"Christ's Presence—What Does It Mean to You"

An excellent video bringing attention to the "Truth" presented by the Watchtower is not really the truth at all.

In particular, the Generation.

"Pay Attention To Your 'Art of Teaching'"

Study of the Watchtower January 15, 2008 "Member's Only" Edition.

Paragraph 1 Despite the wonderful works of healing that Jesus performed during his earthly ministry, he was primarily known, not as a healer or a miracle worker, but as a teacher. (Mark 12:19; 13:1) Declaring the good news of God's Kingdom was Jesus' priority, and so it is for his followers today. Christians have a commission to continue the work of disciple-making by teaching people to observe all the things that Jesus commanded.-Matt. 28:19, 20.

Was the gospel of Jesus centered around Earth being free of environmental pollution? Did it center around 1914, 1925, or 1935? The latter two dates (among many) having been were found not to be true at all.

Matthew 24:26 "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

Luke 21:8 He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."

JW's actually have been proclaiming Jesus has already returned (invisibly) and that the time is near.

Paragraph 2 In order to fulfill our commission to make disciples, we constantly seek to improve our ability to teach. The apostle Paul underlined the importance of this skill when writing to his preaching companion Timothy. He said: "Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you." (1 Tim. 4:16) The kind of teaching that Paul had in mind is not the mere imparting of knowledge. Effective Christian ministers reach the hearts of people and motivate them to make changes in their lives. That is an art. So how can we develop the "art of teaching" when presenting to others the good news of God's Kingdom?-2 Tim. 4:2.

What will happen to those who teach 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!

The art of teaching a perverted gospel leads to eternal condemnation.

Paragraph 3 One dictionary defines "art" as a "skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation." We need to pay attention to all three of these elements to become effective teachers of the good news. We can gain a correct understanding of our subject only by studying it prayerfully. (Read Psalm 119:27, 34.) Observing effective ministers as they teach helps us to learn their methods and to imitate them. And striving on a regular basis to practice what we learn will help us to refine our abilities.-Luke 6:40; 1 Tim. 4:13-15.

Did they prayerfully prepare for their false prophecies?

Millions Now Living Will Never Die, page 89. 1918 "Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews 11, to the condition of human perfection."

The Watchtower January 1, 1989 "The apostle Paul was spearheading the Christian missionary activity. He was also laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century." (The bound volumes and CD-ROM version changes it to "in our day".)

That is their skill.

Paragraph 4 Jehovah is our Grand Instructor. Through the visible part of his organization, he provides his servants on earth with guidance as to how they should fulfill their preaching commission. (Isa. 30:20, 21) In this regard, every congregation holds a weekly Theocratic Ministry School, which is designed to help all those enrolled become effective proclaimers of God's Kingdom. The main textbook of this school is the Bible. Jehovah's inspired Word tells us what to teach. Moreover, it indicates what teaching methods are effective and appropriate. The Theocratic Ministry School regularly reminds us that we will become more skilled as teachers if we base our teaching on God's Word, use questions effectively, teach with simplicity, and show a sincere interest in others. Let us examine each of these points separately. Then we will discuss how to reach a student's heart.

Like their mistakes were derived from the Bible.

Paragraph 5 Jesus, the greatest of all human teachers, based his teachings on the Scriptures. (Matt. 21:13; John 6:45; 8:17) He spoke, not in his own name, but in the name of the One who sent him. (John 7:16-18) That is the example we follow. So, what we say either in the doorto-door ministry or at home Bible studies should center on the authority of God's Word. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) No amount of clever reasoning on our part can possibly equal the effectiveness and power of the inspired Scriptures. The Bible has authority. Whatever point we are striving to help a student grasp, the best method we can use is to have him or her read what the Scriptures say about it.-Read Hebrews 4:12.

Why peddle Watchtower and Awake magazines then? Why is it the last word is what the Society says?

Paragraph 6 That is not to say, of course, that a Christian teacher need not prepare for a Bible study. On the contrary, careful forethought should be given to deciding which of the cited scriptures the teacher or the student will read from the Bible during the study. Generally speaking, it is good to read those scriptures that provide the basis for our beliefs. It is also necessary to help the student get the sense of each text he reads.-1 Cor. 14:8, 9.

That would be the reason the Watchtower only wants certain scriptures to be read.

Paragraph 7 The skillful use of questions stimulates thinking and helps the teacher to reach the student's heart. So instead of explaining scriptures to your student, ask him to explain them to you. Sometimes an additional question or even a series of questions might be needed to help your student arrive at the right understanding. When you involve the student in the learning process in this way, you are, in effect, helping him not only to grasp the reasons behind any given conclusion but also to make that conclusion his own conviction.-Matt. 7:24-26; Luke 10: 36, 37.

Just do not question the Governing Body's authority.

Paragraph 8 The study method used in our publications is that of questions and answers. No doubt, the majority of people with whom you study the Bible will quickly be able to answer the printed questions, using the information in the corresponding paragraphs. Still, the discerning teacher will not be satisfied simply with the right answers. For example, a student may be able to explain orrectly what the Bible says about fornication. (1 Cor. 6:18) Tactful viewpoint questions, however, can indicate what the student really thinks about what he is learning. The teacher might thus ask: "Why does the Bible condemn sexual relations outside of marriage? What do you think about this God-given restriction? Do you think that there is any benefit from living according to God's moral standards?"The response to such questions can reveal what is in the student's heart.-Read Matthew 16:13-17.

"Why do you think the Bible condemns those who speak falsities in God's name?"

Paragraph 9 Most truths contained in God's Word are in themselves relatively simple. It may be, though, that people with whom we study the Bible have been confused by the doctrines of false religion. Our role as teachers is to make the Bible easy to understand. Effective teachers convey information simply, clearly, and accurately. If we follow this guideline, we will not make the truth more complicated than it needs to be. Avoid unnecessary details. There is no need to comment on every aspect of a scripture that we read. Simply focus on what is essential to clarifying the point under consideration. The student will come to appreciate deeper Scriptural truths as he progresses in his understanding.-Heb. 5:13,14.

What a complete lack of respect to God's Word.

Paragraph 10 How much material should be covered in one study session? For this, discernment is needed. The abilities and circumstances of both student and teacher will vary, but we should always bear in mind that our objective as teachers is to help our student build solid faith. So we allow him sufficient time to read, grasp, and accept the truths presented in God's Word. We do not consider more material than he can grasp. At the same time, we keep the study moving. Once our student has grasped a point, we move on to the next.-Col. 2:6, 7.

Of course they do not study the bible, but their literature.

Paragraph 11 The apostle Paul kept the message of the good news simple when speaking to new ones. Even though he was very well educated, he avoided using high-sounding language. (Read 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2.) The simplicity of Scriptural truth attracts and satisfies sincere people. No one needs to be an intellectual to understand it.-Matt. 11:25; Acts 4: 13; 1 Cor. 1:26, 27.

Their objective is to reach out to those they deem sincere, the deserving ones, those rightly disposed.

Luke 5:31 And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Back to the study.

Paragraph 12 To be effective, our teaching needs to touch a student's heart. The student has to understand how the information applies to him personally, how it benefits him, and how his life would improve if he followed Scriptural direction.-Isa. 48:17,18.

Paragraph 13 For example, we may be considering Hebrews 10:24, 25, which encourages Christians to gather with fellow believers for Scriptural encouragement and loving association. If the student is not yet attending congregation meetings, we might briefly describe how they are conducted and what will be discussed. We might mention that congregation meetings are part of our worship and show that they benefit us personally. We then might invite the student to attend. His motivation for responding to Scriptural commands should be his desire to obey Jehovah, not to please the person who is studying with him.-Gal. 6:4, 5.

If the student wants to attend a Christ centered church, Jesus words -of where two or three are gathered in His name- is out the window.

Paragraph 14 A fundamental benefit that students derive from studying the Bible and applying its principles is that they come to know and appreciate Jehovah as a person. (Isa. 42:8) Not only is he a loving Father and the Creator and Owner of the universe but he also reveals his personality and abilities to those who love and serve him. (Read Exodus 34:6, 7.) When Moses was about to lead the nation of Israel out of Egyptian captivity, Jehovah identified himself using the expression: "I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be." (Ex. 3:13-15) This implied that Jehovah would become whatever was necessary for him to become in order to carry out his purposes in regard to his chosen people. The Israelites thus came to know Jehovah in the roles of Savior, Warrior, Provider, and Fulfiller of promises and in other capacities.-Ex. 15:2, 3; 16:2-5; Josh. 23:14.

Jesus as Savior!

John 4:42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

Jesus as Warrior!

Revelation 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Jesus as Provider!

John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to mewill never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus as Fulfiller of Promises!

John 14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

What a God we have.

Paragraph 15 Our students may not experience intervention by Jehovah in their lives as dramatically as Moses did. Nevertheless, as our students grow in faith and in appreciation for what they learn and as they begin to apply it, they will doubtless see the need to lean on Jehovah for courage, wisdom, and guidance. As they do so, they too will come to know Jehovah in the roles of a wise and trusted Counselor, Protector, and generous Provider of all their needs.-Ps. 55:22; 63:7; Prov. 3:5, 6.

Their students? No wonder, for they are not the Lord's.

Jesus as Counselor!

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus as Protector!

John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

Amen, Lord.

Paragraph 16 If you feel that you are not as skilled at teaching as you would like to be, take heart. Jehovah and Jesus are supervising the educational program that is being carried out worldwide today. (Acts 1:7, 8; Rev. 14:6) They can bless our efforts so that our words have the desired effect on a righthearted person. (John 6: 44) A teacher's sincere love for his student can more than make up for any lack of natural ability. The apostle Paul showed that he understood the importance of loving those who are being taught.-Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.

Are they saying Jehovah and Jesus were the brains behind their failed predictions and speculations?

Paragraph 17 Similarly, we can show a sincere interest in each Bible student by taking time to get to know him. As we discuss Scriptural principles with him, it is likely that we will become acquainted with his circumstances. We may observe that he is already living his life in harmony with some of the points that he has learned from the Bible. In other areas, he may still need to make adjustments. By helping the student to see how the information presented during Bible study sessions applies to him personally, we can lovingly assist him to become a genuine disciple of Christ.

Paragraph 18 Most important of all, we can pray with our student and for our student. It should be clear to him that our objective is to help him come to know his Creator more intimately, draw closer to Him, and benefit from His guidance. (Read Psalm 25:4, 5.) When we pray for Jehovah's blessing on a student's efforts to apply what he is learning, the student will see the importance of becoming a 'doer of the word.' (Jas. 1:22) And as the student listens to our sincere prayers, he too will learn how to pray. What a joy it is to help Bible students develop their own relationship with Jehovah!

Isn't their objective to have as many publishers filling out service reports month to month?

Knowing the Father and Son leads to eternal life. If Jesus does not know you personally, He will send you away as an unforgiven criminal.

Paragraph 19 It is encouraging to know that more than six and a half million Witnesses worldwide are busy developing the "art of teaching," with the aim of helping honesthearted individuals to observe all the things that Jesus commanded. What results are being obtained by our preaching activity? The answer to this question will be considered in the following article.

Lord, only you can save them.

"Stand Firm And See The Salvation Of Jehovah"

Paragraph 1 Today, mankind faces events of a magnitude never previously experienced. Foretelling this about our day, Jesus warned his followers: "There will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short."-Matthew 24:21, 22.

Most JW's don't see themselves as the chosen ones. That would be for only approximately 8,000 people on this Earth.

Paragraph 2 Unseen to human eyes, heavenly forces are now holding back that great tribulation. The apostle John was privileged to see the reason for this restraint in a revelation given to him by Jesus. Here is how the aged apostle described it: "I saw four angels standing upon the four corners of the earth, holding tight the four winds of the earth ... And I saw another angel ascending from the sunrising, having a seal of the living God; and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels ... `Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads."'-Revelation 7: 1-3.

Paragraph 3 The final sealing of the anointed "slaves of our God" is approaching completion. The four angels are ready to release those destructive winds. When they do, what will happen first? An angel answers that question: "With a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again." (Revelation 18:21) What heavenly rejoicing there will be when this happens, when the world empire of false religion is destroyed!-Revelation 19:1, 2.

What about the chapters between 7 and 18 in Revelation?

Paragraph 4 All the nations of the earth will have aligned themselves against Jehovah's people. Will the nations succeed in wiping out those faithful Christians? It may seem as if they could. But look! Heavenly armies following Christ Jesus will see to it that these human forces are destroyed. (Revelation 19:19-21) Finally, the Devil and his angels will be cast into an abyss of inactivity. They will no longer be able to mislead man because they will be bound for a thousand years. Oh, what a relief that will be to the great multitude of survivors!-Revelation 7: 9,10,14; 20:1-3.

Where is the great multitude? Is it on Earth according to their teachings?

Revelation 19:1 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God

Heaven!

Revelation 19:19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army.

The nations have actually aligned themselves against, not JW's, but the Faithful and True, the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS and the armies of heaven following Him.

Paragraph 5 We are about to experience these wonderful and awe-inspiring events. They all have to do with vindicating Jehovah's right to rule, his universal sovereignty. And think of this: If we remain loyal to Jehovah and if we stand firm for his sovereignty, we shall have the opportunity of sharing in the sanctification of Jehovah's name and the fulfillment of his purpose. What an inestimable joy that will be!

They forgot Judgement Day when God will demand an account.

Paragraph 6 Are we prepared for those momentous events? Do we have faith in Jehovah's saving power? Are we confident that he will come to our aid at the right time and in the best way? In answering such personal questions, we can keep in mind what the apostle Paul told his fellow Christians in Rome: "All the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) Among the things written for our instruction, giving us comfort and hope, is the record of the occasion when Jehovah delivered the Israelites from the iron grip of their Egyptian oppressors. A close examination of those exciting events when Jehovah maneuvered the salvation of the sons of Israel should be of great encouragement to us as we look forward to the fast-approaching great tribulation.

Why then do JW's lack assurance of their salvation?

The next paragraphs are about Israel's deliverance from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea.

Paragraph 14 What instruction, comfort, and hope do we gain from these thrilling events? Surely we can see that Jehovah is ready for any trial that his people have to go through. He is equal to any situation that may confront them. The Red Sea was no barrier to Israel when Jehovah caused that strong east wind to blow. And he was able to cause that same Red Sea to become a watery grave for Pharaoh's armies. Contemplating this, we can echo the words of the psalmist who said: "Jehovah is on my side; I shall not fear. What can earthling man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6) We can also find comfort in Paul's words recorded at Romans 8:31: "If God is for us, who will be against us?" What confidence these inspired sayings give us! They quiet any fears and doubts that we may have and fill us with hope. How appropriate, then, is our yeartext for 2008: "Stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah"!-Exodus 14:13.

God is equal to any trial? Is the Master not greater than that?

Paragraph 15 What else can we learn from Israel's Exodus from Egypt? That we must obey Jehovah no matter what he asks us to do. The Israelites were obedient in carrying out the detailed preparations for the Passover. They obediently stayed indoors during the night of Nisan 14. When they finally left Egypt, they had to go "in battle formation." (Exodus 13:18) Today, it is so important that we follow the guidance that comes to us through "the faithful and discreet slave"! (Matthew 24:45) We have to listen very carefully to God's word behind us, saying: "'This is the way. Walk in it, you people,' in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left." (Isaiah 30: 21) As we get nearer to the outbreak of the great tribulation, we may well receive some detailed instructions. Our safe journey through those troublesome days will depend on our keeping in step with other loyal servants of Jehovah.

Once again the Watchtower sets itself up as the mouthpiece for God. They must relish the thought of assigning further instructions (commands) to their followers.

Paragraph 16 Remember, too, that Jehovah diverted the Israelites into a position where they appeared to be trapped between the mountains on the one side and the Red Sea on the other. It just did not seem to be the right move. But Jehovah had everything in hand, and all worked out to his praise and to the salvation of his people. Today, we may not clearly see why some organizational matters are handled in a certain way, but we have every reason to trust in Jehovah's guidance through his faithful channel of communication. At times, our enemies may seem to be getting the upper hand. From our limited perspective, we may not be able to see the whole picture. Still, Jehovah is capable of maneuvering matters at the right moment, just as he did back there for the sons of Israel. -Proverbs 3:5.

How are JW's going to implement discernment? The Society creates a win-win situation for itself. Whenever something arises that would question their authority, members can do nothing but accept it, otherwise they would be rebelling against God Himself.

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

My dear JW friends, please take this seriously. Does truth change over time?

The Time Is at Hand, page 101 (1908 edition) "the ‘battle of the great day of God Almighty' (Revelation 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced."

Millions Now Living Will Never Die, page 89 "Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews 11, to the condition of human perfection."

The Watchtower September 1, 1922 "The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914."

By their standard, who was anyone to question their words?

Paragraph 17 Can you imagine the feeling of confidence that the Israelites must have had as they thought back on that pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night? It was evidence that "the angel of the true God" was guiding their journey. (Exodus 13: 21, 22; 14:19) Today, we can have confidence that Jehovah is with his people to guide, protect, and deliver them. We can take to heart the promise: "[Jehovah] will not leave his loyal ones. To time indefinite they will certainly be guarded" (Psalm 37:28) Never let us forget those mighty angelic forces that are backing God's servants today. With their support, we can "stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah."-Exodus 14:13.

Paragraph 18 What will enable all of us to "stand firm" in the way of the truth? Wearing the spiritual armor described by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. Notice that the apostle admonishes us to "put on the complete suit of armor from God." Are we wearing all the parts of this spiritual armor? In the coming calendar year, it would be well for each one to take stock of himself to make sure that every part of that armor is in place and fits well. Our enemy, Satan the Devil, knows our weaknesses, and he tries to catch us off guard or to attack a vulnerable spot. We have "a wrestling" with wicked spirit forces. Still, in Jehovah's strength, we can come off the winner! -Ephesians 6:11-18; Proverbs 27:11.

In the coming calendar year? What if this very night God demands your life?

Paragraph 19 Jesus said to his followers: "By endurance on your part you will acquire your souls." (Luke 21:19) May we be among those who faithfully endure any hardships that they may encounter and so be privileged byGod's undeserved kindness to "stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah."

In other words, they will be deserving of God's undeserved kindness.

The Bible clearly teaches it is not our works that save us.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Even faith is a gift from God to do the works He prepared for us to do.

Isaiah 26:12 LORD, You will establish peace for us, Since You have also performed for us all our works

1 Corinthians 12:6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

The context of Luke 21:19 and even Matthew 10:22 "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" is PERSEVERANCE. Even in persecution and death, God will not leave, nor forsake His children.

"The Word of Jehovah Never Fails"

In this week's Watchtower Study, the Society tries to put on the glass slipper. The results are offensive as they are comedic.

Paragraph 3 Joshua was approaching 110 years of age, having lived during one of the most exciting periods in the history of God's people. He had been an eyewitness to mighty acts of God, and he had seen the fulfillment of many of Jehovah's promises. Thus, it was with the absolute conviction of firsthand experience that he said: "You well know with all your hearts and with all your souls that not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you. Not one word of them has failed." -Joshua 23:14.

Paragraph 4 What words of Jehovah had come true in Joshua's lifetime? We will consider three assurances that Jehovah gave the Israelites. First, God would deliver them from bondage. Second, he would protect them. Third, he would sustain them. Jehovah has given similar assurances to his modern-day people, and we have seen them come true during our lifetime. Before we discuss what Jehovah has done in modern times, though, let us consider his activity in Joshua's day.

Paragraph 5 When the Israelites cried out to God because of their slavery in Egypt, Jehovah took notice. (Exodus 2:23-25) At the burning bush, Jehovah said to Moses: "I am proceeding to go down to deliver [my people] out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a land good and spacious, to a land flowing with milk and honey." (Exodus 3:8) How exciting it must have been to see Jehovah bring this about! When Pharaoh refused to let Israel leave Egypt, Moses informed him that God would turn the waters of the Nile into blood. Jehovah's word did not fail. The water in the Nile River was turned into blood. The fish died, and the river water was undrinkable. (Exodus 7:14-21) Pharaoh remained obstinate, and Jehovah brought nine more plagues, describing each one in advance. (Exodus, chapters 8-12) After the tenth plague struck dead the firstborn of Egypt, Pharaoh ordered the Israelites to leave -and leave they did!-Exodus 12:29-32.

My dear JW friend, notice when God makes a promise, he keeps it.

Awake! (pre-Oct 1995) "Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away."

Did God lie? Why did the Society attribute this claim as having been promised by the Creator Himself?

Deutoronomy 18:20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." 21 You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD ?" 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

Amen, Lord.

Paragraph 11 What of our time? On Friday morning, October 2, 1914, Charles Taze Russell, who took the lead at that time among the Bible Students, strode into the dining room at Bethel in Brooklyn, New York. "Good morning, all," he said cheerily. Then, before taking his seat, he joyfully announced: "The Gentile times have ended; their kings have had their day." Once again, the time had come for Jehovah, the Sovereign of the universe, to act in behalf of his people. And act he did!

Charles Taze Russell's grave and pyramid in Rosemont United Cemetary, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Charles Taze Russell "The Time Is At Hand, pg 101 "The battle of the great day of God Almighty (Rev.16:14) which will end in 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present day rulership, is already commenced."

Russell believed Armageddon would end in 1914.

Paragraph 12 Just five years later; Jehovah delivered his people from "Babylon the Great," the mighty world empire of false religion. (Revelation 18:2) Few of us are old enough to have witnessed that exciting deliverance. Yet, we plainly see the results. Jehovah reestablished pure worship and united those who yearned to worship him. This had been foretold through the prophet Isaiah: "It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream."-Isaiah 2:2.

Let's take a look at least of some examples of "reestablished pure worship".

Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, p. 89-90 "Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old."

The Watchtower March 1, 1922 "The indisputable facts, therefore, show that the "time of the end" began in 1799; that the Lord's second presence began in 1874."

"Indisputable"--priceless.

Paragraph 13 Isaiah's words did not fail to come true. In 1919 the anointed remnant began a bold worldwide witnessing campaign that raised the worship of the true God on high. In the 1930's, it became evident that the "other sheep" were being gathered in. (John 10: 16) First came thousands, then hundreds of thousands, and now millions are taking a stand for pure worship! In a vision given to the apostle John, they are described as "a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues." (Revelation 7:9) What have you seen during your lifetime? How many Witnesses of Jehovah were there on earth when you first learned the truth? Today, those who serve Jehovah number more than 6,700,000. By delivering his people from Babylon the Great, Jehovah opened the way for the thrilling increase that we now see on a global scale.

What they offer is an argumentum ad populum. Does this mean Islam's rise is also a sign of Divine Favor?

Paragraph 15 As we have seen, the Israelites of Joshua's day needed Jehovah's protection. Are Jehovah's people in modern times any different? Hardly! Jesus warned his followers: "People will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name." (Matthew 24:9) Over the years, Jehovah's Witnesses in many lands have endured bitter opposition and cruel persecution. Yet, Jehovah has proved to be with his people. (Romans 8:31) His Word assures us that nothing -'no weapon formed against us'-will stop our Kingdom-preaching and teaching work. -Isaiah 54:17.

On account of who's name? JESUS. At one meeting the question was asked, "Why do we encounter persecution". After I was called on I replied, "Because we proclaim Jesus". That wasn't the response they were looking for.

Paragraph 16 Despite the world's hatred, Jehovah's people have prospered. Jehovah's Witnesses are flourishing in 236 lands-compelling evidence, indeed, that Jehovah is with us to protect us from those who wish to crush or silence us. Can you recall the names of mighty political or religious leaders who during your lifetime bitterly oppressed God's people? What has happened to them? Where are they now? Most have been brought to nothing, just like Pharaoh in the days of Moses and Joshua. And what of God's modern day servants who died faithful? They are protected in Jehovah's memory. There is no safer place for them to be. Clearly, in the matter of protection, Jehovah's words have proved true.

Have they forgotten the Jewish people and the millions that were exterminated?

Paragraph 17 Jehovah sustained his people in the wilderness, and he sustains them today. We are spiritually fed by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) We receive knowledge of spiritual truths that were kept secret for centuries. The angel told Daniel: "Make secret the words and seal up the book, until the time of the end. Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant."-Daniel 12:4.

What has the "faithful and discreet slave" been feeding?

The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah 1971; 2nd Edition p. 216 "Shortly, within our twentieth century, the "battle in the day of Jehovah" will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom."

Back to the study.

Paragraph 18 We are now living in the time of the end, and true knowledge is indeed abundant. Worldwide, holy spirit has led lovers of truth to an accurate knowledge of the true God and his purposes. Bibles abound in the earth today, and so do publications that help people understand the precious truths that the Bible contains. Consider, for example, the table of contents in the study publication What Does the Bible Really Teach?* (Footnote * Published by Jehovah's Witnesses.) Among its chapters are: "What Is the Truth About God?," "Where Are the Dead?," "What Is God's Kingdom?," and "Why Does God Allow Suffering?" Humans have pondered such questions for thousands of years. Now the answers are readily available. Even after centuries of ignorance and Christendom's apostate teaching, God's Word prevails, sustaining all who yearn to serve Jehovah.

Is the Bible not enough? So for centuries God's Word and Church was corrupted?

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Do they really have much trust in God's Word?

Paragraph 19 Surely from what we have seen with our own eyes, we can say: "Not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you. Not one word of them has failed." (Joshua 23:14) Jehovah delivers, protects, and sustains his servants. Can you point to any promise of his that failed to be fulfilled at his appointed time? It is impossible to do so. We wisely trust in the reliable Word of God.

JEHOVAH GOD is reliable, not this Organization.

The Watchtower July 1, 1973 "Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book."

If the glass slipper fits, it would be of this description.

Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.

"Responding To Your Conscience"

Last week's Watchtower study article "Responding To Your Conscience" starts out with the idea that a governing body controlled (or should have) all first century congregrations in matters of conscience.

Paragraph 4 Over ten years earlier, the Christian governing body concluded that circumcision was no longer required to become a true worshipper, and they informed the congregations accordingly. (Acts 15:1, 2, 19-29) Yet, some on Crete were still 'adhering to the circumcision.' They openly disagreed with the governing body, "teaching things they ought not." (Titus 1:10, 11) With distorted thinking, they may have been advocating regulations from the Law about foods and ritual cleanness. They may even have been embellishing what the Law said, as did their predecessors in Jesus' day, as well as advocating Jewish fables and human commandments.-Mark 7:2, 3, 5, 15; 1 Timothy 4:3.

Has the society ever taught things considered as fables...

Reconciliation 1928 p14 "The constellation of the seven stars forming the Pleiades appears to be the crowning centre around which the known systems of the planets revolve even as our sun's planets obey the sun and travel in their respective orbits. It has been suggested, and with much weight, that one of the stars of that group is the dwelling-place of Jehovah and the place of the highest heavens"

"The constellation of the Pleiades is a small one compared with others which scientific instruments disclose to the wondering eyes of man. But the greatness in size of other stars or planets is small when compared with the Pleiades in importance, because the Pleiades is the place of the eternal throne of God."

...or human commandments?

The Watchtower August 15, 1978 "Extreme hair styles can easily lead one into a trap of the Devil also, and cause others to stumble. "

Our Kingdom Ministry April 2007 "Should we manifest a dignified appearance only when attending the program? Remember that many will observe us wearing our convention badges while in the convention city. Our appearance should make us stand out from the general public. Therefore, even during leisure time, such as when going out to eat after the program, we should dress as befits ministers who are in the city for the purpose of attending a Christian convention and should not wear such -clothing as jeans, shorts, or t-shirts. What a witness this will give to the community! Jehovah is pleased when our appearance bespeaks our role as ministers."

The Watchtower Study then misses the point.

Paragraph 6 How can we benefit from what Paul wrote to Titus? Well, observe the contrast found in this statement: "All things are clean to clean persons. But to persons defiled and faithless nothing is clean, but both their minds and their consciences are defiled." (Titus 1:15) Paul certainly was not saying that for a morally clean Christian, absolutely everything is clean and permissible. We can be sure of that because Paul had made clear in another letter that one practicing fornication, idolatry, spiritism, and so on "will not inherit God's kingdom." (Galatians 5:19-21) So we must conclude that Paul was stating a general truth about two types of people, those who are morally and spiritually clean and those who are not.

It's not easy to wonder why they didn't cite the rest of the scripture.

Galatians 5:19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

That "so on" includes, hatred, jealousy, selfishness. Scripture also attests that all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire (Rev 21:8). We must be perfect like God is perfect and that won't happen unless He does it himself. Thank you Lord for being merciful upon this filthy sinner.

Suddenly, the Society decides this is a good time to talk about sex in front of young children listening or reading along.

Pargraph 7 The things that a sincere Christian needs to avoid are not limited to what the Bible specifically prohibits. As an example, consider this forthright statement: "Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers." (Hebrews 13:4) Even non-Christians and ones who know nothing of the Bible would rightly conclude that this verse rules out committing adultery. It is plain from this and other Bible passages that God condemns sexual intercourse between a married man or woman and someone other than the lawful husband or wife. What, though, about two unmarried persons engaging in oral sex? Many teenagers claim that this practice is harmless because it is not sexual intercourse. Could a Christian view oral sex as clean?

Paragraph 8 Hebrews 13:4 and 1 Corinthians 6:9 establish that God disapproves of both adultery and fornication (Greek, pornei'a). What does the latter include? The Greek term involves the use of the genital organs in either a natural or a perverted way with lewd intent. It includes all forms of illicit sexual relations outside of Scriptural marriage. So it includes oral sex, despite the fact that many teenagers around the world have been told or have come to the conclusion that oral sex is acceptable. True Christians do not guide their thinking and actions by the opinions of "profitless talkers, and deceivers of the mind." (Titus 1:10) They hold to the higher standard of the Holy Scriptures. Rather than try to make excuses for oral sex, they understand that Scripturally it is fornication, pornei'a, and they train their conscience accordingly.*-Acts 21:25; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3.

This isn't the first time (nor the most explicit) they do this, regardless of the age or maturity of the reader.

Sorry for posting this a couple of days later!

Deliverance from the traps of the Birdcatcher

This week's Wachtower Study is absurd when it comes to promoting themselves.

Paragraph 1. All true Christians face a predator, one with superhuman intelligence and craftiness. He is referred to at Psalm 91:3 as "the birdcatcher." Who is this enemy? Since the issue of June 1, 1883, this magazine has identified him as none other than Satan the Devil. This formidable foe cunningly endeavors to mislead and trap Jehovah's people as a birdcatcher tries to trap a bird.

Does it require great insight to identify the subject in question as the Enemy? Hey, they have really taken a stand and stuck to their guns on this one!

I wish they used this level of expertise when it came to identifying Abaddon/Apollyon from Revelation 9:11

The Finished Mystery pg 159 [And] they [had a] HAVE THEIR king [over them]. — The same king as exercises general rulership over all the ecclesiastical affairs of this present evil world.[Which is] the angel of the [bottomless pit] ABYSS. — "The prince of the power of the air." — Eph. 2:2. Whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon. — And he is "a bad one," sure enough. — 2 Cor. 4:4. But in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. — That is, Destroyer. But in plain English his name is Satan, the Devil.

The Watchtower Dec 1, 1961 When Jesus was on earth as a man, he was a Hebrew, and now in his capacity as Jehovah's royal Executioner he is called by the Hebrew name Abad'don, which means Destruction. (Job 26:6; 28:22; 31:12; 12:23; 14:19) In the Greek in which the inspired Christian Scriptures were written his similar title is Apollyon, which means Destroyer.

Did they apply their spiritual insight when it came to the resurrection of those from Sodom and Gomorrah? They're still flaky on that one.

The Watchtower April 1, 1955 The destruction upon Sodom and Gomorrah must be final, or Jude would not have used it to illustrate the fate of those defilers for whom “the blackness of darkness stands reserved forever”. (Jude 13, NW) Jude 7 shows that those ancient cities had their judgment day back there at the time of their destruction, since they are spoken of as having already undergone an execution of judgment, “the judicial punishment of everlasting fire.”

The Watchtower Jan 1, 1965 Read the account in Matthew 11:20-24, and you will see what Jesus said about consequences. There he said that in the resurrection it will be much better for the people of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom, to whom Jesus never preached, than for those persons to whom Jesus did preach in Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. It was in these cities that Jesus did many of his powerful works, but they did not repent and follow him. Now, when the resurrection takes place for all these people. They do not want to be like the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, whose reforming after their resurrection will be more difficult than that of those coming back from Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Watchtower July 1, 1967 This the Bible describes as the “second death.” (Rev. 20:14) It means the death from which there is no resurrection. They will be burned up root and branch, as completely gone forever as the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Awake Oct 8, 1974 God’s dealing with Sodom and Gomorrah shows that he takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, but wants all to live, if they will just live respectfully toward their fellowman and in obedience to righteous principles. (Ezek. 33:11; Mic. 6:8) Moreover, God’s undeserved kindness and care are so great that he will bring back the people of Sodom by a resurrection, with opportunity to learn and turn around to the way of life, even as his Son stated.—Luke 10:11

Revelation, Its Grand Climax at Hand Jesus Christ also knew what he thought and stated it in explicit terms. He said that it would be “more endurable for the land of Sodom on Judgment Day” than for the religionists who spurned his message. (Matthew 11:23, 24) Jesus was here using hyperbole to show that those religious leaders who rejected the Son of God and his teaching were even more reprehensible than the Sodomites. Jude 7 states that those Sodomites underwent “the judicial punishment of everlasting fire,” meaning eternal destruction. (Matthew 25:41, 46)

Now, on to the Watchtower being on top of things and ahead of their time.

Paragraph 11. Nearly a quarter of a century ago, The Watchtower lovingly warned the household of faith about TV serials.* ([Footnote] * The Watchtower, December 1, 1982, pages 3-7.) This observation was made about the subtle impact of popular soap operas: "The search for love is used to justify any conduct. For instance, one unwed pregnant youth says to a friend: `But I love Victor. I don't care.... To have his baby is worth everything to me!' The soft background music makes it hard to consider her course to be so bad. You too like Victor. You feel sympathy for the girl. You 'understand.' 'It is amazing how you can rationalize,' stated one viewer who later came to her senses. 'We know that immorality is bad.... But I realized that mentally I was taking part.' "

Paragraph 12. Since those articles were published, this type of heart-corrupting programming has become increasingly available. In many places, such programs are broadcast 24 hours a day. Men, women, and many teenagers frequently feed their minds and hearts on such entertainment. We, though, must not deceive ourselves with false reasoning. It would be wrong to reason that depraved entertainment is no worse than what is seen in the real world. Can a Christian really justify choosing to be entertained by the sort of people he would never dream of inviting into his home?

Paragraph 13. Many benefited when they took to heart that warning provided by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47) After reading the straightforward, Bible-based counsel, some wrote to tell how the articles had personally affected them.* ([Footnote] * The Watchtower, December 1, 1983, page 23) One confessed: "For 13 years I was a soap-opera addict. I thought that I was safe simply by attending Christian meetings and being semiregular in the field service. But I adopted the worldly soap-opera attitude that if your husband mistreats you or you feel unloved, adultery is justifiable–he brought it on himself. And so when I felt 'justified' I took this bad course and sinned against Jehovah and my mate." This woman was disfellowshipped. Eventually, she carne to her senses, repented, and was reinstated. The articles warning against TV soap operas gave her the strength to refuse to be entertained by what Jehovah hates.-Amos 5:14, 15.

Are JW's getting hooked on All My Children, As the World Turns, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Guiding Light, One Life to Live, Passions, or The Young and the Restless? Perhaps the "it" shows are Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Falcon Crest, Knots Landing, Lost, or Ugly Betty.

Why don't they boast about their other "lovingly warn[ings]"? For example, vaccinations.

The Golden Age Jan 5, 1929 "Thinking people would rather have smallpox than vaccination, because the latter sows seeds of syphilis, cancers, eczema, erysipelas, scrofula, consumption, even leprosy and many other loathsome affections. Hence the practice of vaccinations is a crime, an outrage, and a delusion"

The Golden Age Jan 4, 1931 "Vaccination is a direct violation of the everlasting covenant that God made with Noah after the flood."

How loving of them.

1914 The Generation That Will Not Pass Away

One of the few remaining European veterans of the Great War, has died. He was 109.

It is no surprise that in 1995 the Watchtower Society had to change the "1914 Generation". Imagine people who were born before the events of 1914 took place and were assured by the Society that the Creator promised they would never pass away.

How many of the people pictured on the May 15, 1984 Watchtower cover believed this to be the Word of God? How many of them have passed away?

There is excellent documentation found on cftf.com.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

"I never thought I'd ever be this old"

"I never thought I'd ever be this old", the circuit overseer admitted to the audience at a recent circuit assembly. Looking at his hands, "I didn't think I'd have wrinkles or my hair would turn gray. I thought this present system of things would long have passed, but isn't it fine that many people have come into God's organization over the last decades?" Loud applause follows.

In one aspect this brother is correct. God allows people to come to repentance (not an organization). Now I realize how true those words are.

The elderly speaker has been a baptized member of the Jehovah's Witnesses since the 1960's. The older generations are still around, but their dreams may have been cut short in one way or another.

Did they literally never expect to reach old age? How about to further enhance their education, even for the "Kingdom"?

Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15 "If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the 'last days' in 1914, Jesus foretold:'This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers."

The Society assured them they would never get old and there would be no need for advanced education since the End would be in a "few years". No college and retirement planning for them.

Kingdom Ministry, June 1969, p. 3 "Of course, there may be a tempting offer of higher education or of going into some field of work that promises material rewards. However, Jehovah God holds out to you young folks many marvelous privileges of service in his organization. Which will you decide to take up? In view of the short time left, a decision to pursue a career in this system of things is not only unwise but extremely dangerous. On the other hand, a decision to take advantage of what God offers through his organization opens up excellent opportunities for advancement as well as a rich, meaningful life that will never end"

"Many young brothers and sisters were offered scholarships or employment that promised fine pay. However, they turned them down and put spiritual interests first."

May, 1974 Our Kingdom Ministry "Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end."

This is only skimming the surface of their history. How disappointing it must be for those who put their faith in a deceitful organization. Why not put your faith and trust in He who is true?

Malachi 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I do not change."

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.