Page 4: First, there was a time when they "had no hope and were without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12) Second, they longed for peace of mind. And third, all of them found the inner peace they wanted after they accepted a Bible study with Jehovah's Witnesses.
Note: Not having Jesus is not having God in your life.
Ephesians 2:11-12 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh; who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands; that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Page 5: The Bible gives two basic reasons for the lack of peace in the world - be it inner peace or peace between people. The first is explained at Jeremiah 10:23: "To earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." Man has neither the wisdom nor the foresight to rule himself without help, and the only help that has real value comes from God. Humans who do not seek God's guidance will never attain lasting peace.
Correction: You will not have any peace in your life without Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:14-15 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
Page 5: The second reason for the lack of peace is seen in the words of the apostle John: "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) Without divine guidance, man's efforts to gain peace will always be frustrated by the activities of the unseen but very real - and very powerful - "wicked one," Satan.
Correction: You will not have any peace in your life without Jesus Christ.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Page 5: For these two reasons - that most people do not seek God's guidance and that Satan is very active in the world - the human race as a whole is in a sorry state. The apostle Paul well described it: "All creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now."
Correction: You will not have any peace in your life without Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Page 5: For one thing, they learned that the world situation will one day be different. This is not just a vague hope that everything will turn out all right in the end. It is a real, well-founded confidence that God has a purpose for mankind and that even now we can benefit from that purpose if we do his will.
Note: True Christians have inner peace since they have put their sincere belief 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 5: This former labor leader has learned about God's Kingdom. It is the Kingdom that millions pray for when they recite the Lord's Prayer (or, the Our Father) and say to God: "Your kingdom come." (Matthew 6:10a, New International Version) Antonio learned that God's Kingdom is a real heavenly government that will bring genuine peace to mankind.
Correction: 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 5: He too is looking forward to the time, soon to come, when God's Kingdom will replace this greedy, selfish world system with a better one. He has a far deeper understanding of the sentence in the Lord's Prayer that reads: "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Correction: Jesus Christ will replace this greedy, selfish world system with a better one.
Matthew 24:30 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Page 6: The night he was born, angels sang God's praises: "Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill." (Luke 2:14)
Note: Angels celebrated the birthday of Jesus Christ. Do you?
Page 6: When Jesus grew up, he was concerned about improving people's lives. He understood their feelings and showed extraordinary compassion for the afflicted and the sick. And, in harmony with the words of the angels, he brought a measure of inner peace to the meek.
Correction: Jesus Christ was concerned with saving people's lives eternally.
Luke 19:9-10 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Page 6: Jesus was more than a humanitarian. He compared himself to a shepherd, and he likened his meek followers to sheep when he said: "I have come that they might have life and might have it in abundance. I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his soul in behalf of the sheep." (John 10:10, 11) Yes, in contrast with so many leaders today who care first and foremost about themselves, Jesus gave his life for his sheep.
Correction: Jesus Christ is the good (kalos=good) shepherd.
John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Page 6: How can we benefit from what Jesus did? Many are familiar with the words: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Exercising faith in Jesus requires, first of all, knowledge about him and his Father, Jehovah. Knowledge of God and Jesus can lead to an intimate relationship with Jehovah God that will help us attain peace of mind.
Correction: Do you personally know Jesus Christ?
John 8:19 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."
Page 6: Jesus said: "My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them everlasting life, and they will be no means ever be destroyed, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27, 28) What warm, comforting words!
Note: The "hand" of Jesus Christ is the "hand" of God.
John 10:28-30 "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."
Note: The Father and the Son are one God.
Page 6: Never forget that Jesus Christ is still alive and active, ruling now as the enthroned King of God's heavenly Kingdom. Just as when he walked on earth those many years ago, he is still concerned about meek ones who long for peace of mind. Further, he is still the Shepherd of his sheep. If we follow him, he will help us to gain inner peace, which includes a confident expectation of seeing in the future total peace - which will mean the absence of violence, war, and crime.
Correction: The kingdom of God is spiritual for true Christians who have peace and joy.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Page 7: Then the encouragement of the apostle Paul will really apply in our case: "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6, 7.
Note: You will not have any peace in your life without Jesus Christ.
Page 7: Jesus Christ is guiding truth-hungry people along the way that leads to everlasting life in an earthly paradise.
Correction: Jesus Christ is the way and is guiding people to Himself.
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 7: As he guides them to the pure worship of God, they experience peace similar to that described in the Bible: "My people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting-places." (Isaiah 32:18)
Correction: External peace should not be confused with internal peace.
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Page 7: And that is only a foretaste of the peace that they will enjoy in the future. We read: "The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." - Psalm 37:11, 29.
Note: You will not have any peace in your life without Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:6 And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Page 7: So can we have inner peace today? Yes. Moreover, we can be sure that in the near future, God will bless obedient mankind with peace as never before. Why not, then, ask him in prayer to give you his peace?
Note: You will not have any peace in your life without Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 5:14 Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Page 7: If you have problems that rob you of peace, pray in the way that King David prayed: "Distresses of my heart have multiplied; from the stresses upon me O bring me out. See my affliction and my trouble, and pardon all my sins." (Psalm 25:17, 18) Be assured that God listens to such prayers.
Note: Are you praying in the name of Jesus?
John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Page 7: He stretches out his hand and grants peace to all who seek it in sincerity of heart. We are lovingly assured: "Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, to all those who call upon him in trueness. The desire of those fearing him he will perform, and their cry for help he will hear, and he will save them." - Psalm 145:18, 19.
Note: Have you called out to Jesus Christ?
John 14:14 "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
Page 8: In a similar way, we as Christians could view ourselves as new workers. Since our hope is to live forever, it could be said that we have just started working for Jehovah.
Correction: True Christians place their hope in Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
Page 8: Surely our Creator has numerous tasks in mind for us that will keep us busy into eternity. But the very first commission we received was that of declaring the good news of his kingdom. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
Correction: True Christians fulfill the very first commission by being 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."
Page 8: With so many things to do, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or weighed down at times. "Anxieties of life" could choke our zeal and appreciation for theocratic activities. (Luke 21:34, 35; Mark 4:18, 19) Because of our imperfect human nature, we might leave 'the love we had at first.' (Revelation 2:1-4)
Note: Have you ever been in love with Jesus Christ?
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
Page 8: The ministry that Jehovah has entrusted to us is far too precious to be allowed to become commonplace. The apostle Paul considered the preaching of the good news a very great privilege, and he viewed himself as unworthy to be entrusted with it.
Note: Are you preaching Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the good news which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
Page 8: Paul's positive attitude about his ministry is an excellent example for us. In his letter to the Romans, he stated: "There is eagerness on my part to declare the good news. (Romans 1:15, 16) He had the right attitude and was eager to carry out his ministry.
Note: Are you preaching 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 9: The apostle Paul recognized the need for maintaining a zealous viewpoint, so he admonished the Christians in Rome: "Do not loiter at your business. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah." (Romans 12:11)
Note: True Christians are slaves of Jesus Christ in love.
Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant (slave) of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the good news of God
Page 10: But when they pray to Jehovah for help, he will read their hearts and freely impart to them his holy spirit if, like Jeremiah, they have his word in their hearts.-Luke 11:9-13; Acts 15:8.
Correction: You can only receive the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ.
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 10: Christians today have the assignment to preach the good news. We treat this privilege with deep respect. It comes as no surprise to us that those who do not know God treat our preaching work with contempt.
Note: True Christians will be preaching Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
Pages 10-11: Shortly after Jesus' death, his disciples in Jerusalem faced a period of persecution. They were threatened and commanded to stop preaching. Yet, the Bible says that they were "filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness."(Acts 4:17, 21, 31)
Note: The apostles were suffering for the name of Jesus Christ.
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 11: In order to have a proper attitude toward our ministry, we must have the right motive. Why do we preach?
Answer: True Christians will salvation through Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:4-5 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Page 11: Yes, we preach in order to praise Jehovah publicly and to sanctify his name before all mankind. Even when few listen to us, our faithfully proclaiming the message of salvation brings praise to Jehovah.
Correction: True Christians proclaim Jesus Christ as the way of salvation.
Colossians 1:27-28 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Page 11: Jehovah's Witnesses view fellow humans as potential members of the Christian brotherhood. We must preach with boldness, yet our boldness is not confrontational.
Correction: The apostles were confrontational when calling people to repentance.
Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Acts 3:17 "Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers."
Acts 17:30 "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,"
Pages 11-12: Hence, while we may not seek association with certain individuals, we do not hesitate to speak to them about the Kingdom hope as the opportunity presents itself.
Correction: True Christians will speak about their hope in 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 12: They eventually became believers. (Acts 13:48) We can never know who is thus rightly disposed until we have offered a witness - perhaps many times. With this in mind, we treat those who have not yet accepted the message of salvation with "mildness" and "deep respect," hoping that some among them may yet respond to the message of life. - 2 Timothy 2:25; 1 Peter 3:15.
Correction: When preaching, Christians will do whatever it takes to get the truth out.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Page 12: Developing skills as teachers will enhance our eagerness to declare the good news. To illustrate: An exciting game or sport may be uninteresting to a person who does not know how to play it. But to one who plays it well, it is enjoyable. Similarly, Christians who develop the "art of teaching" increase their joy in the ministry. (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9)
Correction: James warns against everyone becoming teachers.
James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
Page 12: One way is by taking in additional accurate knowledge. The apostle Peter encourages us: "As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word, that through it you may grow to salvation." (1 Peter 2:2)
Note: Are you spiritually growing in Jesus Christ?
2 Peter 3:18 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 12: Effort and self-discipline are required if we are to become skillful teachers of God's Word, but such efforts bring rewards. The delight that comes from examining God's Word will make us aglow with God's spirit, eager to share with others the things we learn.
Note: True Christians will spiritually see Jesus Christ through out the Bible.
Hebrews 10:7 "Then I said, 'Behold, I have come; In the volume of the book it is written of Me; To do Your will, O God.'"
Page 12: Again, self-discipline and concentration are needed. (1 Timothy 4:16) Christian meetings build up our faith, help us form a longing for God's Word, and train us to be eager proclaimers of the good news.
Note: True Christians will preach Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:18-19 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient; in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the good news of Christ.
Pages 12-13: Christians who are "aglow with the spirit" and who are eager to declare the good news strive to share regularly in the ministry. (Ephesians 5:15, 16)
Note: True Christians will preach Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the good news of Christ.
Page 13: Yet, perhaps more important than the total amount of time we spend in the preaching work is the frequency with which we speak about our hope to others. (2 Timothy 4:1, 2)
Note: True Christians will place their hope in Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:12 And again, Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope."
Page 13: Jehovah has entrusted us with the good news. This is the first commission that we receive from him as his "fellow workers." (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)
Note: The entire Christian experience is built upon Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the good news, I may present the good news of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the good news.
Page 13: Jehovah offers us his spirit and equips us with "the sword of the spirit," God's Word. With his help we can open our mouths "with freeness of speech to make known the sacred secret of the good news." (Ephesians 6:17-20)
Note: The sacred secret of the good news is that Gentiles and Jews are saved alike in Jesus.
Ephesians 3:3-6 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the good news,
Page 13: Agriculture played a vital role in ancient Hebrew society. That is why Jesus, whose whole life as a human was spent in the Promised Land, incorporated agricultural themes into his illustrations.
Correction: Jesus Christ did not spend all of his time in the Promised Land.
Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son."
Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
Pages 13-14: It is a great privilege to share in the sowing of Bible truth in this time of the end. Romans 10:14, 15 well expresses the importance of this work: "How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent forth? Just as it is written: 'How comely are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!'"
Note: True Christians will sow Bible truth about the good news of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the good news of Christ;
Page 14: Never has it been more important to press ahead with a positive attitude in fulfilling this God-given commission. For that reason Jehovah's Witnesses are fully immersed in the production and distribution of Bibles and Bible-study aids in 340 languages.
Note: There are no Kingdom publishers in Red China. 1/1/2000 Watchtower magazine.
Page 14: What is the fruitage of this hard work? As in the early days of Christianity, many today are embracing the truth. (Acts 2:41, 46, 47)
Note: True Christians embrace the name of Jesus not Jehovah.
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 14: More important, however, than the large number of newly baptized Kingdom publishers is the fact that this great witness contributes to the sanctification of Jehovah's name and to his vindication as the only true God.
Correction: True Christians declare the name of Jesus Christ in everything.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Page 14: The apostles were fully aware of the life-giving importance of the good news, and they felt deeply for those to whom they preached. This is clear from the words of the apostle Paul, when he wrote: "Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us."
Note: The good news of God is the good news of Jesus Christ. Jesus is God!
1 Thessalonians 3:2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the good news of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,
Page 14: Jesus, a perfect man, had the power to provide many good things in a material way for the people of his time. For example, he could have cleared up many of the medical misconceptions of his day, or he could have advanced human understanding in other sciences.
Correction: Jesus Christ was more than just a perfect man.
Luke 5:21-24 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, "Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise up and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"; He said to the man who was paralyzed, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house."
Page 14: Yet, he made it clear very early in his ministry that his commission was that of preaching the good news. (Luke 4:17-21)
Note: The good news concerns Jesus Christ saving people.
Luke 19:9-10 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Page 14: And toward the end of his ministry, he explained: "For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth." (John 18:37)
Note: Jesus Christ bore witness of Himself since He is the truth. (John 14:6)
John 8:18 "I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me."
Page 14: So he occupied himself with the sowing of seeds of Kingdom truth. Teaching his contemporaries about God and His purposes was more important than any other education Jesus could have given them. - Romans 11:33-36.
Note: Jesus Christ bore witness of Himself since He is the truth. (John 14:6)
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
Page 14: Jesus alluded to himself as the Sower of Kingdom truth. (John 4:35-38) He spread seeds of good news at every opportunity. Even as he was dying on the stake, he proclaimed good news about a future earthly paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Correction: The repentant thief would be awake with Jesus immediately after death.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Page 14: Moreover, his deep concern that the good news be preached did not end with his death on the torture stake.
Correction: Jesus Christ did not carry a "telephone pole" but the crossbeam of a cross.
John 19:17-18 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him,
Pages 14-15: With these words Jesus made a commitment to support, direct, and safeguard the work of preaching the good news "all the days until the conclusion of the system of things." Right down to our own day, Jesus continues to have a personal interest in the evangelizing work.
Note: There has never been a complete apostasy within Christendom contrary to JW doctrine.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Page 15: He is our Leader, in charge of the sowing of Kingdom truth. (Matthew 23:10) As Head of the Christian congregation, he is responsible before Jehovah for this worldwide work.
Correction: True Christians will give Jesus Christ the preeminence in all things.
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 15: When Jehovah created the earth, the angels "joyfully cried out together, and ... began shouting in applause." (Job 38:4-7)
Note: Jesus Christ created the earth.
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Page 16: As the angels eagerly carry out their assigned duties, they have the opportunity to observe us and our work. As if on a very conspicuous theater stage, we carry out our work in front of a heavenly audience. (1 Corinthians 4:9) How sobering and thrilling to know that we are not working alone as sowers of Kingdom truth.
Note: True Christians will not mind being mocked for Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!
Page 16: We too share that genuine interest in people. Hence, we do our best to spread seeds of Kingdom truth everywhere. The words of Ecclesiastics 11:6 can be applied to our work. There the Bible admonishes us: "In the morning sow your seed and until the evening do not let your hand rest; for you are not knowing where this will have success, either here or there, or whether both of them will alike be good."
Note: The work of Jehovah's Witnesses is done in vain according to Scripture context.
Ecclesiastics 11:8 But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity.
Note: Ecclesiastics 11:6 refers only to actual farming.
Page 16: Granted, for every person who accepts our message there may be hundreds or even thousands who reject it. But like the angels, we rejoice when even "one sinner" accepts the message of salvation.
Note: Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:11-14 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Note: The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of salvation not the Watch Tower.
Page 16: Much is involved in the preaching of the good news. One important aid in this work is the Bible-based printed material used by Jehovah's Witnesses. In some respects, these publications are also like seeds that are spread everywhere.
Correction: Watch Tower printed material is not the word of God.
Luke 8:11 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God."
Page 17: Robert and Lila began to study the Bible regularly with the Witnesses, and eventually they got baptized. They, in turn, sowed seeds of truth in their children and reaped bountifully. Today, more than 20 members of this family, including all of Robert and Lila's seven children, are baptized servants of Jehovah God.
Note: True Christians are servants of Jesus Christ and do not use flattering words.
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.
Pages 17-18: His father, a German Methodist preacher, had taught him that bad people burn in hell after death. So Karl was very afraid of hell. One day in 1917, Karl noticed a printed piece of paper on the street and picked it up. As he read it, his eyes quickly focused on the question: "What is hell?" The paper was an invitation to a public lecture on the subject of hell, sponsored by the Bible Students, known today as Jehovah's Witnesses.
Note: The German Methodist preacher was correct.
Matthew 5:22 "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 13:40-42 "Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
Page 18: Since those humans are imperfect and limited, Paul goes on to say that the result of their being given such a commission is that "the power beyond what is normal may be God's and not that out of ourselves." (2 Corinthians 4:7) Yes, we can count on Jehovah to furnish the power needed to enable us to accomplish the work at hand.
Note: The power of God is the power of Christ. Jesus is God!
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Page 18: Let us seize every appropriate opportunity to sow seeds of Kingdom truth generously. May we never forget that, although we are the ones who plant and water the seeds, it is Jehovah who makes them grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6, 7)
Note: God will always honor the sincere message of salvation only through Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Page 18: Yet, just as Jesus and the angels accomplish their part of the work, Jehovah expects us to accomplish our ministry fully. (2 Timothy 4:5)
Note: True Christians ministry will be based on Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Page 18: May we pay constant attention to our teaching, to our attitude, and to our eagerness in the ministry. Why? Paul answers: "By doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you." - 1 Timothy 4:16.
Note: True Christians show that they are saved through their sincere preaching of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
Note: No one can save themselves.
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 19: Yes, Paul did more than preach sermons. His very life was a sermon - an example of faith, endurance, and self-sacrifice. Because of this, Paul and his associates came to be a potent influence in the lives of the Thessalonians, moving them to accept the truth "under much tribulation."
Note: The truth of the good news concerns Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the good news of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
Page 19: Christ was and is our foremost Exemplar. The apostle Peter wrote: "To this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely." - 1 Peter 2:21.
Note: True Christians are willing to die for the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 15:25-26 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul , men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 19: However, Jesus finished his life as a human almost 2,000 years ago. Now he "dwells in unapproachable light" as an immortal spirit creature. As such, "not one of men has seen or can see" him. (1 Timothy 6:16)
Correction: Jesus Christ was resurrected with a material glorified body.
Luke 24:36-43 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?" So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.
Page 19: How, then, can we imitate him? One way is by studying the four Bible accounts of Jesus' life. The Gospels provide insight into his personality, life course, and "mental attitude." (Philippians 2:5-8) Additional insight can be gained by carefully studying the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, which discusses the events of Jesus' life in great detail and in chronological order.
Note: The Watch Tower will never tell you that the Son is equal to the Father.
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.
Page 19: Jesus' self-sacrificing example had a powerful effect on the apostle Paul. He told the Corinthian Christians: "For my part I will most gladly spend and be completely spent for your souls." (2 Corinthians 12:15)
Note: The apostle Paul was in Jesus Christ. Are you?
2 Corinthians 12:19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.
Pages 19-20: For instance, Jesus taught us that we should rely on God's promise to provide materially. But he did more than that. He demonstrated such faith and confidence in Jehovah on a daily basis. He said: "Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have roosts, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head." (Matthew 6:25; 8:20)
Correction: Jesus Christ was teaching the cost of discipleship. Are you a disciple of Jesus?
Matthew 8:19-20 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
2 Corinthians 11:27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness;
Page 20: Further, what a fine example Jesus set when it came to love! Why, he sacrificed his own life for his disciples! (John 15:13)
Note: True Christians will be abiding in Jesus Christ.
John 15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned."
Page 21: Nevertheless, consider Paul's exhortation to Christians living in Judea. After recounting the exemplary behavior of many ancient men and women of faith, the apostle Paul urged them: "So, then, because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also ... run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus." (Hebrews 12:1, 2)
Note: You cannot save yourself. Only Jesus Christ can save you through sincere belief.
Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Page 24: The Watchtower of December 15, 1923, reported: "From June 1 to September 30 Brother Young has held 21 public meetings, with an attendance of 1,100; distributed free literature in Portuguese to the number of 5,000 copies." Many responded with interest when Father delivered the talk "Millions Now Living Will Never Die."
Note: Millions then living including George Young are now dead.
Page 27: A week after returning to Vancouver from his assignment, Father collapsed at a meeting. A subsequent diagnosis revealed that he had a cancerous tumor on the brain. On May 1, 1939, he finished his earthly course.
Page 28: "JEHOVAH is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing." With those words, David expressed his complete confidence in his God.
Note: True Christians express complete confidence in Jesus Christ for salvation.
John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."
Page 28: Paul addressed such undershepherds when he said: "Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son." - Acts 20:28.
Note: The Watch Tower has twisted the word of God.
Acts 20:28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."
Note: The Greek "huios" which is translated as "Son" does not appear in Acts 20:28.
Page 30: THE ANNUAL MEETING of the members of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania will be held on October 7, 2000, at the Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2932 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey.
Note: The Watch Tower is a corporation in the business of publishing books and magazines.
Page 30: It is expected that the entire session, including the formal business meeting and reports, will be concluded by 1:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter.