Watchtower Study Article For Feb 11-17, 2008

[Administration]

Study article for the week of February 11-17, 2008

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[Peter]

Introduction

We&#39;re all aware that being a Christian is synonyms with preaching as it&#39;s the fundamental core value. I can&#39;t help thinking though that this Watchtower is trying to put us in some kind of responsibility mode to preach- &#39;be it on you head&#39; so to speak. The context of Ezekiel 33: 1-7 Jehovah is speaking to the sons of Israel and not the surrounding nations. The warning is against his own people; so to say this is used in a wider context (the world) isn&#39;t necessarily accurate.

Why Many Are Without Hope.

Here the society tie-up the &#39;conclusion of the system&#39; and the &#39;last days&#39; in one bundle in addition to combining 2 Timothy 3:1-5 with the world rather than the congregation. The Watchtower has certainly enlightened the reader to Gods purpose but is itself in darkness respecting Matthew 24:14 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5 as both scriptures have totally different applications. Matthew 24:14 should be lined with Revelation 14:6 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5 has a direct bearing on the congregation.

Even though they hit the nail on the head in paragraph 5, that the world has on idea of what&#39;s about to happen and are in need of hope. Furnishing a person with the accurate knowledge of death after the loss of a loved one provides inner peace that can&#39;t be found in the churches of Christendom. And let&#39;s face it without hope where are we.

Par 6 is seriously confusing "False religion has thus gained power and influence" hold on just a cotton-picking minute I thought they lost power in 1919. Hu now that&#39;s confusing!

Keep on preaching

Par 8-13 are of encouragement and set on the 1^st century pattern. The message of the good news will always be unpopular no matter what, and Christians will always be persecuted for preaching it. Nevertheless, when Jehovah sees his people bible in hand it can only bring joy to his heart. Prov 27:11

Keep Watching Your Ministry.

I have no objection to pioneering and living a simple non materialistic life. I have known many happy pioneers in the past who have served Jehovah with great joy. However, if individuals wish to join the pioneer ranks they need to do it for the right reasons and have the means to support themselves long-term. Too many give-up and don&#39;t necessarily think it though to the end. What worries me is all too often the Watchtower goads the individual conscience that causes a person to make a rash emotional decision rather than a prayerful one. Although, to pioneer or not to pioneer is for the individual to decide.

After reading and studying the Watchtower individuals need to exercise caution before they act and change their lives. The Watchtower has played the emotional card here but each will have to decide what actions they need take respecting the ministry.

[billy]

our motivation of love for God and our neighbor is what makes us want to speak out - always remembering that actions many times speak louder than words - looking for ways to help our fellow man practically can really add weight to the message from the bible we speak to them about - and balance is needed with the time we spend door to door - as we may be negelecting the sheep that have already come into the fold - are there some who have stopped comming to meetings, discouraged, sick, struggling - our love for God and neighbor would motivate us to help these ones too - sometimes our focus on getting in hours or wanting prominence of holding a title like "pioneer" becomes more important than sincerly looking around our congregation to see where we can be of comfort and support - what about a non believer you know may need some practical help with something - wouldnt our encouraging such a one with the bible message be absorbed so much more than just coldly warning them they are going to die in the tribulation

[panda]

our motivation of love for God and our neighbor is what makes us want to speak out - always remembering that actions many times speak louder than words - looking for ways to help our fellow man practically can really add weight to the message from the bible we speak to them about - and balance is needed with the time we spend door to door - as we may be negelecting the sheep that have already come into the fold - are there some who have stopped comming to meetings, discouraged, sick, struggling - our love for God and neighbor would motivate us to help these ones too - sometimes our focus on getting in hours or wanting prominence of holding a title like "pioneer" becomes more important than sincerly looking around our congregation to see where we can be of comfort and support - what about a non believer you know may need some practical help with something - wouldnt our encouraging such a one with the bible message be absorbed so much more than just coldly warning them they are going to die in the tribulation[/b]Yes I agree totally with this, Jehovah would be far more pleased if those b/s in need in our congregations were being helped, taking our gifts to the alter could be meaningless if we are not whole soled or we neglect our own.

[Jinnvisible]

Introduction

We&#39;re all aware that being a Christian is synonyms with preaching as it&#39;s the fundamental core value. I can&#39;t help thinking though that this Watchtower is trying to put us in some kind of responsibility mode to preach- &#39;be it on you head&#39; so to speak.[/b]

9:41 Jesus said to them: "If you were blind, you would have no sin. But now you say, &#39;We see.&#39; Your sin remains</span>.
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Christ never made a distiction between a formal and informal ministry and the one man gauranteed a place in the paradise earth by Jesus never preached at all.



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[billy]

<span style="color:#4169e1">"Christ never made a distiction between a formal and informal ministry and the one man gauranteed a place in the paradise earth by Jesus never preached at all."

good point Jinn

I think also the scripture about doing things for Jehovah in secret and your reward will be great - not a showy display of ones righteousness in front of others as their admiration to you, is your reward - ie "pioneering"</span>