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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 3:08:09 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 4:47:01 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 12:25:57 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 12:49:45 GMT -5
9:40 CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS: How Powerful Is Faith? ( Matthew 17:19, 20 ; Hebrews 11:1) INTRODUCTION The convention wil examine : What is faith? What can faith do for us? How can we build faith? WHAT IS FAITH?
The definition is given in 2 parts a) the conviction that we will have the things we hope for (sun, farmer) b) "makes future promised things as real as if they have already happened. It is not gullibility; Faith is built and established by
- Gods word
- the marvels of creaton
Why is developping faith so important ? Because without it, it is impossible to please God. Faith is not simply believing God exists, it involves forming an unbreakable frienship with him. It is not simply hoping, it involves being moved to action.(Abraham)
WHAT IS THE POWER OF FAITH ?[/list]
1. Open up the priviledge of being able to walk with God. To follow so carefully and love so much you enjoy a n intimate friendship with God (Noah)
2. Moves us to obey the commands of God without hesitency; to change our lifestlye to please God (Abraham)
3. Moves us to and continue to preach despite our own hesitancy or bans - 2 Cor 4:13
4. Moves us to act in a way that lead to blessings. Our faith has "made us well" (compare Matthew 17:19, 20 Mark 10:29)
5. Faith us to win our struggle against the wicked forces Matthew 17:19, 20 ; Eph 6:16 ; 1 Thess 5:8
6. Trust Jehovah hears and will repond to our prayers - Mark 11:13
HOW CAN WE BUILD UP OUR FAITH
- Review Program # VIDEO PREVIEW
Our reward is assured if we cultivate faith John 6:40 , 3:36
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 12:53:37 GMT -5
10:15 SYMPOSIUM: Why We Have Faith in . . .INTRODUCTION ... Truth based on evidence. We believe in many things we cannot see (gravity, time) or hear (dog whistles, micro organisms) or feel (our brain, the rotation of the earth). We are convinced by the effects and testimonies. Our faith in God is under attack. Why is faith in God important? Faith gives our lives meaning and purpose and answers the big questions in life. Clear thinking and practical application of knowledge from a feeling of awe towards God is the key'to happiness( Psamls 111:10)
We percieve "the systems of things" as evidence Gods magnificent wisdom (solar system, the atmosphere, the water supply).
# VIDEO: The elegant design Human cells (kanesis "walk" along microtubuals)
HOW TO BUILD FAITH JN GOD
1. Study and meditating on the evidence. Atheism entail an "inexcuable" suppression of truth Romans 1:18-20
2. By earnestly praying for it Luke 11:13
3. Building the faith of others (including our own children)
# VIDEO TESTIMONY: The design of the eye / our DNA
Having faith hives our lives meaning and gives us hope.
Life in this system is difficult. Now more than ever we need to strengthen our faith in Gods word 1 Thess 2:13. The bible gives us the power to remain stronge
#VIDEO : (a) 53 archiological confirmed individuals (Shishak, the field of Abraham), the staggering amount of manuscripts (Luke 4:17 "opened" or "unrolled"), paraphrasing the septuguint. The paradox of people willing to die for or kill to destroy (dioclecian v felix the bishop of etheopia)
Now is the time to build our faith in the bible like brother who said a strong person can never be broken.
Create STUDY PROJECTS (ex Timeline of Gen 3:15). Use research tools.
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 13:03:37 GMT -5
10:15 SYMPOSIUM: Why We Have Faith in . . .Pressure from the world can errode the faith of even a strong Christian. For us to please Jehovah however (Rom 7:21-23)
We must be firmy convinced Jehovahs moral standards always benefit us. They are unchanging and work for all circumstances across all cultures (compare 1 Cor 6: 9, 10; Isaiah 48:17). God created just one wife for Adam 1 Cor 6:18
# VIDEO : COUPLE benefit from bible study
1. Contemplate the cost / benefit Deut 32:29 ; Gal 6:7, 8
2. Jehovahs standards protect us from pain physical emitional and spiritual (illustration speed limit) Ps 19:7-11
Many people logically conclude that a Creator exists. Ideally A child and father develop a loving relation. The world or our own feelings of wothlessness due to difficult childhood, may make it difficult to trust Jehovah as a loving father (2 Tim 3:4)
HOW TO DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
1. The physical creation help us enjoy life and create in us a feeling of awe (every good gift)
2. The ransom
3. Jehovah draws us, gently attracts those with something good in us John 6:44.
# VIDEO Carols finds a loving Father in Jehovah, who says "It doesnt matter what we've done or how far we've drifted from him, Jehovah will always take us back.
Jehovah demonstrates his love for those that stray from him (Ps 119:176). Pour out your heart to Jehovah and see how he responds to you (see Eph 3:20; James 4:8). Like Hezekiah you too can have a relationship with JEHOVAH by seeing beyond a negative upbringing (Ps 119:32).
Endure trials (Rom 8:35-39).
As the world arrojnd us grows more faithless, like Abraham grow more powerful in your faith Rom 4:20
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 13:17:54 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 13:22:10 GMT -5
11:45 “Have Faith and Do Not Doubt” ( Matthew 21:21, 22) In contrast to humans, Jehovahs promises never fail. He promises to sustain us through any trial. This was the case for Jesus who encourged his disciples to have strong faith .The object lesson of the fig tree demonstrated both the power of faith and the outcome for those without it.
WHEN TEMPTED. We can tempted by immoral desires, money or our own inner thoughts. Jehovah promises to make the way out of any temptation if we rely on him (1 Cor 10:13). Jehovah expects us to obey him (Deut 30:11)
- pray regularly
- study, meditate on Gods word
- know your weakness: we all have weaknesses others cannot see. Protect your weakest point.
- avoid situtions (people) that cause temptations for us. (Prov 22:3)
WHEN FACING OPPOSITION
The Challenge Avoid compromise. Promise : Jehovah will give us holy spirit to cope so Remain calm, show trust Luke 12:11, 12.
What we can do
1. - pray regularly : pour out your heart like water.
2. study, meditate on Gods word Focus on Jehovah tender qualities, reflect on past experience of his loving care
3. Reflect on Jehovahs past acts of salation. When you know what Jehovah has done never foreget it (Psalms 8:6)
AFFLICTED WITH ILLNESS
The Challenge : avoid questioning whether Jehovah will care for us (Psalms 41:3). Reasons for faith : Jehovah is compassionate and has always been attentive to the needs of those vulnerable. See verse 1 Isaiah 57:15
1. - pray regularly : pray for strength, he will change our bed from one of helplessness to joy and hope (Psams 41:3 ; James)
2. study meditate on Gods word: Focus on Jehovah 's promises and the comfort , read a portion every day focusing on the Psalms and Jesus' words (Isiaih 33:24 )
3. Benefit from associqtion with fellow belivers when possible. Do not isolate yourself. The love of the brotherhood is a reflection of Jehovah's.
Put your faith in the fact that life is worth living even with illness.
WHEN FACING ECONOMIC HARDSHIP
Economic hardship causes anxiety. Jeus grew up in a poor family that no doubt experienced hardship but he pointed out Jehovah's promise to sustain us (Mat 6:33). Jehovah provides daily for plants and bird, Jesus wanted us to learn from them, not to live in worry (Mat 6:26, 29) . Real happiness do not depend on materiql things
1. pray continually : pray for your daily provisions
2. study meditate on Gods word: in order not to be overwhelmed. Reflect on how Jehovah has helped you in the past
3. Benefit from associqtion with fellow belivers when possible. Do not isolate yourself. The love of the brothrthood is a reflection of Jehovahs
Cultivate a deep desire to develop faith ( Luke 17:5). We are powercul by faith. It will help us face any challenge. Uproot the mulbery tree and plant it in the sea!
12:15 SONG #118: “Give Us More Faith”( Luke 17:5) and Intermission
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 13:39:25 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2021 13:41:27 GMT -5
1:35 -> Music-Video Presentation #1 RC 2019 : #5 -- #71 -- CS: 2018: Give me Courage www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODConvMusic/pub-jwbcov_201905_26_VIDEO1:45 SONG #2: Jehovah Is Your Name (Psalms 83:18)1:50 SYMPOSIUM: Use Creation to Build Your Faithwww.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/2021Convention/pub-jwbcov21_7_VIDEOWe appreciate the wonder and the THUNDER [the practical application]of creation. Nehmiah 9:6 speaks of " the heavens of the heavens" the outer limits part of outer space. The stars planets and gallexies are the army of the heavens. The other army is'the holy angels of God. Contemplating the physical creation inspires wonder. Meditating on an aspect of creation will build our faith in Jehovahs promises. - Stars (Isaiah 40:26) - If Jehovah can remember the countless trillions of stars can we not all entertain the hope of a resurrection (compare John 5:28 , 29; Psalms 147:4, 5 ; Job 14:13-15)
- all the dead (good or bad ) will be resurrected
- enjoy the "starlike twinckle" in our dead loved'ones eyes - Oceans (Psalm 93:4) - If Jehovah had the WISDOM and power to create such a vast system can he not repair the damage to our ecosystems? (compare Psalms 89:9 ; Psalm 93:4 ) Since Jehovah controls the literal oceans, creating the sand tto absorbe the impact of the waves and keep it within its bounderies, can he not protect us against wicked men? (Compare Jer 5:22 ; Exodus 15:19) If can control the elements cqn he not put an end to "natural diasters"? ( Mark 4:34-39; Psalm 104:5)
- Forests (Psalm 37:10, 11, 29) - Fallen leaves would soon overwelm the earth if they did not decompose ; helped by the unsung heros of the forrest, fungi termites ... If Jehovah had the wisdom to create forests that can replenish themselves can we not have confidence in his ability to restore the earth to paradise? Can he not remove the source of the problem, namely greedy men that have exploited the planet ? "Jehovah has everything under control" (compare Rev 11:18 ; Job 42:2; Psalm 96:12)
- Wind and Water: (HAIL) (Psalm 147:17, 18 ; Ezekiel 38:14, 18, 22, 23) - If Jehovah destructive forces belongs to him can he not use those same elements to defend his people? Joshua 10:12; Job 38:12, 22) No force can resist the "storhouses" of his powerful reserves (Psalms 147:7). We do not need to fear during present bans or future attacks (2 Pet 2:9; Heb 13:6)
- Sea Creatures (Psalm 104:27, 28 compare Psalms 104:25 ) - If Jehovah can provide and care for massive whales can he not help us through these times of economic hardship? Like whales, we have to do our part and be satisfied with his way of doing things.
- Our Bodies (Isaiah 33:24 compare Psalm 139:14) Old age and sickness cannot be healed in this system of things but if Jehovah can create self healing bodies can he not cure us of our ailments and even raise the dead? Is it not plain to see Jehovah wants us to enjoy'life (Romans 1:20).It is a comfort to knkw that anything we are suffering now is just temporary. Stop and take the time to meditate and be inspired by Jehovahs creation.
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Post by Admin on Jul 6, 2021 14:42:05 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 6, 2021 16:34:56 GMT -5
3:20 SYMPOSIUM: Imitate the Faithful, Not the Faithless INTRODUCTION We are living at a tome when our faith will be tested, so we now need to build our faith ( Jude 3) we will learn from the loyal servants in the past while rejecting the bad examples - (PART 1 OF 5) Abel, Not Cain (Hebrews 11:4). Abel managed to develop faith with unbelieving relatives.
VIDEO #1: Missionary Sister adjusting to new country
- Abel took time to ponder on Gods works and good examples
- Prayed and acted on what he knew (sacrifice)
- remained steadfast under trial
- CAIN failed to let counsel reajust his viewpoint
VIDEO #1B: Helped by the example of JACOB to be balanced, to be at peace and to show courage.
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Post by Admin on Jul 6, 2021 16:35:40 GMT -5
3:20 SYMPOSIUM: Imitate the Faithful, Not the Faithless - (PART 2 OF 5) Enoch, Not Lamech (Hebrews 11:5)
Without warning, our faith may be tested by violent encounters. Enoch and Lamech had different "violent reaction plans"
REENATMENT VIDEO #1A: Brother in a violent neighbourhood
- reject violence as an option
- do not harbour retalitory thoughts
- try and think ahead and avoid sitations that may become violent Prov 22:3
- avoid violent entertainment
- apply bible principles : (c) Psalm 51:14 (c) Mat 26:52, (c) being armed cannot match being wise Ecc 9:18
God rewarded Enoch's faithfulness, he "pleased God well" (Hebrews 11:5).
REENATMENT VIDEO #1B: Brother in a violent neighbourhood reasons on bible principle
- Build faith
- Reject violent thoughts (fed by entertainment)
- Fearlessly keep preaching
- (PART 3 OF 5) Noah, Not His Neighbors (Hebrews 11:7)
How bad'were the days of Noah? How difficult it'must have been for Noah to raise a family amonst such wickedness (Genesis 6:5) Do not allow'pressure'to makr you believe material things are more'important than spiritual'persuits.
REENATMENT VIDEO #1A: Brother has pressure from work to work overtime,and neglect Family worship
Jesus said in Noahs day the people were too distracted to note the times he lived'in. It must have been difficult to train his sons. He taught his sons not to admire "superheros". Parents take the time to teach you children'to love what Jehovah loves and hate what God does.
Noah kept his family focused and did not allow his day to day life crowd out his spiritual routine. Be confident Jehovah will care for your material needs
REENATMENT VIDEO #1B: Brother imagines what wil happen to his daughter if she adopted the spirit of the'world
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Post by Admin on Jul 6, 2021 16:36:55 GMT -5
3:20 SYMPOSIUM: Imitate the Faithful, Not the Faithless www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/LatestVideos/pub-co-r21_4_VIDEO- (PART 4 OF 5) Moses, Not Pharaoh (Hebrews 11:24-26)
Moses gave up material prosperity and advanced education to serve Jehovah. Pharoah's hauty words reflected the prideful system. Like Moses we face decisions which reflect the quality of our faith.
REENATMENT VIDEO #1A: Brother faced with choice of missing convention for work
1. Reject proud spirit of the world (Hebrews 11:24)
2. Allow decisons to be influenced by faith rather than culture or social pressure
3. Maintain clear spiritual vision and an unbreakable friendship with Jehovah (Hebrews 11:27). Remember the quality of any friendsship is evidenced by the quqlity of our communications
4. Act and speak in faith and be a blessing to others (Exodus 20:3 )
REENATMENT VIDEO #1B: Brother sees the value and blessing of the convention
- (PART 5 OF 5) Jesus’ Disciples, Not the Pharisees7 (Acts 5:29 )
Jesus strongly condemned the Pharisees calling them serpents because of their deadly influence. They rejected the Messiah and perecuted true Christians. Today some fear being associated with true witnesses because'of'Pharisee like influence.
REENATMENT VIDEO #1A: Nelson's faith is tested as he qualifies to preach.
The disciples: Boldly preached right in the temple and contjnued the despite repeated warnings (Acts 5:29 ) Human rulers forfeit their rightnto obedience when they prohibit what God commands.
The Pharisees where condemned to Gehenna while Jesus disciples were rewarded for their boldness (Matthew 23:33 ;6:33 ).
When faced with persecution be both cautious but innocent (Matthew 10:16 )
REENATMENT VIDEO #1B: Nelson imitates the faith of Jesus cisciple (John 3:36 )
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Post by Admin on Jul 6, 2021 16:37:09 GMT -5
4:15 “Keep Testing Whether You Are in the Faith”—How? ( 2 Corinthians 13:5, 11) INTRODUCTION: Maintenece programs require a "checklist" of key areas. Paul says we need'to "keep testing" our faith. See if we are really living up to what the bible tells us to do.
1. Ask heart searching questions about our relationship with Jehovah
2. Answer honestly
3. Seek Jehovahs help to improve
We are moved to serve God acceptably by the potential benefits of godly devotion ( 1 Timothy 4:8 ). This involves what we feel about Jehovah. Do we "delight" in our service to God ( Psalm 51: 15 compare Rev 2:2, 3 ) Indeed why we do something is more important to what er do (see 2 Corinthians 13:5, 11). A very practicle awareness of God in every aspect of life.
1. Reflect on Jehovah more often
2. Meditate on Gods kindness
3. Strengthen the relationsip through prayer
Love and Godly fear helps us refrain from bad actions ( Psalm 111: 110 ). 2 Corinthians 10:5
1. Be quick to react when faced with temptation or wrong thinking
2. Verify if all areas conform to gods standards
3. Learn to hate what is bad; avoid "gradualism" (Prov 8:13)
4. Root out pride that would block our relationship with Jehovah : like Absolem avoid letting our pride be our downfall.
Our preaching saves lives; are we enthusiastic about sounding out the message ? ( 1 Timothy 4:16 )
1. Ask Jehovah for courage
2. Have practice sessions so our message is clear
No matter how long we have been in the truth we need to check the quality of our faith to avoid complacency which could lead to damage or even loss of life ( 1 Corinthians 10:12). If we have a problem be reajusted ( 2 Corinthians 13:11 compare Gal 6:1 ) 4:50 SONG #119: We Must Have Faith ( Hebrews 10: 38, 39) and Closing Prayer
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