Page 3: AT ONE time or another, nearly everyone feels the need to pray. In fact, people of almost every religious persuasion pray earnestly. For instance, thousands of times a day, a Buddhist may repeat the prayer "I place my faith in Amida Buddha."
Note: True Christians place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Page 4: Many people believe that someone can even read the thoughts of the one praying. Who might that be?
Answer: Jesus Christ.
Matthew 9:4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?"
Matthew 12:25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: ...
Luke 6:8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Arise and stand here."
1 Corinthians 3:20 ..."The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."
Page 4: Reasonably, though, the One who designed the brain can read such thoughts. That one is none other than our Creator, Jehovah God. (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:11) Prayers should be directed to him.
Note: Jesus Christ is the Creator of human beings.
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Page 4: What, then, does God require for our prayers to be heard? The answer has to do with our very reason for praying. In fact, if we want to know whether prayers do any good, we must understand their purpose. Why has Jehovah made it possible for us to speak to him?
Answer: Jesus Christ. Do you love Jesus Christ?
John 16:26-27 "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God."
Page 5: True Friends do not communicate only when they need something. They are interested in each other, and their friendship grows when they express their feelings. Similarly, prayer has a greater purpose than merely asking for necessities. It affords opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah by expressing our heartfelt devotion to him.
Note: Are you a friend of Jesus Christ?
John 15:14 "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."
Page 5: Yes, God has granted us the privilege of prayer so that we might draw close to him. This can happen only if we express our own feelings to God instead of reciting memorized prayers. What a delight it is to talk to Jehovah in prayer!
Note: Do you talk to Jesus Christ in prayer?
John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Page 6: "A certain one of (Jesus') disciples said to him: 'Lord, teach us how to pray.'" In reply Jesus said: "Whenever you pray, say, 'Father, let your name be sanctified. Let you kingdom come.'" (Luke 11:1, 2) Could we pray meaningfully in this way without first learning what God's name is and how it will be sanctified?
Note: Will you call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Page 6: And could we pray in harmony with these words of Jesus if we did not understand what God's Kingdom is? An understanding of these matters is available if we examine the Bible carefully.
Note: The Bible reveals that the Kingdom has nothing to do with paradise earth.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Page 6: Developing a close relationship with Jehovah will help us to solve problems. Notice how this was so in each of the following circumstances. They illustrate that those praying were able to strengthen their relationship with Jehovah.
Note: True Christians will have a close relationship with the Father by way of the Son.
John 14:21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
Page 7: Did praying do these people any good? Certainly! And did you notice that in most cases their prayers were answered when someone from the Christian congregation helped them to draw close to Jehovah God by studying the Bible? - Acts 9:11
Note: True Christians will help people draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Page 7: Soon now, the prayer for God's Kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth will be answered. (Matthew 6:10)
Correction: This prayer began to be answered at Pentecost.
Acts 1:13-14 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Acts 2:1-2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Page 7: After God has cleansed our globe of those who oppose him, "the earth will certainly be filled the knowledge of Jehovah." (Isaiah 11:9)
Note: True Christians will grow in the knowledge of Lord 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 (Watch Tower); 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 7: Then all those who love Jehovah will enjoy "the glorious freedom of the children of God" - and their prayers certainly will be answered. - Romans 8:18-21.
Note: Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?
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 10: Such a selfish attitude is not conducive to happiness. It is the very opposite of the principle that Jesus stated: "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving."
Note: True Christians will be kind and helpful to non-Christians.
Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Page 10: Is it true that giving brings greater happiness than receiving? Yes. Think of Jehovah God. With him is "the source of life." (Psalm 36:9) He provides everything we need to make us happy and productive. Indeed, he is the Source of "every good gift and every perfect."
Note: Jesus Christ is the source of eternal life.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
Page 10: In a similar way, true worship is characterized by giving that is based on love. Since we love Jehovah and we love our fellow believers, it is a delight to serve them, to give of ourselves to them. (Matthew 22:37-39)
Correction: True Christians will be kind and helpful to non-Christians.
Matthew 22:39 "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Luke 10:30-37 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Pages 10-11: In the original Greek, one important word having to do with worship is leitourgia, which is translated "public service" in the New World Translation.
Correction: The 1970 New World Translation uses "publicly ministering" in Acts 13:2.
Note: This is not an important word as it appears only three (3) times in the original Greek.
Page 11: In Christendom leitourgia has given rise to the word "liturgy."* However, the formalistic liturgies of Christendom are not a truly beneficial public service.
* Christendom's liturgies are generally either worship services or specific rituals, such as the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses do not worship God in truth and in spirit.
John 4:24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Acts 13:2 As they ministered (leitourgia) to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
Page 11: Rendering public service under the Law was a real privilege for Israelite priests, but their service ceased to have any value when Israel was rejected because of unfaithfulness.
Correction: Rendering "public service" under the Law was voided by Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."
Page 11: Lofty as Jesus' position is, he is still "a public servant." He uses his high authority to give, not to take. And such giving brings him joy. It is part of "the joy that was set before him" and that strengthened him to endure throughout his course on earth. - Hebrews 12:2.
Correction: The joy was for the reconciliation of believers to the Father through His death.
Hebrews 12:2 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.
Note: Are you looking to Jesus Christ for eternal life?
Page 11: Jesus mediated a new covenant, which made possible the birth of a new nation, "the Israel of God," composed of spirit-anointed Christians from many nations.
Correction: "The Israel of God" refers to believing Jews versus believing Gentiles.
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them (Gentiles), and upon the Israel of God (Jews).
Page 11: How happy we are to be acquainted with Jesus, a public servant through whom we can render acceptable worship to Jehovah! - John 14:6.
Correction: True Christians will personally know Jesus Christ.
John 14:7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."
Page 11: No human performs a public service as exalted as that of Jesus. When anointed Christians receive their heavenly reward, however, they take their place alongside Jesus and share in his public service as heavenly kings and priests. (Revelation 20:6; 22:1-5)
Correction: True Christians will rule with Jesus Christ upon the earth.
Jude 1:14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,"
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Page 12: Paul referred to another public service when he wrote: "Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering upon the sacrifice and public service to which faith has led you, I am glad and I rejoice with all of you." (Philippians 2:17) Paul's hard work in behalf of the Philippians had been a public service rendered with love and diligence.
Note: The Apostle Paul suffering for Jesus Christ. Are you?
Philippians 1:29-30 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
Page 12: A similar public service is being rendered today, especially by anointed Christians, who serve as "the faithful and discreet slave," supplying spiritual food at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45-47) Further, as a group, these are "a holy priesthood," commissioned "to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" and to "declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called (them) out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Correction: All true Christians will declare Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:1-4 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. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
Page 12: And their "other sheep" companions join them and support them in the work of telling mankind about Jehovah and his purposes. (John 10:16; Matthew 24:14) What a grand and joyful public service that is! - Psalm 107:21, 22.
Correction: The "other sheep" are Gentiles.
John 10:16 "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd."
Galatians 3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."
Note: There can not be one flock unless all the sheep are together in one place, namely heaven.
Page 12: Another Greek word having to do with our worship is latreia, translated "sacred service" in the New World Translation. Sacred service has to do with acts of worship.
Note: True Christians will worship the Father and Son together as one God.
Revelation 22:3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne (singular) of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve (latreia) Him.
Page 12: The apostle Paul mentioned a major feature of our sacred service when he wrote: "God, to whom I render sacred service with my spirit in connection with the good news about his Son, is my witness of how without ceasing I always make mention of you in my prayers." (Romans 1:9) Yes, the preaching of the good news is not only a public service to those who hear it but also an act of worship to Jehovah God.
Note: The good news is about Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Gentile).
Page 13: With confident expectation of inheriting the Kingdom, anointed ones are unmovable in faith as they worship the Most High. Only they can render him sacred service in the Holy compartment and the inner courtyard of Jehovah's spiritual temple, and they look forward with eager anticipation to serving with Jesus in the Most Holy, heaven itself. Their companions, the other sheep class, rejoice with them in their marvelous hope. - Hebrews 6:19, 20; 10:19-22.
Correction: There is no class distinction for true Christians before God.
Ephesians 2:14-16 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
Page 13: What, though, of those other sheep? As the apostle John foresaw, a great crowd of them has appeared in these last days, and "they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14)
Note: The "great crowd" is in heaven.
Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!"
Page 13: The other sheep also benefit from Jesus' public service in that they are "laying hold of (Jehovah's) covenant." (Isaiah 56:6) No, they are not parties to the new covenant, but they lay hold of it in that they obey the laws related to it and cooperate with arrangements made through it.
Correction: All true Christians are parties to the new covenant of God.
Hebrews 8:7-13 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." In that He says, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete.
Page 13: Thus, the great crowd are seen "standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes." Further, "they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them." (Revelation 7:9, 15)
Note: The throne of God is in heaven.
Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
Note: You cannot be before the throne of God unless you are at the throne of God in heaven.
Pages 13-14: In Israel, proselytes worshipped in the outer courtyard of Solomon's temple. In a similar way, the great crowd worships Jehovah in the outer courtyard of his spiritual temple. (Psalm 122:1)
Correction: True Christians are close to God through the death of Jesus Christ.
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.
Note: The Watch Tower keeps people from God.
Page 14: Even after the last of their anointed associates receives his heavenly inheritance, they will continue to render sacred service to Jehovah as his people. - Revelation 21:3.
Correction: Heaven and earth will be united in the future. Do you yearn to see Jesus Christ?
Revelation 21:2-3 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God."
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 14: In the days of ancient Israel, sacred service had to be rendered in harmony with Jehovah's laws. (Exodus 30:9; Leviticus 10:1, 2) Likewise today, there are requirements to observe if our sacred service is to be acceptable to Jehovah.
Correction: The only requirement is faith in Jesus Christ not your works.
Romans 4:1-8 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. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin."
Page 14: That is why Paul wrote to the Colossians: "We ... have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:9, 10) It is not up to us to determine the proper way to worship God. Accurate Scriptural knowledge, spiritual comprehension, and godly wisdom are vital. Otherwise, things can go terribly wrong.
Note: Accurate Scriptural knowledge declares Christians to be eventually be in heaven.
Colossians 1:3-6 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the good news, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
Page 14: Those Israelites had seen Jehovah's powerful acts in their behalf. Yet, they turned to other gods when they thought this would be to their advantage. They were not loyal, and loyalty is a must if our sacred service is to be pleasing to God. (Psalm 18:25)
Correction: The Israelites were not faithful.
Hosea 6:4 "O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away."
Page 15: Jesus Also warned: "The hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God." (John 16:2) Saul, who became the apostle Paul, doubtless thought that he was serving God when he 'approved the murder of Stephen' and breathed threat and murder against the disciples of the Lord.' (Acts 8:1; 9:1)
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
John 15:20-21 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Page 15: Jesus said: "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service." (Matthew 4:10) He was speaking to Satan, but how vital it is that all of us heed his words!
Note: True ministers will allow God to rebuke Satan.
Jude 1:9 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 rebuke you!"
Page 15: IN THE first century of our Common Era, all Christians shared an important responsibility - the duty to preach the good news. All of them were anointed and were ministers of the new covenant.
Note: All Christians in the first century preached the good news of Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Page 15: But all shared in the basic and vital work of preaching. In the original Greek of the Christian Scriptures, this responsibility was a diakonia - a service, or ministry. - Colossians 4:17.
Note: All Christians in the first century preached the good news of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:27-28 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. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Page 15: As time went by, things changed. A class developed, known as the clergy, who reserved for themselves the privilege of preaching. (Acts 20:30) The clergy were a small minority of those calling themselves Christians. The great majority became known as the laity.
Correction: The clergy were full-time ministers while the laity are part-time ministers with jobs.
1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
Pages 15-16: The clergy claim to be ministers (from minister, a Latin translation of diakonos, "servant") For this, they graduate from colleges or seminaries and are ordained.
Correction: True Christian clergy will study the Scriptures and apply what they have learned.
Acts 6:2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables."
2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses study cartoon magazines far more than the Word of God.
Page 16: Hence, in the churches of Christendom, the privilege of being a minister has been severely restricted. Yet, this is not the case among Jehovah's Witnesses. Why not? Because it was not that way in the first-century Christian congregation.
Correction: Most ministries within the churches of Christendom are headed by the laity.
Acts 6:3-4 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Page 16: Shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus said to his disciples: "Go ... and make disciples of people of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you."
Note: The Watch Tower uses "spirit directed organization" instead of "the holy spirit" in its baptisms. Jehovah's Witnesses can not be compared to first century Christians.
Page 16: Jesus' disciples were to be disciple-makers - ministers. The new disciples they made would learn to observe all the things Jesus' commanded, including the command to go forth and make disciples. Man or woman, adult or child, a true disciple of Jesus Christ would be a minister. - Joel 2:28, 29.
Note: Besides preaching Jesus Christ, true Christians will help destitute people.
Romans 15:27 ... their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
Page 16: Further, the apostle Paul wrote: "With the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation." (Romans 10:10) Paul addressed those words, not to a restricted clergy class, but "to all those who (were) in Rome as God's beloved ones." (Romans 1:1, 7)
Note: True Christians will make a public declaration of Jesus Christ in sincere belief.
Romans 10:8-10 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. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Page 16: Similarly, all 'the holy ones in Ephesus and faithful ones in union with Christ Jesus' were to have their "feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace."
Note: The "good news of peace" is Jesus Christ.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
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 17: As to when and by whom a person is ordained, consider the example of Jesus Christ. He did not have a certificate or ordination or a degree from some seminary to prove that he was a minister, and he was not ordained by any man.
Note: Jesus Christ is the Word of God. Thus His study of the Word of God was not necessary.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Luke 2:46-47 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
Page 17: Since Jehovah's spirit anointed him for the work, Jesus was clearly ordained by Jehovah God. When did this happen? Jehovah's spirit actually came upon Jesus when he was baptized. (Luke 3:21, 22) Therefore, it was at his baptism that he was ordained.
Correction: Jesus Christ was ordained long before His baptism.
1 Peter 1:20-21 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Page 17: How does Jehovah qualify his worshipers to be ministers? Consider the example of Timothy, whom Paul called "God's minister in the good news about the Christ."
Note: True Christian ministers will know that the "good news" is about Jesus Christ.
Page 17: The following words addressed to Timothy help us to understand how he became a minister: "You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) The foundation of Timothy's faith, which would move him to make a public declaration, was knowledge of the Scriptures.
Correction: The foundation of Timothy's faith was Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Pages 17-18: Was personal reading all that was needed for this? No. Timothy needed help to gain accurate knowledge and spiritual understanding of what he read. (Colossians 1:9) Thus, Timothy was "persuaded to believe." Since he had known the Scriptures "from infancy," his first instructors must have been his mother and grandmother, his father evidently not being a believer. - 2 Timothy 1:5.
Correction: God called Timothy before time began to be in Jesus Christ. Have you been called?
2 Timothy 1:8-9 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the good news according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Page 18: In view of Jesus' command recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20, we can be sure that at some point Timothy's faith moved him to imitate Jesus and be baptized. (Matthew 3:15-17; Hebrews 10:5-9) This was a symbol of Timothy's whole-souled dedication to God.
Correction: Whole-souled dedication to God is evidenced by serving.
1 Timothy 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Page 18: However, Timothy did not then rest on his laurels. He continued to grow spiritually, becoming a mature Christian minister. This occurred because of Timothy's close association with such mature Christians as Paul, his own personal study, and his zealous preaching activity.
Correction: Timothy was a strong Christian due to his focus on Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Page 18: Today, ordination for the Christian ministry is similar. One who is "rightly disposed for everlasting life" is helped to learn about God and his purposes by means of a Bible study. (Acts 13:48) The individual learns to apply Bible principles in his life and to pray meaningfully to God. (Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 2:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18)
Correction: Eternal life is free to those who place their sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
Acts 13:29-32 "Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead. He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. And we declare to you glad tidings; that promise which was made to the fathers."
Note: Are you a Jesus Witness?
Page 18: He associates with other believers and takes advantage of provisions and arrangements made by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:23-25) Thus he makes progress in a structured process of education.
Correction: True Christian believers will be confessing Jesus Christ.
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.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Page 18: Eventually, the Bible student, having developed a love for Jehovah God and a strong faith in the ransom sacrifice, wishes to dedicate himself completely to his heavenly Father. (John 14:1) He makes that dedication in personal prayer and then gets baptized as a public symbol of that private act.
Note: True Christians will love the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Page 19: What did the ministry of Timothy include? He had special duties as a traveling companion of Paul. And when he became an elder, Timothy worked hard at teaching and strengthening fellow Christians. But the central part of his ministry, as was the case with Jesus and Paul, was preaching the good news and making disciples. (Matthew 4:23; 1 Corinthians 3:5) Paul told Timothy: "You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry." - 2 Timothy 4:5.
Note: The "good news" is about Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:8-9 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my good news, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
Page 19: It is similar with Christian ministers today. They engage in a public ministry, an evangelizing work, pointing others to salvation on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice and teaching meek ones to call on Jehovah's name. (Acts 2:21; 4:10-12; Romans 10:13)
Note: True Christians will call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 19: But a Christian minister does not preach a social gospel. Rather, he teaches that 'godly devotion holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.' - 1 Timothy 4:8.
Correction: A true Christian minister will take care of others in need.
Matthew 22:39 "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
1 Timothy 6:18-19 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Page 19: Many Christians help to construct Kingdom Halls. Some have the wonderful privilege of working as volunteers in one of the Watch Tower Society's Bethel homes. However, all Christian ministers share in the preaching of the good news. There are no exceptions. It is sharing in this work that identifies one publicly as a genuine Christian minister.
Note: True Christians will preach the good news of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
Page 19: Most of Christendom's ministers expect to be given special respect, and they take such titles as "reverend" and "father." However, a Christian minister knows that Jehovah alone is worthy of reverence.
Note: The Watch Tower fails to see that the Father and the Son alone are worthy of reverence.
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 19: No Christian minister therefore has reason to feel self-important. Genuine Christian ministers - even those with special responsibilities in the congregation - are humble slaves.
Note: True Christian ministers are slaves of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a bondservant (slave) of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the good news of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
Page 20: For Paul, being a minister took endurance. He told the Colossians that he suffered much in order to preach the good news to them. (Colossians 1:24, 25)
Note: Paul was suffering for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 15:25-26 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 20: Because he endured, however, many accepted the good news and became ministers. They were begotten as sons of God and brothers of Jesus Christ, with the prospect of becoming spirit creatures alongside him in heaven. What a glorious reward for endurance!
Correction: There is only one begotten Son of the Father.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Correction: True Christians have been adopted as sons by God through sincere belief.
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Ephesians 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Page 20: Many Christians face bitter economic struggles. And many suffer persecution or face hardships because of today's "critical times hard to deal with"! (2 Timothy 3:1)
Note: True Christians will suffer for 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 20: Yes, the almost six million ministers of Jehovah today can say with the apostle Paul: "In every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers, by the endurance of much." (2 Corthinians 6:4) Christian ministers do not give up. They are truly to be commended for their endurance.
Note: True Christian ministers are soldiers of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Page 20: Moreover, as it did in Paul's case, endurance brings wonderful fruitage. By enduring, we preserve our close relationship with Jehovah and make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11)
Note: A close relationship with God is found in Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Page 20: Jehovah has sustained his ministers and blessed their ministry during these last days. As a result, the final ones of the 144,000 have been gathered, and millions more have the confident hope of enjoying everlasting life on a paradise earth. (Luke 23:43; Revelation 14:1)
Correction: The 144,000 have not yet been chosen since we are not in the great tribulation.
Revelation 6:17 "For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
Revelation 7:2-4 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
Page 20: Truly, the Christian ministry is an expression of Jehovah's mercy. (2 Corinthians 4:1) May all of us treasure it and be grateful that its fruitage will last forever. - 1 John 2:17.
Note: True Christians will have the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ eternally.
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 21: I WILL most gladly spend and be completely spent for you souls," wrote the apostle Paul. (2 Corinthians 12:15) What do these words tell you about the outlook and attitude that Jehovah's servants should try to cultivate?
Note: True Christians are servants or slaves of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
Page 21: Are you willing to spend your time, energy, talents, and resources serving Jehovah God and the interests of others, even if doing so means being "exhausted and worn out" at times? And would you do this "most gladly"?
Note: Are you willing to spend your time, energy, talents, and resources serving Jesus Christ?
2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
Page 21: Likely you genuinely appreciated the gift of life you now enjoy and the even more wonderful prospect of living forever on a paradise earth. (Psalm 37:10, 11; Revelation 21:1-4)
Note: True Christians sincerely appreciate the gift of eternal life found only in Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Page 21: In connection with serving God, the Bible does speak of obligation, commandments, requirements, and so forth. (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Luke 1:6) Yet, our prime motive for serving God is that we love him. - Exodus 35:21; Deuteronomy 11:1.
Note: Do you love Jesus Christ?
John 21:15-17 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep."
Note: The two overall requirements is for you to love God and to love others.
Page 22: When Bible writers refer to Christians as slaves of God, they are not referring to abject servitude based on coercion. (Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:24) What is meant is willing subjection based on deep, heartfelt love for God and his Son, Jesus Christ.
Note: Are you a slave of Jesus Christ in love like Epaphras?
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant (slave) 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 22: To offer God service that he will accept, we must follow the example of Jesus Christ. "I seek, not my own will," he said, "but the will of him that sent me." (John 5:30)
Correction: True Christians will be following Jesus Christ through sincere belief in Him.
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."
Note: True Christians will have eternal life through sincere faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Page 23: What concerned Jesus was how his death as a despised criminal would affect Jehovah and His holy name. Jesus was aware that his Father would be greatly pained to see his beloved Son treated in such a barbaric fashion.
Note: The Watch Tower does not believe in Almighty God since they have humanized Him.
Hebrews 4:3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: "So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest,'" although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Page 23: Jesus also understood that he was approaching a pivotal time in the outworking of Jehovah's purpose. Faithful adherence to God's laws would demonstrate beyond doubt that Adam could have made the same choice .
Correction: The outworking of God's purpose is eternal salvation of believing mankind.
Luke 19:9-10 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Page 23: Jesus' faithfulness would expose as entirely false Satan's assertion that humans under test would not willingly and faithfully serve God.
Correction: We can not always serve God faithfully since we are not perfect.
2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
Note: Have you made a sincere confession of Jesus Christ yet?
Page 23: By means of Jesus, Jehovah would ultimately crush Satan and remove the effects of his rebellion. - Genesis 3:15.
Correction: The Father will subjugate non-believers to the Son.
Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool"?
Page 23: Inasmuch as Jesus suffered intense emotional stress as he served Jehovah, we can expect Satan to exert pressure on us as God's servants. (John 15:20; 1 Peter 5:8)
Note: True Christians will be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord (kurios) and not to men, knowing that from the Lord (kurios) you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord (kurios) Christ.
Page 23: Jehovah will reward and support such a willing spirit. He will give us "the power beyond what is normal" to compensate for our weaknesses. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10) With Jehovah's help we, like Paul, will "most gladly spend and be completely spent" in His precious service.
Note: True Christians will be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Page 25: Adam was a perfect son of God, made in His 'image and likeness.' But since "God is a Spirit," the resemblance could not be physical. (Genesis 1:26; John 4:24) The likeness lay in qualities that elevated man far above the animals. Yes, implanted in man from the beginning were the qualities of love, wisdom, power, and justice.
Correction: Mankind is an inferior trinity in comparison to the superior trinity of God.
1 Thess. 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.
Page 25: Was Eve's sin inevitable? By no means! Put yourself in her place. The serpent's claim completely distorted what God and Adam had said. How would you feel if a stranger charged someone you love and trust with dishonesty?
Correction: It was Adam's sin that is recognized since he did not protect Eve from temptation.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man (not woman) sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned;
Page 26: Eve should have reacted differently, showing disgust and indignation, even refusing to listen. After all, who was the serpent to question God's righteousness and her husband's word? Out of respect for the principle of headship, Eve should have sought advice before making any decision.
Correction: It was Adam's sin that is recognized since he did not protect Eve from temptation.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
Page 27: The immediate effect of sin was shame. Instead of joyfully running to speak to Jehovah, the couple hid themselves. (Genesis 3:8) Their friendship with God was shattered.
Correction: The immediate effect of sin was spiritual death resulting in shame.
Genesis 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Page 27: Any pretense of independence from Jehovah God is sheer folly. Those who are truly wise exercise faith in Jehovah and his Word, not in their supposed self-sufficiency of knowledge. Jehovah determines good and bad, and the essence of doing what is right is obeying him. Wrongdoing means violating his laws and ignoring his principles.
Note: Those who are truly wise will place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:15-16 "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."
Page 27: God offered and still offers all that mankind can possibly desire - everlasting life, freedom, satisfaction, happiness, health, peace, prosperity, and discovery of new things. Our enjoyment of all of this, however, requires recognition of our total dependence upon our heavenly Father, Jehovah. - Ecclesiastes 3:10-13; Isaiah 55:6-13.
Correction: True Christians will depend upon Jesus Christ but will suffer from non-believers.
John 15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered;"
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."
Revelation 2:8-10 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.'"