Witness

8 hours ago, BroRando said:

Who made the following statement?  Jesus Christ or Almighty God?  Jesus said to him: “Why do you call ME good? Nobody is good except one, God.” (Mark 10:18)

Thank you.  That’s a good scripture because Jesus was setting the example for all of us to show humility, not to consider ourselves more important than our neighbor. He was setting the standard for his disciples to follow.  (Phil 2:7,8; 2 Cor 8:9) 

But God said, “this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”; basically saying, Jesus was “good” in the eyes of God.  Matt 3:17

Jesus once told his disciples - “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called benefactors (“very important people”)  ²⁶ But you are not to be like this! But the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am in your midst as the one who serves. Luke 22:25-27

I think you will agree that the anointed are spiritual “Jews” (Rom 2:29); those not anointed are “Gentiles”.  The Gentile elders who rule over JWs could be considered “kings” because they “represent the royal priesthood” – a priesthood of kings.  1 Pet 2:5,9; Rev 5:9,10

The benefactors – very important people -  have authority over the kings. The GB would fill that role, since they direct the elders and the organization as a whole.  (Rev 13:11,12)

The scenario that Jesus described is the organization, its rulership and how it runs.  Men have titled themselves as trustworthy according to God, and as “faithful and discreet slaves”.  They have gone so far to assume elders have Holy Spirit, only by following scriptures that actually apply to the anointed.   All other anointed servants/slaves of Christ must obey them – even you, unless you are an elder.  The very important people have the authority to tell the elder body, to rule over the anointed and JWs in general.  Would you say that by adopting a title of “faithful and discreet”, and applying it to themselves shows that these men are “good”, or “bad”?  There are JWs here who believe they are good.  But who is to determine if they are?  Themselves - the GB -  which appears to be the case?  (Matt 25:21; Rom 14:4)

From what I see, your governing leaders have decided that they are good without hearing so, from Jesus Christ and the Father.  However, according to Jesus, this arrangement is not acceptable to him or to the Father.  “But you are not to be like this!” Luke 22:26

Will JWs apply these words of Jesus, or will they submit to men who confidently believe that they will be whisked off to rule with Christ, when your Armageddon erupts?

 Will you choose the words of Jesus over the words of men?  Will you call them “good teachers”?

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Luke 14:21

3 hours ago, JW Insider said:

The beginning is associated with whom? God. The creation is associated with whom? God.

Well...there's more to the story:

Prov 8:22-31;  Col 1:15-17;  John 1:3,10; Acts 3:15; 1 Cor 8:6; Heb 1:2,3 -  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov+8%3A22-31%3B++Col+1%3A15-17%3B++John+1%3A3%2C10%3B+Acts+3%3A15%3B+1+Cor+8%3A6%3B+Heb+1%3A2%2C3&version=NKJV

11 hours ago, Space Merchant said:

God is Truth and Jesus fully expressed that Truth by everything he said and did. God is Light and Jesus fully expressed the Light of the Father in all the words he spoke and works he did in the name of his God. God is Love and the flesh named Jesus fully expressed the Father's Love; dead flesh crucified for the sins of mankind. The Word of God was something the man named Jesus always kept. The Word became flesh, that is, God the Father was manifested in flesh, that flesh named Jesus. Jesus came so that we might know the Father and Jesus fully expressed the Father in all the things he did because he always kept His Father's Word. Jesus' words and works were not his own but the Father's. For the Word of which Jesus speaks is God's Spoken Word.

SM, I don't normally agree with you, but this is beautiful.

3 hours ago, JW Insider said:

Thanks for showing the same thing from other scriptures. There is a sense in which the Word is God and that is the basic point of John 1:1. But it is not the point, of course, that Jesus himself is God, but that Jesus so fully represents God. It's not so strong as Trinitarians make it out to be. But the Gospel of John, in general, introduces us to the idea that Jesus is "divine" but not himself "God."

Agree.  If Jesus was in all sense, the Almighty God, he wouldn't have said...

"Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner."  John 5:19

"I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me."  John 5:30

6 hours ago, Patiently waiting for Truth said:

BUT, how much of this is a Christian supposed to know and understand to be able to serve God through Christ properly ?

2 Tim 3:16,17  🙂

1 hour ago, Arauna said:

Theo-n and theo-s.   See the difference?  These are the two words in the scripture discussed above.  One means God and the other "a god" 

John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, (theon) and the Word was God (theos).

John 1:6 - There was a man sent from God, (theos) whose name was John.

John 1:18 - No man hath seen God (theos) at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, (theos) even to them that believe on his name

The Father is the God of Truth (Isa 65:16)

 Truth is the Word of God (Ps 119:160)

 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”. John 14:6

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”  John 17:17

 Jesus is the Word of God – the “Logos”. He represented God, speaking the Word of God to the nation of Israel.  When God’s word reached the prophets and the kings, it was Jesus representing God as the Word/Logos. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”

Throwing the letter “a” in this scripture removes the entire spiritual meaning of the union, the oneness of truth, in God and His Son.

“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of^[a] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”  John 17:11

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” John 17:22

1 hour ago, BroRando said:

You now know what it means to have your sins Retained.... 

John 20:23

If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you retain those of anyone, they are retained.”

I must ask you to consider who would have such authority given to them?  Men who create their own doctrine, their own set of dates by using literal numbers to signify a symbolic coming and end of Armageddon? (Matt24:44; 25:13; Acts 1:7)  Men who could not be inspired by Holy Spirit, since they run ahead with their personal goals?  (Deut 18:20; 2 Tim 4:3,4)

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’"

These disciples remained attached to the vine of Christ - to TRUTH, receptive to the  spiritual sap that flows from Jesus, to the faithful members of his Body. (Eph 4:4; 4:25) This means, that any fruit/teachings they would produce would be "good" and only support the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Did any of them set a date as you have? Are they not the example to follow as leaders in truth? (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3-4)  Should we wait until your date has come to prove you wrong?  No.  Assuming that you are anointed, it seems apparent that you dismiss the teachings and warnings of the Bible, and since you are not doing this, you could be labeled a renegade - an apostate against God's word in Christ.  Any renegade or "branch" not in harmony with Christ's teachings is cut off from the vine.  John 15:1-8

"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them."  2 John 1:9,10

Do not the scriptures move your heart whatsoever, to consider your folly?

It's not too late to repent.  (Matt 3:8; 2 Tim 2:5)

2 hours ago, Arauna said:

I think most here know exactly the reasons but CHOOSE to remain obtuse because they have reached a stage in life where they oppose everything to do with Jehovah and his people. 

I don’t know of any greater hate or opposition toward God’s people, than the hate directed toward the anointed priesthood in the organization, who ARE God's holy people.   Isa 43:10,21; 1 Pet 2:9; Mal 2:7; Heb 8:5; Rev 5:9,10  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+43%3A10%2C21%3B+1+Pet+2%3A9%3B+Mal+2%3A7%3B+Heb+8%3A5%3B+Rev+5%3A9%2C10&version=CSB

 Your own words of doubt over their capabilities and assigned position to serve as God’s priests and shepherds, adds fuel to the fiery hate and jealousy the GB have toward God’s Temple members. (Matt 24:48-51; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1-3; 13:1,2,11,5-7)  I see no hate expressed by exjws here, toward the anointed or toward JWs in general.  

Hate is a disease that permeates the hearts of all of you, through the actions of disfellowshipping of any who are victims of spiritual, emotional, and sexual abuse committed in the organization.  No one, should silently support the abuse of another if they truly loved them; yet your "loving brotherhood" willingly turns its back against hate crimes committed by your leadership.  It reminds me of the Jews who threw their garments in front of Saul (Paul), in support of his heinous deeds against God's holy people and the stoning of Stephen.  The remorse Paul felt when alert to his sins, must have been excruciating, his sins were undoubtedly a heavy sorrowful burden he carried, although knowing he was forgiven.   Acts 7:54-60  He felt the least deserving of God's grace out of all the apostles. (1 Cor 15:9)  Yet, his repentant heart learned to love.  What was a focal point of his preaching?  Repentance, as well as the turning to Jesus Christ;  which I believe was not just a coincidence. 

52 minutes ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Many doctrines and expectations that were and still are a product and fruit of WTJWorg theology belong to the group of “rumors”. For everything they claimed to be or will be the result of their beliefs and hopes and expectations and interpretations, and in fact disappeared with the sun’s rays of a new day, it falls under “rumors”.
Consequently , the instruction given from the podium of the JW Congress or otherwise, is aimed at themselves, against themselves, and not at the ex-JW and / or apostates.
Unfortunately, “fried/burnt/cauterized brain” is a feature of most JW members, as it prevents them from seeing what is behind the visible and declarative.

Excellent comment, and very sobering.  The "sun" represents Jesus Christ, the light of truth. 2 Pet 1:19; Mal 4:2; Hos 6:3; Rev 1:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Pet+1%3A19%3B+Mal+4%3A2%3B+Hos+6%3A3%3B+Rev+1%3A16&version=CSB

These leaders are desperate to hang on to every JW who supports and feeds into their power and earthly treasures.   Light will overcome the darkness of these false prophet/teachers, snuffing it out permanently.  

"This is what the Lord says
concerning the prophets
who lead my people astray,
who proclaim peace
when they have food to sink their teeth into
but declare war against the one
who puts nothing in their mouths.
6 Therefore, it will be night for you—
without visions;
it will grow dark for you—
without divination.
The sun will set on these prophets,
and the daylight will turn black over them.
7 Then the seers will be ashamed
and the diviners disappointed.
They will all cover their mouths
because there will be no answer from God."  Micah 3:5-7

36 minutes ago, Patiently waiting for Truth said:

This needs to happen before Armageddon. 

It's not too much to ask  

I assure you, all of it is happening.  The spiritual food offered on the blog link below,  is presented by an inspired servant of God and Jesus Christ, a "Jew" under the New Covenant.  Knowing truth and understanding of the last days, takes some work on our part.    God provides it if we sincerely ask, but sometimes out of our desire to see things develop as we envision they should, we may miss the door already opened to us, by Christ. 

 “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened"  Matt 7:7,8

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/

27 minutes ago, Pudgy said:

You should only take advantage of a fool in a poker game, there it is morally acceptable to rip his heart out and eat it.

 

You would have to add that last line...after I gave you a like.  There goes breakfast.  

I think you'll find the transcript accurate.  

5 hours ago, Pudgy said:

I would like to see the references to where he came to the screwball conclusion apparently someone heard a rumor. Where did that come from?

I don’t really know but I highly suspect if that statement and read was completely made up out of it out of absolutely nothing except agenda driven imagination. If anybody knows different, please correct me.

Splane's talk was the last one of the Saturday afternoon session of the convention - part 2.  At about the 1:35 mark you'll hear his quote I posted here.  A transcript of his talk has been provided by a few on exjw reddit. 

Here's a link...https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/ot7z2e/splanes_apostate_rant_transcription/

I think it is imperative to read this transcript and let the raw evidence of his lies and propaganda, sink in.  

On 7/29/2021 at 7:13 AM, Kick_Faceinator said:

"Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us." 2 thess 2:2

"BACK in 1914, Jesus was installed as King of God’s Kingdom, and the Lord’s day began." - w88 10/15 pp. 15-20

I have to share this quip from GB D. Splane's convention talk on apostates and the news medial.  

"Now, Paul compares the Beroeans with the Thessalonians. What do we know about the Thessalonians? They didn’t have YouTube in those days, but at one point, the Thessalonians apparently heard a rumor that “the day of Jehovah” had arrived. Who circulated the rumor? An apostate? Maybe. But maybe it was just someone who had heard the rumor and passed it on without checking it out.

APPARENTLY heard a rumor?

Have you ever done that — passed on a report without checking the facts? I think all of us have to admit that we’ve been guilty of that at one time or another. But now, how did the Thessalonians react? They were alarmed. They were “quickly shaken from [their] reason.” We mustn’t let that happen to us. When you hear something, check it out; don’t just circulate it; don’t just believe it; check it out."

All checked out, as you have done, and it isn't a rumor.  We can continue to circulate it.  

8 hours ago, Patiently waiting for Truth said:

Hence we need a TRUE ANOINTED that ARE Inspired of God's Holy Spirit, to be that spiritual JEW that will lead us 'little dogs' to God through Christ. BUT this needs to happen Earth wide now, before the coming Judgement. Because I believe that Armageddon is going to be a real 'physical' happening, and I believe this Earth will be cleansed.. 

Oh sir, I’m not sure what you are wanting to see.  To his people, Jesus was not recognized as the Messiah.  He was scorned, ridiculed, and put to death.  The faithful anointed are treated the same way by their people in the organization. (Rev 11:1-3,7-10)  Presently, you won’t see the “true” anointed standing up in front of the world as the GB do, advertising an organization to come to.  They will not exalt themselves in such a flamboyant manner, gathering riches to build their organization.  They will not be organized whatsoever, through the parameters of an earthly organization. God does things His way, not by the way of man.   (Isa 55:8,9) 

These faithful ones, would be speaking about the truth in Jesus Christ.  As servants of Christ, they would be revealing the understanding of Revelation, since these scrolls were promised to be opened to Christ’s servants in the last days. (Rev 1:1)  They would sound the alarm of the presence of the elder body/ man of lawlessness – the “disgusting thing” “sitting”/ruling over, standing where it does not belong, the Temple of God. (Mark 13:14; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1-3; 13: 18) They would explain the need for God’s people to “come out of her” – away from the captivity of false teachings and idolatry. (Rev 18:4-8) They would exalt the Almighty God and His Son. Anyone, who desires truth and who seek it out, would be led to these ones, by the Father through Jesus, because they speak truth.  (John 6:37; 14:6)  They provide it for those who desire it. 

Matt 24:15,16 –

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),

then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”

The “hills”/”mountains”, are the faithful anointed who are not only, the Temple/Zion, but are “living stones” of the Temple Mount Zion. 

 (Psalm 72:3; Ezek 36:8; Jer 4:6)  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+72%3A3%3B+Ezek+36%3A8%3B+Jer+4%3A6&version=CSB

This is already happening. That signal flag has been raised for those with eyes that see, and many have responded to the “fruit”, of the spiritual banquet God has provided. (John 15:16; Matt 22:1-13)  But, when the Harlot/false prophet is rejected by the organization,(Rev 17:15-18)  and the Wt. then goes down after a symbolic “one hour” of reign, (Rev 17:12) it is then that the flag/ “banner” will be prominent for all – ALL – from all nations who want to know God and His Son.  God will raise this banner, not man. (Isa 41:27; 13:1-5; Rev 17:14; Isa 5:26; 11:12; 2:2-4) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+41%3A27%3B+13%3A1-5%3B+Rev+17%3A14%3B+Isa+5%3A26%3B+11%3A12%3B+2%3A2-4&version=CSB

 The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought to nothing.  (Luke 14:11; 1 Cor 1:27)

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2021/05/is-jesus-capstone-of-zechariah-chapter-4.html

19 hours ago, Kick_Faceinator said:

Well, who is “the church”? 

The church the Body of Christ:

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” Colossians 1:24

“He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” Colossians 1:18

When was the last time an anointed was involved in a judicial matter? All these judicial matters are supposed to be brought before the anointed body of Christ before any decision is made.

To the anointed, Paul said, 

"If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! 2Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

4So if you need to settle everyday matters, do you appoint as judges those of no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers? 6Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers!

7The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers!"  1 Cor 6:1-8

The organization gets around all of this truth in two ways, by stating that the elder body "represents the holy priesthood"...and now stating that every JW is the spiritual Temple of God - the Body of Christ.  1 Pet 2:5,9; Eph 2:20-22; 2 Thess 2:3,4,8-10

New light, which will backfire once Christ exposes the man of lawlessness present in the organization.  

1 Cor 3:16,17 - 
"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

If anyone [a]defiles ("destroys") the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are."

We can also keep in mind that the Spirit of God dwelling in the anointed heart, is a sign of inspiration, which the GB alone says they do not have.  How then, can their followers be inspired, if they aren't?

4 hours ago, Pudgy said:

All this stuff 

7 hours ago, Witness said:

The "woman"/New Jerusalem/"mother"/Sarah is also a promise of more seed.

🙂  The Bible can give us various descriptive terms of the same thing.  Example - a food store can also be called a market, a supermarket, grocery, mercantile or Walmart.  They are generally the same, but also give their own personal meaning to it.  

1 hour ago, Kick_Faceinator said:

The only trial ever recorded in the Bible which was done in secret was the trial of Jesus Christ. 

It's amazing how this leadership imitates the Pharisees.

On 7/27/2021 at 10:40 PM, Srecko Sostar said:

This excellent explanation give so strong and irrefragable argument against GB unreasonable ideas of how people today cannot be inspired by HS. GB’s silly replacement of the thesis that they are “guided” by the spirit is nothing more than an attempt to justify every nonsense they teach people while remaining in positions of power and authority, they and their elders. I believe that for HS there is no obstacle to “filling the heart” of every individual to whom the Father shows love, whether he/she belongs to a "large or a small flock".

Although the anointed priests have a specific work cut out for them, (John 13:20; 1 Pet 2:5,9; Mal 2:7; Eph 4:4-13) which is to aid all in the Kingdom with life-giving truth from the Father and Jesus, (Rev 22:2,17)  Jesus promised that all faithful believers will “know the truth”.  John 8:32  That is only possible through the blessing of Holy Spirit.

 “If you love me, keep my commandments. ¹⁶ I will ask the Father to give you another Helper, to be with you always. ¹⁷ He is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. But you recognize him, because he lives with you and will be inyou.”  John 14:15-17.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t reside anywhere else, but in one’s heart, which means stating that the Holy Spirit as responsible for the “spirit-directed organization” is a fallacy, and rather, identifies an idol.  Who is guiding who?  Is this spirit-directed organization guiding the GB; or did the GB, “filled” with an evil spirit, “breathe” life into its idol?  Rev 13:11,12,15

When Jesus spoke of those in the world who cannot receive truth, he was meaning the “world” of his people, who rejected him and his teachings. 

How many teachings of Christ can we name, that have been rejected or twisted  by the Wt’s. leadership?  

Where do we begin.

7 hours ago, Arauna said:

This woman is NOT the anointed  (the bride is spoken of betrothed to christ) but this same heavenly woman is prophesied in Genesis 3:15. She would bring forth the SEED that eventually would crush Satan's head!   Paul calls the main part of the seed - the Christ.  So this seed christ comes from this heavenly woman. So does it refer to an earthly woman or a heavenly one?  Well - since Satan also has heavenly seed - or angels who fight against the heavenly SEED of Jehovah it stands to reason an earthly woman does not have power to fight spirit beings.  So this is a heavenly woman that is often spoken of in the bible as a wife of Jehovah and he is her husbandly owner.   It is his heavenly organization from where Jesus came to earth.   

You said once, that women represent covenants, and you used Gal 4:26.  The "New Covenant" that the anointed are under, is a "woman" - a "mother" of life as @Kick_Faceinatordescribed.  It is New Jerusalem and is found not in an established, physically perceived location in heaven, but is found within the hearts of anointed. (Luke 17:21)  It is the same woman that Satan is trying to destroy by a "flood" of lies and that sadly, you partake in.  (Rev 12:15; 16:13-16; Luke 17:26-27; Rev 3:17-22)

Your concept, or I should say the falsehood of your leadership, of who the woman is, did not give birth to Jesus Christ, since Jesus was around before any angel was ever created.  And it was through Jesus, that angels were created.  So, since "all things have been created through him and for him", how could it give birth to him? 

“The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,
    before his deeds of old"

Then I was constantly at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
    rejoicing always in his presence"  Prov 8:22,30

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy."  Col 1:15-18

Jesus was the promised seed for his physical nation.  That promise was fulfilled through the "woman" covenant with Israel (Hagar - Gal 4:25), but also the covenant made with Abraham for a seed (Sarah - Gal 4:24,31,26).  (Rom 4:13)  Jesus as this human heir, replaced Adam.  1( Cor 15:45; Gal 3:16)

The "woman"/New Jerusalem/"mother"/Sarah is also a promise of more seed...in the "144,000" Bride of Jesus Christ. (1 Pet 3:6,14)  Since Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant at his death, which is the woman of Revelation 12:1-5 how could he be "born" from that woman?  The Abrahamic covenant promise of seed continues, until the Kingdom is established.  A "third generation" of seed at the union of Christ and his Bride, will bring forth children.  (John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15; Rom 8:19,21; Rev 21:2-5; 22:2,17)

2 hours ago, Kick_Faceinator said:

That’s one of the biggest conundrums for Watchtower. They claim Christendom/false religion is Babylon The Great and all “Gods People” were somehow in there and “came out of her” by coming into their organization, but the fact is, none of them were adopted as Gods sons/people until they came INTO the JW organization, so where do Gods anointed people stand when the trumpet is blown to come out of her (Revelation 18:4)

All that you wrote is absolute truth!   I just feel the need to specify that any links I gave in association with https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/, belongs to Pearl Doxsey whom I work with, as well as Rachel who is responsible for the letter writing to Wt.'s leadership worldwide.

("two or three witnesses" 2 Cor 13:1.  There can be an application of dichotomy about this, which the Wt. uses blasphemously in judicial committees, and ignores when it comes to child/sexual abuse.  Even early on, God made exceptions in this case which the org. defiantly states that it doesn't apply; thus, they have transgressed God's decrees in Jesus Christ, to show mercy and love to one's neighbor and to the oppressed. Deut 22:25,26;  Matt 5:18; Gal 5:14; 1 John 5:9; James 1:27  

Pearl and I are also admins. of a public facebook group that I've mentioned here also.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/restorationofjacob

On 7/26/2021 at 9:04 AM, TrueTomHarley said:

Are you sure they’re on your side? Hard to believe it is the Devil.

They are busy guys with family and work responsibilities.   Pranksters, they aren't.  Protectors, yes.  

On 7/26/2021 at 12:57 PM, Patiently waiting for Truth said:

A question or two.

The Anointed are 'a temple' 'the temple'  each one is an individual temple' ???

1 Corinthians 6:19

Berean Literal Bible
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have from God? And you are not your own,
 

1 Peter 2 : 9

Berean Study Bible
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Revelation 1 : 5b - 6

To him who loves us and who set us free from our sins by means of his own blood— ⁶  and he made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—yes, to him be the glory and the might forever. Amen.

The original 'Temple' was of course a physical building. But what it the spiritual Temple ?

Is this 'new' Temple the same as the Kingdom ?  Or is each individual Anointed one a separate Temple ?

Is there 144,000 temples that make up the Kingdom, or is it one Temple ? 

 

Well, we know that the ancient physical temples were sacred because they signified the presence of God among His people. But more than that, He allowed His Spirit to “fill the Temple” as we see in Solomon’s dedication of the temple he built. (2Chron 5:13,14)   His Spirit also filled the early moveable tabernacle, and He dwelt with His people.  (Exod 25:8)

It is the same with the anointed as God’s Temple.  Individually, they are the temple, since their heart is the home/ dwelling of God’s Spirit. (John 14:17; 1 Cor 3:16; Rom 8:9,11) But, as “living stones” they also together, are part of and represent the entire Temple. (1 Pet 2:Eph 2:22; Heb 3:6)

In the Kingdom of God, His Spirit will “dwell” with mankind again, but through the anointed/Bride and Jesus Christ.  The symbolic "144,000" can be compared to mobile tabernacles carrying the Spirit and knowledge of God; but joined together, they are “New Jerusalem/Zion/Temple of God with Jesus Christ.   (Rev 22:3; 7:15)

Elders will not be representing New Jerusalem on earth.  They represent an earthly organization, not the Temple of God.  This organization will not exist in the Kingdom. (Isa 43:21,10; 1 Pet 2:5,10)   It will be the anointed  - a “new creation”, both spirit and human, who with Jesus their “husband”,  will bring the Spirit and knowledge from God, to earth. (1 Cor 5:17; Gen 28:12; John 1:51) (John 16:28; Heb 1:6) (Mal 2:7; Rev 5:9,10; Heb 1:14; Rev 22:17)   

 Didn’t Jesus do just that when on earth?  He brought the Spirit of God and wisdom of His word, to mankind.  He will do that again in the Kingdom. 

I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

³ I heard a loud voice from the throne say,

“See, the tent of God is among humans!
    He will make his home with them,
        and they will be his people.
God himself will be with them,
    and he will be their God. “

I.“tent” -
“tent, tabernacle,

of that well known movable temple of God after the pattern of which the temple at Jerusalem was built

I don’t know if this helps with the connection, but as an example…there are over 60 power poles that must be replaced between where we live and the next small village because of the forest fire that just occurred.   Upon seeing employees working on the lines, one could easily say, the power company is here.  The individual workers represent the power company, but also are part of the entire power company.  Through their presence we can conceptualize the power company as a whole.  If they have the power company’s logo on their shirt, well then, we may say they are the power company. 

19 hours ago, TrueTomHarley said:

Nah, I think it just means your computer is a piece of junk, like mine.

Nope, not in my case.  That is not possible in this family of a network director and a network admin.  My sons will not allow me to own a crappy computer.  🙂  

23 hours ago, JW Insider said:

Along with this, to help explain the context in Hebrews, I had added that the expression "You are my son, today I have become your father," was a formulaic expression for the anointing of kings like David and Solomon. This is clearly how Hebrews 1 is using it with the idea of the throne and scepter and the obeisance and "his Kingdom" -- "that is why . . . God anointed" him. 

Very true. There are some additional aspects that we can consider about the baptism and anointing of Jesus.  In Israel, the traditional pattern was that a prophet anointed the new ruling king with literal oil which signified God’s spirit upon the chosen one.   

Elijah the prophet anointed Jehu (as well as a foreign king) – 1 Kings 19:15,16 

Samuel anointed David – 1 Kings 16:13

…and Saul – 1 Sam 10:1

In 1 Sam 16:14 and 18:12, it tells us that God’s spirit “departed from Saul”, showing that the anointing earlier witnessed, was most definitely the sign for people to understand that God had chosen them through His Spirit.

So, Jesus complied with the need for his people to be repentant for their sins through baptism; but also, John’s presence as a prophet when the heavens opened to reveal the Spirit descending upon Jesus, confirms his anointing happened during that same time.