Categories
The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Discipleship: Its Definitions and Dangers (Matthew 23:1-12)

Bob Deffinbaugh Introduction Apart from His sacrificial work on the cross, the most significant thing our Lord did upon the earth was to make disciples. Our Lord had written no books, He had built no organization; there were no physical structures or monuments left to commemorate Him. He had placed the future of His earthly […]

Categories
Examining Doctrines Ministry Organized Religion Practicing the True Religion The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Practicing the True Religion Scene 3

Those doing and not doing the will of the Father “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy […]

Categories
Ministry Organized Religion Practicing the True Religion The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Practicing the True Religion Scene 2

The Good Tree and the Worthless Tree “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, […]

Categories
Ministry Organized Religion Practicing the True Religion The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Practicing the True Religion

“Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it. (Matthew 7:13, 14) At the conclusion of his sermon on […]

Categories
Baptism Examining Doctrines The Life and Teachings of Jesus

To Whom Are You Dedicated?

Shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples these parting words: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I […]

Categories
Examining Doctrines The Great Crowd/Other Sheep The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Who Are the Other Sheep?

[responsivevoice_button voice=”UK English Male”]  “And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd. John 10:16. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that when Jesus says “this fold” he is referring to the Israel of God, […]

Categories
A Simpler Approach Examining Doctrines The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

A Simpler Approach to the Faithful and Discreet Slave Part 3

When Was the Slave Appointed? “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” […]

Categories
A Simpler Approach Examining Doctrines The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

A Simpler Approach to the Faithful and Discreet Slave Part 2

A Composite Slave? Regarding the question raised by Jesus: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?” In its July 15, 2013 issue The Watchtower society published its most up to date understanding: “that slave is made up of […]

Categories
A Simpler Approach The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

A Simpler Approach to the Faithful and Discreet Slave Part 8

A Misused Proverb The Watchtower Magazine of May 15, 1995 appeals to Psalm 97:11 and Proverbs 4:18 as justification for past errors and subsequent newer doctrines. “Light has flashed up for the righteous And rejoicing for those upright in heart.” -Psalm 97:11. This is interpreted to mean that they regularly receive doctrinal clarifications described as […]

Categories
A Simpler Approach The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

A Simpler Approach to the Faithful and Discreet Slave Part 7

Guided By Holy Spirit? The Watchtower February 2017 study edition on page 26 paragraph 12 states the following in an article entitled: “Who Is Leading God’s People Today?”: “The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes […]