Witness

2 hours ago, JW Insider said:

As soon as I saw this on the 21st, I wrote a response that disappeared just as I was about to "Submit Reply." I figured that it was probably a bad sign that my computer touchpad was jumping the cursor all over the place, but it was probably a good sign that I shouldn't keep writing 3 page responses to a simple question.

This cursor jumping has happened to me many times over the last few years as well as all sorts of strange computer difficulties.  I figure it is demonic intervention, since Satan would rather squelch any truth about his enemy, Jesus Christ.  

33 minutes ago, JW Insider said:

I'll fall back on the argument that even if Jesus wasn't yet officially "anointed" ("Christ") at birth, he was designated ("appointed") to this purpose and this meant it was as good as accomplished for those who have faith in the fulfillment of Jehovah's purpose.

Then Pilate said to him, “So then you are a king!” Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I have come into the world: in order that I can testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.”   John 18:38

4 hours ago, Witness said:

Notice in 1 Cor 6:6-10 who the "rulers" were that could not perceive the spiritual wisdom of God, and who killed Jesus Christ.

Correction, this should be 1 Cor 2:6-10

9 hours ago, Patiently waiting for Truth said:

If Armageddon was 'within' as you say then the 'world' would continue to be ruled over by the Devil and suffering would continue forever. 

Joel 3:14 - Multitudes, multitudes
    in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
    in the valley of decision.

We know that God isn't talking about a literal valley called "decision" in the last days.  We must "decide" within our heart what to choose - truth or lies -  life in Christ, or death in the darkness of Satan's "world".  

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live"  Deut 3:19

One war, we will physically see.  That one is Satan’s diversion from the spiritual war at hand – the vital war to note. Although war began when Adam and Eve chose to listen to the lie, (Gen 3:15) the symbolic book of Revelation (Rev 1:1) explains what the culmination of this war is.  It is the war against those “kings” in Christ, and those who have left him to serve the father of the LIE. (John 8:44)  They have broken their covenant with God by tolerating falsehoods spoken from the mouths of false prophets and a powerful organization that rules over them. (Isa 28:15; Hos 8:1; 4:6)  (Matt 24:24, 15,16; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1-3)  They are spiritual harlots.  (Hos 4:12;6:10; Rev 17:3-8)

This is hostility between covenants and their “seed”, one of life in Jesus Christ and one of death under the Destroyer. (Gen 3:15; Rev 12:17) Armageddon involves the “kings of the earth” – which means those who will be found faithful, and those who have transgressed their covenant in Christ.  That’s what’s important to notice!  It doesn’t involve the political kings of the world.

Rev 1:5 explains that the kings of the earth are Christ’s kings.  (Rev 5:9,10)                                                  Rev 6:15; 16:14; 17:2; 17:18; 18:3; 18:9; 19:19; 21:24 then continues to describe the war involving his faithful kings and the unfaithful kings - https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?qs_version=KJV&quicksearch=kings+of+the+earth&begin=73&end=73

These scriptures give the essence of the end battle of Armageddon:

Rev 16:13-16 – “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. ¹⁴ For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

¹⁵ “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

¹⁶ And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”

You’ve always said, the Bible was written for the anointed.  Well, that includes the battle of Armageddon, but I say it is written about the anointed, and those with them who must heed the meaning of Revelation in the last days. (Rev 18:4-8)

What comes out of the mouth of false prophets, but lies?  The two Beasts of Revelation work together; the false prophet directs the Beast from the Sea, that rises up from the wicked. (Isa 17:12-14; 57:20,21) Under the direction of governing leaders, this Beast “makes war with the saints.”  (Rev 13:1,2,4-7,11,12,15)

The war includes JWs with them, those of the “whole world”.  It is based on one’s decision to listen to truth, or to listen to lies coming from the mouths of these “kings”.   

 Yes, knowing that Satan has a short period of time left, (Rev 12:12) he will devise a military diversion tactic from the most important war at hand – the spiritual war. (1 Pet 5:8; 2 Cor 10:4; Eph 6:11; 1 John 4:4) We see what the governing leadership has always concentrated on – the world’s politics, military conflict and a literal “king of the north”. They put the blame continually on Christendom’s sins.  That takes the heat off of what “trampling” is happening to God’s saints in the organization. (Dan 11:31-45)  This lying tactic has been very successful.  God’s holy people are under a “spell” – but it is their choice, their decision to remain with it. (1 Tim 4:1) Only by God reading our hearts and bestowing His grace to see us safely out, can one survive.  (Isa 42:16; Rev 16:12; Rom 8:19)

 Our hearts are sealed by our decision to search for justice and truth, or to love the lie.  (2 Thess 2:9-12)  Only a remnant of the anointed will be found to escape this trap – only a remnant of JWs who leaves Satan’s darkness, turn to Christ.  That has always been the case with God’s people when they have transgressed His decrees.  (Rom 9:27-29; Rev 11:1-3,7-10)

 You’ve entered the “valley of decision” and have decided to reject lies.  You have cut yourself off from false teachers and are looking for truth to be spoken through faithful anointed.  You have “come out of her” (Rev 18:4) where spiritual harlots sit on “many waters”, which are poisoned teachings and those who drink them up. (Rev 8;10,11; 17:15) Their defense is to call the faithful, the apostates. D. Splane’s latest talk to be available on the website this coming week, is about apostate “teachers” with “poisoned teachings”.  The GB, who obviously endorse lies, are fighting back with the faithful anointed ones very words used against them. 

Can you see how this is war against “kings” and what comes out of their mouths?

God is not the destroyer.  He can pass the decree that destruction is to take place, and He can also limit destruction as we see in the example of Job.  We also see that it was Satan who came against Job; and it will be Satan in his rage, who destroys the “earth”, until God says enough is enough. (Dan 7:26-28)   Satan is raging against the anointed in Christ, NOW.  I can’t even describe the extent, the destruction that Satan has caused in my physical life since leaving the organization.  Presently, I am evacuated from my home because of fires that are being held up as lack of diligence on the forest service’s part. They will face litigation.  But the house still stands despite all incredible odds.  God knows just how much we can tolerate, as in Job’s case. 

The primary war at hand is Satan’s lust to destroy the “woman’s seed”; both those faithful and those in his trap such as you were in, where he has “surrounded” them.  Rev 20:7-9  A literal war in Satan’s world could last for years and years and never give “birth” to Kingdom. (Job 14:4) What does bring the Kingdom, is the fulfillment of the New Covenant promise in the faithful, cleansed, anointed remnant and the completion of the Temple of God in Christ.  (Zech 4:6,7; Mal 3:1-5)  

 Do JWs realize this?  No, they believe their organization will survive a physical onslaught and be present in the Kingdom of God, its buildings included.  Their view is totally physical. Notice in 1 Cor 6:6-10 who the "rulers" were that could not perceive the spiritual wisdom of God, and who killed Jesus Christ.  Today's "rulers" "kill"/disfellowship the faithful anointed in Christ - men who have no spiritual wisdom.  

JWs believe they are “safe” without even noticing the trampling of God’s priesthood under the covenant “woman” which is being attacked. (1 Thess 5:3; Rev 12:1-5)

 God removes His spiritual protection from those who refuse to turn back to Him, and Satan is allowed to  step in.  This is how the nation of Israel suffered when sinning and committing idolatry. 

We also have evidence of who did the destroying, brought the plagues, and killed the firstborn in Egypt.  

“He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.”  Ps 78:49

“For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer (meaning “grant”) the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.”  Exod 12:23

The Kingdom will not arrive until the “harvest” of the sons of God is complete – the harvest of those in Christ who are faithful, and the harvest of the weeds that face condemnation by God’s Word. (Matt 13:24-39) Any person who has lived, and anyone on the earth right now, both the good and the bad, will be judged by the Father in righteousness.  That, we leave up to God. 

What’s important for JWs, is their decision to either continue to listen to the lies that their leaders tell them, or to search out truth that Christ is providing – outside of the apostate city. (John 16:2; Heb 13:13; Rev 13:15) That truth, is the understanding of Revelation – the “wedding banquet of the Lamb”.  (Matt 22:1-14; 25:1-13)    We know that the temple in the anointed has been “given over to the Gentiles”/elders.  Yet, the GB somehow say the “temple” of 2 Thess 2:3,4 being trampled, is some sort of literal holy place…where, the UN and Christendom is involved?  It specifically states in 2 Thess 2:3,4, that it is God’s temple being dominated/trampled.   On the other hand, they tell every JW that they ARE NOW the spiritual temple.   This is confusion from conniving false teachers, that I believe are preparing to produce “new light” about 2 Thess 2:3,4.  If all JWs are taught now as God’s Temple, how easily they can then point to a physical nation coming against JWs, as the “man of lawlessness”.    Blasphemy.   

As far as the earth being ruined?  It can be applied in a few ways: The first “earth” being ruined is God’s land/His dwelling in the hearts of the anointed, by the man of lawlessness who has trampled down His dwelling place/temple in the anointed.  1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1-3  Revelation speaks of the great locust scorpion army/elder body that afflicts God’s unsealed anointed.  Notice what it says,

“They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.”  These elements of the earth can refer to people, to JWs.  Every person in the organization who stands against the elder army are afflicted.  (Rev 9:1-6)

Yet any destruction of the literal earth by the destroyer, will be restored to life.  What is the primary destruction that Christ will cause?  He will destroy death.  (1 Cor 15:26; Rev 20:10,14,15).  When Christ returns, the man of lawlessness is destroyed by the “breath of his mouth”, the Word of God, which is like “fire”.  ( 2 Thess 2:8; Jer 23:29; Rev 20:10,14,15)

God’s Word is the judge.  He can surrender us to perish under the covenant of death; or we are protected under the covenant of “life” in Jesus Christ, even if we lose our physical life. (John 1:4; 10:10; 6:58)

“Woe to you, destroyer, you who have not been destroyed! Woe to you, betrayer, you who have not been betrayed! When you stop destroying, you will be destroyed; when you stop betraying, you will be betrayed.”  Isa 33:1

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/10/when-is-satans-short-period-of-time.html

On 7/18/2021 at 2:03 AM, BroRando said:

The Fulfillment of Prophecies are 'a timed event' and so there is no need for me to persuade or convince the reader if they have not yet gained 'Spiritual Insight' at this late stage of Satan's System of things.

Rev 20:7-10 "Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."

From this we see that the end of the "Thousand Years" does not bring God's Kingdom immediately.
It brings the Great Tribulation and Armageddon, because this is when Satan is released to mislead.
His demonic inspired lying doctrines, "gather them together to the battle/war" (Rev 20:8)

This is the same Battle and war as Rev 16:13,14,16
"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.  For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.  And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon."

By a comparison of Rev 20:8 and Rev 16:14,
we learn that the "spirits/exhalations of demons" are misleading demon-inspired utterances (1 Tim 4:1),
whose lying doctrines, when spread throughout the earth,
are gathering opposing forces into the battle of Armageddon.

So between the end of the Thousand Years (during which the anointed previously enjoyed protection from Satanic deception, while he was "abyssed" – Luke 10:19; Rev 20:1-3;         1 Pet 1:5)                                                                                                                                     and the arrival of God's kingdom,
there is Satan's short period of time 
(Rev 12:12; 20:3 -end of verse).

Initially, all God's chosen priests are overcome by Satan's lying doctrines and his agents of deception (Rev 13:11,15,7; 11:2; Dan 8:10-12,24,25;11:31,36,37; 2 Thess 2:4; Dan 12:7).

Jesus takes action for the sake of the chosen (Matt 24:22; Dan 12:1; Ps 69:14,15; 144:7; 18:19; John 14:18), and just as the illustration of the "ten virgins" shows (Matt 25:1-13),
some choose to sustain their need for light with the spiritual commerce of the Beast (Matt 25:9; Rev 13:17),
while some wise virgins rather choose to enter the marriage feast with Christ (Matt 25:10; John 10:9; Rev 3:20).
These wise virgins choose to go out to meet the bridegroom (Matt 25:6; Heb 13:13) with lamps lighted with oil from their "receptacle" (1 John 2:24,27).
For the five wise virgins, a wedding feast is served (Luke 12:37; John 15:15; 16:15).
The result?
During that time, truth will also become available (Dan 12:3,4), through the lamps of the wise virgins who are being fed by Christ (to counteract the demonic deceptions) (Matt 5:16,14,15).

These virgins, will sacrifice their life to be messenger angels of truth (Rev 6:9,11; Ps 15:1,4; Rev 22:17; 8:2,6; 1 Cor 14:8; Isa 58:1; Jer 6:17; Ezek 3:17; 33:3; Micah 3:8,12)                      in the battle of Armageddon (Rev 12:7,11; 17:14; 2:12,16; Isa 49:2; Rev 19:15,11; 2 Thess 2:8; Rev 19:14,8).

By means of their witnessing (Rev 19:10; 22:16; 14:4,5; 20:4; 2 Cor 10:3-5; 6:7),
the judicial basis is established for the Kingdom of God to arrive (Rev 12:10,11).

Satan's target upon his release, are these last of the holy ones (Rev 12:17; 20:9)   
Satan resists their witnessing to truth, by means of his demonic lies (Rev 12:15; 16:13-16; 19:19,20; 18:23,24; 2 Thess 2:9,10). 
This spiritual battle between the agent messengers of Christ's truth, and the agent messengers of Satanic lies, is the essence of Armageddon (Rev 12:7; 17:14; 19:11,14; Heb 12:22,23; Luke 10:20).

During the war between truth and lies, Christ and Satan, and the armies of messengers of each side;
a sifting will occur, which will polarize the faith of individual Chosen ones, and cause them to decide to belong to one side, or the other (Joel 3:14; Isa 43:8,9; Dan 7:22; Matt 25:9,10; 1 Cor 11:18,19; Mal 3:18; Matt 7:20) 

 This spiritual warfare facilitates the completing.. 
("and the door was shut" – Luke 13:25; 17:26; Gen 7:16; Rev 3:7; Matt 13:11; 2 Thess 1:8,9) 
of the "harvests", as spoken of in Revelation chapter 14. (Rev 14:14-20)

 
The wheat and weeds have been growing to maturity, and have been identified and separated, all throughout this world (Gen 3:15; 1 John 3:10-12,14). But this harvesting culminates with the final remnant of chosen ones, during Satan's freedom to mislead       (2 Thess 2:9,12,10; Rev 2:4). 

When the last invited heirs are judged                                                                              (based upon what they are teaching -Matt 12:36,37),                                                         this finishes the "harvest of the earth" (Rev 14:14-16), which is the "dried out" harvest of anointed wheat 
(not the "vine of the earth" Rev 14:18; Deut 32:32,33; Joel 3:13,14; Jer 23:14; Rev 11:8 which are the teachings and followers of the poisonous vine -Rev 8:10,11).

Pearl Doxsey – Armageddon/Timetable of Kingdoms - https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/11/timetable-of-kingdoms.html

On 7/17/2021 at 9:45 AM, Patiently waiting for Truth said:

We know that Jesus said that the Kingdom was already here, when he was on Earth. Recorded at Luke 17 : 20 - 21 

²⁰  On being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God was coming, he answered them: “The Kingdom of God is not coming with striking observableness ²¹  nor will people say, ‘See here!’ or, ‘There!’ For look! the Kingdom of God is in your midst.”

If Jesus was referring to Himself as King of the Kingdom, it would still prove that He had been made King by God at that time. Otherwise Jesus was not telling the truth. 

Exactly.  I just had a few more thoughts

At the anointing of God's priests, they become the “dwelling” of God’s Spirit:

1 Cor 3:16 - Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

That sounds similar to your scripture in Luke17:21, doesn’t it? 

 ^“nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”^[a]

^{[a] –}   “is within you”

Jesus was talking not only to those disciples who would enter into the covenant with him, but this message was for the future, for the arrival of the Kingdom.  Because the anointed are part of the Temple, (1 Pet 2:5,9) under the New Covenant, New Jerusalem (Gal 4:26) – the Kingdom/dwelling of God is within their hearts. 

KJV 1 Cor 3:16 –“ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

So, what do we see God’s holy people looking for, while in the Wt?  They are looking for literal signs of the birth of the Kingdom. But, Jesus is specifically saying the coming of the kingdom “is not something that can be observed”.  THEY, God’s saints, are the kingdom, as Jesus is, but they are falling for lies.  Only if they remove themselves from this trap of “empty philosophy”, will God’s spirit continue to dwell in their hearts.(Luke 21:20; Matt 24:3,24,25,4,5,9-11,13,21; Dan 12:1,4; Col 2:8; Rev 13:10; 16:13-16; 20:7-9)  

They must wake up and submit fully to Jesus Christ, in repentance, (Mal 3:1-4) and get out from under the rule of a wicked slave and “uncircumcised” “Gentiles”.  (Isa 52:1; Dan 8:11,12,17; Matt 24:15,16,48-51; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1,2; 13:5-7; 3:16;18:4-8; 1 Pet 2:6; Rev 3:17,18) 

The battle of Armageddon takes place within each one of us, not on the playground of Satan. It involves our choice of either truth or lies. 

(John 8:44; 2 Cor 4:4; 1 Tim 4:1; Rev 16:13-16)

 (Isa 43:8,9; Dan 7:22; Matt 25:9,10; 1 Cor 11:18,19; Mal 3:18; Matt 7:20) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+43%3A8%2C9%3B+Dan+7%3A22%3B+Matt+25%3A9%2C10%3B+1+Cor+11%3A18%2C19%3B+Mal+3%3A18%3B+Matt+7%3A20&version=NIV

So you see, people are saying, and have been saying for quite awhile, that the kingdom is within the hearts of the anointed priests of God.  Luke 17:21  

https://pearl-sign.blogspot.com/

On 7/17/2021 at 9:45 AM, Patiently waiting for Truth said:

Was Jesus anointed by God at His baptism ?  It would seem that Jesus did not have the holy spirit previously. 

Now, if Jesus was anointed at His baptism, did He also become King ( of the Kingdom) at the same time ? 

All faithful, obedient believers in Christ who desire to know truth are led by the Holy Spirit, and most definitely Jesus had God’s Spirit guiding him since his birth.  But, the pouring out and being filled with Holy Spirit is the opening up of wisdom/truth/knowledge (God’s word) from heaven.  (1 John 2:27 )  Being “filled” with spirit is an anointing. I believe it was at that time (Luke 3:21,22) that Jesus then knew the extent of the path he had to take while on the earth. 

As you say, the next chapter in Luke continues after his baptism by saying,

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

After that time of testing…

“Jesus *returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. ¹⁵ He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.”

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, ¹⁷ and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
¹⁹     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”   Luke 4  (Isa 61:1)

Ps 45:7 - You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Acts 10:37,38 - “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷ You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, *beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” 

His “anointing” at his water baptism, was a fulfilment of prophesy.  The literal anointing of oil in the early days of the nation’s kings, signified that that person was chosen to reign as king. (1 Sam 9:16; 15:1; 2 Sam 12:7; 1 Kings 19:15…) Also the priesthood was anointed as signifying that God had chosen those under the lineage of Aaron to be a priest. (Num 25:10-13; 3:10; Lev 10:8-11; Mal 2:7) That lineage has continued spiritually through all the anointed priests/kings since Christ.   (Exod 29:1,7; 2 Cor 1:21,22; Rev 5:9,10)

Jesus, is both our High Priest and our King.  (Heb 4:14,15; John 1:49; Rev 17:14)

3 hours ago, BroRando said:

t's a good read.  Claiming an announcement was never fulfilled BEFORE it's due time is rather cowardly.   

How is it cowardly?   Are you a prophet?  Can you verify this, if you are?  Have you had a vision?  Num 12:6

Or, are you conjuring up a date just as your “fathers” have, out of the personal motives of your heart? 

"How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?"  Jer 23:26

 Since you uphold false prophets, we can easily assume that you are one also. (Matt 7:28) According to the word of God, there is no need to listen to your prediction.  (Jer 23:16)

4 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

On contrary, JW publications claims how all other religious web pages outside of WTJWorg and many other secular pages that not supports WTJWorg teachings are apostates and/or enemies of ..., but in same time producing and multiplying own apostasy on various issues. 

Good point.

So why did D. Splane decide to pursue JW forums and the topic of apostasy? 

Well, this letter must have struck a harsh chord with the GB.  Pearl Doxsey has been exposing the leadership for many years, and I joined her around 2013-14.  But Rachel’s letter reaching elders at kingdom halls, branch offices and headquarters world-wide, most likely was the icing on the cake.

https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/topic/88999-defining-apostasy/

They can’t hide their sins anymore.  They can only plead with JWs to stay away from sites such as this one. 

I will echo his words but direct them toward JWs who reside with false prophets  – “We are not so strong, so spiritual, so intelligent, that we cannot be affected by the poison of apostate ideas.”

21 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

This verse is also useful to show how funny, how ridiculous it sounds when JW literature talks about “cleansing within an organization” in some specific time periods that were a turning point for the WTJWorg Administration.

Yes, even those leaving the organization submit to the Father and Jesus for a good “cleaning” through repentance, for our time of listening to lies and falling into idolatry - that an organization built by men could lead anyone to salvation. (Acts 4:12)   When we leave, we begin to perceive the distinction between what is true and what is not, and what it means to practice righteous worship to the Father.  (Heb 10:22)

I have heard a small bit of D. Splane’s talk on JW forums and otherwise, and how they effect JWs.   I’m curious how JWs here would respond to that, since he said JWs who participate, “are not good for one another”.  In other words, JWs cannot think for themselves, help each other spiritually,  but must listen to these men who stumble over their own doctrine. 

  He said apostasy is “rot from within” – spiritual poison. (Matt 7:15-20; Luke 6:45)   He continued to say, it is hard to recognize apostasy and to avoid it. He mentioned “teachers” could destroy our faith, which I found his use of “teachers” interesting. There are anointed teachers outside of the organization who are threatening the position of the GB and exposing their poison.   We can definitely point the finger right back at the “teachers” on the GB, as the apostates instead.  

Another point he made was that “not many get deliberately involved with apostates, and that they ‘had no idea that apostates were behind it.’  “It’s tricky, because the apostates don’t advertise you are now on an apostate web page”

1 Tim 4:1 - "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."

We have access to one extensive, widely known web page where the teachings are not consistent, but take twists and turns – tight switchbacks on their path of “new light”, that still lead one down a rabbit hole of darkness.  Only through deception can one still "love" such teachings over the truth in Jesus Christ.  2 Thess 2:9-12

I have yet to listen to his entire talk.  If only JWs would realize that they are breathing and drinking in, the doctrines of apostates. 

 Rev 8:10,11

Apostasy

53 minutes ago, Witness said:

There is one Rock, one Fortress - the Almighty God and His Son, who works alongside Him.  (Ps 18:2)  They together, are the only Rock that we are admonished  to put faith in. (Col 2:9)

W1952 10/1 p. 602

“Christendom’s lofty looks, boastful words, bragging tongue, her superior attitude toward the holy Word of God, her trust in idols and men and riches, such as belong to this world, will not provide her with security or any safety from Jehovah’s storm and blast.” 

PURE WORSHIP OF JEHOVAH—RESTORED AT LAST!

“Is Christendom the Antitypical Jerusalem?”

“In the past, our literature has referred to Christendom as the antitype of apostate Jerusalem. The conditions in unfaithful Jerusalem—including idolatry and widespread corruption—certainly remind us of what is happening in Christendom. However, in recent years our publications, including the one you are now reading, have not taken the type-antitype approach to prophecy except where the Bible provides a clear basis for doing so. Is there a solid Scriptural basis for referring to Christendom as the antitypical Jerusalem? No.”

Since the scriptures reveal that in the last days, it is God’s holy people who are captivated and conquered by idolatry and false teachings, we can then amend Wt’s comment made in the 1952 article from above:    (Mark 13:19-23; Rev 13:7,8,10; Luke 21:24; Rev 11:2; )

"Christendom’s  The Wt. organization’s lofty looks, boastful words, bragging tongue, her superior attitude toward the holy Word of God, her trust in idols and men and riches, such as belong to this world, will not provide her with security or any safety from Jehovah’s storm and blast." 

It goes on to say,

"Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.” (Ps 48:1,2) God’s organization is marvelous and supremely beautiful and the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ is the hope of all peoples.—Ps 48:12,13."

Mount Zion– the holy city “built” with “living stones” and Jesus as its chief cornerstone.  (Eph 2:20-22; Heb 12:22) It is not stationary, but a mobile spiritual tabernacle, that will "come down out of heaven" to be with mankind.  (Rev 15:5; 21:1-3)  

So you see, JWs.  Your own earlier pages of “spiritual food”, are not giving praise to the Wt organization,  but to heavenly Mount Zion where God’s Spirit dwells – in the hearts of the faithful, sealed, anointed “144,000”. 

Do you dare curse the anointed priests that God has chosen to do His will as happens continually on this forum? (Isa 43:10; 44:8; 1 Pet 2:5,9) Do you dare shun these anointed who reside with you, and give praise and glory to men not anointed (elders) instead, who have removed their priestly duties and ended their “daily sacrifices”? (Dan 8:11; 11:31)

Do you dare support the trampling of these Temple priests by glorifying an earthly organization that cannot be denied as full of sin?

(Matt 24:15,16; Mark 13:14;  2 Thess 2:1-4; Rev 11:1-3)

There is one Rock, one Fortress - the Almighty God and His Son, who works alongside Him.  (Ps 18:2)  They together, are the only Rock that we are admonished  to put faith in. (Col 2:9)  So far, I don't see many on this forum who have left the organization, not accepting this fact.  

To say that leaving the congregation/organization of JWs equates to leaving "Jehovah", shows a spiritual, mental gap, a lack of spiritual knowledge to have reached one's heart.  And that gap is quite large.  This creates both mental and spiritual instability - mental and spiritual "health problems", that can lead to one's downfall.  (Matt 7:24-27)

 Without using God's Word to support a claim that leaving the Wt. is the same as leaving God, shows the accusation up as a falsehood.  If a JW cannot make the distinction, the clear dividing line between God and an earthly, worldly corporation, then that JW and their comrades included, are idolaters.  (Col 2:8)  It is hypocrisy to say that God has chosen their organization over any other religious organization, when all are dependent on the same  resources that the world offers, to make their organization live and grow.  

To project that the organization of men is a "fortress", and belongs to God, is blasphemy.  And yes, the governing leaders do expect that what they have built, be upheld as "divine". (Rev 13:15)  

 It defies the only Temple/fortress God has sanctioned with His Holy Spirit.  (1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20-22; Rev 5:9,10; Rev 21:22-27) 

Only one, will be blessed and "inhabited" by God in His Kingdom.  (2 Cor 6:16; Gal 4:26; Rev 21:2-4)

Any who leave the Wt are "apostates" according to the doctrine of men, not according to God's Word.  

Jer 17:5  This is what the LORD says: Cursed is the person who trusts in mankind. He makes human flesh his strength, and his heart turns from the LORD.

On 7/13/2021 at 11:06 PM, Srecko Sostar said:

This example of the one biblical verse, WTJWorg and our religious or other beliefs that stem from this kind of perception and understanding of the words in the Bible, should be a reason for us to be more careful about what we actually want to believe.

Yes, and there doesn’t have to be a contradiction to the scientific understanding of stars, if Mr. Flodin understood the spiritual meaning of the stars in the scriptures.  He used,

Neh 9:6- You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

He said it referred the multitudes as the holy angels of God.  Well, angels are messengers. (Greek meaning) God’s messengers of the New Covenant under Jesus Christ, are the anointed. (Mal 2:7; Heb 1:14)  This can refer to those sealed symbolic “144,000” "angels" who are of “heaven”.

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, ²⁴ to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”  Heb 12:23,24

They are also, the “stars” found in many scriptures.

Phil 2:14,15 -  ’Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.

 This following scripture is used by the other David Attenborough, in their illustrious presentation of the stars in the universe (I have heard a few people elsewhere noticing Wt’s choice to pick a close second to the original David. Couldn’t that be called a suggestive cheap trick?)

“He determines the number of the stars
    and calls them each by name.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
    his understanding has no limit.”  Ps 147:4,5

If He can number every hair on our head, of course He knows the number of literal stars present at any given time in the heavens. But, doesn’t it make more sense that God is “calling” a person by name, whom He compares to the stars in heaven?  Rom 1:1,6,7; Rev `17:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom+1%3A1%2C6%2C7%3B+Rev+`17%3A14+&version=NKJV

To Abraham, he said - Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”  Gen 15;5  (Gen 26:4)

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? (The anointed are also, God’s “land” - 1 Cor 3:9-11) 
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
⁵ Who determined its measurements? 
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it? (Zech 2:1,2; Isa 28:17; Rev 11:1)
⁶ To what were its foundations fastened?  (Prov 9:1; 1 Tim 3:15; Rev 3:12)
Or who laid its cornerstone, (Isa 28:16; Matt 21:42; 1 Pet 2:4-8)
⁷ When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Eph 2:19-22; Gal 3:26-29; Rev 19:1)

Jesus is the morning star. (Rev 22:16) If the anointed remain attached to the vine of light and truth, they also will shine like the stars in his right hand.  (Matt 5:14,15; John 15:4; Rev 1:20)

I can't believe the Wt. teaches that the elders are those stars in Rev 1:20.  How blasphemous.  Actually, I can believe it.

Eph 2:6 – “He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus”

“Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.”  Dan 12:3

But, the governing leaders won’t appreciate or share the spiritual symbolism of God’s stars, sun, moon and earth.  Instead, these fallen “star”/ leaders (Rev 8:10,11) are responsible for releasing their army to “trample” these stars/anointed under the feet of the “man of lawlessness”/elder body. (Rev 9:1-4,7-11; 2 Thess 2:1-4)

Dan 8:9 describes this man of sin as a “little horn” that emerges from the head of the Beast/organization of Rev 13:1,2.  It “grew exceedingly great” toward the “Beautiful Land”. (Joel 1:6; 2:3; Joel 3:2) Of course, that “land”, is another illustrative term describing God’s anointed under covenant – His “special possession” where His spirit dwells in each of their hearts.  (1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17)  The elder body’s presence supersedes that of the anointed priesthood/Temple of God. 

“And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them.”  Dan 8:10  (Rev 12:4)

“Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; *But he shall be broken without human means*.”  Dan 8:25

 "He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God." 

8 *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.*   2 Thess 2:4,8 

It is a quite the cunning trick to speak about the rebellion of Korah who desired to secure the priesthood, and without skipping a beat, turn around and say, “representing the royal priesthood is the elder body….rather than challenge their authority, we truly appreciate our hardworking elders!”

Who is the Fallen "Star" of Rev 12:4?

3 hours ago, JW Insider said:

There is never anything definitive about these cases, but I have to say that everything can be seen to fit the patterns of sexual abuse cases perpetrated by the father.

Thank you for your thoughts.  I don't know about you, but I had a bad headache after listening to the whole thing.  I still can't dismiss her testimony completely, just as I can't dismiss Veronica Houston's testimony altogether as well.  But about child abuse, I personally have remember segments and events over the years, but everything came flooding back when I receive a condolence card with letter attached, from my past abuser concerning the death of my husband.  This person was my sister's first husband, and I haven't talked with him for around 40 years. It jolted me into an awareness, and a need to do something about it. The letter and action that I responded  back, actually brought needed closure.  If this woman's story is all the result of child abuse committed by her father, there may be a trigger one day, to bring it to mind. Maybe then, we will see a change in her story.  Or, maybe we will see more concrete evidence of the experience she presently gives.  

But...what about the ex-Bethelite's run-in with "channelers"  in the other video?

11 hours ago, JW Insider said:

Anyway, as interesting as it might be, there is also the area of demon possession which I know nothing about, and don't intend to learn about either. This may mean that no matter how much I think I could learn from it, I will never wish to wrap my head around this type of experience. It just becomes a matter of prayer and supplication, and I can say no more.

I understand that, and its not something that I would tend to dwell on; but I personally feel knowing the manipulating power of Satan, can explain how he uses individuals to do his will.  

This is only the second time that I have visited this video.  Last night I listened the entire episode, skipping through Rick’s comments and a question by a listener about her belief in the trinity.  Whether her mess-up with key words were a Freudian slip, I can’t say, since I have a touch of dyslexia and tend to twist my words around at times.  I was a victim of child abuse..besides dyslexia, perhaps I am guilty of such Freudian slips??  Maybe.   She expressed several times that she was not sexually abused, but treated as a “princess”; which is interesting. since another person who claims to be used by the leaders for automatic writing, said the same thing.  At the last part, Barbara Anderson came in and quizzed her pretty heavily about people, etc.  She said that at the woman’s young age of three when this journey began, the tunnels had not been built.  Later, it could be credible that she was actually led into another “tunnel” off the main tunnel, if that was truly the case.    Barbara said there was a large kitchen with narrow corridors that could have been where the woman was led, when very small.  Barbara also corrected her that her description was not as the woman stated, a case of “SRA”, since it didn’t include horrid acts and details.  Althought the other woman’s account, most certainly did. However, this woman explained that she was “drugged” through her childhood, naming the drugs used and injections given to her by her aunt, which appeared to be administered for no reason.

One comment she made was interesting, she said she wasn’t demon possessed, but demon obsessed.  I could understand that.  When my husband and I were in the organization, our first son at the age of about two, had an “invisible friend”.  He began to talk when he was 1 ½ years, and by two could carry on a conversation with us quite well.  He would tell us what his “friend” was doing; what he liked, and conversations they had together.  We asked what his friend’s name was, he said “Harsha”.  We thought that was a strange choice for a little boy to come up with.   Not until leaving the organization, did I run across this name in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.  When looking up its meaning, I was rather shocked.  It means, “mute”. 

4 hours ago, JW Insider said:

Where do I find these reports?

This is her interview.  I listened again to the first hour where she does mention the tunnels and describes the tunnel in detail, that took her to the room where she channeled.   She spoke of many people involved in the automatic writing, perhaps you will recognize those names not so obvious, I only recognize the more prominent ones.    She said her place was to channel the book of Daniel, chapters 11,12.  This woman also mentions the book "Angels And Women" and said her father would read it her when she was small.  

 The other woman, "the first woman"  who I feel may be mentally damaged because of her childhood and the pressure put upon her, has her website posted below the video – Veronica Houston.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-JVdBHKTtE

50 minutes ago, Thinking said:

The point is…Pearl has admitted to me personally she does no Bible study…but of course we can all put confidence in Her ….hahahaha….and never know what she is goinng to write as it just flows and comes to her.

Why don't you ask again, and tell the truth about what you hear.    We do Bible study together, we read scriptures together.    When I related your accusation that she does automatic writing - "channeling", she said:  

“Writes down what is given to him?  I don’t do that.  I just hear the scriptures in my mind, look them up and give them to the readers.  Jesus said that the spirit would recall what Jesus said, and that’s what happens.  I receive no direction about what words to write.  Only scripture.  That’s what makes it laborious.  I have to explain how the scriptures fit, if that becomes necessary.  No automatic writing here.  It’s work.” 

45 minutes ago, Kick_Faceinator said:

Their very own leadership is telling them to become murderers

How absolutely incredible, but very believable, that they have skirted the words of Jesus Christ to validate their spiritual “killing”/disfellowshipping,  as well as sending individuals off for physical slaughter, in the name of “Jehovah’s organization”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matt 5:43-48

They have never adopted Christ’s “new wine”.  Matt 9:17. 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Pet 3:9

The desire to “hate” is in the Armageddon belief.  It is the believe that God or Jesus will murder everyone whom they “hate” through the most physically disgusting means….yet, they don’t believe in a literal fiery hell – a selling point (of actual truth) in their preaching work. 

The destroyer is Satan, not the Father and not Jesus Christ. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  John 10:10

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”  1 Tim 4:1

3 hours ago, Arauna said:

Actually, the bible says that those who separate themselves are promoting self-interest. 

The GB have separated themselves in title and in duties.

The elders have separated themselves in title and in duties.

They each meet as a body, separately from the congregation to address matters each group is assigned to.

The anointed are told they cannot “separate” themselves as a body and meet together to address any matters of teachings.  They have been assigned by God to teach, yet they are prevented from doing so.  (Mal 2:7; 1 Pet 2:5,9)  The anointed are under the dominating rule of both the GB and elders.  (Matt 24:48-51)

This oppression of one’s spirituality, of the gift of Holy Spirit that God gave them to use, has no scriptural backing.  On the contrary, it defies God’s word. (2 Thess 2:1-4; 1 Cor 3:16,17;  1 Cor 12)

4 hours ago, JW Insider said:

There was absolutely nothing secret about the tunnels. No places for sinister meetings.

There are accounts of ritual “channeling” in Fred Franz’ time, in rooms or room branching off the tunnels.   It was through a little girl, and another woman also came forward with her account.  The first woman has been mentally scarred by what she experienced.  One would have to hear her reports and make up their own mind whether they are true or not.

1 hour ago, TrueTomHarley said:

No surprise there. She has made some converts here though, PSomH, Srecko, and KickFace, for example, fall all over her.

Such sarcasm, when you have 8 men whom 8 million people fawn over, and who plead for funds to build their empire.  When you have thousands of elders demanding the attention of 8 million people on zoom meetings.  When your thousands of elders like vultures, gather your "service time" over the years.  Who label you as "inactive" if after 6 months you haven't given them anything. ("oh, did you hear that so-and-so is inactive??") Who will send you  behind closed doors if you begin to say anything public about the 8 men, and their falsehoods, that 8 million people fawn over. 

Sarcasm - has a Greek root - “to tear flesh, bite the lip in rage, sneer.”

You are so good at that, and so is A. Morris.  I wonder how the both of  you sleep at night.  

1 hour ago, Thinking said:

Anyone who follows or teaches Pearls thoughts or woman in the wilderness…are without doubt being directed by the demons…as Pearl is..

I Have blocked witness for this reason To So I’m just going by your answers to some one….Anyone who admits they do not study the scriptures at all but sit with pen in hand and writes answers to questions..not knowing what they will actually write is engaging in automatic writing…or channeling …it is not fromJehovah…

This is not for “Thinking” as that would be a waste of time.  Divine inspiration and “automatic writing” are two different things.  If Pearl was under the blind influence of demons who used her specifically to perform automatic writing, then why must she continually edit what she writes and fine tune her writing by the addition of more scriptures?  Prophesy is given by God, a gift in the Body of Christ.  (1 Cor 12:28,29)  Just because the GB admit they are not inspired by Holy Spirit, does not mean no one else, is.  Just because the GB continually blow it, in their understanding, doesn't mean God hasn't sent a "faithful" slave to get it right.  By the way, Pearl was also tossed out/disfellowshipped for speaking truth.  

In 2002, the organization referenced the work of the last “Elijah” as the “restoration of pure worship”, a work performed by all JWs in their preaching work. They were called the modern day “Elijah class”. Since then, I see no mention of an “Elijah” appearing in the last days.  If I remember right, they have also dropped assigning themselves as a prophet’s “class”; such as “Ezekiel class”, “Jeremiah class”, etc.  However, this cannot erase the scriptural fact that an “Elijah” does appear before the end.  

And the disciples asked him, saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 And he answered and said, “Elijah indeed is coming, and will restore all things.”  Matt 17:10

Both the prophet Elijah and John the Baptist were specifically sent to God’s people under covenant.  They were given spiritual perception (as all prophets sent by God,  are given) to declare their sins and acts of idolatry, preaching the need to repent and turn back to God. (Mal 3:1-3; Zech 13:9) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mal.3%3A1-3%3B+Zech.13%3A9&version=NIV

The work of the last prophet to come in the spirit and power of “Elijah”, follows a similar pattern as both Elijah and John the Baptist.  This message is also specifically directed to God’s spiritual “Israel”, His priesthood under the New Covenant. (Matt 25:6; Luke 21:36; Rev 8:6; Jer 6:17) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+25%3A6%3B+Luke+21%3A36%3B+Rev+8%3A6%3B+Jer+6%3A17&version=NIV

(Deut 10:8; 18:5; 21:5; 1 Cor 6:2; Heb 8:5; Rev 5:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9; Mal 2:7) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut+10%3A8%3B+18%3A5%3B+21%3A5%3B+1+Cor+6%3A2%3B+Heb+8%3A5%3B+Rev+5%3A10%3B+1+Pet+2%3A5%2C9%3B+Mal+2%3A7&version=NIV

They have failed to serve God, “in spirit and truth”.  (John 4:23,24; Matt 25:25,26; Rev 3:2,3; Matt 25:5,6,7,13; Heb 6:12) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A23%2C24%3B+Matt+25%3A25%2C26%3B+Rev+3%3A2%2C3%3B+Matt+25%3A5%2C6%2C7%2C13%3B+Heb+6%3A12&version=NIV

 Those residing with them, should also respond to the message (Dan 12:1-3; Zech 8:23; Luke 1:17; Matt 10:40-42; John 7:38; 1 Cor 14:25; Rev 22:17). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Dan+12%3A1-3%3B+Zech+8%3A23%3B+Luke+1%3A17%3B+Matt+10%3A40-42%3B+John+7%3A38%3B+1+Cor+14%3A25%3B+Rev+22%3A17&version=NIV

The last “Elijah”, and the inspired message of the last prophet appears among God’s people in the last days.  This trumpet call is for God’s priests of His spiritual Temple to prepare their hearts for the return of Jesus Christ.  (Ezek 33:6;Isa 40:3; Isa 58:1; Joel 2:1; Matt 24:31;25:6; Rev 11:1-3; Rev 22:6)  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezek+33%3A6%3BIsa+40%3A3%3B+Isa+58%3A1%3B+Joel+2%3A1%3B+Matt+24%3A31%3B25%3A6%3B+Rev+11%3A1-3%3B+Rev+22%3A6++&version=NIV

As an anointed who has been blessed to see the understanding of the “man of lawlessness”, and Revelation's two beasts; and who declare the sins of “Israel”, she does not harbor a demon.  Again just as Jesus was accused of harboring a demon, obviously, Pearl is also accused of this. 

However, concerning this automatic writing/channeling, an ex-Bethel member has a lot say about it happening in Bethel.  He was given scriptures from Gen 28:10-15 by a "channeler"..  The explanation of those scripture is an evil dichotomy of the truth. Here, is the truth,  http://jacobsladder-obadiah.blogspot.com/

And here is the video.  If the man he spoke to had “notebook after notebook of this stuff”, why does he keep his “knowledge” to himself?  Why doesn't he share it with the GB? 

Or, maybe he does, and that's why they keep blowing it. 

1 hour ago, Kick_Faceinator said:

You are in good company.

22 “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.” Luke 6:22-23

This Psalm seems to describe what the outcast, those who turn to Jesus Christ, (Heb 13:13), and perhaps including the victims of abuse and shunning, feel and believe regarding the trap they have left.

"Why, Lord, do you stand far off?
    Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
    who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts about the cravings of his heart;  ("organization"
    he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
    in all his thoughts there is no room for God. (How can there be, when an organization is exalted? Isa 46:5)
5 His ways are always prosperous;
    your laws are rejected by him;
    he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
    He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”

7 His mouth is full of lies and threats;
    trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages;
    from ambush he murders the innocent.
His eyes watch in secret for his victims;
9     like a lion in cover he lies in wait.
He lies in wait to catch the helpless;
    he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse;
    they fall under his strength.  (Dan 8:13; 11:31; Matt 24:15,16; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess 2:1-4; Rev 11:1,2)
11 He says to himself, “God will never notice;
    he covers his face and never sees.”

12 Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God.
    Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
    Why does he say to himself,
    “He won’t call me to account”?
14 But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
    you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
    you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked man;
    call the evildoer to account for his wickedness
    that would not otherwise be found out.

16 The Lord is King for ever and ever;
    the nations will perish from his land.
17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
    you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
    so that mere earthly mortals
    will never again strike terror."  Ps 10

I found this to be a good audio reading - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/suchet/nivuk/Ps.10

How is the Kingdom Like Fish Caught in a Net?

1 hour ago, TrueTomHarley said:

Oh, hogwash. He is all the time. Both aspects of his life have instructional value and both are often referred to.

"All the time" is a bit over the top, but fair enough, I'll amend my previous statement:  

2 hours ago, Witness said:

He is usually shown up for his sins and never for his extensive documented request to God for repentance. 

To read...

JWs  show David up for his sins; and seldom, if any, for his extensive documented request to God for repentance.

20 minutes ago, TrueTomHarley said:

who claimed to know you personally

Really?  Maybe you or JWI can tell me the person's name.  No one here knows me personally.  

You've always been good at telling yarns.  🙂