WATCHTOWER - JUNE 15, 2001

 

Page 4: What we need most, money cannot buy - the love of one true human friend, peace of mind, a crumb of heartfelt solace in the hour of death. And for those who cherish their relationship with the Creator, money cannot buy God's approval.

Note: Works cannot earn God's approval either.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 

Page 5: The proper use of money is approved by God. For example, Jesus said: "Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches." (Luke 16:9) This includes contributing toward the advancement of the true worship of God, for we definitely should want God as our Friend.

Note: Are you a friend of Jesus Christ?

John 15:14-15 "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."

 

Page 6: Christians who begin to love money are vulnerable to all kinds of problems, the worst of which is that of straying from the faith. This truth is reinforced by what Paul said to the Christians in Colossae: "Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects ... Hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5)

Note: True Christians will focus in on Jesus Christ who is in heaven.

Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

 

Page 6: It is possible to be greedy for anything that can be acquired. The idea is that having that thing will make us content. But according to the Bible and human experience, only God can - and will - satisfy our real needs, as Jesus reasoned with his followers. - Luke 12:22-31.

Note: Jesus Christ will satisfy your spiritual needs.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

 

Page 7: Could Paul be serious about such a description of contentment? Is it really possible to be satisfied with merely the basics - food, clothing, and shelter? Paul should know. He experienced firsthand the wealth and privileges of high rank in the Jewish community and of Roman citizenship. (Acts 22:28; 23:6; Philippians 3:5) Paul also suffered severe hardships in his missionary activities. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) Through it all, he learned a secret that helped him to maintain contentment. What was that?

Answer: Paul counted everything loss for the excellence knowledge of Jesus Christ. Have you?

Philippians 3:8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

 

Page 7: Paul explained in one of his letters: "I know indeed how to be low on provisions, I know indeed how to have an abundance. In everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both to have an abundance and how to suffer want." (Philippians 4:12) Paul sounds so confident, so optimistic! It would be easy to assume that his life was rosy when he wrote these words but not so. He was in prison in Rome! - Philippians 1:12-14.

Note: Paul was in prison for preaching Jesus Christ. Are you preaching Jesus Christ?

Philippians 1:18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

 

Page 7: Paul spoke of spiritual resources that enabled him to be content regardless of material circumstances: "For all things I have the strength by virtue of (God) who imparts power to me." (Philippians 4:13) Rather than looking to his possessions, many or few, or to his circumstances, good or bad, Paul looked to God to satisfy his needs. The result was contentment.

Note: Paul looked to Jesus Christ to satisfy his needs. Have you?

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

Pages 7-8: Timothy needed to watch out for greed just like any other Christian. Apparently, there were wealthy believers in the congregation in Ephesus, where he was when Paul wrote to him. (1 Timothy 1:3) Paul had entered this prosperous commercial center with the good news of Christ, making many converts. No doubt, a number of these were wealthy people, as is true of some in the Christian congregation today.

Note: Are you preaching the good news of Jesus Christ?

 

Page 8: The uncertainty of material wealth makes it far too fragile to fix our hope on. Genuine hope must be moored to something strong, meaningful, and lasting. Christian hope is fixed on our Creator, Jehovah God, and his promise of everlasting life.

Note: True Christians have their hope fixed on Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

 

Page 9: THE moral environment of our times has contributed to a lack of compassion in the hearts of many. People are less and less interested in the welfare of others, in some cases even in that of members of their own family.

Note: The Watch Tower has no pensions or retirement centers for old Jehovah's Witnesses.

 

Page 9: Caring for the physical and spiritual needs of widows and orphans has always been an integral part of worshiping God. When harvesting their grain or fruits, the Israelites were not to gather what remained in the field, gleaning after themselves. The gleanings were to be left "for the alien resident, for the fatherless boy and for the widow." (Deuteronomy 24:19-21)

Note: The Watch Tower has no regular food distributions for people in need.

Acts 2:44-45 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

Note: Many Christendom ministries have daily food distributions around the world.

 

Page 10: During the early days of the Christian congregation, caring for those afflicted and truly needy as a result of the loss of parents or of a husband was a distinctive feature of true worship. With keen interest in the welfare of such ones, the disciple James wrote: "The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world."

Note: The Watch Tower does not have one orphanage while Christendom has thousands.

 

Pages 10-11: Yes, the arrangement established in ancient Israel of caring for orphans, widows, and the destitute was carried over into the Christian congregation.

Note: The Watch Tower is not the Christian congregation.

 

Page 11: Needy widows had to meet certain requirements in order to qualify for assistance. All of this reflects the wise arrangement Jehovah uses to care for those in need. Yet, it also shows that balance must be exercised so that no one presumes on the kindness shown. 2 Th. 3:10-12.

Note: True Christians do not presume on the kindness shown through Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

 

Page 12: The complete solution to problems of this sort will come only through God's Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. Prophetically describing that rulership by the Messiah, the psalmist wrote: "He will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save." - Psalm 72:12, 13.

Note: Are you saved? Have you spiritually feasted on Jesus Christ?

John 6:51 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

 

Page 12: As the end of the present system of things gets closer, the pressures that Christians in general face are certain to increase. (Matthew 24:9-13) There is a need every day for Christians to show more concern for one another and to "have intense love for one another."

Note: True Christians will be suffering for the name of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."

 

Page 12: True Christians do not 'shut the door of their tender compassions' when they 'behold their brother having need.' They are keenly aware of heeding the apostle John's admonition: "Little children, let us love, neither in word nor with the tongue, but in deed and truth." (1 John 3:17, 18) So let us "look after orphans and widows in their tribulation." - James 1:27.

Note: The Watch Tower is run by a bunch of spiritual goats. (Action speaks louder than words)

Matthew 25:31-33 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Matthew 25:41-43 "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'"

 

Page 13: "UNFORGETTABLE" would be a good word to describe the miracles performed by Jehovah in ancient Egypt. Each one of the Ten Plagues was undeniably awesome. Those blows were followed by the amazing deliverance of the people of Israel through the parted waters of the Red Sea. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12) If you had been an eyewitness of those events, hopefully you would never have forgotten the One responsible for them. Yet, the psalmist sang: "They (the Israelites) forgot God their Savior, the Doer of great things in Egypt, wonderful works in the land of Ham, fear-inspiring things at the Red Sea." - Psalm 106:21, 22.

Note: True Christians have not forgotten that Jesus Christ is their God and Savior.

Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

Page 13: After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites "began to fear Jehovah and to put faith in Jehovah." (Exodus 14:31) The men of Israel joined Moses in a victory song to Jehovah, and Miriam and other women responded by playing tambourines and dancing. (Exodus 15:1, 20)

Note: Anointed Christians will sing a victory song to Jesus Christ in heaven.

Revelation 5:8-10 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."

Note: Anointed Christians will rule on the earth not in heaven.

 

Page 13: Many of us have experienced Jehovah's helping hand at other points in our life. (Psalm 118:15) Above all, through the sacrificial death of God's own Son, Jesus Christ, we have received the hope of salvation. (John 3:16)

Note: Saved people have placed their hope in the person and name of Jesus Christ.

John 3:18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 

Page 14: When we get up in the morning, we usually look in the mirror to see what adjustments we need to make to our appearance. As we engage in various activities and the mind focuses on other things, we stop thinking about what we saw in the mirror. This can happen in a spiritual sense too. As we look into the Word of God, we can compare what we are with what Jehovah expects us to be. Hence, we come face-to-face with our weaknesses. This knowledge should motivate us to make adjustments in our personality. But as we go about our daily activities and struggle with our problems, we can easily stop thinking about spiritual matters. (Matthew 5:3; Luke 21:34) It is as if we forget God's loving acts in our behalf. If this should happen, we become vulnerable to sinful inclinations.

Correction: True Christians will focus on the Lord Jesus Christ for spiritual maturity.

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

 

Page 14: In his first inspired letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul refers to the forgetful Israelites in the wilderness. Just as first-century Christians benefited from Paul's words, reviewing what he wrote can help us not to forget Jehovah's word. Let us therefore consider 1 Corinthians 10:1-12.

Note: Have you considered Jesus Christ as your spiritual Rock?

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

 

Page 14: "Nevertheless," Paul continues, "on most of them God did not express his approval, for they were laid low in the wilderness." (1 Corinthians 10:5) How sad! Most of the Israelites who left Egypt disqualified themselves from entering the Promised Land. Disapproved by God for their lack of faith, they died in the wilderness. (Hebrews 3:16-19) What can we learn from this? Paul says: "These things became our examples, for us not to be persons desiring injurious things, even as they desired them." - 1 Corinthians 10:6.

Note: Are you tempting God the Son through sinful behavior?

1 Corinthians 10:8-10 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

 

Page 14: Unlike the Israelites in the wilderness, Jehovah's people today enjoy God's approval. As individuals, though, it is vital that we keep God in our thoughts. Doing so will help us to reject selfish cravings that could cloud our spiritual vision. We must be determined "to repudiate ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid this present system of things." (Titus 2:12)

Note: True Christians are looking for the glorious appearing of God the Son.

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 15: Although it is unlikely that we would turn to outright idol worship, we could become idolaters by allowing our own selfish desires to distract us from worshiping Jehovah whole-souled. - Colossians 3:5.

Note: True Christians have set their minds upon Jesus Christ in heaven.

Colossians 3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

 

Page 15: On another occasion, Paul wrote about some who were concerned mainly with material things rather than with spiritual matters. Concerning those "walking as the enemies of the torture stake of the Christ," he wrote: "Their finish is destruction, and their god is their belly."

Note: The Watch Tower will be destroyed and Jehovah's Witnesses will not be in heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

 

Page 16: Jehovah did not accept the Israelites' attempt to worship him on their own terms. Rather, 3,000 were destroyed, probably for the prominent role they played in the rebellious action of worshiping the golden calf. Other wrongdoers suffered a plague from Jehovah. (Exodus 32:28, 35) What a lesson for any who read God's Word but choose for themselves what they want to obey!

Note: True obedience to God is sincere belief in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 3:17-19 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

 

Page 17: The Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron - yes, even against God himself - complaining about the miraculously provided manna. (Numbers 16:41; 21:5) Was Jehovah less offended by their murmuring than by their fornication? The Bible account shows that many murmurers were killed by serpents. (Numbers 21:6)

Correction: The Israelities were killed due to unbelief.

Numbers 21:9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

Note: Have you put your sincere belief in Jesus Christ for eternal life?

John 3:14-15 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

 

Page 18: When life's anxieties weigh us down, let us reflect on the wonderful promises found in his Word. May we remember our precious relationship with Jehovah and continue to do the Kingdom-preaching work that has been entrusted to us. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20)

Note: The Kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ. Are you preaching Jesus Christ?

Acts 28:23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.

 

Page 18: JEHOVAH is the invisible God. When Moses asked to see His glory, Jehovah responded: "You are not able to see my face, because no man may see me and yet live." (Exodus 33:20) And the apostle John wrote: "No man has seen God at any time." (John 1:18)

Correction: God was seen when Jesus Christ veiled His glory in human flesh.

Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

 

Page 18: When Jesus Christ was a man on earth, not even he could see God. In his Sermon on the Mount, however, Jesus said: "Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God." (Matthew 5:8) What did Jesus mean?

Answer: Saved people will see God in the resurrection. Are you saved through sincere belief?

John 6:46-47 "Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life."

 

Pages 18-19: The Scriptures identify Jehovah as an invisible Spirit. (John 4:24; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17) Hence, Jesus was not saying that we humans could actually see Jehovah with our physical eyes. True, anointed Christians will see Jehovah God in heaven after they are resurrected as spirit creatures. But humans who are "pure in heart" and have the hope of living forever on earth are also able to "see" God.

Correction: Anointed Christians with glorified bodies will see God with their physical eyes.

Job 19:25-27 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

 

Page 19: The words and deeds of Jesus also reveal much about God. Hence, Jesus said: "He that has seen me has seen the Father also." (John 14:9) Jesus perfectly reflected Jehovah's personality. Thus, knowledge of Jesus' life and teachings can help us to see, or perceive, some of God's qualities.

Correction: Jesus Christ perfectly reflected the substance of God (who?) the Father.

John 14:10-11 "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves."

 

Page 19: They look down on spiritual things, so they cannot acquire "the very knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:5) Fittingly, then, Paul wrote: "A physical man does not receive the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. - 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Note: Jehovah's Witnesses cannot spiritually discern the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Note: The wicked Watch Tower will not allow you to grow in the knowledge of God the Son.

2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

 

Page 19: Although Jehovah is invisible to our eyes, let us always remember that we are visible to him. Awareness of his existence and conviction that he is near to all those calling upon him will help make us steadfast - firm and unmovable in our faithfulness to him. (Psalm 145:18)

Note: True Christians have called upon the name of God the Son.

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

 

Page 20: One way to manifest faith and continue steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible is by preaching courageously despite persecution. Jesus warned his disciples: "You will be objects of hatred by all people because of my name." (Luke 21:17)

Note: Are you hated for the name of God the Son?

 

Page 20: He also told them: "A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (John 15:20)

Note: Are you persecuted for the name of God the Son?

John 15:21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me."

 

Page 20: True to Jesus' words, soon after his death, his followers suffered persecution in the form of threats, arrests, and beatings. (Acts 4:1-3, 18-21; 5:17, 18, 40) Although there was a wave of persecution, Jesus' apostles and other disciples kept on preaching the good news with boldness. - Acts 4-29-31.

Note: Are you persecuted for the name of God the Son?

Acts 5:40-41 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

 

Page 20: Like Moses, Jesus' early followers were not intimidated by their many visible enemies. Jesus' disciples had faith in God, and as a result, they were able to endure the severe persecution they experienced.

Note: True Christians place their faith in God the Son.

Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

 

Page 20: Yes, they continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible. Today, a constant awareness of Jehovah's protective care emboldens us, giving us courage and fearlessness in our Kingdom-preaching work.

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.

Note: Paul did not go "door to door" with his message.

 

Page 20: Consequently, we do not shrink back in fear of persecution; neither are we ashamed of our ministry. Our faith motivates us to witness courageously to neighbors, workmates, schoolmates, and others. - Romans 1:14-16.

Note: True Christians are not afraid to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

 

Page 20: True, the Christian congregation is made up of imperfect humans. Those who serve as elders make mistakes that at times may affect us personally. Nevertheless, Jehovah is using such men as shepherds of his flock. (1 Peter 5:1, 2)

Note: True Christian elders know that God the Son is the Chief Shepherd.

1 Peter 5:2-4 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

 

Page 21: There is another area that requires spiritual perception. Isaiah prophesied: "Your eyes must become eyes seeing your Grand Instructor." (Isaiah 30:20) It takes faith to recognize that Jehovah is the one teaching us through his earthly organization. (Matthew 24:45-47)

Correction: The Holy Spirit is not a New York corporation based in Brooklyn.

John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."

 

Page 21: Especially because wickedness is so prevalent in this "time of the end," faith in the One who is invisible is vital. (Daniel 12:4)

Note: Faith in God the Son is vital for eternal life.

Galatians 2:15-16 "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."

 

Page 22: However, if we are among "the good ones," we can be sure that Jehovah takes note of our acts of faithfulness. How faith-strengthening it is to know that 'our labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord' and that the one who is invisible will not 'forget our work and the love we have shown for his name'! - 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 6:10.

Note: True Christians have victory through God the Son.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Page 22: As Jehovah's faithful servants, we are precious to him. (Matthew 10:29-31) Although he is invisible, he can be real to us, and we can cherish our precious relationship with him.

Note: True servants of God are suffering for the name and person of God the Son.

Matthew 10:18 "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles."

Matthew 10:22 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."

Note: Are you a servant of God the Son?

Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant (slave) of Jesus Christ, ...

Page 22: Our strong faith helps us to have a clean heart and a good conscience before Jehovah. Faith without hypocrisy also prevents us from leading a double life. (1 Timothy 1:5, 18, 19) Our unwavering faith in God sets a good example and can have a positive effect on those around us. (1 Timothy 4:12) Moreover, such faith promotes godly conduct, making Jehovah's heart rejoice.

Note: True Christian faith is centered on God the Son.

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

 

Page 23: Yes, Jehovah will bless us with eternal life if we meet his requirements. Of course, we must acknowledge his power and authority, even as the apostle Paul did when he wrote: "To the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17)

Note: Have you acknowledged God the Son from your heart? Are you born again?

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

 

Page 24: The members of the graduating class had finished their five-month study of the Bible and training in preparation for missionary work. Still, Daniel Sydlik, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, encouraged them to continue to be learners. Speaking on the theme "Be True Disciples," he remarked: "Discipleship means constantly obeying the words of Jesus. It involves our willingness always to listen to his words, to his message, to his teaching." He pointed out that disciples of Christ do not make decisions without listening to the voice of the Master; the wisdom of God is bound up in the life of Christ. (Colossians 2:3)

Correction: The wisdom of God is bound up in the persons of the Father and the Son.

Colossians 2:1-3 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

 

Page 24: None of us can hear the words of Jesus once and then conclude that we know all about him, so Brother Sydlik encouraged the graduates to continue learning, applying, and teaching Christian truth, which results in freedom. - John 8:31, 32.

Note: True Christian freedom results in you being a Jesus Witness.

John 8:18 "I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me."

Note: The Father was a witness of God the Son. Are you?

 

Page 25: One's faithful course can even touch Jehovah in a profound way. After reading Proverbs 23:15, 16, the speaker asked: "We pray that they do, and thus you will cause Jehovah to experience the deepest pleasure within himself. You will stir his deepest emotions. Yes, you will make God's kidneys exult as you loyally stick to your assignments."

Correction: Dan Sydlik has "humanized" God the Father.

Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

 

Page 26: Under the direction of Wallace Liverance, Gilead School registrar, the graduating students told how they had recommended themselves as God's ministers. (2 Corinthians 4:2) They had been able to appeal to the God-given conscience of some. The students' experiences showed how Bible studies were started with sincere individuals they met on the street, in the house-to-house ministry, and in other settings. On different occasions, interested people said that the Bible-based publications of Jehovah's organization had the ring of truth. One householder responded very positively to a particular Bible verse. She is now studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses.

Note: Under the direction of Wallace Liverance, they learned to study magazines not the Bible.

2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.

 

Page 26: Brother Gerit Losch, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, rounded out the spiritual program by speaking on the subject "On and Under Jehovah's Wings." He explained how God's protection and support of his faithful servants are illustrated Biblically by the wings of the eagle. (Deuteronomy 32:11, 12; Psalm 91:4)

Note: Have you sought spiritual support from God the Son?

Matthew 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"

 

Page 26: Brother Losch concluded by saying: "In order to remain spiritually protected, we must remain under the wings of Jehovah. This means that we must not develop a spirit of independence. Let us always stay close to Jehovah and his motherlike organization, not separating ourselves from their direction and loving counsel."

Note: True Christians will stay close to God the Son.

John 10:27-33 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one." Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, "Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?" The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God."

Note: Watch Tower doctrines are the same as first-century nonbelievers.

 

Backcover: THE apostle Paul saw the need to administer some correction to first-century Christians in Galatia. Likely to forestall any resentment, he asked: "Well, then, have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?" - Galatians 4:16.

Note: The truth is that true Christians have been redeemed by God the Son.

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Note: Have you been redeemed? Have you called out to Jesus Christ from your heart?

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