Srecko Sostar

Is there any clear and "theocratic" foundation about number of FDS or number of GB or number of Helpers? Just for the sake of discussion. :))
12 apostles need "replacement" for 1 they lost. I mean, they can worked with 11 just fine, didn't they? What is the minimum number of GB members to be Legitimate, according to the Company Charter, according to the Companies Act (secular law), to the Bible, to Jesus, etc.?
And yes, @4Jah2me remarked excellently on the details of who should choose the "leadership." Supposedly, Jesus chose GB in 1919. So "we" would expect how Jesus have to pick the person for task of "feeding", not GB members. They (GB) can make choice about elders in conversation with CO. :))
 

It happens, it repeats itself periodically to every generation of JW.
Excellent advice!

I think a lot of JW's are losing their minds right now. Expectation is making the heart sick. I get it.
I look at Christendom and see that their scripturally incorrect views give them an advantage of sorts insofar as these believe, in the main that death leads immediately to a resurrection. This is a lie, of course, but if you believe the lie, you then aren't really waiting for anything. Armageddon and the ultimate righting of wrong becomes a nebulous idea so far off so as to cause them to take no notice. They just get of with living.
W/JWs...The frustration I see comes from all the not knowing. Many believed at one time or another that they really knew. I was worried when I started pioneering that I wouldn't be able to get enough hours under my belt before the end came. Clearly I was wrong. Then I thought about it all and researched all the groups who really believed the end was close at hand. There have been many. It's hard to be in a state of readiness if you really believe that some super important thing is going to happen this takes a toll on both your body and your mind. You can get into a sort of PTSD. People have differing reactions too to information given. No one listens to a talk or reads a publication without creating a narrative or movie, filling in the gaps with themselves. The anxiety can build up in people and then like a human immune system it may select a target to attack. Many are focused on the GB or anointed or these kinds of things. I get it. These things are not the real reasons. The real reasons come from all the not knowing while being in a state of stress.
This is where you have to go back. Pump the brakes and pray. Jehovah is in charge. Jehovah created this universe (through his Son) and his son said "take courage, I have conquered the world". Read carefully the book of Job. Keep studying. Don't stop living. Don't go towards hating on the world, hating on apostates, hating on the GB, hating on anything. Understand that the real enemy is in the spirit realm. Understand that you yourself can be your own enemy with your own thinking and obsessions. Meditate on what it means to wait, what is it doing to you.
I jumped out of a plane by myself once with only a morning's worth of training. It felt like suicide. During the training (over a high jump pit) we were told how to spot and deal w/a parachute malfunction - how to discard the tangled chute and deploy your reserve. The bikers running the jump site freaked out the guy in front of me and he didn't jump. They joked "You'd be lucky to get a malfunction - you get two rides for the price of one!" But they also told us once we got a chute to be sure we got lined up properly for a landing and relax and look up (don't look down) when you're one your way to a landing, otherwise the landing would be too hard as you'd stiff up and maybe break a leg. (we used old Vietnam era chutes, not the fancy kinds). So to me the illustration is to be sure you have yourself lined up right, and when you do relax and look up (not at your bro/sis/GB/world) and you'll stick the landing.
If you're feeling anxiety, you're in good company. Just make sure while you feel trapped you don't chew off your own leg or the legs of those around you. The trap isn't your bros/sis's/elders/gb... it's this world under Satan's influence. You fight the trap by following as closely as you can the patterns set  which lead to faith. Just be sure that when you see another human that you imitate faith based on the promises in the bible.
Eat right, get regular exercise, find something to do which you enjoy and do what you can and learn to ignore the ones who imagine they know you and what you can do better. (I'm still working on all of this too)

How did Jesus allow himself to be "wronged"?  I'm not sure I understand what you are meaning. 
When it comes to false teachings, did Jesus and the apostles turn the other cheek?  Didn't the apostles make it known who they were? Didn't Jesus make it known that he is the Son of God?  On the other hand, how often do you hear the words, "faithful and discreet slave", or "faithful slave" and KNOW who these titles refer to?  Did Jesus already tell them they are "faithful and discreet"? (Matt 25:21)   Or, do they just assume through their arrogance that they ARE indeed, faithful?   Being humble before God and Christ, doesn't mean caving in to the rules and regulations of men, who say be humble, before THEM!
"For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."  Gal 1:10
Anointed can use the very avenue that the organization uses to "teach" - the internet.  Is there a rule set by Christ that says they cannot go online and preach about Him, and the authentic "good news" of the restoration of Jacob?  (Isa 43:1; Joel chapter 3; Mal 1:6; 3:1-4,12; 2:4; Isa 61:9; Luke 1:16,17; Matt 17:11; Rev 11:1-6; Zech 4:11-14; Rev 5:9,10; Gen 22:18)
 

Oh. I just read that it was you who said that.   I should have known.  

Oh my goodness.   Perhaps if you had been there, you might have noticed the prejudice - I say, might.
#1 The sisters decided to arrange themselves, reaching out to others (sisters)  to help them…before showing up for the service meeting.  
#2 – As a good elder’s wife, I eventually told my husband who was the service overseer, that it was a repetitive problem during the week. From what I remember, he said he would address it.  
Does that answer your question?
Can you please tell me where I have stated that I, personally, was cheated out of my anointed status?   You should be concerned about the cheating of all the anointed out of their status as God's priests in the organization.  I am so glad I am not part of the organization, and no I would never go back to make sure I wasn't "cheated" out of my anointed status. 
You have chosen to remain in the dark about "Israel".  
Someone here said the anointed are not to rule until the Kingdom arrives.  I'm just attaching my comment here.  
1 Pet 2:5,9 - As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God— 5 you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 
This is written in the present tense.  The apostles set the standard for God's priests to follow while on earth.   But since the Wt has developed, Jesus must call God's priests OUT OF DARKNESS, now.  (Rev 3:18; 2:14,15,20,21;18:4-8)  If they remain faithful to Jesus, they will "proclaim praises" about God and Christ.  Those who have left, fully understand the darkness that you choose to live under.  There is no possibility of God's priests to act upon the posted scriptures while under the rulership of a wicked slave. 

Is there any clear and "theocratic" foundation about number of FDS or number of GB or number of Helpers? Just for the sake of discussion. :))
12 apostles need "replacement" for 1 they lost. I mean, they can worked with 11 just fine, didn't they? What is the minimum number of GB members to be Legitimate, according to the Company Charter, according to the Companies Act (secular law), to the Bible, to Jesus, etc.?
And yes, @4Jah2me remarked excellently on the details of who should choose the "leadership." Supposedly, Jesus chose GB in 1919. So "we" would expect how Jesus have to pick the person for task of "feeding", not GB members. They (GB) can make choice about elders in conversation with CO. :))
 

It turns out that the only important thing is to recognize those on JWTV who are set to teach the lessons.  
The job of the Administration is to silence any objection to their work, and to eliminate possible "competitors".
Yes, people can do that, surely. Perhaps is better to "taste" their deeds and words before we unconditionally (or conditionally) accept them as "distributors of spiritual food". 
Now one more thing. And when you accept them, it is not for eternity. Because anyone can go the wrong way, so it would be good not to follow him when we realize something is wrong.

In congregation, there are male lobsters and female lobsters :)) and all have their roles within possible hierarchies and possible outcomes. 

There is a massive difference between GOD'S instructions, and the instructions from your GB. But JWs think both are the same. 
 
 

It turns out that the only important thing is to recognize those on JWTV who are set to teach the lessons.  
The job of the Administration is to silence any objection to their work, and to eliminate possible "competitors".
Yes, people can do that, surely. Perhaps is better to "taste" their deeds and words before we unconditionally (or conditionally) accept them as "distributors of spiritual food". 
Now one more thing. And when you accept them, it is not for eternity. Because anyone can go the wrong way, so it would be good not to follow him when we realize something is wrong.

Social pressure made by GB ? :))
@Anna Page 24, Par.10 “How can we show appropriate respect for those whom Jehovah chooses to anoint? We would not ask them personal  questions about their anointing. We thus avoid meddling with what does not concern us." -  WT Jan 2016 ,
.... source find  in interesting topic;
 

Whether someone is anointed or not, it concerns everyone.  These words of the GB are twisted, as usual.  The believers in the first century were well aware of those who were anointed.  Should it now stop knowing who they are?  And why?  Eight men hold power over all, that is why.  This is opinionated persuasion of men who have a devious underlying reason, for teaching JWs to avoid the anointed.  It is only to preserve their dominance.  Why do men’s opinions become law, with no backing of God’s Word?  Why don't JWs put Christ's teaching before the laws, decrees of men?
This is what Christ says:
John 13:20 - Truly I tell you, whoever receives anyone I send receives me, and the one who receives me receives him who sent me."
This shows, that avoiding any who claim to be anointed, as the WT stresses, could possibly result in rejecting not only Jesus Christ, but the Father.  This means knowing what is in their spiritual heart.  What gift have they received?  How can they contribute to the Body?  (1 Cor 12)
Matt 10:40,41 - "The one who welcomes you welcomes me, and the one who welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. 41 "Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he's righteous will receive a righteous person's reward.”
Matt 10:14,15 - "If anyone does not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 "Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
So, the Wt wants the anointed to remain anonymous.   What if, within that group of anointed, there is a prophet, or a "righteous person"?  How will JWs react when Jesus asks, "why did you reject me"?  (Matt 10:42)  Why did you choose to listen to a false prophet instead of whom I sent?  (Matt 7:15-20)
Matt 10:24,25 - "A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. 25 "It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master. If they called the head of the house 'Beelzebul,' how much more the members of his household!” 
In the case of Ray Franz who spoke up against the leadership, he was disfellowshipped for following God’s Word instead the governing body, and for exposing their lies.  He was labeled an apostate, which in reality was an act of sinning against the Holy Spirit committed by the leadership.  Whose side did the majority of JWs take?  Did they say he had an evil spirit for speaking against the GB?   Most likely.   
So most of the anointed have chosen to remain anonymous as they are told, for fear of being called into the back room?  Whatever the Spirit of truth placed in the heart is not used, since they cannot act upon who they are - as someone Jesus sent to reveal truth. (1 John 2:20; Mal 2:7)
John 15:5-8 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples."
How can they prove to be disciples of Christ, if the anointed are told to reject any questions about who they are?  They are not producing "fruit", but selling what a false prophet has produced.  
There is always irony coming out of the GB's mouth.  In the annual meeting,  K. Cook mentioned the anointed, how all of JWs must take into account how they treat those in Christ.  He stated Jesus will judge us by how we accept them.  (Matt 10:42) Now, according the above quote, can anyone really "accept" the anointed if no one can inquire about their anointing, or how they feel about truth?   Oh, he also said the way to support them, is through the "preaching work". There you go, that is safe.  No possible challenge can be made against either the GB or the elder body.  We know that this work is regulated spiritual food, already dished out without any of the anointed taking part, except those of the wicked slave.   (Matt 24:48-51; Rev 13:11,12,16)
In the harvest, we are "sorted" by the teachings we choose.  
"Dear Friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone into the world".   1 John 4:1`
 
Thank you, Srecko!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

No, you get it wrong. :)) JW members don't celebrate birthdays because; 
a) supposedly, old Jews not celebrate birthdays 
b) of Bible text interpretations where two "pagans" celebrate birthdays (Pharaoh and Herod).
c) it is idolatry, according to JW teachings    

How many suppositions are made in the WT quote? The org states that they 1. have special anointed ones with access to exclusive info from heaven 2. this info is specifically being imparted by heavenly anointed ones 3. this connection has led to correctly identifying the great crowd.
We're just supposed to "take it at their word" in 3 different ways. That's a lot of faith with no evidence to back it up. How can we know their info is correct? 

I would comment this way. Example: Birthday and celebrating a birthday is not “satanic”. But wishing someone’s death as a birthday wish is certainly “satanic”.
The discovery of a new communication technique and resources (clay tablets, paper, pens, analog and digital notation and everything that will be invented in the future) cannot simply be described as "divine" or "satanic". All of these things are mostly or completely “neutral” at their core.
Producing a weapon with the intent to kill causes some questions. Whether these weapons were created to defend their own lives or to hunt for food or to conquer and enslave or destroy, we can say that the weapon is dangerous. But if one uses a weapon to save or defend one’s life, then it is difficult to attribute any or specific origin to such a weapon.
I would say that the intention and purpose is in the hands (mind, emotion) of the user, and the one in whose hands the "tool" is, can to some extent be classified in some category.

Oh dear tom, twisting things again.
The comparison is not with the Twelve. The comparison is with the Pharisees.  And if you know your bible you will know what Jesus called the Pharisees. 
The Twelve were learning something new, a totally different way of life. They were not the teacher.
The Pharisees were well established and were supposed to know and teach the way of God.
The Watchtower / JW organisation are well established and should know and be teaching the way of God. 
There is a correct comparison. 
Witness is right about the hypocrisy. 
I think you totally miss the point, and i think many JWs twist things in this way, but the reason for leaving would more likely be, coming to understand that neither God or Christ are leading the Watchtower / JW org. 
I find it funny ( because I have the strength of faith in God through Christ ) that JWs have to lay the blame on those that LEAVE.  
The Twelve disciples and may others LEFT  the Jewish 'way of life' to follow Christ and to serve God properly.  
 
 

You're absolutely right about the hypocrisy. It's all there. The cowardly behavior of some too. I understand too that some are closing their eyes to the deficiencies of yet another organization. I don't fault them for being human. I think of the parents of the man born blind who was healed, but for fear of getting kicked out of the  congregation failed to put their faith in Jesus, the one who healed their son. I don't fault those leaving because of any pain they've suffered at the hands of those they'd come to trust. So many have left and some have stayed. To me this is all in fulfillment of prophesy as well. To me it's all wheat and weeds until the end. There won't be any perfect organization now any more than there was in the 1st century. People can choose to stay or choose to leave and there's pain either way. The pain comes always when people put their trusts in nobles, the son of earthing man to whom no salvation belongs. No one should abdicate their Christian conscience to an organization, and yet what are people to do? Worship alone? Form yet another defective church? The history of Christianity is filled with these experiments in purity, but in the end all of them are impure. One has to determine how to live as a Christian in the midst of all this and try as much as possible to focus on what is for up-building. As to what people make of various prophecies and how these are interpreted, I'm certain that we won't know w/o any doubt or force-fitting what these mean until the time these things take place. I'm so sorry you lost your husband. I do appreciate your telling these things openly.

Well, you asked, so here it goes.
My experience was more negative than positive, but I held on for over 30 years.  I could not reconcile the hypocrisy that my elder husband had to deal with, I couldn’t reconcile with the clicks, the pressure of privileges and esteem based on works, the blatant stupidity of elder shepherds who ignored single mothers, widows, and women with children. Many times meeting for service, and elder would put two mothers and their children together in one group, while the elders buddied up with single sisters. My husband did his best to be a good elder; he was preferred by those in the congregation for shepherding calls.  He was known as a humble man, who didn’t care if his shoes were polished, or that he wore a blue shirt with a tie that didn’t match. He didn't conform to the elders' set of rules, and finally left them to their hypocrisy.   My sons were chided by individuals in the congregation for wearing colorful shirts - they should have been white.  Absolute stupidity. One son quit college because an elder told him he should be ashamed for choosing college over pioneering.    Everything that the organization expects is outward perfection, which mirrors the pharisaical leadership of Jesus' day.  The heart of this organization is full of sin.  
I couldn’t reconcile with the excuses that the leadership gave for their membership as an NGO in the UN. Today, they are still NGOs in other countries.  Their hypocrisy is commonplace, when there was a day that this was considered being "part of the world".   They work right along with the governments they say will be destroyed. They invest heavily, while expecting their members to live in poverty.  They hide their child abuse problem, sweeping their false prophesies under the rug…and the shunning, the disfellowshipping.  I would hope that a disfellowshipped one would choose to sit by us during a meeting,  just so I could give that person a reassuring smile of love.  It is not a loving provision to treat one as "dead".  This is evil.
JWs live as naively as possible, closing their heart and minds to the sin that is all around them.  This can only occur through demonic intervention.  (2 Cor 11:3,4; Rev 18:4-8)
I wanted to understand the anointed Body of Christ.  Before I came to realize what “Armageddon” is really about, I wanted to gather them together, and care for their physical needs. Before my husband died this last August, we had owned a large piece of property where together with our sons, built a small solar house over many years.   There, I thought, I had enough room to allow them a safe haven during WT’s physical teaching of the Great Tribulation/Armageddon. (Joel 3:14-16; Rev 16:13-16)  I knew this Body was important, but now I truly understand that the Kingdom will not arrive until the last faithful anointed is sealed. (Zech 4:8,9)  JWs don't see this, they believe their organization will bring them safely into the "paradise".  But God has another plan for the mountain of sin. (Rev 8:8)
 I realize that the majority of the anointed inside will not gather, for fear of losing the life they have, under a dual power lording it over them. (Matt 10:39) Or, they love unrighteousness, over truth. (2 Thess 2:9-12)   They are held spiritually captive, and they are too weak to fight it. (1 Tim 4:1; Col 2:8; Rev 13:10)  They will not gather as one body under Christ, while the elders must gather, as their Head the GB, expects them to.  Surely, you see the hypocrisy.
The "camp of the saints" is surrounded.  This will not occur a thousand literal years after Armageddon, since those saints will be ruling with Christ then.  It is happening NOW...in the organization - Satan's magnum opus to destroy those in Christ, with a flood of lies.   (Rev 12:1,2,13,15-17; 16:13-16; 20:7-10)
My beliefs are written in many places here.  Isa chapter 2 speaks of Mount Zion rising, and those who put trust in a false “mountain” will see it become level ground. (Zech 4:7)    This is the time of “small beginnings”. (Rev 4:10; Amos 7:5) It didn't happen when Russell came on the scene teaching that the Great Pyramid was God's stone witness.  It didn't happen with Rutherford, who was imprisoned for a book filled with strange fables, that the clergy and the government were up in arms about.  It has happened because the elder body has risen from the ground up, and now is granted total power over God's saints.  (Joel 2:1,2; Dan 11:36; Rev 13:5-7; 9:3,4)   Anointed “kings of the earth” have gathered, (Rev 1:5; 5:9,10) and many with them, and they are teaching truth outside of the WT.  The Marriage Feast does not come after Armageddon, it begins with the unveiling of Revelation.  (Rev 1:1,11:1-3; Matt 17:11; Mal :1-3,18; Rev 3:18) This understanding is reaching around the world. Those leaving the “apostate city” are invited, since many who were expected, refuse to attend.  (Matt 22:1-10; 25:6-10)
 
YHVH's Genuine Mountain
 

I am presently on a road trip, camping in parts of the western states of the U.S.  I guess it could be called a therapeutic getaway for my husband, who will make some serious medical decisions next month.   Way out west, that could mean long stretches before finding a cell signal, but this campsite has internet and if my computer battery holds out, I may have a chance to get this posted.
I happened to speak briefly to three JW women who had set up their cart and table in a national park.  It was a frigid morning after a snowfall, the temperature inching from a bright and early 6 degrees above zero, toward 20 degrees in the sunshine.  After a pleasant interchange, I mentioned 1 Cor 3:16,17 and that through my studies I have learned that the anointed were the “living stones” of the Temple of God. (1 Pet 2:5,9)   I then cited 2 Thess 2:3,4, and asked if they had considered how the “man of lawlessness” in the last days, would “sit”/rule over the temple – over the anointed ones.  One JW reached for her computer pad to do a bit of research.  She admitted it would be through a composite entity, but couldn’t give me an identity. 
Yes, I did tell her that the man of lawlessness is the elder body, who has been given authority to judge God’s “special possession” as unworthy of receiving eternal life. (Rev 11:1,2; 13: 5-7,15) Immediately, I am told, “Jehovah is the ultimate judge”, despite the judgment of a spiritual “death” made by the elder body when one rejects the organization, or exposes its leaders’ lies.   (Matt 10:17,18; John 16:2; Rev 13:15)  I have noticed that it seems to be a common phrase among JWs that God is the judge, while they forget that Jesus has been given authority to judge.  Elders, not anointed, have no authority to do so. (John 8:51; 2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:4) 
 As we spoke a bit more, I was thinking how very depressing it is to see their devotion to the organization and their full blindness to the role of God’s priesthood. (Rom 1:25; Rev 13:4) (Mal 2:7) The organization’s false doctrines, have a common thread that can’t be dismissed if one cares to scrutinize them.  They all weave together to minimize and suppress the identity and role of the anointed. When I asked the JWs who they believed should be the shepherds of the congregations, the elders or the anointed ones, the answer was most definitely, the elders.   I reminded them of the time Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection.  He called to them from the shore when they were fishing on the Sea of Tiberias.  He miraculously filled their nets with fish after catching none during the night.  When they arrived on shore, he had prepared a breakfast of fish and bread.  Three times Jesus told Simon Peter to “tend my sheep”, “feed my sheep”. (John 21:1-19; 1 Pet 5:2-4) With Christ as the chief cornerstone of God’s Temple, and the apostles and prophets as its foundation, the additional anointed “living stones” over the years, have been given the same assignment as Simon Peter and the others received that day, to feed Christ’s sheep.  Eph 2:19-22 
The JWs just shook their heads and silently scoffed.  Revelation’s Beasts have successfully “trampled” any evidence of the important role of God’s priests, before the eyes of those who love the organization. (Dan 11:31,32,36; Matt 24:15,16)  They believe the anointed will not act as God’s priests and kings until a future time…once sealed and joining the “144,000” in heaven. This is another false doctrine, according to God’s word.  2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; Heb 12:22; Rev 5:9,10)
As Dan 11:36 states, and with the help of a false prophet (Rev 13:11,12), the “man of lawlessness”/Beast from the Sea has done…
“…exactly as he pleases, claiming to be greater than every god there is, even blaspheming the God of gods, and prospering…” 
I think all of us are aware of just how easy it is to be captivated by lies.  We are also aware that believing in lies can result in one’s slavery to them. (Rom 6:16)  When we are taken “captive” by lies, it facilitates oppression born from a belief of what we erroneously accept as truth. (Col 2:8; 2 Thess 2:9,10; Rev 13:10) Our heart becomes hardened to any possibility of an alternative understanding of God’s word.  (Mark 8:17; Heb 4:7) 
The conversation quickly concluded, and I walked away from these three lovely women, who were vocally content and at peace with their belief, that the layout of headship grafted on paper depicting their earthly organization, is correct. (1 Thess 5:3) It begins with “Jehovah”, to Jesus, the elders, and the rest of its members. God’s priests remain anonymous; scattered among them, and at the same time “surrounded” and held fast by demonic expressions used against them. (Jer 23:2; 50:17; Rev 16:13,14; 20:7-9) 
Through the coming of “Elijah” sent by Christ (Matt 17:11), the words that Jesus read from Isa 61:1,2 apply again today:
The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me
to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
20 He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”  Luke 4:18-21
Yes, it has been fulfilled, a second time for those hearts that long for freedom from oppression and lies.   
 
For consideration:
“Who are the gods?”
“Two Witnesses/”Elijah” and “Moses”
“Elijah Turns Hearts”
Pearl Doxsey, 4womaninthewilderness blogspot
 
 

And that's only what the rank and file sees.  What happens beyond that level. 
Jesus and the apostles are our example in the "preaching work".    Everything that the organization expects is so foreign to their example.  But as we know, JWs accept it as necessary to get the work done.  Where is the faith in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit?  They accomplish some goal they may have set; organize it, gather the money and the people to go for it, to build it, and then when finished it is proclaimed that God made it happen. 
What? 
When the golden calf was created at the desire of men, God wasn't involved.  There is no difference with the organization's 'marvelous' accomplishments.  
 
 
 

For example; the preaching service divided into categories of preachers, hourly norms, giving a monthly report.

Psalm 19 below, has been on my mind lately. The identity of God’s heavenly “handiwork” (Psalm 19:1) is explained in Eph 2:4-10; 1 Cor 3:9; Luke 10:20; Matt 26:64; Heb 12:1; Rev 12:12. 
His handiwork encompasses the Temple/House of God, found in 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:19-20. 
These priests are to carry God’s laws eternally in their heart and on their mind. (Deut 6:6; Heb 10:16; Mal 2:7) Their loyalty is not to men and their decrees, but only to the Father, the Son and His laws in Christ. (Gal 1:10; James 1:25; Rev 5:13; Matt 5:17-20; Isa 2:1-3)
Yet, the testimony being given now throughout the whole “earth”, is for God’s handiwork, his anointed priesthood, to turn back to His laws in Christ, and preserve their covenant with Him. (Mal 3:1-3; Heb 9:14,15; Rev 5:9,10) 
They are to reject human decrees, authority, and dominance of the “man of lawlessness”/elder body, which presently they are subservient to in the organization. (Isa 58:1; 1 Tim 4:16; 2 Cor 10:4,5; Eph 6:17; Rev 2:14; 8:6; 14:6,7) (Matt 24:4,5,24,15,16; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1-4) 
The anointed “saints” are held captive to a Harlot/false prophet, her elder army, and their factitious teachings. They are “marked” with the laws of an idol covered with blasphemous names – the Wild Beast from the Sea of Revelation 13. (Isa 57:20; Jer 17:5; Col 2:8; Rev 13:1,2,5-7, 10-12,16,17) 
Although “God” is on their lips, the spirit-directed “image” projected by the organization, is worshiped. (Rev 13:4,15) 
Besides this exalted image emanating an apparent divine power and authority (Rev 13:5), the Beast/organization is also visible, a substitute for the invisible God. (Isa 40:18) The nation of Israel was likewise guilty of committing a similar sort of idolatry. 
“After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’” 1 Kings 12:28
Did Israel forget that YHWH brought His people out of Egypt? Did they forget the covenant that God had made with them?
“The Lord made a covenant with Jacob’s descendants and commanded them, ‘Do not fear other gods; do not bow in worship to them; do not serve them; do not sacrifice to them. 36 Instead fear the Lord, who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him, and you are to sacrifice to Him. 37 You are to be careful always to observe the statutes, the ordinances, the law, and the commandments He wrote for you; do not fear other gods. 38 Do not forget the covenant that I have made with you. Do not fear other gods, 39 but fear the Lord your God, and he will rescue you from all your enemies.”
40 However, these nations would not listen but continued observing their former practices. 41 They feared the Lord but also served their idols. Still today, their children and grandchildren continue doing as their ancestors did.” 2 King 17:35-41
It was a common practice to place one’s idol statue on the back of a pedestal depicting various animals - beasts, as in the case of the Semitic goddess Asherah. The golden calves that King Jeroboam stationed at Dan and Bethel, may have been pedestals for YHWH, imitating the practice of other idolatrous worship. (1 Kings 12:29,30) The calves became the visible symbol for God, representing the invisible YHWH. Thus, the calves and YHWH merged together as the “gods” who brought Israel out of Egypt. 
JWs will not segregate the organization from God. They believe salvation cannot be found in the Father and Christ alone. (2 Sam 22:47; Ps 27:1; Luke 1:76,77; Matt 19:25,26; John 14:6) Although exalted of its own accord, this idolatrous Beast also seems to be the visible symbol, the pedestal that represents the invisible God. 
Just as the calves Jeroboam set in place diverted attention away from Jerusalem and the center of worship, the organization has diverted attention away from “New Jerusalem”, where worship is in “spirit and truth”. (John 14:6; John 4:14,23,24; Acts 4:11,12; Gal 4:23-26,28; Rev 21:9,2; Eph 5:23; Rev 21:22) 
Once again, God’s people have broken their covenant with Him through the powerful and wicked influence of the Beasts of Revelation. (Eph 2:12,13; Heb 8:6,7) (Dan 11:31,32; Mark 13:14; Rev 2:4,14,16,17; Rev 12:1,2,13,15-17;16:13-16) 
It is much easier to give worship and have faith in what one sees and witnesses through its literal works, rather than what we cannot see; or to have faith in the “works” God and Jesus accomplish within our hearts. (1 Cor 2:14; Phil 3:18,19; Rom 1:25) (Matt 7:7,8; John 11:25; 14:1) 
Jeroboam introduced calf worship for selfish reasons, to secure his northern kingdom of Israel, and its population to stay in place. (1 Kings 12:25-27) The governing leaders have done the same. They have “secured” their kingdom, and allow no other member of “Israel” to renounce the leadership or their idol. (Matt 24:48-51) All must bow down to the Beast and its leadership, or face certain “death”. (John 16:2; Rev 13:15) 
So the Almighty God has a competing rival created by Satan, with the purpose to tear down and crush His handiwork, by leading them into idolatry. (Matt 7:15,20; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Thess 2:3,4;9-12; Rev 11:1-3; 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; 1 John 5:21) 
Is there any other organization “like” the Wt. that promotes salvation, and claims to have the breath/spirit of God directing it? (Rev 13:15; notice John 20:22) 
“People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” Rev 13:4
There is no doubt that it is perceived by JWs as a necessary awe-inspiring “way” to receive eternal life. It is a form of idolatry that has its roots in ancient times, yet modernized and disguised so brilliantly, that only with the help of God and Christ can any of us who thirst for truth, “see” it for what it is. The Beast is the idol of the most devious, crafty development planned, to mislead God’s holy people and those with them…to their destruction. (Joel 2:12; John 8:12; Rev 3:18) (Rev 13:8; 14:9-12) 
Who among the gods
is like You, Lord?
Who is like You—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders? Exod 15:11
“You shall not make anything to be with Me (“alongside Me”/”gods to share with Me”)—gods of silver or gods of gold you shall not make for yourselves.” Exod 20:23
The organization boasts that it follows the laws of God through Jesus Christ, while slyly slipping in men’s laws and decisions. It declares that “God’s organization” has established these decrees through its governing leaders. (Mark 7:7,8; John 12:48,49) Truly, this is only to ensure the operating efficiency of an earthly organization; and for its captives to continue bearing the mark of the beast. (Matt 6:19; Rev 3:17,18; Prov 10:2) (Rom 6:16-18; Rev 13:16-18) 
 
We must make certain that our service, obedience, and worship is to God alone. This is just as Jesus kept admonishing us (Matt 4:10; 22:36-38; Deut 10:12)...
(2 Cor 13:5; 1 John 4:1; 1 Thess 5:21,22; 1 Tim 4:1; Rev 16:13-15; 13:15,8; 2 Thess 2:1-15)
We must make certain, that everything we believe, obey, and practice, is sourced in God's word of Truth.
Our minds, hearts, and deeds must be directed by and obedient to, God's Laws of Divine Truth.
Only then are we marked as His slaves (1 John 2:17; Rom 6:18,22).  Pearl Doxsey
 
 
Psalm 19
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line (“sound, business”) has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting (“restoring”) the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. "
 
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/
Symbolic Earth
The Mark of Slavery
"666/144,000"
 
 
 

So, yes I was referring to the jw's hypocrisy.....can't celebrate holidays because pagans celebrated those holidays, can't celebrate birthdays because some pagans celebrated birthdays in the bible.
Just sayin.

In the height of summer here in England, the Elders would moan at me for not wearing a jacket and tie to the meetings.  So Who makes the jacket and tie rules ? For sure it's not in God's written word.  No praise for actually being at the meeting with my wife and five children, just complaint about the way I was dressed. That's one small example of what I mean about Elders being policemen.