Weekend Meeting | November 9 – 15, 2024 | Watchtower Study

We have a a local brother brother John Barnett uh that's going to deliver our talk for us uh this morning it's a topic that really uh is really relevant to our times the scene of this world is changing i' like to invite brother Barett to the front change the one constant in all of our Lives wouldn't you agree and in particular this past Cent's given birth To numerous changes can you think of some for example there's been been huge progress made in the field of Medical Science you know at the turn of the last century

early 1900s millions of young healthy people died from diseases that today are easily prevented by simple vaccines diseases like chickenpox Ms tetanus herping cough so diseases that routinely killed many in the past have all but been eradicated today think too of the improvements we See in communication Technologies you know it wasn't that long ago that if you wanted to catch up with your friend on the other side of town or even on the other side of the country you had to grab your old rotary dialup phone spin those numbers till you got just the right

combination then you could have your chat now it seems like everyone has one of these smartphone where you don't just have a chat now you have a video video conversation we can Do research we can do organized things we can do so many things with with these versatile devices however on the other hand not all of the changes we see going on us around us have been for the better for example our home the Earth planet this environment and ecology is on the verge of being ruined we hear hear about things like mass shootings Mass

stabbings in schools marketplaces shopping centers we we see a soaring Crime rate plummeting moral values perhaps you might think of the proliferation of the homosexual lifestyle now all of these changes make life very challenging to deal with I'm sure you'd agree with me though if we turn our Bibles to 1 Corinthians 7:31 and we have an inter word picture that's used here to describe the changing of the world scene so in 1 Corinthians 7:31 and we just read the B part of the verse it Says the scene of this world is changing so it's interesting

the Apostle Paul he's trying to put into our minds the picture or idea of a stage play now in the first century you'd have like a stadium you'd have Spectators you you'd have your actors they'd come up onto the stage they play their part then the curtain would come down when the curtain went back up there'd be new actors on the stage playing a new part of the drama well you know that's very similar To what we see happening on the world scene today but the actors on the global stage are the world's leaders powerful

men men who are able to influence the lives of millions of people politicians military leaders The Faceless Men Behind the system's massive business Empires and of course religious leaders you know these actors can also be the world's cultural Stars famous ones in the entertainment world even famous sporting personalities who are Also able to influence the the thinking and and actions of many people today we see them they grab their headlines they they play their little part in the culture we see but very soon just as soon as they rise to fame they Le leave the

stage for someone else who comes up then they play their part so how can we pinpoint where we are now November 1924 2024 are we close to the next scene changing how can we prepare for the Future well with with our discussion today we're going to consider evidence that we are indeed in the final scenes of this old world drama and we'll consider not just the details of what's coming but what we can do to prepare but before we talk about what's coming in the very near future we need to talk about the General State

of Affairs during the 20th century historians and many other Scholars agree that at the turn of the Century like the early 1900s life changed for mankind Dr Jorge Sila He's A Mental Health director for the World Health Organization he said this we live in a time of extremely fast changes which end up causing Stress and Anxiety at levels never before seen in human history now doesn't that sound like the time period we're living in now penic stress anxiety depression that's everyday living for many people now well Dr Sila said something changed at the beginning of

the 20th century well something did happen his stor and Barbara Tubman said this she said at the Great War of 1914 to 1918 lies a band of scorched Earth dividing that time from ours in white in out so many lives that would have been operative in the years that followed in destroying beliefs changing ideas and leaving incurable wounds of disillusion the Great War created a Physical as well as a psychological Gulf between two different ages or epochs in human history so we see here the idea of this drama or story playing out mankind history changed

at the beginning of the 20th century well what caused these massive changes this upheaval well only the Bible can answer that because it happened invisibly in the spirit Realms so let's open our Bibles up to Revelation 12 and we'll have a look at what Happened in the heavens so Revelation 12 starting in verses 7 to9 and we'll also read verse 12 so revelation 12 7-9 it says and war broke out in heaven Michael and his angels battled with the dragon and the dragon and its Angels battled but they did not Prevail nor was a place

found for them any longer in heaven so down the Great Dragon was H the original serpent the one called devil and Satan who is misleading the entire inhabited Earth he was h down to the Earth and his angels were hurled down with him in verse 12 says on this account be glad you heavens and you who reside in them but woe for the Earth and for the sea because the devil has come down to you having great anger knowing he has a short period of time so who are the key players in this very descriptive

scene well first of all we have Satan and his demon organization that it's described or represented as a Dragon on the other side we have Michael now who is Michael well Michael is none other than the glorified and enthroned king of God's kingdom Jesus Christ yes in 1914 Jehovah placed his son in Kingdom rule well that infuriated the devil and War immediately broke out well what happened during that war verse eight we see the dragon was a loser and as a result of his defeat he was thrown to the Earth confined to the Earth so

whereas before 1914 Satan and His Rebel organization they were splitting their interests Between Heaven and Earth well now they're confined to the vicinity of this planet well what happened happens when they were cast down to the Earth well mankind entered into its Darkest Night Dreadful things started to happen the Great War World War I that b Untold suffering and misery to the Human family yes their focus was now here the Earth had become the Battleground now Jesus Said there'd be various um signs that would mark this from 1914 onwards as the last days or the

time of the end according to God's word so let's look at some of those markers at Luke 21 so let's open our Bibles up to Luke chapter 21 and it it's Jesus speaking here and it's a conversation he had with four of his disciples on the last week of his life well in verse five they show Jesus the temple why well they are all struck With this building it's a center of pure worship and what does Jesus say in verse six he says the day coming when the temple will be thrown down destroyed now they're

trying to absorb Jesus words imagine they're looking at Jesus they're looking at the temple and they can't get their head around it they're confused because this Temple it looks so permanent like it's going to be here forever it's Jehovah's house of worship but not only does Jesus outline the Sequence of events that going to lead to the destruction of the temple and the entire Jewish system of things he also speaks about a time far far into the distant future when he would return in Kingdom power so in Luke chapter 21 starting in verses 10 and

11 and this is some of the markers Jesus said to them Nation will rise against nation and Kingdom against Kingdom there will be great earthquakes and in one place after another food shortages and Pestilences and there will be fearful sights and from Heaven Great Signs so we see here in verse 10 Jesus describes War Nation against Nation so what's the evidence well as we mentioned 1914 marked the first time that mankind had ever engaged in global conflict War was now industrialized whole nations were mobilized into the war effort they bought the use of heavy machinery

aerial bombs tanks submarines poisonous gas Machine guns Millions died as war fever now grip the Earth well World War II gave birth to a new age of Terror and Insanity the nuclear rage the atomic bombs two bombs dropped on two Japanese cities kill killed hundreds of thousands of people and since then although we haven't what seen what would be termed a a World War we see Wars everywhere for example the Korean War the Vietnam War the Gulf War cold war war in Afghanistan Iran Iraq war Civil Wars and as we speak We know war is

Raging in Eastern Europe and the Middle East so what do you think are we living in the last days according to what Jesus said about Wars verse 11 he mentions another facet of this epic time period great earthquakes since the beginning of the 20th century or at the turn of the 20th century the amount of people killed by earthquakes has risen sharply for example 2004 9.1 earthquake hits the Indian Ocean creates a tsunami that destroys nearly 250 ,000 lives 2010 7.0 earthquake hits Haiti kills approximately 3,000 people leaves hundreds of thousands more homeless 2011 9.0

magnitude hits Northeast Japan creates a 30 m tsunami and destroys 20,000 lives you see and it's not just the intensity of the earthquakes friends it's the frequen quc y one very reliable source stated that before 1914 there were approximately 1,800 earthquakes a year so that's all seismic activity from minor Tremors to Major Quakes since 194 down into our day there has been 25,300 earthquakes a year now that is a 135% increase I had to use my calculator to work that out too but by the way you won't see that kind of interest on your long-term

account but seriously what does the evidence tell you are we living in a critical scene of the time of the End verse 11 it also mentioned pestilence or disease now now that may make us immediately think of Corona virus yes we had the Corona virus but you know World War I actually bought the beginning of great pestilences when the battled weary troops returned home they bought the Spanish Flu with them killed literally tens of millions of people worldwide that was the beginning of global pandemics a World Health Organization publication it made this statement it said

the 21st century has already been marked by Major epidemics we see a Resurgence of old diseases like chera plague yellow fever we see the appearance of new ones things like AIDS SARS pandemic influenza Ebola zika virus just to name a few so does this fit in with Jesus sign do you think of the last days you know time will fail us if we talk about food shortages but I just say this 26,000 children die every day from Hunger related causes around the world so with the prevalence of sickness disease food shortages do you think that

creates the scene that we're in today you know it's not like some people say that things have always been like this that humans have come one generation and they've seen these massive changes no no this is different we live in a very unique time all of these things that we're presently experiencing ing they're Like the lines that form a person's fingerprint all of these world events are forming part of an unmistakable sign and just as a fingerprint uniquely identifies an individual well these events happening not just globally and simultaneously but with great scope and intensity

that uniquely signals The Invisible Presence of Jesus Christ and the imminent end of this system of things but you know friends I want to ask you all a rhetorical question how do You feel about all this do you really believe that these are the final scenes of This Global tragedy or do we have some kind of lingering doubts maybe we've been affected by this attitude oh yeah I know things are bad and we must be really close to the end I mean here in the congregation we almost have to say that don't we but does

what we're doing with our lives say that because our thinking our planning and our actions might say that we Believe this system has ages years to go eons of time in fact Jesus made it clear why this will take many by surprise even here in the congregation in the parallel account in Matthew 24:37 we see Jesus compares the attitudes of some today to the people who lived during the time of Noah what was their way of thinking well I I'll just quote his words he says for as they were in those days before the flood

Eating drinking men marrying women being given in marriage until the day Noah entered into the ark but there's nothing really that bad going on there is there really those people are just caught up with the normal things of life well because Jesus then said in verse 39 they took no note because of those things until the flood came and swept them all away so that's one reason why this is going to catch a lot of people by surprise another reason is that people Simply do not believe that God will ever intervene in human Affairs well

friends we need to avoid that kind of thinking so how can we prove to ourselves that this is really it this is the time of the end well we can illustrate it this way so just imagine that right now you have a severe headache and while it's bringing you great discomfort you're not overly concerned about this headache Because you've had headaches before and you've gotten over it but instead of a headache let's say that right now you're experiencing some kind of chest pain but even then you're not that worried because it's usually turned out to

be a bit of heartburn or it's just passed and you've recovered well let's add one more let's say that right now you're experiencing that unpleasant feeling of being nauseous and unpleasant as it is you're not that Worried because you've felt sick before and you've got over it now just for a moment imagine that you have all three of those symptoms at once you've got terrible headaches you've got bad chest pain you're feeling nauseous only now you're experiencing ing them at a 100 times the intensity that you normally do now would you be concerned now would

you be trying to get help absolutely and why well all of these symptoms would prove that something really bad was going on With your body and that's exactly what's happening on the world scene today all of the signs Jesus mentioned are happening globally and simultaneously and they prove one thing the end is upon us so as Spectators what other scenes should we be on the watch for so we don't get caught off guard well let's Identify two more scenes let's open our Bibles up at first Thessalonians chter 5: 1-3 so let's consider that Together 1

Thessalonians 5: 1-3 it says now as for the times and Seasons Brothers you need nothing to be written to you for you yourselves know very well that Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night whenever it is that they are saying peace and security then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them just like birth pains on a pregnant woman and that will by no means Escape so what do we see here what's the Acknowledgement in this scripture well you know when you see the season start to change you know something's coming

don't you we see the leaves they start to change color they fall to the ground outside well that means Autumn's here doesn't it well in a similar way we're in a season and something's coming Jehovah's day is coming exactly like a thief in the night when verse three says whenever it is that they they being the political elements of this system of Things make this declaration of peace and security or something very similar to that would you not agree that's what people in general yearn and long for they want safety for their children they want

stability in the financial system so they can have a safe economic future they want peace on the street they don't want conflict or harm for them or their children so evidentally when the world rulers make this declaration of peace And security people are just going to gulp it down because they desire it so much but did you notice that something does come immediately after this declaration and it's not peace and security if we just can we just have our picture back up Brothers it's not and if we look at our screen we can see God's

people won't be fooled so we can see our brother and sister here at the cafe but people in general the general public they will take it hook line and sinker Jehovah's people will see it just as of veneer just like a piece of fruit might have a shiny skin on the outside but be rotten on the inside so to this Proclamation is going to have no substance to it well what happens next sudden destructions instantly upon them and then it gives an interesting illustration the birth Pains of a pregnant woman so when the labor pains

of a pregnant woman start well it begins an irreversible process that can't be Undone and it leads to a very definite outcome well so too this declaration it starts a series of events that's irreversible the world will not be able to go back then they will be on a collision course with God's kingdom well at this time when the World Hears this Proclamation the curtains come down and it leads us into the next scene so what's that scene it's the destruction scene we can read about that in Revelation chap 17 vers 15-1 17 Revelation chapter

17 sorry verses 15-1 17 So speaking in symbolic language he said to me the waters that you saw where the The Prostitute is sitting mean peoples and crowds and Nations and tongues and the 10 horns that you saw and the wild beast these will hate The Prostitute and will make her devastated and naked and they will eat up her flesh and completely burn her with fire for God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought yes to carry out their one thought by giving their Kingdom to the wild beast until the word words

of God will have been accomplished okay so what a seene so so who are the actors in This scene well the prostitute represents all of the world's religions that Jehovah God has rejected including fake Christianity the wild beast represents the United Nations and the 10 horns well That represents all of the political powers of their world that give their support to the United Nations for this destruction so presently at this time on the world same religion looks pretty confident you know they rake in their money they have their followers and they teach according to their

false and ear tickling doctrines so she's confident even a little bit cocky with her position in the world well it's at this point that the wild beast and the ten Horns turn on her to completely eat her up and burn what's left with fire so if we look at our screen imagine that churches mosques temples emptied destroyed abandoned by their followers yes with vicious intent the UN with the support of many political powers of this world will completely devour false religion but here's the interesting thing about this it's actually Jehovah that's manipulating things if we

look at verse 17 it says God puts it into their heart to carry out his thought yes to carry out their thought by giving their Kingdom to the wild beast until the words of God have been complete so you see they think they're advancing their own interests by removing maybe some perceived threat but in reality they're doing Jehovah's bidding so Satan's World Turns in on itself and destroys the Rival religions that Satan has set up what a slap in the face what happens next well the curtain Comes down and we finally get to see the

the climax scene let's read Daniel 2:44 Daniel chapter 2 verse 44 and it's a scripture that we know well Daniel 2:44 says in the days of those kings the god of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed and this Kingdom will not be passed on to any other people it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms and it alone will stand forever so at the climax scene of this World Jesus now acts he acts as king of God's government he has been empowered and authorized to wipe away and

destroy the rest of Satan's world it's Armageddon you know when we envision Armageddon we probably think of some like kind of Hollywood scene of absolute destruction and desolation where the whole human fames wiped out except for a few straggly survivors well that's not what the Bible says about Armageddon Daniel 2:44 it Shows us that God's kingdom will put an end to all these other kingdoms the human governments of this world that are actually Rivals to Christ's rulership or what will be removed so then he will remove the rest of Satan's old Wicked world it's selective

it's thorough and it's 100% accurate and the Human family will breathe the greatest Collective sigh of relief in human history after living out our entire lives experiencing struggle suffering sickness the bad Effects of 6,000 years of human imperfection especially with Satan controlling the world well that's going to be gone well then the curtain comes down and we as Christians go from being Spectators to being suddenly thrust into the Limelight now that new scene will bring benefits that we have all been yearning for for example crime violence war and death it'll be gone worrying that we're

going to have enough of an income to provide for our families or Worry in about getting sick or old that's going to be gone too all the bad effects from Satan's old world will be completely erased for a human family that just want to worship the true god Jehovah in peace do you want to be there I do so what's it going to take well let's look at our final scripture friends second Peter chapter 3 second Peter chapter 3 starting at verse 11 it says since all these things are be to Be dissolved in this

way consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of Godly devotion as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah so did you notice what we have to do to be to be ready to survive well it mentions two things first of all holy acts of conduct yes how we act what we choose to do with our lives that's very important to Jehovah and his King Jesus Christ but How we Act is influenced by here our thinking and our thinking is 100%

influenced by what we take in here and hear our eyes and ears what we allow ourselves to be taught so while we still have to live in this disgusting our world be determined not to let Satan teach you don't let him force you into his M for example choose to be regular participants here at our Christian meetings to preach the good news in our local community those are Deeds of Godly Devotion and it accomplishes a twofold thing firstly it keeps us awake spiritually but more importantly it brings praise to Jehovah's name and that's important for

us and it's important for Jehovah too friends everything we spoke about it's going to happen right on time in God's timetable we will see the start of the Great Tribulation the beginning of Jehovah's day so what's it going to take to see it through to still be standing When the Smoke of Armageddon clears well the scene of this world may change drastically in the dark days ahead but we must make sure that one thing does not change your faith your Rock Solid Faith in Jehovah and his organization and your spiritual routine that's going to keep

you stabilized during the turbulent times ahead so friends be determined to Faithfully support God's kingdom now and if you do and we can do this and when you do You'll be privileged to survey the scene when the curtain Rises on an earthwide Paradise [Applause] thank you brother John that was a that was a really good talk wasn't it keeps us focused and so at the same time next week for anyone who's here for the first time we're having a public talk it'll be entitled is this world doomed to ruin so that question will be answered

so now I'd like to invite brother Phil Tri to The platform to take us through the Watchtower it's nice to welcome you all along this morning to this week's watched House study to uh get us going in this part of the meeting we'd like to invite you to sing a song it's song 123 loyally submitting to Theocratic order so we invite you to stand to uh sing this song together well this morning we're looking at study article 35 which is entitled help for those who are removed from the congregation so this is the final one

in this series um of these adjusted view of what the scriptures are telling us really about how Jehovah views those who have strayed and how he wants nothing more than for them to return to the to the flock the theme scripture there probably epitomizes Jehovah's feelings on this it says there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 Righteous on ones who have no need of repentance so it gives us a Insight doesn't it to Jehovah's feelings about such ones the focus of our discussion is it says there why

some individuals need to be removed from the congregation and how elders can help such ones to repent and be restored to Jehovah's favor well we invite our reader today brother Ferman to read paragraphs 1 and two please Jehovah is not a permissive God he does Not condone sin he requires that we respect his righteous standards which he has set forth for us in his word of course Jehovah does not expect Perfection from imperfect people at the same time he does not tolerate ungodly men who turn his undeserved kindness into an excuse for Brazen conduct indeed

the Bible speaks of the destruction of the ungodly at God's war of Armageddon however Jehovah does not want Anyone to suffer destruction as we discussed earlier in this series of Articles the Bible clearly states that he desires all to attain to repentance Christian Elders imitate Jehovah as they patiently try to help wrongdoers to change their ways and be restored to Jehovah's favor however not all wrongdoers respond favorably some continue in a wrong course despite their 's repeated efforts To lead them to repentance what is to be done in such a situation so on paragraph 1

and two we've got first of all the a question how does Jehovah view willful sin thanks sister melencio in Psalm 130: 3 and4 uh Jehovah doesn't expect any Perfection for from the imperfect people but however in Psalm 5 4-6 he is not permissive God he doesn't condone the sin and but he requires respect in his righteous standards Thanks sister Rana get young Sienna please he requires that we respect his rightousness standards W which he has set forth for us in his word very good okay and brother uh um Albert thanks and to Jehovah standard uh

no one is above the law to Jehovah but he at the same time he doesn't not he doesn't tolerate ungodly men who turn his undeserved kindness into EXC for brushing conduct yes very Good let's have a look at the B question what is Jehovah's hope toward wrongdoers uh thanks sister tearin uh yeah as mentioned in second Peter 3:9 Jehovah does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desire all to attend to repentance very nice thank you and brother Arius so inspire of what Jehovah expects from all of us there will be those who won't respond

uh favorably in spite what The elders tried to do to help these ones uh return repeatedly uh there are those that just will not that will not actually respond or repent thanks brother arus so the question at the end of the paragraph there what is to be done in such a situation so let's uh dig into this in in paragraph three we've got the subheading remove the wicked person thanks brother Danny when a wrongdoer is unrepentant the elders have no choice But to follow the direction found at 1 Corinthians 5:13 remove the wicked person from

among yourselves in a sense the wrongdoer has chosen that consequence he is reaping what he has sown why can we say that because he has refused to respond to repeated attempts by the elders to lead him to repentance his actions show that he has chosen not to abide by Jehovah's standards paragraph 3 our a question What does the Bible say uh should be done with unrepentant Sinners we'll get brother Denzel Papa on Zoom please is unrepentant the elders have no choice but to follow the direction found at First Corinthians 513 remove the wicked person from

among the from among yourselves thanks very much brother Denzel okay so quite clear isn't it let's ask the B question why can we say that in a sense the wrongdoer has chosen To be removed from the congregation thanks uh sister m at Deuteronomy 1319 and 20 Jehovah put life and death before his people and encourage them to choose life similarly Elders will attempt to help the wrongdoer but if he uses his free will to ignore Jehovah's standards he he has decided for himself that he no longer wants to be part of the congregation yes very

good thanks for that okay let's have a look at paragraph Four when an unrepentant wrongdoer is removed from the congregation an announcement is made to inform the congregation that he is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses the purpose of that announcement is not to humiliate the wrongdoer rather it is to it is made so that the congregation can follow the scriptural admonition to stop keeping company with that person not even eating with him that direction is given for for Good reason the Apostle Paul wrote A little leaven Fen the whole batch of doe unrepentant wrongdoers

can weaken the determination of those who are trying to live by Jehovah's righteous standards okay paragraph four why is an announcement made when a unrepentant wrongdoer is removed from the congregation uh thanks um Sister Christina is 18:31 reminds us that God invites to turn from the evil ways even if someone Has left we do not see them as a loss cause but as someone who can still change and return okay thank you sister leaga and keeping in mind that a little Le F ferments the whole bch of th uh the purpose of the informing the

congregation that this person is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses it would be to in so the congregation is aware that they need to stop keeping company with that person not even eating with them yes very good and sister Crder and we're all familiar with the principles in 1 Corinthians chapter 15:33 bad Association for useful habits so the people we spend time with have a great influence on us whether for good or bad so it's V that the congregation are made aware of those who are going to be bad Associates for us yes very good

and there's a foot not I think sister um ferina um what is shown here is that the announcement is not to humiliate the wrong doorer it's just to protect the Congregation and that's why the the comment as site says that we don't refer them anymore as this fellowshipped but the person has been removed from the congregation so it's not intention to humiliate anybody that person has to be removed because because it's dangerous for the congregation okay thank you all right well let's have a look at paragraph five thanks uh brother Danny how then should we

view a fellow believer who is removed from the congregation although we do not socialize with him we should view him as a lost sheep not a lost cause a sheep that has strayed from the fold May well return remember that lost sheep dedicated himself to Jehovah sadly he's not living up to that dedication at present and that puts him In a dangerous position nevertheless as long as Jehovah's Mercy is available there is hope that that the person and will return how do the elders reflect that hope even toward a wrongdoer who has been removed from

the congregation paragraph five our question how should we view a person who has been removed from the congregation and why okay um we get brother um Tesla for Marco we should view him as a lost sheep yes okay very good and uh we'll hear from the ibenz family on Zoom um we should view them as lost shap not as a lost cause because there is always hope that they will return to the congregation there is a possibility that they will remember the love that they have for Jehovah and that they they dedicated themselves to him

my father for one was inactive for nearly 40 years that's four decades but just before the Pandemic he was able to come back to to the congregation with the help of the brothers and sisters so my takeaway is we can never say never and there is always hope very nice thanks for your personal comment there too um sister Yong Shin Lim please so Ezekiel 1831 say read yourself of all the uh transgression you have made committed and acquire new heart and new spirit for why should you die oh House of Israel so as long as

long as Jehovah's Mercy is available there's a hope that the person will return so we can pray for him as mentioned Ezekiel 18:31 to acquire new heart and new spirit to return to Jehovah as soon as possible very nice thanks s Yin brother C please so we want to take on the same view that Jehovah views them there's still a sheep that's a nice thought when you think about it um that they're still one of Jehovah's sheep they're lost They're not a goat they're not judged we we still want to view them as one of

Jehovah's lost sheep and and hopefully they'll return to Jehovah yes very good okay and sister melencio please and we have to remember too this L ship has been dedicated himself to Jehovah only at the present get a pressure of not leing up on that present of time so like a sheep that has strayed from the PO he will return yes very good we really feel the love from Jehovah when We consider these points don't we how how much he cares well that brings us to the subheading how the elders assist those who are removed paragraph

six thanks brother Furman is the individual who has been removed from the congregation abandoned left completely on his own to find his way back to Jehovah by no means when informing an unrepentant wrong to her that he will be he will be removed from the Congregation the committee of Elders will explain to him what's what steps he can take to return to the congregation but the elders will do even more in most cases they will tell the wrongdoer that they would like to meet with him again after a few months have passed to see if

he's had a change of heart if the wrongo is willing to meet with them again the elders will at that subsequent meeting make a warm appeal for him to repent and Return even if he has not had a change of heart at that time the elders will make periodic efforts to contact him in the future paragraph six our question what steps will the elders take to assist one who has been removed from the congregation thanks uh brother paneris yes we can say that the elders will make an effort to be in contact with the wrongdoer

as well as explaining to him explaining to him what he can do As well in the meantime okay thank you thanks sister Vina and we see that if their wrongdoer is not willing to me them the elders would subsequently ER will try to meet him we try to find that person and even if the person hasn't had a change of heart they will make periodic efforts to content him in the future so it's like Jehovah will never stop trying to find that lost sheep and attract him Back yes very nice thanks and brother bck thanks

here the paragraph use expression periodic efforts in relation to contacting him or her in the future so even if they visit them once and it doesn't seem to be a real positive thing doesn't seem like the person's had a change of heart they don't stop there they would then later on try to meet with them again and maybe they try to meet with them a few times over a period Of time yes very good so we want to understand why this is the case don't we so let's consider a little further in paragraph seven thanks

brother Ferman the elders strive to reflect Jehovah's compassion as they do with someone who has been removed from the congregation for example Jehovah did not wait for his Wayward people in ancient Israel to take the first step rather he took the initiative to reach out to them even before they showed any signs of Repentance as noted in the second article of this series Jehovah Illustrated his compassion by telling the prophet HOSA to offer reconciliation to his wife who was still sinning in Imitation of Jehovah Christian Elders genuinely want the wrongdoer to return and they do

not make it difficult for him to do so let's get a reader for jerem CH 3 verse2 we'll get young Mia down here thanks go go and Proclaim these words to The north return o Renegade Israel declares Jehovah I will not look down angrily on you for I am L declares Jehovah I will not stay resentful forever beautifully read thanks mayor so we've got the question there how do the elders reflect Jehovah's compassion when dealing with a person who has been removed from the congregation okay um Good Sister Oliva thanks well it's really touching how

Jehovah took the initiative to reach out To those who left him even before they showed signs of repentance and in Imitation of Jehovah the elders have a special responsibility to seek out those who have left and do this out of genuine care because it may be difficult for the person to know how to return on their own so the elders would want to show them that same compassion as Jehovah and make them feel at ease and comfortable to come back very nice thanks for that okay we get sister spti on Zoom Thanks yes The Ed

Show Jehovah's compassion by making it easier for the REM very nice thanks sister TCO sister K thanks and I love how Jehovah wants to repair the damaged relationship with his people when a sinner is repentant and seeks God's forgiveness Jehovah won't hold on to anger towards them he wants their resentful and this is because he is a loyal God as that scripture Mentions in Jeremiah so Elders to strive to imitate Jehovah by showing compassion and Mercy to those who are repentant and eagerly help them to restore their relationship with Jehovah yes very good thanks sister

melencio going back to paragraph six I like the way it's been said there were in Elders will do even more it's just like the same way with Jehovah in this uh explanation on paragraph 7 so the elders will not make it difficult for The wrong do to come yes that's a really important point isn't it that uh these ones feel that they can without too much impedance come back if there's been a change well let's have a look a little further in paragraph 8 recall Jesus parable of the lost son as discussed in the second

article of this series when catching sight of his son returning home the father ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him notice that the father did not wait for His son to beg for forgiveness rather he took the initiative as any loving father would the elders strive to show a similar attitude toward those who have strayed they want these lost sheep to come back home there is joy in heaven when a sinner returns and there is Joy on Earth as well okay let's get a reader for Luke 15 verse 7 thanks sister Kim I tell

you that in the same way There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous ones who have no need of repentance nicely read thanks for that so back to our theme scripture here and we've got the question how does jesus' parable of the lost son offer further insight into Jehovah's compassion and mercy thanks uh sister krupi the father in that Parable he didn't wait for his son um to ask forgiveness from him but he took the Initiative and the account says that while he was a long way off

his father ran embraced him and Tenderly kissed him so the elders have a similar attitude they want the lost sheep to come back yes very nice uh sister Ashley limb please um Luke 15:7 says that there's more joy in one sinner that repents um and like sister kupu said the uh the father in the parable um from a long way off he he ran to his son um and kissed And embraced him so uh we see that those who have stayed remain pre uh precious in Jehovah's eyes um so out of Jehovah's heart his compassionate

and merciful nature feels for them and he takes initiative in reaching out and wants them bring wants to bring them back home under his love and care very nice thanks for that and sister Vino please I love the expression in Luke 1524 what the father says he says for this son of mine was dead but has come To life again he was lost and has been found and they start to enjoy so he was there and I'm thinking he was hugging his son run to his son I'm thinking in the resurrection of the Dead when

we are going to run to meet our beloved people but when we lost a child or someone because they they left Jehovah we feel the same way so when they come back we want to hug them we're not going to wait for them to come to us and Jehovah is telling us that he was there they were Theread and now they are alive alive spiritually for Jehovah yes very nice thanks for drawing that comparison uh for us as well that's very powerful isn't it and it also helps us to appreciate like if you read that

read scripture there it talks about much more joy for that one than the 99 so if you put it in the the view of a resurrection your focus is where right there isn't it and that's where Jehovah's love and Attention rightly is and for the congregation Elders as well uh let's have a look at nine from what we have considered so far it is clear that Jehovah does not condone unrepentant wrongdoing however he does not turn his back on wrongdoers he wants them to return Jehovah's feelings toward repentant wrongdoers are expressed at her IA 14:4

I will heal their Unfaithfulness I will love them of my own free will because my anger has turned away what a strong incentive for elders to respond to any signs of repentance and what a strong incentive for those who have left Jehovah to return without delay paragraph nine how does Jehovah warmly appeal to Sinners uh thanks uh sister Gabby um Jehovah is such a loving God he appeals to Sinners at Hosea 14:4 which Says I will heal their unfaithfulness I will love them of my own free will because my anger has turned away he does

not refuse repentant Sinners into his Loving Arms instead he reaches out to them nobody can force Jehovah to do anything so him saying that he will love Sinners of his own free will means that he truly yearns to be with them from the bottom to the top of his heart very nice thanks uh thanks Bella not Bella Gabby please forgive me okay and uh sister Olivera thanks um Gabby answer was so amazing I I can't really top it but I also wanted to mention how Jehovah's motivation is always love um he doesn't hold on to

feelings of anger or hold grudges against those who have left him so this is a great example for um not just for the elders but for us to respond in the same way and make our love um the main Motivator to welcome those who have returned very nice thanks and brother Nicholson and just I Echo that I can't top sister gav is a wonderful comment but just to look at the if you flip it and say it's a really powerful point that Jehovah does it out of his Free Will what is he emphasized that because

you can do something begrudgingly and and as imperfect humans we can tend to do that we forgive someone begrudgingly and we kind of hold on to it for a bit And takes us a long time Jehovah doesn't do that he just forgives he wants you back he wants you to succeed and he wants you to have life yes very nice and brother CER please yeah I can't top Gabby's comment either it's not a competition but it is such a strong incentive for for those who have left to return when we think about it because as

that paragraph says he doesn't turn his back on wrongdoers he's looking for them He's watching them he's waiting he's he's almost pleading for wrongdoers to repent and come back and what joy that it does bring in heaven when they decide to do so yes very nice and they were all very nice comments okay well let's have a look at 1011 what about individuals who had who in the past were removed from the congregation perhaps many years ago such individuals may no longer be practicing the sin for which they were removed in Some situations they may

not even Recall why they were removed whatever the case the elders would try to locate and visit these individuals during such visits the elders will even offer to pray with them and make a warm appeal for them to return to the congregation of course if a person has been away from the congregation for many years he would no doubt be very weak Spiritually therefore if he indicates that he wants to return to the congregation the orders might arrange for someone to conduct a Bible study with him even though he has not yet been reinstated in

all cases the elders will be the ones to arrange for the Bible study in Imitation of Jehovah's compassion the orders one to reach out and help as many as possible to know that the door is open for them to come back when a sinner manifests repentance And abandons his wrong course he can be reinstated without delay 10 and 11 how will the elders try to help those who in the past were removed from the congregation thanks sister Schmidt well first of all Elders would have to uh um find out where these ones are living in

the territory and and then really by trying to help them will s of start a discussion with them and find out um you know if they really want to Get back into the truths and want to know what the future holds for them and then they can sort of uh encourage them to come to the meeting and well we well I'll leave it at that okay good very nice so there's some important things that it talks about here that the elders are going to Endeavor to do thanks brother AR so the lost sheep is not

left on its own to find its way back home so the Shepherds will then uh in spite of this Person still and they're not being reinstated into the congregations they will organize for a study with a person so as to help them back on that journey of uh uh being reinstated and helping them to heal spiritually because they've been out for a long time okay uh thanks brother Nicholson and we if if we just compare this to the ministry we're all involved in we call again and again on sometimes the same individuals who don't respond

don't respond and then they may At some point but we keep calling because we're imitating Jehovah's love so how much more important it is to call on the lost sheep and this is a responsibility given to the elders but it's not a one-off thing it's like the ministry it's called again and again in Imitation of Jehovah's love inviting them back to the congregation yes now there's an interesting point in here because it's something we may not have done before but what's the Direction about prayer thanks brother bck well when the elders Mee with someone who

has been removed even for some time they're able to offer to pray with them and seek Jehovah's guidance and help for this person and you could you could imagine uh meeting with them and also they would be speaking to the person loving way showing how Jehovah would like them to come back right and what About a Bible study at what point would it be appropriate to study with such ones because in the past we may not have done that until after their reinstatement thanks sister Leon as it's been mentioned previously that um the the person

that's been removed he may not uh even remember why he was disfellowshipped he may not even be conducting his life the way it was however if he does choose to um come back to the meetings that's Where the elders can provide and help him spiritually because in those years that he has not attended he would be very very spiritually weak so a lot of things have changed in the truth the updates the um the way the governing body is um conducting everything so there's a lot to learn very good so all of this is in

Imitation of what so these little refinements what are they demonstrating to us thanks brother Barnett it's demonstrating Jehovah's love and compassion the elders want to reach out and help as many to come back and know the door is still open for them yes very good so not obstacles but opening the path so it can be easy for ones to return that's the compassion of Jehovah isn't it well let's have look at paragraph 12 thanks brother Ferman in certain circumstances the elders need to be especially careful before reinstating someone for example If a person was guilty

of child abuse Bo or apostasy or if he schemed to end the marriage the elders would want to be sure that he is truly repentant they must protect the flock at the same time we need to realize that Jehovah will accept back any wrongdoer who shows genuine repentance and stops engaging in wrong conduct so although there was exercise due caution with those who have dealt treacherously with others they should Not go so far has to say that certain types of Sinners can never receive Jehovah's Mercy Okay so we've got two questions on 12 the a

question what situations requires require Elders to be especially careful thanks sister paneris so Elders need to be careful when considering to reinstate someone particularly if the individual has intentionally committed apostasy or caused significant harm to others even By the world standards so uh Elders need to be thorough to look at that person and see if they are genuinely repentant with Jehovah's attitude um balancing the need to support the individual with a responsibility to protect the congregation yes and what are they really looking for thanks sister mallik that the um individual themselves are truly repentant about

what they've done yeah Very good the big question why should we not feel that it is impossible for certain types of Sinners to receive Jehovah's mercy and there's a footnote you might like to comment on as well thanks sister an yeah at the same time Jehovah's Mercy is open to anyone who genuinely repents regardless of their past sins we should remember that no sin is beyond Jehovah's forgiveness if a person sincerely Abundance their wrongdoing this ass reassures us that Jehovah's Mercy can reach even those who have committed severe sins as long as they are truly

repentant very good and brother Barnett please and if we think of something like child abuse as terrible as it is it's not the unforgivable sin now footnote reminds us that the unforgivable sin is is not a particular type of sin but it's a sin committed with a hardened attitude that Is permanently opposed to God and none of us know who has committed unforgivable sin its only Jehovah okay and brother Nicholson thanks and and then these things can be very hard to deal with but again I liken it to the ministry this can take the pressure

off the elders their job is not to judge their job is to seek lead to repentance so we leave the rest to Jehovah he'll sort all of that out there's due diligence involved that's been brought Out but judging is for Jehovah yes very good okay so our next section what the congregation can do so let's uh ask brother Ferman to read 13 place as discussed in the preceding article sometimes an announcement is made that a person has been reproved in such a case we can continue to associate with him knowing that he repented and abandoned

his wrong course he is still part of the congregation and needs the encouragement that comes from Associating with fellow Believers however the situation is quite different with the person who has been removed from the Congress ation we stop keep we stop keeping company with that person not even eating with such a man okay 13 our question what is the difference between the way we treat someone who has been removed Sorry reproved by the elders and the way we treat someone who has been removed from the Congregation okay very willing hand there thanks Sienna we can

continue to associate with him oh when a person has been reproved he is still part of the congregation and we can continue to associate with him knowing that he repented and needs encouragement very nice thanks Sienna spot on okay what about someone who's been removed from the congregation you're just adjusting the mic or your Hand okay uh sister Maria thanks mallik uh we would apply 1 Corinthians 5:1 where it tells us that stop keeping company with that person not even eating with such a person or man yes very good okay so very clear Direction isn't

it we and we need clear Direction so that we Act appro rely towards these ones as Jehovah desires us to well let's find out a little more in 14 thanks brother Danny does what we have considered mean That we would completely ignore a person who has been removed from the congregation not necessarily certainly we would not socialize with him but Christians can use their Bible trained conscience in deciding whether to invite a person who was removed from the congregation perhaps a relative or someone they were close to previously to attend the congregation meeting what if

he attends in the past We would not greet such a person here again each Christian needs to use his Bible trained conscience in this matter some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person to the meeting however we would not have an extended conversation or socialize with the individual okay so paragraph 14 we've got the image here to consider as well uh the question how can Christians use Their Bible trained conscience in dealing with those who have been removed from the congregation there's a couple of areas here so he'd like to help us out

with this okay thanks brother barck well when we see the illustration we can uh see that uh someone's contact with someone of course that has been removed from the congregation perhaps they knew them quite well they could Have been a relative but even though they're not socializing with them um they've been able to extend an invitation to uh perhaps come to a meeting at the Kingdom them Hall while they're there of course it's just natural for them to say hello it doesn't mean that uh suddenly Everything's changed because even though this person's still removed from

the congregation that uh of course they don't socialize with them uh because of Their situation okay thanks for that is s Vino please and if that person comes to the meeting some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person to the meeting we are not going to have an extended conversation or socialize but U we are going to as we see in the picture maybe the sister invited the person that has been removed she came to the meeting and the sister is welcoming her why because Jehovah is welcoming anybody who wants to change and

repent okay very good sister Millen so this is the use of our Bible trained conscience so if not someone who is removed and then very close to us or we know them in the previous it's our conscience that will tell us that whether we can we like to invite or not but then if we do that and then they attended is still again our Bible Trained conscience to be to be used on this to act on our on our action whether we are going to greet them or ex or or just like a simple greetings

yes so what isn't it though so we see there's a a greeting what isn't going to happen thanks sister mallik we're not going to engage in an extended conversation with them or socialize with them later yeah very good so just a simple nice to have you along Welcome and that just breaks the I and uh helps them to feel a little more relaxed about being there so we appreciate that don't we in the direction that we're given but we're not Bible train conscience doesn't allow us to go further than that because that's not the direction

well let's have a look then it's 15 some may wonder doesn't the bible say that a Christian who says a greeting to such a person becomes a sharer in his Wicked works the context of this scripture shows that this direction refers to apostates and others who actively promote wrong conduct therefore if a person is actively promoting apostate teachings or other wrongdoing the elders would not arrange to visit him of course there is hope that he will come to his senses until that happens though we would neither greet such a person nor invite him to attend

the Congregation meeting okay paragraph 15 and we've got the box where John and Paul dis sorry were John and Paul discussing the same kind of sin so you can bring some points up from that before we do that we'll get a reader for 2 John chapter 6-9 thanks we'll get Sister Charlotte thanks everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teachings of the Christ does not have God the one who does remain in his teaching is the one Who has both the father and the son if anyone comes to you and does not

have does not bring this teaching do not receive him into your home or say a greeting to him for the one who has a greeting to to him is a Sherer in his Wicked Works nicely read thanks Charlotte so our question then what type of Sinners are described in 2 John chapter 9 sorry not chapter 9 2 john: 9 to1 and we've also got the box to consider here thanks sister Nicholson so the context of this scripture is actually dealing with particular individuals those that are apostates and those that are actively promoting wrong conduct so

either of these groups are ones who we would neither greet nor um invite them to attend a meeting okay thank you very good thanks brother crder yeah the beginning of that verse uh nicely describes the the disposition of ones like this the Pates are the ones Promoting wrongdoing they push ahead they so they they're going outside the the teaching of the truth the teaching of Jesus Christ uh they're pushing ahead trying to uh form their own opinions on things so we wouldn't want to be around them right so the Box helps us to discern the

difference the of these two accounts so we've got what John was speaking about but what about Paul how is that a different Circumstance uh thanks brother Arius so John was speaking about the apostasy that had been perhaps been infiltrated into the congregation by certain individuals but Paul now is talking about someone who's committing sexual immorality he was not referring to someone who had been an apostate nor was he actively teaching others to violate God's standard uh so that is where the difference comes in as to when They could associate with him yes and the instruction

that Paul gave how did it differ thanks sister mullik I don't know if I got it right but um there's a period of time that talks about um John writing his work and That Was Then 43 years later uh yeah okay brother Nicholson thanks yeah so um John wasn't adding or building on what Paul was they're two separate Things and Paul when he said separate or or um not have meals with this one didn't say don't greet them yes very good so little Clarity there and and really helps us to appreciate that clearer Direction well

let's uh have a look at our final subheading imitate Jehovah's compassion and mercy we'll read 16 and 17 thanks brother Danny what have we learned in this five-part series Jehovah does not want anyone to be destroyed he Wants Sinners to be reconciled to him that is why throughout history Jehovah has repeatedly urged his Wayward people as well as Wayward individuals to repent and return to him congregation Elders are privileged to be fellow workers with Je Jehovah as they strive to lead wrongdoers to repentance imagine the joy in heaven when Sinners repent our heavenly father Jehovah

personally experiences that joy every time one of his lost sheep returns To the congregation our love for Jehovah continues to deepen as we meditate on his compassion mercy and undeserved kindness thanks so much for your reading today brother Ferman okay so 16 and 17 we've got to read scripture Ezekiel 18 verse 32 um we'll get sister doden Place do not take any pleasure in the death of anyone declare The Sovereign Lord Jehovah so turn back and leave very Nice thanks for that sister doden so our a question on 16 and 177 what does je ever

wants Sinners to do based on what we've just read there okay thanks um brother de for Marco Jehovah went close to him yes very good okay and uh sister um Hannah um Jehovah want the Sinners to reconcile to him and he didn't want the anyone to be destroyed like uh what stated in Ezekiel 18:32 he said I do not Take any pleasure in the death of anyone so he he always encouraged to turn back and leave yes very good okay so Jehovah is quite clear isn't he the big question how can Elders show themselves to

be fellow workers with Jehovah when trying to help wrongdoers thanks sister Nicholson so that um scripture in Romans 2 verse4 in part talks about uh Jehovah in his kindness is trying to lead you to repentance so Jehovah um the elders as His fellow workers want to show that same attitude they really want to show that kindness in leading those wrongdoers to repentance as Jehovah did yes very good so what an important uh role we we can have in helping those ones and reflecting uh Jehovah's beautiful qualities in in doing that well interesting five articles and

really help us to align our thinking more closely with the scriptural uh Revealed truths there how would you answer these questions why do some need to be removed from the congregation okay sister baret uh we learned that when an unrepentant wrongdoer refuses to respond to repeated attempts by the elders to lead him to repentance this actually uh clearly shows that he had chosen not to follow uh Jehovah's standards so the elders don't have a choice but to follow the direction in 1 Corinthians 513 where It says remove the wicked person among yourselves nicely covered thanks

for that okay our next one how can Elders reflect Jehovah's compassion U let's hear from the fines on Zoom please right yes the elders have a very important work sometimes a difficult work but they want to work along with Jehovah Jehovah wants uh Sinners to repent and uh as the elders work along with them they're manifesting that same Course of Jehovah so uh and if as the person abandons and his wrong course the point Point has made that he can be reinstated without delay what a privilege the brothers have the elders that is to work

along with Jehovah and show those fine qualities yes very good so does that mean that Elder's just sit and wait is that uh the spirit that uh we're seeing that Jehovah Showed thanks sister Vina no we saw how Jehovah Time After Time send the prophet send his people for example H he Illustrated his compassion by telling the prophet Hosea even to go and look for his wife showing how was he was going to forgive if they live the wrong ways so the elders should be doing the same thing going to the person regularly trying to

see the person has changed your minds reflected on what he have done and change yes very good and Thanks brother C in the story of the lost son held the father ran to the son and Tenderly kissed him and that's exactly how elders reflect Jehovah's beautiful qualities uh reaching out going to that trying trying again and again to try to lead that one to repentance yes very good and brother Nicholson yeah and these um changes actually in um many respects mean a little bit more work for the elders in terms of how they help an

individual so Really reasoning on the scriptures previously it was a bit more just how you repentant right at this moment now it's really trying to help them to see what's happened lead them to repentance and hopefully they can stay or leave them so that then there's followup meetings so that they can return at a future time yes very good and sister molik please yes Jeremiah 3:12 and part says Jehovah say his return he will not Continue to be angry at them as he is loyal and he will not remain resentful so similar to the elders

will not make it difficult for the ones that want to wish to return to Jehovah thanks sister mallik all right our final review Point here how can individuals in the congregation use their Bible trained conscience when dealing with those who have been removed uh thanks sister Lim we can use our uh Bible train Conscience when deciding whether to invite a person who has been removed from the congregation to a meeting or to welcome the individuals to meet to the meeting with a simple greeting okay thank you thanks sister Vina we saw two cases in the

case of someone that is an apostate or is actively doing something against Jehovah's organization and spirit H we won't call or look for them It's a completely different thing if someone did something wrong as in First Corinthians and is invited someone rings come to the meeting we're going to maybe say hi but not socialize but it's a completely different attitude and behavior with one and the other one right so a Bible trained conscience might may allow us to say a greeting but it won't allow us to what thanks brother barck yeah greeting is one thing

but it Won't allow us to socialize with this person yes so we're not keeping company and brother Nicholson yeah so in fact the latter part the conscience doesn't come into it and it's a direction don't say that's not the conscience isn't involved but the first part the conscience is evolved do we feel comfortable to greet One and where Jehovah is showing his love and expressing that we need to now think about this think how we will handle this Situation with our Bible trained conscience and articles like these yes very good so as you reflect on

these five studies that have all been about uh really Jehovah's attitude towards those who are lost and and so forth what have you perhaps come to realize even more than before about our heavenly father Jehovah thanks brother doden yeah the last sentence in our article he sums it up I guess all this Five series article was driven by Jehovah's compassion mercy and in deserved kindness we can see how Jehovah has large heart and love for us uh will impel us to do whatever we can to help each other because at the end of the day

we are all his humans do um sons and daughters and he want all of us to attain to uh to to life Everlasting under his kingdom so he wants us to do whatever we can to keep following his um righteous principle and be able to to Enjoy life forever as is purpose for mankind yes that's very good and brother um bnet and we know Jehovah doesn't view things as a number or numeric value to determine when someone's to be welcome back into the congregation it all boils down to the heart condition and and the repentance

shown by the individual it's it's not a number or amount of time that we have to wait yes you know earlier in our discussions that use an expression About Jehovah put in place arrangements to rescue mankind so each and every one of us and all we've done through these studies is just further refined and discovered the full extent of that uh rescue operation and right down to today even those who have left him and still May uh have that opportunity to return to him there's a rescuer arrangement in place for everyone so doesn't that warm

your heart to realize that's the god that we serve and that we love so we can Rejoice in that can't we well that brings us to the end of our discussion so I don't know if you remember on um Monday night we let you know there was going to be a practice emergency evacuation today so what we're going to do is uh conclude with our final song and we'll follow that with a prayer and then following that we'll make some announcements as to what we will do next uh so if you can all just be

seated after the final Prayer okay well let's um sing song 111 and uh very appro appropriately uh entitled our reason for Joy so let's join in singing song 100 11 how to help those who have been removed from the congregation it is natural for us all to feel deeply affected when someone we love has been removed from the congregation we feel sadness and concern hoping that they will reflect and return To the relationship they once had with Jehovah to help those who have been disfellowshipped it is important to remember that Jehovah also wants them to

return to him he is a god of love and does not take pleasure in the loss of any of his servants as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:9 Jehovah does not desire anyone to be destroyed but wants all to attain repentance this verse helps us see Jehovah's sincere desire to see those Who are separated return to his side reflecting Jehovah's attitude toward repentance imitating Jehovah moves us to be patient and show a balanced attitude toward those who have been disfellowshipped let us remember that discipline has a loving purpose Hebrews 12:11 assures us that no discipline seems

Pleasant at the time but painful however to those who have been Trained by it afterward it yields a peaceful fruit namely righteousness this motivates us to trust that discipline can be the first step toward Restoration in this way the genuine love we feel for those who have left the congregation prompts us to follow Jehovah's instructions Although our communication may be limited our respectful and loving treatment reflects Jehovah's desire for Them to return to him keeping the hope of restoration alive for many family members and Friends discipline can be a time of waiting but this period

can also be one of Faith and Hope let us remember that the prodigal son was welcomed with open arms when he returned after reflecting and changing Luke 15:20 this account helps us see the joy Jehovah feels when one of his servants returns to his Organization when you maintain an attitude of hope you reflect Jehovah and the spirit of his organization which is ready to welcome anyone who returns with a repentant heart this Spirit as shown in 2 Corinthians 2:7 encourages Christian to comfort him so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sadness it shows

us that encouragement and hope are essential in the process of restoration prayer a powerful Resource during this time prayer becomes a fundamental support asking Jehovah to touch the hearts of those who have been disfellowshipped reflects our sincere desire for them to return we can plead for Him to guide them to instill in them the desire to reflect and return to the congregation as James 5:116 reminds us the supplication of a righteous man has great power in this way our prayers act as a silent force that keeps the Connection with Jehovah alive hope for return and

restoration let us remember that the process of restoration is an expression of Jehovah's Mercy those who return with a repentant heart will find Jehovah to be a compassionate God ready to receive them back into his people it is not only an opportunity for reconciliation but also a testament to Jehovah's loyal love and his desire that none should be lost just as Jehovah Showed Mercy to David after his sincere repentance he shows Mercy to all who desire to return fostering hope and showing patience as a congregation we can do our part by Faithfully following Jehovah's instructions

and demonstrating patience confidence and love toward those who were removed Jehovah values our efforts as they reflect his own desire to see all his servants return and be restored in Their relationship with him it is a privilege to act in harmony with his love and mercy always remembering that the goal of discipline is to bring the person back in this way way we reflect Jehovah's Spirit who does not Delight in the loss of any of his servants 2 John 10:11 if anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching do not receive him into

your home or say a greeting to Him for the one who greets him shares in his Wicked works this counsel from John's letter reminds us of the importance of maintaining a clean and faithful relationship with Jehovah John writes these words as a warning especially to protect the faith and spirituality of Christians he encourages us to be firm and cautious regarding those who promote teachings or ideas that are not in harmony with the Scriptures spiritual protection in the home when John mentions do not receive him into your home or say a greeting he is referring to

the protection that each Christian should have in their life and in their home in biblical times receiving someone at home or greeting them implied acceptance and in a way approval of their teachings or way of life by avoiding these interactions we demonstrate our desire to keep our home Free from influences that could draw our loyalty away from Jehovah the danger of false teachings John mentions that those who promote ideas not in harmony with Christ's teaching are involved in Wicked works this may include false doctrines or practices that contradict biblical Truth by following the counsel to

avoid greeting or receiving such people we protect our faith and show loyalty to Jehovah and his Truth this does not mean we are unkind or disrespectful but we avoid any complicity with teachings contrary to the scriptures remaining loyal to Jehovah applying this warning in our lives means staying loyal to Jehovah and to his organization we show that we deeply value our relationship with him and want to protect our Spirituality by avoiding any form of support for ideas that oppose the scriptures we testify to our firmness and confidence in the teaching we receive in the congregation

the importance of loyalty in times of trial sometimes we may face trials that challenge our loyalty to the truth however remembering the council in 2 John 10 11 helps us see the importance of staying firm and Resolute by following this Biblical advice we give a clear example that our loyalty to Jehovah is the most important thing in our life just as there is joy in heaven over the return of a sinner we too can find Joy when we see someone making progress in their repentance each step each sincere effort is a victory not only for

the individual but for the congregation and above all for Jehovah when we help others to return we Are part of that celebration that takes place in heaven this verse reminds us that Jehovah is not just a judge he is a father who deeply loves his children and rejoices when they see the importance of being close to him Luke 15:7 offers us a message of Hope and unconditional love no matter how far someone may have been from Jehovah each Act of sincere repentance triggers a celebration in heaven this reminds us of the Great Value each of

us has in Jehovah's eyes he not only waits for us to return He rejoices and celebrates each step we take on the path back to his friendship let us imitate Jehovah's compassion and mercy Ezekiel 18:32 reminds us of an essential truth about Jehovah I do not take any pleasure in the death of anyone declares The Sovereign Lord Jehovah so repent and live this verse reveals Jehovah's Merciful heart and his deep desire that all people choose the path of life rather than Desiring punishment or the destruction of the wicked Jehovah shows us his compassion by giving

each person the opportunity to change their life and draw closer to him imitating this compassion means seeing others not as lost causes but as people with the potential to repent and be restored to reflect Jehovah's Mercy we must learn to be patient and Understanding with the mistakes of others just as he has shown us Mercy by giving us the chance to repent we too should be willing to give that time and space to those seeking to change instead of rushing to judge criticize let us remember that Jehovah looks at the heart and values sincere efforts

this perspective helps us support those who are struggling to find their way showing them the same love and patience we have received moreover Imitating Jehovah's compassion moves us to act in order to help those who are spiritually in need when we see someone weakened in faith or facing difficulties our desire should be to extend a helping hand and provide the encouragement they need just as Jehovah Longs for all to live we too want to help others find life through a close relationship with him this compassionate attitude not only benefits those we help but also strengthens

our own faith and love for Jehovah by cultivating a compassionate and merciful Spirit we reflect Jehovah's beautiful personality and his desire for all to return to him recognizing that Jehovah does not take pleasure in the destruction of anyone teaches us to view people with hope trusting in the power of his love to transform Hearts May each of us strive to imitate this wonderful quality of our God being a source of support patience and love for those who seek to draw closer to him