Page 3: THE Christian apostle Paul had no such reservations. In chapter 15 of his first inspired letter to fellow Christians in ancient Corinth, Paul wrote: "I handed on to you, among the first things, that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according to the Scriptures."
Note: This is the Christian gospel or "good news" that needs to be preached.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 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.
Page 3: It was faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that moved his disciples to preach the gospel throughout the Greco-Roman world - "in all creation that is under heaven."
Note: Are you preaching Jesus Christ?
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Page 3: In recent years, some scholars who profess to be Christians have published books and articles dismissing Jesus' resurrection as a fable and have initiated a fierce debate over this subject. In their search for "the historical Jesus," various scholars argue that the Gospel accounts of the empty tomb and Jesus' post-resurrection appearances are pure fiction, devised long after his death in order to support claims of his heavenly power.
Note: Half of Christendom is composed of false Christians.
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.
Matthew 25:8-13 "And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Note: By faith, do you know Jesus Christ?
Page 5: How does that affect us? Well, Jesus prayed: "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) Yes, we can acquire life-giving knowledge of Jesus and of his Father. By applying such knowledge, even if we should die, we ourselves can be resurrected, since Jesus was. (John 5:28)
Note: Everyone will be resurrected for judgment.
John 5:28-29 "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Page 5: We can have the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth under God's heavenly Kingdom in the hands of his glorified Son, Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
Note: The hope of everlasting life will not be realized unless you come to Jesus Christ in faith.
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: Since Jesus was executed publicly, there were witnesses to the fact that he actually died on the stake. His death was certified by the centurion in charge of the execution.
Note: The "torture stake" is a fable. Jesus Christ did not die on a telephone pole.
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, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
Page 7: Since the first century, countless individuals have turned from indifference or total opposition to Christianity to absolute certainty that it is the true religion. What changed them? A study of the Scriptures proved to them that God resurrected Jesus to life as a glorified spirit creature in heaven. (Philippians 2:8-11)
Correction: Jesus Christ was raised with a immortal glorified body.
Luke 24:37-39 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."
Page 7: They have exercised faith in Jesus and in Jehovah God's provision for salvation through Christ's ransom sacrifice. (Romans 5:8) Such individuals have found genuine happiness by doing God's will and living in harmony with Jesus' teachings.
Note: Have you exercised faith in Jesus Christ by sincere belief thereby doing the will of God?
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 7: Consider what it meant to be a Christian in the first century. There was no gain in prestige, power, or wealth. Quite on the contrary, many early Christians 'joyfully took the plundering of their belongings' for the sake of their faith. (Hebrews 10:34) Christianity called for a life of sacrifice and persecution that in many cases ended in martyrdom.
Note: Are you willing to die for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?
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 7: Yet, Saul became the apostle Paul. He and many others turned their back on the prestige and power that this world offered. Why? In order to spread a message of true hope based on God's promises and on the fact that Jesus Christ had been resurrected from the dead. (Colossians 1:28) They were willing to suffer for a cause they knew to be founded on truth.
Note: Are you willing to die for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Page 7: Why not learn more, not only about the death and resurrection of Jesus but also about his life and teachings? He invites us to come to him. (Matthew 11:28-30) Act now to acquire accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Doing so can mean eternal life under God's Kingdom in the hands of his dear Son.
Note: True Christians are in the eternal spiritual kingdom of God now.
Romans 14:16-17 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Page 8: BE WISE, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me." (Proverbs 27:11) This warm appeal reveals that God's intelligent creatures are able to make Jehovah's heart glad because they are faithful and loyal to him. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Note: True Christians have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Page 8: Especially since the early part of the 20th century when he was hurled out of heaven to the vicinity of the earth, has Satan displayed great anger toward Jehovah's people.
Correction: The "great tribulation" has not begun yet.
Revelation 8:12 Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.
Revelation 12:12 "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
Note: You will not want to be on the earth during the "great tribulation."
Page 8: Nevertheless, true Christians have stood "complete and with firm conviction" and have kept their integrity to God. (Colossians 4:12) Let us briefly consider one outstanding example of such integrity keeping-that of Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany before and during World War II.
Note: True Christians will be "bondservants" or slaves of Jesus Christ. Are you?
Col. 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Page 8: Why, though, did Jehovah's Witnesses provoke the fury of the Nazi regime? In his book Hitler 1889-1936: Hubris, professor of history Ian Kershaw notes that the Witnesses became a target of persecution because they refused "to yield to the total claim of the Nazi state."
Note: Thousands more true Christians of Christendom suffered at the hands of the Nazis.
BONHOEFFER, Dietrich (1906-45), German Lutheran theologian, whose life and thought have had increasing influence on the church since his execution by the Nazis. An outspoken opponent of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime on their rise to power in 1933, Bonhoeffer joined the Confessing Church, which resisted the Nazi attempt to impose anti-Semitism on the church and society. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 4, pages 213-214.
Page 9: How well the words of the prophet Zephaniah apply to those faithful Christians! He declared: "Jehovah your God is in the midst of you. As a mighty One, he will save. He will exult over you with rejoicing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
Note: Jesus Christ is in the midst of true Christians.
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Note: Jesus Christ is the mighty One.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Page 9: May all worshipers of the true God today imitate the faith of those loyal Witnesses who maintained integrity in the face of Nazi persecution and likewise make Jehovah's heart rejoice.
Note: True Christians will suffer 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 10: After describing this painful clash within him, Paul exclaimed: "Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?" (Romans 7:24) Was Paul a defenseless victim of temptation? The Bible answers with a resounding no!
Note: True Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ their Savior.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Page 11: Daniel and his God-fearing friends made their decision to be faithful to the law of Jehovah before they were pressured to eat the king's delicacies. Hence, they did not hesitate to stick to their convictions and not partake of unclean food. (Daniel 1:8) Before tempting situations arise, let us strengthen our resolve to remain morally clean. Then we will be able to resist sin.
Correction: True Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ their Savior.
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 12: The apostle Peter wrote: "Take your stand against (the Devil), solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of suffering are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world." (1 Peter 5:9) Yes, others have faced similar temptations and have successfully resisted them with God's help, and so can we.
Note: True Christians will stand against Satan in the name of Jesus Christ their Savior.
1 Peter 4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
Page 12: We often know beforehand whether a certain set of circumstances would likely lead to sin. Therefore, the obvious thing to do as Christians is to "pass along," staying away from anyone and anything and any place that could kindle wrong desires and inflame us with unclean passions.
Correction: True Christians will avoid the company of false Christians.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; not even to eat with such a person.
Page 12: Running away from a tempting situation is another basic step toward victory over temptation. Paul counseled: "Flee from fornication." (1 Corinthians 6:18)
Note: It is good for Christians to be married.
1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
Page 12: The apostle also warned Timothy to flee from an inordinate yearning for material riches, as well as "from the desires incidental to youth." - 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Timothy 6:9-11.
Note: True Christians will pursue fellowship with those of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Page 13: One way that Jehovah assists us is by answering our prayers for his help in coping with temptation. Jesus Christ taught us to pray: "Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one." (Matthew 6:13) In response to such heartfelt prayer, Jehovah will not abandon us to temptation; he will deliver us from Satan and his crafty acts.
Note: Are you praying in the name of Jesus Christ?
John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Page 13: For instance, what can we do if we are tormented by recollections of some former depraved practice? What if we are tempted to return to it? Rather than merely trying to suppress such feelings, take the matter to Jehovah in prayer - repeatedly if necessary. (Psalm 55:22) With the power of his Word and holy spirit, he can help us to cleanse our mind of unclean inclinations. - Psalm 19:8, 9.
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
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 13: It is also vital that we pray about the temptation without delay so that we may be spiritually equipped to fight it. Because temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we cannot resist it alone. Prayer is essential because the strength that God gives can shore up our defenses against Satan. (Philippians 4:6, 7)
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Page 14: Besides avoiding a temptation when possible, we must actively resist it until it passes or the situation changes. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, he resisted until the Devil went away. (Matthew 4:1-11) The disciple James wrote: "Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Revelation 2:13 "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells."
Page 14: The Scriptures urge us to put on the new personality. (Ephesians 4:24) This means allowing Jehovah to mold and change us. Writing to his fellow worker Timothy, Paul said: "Pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper. Fight the fine fight of the faith, get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called."
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Ephesians 4:20-21 But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Page 14: We can "pursue righteousness" by diligently studying God's Word in order to get an intimate knowledge of his personality and then by conducting ourselves in accord with his requirements.
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.
Page 14: Indeed, God does not allow a temptation to become so overwhelming that we would lack sufficient spiritual strength to maintain integrity if we continue to rely upon him. He wants us to succeed in actively resisting temptation to do what is wrong in his sight. Moreover, we can have faith in his promise: "I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you."
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Page 14: We too can wage a successful battle against the imperfect flesh. By means of the Scriptures, Bible-based publications, Christian meetings, and mature fellow Christians, our loving heavenly Father provides constant reminders that assist us to pursue an upright course. With his help, we can gain the victory over human weakness!
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
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 15: Jehovah's holy spirit - his active force - can effectively root out unclean "fleshly desires" and destructive domination by our sinful flesh. (1 Peter 2:11) To break free from bondage to wrong inclinations, it is vital that we have the help of God's spirit, for Paul wrote: "The minding of the flesh means death, but the minding of the spirit means life and peace." (Romans 8:6) What does it mean to mind the spirit?
Answer: To focus on the Lamb of God who died to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law.
Romans 8:3-4 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Note: The Watch Tower teaches "Star Wars" fiction: "may the force be with you."
Page 15: Thus, minding the spirit means being controlled, dominated, and impelled by Jehovah's active force. It signifies that we willingly let our thinking, inclinations, and aspirations come under the complete influence of God's holy spirit.
Note: True Christians "walk in the Spirit" by being Jesus Witnesses.
John 15:26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He (not it) will testify of Me."
Note: The Watch Tower teaches "Star Wars" fiction: "may the force be with you."
Page 16: In order to experience such a remarkable transformation, we first need to learn about Jehovah's view of matters. Centuries ago, the psalmist David fervently petitioned God: "Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah..Make me walk in your truth and teach me."(Psalm 25:4, 5)
Note: True Christians will know the truth.
John 14:6-7 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."
Page 16: God's Word, the Bible, is a product of his spirit. Thus, one vital way to let that spirit operate on us is by reading and studying the Bible - daily if possible. (1 Corinthians 2:10, 11; Ephesians 5:18) Filling our mind and heart with Bible truths and principles will assist us to withstand attacks on our spirituality.
Note: A true Christians will fill their mind and heart with Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Page 16: Yes, when immoral temptations arise, God's spirit can bring back to our minds Scriptural reminders and guiding principles that can reinforce our resolve to act in harmony with God's will. (Psalm 119:1, 2, 99; John 14:26) Therefore, we are not deceived into following a wrong course. - 2 Corinthians 11:3.
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Page 16: As we continue our sincere and diligent study of the Scriptures with the help of Bible based publications, God's spirit influences our mind and heart, causing our respect for Jehovah's standards to deepen. Our relationship with God becomes the most important thing in our life.
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
John 8:19 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 16: If we are spiritually-minded, we will see the need not only for knowing what the Bible says but also for obeying God's law wholeheartedly. That means making a conscientious examination of Jehovah's standards and diligently endeavoring to follow them.
Correction: The purpose of the law is to drive us to Jesus Christ the Savior.
Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Note: The Old Testament law required animal sacrifices.
Page 16: The psalmist had this kind of attitude. He sang: "How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern." (Psalm 119:97) When we are truly concerned about following God's law, we are moved to display godly qualities. (Ephesians 5:1, 2)
Correction: The purpose of the law is to drive us to Jesus Christ the Savior.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Note: The Old Testament law required animal sacrifices.
Pages 16-17: How can we develop deep respect and love for Jehovah's law? One way is by carefully examining its value. Consider God's law that limits sexual relations to marriage and forbids fornication and adultery. (Hebrews 13:4)
Correction: The purpose of the law is to drive us to Jesus Christ the Savior.
Romans 7:4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another; to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.
Note: The Old Testament law required animal sacrifices.
Page 17: Does obeying this law deprive us of anything good? Would a loving heavenly Father make a law that denies us something beneficial? Of course not! Look at what is happening in the lives of many who do not live in harmony with Jehovah's moral standards.
Correction: The purpose of the law is to drive us to Jesus Christ the Savior.
Galatians 2:15-16 "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."
Note: The Old Testament law required animal sacrifices.
Page 17: Is it not obvious, then, that Jehovah's law prohibiting fornication is designed to protect us? Yes, there is indeed great benefit in maintaining moral cleanness!
Correction: The purpose of the law is to drive us to Jesus Christ the Savior.
Galatians 3:10-14 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith." Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree", that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Note: The Old Testament law required animal sacrifices.
Page 17: Jehovah can help us to concentrate on righteous, chaste, virtuous, and praiseworthy things. And how fitting it is to supplicate him earnestly so that "the peace of God" will guard our hearts and mental powers! (Philippians 4:6-8)
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Page 17: Let us therefore pray for Jehovah's assistance to "pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper." (1 Timothy 6:11-14) With our heavenly Father's help, anxieties and temptations will not grow to the point of being our of control. Rather, our lives will be marked by God given tranquility.
Correction: There is no tranquility trying to keep the law.
Romans 7:8-11 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.
Page 17: Mature servants of Jehovah personally apply Paul's counsel: "Do not put out the fire of the spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Since God's spirit is "the spirit of holiness," it is clean, pure, sacred. (Romans 1:4)
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the good news of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
Page 17: When operating upon us, that spirit is thus a force for holiness, or cleanness. It helps to keep us in a clean way of life that is marked by obedience to God. (1 Peter 1:2)
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
Page 18: The Scriptures identify Jehovah's spirit as a seal, or a 'token of what was to come,' for faithful anointed Christians. And that is immortal heavenly life. (2 Corinthians 1:22; 1 Cor. 15:50-57; Revelation 2:10) God's spirit can direct anointed ones and their companions with an earthly hope in a life of faithfulness and can help them to avoid sinful works.
Correction: All true Christians will be in heaven.
Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!"
Page 18: By continually going contrary to the leading of the spirit, we would be grieving Jehovah, the source of holy spirit. As those who love God, we never want to do that. Rather, may we pray for Jehovah's help so that we do not grieve his spirit but are able to bring honor to his holy name by continuing to mind the spirit.
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Romans 8:9-10 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Page 18: A noteworthy way for us to keep on minding the spirit is to set spiritual goals and work to attain them. Depending on our needs and circumstances, our goals may include improving our study habits, increasing our share in the preaching work, or reaching out for a specific privilege of service, such as the full-time pioneer ministry, Bethel service, or missionary work.
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
John 15:1-4 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 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.
Note: Are you abiding in Jesus Christ?
Page 19: Minding the spirit and suppressing worldly desires certainly is the course of wisdom in these "last days." (2 Timothy 3:1-5) After all, "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." (1 John 2:15-17)
Note: The Watch Tower is not in the will of God.
1 John 2:23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
Page 19: "The minding of the flesh means enmity with God," whereas "the minding of the spirit means life and peace." (Romans 8:6, 7) If we keep on minding the spirit, we will experience precious peace.
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
Ephesians 2:14-16 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, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
Page 19: By continuing to mind the spirit, we maintain a vital link with Jehovah, the source of both life and holy spirit. (Psalm 36:9; 51:11) Satan the Devil and his agents are doing everything they can to destroy our relationship with Jehovah God. They try to gain control of our minds, knowing that if we give in, this will eventually lead to enmity with God and to death.
Note: The Watch Tower has left Jesus Christ out of the spiritual equation.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
Note: The Watch Tower is a agent of Satan the Devil.
Page 19: We too can thank God through Jesus Christ for providing the means to cope with human weaknesses and keep on minding the spirit with the wonderful hope of everlasting life.
Note: Victory is through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit not the law.
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 20: IF YOU are a baptized Christian, love for God undoubtedly moves you to do his will. Moreover, the ministry must surely be your vocation. After all, Jesus Christ commissioned all of his followers to be disciple makers. (Matthew 28:19, 20)
Note: All true Christians are Jesus Witnesses.
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Page 20: Yes, you may now be working secularly to support yourself. But as a follower of Jesus and one of Jehovah's Witnesses, first and foremost you are a Christian minister - one who gives the Kingdom-preaching work priority in life. - Matthew 24:14.
Note: Kingdom-preaching concerns 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 20: Bethel means "House of God," and Bethel homes are the places of residences of Christian volunteers serving at the headquarters and at the branch offices of the Watch Tower Society. (Genesis 28:19)
Note: For true Christians, the "House of God" is founded upon Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Page 20: Present-day Bethel families might be likened to well-organized 'households built up by wisdom' and founded on love for Jehovah. - Proverbs 24:3.
Note: True Christians will be in love with Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Page 21: In the United States, 46 percent of those at Bethel are between the ages of 19 and 29. Like Isaiah, they have said: "Here I am! Send me." (Isaiah 6:8) Isaiah - already dedicated to Jehovah - was volunteering for an additional privilege of service.
Note: True Christians serve Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance;for you serve the Lord Christ.
Page 21: This apparently meant sacrificing some personal advantages. Those in Bethel service leave their homes and familiar surroundings, as well as mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. These sacrifices are willingly made "for the sake of the good news." - Mark 10:29, 30.
Note: True Christians serve Jesus Christ.
Mark 10:29-30 So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the good news, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time; houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life."
Page 23: Like Timothy, who served with the apostle Paul, those accepted for Bethel service must have a good standing in the congregation. (1 Timothy 1:1) Timothy "was well reported on by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium." (Acts 16:2)
Note: Timothy had placed his hope in Jesus Christ as his Lord. Have you?
1 Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, to Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Page 23: Though he was young, Timothy knew the Scriptures and was well-grounded in the truth. (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) Similarly, a knowledge of the Bible is expected of those accepted for Bethel service.
Note: Timothy knew that salvation came only through Jesus Christ not a religious organization.
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.
Pages 23-24: So evident was Timothy's spirit of self-sacrifice and his willingness to put Kingdom interests ahead of his own that Paul could say of him: "I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you. For all the others are seeking their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know the proof he gave of himself, that like a child with a father he slaved with me in furtherance of the good news."
Note: Kingdom interests concerns the preaching of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
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 24: Because of the nature of the work at Bethel, those accepted for this privilege of service must be physically strong and in good health. If you meet the qualifications that we have mentioned, are 19 years of age or older, and have been baptized for at least one year, we encourage you to consider Bethel service.
Note: The Watch Tower does not have any Christian spiritual qualifications.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Page 26: Jehovah's Witnesses are publicly declaring the message of the Bible everywhere. In 235 lands, they are actively preaching the good news of God's Kingdom and teaching people the truths found in God's Word. Their Bible-based journals The Watchtower, published in 140 languages, and Awake!, printed in 83 languages, have a circulation of more than 20 million each.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses do not know that 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 26: The call of wisdom is universal. It extends its invitation to all mankind. Even inexperienced ones are invited to gain shrewdness, or prudence, and foolish ones, understanding. Indeed, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible is a book for all people and endeavor impartially to encourage everyone they meet to peer into it to find the words of wisdom it contains.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses do not know that Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God.
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.
Note: God was stupid at some point in eternity past since the WT teaches Jesus was created.
Page 28: How well the foregoing description of wisdom personified matches what is stated concerning "the Word" in the Scriptures! "In the beginning the Word was," wrote the apostle John, "and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god." (John 1:1) Personified wisdom figuratively represents God's Son, Jesus Christ, in his prehuman existence.
Correction: Proverbs chapter 8 wisdom does not refer to Jesus Christ since He is a man.
Proverbs 8:1-4 Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: "To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men."
Note: The WT has twisted John 1:1 by adding the word "a" that does not exist in the Greek.
Page 28 footnote: The fact that the Hebrew word for "wisdom" is always in the feminine gender does not conflict with the use of wisdom to represent God's Son. The Greek word for "love" in the expression "God is love" is also in the feminine gender. (1 John 4:8) Yet, it is used to refer to God.
Correction: The Watch Tower forgets that Greek and Hebrew are two separate languages.
Page 28: Jesus Christ is "the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible."
Note: The WT has twisted Colossians by adding "other" that does not exist in the Greek.
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 28: Jehovah's firstborn Son was there beside his Father, actively working with him - the peerless Creator of the heavens and the earth. When Jehovah God created the first human, His Son was associated with him in the project as Master Worker. (Genesis 1:26) No wonder God's Son is very much interested in, even fond of, mankind!
Correction: God did not use a "Master Worker" in creation.
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: "I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself;
Note: Genesis 1:26 denotes the plurality of persons in God.
Genesis 1:26 Then God (singular) said, "Let Us (plural) make man in Our (plural) image, according to Our (plural) likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
Note: The phrase "God's Son" is not found in Scripture.
Page 28: Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of God's wisdom. "Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge." (Colossians 2:3)
Note: Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of God.
Colossians 2:9-10 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Page 28: To reject him is to do violence to our own soul and to love death, for "there is no salvation in anyone else." (Acts 4:12)
Note: To reject the Watch Tower is truly the beginning of wisdom for a Jehovah's Witness.
Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."