Witchtower: May 1, 2009 - Are Jehovah's Witnesses the True Religion?

8/20/2019 Witchtower: May 1, 2009 - Are Jehovah's Witnesses the True Religion?

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The Witchtower 5/2009 1

WITCHTOWER TTHHEE

MM A A Y Y 11 ,, 22 00 00 99

EEXXPPOOSSIINNGG J JEEHHOO V V A A HH’’SS W WII T TNNEESSSSEESS

The Bible’s

Solution to

Poverty

The “Final Part of the Days” for the Watch Tower Socie

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses the True Religion?

Getting to Know the Warrior Who Gives Peace


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The Witchtower Downloadable in 194 countries

3 The Bible's Solution to Poverty

5 The "Final Part of the Days" for the Watch Tower Society

9 Are Jehovah's Witnesses the True Religion?

10 Getting to Know the Warrior Who Gives Peace

14 Questions From Readers

16 Keep on the Watch!

This publication is provided as part of a worldwide

mocking work not supported by voluntary donations.

This magazine is downloadable from 194 countries.

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Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

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ple's Republic of China, Republic of China, Colombia,

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anon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,

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lawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Mi-

cronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Myanmar, Nagorno-Karabakh, Namibia,

Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Ni-

ger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Pan-

ama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philip-

pines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino,São Tomé and Pr ncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,

Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands,

Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Su-

riname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Ta

jikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Bahamas, The

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sia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda,

Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom,

United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen

Zambia, Zimbabwe

Do you want further information? Do

not write to Jehovah‟s Witnesses, but

visit:

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net

http://svhelden.gmxhome.de


3/16


THE BIBLE’S SOLUTION TO POVERTY

“Let one drink and forget one’s poverty.” (Proverbs 31:7)

According to World Bank, as cited in Ency-

clopaedia Wikipedia, 1.1 billion people lived in“extreme poverty” and another 2.7 billion lived

in “moderate poverty” in 2001. “One of the

targets within … [the United Nations Millen-

nium Development Goal] is the halving of the

proportion of people living in extreme poverty

by 2015.” But sincere people cannot be misled

by human wisdom. Rather, they are interested

in what God‟s word, the Bible, says on this

matter. Can we realistically expect that world-

wide poverty will be eliminated?

Poverty in ancient times

Poverty was common among God‟s people at

all times. Even in the Mosaic Law, God de-

clared: “Someone poor will never cease to be in

the midst of the land.” (Deut. 15:11) And “the

law of Jehovah is perfect.” (Ps. 19:7) So, pov-

erty in Israel was not a consequence of them

not observing the law; rather, it was intended

to be a part of the Israelite‟s life. Perfection

does not exclude poverty.

God‟s servants have always been poor

Abolition of the Mosaic Law did not alte

the fact that there were many poor amonGod‟s people. The apostle Paul wrote: “In ever

way we recommend ourselves as God‟s minis

ters … as poor.” (2. Cor. 6:4, 10) Back then

poverty indicated that one was a servant of th

true God.

Poverty in God’s new world

Isaiah foretold about the future paradise

“In security the poor ones themselves will li

down.” (Is. 14:30) So, the poor will be “in secu

rity,” but still poor. The psalms also give

preview of the new world. They say of the kin

– in the ancient type Solomon, in the antityp

Jesus Christ – that “the souls of the poor one

he will save.” (Ps. 72:13) Hence, the poor mus

be pleased with their “souls” – their lives

being saved. But they will have no share of th

kingdom‟s wealth, for not to them, but to th

king “let some of the gold of Sheba be given.” Ps. 72:15.

Jesus declared clearly: “ You always hav

the poor with you, but you will not always hav

me.” (Mat. 26:11) He used the Greek wor

pántote that means “forever.” Yes, he himsel

will only rule for thousand years – after tha

time, his disciples will „not have him‟ anymore

but the poor will still be there. – Rev. 20:4.

Later, “when he hands over the kingdom this God and Father,” poverty will continue t

exist. (1. Cor. 15:24) For God‟s word clearl

says: “Jehovah is an Impoverisher.” (1. Sam

2:7) Under his rule, poverty will continue to b

a permanent feature of human society.


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Escape from poverty?

Should poor Christians try to earn money

and escape from poverty? No, for two reasons.

First, it is futile. Jesus explained multiple

times: “Whoever does not have, even what he

has will be taken from him.” (Mat. 13:12; Luke

8:18) Hence, efforts to earn money are destined

to fail. Only to one “that has, more will be giv-

en.” (Luke 19:26) But someone who is poor will

anyway remain poor forever.

Second, poverty can help us to inherit God‟s

kingdom. Jesus said: “How difficult a thing it

will be for those with money to enter into the

kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23) He did not men-

tion “the rich” but “those with money” – not

necessarily much money. Thus, whoever has

any money will have a hard time entering

God‟s kingdom. But “Jehovah is listening to the

poor ones.” (Ps. 69:33) David declared: “I am

afflicted and poor. Jehovah himself takes ac-

count of me.” – Ps. 40:17.

It would be even worse to strive for wealth.

The apostle Paul wrote: “Those who are deter-

mined to be rich fall into temptation and a

snare and many senseless and hurtful desires,

which plunge men into destruction and ruin.”

(1. Tim. 6:9) Interestingly, he did not mention“some who are determined to be rich” but “those

who are determined to be rich.” So, everyone

who tries to escape from poverty and “to be

rich” – without exception – will surely get into

“destruction and ruin.”

The poor should drink, not complain

A real solution

The Bible provides a clear instruction to th

poor: “Let one drink and forget one‟s poverty

(Prov. 31:7) True, alcohol is a gift from God

(Ps. 104:15) The poor should make an extensiv

use of it! Then, they can even more clearl

understand Jesus‟ saying: “Happy are you poor

because yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luk

6:20) Not only will be poor be allowed to liv

under Jesus‟ kingship in due time; no, in thei

drunkenness they can even today see “th

kingdom of God,” they can be “caught awa

into paradise” and hear “unutterable words.”

2. Cor. 12:4.

Therefore, Paul advised Timothy: “Do no

drink water any longer, but use a little wine

(1. Tim. 5:23) Likely, Timothy abandoned high

er education and became a missionary; hence

he was poor. With “a little wine,” he could bet

ter cope with his situation and “forget” hi

poverty.

What we can do

If we have a little money, we should do ou

best to support poor fellow Christians. W

must guard against giving them money, which

would be contrary to God‟s purpose. RatherGod‟s word instructs us: “Give intoxicatin

liquor, you people, to the one about to perish

and wine to those who are bitter of soul.” (Prov

31:6) So, we should “give them the cup of conso

lation to drink.” (Jer. 16:7) “Let them drink an

forget how poor and miserable they feel.”

Prov. 31:7, CEV .

Are we not looking forward to the tim

when God‟s kingdom will rule over all th

earth? Without doubt, poverty will then bmore equally distributed than today. Hence

everywhere on the world, one can have th

privilege of going to the poor‟s rescue with “th

cup of consolation.” How wonderful is tha

prospect!


5/16


THE “FINAL PART OF THE DAYS”

FOR THE WATCH TOWER SOCIETY“He is changing times and seasons, removing kings.” (Dan. 2:21)

We all want to know what the future holds.

So did King Nebuchadnezzar. He had a dream,

which is nothing uncommon per se. All people

have dreams time and again. But Nebuchad-

nezzar took his dream for a sign from God.

Hence, he consulted “ all the wise men of

Babylon [the Great],” but none of them was

able to interpret his dream. (Dan. 2:12) After

some time, Daniel, a servant of Jehovah, had

a similar dream and could tell the king it‟s

meaning.

As the November 1, 1993 Watchtower

pointed out, “we know that some of Daniel‟s

prophecies were to be fulfilled in our time.”

(p. 8) That applies to Nebuchadnezzar‟s dream

– it fulfills right in front of our eyes. Thus, it is

of paramount importance for us to scrutinize it

and take appropriate steps.

An Image

Daniel explained: “ You, O king, hap-

pened to be beholding, and, look! a certainimmense image. That image, which was

large and the brightness of which was

extraordinary, was standing in front of

you, and its appearance was dreadful.”

(Dan. 2:31) What does that “immense image”

illustrate? The December 1, 1976 Watchtower

gives an important hint: “There is an image,

however, that has been looked to for more than

thirty years as man‟s best hope for peace. It is

not some figure of a human or an animal but is

an international organization. … What is that

organization?” – p. 709.

Which “international organization” claims

to have “man‟s best hope for peace”? As Awake!

wrote in its December 22, 1995 issue, only

Jehovah‟s Witnesses “advocate God‟s Kingdom

as the only hope for true peace.” (p. 24) Hence,

the “image” is the Watchtower organization.

This organization is really “immense” and

“large,” for it floods the whole earth with it

pamphlets. Its “brightness” is “extraordinary,

since by their own admission, their publica

tions always contain “brighter light,” for man

decades now.

Since the image is so extraordinarily bright

why does Daniel say: “Its appearance wa

dreadful”? That does not refer to the Watch

tower organization itself, but to their followers

Many of them wear clothes that could only b

purchased at a flea market even hundred yearago. They don‟t care much about themselves

their appearance and their health (becaus

Armageddon is at hand anyway); hence, the

look miserable and “dreadful.” They are derid

ed, but they take the mockery as a proof fo

being true Christians. (2. Pet. 3:3) That‟s wh

they think that „their brightness would be ex

traordinary‟ though their fellow men view

them as “dreadful.”

The Beginnings

Daniel describes the image: “ Its head wa

of good gold, its breasts and its arms wer

of silver, its belly and its thighs were o

copper, its legs were of iron, its feet wer

partly of iron and partly of molded clay.

(Dan. 2:32, 33) That the materials got cheape

and cheaper shows that an initially good organ

ization would more and more diverge from it

ideals.

Their ideas of proper dress are “dreadful”


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Then Daniel says to Nebuchadnezzar:

“ You, O king … you to whom the God of

heaven has given the kingdom … you your-

self are the head of gold.” (Dan. 2:37)

Whom did God charge with proclaiming “the

kingdom”? It was Charles Taze Russell, of

whom Jehovah‟s Witnesses think that he is

now ruling as heavenly “king.” According toProf. S. A. Ellis, “he is without a parallel in

this Age. Without a blemish in his character,

with the loftiest ideals of God, and the possibil-

ities of man, he towers like a giant, unmatched.

… [He] is stamping his opinion on the world as

no other man has done since the days of the

Reformation.” (quoted from The Finished Mys-

tery, p. 126) There can really be no doubt that

“the head of gold” is C. T. Russell, the first

president of the Watch Tower Society.*

Daniel continued to tell Nebuchadnezzar:

“ After you there will rise another king-

dom.” (Dan. 2:39) Indeed, there rose another

“king” after Russell‟s death, Judge Rutherford.

But his “kingdom” was of “another” kind than

Russell‟s, as he did not emphasize on the indi-

vidual Christian‟s freedom but rather laid the

foundation for an all-dominating centralized

organization.

Global Expansion

After that, Daniel mentioned “ another

kingdom, a third one … that will rule over

the whole earth.” (Dan. 2:39) That indicates

a time of global expansion. Indeed, Nathan

Homer Knorr, the third president of the Watch

Tower Society, delivered the lecture “The Prob-

lems of Reconstruction and Expansion” in

1946. He became president in 1942, and ac-

cording to the April 1, 1972 Watchtower “espe-

cially from 1945 onward, global expansion was

truly under way.” – p. 403.

* According to worldly sources, William Henry Conley was

the first president of the WTS and Charles Taze Russell the

second one. But there is no reason why we should doubt the

writings of the “faithful and discreet slave” which call Rus-

sell consistently “the first president of the Watch Tower

Society.” (compare Jehovah’s Witnesses – Proclaimers of

God’s Kingdom, p. 576)

Hence, the third “king” is N. H. Knorr, wh

like a clever businessman turned Jehovah‟

Witnesses to a tightly organized preacher or

ganization. Hundreds of thousands of publish

ers dedicated all their spare time to sellin

their organization‟s books from house to house

Even a “Theocratic Court” was held under hi

presidency (see page 7).

“Strong like Iron”

N. H. Knorr was still president of th

Watch Tower Society in 1975. This year cam

and went, but the foretold end of man‟s rule di

not occur. Thus, a firm hand was required t

keep the Watchtower followers together. Exact

ly this type of leadership had been foretold b

Daniel: “ As for the fourth kingdom, it wil

prove to be strong like iron. Forasmuch a

iron is crushing and grinding everything

else, so, like iron that shatters, it wilcrush and shatter even all these.” – Danie

2:40.

The fourth “king” and fourth president o

the Watch Tower Society was Frederick Wil

liam Franz. He made sure that all “marplots

who doubted his ideas were disfellowshipped

including his nephew Raymond Victor Franz

Even Carl Olof Jonsson, who made the Watch

Tower officials aware of discrepancies in thei

calculation of 607 and 1914, has been thrown

out during Franz‟ presidency. Indeed, F. WFranz „crushed and shattered‟ everything tha

stood in his way.

As is proper for a king, Charles Taze

Russell is buried under a pyramid


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“THEOCRATIC COURT”

From the September 1955 Informer (during Nathan Homer Knorr‟s presidency)


8/16


But the image had two “legs … of iron.”

(Dan. 2:33) The second leg represents Milton

George Henschel, who was president of the

Watch Tower Society from 1992 to 2000. Basi-

cally, he continued the iron-like management

style of his predecessor. For example, the new

“understanding” about the “generation” of Mat-

thew 24 (that has been abandoned in 2008) waspublished during his presidency.

Unstable Feet

Now Daniel explained the condition that

the Watchtower organization would face to-

wards the end of its existence: “ As for the toes

of the feet being partly of iron and partly

of molded clay, the kingdom will partly

prove to be strong and will partly prove to

be fragile. Whereas you beheld iron mixed

with moist clay, they will come to be mixed

with the offspring of mankind.” – Dan.

2:42, 43.

The feet symbolize the Watchtower organi-

zation‟s condition since the year 2000. At that

time, its management was reorganized, so that

the Governing Body does not at the same time

make up the directors of the Watch Tower

Society. (see Isaiah’s Prophecy – Light for All

Mankind, vol. 2, p. 317) The president and

other managers are now from “the offspring ofmankind,” that is, from the other sheep that

are not born again in Christ (John 3:3) The

Governing Body has to cooperate with these

(allegedly their future subjects), so that

anointed and non-anointed Christians are

“mixed” at the executive floors in Brooklyn.

In what way, the management of the

Watchtower organization “will partly prove to

be strong and will partly prove to be fragile”?

Since F. W. Franz‟ death, they are lacking a

charismatic leader. There were even rumors

about a kind of power struggle within the Gov-

erning Body. Indeed, no clear course can be

seen in all the theological and organizational

changes of the past years. For example, they

abolished meetings, but at the same time they

say that Christians should gather “all the

more” in our time. – Heb. 10:25.

The End Nears

“The end nears,” says the brochure Keep o

the Watch! . (p. 21) But likely, the writers di

not consider that their own end is involved

The prophet Daniel, inspired by God, continuedto explain “ that out of the mountain a ston

was cut not by hands, and that it crushed

the iron, the copper, the molded clay, thsilver and the gold. … At that time th

iron, the molded clay, the copper, the sil

ver and the gold were, all together

crushed and became like the chaff from

the summer threshing floor, and the wind

carried them away so that no trace at al

was found of them.” – Dan. 2:45, 35.

What does the “stone” that will finall

crush the image stand for? It was „cut out o

the mountain.‟ And “streaming to „the mountain of Jehovah‟s house‟” means “becoming hi

baptized witnesses,” according to the May 15

1988 Watchtower. (p. 17) Hence, the “mountain” represents the Watchtower organization

The “stone” are apostates who were disfellow

shipped “not by hands” – not by physical vio

lence, but by a judicial committee. Using bookand brochures, internet forums and othe

means, they uncover the errors of the Watch

Tower Society and their presidents.

The stone will crush the Watchtower


9/16


They have fully discarded all Watchtower

teachings, “so that no trace at all was found” in

their minds. But it is only a question of time

until nothing at all will remain of this menda-

cious organization. Their followers will be scat-

tered to the four winds “like the chaff from the

summer threshing floor.”

But don‟t C. T. Russell, J. F. Rutherford, N.

H. Knorr, F. W. Franz and M. G. Henschel

already rule as heavenly kings? That may be

true, but Jehovah “ is changing times and

seasons, removing kings.” (Dan. 2:21) The-

se self-proclaimed kings will face the same

destiny as Saul, who was first chosen and then

abolished by Jehovah. – 1 Sam. 10:1, 16:14.

It Will Come True

Some may argue, this prospect would be too

good to be true. But “ the dream is reliable,and the interpretation of it is trustwor-

thy.” (Dan. 2:45) The Bible‟s statement is

clear. The major part of the prophecy has al-

ready fulfilled, and there is no doubt that the

remaining part will come true within a short

time.

ARE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES THE TRUE RELIGION? Yes, without doubt, this is the case. The

brochure You Can Be God’s Friend! that is

published by the Watch Tower Society frankly

declares: “Jehovah‟s Witnesses practice the

true religion on earth today.” (p. 17) “Millions

of people throughout the world have evaluated

the facts and have become convinced that Je-

hovah‟s Witnesses alone are practicing the true

religion.” – The Watchtower, June 1, 2001, p. 16.

Should you join them therefore? No, because

“religion is a snare and a racket.” Even 1938,

Jehovah‟s Witnesses blazed abroad that slogan

throughout the world. (see 1975 Yearbook Of

Jehovah’s Witnesses, p. 225 ) Hence, Jehovah‟s

Witnesses are not only the true religion, but also

the true snare and the true racket.

Wise King Solomon wrote: “It is a snar

when earthling man has rashly cried out, „Ho

ly!‟” (Pr. 20:25) True, superficially speaking

one can call Jehovah‟s Witnesses “holy;” thei

“anointed” call themselves “the holy ones of th

Supreme One.” (Dan. 7:18) But in fact, they ar

a racket.

According to the Random House Dictionary

a “racket” is “an organized illegal activity” or “

dishonest scheme.” According to the 2008 Re port of Jehovah's Witnesses Worldwide, ther

are about 18,000 people proclaiming Watchtow

er teachings in countries where that is no

allowed – really “an organized illegal activity

And isn‟t it a “dishonest scheme” to constantl

publish new teachings and hope that no on

remembers the old (contradictory) ones?


10/16


GETTING TO KNOW THE WARRIOR WHO GIVES PEACE

“I am Jehovah; I have not changed.” (Malachi 3:6)

1 We can learn something about God when

we are concerned with people like Jacob, who

saw “God face to face.” (Gen. 32:30) True, “Mo-ses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy

of the older men of Israel proceeded to go up,

and they got to see the God of Israel.” – Ex.

24:9, 10.

2 It is obvious that Jehovah wants to be

seen by men. The apostle Paul wrote that he

“dwells in … light.” (1. Tim. 6:16) John also

stated that God “himself is in the light” and

“there is no darkness at all in union with him.”

(1. John 1:6, 7) Jesus made clear that Jehovah

is always approachable:: “Everyone seeking

finds, and to everyone knocking it will be

opened.” (Luke 11:10) Jehovah himself said:

“Those looking for me are the ones that find

me.” (Pr. 8:17) It is not difficult to get to know

something about God.

3 All people have equal chances, “for there

is no partiality with God.” (Rom. 2:11) In an-

other letter, the apostle Paul wrote “that God

is not partial, but in every nation the man that

fears him and works righteousness is accepta-ble to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) So, we can be

absolutely sure that we can approach God and

get to know him.

4 Mankind really has the most favorable

circumstances for a good relationship with

God. “Everything he had made” – including

mankind – “was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) And he

“is not ... a son of mankind that he should feel

regret.” (Num. 23:19) Samuel said to Saul: “He

will not feel regrets, for He is not an earthling

man so as to feel regrets.” – 1. Sam. 15:29.

1 Someone who has seen God face to face surely would

be able to teach us many things about him. But “no man

has seen God at any time.” (John 1:18) Paul clearly wrote

that “not one of men has seen or can see” him. (1. Tim. 6:16)

Jehovah himself said: “No man may see me and yet live.” –

Ex. 33:20.

2 It is obvious that Jehovah does not want to be seen by

men. David wrote that Jehovah “made darkness his con-

cealment place, all around him as his booth, dark waters,

thick clouds.” (Ps. 18:11) His son Solomon said: “Jehovah

himself said he was to reside in the thick gloom.” (1. Ki.

8:12) He made clear that there will come a day where he

will not be approachable: “ At that time they will keep call-

ing me, but I shall not answer; they will keep looking for

me, but they will not find me.” (Pr. 1:28) It is not easy to get

to know something about God.

3 Not all people have equal chances. When Jacob and

Esau “had not yet been born nor had practiced anything

good or vile, in order that the purpose of God respecting the

choosing might continue dependent, not upon works, but

upon the One who calls, it was said …: „The older will bethe slave of the younger.‟ Just as it is written.” (Rom. 11:9-

13) Likewise, Canaan had been “cursed” even bef ore his

birth. (Gen. 9:25) So, we cannot be sure at all if we can

approach God and get to know him.

4 Mankind really has no favorable circumstances for a

good relationship with God. Even shortly after completing

creation, “Jehovah saw that the badness of man was abun-

dant in the earth. … And Jehovah felt regrets that he had

made men in the earth.” – Gen. 6:5, 6.

1. Can humans see God?

2. a) What kind of dwelling place did Jehovah choose for himself? b) Is Jehovah approachable anytime?

3. Does every man have equal chances before God? Explain.

4. Was Jehovah pleased with his creation?


11/16


5 Early in human history, he gave a perfect

law to the nation of Israel through which they

could gain life. David wrote: “The law of Jeho-

vah is perfect, bringing back the soul.” And

“Moses writes that the man that has done the

righteousness of the Law will live by it.” –

Rom. 10:5.

6 We can get to know Jehovah through the

Bible, for “all Scripture is inspired of God.” (2.

Ti. 3:16) Its writers “spoke from God as they

were borne along by holy spirit.” (2. Pet. 1:21)

Hence, it is important to adhere closely to the

Bible in all questions.

7 So, what should we do if the Bible‟s advice

does not conform to our personal opinion? Wise

Solomon advises us: “Trust in Jehovah with all

your heart and do not lean upon your own

understanding.” (Pr. 3:5) So, instead of listen-

ing to our own mind and our treacherous

heart, we should fully trust in the Bible‟s ad-

vice. To rely on our own understanding may

lead to ruin.

8 What does the Bible tell us about Jeho-

vah? The apostle Paul mentions one of his

outstanding qualities when he calls him “the

God who gives peace.” (Rom. 15:33) True, “God

is a God, not of disorder, but of peace.” (1. Cor.

14:33) Since we should “become imitators of

God,” we also must work towards peace. Isaiah

foretold about God‟s servants: “Neither will

they learn war anymore.” – Is. 2:4.

5 Early in human history, he gave an imperfect law to

the nation of Israel. Later, he said: “I myself also gave them

regulations that were not good and judicial decisions by

which they could not keep living.” (Eze. 20:25, footnote)

“Therefore by works of law no flesh will be declared right-

eous before him.” – Rom. 3:20.

6 We can get to know Jehovah through the Bible, but

not all of its content is inspired by God. For example, the

apostle Paul acknowledged “I say, yes, I, not the Lord …”

(1. Cor. 7:12) Jesus also implied that some commands from

the Mosaic Law had not come from God. – Mark 10:3-6.

7 So, what should we do if the Bible‟s advice does not

conform to our personal opinion? Jehovah tells us through

Jeremiah: “Behave with understanding.” (Jer. 9:17) And

the apostle Paul advises us: “Let your reasonableness be-

come known to all men.” (Phil. 4:5) Indeed, it can be unrea-

sonable to take the Bible‟s rules literally – they were writ-

ten thousands of years ago for a totally different cultural

sphere. We should rely to our heart and our own under-

standing to make a good decision.

8 What does the Bible tell us about Jehovah? Moses

mentions one of his outstanding qualities: “Jehovah is a

manly person of war („a warrior‟, NIV )." (Ex. 15:3) He said

regarding his enemies: “I will dash them one against an-

other. … I shall show no compassion, nor feel any sorrow,

and I shall not have the mercy to keep from bringing them

to ruin.” (Jer. 13:14) Since we should “become imitators of

God,” we must not refrain from fighting against his ene-

mies. We could consider a military career to “put on the

complete suit of armor” and be prepared for God‟s war. –

Eph. 6:11.

5. a) What kind of law did Jehovah give to the nation of Israel? b) Could the Israelites gain life by following Jehovah‟s law?

6. Is the whole Bible inspired of God? Explain.

7. What should we do if we don‟t understand a Bible-based advice?

8. a) Mention Jehovah‟s most outstanding quality. b) How should God‟s servants view military service?


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9 Jehovah does not become provoked easily.

He is “slow to anger … pardoning error and

transgression and sin.” (Ex. 34:6, 7) James

wrote “that Jehovah is very tender in affection

and merciful.” (James 5:11) “He is good, for to

time indefinite is his loving-kindness.” (1. Chr.

16:34) He declared: “I do not take any delight in

the death of someone.” (Eze. 18:32) True, “Jeho-vah is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and

abundant in loving-kindness.” (Ps. 103:8) Let us

imitate him by being merciful to our fellow men.

Let us help them to survive God‟s day of judg-

ment instead of rejoicing at their annihilation.

10 It is surely comforting for us to know that

God does never bring temptations upon his

servants. The apostle James wrote: “When

under trial, let no one say: „I am being tried by

God.‟ For with evil things God cannot be tried

nor does he himself try anyone.” (James 1:13)

The “tempter” is Satan the Devil. (Mat. 4:1-3) It

was him who incited David to number Israel;

the count revealed that there were 1,570,000

men and led to a three-year famine where

70,000 Israelites died. (1. Chr. 21:1, 5, 14) So,

we should be on the guard against Satan.

11 Jehovah said with regard to other nations„

customs: “Everything detestable to Jehovah

that he does hate they have done to their gods,

for even their sons and their daughters they

regularly burn in the fire.” (Deut. 12:30, 31)

True, human sacrifices are an abomination for

Jehovah. He clearly said that “to burn their

sons and their daughters in the fire” was “a

thing that I had not commanded and that had

not come up into my heart.” (Jer. 7:31) Under no

circumstances, he would accept or even require

a human sacrifice. In ancient times, he wanted

animals as sacrifice, and today it is the “sacri-

fice of praise” that makes him rejoice. – Heb.

13:15.

9 Jehovah does become provoked easily. The psalmistwrote: “His anger flares up easily.” (Ps. 2:12) When thePhilistines brought back the Ark of the Covenant and the

men of Beth-Shemesh looked upon it, “he struck downamong the people seventy men” and then “fifty thousandmen,” he “struck down the people with a great slaughter.”

(1. Sam. 6:19) Many hundred years after the Amalekitesshowed a hostile attitude towards Israel, Jehovah com-

manded Saul: “Go, and you must strike down Amalek anddevote him to destruction with all that he has, and youmust not have compassion upon him, and you must put

them to death, man as well as woman, child as well assuckling.” (1. Sam. 15:3) Let us imitate Jehovah by not

having compassion upon our fellow men. Rather, let us

rejoice that he will execute judgment against all worldlings.

10 It is surely daunting for us to know that God does

bring temptations upon his servants. Jesus taught hisdisciples to ask Jehovah on every occasion: “Do not bring usinto temptation.” (Mat. 6:13) Even Moses explained to the

nation of Israel: “Jehovah your God is testing you.” (Deut.

13:3) Hundreds of years before, “the true God put Abrahamto the test.” (Gen. 22:1) It was him who incited David tonumber Israel; the count revealed that there were1,300,000 men and led to a seven-year famine where 70,000

Israelites died. (2. Sam. 24:1, 9, 13, Footnote) So, we shouldbe on the guard against Jehovah.

11 Jehovah‟s command to Abraham was clearly defined:

“Take, please, your son, your only son whom you so love,Isaac, and make a trip to the land of Moriah and there offer

him up as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that Ishall designate to you.” (Gen. 22:2) Jehovah required Abra-ham to burn his son in the fire and offer him as a sacrifice.

On this occasion, he intervened at the last minute andprevented the offering. (Gen. 22:12) But later, Jehovahaccepted a human sacrifice. “There came to be a famine in

the days of David for three years.” Jehovah told David:“Upon Saul and upon his house there is bloodguilt, because

he put the Gibeonites to death.” (2. Sam. 21:1) David ac-cepted the Gibeonites‟ suggestion to take “seven men of hissons,” and “he gave them into the hand of the Gibeonites

and they proceeded to expose them on the mountain beforeJehovah, so that the seven of them fell together; and theythemselves were put to death. … So God let himself be

entreated for the land after this.” (2. Sam. 21:7, 9, 14)

Likewise, Christian parents of our day can offer their apos-tate children as a burnt offering to Jehovah. That may becontrary to worldly law, but “we must obey God as rulerrather than men.” – Acts 5:29.

9. a) Does Jehovah become provoked easily? b) Is Jehovah merciful and gracious?

10. a) Who brings tests and temptations upon God‟s servants? b) How many men revealed the census in David‟s day?

c) How long did the famine last that Jehovah brought upon Israel?

11. a) How does Jehovah view human sacrifices? b) How can we soften Jehovah‟s face today?


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12 Jehovah is not in need of putting people

to the test or tempting them, as the apostles

prayed: “ You, O Jehovah, who know the hearts

of all.” (Acts 1:24) And David said to God: “ You

have considered my thought from far off. …

You have become familiar even with all my

ways.” (Ps. 139:2, 3) The creator does not need

to go anywhere in order to see something. “The

eyes of Jehovah are in every place, keeping

watch upon the bad ones and the good ones.”

(Pr. 15:3) “There is not a creation that is not

manifest to his sight.” – Heb. 4:13.

13 Jehovah “does not dwell in houses made

with hands.” (Acts 7:48) The apostle Paul con-

firmed this fact to the inhabitants of Athens

(Acts 17:24) “Jehovah – in the heavens is his

throne.” (Ps. 11:4) Should not the fact that he

can watch us always and everywhere fill us

with awe? At the same time, we can be sure

that he can hear our prayers, regardless of

where we are.

14 The apostle Paul wrote that “it is impos-

sible for God to lie”; he called Jehovah the God

“who cannot lie.” (Heb. 6:18; Titus 1:2) Indeed,

“God is not a man that he should tell lies.” (Nu.23:19) Therefore, we too “wish to conduct our-

selves honestly in all things.” (Heb. 13:18) “ All

the liars, their portion will be in the lake that

burns with fire and sulphur.” – Rev. 21:8.

15 Are we not grateful that God‟s word pro-

vides clear and distinct answers to many im-

portant questions?

12 Jehovah had to put Abraham to the test in order to

get to know his state of heart. Only when he applied the

knife to put his son to death, Jehovah said to him: “Now I

do know that you are God-fearing.” (Gen. 22:12) He could

also not see from heaven what actually happened in Sodom

and Gomorrah. Hence, he said to Abraham: “I am quite

determined to go down that I may see whether they act

altogether according to the outcry over it that has come to

me, and, if not, I can get to know it.” (Gen. 18:21) Even

before, shortly after the flood, “Jehovah proceeded to go

down to see the city and the tower that the sons of men had

built.” – Gen. 11:5.

13 Jehovah said about the temple in Jerusalem: “My

eyes and my heart will certainly prove to be there al-

ways.” (2. Chr. 7:16) Jehovah‟s eyes are in Israel up to

now. Hence, he cannot see what happens elsewhere on

earth. We can feel unobserved when we live outside Israel.

However, we should offer our prayers in or at least near

Jerusalem. When Jerusalem was devastated and Daniel

lived at Cyrus‟ court, he prayed with “the windows in his

roof chamber being open for him toward Jerusalem.” –

Dan. 6:10.

14 God makes use of lies to reach his accomplish his

goals. Paul wrote about his contemporaries: “God lets an

operation of error go to them, that they may get to believingthe lie.” (2. Th. 2:11) Hundreds of years before, the prophet

Micaiah said to King Ahab: “Jehovah has put a deceptive

spirit into the mouth of all these prophets.” (1. Kings 22:23)

Like the prophet Elisha, we too can lie if it boots. – 2. Kings

6:19.

15 Are we not grateful that God‟s word provides clear

and distinct answers to many important questions?

12. a) Is Jehovah in need of putting men to the test? b) Can he look into the heart?

c) How can he get to know what happens on earth?

13. a) Where does Jehovah stay? b) Can he watch us always and everywhere? c) Where does he hear our prayers?

14. Is lying appropriate for Christians? Explain.

15. Why should we be grateful?


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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Where can Christ be found? – I. J., Paris

The Bible does not provide a clear answer to

the question where Christ can be found. How-

ever, it explains clearly where he cannot befound. Jesus himself said: “if anyone says to

you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!'

do not believe it. For false Christs and false

prophets will appear and perform great signs

and miracles to deceive even the elect – if that

were possible. See, I have told you ahead of

time. 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.” – Mat. 24:23-

26, NIV .

Of peculiar interest is the advice tha

Christ could not be found “in the inner rooms

The March 1, 2001 Watchtower made clear tha“the „interior [or „inner‟] rooms‟ of the prophec

likely have to do with the tens of thousands o

congregations of Jehovah‟s people around th

world.” (p. 21)

So, the Christ whom Jehovah‟s Witnesse

follow must be one of the “false Christs” tha

Jesus mentioned. Hence, the Governing Bod

of Jehovah‟s Witnesses serves as God‟s “fals

prophet,” trying “to deceive even the elect.”

Rev. 19:19.

Is toast dangerous for Christians? – M. C., Munich

First, we must say that Jesus asked for

“bread for this day,” not for toast, in the model

prayer. Actually, the Bible does not mention

any servant of Jehovah who ate toast. In con-

trast, it is known that something like toast was

used in ancient Egypt – the Egyptians toasted

bread over fire to make conserve it. The Ro-mans adopted this custom and spread it all

over Europe. Shouldn‟t it make us wonder that

only two pagan nations who were rather hostile

to God‟s people used a kind of toast?

Furthermore, some sorts of toast contain

leaven, something that Jesus particularly ad-

vised against. (Mat. 16:5) But the progressing

estrangement from God, especially in Germa-

ny, made it possible that a Consortium for

promotion of toast consumption could be found-

ed in 1963.*

Since then, the sales of toast andtoasters have increased drastically. In 2004, it

finally became apparent that toast is inextrica-

bly linked to false religion, when a toast with

the face of the Virgin Mary was sold on eBay.

* The German name was Arbeitsgemeinschaft zur Förderungdes Toastbrotverzehrs, It is today known as Golden Toast.

But toast does also cause literal danger. In

March 2008, a 68 year old German was serious

ly injured when making a toast. The heat of hi

toaster made a nearby burner explode; th

blast wave hurled the man five meters far, an

the house was damaged.

Time and again, the officials find inferio

toasters that can catch fire or cause an electri

shock. In January 2008, a toaster caused an

apartment fire in Germany. By chance, no on

was injured, but there was more than 5000 € o

material damage.

We can summarize: God‟s servants of ol

did not use toast, but pagan nations did. Jesu

warned against toast, and it is linked to falsreligion, maybe even to demons. Toast doe

also cause literal dangers. So, true Christian

should steer clear of toast and everything re

lated to toast.


15/16


In what sense should Christians ‘love their neighbor as themselves’?

Jesus repeated the commandment of the

Mosaic Law: “ You must love your neighbor as

yourself.” (Mat. 22:39) The religious organiza-

tions of Babylon the Great usually misinterpret

this statement; they teach, Christians should

do good to fellow men. But a careful examina-tion of the Bible reveals clearly what Jesus

actually wanted to say.

The issue is: How do Christians love them-

selves? Jesus provided a clear answer to that

question: “If any man comes to me, he must

hate his father and mother, his wife and chil-

dren, his brothers and sister. Yes, he must hate

himself too. If he does not, he cannot be my

disciple.” (Luke 14:26, Worldwide English) So,

true Christians do not love themselves at all,

but „hate themselves.‟ The apostle John agreedwith that and wrote about faithful, anointed

Christians: “They did not love their lives.” –

Rev. 12:11, NIV .

So, it is evident what Jesus had in mind

when he gave the command found in Matthew

22:39: Christians should love their fellow men

as themselves, that is, not at all. That‟s why

Jehovah‟s Witnesses do not participate in hu-

man efforts to aid and why they provide maga-

zines instead of food to the hungry.

This way, they fulfill Jesus‟ prophecy: “The

love of the greater number will cool off … and

this good news of the kingdom will be preached

in all the inhabited earth.” (Mat. 24:12-14)

Jesus knew that love would be a hindrance for

the preaching work. According to the October

1957 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, a true

Christian “must be a capable, efficient hunts-

man” and must “seek to let nothing escape.”

According to the May 1, 1980 Watchtower,

Jehovah‟s Witnesses “keep proclaiming the

message of doom against the God-defying

world.” (p. 22) If they would love their fellow

men, they would be mourning for them. In-

stead, they write: “These ungodly men will b

destroyed at what the Bible calls the battle o

Armageddon – which, as this magazine ha

often shown, will take place soon. ... What

wonderful provision Judgment Day is! ... N

wonder the psalmist expressed joy at ththought of God‟s judgment!" – The Watchtower

August 1, 1991, p.5-7.

Love for their fellow men would prevent Je

hovah‟s Witnesses from rejoicing at their anni

hilation. But supposedly “in the near future …

none of Jehovah‟s faithful servants, the onl

ones surviving, will mourn over the destruction

of the wicked. To the contrary, they will re

joice.” (The Watchtower, June 1, 1977, p. 345

According to the book Man’s Salvation Out o

World Distress at Hand! , “the destruction oman‟s Satan-controlled old order will provid

an occasion for spiritual feasting.” – p. 280.

Why should Christians feel love for thei

fellow men today, when before long they wil

have to rejoice in their annihilation? It is

proof of Jesus‟ extraordinary wisdom that h

commanded his followers to love their fellow

men even today just as little as themselves.

“What a wonderful provision Judgment Day is!”


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KEEP ON THE WATC

Thousands of “Keep on the Watch” district conven-

tions will be held throughout the world for months to

come. Most of these are open-air events. While the

speakers and JW managers can sit beneath a shadowy

roof or even in an air-conditioned lounge, the com-

mon audience will have to sweat in the blazing sun.

Friday‟s theme is: “Prove yourselves ready.” In-

deed, all attendees should always be “ready” to leave

the convention and the organization arranging it. One

of the talks is entitled: “Jehovah – God of Times and

Seasons.” In fact, Jehovah‟s Witnesses are imitating

their God, for they too put emphasis on “times and

seasons.” For example, the Berean Bible Teacher’s

Manual (published in 1912) contained “twenty time

proofs that the Kingdom of evil will cease and the

earthly phase of the Kingdom of God be establishedin 1914-1915,” like: “Ezra's resumption of work upon

the temple, 521 B.C., 590 years prior to Israel's com-

plete overthrow typified Christendom's overthrow in

1914, 605 years after the publication of Marsiglio's

Defensor Pacis.” In later years, Jehovah‟s Witnesses still

attached great importance to “times and seasons” –

not only related to the years 1925 and 1975, but also

to the “times” that the publishers spend in the

preaching work during a specified “season.”

Unfortunately, the symposium “Imitate Faithful

Ones Who Remained Watchful” will refer only to Noah,

Moses and Jeremiah, but not to Raymond Franz, Carl

Olof Jonsson or Richard Dawkins. In the afternoon,

there will allegedly be “Answers to Questions aboutthe Last Days,” but the question “Why has not a

single one of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ prophecies

come true?” will likely remain unanswered. Instead,

there will be two speeches that rather contradict

each other: “‟You Know Neither the Day nor the Hour‟

– Why?” and immediately afterwards “Know That the

End Is Near.” But the “day of Jehovah” has been “near”

already 3000 years ago. (Joel 1:15) Jehovah‟s Witnesses

have provided ample evidence that not only do they

not know “the day nor the hour,” but not even the

century. For example, they wrote in the book “The

Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah” – How? that

“within our twentieth century, the „battle in the day

of Jehovah‟ will begin” – p. 217.

Though Friday‟s audience will have been advised to

“Stay Awake as Christian Families,” on Saturday even

more of the listeners will be tired. In view of the

boring talks, the long journey and the hot summery

temperatures, a significant part of the audience will

fall asleep, for what reason a part “Help People to

Awake from Sleep” has been scheduled.

Later, the listeners will be urged: “Don’t Forget

Your Relatives.” However, disassociated ones “are

dead in Jehovah‟s eyes”; hence they are no relatives

anymore, even if they are related to us. (compare

Revelation – It’s Grand climax at Hand!, p. 223) Then,

some new ones will symbolize their dedication to the

organization by getting baptized.

The afternoon will start with the symposium “Watc

out for Satan‟s Traps.” But Satan‟s real traps – the

Watchtower , the congregation meetings, the conven

tions – are not discussed. Rather, they talk about “The

Trap That Crushes” or “The Fire” – though there are

fire brigades all over the world.

As an exception, there is some good advice after

that: “Do Not „Look at the Things Behind.‟” Indeed, the

listeners should not look back at the many years they

spent uselessly serving the Watchtower organization.

Rather, they should look forward to all the things

they can live to see if they leave this dishonest organ

ization.

Sunday‟s theme is “Keep in Expectation, It Will

Not Be Late” and surely does refer to the journey

home. In Germany, the homeward journey usually wa

delayed for some hours until 1983, when Konrad

Franke died. Since then, the scheduled end time is

usually adhered to, so that the audience can leave

timely. But first, they have to endure the talk “Keep

Your Eyes on the Things Unseen.” Indeed, many thing

that mark Jehovah‟s Witnesses as the false religion – like unfulfilled prophecies, unbiblical teachings or

their collaboration with the United Nations – can be

clearly seen. But the publishers should not consider

these things, but rather keep their eyes on things

that cannot be seen (because they are not there), like

fulfilled prophecies, Christian love or the spiritual

paradise.

The public talk “How Can You Survive the End of

the World?” will complete the morning session. Some

faithful Christians who already survived the end of

the world in 1975 will report their experiences. A

special touching feature on Sunday afternoon is the

touching modern-day drama “ Your Brother Was Deadand Came to Life!” It will likely be about a disassociat-

ed person who was “dead” for Jehovah‟s Witnesses.

Make plans now to steer clear of the convention

locations. If you are already a Jehovah‟s Witness, ask

an apostate about the next apostafest or write to the

publisher of this magazine.

Witchtower: May 1, 2009 - Are Jehovah's Witnesses the True Religion?

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Transcript of Witchtower: May 1, 2009 - Are Jehovah's Witnesses the True Religion?