martini58
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Message Posted: Nov 22, 2011 5:28:29 AM
Frieda found herself back in court and was sentenced to six years in prison. "This time I was with fellow believers, and the association was a great help." Upon her release in 1956, she moved to West Germany. At 90 years of age, Frieda now lives in Husum, still serving the true God, Jehovah.
Frieda experienced 23 years of persecution under two dictatorships. "The Nazis tried to destroy me physically; the Communists tried to break my spirit. Where did I get the strength? Good Bible study habits while enjoying freedom, constant prayer when in isolation, association with fellow believers whenever possible, and sharing my beliefs with others at every opportunity."
Excerpt taken from the article published by Jehovah's Witnesses/ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
They Triumphed Over Persecution
[Edited by: martini58 at 11/22/2011 5:28:58 AM EST]
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martini58
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Message Posted: Sep 10, 2011 6:01:07 PM
Religious Persecution-Why?
Jehovah's Witnesses strive to be law-abiding, peaceful, and morally upright people. They do not oppose governments or seek confrontations with them, nor do they provoke persecution because they want to be martyrs. These Christians are politically neutral. This is in harmony with Jesus' words: "[My followers] are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." (John 17:16) Most governments acknowledge the Witnesses' neutral stand. But totalitarian rulers have little respect for the Biblical requirement that Christians should be no part of the world.
Excerpt taken from above link published by Jehovah's Witnesses/ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
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Jedidiah
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Message Posted: Nov 20, 2010 3:01:57 PM
Sustained through terrible trials:
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martini58
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Message Posted: Jul 11, 2010 8:45:15 PM
Religious Persecution In Georgia-How Much Longer?
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martini58
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Message Posted: Apr 3, 2010 7:51:51 PM
"I Admired His Incredible Determination"
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martini58
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Message Posted: Dec 7, 2009 3:39:34 PM
They Triumphed Over Persecution
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martini58
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Message Posted: Aug 16, 2009 9:18:25 PM
Religious Persecution Why?
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martini58
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Message Posted: Jun 20, 2009 11:50:31 PM
Under the topic, "Jehovah's Witnesses-Courageous in the Face of Nazi Peril" the article relates:
By Awake! Correspondent in Germany
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES are well-known for their firm adherence to God's Word, the Bible. This often calls for courage, and it certainly affects their lives and their relationships with others.
For example, the Witnesses have deep regard for people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. They love God and their neighbor. (Matthew 22:35-40) Indeed, they are in full agreement with the apostle Peter, who declared: "For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him."—Acts 10:34, 35.
Jehovah's Witnesses are also known worldwide for their respect for law, order, and governmental authority. They have never been a seedbed of insurrection and never will be. This is true even when they are persecuted in some lands because of their taking the apostolic position: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men." (Acts 5:29; Matthew 24:9) At the same time, the Witnesses recognize the right of others to worship in harmony with the dictates of their conscience.
The courageous Christian stand of Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany and other lands dominated by Adolf Hitler is a matter of record. A notable event in Berlin, Germany, in 1933 illustrates their courage, their love for God and neighbor, and their respect for law, order, and religious freedom.
Read the rest of the link found in the archives above....
published by Jehovah's Witnesses/ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
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martini58
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Message Posted: Jan 12, 2009 8:17:37 PM
EXCERPT TAKEN FROM:
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES COURAGEOUS IN THE FACE OF NAZI PERIL
By Awake! Correspondent in Germany
What Happened When Hitler Came to Power?
On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Germany's new chancellor. In the beginning, the Hitler government worked to conceal its violent and extremist nature. Hence, the Witnesses, along with millions of other Germans in early 1933, viewed the National Socialist Party as the legitimate ruling authority of the time. The Witnesses hoped that the National Socialist (Nazi) government would realize that this peaceable, law-abiding Christian group posed no subversive threat to the State. This was no offer to compromise Bible principles. As has been the case in other lands, the Witnesses wanted to inform the government of the true nonpolitical nature of their religion.
It quickly became apparent that Jehovah's Witnesses were to be among the first targets of brutal Nazi suppression. The Witnesses were again branded as accomplices in an alleged Bolshevik-Jewish conspiracy. A campaign of persecution began.
Why would such a small religious community attract the fury of the new regime? Historian Brian Dunn identifies three fundamental reasons: (1) the international scope of the Witnesses, (2) their opposition to racism, and (3) their position of neutrality toward the State. Because of their Scriptural views, the German Witnesses refused to give the Hitler salute, to support the National Socialist Party, or later on to participate in military activities.—Exodus 20:4, 5; Isaiah 2:4; John 17:16.
As a result, the Witnesses endured threats, interrogations, house searches, and other harassment by the police and SA (Hitler's Sturmabteilung, storm troopers, or Brownshirts). On April 24, 1933, officials seized and shut down the Watch Tower office in Magdeburg, Germany. After a thorough search yielded no incriminating evidence, and under pressure from the U.S. State Department, the police returned the property. By May 1933, though, the Witnesses were banned in several German states.
Witnesses Take Courageous Action
During this early period, Hitler carefully cultivated his public image as a champion of Christianity. He proclaimed his commitment to religious freedom, promising to treat Christian denominations "with objective justice." In order to enhance his image, the new chancellor made appearances in churches. This was a time when many people in countries that later would be at war with Germany were expressing admiration for Hitler's achievements.
Concerned about the rising tensions in Germany, Joseph F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, together with the Germany branch office manager, Paul Balzereit, decided to mount a campaign to inform Chancellor Hitler, government officials, and the public that Jehovah's Witnesses posed no threat to the German people and the State. Rutherford evidently believed that Hitler was unaware of the attacks against Jehovah's Witnesses or that he had been misinformed by religious elements regarding the Witnesses.
Therefore, the Magdeburg office arranged a convention to make use of the German citizens' right of petition. On short notice, Jehovah's Witnesses from all over Germany were invited to the Wilmersdorfer Tennishallen in Berlin on June 25, 1933. About 5,000 delegates were expected. Despite the hostile atmosphere, more than 7,000 courageously attended. The delegates adopted a resolution entitled "Declaration of Facts." This document protested the restrictions that had been put on the work of the Witnesses. It made a clear statement of their position and denied charges of seditious links with political causes of any sort. It stated:
"We are wrongfully charged before the ruling powers of this government . . . We do respectfully ask the rulers of the nation and the people to give a fair and impartial consideration to the statement of facts here made."
"We have no fight with any persons or religious teachers, but we must call attention to the fact that it is generally those who claim to represent God and Christ Jesus who are in fact our persecutors and who misrepresent us before the governments."
Published by Jehovah's Witnesses/ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
Posted by Martin
[Edited by: martini58 at 1/12/2009 8:18:34 PM EST]
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Jedidiah
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Message Posted: Jun 24, 2008 6:00:16 PM
“Stand Firm”—Do Not Stumble
THE greatest issue facing mankind today is that of universal sovereignty. Jehovah invites us to take a stand and be counted in this matter by submitting to his appointed King, Christ Jesus. There is an urgent need to respond to his invitation, and in just the past five years, more than a million individuals have done so. But these have found that more is involved in taking a stand than merely a onetime decision to serve Jehovah. There must be a lifelong dedication. Will we maintain our stand when the going gets difficult? Or will we gradually weaken, after initially ‘standing firm’?—1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 2:1.
If you have not found the Christian course easy, take comfort from the knowledge that the same was true of Jesus Christ. Yes, even God’s only-begotten Son had to pray for strength in order to maintain his stand, especially when his supreme test was approaching. Picture him in the garden of Gethsemane, praying earnestly: “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this cup from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.” (Mark 14:36) He knew that the course ahead was difficult. He was especially aware that his Father’s name would be affected. Hence, the only perfect man on earth was not ashamed to ask for help.
When the going gets difficult for us, we have the same source of strength that Jesus had. We can pray to Jehovah for help so that we do not stumble or fall. But what kind of hazards may present themselves to make us stumble? Knowing this and preparing in advance may perhaps help us to avoid stumbling.
Persecution Can Stumble Us
The Bible warns: “All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Persecution can cause us to stumble, and it comes in many forms. (Mark 4:17) It may be legal bans—bringing the danger of imprisonment and even death—mob violence, faith-sapping day-to-day opposition of a determined, opposed mate, or constant mockery of schoolmates.
Persecution is difficult to endure, but we are warned that it will occur in one form or another. Hence, we can build up our faith now and learn to rely on Jehovah’s strength so that when the time comes, we will endure in that strength. (1 Peter 4:13, 14; 5:6-11) However, stumbling blocks are often more subtle than the vicious assault of persecution.
Disappointments Can Weaken Faith
Who does not remember the crushed feeling that came when we were children and felt let down? Do you recall the time when Dad promised a special treat for the family and then for some reason changed his mind? Or the time he was going to take you to the zoo and at the last minute had to cancel out? How disappointed you were!
Adult Christians too can be disappointed, and this has in some cases led to spiritual disaster. Some set their hope on a date when they were sure Armageddon would come. When nothing happened on that day, they felt let down. Others were disappointed when a hoped-for privilege did not materialize. Moreover, people can be disappointing. One 18-year-old girl told her parents that she was so disappointed in the conduct of some of the young men in the congregation—and the failure of their parents to discipline them—that she wanted nothing more to do with the truth.
While disappointment is understandable under all these circumstances, should the disappointed ones be stumbled out of their relationship with Jehovah? Imagine Jesus’ disappointment when his apostles persisted in arguing over who was the greatest among them, thus betraying an ambitious attitude. (Luke 9:46; 22:24) Imagine, too, Job’s disappointment when the three companions who were supposed to be there to help him turned on him and started questioning his faithfulness! (Job 22:5-10) Yet, Jesus and Job did not stumble.
All humans are weak, so it would be unreasonable to let others’ failings affect our relationship with Jehovah. (Psalm 51:5) The imperfection of some should not blind us to the wonderful work Jehovah is doing as he gathers “all things together again in the Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9, 10) Keep in mind that it is imperfect, fallen humans like us that Jehovah is gathering, humans who need discipline and refining in order to grow strong. (Psalm 130:3) Our enemy is not our imperfect Christian brother but Satan, who wants to devour us if he can. He will not succeed if we ‘take our stand against him, solid in the faith.’ (1 Peter 5:8, 9) If we have such faith, we will by no means “come to disappointment.”—Romans 9:33.
Self-Condemnation Can Destroy
Some have lost their relationship with Jehovah God because of a sense of unworthiness. Conscious of their own weaknesses and shortcomings, they come to the conclusion that Jehovah would never accept their service. They feel that for someone like them to claim to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is just hypocrisy. Have you ever been hard on yourself like that? If so, you should fight against such feelings.
Do you feel unworthy to serve Jehovah? Then ask yourself, ‘Who is worthy of this great privilege?’ All Christians have a constant fight against their own imperfections. Even the apostle Paul complained: “When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.” (Romans 7:21) Was Paul a hypocrite because he sometimes did things that were wrong? No. A hypocrite is one who pretends to be what he is not. If we strive to do what is right but slip occasionally in spite of ourselves, is that making a pretense about something? Of course not.
The Bible exhorts us to “put on the new personality.” (Ephesians 4:24) Does that mean, though, that we lose all the traits of the old personality? No. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul said that the new personality is “being made new” through accurate knowledge. (Colossians 3:9, 10) The expression “being made new” implies a continuing action. So changing our personality is an ongoing process. It is not surprising, then, that on occasion we discover flaws in ourselves.
This is not, of course, to minimize the seriousness of sin, nor does it mean that we can give in to temptation without a fight, assuming that Jehovah will automatically forgive us. But it does help us not to be unreasonably critical of ourselves. And it makes us love Jehovah all the more because he provided Christ’s ransom sacrifice so that we can serve Him in spite of our inherently sinful nature.
The apostle John presented a balanced view of the matter when he said: “I am writing you these things that you may not commit a sin.” But then he realistically added: “Yet, if anyone does commit a sin [due to human imperfection], we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 2:1) Rather than being excessively self-condemning, this insight into our condition and the help Jehovah has provided leads us to echo Paul’s words: “Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”—Romans 7:25.
Do Not Stay Stumbled
Jesus gave a stern warning to any who might be a cause for stumbling: “Whoever stumbles one of these little ones who put faith in me, it is more beneficial for him to have hung around his neck a millstone such as is turned by an ass and to be sunk in the wide, open sea.” (Matthew 18:6) But what about the one stumbled? If we are stumbled by somebody or some circumstance, should we excuse ourselves and say, “Well, it isn’t my fault, so I won’t serve Jehovah anymore”?
Consider an illustration. Have you ever slipped on a patch of ice or tripped over a step? Perhaps the hazard took you by surprise. It is understandable that you found yourself sprawled on the ground. But what did you do next? Did you say: “It’s not my fault that I am lying here. It’s the ice [or the step] that is to blame. So I will not get up again”? More likely, you stood up and walked away from the embarrassing scene as quickly as possible.
Would not the same be true in spiritual matters? If we are offended by some circumstance or by some fellow Christian, that is a serious problem that should be handled. However, if we stay stumbled, insisting on blaming someone else for our problem, is it not true that our situation becomes more and more our own fault?
Happily, if we are stumbled, the elders and other mature ones in the congregation are more than willing to help. (Galatians 6:1) And Jehovah himself gives strength to those who desire to serve him despite difficulties. (Philippians 4:13) So we should always be ready to ask for help if it seems that something is going to interfere with our firm stand for Jehovah and his Kingdom. Then we will not give Satan a victory by being stumbled and staying down.
Where Do You Stand?
Each day, dedicated servants of God face issues that test their devotion to Jehovah. No matter what they have to contend with, they must stand up and be counted on the side of Jehovah’s Messianic King. The powerful rulers of this earth have taken their stand “against Jehovah and against his anointed one.” What a privilege we have to stand for him!—Psalm 2:2.
However, we cannot stand against the influence of this whole world system on our own, so we are comforted by Jesus’ promise to be with his congregation “until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 28:20) He will support us. In addition, great help comes when we stick close to Jehovah and seek support from him. Turning to his Word can give us strength. When we may feel unable to bear up, Psalm 55:22 invites us to ‘throw our burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain us. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.’ Yes, the Bible urges all of God’s people to “stand firm in the faith”—and not to stumble.—1 Corinthians 16:13.
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Jedidiah
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Maine
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Message Posted: Apr 19, 2006 12:49:43 AM
What does it mean to be no part of the world?
Jesus said: "17 Jesus spoke these things, and, raising his eyes to heaven, he said: “Father, the hour has come; glorify your son, that your son may glorify you, 2 according as you have given him authority over all flesh, that, as regards the whole [number] whom you have given him, he may give them everlasting life. 3 This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ. 4 I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do. 5 So now you, Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.
6 “I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word. 7 They have now come to know that all the things you gave me are from you; 8 because the sayings that you gave me I have given to them, and they have received them and have certainly come to know that I came out as your representative, and they have believed that you sent me forth. 9 I make request concerning them; I make request, not concerning the world, but concerning those you have given me; because they are yours, 10 and all my things are yours and yours are mine, and I have been glorified among them.
11 “Also, I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world and I am coming to you. Holy Father, watch over them on account of your own name which you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are. 12 When I was with them I used to watch over them on account of your own name which you have given me; and I have kept them, and not one of them is destroyed except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and I am speaking these things in the world in order that they may have my joy in themselves to the full. 14 I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.
15 “I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one. 16 They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. 17 Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth."
What do Jesus' words mean to you? How can you too strive to be no part of the world?
Jedidiah
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