Page 4: LIKE that shadow cast by the sun, human affairs and standards are ever shifting and changing. By contrast, Jehovah God, "the Father of the celestial lights," is unchangeable. "With him, wrote the disciple James, "there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow."
Note: The Watchtower does not speak for God since it has changed drastically.
January 1, 2000 Watchtower, pages 9-10: This so-called Bible in Stone was held in esteem for some decades, until the Watchtower issues of November 15 and December 1, 1928, made clear that Jehovah needed no stone monument built by pagan pharaohs and containing demonic signs of astrology to confirm the witness given in the Bible.
Page 4: The Hebrew prophet Malachi recorded God's own declaration: "I am Jehovah; I have not changed." (Malachi 3:6)
Note: The Watchtower does not speak for God since it has changed drastically.
January 1, 2000 Watchtower, page 10: As the years pass, Jehovah continues to give us further clarification of truth, including a clearer understanding of his prophetic word. (Proverbs 4:18) In recent years, we have been encouraged to look again with deeper understanding at - among other things - the generation that will not pass away before the end comes, the parable of the sheep and the goats, the disgusting thing and when it will stand in a holy place, the new covenant, the transfiguration, and the temple vision of the book of Ezekiel. It may be difficult at times to understand such updated explanations, but the reasons for them become clear in due course.
Page 4: To the nation of Israel in the days of Isaiah, God said: "Even to one's old age I am the same One; and to one's gray-headedness I myself shall keep bearing up. I myself shall certainly act." (Isaiah 46:4) Hence, the passage of time does not alter the confidence we can have in the Almighty's promises.
Note: Jesus Christ never changes.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Page 5: Similarly, adherence to Jehovah's unchanging standards, not only in weights and measures but in all areas of life, results in blessings for the worshiper who trusts in him. God declares: "I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk." - Isaiah 48:17.
Note: Have you eternally benefited yourself by asking Jesus Christ into your 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 5: The Bible points out the reason for today's falling standards. The last book of the Bible, Revelation, describes a war in heaven, the outcome of which has affected all humans down to this day.
Correction: Poor standards of conduct is caused by sin that has been in humans since Adam.
Romans 3:9-12 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."
Page 5: "Woe for the earth" came when World War I broke out in 1914 and brought to an end an era of standards very different from those of today.
Note: 1914 is based on the bogus date of 607 BCE for the destruction of Jerusalem.
Page 5: "The Great War of 1914-18 lies like a band of scorched earth dividing that time from ours," observes historian Barbara Tuchman.
Page 5: Fellow historian Eric Hobsbawm agrees: "There has, since 1914, been a marked regression from the standards then regarded as normal in the developed countries ... It is not easy to grasp the extent of the, unfortunately accelerating, return to what our nineteenth-century ancestors would have called the standards of barbarism."
Note: The Watchtower is using the wisdom of this world for doctrine.
1 Corinthians 1:21-24 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 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 6: The present-day betrayal of trust - whether in commerce, politics, or religion or even in personal and family relationships - and the dire consequences are part of the Devil's wicked scheme to bring woe on earth's inhabitants. Satan is bent on waging his war to the finish and on bringing down with him all those who endeavor to live by God's standards. - Revelation 12:17.
Note: True godly suffering is for the person and 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 6: Is there a way out, a solution to the preponderant betrayal of trust? The apostle Peter answers: "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to (God's) promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell." (2 Peter 3:13) That promise we can trust because not only does God have the power to accomplish his purpose but he also guarantees its fulfillment.
Correction: True Christians put their faith in the promise of Jesus Christ not paradise earth.
Acts 13:23-24 "From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior; Jesus; after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Page 6: In a world of wavering and deteriorating standards, Jehovah's Witnesses endeavor to live by the standards of conduct that the Bible offers. As a result, they stand apart from the majority, and this has often attracted the attention-and scorn-of others.
Correction: True Christians do not boast about their good works.
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 6: At a convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in London, a spokesman was asked by a TV reporter whether Jehovah's Witnesses are really Christians. He answered: "Yes, very much so because Jesus is our model. There's a lot of selfishness in the world, and we focus on Jesus Christ as the way, the truth, and the life. We believe that he is the Son of God, not a part of a Trinity, so our understanding of the Bible is different from that of standard religion."
Correction: True Christians never down-grade Jesus Christ.
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: All false gods of mankind are one person deities.
Page 6: When the interview was aired on BBC television, the reporter concluded the program by saying: "I've learned a lot more about why Jehovah's Witnesses come knocking on our door. And I don't think I've seen 25,000 people so well dressed and so well behaved all together in one place at the same time." Fine testimony indeed from an outside observer to the wisdom of abiding by God's unchangeable standards!
Correction: True Christians do not boast about their good works or appearance.
2 Corinthians 5:12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
Page 6: Visit the Kingdom Hall in your community, and get to know the Witnesses there. You will find that they are ordinary folk who put their trust in the Bible's promises and who demonstrate their confidence in God by trying to live by his standards.
Correction: True Witnesses of God 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 6: Adhering to God's unchanging and trustworthy standards in your personal life will assuredly bring you blessings. Heed God's own invitation: "O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." - Isaiah 48:18.
Note: Are you a Jesus Witness? Do you have the Holy Spirit?
John 7:38-38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Page 7: History is full of examples of people who resorted to framing mischief by law. The above instance took place in the Persian Empire in the days of the prophet Daniel. The law, which King Darius did enact, stipulated: "Whoever makes a petition to any god or man for thirty days except to (the) king should be thrown to the lions' pit." - Daniel 6:7-9.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the person and name of Jesus Christ.
The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs, pages 16-17. Polycarp, who was a student of the Apostle John and the bishop of the church in Smyrna, heard that soldiers were looking for him and tried to escape but was discovered by a child. After feeding the guards who captured him, he asked for an hour in prayer, which they gave him. He prayed with such fervency, that his guards said they were sorry that they were the ones who captured him. Nevertheless, he was taken before the governor and condemned to be burned in the market place. After his sentence was given, the governor said to him, "Reproach Christ and I will release you." Polycarp answered, "Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never once wronged me. How then shall I blaspheme my King who has saved me?" In the market place, he was tied to the stake rather than nailed, as was the usual custom, because he assured them he would stand immovable in the flames and not fight them. As the dry sticks placed around him were lit, the flames rose up and circled his body without touching him. The executioner was then ordered to pierce him with a sword. When he did, a great quantity of blood gushed out and put out the fire. Although his Christian friends asked to be given his body as it was so they could bury him, the enemies of the Gospel insisted that it be burned in the fire, which was done.
Page 7: What would Daniel do under the threat of death? Would he continue to trust in his God, Jehovah, or would he compromise and do as the king dictated?
Note: Will you suffer for Jesus Christ or compromise?
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 8: Today, Jehovah's servants are living in a hostile world, facing many threats to their physical and spiritual welfare. For example, in the brutal outburst of racial hatred in certain countries, many Witnesses have been killed.
Note: Will you suffer for Jesus Christ or compromise?
Mark 13:13 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Page 8: While it is natural to experience fear when one's life is threatened, we can keep in mind the apostle Paul's reassuring words: "(Jehovah) has said: 'I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.' So that we may be of good courage and say: 'Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5, 6)
Note: Jesus Christ will never leave or forsake you.
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 8: We can be confident that Jehovah feels the same about his servants today. However, it is one thing to know Jehovah's promise but quite another to be convinced that he will act in our behalf.
Note: True Christians are servants of Jesus Christ.
Col. 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 8: We certainly have many reasons to trust in our Creator, Jehovah. First among them is the fact that Jehovah is a loving God who genuinely cares for his servants. There are innumerable instances recorded in the Bible that tell of Jehovah's loving care for his servants.
Note: Despite suffering, Jesus Christ cares for true Christians.
Acts 26:15-18 "So I said, 'Who are You, Lord (Jehovah)?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'"
Page 8: But even when Jehovah allows some of his servants to prove faithful right unto death, he still sustains them and helps them and helps them to maintain their integrity, enabling them to remain steadfast, joyful, and calm right to the end.
Note: True Christians are steadfast in Jesus Christ unto death. Are you?
Acts 7:55-59 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Page 8: The Bible also reveals that Jehovah is a God of truth. This means that he is always true to his promises. In fact, the Bible describes him as a God "who cannot lie." (Titus 1:2)
Note: The truth is found in Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:5-7 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle; I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying; a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Page 9: Although we have every reason to put our trust in Jehovah, we must not take the matter for granted. This is because the world in general has little faith in God, and such an attitude can easily weaken our trust in Jehovah.
Note: True Christians put their faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Page 9: Therefore, we must put forth strenuous effort to strengthen and maintain that trust. Jehovah is well aware of this, and he has provided the means by which we can do so.
Correction: Sincere trust in Jesus Christ maintains a relationship with God (who?) the Father.
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 9: As we read and meditate on such Bible accounts, our knowledge of Jehovah and his wonderful ways deepens, and we come to appreciate more and more how trustworthy he is. Thus our confidence in him is strengthened.
Note: True Christians grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Page 9: In addition to the Bible, we have a rich source of spiritual food in the Bible publications produced by Jehovah's organization. Among other things, these publications often contain moving accounts of God's servants in modern times, showing how Jehovah was able to provide help and relief when they fell into desperate situations.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are not suffering for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
Mark 13:13 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Page 9: Another invaluable aid that Jehovah provides to strengthen our trust in him is the precious privilege of prayer. The apostle Paul lovingly tells us: "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)
Note: True Christians are spiritually strengthen through Jesus Christ.
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 9: It is not surprising that Jesus' trust in Jehovah was so strong that he was able to endure the most gruesome test that has come upon anyone. His last words on the torture stake were: "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit." That expression of confidence demonstrated that to the end his trust in his Father was undiminished, even though Jehovah did not intervene to save him. - Luke 23:46.
Note: True Christians look to Jesus Christ for the confidence of salvation.
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 10: Still another means to build our trust in Jehovah is regular association with those who trust in him wholeheartedly. Jehovah commanded his people to congregate regularly to learn more about him and to encourage one another. (Deuteronomy 31:12; Hebrews 10:24, 25)
Note: True Christians will congregate to learn more about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Page 10: Finally, to strength our trust in Jehovah, we must keep active in the Kingdom preaching work, always ready to share the good news with others.
Note: The good news is about Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Page 10: "As the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) What James said about faith in God can also be said of our trust in Him. No matter how much we say we trust in God, it is meaningless unless we demonstrate that trust by our actions.
Note: True Christians will naturally do good works sense they are in Christ Jesus.
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.
Page 10: Abraham trusted implicitly in Jehovah and proved that trust by unquestioning obedience to his commands, even to the extent of being prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Because of such outstanding trust and obedience, Abraham became known as Jehovah's friend.
Correction: Sincere belief leads establishes a persons righteousness before God.
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."
Page 10: As the world approaches its catastrophic end, Jehovah's people are bound to experience more trials and dangers. (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12)
Note: True Christians will be of good cheer despite suffering for Jesus Christ.
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Page 10: By building up strong and implicit trust in Jehovah now, we can look forward to survival into his promised new world - either by living through the great tribulation or by receiving a resurrection. (2 Peter 3:13)
Note: True Christians will be delivered from the wrath of God by Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Page 11: CYPRUS is an island in the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea. In Bible times, Cyprus was renowned for its copper and fine timber. Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom there during their first missionary journey. (Acts 13:4-12)
Note: The good news of the Kingdom is the good news of Jesus Christ.
Acts 13:23-25 "From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior; Jesus; after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.'"
Pages 12-13: Fifteen centuries later, Jesus Christ healed a blind beggar near the rebuilt city of Jericho. (Mark 10: 46-52; Luke 18:35-43) This man begged Jesus to show him mercy, indicating that he recognized that Jesus had God's backing.
Correction: The beggar recognized Jesus Christ as God.
Psalm 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Page 13: Even when confronted with the fact that Jesus was resurrected after they had put him to death, they were unwilling to admit that this was of God's doing. Rather, they took the lead in persecuting Jesus' followers, trying to hinder their work of "declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus."
Note: Are you declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Page 13: But some Jews, and later many non-Jews, took note of these events and evaluated them correctly. To them it was obvious that God had rejected the self-righteous Jewish leaders and was backing the humble followers of Jesus Christ. - Acts 11:19-21.
Note: The followers of Jesus Christ preach the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 11:20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Page 13: The pivotal question in this matter is: Which religion urges its followers to do God's will and gives solid evidence of divine backing, so that its adherents can say with confidence, "God is for us"?
Correction/Answer: True Christians have placed their sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
John 6:40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
Page 13: Jesus laid down the rule for distinguishing true worship from false when he said: "Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep's covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:15, 16; Malachi 3:18)
Note: The Watchtower is a ravenous wolf.
August 15, 1999 Watchtower, page 20. While Jehovah knew that there would be difficulties, he also knew that nothing would stop the work. Success was foretold in a well-known prophecy having a remarkable fulfillment in both the first and the 20th centuries: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth." - Matthew 24:14.
Note: The end of the world did not occur in the 20th century.
Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."
Pages 13-14: They base their teachings on the Bible. Jesus said: "What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him that sent me. If anyone desires to do His will, he will know concerning the teaching whether it is from God or I speak of my own originality." And also: "He that is from God listens to the sayings of God." (John 7:16, 17; 8:47)
Note: True Christians have asked Jesus Christ into their lives.
John 6:45 "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me."
Page 14: They use and publicize God's name, Jehovah. Isaiah foretold: "In that day you will certainly say: 'Give thanks to Jehovah, you people! Call upon his name. Make known among the peoples his dealings. Make mention that his name is put on high. Make melody to Jehovah, for he has done surpassingly. This is made known in all the earth.'" (Isaiah 12:4, 5)
Note: True Christians will call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 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: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 14: Jesus taught his followers to pray: "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified." (Matthew 6:9) Therefore, whether Jew or non-Jew, Christians were to serve as "a people for (God's) name." (Acts 15:14) God is obviously pleased to back those who are proud to be "a people for his name."
Correction: True Christians will uphold 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.
Note: The prayer does not say: "let your name Jehovah be sanctified."
Page 14: They reflect God's joyful personality. As author of "good news," Jehovah is "the happy God." (1 Timothy 1:11) So how could his worshipers be unhappy or persistently pessimistic?
Note: The Watchtower has humanized God.
1 Timothy 1:11 according to the glorious good news of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
Page 14: Despite world distress and personal problems, true Christians maintain a joyful spirit because they regularly feast on rich spiritual food.
Note: True Christians will spiritually feast on Jesus Christ.
John 6:53-56 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him."
Page 14: They base their conduct and their decisions on Bible principles. "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding," the writer of Proverbs advises us, "in all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5, 6) God backs those who look to him for direction rather than to the contradictory theories of humans who ignore godly wisdom. To the extent that a person is willing to pattern his life after God's Word, he will avoid having to learn by trial and error.
Note: The Watchtower is given over to contradictory theories.
January 1, 2000 Watchtower, page 12: Last January, the Governing Body announced an adjustment in the hour requirement for pioneers. Many took advantage of this to enter the ranks of regular or auxiliary pioneers.
Page 14: They are organized in the manner of the first-century Christian congregation. Jesus set out the principle: "Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called 'leaders,' for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister." (Matthew 23:8-11)
Correction: In context, Christians do not view any human being as God (who?) the Father.
Matthew 4:21-22 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
Page 14: Those shepherding the flock of God are told to do so "not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God's inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:2, 3)
Note: Genuine Christian elders know Jesus Christ is God.
Acts 20:28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."
Pages 14-15: Genuine Christian shepherds refrain from trying to make themselves masters over the faith of others. As fellow workers in God's service, they simply strive to set a fine example.
Note: True genuine Christian elders preach Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us; by me, Silvanus, and Timothy; was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
Page 15: However, Jesus recognized the possibility of a conflict of interests when he said: "Pay back Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God." (Mark 12:17) Those desiring to have God's backing must "keep on ... Seeking first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness," while at the same time obeying the laws of the land that are compatible with their higher responsibilities to God. (Matthew 6:33; Acts 5:29)
Note: True Christians seek the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
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 15: Jesus stressed neutrality when he said of his disciples: "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." He later added: "My kingdom is no part of this world."
Correction: Jesus prayed for their protection from the corrupting influences of Satan.
John 17:15-18 "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world."
Page 15: They are impartial in working "what is good toward all." (Galatians 6:10) Christian love knows no partiality, accepting all people regardless of their skin color, economic or educational status, nationality, or language. The working of what is good toward all and especially toward those related to them in the faith helps to identify those having God's backing.
Note: True Christian love that shows no partiality is grounded in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Note: Jesus Christ is not the Watchtower organization based in New York.
Page 15: They are willing to suffer persecution for doing God's will. Jesus forewarned his followers: "If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my word, they will observe yours also." (John 15:20; Matthew 5:11, 12; 2 Timothy 3:12)
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
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 15: Today, those desiring God's backing dare not water down God's word or compromise godly principles so as to avoid persecution. As long as they faithfully serve God, they know that people will be "puzzled and go on speaking abusively" of them. - 1 Peter 2:12; 3:16; 4:4.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
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 16: Ask yourself, 'What religious group is noted for sticking closely to God's Word, even when its teachings differ from the beliefs of most people?'
Answer: Not the Watchtower organization.
1 Corinthians 1:4-8 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 16: Who stress the importance of God's personal name, even using it to identify themselves?
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have not been washed, sanctified, or justified before God the Father.
1 Corinthians 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 16: Who optimistically point to God's Kingdom as the only solution to all human problems?
Note: True Christians point to Jesus Christ as the only solution to all human problems.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God; and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
Page 16: Who upholds Bible standards of conduct, at the risk of being considered old-fashioned.
Note: True Christians do not consider outward appearance as a form of godliness.
Matthew 3:4 And John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.
Page 16: What group is noted for having no paid clergy, all of its members being preachers?
Correction: The Bible says it is okay to have paid clergy.
Numbers 7:4-6 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the work of the tabernacle of meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service." So Moses took the carts and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites.
1 Corinthians 9:9-14 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
Page 16: Who lovingly spend time and money in helping others to learn about God and his purposes?
Answer: Not the Watchtower organization. There is not one Watchtower orphanage.
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Page 16: All despite all of these positive things, who are still looked down on, ridiculed, and persecuted?'
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are needlessly being persecuted for the sake of the Watchtower.
Luke 21:17 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake."
Note: True Christians suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
Page 16: Millions of people throughout the world have evaluated the facts and have become convinced that Jehovah's Witnesses alone are practicing the true religion.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians.
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Page 16: Millions are, in effect, saying, as foretold at Zechariah 8:23: "We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people."
Correction: No countries have come to the Watchtower for spiritual guidance.
Zechariah 8:22 Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
Note: This is a prophecy concerning Jews and Jerusalem.
Page 16: Is it presumptuous of Jehovah's Witnesses to point out that they alone have God's backing? Actually, no more so than when the Israelites in Egypt claimed to have God's backing in spite of the Egyptians' belief, or when first-century Christians claimed to have God's backing to the exclusion of Jewish religionists. The facts speak for themselves.
Answer: Yes, it is presumptuous for Jehovah's Witnesses to proclaim themselves Christian.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Note: The Watchtower boasting is evil.
James 4:16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
Page 16: In 235 lands Jehovah's Witnesses are doing the work Jesus foretold that his true followers would be doing in the time of the end: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come."
Note: The good news of the kingdom concerns Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:30-31 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
Note: The Watchtower 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 17: BY DIVINE inspiration the apostle John was able to look some 1,800 years into the future and describe the enthronement of Christ as King. John needed faith to believe what he saw in vision. We today have clear evidence that this foretold enthronement took place in 1914.
Correction: Jesus Christ was enthroned as King long before 1914.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
Pages 17-18: Following the birth of the Kingdom, Satan was evicted from heaven, causing him to fight harder and with greater fury but in no way improving his chances of success.
Correction: The birth of the Kingdom was at Pentecost not 1914.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Page 18: His anger has caused world conditions to grow ever more critical. Human society seems to be disintegrating. To Jehovah's Witnesses this is clear evidence that their King is moving forward "to complete his conquest."
Correction: Human sin is responsible for problems in the world.
Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
Page 18: Once the Kingdom was born, it was time to bring the restored Christian congregation - now with increased Kingdom responsibilities - more closely in line with the pattern of the first - century Christian congregation.
Correction: The Christian congregation never had to be restored.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Pages 18-19: The gradual developments involving God's earthly organizational arrangement and their positive results were foretold at Isaiah 60:17: "Instead of the copper I shall bring in gold, and instead of the iron I shall bring in silver, and instead of the wood, copper, and instead of the stones, iron; and I will appoint peace as your overseers and righteousness as your task assigners."
Correction: Heads of state have not turned to the Watchtower for spiritual instruction.
Isaiah 60:11 Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, and their kings in procession.
Page 19: The loving attention and guidance God gave his people after the birth of the Kingdom did not go unnoticed by Satan. For example, in 1931 this small group of Christians went on public record that they were more than just Bible Students. In accordance with Isaiah 43:10, they were Jehovah's Witnesses!
Note: True Christians are know as Jesus Witnesses!
Revelation 1:9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Page 19: Coincidentally or not, the Devil unleashed a wave of unprecedented persecution around the globe. Even in lands normally known for religious liberty, such as the United States, Canada, and Germany, the Witnesses were repeatedly forced to fight legal battles to retain their freedom of worship. By 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court had reviewed 71 cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses, two thirds of which were decided in their favor.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christian.
Matthew 5:39-40 "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also."
Page 19: Today, throughout the world, legal battles continue so that, as in the first century, there can be a "defending and legally establishing of the good news." - Philippians 1:7.
Correction: It was the will of God for Paul to spend time in chains.
Philippians 1:12-14 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the good news, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Pages 19-20: Just during the past decade, the number of active proponents of Kingdom rule increased by over 1,750,000 persons. These have voluntarily become part of a group about which a 1950 Watchtower made this observation: "God is now getting ready a new world society .... This nucleus will go through Armageddon, ... the first on the field of action in the 'new earth' ..., organized theocratically, knowing organization procedures." The article concluded: "Onward, then, steadily, all of us together, as a new world society!"
Correction: True Christians will be killed during the "great tribulation."
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands.
Page 20: Still, there are people who accuse Jehovah's Witnesses of being out of step with human society. This is mainly because of the Witnesses' Bible-based position on such matters as blood transfusions, neutrality, smoking, and morals.
Correction: True Christians are out of step with human society due to their witness of Christ.
John 1:15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.'"
Page 22: What Gamaliel said merely highlights the fact that a work with divine backing cannot possibly fail. The early Christians doubtlessly benefited from his words to the Sanhedrin, but they did not forget that Jesus' words about his followers being persecuted were also true. Gamaliel's action put a stop to the religious leaders' plans to do away with them, but that did not eliminate persecution altogether, for we read: "At this they gave heed to him, and they summoned the apostles, flogged them, and ordered them to stop speaking upon the basis of Jesus' name, and let them go." - Acts 5:40.
Note: Are you suffering for the name and person of Jesus Christ?
Acts 5:40-41 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Page 22: The relief that humans achieve when they stand up in defense of Jehovah's people - for whatever reason - is limited at best. The world will continue to hate Christ's true followers, even as they hated him. Complete relief can come only from Jehovah. - Acts 2:24.
Note: Have you sought relief from Jesus Christ?
Mat 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Page 22: Realistically, Jehovah's Witnesses expect persecution to continue. Opposition will cease only when Satan's system has gone down in final defeat. Yet, this persecution, even though unpleasant, does not cause the Witnesses to refrain from fulfilling their commission to preach the Kingdom. Why should it, since they have divine backing? They look to their courageous Leader, Jesus Christ, as the proper example. - Acts 5:17-21, 27-32.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:29-30 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
Page 22: "The kings of the entire inhabited earth," under the guidance of Satan, "will battle with the with the Lamb, but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them." (Revelation 16:14; 17:14) Yes, our King is moving ahead to final victory and will soon "complete his conquest." What a privilege to be moving along with him, knowing that shortly no one will ever again contradict Jehovah's worshipers when they say: "God is for us"!
Correction: The "great tribulation" has not begun yet.
Revelation 16:8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.
Page 29: The Bible's candid account of David's sin is surely not there to satisfy someone's prurient interest. The record affords an opportunity for us to witness an active and moving expression of one of Jehovah's outstanding qualities - his mercy. - Exodus 34:6, 7.
Note: True Christians look for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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 29: After Bath-sheba had given birth to a son, Jehovah sent the prophet Nathan to confront David. This was an act of mercy. If David had not been approached and had remained silent, it is possible that he would have become hardened in a course of sin. (Hebrews 3:13) Happily, David responded to God's mercy.
Note: David was a true believer.
Hebrews 3:12-13 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Page 30: The warmth of divine forgiveness and the upbuilding association with fellow worshipers are restorative. Yes, on the basis of Christ's ransom, the repentant one can come to taste "the riches of (God's) undeserved kindness." - Ephesians 1:7.
Note: The Watchtower has banned the word GRACE from its vocabulary.
Ephesians 3:8-12 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
Page 31: By confessing our sin and showing sincere repentance, we can regain our most precious possession, our relationship with Jehovah God.
Note: True Christians establish the relationship by confessing Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Jehovah), to the glory of God (who?) the Father.