Page 4: If you believe in fate, you might imagine that the Universal Sovereign has compiled an agenda that reads something like the following: 'Today, John will be injured in a car accident, Fatou will have a malaria attack, Mamadou's house will be destroyed in a storm'! Could you really be moved to serve such a God?
Note: There will be tribulation for those following Jesus.
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 5: Read Job 1:7-12 for yourself, and you will learn that the lightining was caused by God, but by his Adversary-Satan the Devil!
Correction: God allowed Satan to destroy Job's possessions.
So the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:12.
Page 5: There is therefore no reason to believe that the Creator is behind accidents or that victims of accidents are in some way being punished.
Correction: God is always in control of his creation.
So the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life." Job 2:6.
Note: Sometimes bad things happen so that testimonies are given glorifying God.
And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21.
Page 5: Referring to a tragedy that was well-known to his listeners, Jesus asked: "Those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, thereby killing them, do you imagine that they were proved greater debtors than all other men inhabiting Jerusalem? No, indeed, I tell you." (Luke 13:4, 5) Jesus evidently attributed the disaster, not to God's intervention, but to "time and unforeseen occurrence."
Note: The context of the verses is repentance.
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3.
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:5.
Page 6: Countless millions live in poverty because they are victimized by greedy men in power.
Note: All people in power have been appointed by God.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1.
Page 6: Said Jesus Christ: "Every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit." (Matthew 7:17) Let us consider one "fruit" of fatalism-the way it influences people's sense of responsibility.
Note: The "fruit" or works of the flesh not fatalism are mentioned in the Holy Bible.
Not the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21.
Page 6: After all, how could you feel love for the one whom you viewed as causing all your problems and trials? Fatalism thus erects a barrier between God and man.
Correction: Our sins have erected a barrier between God and us.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2.
Page 6: The results were a profound sense of relief and a new, positive outlook on life. More important, he has come to know Jehovah as a God who is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth."-Exodus 34:6.
Note: Don't forget Jesus!
Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:2.
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:2.
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 1:4.
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 3.
To those who are called, sancitified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude 1-2.
Page 7: The words of Moses to the ancient Israelities well apply: "I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him."
Note: We are to listen to the voice of Jesus.
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. John 8:42-43.
Page 9: His beloved Son, "the firstborn of all creation," was faithfully obeying his Father's law before the physical universe existed! (Colossians 1:15)
Correction: Jesus Christ was prophised as the person to who everyone would be obediate to.
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. Genesis 49:10.
But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom." Hebrews 1:8.
Page 9: Centuries later, through Moses, God gave the new nation of Israel a detailed, written Law code. This was the first time that Jehovah governed an entire nation by divine law. Examining that Law will help us to understand the vital role that divine law plays in the lives of Christians today.
Note: The law is used to drive us to Jesus by faith.
But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:23-25.
Page 9: How could such a people produce and be benefited by the promised Seed? Rather than controlling them like robots, Jehovah taught them by means of law.
Note: Jesus Christ is the Seed.
Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made, He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ. Galatians 3:16.
Note: The Law was given to control the sins of Israel.
What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of trangressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made. Galatians 3:19.
Page 9: Primarily it taught the Israelites of their need for the Messiah, who would redeem them from their sinful state. (Galatians 3:24)
Correction: The Scripture reveals sin in us but delivers everyone by faith who believe in Jesus.
But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22.
Page 9: In harmony with the Abrahamic promise, the Israelites were to serve as witnesses of Jehovah to all other nations.
Note: Christians are to serve as witnesses of Jesus Christ to all nations.
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. Acts 1:8.
Page 12: In fact, the Pharisees themselves came to teach the pagan Greek doctrine of the immortality of the soul!-Ezekiel 18:4.
Note: No Biblical reference is given for the Pharisees believing in the immortality of the soul.
Correction: The souls of people were still alive after the body had been killed.
When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Revelation 6:9-10.
Page 13: The leaders of Judaism failed to understand that the battle against corruption is fought in the heart and not on the pages of lawbooks. (Jeremiah 4:14) The key to victory is love-love for Jehovah, his love, and his righteous principles.
Note: The leaders of the Watchtower failed to understand that the battle against corruption is fought in the heart and not on the pages of religious cartoon magazines.
Note: We are to love Jesus!
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. John 8:42.
Page 13: The Jewish religious leaders had the great privilege of teaching the people so as to promote and inspire such love. Why did they fail to do so? Evidently they lacked faith.
Correction: The Jewish religious leaders were Satan's stooges.
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.
Page 13: Lacking faith, they did not impart faith; they burdened the people with man-made commandments.-Matthew 15:3, 9; 23:4.
Note: Lacking faith, the Watchtower did not impart faith; they burdened the people with man-made commandments.
Page 13: Those Jewish leaders did not promote love. Their traditions produced a religion obsessed with externals, with mechanical obedience for the sake of appearances-a fertile breeding ground for hypocrisy. (Matthew 23:25-28)
Note: The Watchtower does not promote love. Their traditions produced a religion obsessed with externals such as suits, with mechanical obedience for the sake of appearances-a fertile breeding ground for hypocrisy. (Matthew 23:25-28)
Page 15: By means of his perfect life course, he laid down a pattern for all to follow. (1 Peter 2:21) Perhaps that is why the early Christians' worship was referred to as "The Way." (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:22) To them, the law of the Christ was exemplified in the life of the Christ. To imitate Jesus was to obey this law.
Correction: To obey the law of Christ is to follow Jesus Christ.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6.
Page 16: A "perfect law that belongs to freedom" was as far from the minds of the scribes and the Pharisees as anything could be. They tried to control the people through man-made regulations. Their teaching became oppressive, condemnatory, negative. In stark contrast, Jesus' teaching was overwhelmingly upbuilding and positive!
Note: A "perfect law that belongs to freedom" was as far from the minds of the governing board and elders as anything could be. They tried to control the people through man-made regulations. Their teaching became oppressive, condemnatory, negative for not doing field service work.
Page 19: Jehovah's Witnesses in Kobe, Japan, who lost family members in the devastating earthquake were shattered by their loss. Yet, they moved promptly to rescue other victims. Yes, heartwarming examples from around the world demonstrate that the law of the Christ is at work today. It is a tremendous force for good.
Note: The Watchtower falsely implies that Christendom does not demonstrate the law of Christ.
Page 19: Especially in Christendom, religion is often a matter of form, not of the heart. Is that because it is too difficult to live by the law of the Christ? No. Jesus would not give us a law that could not be followed. Christendom has simply missed the point of that law. She has failed to heed these inspired words: "Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and thus fulfill the law of the Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
Note: Christendom has established thousands of hospitals to care for the people of the world.
Page 20: Indeed, Christians are obligated to observe all commands in the Bible that are directed to followers of Christ. And there is more. Jehovah's organization, as well as individual congregations, has to establish necessary rules and procedures in order to preserve good order.
Correction: Since we can't keep all of the commands, we must put our faith in Jesus Christ.
But now the righeousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference. Romans 3:21-22.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1.
Page 21: Bethel operations are complex and require a fair number of rules-certainly more than the average family.
Note: The the Spirt of Jehovah does not exist at Bethel operations.
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.2 Corinthians 3:17.
Page 22: Let us remember, too, that the elders are assigned to keep watch over the flock of God.
Note: The Watchtower failed to finish Acts 20:28..."which He purchased with His own blood."
Page 22: When the elders see conduct that will likely lead to a violation of Scriptural principles, they fearlessly offer needed counsel. (Galatians 6:1) Congregation members follow the law of the Christ by cooperating with these dear shepherds, who take the lead in their midst.
Correction: Elders are to be the servants of the congregation.
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet is shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. Matthew 20:25-26.
Page 22: He may use the Watch Tower Publications Index, if available, to locate what "the faithful and discreet slave" has said on the subject in the pages of The Watchtower and other publications. (Matthew 24:45)
Correction: The elder should use the Holy Bible when counseling people.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105.
Correction: The faithful and discreet slave is the elder doing the will of Jesus at His return.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Matthew 24:44-46.
Page 23: He recognizes that there are limits to his authority, just as Jesus recognized that there were limits to his authority. (Luke 12:13, 14; Jude 9)
Correction: Jesus Christ has all authority.
Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." Matthew 28:18.
Correction: Jude verse 9 refers to Michael the archangel not Jesus Christ.
Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord (kurios) rebuke you!" Verse 9.
But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord (kurios) Jesus Christ. Verse 17.
Page 27: For decades, Greece prosecuted Jehovah's Witnesses under laws passed in 1938 and 1939 forbidding proselytism.
Note: Christians have been prosecuted under these very same laws.
Page 27-28: My son George was also continually harassed, usually at the instigation of Orthodox clergymen. He too was arrested scores of times because of his youthful zeal in declaring the good news of God's Kingdom.
Note: Sadly, George did not receive any spiritual reward for his suffering.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit everlasting life. Matt. 19:29.
And you will be hated by all men for My name's sake. Mark 13:13.
But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. Luke 21:12.
But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. John 15:21.
Page 28: During all these years, I have seen Jehovah's spirit operating upon his people. His spirit-directed organization has helped me to see that we cannot put our trust in the efforts of humans. Their promises for a better future are worthless, amounting to nothing more than a big lie.-Psalm 146:3, 4.
Note: We are to put our trust in Jesus Christ.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:12.
Page 29: Some time later Jehovah's Witnesses knocked at her door. They showed her from the Bible that God's name is Jehovah. At last, she learned to whom it was that Jesus prayed!
Note: Jesus never prayed using the holy name of God but prayed to the Father. If He had prayed using the holy name of God (YHWH), He would have been praying in part to Himself.
And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. John 17:5. (Isaiah 42:8 cf)
Page 30: Such a person can find help with the elders, who will 'grease him with oil'-that is, skillfully impart comforting Bible counsel-and also "pray over him."
Correction: True elders will put oil on a sick person's head and pray over him.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14.
Page 31: What, though, if a person's mental distress and confusion persist despite the skillful help of spiritual shepherds? Some in this situation have chose to undergo a thorough physical examination. If no physical problem is found, the physician, upon request, may recommend a mental-health professional.
Correction: True Christians are not to receive counsel from the ungodly.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1.