy from true Christianity.

 

Page 10: The apostle John directed Christians not to accept apostates into their homes. He wrote: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works." (2 John 10, 11)

Note: Don't allow apostates like Jehovah's Witnesses teach Jesus is not God in your home.

2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

 

Page 10: Avoiding all contact with these opponents will protect us from their corrupt thinking. Exposing ourselves to apostate teachings through the various means of modern communication is just as harmful as receiving the apostate himself into our homes.

Correction: Jesus Christ does not want us to avoid all contact with non-believers.

John 17:15 "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one."

Note: Jesus is praying that true Christians be protected from Satan.

 

Page 11: Happily, in apostolic times the majority of Christians were faithful and remained focused on the work of declaring the good news of God's Kingdom.

Note: The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:30-31 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

 

Page 11: They were busy looking after "orphans and widows in their tribulation" and kept themselves "without spot from the world," not wasting their time on futile debates about words.

Note: The Watch Tower has never established an orphanage.

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

 

Page 11: Yes, harmful ideas pose a real threat. Understandably, Paul entreated his dear friend Timothy: "O Timothy, guard what is laid up in trust with you, turning away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from the contradictions of the falsely called 'knowledge.' For making a show of such knowledge some have deviated from the faith." - 1 Timothy 6:20, 21.

Note: True Christians place their faith and love in Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

 

Page 11: Timothy was given a trust - something valuable to care for and protect. What was it? Paul explains: "Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus. This fine trust guard through the holy spirit which is dwelling in us." (2 Timothy 1:13, 14)

Note: Are you connected to Jesus Christ?

1 Timothy 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

Page 11: Guarding that trust includes cultivating such things as good Bible-study habits and perseverance in prayer, while working "what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10; Romans 12:11-17)

Note: True Christians will place their faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Page 12: Of course, if after repeated admonitions someone insists on promoting false teachings, elders need to take decisive action in order to protect the congregation. - Titus 3:10, 11.

Note: Taking a literal interpretation of the Bible is considered a false teaching by the WT.

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

 

Page 14: The Bible also contains practical wisdom, giving us counsel for times when we are confronted with decisions in life. It is as if God were behind us, speaking in our ear the words: "This is the way. Walk in it."

Note: Are you in Jesus Christ?

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

 

Page 14: The Bible is spirit-inspired and contains the thoughts of God. Hebrews 4:12 says: "The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Note: Did anyone notice the trinity of mankind? (soul, spirit, and body)

 

Page 15: Granted, some of us by nature do not enjoy reading, while others are avid readers. Regardless of our individual disposition, however, we can cultivate and deepen our desire to learn from Jehovah.

Note: Have you come to Jesus Christ?

John 6:45 "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me."

 

Page 15: Another avenue that Jehovah uses to speak to us today is identified by Jesus at Matthew 24:45-47. There he spoke of the spirit-anointed Christian congregation - "the faithful and discreet slave" appointed to provide spiritual "food at the proper time."

Note: The Watch Tower is not looking for the physical return of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24:42 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."

 

Page 15: As individuals, the members of this class are Jesus' "domestics." These, along with "a great crowd" of "other sheep," receive encouragement and guidance. Revelation 7:9; John 10:16

Correction: God does not show any partiality to true Christians.

Acts 10:34 "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality."

 

Page 16: The information provided by "the faithful and discreet slave" is designed to strengthen our faith and train our perceptive powers. (Hebrews 5:14)

Correction: "The faithful and discreet slave" is not Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

 

Page 16: From time to time, we also receive counsel that deals with specific aspects of our conduct. What attitude should we have if we are really listening to what the spirit says through the slave class?

Correction: God does not show any partiality to true Christians.

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

 

Page 16: Jehovah has given us another source of guidance - our conscience. He created man with an inner sense of right and wrong. It is part of our nature.

Correction: True Christians will have the Holy Spirit to guide them.

Galatians 5:17-18 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

 

Page 16: Many who are not acquainted with Jehovah can, to some extent, bring their thoughts and actions into harmony with godly principles of right and wrong. It is as if they were hearing a faint inner voice guiding them in the right direction. If this can be true of those who do not have accurate knowledge of God's Word, how much more should that inner voice speak in the case of true Christians!

Correction: True Christians will have the Holy Spirit to guide them.

Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

 

Page 17: If we continue to ignore the warnings of our conscience, its voice will become weaker and weaker until we are morally unfeeling or insensitive.

Correction: True Christians will be spiritually minded through the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

 

Page 17: Jehovah's spirit will also embolden us to face difficult situations with wisdom and courage. As in the case of the apostles, God's spirit can stimulate our mental powers and help us always to act and speak in harmony with Bible principles. (Matthew 10:18-20; John 14:26)

Note: True Christians will suffer for Jesus Christ according to Biblical principles.

Matthew 10:18-22 "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

 

Page 17: Clearly, in order to know how to please God, Christians do not need to hear a literal voice from heaven, nor do they need to receive an angelic visit. They are blessed with having God's written Word and loving guidance through his anointed class on earth.

Correction: God does not show any partiality to true Christians.

Ephesians 6:9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

 

Page 17: If they carefully heed this 'word behind them' and follow the guidance of their Bible trained conscience, they will be successful in doing God's will. Then they will surely see the apostle John's promise fulfilled: "He that does the will of God remains forever." - 1 John 2:17.

Note: True Christians do the "will of God" by putting their trust in Jesus Christ.

John 6:40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

 

Page 18: Similarly today, Jehovah gives his people insight and discernment through their study of the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) This wisdom and discernment produce good fruitage as Bible based counsel is applied.

Note: True Christians apply "Bible based counsel" by placing their trust in Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

Page 18: A Bible study was started and the woman quickly progressed to the point of symbolizing her dedication to Jehovah by water immersion.

Note: True Christians symbolize their dedicated to Jesus Christ through water baptism.

Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

 

Page 20: Though Jesus was God's Son who "came down from heaven," there is no indication that he took over and directed most matters at the wedding in Cana. (John 6:41)

Note: The phrase "God's Son" does not exist in the Bible.

 

Page 22: Sinful works of the flesh may bring temporary excitement, but they leave Christians with a troubled conscience and bring reproach on God's name. (Romans 2:24)

Note: True Christians are always associated with the name of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:4-6 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

 

Page 22: Most important, Christian weddings that are joyful and dignified honor the Originator of marriage, Jehovah God.

Note: Jehovah God is a plurality of persons.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

 

Page 23: Burnt offerings, communion sacrifices, and guilt offerings were made on the altar, and the annual Atonement Day featured sacrifices offered in behalf of the nation. The altar and its sacrifices have meaning for Christians today. The apostle Paul explained that the altar represented God's will, according to which He accepted an appropriate sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. Paul said: "By the said 'will' we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time." - Hebrews 10:5-10.

Note: True Christians recognize that the Son's blood provides reconciliation with the Father.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

 

Page 23: Can we today follow David's example? Yes. We too can wash our hands in innocency and march around God's altar if we exercise faith in Jesus' sacrifice and, 'innocent in hands and pure in heart,' wholeheartedly serve Jehovah. - Psalm 24:4.

Note: True Christians serve Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

 

Page 25: I could see that we were living in momentous times, and I longed to have a share in the preaching work prophesied at Matthew 24:14. So I gave up smoking, bought myself a briefcase, and made my dedication to the Great God, Jehovah.

Correction: This old-time JW forgot to repent of his sins.

Luke 13:3 "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

Correction: This old-time JW forgot to ask Jesus Christ to come into his life.

John 1:12-13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Correction: This old-time JW is a deceiver since he is not dedicated to Jesus Christ.

Romans 16:18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

 

Page 28: At this convention, 7,136 symbolized their dedication to Jehovah by water immersion - well over twice the number baptized on the historic occasion of Pentecost 33 C.E., as reported in the Bible. - Acts 2:41.

Correction: Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians since they are not dedicated to Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

 

Page 28: We may have no difficulty believing that Jehovah has great love for his servants in general. However, some seem to be so overly concerned about their own shortcomings that they are convinced that Jehovah could never love them. "I am too imperfect for Jehovah to love me," they may conclude.

Correction: The Father loves you based on your love for Jesus Christ.

John 14:21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

 

Page 29: At the end of the first century C.E., John wrote to his fellow believers: "By this we shall know that we originate with the truth, and we shall assure our hearts before him as regards whatever our hearts may condemn us in, because God is greater than our hearts and knows all things." Why did John write these words? - 1 John 3:19, 20.

Answer: So-called Christians were not sharing with other Christians in need.

1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

 

Page 29: John clearly knew that it was possible for a servant of Jehovah to feel condemned at heart. Perhaps John himself had experienced such feelings.

Correction: So-called Christians were not sharing with other Christians in need.

1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

 

Page 29: Over the next 60 years, John mellowed and became a balanced, loving, and merciful Christian. By the time he, as the last surviving apostle, penned his first inspired letter, he knew that Jehovah does not take each of his servants to task for every misdemeanor.

Note: John was a servant of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:1-2 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants; things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.

 

Page 29: Rather, he is a warm, largehearted, generous, and compassionate Father, who has deep love for all who love him and worship him in truth. John wrote: "God is love." - 1 John 4:8.

Note: Are you worshipping the Father and the Son together?

Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!"

 

Page 30: He knows that many of us would like to be different, but we are unable to overcome our imperfections. Our situation could be compared to that of the apostle Paul, who wrote: "The good that I wish is what I practice." All of us are engaged in the same struggle." All of us are engaged in the same struggle. In some cases this may result in our having a self-condemning heart. - Romans 7:19.

Correction: Have you put your trust in Christ Jesus? Are you guided by the Holy Spirit?

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

 

Page 30: Always remember this: More important than how we view ourselves is how Jehovah views us. Whenever he sees us trying to please him, he reacts not simply with mild satisfaction but with rejoicing. (Proverbs 27:11)

Note: True Christians please God by being a servant of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

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