[From ws9/17 p. 23 –November 13-19]
“The word of God is alive and exerts power.”—He 4:12
[audio mp3="http://beroeans.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/WT17-11-12.mp3"][/audio]
(Occurrences: Jehovah=24; Jesus=1)
It is undeniable that God’s Word exerts power and can transform lives. However, let us pause for a moment and think about what this article is implying. Are we suggesting that our particular understanding of God’s Word is what transforms lives? Are we saying that the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses is what transforms lives? Let us consider the question for the first paragraph to answer these questions:
- “Why can there be no doubt that God’s Word exerts power? (See opening picture.)”
Now let us look at the opening picture:
Is God’s word the only thing that is transforming this man’s life? Let’s have a look at the first paragraph:
AS Jehovah’s people, we have no doubt that God’s word, his message to humans, “is alive and exerts power.” (Heb. 4:12) Many of us are living proof of the Bible’s power to change lives. Some of our brothers and sisters were formerly thieves, drug addicts, or sexually immoral. Others enjoyed a measure of success in this system of things but felt that something was missing in their life. (Eccl. 2:3-11) Time and again, individuals who seemed hopelessly lost found their way to the path of life by means of the Bible’s transforming power. You have likely read and greatly enjoyed a number of these experiences as published in The Watchtower in the series “The Bible Changes Lives.” And you have seen that even after accepting the truth, Christians continue to make spiritual progress with the help of the Scriptures. – par. 1
If you are reading this for the first time, would you not draw the conclusion that these transformations are really only possible when the Word of God is wielded by Jehovah’s Witnesses? Is it the Word of God that exerts power and transforms lives, or is it the Word of God in the hands of one particular religious affiliation that has the power to change lives?
Try a little experiment: do a Google search on “Baptists transform lives”. (Drop the quotes when entering the search criteria.) Now try it again substituting “Pentecostals” for “Baptists”. You can run the search with “Catholics”, “Mormons”, or pretty much any religious denomination you care to try. What you get are inspiring stories of people whose lives have been transformed for the better by their association with a particular religious organization.
The fact is, one does not need the truth from God’s Word to be free from harmful practices such as a life of crime, promiscuity, or drug addiction. Certainly, God’s Word has great power to affect change in a person by freeing him from detrimental habits, but that is not the message of the writer of Hebrews. The transformation he speaks of goes far beyond "cleaning up one's act". In fact, the real message of Hebrews chapter 4 might prove very distressing for people in any denomination of Christendom. However, before we get into that, let us consider the message under the next subtitle.
In Our Personal Life
The following counsel is good, but something is missing. Consider:
If God’s Word is to have an effect on us, we need to read it regularly—daily if possible. – par. 4
In addition to reading the Bible, it is important for us to meditate on what we read. (Ps. 1:1-3) Only then will we be able to make the best personal application of its timeless wisdom. Whether reading God’s Word in printed or electronic form, our goal should be to get it off the page and into our heart. – par. 5
As we prayerfully meditate on God’s Word, we will feel motivated to apply its counsel even more fully. Indeed, we will to a greater extent unleash its power in our own life. – par. 6
Many fundamentalist Christians—Baptists, Pentecostals, Adventists, etc.—read the Bible regularly and meditate on it, yet continue to believe in Hellfire, the immortal soul, and the Trinity to name a few doctrines which Jehovah’s Witnesses firmly believe are false. Could it be that Jehovah’s Witnesses are doing the same thing? Reading, but not seeing how the Bible might contradict some of their own cherished teachings?
Consider this warning from James:
“. . .However, become doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, and off he goes and immediately forgets what sort of man he is. 25 But he who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and who persists in [it], this [man], because he has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, will be happy in his doing [it].” (Jas 1:22-25)
In our Bible reading, are we like the man who looks in the mirror, and then goes off and immediately forgets what sort of man he is?
Over the past few years, I have had discussions with friends who have had decades of experience studying God’s Word as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some served as special pioneers, others as circuit overseers, district overseers, one even served as a branch committee member. There was a very notable similarity in every discussion I had. When I challenged some fundamental Bible teaching unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses, such as 1914 or the doctrine of the Other Sheep as friends of God, they were unwilling to engage in a Bible discussion. They made no attempt to prove me wrong using the Bible. Instead, they relapsed into the age-old “Argument from Authority.” This was Jehovah’s Organization, and as such was beyond being questioned or doubted.
Their belief in the divinely-ordained authority of the Governing Body eliminates the need to defend any GB teaching from Scripture. "Who are we to question them?", they reason? Who are we to think we know more than they do? This was the argument that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day used when the man cured of blindness challenged their reasoning.
“You were altogether born in sin, and yet are you teaching us?” (John 9:34)
They clearly thought they were above being instructed by the 'little people', ones they viewed as 'accursed ones'. (John 7:49) This kind of reasoning causes normally rational, calm people to get very upset and even angry. Instead of acting out of love to show me the error in my reasoning, they reply only with strong affirmations of love for Jehovah and love for the Governing Body and/or the Organization. They view the Organization and Jehovah as interchangeable in this regard. Worthy of not is the fact that never once—let me emphasize that—never once did any of these friends express love for Jesus Christ. His name and his authority just never came up.
After these affirmations of love, I was asked to affirm my own love for and faith in the Governing Body. If I didn’t give them an unconditional affirmation of loyalty, all discussion ceased. They would ignore all further e-mails, texts, and phone calls. They clearly felt no need to defend their faith using God's Word.
Well, if a Witness were truly going to follow the counsel from paragraphs 4 thru 6, then he would realize what the theme text of this Watchtower study is really speaking about. This goes back to our earlier point that the real theme will make Witnesses uncomfortable.
Let’s consider the whole of chapter 4 of Hebrews.
The writer is not talking only about transforming lives by abandoning harmful practices or old works (vs. 10). He is speaking about salvation. To do this, he draws some antitypical parallels from Moses, the Israelite priesthood, and the entry of that nation into the Promised Land—into God’s rest or Sabbath.
“Therefore, since a promise of entering into his rest remains, let us be on guard for fear someone among you seems to fall short of it. 2 For we have also had the good news declared to us, just as they had; but the word that they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have exercised faith do enter into the rest, just as he has said: “So I swore in my anger, ‘They will not enter into my rest,’” although his works were finished from the founding of the world. 4 For in one place he has said of the seventh day as follows: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works,” 5 and here again he says: “They will not enter into my rest.” 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter into it, and those to whom the good news was first declared did not enter in because of disobedience, 7 he again marks off a certain day by saying long afterward in David’s psalm, “Today”; just as it has been said above, “Today if you listen to his voice, do not harden your hearts.” 8 For if Joshua had led them into a place of rest, God would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 So there remains a sabbath-rest for the people of God. 10 For the man who has entered into God’s rest has also rested from his own works, just as God did from his own. 11 Let us therefore do our utmost to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall into the same pattern of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints from the marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is not a creation that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold on to our public declaration of him. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tested in all respects as we have, but without sin. 16 Let us, then, approach the throne of undeserved kindness with freeness of speech, so that we may receive mercy and find undeserved kindness to help us at the right time.” (Heb 4:1-16)
The power that the Word of God exerts is compared to a two-edged sword that can discern thoughts and intentions of the heart. Paul is making reference to the Roman short sword seen here:
When attacking, Romans would link shields and move forward against an enemy force, stabbing between the shields with their short sword. The idea was not to slash, but to piece deep. One stab, the enemy fell, and they advanced forward over the bodies of the fallen. One of the very effective techniques the Roman's used to conquer the then-known world. Of course, a dull sword would not piece deeply and might not vanquish the enemy with a single thrust, to the Roman soldiers kept these weapons razor-sharp for their own salvation in times of conflict.
Likening the Word of God to something sharper than the sharpest of such swords allows Paul to show just have effective God's Word is in vanquishing falsehood and deception and in discerning the true intentions of the heart. It will pierce right through even the toughest armor plating that men wear to hide their true selves. All things are exposed by God's Word when used effectively. All things are left naked for all to see. We are not talking simply about the Bible, but the spirit of Jesus who is the Word of God. He sees everything. Our public declaration of Jesus to our JW brethren will reveal what is in the heart and mind of each one. When we use God’s Word, guided by the spirit of our Lord in our heart, we will find that friends and family oppose us, reproach us, and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against us, just as Christ foretold. They are revealing their own heart condition. They are being put to the test. While the initial reaction may be very negative, we persist, hoping to gain them in time. Unlike the Roman soldier, we use our sword not with the goal of killing, but of saving; by revealing both truth and heart condition. (Mt 5:11, 12)
The writer of Hebrews also draws a comparison with the Israelites in the wilderness who disobeyed the Word of God handed down through Moses. Now something greater than Moses is here—not the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but the glorified Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-23) When our friends and family refuse to accept what God’s Word says, but instead cleave to men and swear loyalty and obedience to them, they are being disobedient to the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ. We must be patient, as Jehovah is patient, for it is very difficult to overcome years of indoctrination. It takes time—years, even—but there is always hope.
“Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with YOU because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2Pe 3:9)
Archived Comments
We have moved to the Disqus commenting system. To post a new comment, go to the bottom of this page.
Comment by Pekanman on 2017-11-12 13:16:47
Thank you for another great article. This builds faith in our king and I too have seen the effect of trying to reason with others witnesses. The closed mindedness and refusal to even look at something that the GB has not approved of. Its the lack of trust in the truth that scares me. The truth should not be afraid or scared of examination. Even with organizations mistaken view of when our King came into his kingship, we can see in Heb.4:16 it speaks of the throne of undeserved kindness, a throne denotes kingship and that's Jesus as our King that we approach. Our salvation comes through Him not an imperfect man made organization. Thank you again Meleti.
Reply by Devora on 2017-11-12 14:05:43
So well-said,Meleti,and Pekanman..Thank You!I like your focus too on our response to fellow JW's(in the later parts of your review);not to repeat some of my earlier posts,but it comes to ultimately a'proof'of our own-growing as Christians,will we ultimately feel and show compassion and Love(Hope is in that as you I.D.ed);will we try to 'save'more in helping to wake them up and come out...by Jah and Christ there is still time.. p.s.it seems to me that big chunks of this WT particular'study'are re-cycled,verbatim,previous writings from the recent past-via WT?
Reply by Warp Speed on 2017-11-12 14:35:45
Hi Devora,
Just wanted to let you know that I always appreciate your comments.
As regards this article being "recycled", I think almost all of them are to a large degree. In a couple years, they will have a few articles recycled continuously.....Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-11-12 14:38:51
Quite right. There is no longer any depth. There hasn't been for quite some time. Spiritual Pablum at best.
Reply by huang on 2017-11-14 05:18:21
Noted paragraph 10 says,” Instead of simply presenting the latest issue of The Watchtower, the brother decided to read a scripture found in that issue. He read 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4, which says: “The Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort . . . comforts us in all our trials.” The householder was so moved by those words that he asked our brother to read the scripture a second time. The man mentioned how much he and his wife needed comfort, and he now showed interest in the Bible’s message. Would you not agree that God’s Word exerts power in our ministry?—Acts 19:20”
This shows up failure of Watchtower to give comfort which can only come from God’s WordReply by huang on 2017-11-19 08:35:37
At KH while doing par 10 it was quite amusing to hear no less than 3 elders and 1 MS readily and unwittingly put down the watchtower magazine as unnecessary and even a hindrance - just the Bible will do
Reply by Warp Speed on 2017-11-19 15:22:18
How ironic! I had a thought that maybe the Org is intentionally suggesting that we don't rely on the magazines as much-due to the fact that they are phasing them out due to the cost of printing....
Reply by huang on 2017-11-19 23:34:11
Praps that too. It seems Jdubs so indoctrinated they will parrot anything published in wt. And they used to say let the magazines do the talkin...
Reply by wild olive on 2017-11-23 16:35:12
I remember saying exactly that, can't believe I gave so much credit to something uninspired.
Comment by Robert-6512 on 2017-11-12 16:13:38
Notice verse 14: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold on to our public declaration of him." and verse 6: "... it remains for some to enter into it, and those to whom the good news was first declared did not enter in because of disobedience".
How can we read these verses, and not conclude that an emphasis on Jehovah, to the virtual elimination of all mention of Christ, is disobedience to the command to make public declaration of HIM, not his Father?
These scriptures seem to be saying that those who ignore or minimize Christ will not enter into God's rest.
How many times have JWs read and re-read these verses, and yet not seen this?
Comment by cx_516 on 2017-11-12 17:41:02
Thanks Meleti. I enjoyed the reminders of context in the letter to the Hebrews.
It struck me when reviewing Hebrews 3 and 4 how much JWorg relies on its own ‘works’ as proof of its righteous standing with God and the world. It’s exactly the opposite of what Paul was saying. We’re supposed to rest from works that establish righteousness in a legalistic way. In fact, I came across this quote in the Insight Book under the topic of Sabbath Day:
“Those who are obedient and exercise faith in Christ thereby enjoy “a sabbath resting” from their “own works,” works by means of which they formerly sought to prove themselves righteous.”
If only some JW writers would review what was written previously! Faith in Christ, and all that entails, is conspicuously absent from the JW program of worship. Paul is saying they’re disrespecting God’s arrangement of the ‘rest’ by ‘working’ on his sabbath. This is so hard for people with ‘status’ in JWorg to see. I love how Paul makes this point so clear in his letter. It’s so timely for our modern day.Reply by wild olive on 2017-11-13 16:58:31
Hi cx_516
You comment on the sabbath rest is so refreshing , this has been something I've spent some time studying of recent times , and sadly , is totally lost on JWs.
I spoke to a sister yesterday who is in her 80s , her husband of 55 yrs died 2 years ago,who wasn't a JW,and her grandson died 2 weeks after that, she is so sad, and is pining for the new system , as are most older JWs , who are seeing their promised paradise fading into oblivion as they have to face the harsh realities of death in this system, which they where led to believe would be gone a long time ago. This poor sister has decided to basically lock herself in her house , only coming out to get grocerys, maybe a meeting now and then , and maybe a day witnessing if the weather permits, and I can't help but feel that her life is ruled by a deep anxiety , as are many others of the same age in the org, a glaring contrast to what's portrayed in the verses in Hebrews that you quoted. All they have to hang onto is the paradise, and it's all they have to present to the public, I feel that in time JWs are going to look more and more like people who are living for a fantasy. As Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour of the judgement , and Ime sure that the worst of satans poison is yet to come, the collapse of the western world is imminent and will bring sweeping changes that I doubt many are going to be able to cope with, yet JWs are living in the future, and that is as bad as living in the past , since neither of them exist in the present. They are going to end up being the "dances with pandas " religion, because they don't really have the power of Gods word as their foundation, they have the GB interpretation as their foundation , it's so sad to see this all playing out in front of ones eyes, on top of that , Jehovah is not a God of ignorance, he is a god of light and truth, if they don't want to really stick to his word , I don't know how much longer he's going to let it slide?
Reply by Eleasar on 2017-11-14 17:52:35
CX_516,
You are obviously not keeping up with the new light on the sabbath!
Please see following two paragraphs:
HOW WE CAN ENTER INTO GOD’S REST TODAY
16, 17. (a) How can Christians enter into God’s rest today? (b) What will we talk about in the next article?
16 None of us today believe that Christians have to obey the Law of Moses to receive salvation. Paul’s words to the Ephesians are very clear: “By this undeserved kindness, indeed, you have been saved through faith; and this not owing to you, it is God’s gift. No, it is not owing to works.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9) So today, how can Christians enter into God’s rest, that is, have a part in his rest? Remember that Jehovah chose his day of rest to be the day that he completes his purpose for the earth and obedient humans. Jehovah tells us through his organization about his purpose and what he wants from us. We can enter into Jehovah’s rest if we obey him and work with his organization.
17 But we are acting against Jehovah’s purpose if we do not obey the faithful and discreet slave or if we choose to obey only what we think is important. And if we act against Jehovah’s purpose, we cannot be his friends. In the next article, we will talk about some situations that give us the opportunity to show if we are obedient. The decisions we make in these situations will show if we have entered into God’s rest.
The last two sentences are in bold in the wt. It is ws11 7/15 pp 17-21.
I remember conducting this wt and thinking where is the scripture reference. The article was pretty sound until we got to the last two paragraphs. Within 3 years of 2011 paragraph 17 becomes clear.???????
Comment by lost in space on 2017-11-12 19:20:22
My first entry after joining today. I just felt compelled and so moved to acknowledge and commend Meleti once again expressing from the heart the journey one goes through when having your eyes opened to the extraordinary beautiful truths of Jehovah's and Jesus' role in our lives. And the Bibles message. Meleti, you have been our adopted spiritual,loving older brother since my husband and have experienced full cognitive dissidence growing through the last few years, accumulating to 2017 both being PIMO's currently as have two young children. The "what to do next?" stage. I Tim 4:3-7. Yourself, Lloyd Evans, Londo Mollani ,others and Wikipedia,'research, research, research 'have been our best friends. Thanks so much for your contributions, We are so very grateful for your insight and work. So very sorry at the loss of your beautiful wife too.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-11-13 07:43:17
Welcome, Lost in Space. You have been found. :)
We're all so happy you've joined us. We all need the support of friends.
I only recently learned what PIMO means. Physically In, Mentally Out. It's far better than MIPO, Mentally In, Physically Out.Reply by lost in space on 2017-11-14 05:32:18
Our love pours out. 2 Corinthians 1:3-8. That is who our God is. One of comfort.
Reply by Danish Dynamite on 2017-11-13 14:47:43
Hello Lost in space. We are many who share your sentiments. My heart goes out to you and your family. I just felt compelled to tell you i've prayed to Our Father you stay your course, and to steady your hand. with a love of jehovah and Jesus and of life and to not become an embittered atheist, is a sort of crown. I enjoyed Londos videos as well and his website is awesome. JWlove.org
Even though you might be lost in space you are not a lost sheep. John 10:3,4,14,27. you have a wonderful relationship in front of you with the one true Shepard and he will guide you and your family to life giving water. Thank you for your expressions of faith and for sharing some of your story with us.Reply by Devora on 2017-11-13 15:38:58
Hello Lostinspace with family..& thank you too,DD..love your comments.LostinSpace, it's also about going forward-thru the fears(=Christian Courage).Studying daily,directly in the Bible(Deep,reflective study;independent-of WT;using several translations)is yes,our'research Key'our Lifeline to fortifying our faith..I began by posing my own questions,to see God's Word directly,what it would say/not say..the first one I posed was,"were sins revealed(open)or,kept secret from the congregations"?in the words of Christ;the apostles,all others mentioned(like the former magical-practicers in Acts):It proved opposite to JW system of 'secret'tribunals,in-house child abuse Coverups...etc..&
remember,no one can take away your true Christian standing;freedom..
unless you let them.Much Love,D.
Comment by Mowani on 2017-11-13 01:58:08
Great idea to create a podcast. More work and cost involved, though. Thanks for your continuous hard work and support.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-11-13 07:46:59
Yes, more work and more money. But that is what our funds are used for. They are meagre, but sufficient for the tasks at hand. It is the donation of time that we really need. Does anyone have a machine that clones time? :)
Reply by Warp Speed on 2017-11-13 16:06:20
Only a Delorean with a flux capacitor. At 88 MPH you’re good to go.....
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-11-14 08:41:57
Yes, but I'm all out of yellow cake uranium...
Reply by Robert-6512 on 2017-11-14 10:31:57
Flux capacitor ... fluxing ... got it. I can see it now, Meleti :-)
Comment by Joseph Anton on 2017-11-13 10:41:16
PODCAST PLEASE.
Comment by lost in space on 2017-11-14 05:21:39
Thankyou on behalf of my family in Australia of your warm embrace. To be acknowledged that we can maintain our desire to worship our God acceptably and honour Jesus as Christians is appreciated. I have seen so much love in your commentary over the years.
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2017-11-14 10:28:57
Bland, Mushy, unappetizing. That is the definition of Pablum, which I had not heard of until Meliti used the word. There are other words for some of the spiritual food currently being fed, but I would not wish to use those words here. Fortunately the food on this site is decent food which requires chewing and very serious consideration.
Have the GB decided we need milk again, in line with Hebrews 5:12 ? Are they worried that if they fed us with solid food (in line with vs 14) we would find them out ? What are they afraid of ?
Certainly we do not need complicated spiritual food based on obscure types and anti-types.
What we need are truths logically presented, with unbiased references and explanations of the words and phrases used, so that we can all be guided by our consciences, trained and properly taught from the Bible. Is that not what Jesus wanted for us ?
Hi to all the new names who have contributed this week. And a warm welcome.
Comment by eve04 on 2017-11-14 11:55:24
Thank you Meleti for an eye opener once again. I happen to be covering Hebrews in my personal bible reading and was actually on chapter 4. Never looked at the scripture in that way. Maybe because we never considered it by context. I always wondered how people were able to make changes without the bible since we were basically taught that was the only way they could. But your article explains it so well and it makes so much sence. When Christ our Savior is left out of the picture its always going to be a big gap were things just don't come together. It is always refreshing when a new article comes out. Thank you for the Podcast, got to listen at work such a joy. I feel like for the 1st time in years I am really learning something.
Welcome Lost is Space you will truly enjoy this site.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-11-14 12:24:33
Thanks Eve04 and thanks to everyone for your encouragement.
Reply by huang on 2017-11-19 23:12:03
Hi Meleti, keep the powerful stuff coming – one elder got blown away.
At par 5,6 I said that when we read God’s word we need to meditate on lesson it is teaching, it means to know context. For example If we were to read just one verse (Heb 4:12) we may think writer is simply saying that “Word of God . . . exerts power” to extent of changing peoples lives moving them to abandon harmful behaviour but in reading context we see Paul discussing larger subject - failure of Israel to enter into God’s rest because of pattern of disobedience and how God’s Word is so sharp showed up their thoughts & intentions and therein lies warning lesson for Christian striving for salvation to avoid similar situation when God’s Word shows up our true spiritual condition.”
The response? Elder Suspicious said,’ I would like to refer to Br Juan’s comments - ” …Many people think they are obeying God by just reading and meditating. They forget they have to do things like helping others learn the truth, like preaching and by attending all meetings regularly”
Surprised at his agitated public personal rebuke but at least not summoned to backroom
Thanks Meleti for the good work - absolute dynamiteReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-11-20 07:17:52
Wow, how insensitive of him. Seems you've got him riled up. Of course, he has the power up on the platform, but to use it that way is so unChrist-like.
Reply by huang on 2017-11-21 07:06:47
Actually this elder was sitting in the audience. He and I have a history of slugging out on e-mails but have since stopped as things seem to have reached a stalemate. He is a GB loyalist and getting very suspicious of my comments. He even visit this site to find evidence to incriminate me.
I think his emotions got the better of him to hear me go on about "pattern of disobedience" as he probably deemed me as guilty of that. More Pharisee-like than Christ-likeReply by wild olive on 2017-11-22 02:37:11
Hi Juan
I love that "GB loyalist", sounds like you have a civil war brewing in your cong , if your " loving" elder is a loyalist , what does that make you? ?Reply by huang on 2017-11-23 08:18:36
Royalist ?- (1 Pe 2:9)
Reply by wild olive on 2017-11-23 16:33:35
Nice ?
Comment by Eleasar on 2017-11-14 17:38:56
Excellent article. Sound exposition on Hebrews chapter 4. Well don
Comment by wild olive on 2017-11-14 23:06:07
Thanks Meleti for another ripsnorter, had a flash of "light" from some of the reasoning you present.
Your application of Jam 1:22-25, how is it in fact possible for all these different denominations to read the bible and miss how it contradicts their respective cherished doctrines? As JWs are also doing. This seems to show me that understanding is something that is granted to you by Holy Spirit , just reading the bible is the first stage, the bible is a " portal" if you like,it's what's on the other side of that is granted to you, scriptures like Joh1: 12-14 , Mat 13:11, Luk 8:10, true connection to our Father is something that's granted to you, it just doesn't happen because you like to read the bible, I suppose it gets back to the wheat among weeds again, reading the bible , even meditating on it doesn't automatically make you wheat, it's not really your descision Eph1:4-6.
Comment by Mike Felker on 2017-11-19 07:58:32
Please do the podcast. I do one myself (search iTunes for "The JW Review") and it costs me nothing (other than the initial purchase of my Yeti microphone). Other than mine, you'll find that most or all other JW related podcasts on iTunes are from a secular perspective, which of course draws JW's away from God altogether. While your reading of the articles is great for the podcast, it doesn't necessarily have to be that. It could be just you maybe answering questions that your readers leave in the comments, or maybe talking about some of your experiences as a JW, or addressing the many struggles that JW's go through when they begin to think independently, but are terrified as to what to do. Anyway, I really appreciate all that you do and consider your content to be the best on the subject, through I have some profound theological disagreements with you (which rarely comes up in your writing, by the way).
Reply by Warp Speed on 2017-11-19 11:38:17
Hi Mike,
I have been a fan of your podcast for a while now. Excellent job!
At first, I thought you were an ex-jw, but reading your website indicates otherwise.
Do you have any background with the Org personally, like a relative or childhood friend being a JW?
It sounds like you are very familiar with Witness culture.
Look forward to your response.
Keep up the good work.
Warp SpeedReply by Mike Felker on 2017-11-19 13:21:48
Thank you for being a listener! You're correct, i've never been a JW or close to it. To make a long story short, I engaged in academic research for my undergrad that was heavily focused on JW's (mainly due to sheer curiosity on my part). This led to multiple interviews with JW's, attending meetings, etc. Then one thing led to another and I found myself involved in book studies for a number of years as I was interested in learning more about the religion. I saw a great need for resources on JW's from a Christian/non-JW perspective than what was out there. But I found that the best way to do that was to learn the religion directly from the JW's so I could more accurately represent it as I endeavored to reach JW's. Perhaps i'll do a podcast talking about this in more detail.
Reply by Warp Speed on 2017-11-19 14:35:22
Thanks for the reply Mike. You did your research well. You have captured the culture of the Org very closely. If I can be of any help to your future projects, you can ask Meleti for my email address.
Wishing you the best,
Warp Speed
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-11-19 08:33:02
Thanks Mike. It's in the works. I'll check out your podcast.