Srecko Sostar

Such a flippant remark, It seems how our friend @TrueTomHarley speaking how it is "normal" to be deceived with "end-date call". I can agree with reality how always exists individuals or groups who are masters in deceiving and manipulation of other people. And we all can be their victims. JW members are not first and not last people who were/are/will be successfully deceived with "end-date call". But it is also true how WTJWorg leaders aka GB, supported and associated in collaboration with with Elders, very successfully from generation to generation of JW members, keep in force, maintain all those expectations about Armageddon. At the same time, they accuse unnamed individuals/members of being guilty of erroneous expectations and interpretations of the text in publications and public speeches. GB members with the help of the administrative apparatus (Helpers, Elders), place possible outcomes based on interpretations of the biblical text. GB are flippant (or not?) and members are flippant. Thanks to God some of us escaped from such condition.

I am completely agree with conclusion in Your first/second sentence. Up vote :)) However, I’m not sure what it means, generally, and/or what do You mean with; to have the right or wrong attitude when it comes to "wanting and expecting that something (promises from Bible or God or GB) to be fulfilled in our lifetime".

How were Jehovah's Witnesses taught in 1941 about Armageddon? And marriage/children? Does that remind you of 1975? Or of some periods of time in JW teachings before and after these years? Don’t be bored and find it difficult to review the statements written in the main magazine The Watchtower, the 1941 edition. And the newly published book of the same year by the President of the Society, Judge Rutherford. The book is called Children. The author dedicated this book, as well as many others, to the Creator. Today, after such a long time lag, we may ask, could all these doctrines and teachings have been accepted by the Creator to whom they were dedicated? And we may ask many more! So, do you ready? Put on your seat belt! WT magazines quotes about Armageddon in the year 1941 All the physical facts now indicate the battle of Armageddon is quite near, when the real fighting takes place and the enemy will be destroyed. January 1 Page 10 They see the evidence corroborating scriptures that Armageddon is very near, when God will avenge the wrongs of his people. January 1 Page 11 THAT THE RELIEF and blessings of the peoples of earth can come only by and through Jehovah's kingdom under Christ, which has now begun; January 15 Page 2 It therefore appears to be certain that Armageddon, that great battle of God Almighty, is near at hand. January 15 Page 19 When will Jehovah put an end to wickedness in the earth' The Scriptures answer that at the time 'when the wicked spring up like grass and the lawless flourish'. That is now, because never was there so much wickedness on earth; and that means that Armageddon is very near. (Ps. 92: 7,8 ) February 1 Page 44 This Testimony Period, covering the month of April, will be world-wide, and brings to a climax the three-month campaign With The Watchtower. Those looking for the early appearance of "the sign" for Armageddon to begin will not slack the hand in this final month of the campaign, but rather intensify their efforts, and unquestionably more Theocratic publishers will enter the field. March 15 Page 2 The prophetic song therefore foretold the "strange work" of Jehovah now in progress and which takes place just preceding the battle of Armageddon, and that battle is now quickly to follow. April 1 Page 99 Particularly since 1931 the worldly rulers have been served with notice of warning, and now the remnant of Jehovah's witnesses and their companions will do what they can for the people of good-Will that they may hear the message and take their stand. While darkness covers the world, Jehovah continues to turn his light upon his faithful ones, giving them a more wonderful vision of his Word than they ever expected to have while on the earth. This strongly suggests that the battle of Armageddon is near. April 1 Page 109 Jehovah's witnesses are now thoroughly hated by all such opposers, and they would find some apparently legal excuse to destroy Jehovah's Witnesses. There is still some witness work to be done amongst the people, and preparation is now being made for the final plague to be visited upon Satan's organization at Armageddon. April 15 Page 122 Jehovah told Moses that the death of the firstborn would take place at midnight, this to mean, in the modern-day fulfillment, at a time of the world's blackness or darkest period. The blackness of darkness is now upon the world, and must continue until Armageddon April 15 Page 123 The time is short now till the universal war of Armageddon, and the privileges are great beyond the description of human words. May 15 Page 159 Now, before Armageddon, which is near, they have the opportunity of wholly devoting themselves to the Lord and entering upon the "highway", and, continuing faithful, may ''be hid in the day of the Lord's anger" at Armageddon and thus be of the "great multitude" of Armageddon survivors. June 15 Page 189 , and that all who have learned of Jehovah and his kingdom and have then forgotten God and turned away to the "beggarly elements" of the world, and also all who fail and refuse to hear and obey God and his King, shall go down at Armageddon, which is near. July 1 Page 202 The fact that in all the nations Jehovah's witnesses are now hated and persecuted is strong circumstantial evidence that the witness work is about completed and that Armageddon is very near. July 1 Page 202 The evildoers are headed for destruction. The lot of the evil or wicked is most undesirable and is shunned by all persons who desire righteousness. The end of the wicked is near. Their time is short. The day of Armageddon is near, and at that time all who remain on Satan's side shall suffer destruction. The lot of those who have fled to the THEOCRATIC ORGANIZATION is the blessed one. July 15 Page 218 The righteous Ruler is Christ Jesus, and his work first performed as King is to cause a witness to be given in the earth of and concerning the kingdom of righteousness, and then to completely oust the wicked from rule, and this he will do at Armageddon; and all the facts and the Scriptures show that that great event is near at hand. August 1 Page 229 At Armageddon, which is near, Christ Jesus, the great King now present, will destroy the wicked, clear them off the earth, and make the way for righteousness and righteous rule to ever thereafter follow. August 1 Page 235 ..because already his power had been exhibited in another manner at the Flood, which was prophetic of the battle of Armageddon now at hand. August 1 Page 239 "CHILDREN" Announced and released Sunday morning, August 10, at the Theocratic Assembly of Jehovah's witnesses m St. Louis, Mo., and at the conclusion of the climax speech on "Children of The King", the new book Children won instant acclaim from the thousands assembled. Written by Judge Rutherford, Children bids fair, as shown by Its mitial reception at St. Louis, to be his most popular book, and with good reason. It is written m narrative and conversational style, presenting interestingly and simply the latest Bible truths concerning the glorious hope early to be realized by the persons of good-will today living. Children is bound in sky-blue cloth, with an embossed, gold-stamped cover design that is unusual. The text within is adorned with frequent color illustrations, and is supplemented with an index of subjects. You will prize the author's edition as it contains the facsimile of a special letter in the author's own hand and addressed "To the Children of the King". You may obtain it on a contribution of 50c a copy, mailed prepaid to you. This edition is limited. September 1 Now the nations of the earth are in the throes of death, and soon Armageddon, the battle of that great day of God Almighty, will be fought, and in which Christ shall be completely victorious, pushing out and destroying every wicked thing. September 1 Page 263 Since Armageddon is near at hand it would seem wise for those who hope to be of the "great multitude", and therefore to fulfill the divine mandate, to wait upon the Lord and seek his direction and ask him to guide them and make selection of a companion. September 1 Page 264 A Christian can now, before Armageddon, refuse to sympathize with or support in any way the Devil's organization which shall be completely destroyed at Armageddon. September 1 Page 271 Cartons of Children that had been deposited in The Arena were now opened, and Judge Rutherford instructed the children how to come and each get a copy thereof, those in the rear half of The Arena marching in two columns out through a side exit, and those in the front half of The Arena marching up over the platform and out through a rear exit. As the march began, the orchestra (minus all its children instrumentalists) struck up and rendered songs, "Children of the Heavenly King," "The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon," and "Who Is on the Lord's Side'" while the vast audience sang. Never was there a more moving Sight in these "last days". Many, including strong men, wept at the demonstration. Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided Instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon. What a gift I and to so many! The manner of releasing the new book Children was an outnght surprise to all, but the almighty hand of the All-wise One, Jehovah, was in it, and the maneuver was most blessed indeed. Thereafter Children, the author's edition, was disposed of to adult conventioners, on a contribution. September 15 Page 288 The great battle of Armageddon is approaching ...... That will be done in the great time of trouble at Armageddon, which is impending. October 1 Page 302 The declaration of the day of his vengeance is one part of the commission he gives to his anointed witnesses; therefore these anointed ones, in order to be faithful, must perform that commission now before Armageddon.-Isa. 61: 1, 2. October 15 Page 318 All the physical facts now indicate the battle of Armageddon is quite near, when the real fighting takes place and the enemy will be destroyed. Soon Jehovah God through Christ Jesus will fight against the enemy as he did In time~ of old, and will completely cut to pieces the enemy, and deliver all those who remain faithful and true to Theocracy. October 15 Page 319 Regardless of the incoming of willter then, December marks another month-long season of special united activity known as "Great Multitude" Testimony Period. Those persons of good-will who shall form part of the "great multitude" of Armageddon survivors are now quickly coming forth are the wintertime of Armageddon sets in on the world, and they will, in increasing numbers, take part with the remnant members in this united Testimony. November 1 While no man yet knows the day nor the hour that Armageddon will begin, "the signs of the times" show that Armageddon is very near; therefore Jehovah bids his faithful servants now on the earth to 'redeem the time' and to 'slack not the hand' in his "strange work", the witness work....... In the meantime, and from now till Armageddon, the Lord's four angels hold back the four winds until the work of Jehovah's "sealed" servants is finished.- Rev. 7: 1-4. November 1 Page 325 The entire movement of Satan's crowd is carried on to the end that the Hierarchy and their allies may soon be able to say, "Peace and safety"; then will follow Armageddon. November 1 Page 327 All nations hate Jehovah's covenant people because that people declare the name and kingdom, The THEOCRATIC GOVERNMENT, of Almighty God. "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."-Matt. 24: 9. OT The crucial test, which must persist until Armageddon, is proof that now is the last time. November 1 Page 330 Because of the importance to the covenant people of God, individually and collectively, and because of the great opportunity to glorify God, now that the hour is approaching for the great and final visitation of Jehovah God upon the nations of the earth at Armageddon, every one of his devoted people is urged to put forth the greatest possible zeal and earnestness in the representation of his Theocratic Government. November 1 Page 335 God's visitation upon the nations will reach a climax in the great time of trouble, Armageddon, now near. November 15 Page 351 Book CHILDREN, published in 1941 All the facts show that the woes beginning in 1914 have continued to increase upon the earth, and at the present time the distress and woes are greater than ever before known, and this indicates that Armageddon is very near.-Revelation 16: 13-16. Page 151 Since 1925 particularly Jehovah's witnesses have carried the kingdom message and placed it within the hearing of the people, which message tells of the day of vengeance of our God, and that it is very near. Page 208 Armageddon, the battle of that great day of God Almighty, is drawing near. Page 253 In the near future the wrath of Almighty God against all wickedness will be expressed at Armageddon in the most devastating tribulation the world will ever have known. Page 336 Armageddon is surely near, and during that time the Lord will clean off the earth everything that offends and is disagreeable. Page 366 Should men and women, both of whom are Jonadabs or "other sheep" of the Lord, now marry before Armageddon and bring forth children They may choose to do so, but the admonition or advice of the Scriptures appears to be against it. Being married before Armageddon and both continuing faithful and surviving Armageddon, their marital relationship shall continue and persist after Armageddon. They receive their right to life everlasting after Armageddon, and after receiving that right to life their children then born would be born in righteousness. Page 312 That would appear to indicate it would be proper that those who will form the"great multitude" should wait until after Armageddon to bring children into the world. Page 313 (similar advice was in the '80 too) It is only a few years from the time the "other sheep" are gathered to the Lord until Armageddon. That entire period is a time of much tribulation, concluding with the greatest tribulation the world will ever have known. Speaking of that very time, Jesus says: "Woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!"-Matthew 24: 19, 21. Page 313 PS Apologize for some grammar errors cause of copy/paste from PDF.

Left half of brain is for UN and right half of brain is against UN? :))

WT writers of Awake magazine using words that shows how UN is/was powerless in many worlds events, wars primarily, but how their work is commendable and how JW members render due respect to UN as any other government because they are here with God's permission and how some form of government is necessary to maintain order and law in society. The Awake magazine using Bible verses that are, that have wide application. Read this please: Clearly, the United Nations does not have the ability to bring world peace. Its members and supporters are all imperfect humans, notwithstanding their lofty goals. The Bible says that “to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) Furthermore, God warns: “Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.”—Psalm 146:3. Two facts are supported with Bible verses which are "a double-edged sword". One edge is for UN and other edge is for GB. First, earthly man is unable to direct his steps, and second, do not put your trust in man. And what JW members can learn from this? If they listen better to what anyone is telling them on JWTV, then they will wonder why GB leaders are inviting their members to show them their trust and why GB thinks that they are able to manage/direct their own steps? Did the UN “accomplish these aims”? Did it get the nations to unite their strength and maintain peace and security? No, not so far, although the UN has sincerely tried to be a significantly better way than the League of Nations....Jehovah’s Witnesses firmly believe that the United Nations is going to play a major role in world events in the very near future. No doubt these developments will be very exciting. And the results will have a far-reaching impact on your life. We urge you to ask Jehovah’s Witnesses in your neighborhood for more details on this matter. The Bible clearly paints a picture showing that the United Nations will very shortly be given power and authority. The UN will then do some very astonishing things that may well amaze you. And you will be thrilled to learn that there is yet a better way near at hand that will surely bring eternal peace and security! - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101991643 For 50 years the United Nations organization has made notable efforts to bring about world peace and security. Arguably, it may have prevented a third world war, and the wholesale destruction of human life through the use of nuclear bombs has not been repeated. The United Nations has provided millions of children with food and medicine. It has contributed to improved health standards in many countries, providing, among other things, safer drinking water and immunization against dangerous diseases. Millions of refugees have received humanitarian assistance. - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1995720

And ... Elders making decisions is repent in same measure, corresponding to the gravity of sin. Do i need to search on what page of Shepherd book is this instruction or you already have knowledge about it?

Does this mean how you also do collect old WT publication from '80 for same reasons?

Fifth picture shows another confirmation how criteria for NGO have not been changed since 1991.

Fourth picture shows how you don't need to be NGO for Library Pass.

Third picture shows UN letter in 2004, with repeated explanation and showed that Main Representative of WT to the UN, Giro Aulicino requested termination of its association with DPI.

Second picture confirms what was criteria in the year 1991/92. Confirmation was made in a UN response letter in 2001.

First picture shows what was criteria in the year 1991/92. According to text: 1) NGO is to help the build public understanding and support for UN programs and goals 2) NGO must have national or international standing 3) NGO must have to support the Charter of UN 4) NGO must have broadly based membership 5) NGO must posses the resources for effective outreach

"Secular sources" i suppose, that means newspapers, various books, science books and magazines, TV, Radio, Internet ...., and own bible scholars contemplation. Which of "5 facts" i presented is most painful for you?

Yes, and that is better than swim. :))

Sanhedrin and Priests and all sects (Sadducees, Pharisees ...,) inside Jew system also "promoted scriptures and the truth". So what if WTJWorg doing "the same" deceiving and manipulation? :)) Should we praise them for that?

Many years ago, it was the eighties, two very zealous brothers were pioneers. They both have families and children. One of them was an elder, and the other often had problems with the appointed persons, so I suppose he sought to compensate this with pioneering service. (90-140 hours a month) What idea did they have? They collected large stocks of all the old WT magazines that remained in the assemblies and with the brothers. Those were hundreds, thousands of pieces. Why? When the ban comes and the literature stops being printed, they will have spiritual food to preach. How ridiculous and tragic that sounds today.

I think the experts say, You should swim as far away from the sinking ship as possible. Otherwise, you will withdraw with ship into the sea. No matter will WTJWorg stop to exist or not, personal prospect of believer is in question.

Fact 1. Watchtower was registered self as NGO from 1999 - 2001. (not only for JW in USA but that can be group registration/exemption for all or for many WT entities around the world) Fact 2. WT never informed JW members about this sort of registration (as NGO) in connection with UN, as need to be "connected" with UN (UN Library) in this way Fact 3. Letter you put available for us said how WT had need to have access to research material available on health, ecological and social problems. Well, i have to ask: WTJWorg explicitly claims in many published publications how JW members are neutral and are not interested (it is FORBIDDEN) to be involved in any ecological or social problems, argumentation, discussion of this world system, and are not here to IMPROVE things or to give their CONTRIBUTION for better ecological or social climate. So, of what need is for WT Writers and Bible scholars to RESEARCH such issues? JW don't want to see themselves as active or passive factor for "world's affairs". Fact 4. WT Writers are "guided by spirit". Do they really need UN Library and "secular propaganda and knowledge" ? :))) Fact 5. Registered as NGO they can ask for additional governmental finance

Who said to David Splane that King David lost his title given by JHVH ??!! After King David heard what his namesake said, the reaction was this. King David ordered his guard: Throw him into prison! :))

Does this means how you acknowledge and accept/admit God's choose/decision to have Shepherds in both shapes, form and content - male and female body? .... So far :)))

Good question. Bible verses are interesting about this. Few fragments from Luke 1: 1) But the angel said to him: ...; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,... 2) ... he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 3) And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, ... 4) When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 5) He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 6) Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him. Other examples in Bible speaking about oil, water, dove, flaming tongues, power to do miracles .... as proves of HS in someone. Do you know that Shepherd Book speaking about Spirit who FLOW in Congregation. If the imperfections of those serving on the body are allowed to cause strained relations, the flow of Jehovah’s spirit can be restricted and the congregation may be adversely affected. - page 16. ....... Neglecting to care for such matters can hinder the flow of Jehovah’s holy spirit to the congregation. - page 79. Flow? To move in a continuous and smooth way. To move in or as if in a stream. HS is compared with Water. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit,...." Well, are WTJWorg and GB and JW's want to be just, only GUIDED by spirit, but were never INSPIRED because The RIVER does not FLOW IN YOU? I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born ... the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Do you really need prove for other people anointing? :))

Absolutely inappropriate! It seems GB+Helpers+Elders+Organization is Anti-Type of JHVH as Type. And Great Multitude is Anti-type of Moses as Type. :)) Really crazy illustration. Moses was human, so we can play illustrations with him as we wish, it is not so sensitive. But to compare GB and Elders position and role as same as God's? ... that is in area of blasphemy.

Style, way of living that John the Baptizer practiced as a his (God's) way to serve God, which was visible to the people, was unusual and strange. Did he needed approval? And from whom? ....the ways of the Lord are strange. :)) I recall Jesus teaching: Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Lk 12 51 In this context, what we can expect from Jesus' followers, to bring peace or division ... ?

So the similarity is great or even the same. Within the WTJWorg organization, all members' attention is focused on the GB and the elders under the supervision of the WT Administration. YHVH and Christ have become or will become “friends” for rank and file members, but GB + Helpers + Elders are Leaders to be listened to and obeyed. The “Spiritual paradise” in which JW members are housed today is a reflection of God’s Kingdom ruling from heaven over the WTJWorg organization, because Leaders and Members lives according to First Congregation example and Revealed Instructions in/for the Last Days.

As to my knowledge, only in, from 2019 did WT make a change regarding testifying in a sexual offense. ... It is best that the witnesses give their testimony in the presence of the accused, although a victim of rape or of child sexual abuse is never required to do so..... - Shepherd book ch 16, par 2, 2019 edition