Posted by Kent [KENT] on October 26, 1999 at 06:39:07 {c/rgKhj4NcOJikFWJ7tMBSwZlMEBKg}:
BECAUSE THE WATCHTOWER ITSELF – ACCORDING TO THEMSELVES – HAVE THE POWER OF SALVATION!
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And while now the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation,
In other words, Jehovah’s Witnesses shall work. Work hard – for the Organization. Millions of door to door salesmen, shall work for free. In most western countries they are “placing” literature to avoid taxes, and give of their own money to feed the Watchtower. In countries where people are poor, and the tax-rules more liberal – they STILL sell their literature.
But the Society is a hard master. They demand your swet to save you:
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It is for the reward of eternal life that every last person on earth should now be working. Are you?
*** w72 8/15 492 Working Hard for the Reward of Eternal Life ***
The man who does not shrink back from the hard work of being a Christian will come in line for the splendid and ultimate reward—eternal life.—Matt. 16:24, 25.
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We are truly happy for you and welcome you to the congregation of God’s happy, hardworking servants, his witnesses.”
And if you are not THAT eager to work all day long, you have “grown weary”:
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Regardless of the reason, spiritual weariness is a danger sign. It is an unhappy state that can lead only to disaster. So arouse yourself! Keep reminding yourself that there are at least three good reasons why you should be determined to endure and not grow weary: By enduring you share in the vindication of God’s name, making his heart glad and proving the Devil a liar when he boasted that no creatures could endure. By enduring you are able to help others to endure, both by your example and by your ministry. And by enduring you assure yourself lasting happiness and endless life.—Job 2:4, 5; Prov. 27:11; 1 Tim. 4:16.
And the threat is there, as always. Do as we say – or our private hitman in the sky will slaughter you. You will be killed if you don’t work. And not only you. We’ll wipe out your whole family as well!
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Do you want to survive out of this old world of confusion and sorrow into God’s new world of peace and joy? Then you must act, and act immediately! You must study to find the true religion.
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Your safety and the whole future of yourself and your family depend on now studying the Bible, associating with the New World society of Jehovah’s witnesses, dedicating yourself to your Creator, Jehovah God, and witnessing for him.
BUT YOU ARE NOT SURE ANYWAY! You only have a HOPE.
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Zephaniah 2:3 shows that those who start out to seek righteousness and meekness are not guaranteed that they will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger just because they have started out on a right course. But there is hope of their qualifying to be hidden. Being concealed is a probability.
Yet there is a considerable element of uncertainty indicated by the wording of this text. That uncertainty, however, does not apply to God in the sense that he is incapable of concealing faithful seekers of righteousness and meekness at Armageddon. Not at all. The point is that God is not obligated to do so, and that is the thing that causes or leaves room for uncertainty. We cannot take preservation for granted as if it were something due, something owed us. It all depends upon God’s mercy, his undeserved kindness to us sinners, for really our sins deserve death for us. However, the only way by which we can Scripturally hope for mercy to us on God’s part is by our seeking Him and righteousness and meekness, before it is too late. Then it may be that he will show consideration for our repentance, conversion and dedication to him. The Scriptures give us reason to believe he will probably do so.
Then, if you qualify, you will be tested again. You might STILL be killed:
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It is when the Lord Jesus Christ and his anointed joint heirs in the heavens begin to administer the benefits of the ransom sacrifice during the thousand-year reign that the human subjects of the kingdom will begin to experience deliverance from the effects of sin and death. By the end of that millennial reign, all obedient earthly subjects will have been assisted by Jesus and his associate kings and priests to attain to perfection. Those who continue to remain faithful to God during the test by the released Devil and his demons will then have their names written in “the book of life.” (Rev. 20:12-15) Then they will enjoy completely “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Rom. 8:19-22) Thus the grand purpose of the “revealing of the sons of God” is accomplished.
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At the end of the thousand years, the last trace of sin and its consequence, death, will have been destroyed. (1 Corinthians 15:26) But does this reaching of perfection by all then on earth mean that such persons cannot sin? No, for the Bible reveals that persons reaching that state will not be assured of everlasting life until they prove faithful against a final attack by Satan the Devil.
BUT EVEN IF YOU STAND THE FINAL TEST, THE WATCHTOWER GOD MIGHT KILL YOU ANYWAY!
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Additionally, the ones who are resurrected to earthly life and who prove their integrity to God through the millennium and the final test to follow will be recognized by God as being righteous and so will be given everlasting life. (Rev. 20:5, 7-10) When once Jehovah has declared them righteous by recognizing their human perfection and righteousness, no other person in heaven or on earth can destroy them without God’s permission and according to his will.
And the children has to learn that to please Jehovah, they need to work in the field service:
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Are you young publishers showing a willingness to study with your parents and accompany them in the field service? You can be sure that Jehovah is pleased with you when you do. Yes, both parents and children are called upon to show appreciation for the family arrangement.
You see, Jehovah expects them to be loyal to his visible organization, and they need more money. Sell, sell, sell: That is neccesary if you want to live! No Watchtower-selling, no life!
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Youths—Serve Jehovah With Loyalty
1 Loyalty and godly devotion are essentials of true worship. (2 Tim. 2:19) Jehovah God rightly expects each of us to maintain a devoted attachment to him and his visible earthly organization. (Ps. 30:4; 31:23) To do this in such troublous times we must keep a clear view of our purpose in life and not allow our loyal love for Jehovah to suffer erosion. Christian youths in particular are undergoing a relentless assault on their love of God.—2 Tim. 2:22.
2 Loyalty to Jehovah and his organization is necessary if we are to gain everlasting life. At this time of testing, how can Christian youths maintain integrity? In what ways can we manifest loyalty in the congregation? The family? How might parents and others encourage loyalty to God and the family?
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Loyal youths share in congregation meetings, as well as in the field ministry
To be reasonably sure, you better start pioneering:
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4 Here is the model, the example, for all true Christians to follow. As we develop spiritually, we want to pattern our lives after this one. We never want to be like those about whom Jesus spoke when he said: “My word makes no progress among you.” (John 8:37) Has his “word” made progress in you to the point where you want to imitate him in the full-time preaching work? The apostle Paul, himself a full-time preacher, reached that point. He felt so strongly about his responsibilities that he said: “Woe is me if I did not declare the good news!”—1 Cor. 9:16.
WHAT ARE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES?
5 We can all reach that point in our spiritual development where we want to pioneer. Yes, we can all have the pioneer spirit, even though circumstances may prevent many from actually being in that service. Perhaps you have recently finished your schooling or are about to do so. Have you noted what is stated in the Organization book under the subject “Regular Pioneer Service”? On page 136 it says: “Every young person ought to give serious consideration to this field of service. When he completes his years of required secular education, what is he going to do with his life?” In answer to that question it goes on to show that in the case of one who is dedicated and is baptized “there should be no doubt.”
You see, Jehovah has assigned such duties:
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The Creator has provided instructions for all members of the family as to their respective duties.
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All members of the family, whether actually in the pioneer service or not, should be interested in furthering pioneer activity and be willing to make sacrifices to that end.—2 Cor. 8:13-15.
13 In order to enter the pioneer service, a husband may have to relinquish a highpaying job, or the family may have to give up some material luxuries. But spiritual blessings and the joy of this full-time service more than compensate.—Mark 10:29, 30; Rom. 14:17.
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Only you can answer that question. How have you viewed the pioneer service until now? As something for others? Have you held back because you preferred secular work over daily preaching of the good news? Or have your circumstances really required what you are doing? Has “token” service seemed adequate? What does your heart move you to do now?
AND YOUNG CHILDREN HAVE THE TIME NEEDED, NOT LIKE THE LAZY ELDERS THAT HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TO TAKE CARE OF:
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Instead of being loaded down with all the responsibilities that older people have, you’re free to spend a lot of time getting knowledge and developing your abilities and skills.
BE A DOER:
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How do we show that the word is our guide? By being obedient “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (Luke 11:28) “Doers” have faith that produces such works as zealous activity in the Christian ministry and regular participation in meetings of God’s people.
AND WHY BE A SURGEON WHEN YOU CAN PIONEER?
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Peter—the young man mentioned at the outset—carefully thought about his decision and weighed his options. He realized that it would not be wrong for him to study with a view to becoming a neurosurgeon. But what was most important to him? It was his activity in the Christian ministry, considering the urgency of this work.
THE FACT IS – NO MATTER THE COST – BE A PIONEER:
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A self-sacrificing spirit thus involves far more than simply committing oneself to a schedule of meetings and activity in the Christian ministry. It means a determination to do God’s will whatever the cost.
AND IF YOU DON’T SEE THESE FACTS AS A CHILD, YOU HAVE THE WRONG ATTITUDE:
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21 Activity in the Christian ministry cannot be confined to adults. It is a privilege of service that you children can Scripturally participate in and should engage in. If you want to obey Jehovah you will engage regularly in the ministerial activities that are arranged by the theocratic organization. Aside from weekly service in the ministry that the organization makes available to you, it gives you the splendid opportunity to serve your Creator every day during vacation periods by being a vacation pioneer out in the witness field. What better way is there to spend the major portion of a vacation? Since the proclamation of Jehovah’s truths and purposes to the people has been commanded by him, do you obey him by zealously engaging in it regularly?
22 Aside from opportunities to preach from house to house, willingness to obey Jehovah can be shown when you are given theocratic assignments and responsibilities in the congregation. At first the assignments are small, but as you grow older they become bigger, with more responsibility attached to them. Shunning such responsibilities by rejecting the assignments reveals a wrong mental attitude, an unwillingness to use your strength and abilities fully in advancing the interests of God’s kingdom. This is not serving him with delight. It is not showing wholehearted devotion to him. Do not reject theocratic assignments but be grateful that you were found worthy of greater service privileges.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IS SPENDING EVEN MORE TIME IN THE FIELD MINISTRY:
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8 The amount of time you devote to Kingdom preaching and the example you set should show Jehovah and others that you are giving your full, wholehearted support to the Kingdom. With better planning and improved family organization could you do more in field service? Would it be possible to auxiliary pioneer from time to time? Whole-souled service is not following the course of least resistance, coasting along with minimal activity!
YOU MUST INDICATE TO JEHOVAH THAT YOU REALLY WANT TO LIVE:
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10 Our attitude toward the preaching work and the time and thought we give to it are positive indications to Jehovah of our love and appreciation for his government.
AND DEDICATED PARENTS ARE TOLD WHAT TO DO:
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Dedicated parents, of course, have the primary responsibility to help their children to make proper decisions. At 1 Corinthians 11:3, the Bible designates the husband as the head of the household. Therefore, in a Christian household, with the wife working closely with him, the father takes the lead in teaching the children God’s commandments.
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6 Parents, of course, have the additional responsibility of helping their children to be active in spiritual things. So they may find it advisable to sit down and work out a reasonable schedule of theocratic activity for the whole family, including their own personal schedules as Christian parents. Thus, they show a personal interest in their children’s welfare and their wise use of time.—Eph. 6:4.
TO USE EVERY POSSIBLE OPORTUNITY IS NOT JUST A RESPONSIBILITY, BUT THE ULTIMATE HAPPINESS:
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4 Training our children as Christians in every possible way and at every opportunity is not only a God-given responsibility, but a happy way of life for Christian families. (Deut. 6:4-9; 1 Tim. 5:8) If you would like to get to know your children better, what they are really thinking about, how they feel about matters, ascertaining how much they really love Jehovah, arrange time to take them with you in the field service. Truly, it will be a rewarding experience.
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Presenting the Good News—Do You Help Young Ones to Have a Part?
1 We appreciate that there are many young persons associated with us. Some of these may be your children. Do you study with them? Are you helping to mold their hearts so that they love Jehovah and find delight in sharing in his service? Do you share with your children in the field service?
AND IF YOUR CHILDREN DON’T HAVE THE PROPER APPRECIATION, YOU MIGHT BE IN TROUBLE:
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Do they lack appreciation for the real purpose of the field service? Help them to see that lives are involved and that our service is an honor to Jehovah. Are they discouraged when householders are brusque? Help them to see that the householder was not angry with us personally. Do your children need help to see why we should participate regularly in Kingdom-preaching? (Rev. 22:2) As you accompany them, you will become aware of their needs and will be in a position to encourage and help them.
JEHOVAH WON’T LIKE YOU. HE HAS GIVEN YOU THIS RESPONSIBILITY, AND YOU BETTER DO IT RIGHT!
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Jehovah God has placed the responsibility of training children in the hands of the parents. Therefore, parents, train your children to be preachers of the good news!
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especially the parents, should take an interest in encouraging and helping our youth to enjoy Jehovah’s service in the “last days” of this system of things. (2 Tim. 3:1) How can this be done?
4 Children should be trained at a very early age to accompany their parents in the field ministry. It seems that some parents leave their children behind while they are out in the field service. It may take a little more time and effort to get their children ready and take them along, but parents will find the effort is well worth it. And it is a part of their parental responsibility. The good example of parents taking the lead in the service cannot be over-emphasized.
THE SOCIETY EVEN MAKE THEM PROMISE TO SPEND TIME IN THE FIELD MINISTRY
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The Watch Tower Society’s president, J. F. Rutherford, directed his remarks to the 15,000 children seated before him: ‘All of you children who have agreed to do the will of God and have taken your stand on the side of the Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, and who have agreed to obey God and His King, please STAND UP!’
AND FOR THE GOOD GOAL WE BAPTIZE CHILDREN. THEY ARE GREAT SALESMEN, REMEMBER….
‘
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It was assembly time, and the Watch Tower Society’s convention was being held in St. Louis, Missouri, August 6-10, 1941. Upon arrival there, all children between the ages of five and eighteen years were to register for Children’s Day. I registered. And on Sunday morning there was an assembly for baptism. I was one of 1,357 children who symbolized by water baptism their dedication to do Jehovah’s will.
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The occasion was a special session of the St. Louis, Missouri, international convention of Jehovah’s witnesses in 1941, when some 15,000 young people between the ages of five and eighteen stood up in their places at the forefront of a large audience and agreed to share in the spread of the Kingdom message to others.
AND IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILD, YOU WON’T LIKE THEM KILLED – WILL YOU?
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Parents who love their children and who want to see them alive in God’s new world will encourage and guide them toward goals of increased service and responsibility.
THE YOUNGER THE BETTER. EXAMPLES OF 3 YEAR OLDS CAN BE FOUND IN THE LITERATURE AS WELL – BUT I JUST COLLECTED FROM THE CD THIS TIME.
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Handbills were prepared for one of the public talks to be given in our home. Although only eight years old, I was given the privilege of distributing these leaflets to all the homes in our village.
BUT YOU DON’T DO ENOUGH WORK!!!!! SHAME ON YOU
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Because it properly is the custom for publishers to share in the field ministry on every Saturday and Sunday that they possibly can. Indeed, many are setting a fine example by sharing in the ministry practically every Saturday and Sunday during the month.
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Do we not also view sharing in the ministry each week as both a necessity and a grand privilege?
PROVE THAT YOU BELIEVE. THEN JEHOVAH WILL BLESS YOU. BUT THIS TIME IT’S NOT A HOPE. THIS TIME YOU CAN BE SURE
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Do you really believe that God’s kingdom will bring an end to this system shortly and bless all mankind under its righteous rule? Then, show that you believe it by sharing in the ministry and endeavoring to make progress in presenting the message effectively. As you do, you can be sure that Jehovah’s blessing will go with you.
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How privileged we are to be living in the spiritual harvesttime near the end of this old system! The requirements of the harvest may draw heavily on our time and energy, yet our having a share rewards us with a surpassing joy. Efforts to increase our participation in the disciple-making work through auxiliary pioneer service will bring Jehovah’s blessing.—1 Tim. 4:10.
BUT, WHAT DOES JEHOVAH DEMAND OF YOU? YOU HAVE TO BAPTIZE YOURSELF TO THE WATCHTOWER ORGANIZATION:
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Decision Based on Knowledge
Likewise this year many thousands are contemplating the step of baptism during the “Integrity Keepers” Convention that will be held in many locations worldwide. Before reaching this point of baptism, all candidates have carefully reviewed with congregation elders the Bible’s principal doctrines and guidelines for Christian conduct to make sure they really qualify for baptism. Thus the decision to be baptized is by no means a sudden emotional reaction. Rather, each one has ‘proved for himself the good and acceptable and perfect will of God’ and wishes to submit to that will.—Romans 12:2.
At the close of the convention baptism talk, the baptism candidates will be in position to answer with depth of understanding and heartfelt appreciation two simple questions that serve to confirm that they recognize the implications of following Christ’s example. The first question is:
On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
The second is:
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?
Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism.
WE DIDN’T DO THAT BEFORE. THEN IT WAS ENOUGH TO BAPTIZE YOURSELF TO JEHOVAH
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(1) Have you repented of your sins and turned around, recognizing yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?
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22 It is essential that with the mouth a public declaration of faith be made. Two questions are therefore asked the candidates: (1) Have you recognized yourself before Jehovah God as a sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ? (2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?
REMEMBER. THE ORGANIZATION HAS THE POWER TO ACTUALLY SAVE YOU!
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And while now the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation,
AND YOU PARENTS. LET THE SMALL CHILDREN COME TO THE ORGANIZATION – AND MAKE NO TROUBLE FOR THEM.
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Children of Christian parents who have been properly trained will eventually offer themselves willingly in dedication to Jehovah. Before permitting the child to undergo water baptism, however, the parents should be satisfied that he knows exactly what is involved. Being baptized will not make him enjoy the preaching work, if he does not already enjoy it. Baptism will not necessarily add to his sense of responsibility. Before baptism he should have sufficient experience with study of the Bible and with telling others what he has learned to realize that these are features of his worship of the true God.