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Witness
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6 minutes ago, AllenSmith said:
Now before, you make me spill my coffee with laughter? Think “Jesus entered the Temple” is this temple heavenly? Did Satan all of a sudden die at that time? Are you suggesting Jesus was an idolater for entering the Temple? A Temple built by earthly “MEN”. Or are you suggesting something new, like God, sent angels to build the Temple, meaning if Jesus had taken possession of his kingship as ignorance has been suggested in other threads by 33 C.E, then Christ sacrifice would have meant nothing since his kingdom would have, been destroyed by man. This has nothing to do with your question, I just wanted to show you, you're NOT the only one to make my day with laughter.
I hope you are able to read the extension of my comment. Prove to me from scripture. You forget that Jesus said, "Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” John 2:19 And what did he have in mind?
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2 hours ago, AllenSmith said:
Witness: Wow! Now I've read everything. I have gone far enough to say “contempt” for someone pretending to be a witness when they're not, but to suggest “hate” as an alternative is not only against Scripture but that would mean it to be psychologically unbalanced.
It would imply that people should hate the house of God. So, King Solomon built the temple, its considered Idolatry. I guess that makes sense to an insane person.
Perhaps one doesn’t need to learn scripture, just an exorcism!
Prove to me using scripture that an earthly organization built within Satan's world, is the house of God.
Let me verify, that it should proven with scripture since Christ appeared on the earth. You appear to be still under the "law" by your reference to Solomon's Temple. God had in mind, not what Solomon built but something far greater. Matt 12:6
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On 2/27/2017 at 7:59 AM, Shiwiii said:
June 2017 Watchtower
15. How does respect for theocratic headship reveal our love for Jehovah’s way of ruling?
15 What is our response to divinely authorized headship? By our respectful cooperation, we show our support for Jehovah’s sovereignty. Even if we do not fully understand or agree with a decision, we will still want to support theocratic order. That is quite different from the way of the world, but it is the way of life under Jehovah’s rulership. (Eph. 5:22, 23; 6:1-3; Heb. 13:17) We benefit from doing so, for God has our interests at heart.So does this mean that if you do not agree with the "err" that is presented, you still must support it? YES it does. It states that if we do not, then we are not showing support or cooperation for Jehovah's sovereignty. So somehow the sovereignty of Jehovah is at stake if we do not side with the wt.
Again, no proof that ANYONE authorized this leadership but they themselves.
lets not forget:
Watchtower (Study) 15 November 2013, page 20
(3) At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20131115/seven-shepherds-eight-dukes/
This is the blind leading those who must remain "blind" to the errors in teaching taught blindly...all because God has one's interests at heart?
- Shiwiii and Srecko Sostar
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On 3/5/2017 at 4:02 AM, TrueTomHarley said:
(sorry, Eoin. I admit, I'm not being overnice here. But we are dealing with some who HATE God's organization, which organization says it's not a great idea to be trading words with them in the first place, and this thread is demonstrating why. I will allow, though, that loyal ones have made some excellent points, perhaps spurred on in effort to shut up the scoundrels, and that your input has been among the most valuable of all.
Your choice of words are enlightening. It is “God’s organization” that you say individuals like myself HATE. Since you didn’t specify it is God that is hated, you must realize one can love God and hate a corporation, as well as not hate the people within the corporation. Unless, you are combining the two – God and an organization, which is idolatry. Isa 46:5; 42:8
But, for following such scriptures, one can still be called an apostate by the organization. Ironic, isn’t it? You are not allowed to speak to an individual who loves God but refuses to acknowledge an idol.
16 hours ago, Eoin Joyce said:What does "Caesar" consider the Org's elders to be?
The elder body is a de facto clergy.
“Appointed elders represent the royal priesthood” w02 8/1 pp. 9-14The true priesthood was “ordained” by God through an anointing. Since they know this, do they only act at liberty as a “clergy”, but in word, refuse to admit it?
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On 3/3/2017 at 3:56 AM, TrueTomHarley said:
and not just supply posts like that from a certain apostate who blasts us with a dozen irrelevant Bible verses and then tries to hook us into his own blog where he presumably has many more. I mean, how crass is that?
Better to rely on God’s word, than empty philosophy.
As Col 2:8 shows, basing worship on elementary principles of this world is not according to Christ. My attempt to list the string of scriptures was to help you see that God’s administration is a spiritual one in Christ, not having anything to do with material structure or man’s hierarchy.
“If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,
“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?
“These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” Col 2:20-23
Think about these words the next time you sit in a kingdom hall and an elder is reminding you of the need for more donations to support, what? The brotherhood and their immediate needs, or is it construction? Or could it be to cover the costs of pedophile lawsuits? Or to make movies, support a beautiful broadcasting station and all its equipment?
In Korea, 1994, six heads of family took out personal loans to build a kingdom hall, each one taking on the responsibility to pay off the loan. If it wasn’t sold at some point in time by those owners, who owns that kingdom hall now? If they successfully paid off the loan to the bank, do they continue to pay an amount to the Wt.? For these people it has possibly become, “do not touch” as their investment has been taken from them. How many more have been cheated in the “spiritual paradise”?
Yet, by the scriptures I gave you, it should become evident that Warwick and every building owned by the Watchtower, have been dedicated to a God who doesn’t want anything to do with them, since they are all destined to perish. You can find this to be true by reading the list of scriptures I presented you.
On 3/3/2017 at 1:14 PM, Anna said:If you are talking about Witness, then that is not his/her blog but some crazy woman's, who thinks the GB and the WT are the antichrist..
Funny, someone could just ask me this instead of acting like I don't exist. Wait, could it be because I'm disfellowshiped?
Pearl, the “crazy lady”, is an anointed one who was disfellowshiped for, among other revealing truths, some of the same topics of reasoning that many of you have here – when Christ began his reign, and 1914. Only Pearl didn’t speak these things under wrap, but vocally to the elder body and in the same manner as Christ. A “wicked slave” cannot tolerate any other opinion from the anointed body, but their own, (much like the Pharisees) especially one blessed with the insight of Holy Spirit. Notice that the account of this wicked slave began “beating” his fellow slaves because of Christ’s delay in coming. My, how that fits the history of the organization and their many failed dates. Truly, there are 7 “crazy men” out there doing a great deal of harm to a great number of sheep. Pearl has not hurt one human being.
I remember when going in “field service”, if a person showed no interest it was occasionally determined that they were not “sighing and crying over the detestable things”. Some JWs even mocked them for the apathetic attitude. These words in Ezek 9:4 addressed God’s temple sanctuary in Jerusalem, not all religions of the world. Prophetically, their meaning is concerning spiritual “Jerusalem”, God’s anointed priesthood and sanctuary today. As I look into the organization, the many who are sighing and crying are on their way out or have left; many are just complaining, and many more are apathetic over the “detestable things” like the particular topic here. The apathetic ones, even the complainers seem to “like it that way” and continue to disregard the serious problems with the organization, in particular God’s sanctuary arrangement of his own appointed priesthood, where the abomination in the Temple is present – the “man of lawlessness”. Jer 5:30,31; Matt 24:15 According to Ezek 9:4, only those with the mark on their foreheads were saved, those ones sighing and crying over all the abominations.
“ For behold, I am beginning to work calamity in this city which is called by My name, and shall you be completely free from punishment? You will not be free from punishment; for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth,” declares the Lord of hosts.’
“Therefore you shall prophesy against them all these words, and you shall say to them,
‘The Lord will roar from on high
And utter His voice from His holy habitation;
He will roar mightily against His fold.
He will shout like those who tread the grapes,
Against all the inhabitants of the earth.’” Jer 25:29,30I find it rather interesting when reading this thread how references are made to all those entities elsewhere that deal with child abuse. (‘See, it’s not only us!’) In light of this, shouldn’t a JW ask the question, just how encompassing is Babylon the Great? Pedophilia and its coverup is darkness. There is no way to make that cup shiny, even on the outside. There is no way God or Christ have anything to do with darkness.
As far as Pearl preaching that the Watchtower is the anti-Christ, I am glad you actually visited Pearl’s site to read. Let me give you one simple example explaining the organization as the antichrist.
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.” 2 John 1:7
The Greek word for “as coming” is érchomai. Within Strong’s definition we find:
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):—accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, × light, × next, pass, resort, be set.
It’s usage involving persons –“ to come from one place to another, and used both of persons arriving and of those returning. “
Christ came to earth in the flesh, will he return at some point “in the flesh”? The Watchtower teaches absolutely not. As a “new creation”, both human and spirit, of course Christ will return to the earth as well as his priests and kings. Scriptures clearly show that this will occur.
“They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11
How much clearer can it read? the antichrist is..."those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh".
And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51
“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride (144,000) adorned for her husband. (Christ)” Rev 21:2 (Rev 3:12; 21;10)
I believe 7 “crazy men” have definitely ‘pulled the wool over your eyes’, and God not only wants you to know this, but to act upon it.
Who Is Your God? - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/02/who-is-your-god.html
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On 2/26/2017 at 7:41 PM, Witness said:
It appears that the organizational image and its website cannot be tainted by such negative news; news that would shatter the image of a “spiritual paradise”. Matt 23:25; 1 Thess 5:3 It is more likely that JWs will hear from their leaders that the press and the internet can’t be trusted.
Watchtower #2, 2017 Public Edition, p 8-9
“RELIGIONS around the world—such as the Roman Catholic Church, the various Orthodox churches, Buddhism, and others—require celibacy of their religious leaders and clergy. On the other hand, MANY PEOPLE FEEL THAT THIS PRACTICE LIES AT THE ROOT OF THE RECENT WAVE OF SEXUAL SCANDALS INVOLVING CLERICS OF VARIOUS RELIGIONS."
A subtle, yet desperate diversion tactic; focusing the eye back onto Christendom’s clergy.
"Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." 1 Pet 2:13-17
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1 hour ago, TrueTom said:
Instead, the contest that presents itself here is that of an organization that has obeyed Jesus and built a massive infrastructure to enable, encourage, and coordinate lowly persons in fulfilling the Christian instruction to preach and teach
A massive man made infrastructure is not what Jesus had in mind.
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.” John 2:19-22
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“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:19-24
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“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:24,25
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“Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him.
“However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:
“‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me?
says the Lord.
Or where will my resting place be?
Has not my hand made all these things?’“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Acts 7:44-51
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“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Eph 2:19-22
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“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. “
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” 1 Cor 3:10,11,16,17
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“you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Pet 2:5,9
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“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
“ Then the word of the Lord came to me: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.” Zech 4:7,8
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“The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.” Rev 3:12
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“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” Rev 21:10
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“One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Rev 21:9
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“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Rev 22:17
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“ I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 2 Cor 11:2-4
We have to realize that the anointed ones must be “sealed” in Christ – in purity, without sin, and by following completely in Christ’s footsteps – in persecution, hatred by their own people, and suffering a spiritual “death” by turning completely to God and Christ. John 15:20; 16:2; Rev 3:18; Mal 3:2,3:Rev 11:8;13:15; Rev 12:11 Once the “144,00” spiritual number has been reached, God’s Kingdom begins as the last capstone is placed. The bride, God’s Temple, will be finished. They must be fully under Christ’s rule, and not answer to men. Luke 16:13 They cannot be sealed under the false sense of security and false doctrine that the Watchtower offers. 1 Thess 5:3
Operation of Error - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/06/operation-of-error.html
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On 2/27/2017 at 2:09 PM, Eoin Joyce said:
You are tying the words of 2 Thess 2:8-12 to the Watchtowers language translation accomplishments and implying that this work has been empowered by Satan?????!!!!
Lawlessness - anomía, an-om-ee'-ah; from G459; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness:—iniquity, × transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.
I.Bible usage - the condition of without law
A. because ignorant of it
B. because of violating it
II.contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness
"The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin (lawlessness) and all who do evil. Matt 13:41
“In the same way, on the outside you look righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” Matt 23:28
“Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people, and because lawlessness will increase, the love of many people will grow cold.” Matt 24:11,12
What “law” is Jesus referencing that is absent? Love. Justice. Victims of child abuse do not receive either. Disfellowshiped victims also do not receive love or justice.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27
No one here can truthfully say that the Watchtower is not polluted, or unstained by the world. In every way, it is tarnished through lawsuits, investments, physical attention to earthly endeavors, and even politics.
The “man of lawlessness”, the Body of Elders, stands in the Temple of God, his anointed ones, where it does not belong because they are not God’s chosen priests. 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2Chron23:6; Eze.44:7,9
So yes, no matter what the Watchtower accomplishes according to worldly standards, (Matt 4:8,9) lawlessness thrives in the organization because God’s own requirements for justice, love and pure teachings from Christ are not followed. The organization has discarded God’s ways, including Christ’s anointed spiritual priesthood - the Body of Christ; all, to follow men’s doctrines and rules.
The sad thing is, although JWs speak of God and Christ, do they realize both the Father and Jesus see all, and he hear all, of the transgressions that lay before them? Jer 5:12,13; 30,31
Without going off topic much further, you can read my comment made to JW Insider here, which explains more about the priesthood; found under “Why such blatant hypocrisy?"
https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/topic/7351-why-such-blatant-hypocrisy/?_fromLogout=1
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Tom,
Our loyalty is to God and Christ – and Truth. The organization is not God. Isa 46:5; Exod 15:11; Mark 12:30 Can you not see that your words are exactly why most JWs will not know the outcome of the ARC sessions coming up, because of putting loyalty to the organization ahead of seeking truth?
It is putting blinders on, Tom. If one of your dear friends, or you and a loved one have to face the same situation, is this when you will take your blinders off, when it affects you? Matt 15:14; Mark 12:31
1 hour ago, TrueTom said:Nobody else comes remotely close replicating the work they do in telling Kingdom good news. These people are my friends.
THIS is a spiritual paradise?
I know, the organization has 880 languages under its belt, and that you feel it is remarkable; and I agree it is remarkable, but we know it isn't an isolated outstanding feat in the history of mankind. Jesus and his apostles were pretty humble, but achieved greatness in the eyes of God. How many times in the scriptures have we seen God use the meagerness of men to accomplish his will? (Lev 26:7,8; Judges 7:2-4; Zech 4:6)
“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” 2 Thess 2:8-12
“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
"Know that there is no other organization that has Jehovah's blessing and favor". W13/10/15
"There is no doubt that Jehovah's organization will be preserved and will prosper spiritually." W 08/11/15Judgment comes upon the people you are speaking of – God’s anointed ones (spiritual Israel) and all who listen to them.
“‘When any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing in Israel separate themselves from me and set up idols (organization) in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet to inquire of me, I the Lord will answer them myself. I will set my face against them and make them an example and a byword. I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
“‘And if the prophet is enticed to utter a prophecy, I the Lord have enticed that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel. They will bear their guilt—the prophet will be as guilty as the one who consults him. Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Eze 14:7-11
Rev 18:4-8
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1 hour ago, TrueTom said:
What a stupid question! It is required to go beyond the law?
I am sure you are aware that the elders are not trained to handle the emotional trauma that results from child abuse. By your words, you also have lost sight of Christ’s love, its action and motivating power. If it were your child who was abused, wouldn’t you do your utmost to find professional help, and also consider the large possibility of repeated abuses by the perpetrator to those not only inside the congregation, but outside the congregation? Side point, how would you feel if your little girl was required to relate their abuse in front of two or three men - in detail?
Does a law have to motivate you, or shouldn’t it be the concern and compassion not only for your own, but for others?
IF the perpetrator is disfellowshiped, does that bring an end to the threat?
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they? And if you greet only your relatives, that’s no great thing you’re doing, is it? Even the unbelievers do the same, don’t they? So be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matt 5:46-48
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28 minutes ago, TrueTom said:
The general rule is that where the law requires the names of even suspected abusers to be handed over to secular authorities, the JW organization will do it.
"...where the law requires..."
In all cases? No, which we see revealed by the many lawsuits. And why is it that a law is necessary to twist the arm? Love would compel the elders to act in the best interests of the victim. Love would motivate the GB to make sure council is given in righteousness.
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” 1 John 3:7-10
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:28
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The attached youtube video is of Archbiship Mark, giving his message to ALL, Catholics as well as the general public. After listening to his message of promise, can any JW imagine the GB making a similar public announcement prior to the Watchtower's meeting with the ARC? I certainly cannot. Instead, the only way Jehovah’s Witnesses will know of the WT's own ARC hearing is by contact elsewhere on the internet, or through word of mouth – not through jw.o r g.
It appears that the organizational image and its website cannot be tainted by such negative news; news that would shatter the image of a “spiritual paradise”. Matt 23:25; 1 Thess 5:3 It is more likely that JWs will hear from their leaders that the press and the internet can’t be trusted.
Peace and Security - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/08/whats-wrong-with-peace-and-security.html
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I learned it from Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim 2:3,4
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2 hours ago, Witness said:
I can only tell you why the organization has not successfully come to the aid of victims of unrighteous acts, or disfellowshiped those who deserve to be removed from the congregation for grave unrepentance
Should be...or NOT disfellowshiped those who deserve to be removed from the congregation for grave unrepentance.
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On 2/15/2017 at 0:12 PM, JW Insider said:
Are you saying that you believe there are no circumstances whereby a person should be disfellowshipped (expelled) from a congregation?
That question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. I can only tell you why the organization has not successfully come to the aid of victims of unrighteous acts, or disfellowshiped those who deserve to be removed from the congregation for grave unrepentance. Exod 23:7; Ps 94:21; Amos 5:12 Yet even then, disfellowshiping by the org. is not in line with the love of Christ. Even the Wt use to condemn excommunication as it now practices today. A person can be disfellowshiped for something as menial as smoking, to adultery, or murdering; yet in each instance, the treatment of the individual is exactly the same. They are shut completely out of the JW mind. This is pretty cut and dry, isn't it, and is an extremely unbalanced judgment; especially when hidden serious sins remain hidden within the congregation.
Think about how God’s laws were enacted before Christ. Who taught the people?
“For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. Mal 2:7
The anointed priesthood (Exod 28:41) gave instruction and guidance according to God’s laws. As long as the priesthood remained a cooperative effort and in harmony with God’s decrees, their guidance brought all Israel blessings.
“‘In any dispute, the priests are to serve as judges and decide it according to my ordinances. They are to keep my laws and my decrees for all my appointed festivals, and they are to keep my Sabbaths holy.” Ezek 44:24
“They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” Ezek 44:23
How did they know God’s ordinances? Through the anointing designated by God.
That Temple priesthood arranged by God, foreshadowed the chosen priesthood to come. Heb 7:11,12;8:1,2,5-10;9:11. The anointed ones in the organization are this priesthood, as we know. What JWs don’t realize is how very important they are in facilitating the shepherding of God’s people with righteous justice. (Ezek 44:24)
Just as the early priesthood knew and enacted God’s ordinances through their anointing, it is the same with those anointed since Christ.
“This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Heb 8:10
“You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Cor 3:3
This “spiritual Israel” are circumcised, (signifying God’s possession), on the heart. Col 2:11; (Jer 31:33)
“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” Rom 2:28,29
Hopefully, you can see the importance of this priesthood and how its union with its High Priest, Christ, would benefit all mankind.
“ But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. (the Spirit of Truth John 16:3) I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.” 1 John 2:20,21
Does the organization acknowledge this priesthood that God has established, a priesthood that would rule unfailingly, and justly, according to God’s ordinances?
“Appointed elders represent the royal priesthood” w02 8/1 pp. 9-14
What happens when men transgress God’s decrees, in this case, the priesthood that he has ordained by choosing others to guide his people?
In the early temple arrangement:
“Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.’” Exod 30:25,30-33
“But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary is to be put to death." Num 18:7
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh is to enter my sanctuary, not even the foreigners who live among the Israelites.” Ezek 44:9
The sanctuary today – since the New Covenant in Christ, it is still God’s choice of priesthood that comprise the Temple 2 Pet 2:10,5,9 The warning of transgressing this Temple arrangement, God’s sanctuary, is as serious now as it was with the early temple.
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” 1 Cor 3:16,17
Just as foreigners were not allowed in God’s early temple, those who replace his priesthood, and the GB who decree such an arrangement, will answer to God.
Destruction of God’s anointed ones by the organization is committed in more than one way.
- They are “scattered” through the use of twisted wording:
“Modestly, anointed ones acknowledge that they do not necessarily have more holy spirit than those with an earthly hope. They do not claim to have special knowledge or revelations; neither do they try to prove that they are in some way superior. “ W 16/1
“Anointed Christians do not feel that they should spend time only with other anointed ones, as if they were members of a club. They do not try to find other anointed ones so that they can talk about being anointed or meet in groups to study the Bible.” W 16/1
- They drink in lies about themselves from a wicked slave who “beats” them. Matt 24:48-51; Rev 17:2
- They are disfellowshiped for not accepting such an arrangement, when realizing the need to turn to Christ. John 16:2; Heb 13:13; Rev 13:15
Can you see how these lies keep the possibility of righteous judgment from the sheep? Any elder chosen by men to shepherd, that are not God’s choice, will rule faultily. As you well know, a shepherding book is outlined as ordinances to follow. If Christ’s priests were as one, and connected to the vine, Christ, would there be a need for such a book? . God’s ordinances are written on their heart, and would promote all judgment to be made in pure righteousness and love. As I have said, this union of Christ with his anointed Body is not possible in the organization.
So as it is, an “abomination standing in the holy place” is the man appointed priesthood ruling over God’s choice. Matt 24:15,16
It is the “operation of error”. 2 Thess 2:11
“Trampling” is evident by the submission of his priests, and their acceptance of this spiritual “Gentile” arrangement. Luke 21:24; Dan 7:19; 8:10; Rev 11:2
They obey men instead of Christ, just as they are told to. Rev 13:5,7 Because of this, no honor is given to the One who chose them as his special possession. Mal 2:1-9
“When we loyally obey the elders and other brothers appointed by “the faithful and discreet slave,” we show that we want to help Christ’s brothers.” W 15/3/15
These are words of men; they are not from Christ or the Father. The spiritual remnant anointed priesthood to survive the last days are those who come out of such a lovely veiled trap, and turn to Christ. Jer 5:26; Col 2:8; Rev 13:10; Zech 4:7; Rev 8:8; 1 Thess 5:3; Rev 18:4-8 This is how the law "will go out from Zion" - the law that will judge in righteousness. Isa 2:3
Perhaps now by previous comment will blend, with more comprehension, with this one; yet it is the scriptures that bring us to truth.
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44 minutes ago, AllenSmith said:
Now, I don't mean the kind of "HATRED" "witness" displays, that's why I hold contempt for this person to suggest being a witness.
If I had HATRED for any JW here, would I pray for them? Even for you, Allen, the one who shows the least bit of humility on here? 1 Cor 13:1-7
The humility blessed by God is “commitment, dedication and submission” to Him, and the one He sent forth, Jesus Christ. John 17:3 This is scriptural truth, based on God’s word.
And the title "witness"? - Acts 1:6-8; Matt 10:21-23 (spiritual "Israel"/New Jerusalem are the anointed ones); Rev 11:1-4 ("two meaning "truth"); Zech 4:11-14
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1 hour ago, ComfortMyPeople said:
But, believe me Witness, it would not change my life in the slightest. I would continue serving God with this people, under the GB trying to keep me alert.
What if there was a “place” where God’s refined people are, who leave all lies …
where instead of being led by the power of men, they leave it all behind and are led by God’s Holy Spirit? Isa 2:22
Where worship is only in “spirit and truth”, and not through the work of men’s hands?
Where faithful anointed ones have successfully gone through the “fire of affliction” and are blessed with truth?
Where the Marriage feast has begun and “10 men will grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man” Zech 8:23
This is where God’s people reside in a spiritual sense. This is where “law will go out from Zion” Micah 4:2; Heb 8:10 How can the organization be Zion, when its teachers transgress God’s laws with falsehoods?
If the GB were aware of God’s power, they would be aware of Truth and teach it.
"But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him." (1John2:20,21,26,27)
God’s ways are not our ways, and NO LIE IS OF THE TRUTH. Every JW who can read scriptures should ask, is the organization the “truth”, when founded on lies and grown on lies?
God parted the Red Sea for his people to leave oppression and idolatry.
“Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” Exod 5:1
Today he “dries up the river of lies” allowing those who care to follow Christ fully, to walk across on the dry river bed and reach the Marriage Feast, “in the wilderness” and where the eagles have gathered. Matt 22:9,10; Rev 16:12; 17:37; 12:14,6; 11:1-3; Luke 17:34-37
It is no longer a guessing game when we come under God’s Holy Spirit.
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"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Tim 4:3-5
The word “obey” is as powerful as, “breathe” when a woman gives birth, or “stop” when a loved one sees peril awaits us. How many times are the sheep told to obey, have obedience - to the elders and the GB? “Listen, obey, and be blessed”. This is, on the surface, implying obedience to God; but the reality is obedience to the elders who run the organization, teaching very young ones to be “company men”.
When God’s chosen people have been found “sexually immoral” (Deut 31:16; Ezek 16:15) it is referring to their break in covenant with God and with Christ, and for serving their own whims and desires – the work of their hands that builds power for themselves. Matt 4:9 They have left Christ, even if it appears otherwise, by defending and serving a “created thing”, an idol. Rom 1:25
“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.’” 2 Pet 2:20-22
To believe that God would bless a system that consistently errors and still call it “spirit-directed”, is foolishness. There are those here who zealously defend the organization and its leaders, yet our primary concern is to defend God and Christ by detaching ourselves from fables – failed dates, wavering teachings, wrong paths, and introducing others to follow in their footsteps! Ezek 13:10-12,18; 2 Tim 3:6,7 For those who are aware of the history of the organization and its confusion in teachings, why would anyone, who has love for their neighbor, put that burden on an unsuspecting one at the door (or cart)? Should they hide the JW history, as the Watchtower is trying to do?
Yes, many people have been greatly harmed by this organization. Apparently, there are few JWs who are moved by such a horrendous fact. God realizes the harm done to lives following the wrong path, a path that many times is pointed to - covertly. Rev 14:8 If we claim to love God and Christ, why don’t we individually realize the extent of our actions on others through our teaching? This is an example of love of the greater number cooling off. Matt 24:10-12 Will the organization put a stop to this spiritual, and at times, physical, “bloodshed”? No. The Father and Christ will.
Why does Christ come as a thief in the night? Because his chosen ones are living under a ruse of “peace and security” – safety in an organization known to be salvation, and under the heavy hand of a wicked slave. Matt 25:1-13;24:45-51 While under this illusion, destruction follows as “labor pains upon a pregnant woman”. This is the heavenly promised/ “woman” giving birth to God’s Kingdom, (the completed number of 144,000) not through signs found within Satan’s world, but through heavenly signs. Rev 12:12-4; 1 John 5:19; John 18:36 JWs teach the Kingdom was “born” in 1914:
Just as Jesus predicted, his “presence” as heavenly King has been marked by dramatic world developments—war, famine, earthquakes, pestilences. (Matthew 24:3-8; Luke 21:11) Such developments bear powerful testimony to the fact that 1914 indeed marked the birth of God’s heavenly Kingdom and the beginning of “the last days” of this present wicked system of things.—2 Timothy 3:1-5. What does the bible teach?
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Matt 24:6-8
The GB preaches the Kingdom as having been “born” in 1914, then describe the state of affairs in the world as birth pains; apparently out of sync with the natural process of birth – labor pains, then birth. Truly, this ongoing lie slanders God! It has deceived his anointed ones to sit back in comfort, even though this teaching requires constant adjustments. Each anointed heart fights individually with Satan, through acceptance or non acceptance of his lies. Luke 22:31 Surely, JWs see that many teachings called truth within the organization have been found to be falsehoods. Time doesn't erase this fact.
No anointed one who remains in the congregation will be “sealed” in Christ, unless they face the same persecution he did, spiritually, even to “death” (disfellowshiping). Matt 23:34; John 15:20; 16:1-4; Rev 3:13-15; 12:17; 11:7; 6:11. If they choose to obey men rather than Christ, they too, are fornicators, because they have exchanged their purity for untruth. They are no longer virgins, but defiled harlots. Rev 14:5;3:18; Matt 25:10; 2 Cor 11:2-4; Rev 2:20
To believe this is not possible with God’s own chosen ones, the GB, who appears as a lamb but speak like a dragon (lies, Rev 13:11), is to believe none of God’s leaders in the bible have fallen to Satan’s desire and will. Darkness is anything off the path of truth. Christ would never allow darkness to be taught as “good fruit”. 1 Thess 5:1-11; Matt 5:13-16; 12:33
To seek harmony with those who have exalted themselves above all God’s slaves, is seeking corruption of truth in Christ. 1 Cor 6:15-17 To believe Satan, at this last time period in history will not outwit Christ’s seed with forces that appear benevolent, is blindness. Rev 3:18 He is a powerful force, and not ready to give up his kingdoms of the world.
“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” Rev 2:20
Jesus is speaking to HIS servants, his chosen ones, who have gone astray; seduced into following a pompous GB who enforce lies and obedience.
Like Belshazzar, they have not humbled their heart, ‘but lifted themselves up against the lord of heavens’. Daniel brings out:
“And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” Dan 5:23
"Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written. And this is the inscription that was written:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL,UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” Dan 5:24-28
There will be a change in the organization. The GB will be booted out, her sins exposed by God putting it into the hearts of a combination of both anointed and not anointed – the “eighth king” of Revelation. Rev 17:15-18 It will rule for “one hour”; a short time period before God and Christ step in. Rev 17:12-14; 8:8 It is imperative for the anointed potential “kings and priests” – God’s sanctuary - to leave the oppression and lies, and turn completely to Christ. It is imperative for all in the organization who value their life with God and Christ, to do the same. Matt 24:15,16;Eph 2:20-22; 1 Cor 3:16,17; John 12:25
Earth Swallows Satan’s River - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/earth-swallows-satans-river.html
On 2/12/2017 at 11:34 AM, ComfortMyPeople said:Final: before you consider I’m one of the camouflaged apostates over there. In spite of all my doubts, in spite of my disagreements, I OBEY.
I have been called an "apostate" for not accepting 1914 as truth, and for obeying Christ, my Head, and not men.
Christ was considered an apostate for obeying God's word over men. He set the pattern for all to follow - which is pure truth.
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1 hour ago, ComfortMyPeople said:
What I’m proposing is: if I want to be loyal, must always agree with the instructions from the “slave” class? Have I the right to think some orders, explanations, directions from these brothers are silly, sometimes completely wrong?
Yes, of course you have the right, but not according to them. If you say you have the right to the wrong listening ear, you will be disfellowshiped.
“How, then, can we be friends of Christ? One way is to obey the direction provided by the faithful and discreet slave class, which consists of Jesus’ spirit-anointed brothers still alive on earth.” Wt. 09/10/15 pp. 13-17
“But we are acting against Jehovah’s purpose if we do not obey the faithful and discreet slave or if we choose to obey only what we think is important.” ws11 7/15 pp. 17-21
These comments threaten that we will lose “friendship” with both God and Christ if we chose not to obey their irrational direction. They beat JWs over the head with such lies, and sadly, I believe all of you here hold the view that the wicked slave is a parable with no fulfillment. Matt 24:48-51
“Also I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem:
They commit adultery (by leaving truth in Christ) and walk in lies;
They also strengthen the hands of evildoers,
So that no one turns back from his wickedness.
All of them are like Sodom to Me,
And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.15 “Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets:
‘Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, (Rev 8:11)
And make them drink the water of gall;
For from the prophets of Jerusalem
Profaneness has gone out into all the land.’”16 Thus says the Lord of hosts:
“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.
They make you worthless;
They speak a vision of their own heart,
Not from the mouth of the Lord.
17 They continually say to those who despise Me,
‘The Lord has said, “You shall have peace”’;
And to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say,
‘No evil shall come upon you.’”18 For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord,
And has perceived and heard His word?
Who has marked His word and heard it?“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran.
I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in My counsel,
And had caused My people to hear My words,
Then they would have turned them from their evil way
And from the evil of their doings.“Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who steal My words every one from his neighbor. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who use their tongues and say, ‘He says.’ 32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the Lord, “and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,” says the Lord.
Thus every one of you shall say to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, ‘What has the Lord answered?’ and, ‘What has the Lord spoken?’ 36 And the oracle of the Lord you shall mention no more. For every man’s word will be his oracle, for you have perverted the words of the living God, the Lord of hosts, our God.
Portions of Jer chapter 23
"Why Does the Master Delay" - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/10/why-does-master-delay-luke1235-stay.html
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17 hours ago, Anna said:
If you are insinuating that this is the case of the GB then please tell me what are the "perverse things" that you think they are saying, and how are they "drawing disciples" after themselves?
Aside from the false sense of “peace and security” offered by the organization, a false teaching that Zion that it is an earthly organization, a trampling of God’s temple priesthood (true Zion) by an elder body not anointed; is evidence of your own struggle to make sense of the two quotes you offered above and settling on man’s opinion to connect the two. 1 Cor 3:16,17; Ezek 44:7; 1 Thess 5:3; Exod 20:4,5; Isa 48:1-5
Here are three more quotes that can be contrasted with, " Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food":
"Today, harmony of belief and unity of action prevail among Jehovah’s Witnesses, who total some 7,000,000 in well over 100,000 congregations around the earth. How is such unity possible, especially in view of the turmoil and divisive thinking prevalent in today’s world? Principally, unity results from the clear and decisive direction that Jesus Christ, the Head of the congregation, provides through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) Unity also results from the way the worldwide brotherhood cooperates willingly with the direction of the Governing Body." 2009/ bt chap. 14 pp. 108-115
“The faithful and discreet slave,” whom Jesus Christ directly supervises, diligently provides timely spiritual food for all." w01 5/15 pp. 28-31
"No matter what comes upon his people, Jehovah constantly provides spiritual food and needed direction. God also gives discernment and insight to responsible brothers to prepare for further advancement and refinements in theocratic organization. (Deuteronomy 34:9; Ephesians 1:16, 17) Without fail, Jehovah provides what we need in order to fulfill our disciple-making commission and to accomplish our ministry worldwide." w01 1/15 pp. 17-21
With their most recent declaration, they have knocked people off path, again – those who all along thought Jesus was providing clear and decisive direction. When we distort someone’s faith by providing excuses for wrongdoings, aren’t we basically perverting the truth?
The path we take with Christ is always straight and clear because men are not distorting our direction. Acts 5:9
How are they drawing disciples after themselves?
"Like a mother who makes sure that her child is well-fed and cared for, “the faithful and discreet slave” provides an abundance of timely spiritual food for our spiritual advancement." w06 4/1 pp. 21-25
“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” 1 Cor 3:5-8
"Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
Therefore let no one boast in men.
For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” 1 Cor 3:18-23
Innumerable times, the Watchtower has patted the "faithful and discreet slave", the Governing Body, on the back - for what? For providing a clear direction for the sheep through scripture?
They have successfully perverted the scriptures and created a following based on a delusion.
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7 hours ago, Eoin Joyce said:
Jehovah (through Jesus of course as the Head of the Congregation) has seen fit to provide a shepherding arrangement for those who wish to serve Him in these last days. This appointment of the "faithful and discreet slave" is a principal aspect of this shepherding arrangement.
Can you provide scriptures that show this is God's arrangement - that the appointment of the "faithful and discreet slave" is a principal aspect?
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On 1/31/2017 at 7:41 AM, Shiwiii said:
Phillip Morris?
Cardinal Health?
Rand Cam?
What's good for the goose is good for the gander, right?
Wow, Shiwii
"Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free". John 8:32
Let's hope, anyway.
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The Body of Christ and its power under Christ is buried under layers of Watchtowers, thus JWs are clueless as to what it comprises. I was. If the Body was working in unison with all anointed “slaves” attending to the needs of the congregations, what would happen?
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. (" Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food".)
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority”
Further on, Paul allows us to see why the Governing Body has failed in organizational direction:
”Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize (all anointed ones will be determined at Christ’s coming to be considered faithful and discreet – or not.)” Matt 25:21; 1 Cor 4:8
“by delighting in self-abasement (“having a humble opinion of oneself”)
“and the worship of the angels, (of themselves; anointed ones are God’s “messengers” Heb 12:22,23;1:6,7; John 1:51; Rev 14:4;22:3,4)”
“taking his stand on visions he has seen,
inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,
and not holding fast to the head,(CHRIST) from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments,
grows with a growth which is from God”
Through these scriptures we see the necessity of the anointed being united with no superiority over another. Through this wholeness in Christ, he supplies his Holy Spirit, and it is for the benefit of everyone. The GB and the elder body, have stifled all possibility for the anointed sanctuary of God to stand up on behalf of the congregations. Dan 8:11;11:31;12:7
The one who has been given the assignment to intervene is Christ, the Head of the Body; and most assuredly, he will intervene. Matt 24:27,30,31;Rev 12:7; 6:16,17
As for all in the congregations,
If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world,
why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)
—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
Each JW, each anointed one within the organization needs to ask themselves why they submit to teachings and opinions of men; men who have transgressed their covenant in Christ. Luke 22:20
Colossians 2 appears to have great prophetic meaning for all within the Watchtower.
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19 hours ago, Anna said:
We do rely on the Scriptures.
When we rely on the scriptures we see the perfection of God and Jesus. We see how men can throw out a statement NOT based on scripture, (“Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food" - a blame put on the Son of God) and it is accepted as if it came from scripture.
If your child said, "my mother didn't tell me not to give this moldy, loaf of bread to my brother"...who is to blame for doing so? The mother?
Whatever we are taught by Christ comes from the Father.
This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea. Isa 48:17,18Can any JW honestly be at peace when reading the two conflicting statements you have posted here?
13 hours ago, Shiwiii said:if you do not adhere to what the "slave" says, then you are an outsider.....even though they admit not being perfect in their interpretation of scripture. that's not testing.....that's tyranny.
Tyranny - unlimited authority or use of power, or a government which exercises such power WITHOUT ANY CONTROL OR LIMITS.
"The beast (organization) I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority" Rev 13:2
"Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, (GB) but it spoke like a dragon." (speaking deceitfully) Rev 13:11
"The second beast (GB) was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast (spirit-directed organization), so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. (disfellowshipped)" Rev 13:15
A dual power of tyranny.
Ignorance of Child Abuse within JW community
in Topics
Posted
Well, Allen, as I was preparing the addition to my comment a notice came in that I didn’t read until submitting it. It was not done with sinister intentions but to specify the reference of time since Christ, as I know the Watchtower continually refers back to the early physical temple arrangement to support a physical place of worship today that is called, “God’s organization”.
How did Jesus say we are to worship? John 4:21-24
Wt #2, 2016:
“The Jewish temple was a tangible structure at a specific geographic location. But spirit and truth are not material, nor are they limited to any physical place. Thus, Jesus was explaining that true Christian worship would not be centered in or dependent on any material structure or physical location, whether Mount Gerizim, the temple in Jerusalem, or any other sacred place.
Additionally, the Bible tells us how God views the veneration of idols in worship. It says: “Flee from idolatry” and “guard yourselves from idols.” (1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:21) Therefore, a true Christian would not worship at any place that is viewed as holy in itself or one that encourages idolatry. Thus, on account of the very nature of shrines, true Christians refrain from worshipping at them.
Therefore, you do not need to go to a shrine in hopes that God is more likely to hear your prayer there. Nor will God be pleased with you or give you special blessings for making a pilgrimage to a shrine. The Bible tells us that Jehovah God, the “Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade temples.” But this does not make God distant from us. We can pray to him and be heard anywhere because “he is not far off from each one of us.”—Acts 17:24-27.
If a person is able to pray anywhere and receive God’s Holy Spirit, an earthly organization is not needed, is it? Successfully, men have convinced millions to put their trust in the Watchtower organization, and are suffering over inappropriate judgment and care for the sheep – true evidence of the lack of Holy Spirit for transgressing God’s will to recognize HIS arrangement.
Do you remember what God told Moses?
“ Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.:” But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” Heb 8:3-6
If you care to read scriptures, you will see that through those I presented to Tom earlier in this topic, just what and who comprises the Temple today.
Still, I have not received any scriptures from you supporting an earthly organization as necessary to worship in Christ.
“Therefore, a true Christian would not worship at any place that is viewed as holy in itself or one that encourages idolatry.”
Is the organization “holy” to you, Allen?