Page 3: "IF AN able-bodied man dies can he live again?" Asked the patriarch Job some 3,500 years ago. (Job 14:14) This question has perplexed mankind for millenniums.
Note: Is Jesus Christ your Redeemer? Do you want eternal life?
Job 19:25-27 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Page 5: When the first man, Adam, deliberately disobeyed God's command, He said to him: "In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19) Where was Adam before Jehovah created him from the dust? Why, he was nowhere! He simply did not exist. So when Jehovah God said that Adam would "return to the ground," he meant that Adam would die and return to the elements in the ground. Adam would not cross over to the spirit realm. At death Adam would once again be nonexistent. His punishment was death - absence of life - not a transfer to another realm. - Romans 6:23.
Correction: The Watch Tower has confused the body with the soul.
1 Th 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Note: Mankind is an inferior trinity compared to God.
Page 5: What about others who have died? The condition of the dead is made clear at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10, where we read: "The dead now nothing ... There is no pursuit, no plan, no knowledge or intelligence, within the grave." (Moffatt) Death, therefore, is a state of nonexistence. The psalmist wrote that when a person dies, "his spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish." - Psalm 146:4.
Correction: The Watch Tower has confused the body with the soul.
Luke 16:22-26 "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'"
Page 6: Similarly, at death no actual movement from the earth to the heavenly realm occurs when the spirit "returns" to God. Once the life-force is gone from a person, only God has the ability to restore it to him. So the spirit "returns to the true God" in the sense that any hope of future life for that person now rests entirely with God.
Correction: The Watch Tower has confused the soul with the spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow (body), and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Note: Mankind is an inferior trinity compared to God.
Page 6: Consider, for example, what the Scriptures say about Jesus Christ's death. The Gospel writer Luke relates: "Jesus called with a loud voice and said: 'Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.' When he had said this, he expired." (Luke 23:46) As Jesus' spirit went out of him, he was not literally on his way to heaven.
Correction: Jesus Christ did not go into non-existence at the death of His body.
1 Peter 3:18-20 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
Note: Jesus Christ was in Hades or Hell proclaiming His victory over death.
Page 6: At the time of his death, however, Jesus confidently left his spirit in his Father's hands, fully trusting in Jehovah's ability to bring him back to life.
Note: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit brought the body of Jesus Christ back to life.
God the Father: Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
God the Son: John 2:19-21 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then the Jews (Watchtower elders) said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" But He was speaking of the temple of His body.
The Holy Spirit: Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Page 6: The Bible says: "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear (Jesus') voice and come out." (John 5:28, 29) Yes, Jesus Christ promised that all those in Jehovah's memory will be resurrected, or brought back to life. Among them will indeed be those who have pursued a righteous course as Jehovah's servants. But millions of other people have died without showing whether they would comply with God's righteous standards. Either they did not know about Jehovah's requirements or they lacked sufficient time to make needed changes. Individuals of this sort are also in God's memory and will be resurrected, for the Bible says: "There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." -Acts 24:15.
Correction: There will be no second chance after death.
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."
Romans 1:18-21 ,For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Page 6: At that time "no resident will say: 'I am sick.'" (Isaiah 33:24) Even the anguish of death will be done away with, for God "will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4) What a prospect this is for those "in the memorial tombs"!
Correction: There will be no second chance after death.
Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Note: Have you confessed Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?
Romans 10:8-9 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Pages 6-7: When Jehovah wipes out wickedness from the earth, he will not destroy the righteous along with the wicked. (Psalm 37:10, 11; 145:20) In fact, "a great crowd" of people "out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues" will survive "the great tribulation," which will destroy the present wicked world. (Revelation 7:9-14) Hence, a great multitude will be on hand to welcome back the dead.
Correction: In fact, the "great crowd" will survive the "great tribulation" in heaven.
Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!"
Note: Angels do not sing this praise to God since they do not need salvation from destruction.
Page 7: Do you yearn to see your loved ones again? Do you want to live forever in Paradise on earth? Then you must take in accurate knowledge of God's will and purposes. (John 17:3)
Correction: Do you want eternal life with God? Do you love Jesus Christ?
John 6:47 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life."
1 Corinthians 16:22-24 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Page 7: It is Jehovah's will that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." - 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.
Correction: It is the "desire" not the "will" of God that everyone be saved from destruction.
1 Timothy 2:3-7 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 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.
Note: Jesus Christ is the truth. Is your testimony of Jesus Christ?
Page 8: EPAPHRAS was a first-century Christian who had traveled to Rome. For good reason, however, his thoughts kept going back to Colossae, a city in Asia Minor. He had preached the good news there and had undoubtedly helped some Colossians to become disciples of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:7) Epaphras was deeply concerned about fellow believers in Colossae, for from Rome the apostle Paul wrote them: "Epaphras ... sends you his greetings, always exerting himself in your behalf in his prayers, that you may finally stand complete and with firm conviction in all the will of God." - Colossians 4:12.
Note: Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? Are you a servant of Jesus Christ? Epaphras was.
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 10: WHEN we recall the day of our baptism as one of Jehovah's servants, whether it occurred a few years ago or many, it may seem as though it took place yesterday.
Note: Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? Are you a servant of Jesus Christ? Christians are.
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 10: Praising Jehovah became the focal point of our dedicated life. As we bought out the opportune time to help others to hear and possibly accept the Kingdom message, joyful service to Jehovah was our major concern. (Ephesians 5:15, 16)
Note: Do you have abundant life now in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
Ephesians 5:18-21 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God (who?) the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Page 10: To this day, we find that time flies when we are busy, "having plenty to do in the work of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Note: Is Jesus Christ the Lord of your life?
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 10: Despite bitter persecution, they experienced much joy in the harvest work as they saw congregations of Christ's followers being established in one place after another. In time, 'the good news was being preached to all creation under heaven.' - Colossians 1:23; Acts 1:8; 16:5.
Note: Are you doing the "harvest work" as a Jesus Witness?
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."
Pages 10-11: At an earlier point in his ministry in Galilee, Jesus had summoned the 12 apostles and had sent them forth especially to declare: "The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near."
Note: The "kingdom message" concerns Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:18 "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles."
Page 11: As Jehovah's present-day servants, we joyfully respond to the call for harvest workers. One factor that contributes greatly to our joy is that we take a message of hope to the downhearted and depressed.
Note: The Christian message of hope is Jesus Christ. Are you proclaiming Jesus Christ?
Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Page 11: By the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul was busy preaching the good news. And his harvesting work was surely effective, for in writing to Christians in Corinth in about 55 C.E., he said: "I make known to you, brothers, the good news which I declared to you, which you also received in which you also stand." (1 Corinthians 15:1)
Note: The Christian "good news" is Jesus Christ. Are you proclaiming Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the good news which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
Page 11: The apostles and other early Christians were industrious harvest workers. Although the Bible does not tell us how many apostles lived through the momentous events ending in Jerusalem's destruction in 70 C.E., we do know that the apostle John was still preaching some 25 years later. - Revelation 1:9.
Note: The Christian testimony is about Jesus Christ. Do you have a testimony of Jesus Christ?
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 11: Toward the end of the 19th century, however, those who sought to pattern their lives on primitive Christianity took up the message of hope, heralding the Kingdom. In fact, since its first issue (July 1879), the title of this journal has included the words "Herald of Christ's Presence," "Herald of Christ's Kingdom," or "Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom."
Note: The Christian message is about Jesus Christ. Are you proclaiming Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Page 11: God's heavenly Kingdom was established in the hands of Jesus Christ in 1914, and we are now proclaiming the message of hope with more urgency than ever before. Why? Because among the blessings of Kingdom rule is the imminent end of the present wicked system. (Daniel 2:44) What better message could there be?
Answer: Jesus Christ. Are you proclaiming Jesus Christ?
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Page 11: Another factor that contributes to our joy as harvest workers is the success of our search for those who become disciples and join us in the harvest work. Back in 31-32 C.E., Jesus instructed his disciples: "Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving." (Matthew 10:11) Not all individuals were deserving, as shown by their reaction to the Kingdom message. Nevertheless, Jesus' disciples zealously preached the good news wherever people happened to be.
Note: The "Kingdom message" 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 12: After Jesus' death and resurrection, the search for deserving ones continued with vigor. Paul reasoned with the Jews in their synagogue and with people on hand in the marketplace in Athens. When he gave a witness on the Areopagus in that Greek city, "some men joined themselves to him and became believers, among whom also were Dionysius, a judge of the court of the Areopagus, and a women named Damaris, and others besides them." Wherever Paul went, he was also exemplary in preaching "publicly and from house to house."
Note: Paul preached Jesus Christ in his own rented house.
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 12: After a reappraisal of the effectiveness of this method of witnessing, the Watch Tower of May 15, 1903, urged harvest workers to distribute the tracts "from house to house, on Sunday forenoons."
Note: The Watch Tower is in violation of the Word of God.
Luke 10:7 "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house."
Page 13: Another reason for our joy relates to the peace-making attitude we display in the harvest work. "When you are entering into the house," Jesus said, "greet the household; and if the house is deserving, let the peace you wish it come upon it." (Matthew 10:12, 13)
Note: The Watch Tower is in violation of the Word of God.
Matthew 10:11 "Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out."
Page 13: Our hope is that they will respond favorably to the Kingdom message. For those who do, there is the prospect of reconciliation with God as they repent of their sins, turn around, and do his will. In turn, peace with God leads to everlasting life.
Correction: There is peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Is this your message?
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 13: When we approach people with the good news, we appropriately do so with a pleasant disposition and in a manner that is peaceable. An apathetic response, a complaint, or an unkind remark by a householder only serves to allow our peaceful message to 'return to us.' But none of this robs us of peace, a fruit of Jehovah's holy spirit. - Galatians 5:22, 23.
Correction: Godly peace comes from being a Jesus Witness by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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 will testify of Me."
Page 15: Our message of hope, our search for deserving ones, and our peace-making attitude-all of these factors bring us joy as harvest workers. Yet, they prompt an adverse reaction from many. The apostle John experienced this. He was imprisoned on the island of Patmos "for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 1:9) How, then, can we maintain our joy when faced with persecution and opposition?
Answer: Preach Jesus Christ.
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 15: Since that was true nearly 2,000 years ago, what is the case today? Well, during the last service year, over 6,000,000 Witnesses of Jehovah pressed on in the figurative harvest work among the world's 6,000,000,000 people, many of whom are "skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd."
Note: There are no Witnesses of Jehovah in Red China a land of 1,500,000,000 people.
Page 16: The world also noted first-century Kingdom-preaching activities and persecuted proclaimers of the good news. Thus, the apostle Paul wrote: "It seems to me that God has put us apostles last on exhibition as men appointed to death, because we (the apostles) have become a theatrical spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men." (1 Corinthians 4:9)
Note: The Christian message is about Jesus Christ. Are you proclaiming Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Page 16: Similarly, our perseverance as Kingdom proclaimers despite persecution brings us to the world's attention and is of importance to the angels. Says Revelation 14:6: "I (the apostle John) saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people." Yes, we have angelic support in our ministry - our harvest work! - Hebrews 1:13, 14.
Note: Angels proclaimed Jesus Christ. Will you?
Luke 1:30-33 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."
Luke 2:10-11 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Page 16: When Jesus' apostles were sent forth as harvest workers, they heeded his instruction to be "cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves." Jesus added: "Be on your guard against men; for they will deliver you up to local courts, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. Why, you will be haled before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations .... And you will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my name; but he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved." - Matthew 10:16-22.
Note: Christians will suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ. Are you?
Page 16: We are "objects of hatred" today because "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one," Satan the Devil, who is the chief enemy of God and His people. (1 John 5:19) Our enemies observe our spiritual prosperity but refuse to attribute to Jehovah.
Note: Christian spiritual prosperity comes from Jesus Christ. Are you spiritually rich?
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Page 16: Opposers see our happy, smiling faces as we joyfully share in the harvest work. They marvel at our unity! In fact, they may grudgingly acknowledge it when they travel to another land and find that Jehovah's Witnesses there are doing the very same work as that observed in their homeland. Of course, we know that in due time Jehovah, our backer and the source of our unity, will be made known even to our enemies. - Ezekiel 38:10-12, 23.
Note: Jesus Christ will be made known to the enemies of God.
Matthew 24:30 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Page 16: The Master of the harvest has given his Son, Jesus Christ, "all authority ... in heaven and on the earth." (Matthew 28:18) Jehovah thus uses Jesus to direct the harvest work through the heavenly angels and the anointed "faithful and discreet slave" here on the earth. (Matthew 24:45-47; Revelation 14:6, 7)
Correction: The Holy Spirit directs the "harvest work" through Christian individuals.
John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Page 17: When we face opposition or even outright persecution, let us seek God's help so that we can maintain a disposition like that of Paul. He wrote: "When being reviled, we bless; when being persecuted, we bear up; when being defamed, we entreat." (1 Corinthians 4:12, 13) This spirit, coupled with our tactful public ministry, sometimes changes the attitude of our opposers.
Note: Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ. Are you?
1 Corinthians 4:15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the good news.
Page 17: Not even the threat of death dampens our zeal as harvest workers. We fearlessly proclaim the Kingdom message as openly as possible.
Correction: Christians will suffer for proclaiming Jesus Christ. Are you?
Acts 5:40-42 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. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Page 18: During a series of Christian conventions from 1922 to 1928, for instance, judgment messages on Satan's wicked system of things rang out clearly. Radio stations broadcast these denunciations presented at those assemblies. Thereafter, God's people distributed printed copies of these by the millions.
Note: The Watch Tower falsely predicted several times that that this system was going to end.
Page 18: In the late 1930's, another form of witnessing activity opened up-information marches. At first, Jehovah's people wore placards that announced public talks. Later, they carried placards with such slogans as "Religion is a snare and a racket" and "Serve God and Christ the King."
Note: The Watch Tower is a snare and a racket.
Page 18: As we declare God's judgment messages, we also feature the positive aspects of the Kingdom message. Our bold witnessing on the world stage helps us search out deserving ones.
Correction: Christians will suffer for proclaiming Jesus Christ. Are you?
Acts 9:27-29 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.
Page 18: Then, at a convention in 1935, came the wonderful news of a blessed future for "a great crowd" of "other sheep" on a paradise earth. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) They have heeded God's judgment messages and have become united with the anointed ones in preaching the lifesaving good news.
Note: The Watch Tower is not a Christian organization.
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Pages 18-19: The psalmist's words about sowing and reaping illustrate Jehovah's care for and blessing on the remnant that returned from captivity in ancient Babylon. They were very happy at their release, but they may have wept when sowing seed in the desolate ground that had not been worked during their 70-year exile. However, those who went ahead with their sowing and construction activities enjoyed fruitage and satisfaction from their labor.
Correction: They did not prosper since they were in disobedience to God.
Haggai 1:6-8 "You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes." Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified," says the LORD.
Page 19: In our harvest work, we may at first have a hard time because we seemingly have nothing to show for our efforts in the ministry. But if we continue to sow and water, God will make things grow, often beyond our expectations. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Note: Christian "harvest work" is founded upon Jesus Christ. What is your message?
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Page 19: Why has there been such success in the harvest work? Because anointed Christians and their companions have heeded Jesus' instructions: "What I tell you in the darkness, say in the light; and what you hear whispered, preach from the housetops." (Matthew 10:27)
Note: Christians will proclaim Jesus Christ. Are you?
Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven."
Page 19: When we visit families, it is not our intention to introduce a divisive factor. It is our desire that everyone embrace the good news. Therefore, we try to approach all members of a family in a kind, sympathetic way that makes our message appealing to those "rightly disposed for everlasting life." - Acts 13:48.
Note: The good news is about Jesus Christ. Are you preaching Jesus Christ?
Acts 13:38-39 "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses."
Page 19: The Kingdom message has set apart those who uphold God's sovereignty. For instance, consider how our fellow worshipers stood out as different because they 'paid Caesar's things to Caesar but God's things to God' in the days of National Socialism in Germany. (Luke 20:25) In contrast with religious leaders and nominal Christians associated with the churches of Christendom, Jehovah's servants stood firm, refusing to violate Bible principles.
Note: The Watch Tower is guilty of slander.
Bonhoeffer, pronounced BAHN hohf ur, Dietrich, pronounced DEE trihk (1906-1945), was a German (Lutheran) theologian whose strong opposition to Nazism cost him his life. His faith and heroism, even more than his ideas, made Bonhoeffer one of the most influential Christian philosophers born since 1900. Even people with little interest in religious matters read and discuss his works. In 1933, Adolph Hitler became dictator of Germany. Bonhoeffer fled to America in 1939 to avoid serving in the Nazi army. But he returned to his homeland a month later because he felt that to be a true Christian, he had to take a strong stand against Hitler. In 1943, the Nazis arrested him and found proof that he had joined a plot to kill Hitler. The Nazis hanged Bonhoeffer in 1945. World Book Encyclopedia 2001.
Page 20: In the meantime, we should bear in mind that harvesters have specific methods for doing their work. Similarly, we can be sure that our faithfulness in using the tried and tested ways of preaching will prove effective. Paul told fellow Christians: "I entreat you, ... become imitators of me." (1 Corinthians 4:16)
Note: Paul was a servant of Jesus Christ. Are you?
1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Page 20: God blessed Paul's teaching methods, even as he will bless our perseverance in preaching the good news publicly from house to house, on return visits, on home Bible studies, and anywhere that people can be found. - Acts 17:17.
Correction: The message not the method is important. Are you preaching Jesus Christ?
Acts 17:18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.
Page 21: Jehovah is "a God who is jealous (zealous); a God not tolerating rivalry." (Exodus 20:5) Being the Creator, he has the right to demand our exclusive devotion. (Revelation 4:11)
Note: The Father and the Son receive worship together. Are you worshipping them together?
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
Page 22: Neither Jehovah God nor Jesus Christ condones badness. Soon, 'vengeance will be brought upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news.'
Note: Jesus Christ will destroy the Watch Tower in due time.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 22: Though we may have great zeal for what is right, let us apply the apostle Paul's counsel: "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also."
Note: Christians have been forgiven by Jesus Christ. Have you been forgiven?
Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Page 23: Jesus taught and acted in a way that drew people to God's Word, and so should we. (Mark 6:34; Luke 4:22, 32; 1 Peter 2:21) As a perfect man with special God-given insight, he could read hearts.
Correction: Jesus Christ was and is more than just a perfect man.
1 Chronicles 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever."
Revelation 2:23 "I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works."
Page 23: As Jehovah's servants, we should defend what we believe because it is solidly based on God's Word. But we need to do this in a way that shows respect for others and for their sincerely held beliefs. Paul wrote: "Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one." - Colossians 4:6.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe that the Father and Son are Jehovah God in unity with the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 2:1-3 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Page 24: A YOUNG man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread," said the psalmist David in his old age. (Psalm 37:25) Jehovah God loves the righteous and dearly cares for them. In his Word, the Bible, he exhorts true worshipers to seek righteousness. - Zephaniah 2:3.
Note: The Watch Tower does not teach faith in Jesus Christ as being the righteousness of God.
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 24: Righteousness is the state of being right with God by complying with his standards of good and bad. Encouraging us to conform to God's will, the 10th chapter of the Bible book of Proverbs points to rich spiritual blessings that are enjoyed by those who do so. Among these are an abundant supply of spiritually nourishing food, rewarding and satisfying work, and a good relationship with God and man.
Note: The Watch Tower does not teach faith in Jesus Christ as being the righteousness of God.
Romans 3:22-26 For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Page 24: "The treasures of the wicked one will be of no benefit," says the king, "but righteousness is what will deliver from death." (Proverbs 10:2) To true Christians living deep in the time of the end, these words are indeed precious. (Daniel 12:4) The destruction of the ungodly world is in the offing. No man-made means of security - material, financial, or military - will provide protection during the oncoming "great tribulation." (Revelation 7:9, 10, 13, 14) Only "the upright shall dwell on earth and blameless men remain there." (Proverbs 2:21)
Note: The Watch Tower does not teach faith in Jesus Christ as being the righteousness of God.
Philippians 3:8-9 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
Page 24: Servants of Jehovah do not have to wait until the promised new world to experience God's blessings. "Jehovah will not cause the soul of the righteous one to go hungry, but the craving of the wicked ones he will push away." (Proverbs 10:3) Jehovah has provided abundant spiritual food through "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) The righteous one certainly has reasons to "cry out joyfully because of the good conditions of the heart." (Isaiah 65:14) Knowledge is pleasurable to his soul. Searching for spiritual treasures is his delight. The wicked one knows no such pleasures.
Note: The Watch Tower does not teach faith in Jesus Christ as being the righteousness of God.
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 25: A wicked person, on the other hand, is hateful or malicious and is basically intent on doing harm to others. His speech may be sweet and may 'cover up violence' concealed in his heart, but eventually he gives in to physical or verbal attacks. (Matthew 12:34, 35)
Note: The slanderous Watch Tower is a wicked and malicious organization.
Page 11: Then came centuries of dominance by Christendom's clergy, the apostate "man of lawlessness." (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Pages 25-26: "The remembrance of the righteous one is due for a blessing," writes the king of Israel, "but the very name of the wicked ones will rot." (Proverbs 10:7) The righteous one is favorably remembered by others, most important by Jehovah God. By his faithfulness until death, Jesus "inherited a name more excellent" than that of the angels. (Hebrews 1:3, 4)
Correction: In the context Hebrews chapter one, Jesus Christ is not a angel.
Hebrews 1:5-6 For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son"? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
Page 27: Identifying the motivation behind spoken words, the king of Israel states: "Hatred is what stirs up contentions, but love covers over even all transgressions." (Proverbs 10:12)
Note: The slanderous Watch Tower is filled with hatred for the clergy of Christendom.
Page 21: Of course, we need to avoid being overly tolerant. For instance, terrible damage is done when religious authorities tolerate abusive priests who persistently molest boys and girls.
Page 27: The first requirement is that our mind should be filled with the upbuilding knowledge of God. There is only one source of that knowledge. The apostle Paul wrote: "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) We must treasure up knowledge and dig into God's Word as if searching for a hid treasure. How exciting and rewarding a search that is!
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are not wise about salvation from the "great tribulation."
2 Timothy 3:14-15 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Page 27: Yes, a wise person does what is right in God's eyes and has a good influence on others. He enjoys an abundant supply of spiritual food and has plenty to do in the rewarding work of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Being a man of integrity, he walks in security and has God's approval.
Note: The Watch Tower does not teach faith in Jesus Christ as being the righteousness of God.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 30: This unrestrained approach to Biblical interpretation blurred the lines between Christian doctrine and Greek philosophy. For example, in his book entitled On First Principles, Origen described Jesus as 'the only-begotten Son, who was born, but without any beginning.' And he added: 'His generation is eternal and everlasting. It was not by receiving the breath of life that he is made a Son, by any outward act, but by God's own nature.'
Correction: Origen did interpret Scriptures correctly.
Acts 13:33-34 "God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You.' And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: 'I will give you the sure mercies of David.'"
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Note: Begotten is defined by the apostle Paul as meaning resurrection for Jesus Christ.
Pages 30-31: Origen did not find this idea in the Bible, for the Scriptures teach that Jehovah's only-begotten Son is "the firstborn of all creation" and "the beginning of the creation by God." (Colossians 1:15; Revelation 3:14) According to religious historian Augustus Neander, Origen arrived at the concept of "eternal generation" through his "philosophical education in the Platonic school." Thus, Origen violated this basic Scripture principle: "Do no go beyond the things that are written." - 1 Corinthians 4:6.
Correction: Origen did not go beyond Scripture for his definition of the word begotten for Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Note: Firstborn is defined by the apostle Paul as meaning preeminence for Jesus Christ.
Page 31: Origen was not alone in his errors. Actually, the Bible had foretold a general departure from the pure teachings of Christ. This apostasy began to flourish by the close of the first century, after Jesus' apostles had died. (2 Thessalonians 2:6, 7) Eventually, certain professed Christians established themselves as "orthodox," proclaiming all others to be "heretical." But in reality, Christendom deviated greatly from true Christianity.
Correction: In reality, the Watch Tower deviates greatly from true Christianity.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Correction: In reality, Jehovah's Witnesses are part of the apostasy from true Christianity.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.