Theocratic Warfare or Just Plain Lying?
This week we are treated to two videos from distinct sources that are linked by a common element: Deception. Sincere lovers of truth are bound to find what follows to be deeply disturbing, although there will be some who will justify it as what the Organization calls...How Can We Help Someone Grow Spiritually By Discussing the “Great Crowd”?
Introduction In my last article “Overcoming Obstacles in Our Preaching by Introducing The Father and Family”, I mentioned that discussing the teaching of the “great crowd” could help Jehovah’s Witnesses in understanding the Bible better and thereby draw closer to our...2017, October 16 – October 22, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from God’s Word and Digging for Spiritual Gems Hosea 1:7 – When was the House of Judah shown mercy and saved? (w07 9/15 14 para 7) The only error in this reference is the date given for its fulfillment, that of 732 B.C.E. which should be 712 B.C.E. For...How We Put On and Keep On the New Personality
[From ws17/8 p. 22 – October 16-22] “Clothe yourselves with the new personality.”—Col 3:10 (Occurrences: Jehovah=14; Jesus=6) Last week we saw how the Organization left Jesus out of consideration when discussing stripping off the old personality, even though the...“Jehovah Has Always Had An Organization.”
“Jehovah has always had an organization, so we have to remain in it, and wait on Jehovah to fix anything that needs to be changed.” Many of us have encountered some variation on this line of reasoning. It comes when the friends or family members we are speaking to...2017, September 25 – October 1, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from Gods Word – Are You Serving Jehovah Continually? Daniel 6:7-10 : Daniel risked his life in order to serve Jehovah continually. (w06 11/1 24 para 12) Once again we see the non-scriptural splitting of the Christian congregation into two parts. It quotes...Salvation, Part 6: Armageddon
[To view the previous article in this series see: The Children of God] What is Armageddon? Who dies are Armageddon? What happens to those who die at Armageddon? Recently, I was having dinner with some good friends who had also invited another couple for me to get to...2017, September 18 – September 24, Our Christian Life and Ministry
[Total Count in References: Jehovah: 40, Jesus: 4, Organization: 1] Treasures from Gods Word – Loyalty to Jehovah brings Rewards Daniel 2:44 Why will God’s Kingdom have to crush the earthly rulerships depicted in the image. (w01 10/15 6 para4) This reference starts by...
“May He…Give Success to All Your Plans”
Should you become a pioneer, or work on JW.org construction projects, or serve at Bethel? What answers can we find in the Bible to guide us?
2017, August 21 – August 27, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from God’s Word – Gog of Magog will soon be destroyed. The more we study the Bible without the influence of the teachings of the Organization, particularly with regard to types and antitypes, the more apparent it becomes that the prophecies in the...Uphold Jehovah’s Sovereignty
[From ws17/6 p. 27 – August 21-27] “You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things.” — Re 4:11 (Occurrences: Jehovah=72; Jesus=0; Slave, aka Governing Body=8) In last week’s review, we learned that the...Should We Obey the Governing Body
One of our readers drew my attention to a blog article which I think reflects the reasoning of most Jehovah’s Witnesses. The article begins by drawing a parallel between the self-declared ‘non-inspired, fallible’ Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other groups...2017, August 07 – August 13, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Local Needs \Yearbook What lessons can we learn? That we should study and use the Bible, using any translation. If one is a Jehovah’s Witness, it may be beneficial to emigrate from Russia to avoid persecution, or decide if you value publications of men over your...Trouw Article: “Elders Are Investigators, Judges, and Psychologists”
This is a translation of the July 21, 2017 article in Trouw, a major Dutch newspaper, concerning what is expected of Jehovah’s Witnesses elders when handling cases of child sexual abuse. This is the first of a series of articles exposing the poor way that the...2017, July 31 – August 06, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Gods Kingdom Rules (kr chap 15 para 29-36) – Fighting for Freedom to Worship The main area covered in this week’s section is that of child custody (paragraphs 29-33). It is difficult to comment on individual cases without knowing the specifics. Additionally as...Jehovah Provides Comfort in All Our Trials
[From ws6/17 p. 4 – July 31-August 6] “The God of all comfort . . . comforts us in all our trials.”—2Co 1:3, 4 (Occurrences: Jehovah=23; Jesus=2) Here we go again, marginalizing Jesus. The title and theme text make the reader think that all comfort comes from Jehovah,...2017, July 24 – July 30, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Bible Study (bh 215 para 3 – 216) Paragraph 1 states “Decades in advance, Bible students proclaimed that there would be significant developments in 1914. What were these…?” Yes, indeed what were these developments they proclaimed? 1879: “According to the...2017, July 10 – July 16, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from God’s Word – Do you keep your promises? Ezekiel 17:18,19 – Jehovah expected Zedekiah to keep his word (w12 10/15 page 30 para 11, W88 9/15 page 17 para 8) The reference for W88 says in the third sentence: “If Zedekiah invoked God’s name in taking his...
JW Jingoism
In the July, 2017 broadcast on tv.jw.org, the organization appears to be defending itself against attacks made by internet sites. For example, they now feel the need to try to prove there is a scriptural basis for calling themselves “The Organization”. They also...2017, July 3 – July 9, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from God’s Word – Do you have a heart of flesh? Ezekiel 11:17, 18 – Jehovah promised a restoration of true worship (w07 7/1 p. 11 par. 4) The wording of the heading is slightly misleading. The Israelites claimed to worship Jehovah. However they had allowed...2017, June 19 – June 25, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Introduction to Ezekiel (video) An unremarkable video except for giving the wrong date of 617 BCE for the exile of Jehoiachin.[1] Find Delight in Preaching the Good News ( + video) Paragraph 1 asks “Have you ever found it difficult to preach? Many of us would answer...Do You Share Jehovah’s Sense of Justice?
Should we question the elders when we believe they’ve made a bad decision in disfellowshipping someone? Or should we remain quiet and submissive as this article instructs? What does the Bible say?
“The Judge of All the Earth” Always Does What Is Right
[From ws4/17 June 12-18] “The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice.” – De 32:4. What Christian would disagree with the thoughts expressed in the title and theme text of this article? These are true thoughts expressed in God’s Word. The title...2017, May 29 – June 4, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from Gods Word: “Jehovah Blesses Humility and Punishes Arrogance” Jeremiah 50:29-32 – Babylon would be destroyed for acting arrogantly against Jehovah Israel profaned Jehovah’s name, but he sanctified his name to take away their reproach. This is a warning...“What You Vow, Pay”
When the Organization uses Jesus’ words at Matthew 5:33 to support its policy requiring us to make vows of dedication and obedience, is it misquoting and misrepresenting what Jesus is actually teaching?
Watchtower Music Videos
You may recall this image taken from the July, 2016 Watchtower Study Edition, p. 7. You can find our review of that particular study article here. The theme of the article was “Why Must We ‘Keep on the Watch?’” At the time, this reviewer felt that the new rule...2017, May 22 – 28, Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from Gods Word: “Stop ‘Seeking Great Things for Yourself’” Jeremiah 45:2,3– Baruch’s wrong thinking caused him distress (jr 103 para 2) As a sign of the true quality of the spiritual food we receive from the organization these days, the eagle eyed will have...Salvation, Part 5: The Children of God
What role do the Children of God play in the salvation of Mankind? What is the “one-chance doctrine” of salvation and why is it taught so extensively? Does God truly give every human an equal opportunity to be saved?
2017, May 15 – 21 Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from Gods Word: Jehovah Will Render to Each One According to His Works Jeremiah 39:4-7 – Zedekiah suffered the consequences of disobeying Jehovah While it is true that Zedekiah suffered terrible consequences personally, we should also not forget that he was...Serve Jehovah with a Complete Heart
[From ws3/17 p. 18 May 15-21] “O Jehovah, remember, please, how I have walked before you faithfully and with a complete heart.”—2 Kings 20:3. This particular Watchtower study uses four kingly examples from the days of ancient Israel to instruct Jehovah’s Witnesses...2017, May 8-14 – Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from Gods Word: Ebed-melech- An Example of Bravery and Kindness Jeremiah 38:4-6 – Zedekiah gave in to fear of man Zedekiah failed by giving way to fear of man in allowing injustice to be meted out to Jeremiah, when it was within his power to stop it. How...Give Honor to Whom It Is Due
[From ws3/17 p. 8 May 1-7] “To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever.” — Re 5:13. If some of my JW brethren are having qualms about the amount of attention—even adulation—that the Governing Body...Who Is Leading Jehovah’s People Today?
[From ws2/17 p. 23 April 24-30] “Remember those who are taking the lead among you.”—He 13:7. We know that the Bible does not contradict itself. We know that Jesus Christ would not give us conflicting instructions that would lead to confusion and uncertainty. With that...Winning the Battle for Your Mind
On page 27 of the July, 2017 Study Edition of The Watchtower, there is an article intended ostensibly to help Jehovah’s Witnesses resist the influence of satanic propaganda. From the title, “Winning the Battle for Your Mind”, one would naturally assume that the...The Ransom—A Perfect Present From the Father
[ws2/17 p. 8 April 10 – 16] “Every good gift and every perfect present is from … the Father”. James 1:17 The purpose of this article is as a follow up to last week’s study. It covers, from a JW perspective, what role the Ransom plays in the sanctification of...2017, April 3-9 – Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from God’s Word The theme is ‘Let Jehovah Mold Your Thinking and Conduct’ this week based on Jeremiah 18. Yes indeed, let us all do that. When a question or an issue regarding our faith comes along, why not take a little time to give consideration as to what...2017, March 27-April 2 – Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from God’s Word Week’s theme: “Israel Forgot Jehovah” (Jeremiah Chapters 12 – 16) Jeremiah 13:1-11 The first two portions of this consideration of Jeremiah, together with references, quote from the Gods Word for Us through Jeremiah (jr) book to relate...2017, March 20-26 – Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from God’s Word Theme: “Humans can have success only with Jehovah’s guidance”. Jeremiah 10:2-5, 14, 15 “This is what Jehovah says: “Do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens, because the nations are terrified by...Beroean Bible Study Reflections on the Memorial of Christ’s Ransom Sacrifice, Part 1 – When?
“Keep Doing THIS in Remembrance of Me.” – Jesus, Luke 22:19 NWT Rbi8 When and how often should we commemorate the Lord’s Evening Meal in obedience to the words found at Luke 22:19? Since the fourteenth day of the first lunar month of the year 33 CE,...2017, March 6-12 — Our Christian Life and Ministry
Digging for Spiritual Gems Jeremiah 2:13, 18 The Watchtower of w07 3/15 p. 9 par. 8 referred to for the consideration of these verses from Jeremiah chapter 2 makes an interesting and true statement. “Unfaithful Israelites did two bad things. They left Jehovah, the...Identifying the True Religion – Neutrality
When reasoning in a potentially adversarial environment, the best tactic is to ask questions. We see Jesus using this method over and over with great success. In short, to get your point across: ASK, DON’T TELL. Witnesses are trained to accept instruction from...Identifying the True Religion
Jehovah’s Witnesses are trained to be calm, reasonable and respectful in their public preaching work. Even when they meet with name calling, anger, dismissive responses, or just the plain old door-slammed-in-the-face, they strive to maintain a dignified demeanor....2017, Feb 27-Mar 5 – Our Christian Life and Ministry
Treasures from Gods Word Isa 65:18, 19 – There will be great rejoicing (ip-2 384 para 25) The reference in Isaiah’s Prophecy Part 2 says this: “Today, too, Jehovah makes Jerusalem “a cause for joyfulness.” How? As we have already seen, the new heavens that came...Salvation, Part 4: All in the Family
The previous article dealt with the two rival seeds that contend with one another throughout time until the culmination of the salvation of humankind. We are now in the fourth installment of this series and yet we’ve never actually stopped to ask the question:...By Undeserved Kindness You Were Set Free
[Enoch was kind enough to lighten my load this week by supplying most of the research and wording for this article.] [From ws12/16 p. 26 January 30-February 5] “Sin must not be master over you, seeing that you are . . . under undeserved kindness.”—ROM. 6:14. This...Called Out of Darkness
[From ws11/16 p. 21 January 16-22] If you are reading this for the second time, you will notice some changes. I realized I had mistakenly crossed two unrelated articles in this review and have now rectified that oversight. – Meleti Vivlon Jehovah’s...Do You Highly Esteem Jehovah’s Own Book?
[From ws11/16 p. 14 January 9-15] “When you received God’s word…you accepted it… just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.” (1Th 2:13) The theme text for this study is an abridged version of what Paul actually wrote which is: “Indeed, that is why we also thank...Organized in Harmony With God’s Own Book
[From ws12/16 p. 9 January 2-8] The three “theme questions” for this study are: What convinces you that Jehovah is the incomparable Organizer? Why is it reasonable to conclude that Jehovah’s worshippers would be organized? How does the counsel in God’s Word help us...2016, Dec 19-25 – Our Christian Life and Ministry
In this week’s Bible Study, we see many examples of ‘talking the talk without walking the walk’.
2016, Dec 12-18 – Our Christian Life and Ministry
Covering Chapter 5 Paragraphs 10-17 of God’s Kingdom Rules From paragraph 10: “Decades before 1914, true Christians already understood that 144,000 faithful followers of Christ would rule with him in heaven. Those Bible Students saw that the number was literal...Strengthen Your Faith in What You Hope For
[From ws10/16 p. 13 December 5, 12-18] “Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for.”—He. 11:1 (NWT) Let’s start with a little background before we get into this week’s review. Paul is on trial for his life. Having survived an assassination attempt...2016, Nov. 7-13 – Our Christian Life and Ministry Review
Bible Study – Chapter 3 Par. 13-22 Riddle: Is the following sequence correctly arranged? O, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Answer: No. You may disagree, arguing that the numbers are in proper numerical sequence, but the problem with that assessment is that they are...Does Your Style of Dress Glorify God?
[From ws9/16 p. 17 November 7-13] “Do all things for God’s glory.”—1Co 10:31 It’s summertime. You see two young men walking on the street, carrying backpacks, dressed in black pants and white short-sleeved shirts, little black plaques on their pockets. You know who...2016, Oct. 24-30 – Our Christian Life and Ministry Review
How would the true “faithful and discreet slave” act? Would he mildly and respectfully answer any demands for proof of his position? Would he demonstrate humility or pride? Would his lips speak truth or slander?
2016, Oct. 17-23 – Our Christian Life and Ministry Review
Who is “the woman” of Revelation chapter 12? Was there creature worship under Rutherford? Who were the “apostates” after Russell died? When was Satan cast out of heaven? The answers may surprise you.
Do You See the Need to Make Spiritual Progress?
Is the preaching and disciple-making work of Jehovah’s Witnesses speeding up or slowing down? Are we seeing a modern-day fulfillment of the prophecy found at Isaiah 60:22?
2016, Oct. 10-16 – Our Christian Life and Ministry Review
This week’s study speaks about getting out of religion that teaches doctrinal lies and encourages us to find ways to meet together.
2016, Oct. 3-9 – Our Christian Life and Ministry Review
Who is the messenger who clears the way spoken of in Malachi 3:1? Who is the Messenger of the Covenant? Who is the True Lord?
2016, Sep. 26-Oct. 2 – Our Christian Life and Ministry Review
Are you a naïve person or an independent critical thinker? Do you put blind trust in people, or do you do your due diligence by putting all you are told to the test?
2016, Sep. 19-25 – Our Christian Life and Ministry Review
With the beginning of the study of the new book “God’s Kingdom Rules!”, we write an open letter to sincere Christians to keep them informed.
Spread the Good News of Undeserved Kindness
Jehovah’s Witnesses have a commission to preach the good news to all the inhabited earth. Two questions arise from this: 1) With whom does this commission originate? 2) Is the good news that Witnesses preach the same message that Jesus preached?
Dealing with Sinners – Part 2
In the previous article on this topic, we analyzed how the principles Jesus revealed to us at Matthew 18:15-17 can be used to deal with sin within the Christian Congregation. The law of the Christ is a law based on love. It cannot be codified, but must be fluid,...Grateful Recipients of God’s Undeserved Kindness
[From ws7/16 p. 21 for September 12-18] “We all received . . . undeserved kindness upon undeserved kindness.”—John 1:16 This particular Watchtower study resulted in a bit of a revelation for me—not something I’m accustomed to when reading The Watchtower. It begins...
Why Must We “Keep on the Watch”?
How can we keep on the watch without allowing ourselves to be bullied into believing in false expectations?
Salvation, Part 3: The Seed
Who is the woman of Genesis 3:15? How did God put enmity between her and Satan? Why did he prophesy the creation of two lines of offspring and who are these?
Do You Let the Great Potter Mold You?
We face a serious choice. Human forces are trying to mold us into their image. Some pretend to represent God. How can we know which mold is for us?
Beware of Deceit!
There’s a time-honored technique which evildoers use to shift the focus off their own wicked deeds when they come under attack for wrongdoing. Come see how it is being used!
Benefit Fully from Jehovah’s Provisions
Should the publications of the Organization be on a par with the Word of God? Is there a problem in ignoring Jesus’ role and focusing our attention on Jehovah?
“Go, . . . and Make Disciples of People of All the Nations”
A particularly unusual self-congratulatory study intended to build faith in the organization.
Trials and Tribulations
What is the Great Tribulation? Why was the tribulation of 70 CE the worst of all time? What tribulation is Matthew 24:29 pointing to?
Salvation, Part 2: Paradise Lost
In this second article in the “Our Salvation” series, we go back to the beginning to understand what was lost and thereby get an idea of what salvation includes.
Maintain Your Neutrality in a Divided World
Christian neutrality with regard to the world’s politics and military can be a challenge. However, should not those presuming to show us the way, have a spotless track record themselves?
The Rise and Fall of JW.org
Is there reason to believe that the events of 1878, 1925, and 1975 are about to be repeated? Is there cause for concern?
Salvation, Part 1: A Non-Scriptural Premise
This first article in the “Our Salvation” series examines if there is a non-Biblical basis to believe in the salvation of humankind.
Benefiting from the 2016 Regional Convention
The Organization seems to be preparing the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses for some drastic changes in the direction of our preaching. Will this become a reality? If so, what effect will it have on the “kings of the earth”.
Young Ones—How Can You Prepare for Baptism?
What are young people being asked to do to prepare for baptism? Are these scriptural requirements?
Young Ones — Are You Ready to Get Baptized?
Should children get baptized? Are they required to make a vow or solemn promise of dedication to Jehovah? Would such a vow be unscriptural?
Learn From Jehovah’s Loyal Servants
Continuing with the theme of loyalty seen in the previous article and coming in the summer convention program, this lesson starts by quoting Micah 6:8. Take a moment and look at the more than 20 translations found here. The difference is obvious even to the casual...Imitate Jehovah’s Close Friends
The Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses teaches that millions of Christians can be God’s friends, but not his children. What does friendship with God entail? Is being a friend of God a requirement to becoming one of his adopted children? Does Ps 25:14 actually prove the opposite of what the Article uses it to prove?
Marketing the New World
Is the hope that Jehovah’s Witnesses preach from door to door a Scriptural reality, or have we all been taken in by a great piece of marketing propaganda?
“We Want to Go with You”
The Governing Body reinforces its dual salvation teaching. But does teaching an earthly hope really do any harm? What is the real message for Jehovah’s Witnesses behind this week’s WT Study?
A Century-Old Warning!
Could a warning given to Protestants over 130 years ago be applicable to Jehovah’s Witnesses today? One would hardly think so, yet the reality is likely to shock you.
Dealing with Sinners – Part 1
Everything Jesus had to say about dealing with sinners within the congregation is encapsulated in Matthew 18:15-17. How can we apply those principles in the modern congregation?
The JW No Blood Doctrine – A Scriptural Analysis
Are blood transfusions really prohibited by God’s Word the Bible? This thorough Scriptural analysis of the “No Blood” directive/doctrine of Jehovah’s Witnesses will give you the means to accurately answer that question.
Use the Power of Your Tongue for Good
A useful Watchtower study for those who are awakening and would help others to do the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Who's behind this site? There are a number of sites on the internet where Jehovah’s Witnesses can go to gripe about the Organization. This is not one of them. Our purpose is to study the Bible in freedom and share Christian...How We Study the Bible
Our Bible Study Methodology There are three common methods for Bible study: Devotional, Topical, and Expository. Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraged to read the daily text every day. This is a good example of devotional study. The student is presented with a...WT Study: Jehovah Is the God of Love
[From ws15/11 for Jan. 11-17] “God is love.” – 1 John 4:8, 16 What a wonderful theme. We should have half a dozen Watchtowers every year on this theme alone. But we must take what we can get. In paragraph 2, we are reminded Jehovah has appointed Jesus to judge the...Confessing Christ
From time to time there have been those who have used the commenting feature of Beroean Pickets to promote the idea that we must take a public stand and renounce our association with the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They will cite scriptures like...The Problem With Research – Part 2
In Part 1 of this article, we discussed why outside research is helpful if we are to arrive at a balanced, unbiased understanding of Scripture. We also addressed the conundrum of how a now-apostate teaching (“old light”) could not logically have been...The Watchtower Makes Its Submission to the Royal Commission
[All unattributed references in this document is following the format (P. n par. n.n) refer to the WT Submissions document under discussion.] The Senior Counsel Assisting the Australia Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recently...Our Commenting Policy
We have been getting emails from regular readers concerned that our forum might be degenerating into just another JW bashing site, or that an unfriendly environment might be surfacing. These are valid concerns. When I began this site back in 2011, I was unsure about...Preaching Hate
Image from a Watchtower publication depicting the future for non-believers at Armageddon. The March 15, 2015 article “What ISIS Really Wants” by The Atlantic is a brilliant piece of journalism offering real insight into what drives this religious movement. I highly...WT Study: Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide?
[From ws15/09 for Nov 1-7] “The objective of this instruction is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience.” – 1 Tim. 1:5 This study asks us whether our own conscience is a reliable guide. One would presume that by studying this article, we will be able...1914 – What's the Problem?
Increasingly, brothers and sisters in the organization are having serious doubts about, or even a complete disbelief in, the doctrine of 1914. Yet some have reasoned that even if the organization is wrong, Jehovah is allowing the error for the present time and we...WT Study: Prepare Now for Life in the New World
[From ws15/08 p. 24 for Oct. 19 -25] “Bad associations spoil useful habits.” – 1Co 15:33 The Last Days “The Bible calls the era that began in 1914 ‘the last days.’” – par. 1 Since the article starts out with a categorical statement, it seems only fair that we...This Generation – A Modern Day Fulfillment?
In a previous article, we were able to establish that in all likelihood Jesus was referring to the wicked generation of Jews of his day when he gave his disciples the assurance found at Matthew 24:34. (See This Generation’ – A Fresh Look) While a careful review of the...WT Study: Meditate on Jehovah’s Enduring Love
[From ws15/08 p. 9 for Sep. 28 – Oct. 4] A number of years ago while out in the door-to-door ministry I came upon a woman, a staunch Catholic, who was utterly convinced that God had miraculously saved her from dying of breast cancer. There was no way I could...“This Generation” – A Fresh Look
“Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen.” (Mt 24:34) If you scan the “This Generation” category on this site, you’ll see various attempts by myself and Apollos to come to terms with the...Authors
