Page 3: In fact, two thousand years ago, people wanted to make Jesus Christ their king because they perceived that he had been sent by God and would make a most able ruler. Nevertheless, he quickly left the scene. (John 6:14, 15)
Correction: The people wanted more free food instead of spiritual food.
John 6:26-27 Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God (who?) the Father has set His seal on Him."
Page 3: In the late 1960's, certain theologians in Latin-American countries took up the fight for the poor and downtrodden.
Note: The Watch Tower has no compassion for the poor and downtrodden.
Galatians 2:10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
Page 4: But how do you resolve moral and spiritual problems in a world where there are no absolutes, where people decide for themselves what is right and wrong? If influential and well - intentioned people - religious or not - are unable to make this world a truly better place, who can? As we shall see in the next article, there is an answer. In fact, it lies at the very heart of why Jesus said that his Kingdom was not of this world.
Note: The Watch Tower and the Pharisees miss the spiritual kingdom of God.
Luke 17:20-21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."
Page 5: History has proved that humans do not have the capacity to rule successfully without their Creator. Jesus fully concurred. Independence from God was anathema to him. "I do nothing of my own initiative," he said. "I always do the things pleasing to (God)." (John 4:34; 8:28, 29) Hence, with no divine authorization to receive kingship from humans, Jesus did not even consider accepting it.
Note: Jesus Christ as God will reign in the future at His return to the earth.
Zechariah 14:3-5 Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south. Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, for the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the LORD my God will come, and all the saints with You.
Note: The Watch Tower did not promote Jesus Christ in the context of John 8:28-29..
John 8:28-29 Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him."
Page 6: Obviously, a world "lying in the power" of such a wicked spirit can never be truly happy. (1 John 5:19) But the devil will not have this authority indefinitely. Jesus, now a mighty spirit creature, will shortly depose Satan and completely eliminate his influence.
Correction: Rebellious humans will see Jesus Christ return to the earth in the future.
Mat 24:29-30 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 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."
Correction: Jesus Christ has a tangible glorified body.
Luke 24:38-43 And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?" So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.
Page 6: Satan himself knows that his days as world ruler are fast running out. Hence, he is making a desperate, all-out effort to corrupt humans beyond reform, just as he did prior to the Flood of Noah's day. (Genesis 6:1-5; Jude 6) "Woe for the earth and for the sea," says Revelation 12:12, "because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time." Bible prophecy and world events indicate that we are living near the conclusion of this "short period of time." (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Relief is now in sight.
Correction: The Watch Tower is wrong due to green grass existing today.
Revelation 8:7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up,and all green grass was burned up.
Page 6: A third reason why Jesus stayed out of politics is that he knew that at a future set time, God would establish a heavenly government to rule over the earth.
Correction: Jesus Christ will reign as God after His return to the earth.
Joel 3:12 "Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations."
Matthew 25:31-32 When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
Page 6: The Bible calls this government God's Kingdom, and it was the main theme of Jesus' teaching. (Luke 4:43; Revelation 11:15) Jesus taught his disciples to pray for that Kingdom to come, for only under its rule will 'God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'
Correction: Jesus Christ main theme was the spiritual kingdom of God concerning Himself.
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
Note: Have you come to Jesus Christ in prayer?
Page 6: You may wonder, 'If this Kingdom is going to rule over the entire earth, what will happen to man-made governments?' The answer is found at Daniel 2:44: "In the days of those kings (ruling at the end of the present system) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these (man-made) kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite." Why will God's Kingdom have to "crush" earthly rulerships? Because these insist on perpetuating the God-defying spirit of self-determination promoted by Satan back in the garden of Eden.
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ.
Note: You can't have a kingdom without a King.
Daniel 7:13-14 "I was watching in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed."
Note: Are you serving Jesus Christ?
Page 6: In order to help people make an informed decision about rulership, Jesus commissioned his disciples to preach the "good news of the kingdom ... In all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations" before the end of the present system comes. (Matthew 24:14) Who today are know worldwide for preaching God's Kingdom? Jehovah's Witnesses are. This journal, in fact, has long carried on its front cover the words "Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom." Today, some six million Witnesses in over 230 lands are helping people to gain an accurate knowledge of that Kingdom.
Correction: The spiritual kingdom of God 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.
Pages 6-7: Jesus always did things God's way. Hence, instead of choosing an independent course and trying to prop up or improve the existing system of things by political means, he worked hard to advance the interests of God's Kingdom, the only solution to the world's ills. For his loyalty he was rewarded with a glorious throne in heaven as the very King of that Kingdom. What a wonderful prize for his submission to God! - Daniel 7:13, 14.
Correction: The spiritual kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:30-31 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
Page 7: Millions today who imitate Jesus in putting God's Kingdom first and in submitting to God's will also enjoy a wonderful gift - the privilege of being earthly subjects of God's Kingdom. (Matthew 6:33) Under its loving rule, they will be raised to human perfection, with the prospect of everlasting life. (Revelation 21:3, 4)
Correction: The spiritual kingdom of God concerns 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 7: Says 1 John 2:17: "The world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." With Satan and his followers swept away and the earth transformed into a global paradise free of divisive nationalism, corrupt commercial systems, and false religion, what an exquisite joy it will be to remain here forever! - Psalm 37:29; 72:16.
Correction: The spiritual kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life; the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us; that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
Note: Do you have a personal relationship with the Father and the Son?
Page 7: Yes, God's Kingdom is the real key to a truly happy world, and the message announcing it is rightly described as good news. If you have not already done so, the next time one of Jehovah's Witnesses calls at your home, why not welcome this good news being brought to you?
Correction: The spiritual kingdom of God concerns 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.
Note: The Watch Tower has placed Jehovah's Witnesses under a curse from God.
Galations 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 9: Small villages have sprung up along streams to access the water needed for crops and herds of llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and sheep. However, there is another type of vital water that flows in the Andes - refreshing spiritual waters that come from Jehovah, "the source of living water." (Jeremiah 2:13)
Note: For Christians, refreshing spiritual waters come from Jesus Christ.
John 7:37-38 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
Note: Have you come to Jesus Christ in prayer?
Page 9: Since it is God's will that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth," these ministers spare no effort to visit hard-to-reach communities with the life-giving message from the Bible. (1 Timothy 2:4) This Bible-based message is enlightening and lofty. It has freed honesthearted local people from superstitions, customs, and ideas that made them fear the dead, the wicked spirits, and the forces of nature. More important, this message gives them the glorious hope of endless life on a paradise earth.
Correction: The spiritual kingdom of God concerns 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.
Pages 9-10: Some time ago, a group of pioneers who speak Quechua and Aymara made a trip to Amantani and Taquile islands on Lake Titcaca. They took along a slide presentation entitled "A Closer Look at the Churches," a frank examination of the falsehoods of Christendom.
Correction: The Watch Tower is not a Christian organization.
Titus 3:1-2 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
Note: The Watch Tower never denounces Islam.
Page 11: Soon came the time for the annual Memorial of Christ's death. The pioneers had visited all the houses in the village of Izcuchaca, had placed many Bibles, and had started a number of Bible studies. Before the Memorial, they sent out invitations to this event, explaining the purpose of the celebration and the meaning of the emblems used during the commemoration. A group of brothers had been invited to help with the occasion, and one of them gave the talk. What a joy it was to see 50 people from that small village present at this special event! For the first time, they were able to understand what the Lord's Evening Meal really means. Also, how precious it was to them to have the Word of God in their hands!
Note: The Watch Tower teaches new converts not to partake of the emblems.
John 6:53-54 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."
Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
Note: Have you spiritually feasted upon Jesus Christ?
Page 11: Bringing the refreshing water of Bible truth to captives of false religion is always a joy. Pisac was a stronghold of the ancient Inca Empire. Most of the people living there today have been taught the unscriptural teaching of hellfire.
Correction: The Watch Tower is not a Christian organization.
Matthew 5:22 "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire."
Page 11: Understandably, such people are thirsty for the refreshing waters of Bible truth. While preaching from door to door, Santiago, a full-time minister of Jehovah's Witnesses, had the opportunity to explain to a man that righteous ones are destined to live on a paradise earth.
Correction: The spiritual kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Note: The Watch Tower has placed Santiago under a curse from God.
Galatians 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other good news to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
Page 11: Now in this region, there are about a hundred isolated groups with over a thousand people studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. Graduates of the Ministerial Training school in Lima are being sent out to develop those groups into congregations. Righthearted individuals who have been captives of false religion and superstitions for so long have found freedom through the good news of the Kingdom! (John 8:32) Their thirst for the waters of truth is being satisfied.
Note: Righthearted individuals are freed from the Watch Tower by Jesus Christ.
John 8:36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
Page 12: Through his prophet Isaiah, Jehovah pointed out that a mother could "forget" her nursing infant, but he would not forget his people. (Isaiah 49:15) Similarly, David confidently said: "In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up." (Psalm 27:10) How reassuring! Whatever your circumstances, if you have come into a dedicated relationship with Jehovah God, you should always remember that the love he has for you far exceeds that of any human!
Note: Jesus Christ is always with true Christians. How reassuring!
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.
Page 12: When did you first come to know of Jehovah's love? Likely, your experience was somewhat similar to that of Christians in the first century. The 5th chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans beautifully describes how sinners, once alienated from God, became acquainted with Jehovah's love. In verse 5, we read: "The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, which was given us." In verse 8, Paul adds: "God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Note: The spiritual kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
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.
Pages 12-13: In a similar manner, when the truth from God's Word was presented to you and you began to exercise faith, Jehovah's holy spirit began to operate in your heart. In this way you started to appreciate the magnitude of what Jehovah did in sending his beloved Son to die for you. Jehovah thus helped you to be aware of just how much he loves mankind. When you realized that, although you were born a sinner alienated from him, Jehovah had opened the way for humans to be declared righteous with the prospect of endless life, was not your heart touched? Did you not feel a love for Jehovah? - Romans 5:10.
Note: Do you love Jesus Christ for having died for your sins and saving you from wrath?
Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Page 13: Having been drawn by the love of your heavenly Father and having adjusted your life to be acceptable to him, you dedicated your life to God. You now enjoy peace with God. Yet, do you at times feel somewhat distant from Jehovah? That can happen to any of us. But always remember that God does not change. His love is as constant and steady as the sun, which never stops sending forth its warm rays of light to the earth. (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17) On the other hand, we can change - if even temporarily. As the earth turns, half of the planet becomes shrouded in darkness. Likeness, it we turn away from God, even to a limited degree, we may feel a chill in our relationship with him. What can we do to correct that situation?
Answer: Abide in Jesus Christ.
John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
Page 13: If we sense some separation from God's love, we should ask ourselves: 'Have I taken God's love for granted? Have I gradually turned away somewhat from the living and loving God, showing in various ways a weakening of faith? Have I set my mind on "the things of the flesh," rather than on "the things of the spirit"?' (Romans 8:5-8; Hebrews 3:12)
Note: Are you abiding in Jesus Christ?
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Page 13: If we have distanced ourselves from Jehovah, we can take steps to correct matters, to return to a close, warm relationship with him. James urges us: "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." (James 4:8) Take to heart the words of Jude: "Beloved ones, by building up yourselves on your most holy faith, and praying with holy spirit, keep yourselves in God's love."
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
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 14: When saddening things happen to us, we could begin to feel abandoned, even imagining that God's love for us has waned. Since we are all subject to such happenings, we do well to consider carefully the very consoling words of the apostle Paul recorded in Romans chapter 8. Those words were addressed to spirit-anointed Christians. Yet, in principle they also apply to those of the other sheep, who have been declared righteous as God's friends, as was Abraham in pre-Christian times. - Romans 4:20-22; James 2:21-23.
Correction: All children of God have been declared righteous through sincere belief.
Romans 4:1-4 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 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." Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
Note: Have you placed your sincere belief in Jesus Christ? (John 3:16)
Page 14: Read Romans 8:31-34. Paul asks: "If God is for us, who will be against us?" True, Satan and his wicked world are against us. Enemies may falsely accuse us, even in the courts of the land. Some Christian parents have been accused of hating their children because of not allowing them to accept medical procedures that violate God's law or not letting them engage in pagan celebrations. (Acts 15:28, 29; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16)
Correction: True Christians are not justified by the keeping of the law.
Romans 3:27-28 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Correction: True Christians will not allow the Watch Tower to make false accusations.
Colossians 2:16-17 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Page 14: But do not forget that in the apostles' day, it was said: "As regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against." (Acts 28:22) Do false accusations really matter?
Answer: Yes, if the false accusations come from the Watch Tower that claims to be Christian.
2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.
Page 14: It is God who declares true Christians righteous, based upon their faith in the sacrifice of Christ. Why would Jehovah stop loving his worshipers after he has given them the most precious gift he could - his own beloved Son? (1 John 4:10) Now that Christ has been raised from the dead and has been placed at the right hand of God, he actively pleads for Christians. Who can rightfully refute Christ's defense of his followers or successfully challenge God's favorable judgment of his faithful ones? No one! - Isaiah 50:8, 9; Hebrews 4:15, 16.
Note: Are you abiding in Jesus Christ?
1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
Page 14: Read Romans 8:35-37. Aside from us, is there anyone or anything that can separate us form the love of Jehovah and his Son, Christ Jesus? Satan may use his earthly agents to cause Christians much trouble. Over the past century, many of our Christian brothers and sisters have been objects of violent persecution in may lands. In some places today, our brothers daily face economic distress. Some experience the pain of hunger or lack sufficient clothing. What is the Devil's objective in causing these hard conditions? At least in part, his purpose is to discourage true worship of Jehovah. Satan wants to make us believe that God's love has grown cold.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
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."
Pages 14-15: Like Paul, who quoted Psalm 44:22, we have studied God's written Word. We understand that it is for the sake of God's name that these things happen to us, his "sheep." The sanctification of God's name and the vindication of his universal sovereignty are involved. It is because of such major issues that God has permitted trials, not because he no longer loves us. No matter what the distressing circumstance may be, we are assured that God's love for his people, including each one of us, has not changed. Any seeming defeat we may suffer will turn out to be a victory if we keep our integrity. We are strengthened and sustained by the assurance of God's unbreakable love.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."
Page 15: Read Romans 8:38, 39. What convinced Paul that nothing could separate Christians from God's love? No doubt Paul's personal experiences while in the ministry reinforced his conviction that hardships could not affect God's love for us. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27; Philippians 4:13) Also, Paul had knowledge of Jehovah's eternal purpose and past dealings with His people. Can death itself conquer God's love for those who have served him loyally? Not at all! Such faithful ones who die will live on in God's perfect memory, and he will resurrect them in due time. - Luke 20:37, 38; 1 Corinthians 15:22-26.
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Note: Is Jesus Christ your Lord?
Page 15: Whatever misfortune life today may bring us - whether a debilitating accident, a terminal disease, or an economic calamity - nothing can destroy God's love for his people. Powerful angels, such as the disobedient angel who became Satan, cannot influence Jehovah to stop loving his devoted servants. (Job 2:3) Governments may ban, imprison, and mistreat God's servants and may label them "persona non grata." (1 Corinthians 4:13) Such unjustified hatred by the nations may pressure humans to turn against us, but it does not sway the Sovereign of the universe to abandon us.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name 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: Some Christians have been confronted with the choice of renouncing Jehovah or facing death. That happened to many of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. With very few exceptions, our Christian brothers chose to remain in God's love, being willing to face death if necessary. Those who loyally remain in his love can be confident of receiving from God an everlasting future, something that the world cannot give us.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name 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."
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Page 16: On Nisan 14, 33 C.E., during his last evening with his 11 faithful apostles, Jesus said many things to strengthen them for what lay ahead. They had all stuck with Jesus through his trials, and they had personally felt his love for them. (Luke 22:28, 30; John 1:16; 13:1) Then Jesus reassured them: "The Father himself has affection for you." (John 16:27)
Note: The disciples all forsook Jesus Christ that night to fulfill Bible prophecy.
Matthew 26:31-34 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."
Note: There is little or no forgiveness within the Watch Tower.
Page 16: Many now alive have served Jehovah faithfully for decades. No doubt, before the end of this wicked system of things, we will face many more trials. Never let such trials or distress make you doubt God's loyal love for you. It would be hard to overemphasize this fact: Jehovah has affection for you. (James 5:11)
Note: True Christians will be serving the Father and the Son.
James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.
Page 16: Let each of us continue to do our part, loyally observing God's commands. (John 15:8-10) May we use every opportunity to praise his name. We should strengthen our resolve to continue drawing close to Jehovah in prayer and studying his Word. Whatever tomorrow may bring, if we are doing our utmost to please Jehovah, we will remain at peace, fully confident of his unfailing love. - 2 Peter 3:14.
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
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 17: HE WAS tall in stature and attractive in appearance. Upon seeing him, the prophet Samuel was so impressed that he concluded that this eldest son of Jesse was the one God had chosen to be king after Saul. But Jehovah declared: "Do not look at (that son's) appearance and at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him .... Mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is." Jehovah's choice proved to be Jesse's youngest son, David - "a man agreeable to his heart." - 1 Samuel 13:14; 16:7.
Note: The Watch Tower expects everyone to be well-dressed at their meetings.
Page 17: God can read the human heart, as he later made clear: "I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys, even to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings." (Jeremiah 17:10) Yes, "Jehovah is the examiner of hearts."
Note: Jesus Christ is the examiner of hearts.
Page 18: To the scribes scheming against him, Jesus said: "Why are you thinking wicked things in your hearts?" (Matthew 9:4)
Page 17: The word "heart" occurs about a thousand times in the Holy Scriptures. In most cases it is used in a figurative sense. For example, Jehovah told the prophet Moses: "Speak to the sons of Israel, that they may take up a contribution for me: From every man whose heart incites him you people are to take up the contribution of mine." And those making contributions "came, everyone whose heart impelled him." (Exodus 25:2; 35:21)
Note: The Watch Tower is making a subtle plea for money to pay for legal costs.
Page 18: Accordingly, "heart" is often associated with motivation and emotions, whereas "mind" particularly has to do with intellect. This is how these terms are to be understood when they occur in the same context in the Scriptures. (Matthew 22:37; Philippians 4:7) But the heart and the mind are not mutually exclusive.
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
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 19: A key requirement for acquiring a pure heart is that of gaining accurate knowledge of God's will and purposes. There is only one source of that knowledge, the inspired Word of God.
Note: One must leave the wicked Watch Tower to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 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 19: Head knowledge alone, though, is not going to help us to acquire a heart that pleases Jehovah. For knowledge to affect what we really are inside, we must 'apply our heart' to, or "take to heart," what we are learning. (Deuteronomy 32:46) How is this done?
Answer: Abide in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Page 19: In this busy world, finding time for study and meditation is indeed a challenge. However, Christians today stand at the threshold of a wonderful Promised Land-God's righteous new world. (2 Peter 3:13) Startling events, such as the destruction of "Babylon the Great" and the attack by "Gog of the land of Magog" upon Jehovah's people, are in the offing. (Revelation 17:1, 2, 5, 15-17; Ezekiel 38:1-4, 14-16; 39:2) What lies ahead may put our love for Jehovah to the test. It is urgent that we now buy out the opportune time and apply our heart to God's Word!
Correction: The Watch Tower is wrong due to islands and mountains existing today.
Revelation 16:20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
Page 20: The figurative heart can be likened to soil in which the seed of the truth can be planted. (Matthew 13:18-23) Literal soil is usually cultivated to ensure the healthy growth of the crop. Similarly, the heart should be prepared, or made ready, so that it is more receptive to the Word of God. Ezra the priest "prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it." (Ezra 7:10) How may we prepare our heart?
Answer: Confess Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
Acts 8:37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Page 20: An excellent preparation of the heart when we consult God's Word is heartfelt prayer. Christian meetings of true worshipers open and close with prayer. How appropriate that we begin each period of personal Bible study with a sincere prayer and then maintain a prayerful attitude during our study!
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Page 20: The figurative heart must be prepared to set aside preconceived opinions. The religious leaders of Jesus' day were unwilling to do this. (Matthew 13:15) On the other hand, Jesus' mother, Mary, drew conclusions "in her heart" based on truths that she had heard. (Luke 2:19, 51) She became a faithful disciple of Jesus. Lydia of Thyatira listened to Paul, "and Jehovah opened her heart wide to pay attention." She too became a believer. (Acts 16:14, 15) May we never rigidly hold to personal ideas or cherished doctrinal views. Rather, let us be willing to "let God be found true, though every man be found a liar." - Romans 3:4.
Note: When will the Watch Tower give up its' cherished doctrinal view of the year 1914?
Page 20: Humility enabled Jesus' "unlettered and ordinary" disciples to grasp and apply spiritual truths that escaped "wise and intellectual" men. (Acts 4:13; Luke 10:21) May we "humble ourselves before our God" as we try to acquire a heart agreeable to Jehovah. - Ezra 8:21.
Note: Have you grasped that salvation is in the name and person of Jesus Christ?
Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Page 21: Of course, to cultivate trust in him, we need to "taste and see that Jehovah is good" by applying what we learn from the Bible in our personal life and by reflecting upon the good that this produces. - Psalm 34:8.
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
John 6:47-48 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life."
Page 21: Yes, those who fear God obey him. Jehovah has the ability "to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him" and to inflict punishment upon those who disobey him. (2 Chronicles 16:9) May reverential fear of displeasing God govern all our actions, thoughts, and emotions.
Correction: Disobedience and obedience is defined as unbelief and belief respectively.
Hebrews 3:18-19 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Page 21: More than all other qualities, love truly makes our heart responsive to Jehovah's direction. A heart filled with love for God makes a person eager to learn what pleases God and what displeases him. (1 John 5:3)
Note: Abiding in Jesus Christ pleases the God the Father.
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 21: Jesus said: "You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind." (Matthew 22:37) May we deepen our love for God by making it a habit to reflect on his goodness, by regularly speaking to him as to an intimate friend, and by eagerly talking about him to others.
Note: Abiding in Jesus Christ pleases the God the Father.
John 15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned."
Note: Don't get burned by the Watch Tower.
Page 22: What a tragedy it is when a true worshiper who appears to be firmly rooted in the Christian way of life succumbs to a test of faith. The Bible rightly says that "the inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up." (Genesis 8:21) This means that without constant vigilance, even the best of hearts can be enticed to do what is bad. Since no imperfect human heart is immune to corruption, we need to take seriously the advice: "More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart." (Proverbs 4:23) So how may we safeguard our figurative heart?
Answer: Abide in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:6-7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Page 22: If the literal heart needs regular checkups, what about your figurative heart? Jehovah examines it. (1 Chronicles 29:17) So should we. How? By asking such questions as: Does my heart get sufficient spiritual food through regular personal study and meeting attendance? (Psalm 1:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25)
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Page 22: Is Jehovah's message close to my heart like "a burning fire shut up in my bones," moving me to share in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work? (Romans 1:15, 16)
Note: True Christians will preach 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 24: From what Solomon asked for and did not ask for, Jehovah knew what was close to Solomon's heart. What do our communications with God reveal about our heart? Do our prayers disclose our thirst for knowledge, wisdom, and discernment? (Proverbs 2:1-6; Matthew 5:3) Are Kingdom interests close to our heart? (Matthew 6:9, 10)
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
Page 24: For example, in matters of morality, safeguarding the heart involves more than simply avoiding an act of fornication or adultery. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated: "Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28) How can we avoid committing adultery even in our heart?
Answer: Abide in Jesus Christ.
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 25: "The lamp of the body is the eye," said Jesus. He added: "If, then, your eye is simple, your whole body will be bright." (Matthew 6:22) The eye that is simple is focused on a single goal, or purpose, not being distracted or sidetracked from it. Indeed, our eye should be focused on "seeking first the kingdom and (God's) righteousness." (Matthew 6:33)
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
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 25: Why should we become so absorbed in caring for physical needs that our life revolves solely around family, business, and material things? Remember the inspired advice: "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth." - Luke 21:34, 35.
Note: The Watch Tower has intentionally left Jesus Christ out again.
Luke 21:36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Page 26: Sight, of course, is not our only sense of communication with the outside world. Other senses, such as touching and hearing, play their part, and we need to take precautionary measures with the corresponding body members as well. The apostle Paul admonished: "Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." - Colossians 3:5.
Note: True Christians will live godly lives by looking to Jesus Christ who is in heaven.
Colossians 3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.