Page 3: ERASMUS' fondest hope was that everyone could read and understand the Scriptures. The Bible's opponents, however, fiercely rejected such an idea.
Note: Erasmus, a Trinitarian, sought reconciliation between Catholics and Reformers.
Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 9, page 333. He had always been admired and feared as a critic; now he became an apologist, not really trusted by either Roman Catholics or Reformers, always refusing to take sides. He remained a Roman Catholic although he frequently associated with the Reformers.
Page 3: On the European mainland, the Catholic Inquisition ruthlessly hunted down "heretical" sects, such as the French Waldenses, and singled them out for persecution because of their habit of preaching "from the gospels and epistles and other sacred scriptures, ... Since preaching and exposition of holy scripture (was) completely forbidden to laymen."
Note: The Waldenses, who were Trinitarians, were Calvinistic Reformers.
Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 27, page 125. Many Waldenses took refuge in Switzerland and Germany, merging gradually with the Bohemian Brethren. The group became openly Calvinistic during the Reformation.
Page 5: THE word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword ... and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) This description of what God's Word can accomplish surely stamps the Bible as more than just a good book.
Note: True people of God will realize that they cannot work for their own salvation.
Hebrews 4:9-11 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
Page 5: Most important, the Bible enables us to get to know and love God.
Note: Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ?
John 8:19 Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."
Page 5: The Author of the Bible, Jehovah God, is 'familiar with all our ways.'
Note: Specifically, the person of the Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture.
2 Peter 1:19-21 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Page 6: Realistically, to root out such habits and to put on "the new personality" takes concerted effort. (Ephesians 4:22-24) "It was a challenge," says Daniel, "because we are so imperfect." Nevertheless, he succeeded. Now Daniel reads God's Word every day, and it keeps him close to Jehovah.
Correction: True Christians will focus on the Lord Jesus Christ instead of themselves.
Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Page 6: As he was growing up, Daniel always had deep respect for the Bible - even though he never read it - and he prayed to God every night. Yet, something was missing. Happiness eluded him. The turning point came when he saw God's name in the Bible for the first time.
Note: True Christians will promote the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Page 6: Thereafter, he used the name Jehovah when he prayed, and his prayers became much more personal. "Jehovah became the closest person to me, and he is still my closest friend."
Note: True Christians will pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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: Prior to learning about the Bible, Daniel's view of the future was bleak. "It does not take much intelligence to see what is happening in the world," he says. "I was scared, and I tried to keep busy to block it out of my mind." Then he learned that God will establish justice for all on a cleansed earth, where obedient humans can enjoy eternal peace and happiness. (Psalm 37:10, 11; Daniel 2:44; Revelation 21:3, 4) Now Daniel has a sure hope.
Correction: Have you obediently asked Jesus Christ to come into your life?
Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Page 7: Read it daily, meditate on what you read, and apply it. It will keep your mind clear and focused on things that are pure and wholesome. (Philippians 4:8, 9) You will learn not only how to live and enjoy life but also how to love the Creator of life.
Note: Is your mind focused on heaven?
Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Page 8: Experiences from Nepal show how Jehovah God has become a Source of joy and spiritual refreshment to many weary "travelers" in this system of things. - Psalm 23:2.
Note: Jesus Christ is the Source of joy for true Christians.
John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
Page 8: Although caste discrimination is illegal in Nepal, it still wields a powerful influence on the people's way of life. Thus, many are interested in what the Bible has to say about equality and impartiality. Learning that "God is not partial" greatly changed the life of Surya Maya and her family. - Acts 10:34.
Note: The Watch Tower is not of God since it practices partiality.
Page 10: Anointed Christians are carrying out "the ministry of the reconciliation" with the support of their companions who have the earthly hope.
Page 9: JEHOVAH is limitless in power. And what dynamic energy resides in the things he created
Note: Jesus Christ created everything.
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 9: Whether we think about the atom or turn our attention to the vast universe, we are impressed by Jehovah's awesome power.
Note: Jesus Christ is the boss of the universe.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
Page 10: As Jehovah's servants, we also get tired, for our life of godly devotion calls for vigorous exertion. (Mark 6:30, 31; Luke 13:24; 1 Timothy 4:8) And there are many other factors that drain us of strength.
Note: True Christians are servants of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a bondservant 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.
Note: The good news of God concerns the Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 10: Illness, financial reverses, or other difficulties common to life may cause discouragement, with its weakening effect. Added to these challenges are the trials peculiar to those persecuted for righteousness' sake. (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 3:14)
Note: True Christians will suffer for 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 10: Because of daily pressures from the world and opposition to our Kingdom-preaching work, some of us may be so fatigued that we feel like slowing down in Jehovah's service.
Note: True Christians will preach the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.
Page 10: For spiritual strength, we must rely on Jehovah, the all-powerful Creator. The apostle Paul pointed out that the Christian ministry would require more than the normal power of imperfect humans. He wrote: "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the power beyond what is normal may be God's and not that out of ourselves." (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Note: True Christians have the power of God to be Jesus Witnesses.
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Page 10: Our heavenly Father is "vigorous in power" and can easily invigorate us. In fact, we are told: "(Jehovah) is giving to the tired one power; and to the one without dynamic energy he makes full might abound.
Page 11: Also noteworthy is the example of Paul, who wrote: "For all things I have the strength by virtue of (God) who imparts power to me." - Philippians 4:13.
Note: True Christians receive power from Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Pages 10-11: Jehovah gave David the strength needed to carry on in the face of great obstacles. With full faith and confidence, David therefore wrote: "By God we shall gain vital energy, and he himself will tread down our adversaries." (Psalm 60:12)
Note: Jesus Christ will tread down our adversaries.
Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Page 11: Like David, Habakkuk, and Paul, we should exercise faith in God's ability to strengthen us and in his power to save us.
Correction: True Christians will place their faith in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Page 11: It is rewarding indeed to meditate on "the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10)
Note: Have you meditated on the death of Jesus Christ for your sins?
1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Page 11: Let us also thank and praise God when we observe the outworking of his purposes or see that he has strengthened us to carry on in his service. (Philippians 4:6, 7) If we remain close to Jehovah in prayer, he will never abandon us. "Look!" Sang David, "God is my helper."
Note: Jesus Christ will never abandon true Christians.
Matthew 28:20 "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Page 11: Our heavenly Father invigorates us and strengthens us by means of his holy spirit, or active force. Paul wrote: "I bend my knees to the Father . . . to the end that he may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be made mighty in the man you are inside with power through his spirit." (Ephesians 3:14-16)
Note: Watch Tower logic implies that Jesus Christ is also a active force.
John 14:16-17 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."
Pages 11-12: We should pray for holy spirit, confident that Jehovah will bless us with it. Jesus reasoned: If a child asks for a fish, will a loving father give him a serpent? Of course not. Hence, he concluded: "If you, although being (sinful and thus more or less) wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!" (Luke 11:11-13)
Note: The Bible never refers to the Holy Spirit as a active force or an it.
Hebrews 3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice,
Page 12: Jehovah invigorates us through the meetings of the Christian congregation. Jesus said: "Where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst." (Matthew 18:20) When Jesus made that promise, he was discussing matters that needed the attention of those taking the lead in the congregation. (Matthew 18:15-19)
Note: True Christians will be gathered in the name of Jesus Christ not Jehovah.
Page 12: Christian elders provide spiritual help and encouragement. (1 Peter 5:2, 3) Paul helped and encouraged the congregations he served, as traveling overseers do today. In fact, he yearned to be with fellow believers so that there might be an upbuilding interchange of encouragement.
Note: True Christian elders believe in the physical return and appearance of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 5:2-4 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Page 12: Fellow believers who make up our congregation can be "a strengthening aid." (Colossians 4:10, 11) As 'true companions' they can help us in times of distress. (Proverbs 17:17)
Note: True believers will be servants of Jesus Christ.
Col. 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Page 12: In a death march that claimed the lives of more than 10,000 concentration camp inmates, not one of Jehovah's Witnesses died. Such accounts appearing in Watch Tower publications, including the Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses and Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, prove that God empowers his people, so that they do not give up. - Galatians 6:9.
Correction: True Christians will not boast about themselves.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Page 13: Regular participation in the Kingdom-preaching work strengthens us spiritually. Such activity helps us to focus on God's Kingdom and to keep eternity and its blessed prospects in view. (Jude 20, 21)
Correction: True Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Page 13: The Scriptural promises that we talk about in our ministry give us hope and can make us as resolute as the prophet Micah, who said: "We . . . shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever." - Micah 4:5.
Note: True Christians will minister in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
Page 13: Our own relationship with Jehovah is strengthened as we make greater use of the Scriptures in teaching others. For example, when conducting home Bible studies with the help of the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, it is wise to read and discuss a number of the cited scriptures.
Correction: A true relationship with God comes through 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 13: Each year, the Knowledge book is being used effectively to help thousands to become Jehovah's dedicated servants, and this includes many who have no Bible background. For instance, when he was a child, a Hindu man in Sri Lanka overheard a Witness talk about Paradise.
Correction: True Christians will be talking about Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Page 13: Seeking first the Kingdom brings us strengthening joy. (Matthew 6:33) Though we experience various trials, we continue happily and zealously proclaiming the good news.
Note: The good news of the Kingdom concerns the Lord 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 13: Many of us are meeting the requirements for full-time pioneer service, and some are serving where the need for evangelizers is greater. Whether we joyfully promote Kingdom interests in these or other ways, we are confident that Jehovah will not forget our work and the love we show for his name. - Hebrews 6:10-12.
Correction: The Watch Tower is not following the commandment of God.
1 John 3:23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
Page 13: By all means, let us demonstrate that we hope in Jehovah and look to him for strength. We can do so by fully availing ourselves of the spiritual provisions he makes through the 'faithful slave.' (Matthew 24:45)
Note: Faithful slaves are hated for the name of the Lord 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 14: And Paul showed his reliance upon God-given strength when he said: "I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in cases of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful." (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Note: Are you suffering for Jesus Christ?
Page 14: JEHOVAH wants his people to be happy. To enjoy true happiness, of course, we must walk in God's law and observe his orders. To that end, he gives us reminders.
Correction: True Christians will walk in the light of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Page 14: We 'walk in the law of Jehovah' by taking in accurate knowledge of his Word and by applying it in life. Since we are imperfect, however, we need reminders.
Correction: True Christians will walk in the light of Jesus Christ.
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
Pages 14-15: Jehovah's reminders help us to endure persecution because we are confident that our heavenly Father can cut the ropes of restraint that enemies tie about us. In due time, he frees us from such obstacles so that we can carry out the Kingdom-preaching work. - Mark 13:10.
Note: Jesus Christ will free you from the Watch Tower.
John 8:36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
Page 15: We have more of God's reminders than the psalmist had. The hundreds of quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures that appear in the Greek Scriptures remind us not only of Jehovah's instructions to his people under the Law but also of his purposes concerning the Christian congregation.
Correction: True Christians are not under the Law.
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Page 16: By observing God's reminders, we will keep off "every bad path" and will avoid becoming like the masses of mankind, who are "in darkness mentally, and alienated from the life that belongs to God." - Ephesians 4:17-19.
Correction: True Christians are not under the Law.
Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Page 16: But diligent personal and congregational study of the Scriptures with the help of publications from "the faithful and discreet slave" will assist us to meet tests of faith successfully. (Matthew 24:45-47)
Correction: Personal laboring for the good news of Jesus Christ will establish Godly faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the good news of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
Page 16: Paul added: "(Christ) gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers, with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ." (Ephesians 4:8, 11, 12) How grateful we can be that these "gifts in men" - the appointed elders - direct our attention to Jehovah's reminders when we meet together for worship!
Note: True Christian elders will unify people in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Page 16: Gratitude for divine provisions will move us to be present at our five congregation meetings each week. The need to assemble together regularly was stressed by Paul. He wrote: "Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near." - Hebrew 10:24, 25.
Note: Do you show gratitude for the divine provision of the new covenant?
Hebrews 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Page 17: At the Public Meeting, speakers present instruction from God's Word, including Jehovah's reminders and Jesus' wonderful "sayings of everlasting life." (John 6:68)
Note: Have you spiritually feasted upon Jesus Christ for eternal life?
John 6:58 "This is the bread which came down from heaven; not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever."
Page 18: Observing God's reminders helps to set us apart from this wicked world. For instance, heeding God's reminders prevents us from engaging in sexual immorality. (Hebrews 13:4)
Correction: Are you abiding 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 18: Temptation to lie, to be dishonest, or to steal can be successfully suppressed by complying with divine reminders. (Hebrews 13:18)
Correction: Are you abiding in Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Page 18: By heeding God's reminders, we remain sanctified, or set apart, for his service. And how important it is to be separate from this world!
Correction: True Christians are sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 26:17-18 "I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me."
Page 18: In prayer to Jehovah on the last night of his earthly life, Jesus made this plea for his followers: "I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one. They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:14 - 17) Let us continue to cherish God's Word, which sets us apart for his sacred service.
Note: True Christians will cherish the Word of 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.
Page 18: And we certainly do not want to become lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, unthankful, disloyal, fierce, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God - to name only a few of the traits manifested by those alienated from God. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Since we are living deep in the last days of this wicked system of things, let us keep praying for divine help so that we can continue to observe Jehovah's reminders and thus 'keep on guard according to his word.' - Psalm 119:9.
Note: True Christians will suffer for Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Page 19: The reminders of Jehovah do more than alert us to things we must not do. Observing his reminders will cause us to take positive action, moving us to trust Jehovah implicitly and to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 4:5; Proverbs 3:5, 6; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30)
Note: Do you love Jesus Christ with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
John 21:15-17 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."
Page 19: Especially do we display love of God and neighbor by doing the divine will and sharing with others the life-giving "knowledge of God." - Proverbs 2:1-5.
Note: Do you love Jesus Christ with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Page 19: If we observe Jehovah's reminders and help others to do so, we will save ourselves and those who listen to us. (1 Timothy 4:16)
Correction: Adhering to sound doctrine is evidence of being a true Christian.
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
Note: Do you believe that the Father and the Son are God?
Page 19: Those "rightly disposed for everlasting life" will thus have evidence that the course set out in God's Word is really the best one to pursue. (Acts 13:48)
Note: Salvation comes through sincere belief not your works.
Acts 13:48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Page 19: They will also see that 'God is really among us' and will be moved to join us in the worship of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. - 1 Corinthians 14:24, 25.
Note: The Watch Tower does not believe in the spiritual gift of prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.
Page 19: By continuing to study the Scriptures, applying what we learn, and taking full advantage of Jehovah's spiritual provisions, we will come to love his reminders exceedingly.
Correction: True Christians will be in love with Jesus Christ exceedingly.
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 19: If heeded, these reminders will help us to put on "the new personality which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty." (Ephesians 4:20-24)
Correction: True Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ causing the new personality.
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: Jehovah's reminders and his holy spirit will enable us to display love, joy, peace, long - suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control - qualities so unlike the traits of the world that is lying in Satan's power! (Galatians 5:22, 23; 1 John 5:19)
Correction: True Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ causing the new personality.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Page 19: Because we observe Jehovah's reminders, we are able to rejoice even when suffering for righteousness' sake. (Luke 6:22, 23)
Correction: True Christians will be suffering for Jesus Christ.
Luke 6:22 Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.
Page 19: We look to God to save us out of the most threatening situations. That is especially important now that all nations are being gathered for "the war of the great day of God the Almighty" at Har-Magedon. - Revelation 16:14-16.
Correction: The Euphrates river still has water and China has not invaded the Middle East.
Revelation 16:12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.
Page 19: If we are to receive the undeserved gift of everlasting life, we must love Jehovah's reminders exceedingly and observe them wholeheartedly.
Correction: The gift of everlasting life comes through receiving Jesus Christ into your life.
John 1:12-13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Page 19: May we therefore have the spirit of the psalmist who sang: "The righteousness of your reminders is to time indefinite. Make me understand that I may keep living." (Psalm 119:144)
Note: The gift of everlasting life comes through receiving Jesus Christ into your life.
Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.
Page 19: And may we display the determination evident in the psalmist's words: "I have called upon you (Jehovah). O save me! And I will keep your reminders." (Psalm 119:146) Yes, by word and deed, let us prove that we really do love Jehovah's reminders exceedingly.
Note: Will you call upon Jesus Christ or will you continue to doubt?
Matthew 14:30-31 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Page 22: The best place to make true friends is in connection with the Christian congregation. First of all, you can avail yourself of the opportunity to make friends with Jehovah, your Creator and heavenly Father, and with Jesus Christ, your Savior.
Note: Do you believe that Jesus Christ is God?
Titus 1:3-4 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
Pages 22-23: Yes, by conscientiously studying and applying the direction from God's Word, the Bible, you show that you want to be a friend of Jehovah and Jesus. To this end, you must also regularly attend Christian meetings, where knowledge of Jehovah God is imparted.
Note: Don't be led away by the error of the wicked Watch Tower.
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 23: Make the effort now to be friendly, and make friends with those who love Jehovah. Pursue friendship with Jehovah God and Jesus Christ by listening to God's inspired Word. Then, for all eternity, you will never be lonely again.
Note: Pursue love for Jesus Christ and never be lonely again throughout eternity.
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 29: The student was actually following a very practical Bible principle found at 1 John 4:1 - not to believe too quickly everything you hear, even when it appears to come from an authoritative source.
Note: Do you believe everything the Watch Tower teaches without questioning it?
Page 29: It is a mistake to close your mind to information that could adjust mistaken views. But neither should you be "quickly shaken from your reason" in the face of pressure from someone who claims to have great knowledge or authority. (2 Thessalonians 2:2)
Note: The Watch Tower teaches that Jesus Christ will not physically return.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
Page 29: Sometimes, though, things are not so innocent. People can be extremely "cunning in contriving error." - Ephesians 4:14; 2 Timothy 2:14, 23, 24.
Note: The Watch Tower is "cunning in contriving error" about Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:13-14 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
Pages 29-30: Philosopher Bertrand Russell described Aristotle as one of "the most influential of all philosophers." Yet, Russell also pointed out that many of Aristotle's doctrines were "wholly false." "Throughout modern times," he wrote, "practically every advance in science, in logic, or in philosophy has had to be made in the teeth of opposition from Aristotle's disciples."
Note: The Watch Tower follows Aristotle's doctrine about the soul.
For Aristotle, psychology was a study of the soul. Insisting that form (the essence, or unchanging characteristic element in an object) and matter (the common undifferentiated substratum of things) always exist together, Aristotle defined a soul as a "kind of functioning of a body organized so that it can support vital functions." Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Vol 2, pg 327.
Page 30: And is it not true that today, for example, creationists insist that the Bible teaches that the earth was created in six 24-hour days, when all the facts show that the earth itself is billions of years old?
Correction: God created the universe already expanded not from a "big-bang" focal point.
Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man on it. I; My hands; stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded.
Page 31: The Genesis account of creation allows for the earth to be billions of years old and does not limit each creative day to 24 hours. (Genesis 1:1, 5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31; 2:3, 4)
Correction: In Hebrew, a 24 hour period is depicted anytime a number appears before "day."
Genesis 1:5 So the evening and the morning were the first day.
Genesis 1:8 So the evening and the morning were the second day.
Genesis 1:13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.
Genesis 1:19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Genesis 1:23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
Genesis 1:31 So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it,
Genesis 7:11 ...the seventeenth day of the month,
Genesis 8:5 In the tenth month, on the first day of the month,