| Jehovah's Witnesses had their modern-day start in the 1870's. At first, they were called Bible Students. But in 1931 they adopted the Scriptural name Jehovah's Witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10) From small beginnings the organization has grown to millions of Witnesses, who are busy preaching in more than 230 lands. |
Isaiah 43:10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me." |
Jehovah’s Witnesses had their modern-day start in the 1870’s. I made reference to this in an earlier point - the recent start of this organization has played a key role both in the formation of some of its beliefs and in its translation of the Bible, which is unfortunate. Many linguists and theologians state that the New World Translation of the Bible is biased because it was translated after the beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses had already been formed. They say that this version of the Bible was translated in such a way as to support the existing beliefs instead of being translated for accuracy. ...they adopted the Scriptural name Jehovah’s Witnesses. This Scriptural name apparently only appears in certain translations of the Bible. |
| Most congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses have meetings three times each week. You are invited to attend any of these. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) The Bible is the basis for what is taught. Meetings are opened and closed with prayer. Heartfelt "spiritual songs" are also sung at most meetings. (Ephesians 5:18, 19) Admission is free, and no collections are taken. (Matthew 10:8) |
Hebrews 10:24, 25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Ephesians 5:18, 19 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord... Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. |
Admission is free, and no collections are taken. The scripture reference does not necessarily speak to monetary gifts. The gifts Jesus gave (and especially the gift of His death for our sins) were "free" in the sense that we did not deserve them or have any way to earn them. |
| Most congregations hold meetings in a Kingdom Hall. These are usually simple structures built by Witness volunteers. You will not see any images, crucifixes, or things like these at the Kingdom Hall. Expenses are paid for by voluntary donations. For those who wish to make a donation, there is a contribution box. (2 Corinthians 9:7) |
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. |
You will not see any images, crucifixes, or things like these at the Kingdom Hall. This does not answer the question, How are expenses cared for? It seems to me to be a comment supporting earlier points which I have dealt with already, so I will not go into the subject again. I simply would like to point out that this is not a relevant comment. Expenses are paid for by voluntary donations. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion... While voluntary giving is Biblically supported, so is the concept of tithing. I suspect that this point (as well as the monetary comments in the previous point) are being used as rebuttals to the common practice in Christian churches to promote tithing. Tithing is an important practice for two main reasons: 1) By giving to God, we are acknowledging that we do not actually own anything, but rather that God has given everything we have to us. 2) By giving to God, we are acknowledging that He will provide for our needs. While there is much dispute about how much it is appropriate to give (the Old Testament states that a tithe should be 10%), this passage in 2 Corinthians points out that a tithe should be given "from the heart" rather than by a law. The more a person follows the 2 reasons above, the more he is likely to want to give. But giving that does not come from the heart does not enforce either of the points behind these two reasons, and so the giving is of no spiritual value to a person. My point is this: Tithing is not abolished by the passage in 2 Corinthians. Instead, this passage is making the point that the "letter of the law" is not useful for spiritual growth. Forcing people to give 10% is as useless as saying that people don’t have to give anything if they don’t want to; neither practice has any spiritual value. This passage encourages people to carefully consider their faith in God for financial support and their personal dependence on material wealth. |
| In each congregation, there are elders, or overseers. They take the lead in teaching in the congregation. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17) They are assisted by ministerial servants. (1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12, 13) These men are not elevated above the rest of the congregation. (2 Corinthians 1:24) They are not given special titles. (Matthew 23:8-10) They do not dress differently from others. Neither are they paid for their work. The elders willingly look after the spiritual needs of the congregation. They can provide comfort and guidance in times of trouble. (James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 5:2, 3) |
1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. ... The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12, 13 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. ... A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. Matthew 23:8-10 "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. James 5:14-16 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 1 Peter 5:2, 3 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. |
No comments due to the fact that these are organizational choices. |
| Jehovah's Witnesses also hold large assemblies or conventions each year. At these times many congregations come together for a special program of Bible instruction. Baptism of new disciples is a regular part of each assembly or convention program. (Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19, 20) |
Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19, 20 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." ... Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." |
Baptism of new disciples is a regular part of each assembly or convention program. The passage of scripture referenced here has quite a bit of information about Baptism. However, the tract says very little at this point about the meaning of Baptism and how the decisions should be made to Baptize. It is, however, referenced and explained in more detail in Lesson 16, so I will deal with it at that point. |
| The world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses is in New York. Located there is the Governing Body, a central group of experienced elders who oversee the worldwide congregation. There are also over 100 branch offices around the world. At these locations, volunteers help to print and ship Bible literature. Direction is also given to the organizing of the preaching work. Why not plan a visit to the branch office nearest you? | Again, no comment, as this is an organizational statement. |
