WATCHTOWER - NOVEMBER 1, 1999

 

Page 4: For the benefit of any who cannot leave their homes, a prominent U.S. evangelist has reportedly promised to broadcast the return of Jesus on television - in color.

Note: Only about one half of Christendom is composed of true Christians.

Matthew 25:1-2 Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

 

Page 5: The Bible states that Jesus was "about thirty years old" when he began his ministry. (Luke 3:23) If he was 30 years old in the fall of 29 C.E., he must have been born in the fall of 2 B.C.E. Now, if we count forward two thousand years from the fall of 2 B.C.E. (remembering that there was no zero year; hence, from 2 B.C.E. to 1 C.E. is two years), we realize that the second millennium ended and the third millennium began in the fall of 1999!

Note: The Watch Tower does not listen to Jesus Christ and contradicts itself!

Page 5: Jesus warned his followers against speculating about dates.

 

Page 5: For example, would the start of the third millennium mark the beginning of the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ, referred to in the book of Revelation? No. The Bible nowhere indicates any link between the third millennium and the Thousand Year Reign of Christ.

Correction: Hosea alludes that after two thousand years, godly people will be resurrected.

Hosea 6:2 After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.

2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Note: There may be more correlation dating "the end" from the resurrection of Jesus than 1914.

 

Page 6: To understand the book of Revelation, Christ's slaves, or followers, would need God's holy spirit, which Jehovah gives to those who please him.

Note: The Father and the Son send forth the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus.

John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."

John 15:26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."

 

Page 6: If the book of Revelation is to be understood literally, even faithless people could read it and understand it.

Note: The Watch Tower contradicts itself again.

Page 7: There is every indication that a literal thousand-year period is meant.

 

Page 7: Before he begins his Thousand Year Reign, however, Jesus Christ must rid the earth of all who oppose his rulership. He will do this at the battle called Armageddon in the Bible.

Note: Zechariah tells us by the Holy Spirit that Jesus is Jehovah.

Zec 14:3 Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south.

 

Page 7: It is God's war. And it will not be confined to a single geographic location. The Bible says that it will reach to the farthest corners of the earth. Enemies of Christ's rulership will be slain. None of them will escape! - Jeremiah 25:33.

Correction: Armageddon is a specific place where ungodly people will gather in the future.

Rev 16:16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

Rev 19:19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.

 

Page 7: Then Jesus will turn his attention to Satan the Devil and his demons. Picture the scene, as the writer of the book of Revelation saw it: "I saw an angel (Jesus Christ) coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years."

Correction: Jesus Christ is not an angel according to God the Father.

Heb. 1:5-6 For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son"? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."

 

Page 7: "A great crowd, which no man (is) able to number," will survive Armageddon. (Revelation 7:9) Christ will guide these to benefit fully from "fountains of waters of life," just as a shepherd guides his sheep to lifesaving waters. (Revelation 7:17)

Note: The "great crowd" is in heaven during the great tribulation.

Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!"

Note: David and John tell us by the Holy Spirit that Jesus is Jehovah.

Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."

 

Page 7: Unhindered in their spiritual progress by Satan and his demons, these Armageddon survivors will gradually be helped to overcome their sinful tendencies until finally they reach perfection!

Note: True Christians have already been perfected by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

 

Page 8: And the dead, "the great and the small," will come back to life with the prospect of never having to die again! - Revelation 20:12.

Note: Not everyone who is resurrected will be in the kingdom of God.

Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Page 8: You can be among them, but you too must get ready - not by selling your belongings and traveling to some geographic location, but by taking in accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and his purposes through a study of the Bible.

Note: Through a study of the Bible you will discover that you must get to know Jesus.

John 14:7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."

 

Page 9: In order to do so, first discipline yourself to make Bible reading a regular habit, a daily one if possible. (Acts 17:11)

Note: Do you look up Scripture to see if the Watch Tower is quoting them in context?

Acts 17:11 ... and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

 

Page 11: At first glance some might dismiss the Law code as outdated and wonder how anyone could love it. However, as we meditate on the various features of the Mosaic Law, as did the psalmist, we can appreciate the wisdom behind that Law.

Note: Don't forget that Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law.

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."

 

Page 11: Aside from the many prophetic aspects of the Law, there are its sanitary and dietary stipulations, which promoted cleanness and good health. (Leviticus 7:23, 24, 26; 11:2-8)

Note: True Christians do not concern themselves with the dietary stipulations of the Law.

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

 

Page 11: As the writer of Psalm 119 gained experience in life, he no doubt saw how well things turned out for those who applied God's Law, and his fondness for it grew stronger. Similarly today, as Christians have success in applying Bible principles, their love and appreciation for God's Word intensifies.

Correction: You will never please God by trying to apply the Mosaic Law to your life.

Romans 3:20-22 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.

 

Page 12: The first Psalm describes a truly happy man as one whose "delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night." (Psalm 1:1, 2)

Note: Continuing on, have you put your trust in Jesus Christ?

Psalm 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

 

Page 12: In contrast, of the one lacking faith in Jehovah God, the Bible says: "He is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways."(James 1:8) All of us want to be happy and successful.

Note: Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ to be eternally happy and successful?

Galatians 2:15-16 "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."

 

Page 12: On one occasion, Jesus' parents found him sitting in the midst of the teachers at the temple in Jerusalem. How these experts in God's Law "were in constant amazement at his understanding and his answers"! (Luke 2:46, 47)

Note: Jesus Christ was the Messiah before His baptism contrary to Watch Tower theology.

Luke 2:11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

 

Page 12: That was when Jesus was 12 years old. Yes, even at a young age, he clearly had a fondness for God's Word.

Note: God's Word was the Word of Jesus.

John 8:37 "I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you."

 

Page 12: Later, Jesus used the Scriptures to rebuke the Devil, saying: "Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth." (Matthew 4:3-10)

Note: Are you treasuring the words of Jesus Christ?

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

 

Page 13: Jesus frequently quoted from God's Word to support his teachings. His listeners "were astounded at his way of teaching." (Matthew 7:28) And no wonder - Jesus' teachings came from Jehovah God himself!

Note: Do you want to see the kingdom of God? Are you keeping the words of Jesus?

John 8:51 "Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death."

 

Page 13: Yet, perfect as he was, Jesus studied and obeyed God's Law. This was a key factor in his ability to maintain his integrity.

Correction: Jesus Christ never had to study His word. Are you keeping the word of Jesus?

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."

 

Page 13: Yes, the fulfillment of the Scriptures meant more to Jesus than escaping a cruel and humiliating death. What outstanding love for God's Word!

Correction: Jesus Christ died because He loved us. Do you love Jesus?

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

 

Page 13: Like his Master, Paul developed a fondness for the Scriptures. He confessed: "In my inmost self I dearly love God's Law." (Romans 7:22, The Jerusalem Bible)

Correction: In context, Paul was writing to those still entrapped by the Law.

Romans 7:1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?

Romans 7:6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

Romans 7:9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.

Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God; through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

 

Page 13: Many faithful servants of Jehovah in modern times have likewise imitated Jesus' love for God's Word.

Correction: Jesus Christ never had to love His word. Are you keeping the word of Jesus?

Revelation 3:8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name."

 

Page 14: In what way is one safeguarded by wisdom gained from studying and applying God's Word? For one thing, he is safeguarded from Satan the Devil.

Note: True Christians are safeguarded from Satan spiritually by Jesus Christ.

Rom 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Page 15: Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven following 1914, and consequently Satan has "great anger, knowing he has a short period of time." (Revelation 12:9, 10, 12)

Note: True Christians overcome Satan by their sincere testimony of Jesus and His shed blood.

Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

Note: 1914 is based on the bogus date of 607 B.C.E. for the destruction of Jerusalem.

 

Page 15: At this late date, his anger must be white-hot as he unsuccessfully wages war against those "who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus."

Note: Are you in love with God or the Mosaic Law?

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

 

Page 15: He also wants to lure Kingdom proclaimers into focusing on such things as worldly prominence, the love of ease, the acquiring of material possessions, and the pursuit of pleasure, rather than on the Kingdom-preaching work.

Correction: True Christians preach Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

 

Page 15: What safeguards God's faithful servants from surrendering to Satan's pressure or being entrapped by his snares? Of course, prayer, a close personal relationship with Jehovah, and faith in their certainty of his promises are vital.

Note: True Christians have a close personal relationship with the Father and the Son.

John 15:7-9 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love."

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

 

Page 15: By loving God's Word, they are safeguarded from things that could rob them of their relationship with God and the hope of everlasting life.

Note: Are you abiding in Jesus Christ?

John 15:5-6 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned."

 

Page 15: They keep busy helping their neighbors to put faith in the wonderful promises contained in the Bible, knowing that they will thus 'save both themselves and those who listened to them.' - 1 Timothy 4:16.

Correction: You cannot save yourself since Jesus Christ is the Savior.

1 Timothy 4:6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

 

Page 16: Jesus could use either expression, since the theme of God's Word is the heavenly Kingdom under Jesus Christ as King by means of which Jehovah will vindicate his sovereignty and sanctify his name. (Matthew 6:9)

Correction: The theme of God's Word is personal salvation through Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

 

Page 16: In effect, then, the seed is the message of the good news in God's Word, the Bible, Jehovah's Witnesses highlight this Kingdom message as they sow seed in imitation of the original Sower, Jesus Christ.

Correction: The good news in God's Word is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the good news which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

 

Page 17: If our initial response to the Kingdom message is positive, that is fine.

Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have many problems since they are under a curse from God.

Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other good news to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other good news to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

 

Page 17: This includes taking full advantage of the spiritual food provided through the channel appointed to care for the spiritual interests of Jesus' true followers. (Matthew 24:45-47)

Correction: True Christians are taught by the Holy Spirit not by a corporation based in Brooklyn.

John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."

 

Page 17: Jesus showed the importance of endurance in sowing when he said: "He that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come."

Note: True Christians will be suffering for the name of Jesus.

Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."

 

Page 18: Rather, love for God's Word motivates us to "walk worthily of Jehovah" by continuing to 'bear fruit in every good work.' What good work? Preaching the good news of the Kingdom is the outstanding assignment for Christians in these last days. (Mark 13:10)

Correction: True Christians will preach Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:27-29 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

 

Page 18: Other good works involve the constructing of and caring for centers of true worship. Love for God's Word motivates his worshipers to ensure that Assembly Halls and Kingdom Halls do not fall into neglect.

Correction: True Christians worship God in spirit not necessarily inside of buildings.

John 4:24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

 

Page 18: Since God's name appears on the front of such buildings, it is vital that inside and outside they be kept clean and attractive and that the conduct of those who worship inside such halls be above reproach. (2 Corinthians 6:3)

Correction: True Christians do all in the name of Jesus.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

 

Page 19: In recent years more than 300,000 persons each year have allowed the Bible's message to take root in their hearts to the extent that they have dedicated their lives to Jehovah and symbolized this by means of water baptism. What a glorious future awaits them!

Note: True Christians have rooted their hope in Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:12 And again, Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope."

 

Page 19: Soon, lovers of God's Word know that Jehovah God will rise up to magnify his name. "Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion, will be destroyed. (Revelation 18:2, 8) Then, those who refuse to live in harmony with God's Word will be put to death by the King, Jesus Christ. (Psalm 2:9-11; Daniel 2:44)

Correction: True lovers of God's Word have placed their faith in the person and name of Jesus.

John 3:18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 

Page 19: Afterward, God's Kingdom will bring permanent relief from crime, war, and other disasters. There will no longer be a need to comfort people because of pain, sickness, and death. - Revelation 21:3, 4.

Correction: God will bring permanent relief from crime, war, and other disasters.

Rev 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

 

Page 19: Armageddon survivors will start with the joyful task of transforming this earth into a paradise. They will have the thrilling privilege of preparing for the needs of dead humans who are now resting in the grave and held in God's memory with the prospect of sharing in the resurrection of the dead. (John 5:28, 29)

Correction: God will transform this earth into a paradise.

Isaiah 35:1-2 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the excellency of our God.

 

Page 19: During that time, perfect direction will flow to earth's inhabitants from the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah, through his exalted Son, Jesus Christ. 'Scrolls will be opened,' revealing Jehovah's instructions for new world living. - Revelation 20:12.

Correction: The scrolls will reveal who may enter into the kingdom of God.

Mat 12:36-37 "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Acts 24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."

Rev. 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Page 19: In Jehovah's due time, the complete body of faithful anointed Christians will be raised to their heavenly reward as "joint heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:17)

Correction: All children of God are joint heirs with Christ.

Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Page 19: During the Thousand Year Reign of Christ, all humans on earth who love God's Word will be uplifted to perfection of mind and body.

Correction: People who do not love Jesus Christ will never see the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 16:22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.

 

Page 19: After proving faithful under a final test, they will be rewarded with everlasting life and will come to enjoy "the glorious freedom of the children of God." (Romans 8:21)

Correction: True Christians now will never die a second death.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Note: People born during the millennial reign of Jesus will be deceived by Satan.

Revelation 20:7-9 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.

 

Page 19: Truly, whether Jehovah has granted us a heavenly or an earthly hope, an enduring love of his Word and a determination to live according to godly wisdom will safeguard us.

Correction: Only our love for Jesus will safeguard us eternally.

Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

 

Page 28: As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah's Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16)

Note: The Watch Tower does apply pressure on the Witnesses not to vote.

Page 28: Being "no part of the world," they are neutral in the political affairs of the world.

Page 29: As representatives of God's heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah's Witnesses feel a similar obligation not to interfere in the politics of the countries where they reside.

Page 29: In imitation of Jesus Christ, Jehovah's Witnesses avoid becoming involved in politics and thus maintain their Christian unity.

Note: The Watch Tower does not tell the Jehovah's Witness that it is the Creator.

Page 29: If someone decides to go to the polling booth, that is his decision. What he does in the polling booth is between him and his Creator.

Note: The Watch Tower discriminates against men in most countries in regards to voting.

Page 29: What if a Christian woman's unbelieving husband insists that she present herself to vote? .... If she obeys her husband and goes to the polling booth, that is her personal decision. No one should criticize her.

Note: The Watch Tower does not take any responsibility for pressuring the Witnesses.

Page 29: What of a country where voting is not mandated by law but feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth - perhaps they are exposed to physical danger? Or what if individuals, while not legally obliged to vote, are severely penalized in some way if they do not go the polling booth? In these and similar situations, a Christian has to make his own decision. "Each one will carry his own load." - Galatians 6:5.

Note: The Jehovah's Witness will be made to carry a large load of guilt by the Watch Tower.

1 Peter 2:13-14 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

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