RC 2013 GOD'S WORD IS TRUTH

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MUSICAL PRELUDE

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SYMPOSIUM: REJECT WHAT IS FALSE


<< DC 2013 Word is Truth >>

<< w14 8/15 p. 21 [Satan's Schemes] >>

The world ruled by Satan is dominated by unrealities that Christians must shun.

[1] FALSE GODS: Jehovaha the one True God will not tolerate any rivalry. (1 Cor 8:5, 6; 12: 21) Elijah told the Israelites they must choose between false and true as indeed Jesus said "You cannot slave for God and riches" (1 Kings Chapter 18; Luke 16: 13). We would never knowingly worship false dieties but could we be giving Jehovah less than our best by allowing sexual desires, material comforts, pets, technology or food to erode our relationship with Jehovah.(see Hebrews 3). Still we must keep examining ourselves (2 Cor 19:5 compare Psalms 86)

>> Demonstration: A brother at home doing his personal study: Efforts to not be distracted by emails. Decides to turn off all distracting applications

CLOSING COMMENTS: "Wholesouled" is an aspect of rejecting false gods.(Colossian 3: 23)

[2] FASLSE HOPES: Some in the world reject Jehovah and turn to the false hopes of an after life of bliss or money, governments, technology. We have to guard against ignoring Jehovah's standards and "hopeing" to avoid the consequences (James 1: 22; Prov 6: 27, 28). Jehovah's people are not self delusional and shine like stars in this dark system.

• Dating non-Witnesses: Let us not even consider this, Jehovah's standards come before our own feelings. Single loyal ones please Jehovah
• Avoiding fornication or adultery. We do not slying think we can do this and "come back later"

>> Demonstration:



Young sister gets phone call from a non-witness she's considered dating {quote } "Why would Jehovah bless me if I chose to disobey him?"

CONCLUDING COMMENTS Continue in good works and make Jehovah's heart happy (Rom 2: 6, 7; Psalms 62: 12).

[3] FALSE FRONTS : Hypocracy is common now and in the past, thus "pharisaic" is a derrogatory term because of their being like "whitewashed graves". Jehovah hates those that put on a false front and we reject this inclination (Proverbs 3: 32; 1 Thess 2:5). Jehovah's people avoid hypocritical faith and love (1 Tim 1:5).



Evidence of "false faith"

• Pretending have faith while privately engaging in over drinking, sexual improprieties or dishonest business practices. We avoid it by being aware Jehovah sees all and meditating on how the things we do effects Jehovah, our family and the congregation (Heb 4: 13 Romans 12:9).
  
• Pretending to care for others Example pretening to be a kind husband and father but being privately cruel or tarrying favor through gifts. We avoid this b (i) Listening to others and (ii) Praying for a humble heart (Phil 2 3: 4)

[/u] Rejecting being two faced leades to true happiness (see Psalms 32: )

[4] FALSE STYLUS : Dishonesty is very common and people have long used the wrttten word to spread dishonesty (Jer 8:8, 9).

[/u]
[li]Misinformation in the media [/li]
[li]Unverifiable stories through emails. [/li]
[li]Bad business agreements (Math 5: 37) [/li]
[/ul]

>> a Brother who honours a business agreement despite the possibility of it hurting his profits

CONCLUDING COMMENTS Let us continue to reject everything that is false (Heb 13: 18)and enjoy a clean conscience.

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CLING TO WHAT IS TRUE

<< DC 2013 Word is Truth >>


** This symposium contains information as to how to use the new leaflets **

<< w14 5/15 p. 3 [Correct Preaching Ethiquette/Methods] >>

<< w14 8/15 p. 12 [Use of the bible] >>

We "cling to what we view as essential in life.

[1] BE A TRUE WITNESS by focusing on the positive:

>> Demonstration A: A sister avoids being sidetracked but focused on our primary message, the good news of the kingdom, using p. 2 of the tract (yellow) "Who really controls the world?



OBSERVATIONS: When witnessing to the Samaritan woman Jesus (the "faithful and true witness") deflected a controversial issue and instead focused on the kingdom message (John 4:9, 10 ). [verse 24 says "spirit and truth", "spirit" allowing HS to guide us and "truth" being up-to-date and accurate in our explanations].

>> Demonstration B What was she thinking: Same demonstration but this time revealing the sister's reasoning.

CONCLUDING COMMENT: Our work is a lifesaving one (Prov 14: 25)



[2] BE A TRUE COMPANION :

>> Demonstration A: A couple has just found out that a brother has lost his wife in death. They vist him to offer comfort



OBSERVATIONS: Notice they didn't avoid the brother (Proverbs 17: 17).

• Marrage mate: Jesus loved his followers throught thick and thin and loved them tot he end. Christians stick to their mates meet the challenges
• Children Jesus always found time for children despite stress and pressure. Parents don't make work a priority over your children. More than "things" your children need YOU(Mark 10)
  
• Fellow believers. Jesus helped a grieving widow.(Luke 7) Take the initative to help others and do what we can to support each other.

Interview: A brother that lost his wife to death

<< w14 3/15 p. 17 [Help for Grieving] >>[/

a]

Bro. His wife passed away just over a year ago, after a battle with cancer. Bro. Higgby, when we consider what you went through during that time and the loving support you received –



Q: How did you feel when you first faced this crisis?

A: Well I was stunned, I was devastated, my whole world turned upside down, I couldn’t believe it was happening. Susie and I wanted to go through armageddon together but now it wasn’t possible.

Q: So then, how did your fellow believers provide support for you emotionally?

A: Well, they cried with me, they prayed for both of us, both before and after Susie’s falling asleep in death, and the kind and loving words of support were there, too.

Q: So how was the congregation able to give you practical support through the situation?

A: Well, they sent flowers, there was letters, there was cards – not only from the local congregation in Marshfield at the time, but other places we had lived and served like Michigan, Georgia, New York, Mineappolis French, even Ljubljana Slovenia – they send loving words of support and encouragment. In addition to that there was some money. There was also meals. Even little ones did what they could to help offer aid. One little two-year-old sister she gave Susie a smiling face on a flexible wire and Susie kept it near her bed. And that was appreciated. Also, there was at least eight different sisters who had lost their mates to death and they shared with me what got them through it. And that also was greatly helpful.

Q: What loving support! So why do you feel blessed because you have such true companions?


A: Well I feel really privileged and honored to associate with such a loving and caring group. You can’t help but feel Jehovah’s fatherly care and his tender mercy through our brotherhood. There’s actually nothing like it. It’s beautiful! In fact, a social-worker who came to visit Susie during her hospice care, she made the comment – she had never seen anything like it – the support. One time there was close to 90 cards we had and she said it wasn’t like that in her church at all. But we get to enjoy our brotherhood.

CONCLUDING COMMENT: By sticking to each other through thick and thin we prove to be true companions;


[3] EXTEND FORGIVENESS :

>> Demonstration A: Two sisters meet after having sorted out a difficulties. The offended sister reacts to the greeting warmly



OBSERVATIONS: The offended sister by her words and actions she proved she had let go of all resentment. When there is a basis there is no limit to the number of times we extend forgivenss. Remember how Jesus promptly and completely forgave Peter, not rehashing and recalling Peter's mistake(1 Cor 15:5; Eph 4: 26). Jehovah doesn't count our errors but extends "true forgiveness" (Psalm 130, 3, 4)


>> Demonstration B What was she thinking: Same demonstration but this time revealing the sister's reasoning: Examining her options but recalling Jesus and Peter.


CONCLUDING COMMENT: We are all commended for efforts to extend true forgiveness



[3] SPEAK TRUTH : To speak truth means more than not lying, it means taking advantage of all situations to talk about the truth.


>> Demonstration A: Young Brother at school faces potential embarressment when asked if he believes in evolution.




OBSERVATIONS: Jesus never mislead and always spoke truth (John 1: 13; 1 Pet 2: 22). We should never mislead people(Eph 4: 25). Jesus even as a youth Jesus wasn't intimidated or fearful of being seen as different(Luke 2: 46, 47)


>> Demonstration B What was he thinking?: Same demonstration but this time revealing the sister's reasoning: Examining his options but recalling Jesus.


CONCLUDING COMMENT: Our courage pleases Jehovah(Ps 86:11)

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DC: God's Word is Truth - 2013

BEWARE OF APOSTATES


<< Modern day Apostates [Convention 2013]>>

<< CA 2017-18 [Don't give up: Negative Internet Comments] >>

<< w14 7/15 p. 7 [Korah /Ephesus 61] >>

<< Apostacy in the Bible [INDEX]>>

Definition of an APOSTATE: Someone who abandons true worship and resorts to [1] speaking against former fellow believers and [2] tries to draw others away from true worship.

Food poisonings effects many thousands every year and even results in fatalities. Listening to apostate reason can cause spiritual food poisoning. An apostate is someone that abandons true faith and goes on to a) speaking against former fellow believers and b) trying to draw other away from true worship.



[1] SATAN (John 8: 44)

Satan well fits the above definition of an apostate. Satan is the primary and most dangerous apotate and any "food" he prepares is corrupted. Those that partake of his thoughts become "mentally diseased" corrupted in mind and heart. Thus the rebellious angels that joined him and have one mission: to poison spiritual food.(Eph 6: 12)

Satans Tactics

1) Blatent Outwards Attack. As in Nazi Germany or in Malawi, Africa Satan's sometimes uses brutal outward attacks.

2) Subtle attacks

• He insinuates that God does not love us. Satan implied that Eve was being deprived of something good. Remember this is a lie, Jehovah loves the obedience we show(Gen 3: 1-5)
• The Devil incites people to follow their own heart and mind. Provocative and over trendy dress. Jehovah wanted the Israelites to look physically different from the nations around; it is the same today(Numbers 15: 39)
• Capitalization on natural feelings of pride. Like Eve, many today feel they know better than God and inflate her own import. We must cultivate selfworth without it blowing into self-importance and pride. Never resist counsel from God through his organization.

CONCLUDING COMMENTS Please beware of the first apostate, Satan.


[2] HUMAN APOSTATES


We must chose whose table we want to feed at (1 Cor 10: 21). The faithful slave is mimiced by Satan's human représentatives, apostates, who attempt feed poison. These individuals formerly fed at Jehovah's table but prefered to feed at the "table of demons" (compare 1 John 2: 19). The do not "drift" away, it is a deliberate decision. They are part of the seed of the Devil.

Identifying Human Apostates

James 3: 14 warns against a bitter heart that leads to defiant and false to the truth. The identified in

• They reject God's service (Luke 6: 46). For example they fail to preach from house-to-house.
• They seek to draw away Christs disciples after themselves and cause division.
  Rather than making their own disciples they prey on trusting members of the congregation(Acts 20: 30). They also seek to use smooth talk on the internet on television and letters to cause divisions ( 2 Peter 2:1)
• They reject and try to discredit Jehovah's représentatives here on earth. Like Diodrophese, Apostates claim to serve God but reject his representatves(2 John 9, 10) "Daring" and "self willed" these individual use the media to discredit Jehovah's Witnesses with lies and seek bans on our work.

<< Family Member disfelowshipped[Afternoon Session]>>

How to Protect ourselves against Apostates



Romans 16: 17 exorts us to "avoid them". The bible's counsel is clear, we must avoid such "mentally diseased" ones that would infect us. This involves avoiding associations by reading their literature, or adding our comments to their blogs. (2 John 10, 11) We are not intersted in twisted teachings. We love Jehovah's organzations and avoid those that would belittle it. This doesn't mean our faith is not strong, such ones are not sincere, their aim is to manipulate our minds and undermine our faith (Psalms 12: 2). We avoid them just as we would someone with a contagious disease.

Apostates become part of the antichrist ("against Christ") 1 John 2: 18, 19. We must apply our hearts to such warnings means our life (Deut 32: 46, 47)

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SYMPOSIUM: UTILIZE GOD'S WORD AS ...

<< SPAD 2013 [The voice of God]>>

<< w14 3/15 p. 7 [Mirror] >>

INTRODUCTION: This series explains how various metaphors draw attention to specific aspects of God's inspired word and show how this can help us to use God's word more capably. God's word the bible can help us in many ways.

** It contains information as to how to use the new leaflets **

• Why is the comparison fitting ?
• How can we utilize the bible in this way?

The world ruled by Satan is dominated by unrealities that Christians must shun.

[1] WATER: God's word is likened to what because we need it to live but it is also something we use to clean. Israelites used water for both physical and ceremonial cleanness (copper sea). Jesus gave us life for the congregation so he wants it to be clean (Eph 5: 25 - 27). The bible sets moral and spiritual standards and as we apply them we are "washed clean"

[/u]

[li]Regular study of the bible. [/li]
[li]Examine your life in the light of the bible[/li]
[li]Apply God's word and make changes[/li]
[/ul]

What are the benefits? We break free from unclean habits (2 Cor 7:1). Hundreds of thousands have broken free from lifestyles that are defiling (1 John 3: 19). Choosing not to act on improper désirs leads to happiness.

CLOSING COMMENTS: Drinks soak, scrub and be clean in Jehovah's eyes.



[2] A MIRROR: We use mirrors to meet acceptable standards of dress and grooming. God's word shows us how we can improve spiritually. Applying bible law and principles leads to beneficial changes. Christians must avoid justification of ingrained flaws (James 1: 22 - 25). Christians "peer" (gr bend down, examine closely) into the word, looking to improve and apply ourel

[/u]

w14 3/15 [Spirit of Self Sacrifice]





[li]Recognize that our adjustments must be constant [/li]
[li]Study with the intention of making adjustment[/li]
[li]Do some honest self examination (2 Cor 13: 12)[/li]
[/ul]

What are the benefits? We are strenghthend and built up(Heb 12: 12, 13). Never think too much or too little of ourselves(Rom 12: 3).

Soliloquy : Sister with low self esteem examines John 6: 44.

w14 3/15 [Maintain a Positive spirit]





CLOSING COMMENTS: Look everyday and make adjustments.




[3] A SWORD: A literal sword is an weapon used for both attack or defensive but needs skill to be used. We are in a spiritual battle and need to "accept" or appreciatively take and use the bible(Eph 6:11, 17). However the bible can only help us if we can use it correctly.

[/u]

<< w14 8/15 p. 11 [Using bible in Ministry] >>

[li]Become familiar with the bible through regular bible reading (2 Tim 2:15) Look up the scriptures at the meetings[/li]
[li]Open the bible in your ministry. [/li]
[li]Use it to defend our faith (neutrality, why we preach, moral issues...)[/li]
[/ul]

Demonostration : Practice session in FWE

CLOSING COMMENTS: May we all gain skill and come off victorious.


[4] A LIGHT: God's word can guide us both in short and long term decisions(Ps 119: 105). It illuminâtes the situation and enables us to discern what we should do.

[/i][/u]

[li]Use bible principles to influence short term decisions we make[/li]
[li]Helps us set long term spiritual goals (full time ministry, etc) [/li]
[li]Use it to defend our faith (neutrality, why we preach, moral issues...)[/li]
[/ul]

Interview : An older Couple that are pioneers.

1. What moved you to start pioneering?
2. What scriptural principles keep you in the full time service?
3. What blessings have you experienced pioneering?

CLOSING COMMENTS: Benefits of using God's Word as a light means we have clear vision in a dark world.


[5] AS SOLID FOOD: Solid nutrious food allows us to grow and be healthy. A spiritual babe is someone easily influenced by others. Christans must progress from "milk" (basic christian doctrine) to solid spirtual food (deeper truths) (Hebrews 5: 12-14).

<< Meditating on Jehovah's Works[Psalms]>>

<< District Convention 2013[Use God's Word ...]>>

w17 9/15 p. 26 par 4 [God's Word: Daily Reading] >>

[/u]

[li]Disipline yourself to a regular routines of daily bible reading and study (1 Peter 2: 2) [/li]
[li]Develop good study habits for the deeper things [/li]
[li]Take time to mediate. This allows it to touch us [/li]

Questions for Meditation

1. What does this information tell me about Jehovah?
2. How can I apply it in my life?
3. How can i use it to help others?
[/ul]

Interview : A brother who cultivated a desire to study

CLOSING COMMENTS: Benefits from using God's Word as solid food (a) build our love for Jehovah and grow closer to him and (b) develop our perceptive powers to become spiritually mature.




[6] AS SEED: The seed is the word in particular the kingdom truth therein. The soil is the different kinds of heart conditions. So we use God's word as a seed by spreading kingdom truths throughout our day (Luke 8: 5-8? 11).

[/u]

[li]By the House to house preaching work [/li]
[li]Informal witnessing. Speak to everyone you come in contact with. The secret of which s preparation.[/li]
[/ul]

Demonstration: A sister that carries a variety of tracts on the bus on her God to work. Asks "any good news?" and someone that overhears asks for a tract too.





CLOSING COMMENTS: Benefits (a) the joy of helping someone getting on the road to life (b) pleasing our heavenly father.

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SPEAK OF JEHOVAH'S TRUENESS IN THE BIG CONGREGATION (Psalms 40:10)

David wasn't content to be a "silent observer" in his congregation so do we "restrain our lips" or do we participate? We benefit from the depth of experience of older ones (Psalms 40:10).


Ways we speak in the big congregation

1. We participate at meetings
2. Engaging and enthusiastic parts at assemblies (no big stick to prod people awake) using the bible
3. Prayers: specific and not long and rambling. We have the responsibility to stay focused
4. Songs (Heb 2: 12) Our Malawi brothers knew kingdom songs by heart

Staying focused

• Prepare your heart to focus
• Say a brief prayer
• Keep in mind what the friends have to go throught to meet together (Ukrainee)

2 Demostrations:


(a) Bad, or no preparation leads to a sister answers the same question in the same way.
(b) Good preparation allows here to build on the first answer.


CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE: Psalms 35: 18

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THE TRUTH BRINGS NOT PEACE BUT A SWORD (Mat 10: 32 - 38)

<< Disfellowshipping [INDEX]>>

<< w14 4/15 p. 12 par 16 [Loyalty] >>

Christians enjoy the "peace of God" but this doesn't mean we will have peace every day. Jesus warned Christans would be opposed, even sometmes by those in the Christian's family (Mat 10: 32 - 38). Jehovah knows that the natural bond of effection exists but Satan wants to force us to choose between Jehovah and our family. (Solomon's Wisdom on maternal instinct 2 Kings 2) Our family members will never understand the truth is a life or death issue if we give it up for them.

>> Experience: Opposition some of which ended with the opposer having a change of heart.

How should we view our family members that oppose us? We do not blame them or cut off relations with them but we do not bring ourselves harm to please them. If we put any human before Christ we are not worthy of him.

Coping when a family member is disfellowshipped



w13 1/15 p. 13 [Let nothing distance you from Jehovah]

• Keep your own faith strong
• Stay absorbed in spiritual activities
• Respect the arrangement. Disloyalty leads to more heartache. Do not enable.
• Do not blame yourself
• Do not give up hope

CONCLUDING COMMENT We must accept our "torture stake" and go on walking in the truth.

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<< Peter [Fishers of men] >>

<< Peter [Walks on Water] >>

<< Peter [Denies Jesus] >>

DRAMATIC BIBLE READING: Peter

MATTHEW 26: 31 - 75



<< Peter [Fishers of men] >>

1. What Challenges did Peter face?

• He was gripped by a sense of his own inferiority and sinfulness.
  
  

2. How did Jesus help him overcome those challenges?

• Jesus did not criticize him, he reassured Peter that he was loved and needed.

3. What similar challenges do we face?

• We may at times feel we are unworthy to serve God. When old age, sickenss or past sins overwhelm us we must not give in to thinking that serves Satan's purpose, that we are unimportant. We must fight against being too critical of ourselves

4. How do Jehovah and Jesus help us to remain faithful and conquer our fears?

• Jehovah assures us he loves us despite our imperfections. He never demands more of us than we can give(Psalms 103: 14; Michah 6: 8). Jesus helped us to understand he came for "sinners" and encouraged us to focus on the positive.

<< Peter [DC God's Word 2013] >>

<< Peter [Walks on Water] >>

<< Peter [Garden of Gethsemene] >>

MATTHEW 26: 31 - 75



<< Peter [Fishers of men] >>

1. What Challenges did Peter face?

• He was overcome by his doubts because he lost his focus on Jesus and began to focus on the negative. As his confidence disappeared he gave way to fear.
  
  

2. How did Jesus help him overcome those challenges?

• Jesus helped Peter, reaching out to stabalize him.

3. What similar challenges do we face?

• We all face our own "storms" in life but we must not give way to doubt. Fight against poisonous thoughts that come from low self esteem, negative thoughts or apostate propaganda.

4. How do Jehovah and Jesus help us to remain faithful and conquer our fears?

• Jehovah through prayer and his spirit helps us regain stability(James 1:6). He also provides the congration and the elders who help refocus us. Focus on the kingdom and the solutions on life rather than possible dangers. We do not have to keep bring up every negative emotion in life, channel your énergies on spiritual things (Mat 6: 33, 34).

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DRAMATIC BIBLE READING: Peter

PETER DENIES JESUS

<< Peter [Denies Jesus] >>

1. What Challenges did Peter face?

• He was gripped by an overwhelming fear of man. Under the pressures on him he broke. His weeping meant he bitterly regretted his actions.

2. How did Jesus help him overcome those challenges?

• Jesus did not abandon Peter, he understood and had faith in Peter's ability to recover(Luke 22: 32). Jesus found Peter after his resurrection expressed his forgiveness.

3. What similar challenges do we face?

• We may at times face conflicts between our beliefs and family, school and workmates. Medical situations means we are pressured to compromise or we may find ourselves out of step with nationalistic cérémonies.

4. How do Jehovah and Jesus help us to remain faithful and conquer our fears?

• Jehovah has provided his word that assures us of fundamental truths and helps us overcome fear (Rev 2: 1, 2). Jehovah and Jesus understand our deeds and they look for the good in us.

<< Peter [DC God's Word 2013] >>

<< Peter [Walks on Water] >>

<< Peter [Garden of Gethsemene] >>

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WALK "STRAIGHT ACCCORDING TO THT TRUTH" (Gal 2: 11-14)

Peter on occassion failed to "walk straight" or respect bible principles. Is it possible for imperfect humans to "walk staight according to the real people. The series "Imitate their faith" has appeared in the Watchtower from January 2008. "Never before have I seen those faithful people as real as I do now" comments one reader.

• Abraham
• Ruth
• Hannah
• Samuel

** Release 2013 ***


<< Abraham >>

<< Hannah >>

<< Samuel >>

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