Dmitar

Unfortunately it seems there is a young JW here that is being misguided by a man that 'thinks' he knows truth.
Can we please set matters straight about the wrong use of scripture. 
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-april-2020/An-Attack-Coming-From-the-North/
The Watchtower—Study Edition  |  April 2020 STUDY ARTICLE 14      An Attack Coming From the North!
2 As those Bible students soon found out, however, it can be one thing to learn what the Bible teaches about a certain doctrinal subject but quite another to discern correctly the meaning of a Bible prophecy. Why is that so? For one thing, Bible prophecies are often best understood when they are undergoing fulfillment or after they have been fulfilled. But there is another factor. To understand a prophecy correctly, we generally have to consider its context. If we focus on only one aspect of the prophecy and ignore the rest, we may draw the wrong conclusion. In hindsight, it seems that this has been the case with a prophecy in the book of Joel. Let us review that prophecy and discuss why an adjustment in our present understanding is needed.
 For many years, we have applied that prophecy symbolically to the way in which Jehovah’s people, like an unstoppable swarm of locusts, engage in their preaching activity. We understood that this activity has devastating effects on the “land,” or the people who are under the control of the religious leaders.
However, when we consider the prophecy in its context, we see that a different understanding is appropriate. Let us examine four reasons why this is so.
5 First of all, notice Jehovah’s promise with regard to the plague of locusts: “I will drive the northerner [the locusts] far away from you.” (Joel 2:20) If the locusts represent Jehovah’s Witnesses as they obey Jesus’ command to preach and make disciples, why would Jehovah promise to drive them away? (Ezek. 33:7-9; Matt. 28:19, 20) Clearly, Jehovah is driving away, not his faithful servants, but something or someone who is hostile to his people.
Notice that Jehovah promises to “make compensation” for the damage the locusts have caused. If the locusts picture Kingdom evangelizers, this would suggest that the message they proclaim causes damage.
Did you notice that Jehovah says: “After that I will pour out my spirit”; that is, after the locusts have completed their assigned task? If the locusts are preachers of God’s Kingdom, why would Jehovah pour out his spirit on them after they finish their witnessing? 
We previously connected the plague of locusts described by Joel with our preaching work because of a similar prophecy found in the book of Revelation. 
Admittedly, there are similarities between the prophecy in Revelation and the one Joel recorded. However, there are significant differences. Consider: In Joel’s prophecy, the locusts devastate the vegetation. (Joel 1:4, 6, 7) In John’s vision, the locusts are “told not to harm the vegetation of the earth.” (Rev. 9:4) The locusts Joel saw came from the north. (Joel 2:20) Those John saw came out of an abyss. (Rev. 9:2, 3) The locusts Joel described are driven away. In Revelation, the locusts are not driven away but are allowed to finish their work. There is no indication that they deserve Jehovah’s disapproval. 
The significant differences between the two prophecies lead us to conclude that they are not connected.
17 What has changed? We now have a more accurate understanding of the prophecy found at Joel 2:7-9. Simply put, these verses refer, not to our zealous preaching work, but to the activity of the Babylonian army that invaded Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E.
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The Watchtower / JW Org / GB, here admitted that what they had been teaching was FALSE.
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Romans / Superior Authorities scripture was also falsely used by the Org between 1929 to 1962.
Until 1929, the “superior authorities” or “higher powers” were correctly said by Watchtower to be the earthly rulers to whom Christians paid taxes and whose laws they were obligated to follow.

Whoa! I almost said something so dumb that PSomH could call ME a dodo and I would have little defense. 
My quick impression was that if was Jason who agreed, but was embarrassed, etc, leading me to almost ask: I never thought he was a Witness—is he? But after reading the remark 200 time, I see it is you who agree but is embarrassed. 
I dunno. Yeah, I see your point, it is a little odd there, but it is just an appeal to testimonial. After all, if they quoted Bro Splane, people would say, “Well, of course, he would say that.
There is a Russian professor they could have used to, Gordienko? I think, who says: When the authorities make accusations against the Witnesses, the do not realize they are making accusations against the Bible itself.’ He has the advantage of being dead, so the Russian authorities cannot arrest him.
 

Not that it should matter too much to anyone here, but just to get a discussion started, I will happily state that I am in 100% agreement with all the scriptures in this list. And am in 100% agreement with at least 990 of the 997 words (counted by copying the content portion of this to https://wordcounter.net/).
I found only 3 things I'd take a small issue with:
"Professor Jason D. BeDuhn aptly described it when he wrote that" I agree with this point, but I'm embarrassed that such an important list (for our purposes) has the name and opinion of a "secular" professor in it. Jason DeBuhn's name has been on this list since at least 2015 and has never been removed. It's inconsistent with the rest of the list, which otherwise only highlights a simple Bible basis, not some scholar. "A person’s works prove that his faith is alive." This isn't necessarily true. A person can have works that look like they are motivated by faith, but are motivated by self-righteousness, a competitive spirit, a desire to earn salvation and be rewarded accordingly, blindly following men, etc., just to mention some common examples.   (Matthew 7:22) . . .Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not . . . perform many powerful works in your name?’ "He began ruling in 1914." Hmmm. I've probably said before that I can't find this one in the Bible. (And it's just about the only sentence that has no scripture to back it up.)  I wish it had said: "We believe Jesus is now ruling invisibly from heaven." Or, "We believe that we now live in a time when Jesus, from his heavenly throne, is giving special attention to matters of the Kingdom on earth." In addition to those, there are a couple of other things, much less important to me, that I could see changing in the future, and the change wouldn't cause a problem or inconsistency either way. For example, I could see the possibility that the "144,000" is a symbolic number, and might even represent the full number of natural Jewish Christians as easily as it could represent the full number of spiritual Jews. But the list explicitly allows for some expressions to be interpreted symbolically, anyway, so it wouldn't bother me either way to use the expression, "The 144,000 will rule in heaven."  ["We recognize that parts of the Bible are written in figurative or symbolic language and are not to be understood literally.—Revelation 1:1. "]
It's also possible that "blood" in Acts 15 is a symbol for "bloodguilt," such as murder, manslaughter, war, etc., just as "idols" can include things like "gluttony" (Phil 3:19) "greediness" (Col 3:5) and even "pleasing men" (Eph 6:6,7; Gal 1:10)  Personally, for my own conscience, I'm fine with the idea that abstaining from blood transfusions is one way that we abstain from blood. But there's a chance that we as individuals and as an organization should not be imposing this as a rule on the Bible-trained consciences of others.
That idea might already be covered, even if unintentionally, by the very nice idea expressed here: "Our unity allows for personal choice, though. Each Witness makes decisions in harmony with his or her own Bible-trained conscience."
Outside of those few comments, I would be willing to die for the other 990 words out of the 997.

I haven’t seen them either. She probably blocked me, too.

I haven't blocked you. I posted the core beliefs HERE
But I will list them here too, since this a relevant topic here.
God. We worship the one true and Almighty God, the Creator, whose name is Jehovah. (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:11) He is the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.—Exodus 3:6; 32:11; John 20:17.
Bible. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired message to humans. (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16) We base our beliefs on all 66 of its books, which include both the “Old Testament” and the “New Testament.” Professor Jason D. BeDuhn aptly described it when he wrote that Jehovah’s Witnesses built “their system of belief and practice from the raw material of the Bible without predetermining what was to be found there.” *
While we accept the entire Bible, we are not fundamentalists. We recognize that parts of the Bible are written in figurative or symbolic language and are not to be understood literally.—Revelation 1:1.
Jesus. We follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as our Savior and as the Son of God. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 5:31) Thus, we are Christians. (Acts 11:26) However, we have learned from the Bible that Jesus is not Almighty God and that there is no Scriptural basis for the Trinity doctrine.—John 14:28.
The Kingdom of God. This is a real government in heaven, not a condition in the hearts of Christians. It will replace human governments and accomplish God’s purpose for the earth. (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10) It will take these actions soon, for Bible prophecy indicates that we are living in “the last days.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:3-14.
Jesus is the King of God’s Kingdom in heaven. He began ruling in 1914.—Revelation 11:15.
Salvation. Deliverance from sin and death is possible through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 4:12) To benefit from that sacrifice, people must not only exercise faith in Jesus but also change their course of life and get baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20; John 3:16; Acts 3:19, 20) A person’s works prove that his faith is alive. (James 2:24, 26) However, salvation cannot be earned—it comes through “the undeserved kindness of God.”—Galatians 2:16, 21.
Heaven. Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the faithful angels reside in the spirit realm. * (Psalm 103:19-21; Acts 7:55) A relatively small number of people—144,000—will be resurrected to life in heaven to rule with Jesus in the Kingdom.—Daniel 7:27; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:9, 10; 14:1, 3.
Earth. God created the earth to be mankind’s eternal home. (Psalm 104:5; 115:16; Ecclesiastes 1:4) God will bless obedient people with perfect health and everlasting life in an earthly paradise.—Psalm 37:11, 34.
Evil and suffering. These began when one of God’s angels rebelled. (John 8:44) This angel, who after his rebellion was called “Satan” and “Devil,” persuaded the first human couple to join him, and the consequences have been disastrous for their descendants. (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12) In order to settle the moral issues raised by Satan, God has allowed evil and suffering, but He will not permit them to continue forever.
Death. People who die pass out of existence. (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) They do not suffer in a fiery hell of torment.
God will bring billions back from death by means of a resurrection. (Acts 24:15) However, those who refuse to learn God’s ways after being raised to life will be destroyed forever with no hope of a resurrection.—Revelation 20:14, 15.
Family. We adhere to God’s original standard of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, with sexual immorality being the only valid basis for divorce. (Matthew 19:4-9) We are convinced that the wisdom found in the Bible helps families to succeed.—Ephesians 5:22–6:1.
Our worship. We do not venerate the cross or any other images. (Deuteronomy 4:15-19; 1 John 5:21) Key aspects of our worship include the following:
Praying to God.—Philippians 4:6.
Reading and studying the Bible.—Psalm 1:1-3.
Meditating on what we learn from the Bible.—Psalm 77:12.
Meeting together to pray, study the Bible, sing, express our faith, and encourage fellow Witnesses and others.—Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:23-25.
Preaching the “good news of the Kingdom.”—Matthew 24:14.
Helping those in need.—James 2:14-17.
Constructing and maintaining Kingdom Halls and other facilities used to further our worldwide Bible educational work.—Psalm 127:1.
Sharing in disaster relief.—Acts 11:27-30.
Our organization. We are organized into congregations, each of which is overseen by a body of elders. However, the elders do not form a clergy class, and they are unsalaried. (Matthew 10:8; 23:8) We do not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at our meetings. (2 Corinthians 9:7) All our activities are supported by anonymous donations.
The Governing Body, a small group of mature Christians who serve at our world headquarters, provides direction for Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.—Matthew 24:45.
Our unity. We are globally united in our beliefs. (1 Corinthians 1:10) We also work hard to have no social, ethnic, racial, or class divisions. (Acts 10:34, 35; James 2:4) Our unity allows for personal choice, though. Each Witness makes decisions in harmony with his or her own Bible-trained conscience.—Romans 14:1-4; Hebrews 5:14.
Our conduct. We strive to show unselfish love in all our actions. (John 13:34, 35) We avoid practices that displease God, including the misuse of blood by taking blood transfusions. (Acts 15:28, 29; Galatians 5:19-21) We are peaceful and do not participate in warfare. (Matthew 5:9; Isaiah 2:4) We respect the government where we live and obey its laws as long as these do not call on us to disobey God’s laws.—Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29.
Our relationships with others. Jesus commanded: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” He also said that Christians “are no part of the world.” (Matthew 22:39; John 17:16) So we try to “work what is good toward all,” yet we remain strictly neutral in political affairs and avoid affiliation with other religions. (Galatians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 6:14) However, we respect the choices that others make in such matters.—Romans 14:12.
https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jehovah-witness-beliefs/
 

The difference is that my two questions have very real application, and very real consequences right NOW!

Berean Literal Bible   Acts 15 : 28 & 29 
"For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden, except these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. Keeping yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."
The rest is up to a person's own conscience, because as you've mentioned the law of the land is different in different countries, and then the law itself is different in different cases.  
But not according to the GB / Watchtower dictators, who love to have control over people. 
(I haven't seen @Anna's list of Core beliefs, shame, but probably because she has blocked me) 

JW Core Beliefs .... As Applied
I carefully read Anna's list of JW core beliefs, and responded "Amen", although about some I have been thinking about all the extenuating circumstances that might affect the absoluteness of some of them.
For Example, in U.S. Law there are many things that are felonies, but State Supreme Courts have ruled that although these felonies are lawfully prosecuted, the individual specifics make them AS APPLIED to certain cases make the application of those laws un-Constitutional, either by State, or Federal Constitutions.
In other words, the specific circumstances of the crime determines whether or not those laws can be applied against a specific person, in a specific set of circumstances.
...... Lets suppose a family of five, where all the family members are Jehovah's Witnesses, and the mother has tired of taking care of her three young children, puts them in a car, and deliberately drives that car into a lake, and drowns them. 
It's first-degree premeditated murder.
She is convicted in a court of law, and is sentenced to three life sentences with no possibility of parole.
QUESTION # 1 :     Is the husband, whose three children were murdered by his wife, expected to live his life alone, and never re-marry?
QUESTION #2:      If he does, say after a dozen years, remarry, will he be disfellowshipped?
 
 

Are you really that bored ?  I know nothing about  Global Thermonuclear War.  but it sounds like it would kill the good with the bad people.
I believe that God and Christ know exactly what they are doing and THEY know the exact time to intervene.  The Earth will remain forever and those humans that have been shown mercy will live on it forever. 
 

Questions From Readers : (Are Cats For True Christians?)
Is it appropriate for a Christian to own a cat, in light of their past pagan religious affiliation and the medical information that is now coming to light? -J.R., U.S.A.
It would be misleading to answer this question with either a simple ‘Yes’ or a ‘No.’ The Scriptural answer of necessity must be a ‘qualified’ one, and it is easy to see why. Many conscientious ones among Jehovah’s people today have wondered if Christians should own cats in view of their somewhat sordid symbolic history and the many health risks associated therewith. While we would not wish to state an opinion on what must remain a matter of personal preference, what is acceptable to one person may, although unintentionally, stumble another. This can become a life-or-death issue since to move the steps of a brother away from the path of Christ’s ransom sacrifice is tantamount to ‘putting a millstone around the neck and being thrown into the sea.’ -Matt. 18:6. Clearly, in a matter where our eternal salvation is involved, the mature Christian will not pursue a purely selfish course based on his own personal choices, but will adopt a congregational viewpoint as scripturally prescribed.
 
First, let us consider what most scholars agree is the etymology (word derivation) for the English term ‘cat’. When analyzed with the Latin ‘felis cattus domesticus’, the original Koine Greek is ‘cur.io huma bes-tia’, means ‘a contemporary housecat with all of its beastly identifying characteristics and behavior.’ A faithful servant of Jehovah would quickly notice that the nature of a cat is so marked as being ‘beastly’. The Bible makes clear reference to this condition when describing parts of Satan’s organizations, both past and present. For instance, consider the fearsome ‘beasts’ as described in the book of Daniel or the ‘scarlet colored wild beast’ in Rev. 17:3. The demons entered the swine when rebuked by Jesus showing the potential harm and malevolent spirit control to which a Christian may be potentially exposed. Lest we forget the story of Nebuchadnezzar and the condition of God’s enemy when being humbled by Jehovah, the student of God’s Holy word would ask – is it by accident that the Bible in the book of Daniel describes his experience as a ‘beast’ of the field? Hardly so!
Clearly, the Bible – by using this kind of terminology – shows beyond any reasonable doubt that the basic nature of cats, while created perfect by God, has become evil or ‘beastlike’ since the fall of Adam six thousand years ago, and more probably, since the Great Flood of Noah’s time (c2350 B.C.E.). This is a development of the condition borne by the ‘Original Serpent’, the ‘Great Dragon’ Lucifer himself. (Gen. 3:1) Indeed, modern studies of classification of cats, while not necessarily being reliable as they may be based on the discredited ‘theory’ of evolution, strongly associate felines with serpents (despite some external differences in physiology and morphology, which confuse those who do not study these matters deeply).
There are numerous reasons why a loyal dedicated servant of God should use his Bible-trained conscience to arrive at a proper understanding of why cats are not advisable as pets or companions for Christians. Consider, then, the following facts:
It was a common practice in ancient Egypt to worship or idolize cats as ‘gods’. Indeed, after death many cats were mummified, venerated and sacrifices were made to them. As Christians we observe not only the Mosaic Law, but also the ‘necessary things,’ identified by the Apostles at Jerusalem, to include the following edict: ‘(1) Abstain from sacrifices to idols’. We are to ‘guard ourselves from idols’ and ‘worship no other gods’. Such feline influence could lead to idolatry and thereby ‘grieve Jehovah’s Spirit’ with tragic consequences. May we never take for granted Jehovah’s wise and generous counsel brought to you by your spiritual brothers in the pages of this magazine!
The Bible does not say that cats were not present at Herod’s birthday party when John the Baptist was beheaded. History shows that cats were most likely present at this tragic party that Jehovah did not approve of. Clearly then, as loyal Christians, why would we even want to associate with animals that are without a doubt of such bad influence, remembering how true are the Bible’s words: ‘Bad associations spoil useful habits’! -1 Cor. 15:33. Some have exposed themselves to possible spiritual contamination in this way. To invite cats in our house is to toy with disaster. Can one deny that the chance exists that the same grave consequences could visit your home that fell upon John? Clearly, God disapproved of this ‘birthday’ party. Should we not then disapprove (without showing any malicious intent, only Godly hatred) of cats the way the scriptures recommend?
Throughout history, particularly in the middle ages and reaching its climax in the Salem Witch trials of the seventeenth century, cats were recognized by the forces of Christendom as familiars and carriers if not direct incarnates of demons. While, in common with most beliefs of the empire of false religion, no evidence has ever been found to support this, the symbolism of cats still remain within the public psyche, and involvement with them reflects poorly on God’s footstools and footstep followers. Many pagan faiths still conclude that black cats bring ill-luck and possess demonic forces, while we have shown that it is, instead, all cats that share these perceived characteristics. Since cats were associated with the devil, could we as faithful and dedicated servants of God therefore contaminate ourselves by exposure to a ‘living symbol’ of satanic incarnation? How would this reflect on God’s name and that of his visible, earthly organization? Would we want to be linked with a symbol of Satan, the ‘god of this beastly system of things’?
The careful student of the Bible will acknowledge that nowhere within it is any species (‘kind’) of cat referred to in favorable terms. In fact, was it not lions of the first century who the Devil used to devour faithful Christians? Jehovah Himself ‘stopped up the mouths of the lions’ (Dan. 6:22) in Daniel’s day. True, the small housecats of today are not quite lions, but being of the same accursed animal family used by God’s enemies on numerous occasions throughout history, would it be wise or prudent to own one? In addition, by owing any type of cat (feline), would we not give an appearance of condoning their evil deeds throughout recorded Bible and secular history? The Bible makes clear that God’s people are ‘no part of this world’ (John 15:19) and that we are ‘not to share in the sins of others’, consume lecithin within nutritive cereal or ‘candy’ bars, or do other things directly banned in Holy Scripture.
The demeanor of a cat is seen by many honest-hearted observers as reflecting some supernatural, unnatural proclivity towards malice or evil. And, it is a well-known fact that cats are impossible to tame, teach or raise in the truth. The cat has a rebellious, independent spirit. While the animal itself may be unaware of this tragic condition, it serves only its true master – Satan, the Devil.
The scriptures clearly indicate that neither Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, faithful Job, the Apostles, Jesus nor any other human bearing God’s favor himself owned a cat. Should we simply assume that this is a mere coincidence? Surely not! This was most likely because they didn’t want to be like the pagan contemporaries of their respective days who showed no regard for how God feels about owning a cat. In harmony with the pattern set by the faithful prophets and worthies of old, it would therefore not be fitting for the true Christian today to own a cat.
But, the most modern scientific evidence also supports the Biblical view. Contrary to popular beliefs among worldly people, cats are unhygienic animals. Recently the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that ‘Cats .. can shed Salmonella in their feces, which can spread the bacterial infection to humans’. Salmonella (salmonella typhimurium) creates a condition of ‘week-long diarrhea, abdominal cramps and in some instances, hospitalization.’ Would we be showing the proper respect to our life, Creator and to our ‘neighbor’ by exposing ourselves and others to this potentially deadly disease? Would this be seen by your brothers, and by those showing an interest in God’s word, as giving a good witness?
Additionally, cats practice many unclean habits not befitting a Christian household: coughing up fur balls, licking inappropriate body areas on their own bodies (inappropriate handling) and even, in some cases, on the bodies of their human owners (wrongful motive?), urination on the floor, vocal and blatant promiscuity (unknown to any other species, all others being endowed with Godly chastity and decorum) and widespread sexual misconduct without the benefit or sanctity of holy matrimony, even orgiastic practices, substance abuse of catnip (an intoxicating herb) which produces conditions akin to drunkenness, stealing food from the table, producing ungodly sounds, excessive playfulness and the employment of devices not known to have been used by Jesus, the conducting of its unholy business under the cover of the darkness of night, and so on. What sort of example does this give our young ones endeavoring to faithfully serve Jehovah? The Bible clearly shows that ‘neither fornicators .. nor thieves .. nor drunkards .. nor revilers .. will inherit the Kingdom.’ (1 Cor. 6:9-11)
It must not be forgotten that the feline is a killer. It eats mice and their kind, which is forbidden to Christians and their pets (Lev. 11:29, Isa. 66:17). But, far more serious, is the matter of the wanton consumption of the undrained corpses of the victims of this nocturnal creature; eating bodies filled with God’s sacred blood is not a matter to be trifled with (Gen. 9:3,4; Lev. 3:17; Deut. 12:16,23,24; Acts 15:20,28,29). In an earlier article in The Watchtower, we have shown that it would be improper for a Christian to permit a veterinarian to give blood transfusions to his pet, for animal feed known to contain blood to be served to a pet or a farm animal under one’s jurisdiction, or to employ any fertilizer that is known to have blood in it (w64 2/15 127-8). By allowing one’s cat to roam uncontrolled, the Christian becomes a willing party to, even a conspirator within, this serious breach of God’s law of life.
In addition, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to ‘quit mixing in company .. not even eating with such an unclean [one].’ -1 Cor. 5:9-11; Mark 2:13-17. Although Paul was speaking primarily about Christians who fell into sin, there is no reason to conclude that this inspired Biblical principle cannot be applied to association with cats. Uncleanness in any form is condemned by Jehovah and the fact that the Apostle Paul made no distinction when it came to associating with housecats proves beyond a doubt to the right-thinking worshiper of Jehovah that loyal Christians must avoid all association with all sources of uncleanness. This would logically include animals that either harbor these tendencies or indulge in such practices.
Of course, while demonstrating one’s obedience to God’s lovingly-issued commandments, one must do so without any spirit of meanness or ill-will towards these Satanic creatures, though they represent God’s enemies. Instead, mature Christians ‘feel a loathing’ toward those, including cats, who have voluntarily or otherwise made themselves God’s enemies, and they leave it to Jehovah to execute vengeance. -Job 13:16; Romans 12:19; 2 John 9,10.
Are we not grateful for this insight on God’s viewpoint regarding such matters? True worshipers follow closely God’s mandates on cleanness to their eternal benefit! Sister N.K. from Virginia, U.S.A. tells us that since getting rid of her cat, she has not had to be preoccupied with cleaning the litter box or wasting valuable time better spent pursuing kingdom interests with the burden of purchasing cat food. This has allowed her to become a full-time pioneer; she finds that it is now easier to meet her allotted hours in field service. Godwin, a brother from Sierra Leone, puts it this way: ‘I’m so grateful that God’s organization is kept clean! It has freed me from the burden of owning a cat and all the spiritual pitfalls and financial commitments that go with it. I hope all the brothers will realize how the Devil subtly uses cats to corrupt and distract us from the disciple-making work.’ (Matt. 24:14). What fine examples of faithfulness!
The question of how to dispose of one’s unwanted cat is a serious matter. Would it be proper to hand over such a creature of Satan to a person of the world? We see no immediate problem with this, as such a person is already immersed in the wicked ways of this system of things, and so a beastly companion would be a fitting one indeed. They could accompany each other on the road to destruction, through ignoring God’s generous gift of life proffered via His spirit-begotten earthly organization. It is on this same sound principle that a Christian doctor would have no reason to deny blood transfusions to a worldly patient. If, on the other hand, one took the view stated on page 128 of the above mentioned Watchtower, and consider that the pet or any other animal is under the ultimate jurisdiction of a Christian, who therefore bears responsibilities (Eccl. 12:13,14; Jas. 4:17, 1 Pet. 3:21) that are essentially parental in nature. The cat is a dependent. In harmony with this, surely it is the parent’s obligation before God to ensure the feline pet is treated as one would an unruly child who repeatedly refused to obey its parents, or of one who committed apostasy. Unfortunately in the case of human offspring, one is limited by the laws of the higher authorities of the land as to what scripturally-ordained punishment may be meted out, as compliance with both sets of laws is necessary in such areas. This may not always be the case in terms of felines, where the fact that we are not living in theocratic countries may not prove such an impediment to what God requires of us, as man made law may not afford such unmerited protection to cats as it does to humans. God’s soldiers would be mindful to apply, where the case merited it and local custom did not prohibit it, the principle of Deut. 21:18-21 which states that: ‘In case a man happens to have a [dependent] who is stubborn and rebellious, he not listening to the voice of his [guardian], and they have corrected him but he will not listen to them, his [guardian] must also take hold of him and bring him out to the older men of his city and to the gate of his place, and they must say to the older men of his city, ‘This [dependant] of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he is not listening to our voice, being a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of his city must pelt him with stones, and he must die.’ The mature follower of Jehovah will do well to be reminded of God’s advice in page 503 of The Watchtower of November 15, 1952 where it was held that ‘In the case where a father or mother or son or daughter is disfellowshiped, how should such person be treated by members of the family in their family relationship? .. We are not living today among theocratic nations where such members of our fleshly family relationship could be exterminated for apostasy from God and his theocratic organization, as was possible and was ordered in the nation of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai and in the land of Palestine. ‘Thou shalt surely kill him; thy hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him to death with stones, because he hath sought to draw thee away from Jehovah thy God, .. And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is in the midst of thee.’ -Deut. 13:6-11, AS.’ Of course, we can take no legal responsibility for anything which results from your voluntary application of your interpretation of such Biblical principles as you may believe that we have brought to your attention.
As loyal followers of Jehovah’s thinking on this matter, we can rejoice in the fact that in the new system, the incoming theocracy and World Order, the ‘lion will lie down with the lamb’ -Isa. 11:6-7. Yes, when Satan is finally abyssed, the ‘beastly’ nature of felines will be forever abolished, and they will be fit companions for humans on Paradise Earth! But until that rapidly-approaching time, God will reward all of our efforts to maintain integrity by loyally submitting to the leading of his spirit expressed through the loving guidance of the ‘faithful and discreet slave’. -Matt. 24:45-47

Questions From Readers
● Second Peter 3:10 says: “Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered.” What does this text mean? Are not the physical heavens and earth a permanent part of God’s creation?—U.S.A.
In determining the significance of the apostle Peter’s statement, we must remember that the terms “heavens” and “earth” often do not designate the physical heavens and earth, which are an abiding part of God’s creation. (Ps. 104:5) A notable example of this are the words of Isaiah 13:13 regarding the day of Jehovah’s triumph over Babylon: “I shall cause heaven itself to become agitated, and the earth will rock out of its place at the fury of Jehovah of armies and at the day of his burning anger.”
Obviously the fall of ancient Babylon resulted in no agitation of the physical heavens—sun, moon, stars and planets—nor was the literal earth rocked out of its place. But, figuratively speaking, the heavens and the earth were affected. How so? Well, we might recall that the Babylonians worshiped the sun and moon as well as the stars and planets as gods or goddesses. So when these deities proved unable to help Babylon in her greatest time of need, her “heavens” became agitated. Also the “earth” of the Babylonian Empire rocked out of its place. Babylon lost control of this vast portion of the earth upon being defeated and becoming a mere province of the Persian Empire.
The case of Babylon illustrates that the heavenly bodies have been viewed as representing powers higher than men, powers that have exercised controlling influence over mankind. The worship that has been given to these heavenly bodies has actually gone to invisible spirit forces higher than men, namely, to Satan the Devil and his demons. This is evident from the apostle Paul’s declaration: “The things which the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons.”—1 Cor. 10:20.
Yes, God’s Word clearly shows that Satan and his demons constitute a “heaven” over the human society alienated from Jehovah God. The apostle Paul, for example, referred to “wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places,” with their governments, authorities and world rulers. (Eph. 6:12) And 1 John 5:19 tells us: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”
So it must be the heavens composed of Satan and his demons that “will pass away with a hissing noise.” A fierce, devouring flame of great magnitude makes a loud hissing sound, as, for example, in the burning of a house or a forest. Of course, literal fire would be ineffective in bringing an end to Satan and his demons. But the wicked heavens will not escape the expression of God’s rage, spoken of in Scripture as burning like a fire. (Ps. 89:46; Isa. 30:27) That the Satanic and demonic heavens will pass away is confirmed in the book of Revelation. After having seen a vision of the complete defeat of Satan’s forces and the casting of Satan into the abyss, the apostle John noted that the “former heaven and the former earth had passed away.”—Rev. 21:1.
The “former heaven” not being literal, the “former earth” likewise is not literal. According to Revelation 19:19-21, not the physical earth, but the kings of the earth and their armies are the ones in line for destruction. Thus the “former earth” designates the wicked human society under the control of Satan and his demons. This identification of the “earth” is in agreement with the fact that, in Biblical usage, the term “earth” can denote earth’s inhabitants.—Ps. 96:1.
Accordingly, no “elements” (or constituent parts) of the symbolic heavens and earth will be able to withstand the intense heat of God’s burning anger. They will be completely “dissolved.” The words of Peter somewhat parallel the thought expressed at Malachi 4:1: “‘The day is coming that is burning like the furnace, and all the presumptuous ones and all those doing wickedness must become as stubble. And the day that is coming will certainly devour them,’ Jehovah of armies has said, ‘so that it will not leave to them either root or bough.’”
The earth, the ungodly human society, and its works will be “discovered” (the Greek word for “discovered” appears in the two oldest and most reliable Bible manuscripts available, the Vatican 1209 and the Sinaitic). This means that the wicked human society and its works will be seared bare of all disguise, exposed as being against Jehovah God and his kingdom by Christ and therefore worthy of destruction. By means of his Son, Christ Jesus, and multitudes of faithful angels, Jehovah God will see to it that none of the wicked works will go undiscovered and unpunished. A comparable idea is conveyed at Isaiah 26:21: “Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones.”
If we desire to withstand the consuming heat that will blaze against the old heavens and earth, we must make it our determination to know and to follow the course approved by Jehovah God. As Peter encouraged fellow Christians: “Do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace. . . . be on your guard that you may not be led away with [the untaught and unsteady] by the error of the law-defying people and fall from your own steadfastness. No, but go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”—2 Pet. 3:14-18."
END OF WATCHTOWER ARTICLE
The previous explanation to me is complex, impossible for any rational person to understand, and is built on a web of improbabilities.
The first time I read this Scripture, so many years ago, it seemed crystal clear that what was being described as Global Thermonuclear War.  It made perfect sense to me then, and it makes perfect sense to me now ... and it fits the progression of world events, and just plain makes the only sense one can make of that Scripture.
The Society's explanation seems like another "Question fro Readers" question that has been bumping around the Internet since about 1995, "Are Cats For True Christians", which many here have read many times.

Twisting my words yet again. 
Where did I call Truthers liars ?
Where did I call Jewish leaders liars ?
Yes I will close this topic also, because you SM just want to stir up trouble for no reason. 
THIS TOPIC WAS ABOUT HOW THE WORDS TRUTH AND TRUE LOST THEIR MEANING BECAUSE THEY ARE OVER USED 
 

Dear SM, you entered into a debate.  You set the rules, not @Patiently waiting for Truth, the person who began the topic.  It was you who made it a regulated debate under rules you enforced.  I hope you can see that. 

Oh, well, the topic is "TRUTH TRUTHER TRUE. THE WORDS LOSE THEIR MEANING IN OVER USE", and in this rare case, I thought I actually stayed on topic!

Space Merchant wants 'free advertising'. He wants me to do 'research' to advertise his 'community'. 
I'm not falling for it. He has called himself a Truther for so long, it is obvious that he has wanted people to ask him what they are.  
Maybe @Space Merchant should make a new topic where he can advertise his 'community'. 
 
 

I am confused an have no "basics" about this  . What is "Truther Community" and who are "Truthers"? Is that some Movement, Religion, Internet Community? Who are members? And can you be, for example Catholic or Muslim or JW and "Truther" who belong to "Truther Community" in the same time?

I'm not sure what "quote" you are meaning?

It seems to be a pervasive disease in all religion established at the hands of men!

This is such a good topic.
Jesus said, “Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.”  (AMPC)  John 17:17
In Revelation, it mentions a “sea of glass”, the “river of the water of life”, and the description of the spiritual temple…all signified “as clear as crystal”, “as pure as transparent glass”.  Rev 4:6; 21:11,21; 22:1 
There are multiple aspects to the word of God that have been misused and twisted by men, creating the wrong impression of who God is.  If Jesus is the “truth”, (John 14:6) and is “the image of the invisible God”, it is through him that we come to understand pure truth. (Col 1:15) We can’t take just one aspect of the words of Christ, interject the words of men as the Wt. has, and say we are “in the truth”. This applies also to all aspects of religion in the world.   In Daniel, because the temple/anointed have been trampled in the organization, it tells us that “truth has been thrown to the ground”. Dan 8:9-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+8%3A9-12&version=NIV
If the anointed were to work together under Jesus Christ…as the early anointed were able to, the living water of truth would be running clear as crystal. (John 7:38)  Since the saints are silenced and scattered throughout the world of JWs…since they submit to the doctrine of men, there is no longer any trickle of truth in the organization. 
 “‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. 18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19 Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet?”  Ezek 34:17-19
If they are “ambassadors for Christ”, (2 Cor 5:20) they are to be ambassadors for truth; but through Satan’s sly works, they have become ambassadors for men and their lies.  If only they would ALL wake up and leave.  The symbolic “great street” or pathway of the holy city, is paved with gold, representing clear truth in Jesus Christ.
“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”  Rev 3:14-20
 

Man to man, stop hiding behind a mask. a Space Merchant, a Storm Trooper, a Truther. 
You are a person just as I am. Stop pretending that you make the rules, because you don't. 
You say we are in Debate. I say I'm not interested in your 'debate'. 
In fact you act like a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. you give orders and your expect people to obey. You've tried in on with @Srecko Sostar and with @Witness  and with me. 
BUT, you only have 'power' IF people allow you to have such power. And I do not allow you to have that power over me. 

I am not seriously interested in your terms. But do tell me what 'accusations' I have made against 'a community' 
 

Actually it was I that took up the challenge because you made a point of saying that I should start a new topic. 
Well I started a new topic ! 
BUT once again you miss the whole point of it. It's not that you are 'blind' to what i write. But I can read in your words that you deliberately twist things. 
This is not only with me. You do it to @Witness and you do it to @Srecko Sostar .  
Now my point about people giving themselves or their Organistion a 'title' relating to the word Truth. 
Anyone can use that word Truth. Tom Harley calls himself @TrueTomHarley  You call your self a Truther
The JWs say they are in the 'truth'. 
The word TRUTH therefore loses it's meaning, ( especially concerning the Watchtower / JW Org.
I have no interest in what you Truthers say or do, as to me it is just part of the 'world'.  
And I am also not interested in digging into politics, one side or the other. I'm not interested in calling people 'Left' or ' Right' as that is getting involved with the world. 
BUT back on topic. THE TOPIC IS ABOUT THE USE OF THE WORD TRUTH.
And I repeat, the word TRUTH has lost it's original meaning, because to many People or Orgs misuse it. 
Maybe that is part of the Devil's plan. Words get diluted, they lose their original meaning, that can mean if we are not careful, when we read scripture we might lose the true sense of it. 

That's fine, but as far as Mr. Butler is concerned here, I told him that if he made an accusation regarding the community that I play a role in helping, that would lead to a debate between him and me, and he did. did here.

A man calls himself a TRUTHER. 
Another man calls himself TRUE 
And an Organisation says they have the TRUTH.
But Jesus says (recorded at Matthew 9 :13.
Berean Study Bible
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
God's word is TRUTH, that is real truth.  The Pharisees had the Hebrew scriptures, so it could be said that the Pharisees 'had truth'.
So why did Jesus condemn the Pharisees ? Because the Pharisees were hypocrites. They knew those scriptures well, but used it to be dictators of the people. 
Hence the scripture above. Almighty God and Jesus desires mercy not sacrifice. That scripture proves it. 
Unfortunately those words TRUTH or TRUE are now thrown about so much they have lost their real meaning. And if a Person or an Organsaition needs to use it as a title then what does it show ?  
Well here on this forum it seems to show that such people could easily be the type very similar to the Pharisees. Sticking to the Law, but avoiding the Mercy.  
Of course no true Christian would condone immorality. No true Christian would take part in immorality either. But, no true Christian would lack that Mercy that Jesus instructed either. 

A governing leader commented in a recent convention video, that the early Christian congregations did not lose their faith because of persecution, but because “false brothers” slipped into the congregation with their spiritual “poison”, to mislead God’s people. (Heb 12:14,15) This did occur as verified by Jude 1:4 that he cited.  The scriptures do give ample warning of that possibility. (Rom 16:17,18; Gal 1:7,8)  However, the warning applies particularly to the last anointed remnant on earth, before Christ’s return.  (Matt 24:24,22; 7:15; 2 Thess 2:1-4; Rev 8:10; 9:1-4;13:11,12; 16:13-16; 12:4,15,17) 
These “false brothers” have left their covenant in Christ to pursue fleshly desires, becoming the progeny of another “father”… (Luke 4:5-7; John 8:44; 1 John 2:4; 1 Cor 6:19; Eph 5:5; 1 John 1:6;2:19; Rev 9:11) …and another “mother”. (Gal 4:24,26,9-11; Isa 28:15,18; Rev 17:5)
They became spiritual harlots, filling their “cup” with detestable teachings, and practices of idolatry committed against the covenant – against the Father and the Son.  (Isa 1:21; Ps 106:39; Jer 2:20; 1 Cor 10:21; 2 Cor 11:2,3;Rom 1:21-23,25; Jer 51:7; Rev 17:1-4) 
God’s Word tells us that in the time of the end, many will be misled by false teachers and false prophets – even the chosen elect/”saints”. (Mark 13:22; 2 Pet 2:1,2)  The anointed remnant in the last days would be ‘captured’ and tested through deceit.  (Luke 21:7,8,24;22:31; Col 2:8; Rev 13:10,1,5-7; 1 Pet 4:12,13)
Its leaders usually promote a capture and persecution by the world of politics, to come upon all JWs; but, within their perceived haven of peace and security, spiritual captivity of the anointed has been accomplished by false teachers. (Ezek 13:10; Jer 8:11;1 Thess 5:3; Rev 20:7-9; 16:16)   It is hidden in plain sight. 
“In the same way these people—relying on their dreams—defile their flesh, reject authority, and slander glorious ones.”  Jude 1:8
They focus on fleshly desires, and reject the authority of Jesus Christ. (Eph 2:3; Col 2:18,19)  Do these false teachers slander God’s holy people?  Yes, both inside and outside the organization.  The anointed are “trampled” among the throng of JWs, by dissolving any truthful understanding of God’s priesthood and its role.  (Isa 43:21; 1 Pet 2:9; Mal 2:7; Heb 13:15; Rev 5:9,10; 7:10,12)
Sarcastic and accusatory remarks have been said about them by the leadership. (Ps 35:20; Jer 23:1,2; Ezek 34:2)  They are silenced; their duties absorbed by a counterfeit priesthood in the exalted elder body. (Ezek 34:6,21,22,28; Num 18:7; Ezek 44:6-9; Luke 21:24; Matt 24:15,16; 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Thess 2:4; Dan 8:13; Rev 11:2)
Outside the walls, the anointed devoted to their Master, Jesus Christ, are also a primary target that this leader has in mind; calling them “apostates” - “teachers” who have exposed the leaders’ lies, idolatry and apostasy. (John 15:20) The governing leader stated that these apostates are “rot from within”. How could a person once anointed, become “rot from within”?  The leader didn’t give a full explanation, but the scriptures do. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A20&version=CSB
Jesus said, "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.”  John 15:5-7
A false teacher would be promoting his own “word”, over those of Jesus Christ. (Matt 15:9; 12:37; Gal 1:6-9,11,12; Acts 13:9,10; 1 Tim 4:1; Rev 13:11,12,16,17)  As Jude 1:8 says, he would be relying on his own fleshly dreams and desires. (Jer 23:16) He would push the envelope when interpreting scripture. (Isa 28:7,8) He would formulate doctrine outside of Christ’s teachings, outside of the Word of God. (1 Thess 2:13)  He would create literal dates of the coming of Armageddon, making promises to his hearers that prove to be false. (Isa 28:9,10) 
A false teacher would shun his brothers in Christ out of jealousy and fear of losing his authority and power over them. (Gen 4:9; Matt 24:48-51; 1 John 3:7,10-12; Rev 11:3,7; 13:15)   He would demean their role as an active priest today, promoting lying doctrine about the priesthood, and by shedding doubt on their personal anointing.  (Isa 51:23;Rev 9:3,4)     
There is a presentation within the leader’s video, of individuals whose faith (in the organization/idol) was challenged.  One man stated that the elders helped reason with him, and he ‘realized’… “I had been carried off, or that I had been taken captive by human philosophy the deception and the empty reasoning of men.” 
That statement is based on Col 2:8, which wasn’t mentioned. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col+2%3A8&version=CSB
 If we analyze the sign of a teacher using human philosophy and ‘empty reasoning’, we can return to what Jesus said in John 15 - "The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”
The “fruit” that Jesus speaks of, is truth, not one’s own deluded teachings that later must be changed.  (John 14:6,24; 17:17)  Jesus would not grant the okay for his servants to make a prediction that would certainly fail, or teach any false doctrine, as the organization has, and does. (2 Tim 2:15)  Yet, the governing leaders a few years back blamed their errors in guidance, on not only lack of divine ‘inspiration’; but they also blamed Jesus Christ, by saying he didn’t promise that his “faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food.” 
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.”
This also does not mean that Jesus will change a teaching at the whim of men who desire to speak fraudulence from their own minds.  Truth in Jesus Christ is light, and sustains spiritual life. (John 8:12;1 John 1:4,5) It is always light - never to lead one into darkness, but progressively growing lighter “to the full light of day”. It is a straight path of further knowledge, built on existing truth.  It doesn’t take the steep, twisted switchbacks or backtracking, to a previous understanding, as the organization has frequently done. (Psalm 119:105; Prov 4:18,19; 5:3-6;13:9; Isa 59:9; 50:10; John 1:5; 1 Tim 4:4,5) 
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”  Isa 8:20
Each anointed teacher is compared by Jesus, as a “tree”. (Jer 17:7,8; Psalm 1:1-3; Rev 22:2) He tells us that a “good tree”, can only produce “good fruit”. (Matt 7:17,18) As we see in John 15, they are also compared to branches of a vine.  They cannot rely on excuses for producing “bad fruit” or bad teachings, and still claim they are led by Jesus Christ.   (Mal 3:18) As long as they remain attached to the vine of living sap/Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ, “bad”, rotten fruit will not be produced.
Keeping that in mind, we know that an apple from a tree riddled with disease will produce malformed fruit affected by the disease, and it is not palatable. The extensive list of doctrines, (‘beliefs clarified’, and also present doctrine) produced by the governing leaders is not and never has been, palatable.  These men are unable to provide spiritual living nourishment, since their teachings are continually discarded. (John 15:7,8,15,16)  “Rot from within”, begins in the heart of the “tree”.  Yes, there is a term called “heart rot”, a decaying fungal disease that affects the tree’s ability to survive.  Eventually, the trunk and branches become so diseased, that the tree falls.  Heart rot cannot be detected on the outside of the tree, unless the heart is somehow visible through damage, or exposed at its fall.   (Zech 11:1,2; Matt 3:10; 2 Pet 3:17; 1 Tim 6:9)
So again, how we can detect “rot from within” the heart of a false teacher? Jesus tells us in Matt 12:33-36; 15:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+12%3A33-36%3B+15%3A19+&version=CSB
False teachings are introduced as the man said, by offering ‘a few grains of truth mixed in with falsehoods, and inspired by the demons’. (1 Tim 4:1,2; Rev 16:13-16) He compared this concoction to a poisoned drink.  If we were to accept this cup offered by false teachers, deterioration and active decay to our spiritual heart and mind begins. (Prov 4:23; Ps 28:3; Prov 19:9; 2 Tim 3:13)  And the teacher who offers the poisoned cup of falsehoods to his listeners, is the sign of rot occurring from within themselves. (Deut 32:33; Prov 23:26-35; Job 20:16)
He states -  “So first, let’s talk about apostasy, and we’ll call it spiritual poison. Now, think about poison. What’s the best way to avoid being poisoned? Well, we have to recognize poison when we see it, and then avoid it. And the same principle applies to teachings that could destroy our faith. And that’s not always easy. No, not many of our brothers and sisters would deliberately get involved with apostates, but it could happen without our realizing it.”
It has happened, to the chosen priesthood of God.  They have been dangerously deceived in these last days, falling into the organizational “trap”.  (Ps 140:5; Jer 5:26; Luke 21:34-36; Col 2:8)
Jude calls these false teachers “brute beasts” who have gone the way of Cain. (Jude 1:10,11)  In the last days, Revelation tells us that a bright “star” falls from the heavens onto “springs of water”. (Dan 12:3; 2 Pet 3:14; Rev 8 :10) These poisoned waters, signify teachings from fallen anointed ones  –  fallen “stars” and the “trees” whose heart rot is detected by what comes out of their mouth. (Jer 22:17; Matt 24:4,5; Luke 6:45; Rom 16:17,18) Those who drink in the cup offered to them, will eventually perish. These are the “false brothers” who have misled the chosen “elect”, and many with them. (2 Pet 2:1-3)  Their rot from within is so invasive, that God’s Word refers to them as Wormwood.  Another connective illustration to Wormwood is Rev 13:11; 17:1 which describes her as a Beast with two horns, a false prophet, and also a Harlot.
“To share in Satan's power and authority over false teachings, persecution and deceiving of the unsealed faithful, and death; is a great sin for those who had been Chosen ones (Rev 8:10,11; Matt 24:45,48-51.
Those who enter this Covenant with Satan and his abyss, were already warned by Christ to love their brothers (John 13:32,35), or else be considered murderers and Satan's seed (1 John 3:14,15; John 8:44).” 
The Last Harlot and Her Beast - https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/12/here-is-earlier-post-with-updates.html
The scriptures speak in length about “Ephraim”, which originally referred to one man, but came to include the northern tribes of Israel.  That region was later called Samaria (meaning “watch tower”).  It was a region of protective mountains, and fertile, prosperous land.  Ephraim-Israel transgressed their covenant with God, relying on their own strength by not calling on God to guide them.  They spread lies about Him, and in their arrogance, joined the nations in acts of idolatry.  (Hos 6:7,9,10; 7:10,13,15; 5:3,4) 
We can take this useful information and project it symbolically toward the ‘protective’ “mountainlike organization” and its apostate leaders of spiritual “Israel”. Ephraim the man, exalted himself as above reproach by God. (Hos 13:1). Like Ephraim, the organization’s succession of leadership – “heads”/“mountains”/false prophets, also believe they are invincible, never to have their “reign” toppled.   (Rev 13:1,11;Isa 47:7-9; Rev 18:7)
“Ephraim” can mean, “doubly fruitful”, adding to the illusion that the organization appears prosperous, producing much “fruit”, which is evident through publications throughout the years. (Gen 41:52) Although appearing as “fertile”, none of this fruit contains the light of Jesus Christ. (Deut 32:32; Isa 50:10,11; John 3:19) 
 I was speaking about the governing leader’s video and his statement about "rot from within" with a friend, and I had shared Hosea 5 with her which says,
“I am like a moth to Ephraim,
    like rot to the people of Judah. 12
“Their deeds do not permit them
    to return to their God.
A spirit of prostitution is in their heart;
    they do not acknowledge the Lord. 4
The turning away from the light and life of truth, as the organization’s leaders have done, brings God’s judgment against these “false brothers”.  Through the poisoned teachings which the Beast/false prophet/Harlot survives on, the rotten heart of these “trees” will be fully exposed, when their “garment” is ‘moth-eaten’ by God’s judgments against them. (Job 13:128; Isa 50:9; 51:7,8; James 5:1-3; Rev 17:16,17)
“But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption.”  2 Pet 2:12
Upon doing a little research, my friend shared with me that one aspect of the word “perish” means destruction from internal corruption, deterioration, decay, which is…“rot from within”.  Their corrupted selves are perishing; branches of the vine segregated from all other branches under their Head, Jesus Christ, and who are destined to wither and be destroyed.  (Hab 2:12,15,16; John 15:4,6,7)
There is another, yet negative meaning to the name, Ephraim, which signifies the outcome of his spiritual harlotry – “double ash-heap”, connotating worthlessness and grief.   (Mal 4:1-3; Rev 18:4-8) 
“If he sows to please his own wrong desires, he will be planting seeds of evil and he will surely reap a harvest of spiritual decay and death; but if he plants the good things of the Spirit, he will reap the everlasting life that the Holy Spirit gives him.”  Gal 6:8
YHVH’S Genuine Mountain - https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/jehovahs-genuine-mountain.html