Page 4: Another inducement to drive safely is respect for life. The Bible says of Jehovah God: "With you is the source of life." (Psalm 36:9) So life is a divine gift.
Note: The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the source of eternal life.
John 5:39-40 "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life."
Page 5: What is more, God wants our bodies to be "holy," which means pure and clean. (Romans 12:1) Do you not agree that applying these principles will reduce a significant risk to one's life?
Correction: True Christians are holy in the sight of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:21-23 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight; if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Page 5: But it adds: "Godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come." (1 Timothy 4:8) 'How,' you may ask, 'is godly devotion beneficial even now?' In many ways. Besides adding a vital spiritual dimension to one's life, godly devotion nurtures such beneficial qualities as love, joy, peace, and self-control - all of which contribute to a positive outlook and good health. - Galatians 5:22, 23.
Correction: The Holy Spirit not your efforts will lead a person to godly living.
Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Page 7: True wisdom will soon 'preserve alive its owners' in an unprecedented way - protection through the fast-approaching "great tribulation," when God destroys the wicked.(Matthew 24:21)
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 7: At that time people will be throwing their money into the streets as "an abhorrent thing," according to the Bible. Why? Because they will have learned the hard way that gold and silver will not buy them life during "the day of Jehovah's fury." (Ezekiel 7:19)
Note: The "day of Jehovah" is known as the "day of Christ" in the New Testament.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
Page 7: On the other hand, "a great crowd," who prudently 'stored up their treasures in heaven' by putting spiritual interests first in their life, will benefit from their sure investment and gain eternal life in a paradise earth. - Revelation 7:9, 14; 21:3, 4; Matthew 6:19, 20.
Correction: The "great crowd" will be enjoying their spiritual treasures in heaven.
Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven,
Page 7: How can we gain this secure future? Jesus answers: "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3) Millions have found this knowledge in God's Word, the Bible.
Note: True Christians have eternal life in the name and person of Jesus Christ.
1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Page 7: Not only do such ones have a wonderful hope for the future but they also experience a measure of peace and security now. It is just as the psalmist expressed: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you yourself alone, O Jehovah, make me dwell in security." - Psalm 4:8.
Note: True Christians have the peace of God from 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 9: TO BE a true Christian in these last days - these "critical times hard to deal with" - is not easy. (2 Timothy 3:1) The fact is that to follow Christ's example, one must conquer the world. (1 John 5:4)
Correction: True Christians are born of God through sincere belief 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?
Page 9: Recall what Jesus said about the Christian way: "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." He also said: "If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and follow me continually." - Matthew 7:13, 14.
Note: Have you entered the assurance of eternal life by way 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 9: Having found the cramped road to life, a Christian's next challenge is to stay on it. Why is that a challenge? It is because our dedication and baptism make us a target of Satan's crafty acts, or subtle machinations.
Note: True Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ.
John 15:4 "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."
Page 9: How does Satan use this tactic today? If we neglect our Bible reading, our personal study, our prayers, and our Christian ministry and meetings, we may leave ourselves open to doubts raised by others. For example: "How do we know that this is the truth as Jesus taught it?" "Are these really the last days? After all, we are already in the 21st century." "Are we on the threshold of Armageddon, or is it a long way off?" If such doubts should arise, what can we do to remove them?
Correction: True Christians will not be focused on the end of the world due to Bible reading.
Acts 1:6-7 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority."
Page 10: What, then, must we do? We should "keep on asking God" in prayer for faith and understanding and bolster our efforts in personal study regarding any questions or doubts. We can also ask for help from those who are strong in the faith, never doubting that Jehovah will give us the support we need.
Note: True Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ.
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 10: The Bible points out that authentic Christians must have true love among themselves. (John 13:34, 35) They must sanctify God's name, Jehovah. (Isaiah 12:4, 5; Matthew 6:9) And they must make known that name. - Exodus 3:15; John 17:26.
Correction: Authentic Christians proclaim the name of Jesus Christ.
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 10: Another identifying feature of true worship is respect for God's Word, the Bible. It is the unique book that reveals God's personality and his purposes. (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16)
Note: The Bible proclaims Jesus Christ as the source of salvation.
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 10: Additionally, true Christians proclaim the Kingdom of God as man's only hope for everlasting life on a paradise earth. (Mark 13:10; Revelation 21:1-4)
Note: The Watch Tower is a hypocritical religious organization.
Page 16: In any case, our salvation depends, not on anything we might do, but on Jehovah's undeserved kindness through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Paul clearly explained: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus."
Page 11: Yes, the knowledge of the Sovereign Lord of the universe is within our reach if we are willing to receive and treasure his sayings. That means turning to Jehovah in prayer and through personal study. The hidden treasures of his Word can dispel any doubts and help us see the light of truth.
Note: Do you personally know Jesus Christ? Are you a Jesus Witness? God the Father is.
John 8:18-19 "I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me." Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."
Page 11: We do have the Bible. If we put it to good use, our faith can similarly be strengthened. For example, we might ponder the several accounts that describe Jehovah in his heavenly court. These leave no room for doubt that Jehovah does have a heavenly organization supporting his servants in the worldwide educational work today. - Revelation 4:1-11; 14:6, 7.
Note: The Father and Son are worshipped together as Jehovah in heaven.
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
Page 12: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," said Jesus. (John 8:32) Most Witnesses have had to break away from their former life-style and religious associations. Therefore, they may more readily appreciate the freedom that the truth brings.
Note: Do you personally know Jesus Christ? Are you free from the Watch Tower?
John 14:7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."
Page 12: As a consequence, they may fail to see the stark contrast between our spiritual paradise and Satan's corrupt world. Some may even give in to the temptation to taste the world's poison to see what they have missed! - 1 John 2:15-17; Revelation 18:1-5.
Correction: A true spiritual paradise can only be found in Jesus Christ.
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:
Pages 12-13: On the contrary, we are taught Jehovah's high moral standards at our Kingdom Halls, which are centers for Bible education. And we are encouraged to use our power of reason to prove to ourselves that we have the truth and thus make the truth our own.
Correction: The truth of Jesus Christ will set you free from the Watch Tower.
John 1:17 ... but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Page 13: If we make the truth our own, we will seek to share it with others on every suitable occasion. This does not mean that we will try to force it on those who show no interest. (Matthew 7:6) Rather, we will not be timid about identifying ourselves as Jehovah's Witnesses.
Correction: True Christians will identify themselves as 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 13: If a person shows a glimmer of interest by raising a sincere question or by accepting a Bible publication, we will be ready and prepared to share our hope. Of course, this would recommend that we always have some form of literature with us no matter where we may be - at home, at work, in school, at the store, or at places of recreation. - 1 Peter 3:15.
Correction: True Christians will be able to preach the Word through the Holy Spirit.
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."
Note: The Watch Tower is a publishing concern that needs a reason to exist.
Page 13: When we clearly identify ourselves as Christians, we strengthen our defense against Satan's insidious attacks. If there is a birthday or Christmas party or an office lottery, fellow workers will often say, "Don't bother with her. She is one of Jehovah's Witnesses."
Correction: The Watch Tower is in Biblical error regarding festivals.
Colossians 2:16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Page 13: Thus, our making known our Christian stand is a positive force in our life, even as the apostle Peter pointed out: "Indeed, who is the man that will harm you if you become zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy."
Note: True Christians like Peter suffered for the name of Jesus Christ. Are you?
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 13: Another benefit of making the truth our own is that we will be convinced that these are indeed the last days of this system of things. We will know that many of the Bible's prophecies are reaching their culmination in our time.
Note: The Watch Tower is filled with untaught and unstable people who twist Scripture.
2 Peter 3:14-16 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
Page 13: Now is not the time to vacillate. Jehovah's blessing is clearly evident on the greatest Bible educational work that has ever been done in all the world as a witness to the nations.
Note: There are no Jehovah's Witnesses in Red China a land of 1.3 billion people. WT 1/1/01.
Page 13: Make the truth your own, and share it with others. Your everlasting future depends on what you do now. Slacking the hand will not merit Jehovah's blessing. (Luke 9:62)
Note: True Christians will share Jesus Christ with others. Are you?
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Page 13: Rather, it is the time to "become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord."
Note: Are you spiritually connected to Jesus Christ? Have you opened your life to Jesus Christ?
Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Page 14: As dedicated Christians, we bear a heavy responsibility to live up to our dedication, being faithful to the end. But what is involved in Christian dedication? - Matthew 24:13.
Answer: A true Christian will love God and love other human beings without partiality.
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Page 14: After we gained accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and his purposes and of Jesus Christ and his role in those purposes, we made the personal decision to serve God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. (Mark 8:34; 12:30; John 17:3)
Note: True Christians will be servants of Jesus Christ.
Romans 14:18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Page 14: Our dedication was not made as the result of an emotional caprice. It was carefully and prayerfully thought through, using the power of reason.
Correction: True Christian dedication comes from the heart according to the Bible.
Romans 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.
Page 14: Consider the examples of some who have 'put their hands to the plow' of theocratic responsibility through thick and thin. - Luke 9:62; Romans 12:1, 2.
Note: The apostle Paul was a bondservant or slave of Jesus Christ. Are you?
Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,
Pages 14-15: Jeremiah's prophetic ministry in Jerusalem spanned more than 40 years (647-607 B.C.E.), and it was no easy assignment. He was very aware of his limitations.
Note: The Watch Tower is not aware of its terrible dating limitations.
Jeremiah was probably born about 650 BC, began his prophetic career in 627 BC, and died at an undermined time after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 15, page 28.
Page 15: What about the faithful apostle John, who was exiled to the inhospitable island of Patmos in his old age for "speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus?" (Revelation 1:9)
Note: True Christians are Jesus Witnesses.
Page 15: He lived beyond the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Roman armies. He was privileged to write a Gospel, three inspired letters, and the book of Revelation, in which he foresaw the war of Armageddon.
Note: The victor at the battle of Armageddon is Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:15-16 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Note: Is Jesus Christ your King and Lord?
Page 15: Did he quit when he learned that Armageddon would not come in his lifetime? Did he slump into apathy? No, John remained faithful to his death, knowing that although 'the appointed time was near,' the fulfillment of his visions was for a later date. - Revelation 1:3.
Correction: The apostle John knew that a person should not desire seeing destruction.
Amos 5:18 Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! For what good is the day of the LORD to you? It will be darkness, and not light.
Page 15: Brother Beavor was so zealous in his preaching activity that friends called him Armageddon Ernie. He loyally lived up to his dedication, and right down to his death in 1986, he proclaimed the imminence of God's war of Armageddon.
Note: Sadly, Ernest E. Beavor was not a Christian.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Page 16: How do we view our dedication to God to do his will? Is it the first thing in our life? Regardless of our circumstances, whether young or old, married or single, healthy or sick, we should strive to live up to our dedication, in accordance with our circumstances.
Note: It is the will of God that you place your 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 17: After giving counsel to wives, husbands, children, parents, and slaves, Paul writes: "Whatever you are doing, work at it wholesouled as to Jehovah, and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward of the inheritance. Slave for the Master, Christ." (Colossians 3:23, 24)
Note: The Watch Tower has mistranslated the Word of God.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord (kurios) and not to men, knowing that from the Lord (kurios) you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord (kurios) Christ.
Note: True Christians serve Jesus Christ.
Page 17: We are not serving to impress men by what we accomplish in Jehovah's service. We are trying to serve God by following the example of Jesus Christ. He carried out his relatively short ministry with a sense of urgency. - 1 Peter 2:21.
Note: True Christians serve Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
Page 18: To live up to our dedication in a conscientious manner, we should use each day to Jehovah's praise. At the end of each day, can we look back on it and see how we contributed in some way to the sanctification of God's name and the proclamation of the Kingdom good news?
Correction: The apostle Paul wanted Christians to preach Jesus Christ in any way possible.
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 19: Our spiritual vision can become blurred, or out of focus, so that we fail to discern his crafty acts. Our resolve to live up to our dedication can be weakened and our grip on the "plow" loosened if we compromise our spiritual values. - Luke 9:62; Philippians 4:8.
Note: True Christians will focus in on Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Page 19: Immorality has led to some being disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation - those who neglected their dedication to God. They allowed their relationship with God to weaken, so that he no longer counted in their lives. Yet, Paul said: "God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification. So, then, the man that shows disregard is disregarding, not man, but God, who puts his holy spirit in you." - 1 Thess. 4:7, 8.
Note: True Christians are dedicated to Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
Page 19: We may have to suffer and face abuse because of our Christian conduct, but so did Christ because of his faith and loyalty to God. "Therefore," Peter said, "since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person that has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins." - 1 Peter 4:1.
Correction: Being divine, Jesus Christ did not need faith.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Correction: Being divine, Jesus Christ is the author of Christian faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 19: Thus, never let it be said that we have left the love that we had when we first knew the truth. Rather, let it be said of us as it was of those in the first-century congregation in Thyatira: "I know your deeds, and your love and faith and ministry and endurance, and that your deeds of late are more than those formerly." (Revelation 2:4, 18, 19)
Note: Do you love Jesus Christ?
Revelation 2:1 "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:'"
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Page 21: Nevertheless, it does indicate that Mark remained active in Jehovah's service. He took advantage of the privileges that were available to him. Although unable to serve with Paul and Silas, he was able to travel with Barnabas to Cyprus, which was Barnabas' home territory. Mark also served with Peter in Babylon. Eventually, he did have an opportunity to work with Paul - and Timothy - in Rome. (Colossians 1:1; 4:10; 1 Peter 5:13)
Note: True Christians are servants or slaves of Jesus Christ. Are you?
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,