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00:00:01 Welcome! 00:00:03 Here are some highlights from the program: 00:00:06 How should we act when our Christian neutrality is put to the test? 00:00:12 Do you know where to draw the line between being 00:00:15 a respectful observer and an active participant? 00:00:19 Join this family as these questions come up. 00:00:22 We’re confronted by the neutrality issue in all aspects of life. 00:00:27 What Bible principle should guide our thinking? 00:00:32 This month’s music video focuses 00:00:34 on the unity among our brothers and sisters. 00:00:37 As the world becomes more divided, 00:00:39 we become more united! 00:00:43 This is the March 2019 program of JW Broadcasting! 00:01:07 We begin by traveling to the country of Armenia, 00:01:11 which is located in the Caucasus 00:01:13 —a region situated at the border of Europe and Asia. 00:01:18 Despite facing persecution for many years, 00:01:20 our brothers and sisters in Armenia 00:01:23 have remained loyal to Jehovah. 00:01:25 The story of Armenia 00:01:29 is a story of faith 00:01:32 —the faith of courageous brothers and sisters 00:01:35 who endured mob violence, 00:01:38 protests, and threats 00:01:40 from those who do not know God; 00:01:45 the faith of young brothers who were imprisoned 00:01:48 because they refused to compromise their neutrality; 00:01:52 and the faith of lawyers 00:01:55 who defended them when they were arrested. 00:01:59 In the early part of this period, 00:02:01 the work operated out of an office in a local brother’s home. 00:02:07 Today, the story is much different. 00:02:11 On May 14, 2016, 00:02:13 our brothers in Armenia were delighted to dedicate a group 00:02:17 of new facilities to accommodate future growth 00:02:20 —a branch facility 00:02:24 (mainly located on six floors of a local building), 00:02:29 a new Assembly Hall, 00:02:35 and also a school facility. 00:02:39 The dedication week started off with a welcome night, 00:02:42 where many traveled long distances to attend, 00:02:46 and some had not seen each other for a long time. 00:02:50 Well, we’ve never been to Armenia before, 00:02:52 and meeting the brothers and sisters was such an experience. 00:02:55 They gave us a really warm welcome. 00:03:00 When I was 90, 00:03:02 I decided, “No more Armenia.” 00:03:04 And now I’m 96, and Jehovah said, 00:03:08 “You’re going to Armenia.” 00:03:10 What a blessing! 00:03:14 It was amazing to see so many brothers and sisters from different countries, 00:03:17 and we enjoyed a very, very nice time with them. 00:03:21 Thanks to Jehovah, we really enjoyed this. 00:03:26 But the spiritual gems that we all enjoyed the most 00:03:29 were during the dedication program held at the end of the week. 00:03:35 The program was filled with reports and interviews 00:03:38 that touched our hearts, 00:03:41 and Brother Splane of the Governing Body gave the dedication talk. 00:03:46 Is it your desire to dedicate 00:03:48 the branch facilities, the Assembly Hall, 00:03:52 and the school facility to Jehovah today? 00:04:01 We could never have imagined such a thing happening five years ago. 00:04:04 From the time that we arrived at the airport 00:04:07 and we saw the brothers boldly holding up 00:04:09 the jw.org sign with their badges, 00:04:12 we were just so overwhelmed —so moved. 00:04:16 And I could feel as if I’m in the Paradise today 00:04:19 because we have so many guests from different countries, 00:04:23 and I could see their happy faces. 00:04:25 For many years, to be in courts 00:04:28 —in legal battles for our brothers as conscientious objectors 00:04:32 or to go to the court 00:04:35 for fighting a case for just one Kingdom Hall— 00:04:39 and suddenly to have a branch 00:04:42 and Assembly Hall and school facilities right away, 00:04:44 that’s for me kind of unbelievable. 00:04:47 Today is a great day 00:04:50 for Jehovah’s people in Armenia. 00:04:58 Truly, Jehovah has seen 00:05:01 the faithful obedience of our brothers and sisters in Armenia. 00:05:05 We have witnessed Jehovah ‘open the floodgates of the heavens 00:05:08 ‘and actually empty out a blessing 00:05:11 until there is no more want.’ 00:05:13 Our theme this month is 00:05:16 “Christian Neutrality 00:05:18 “—What It Means, What It Takes, 00:05:21 and Why We Choose It.” 00:05:23 What is your opinion? 00:05:25 Where do you stand? 00:05:27 Can one person make a difference in countering injustice? 00:05:32 When we hear people discussing political topics, 00:05:35 we might at first think their conversation is purely philosophical; 00:05:39 but when injustice threatens our loved ones, 00:05:42 it can seem personal. 00:05:45 We expect that people will be divided over political ideology. 00:05:49 Revelation chapters 8-13 foretold that in the last days, 00:05:53 government would be the burning issue among mankind 00:05:58 and that people would feel pressured to take sides. 00:06:02 The question each of us needs to ask himself is, 00:06:05 How do I respond when people debate solutions to serious injustices? 00:06:11 As Christians, we’re most interested 00:06:14 in the example of Christ. 00:06:17 If ever there was a person who could make a difference in countering injustice, 00:06:20 it was Jesus. 00:06:22 He felt deep compassion for people. 00:06:25 And with his abilities to feed the hungry, 00:06:28 heal the sick, raise the dead, and reach hearts with his winsome words, 00:06:33 Jesus could have exerted invincible influence in the realm of politics. 00:06:38 He certainly had the opportunity to do so. 00:06:41 Satan was pleased to offer him 00:06:43 “all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth” 00:06:45 in an exchange for one act of worship. 00:06:48 But Jesus wouldn’t accept it. 00:06:50 Neither did he assert that Satan had no authority to make such an offer. 00:06:55 Later, Jesus’ own countrymen tried to make him king, 00:06:59 but he rejected that too. 00:07:01 Later still, someone asked him 00:07:03 whether it was lawful to pay taxes to the Roman government. 00:07:07 Again, Jesus didn’t take sides. 00:07:11 He refused to become a world ruler, 00:07:14 a national leader, or a political activist. 00:07:18 Did that mean that Jesus didn’t care? that he had no opinion? 00:07:22 To the contrary! 00:07:24 Jesus cared more deeply than we can fathom. 00:07:27 And by treating people fairly, 00:07:29 Jesus promoted justice at the most fundamental level. 00:07:33 Still, his principal focus 00:07:36 was on teaching people about the Kingdom of God, 00:07:39 which would eliminate injustice for all time. 00:07:42 So, what did Jesus indicate should be our position 00:07:46 regarding human governments? 00:07:49 We learn from Jesus’ response to the question about Roman taxation 00:07:53 as recorded at Mark 12:15-17: 00:07:59 “‘Bring me a denarius to look at.’ 00:08:02 “They brought one, and he said to them: 00:08:05 “‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ 00:08:08 “They said to him: ‘Caesar’s.’ 00:08:10 “Jesus then said: 00:08:12 “‘Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, 00:08:16 but God’s things to God.’” 00:08:19 What are Caesar’s things? 00:08:22 At Romans 13:1-7, 00:08:26 the apostle Paul lists tax, tribute, 00:08:29 fear, and honor. 00:08:32 Notice, too, that Jesus said to “pay back Caesar’s things.” 00:08:37 What does that imply? 00:08:39 That Caesar, the ruling authority of the day, 00:08:41 had issued valuable things —coins, for example. 00:08:45 Thus, Caesar had the right to ask for some of those coins back. 00:08:50 This enabled the State to continue rendering necessary services. 00:08:54 Jesus acknowledged that. 00:08:57 On the other hand, 00:08:59 our most valuable possessions are grants from God himself 00:09:03 —such gifts as our heart, our life, our mind, and our strength. 00:09:08 We can’t give those things back to Caesar 00:09:11 because Caesar didn’t grant them to us in the first place. 00:09:13 We rightly give those things back to God 00:09:17 in the form of our dedication and our love. 00:09:21 Regarding our love for God, Jesus said at Mark 12:30: 00:09:27 “You must love Jehovah your God 00:09:30 “with your whole heart and with your whole soul 00:09:34 “and with your whole mind 00:09:36 and with your whole strength.” 00:09:40 So the love we give back to God is total 00:09:44 —no bodily part, function, 00:09:46 capacity, or desire being left out. 00:09:49 Those who love God take the side of Jesus, 00:09:54 whom Jehovah has appointed as King. 00:09:58 But how would Jesus’ disciples defend his Kingdom when people opposed it? 00:10:03 We gain insight from events that occurred 00:10:06 on the last night of Jesus’ life on earth. 00:10:09 Recall from Matthew chapter 26 00:10:12 that when “a large crowd with swords and clubs” came to arrest Jesus, 00:10:16 Peter “drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, taking off his ear.” 00:10:22 John reports that the slave’s name was Malchus. 00:10:26 Luke adds that Jesus touched the man’s ear and healed him. 00:10:30 Imagine that! 00:10:32 Jesus bore no ill will toward the men taking him into custody. 00:10:36 Further, according to Matthew 26:52, 00:10:40 Jesus told Peter: 00:10:42 “Return your sword to its place, 00:10:45 “for all those who take up the sword 00:10:47 will perish by the sword.” 00:10:51 Why did Jesus disapprove of Peter’s brave act? 00:10:55 For the same reason that he had avoided the political process all the way up to that point. 00:11:00 Jesus explained this when he appeared before Pontius Pilate later that night. 00:11:05 At John 18:36, we read: 00:11:10 “My Kingdom is no part of this world.” 00:11:15 Yes, because Jesus’ Kingdom is not of human origin, 00:11:19 it doesn’t need human defenses. 00:11:22 How can we be sure that this is what Jesus meant? 00:11:26 Look closely at the rest of John 18:36: 00:11:30 “If my Kingdom were part of this world, 00:11:34 “my attendants would have fought 00:11:36 “that I should not be handed over to the Jews. 00:11:38 “But as it is, my Kingdom 00:11:41 is not from this source.” 00:11:44 So as Christians, 00:11:46 what is our position where political matters are concerned? 00:11:51 We are neutral. 00:11:53 Sometimes people misunderstand this viewpoint. 00:11:57 Some have concluded that because we don’t promote one human government, 00:12:01 that we must be promoting another human government. 00:12:04 In the 1950’s, in what is now the Republic of Congo, 00:12:08 authorities falsely accused Jehovah’s Witnesses of being Communists. 00:12:12 But during the 1970’s, 00:12:14 when Congo adopted a Communist form of government, 00:12:17 the new authorities found fault with us for not being Communists! 00:12:22 Today, however, and for nearly three decades, 00:12:24 Jehovah’s Witnesses have enjoyed legal status in the Republic of Congo. 00:12:28 And whereas some have perceived 00:12:31 our Christian neutrality as sheer apathy, 00:12:34 others construe our position as a threat. 00:12:38 Let’s address both of these viewpoints. 00:12:41 First, there is a big difference 00:12:44 between Christian neutrality and apathy. 00:12:47 Apathy is defined 00:12:49 as “a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.” 00:12:52 We certainly don’t lack interest in people, 00:12:55 nor are we insensitive to their feelings. 00:12:57 Like Jesus, we strive to alleviate people’s suffering 00:13:00 by helping them in practical ways 00:13:03 while teaching them about the only Kingdom 00:13:05 that can eliminate injustice. 00:13:08 By teaching people from God’s Word, 00:13:10 we endeavor to change hearts, 00:13:12 not political institutions. 00:13:15 We feel this approach is realistic 00:13:17 because mankind’s main problems are not political 00:13:21 but moral. 00:13:24 But why can it be said that Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a threat 00:13:27 but, rather, an asset? 00:13:30 We conscientiously obey the laws, 00:13:32 we support our communities through volunteer service 00:13:35 or compulsory civilian service where that exists, 00:13:39 and we pay our taxes. 00:13:41 It’s true, we don’t vote for political parties or candidates, 00:13:46 but neither do we disrupt elections 00:13:48 or interfere with those who choose to vote. 00:13:50 It’s true, we don’t lobby, campaign, or run for government office, 00:13:54 but neither do we criticize those in power, 00:13:57 undermine their policies, or demonstrate for political change. 00:14:01 It’s true, we won’t salute a flag, 00:14:04 but neither will we burn a flag, spit on a flag, 00:14:07 or disparage the nation that a flag represents 00:14:10 —even in lands where these are considered 00:14:13 protected expressions of freedom. 00:14:16 It’s true, we don’t sing national anthems, 00:14:19 but neither do we discourage others from singing, 00:14:21 nor do we make a public spectacle of not singing; 00:14:25 we simply don’t participate. 00:14:28 It’s true, we wouldn’t kill people in war, 00:14:31 but neither would we attack people at home. 00:14:34 So while we don’t promote any political position, 00:14:37 neither do we condemn any political position —even in our heart. 00:14:41 That is what neutrality means. 00:14:45 We don’t take sides. 00:14:48 But what if the demands of the State 00:14:51 conflict with the commands of Jesus? 00:14:55 There’s a Bible principle for that. 00:14:58 Are you thinking of what it says at Acts 5:28, 29 00:15:02 —that “we must obey God as ruler rather than men”? 00:15:07 This is not disregard for the State, 00:15:10 but, rather, reverence for God. 00:15:13 If the State demands that we do what God forbids 00:15:16 or refrain from doing what God commands, 00:15:19 then we believe God would consider that an invalid request. 00:15:25 Now, one might say, 00:15:27 ‘I can imagine some situations where that viewpoint could get you into trouble.’ 00:15:32 Jesus foretold as much at Matthew 24:9, 00:15:36 where he said: “You will be hated by all the nations 00:15:40 on account of my name.” 00:15:43 More specifically, at Revelation 2:10, 00:15:45 Jesus said that some of his disciples would be thrown into prison 00:15:50 —not all of us but some. 00:15:53 So we’re not disappointed if we don’t get thrown into prison, 00:15:57 but neither are we discouraged if we do. 00:16:00 Our minds turn to the thousands of brothers and sisters 00:16:03 who have been sentenced to prison over the years 00:16:05 for their Christian neutrality. 00:16:08 We are proud of them. We pray for them. 00:16:11 We know that Jehovah is pleased with them. 00:16:15 Their endurance under trial spells victory for all of us. 00:16:19 How so? 00:16:21 To the congregation in Ephesus, Paul wrote: 00:16:27 “I ask you not to give up on account of my tribulations in your behalf, 00:16:31 for these mean glory for you.” 00:16:36 Paul wrote these words while he himself was under house arrest in Rome. 00:16:41 In what sense did Paul’s tribulations 00:16:44 “mean glory” for the Ephesians? 00:16:47 In that his perseverance in ministering despite trials 00:16:50 showed the congregation that the privileges they enjoyed as Christians 00:16:54 were of the highest importance. 00:16:56 If Paul had just given up, what would that have implied? 00:17:01 That their faith, their ministry, 00:17:03 and their hope in God’s Kingdom were not so valuable after all. 00:17:07 Instead, Paul’s endurance exalted Christianity. 00:17:11 It demonstrated that remaining faithful is worth any sacrifice. 00:17:16 In like manner, the endurance of our dear brothers and sisters in prison 00:17:20 proves that their hope is alive 00:17:22 and that the Kingdom they represent is real. 00:17:26 They have an identity as envoys, 00:17:30 not of any human government, 00:17:32 but of the heavenly Kingdom 00:17:34 —a Kingdom that will reward them with everlasting life 00:17:38 in a world without war. 00:17:42 Whether we face imprisonment or not, 00:17:45 how prepared are we to remain neutral in our day-to-day life? 00:17:49 In this dramatization, a Christian family discovers 00:17:53 that they need to spend more time studying about the subject of neutrality. 00:17:59 Collette, I’m home. 00:18:01 In the kitchen, Curtis. 00:18:03 How was your day? 00:18:05 Oh, it was a long day, but it’s nice being home. 00:18:07 That smells amazing! I can’t wait. 00:18:09 Oh, well, it will be ready in a few minutes. 00:18:10 But I have a surprise; 00:18:12 my job gave us tickets to the game this weekend 00:18:16 —enough for all of us to go. 00:18:18 So it’s downtown at the . . . 00:18:19 That sounded like fun. 00:18:21 It was a sport we could enjoy watching. 00:18:23 Collette and I hadn’t been in years, 00:18:25 and I don’t think the kids had ever gone. 00:18:33 We were all looking forward to a family night out. 00:18:40 But, Dad, what exactly do we do during the national anthem? 00:18:46 Honestly, I wasn’t sure. 00:18:48 Ladies and gentlemen, 00:18:50 would you please stand for the singing 00:18:52 of our national anthem? 00:19:01 Dad, I have a question too. 00:19:05 Will they salute the flag at my new school? 00:19:07 That’s right. 00:19:09 The conference with her teachers was next week, 00:19:12 and we didn’t know what they’d do there. 00:19:13 OK, class. Now that everyone is here, 00:19:15 let’s all stand for the pledge of allegiance. 00:19:21 Elizabeth, is everything all right? 00:19:25 What do you think, Honey? 00:19:29 Well, tomorrow night is our Family Worship evening. 00:19:33 So why don’t we do a study project as a family 00:19:36 on Christian neutrality at public events? 00:19:39 That sounds like a good idea. 00:19:40 Yeah. 00:19:41 I think this will be great. We’ll all get a chance to do our research. 00:19:47 I asked Daniel to research Christian principles on neutrality. 00:19:52 Collette and Elizabeth would find examples 00:19:55 of ones who proved loyal under pressure. 00:20:00 And for me, 00:20:02 my job was to call Elizabeth’s new school 00:20:04 to find out if they saluted the flag or sang the anthem. 00:20:09 Hello. 00:20:10 Hi, Mr. Johnson? This is Curtis, Elizabeth’s dad. 00:20:15 We’d studied this topic when the kids were younger, 00:20:18 but we needed reminders for these new challenges. 00:20:21 The kids found some great information. 00:20:26 Several Bible principles applied. 00:20:28 But what Jesus said at Matthew 4:10 00:20:31 was an essential foundation: 00:20:34 “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, 00:20:37 and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” 00:20:42 If we participate in a nationalistic ceremony, 00:20:46 we’re sharing in worship 00:20:47 of something or someone other than Jehovah God. 00:20:51 But what would help us know what to do? 00:20:55 Elizabeth found some good examples to imitate. 00:20:59 The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego 00:21:01 was one of our favorites. 00:21:04 When King Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to worship the gold image, 00:21:07 they bravely stood while others bowed down. 00:21:11 They were determined to worship only Jehovah, 00:21:16 and He rescued them from the furnace. 00:21:19 And there are modern-day examples 00:21:21 of courage like the three Hebrews. 00:21:23 Some children have had to take a stand 00:21:26 when governments tried to force them 00:21:28 to take part in patriotic events during wartime, 00:21:31 when feelings of national pride ran strong. 00:21:35 And despite legal victories in some countries, 00:21:38 young ones today are still put to the test. 00:21:42 We learned there was no one answer on what to do. 00:21:46 Situations are different depending on where we live 00:21:50 or what a person does to show he’s participating. 00:21:53 But in every case, 00:21:55 Christians in some way make it evident 00:21:58 that they are respectful observers, not participants. 00:22:03 We felt good because we had decided 00:22:06 what we would do to be respectful but neutral 00:22:09 and show Jehovah that our family worships him alone. 00:22:15 Since the tests of our neutrality differ depending on where we live, 00:22:19 why not do what the family in the video did 00:22:22 —devote a Family Worship evening or personal study session to researching 00:22:27 how to avoid participating inadvertently 00:22:30 in any activity that would violate our Christian neutrality. 00:22:35 The subject of neutrality was highlighted in a Watchtower article that we studied 00:22:39 in the congregations in 2016. 00:22:43 In this first episode of a new video series 00:22:46 called Lessons From the Watchtower, 00:22:49 note how our brothers and sisters have applied 00:22:51 the admonition found in that very practical article. 00:23:08 As a professor of finance, I need to be well-informed. 00:23:10 As a Christian, I also need to be well-informed, 00:23:13 as do all Christians. 00:23:15 It’s difficult not to take sides in politics. 00:23:18 It’s very difficult because we are aware of the issues. 00:23:22 I always really liked soccer ever since I was little. 00:23:25 I lived in a poor area, and soccer was what we used to do for fun. 00:23:31 There was a journalist that I liked to keep up with. 00:23:34 He would point out both the good and the bad on all sides of politics. 00:23:38 But when he spoke up and pointed out only the bad side of a political party, 00:23:42 I did not like that. 00:23:46 I live in the downtown area of the city. 00:23:49 That is where the largest political demonstrations take place. 00:23:53 People from this area are really into politics. 00:23:55 They have definite opinions. 00:23:57 And even though I always knew that we must remain neutral, 00:24:00 I secretly approved of the demonstrations. 00:24:05 On the outside, I wasn’t jumping up and down or cheering, 00:24:09 but on the inside, I was saying: ‘Come on! Let’s win!’ 00:24:13 It was all about the desire, the crowd, 00:24:16 and the pride of your team having the most victories or the most trophies. 00:24:21 I used to rationalize saying: 00:24:23 “I was created in Jehovah’s image, and Jehovah is a just God.” 00:24:26 What was speaking was my sense of justice. 00:24:29 I thought neutrality was shown through actions 00:24:31 and not through what I felt. 00:24:34 The April 2016 Watchtower 00:24:37 has interesting information regarding neutrality. 00:24:40 Being neutral means that you do not consider yourself better than others 00:24:44 because “in God’s sight, all people are equal.” 00:24:47 After studying the article, I realized that I needed to make changes; 00:24:52 I was not being neutral. 00:24:54 So I read the article again. 00:24:55 I prayed to Jehovah; 00:24:57 I said to him that I knew it was as if he were speaking to me. 00:25:00 The magazine really touched me deeply. 00:25:04 I remember reading the article at least three times that evening. 00:25:08 I was really surprised. 00:25:10 I realized how far off I was 00:25:13 from what God wanted me to be on the inside. 00:25:16 The second situation mentioned in the article 00:25:19 had to do with news reports and the media. 00:25:21 The article even suggested that we limit 00:25:23 our intake of news that we watch related to politics. 00:25:28 There was another phrase that really moved me. 00:25:30 It said: ‘Even if we don’t march with protesters, 00:25:33 might we be with them in spirit?’ 00:25:35 Yes! I was with them. Yes! 00:25:37 There were several phrases in that article 00:25:40 that were written just for me. 00:25:44 When I cut back watching so many news reports 00:25:47 —and I had to— 00:25:49 this helped me to have self-control when I spoke to others at work. 00:25:54 When workmates mentioned something that was in the news, 00:25:57 I didn’t have anything to say since I hadn’t seen it. 00:25:59 I didn’t know about it. 00:26:01 A workmate would say: “Did you see that so-and-so said this 00:26:05 and that someone else made a statement?” 00:26:07 I would say: “No, I didn’t see it,” 00:26:09 and that was the end of the conversation. 00:26:11 The article mentions Romans 10:12 00:26:14 which says that Jehovah is “Lord over all” of us, 00:26:16 that ‘there is no difference between Jew and Greek.’ 00:26:20 To Jehovah, it’s not important if my country 00:26:22 has five or six titles or if it won or lost the World Cup. 00:26:26 To Jehovah, all people are equal. 00:26:30 I took a piece of paper, just a simple piece of paper, 00:26:34 and I wrote on it the four key points that the article talks about 00:26:38 —four key points that will help us to remain neutral. 00:26:43 I keep it in my purse; that way I can always read it at work. 00:26:49 I like watching soccer; it’s fun. 00:26:52 I still watch it on TV. 00:26:54 I still play soccer with my friends at Bethel, 00:26:57 but I’ve made an effort to change. 00:27:00 Little by little, I’ve managed to put soccer in its proper place. 00:27:06 This helps me to keep pride and nationalism from getting the best of me. 00:27:11 I learned from this article not to express opinions about politics. 00:27:15 That has to come from deep inside. 00:27:18 If I’m convinced that God’s Kingdom is the best solution 00:27:21 and that there’s nothing that comes even close, 00:27:23 remaining neutral will come naturally. 00:27:26 But I can’t let my guard down. 00:27:29 I really enjoy studying articles from The Watchtower, 00:27:32 especially those dealing with practical matters. 00:27:34 They help me see the Bible as if it were a mirror that shows me where I can improve. 00:27:38 Following counsel 00:27:40 and making the changes suggested in the article 00:27:43 has helped me to speak with the conviction 00:27:45 that only the Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems. 00:28:03 Because our enemy Satan tries to break our integrity in many subtle ways, 00:28:08 it’s important to know ahead of time how we’ll act. 00:28:13 Actions are important, and yet they’re preceded by thoughts, 00:28:18 as one young brother discovered. 00:28:20 In this dramatization, note what Bible principle 00:28:24 helped him to stay neutral in his heart. 00:28:45 “They are no part of the world.” —John 17:16. 00:28:50 “We must remain neutral in order to be loyal subjects of God’s Kingdom. 00:28:53 “Otherwise, how could we have a clean conscience 00:28:55 “when we preach the good news 00:28:57 “that only God’s Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems? 00:28:59 “. . . As Satan’s system nears its end, 00:29:01 we can expect the issue of neutrality to become more prominent.” 00:29:07 OK, people, we’re ready to go. 00:29:09 Dawn, Jordan, can I get you to grab the blinds please? 00:29:25 In your work groups this week, you’ll outline the policies 00:29:28 you feel world governments should implement. 00:29:31 Remember, it’s young people like you, 00:29:35 each of you, who must take action to solve the problems that threaten our planet. 00:29:59 When war comes, they’ll look for you and me to do the fighting. 00:30:02 Will you speak up and tell them, ‘No, no, we won’t?’ 00:30:20 But I’m more worried about the elections, especially for your generation. 00:30:24 I mean, who do you think is going to win? 00:30:27 Uhm, well, we believe that— 00:30:30 uhm . . . 00:30:32 That’s actually a very interesting question. 00:30:34 And as Jehovah’s Witnesses, we believe that it’s God’s Kingdom 00:30:38 that’s going to bring about all the solutions that we need for all of our problems. 00:30:41 For example, . . . 00:30:42 That’s £7.50, please. 00:30:44 Thank you. 00:30:47 Hello, how can I help you? 00:30:50 But you know, this new government policy 00:30:53 —I really think it’s going to work. 00:30:55 You’re crazy. 00:30:57 With their policies, we’ll be bankrupt within three years. 00:31:00 But if it works, though, it’s going to make people rich. 00:31:03 Those who are rich already. 00:31:04 No, I’m fed up. They say the same thing. 00:31:23 We’ve invited a panel of experts to explore these issues, 00:31:27 namely, can the opposition party win? 00:31:30 Will they keep their promises to lower-income people? 00:31:33 And what changes could we expect on required military service? 00:31:37 You’ll want to hear the answers. 00:31:39 Let’s begin by speaking to John McGarthy, the minister of education. 00:31:42 If put to the test, 00:31:44 I do want to take my stand for Jehovah. 00:31:48 But the outcome of all these things can affect me now 00:31:51 —my family, my goals. 00:31:55 How can I stay neutral, even in my heart? 00:32:02 John 17:14: 00:32:09 “I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, 00:32:13 “because they are no part of the world, 00:32:16 “just as I am no part of the world. 00:32:18 “I do not request that you take them out of the world, 00:32:22 “but that you watch over them because of the wicked one. 00:32:26 “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. 00:32:30 “Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. 00:32:34 “Just as you sent me into the world, 00:32:37 “I also sent them into the world. 00:32:39 “And I am sanctifying myself in their behalf, 00:32:43 so that they also may be sanctified by means of truth.” 00:32:48 No part of the world, 00:32:50 like Jesus, both in thought and action. 00:32:58 Sure, but in our lifetime? 00:33:00 Yes! And I have found something that has helped me to be sure of this. 00:33:03 Can I share it with you? 00:33:05 It’s here at Matthew 24:33. 00:33:08 Jesus said: “Likewise also you, when you see all these things, 00:33:12 know that he is near at the doors.” 00:33:27 Our being neutral today is urgent 00:33:29 because Jehovah’s day is coming quickly. 00:33:32 On that day, we must be absolutely certain 00:33:36 that we are on Jehovah’s side. 00:33:38 In this Bethel morning worship, 00:33:40 Brother Anthony Morris of the Governing Body 00:33:43 explains why we don’t need to worry about the events to come. 00:33:47 Now, The Watchtower 00:33:49 from where the comments are taken 00:33:51 had the theme 00:33:53 “Your Deliverance Is Getting Near.” 00:33:56 Now, this was a sobering and yet 00:34:00 a very encouraging Watchtower study article, 00:34:03 and that theme was taken from Luke chapter 21. 00:34:07 So if you’d like to find that —Luke 21— 00:34:11 and in the context prior to verse 28, 00:34:16 we know verse 26: “People will become faint out of fear 00:34:20 “and expectation of the things 00:34:22 coming upon the inhabited earth.” 00:34:25 Then it mentions “the heavens . . . shaken,” 00:34:29 then, “see the Son of man.” 00:34:31 And here’s where we find the theme, verse 28: 00:34:34 “But as these things start to occur, 00:34:38 “stand up straight and lift up your heads, 00:34:42 because your deliverance is getting near.” 00:34:47 Now, as we know, this is fulfilled during the great tribulation. 00:34:53 That’s something to keep in mind, 00:34:55 that at that time when these events take place, 00:35:00 they’ll be able to stand up 00:35:03 and look forward to their deliverance. 00:35:06 Now, for a moment, just reflect back 00:35:09 on the Hezekiah video 00:35:12 that we enjoyed 00:35:14 during the convention season last year. 00:35:17 It was amazing! 00:35:19 And what a beautiful job the brothers did in Audio/Video 00:35:22 depicting one angel 00:35:26 that destroyed 185,000 men. 00:35:30 It was spectacular! 00:35:32 However, find Revelation chapter 17 00:35:38 —Revelation chapter 17— 00:35:41 and this is what 00:35:44 is foretold for the near future. 00:35:48 The context here at Revelation 17, 00:35:51 where verse 12 mentions “the ten horns,” 00:35:53 and then down into verse 13 00:35:56 —after this “one hour with the wild beast” (the United Nations)— 00:36:01 they give their “authority to the wild beast.” 00:36:03 Humans in general would find that hard to believe 00:36:07 when they look at what’s going on in the world today. 00:36:10 But here’s what they’re going to do, 00:36:13 verse 14: 00:36:15 “These will battle with the Lamb, 00:36:19 “but because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, 00:36:23 “the Lamb will conquer them. 00:36:26 “Also, those with him 00:36:29 who are called and chosen and faithful will do so.” 00:36:34 Now, 00:36:36 as good as our brothers are in Audio/Video, 00:36:39 I personally doubt that anyone 00:36:42 could do a videography and capture this event. 00:36:47 You’re talking about Christ Jesus, 00:36:50 the 144,000 00:36:52 anointed immortal spirit creatures, 00:36:56 and then Jesus has the holy angels 00:36:59 that are under his direction as King. 00:37:02 This is going to be spectacular! 00:37:04 Now, all things are possible with God, 00:37:06 but I think they’d have to have Him to be able to show a video 00:37:11 to capture what’s coming in the future. 00:37:15 Just spectacular! 00:37:17 Now, just keep in mind (and The Watchtower made this clear), 00:37:20 we don’t know the sure and exact sequence of events 00:37:24 —the time order— some of it (as The Watchtower says) 00:37:27 will likely overlap. 00:37:30 However, what we do know 00:37:32 —Jehovah has been kind about this— 00:37:35 is what’s going to take place 00:37:38 to start the great tribulation. 00:37:41 Now, we find here in verse 15, 00:37:44 and we’ll read through verse 17 of Revelation 17: 00:37:48 “He said to me: ‘The waters that you saw, 00:37:51 “‘where the prostitute is sitting, 00:37:53 “‘mean peoples and crowds and nations and tongues. 00:37:57 “‘And the ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, 00:37:59 “‘these will hate the prostitute 00:38:02 “‘and will make her devastated and naked, 00:38:05 “‘and they will eat up her flesh 00:38:07 and completely burn her with fire.’” 00:38:11 Now, here’s the fact 00:38:13 and verification for why this will happen, 00:38:17 verse 17: “For God put it into their hearts 00:38:20 “to carry out his thought, 00:38:23 “yes, to carry out their one thought 00:38:25 “by giving their kingdom to the wild beast, 00:38:28 until the words of God will have been accomplished.” 00:38:31 So it’s as good as done. 00:38:34 This is what’s going to happen 00:38:36 regardless of how people view us 00:38:39 when we preach this good news. 00:38:42 Because this is good news —the destruction 00:38:44 of the world empire of false religion, 00:38:47 the beginning of the great tribulation. 00:38:49 This is spectacular news for God’s people, 00:38:52 and until it takes place, they won’t believe it. 00:38:57 But it will happen because Jehovah says it’s going to happen. 00:39:00 So that’ll be a time for us to prove our love for Jehovah God. 00:39:05 We’ll be the only group protected by him. 00:39:09 Now, this was profound, too, 00:39:11 this article in The Watchtower made this— 00:39:14 I thought it was a profound statement when you think 00:39:17 about the organization we’re a part of. 00:39:20 It said in paragraph 9: 00:39:23 “This will not be the time to preach 00:39:26 the ‘good news of the Kingdom.’” 00:39:28 My, we’re a preaching organization. 00:39:32 So there’s a time we’ll not preach the good news? 00:39:35 Yes. 00:39:37 Remember one of our favorite verses? 00:39:40 It’s etched on the minds and hearts of God’s people: 00:39:43 “And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached 00:39:46 in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” 00:39:49 Well, don’t forget the last part: 00:39:52 “And then the end will come.” 00:39:55 So during the great tribulation —no good news. 00:40:00 However, we do know there’ll be preaching. 00:40:04 And you think we’re unpopular now? 00:40:08 Oh, my! 00:40:10 Notice Revelation chapter 16, 00:40:14 and in the context Armageddon is being addressed, 00:40:18 and notice verse 21: 00:40:22 “Then great hailstones, each about the weight of a talent, 00:40:26 “fell from heaven on the people, 00:40:28 “and the people blasphemed God 00:40:31 “because of the plague of [the] hail, 00:40:33 for the plague was unusually great.” 00:40:37 Yes. 00:40:38 So the message and the preaching 00:40:41 are going to be like “hailstones.” 00:40:44 I don’t know if you’ve ever been in a hailstorm, 00:40:46 but this is a huge hailstorm 00:40:51 being depicted here. 00:40:53 It’s likely, possibly, a hard-hitting message 00:40:57 —maybe a declaration announcing that Satan’s world 00:41:00 is about to come to a complete end. 00:41:04 So let’s just stay tuned. 00:41:08 And don’t feel bad—I know. 00:41:10 I was out in the ministry 00:41:12 in one territory recently, 00:41:17 and it’s good to suffer reproach. 00:41:19 We all need that, like Jesus did. 00:41:21 The door-to-door ministry is good for us. 00:41:24 But see, if you think we’re suffering reproach now— 00:41:28 Well, get ready! 00:41:29 It’s just training for this future declaration 00:41:33 that we’ll have the privilege to share in. 00:41:35 Now, keep in mind 00:41:37 that there is this event that The Watchtower 00:41:40 did mention in Matthew chapter 24. 00:41:43 And if you’ll find that, 00:41:45 it’s nice to have this clear. 00:41:49 Matthew chapter 24, 00:41:52 and we’re going to read verse 31: 00:41:58 “And he will send out his angels 00:42:01 “with a great trumpet sound, 00:42:03 “and they will gather his chosen ones together 00:42:06 “from the four winds, 00:42:08 from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.” 00:42:13 So, what The Watchtower stated there was 00:42:16 that it’s not the initial gathering 00:42:18 of the anointed nor the final sealing; 00:42:20 this is when the remnant —the remaining ones— 00:42:23 receive their heavenly reward during the great tribulation. 00:42:27 And this event takes place at some point 00:42:30 after the beginning of the attack by Gog. 00:42:34 Now, at that time, 00:42:36 that’s when Matthew 13:43 is fulfilled: 00:42:39 “The righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun 00:42:43 in the Kingdom of their Father.” 00:42:46 So as we mentioned —sobering, yes, but encouraging. 00:42:51 Oh, yes, so encouraging. 00:42:53 So, brothers, let’s be confident; 00:42:56 let’s trust in Jehovah. 00:42:58 There’s no need to be afraid. 00:43:01 Let’s keep up our spiritual routine 00:43:04 and prove ourselves ready, 00:43:06 because the great tribulation is near. 00:43:11 When Jehovah’s day comes, 00:43:13 our brotherhood will be safe because it’s united. 00:43:17 Our worldwide unity is but one of the blessings 00:43:20 that result from our Christian neutrality. 00:43:24 In this month’s music video, notice the connection 00:43:27 between the love we enjoy as God’s people 00:43:30 and our being “no part of this world.” 00:43:34 The song is entitled “We Are One.” 00:43:48 There’s trouble in the world, disunity. No matter where we live, no harmony. 00:44:04 There are people suffering, fighting for change. 00:44:09 But among God’s people, we trust in his name. 00:44:16 So we must stick close to his Word And remain no part of this world 00:44:25 With love in ev’ry little thing we do. 00:44:31 Show love as we spread the good news, And feel the love of the brotherhood. 00:44:41 Though we stand out as diff’rent, With Jehovah, we are one. 00:44:57 No matter where we go from sea to sea, With God’s people, we find true family. 00:45:08 Yes, there are anxieties, but hope is real— A paradise to come. 00:45:15 True peace is near. 00:45:19 So we keep trusting in his Word And remain no part of this world 00:45:28 With love in ev’ry little thing we do. Show love as we spread the good news, 00:45:39 And feel the love of the brotherhood. 00:45:45 Though we stand out as diff’rent, With Jehovah, we are one. 00:45:50 We are one. 00:46:00 So let’s stay faithful and endure And remain no part of this world 00:46:10 With love in ev’ry little thing we do. Show love as we spread the good news, 00:46:21 And feel the love of the brotherhood. Though we stand out as diff’rent, 00:46:30 With Jehovah, We love in ev’ry little thing we do. 00:46:38 Show love as we spread the good news, And feel the love of the brotherhood. 00:46:48 Though we stand out as diff’rent, With Jehovah, we are one. 00:47:18 The song was initially written in the Lingala language, 00:47:21 an African language spoken mainly 00:47:23 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. 00:47:27 If you’d like to hear the song in the Lingala language, 00:47:30 you can now find it on Video on Demand under the heading “Music.” 00:47:34 While you’re at it, why not listen 00:47:37 to other original songs in different languages? 00:47:40 After you have navigated to the “Music” section, 00:47:43 change the language of the website 00:47:45 in the top right corner to a language of your choice. 00:47:51 Have you noticed the many examples of Christian neutrality 00:47:54 we’ve seen during this program? 00:47:57 First, we visited Armenia and learned 00:47:59 how they’ve remained neutral despite persecution. 00:48:03 After the talk, we learned the importance 00:48:06 of remaining neutral at public events. 00:48:09 Next, we met a number of brothers and sisters 00:48:12 who shared their experiences in applying 00:48:14 the Watchtower study article about neutrality. 00:48:18 Brother Morris reminded us of Jehovah’s protection 00:48:21 when Jehovah judges this world. 00:48:23 And our music video encouraged us 00:48:26 to enjoy the blessings of unity 00:48:28 that result from our Christian neutrality. 00:48:33 And speaking of the music video: 00:48:35 Did you notice how our friends watched the broadcast, 00:48:38 and when the postcard came up at the end of the program, they waved back? 00:48:44 Have you ever felt like doing that? 00:48:46 If so, here’s another opportunity. 00:48:49 Let’s visit our brothers and sisters in South Korea. 00:48:54 Kingdom proclaimers arrived in Korea in 1912. 00:48:58 Today, the Republic of Korea 00:49:00 has some 1,300 congregations 00:49:03 with over 100,000 publishers. 00:49:07 Although the peninsula was under colonial rule for some time 00:49:10 and has been involved in other military conflicts, 00:49:13 Jehovah’s Witnesses there have maintained their Christian neutrality 00:49:17 by not taking sides. 00:49:20 Over the last seven decades, 00:49:22 more than 19,000 brothers have been imprisoned for their faith. 00:49:27 In 2018, a favorable court decision 00:49:30 was handed down in behalf of these faithful brothers. 00:49:34 In the future, we look forward 00:49:36 to even further relief from fair-minded officials in this country. 00:49:41 This is the Ganseong Congregation. 00:49:45 Their territory has a population of approximately 23,000 00:49:48 and is partially located 00:49:51 in the demilitarized zone near the North Korean border. 00:49:55 It’s not uncommon for the almost 50 publishers 00:49:58 to conduct over 60 Bible studies each month. 00:50:01 In fact, 00:50:02 some 30 publishers —or 60 percent of the congregation— 00:50:07 serve as regular pioneers. 00:50:10 Because of its location, many of the residents 00:50:13 of the villages in this area are isolated from the rest of the country. 00:50:17 Our brothers and sisters 00:50:19 often meet people who work for the military. 00:50:22 Because of the congregation’s proximity to the border, 00:50:25 busloads of tourists come on a regular basis 00:50:29 to see the North Korean border. 00:50:32 To reach such visitors with the good news, our brothers have organized 00:50:35 public witnessing stands in a number of locations. 00:50:39 We love our brothers and sisters in the Ganseong Congregation very much. 00:50:44 And they send their love to all of us around the world. 00:50:48 This is JW Broadcasting 00:50:52 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
00:00:01 Welcome! 00:00:03 Here are some highlights from the program: 00:00:06 How should we act when our Christian neutrality is put to the test? 00:00:12 Do you know where to draw the line between being 00:00:15 a respectful observer and an active participant? 00:00:19 Join this family as these questions come up. 00:00:22 We’re confronted by the neutrality issue in all aspects of life. 00:00:27 What Bible principle should guide our thinking? 00:00:32 This month’s music video focuses 00:00:34 on the unity among our brothers and sisters. 00:00:37 As the world becomes more divided, 00:00:39 we become more united! 00:00:43 This is the March 2019 program of JW Broadcasting! 00:01:07 We begin by traveling to the country of Armenia, 00:01:11 which is located in the Caucasus 00:01:13 —a region situated at the border of Europe and Asia. 00:01:18 Despite facing persecution for many years, 00:01:20 our brothers and sisters in Armenia 00:01:23 have remained loyal to Jehovah. 00:01:25 The story of Armenia 00:01:29 is a story of faith 00:01:32 —the faith of courageous brothers and sisters 00:01:35 who endured mob violence, 00:01:38 protests, and threats 00:01:40 from those who do not know God; 00:01:45 the faith of young brothers who were imprisoned 00:01:48 because they refused to compromise their neutrality; 00:01:52 and the faith of lawyers 00:01:55 who defended them when they were arrested. 00:01:59 In the early part of this period, 00:02:01 the work operated out of an office in a local brother’s home. 00:02:07 Today, the story is much different. 00:02:11 On May 14, 2016, 00:02:13 our brothers in Armenia were delighted to dedicate a group 00:02:17 of new facilities to accommodate future growth 00:02:20 —a branch facility 00:02:24 (mainly located on six floors of a local building), 00:02:29 a new Assembly Hall, 00:02:35 and also a school facility. 00:02:39 The dedication week started off with a welcome night, 00:02:42 where many traveled long distances to attend, 00:02:46 and some had not seen each other for a long time. 00:02:50 Well, we’ve never been to Armenia before, 00:02:52 and meeting the brothers and sisters was such an experience. 00:02:55 They gave us a really warm welcome. 00:03:00 When I was 90, 00:03:02 I decided, “No more Armenia.” 00:03:04 And now I’m 96, and Jehovah said, 00:03:08 “You’re going to Armenia.” 00:03:10 What a blessing! 00:03:14 It was amazing to see so many brothers and sisters from different countries, 00:03:17 and we enjoyed a very, very nice time with them. 00:03:21 Thanks to Jehovah, we really enjoyed this. 00:03:26 But the spiritual gems that we all enjoyed the most 00:03:29 were during the dedication program held at the end of the week. 00:03:35 The program was filled with reports and interviews 00:03:38 that touched our hearts, 00:03:41 and Brother Splane of the Governing Body gave the dedication talk. 00:03:46 Is it your desire to dedicate 00:03:48 the branch facilities, the Assembly Hall, 00:03:52 and the school facility to Jehovah today? 00:04:01 We could never have imagined such a thing happening five years ago. 00:04:04 From the time that we arrived at the airport 00:04:07 and we saw the brothers boldly holding up 00:04:09 the jw.org sign with their badges, 00:04:12 we were just so overwhelmed —so moved. 00:04:16 And I could feel as if I’m in the Paradise today 00:04:19 because we have so many guests from different countries, 00:04:23 and I could see their happy faces. 00:04:25 For many years, to be in courts 00:04:28 —in legal battles for our brothers as conscientious objectors 00:04:32 or to go to the court 00:04:35 for fighting a case for just one Kingdom Hall— 00:04:39 and suddenly to have a branch 00:04:42 and Assembly Hall and school facilities right away, 00:04:44 that’s for me kind of unbelievable. 00:04:47 Today is a great day 00:04:50 for Jehovah’s people in Armenia. 00:04:58 Truly, Jehovah has seen 00:05:01 the faithful obedience of our brothers and sisters in Armenia. 00:05:05 We have witnessed Jehovah ‘open the floodgates of the heavens 00:05:08 ‘and actually empty out a blessing 00:05:11 until there is no more want.’ 00:05:13 Our theme this month is 00:05:16 “Christian Neutrality 00:05:18 “—What It Means, What It Takes, 00:05:21 and Why We Choose It.” 00:05:23 What is your opinion? 00:05:25 Where do you stand? 00:05:27 Can one person make a difference in countering injustice? 00:05:32 When we hear people discussing political topics, 00:05:35 we might at first think their conversation is purely philosophical; 00:05:39 but when injustice threatens our loved ones, 00:05:42 it can seem personal. 00:05:45 We expect that people will be divided over political ideology. 00:05:49 Revelation chapters 8-13 foretold that in the last days, 00:05:53 government would be the burning issue among mankind 00:05:58 and that people would feel pressured to take sides. 00:06:02 The question each of us needs to ask himself is, 00:06:05 How do I respond when people debate solutions to serious injustices? 00:06:11 As Christians, we’re most interested 00:06:14 in the example of Christ. 00:06:17 If ever there was a person who could make a difference in countering injustice, 00:06:20 it was Jesus. 00:06:22 He felt deep compassion for people. 00:06:25 And with his abilities to feed the hungry, 00:06:28 heal the sick, raise the dead, and reach hearts with his winsome words, 00:06:33 Jesus could have exerted invincible influence in the realm of politics. 00:06:38 He certainly had the opportunity to do so. 00:06:41 Satan was pleased to offer him 00:06:43 “all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth” 00:06:45 in an exchange for one act of worship. 00:06:48 But Jesus wouldn’t accept it. 00:06:50 Neither did he assert that Satan had no authority to make such an offer. 00:06:55 Later, Jesus’ own countrymen tried to make him king, 00:06:59 but he rejected that too. 00:07:01 Later still, someone asked him 00:07:03 whether it was lawful to pay taxes to the Roman government. 00:07:07 Again, Jesus didn’t take sides. 00:07:11 He refused to become a world ruler, 00:07:14 a national leader, or a political activist. 00:07:18 Did that mean that Jesus didn’t care? that he had no opinion? 00:07:22 To the contrary! 00:07:24 Jesus cared more deeply than we can fathom. 00:07:27 And by treating people fairly, 00:07:29 Jesus promoted justice at the most fundamental level. 00:07:33 Still, his principal focus 00:07:36 was on teaching people about the Kingdom of God, 00:07:39 which would eliminate injustice for all time. 00:07:42 So, what did Jesus indicate should be our position 00:07:46 regarding human governments? 00:07:49 We learn from Jesus’ response to the question about Roman taxation 00:07:53 as recorded at Mark 12:15-17: 00:07:59 “‘Bring me a denarius to look at.’ 00:08:02 “They brought one, and he said to them: 00:08:05 “‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ 00:08:08 “They said to him: ‘Caesar’s.’ 00:08:10 “Jesus then said: 00:08:12 “‘Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, 00:08:16 but God’s things to God.’” 00:08:19 What are Caesar’s things? 00:08:22 At Romans 13:1-7, 00:08:26 the apostle Paul lists tax, tribute, 00:08:29 fear, and honor. 00:08:32 Notice, too, that Jesus said to “pay back Caesar’s things.” 00:08:37 What does that imply? 00:08:39 That Caesar, the ruling authority of the day, 00:08:41 had issued valuable things —coins, for example. 00:08:45 Thus, Caesar had the right to ask for some of those coins back. 00:08:50 This enabled the State to continue rendering necessary services. 00:08:54 Jesus acknowledged that. 00:08:57 On the other hand, 00:08:59 our most valuable possessions are grants from God himself 00:09:03 —such gifts as our heart, our life, our mind, and our strength. 00:09:08 We can’t give those things back to Caesar 00:09:11 because Caesar didn’t grant them to us in the first place. 00:09:13 We rightly give those things back to God 00:09:17 in the form of our dedication and our love. 00:09:21 Regarding our love for God, Jesus said at Mark 12:30: 00:09:27 “You must love Jehovah your God 00:09:30 “with your whole heart and with your whole soul 00:09:34 “and with your whole mind 00:09:36 and with your whole strength.” 00:09:40 So the love we give back to God is total 00:09:44 —no bodily part, function, 00:09:46 capacity, or desire being left out. 00:09:49 Those who love God take the side of Jesus, 00:09:54 whom Jehovah has appointed as King. 00:09:58 But how would Jesus’ disciples defend his Kingdom when people opposed it? 00:10:03 We gain insight from events that occurred 00:10:06 on the last night of Jesus’ life on earth. 00:10:09 Recall from Matthew chapter 26 00:10:12 that when “a large crowd with swords and clubs” came to arrest Jesus, 00:10:16 Peter “drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, taking off his ear.” 00:10:22 John reports that the slave’s name was Malchus. 00:10:26 Luke adds that Jesus touched the man’s ear and healed him. 00:10:30 Imagine that! 00:10:32 Jesus bore no ill will toward the men taking him into custody. 00:10:36 Further, according to Matthew 26:52, 00:10:40 Jesus told Peter: 00:10:42 “Return your sword to its place, 00:10:45 “for all those who take up the sword 00:10:47 will perish by the sword.” 00:10:51 Why did Jesus disapprove of Peter’s brave act? 00:10:55 For the same reason that he had avoided the political process all the way up to that point. 00:11:00 Jesus explained this when he appeared before Pontius Pilate later that night. 00:11:05 At John 18:36, we read: 00:11:10 “My Kingdom is no part of this world.” 00:11:15 Yes, because Jesus’ Kingdom is not of human origin, 00:11:19 it doesn’t need human defenses. 00:11:22 How can we be sure that this is what Jesus meant? 00:11:26 Look closely at the rest of John 18:36: 00:11:30 “If my Kingdom were part of this world, 00:11:34 “my attendants would have fought 00:11:36 “that I should not be handed over to the Jews. 00:11:38 “But as it is, my Kingdom 00:11:41 is not from this source.” 00:11:44 So as Christians, 00:11:46 what is our position where political matters are concerned? 00:11:51 We are neutral. 00:11:53 Sometimes people misunderstand this viewpoint. 00:11:57 Some have concluded that because we don’t promote one human government, 00:12:01 that we must be promoting another human government. 00:12:04 In the 1950’s, in what is now the Republic of Congo, 00:12:08 authorities falsely accused Jehovah’s Witnesses of being Communists. 00:12:12 But during the 1970’s, 00:12:14 when Congo adopted a Communist form of government, 00:12:17 the new authorities found fault with us for not being Communists! 00:12:22 Today, however, and for nearly three decades, 00:12:24 Jehovah’s Witnesses have enjoyed legal status in the Republic of Congo. 00:12:28 And whereas some have perceived 00:12:31 our Christian neutrality as sheer apathy, 00:12:34 others construe our position as a threat. 00:12:38 Let’s address both of these viewpoints. 00:12:41 First, there is a big difference 00:12:44 between Christian neutrality and apathy. 00:12:47 Apathy is defined 00:12:49 as “a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.” 00:12:52 We certainly don’t lack interest in people, 00:12:55 nor are we insensitive to their feelings. 00:12:57 Like Jesus, we strive to alleviate people’s suffering 00:13:00 by helping them in practical ways 00:13:03 while teaching them about the only Kingdom 00:13:05 that can eliminate injustice. 00:13:08 By teaching people from God’s Word, 00:13:10 we endeavor to change hearts, 00:13:12 not political institutions. 00:13:15 We feel this approach is realistic 00:13:17 because mankind’s main problems are not political 00:13:21 but moral. 00:13:24 But why can it be said that Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a threat 00:13:27 but, rather, an asset? 00:13:30 We conscientiously obey the laws, 00:13:32 we support our communities through volunteer service 00:13:35 or compulsory civilian service where that exists, 00:13:39 and we pay our taxes. 00:13:41 It’s true, we don’t vote for political parties or candidates, 00:13:46 but neither do we disrupt elections 00:13:48 or interfere with those who choose to vote. 00:13:50 It’s true, we don’t lobby, campaign, or run for government office, 00:13:54 but neither do we criticize those in power, 00:13:57 undermine their policies, or demonstrate for political change. 00:14:01 It’s true, we won’t salute a flag, 00:14:04 but neither will we burn a flag, spit on a flag, 00:14:07 or disparage the nation that a flag represents 00:14:10 —even in lands where these are considered 00:14:13 protected expressions of freedom. 00:14:16 It’s true, we don’t sing national anthems, 00:14:19 but neither do we discourage others from singing, 00:14:21 nor do we make a public spectacle of not singing; 00:14:25 we simply don’t participate. 00:14:28 It’s true, we wouldn’t kill people in war, 00:14:31 but neither would we attack people at home. 00:14:34 So while we don’t promote any political position, 00:14:37 neither do we condemn any political position —even in our heart. 00:14:41 That is what neutrality means. 00:14:45 We don’t take sides. 00:14:48 But what if the demands of the State 00:14:51 conflict with the commands of Jesus? 00:14:55 There’s a Bible principle for that. 00:14:58 Are you thinking of what it says at Acts 5:28, 29 00:15:02 —that “we must obey God as ruler rather than men”? 00:15:07 This is not disregard for the State, 00:15:10 but, rather, reverence for God. 00:15:13 If the State demands that we do what God forbids 00:15:16 or refrain from doing what God commands, 00:15:19 then we believe God would consider that an invalid request. 00:15:25 Now, one might say, 00:15:27 ‘I can imagine some situations where that viewpoint could get you into trouble.’ 00:15:32 Jesus foretold as much at Matthew 24:9, 00:15:36 where he said: “You will be hated by all the nations 00:15:40 on account of my name.” 00:15:43 More specifically, at Revelation 2:10, 00:15:45 Jesus said that some of his disciples would be thrown into prison 00:15:50 —not all of us but some. 00:15:53 So we’re not disappointed if we don’t get thrown into prison, 00:15:57 but neither are we discouraged if we do. 00:16:00 Our minds turn to the thousands of brothers and sisters 00:16:03 who have been sentenced to prison over the years 00:16:05 for their Christian neutrality. 00:16:08 We are proud of them. We pray for them. 00:16:11 We know that Jehovah is pleased with them. 00:16:15 Their endurance under trial spells victory for all of us. 00:16:19 How so? 00:16:21 To the congregation in Ephesus, Paul wrote: 00:16:27 “I ask you not to give up on account of my tribulations in your behalf, 00:16:31 for these mean glory for you.” 00:16:36 Paul wrote these words while he himself was under house arrest in Rome. 00:16:41 In what sense did Paul’s tribulations 00:16:44 “mean glory” for the Ephesians? 00:16:47 In that his perseverance in ministering despite trials 00:16:50 showed the congregation that the privileges they enjoyed as Christians 00:16:54 were of the highest importance. 00:16:56 If Paul had just given up, what would that have implied? 00:17:01 That their faith, their ministry, 00:17:03 and their hope in God’s Kingdom were not so valuable after all. 00:17:07 Instead, Paul’s endurance exalted Christianity. 00:17:11 It demonstrated that remaining faithful is worth any sacrifice. 00:17:16 In like manner, the endurance of our dear brothers and sisters in prison 00:17:20 proves that their hope is alive 00:17:22 and that the Kingdom they represent is real. 00:17:26 They have an identity as envoys, 00:17:30 not of any human government, 00:17:32 but of the heavenly Kingdom 00:17:34 —a Kingdom that will reward them with everlasting life 00:17:38 in a world without war. 00:17:42 Whether we face imprisonment or not, 00:17:45 how prepared are we to remain neutral in our day-to-day life? 00:17:49 In this dramatization, a Christian family discovers 00:17:53 that they need to spend more time studying about the subject of neutrality. 00:17:59 Collette, I’m home. 00:18:01 In the kitchen, Curtis. 00:18:03 How was your day? 00:18:05 Oh, it was a long day, but it’s nice being home. 00:18:07 That smells amazing! I can’t wait. 00:18:09 Oh, well, it will be ready in a few minutes. 00:18:10 But I have a surprise; 00:18:12 my job gave us tickets to the game this weekend 00:18:16 —enough for all of us to go. 00:18:18 So it’s downtown at the . . . 00:18:19 That sounded like fun. 00:18:21 It was a sport we could enjoy watching. 00:18:23 Collette and I hadn’t been in years, 00:18:25 and I don’t think the kids had ever gone. 00:18:33 We were all looking forward to a family night out. 00:18:40 But, Dad, what exactly do we do during the national anthem? 00:18:46 Honestly, I wasn’t sure. 00:18:48 Ladies and gentlemen, 00:18:50 would you please stand for the singing 00:18:52 of our national anthem? 00:19:01 Dad, I have a question too. 00:19:05 Will they salute the flag at my new school? 00:19:07 That’s right. 00:19:09 The conference with her teachers was next week, 00:19:12 and we didn’t know what they’d do there. 00:19:13 OK, class. Now that everyone is here, 00:19:15 let’s all stand for the pledge of allegiance. 00:19:21 Elizabeth, is everything all right? 00:19:25 What do you think, Honey? 00:19:29 Well, tomorrow night is our Family Worship evening. 00:19:33 So why don’t we do a study project as a family 00:19:36 on Christian neutrality at public events? 00:19:39 That sounds like a good idea. 00:19:40 Yeah. 00:19:41 I think this will be great. We’ll all get a chance to do our research. 00:19:47 I asked Daniel to research Christian principles on neutrality. 00:19:52 Collette and Elizabeth would find examples 00:19:55 of ones who proved loyal under pressure. 00:20:00 And for me, 00:20:02 my job was to call Elizabeth’s new school 00:20:04 to find out if they saluted the flag or sang the anthem. 00:20:09 Hello. 00:20:10 Hi, Mr. Johnson? This is Curtis, Elizabeth’s dad. 00:20:15 We’d studied this topic when the kids were younger, 00:20:18 but we needed reminders for these new challenges. 00:20:21 The kids found some great information. 00:20:26 Several Bible principles applied. 00:20:28 But what Jesus said at Matthew 4:10 00:20:31 was an essential foundation: 00:20:34 “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, 00:20:37 and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” 00:20:42 If we participate in a nationalistic ceremony, 00:20:46 we’re sharing in worship 00:20:47 of something or someone other than Jehovah God. 00:20:51 But what would help us know what to do? 00:20:55 Elizabeth found some good examples to imitate. 00:20:59 The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego 00:21:01 was one of our favorites. 00:21:04 When King Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to worship the gold image, 00:21:07 they bravely stood while others bowed down. 00:21:11 They were determined to worship only Jehovah, 00:21:16 and He rescued them from the furnace. 00:21:19 And there are modern-day examples 00:21:21 of courage like the three Hebrews. 00:21:23 Some children have had to take a stand 00:21:26 when governments tried to force them 00:21:28 to take part in patriotic events during wartime, 00:21:31 when feelings of national pride ran strong. 00:21:35 And despite legal victories in some countries, 00:21:38 young ones today are still put to the test. 00:21:42 We learned there was no one answer on what to do. 00:21:46 Situations are different depending on where we live 00:21:50 or what a person does to show he’s participating. 00:21:53 But in every case, 00:21:55 Christians in some way make it evident 00:21:58 that they are respectful observers, not participants. 00:22:03 We felt good because we had decided 00:22:06 what we would do to be respectful but neutral 00:22:09 and show Jehovah that our family worships him alone. 00:22:15 Since the tests of our neutrality differ depending on where we live, 00:22:19 why not do what the family in the video did 00:22:22 —devote a Family Worship evening or personal study session to researching 00:22:27 how to avoid participating inadvertently 00:22:30 in any activity that would violate our Christian neutrality. 00:22:35 The subject of neutrality was highlighted in a Watchtower article that we studied 00:22:39 in the congregations in 2016. 00:22:43 In this first episode of a new video series 00:22:46 called Lessons From the Watchtower, 00:22:49 note how our brothers and sisters have applied 00:22:51 the admonition found in that very practical article. 00:23:08 As a professor of finance, I need to be well-informed. 00:23:10 As a Christian, I also need to be well-informed, 00:23:13 as do all Christians. 00:23:15 It’s difficult not to take sides in politics. 00:23:18 It’s very difficult because we are aware of the issues. 00:23:22 I always really liked soccer ever since I was little. 00:23:25 I lived in a poor area, and soccer was what we used to do for fun. 00:23:31 There was a journalist that I liked to keep up with. 00:23:34 He would point out both the good and the bad on all sides of politics. 00:23:38 But when he spoke up and pointed out only the bad side of a political party, 00:23:42 I did not like that. 00:23:46 I live in the downtown area of the city. 00:23:49 That is where the largest political demonstrations take place. 00:23:53 People from this area are really into politics. 00:23:55 They have definite opinions. 00:23:57 And even though I always knew that we must remain neutral, 00:24:00 I secretly approved of the demonstrations. 00:24:05 On the outside, I wasn’t jumping up and down or cheering, 00:24:09 but on the inside, I was saying: ‘Come on! Let’s win!’ 00:24:13 It was all about the desire, the crowd, 00:24:16 and the pride of your team having the most victories or the most trophies. 00:24:21 I used to rationalize saying: 00:24:23 “I was created in Jehovah’s image, and Jehovah is a just God.” 00:24:26 What was speaking was my sense of justice. 00:24:29 I thought neutrality was shown through actions 00:24:31 and not through what I felt. 00:24:34 The April 2016 Watchtower 00:24:37 has interesting information regarding neutrality. 00:24:40 Being neutral means that you do not consider yourself better than others 00:24:44 because “in God’s sight, all people are equal.” 00:24:47 After studying the article, I realized that I needed to make changes; 00:24:52 I was not being neutral. 00:24:54 So I read the article again. 00:24:55 I prayed to Jehovah; 00:24:57 I said to him that I knew it was as if he were speaking to me. 00:25:00 The magazine really touched me deeply. 00:25:04 I remember reading the article at least three times that evening. 00:25:08 I was really surprised. 00:25:10 I realized how far off I was 00:25:13 from what God wanted me to be on the inside. 00:25:16 The second situation mentioned in the article 00:25:19 had to do with news reports and the media. 00:25:21 The article even suggested that we limit 00:25:23 our intake of news that we watch related to politics. 00:25:28 There was another phrase that really moved me. 00:25:30 It said: ‘Even if we don’t march with protesters, 00:25:33 might we be with them in spirit?’ 00:25:35 Yes! I was with them. Yes! 00:25:37 There were several phrases in that article 00:25:40 that were written just for me. 00:25:44 When I cut back watching so many news reports 00:25:47 —and I had to— 00:25:49 this helped me to have self-control when I spoke to others at work. 00:25:54 When workmates mentioned something that was in the news, 00:25:57 I didn’t have anything to say since I hadn’t seen it. 00:25:59 I didn’t know about it. 00:26:01 A workmate would say: “Did you see that so-and-so said this 00:26:05 and that someone else made a statement?” 00:26:07 I would say: “No, I didn’t see it,” 00:26:09 and that was the end of the conversation. 00:26:11 The article mentions Romans 10:12 00:26:14 which says that Jehovah is “Lord over all” of us, 00:26:16 that ‘there is no difference between Jew and Greek.’ 00:26:20 To Jehovah, it’s not important if my country 00:26:22 has five or six titles or if it won or lost the World Cup. 00:26:26 To Jehovah, all people are equal. 00:26:30 I took a piece of paper, just a simple piece of paper, 00:26:34 and I wrote on it the four key points that the article talks about 00:26:38 —four key points that will help us to remain neutral. 00:26:43 I keep it in my purse; that way I can always read it at work. 00:26:49 I like watching soccer; it’s fun. 00:26:52 I still watch it on TV. 00:26:54 I still play soccer with my friends at Bethel, 00:26:57 but I’ve made an effort to change. 00:27:00 Little by little, I’ve managed to put soccer in its proper place. 00:27:06 This helps me to keep pride and nationalism from getting the best of me. 00:27:11 I learned from this article not to express opinions about politics. 00:27:15 That has to come from deep inside. 00:27:18 If I’m convinced that God’s Kingdom is the best solution 00:27:21 and that there’s nothing that comes even close, 00:27:23 remaining neutral will come naturally. 00:27:26 But I can’t let my guard down. 00:27:29 I really enjoy studying articles from The Watchtower, 00:27:32 especially those dealing with practical matters. 00:27:34 They help me see the Bible as if it were a mirror that shows me where I can improve. 00:27:38 Following counsel 00:27:40 and making the changes suggested in the article 00:27:43 has helped me to speak with the conviction 00:27:45 that only the Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems. 00:28:03 Because our enemy Satan tries to break our integrity in many subtle ways, 00:28:08 it’s important to know ahead of time how we’ll act. 00:28:13 Actions are important, and yet they’re preceded by thoughts, 00:28:18 as one young brother discovered. 00:28:20 In this dramatization, note what Bible principle 00:28:24 helped him to stay neutral in his heart. 00:28:45 “They are no part of the world.” —John 17:16. 00:28:50 “We must remain neutral in order to be loyal subjects of God’s Kingdom. 00:28:53 “Otherwise, how could we have a clean conscience 00:28:55 “when we preach the good news 00:28:57 “that only God’s Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems? 00:28:59 “. . . As Satan’s system nears its end, 00:29:01 we can expect the issue of neutrality to become more prominent.” 00:29:07 OK, people, we’re ready to go. 00:29:09 Dawn, Jordan, can I get you to grab the blinds please? 00:29:25 In your work groups this week, you’ll outline the policies 00:29:28 you feel world governments should implement. 00:29:31 Remember, it’s young people like you, 00:29:35 each of you, who must take action to solve the problems that threaten our planet. 00:29:59 When war comes, they’ll look for you and me to do the fighting. 00:30:02 Will you speak up and tell them, ‘No, no, we won’t?’ 00:30:20 But I’m more worried about the elections, especially for your generation. 00:30:24 I mean, who do you think is going to win? 00:30:27 Uhm, well, we believe that— 00:30:30 uhm . . . 00:30:32 That’s actually a very interesting question. 00:30:34 And as Jehovah’s Witnesses, we believe that it’s God’s Kingdom 00:30:38 that’s going to bring about all the solutions that we need for all of our problems. 00:30:41 For example, . . . 00:30:42 That’s £7.50, please. 00:30:44 Thank you. 00:30:47 Hello, how can I help you? 00:30:50 But you know, this new government policy 00:30:53 —I really think it’s going to work. 00:30:55 You’re crazy. 00:30:57 With their policies, we’ll be bankrupt within three years. 00:31:00 But if it works, though, it’s going to make people rich. 00:31:03 Those who are rich already. 00:31:04 No, I’m fed up. They say the same thing. 00:31:23 We’ve invited a panel of experts to explore these issues, 00:31:27 namely, can the opposition party win? 00:31:30 Will they keep their promises to lower-income people? 00:31:33 And what changes could we expect on required military service? 00:31:37 You’ll want to hear the answers. 00:31:39 Let’s begin by speaking to John McGarthy, the minister of education. 00:31:42 If put to the test, 00:31:44 I do want to take my stand for Jehovah. 00:31:48 But the outcome of all these things can affect me now 00:31:51 —my family, my goals. 00:31:55 How can I stay neutral, even in my heart? 00:32:02 John 17:14: 00:32:09 “I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, 00:32:13 “because they are no part of the world, 00:32:16 “just as I am no part of the world. 00:32:18 “I do not request that you take them out of the world, 00:32:22 “but that you watch over them because of the wicked one. 00:32:26 “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. 00:32:30 “Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. 00:32:34 “Just as you sent me into the world, 00:32:37 “I also sent them into the world. 00:32:39 “And I am sanctifying myself in their behalf, 00:32:43 so that they also may be sanctified by means of truth.” 00:32:48 No part of the world, 00:32:50 like Jesus, both in thought and action. 00:32:58 Sure, but in our lifetime? 00:33:00 Yes! And I have found something that has helped me to be sure of this. 00:33:03 Can I share it with you? 00:33:05 It’s here at Matthew 24:33. 00:33:08 Jesus said: “Likewise also you, when you see all these things, 00:33:12 know that he is near at the doors.” 00:33:27 Our being neutral today is urgent 00:33:29 because Jehovah’s day is coming quickly. 00:33:32 On that day, we must be absolutely certain 00:33:36 that we are on Jehovah’s side. 00:33:38 In this Bethel morning worship, 00:33:40 Brother Anthony Morris of the Governing Body 00:33:43 explains why we don’t need to worry about the events to come. 00:33:47 Now, The Watchtower 00:33:49 from where the comments are taken 00:33:51 had the theme 00:33:53 “Your Deliverance Is Getting Near.” 00:33:56 Now, this was a sobering and yet 00:34:00 a very encouraging Watchtower study article, 00:34:03 and that theme was taken from Luke chapter 21. 00:34:07 So if you’d like to find that —Luke 21— 00:34:11 and in the context prior to verse 28, 00:34:16 we know verse 26: “People will become faint out of fear 00:34:20 “and expectation of the things 00:34:22 coming upon the inhabited earth.” 00:34:25 Then it mentions “the heavens . . . shaken,” 00:34:29 then, “see the Son of man.” 00:34:31 And here’s where we find the theme, verse 28: 00:34:34 “But as these things start to occur, 00:34:38 “stand up straight and lift up your heads, 00:34:42 because your deliverance is getting near.” 00:34:47 Now, as we know, this is fulfilled during the great tribulation. 00:34:53 That’s something to keep in mind, 00:34:55 that at that time when these events take place, 00:35:00 they’ll be able to stand up 00:35:03 and look forward to their deliverance. 00:35:06 Now, for a moment, just reflect back 00:35:09 on the Hezekiah video 00:35:12 that we enjoyed 00:35:14 during the convention season last year. 00:35:17 It was amazing! 00:35:19 And what a beautiful job the brothers did in Audio/Video 00:35:22 depicting one angel 00:35:26 that destroyed 185,000 men. 00:35:30 It was spectacular! 00:35:32 However, find Revelation chapter 17 00:35:38 —Revelation chapter 17— 00:35:41 and this is what 00:35:44 is foretold for the near future. 00:35:48 The context here at Revelation 17, 00:35:51 where verse 12 mentions “the ten horns,” 00:35:53 and then down into verse 13 00:35:56 —after this “one hour with the wild beast” (the United Nations)— 00:36:01 they give their “authority to the wild beast.” 00:36:03 Humans in general would find that hard to believe 00:36:07 when they look at what’s going on in the world today. 00:36:10 But here’s what they’re going to do, 00:36:13 verse 14: 00:36:15 “These will battle with the Lamb, 00:36:19 “but because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, 00:36:23 “the Lamb will conquer them. 00:36:26 “Also, those with him 00:36:29 who are called and chosen and faithful will do so.” 00:36:34 Now, 00:36:36 as good as our brothers are in Audio/Video, 00:36:39 I personally doubt that anyone 00:36:42 could do a videography and capture this event. 00:36:47 You’re talking about Christ Jesus, 00:36:50 the 144,000 00:36:52 anointed immortal spirit creatures, 00:36:56 and then Jesus has the holy angels 00:36:59 that are under his direction as King. 00:37:02 This is going to be spectacular! 00:37:04 Now, all things are possible with God, 00:37:06 but I think they’d have to have Him to be able to show a video 00:37:11 to capture what’s coming in the future. 00:37:15 Just spectacular! 00:37:17 Now, just keep in mind (and The Watchtower made this clear), 00:37:20 we don’t know the sure and exact sequence of events 00:37:24 —the time order— some of it (as The Watchtower says) 00:37:27 will likely overlap. 00:37:30 However, what we do know 00:37:32 —Jehovah has been kind about this— 00:37:35 is what’s going to take place 00:37:38 to start the great tribulation. 00:37:41 Now, we find here in verse 15, 00:37:44 and we’ll read through verse 17 of Revelation 17: 00:37:48 “He said to me: ‘The waters that you saw, 00:37:51 “‘where the prostitute is sitting, 00:37:53 “‘mean peoples and crowds and nations and tongues. 00:37:57 “‘And the ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, 00:37:59 “‘these will hate the prostitute 00:38:02 “‘and will make her devastated and naked, 00:38:05 “‘and they will eat up her flesh 00:38:07 and completely burn her with fire.’” 00:38:11 Now, here’s the fact 00:38:13 and verification for why this will happen, 00:38:17 verse 17: “For God put it into their hearts 00:38:20 “to carry out his thought, 00:38:23 “yes, to carry out their one thought 00:38:25 “by giving their kingdom to the wild beast, 00:38:28 until the words of God will have been accomplished.” 00:38:31 So it’s as good as done. 00:38:34 This is what’s going to happen 00:38:36 regardless of how people view us 00:38:39 when we preach this good news. 00:38:42 Because this is good news —the destruction 00:38:44 of the world empire of false religion, 00:38:47 the beginning of the great tribulation. 00:38:49 This is spectacular news for God’s people, 00:38:52 and until it takes place, they won’t believe it. 00:38:57 But it will happen because Jehovah says it’s going to happen. 00:39:00 So that’ll be a time for us to prove our love for Jehovah God. 00:39:05 We’ll be the only group protected by him. 00:39:09 Now, this was profound, too, 00:39:11 this article in The Watchtower made this— 00:39:14 I thought it was a profound statement when you think 00:39:17 about the organization we’re a part of. 00:39:20 It said in paragraph 9: 00:39:23 “This will not be the time to preach 00:39:26 the ‘good news of the Kingdom.’” 00:39:28 My, we’re a preaching organization. 00:39:32 So there’s a time we’ll not preach the good news? 00:39:35 Yes. 00:39:37 Remember one of our favorite verses? 00:39:40 It’s etched on the minds and hearts of God’s people: 00:39:43 “And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached 00:39:46 in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” 00:39:49 Well, don’t forget the last part: 00:39:52 “And then the end will come.” 00:39:55 So during the great tribulation —no good news. 00:40:00 However, we do know there’ll be preaching. 00:40:04 And you think we’re unpopular now? 00:40:08 Oh, my! 00:40:10 Notice Revelation chapter 16, 00:40:14 and in the context Armageddon is being addressed, 00:40:18 and notice verse 21: 00:40:22 “Then great hailstones, each about the weight of a talent, 00:40:26 “fell from heaven on the people, 00:40:28 “and the people blasphemed God 00:40:31 “because of the plague of [the] hail, 00:40:33 for the plague was unusually great.” 00:40:37 Yes. 00:40:38 So the message and the preaching 00:40:41 are going to be like “hailstones.” 00:40:44 I don’t know if you’ve ever been in a hailstorm, 00:40:46 but this is a huge hailstorm 00:40:51 being depicted here. 00:40:53 It’s likely, possibly, a hard-hitting message 00:40:57 —maybe a declaration announcing that Satan’s world 00:41:00 is about to come to a complete end. 00:41:04 So let’s just stay tuned. 00:41:08 And don’t feel bad—I know. 00:41:10 I was out in the ministry 00:41:12 in one territory recently, 00:41:17 and it’s good to suffer reproach. 00:41:19 We all need that, like Jesus did. 00:41:21 The door-to-door ministry is good for us. 00:41:24 But see, if you think we’re suffering reproach now— 00:41:28 Well, get ready! 00:41:29 It’s just training for this future declaration 00:41:33 that we’ll have the privilege to share in. 00:41:35 Now, keep in mind 00:41:37 that there is this event that The Watchtower 00:41:40 did mention in Matthew chapter 24. 00:41:43 And if you’ll find that, 00:41:45 it’s nice to have this clear. 00:41:49 Matthew chapter 24, 00:41:52 and we’re going to read verse 31: 00:41:58 “And he will send out his angels 00:42:01 “with a great trumpet sound, 00:42:03 “and they will gather his chosen ones together 00:42:06 “from the four winds, 00:42:08 from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.” 00:42:13 So, what The Watchtower stated there was 00:42:16 that it’s not the initial gathering 00:42:18 of the anointed nor the final sealing; 00:42:20 this is when the remnant —the remaining ones— 00:42:23 receive their heavenly reward during the great tribulation. 00:42:27 And this event takes place at some point 00:42:30 after the beginning of the attack by Gog. 00:42:34 Now, at that time, 00:42:36 that’s when Matthew 13:43 is fulfilled: 00:42:39 “The righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun 00:42:43 in the Kingdom of their Father.” 00:42:46 So as we mentioned —sobering, yes, but encouraging. 00:42:51 Oh, yes, so encouraging. 00:42:53 So, brothers, let’s be confident; 00:42:56 let’s trust in Jehovah. 00:42:58 There’s no need to be afraid. 00:43:01 Let’s keep up our spiritual routine 00:43:04 and prove ourselves ready, 00:43:06 because the great tribulation is near. 00:43:11 When Jehovah’s day comes, 00:43:13 our brotherhood will be safe because it’s united. 00:43:17 Our worldwide unity is but one of the blessings 00:43:20 that result from our Christian neutrality. 00:43:24 In this month’s music video, notice the connection 00:43:27 between the love we enjoy as God’s people 00:43:30 and our being “no part of this world.” 00:43:34 The song is entitled “We Are One.” 00:43:48 There’s trouble in the world, disunity. No matter where we live, no harmony. 00:44:04 There are people suffering, fighting for change. 00:44:09 But among God’s people, we trust in his name. 00:44:16 So we must stick close to his Word And remain no part of this world 00:44:25 With love in ev’ry little thing we do. 00:44:31 Show love as we spread the good news, And feel the love of the brotherhood. 00:44:41 Though we stand out as diff’rent, With Jehovah, we are one. 00:44:57 No matter where we go from sea to sea, With God’s people, we find true family. 00:45:08 Yes, there are anxieties, but hope is real— A paradise to come. 00:45:15 True peace is near. 00:45:19 So we keep trusting in his Word And remain no part of this world 00:45:28 With love in ev’ry little thing we do. Show love as we spread the good news, 00:45:39 And feel the love of the brotherhood. 00:45:45 Though we stand out as diff’rent, With Jehovah, we are one. 00:45:50 We are one. 00:46:00 So let’s stay faithful and endure And remain no part of this world 00:46:10 With love in ev’ry little thing we do. Show love as we spread the good news, 00:46:21 And feel the love of the brotherhood. Though we stand out as diff’rent, 00:46:30 With Jehovah, We love in ev’ry little thing we do. 00:46:38 Show love as we spread the good news, And feel the love of the brotherhood. 00:46:48 Though we stand out as diff’rent, With Jehovah, we are one. 00:47:18 The song was initially written in the Lingala language, 00:47:21 an African language spoken mainly 00:47:23 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. 00:47:27 If you’d like to hear the song in the Lingala language, 00:47:30 you can now find it on Video on Demand under the heading “Music.” 00:47:34 While you’re at it, why not listen 00:47:37 to other original songs in different languages? 00:47:40 After you have navigated to the “Music” section, 00:47:43 change the language of the website 00:47:45 in the top right corner to a language of your choice. 00:47:51 Have you noticed the many examples of Christian neutrality 00:47:54 we’ve seen during this program? 00:47:57 First, we visited Armenia and learned 00:47:59 how they’ve remained neutral despite persecution. 00:48:03 After the talk, we learned the importance 00:48:06 of remaining neutral at public events. 00:48:09 Next, we met a number of brothers and sisters 00:48:12 who shared their experiences in applying 00:48:14 the Watchtower study article about neutrality. 00:48:18 Brother Morris reminded us of Jehovah’s protection 00:48:21 when Jehovah judges this world. 00:48:23 And our music video encouraged us 00:48:26 to enjoy the blessings of unity 00:48:28 that result from our Christian neutrality. 00:48:33 And speaking of the music video: 00:48:35 Did you notice how our friends watched the broadcast, 00:48:38 and when the postcard came up at the end of the program, they waved back? 00:48:44 Have you ever felt like doing that? 00:48:46 If so, here’s another opportunity. 00:48:49 Let’s visit our brothers and sisters in South Korea. 00:48:54 Kingdom proclaimers arrived in Korea in 1912. 00:48:58 Today, the Republic of Korea 00:49:00 has some 1,300 congregations 00:49:03 with over 100,000 publishers. 00:49:07 Although the peninsula was under colonial rule for some time 00:49:10 and has been involved in other military conflicts, 00:49:13 Jehovah’s Witnesses there have maintained their Christian neutrality 00:49:17 by not taking sides. 00:49:20 Over the last seven decades, 00:49:22 more than 19,000 brothers have been imprisoned for their faith. 00:49:27 In 2018, a favorable court decision 00:49:30 was handed down in behalf of these faithful brothers. 00:49:34 In the future, we look forward 00:49:36 to even further relief from fair-minded officials in this country. 00:49:41 This is the Ganseong Congregation. 00:49:45 Their territory has a population of approximately 23,000 00:49:48 and is partially located 00:49:51 in the demilitarized zone near the North Korean border. 00:49:55 It’s not uncommon for the almost 50 publishers 00:49:58 to conduct over 60 Bible studies each month. 00:50:01 In fact, 00:50:02 some 30 publishers —or 60 percent of the congregation— 00:50:07 serve as regular pioneers. 00:50:10 Because of its location, many of the residents 00:50:13 of the villages in this area are isolated from the rest of the country. 00:50:17 Our brothers and sisters 00:50:19 often meet people who work for the military. 00:50:22 Because of the congregation’s proximity to the border, 00:50:25 busloads of tourists come on a regular basis 00:50:29 to see the North Korean border. 00:50:32 To reach such visitors with the good news, our brothers have organized 00:50:35 public witnessing stands in a number of locations. 00:50:39 We love our brothers and sisters in the Ganseong Congregation very much. 00:50:44 And they send their love to all of us around the world. 00:50:48 This is JW Broadcasting 00:50:52 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
