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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 14:03:31 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 14:03:44 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 14:26:43 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 14:50:24 GMT -5
1:25 Music-Video Presentation: Friday Afternoon01:35 Song No. 128
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 14:50:49 GMT -5
1:40 SYMPOSIUM: Enduring despite ... Many servants are facing one or more of the trials mentioned in this symposium, If so what bible principles can strengthen and guide you and what can be learnt from others both ancient and modern? INTRODUCTION: Certainly Jehovah's people are known for their fine conduct, but trials make continuing to do this difficult. How can we faithfully face such trials with dignity?- PART 1 Unjust Treatment (Matthew 5:38, 39)
Unjust treatment is nothing new, from the days of Cain and Abel Jehovah's servants have been the target insults ridicule discrimination physical violence and even death (1 John 3: 12). When we feel we are treated unjustly by a fellow believer it is especially painful. David was treated badly by jealouse king Saul who hunted him relentlessly for years. Imagine the pain knowing that he had only done good but was being repaid with evil. On two occassions David had the opportunity to take revenge even when being urge to do so by his servants.
Lessons:
Jesus told his followers to "turn the other cheek", this is not to say to passively submit to abuse but rather to not to retaliate when provoked (Mat 5:38, 30; Rom 12:17, 21 ) We try to conquer by giving a patient mild response, thus we can retain our dignity and possibly have a positive effect (compare 1 Cor 4:12)
VIDEO #6 Caleb & Sophia video: Not repaying evil with evil
CONCLUSION As long as we are in this system we will sadly have to face injustice but Jehovah is "near to all those ... who call on him in truth" we never have to face injustice alone ( Psalms 145: 17, 18) - PART 2 Advancing Age (Isaiah 46:4; Jude 20, 21)
The effects of aga can make life less enjoyable, more difficult and even frightening (Ecclesiates 12). Growing old was never part of God's original purpose. Jehovah encourages and comforts his people in these situations (Isaiah 46:4). Jehovah does not change his view of us despite the fact that we are limited due to health or advancing age. Jehovah assures us he will be with us to help us during this frustatiing time.
Good examples in the bible:
Older ones, like Moses are still able to learn new things and keep pace with organizational changes and technological advances.
- Anna made great effort to always be present at the temple, and she could not have known her record of faithfullness would be recorded in scripture. Grey hair is indeed a crown of beauty when acquired in faith and like Anna many of the older ones are beautiful examples of faithfullness Psalsm 71:18.
- Eighty year old Barzillai showed extraordinary hospitality to David and despite his advanced age. He avoided being bitter over the effects of old age by keeping busy doing what he could and showing generousity.
Six Lessons:
- be modest - balance - postive - generous - friendly - thankful
Of a faithful older one: How is old age affecting you? How are you coping with the effect of old age?
CONCLUSION: Older ones, be assured that Jehovah appreciates your wholesouled service regardless of how much or little we do (Heb 6:10). Viewed from above a glass always seems full!
- PART " Our Own Imperfections (Romans 7:21-25)
"Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, then, with my mind I myself am a slave to God’s law, but with my flesh to sin’s law" -Rom 7:25
We are all painfully aware of our own imperfections and are sometimes woefully made aware of our failures. Paul recognized he was still a slave to sins law and lamented that he was a "miserable man". That said we must share Jehovah's view of our imperfection. (See w17 3/15 p. 8 par 1)
- Jonah, Peter and (the Apostles failed themselves and Jehovah but despite their imperfect moments Jehovah still used them. Imperfection does not mean we give in to every inclination; we are not helpless victims of our circumstances and genetics. We can choose to fight against our imperfections.
VIDEO #6 Brother struggled with temper and resentment
CONCLUSION: Sin is missing the mark, but we will still make every effort to avail himself of the benefits of the ransome and can be victorious and joyful (Rom 7:24b)
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:20:45 GMT -5
1:40 SYMPOSIUM: Enduring despite ... - PART 4 Humbling Experiences (Galatians 2:11-14; Hebrews 12:5, 6, 10, 11)
Like all loving fathers we will from time to time be subject to discipline from Jehovah. Although his may result in some degree of embarrasement and shame it should not result in our giving up since his discipline is an expression of his love ( Hebrews 12:5, 6, 10, 11).
- Peter exhibited discrimination and needed to be corrected. Peter did not give up or harbour ill will towards the one Jehovah used to discipline him Galatians 2:11-14). For those that endure and accept discipline there are rich rewards, peace with God and peace with ourselves.
INTERVIEW With a brother that lost his privileges.
Pride can stop a person from accepting discipline and its humility that facilitates our accepting discipline; David displayed genuine humility and williness to change (Psalms 51). Jehovah is the greatest father, never stop saying that Jehovah is our father.
- PART 5 Prolonged Illness (Psalm 41:3)
Job was rocked by a devastating health issue. What can help us?
[/b] Psalm 41:3; - Learn to understand and deal with your circumstances, set reasonable goals and stay positive. - Learn from the good examples of others. Mephiosheth focused on how he could express his support for David (2 Samuel 19). Concentrate on serving Jehovah and make visiting and living with you a pleasant experience (Ecc 7:10)[/ul] VIDEO #5 Brother from Mexico that lost both hands in an accident. CONCLUSION: When I am weak then I am powerful" said Paul. Jehovah is personally interested in each one of us and he guarantees to give us his strength during our times of need. Jehovah also longs to fulfill his promise to "wipe out every tears", all illness is only temporary (compare Rev 21:3, 4; Psalms 103:3
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:29:23 GMT -5
1:40 SYMPOSIUM: Enduring despite ... - PART 6 The Loss of a Loved One (Psalm 34:18)
The loss of a loved on is one of the most devestating experiences a human can experience. It can be a comfort to know that we were not created to die or see the loss of a loved one. Jesus himself was greatly distressed at seeing the grief that death caused (John 11:35, 36)
How to cope:
[/color][/url]:2 compare Ps 65) - recognize that grief is an normal part of losing someone and does not mean we lack faith (Ecc 3:1, 4; Gen 22) - maintain a spiritual routine (1 Cor 15:58)[/ul] We know faithful loved ones are living in Jehovah's memory and he wants to bring them back. Mary must have been deeply affected by the lost of her husband Joseph but she endured and faithfully raised her children and avoided isolation and accepted the loving support of others. VIDEO #8 Sophia & Caleb video: Coping with the death of a loved one. CONCLUSION Although losing a loved one can cause tremendous pain live remains a precious gift can be lived with hope and purpose. Don't give up, the grief can be endured and we can have the "unending joy" in the future when all grief is gone ( Is 35:10)
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:34:00 GMT -5
- PART 7 Persecution (Revelation 1:9)
Moses urged the Israelites facing powerful enemies as they were about to cross into the promised land to be "courageous and strong". We too fight, a spiritual battle and the fiercest fight is right now. Jesus warned all his servants would be persecution whether overt or more subtle (Mat 24:9; 2 Tim 3:12). How can we endure and maintain the right persepective?
[/b]. Imitate the faith of the Apostle John.John was faithful when the Apostles started their post Pentecost ministry and was faithfully enduring prison years later Revelation 1:9;John 15:20 - Pray constantly ( 1 Thess 5:17) Being scared is like putting on another sweater, keep putting on prayer until the fear goes away. - Remember you are not alone. We are strengthened by knowing others are going through the same experiences successfully. An example of this is found in Paul. His bold witnessing in prison in turn encouraged others ( Phil 1:14) - Remember persecution is ultimately futile. The persecution that followed the martyrdom of Steven resulted in the spreading of the good news. "The hand of Jehovah was with them and a great number became believers" by staying faithful we honor Jehovah and we personally add to the humiliation of Satan. [/ul] VIDEO #9 A brother who completely isolated in prison for his faith that managed to continue pioneering. Paul urged us to " rejoice in tribulation" ( Romans 5:3) we can do so despite the many trials we face. By enduring trials now we can strengthen our faith before the tribulation and endurances pleases Jehovah and he is sure to fulfil his promises. So we must not be afraid of trials.
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:48:44 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:55:42 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:55:56 GMT -5
1:40 SYMPOSIUM: Cultivate Qualities That Promote Endurance ... INTRODUCTION: Jehovah promises to reward those that are faithful to him with everlasting life, but if we hope to attain that endurance is needed. Peter lists the qualties that will help us to endure 2 Pet 1:5-8 - PART 1 Faith (Hebrews 11:1 )
Faith isn't just "wishful thinking" or "credulity", faith is knowing what is going to happen based on "convincing evidence". Just as creation is evidence of Jehovah's existence we can be sure of what we cannot see because of the evidence. We can learn from and examination of Hebrews of individuals that had faith for example Abraham. Abraham recognized and reflected on Jehovah's past dealings as well as interacting with Noah's son Shem living evidence that Jehovah kept his promises. How can we cultivate such faith? As well as praying for holy spirit we must:
[/b]: Faith is built on the things we hear from studying God's words - mediates: pausing to thing about our own past experience to form mental pictures of what we know - Act: Put it into practice (Jam 2:17)[/li] [/ul] VIDEO #10 RACHEL at 12 works hard with the help of her dad, with study and practicing christian words to reach baptism.[/ul]
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:56:09 GMT -5
- PART 2 Virtue (Philippians 4:8, 9)
[--TEXT--] Virtue is moral excellence, good action and thinking that conforms to God's standards. Dinah failed to be "virtuous" in associating with those that did not respect God's standards. Joseph on the other hand displayed moral excellence (Gen 39:10)
[/b]: since vitue involves confomity to Jehovah's standards we must know what they are - Meditate: Virtue begins with the way a person things ( Phil 4:8) - Practice: Allow what we know to effect our association and actions.[/ul] VIDEO #11 Rachel wants to marry but doesn't fine an appropropriate partner. She is tempted to date a non-believer. Her fathers not reminds her that "virtue is not a passive avoidance of bad" its an active hatred of what is bad. It took ernest effort to avoid what was bad and put her principles into practice. Cultivate Qualities That Promote Endurance : " Only in the Lord" (3"02) www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODBiblePrinciples/pub-jwbcov_201705_4_VIDEO
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:59:03 GMT -5
1:40 SYMPOSIUM: Cultivate Qualities That Promote Endurance ...- PART 3 Knowledge (Proverbs 2:10, 11)
Knowlege is accurate information about what is around us. Taking in accurate knowledge requires effort (Col I; 1 Tim 6:20) Those that persist in this until it becomes pleasant holds many reward, namely thinking ability and desernment (Proverbs 2:10, 11)
[/b]: After learning basic truths we must take in solid food not just living off the milk of the elementary (reviewing all references to a bible characters, writing down all the qualities of Jehovah one part of Jehovah's animal kingdom brings to mind - Meditate: reflect upon what we studied. Meditatation involves how you would have acted in any given - Practice: repeat the practice that will help us form a longing for God's word.[/ul] VIDEO #12 Rachels son, Noah, is helped so see that study is like exercise, it takes effort but it can become enjoyable. It isn't just preparing for meetings, it can be looking at creation or drawing... CONCLUSION: Knowledge is key to success. Florence Chadwick finally crossed the Catalina swim because she knew better. Increasing our accurate knowledge will help us to see how to endure- PART 4 Self-Control (Galatians 5:22, 23)
Men have long recognized the value of self control. Self control involves ones actions speech or thought, showing restraint disciplining ourself to do good and avoiding doing wrong.
[/b]: The good examples and results in those that cultivated self control and the warning examples of those who did not. - Meditation: Think of the many benefits of the development of this quality and the dangers of failing to. - Exercising self control in small things, will help us in the larger things: personal habits, concentration, work habits.. (Luke 16:10) [/ul] VIDEO #13[/u] Rachel finds an old note from her dad which encourages her to put aside her private time to help out a sister.
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 15:59:16 GMT -5
4:15 INTRODUCTION: Can a Christian remain in the truth without ever returning to the world without once becoming inactive even temporarily? 2 Peter 1:10 tells us by following biblical steps we will "by no means ever fail". All Christians have recieved accurate knowledge; we can put it to work or let it lie. There are degrees to which we can develop Christian qualities : faith, virtue, knowledge, self control endurance, godly devotion brotherly affection and love). Endurance: is putting up with hardship with the right attitude, with a goal or a purpose ( Jam 1: 2, 3). To endure we at times need "power beyond what is normal" ( 2 Cor 4:7-8, 16). [/b] Noah goes to the pioneer school with his grandfather (Rachel's Father); explains how he endured the loss of his wife, as well as other tests such as those who left the truth because the end didn't come as soon as they expected. [/ul] Study plus meditation equals motivation which propels us into action (practising) this is what was demonstrated by Rachel's father. Godly devotion: Involves a deep personal relationship with Jehovah. We will never be content with a perfunctory service but we will serve from the heart ( 2 Pet 3:11). Paul, a firey, zealous knowlegable teacher could adapt to his circumstances, when he had to word full time, when he was in prison. So while infirmity old age, family responsibilities may limit our personal devotion means we continue to hope in Jehovah and serve him to the best of our possibility ( Isaish 40:31. Get to know Jehovah better (study) meditate how we can better please him and practice those means Brotherly affection: Brotherly affection is more than just " putting up" with one another, it involves loving each other intensely from the heart ( 1 Pet 1:22). It is not optional but it can be cultivated. Convince yourself by study that it is non-negotiable, meditate on your brothers and sisters good qualities and make it a practice to show hospitality, put your affection in words and actions; Love Agapé love does involve the heart as well as the mind. While it is a mental decision and determination to show love, it does not need to be preciprocated (2 Cor 13; 1 John 4:8). Study the distinction between the natural affection and agapé love, meditate on Jehovah and Jesus how they show love and regularly engage in loving acts and your heart will follow. Thus we can come to the point of overflowing in love [/u][/b] Rachel, reviews how well her father helped her to develop godly qualities [/ul] CONCLUSION: It takes work to cultivate diligently the qualities but if we do we will never fail.
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Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2017 16:01:14 GMT -5
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