WATCHTOWER - NOVEMBER 1, 2001

 

Page 3: Moral relativism may sound sophisticated, but in reality its followers are like the ancient Ninevites who did not know 'their right hand from their left.' Practicers of moral relativism resemble the apostate Israelites who said that "good is bad and bad is good."

Correction: All the ancient Ninevites repeated of their sins.

Jonah 3:5-9 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?

Note: Babies and young children are depicted as not knowing 'their right hand from their left.'

 

Pages 3-4: So where can we turn for clear, unambiguous laws and principles with which to train our conscience to be a safe guide? Millions have found that the Bible perfectly fills that need. From morality to work ethic and from the training of children to the worship of God, the Bible omits nothing important. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Note: The Watch Tower omits Jesus Christ on a regular basis from its Bible studies.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 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 4: THE idea of flying in a plane with a wrongly programmed computer is frightening. Imagine, instead, that someone had tampered with the aircraft's guidance system or had deliberately falsified its data! Well, in a figurative sense, that is exactly what someone is trying to do to your conscience. He is out to sabotage your moral-guidance system. His objective is to put you on a collision course with God! - Job 2:2-5; John 8:44.

Note: The Watch Tower is out to sabotage your love for Jesus Christ.

John 8:42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me."

 

Page 4: Since then, Satan has masterminded the development of entire institutions of deception to lead people en masse into enmity with God. The most reprehensible of these institutions is false religion. - 2 Corinthians 11:14, 15.

Note: False religion will proclaim Jesus Christ to be just an angel, prophet, or moral teacher.

2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different good news which you have not accepted; you may well put up with it!

 

Page 4: In the Bible book of Revelation, false religion is seen as a symbolic harlot called Babylon the Great. Her teachings have distorted the moral sensibilities of many people and have caused them to hate and even act violently against those who have different beliefs. In fact, according to Revelation, God holds false religion primarily responsible for the blood "of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth.," including God's own worshipers.

Note: God's own worshipers will suffer for the name of Jesus Christ not Jehovah.

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 4: Jesus warned his disciples of the extent to which false religion would distort the moral compass of some when he said: "The hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God." How morally blinded such violent individuals are! Jesus said: "They have not come to know either the Father or me." (John 16:2, 3)

Note: God's own worshipers will suffer for the name of Jesus Christ not Jehovah.

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 4: In contrast, Jesus said that his true followers are identified by the love they have among themselves. But their love is still more expansive, for it reaches out even to their enemies.

Note: The Watch Tower does not practice the love of God.

Page 5: Nowadays, religious leaders tickle people's ears by saying that sex outside of marriage may be acceptable to God. Others condone homosexual acts. In fact, some clerics are themselves actively homosexual. An article in the British newspaper The Times stated that "thirteen openly gay clergy" have been elected to the General Synod of the Church of England. When church leaders abandon Bible morality and their churches do little about it, what standards should their parishioners adopt? It is little wonder that millions are thoroughly confused.

Note: The Watch Tower never acknowledges the half of Christendom that is good and godly.

Matthew 25:1-2 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish."

 

Page 5: How much better it is to be guided by the beaconlike moral and spiritual truths taught in the Bible! (Psalm 43:3; John 17:17) For example, the Bible teaches that neither fornicators nor adulterers "will inherit God's kingdom." (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)

Note: True Christians have been sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

1 Cor. 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

 

Page 5: It tells us that males and females who change "the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature" are "working what is obscene" in God's eyes. (Romans 1:26, 27,32)

Note: True Christians have been sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 1:16-17 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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

 

Page 5: These moral truths are not the fabrications of imperfect men; they are the inspired standards of God, which he has never repealed. (Galatians 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:16)

Note: The Watch Tower has placed Jehovah's Witnesses under a curse from God.

Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other good news to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

 

Page 5: It is one thing to force someone to commit a bad act, but it is another thing to get him to want to commit such an act. This is the goal of "the ruler of the world," Satan. To imprint his debased thinking on the minds and hearts of the foolish or unsuspecting - especially the most vulnerable, the young - he uses such avenues as questionable literature, movies, music, computer games, and pornography sites on the Internet. - John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2.

Note: True Christians have been sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:11-13 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. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

Page 6: So be wise in your choice of entertainment. The Bible urges us: "Whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things." - Philippians 4:8.

Note: True Christians have been sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

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

 

Page 7: We show that we want to take care of our conscience when we build up love for and faith in God, together with a wholesome fear of him. (Proverbs 8:13; 1 John 5:3) The Bible reveals that a conscience devoid of these influences often lacks moral stability.

Note: True Christians have moral stability through sincere belief and faith in Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Note: Have you been spiritually "born again" by the Spirit, through the Son, to the Father?

 

Page 7: People without real faith in God also have no firm hope for a better future. Hence, they tend to live for the present, indulging their fleshly desires. Their philosophy is: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die." (1 Corinthians 15:32)

Note: True Christians have placed their hope for the future 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 7: On the other hand, those whose eyes are on the prize of eternal life are not lured off course by the fleeting pleasures of the world. Like a precise navigational computer, their trained conscience keeps them right on the track of loyal obedience to God. - Philippians 3:8.

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

Philippians 3:8-11 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 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

 

Page 7: For your conscience to maintain its power and precision, it needs regular guidance from God's Word. The Bible tells us that such guidance is available when, in pictorial language, it says: "Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: 'This is the way. Walk in it, you people,' in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left."

Note: Jesus Christ tells us in literal language that He alone is the way to eternal life.

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 8: While humans can be long-suffering, Jehovah is the supreme example of this quality. In the years since sin disturbed the relationship between Jehovah and his human creation, our Creator has shown patient endurance and has provided the means whereby repentant humans can improve their relationship with him. (2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 4:10)

Note: Jesus Christ is the supreme example of long-suffering with the nation of Israel.

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 8: But when his long-suffering has achieved its purpose, God will take action against willful wrongdoers, bringing the present wicked system to an end. - 2 Peter 3:7.

Note: Jesus Christ will take action against willful wrongdoers in the future.

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 9: Jehovah's long-suffering is also compatible with his justice and righteousness. He revealed himself to Moses as "a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger ("longsuffering," King James Version) and abundant in loving-kindness and truth." (Exodus 34:6) Years later, Moses sang in praise of Jehovah: "All his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4) Yes, Jehovah's mercy, long - suffering, justice, and uprightness all work together harmoniously.

Note: Yes, Jesus Christ's mercy, long-suffering, justice, and uprightness work together eternally.

Jude 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

 

Page 9: Adam and Eve's rebellion in Eden permanently severed their precious relationship with their loving Creator, Jehovah. (Genesis 3:8-13, 23, 24) This alienation affected their offspring, who inherited sin, imperfection, and death. (Romans 5:17-19)

Correction: Why did God give Adam and Eve the promise of a Savior?

Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."

Correction: Why did God take care of Adam and Eve after the original sin?

Genesis 3:21 Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.

Note: The Watch Tower passes ungodly judgment on people with ease.

 

Page 9: Although the first human couple were willful sinners, Jehovah allowed them to produce children. Later, he lovingly provided the means whereby the descendants of Adam and Eve could be reconciled with him. (John 3:16, 36) The apostle Paul explained: "God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more, therefore, since we have been declared righteous now by his blood, shall we be saved through him from wrath. For if, when we were enemies, we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, now that we have become reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." - Romans 5:8-10.

Note: True Christians have been sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

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 10: Jehovah's long-suffering toward Israel lasted much longer than 120 years. Throughout the more than 1,500 years of their history as God's chosen people, there were comparatively few periods when the Israelites did not try God's long-suffering to the limit. Only weeks after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they turned to idol worship, showing gross disrespect for their Savior. (Exodus 32:4; Psalm 106:21)

Note: Have you showed Jesus Christ disrespect? The Watch Tower has.

Titus 1:4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

 

Pages 10-11: History shows, however, that God's long-suffering has a limit. In 740 B.C.E., he allowed the Assyrians to overthrow the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel and lead its inhabitants into exile. (2 Kings 17:5, 6) And at the end of the following century, he permitted the Babylonians to invade the two-tribe kingdom of Judah and destroy Jerusalem with its temple.

Correction: History shows that the Watch Tower cannot date events correctly.

ISRAEL The name Israel was retained by the northern kingdom, with its capital at Samaria, near modern Nabulus. It was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 BC. The southern kingdom known as Judah, continued to exist until the 6th century BC. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 14, page 311.

 

Page 11: Even after the Jews had slain his Son, Jehovah continued to show them long-suffering for a period of three and a half more years, granting them the exclusive opportunity of being called to become a part of the spiritual seed of Abraham. (Daniel 9:27) Before and after the year 36 C.E., some Jews accepted this call, and thus, as Paul later put it, "a remnant has turned up according to a choosing due to undeserved kindness." - Romans 11:5.

Correction: God still has a plan for the nation of Israel during the "last days."

Romans 11:25-27 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins."

 

Pages 11-12: In 36 C.E., the privilege of becoming a part of Abraham's spiritual seed was extended for the first time to those who were neither Jews nor proselytes. Any who responded also became recipients of Jehovah's undeserved kindness and long-suffering. (Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:4-7)

Note: Have you been saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ?

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 12: Why does Jehovah exercise long-suffering? Primarily in order to magnify his holy name and vindicate his sovereignty. (1 Samuel 12:20-22) The moral issue raised by Satan over the way Jehovah uses His sovereignty required time to be settled satisfactorily before all creation. (Job 1:9-11; 42:2, 5, 6)

Correction: The long-suffering of God is for the salvation of those who will repent.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

Page 12: Hence, when his people were being oppressed in Egypt, Jehovah told Pharaoh: "For this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth." - Exodus 9:16.

Note: True witnesses of God will declare the name of Jesus Christ to the nations.

Luke 24:46-48 Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things."

 

Page 12: Jehovah's words to Pharaoh were quoted when the apostle Paul explained the role of God's long-suffering in the glorification of His holy name. And then Paul wrote: "If, now, God, although having the will to demonstrate his wrath and to make his power known, tolerated with much long-suffering vessels of wrath made fit for destruction, in order that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, namely us, whom he called not only from among Jews but also from among nations, what of it? It is as he says also in Hosea: 'Those not my people I will call "my people."'" (Romans 9:22-25)

Note: Have you confessed the name and person of Jesus Christ?

Rom 10:8-9 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

 

Pages 12-13: Because Jehovah exercised long-suffering, he was able to take out of the nations "a people for his name." (Acts 15:14) Under their Head, Jesus Christ, these "holy ones" are heirs of the Kingdom that Jehovah will use to sanctify His great name and to vindicate His sovereignty. - Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14,27; Revelation 4:9-11; 5:9, 10.

Note: God's own worshipers will suffer for the name of Jesus Christ not Jehovah.

Acts 15:24-26 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law"; to whom we gave no such commandment; 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 13: None of us can know the full extent to which we need God's long-suffering to make sure that we have his approval for salvation. Paul counsels us to "keep working out (our) own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

Correction: The Watch Tower quoted Philippians 2:12 out of context.

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Note: True Christians have been sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

 

Page 14: Second only to Jehovah, Christ Jesus set a fine example of long-suffering. When under duress, Jesus showed astonishing restraint. Of him it was prophesied: "He was hard pressed, and he was letting himself be afflicted; yet he would not open his mouth. He was being brought just like a sheep to the slaughtering; and like a ewe that before her shearers has become mute, he also would not open his mouth." - Isaiah 53:7.

Note: True Christians have been sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

 

Page 14: After his death and resurrection, Jesus continued to be long-suffering. The apostle Paul was particularly conscious of this, since he had formerly been a persecutor of Christians. Paul wrote: "Faithful and deserving of full acceptance is the saying that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am foremost. Nevertheless, the reason why I was shown mercy was that by means of me as the foremost case Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his long - suffering for a sample of those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life."

Note: Have you been saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ?

 

Page 14: Whatever our past, if we rest our faith on Jesus, he will be long-suffering with us - while, of course, expecting us to produce "works that befit repentance." (Acts 26:20; Romans 2:4) The messages that Christ sent to the seven congregations in Asia Minor show that while he is long-suffering, he does expect progress. - Revelation, chapters 2 and 3.

Correction: True Christians are a new creation in Jesus Christ for good works. Are you?

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Romans 4:2-3 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

 

Pages 14-15: In the 5th chapter of his letter to the Galatians, Paul contrasts works of the flesh with the fruitage of the spirit. (Galatians 5:19-23) Since long-suffering is one of Jehovah's attributes, this quality originates with him and is a fruit of his spirit. (Exodus 34:6, 7) Indeed, long-suffering is listed fourth in Paul's description of the fruitage of the spirit, along with "love, joy, peace, ... Kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22, 23) Therefore, when God's servants manifest godly patience, or long-suffering, they do so under the influence of the holy spirit.

Note: God's servants will be Jesus Witnesses when influenced by the Holy Spirit.

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 15: This does not mean, however, that Jehovah imposes his spirit upon a person. We must willingly yield to its influence. (2 Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 4:30) We allow the spirit to act in our lives by cultivating its fruits in all we do.

Correction: True Christians are influenced by the Spirit through Jesus Christ not themselves.

John 15:4-5 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 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 15: After enumerating the works of the flesh and the fruitage of the spirit, Paul added: "If we are living by spirit, let us go on walking orderly also by spirit. Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit." (Galatians 5:25; 6:7, 8) If we are to be successful in cultivating long-suffering, we must also cultivate the rest of the fruitage produced in Christians by holy spirit.

Correction: True Christians are influenced by the Spirit through Jesus Christ not themselves.

Galatians 5:4-6 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

 

Page 16: Long-suffering on the part of their members contributes to the peace and happiness of Christian communities, whether congregations, Bethel homes, missionary homes, construction teams, or schools. Because of differences in personality, tastes, upbringing, standards of politeness, even hygiene, trying situations can arise from time to time. This is also true of families. Being slow to anger is vital. (Proverbs 14:29; 15:18; 19:11) Long-suffering - patient endurance, in the hope of a change for the better - is needed on the part of all. - Romans 15:1-6.

Correction: True Christians have placed 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 16: Back in the first century C.E., the apostle Paul was a fine example of long-suffering. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 1 Timothy 1:16) Toward the end of his life when he was giving counsel to his younger companion Timothy, Paul warned him that all Christians would face trials. Paul cited his own example and recommended basic Christian qualities that are necessary for endurance.

Correction: Paul cited Jesus Christ as the person who enabled him to endure.

1 Timothy 1:12-13 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Note: Have you thanked Jesus Christ?

 

Page 16: He wrote: "You have closely followed my teaching, my course of life, my purpose, my faith, my long-suffering, my love, my endurance, my persecutions, my sufferings, the sort of things that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra, the sort of persecutions I have borne; and yet out of them all the Lord delivered me. In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:10-12; Acts 13:49-51; 14:19-22) In order to endure, we all need faith, love, and long-suffering.

Correction: Paul cited Jesus Christ as the person who enabled him to endure.

2 Timothy 1:8-11 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the good news, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

 

Pages 16-17: The apostle Paul likened long-suffering and other godly qualities to garments that the Christian should put on after stripping off practices characteristic of "the old personality." (Colossians 3:5-10) He wrote: "As God's chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also. But, besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union." - Colossians 3:12-14.

Correction: Paul cited Jesus Christ as the person who enabled him to endure.

Colossians 3:1-3 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. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

 

Page 17: When members of a congregation 'clothe themselves' with compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, long-suffering, and love, they are able to resolve problems and go forward unitedly in Jehovah's service.

Note: True Christians who have been enabled by Jesus Christ will be serving 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 17: Christian overseers in particular need to be long-suffering. There may be times when they need to reprove another Christian, but there are different ways of doing this. Paul described the best attitude when he wrote to Timothy: "Reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all long-suffering and art of teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2) Yes, Jehovah's sheep should always be treated with long - suffering, dignity, and tenderness. - Matthew 7:12; 11:28; Acts 20:28, 29; Romans 12:10.

Note: True Christians are the sheep of Jesus Christ.

John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."

 

Page 17: Jehovah's long-suffering toward mankind places us under a moral obligation to "be long-suffering toward all." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) This means being patient with non-Witness family members, neighbors, colleagues at work, classmates.

Correction: True Christians have been sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

1 Th 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Page 17: Jehovah's long-suffering will mean salvation for millions. (2 Peter 3:9, 15) If we imitate Jehovah's love and long-suffering, we will patiently continue preaching the good news of God's Kingdom and teaching others to submit to Christ's Kingdom rule.

Correction: True Christians will preach the good news of 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 18: In his letter to Christians in Colossae, Asia Minor, Paul wrote: "That is also why we, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God, being made powerful with all power to the extent of his glorious might so as to endure fully and be long-suffering with joy."

Note: True Christians will have Jesus Christ first 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 18: Jehovah's continued long-suffering, or patience, will not be a test to us if we are "filled with the accurate knowledge of his will," which is that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (1 Timothy 2:4)

Note: The Watch Tower will never lead you to the truth of 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 18: We will "go on bearing fruit in every good work," particularly that of preaching "this good news of the kingdom." (Matthew 24:14) If we faithfully continue to do this, Jehovah will make us "powerful with all power," enabling us "to endure fully and be long-suffering with joy." So doing, we will "walk worthily of Jehovah," and we will have the peace that comes from knowing that we are "fully pleasing him."

Note: The Watch Tower will never lead you to the truth of 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: May we be thoroughly convinced of the wisdom of Jehovah's long-suffering. It works for our salvation and for the salvation of those who listen to our preaching and teaching.

Correction: The long-suffering of God allows people time to discover salvation in Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

 

Page 18: Cultivating the fruitage of the spirit - love, kindness, goodness, mildness, and self-control - will enable us to be joyfully long-suffering. We will be better able to live at peace with members of our family as well as with our brothers and sisters within the congregation. Long-suffering will have a purpose, that of saving wrongdoers and of glorifying the God of long - suffering, Jehovah.

Correction: The long-suffering of God allows people time to discover salvation in Jesus Christ.

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 25: When the day arrived, the first to speak was 15-year-old Malwina. In part, she stated: "Many of you knew us before we started attending this school because we had called on you in your homes. You probably wonder why we keep doing that. It is because we follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Founder of Christianity."

Note: The Watch Tower is not Christianity and does not follow the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:7 "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house."

 

Page 25: "He preached the good news of God's Kingdom wherever people could be found. The apostles and other early Christians did the same."

Note: The Watch Tower is not Christianity and does not follow the teaching of 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 25: "In many places, Jehovah's Witnesses endure difficult trials of faith, but we are happy that in our school we enjoy peace, to which all of you contribute. We thank you for that!"

Note: God's own worshipers will suffer for the name of Jesus Christ not Jehovah.

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."

 

Page 25: At the conclusion of her presentation, Malwina stated: "There is another reason why we call at your home. We care about you. The Bible says that mankind will soon experience world-shaking events. So the next time we knock on your door, please take time to listen. We would like to tell you how we can live together forever in a paradise on earth."

Note: The Watch Tower is not Christianity and does not follow the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority."

Note: The message of Christianity concerns Jesus Christ not paradise earth.

Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

 

Page 26: Mateusz concluded by telling about the construction of Kingdom Halls and said: "Would you like to visit ours? Admission is free, and there is no money collection." Speaking about the convention center in Sosnowiec, Mateusz said: "You should see this large and functional structure. Why don't we go there together? We have an idea, and our friend Katarzyna is going to tell you about it."

Note: Jehovah's Witnesses will refuse to go to a church of Christendom due to brainwashing.

 

Page 26: At the end of the session, 12-year-old Martyna played for all assembled the song entitled "We Thank You, Jehovah." These young Witnesses 'mustered up boldness by means of their God' and gave a fine witness. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) What an excellent example for young Witnesses everywhere!

Note: The Watch Tower is not Christianity and does not follow the teaching of 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 27: ALL of us want to be blessed. The American Heritage College Dictionary says that blessings promote "happiness, well-being, or prosperity." Since Jehovah is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present," every real, lasting blessing originates with our loving Creator. (James 1:17) He showers blessings upon all mankind, even upon those who do not know him.

Note: Jesus Christ is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present."

Ephesians 4:7-8 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."

 

Page 27: Jesus said of his Father: "He makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) However, Jehovah shows special concern for those who love him. - Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Job 1:1; 42:12.

Note: Jesus Christ is concerned for your love for Him and others.

John 21:15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs."

 

Page 27: The psalmist wrote: "Jehovah himself will not hold back anything good from those walking in faultlessness." (Psalm 84:11) Yes, those who serve Jehovah have rich, meaningful lives. They know that "the blessing of Jehovah - that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it." The Bible also says: "Those being blessed by (Jehovah) will themselves possess the earth." (Proverbs 10:22; Psalm 37:22, 29) What a blessing that will be!

Note: True Christians have been spiritually blessed by the Father in the Son with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

 

Page 27: Abraham too had qualities that pleased Jehovah. Foremost among these was faith. (Hebrews 11:8-10) Abraham left a comfortable life in Ur and later in Haran because he had faith in Jehovah's promise that his seed would become many and be a blessing for all nations.

Note: Righteousness comes by sincere belief or faith not by works.

Romans 4:20-22 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."

 

Page 27: Despite long years of testing, his faith was rewarded when his son Isaac was born. Through him, Abraham became the ancestor of God's chosen nation, Israel, and eventually of the Messiah. (Romans 4:19-21) Moreover, he is "the father of all those having faith," and he came to be called "Jehovah's friend." (Romans 4:11; James 2:23; Galatians 3:7, 29)

Note: Righteousness comes by sincere belief or faith not by works.

Galatians 3:5-7 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?; just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.

 

Page 28: Consider, too, the faithful man Moses. Outstanding among his qualities was his appreciation of spiritual things. Moses turned his back on all the riches of Egypt and "continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27)

Note: God's own worshipers will suffer for the name of Jesus Christ not Jehovah.

Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

 

Pages 28-29: How are we blessed? Well, while millions within Christendom suffer from spiritual famine, we can be "radiant over the goodness of Jehovah." (Jeremiah 31:12)

Note: The Watch Tower never judges Islam only Christendom.

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