Who Should Be The Republican Nominee?

It was a breath of fresh air to see CNN moderate a republican debate where their intention is not to ridicule. Kudos to Anderson Cooper!

The debate did highlight how it is everyone versus Mitt Romney. Ron Paul has some good ideas, but his strong isolationist view of the country is not one of them. Mike Huckabee may be a great communicator, but when asked about the economic stimulus, he would prefer building super highways instead of receiving the tax rebates. Romney wisely pointed out the extreme amount of time and planning it would entail thus defeating the purpose. I've come to the conclusion Mitt Romney is the best of the candidates to lead the conservative movement.

What about John McCain? Near the end of the debate -after multiple attacks on Romney and constantly interrupting- McCain actually explains why he himself should not be the republican nominee.

Cooper: Senator McCain, would Ronald Reagan endorse you?

McCain: Ronald Reagan would not approve of someone who changes their positions depending on what the year is.

This is precisely what he has done, for example, McCain-Kennedy. McCain stated in this same debate he wouldn't even vote for it now. Declares he's the person to handle border security and familiar with "building walls, and vehicle barriers, and sensors, and all of the things necessary" yet nothing came of it before. Said he would appoint judges along the lines of Justices Roberts and Alito, but previously told others he would have drawn the line on Alito because "he wore his conservatism on his sleeve."

Right now, it is necessary for John McCain not to receive the nomination. Voters realizing his stances will help. Mike Huckabee retiring from the presidential race to avoid syphoning votes off from Romney might do the job.

The Great Day Of Jehovah

Isaiah 2:12 For there shall be a day of Jehovah of hosts upon everything proud and lofty, and upon everything lifted up, and it shall be brought low

Ezekiel 13:5 Ye have not gone up into the breaches, nor made up the fence for the house of Israel, to stand in the battle in the day of Jehovah.

Zephaniah 1:14 The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly. The voice of the day of Jehovah: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

Joel 1:15 Alas for the day! for the day of Jehovah is at hand, and as destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

Zechariah 14:1 Behold, the day cometh for Jehovah, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.

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Phillipians1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 1:10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ

1 Thessalonians 5:2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night...9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare...12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat...18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:14 as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.

"Are You Ready For Jehovah's Day?"

The Organization opens up the study with a great scripture.

Zephaniah 1:14 "The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near, and there is a hurrying of it very much."

I couldn't agree with them more.

Paragraph 1 Jehovah's great day is not 24 hours long. It is an extended period during which divine judgment is executed upon the wicked. The ungodly have reason to dread that day of darkness, fury, burning anger, distress, and desolation. (Isaiah 13:9; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:15) "Alas for the day," says Joel's prophecy, "because the day of Jehovah is near, and like a despoiling from the Almighty One it will come!" (Joel 1:15) On that great day, however, God will be the Savior of those "upright in heart."-Psalm 7:10.

Praise our Saviour!

Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior

The great day of Jehovah.

Paragraph 2 The expression "day of Jehovah" applies to the execution of divine judgment at various times. For instance, a "day of Jehovah" came upon Jerusalem's residents at Babylonian hands in 607 B.C.E.(Zephaniah 1:4-7) A comparable execution of God's judgment occurred in 70 C.E. when God used the Romans to execute his judgment upon the Jewish nation that rejected his Son. (Daniel 9: 24-27; John 19:15) The Bible also foretells a "day of Jehovah" when he will `war against all the nations.' (Zechariah 14:1-3) Under inspiration, the apostle Paul associated that day with Christ's presence, which began with Jesus' enthronement as heavenly King in 1914. (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2) With the day of Jehovah looming on the horizon, the yeartext of Jehovah's Witnesses for 2007 has been especially appropriate. Taken from Zephaniah 1:14, it reads: "The great day of Jehovah is near."

607 BC? History has shown it was 586 BC.

The great day of Jehovah.

Paragraph 5 Jesus had wholehearted love for Jehovah and for His righteous standards. Concerning Jesus, Hebrews 1:9 states: "You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness. That is why God, your God, anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your partners." Because he loved his heavenly Father, Jesus maintained integrity to him. If we have similar love for God and live up to his requirements, he will safeguard us. (Psalm 31:23) Such love and obedience will help us to be ready for the great day of Jehovah.

Hebrews 1 reveals more about the Son.

Hebrews 1:8 But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." 10 He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

Only God is the Creator.

The great day of Jehovah.

Paragraph 6 Love for people was a notable feature of Jesus' personality. Indeed, "he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36) Consequently, Jesus preached the good news to the people, just as love motivates us to proclaim the Kingdom message to our neighbors. Love for God and for our neighbor keeps us active as Christian ministers and thus helps to prepare us for the great day of Jehovah.-Matthew 22:37-39.

Skinned and thrown about; changes of doctrine like the blood ban, vaccinations, and organ transplants fall under this category.

The great day of Jehovah.

Paragraph 8 Fervent prayer to God helped to prepare Jesus for tests of faith. He was praying when John baptized him. Jesus prayed for an entire night when he chose his apostles. (Luke 6:12-16) And what Bible reader is not impressed with Jesus' heartfelt prayers on the last night of his earthly life? (Mark 14:32-42; John 17:1-26) Are you a person of prayer, as Jesus was? Approach Jehovah often, linger in prayer, seek the direction of holy spirit, and be quick to accept that direction when it becomes evident. A strong relationship with our heavenly Father is vital at this critical time when God's great day is approaching rapidly. By all means, then, draw ever closer to Jehovah in prayer. James 4:8.

A prayer from the Son to the Father.

The great day of Jehovah.

John 17:20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

Do JW's expect to live with Jesus?

Paragraph 9 Concern about the sanctification of Jehovah's holy name also helped Jesus to be prepared for the trials he faced. In fact, he taught his followers that their prayers to God should include the request: "Let your name be sanctified." (Matthew 6:9) If we deeply desire that Jehovah's name be sanctified, or held sacred, we will strive to avoid doing anything that would bring reproach upon it. As a result, we will be better prepared for the great day of Jehovah.

Do false promises attributed to God result in reproach?

The great day of Jehovah.

Paragraph 10 If Jehovah's day comes tomorrow, will you really be ready for it? Each of us would do well to examine his or her life to see if any actions or attitudes need to be adjusted. In view of the brevity and uncertainty of present human life, every one of us needs to be spiritually alert each day. (Ecclesiastes 9:11, 12; James 4:13-15) So let us consider some factors that may require attention in our lives.

"Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today".

The great day of Jehovah.

Paragraph 11 One key factor is the admonition of `the faithful slave' to read the Bible daily. (Matthew 24:45) You might make it your goal to read the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation meditatively once every year. By reading about four chapters a day, you can read the Bible's 1,189 chapters in one year. Each king of Israel was to read Jehovah's Law "all the days of his life." Evidently, Joshua did something similar. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20; Joshua 1:7, 8) How important it is that spiritual shepherds read God's Word daily, for this helps them to impart "healthful teaching"! -Titus 2:1.

This is ludicrous. Does it take an admonition from the Governing Body to make daily Bible reading a goal worth pursuing?

Paragraph 12 The nearness of Jehovah's day should move you to attend Christian meetings regularly and participate in them as fully as possible. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Doing so will help you to hone your skills as a Kingdom proclaimer who seeks to find and help those rightly disposed for everlasting life. (Acts 13: 48) Perhaps you could be more active in the congregation in other ways too, such as by helping the elderly and encouraging the young. How satisfying these efforts can be!

Because some people have more of a disposition for everlasting life than others.

Paragraph 13 Since Jehovah's day is imminent, do you need to make a greater effort to "put on the new personality which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty"? (Ephesians 4:20-24) As you cultivate godly qualities, others are likely to see that you are `walking by God's spirit' and displaying its fruitage. (Galatians 5:16, 22:25) Can you point to specific actions showing that you and your family have put on the new personality? (Colossians 3:9, 10) For instance, are you known for deeds of kindness to fellow believers and others? (Galatians 6: 10) A regular study of the Scriptures will assist you in developing godly qualities that will prepare you for Jehovah's day.

Would a JW who explains he doesn't need the Watchtower be shown any acts of kindness from those in the congregation?

The great day of Jehovah.

Paragraph 14 Suppose that strained relations exist between you and a certain fellow believer. In that case, make every effort to repair the breach, thus promoting the peace and unity of the congregation. (Psalm 133:1-3) Apply the counsel of Jesus as recorded at Matthew 5:23, 24 or Matthew 18:15-17. If you have been letting the sun set while you are still in a provoked state, be quick to correct matters. Often all that is needed is a willingness to forgive. Paul wrote: "Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you."-Ephesians 4:25, 26, 32.

Not to the person who does not need the Watchtower for salvation.

Paragraph 17 What if you have sinned seriously in some way? Take remedial steps as soon as possible. By all means, seek the assistance of Christian elders. Their prayers and counsel will help restore you to spiritual health. (James 5:13-16) Pray to Jehovah with a repentant attitude. Failure to do so would leave you with a sense of guilt and a troubled conscience. David had that experience, but how good it was to get the relief that came with confession to Jehovah! David wrote: "Happy is the one whose revolt is pardoned, whose sin is covered. Happy is the man to whose account Jehovah does not put error, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." (Psalm 32:1-5) Jehovah forgives those who sin but are genuinely repentant.-Psalm 103: 8-14; Proverbs 28:13

Have they repented of their sins and trusted Jesus as their sole saviour?

Paragraph 19 Are you helping your children to 'keep themselves without spot from the world'? (James 1:27) Satan would like to reel in your children as a man reels in fish. Various clubs and other organizations are designed to make young people fit in with Satan's world. But Jehovah's servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things. So Christian youths should be encouraged to have "plenty to do in the work of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58) Godly parents need to assist their children to set goals that will give them a happy and rewarding life that honors God and helps them to be ready for Jehovah's day.

"The only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things." This is a keeper.

The great day of Jehovah.

Paragraph 20 You will be able to await Jehovah's day with a calm heart if you keep everlasting life in view. (Jude 20, 21) You look forward to eternal life in Paradise, and thus you have the hope of renewed youthful vitality and unlimited time to pursue wholesome goals and learn more about Jehovah. You can actually go on learning about God forever because humans now know only "the fringes of his ways." (Job 26:14) What exciting prospects!

Everlasting life for a JW is living a long time without aging and playing with the animals. What about glorifying God in His awesome presence?

The great day of Jehovah..

Paragraph 21 In Paradise, resurrected ones will be able to fill in some gaps in our knowledge of the past. Enoch will be there to explain how he had the courage needed to declare Jehovah's message to ungodly people. (Jude 14, 15) Noah will certainly relate what it was like to build the ark. Abraham and Sarah will be able to reveal how they felt about leaving the comforts of Ur and living in tents. Think of Esther supplying details about how she stood up for her people and foiled Haman's plot against them. (Esther 7:1-6) Imagine Jonah telling about his three days in the belly of the big fish or John the Baptizer describing his feelings when he baptized Jesus. (Luke 3:21, 22; 7:28) What intriguing things to learn!

Much ado about the creatures...

Paragraph 22 During Christ's Thousand Year Reign, you may be privileged to help resurrected ones to gain "the very knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:1-6) Today, what a pleasure it is to see people take in knowledge of Jehovah God and act upon it! But think of your joy at that future time when Jehovah blesses your efforts to instruct people from bygone eras and they respond with appreciative hearts!

...and not the Creator.

Paragraph 23 The benefits we now enjoy as Jehovah's people are beyond our imperfect efforts to number or evaluate. (Psalm 40:5) Especially are we grateful for God's spiritual provisions. (Isaiah 48:17,18) Regardless of our circumstances, let us wholeheartedly render sacred service as we await the greatday of Jehovah.

Meaning, be grateful for the literature offered by the "faithful slave" which is bound to change.

THE GREAT DAY OF JEHOVAH

Phillipians1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 1:10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ

1 Thessalonians 5:2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night...9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare...12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat...18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:14 as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus

Amen, Come Lord Jesus!

"I Have Experience"

Must Have Studied Before

The two sisters only spend five minutes before returning to the car where the rest of us are waiting.

"How did it go?" I ask the younger sister, an elder's wife, who took the initiative in conversating with the lady at the door.

"She was very pleasant to talk to. I told her the Last Days would be just like in Noah's time. Then she mentions that must've been quite the sight seeing the animals go towards the Ark all by themselves."

"She sure was knowledgeable about that", the other sister chimed in.

"I agree", replied the younger one and smiled, "she must have studied with Jehovah's Witnesses before".

Or she may have read the Bible before.

"Are You Ready For Jehovah's Sovereignty?"

"Are you ready for Jehovah's Sovereignty" is the name of the latest Watchtower Study published by the Society. It is also a question they should be asking themselves.

Paragraph 1 A momentous event, one that had never before been seen on earth, occurred about October 29 C.E. The Gospel writer Matthew reports: "After being baptized Jesus immediately came up from the water; and, look! the heavens were opened up, and [John the Baptizer] saw descending like a dove God's spirit coming upon [Jesus]. Look! Also, there was a voice from the heavens that said: `This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."' This was one of the few events that was recorded by all four Gospel writers.-Matthew 3:16, 17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21, 22; John 1:32-34.

Paragraph 2 The visible outpouring of holy spirit upon Jesus identified him as the Anointed One, which term means Messiah, or Christ. (John 1:33) At long last, the promised "seed" had appeared! Standing before John the Baptizer was the one whose heel was to be bruised by Satan and who was to bruise the head of that archenemy of Jehovah and His sovereignty. (Genesis 3: 15) From that point on, Jesus was fully aware that he must endeavor to fulfill Jehovah's purpose regarding His sovereignty and the Kingdom.

From that point on? Did not Jesus as a boy know God to be his Father, the temple his home and his life for the Father?

Luke 2:46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."

49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

On a side note, is it so difficult to call John "the Baptist"?

Paragraph 3 To be prepared for the task at hand, "Jesus, full of holy spirit, turned away from the Jordan, and he was led about by the spirit in the wilderness." (Luke 4:1; Mark 1:12) There, for 40 days Jesus had time to meditate deeply on the issue of sovereignty raised by Satan and on the course that He had to take to uphold Jehovah's sovereignty. That issue involves all intelligent creatures—in heaven and on earth. So we do well to consider Jesus' faithful course and see what we must do to show that we too wish to uphold Jehovah's sovereignty.-Job 1:6-12; 2:2-6.

So Jesus had a forty-day sovereignty-themed timeout? The bible says he was tempted not just for those forty days, but according to Luke 4:13, "until an opportune time" arrived. They would do well to consider Jesus faithful course and know he NEVER sinned.

Paragraph 6 To begin with, "Jesus went into Galilee, preaching the good news of God and saying: `The appointed time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has drawn near."' (Mark 1:14, 15) In fact, he said: "I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth." (Luke 4:18, 21, 43) Jesus traveled the length and breadth of the land, "preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God." (Luke 8:1) Jesus also performed many powerful works—feeding the crowds, taming the elements, curing the sick, and raising the dead. By means of these miracles, Jesus proved that God can undo all the damage and suffering that resulted from the Edenic rebellion and thus "break up the works of the Devil."-1 John 3:8.

And what were the good news? That Christ became enthroned in 1914 AD and soon the planet would be a garden and friendly animals would roam about?

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

His mission was clear.

Paragraph 8 Jesus spared no effort and passed up no opportunity to bear witness to the Kingdom. He worked incessantly, laboring day and night, even forgoing the normal comforts of life. "Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have roosts, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head," he said. (Luke 9:58; Mark 6:31; John 4:31-34) Shortly before his death, Jesus boldly stated before Pontius Pilate: "For this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth." (John 18:37) Jesus' entire life course demonstrated that he came, not simply to be a great teacher or a miracle worker or even just a self-sacrificing Savior, but to uphold Jehovah's sovereign will and to bear witness to God's ability to fulfill that will through the Kingdom.-John 14:6.

That scripture reads,

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

While you are at it, just ignore why Jesus is the Lamb of God and how He paid for our sins.

Hebrews 9:26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Apparently His Sacrifice is important.

Paragraph 10 What comes to your mind when you think of Jesus on the torture stake suffering a slow and agonizing death? Perhaps you remember the ransom sacrifice that Jesus unselfishly gave in behalf of sinful mankind. (Matthew 20:28; John 15:13) You may marvel at the great love that Jehovah showed in providing that sacrifice. (John 3:16) Perhaps you feel as did the Roman army officer who was moved to say: "Certainly this was God's Son." (Matthew 27:54) All of these surely are fitting responses. On the other hand, recall that Jesus' last words on the torture stake were: "It has been accomplished!" (John 19:30) What had been accomplished? While Jesus achieved many things by his life and death, was it not primarily for settling the issue of Jehovah's sovereignty that Jesus came to earth? And was it not foretold that as the "seed," he would suffer the extreme test at Satan's hands so as to clear Jehovah's name of all reproach? (Isaiah 53:3-7) These were weighty responsibilities, yet Jesus fulfilled them in every respect. What an accomplishment!

What has been accomplished? Let's read those verses.

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Contrary to the Watchtower's self-centered theology, God is not about having his ego bruised; He is about about being holy, just, and loving. He Redeems lost and unloveable creatures. What Christ accomplished cannot be added to, it truly has been done.

Paragraph 11 For his faithfulness and loyalty, Jesus was resurrected, not as a human, but as "a life-giving spirit." (1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Peter 3:18) Jehovah's promise to his glorified Son was: "Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet." (Psalm 110:1) The "enemies" include the chief culprit, Satan, and all those making up his "seed." As King of Jehovah's Messianic Kingdom, Jesus Christ will take the lead in bringing all rebels to nothing, in heaven and on earth. (Revelation 12:7-9; 19:11-16; 20:1-3, 10) Then will come the complete fulfillment of the prophecy at Genesis 3:15 as well as of the prayer that Jesus taught his followers: "Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth."-Matthew 6:10; Philippians 2:8-11.

Once again they diminish Jesus and his ressurection. What happened when the disciples saw Jesus and thought he was an apparition?

Luke 24:37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

Later on He even eats in their presence to reassure them he is physical yet glorified.

Paragraph 12 Today, the good news of the Kingdom is being preached in many lands, as Jesus prophesied it would be. (Matthew 24:14) As a result, millions of people have dedicated their life to God. They are excited about the blessings that the Kingdom will bring. They look forward to living forever in peace and security on a paradise earth, and they joyfully tell others about their hope. (Psalm 37:11; 2 Peter 3:13) Are you one of these Kingdom proclaimers? If so, you are to be commended. There is, however, something else that each one of us must consider.

Why don't they continue quoting Psalm 37?

Psalm 37:19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

Is it because they don't expect desertification and cropland losses in their Paradise?

Paragraph 13 The apostle Peter wrote: "Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely." (1 Peter 2:21) Note that in this instance, Peter mentioned, not Jesus' zeal in preaching or his skill in teaching, but his suffering. As an eyewitness, Peter was well-aware of the extent to which Jesus was willing to suffer in order to submit to Jehovah's sovereignty and prove Satan to be the liar that he is. In what ways, then, can we follow Jesus' steps? We must ask ourselves: `To what extent am I willing to suffer in order to support and honor Jehovah's sovereignty? Do I show by the way I live my life and carry out my ministry that upholding Jehovah's sovereignty is my foremost concern?'-Colossians 3:17.

Why then downplay His Sacrifice throughout this entire article?

First Temple seal found in Jerusalem

From the Jerusalem Post:

A stone seal bearing the name of one of the families who acted as servants in the First Temple and then returned to Jerusalem after being exiled to Babylonia has been uncovered in an archeological excavation in Jerusalem's City of David, a prominent Israeli archeologist said Wednesday.

The 2,500-year-old black stone seal, which has the name "Temech" engraved on it, was found earlier this week amid stratified debris in the excavation under way just outside the Old City walls near the Dung Gate, said archeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar, who is leading the dig.

According to the Book of Nehemiah, the Temech family were servants of the First Temple and were sent into exile to Babylon following its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.

I wonder if any JW's will look at the date of the First Temple destruction by the Babylonians and see it is not 607 BC as they have been taught by the Watchtower.

A

My first real life sighting of someone wearing the "A" shirts from Richard Dawkins happened earlier today.

Amazingly "A" does not stand for "Atrocious" in fashion design.

"Jehovah's Sovereignty and the Kingdom of God"

JW's, in particular, will benefit from this Watchtower Study.

Paragraph 1 "Jehovah himself has firmly established his throne in the very heavens; and over everything his own kingship has held domination." (Psalm 103:19) With those words, the psalmist pointed to the fundamental concept of rulership. Jehovah God, being the Creator, is rightfully the Sovereign Ruler of the universe.

The Sovereign Ruler of the universe, the author of creation and rightful King.

Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Revelation 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."

Jude 1:4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Are there two Universal Sovereigns, two King of Kings and two Lord of Lords?

Paragraph 2 Of course, for a ruler to exercise his sovereignty, there need to be subjects. To begin with, Jehovah exercised his dominion over spirit creatures whom he brought into existence–first his only-begotten Son and then the angelic hosts. (Colossians 1:15-17) Far down the stream of time, the prophet Daniel was given a glimpse of the heavenly scene. He reported: "I kept on beholding until there were thrones placed and the Ancient of Days sat down.... There were a thousand thousands that kept ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him." (Daniel 7:9, 10) For aeons Jehovah, "the Ancient of Days," presided as Sovereign over his immense and orderly family of spirit sons, who served as "ministers" doing his will.-Psalm 103:20, 21.

Notice that wording? Are they now trying to distance themselves, perhaps even regretting that they ever taught Jesus Christ is an angel?

The Watchtower November 1, 1995 "The foremost angel, both in power and authority, is the archangel, Jesus Christ, also called Michael. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9) Under his authority are seraphs, cherubs, and angels"

Another dilemma is revealed. Are they saying God needs subjects to be legitimate? Since they teach Jehovah is only the Father, does that mean he was not GOD before the creation?

Paragraph 3 Eventually, Jehovah extended his rulership by bringing into existence the vast and intricate physical universe, including the earth. (Job 38:4, 7) To an observer on earth, the heavenly bodies operate with such order and precision that they seem to need no one to guide or govern them. Yet, the psalmist declared: "[Jehovah] himself commanded, and they were created. And he keeps them standing forever, to time indefinite. A regulation he has given, and it will not pass away." (Psalm 148:5, 6) All along, Jehovah has been exercising his sovereignty in directing, regulating, and governing the operations of the spirit realm and the physical universe.-Nehemiah 9:6.

Praise Jehovah!

Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

The Son sustains every single thing by his word. Earlier quoted is Colossians 1:17 where every single thing is held together by King Jesus. Praise Him indeed!

Paragraph 6 Since Jehovah, the Universal Sovereign, has always been exercising his power and mightiness, why is there a need for the Kingdom of God? A sovereign generally exercises his authority through an agency that is placed over his subjects. The Kingdom of God, therefore, is an expression or exercise of God's universal sovereignty toward his creatures, a means or an agency used by him to carry out his rulership.

What are they trying to explain?

The Watchtower July 15, 2006 The Kingdom of God is a government ordained by God. Its King—the Messiah, Jesus Christ—and all his associate rulers are responsible to God to uphold His just laws and loving principles. The subjects of the Kingdom, including its earthly representatives, take delight in living by God’s laws. God is thus at the center of the lives of the rulers and the subjects of the Kingdom. Therefore, the Kingdom is a true theocracy—rule by God. It is bound to succeed in accomplishing the purpose for which it has been set up.

Since they believe they'll never see Jesus physically, the new government in the Paradise will have new laws and regulations. Everyone will learn of these because the dissemination will be flawless.

Paragraph 10 That "seed" turned out to be Jesus Christ, along with a distinct group of associate rulers. Together they form God's Messianic Kingdom. (Daniel 7:13, 14, 27; Matthew 19:28; Luke 12:32; 22:28-30) All of this, however, was not revealed immediately. In fact, the outworking of the first prophecy remained a "sacred secret which [had] been kept in silence for long-lasting times." (Romans 16:25) For centuries, men of faith longed for the time when "the sacred secret" would be revealed and the first prophecy fulfilled to the vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty.-Romans 8:19-21.

Most JW's believe they can never be part of Abraham's seed, they think only a few who were alive before the cutoff date of 1935 and then--oh, sorry...the May 1, 2007 issue said that wasn't the case after all. However, only a fraction of the remaining 144,000 people will go to heaven.

What does the Bible teach?

First, that God promised Abraham he would bless him. It wasn't anything that he earned or did; it was not his works, but his faith!

Romans 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

All who have the faith of Abraham are his children.

Galatians 3:6 Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." 7 Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. 8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." 9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Second, that Jesus Christ is the seed of Abraham.

Galatians 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ.

All who trust in Jesus (Jews and Gentiles) are made into one spiritual body.

Ephesians 2:11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

In Christ Jesus all believers are one.

Galatians 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

This promise does not apply to only 144,000, but to everyone who places their faith and trust in Jesus.

John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

If we are His Body, His Church and Temple, we are Abraham's Seed, children of God by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone.

Paragraph 12 By Abraham's time, there had already been human attempts at rulership and domination. For example, concerning Nimrod, the great-grandson of Noah, the Bible says: "He made the start in becoming a mighty one in the earth. He displayed himself a mighty hunter in opposition to Jehovah." (Genesis 10:8, 9) Clearly, Nimrod and other self-appointed rulers were puppets in Satan's hands. They and their supporters became part of Satan's seed.-1 John 5:19.

Paragraph 13 In spite of Satan's efforts to produce human rulers, Jehovah's purpose moves forward. Through Abraham's grandson Jacob, Jehovah revealed: "The scepter will not turn aside from Judah, neither the commander's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong." (Genesis 49:10) The term "Shiloh" means "He Whose It Is; He to Whom It Belongs." Thus, these prophetic words indicated that there would come one who had the legal right to receive "the scepter," or sovereignty, and "the commander's staff," or rulership, over "the peoples," or all mankind. Who would this One be?

They don't give God enough credit.

Psalm 75:7 But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

Daniel 2:21 It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings

Romans 13:1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

Last paragraph.

Paragraph 19 At last, the time for revealing "the sacred secret" had drawn near. The principal One of the promised "seed" was soon to appear. (Galatians 4:4; 1 Timothy 3:16) He would be bruised in the heel by Satan. But that "seed," in turn, will bruise Satan's head, putting him and all his cohorts out of action. He would also bear witness that by means of the Kingdom of God, all the damage done by Satan will be undone and Jehovah's sovereignty vindicated. (Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8) How would Jesus accomplish this? What example did he leave for us to imitate? We will find the answers in the following article.

Let's see what they come up with next.

The Immoral Gene?

Mike at Christian Cognition with another interesting article.

Excerpt:

If macro-Evolution / natural selection / Darwinism are true – that species are selected to survive based on their survivable traits – is it possible for gay species to fit into the reproductive model? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude that same-sex, sexually-reproductive species cannot reproduce their own kind when uniting together. If there is a gay gene that has evolved over time, wouldn’t those same gay genes actually die? (Therefore, it seems that the gay gene – if there was one – would die after the first generation.) After all, they cannot survive via reproduction. Instead, it seems they would adapt and evolve into heterosexual genes.

And how can it be moral (according to Darwinists) for same-sex, sexually-reproductive species to lay with the same sex of that same species? If Darwinism means that unfit species with doomed traits would eventually die, then why would it be moral for that species to lie with the same sex of that same species when doing so would lead to its own death? Instead, it should absolutely not lie with the same sex of that species. Therefore, shouldn’t the Darwinist strongly oppose homosexuality since the species cannot survive via reproduction (without the assistance of the opposite sex)?

"So what?"

At a special day assembly, during the interview segment, a middle-aged JW relates his experience when the circuit overseer visited his congregation.

"When the circuit overseer had inquired why I hadn't gone out to service since my work accident I could only tell him that I felt too depressed. The injuries I suffered had left both my hands immobile and I couldn't do much."

"So what?" he replied, "you still have both your legs and you have your mouth."

"A weekend later I was back going door to door."

The assembly hall erupted into applause and even as he was taking his seat that brother attempted to join in with his floppy hands.

I have to admit that is zeal, but I pain for that man. He's out there preaching a false gospel.

Galatians 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

"Imitate the Greatest Disciple Maker"

In "Imitate the Greatest Disciple Maker", the Watchtower relegates the Master to being the finest salesman.

Paragraph 1 Jesus Christ was fulfilling his role as the Great Teacher and Disciple Maker when he told his followers: "Pay attention to how you listen." (Luke 8:16-18) That principle applies to your ministry as a Christian. If you pay attention to spiritual instruction, you will act on it and be an effective Kingdom proclaimer. Of course, you cannot hear the voice of Jesus today, but you can read about what he said and did, as revealed in the Scriptures. What do they disclose about the way Jesus dealt with people during his ministry?

Paragraph 2 Jesus was an excellent preacher of the good news and an outstanding teacher of Scriptural truth. (Luke 8:1; John 8:28) The work of making disciples involves both preaching and teaching, yet some Christians who are commendable preachers find it difficult to teach people effectively. Whereas preaching involves proclaiming a message, teaching people about Jehovah and his purposes usually requires that a disciple-maker build a relationship with them. (Matthew 28:19, 20) This can be done by imitating Jesus Christ, the Great Teacher and Disciple Maker.-John 13:13.

Paragraph 4 From childhood on, Jesus had the custom of listening to people and encouraging them to express their views. When he was 12 years old, for example, his parents found him in the midst of the teachers in the temple, "listening to them and questioning them." (Luke 2:46) Jesus did not go to the temple to embarrass the teachers with his knowledge. He went there to listen, although he also asked questions. His inclination to be a good listener may have been one quality that gained him favor with God and men.-Luke 2:52.

Notice they mention the listening, but neglect the questioning. Nevertheless, Christ instead of giving pointers about how to listen, describes the Word of God demanding a verdict.

Luke 8:16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."

The Society wants to make this about something entirely different.

Paragraph 5 After his baptism and anointing as the Messiah, Jesus maintained his interest in listening to people. He did not become so absorbed in what he was teaching that he forgot about those who came to hear him speak. Often, he would pause, ask what they thought, and listen to their response. (Matthew 16:13-15) For example, after the death of Martha's brother, Lazarus, Jesus told her: "Everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all." He then asked her: "Do you believe this?" And Jesus surely listened as Martha replied: "Yes, Lord; I have believed that you are the Christ the Son of God." (John 11:26, 27) How satisfying it must have been to hear Martha express her faith in that way!

Has anyone EVER considered that?

Paragraph 7 Another reason why Jesus was an effective disciple-maker is that he cared about people and listened to them with respect. On one occasion, for instance, Jesus witnessed to a Samaritan woman near Jacob's fountain at Sychar. During that discussion, Jesus did not do all the talking; he listened to what she had to say. While listening to her, Jesus noted her interest in worship and told her that God was looking for those who would worship Him with spirit and truth. Jesus showed respect and concern for this woman, whereupon she told others about him, and "many of the Samaritans out of that city put faith in him on account of the word of the woman."-John 4:5-29, 39-42.

So much for requiring a disciple-maker to "build a relationship" per paragraph two. How long did Jesus take before sharing the gospel with her?

John 4:4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

The Watchtower also tries to set up the pretext Jesus could have kept on talking endlessly, but out of respect and concern for the woman, he listened. The fact is our Lord knows all things and it wasn't by accident she met Him.

John 4:25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

Back to the study.

Paragraph 9 Jesus was never at a loss for words. Besides being a good listener, he was often aware of what people were thinking, and he knew exactly what to say. (Matthew 9:4; 12:22-30; Luke 9:46, 47) To illustrate: Shortly after Jesus' resurrection, two of his disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. "As they were conversing and discussing," says the Gospel account, "Jesus himself approached and began walking with them; but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He said to them: `What are these matters that you are debating between yourselves as you walk along?' And they stood still with sad faces. In answer the one named Cleopas said to him: `Are you dwelling as an alien by yourself in Jerusalem and so do not know the things that have occurred in her in these days?' And he said to them: `What things?'" The Great Teacher listened as they explained that Jesus the Nazarene taught people, performed miracles, and was executed. Now some were saying that he had been raised from the dead. Jesus let Cleopas and his companion express themselves. Then he explained what they needed to know, "fully opening up the Scriptures" to them.-Luke 24:13-27, 32

Could it have been because Jesus is the One who searches hearts and minds (Rev 2:23)? If they expect JW's to imitate His omniscience it will be futile.

Psalms 139:1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

Mark 2:8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things?"

Continuing.

Paragraph 15 In addition to using questions effectively, you can encourage conversation by saying something interesting and then listening to the response. For instance, Jesus told Nicodemus: "Unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) Those words were so intriguing that Nicodemus could not hold back from responding and listening to Jesus. (John 3:420) You may be able to draw people into conversations in a similar way.

But do they want their members to be born again christians?

Paragraph 17 Jesus was interested not only in adults but also in children. He knew about the games youngsters played and the things they said. Sometimes he would invite children to come to him. (Luke 7:31, 32; 18:1517) Many children were among the crowds listening to Jesus. When young boys shouted out in praise of the Messiah, Jesus took note and showed that the Scriptures had foretold this. (Matthew 14:21; 15:38; 21:15, 16) Today, many children are becoming disciples of Jesus. So how can you help them?

What would they think of children singing their hearts out to Jesus?

Paragraph 20 Whether you are discussing a subject with your child or anyone else, good listening is vital. Indeed, it is an expression of love. By listening, you are acting in a humble way, and the one speaking is being shown respect and loving consideration. Of course, listening requires that you pay attention to the person's expressions.

Paragraph 21 As you engage in the Christian ministry, keep on listening carefully to the householders. If you pay close attention to what they say, you are likely to discern which aspects of Bible truth will be especially appealing to them. Then endeavor to help them by employing Jesus' various methods of teaching. As you do so, you will be rewarded with joy and satisfaction because you are imitating the Great Disciple Maker.

And is that what they think of Jesus Christ, as a man who knew how to get a following? As someone who was an attentive listener and tactfully asked questions? They have separated Him from the gospel when He is the central message. All the scriptures were pointing towards the Messiah. Without a King there is no Kingdom.

John 8:24 "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

I'm Not Who I Was

Evidence Ministries has produced an amazing video of just a few of the many former Jehovah's Witnesses who have been redeemed by the person and work of Jesus Christ.

God, thank you for saving them. You are most merciful, loving, and majestic and only you deserve the praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The song is written by Brandon Heath.




For more information please visit http://www.happyxwitness.com/