Witness

1 hour ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

Would you please explain to me what you see in the marque that I do not?

Thanks.

I’m glad you asked.  I hadn’t looked at this WT picture for a long while, but then remembered that to be a true anagram, a valid word can be changed into another valid word, like “pat” can become “tap”.

“Tups” is a word meaning,

A ram. ‘tups were set free among the ewes for mating’ – sexual intercourse.

It can also mean, Headbutt (someone) in a fight.

This is the anagram, which can also be rearranged to say, “puts” – “Jest Puts Thru Daily”

Or…it can read, “Jests (jokes) Put Thru Daily”

In other words, Satan’s little jokes, like the glossary leaving out, of all things, general identities relating to Christ, pile up in the Watchtower.  

Interestingly, God’s people during the last days, are guilt of spiritual sexual “fornication”, by submitting to an idol, its image and a “false prophet”. 

The headbutting“ram” in Dan 8:3,4:  Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. ⁴ I saw the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward, so that no animal could withstand him; nor was there any that could deliver from his hand, but he did according to his will and became great.

This is the false prophet/Harlot with two horns of Rev 13:11, that gives authority to the “Beast”/organization/elder body to overpower the anointed ones, with not only lies (jokes) but seducing them into spiritual “sexual immorality” by believing that an organization can bring one salvation.  Idolatry. Rev 13:15

Armageddon is a war of words.  Those who recognize this, can also see why the glossary's exclusions about Jesus, play a part in this war.    2 Cor 11:13-15 

Whatever Satan devises in his realm is a counterfeit. 

Pearl Doxsey:  “In this blog article, Obadiah reasons from the Bible, why the JW interpretation of Armageddon is wrong. It is, after all, only mentioned in two verses of Revelation, and in both verses, refers to it as a battle between the lies of Satan (Rev.16:13-16; 17:14), and the truths of Christ (Rev.19:11,15; Heb.4:12), with the messengers of each, battling for the hearts and minds of men (2Cor.10:3-5). There is no need to fear that God is a hypocrite and murderer. Regarding the impact of Armageddon on us as individuals, one only need to make a choice of which side one follows... lies or truths, light or darkness. The Bible proves that the only one who murders and destroys, is the Devil (John10:10; 8:44; Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1).

Obadiah’s Blog – “Armageddon”

Pearl Doxsey – “Who is the Destroyer”

11 hours ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

Some people like to play with words ... some like to play with numbers.

There is a difference between a mathematician, and a moron.

At least, with numbers, you can PROVE what is true.

Even numbers lie.

11 hours ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

Well ... you DID specifically ask for my opinion .....

I did.   It helps me see how easy it is for the sheep to be duped.  It’s the seemingly insignificant things like the apparent oversights in jw org’s glossary that reveal the travesty when one “does the math”. 

Remember this marque from the 1989 Watchtower?  Two movies are advertised. 

1.       “JEST TUPS”

2.        “THRU DAILY”

Neither one makes sense on their own, but obviously something is being said when both phrases are put together.   Is it, “JEST TUPS THRU DAILY”?  Or, should it read, “JEST PUTS THRU DAILY”? (edited my mispelling)

Who is the moron, the one who sees the details of the travesty, or the one who lives within it?

Appropriately, the rating is R.  

5 hours ago, Outta Here said:

This is quite frankly drivel! It is a glossary, not a theological encyclopedia.

How many important documents have glossaries that explain the terms within them?

5 hours ago, Outta Here said:

Anyone who really wants to know who Jesus is can get a precise understanding from reading the Scriptures.

Don't underestimate the tenacity of those who realy seek truth. They will want to get more detail and reasoning on the matter. They will not be satisfied with a simple Glossary of Bible terms definition.

 

True statements, but not everyone does that.  

5 hours ago, Outta Here said:

f they want to do this using a website that "is one of the busiest ones on the internet", then a simple search will give a choice of 6,584 articles. Why not try?: Jesus Christ   

Perhaps then God may give you too "repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth." 2Tim.2:25

Yes, forget listing the term, "Lamb of God" in the glossary, who IS truth, but send them through the confusing Watchtower maze which leads one away from the simplicity that is Christ.  2 Cor 11:3

5 hours ago, Outta Here said:

There are several Glossaries available.

I can only find the one on jw org.  Maybe I'm missing something.  

5 hours ago, Outta Here said:

This particular one appears not to follow the general principle that a Glossary is normally a list of terms and concepts. So what? There is nothing significant about this.

So what? The website is one of the busiest ones on the internet, isn't it?  If it is bringing in people from all countries, shouldn't it be precise about who Jesus is?  Even in this glossary that seems not to follow the general principle?

If the Watchtower is all about truth, and Christ is truth, then these terms should be listed in harmony with the format being used:

Jesus

Michael

Logos

Lamb of God

Son of God

Word

This is what it does include:

Ashtoreth

Astrologer

Baal

Beelzebub

Chemosh

Dagon

Demons

Devil

Fortune-teller

Idol; idolatry

Leviathan

Locusts

Merodach

Milcom

Nephilim

Pharoah

Queen of Heaven

Satan

Sorcery

Spiritism

Spirit medium

Tammuz

Taraphim

Wicked one

Zeus

The error of omission is a direct attack on the significance that Christ should play in our lives.  Gen 3:15

22 minutes ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

I will have to agree with Billy on THAT one.

We should be very suspicious of any individual or group of people who assume controlling religious authority.

Hmmmm... why does that sound so familiar?

 

Did it ever occur to you that maybe Christ expects his servants to fulfill their obligation to speak truth?  John 15:26; Rev 11:1-3  

On 5/16/2019 at 1:07 AM, Outta Here said:

Seems that a glossary differs from an encyclopedia in that it is an alphabetical list of terms. Biographical information is only included when it is relevant to explaining the use of what might be considered a personal name in a terminological sense. For example some background biogaphy is necessary to understand the use of the name "Jacob" as a term for the nation descended from him.

Terms such as Christ, Christian, Chief Agent, Firstborn etc are defined as they are terms. The name Jehovah is viewed by some as a term not having personal significance. That is clarified in this glossary.

There is no need do do the same for the personal name of God's Son, Jesus, as his name has not become a "term" in the sense of being  "a word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept".

If this was a Glossary relating to the Roman Catolic Church, then there might be a case for including the name as it relates to the term "Jesuit". Or indeed the word "Trinity" as it relates to the peculiar concept of the nature of God held by many members of that denomination. Of course, these terms have no relevance whatsoever to the Holy Scriptures.

Thank you.  That was a great explanation, very much appreciated.   Because of its size, it's pretty obvious it isn't anything like an index.  Still, on the same "J" page, Flavius Josephus is one of a few other names that are listed; which aren't terms.   "Satan" is listed under "S", which is also a name.  So, it appears to be a prejudice move to leave out Michael and Jesus, which both have significant meanings just as "Satan" does.

4 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

By your assertion, you are exalting yourself by thinking you have a higher position as an anointed that you gave yourself than that of the Watchtower GB. God's Holy Spirit would NOT dwell in such a person, by suggesting very unclean member is allowed in the Body of Christ. An anointed person would not allow such a thought in their mind.

Where in scripture does it state you can apply a double standard in scripture?

That’s right.  Where in scripture does it say that the GB can place themselves in a higher position than any other anointed one in the organization, including every JW who are not anointed?   Luke 22:24-27

I have no authority over anyone.  How can someone on the outside exalt himself over those who refuse to acknowledge them? 

Do I disfellowship anyone? 

Do I mark them as spiritually “dead”  Rev 13:15

What they practice, Jesus condemned. Matt 24:48-51  And all JWs who condone this practice, obey men and not Christ.  2 Cor 11:20; Acts 5:29

Since the Watchtower finally admits that Christendom is not the "anti-typical" Jerusalem, then, as I said here:

...every prophesy concerning God’s anointed people in the last days, takes place in-house.  This means, Christendom is not the Harlot/false prophet of Rev 13:11.  It also means that the “organization” which the Harlot directs, is not the UN. Rev 13:1

^"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; (Eph 2:20-22)  and if it begins with us first, (the anointed ones) what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ Now

“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”  1 Pet 4:17,18

"And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. ⁵ For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. ⁶ Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. ⁷ In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ ⁸ Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her."  Rev 18:4-8

It is regretful that you are so blind, Allen.  We have strayed very far from the topic; yet, I refer back to the topic by saying those who put their faith in men and an earthly organization, which rules others by it's own laws and decrees, while holding the Bible in one hand, cannot hear what Jesus is telling them.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.  They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.  But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”  Luke 6:46-49

 What did Christ say; to come to "Jehovah's organization", or did he say, "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matt 11:28   

The Watchtower calls such individuals who simply do what Jesus said, as apostates; who's faith is apparently "garbage and needs to be torn down."  Rev 13:16,17

1 hour ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

Wrong. What you are desperately trying to do is exalt yourself as an anointed. You are not. Your ideological understanding is flawed, and until you accept that, there is no number of citations given, will change what scripture actually states.

Now if there are other JW's that think the same way, then they learned just as you did, on their own without the guidance of the Watchtower.

The clue that should be obvious, you just stated, who is the Church of Christ.

I am not sure why you say I am exalting myself, when my words are in agreement with the early Watchtower quotes.  Would you say those anointed at that time were exalting themselves? 

Those who have been given authority to disfellowship God’s anointed Temple members, judging them as “dead” for understanding the very words the Watchtower use to teach, are the ones who have exalted themselves by “sitting”/ruling over the Temple of God.  2 Thess 2:4; (1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:19-22   It is fulfilled prophesy for the time of the end. Dan 8:11; Rev 13:1,6,7,11,14-15   

15 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

What’s even funnier is the lack of understanding with the example given.

*** w63 9/1 p. 537 Names for Christ and His Congregation ***

Names for Christ and His Congregation

We can choose to be part of a “congregation” of believers in Christ,

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matt 11:28=30

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35

But those who are part of his Body are chosen by God and Christ, to be sealed if faithful, into God's Temple.  2 Cor 6:16-18

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.   John 15:16

If all believers in Christ were part of his Body/Temple, then all of his disciples would have been at his last meal before his death.  Matt 26:26  His “body” represented by the unleavened, pure bread of truth, that they “ate”, signified becoming one with him. 

¹⁶ The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? ¹⁷ For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. 1 Cor 10:16,18

Jesus, as the Word of God, is truth. John 14:6  Those called by God who faithfully remain in him are to speak the same truth.   John 17:17

Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.  John 15:4

From your article, this is  exactly what I had quoted:

Most of the Scriptural terms that apply to the 144,000 members of Christ’s body apart from their Head do so quite obviously. Among such are “Christ’s body,” “the body of the Christ,” “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And since the “Lamb’s wife” is also termed “the holy city, New Jerusalem,” it follows that this name also applies only to the 144,000 body members. This is borne out by the description of it in Revelation chapter 21.—1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 4:12; Rev. 21:2, 9, 10.

Also, it says,

However, generally when the Christian Greek Scriptures speak of the “congregation” in the broad sense, they are referring to the 144,000 as a body subject to the head Christ Jesus. Thus Paul, at Ephesians 1:22, 23, speaks of “the congregation, which is his body,” and later writes: “I am speaking with respect to Christ and the congregation.”—Eph. 5:32

You seem to look at the congregation of JWs as the chosen “body of Christ”, when scriptures do not support this. With the GB in power (presently) as the “head” of that congregation, all the members are thought to be members of Christ’s body; when this is a lying twist of the true body of Christ.  On top of this, all JWs must be submissive to “false christs”.  Mark 13:22

Here’s another, very wicked twist:  The Body of Elders has also taken the identity of the authentic body of Christ in the anointed priesthood, and applied it to themselves. ("representing the royal priesthood"...)   They also have, as their “head”, the GB also. The true Temple/Body has lost all identity in the organization.  2 Thess 2:1-4; Rev 11:1-3

28 minutes ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

Then, why does scripture state otherwise? Are you saying witnesses believe the same thing you do? Did you bother to read the cited scriptures above, or was Jesus and the Apostles just making things up? If anyone here believes as you and witness, then it would make perfect sense why you people never learned scripture the right way.

2 hours ago, Witness said:

WT 63/9/1 pp. 537-538  “Temple” is also used in a symbolic sense to include Jesus Christ and his body members, or the 144,001, as Jehovah’s arrangement for the carrying on of true worship, a sanctuary for God to inhabit by spirit. This can be clearly seen from reading Ephesians 2:20-22. Since this symbolic temple was represented by the anointed Christians on earth in his day, Paul could also use this name as applying in a representative way when he wrote to the congregation at Corinth: “Do you not know that the body of you people is the temple of the holy spirit?” (1 Cor. 6:19) And at Revelation 21:22 “temple” has yet another significance when Jehovah God and the Lamb Jesus Christ are said to be the temple of the New Jerusalem.”

Most of the Scriptural terms that apply to the 144,000 members of Christ’s body apart from their Head do so quite obviously. Among such are “Christ’s body,” “the body of the Christ,” “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And since the “Lamb’s wife” is also termed “the holy city, New Jerusalem,” it follows that this name also applies only to the 144,000 body members. This is borne out by the description of it in Revelation chapter 21.—1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 4:12; Rev. 21:2, 9, 10.

You believe today's Watchtower lie about the Body of Christ.   The above written in 1963, was surprisingly, truth. How long have you been a JW?  

17 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

Just as I thought. Can't give a rational answer, that you have to resort to more garbage. The day, you what to answer scriptural definitions without resorting to nonsense, I'll be glad to listen.  Meanwhile, you can't make a logical defense for hating the GB as you do. Which by the way is breaking Christ instructions and the new covenant.

 

Coming from a man who constantly tells everyone, “learn scripture”.  I provided scripture and you reject it. 

4 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

How does that prevent them from being part of the body?

Who are you talking about?  The anointed or those not anointed?  I spoke of the anointed ones.

17 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

As cited earlier " So, I don’t need you to cite other text. Stick to understanding one text at a time. What is your understanding of 1 Corinthians."

1 Cor 12:12-27 (if that is what you mean, but do read the entire chapter)  speaks of the “gifts of the spirit”.  Are you having a hard time accepting the fact that these various gifts were given exclusively to the anointed?

Satan also is very aware of who comprise the Body of Christ.  Let me show you what I mean. Here is truth:

WT 63/9/1 pp. 537-538  “Temple” is also used in a symbolic sense to include Jesus Christ and his body members, or the 144,001, as Jehovah’s arrangement for the carrying on of true worship, a sanctuary for God to inhabit by spirit. This can be clearly seen from reading Ephesians 2:20-22. Since this symbolic temple was represented by the anointed Christians on earth in his day, Paul could also use this name as applying in a representative way when he wrote to the congregation at Corinth: “Do you not know that the body of you people is the temple of the holy spirit?” (1 Cor. 6:19) And at Revelation 21:22 “temple” has yet another significance when Jehovah God and the Lamb Jesus Christ are said to be the temple ofthe New Jerusalem.”

Most of the Scriptural terms that apply to the 144,000 members of Christ’s body apart from their Head do so quite obviously. Among such are “Christ’s body,” “the body of the Christ,” “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And since the “Lamb’s wife” is also termed “the holy city, New Jerusalem,” it follows that this name also applies only to the 144,000 body members. This is borne out by the description of it in Revelation chapter 21.—1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 4:12; Rev. 21:2, 9, 10.

Look at 1 Cor 12:27 which is a scripture you also listed:

1 Cor 12:27-31: Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. ²⁸ And God has appointed these in the church (body): first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ But earnestly desire the ^[i]best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

These gifts are also spoken of in Eph 4:7-13

 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

The Body of the anointed ones, with Jesus as their Head, has received gifts from the Holy Spirit. Here, Watchtower also tells truth:

From “Mans Salvation Out of World Distress at Hand”:

These “gifts in men” were among the captives that he led away as a result of his giving his human soul as a ransom for the condemned world of mankind. (Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6) Such “gifts in men,” the resurrected, ascended Jesus Christ bestows upon his congregation of 144,000 anointed joint heirs, to strengthen them all to fight a triumphant warfare against this world and its god and thereby to share with Jesus in vindicating the universal sovereignty of Jehovah God. To them he says, in Revelation 3:21: “To the one that conquers I will grant to sit down with me on my throne, even as I conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” 

As you can see, these earlier publications explain that the Body of Christ are the “144,000”, and  explains that the many gifts through Holy Spirit, were given to them.

However, Satan also has the determined ability to morph truth into a lie, with a purpose in mind.

 ^"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 (Christs’s kings, Rev 1:5) of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."  Rev 16:13,14

Developing, “unclean” expressions, that begin as truth, turn into plaguing lies - as a plague of frogs.  (Exod 😎

 The “gifts to/unto/in men” are now said to be given to the elders – non anointed elders.

   w02 3/15 p. 15    How can we show regard for the appointed elders in the congregation?

¹⁰ Our Leader has given the congregations “gifts in men”—“some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:8, 11, 12) Our attitude and actions toward them speak volumes as to whether we accept Christ’s leadership. It is only right that we ‘show ourselves thankful’ for the spiritually qualified men that Christ has given. (Colossians 3:15) They also deserve our respect.”

Did Jesus or the Father change their mind about who receive the “gifts” bestowed by Holy Spirit? Wouldn’t you consider this, blasphemy against God, Jesus, and the Temple?  Why does the organization say truth from scripture, and then twist it into a lie?  It is to eventually remove all knowledge of who comprise the Temple, the Body of Christ, and the priesthood from the minds of JWs.   

The Beast/organization of Revelation 13, accomplishes this:

“Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. ⁷ It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.”  Rev 13:6,7

How are the anointed saints overcome?  Well, who has the authority to disfellowship the anointed ones?  The elders.  Who "represents the royal priesthood"?  The elders.  To whom are everyone in the organization told to "honor" and obey?  The elders.     With demonic expressions that begin with acknowledging who the anointed really are, they end with the removing of all evidence…of who they really are - as the anointed Body of Christ.  

 “And I heard the man who was clothed in linen who was above the water of the stream, and he raised his right hand and his left hand to heaven and he swore by the one who lives forever that an appointed time, appointed times, and half an appointed time would pass when the shattering of the power of the holy people would be completed; then all these things will be accomplished.”  Dan 12:7

The “holy people” are the “saints” and the dwelling of God. 1 Cor 3:16,17

Truth cannot be explained without the scriptures.  Perhaps it is you, who should learn scripture.  

2 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

Why didn’t you explain it to Srecko? I want you to say it since you’re conflicted as to who comprises the body of Christ. You seem to have a different understanding between, faithful servants, anointed, and the royal priesthood.

How do you define these members when they can be included? Therefore, I asked the question first.

Give me a scriptural citation where you think, all who go before God to profess their loyalty and faith by adhering to God by Christ, have no part in the body of Christ.

Don’t evade the question. You are the expert according to yourself, now answer it.

Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Ephesians 3:6 and 5:23, Colossians 1:18 and Colossians 1:24

We agree on one point. Christ is the head. Now are the anointed (Members) not a part? Did the Apostles spring up all of a sudden like the devil's horns?

Of course, I’m referring to their role on earth, before they descend. Why include it in scripture if it isn’t so. Say it Joseph Smith. You seem to have walked in the desert with Christ. When did he make a change in scripture to accommodate your interpretation?

Cool your jets a bit.

John 2:19-22 -  Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

²⁰ They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” ²¹ But the temple he had spoken of was his body. ²² 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.

The Body of Christ = the temple

Matt 16:18 - And I tell you that you are Peter ( for rock), and on this rock ("large rock", "a mass of stones") I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Church:  ἐκκλησία ekklēsía, ek-klay-see'-ah; from a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):—assembly, church.

Would he build his “church” from those who were not ‘called out’, as the apostles were?  Jesus laid the foundation as the chief cornerstone of the new Temple/Body.  The foundation stones were the apostles and prophets. 

All who were called out are considered “stones”/”rock”. 

Rom 1:1 - Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—

Rom 1:7 - To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph 4:4 - There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling

Rev 17:14 - They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

This is the “144,000” priests/kings of God. The anointed ones.

1 Pet 2:5,9 - 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. ("I will build my church")

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.

The “spiritual house” built of stones is the Temple of God. It is the church/Body.

You, are adding those to the “church” who are not “living stones” of the Body of Christ.

It is clear in scripture that the anointed are this “church” – “spiritual house” – TEMPLE of God.

2 Cor 6:16 - What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

Again, the temple is built of “stones”, and the stones are the royal priesthood, which comprise the Body of Christ.

1 Cor 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? ²⁰ For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your bodyand in your spirit, which are God’s.

The royal priesthood is God’s “spiritual house”, His dwelling place. ("I will walk among them")

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? ¹⁷ If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

Eph 2:19-22 - Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. ("I will build my church")

The “saints” are built on Christ’s Body, creating a Temple of “living stones”. 

The purpose?  To serve the rest of the children in God’s Kingdom.  So, step back and take a look at what God is building.  He is refining and forming a people for Himself to serve the greater needs of His children to come.  They must prove themselves worthy enough to be be found faithful and able to serve as God's priests; who, in the early temple arrangement, always served and taught the people of Israel.  Mal 2:7  Yes, they will be Christ’s “kings” – righteous kings, who direct and teach God’s children in love, just as their High Priest/King/Head of the Body.  

Romans 12 describes the anointed as individual members of Christ’s Body.    

As does 1 Cor 12:

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. ¹⁴ For in fact the body is not one member but many. 1 Cor 12:12,13

What did Jesus say his Body was? 

John 2:21 - But the temple he had spoken of was his body

It is the Temple of “living stones” – the royal priesthood.

“You are My witnesses,” says the Lord,
“And My servant whom I have chosen,
That you may know and believe Me,
And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
Nor shall there be after Me.  Isa 43:10

Another name which seems obvious to be included but is not, is "Michael".  

1 hour ago, Melinda Mills said:

They know that many people would not be looking it up. They know who he is.  

 

Perhaps.  But also listed are the terms, Christian, holy spirit, the true God, and angel; terms that I would think people know, as well as "Jehovah" for the most part.  

47 minutes ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

According to you, all those in a role of leadership are wrong and don’t belong in the composition of the body of Christ. Where in scripture does it state that?

 

https://churchtechtoday.com/2018/08/31/top-10-church-leadership-conferences/

 

https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/340597-top-30-pastor-conferences-for-2019-in-the-u-s.html

 

https://outcomesconference.org/

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_Christian_leaders

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_21st-century_religious_leaders

 

These lists comprise leaders of a church. Therefore, in your view, Jesus somehow has told you personally, all these people are wrong and only you or your kind of Christianity is right.

 

In this instance, and only this issue, who holds more of credibility, here? You or the rest of the world, which seemingly is accepting the word of Christ?

 

Now, are these church leaders wrong on certain things, when it’s obvious their actions speak louder than words when it comes to certain interpretations of scripture, YES! Yes, they are.

 

There lies a difference when attempting to single out something out of the lack of Bible understanding.

 

According to scripture, what is the Body of Christ - who comprise it?

52 minutes ago, Srecko Sostar said:

• Jeremiah 5:6, "Therefore a lion from the forest will slay them. A wolf of the deserts will destroy them.  A leopard is watching their cities. Everyone who goes out of them will be torn in pieces, because their transgressions are many, their apostasies are numerous."

 

The whole chapter of Jer 5 is earthshaking.  (Amos 9:9; Mark 13:8; Heb 12:26,27)

6 minutes ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

Now! Now! who asked first. 😉

What does Christendom speculate about churches?

 

Do you believe Apostle Paul was insane to write letters to churches? Colossians 4:18 was Paul writing to invisible or symbolic churches, by your interpretation and standard?

Were these churches not man-made, or do you believe, divine intervention built them? 🤔

Remember, the theme of "garbage" has not been lost here with all these queries.

I ask again, who comprise the Body of Christ?  The Body is God's Temple.  Who comprise this Body/Temple?

8 minutes ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

How does your silly outlook challenge the very fabric of what Christ taught if you are so dismissive of the body of Christ and his living church and those that comprise that body?

To you, who comprise the Body of Christ?

I found this on another forum.  It is a photo from the jw org online glossary.  Does any JW have an opinion as to why "Jesus" is left out of the glossary?   "Christ", as well as "Messiah" are both noted.  (Matt 24:24; Mark 13:22 NKJV) (Matt 24:24; Mark 13:22 NIV)  Yet, "Jesus", whose name means "YHVH is salvation", or, "Yah will save", isn't listed.  Also, both "Emmanuel"/"Immanuel", which means "God is with us" are not listed.     (Matt 1:23)

Here is the link: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/nwtstg/E/2019/172

2 minutes ago, JOHN BUTLER said:

Tell me TTH, what do you regard as genuine ‘apostasy,’ ?

Are you one of those that believes that if a person leaves the JW Org they become a non believer in God ?

What is an apostate in your viewpoint.  It is a person that turns away from a former religion ? Or is it a person that turns away from God ? 

I like how you proposed the question.  It is a very confusing one for the majority of JWs.  In their mind, God and the organization are inseparable, for the last 100 years or so.  God appears to have changed to accommodate the WT organization.  He requires earthly riches now, and buildings; yet, Jesus said, God is Spirit and doesn't require earthly goods or "mountains" from this world where we need to worship.   In fact he said, "true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  John 4:23

Would God really change to accommodate the Watchtower organization and require worship to be given Him through earthly means, derived from the area of authority that Satan has power over?  

“To whom will you compare Me?
    Or who is My equal?” says the Holy One.  Isa 40:25

Tom will probably answer, an apostate is a person who turns away from "Jehovah" - meaning the organization.   But, perhaps he will surprise me. 

18 minutes ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Billy, dear Billy .... even in simple stating your position as believer, you alone put yourself in negative context. 

Is it some typing error?  Or you purposely wrote how you  obeying God almighty through the Watchtower ?  It would be more better to say... (political correctness :))))))...  through Jesus .  And all would end there. Bible not endorse no one else as Mediator but Jesus Christ.  

An admission of idolatry.  

On 5/12/2019 at 10:59 AM, BillyTheKid46 said:

On 5/12/2019 at 8:02 AM, Witness said:

God's laws, fulfilled in Christ as the Word. Matt 5:17; John 1:1  Every other "law" or tradition set in place by the corrupted priesthood, oppressed the people: 

Indeed. The word was well before creation as the firstborn of creation. This is why Jesus also can be relative to the Role of a Levite Preist.  Therefore, explain it to Srecko, he doesn't understand. You might also consider your position about the Royal Priesthood.

You left me hanging there.  Not sure what your point is.  Jesus Christ is the “High Priest” of God’s priesthood.  Heb 7:26,27

On 5/12/2019 at 10:59 AM, BillyTheKid46 said:

On 5/12/2019 at 8:02 AM, Witness said:

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matt 11:28-30

 

With this, we can agree Jesus was placing judgment on the conduct of the prevailing priesthood. However, did Christ suggest to disobey?

You really believe Christ expected them to OBEY these traditions of men when he said, “come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden”?  He specifically told his disciples, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.

Does God and Jesus suggest us to ingest the “leaven” of false teachers?  Matt 16:6   Teaching anything beyond scripture is the sign of a false teacher.  You do know what John the Baptist preached about?

 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” ³ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”  Matt 3:1-3

He told all of them, “bear fruits worthy of repentance”.  If we repent from following traditions of men who lay unnecessary burdens on us, does this mean we are to keep following them?  ADDITION - does this mean we are to obey the those additional traditions and laws that are a 'heavy load'? 

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!³⁵ See, your house is abandoned to you. I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,’ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’!” Luke 13:34,35

The apostles came on the scene, teaching truth from Christ.  The entire Jewish system of that day lost God's favor with the coming of Christ; yet, they were the first to be given the opportunity to gain life through him - if they obeyed HIS teachings.  This is our choice today; we either continue following men and their added burdens of lies, or we repent and follow Christ.  

On 5/12/2019 at 10:59 AM, BillyTheKid46 said:

Either you submit to the entire word of God, or you don't. People cannot pick an chose only the things in scripture that feels right for their argument.

The traditions, added laws of men are “not the entire word of God”.    They are not scripture. 

Regarding Hebrews 13:17, it refers to those within the anointed Body of Christ - his priesthood.  1 Pet 2:5,9; Heb 13:15 Who were the early leaders?  Primarily, at that time they were the foundation of the Body/Temple - the apostles who directed or led people to Christ. Yes, being a "leader" is a noted gift within the anointed priesthood.  Rom 12:8   Their entire message was about Christ, "leading" people to him.    

The organization’s leaders are the image of the Pharisees, setting up their own regulations far from the commandments of God; and like the Pharisees , the GB/elder body “lead” people away from Jesus Christ, to an idol – organization - today's "Jewish" system of corruption.  Mal 3:1-3; Rev 13:5-8

The law is summed in one word, love.  “Heavy burdens” of men’s rules and regulations do not reflect love.   Matt 22:37-40; Gal 5:14

15 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

You are claiming The Priesthood was mightier than the Son of God. However, what do you think Jesus meant with “so practice and observe whatever they tell you” to mean?

God's laws, fulfilled in Christ as the Word. Matt 5:17; John 1:1  Every other "law" or tradition set in place by the corrupted priesthood, oppressed the people: 

16 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

 ⁴ They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.

Jesus would not expect obedience to the ideologies and traditions of men, which is what he is referring to in the above scripture.  

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matt 11:28-30

To the Pharisees, Jesus said:

You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”

9 And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 11 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— 12 then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” Mark 7:8-13

One of the  many "traditions of men" in the Watchtower is to "curse" one's mother, father, son, or daughter for following Christ''s teachings, which results in the "curse" of spiritual "death".  Rev 13:15  That conveniently locks out all obligations to one's say, parents; thus, more money, more time, more devotion, can be given to "Jehovah's organization" - as pioneers, in special assignments, and as elders.  

16 hours ago, BillyTheKid46 said:

Then your comparison of the High Priest to that of the modern GB is off the mark since they have yet to self-impose anything that isn’t directly linked to scripture. 

You mean, linked to the scriptures that describes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees? They expected obedience to them, and not to Christ.  Today, full obedience must be given to the GB and elder body - over Christ.   Your reasoning is twisted, Allen, in harmony with Watchtower's teachings; and not in harmony with the teachings of Jesus.

"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”    

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me."  John 14:21,23,24

His commands, not those of the GB who use an army of henchmen to carry out their will.  Matt 24:48-51

35 minutes ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

I do not think so ..... a careful review of their facial expressions and the lurid detail, specifically enumerated, leads me to believe the two GB Helpers were being severely punished to make these two videos ... and the nuttiness of the logic and explanations given specifically to exonerate non-contact sexual  "circle jerks" as NOT being pornea .... which they did.

Honestly, I cannot bring myself to watch the video.