Witness

Oh yes, I saw the news clip yesterday.  I mentioned this to my husband and relayed the past bible signing event by the GB.
 

Daily Mail Article

Excuse me for a moment ! 
WT choose to play by the secular rules when that suites to them, when not, they ask for different treatment and are disobedient to secular authority.  DOUBLE Standards !

One lie after another, after another, after another.  It gets so tiring.   You would think JWs would see just one of them, and ponder on it; catching it before swallowing it down - hook, line, and sinker.  Oh, the leaders are so adept at lying for the benefit of their idol.   It is a shameful thing to be blindly led along by liars and sharing their intoxicating "wine".  If we swallow falsehoods and repeat them as truth, we  don't escape judgment by putting the blame on those who taught us.  We are individually responsible to speak truth; if in the least, we believe and have faith in God and Jesus Christ.  1 Pet 4:3-5
Blindness, idolatry, lies, go hand in hand.  

you do realize you just equated the gb with Jesus? 
This is borderline worship. 
 

Human argumentation about human argumentation. For making review on WT history teachings and published "spiritual food", you do not need, as you said "inspired arguments, thoughts, writings". Because all WT quotes, that was presented and debunked, are NOT inspired, nor inspired in arguments. WTJWorg GB are not just imperfect good church leaders. Intentionally or by accident, they are teachers of false things.  
Mixing Jesus and WT Church Main Body is not good. People in past who left Jesus because lack of understanding were not been rejecting by Jesus in a way that GB rejects those who left WTJWorg Company today.
And despite your knowledge about it, you still allow WTGB to guide your mindset. Problems for today christian followers should not be human side of apostles of 1 century. Because, 1 century apostles human's side was thing, issue that/it should have been solved by christian people in their time. And today, nowadays JW people have to deal with modern human side of artificial apostles in WT.    

@TrueTomHarley, please go to www . silentlambs . org and scroll down the left hand column to see how many times the word "elder" is found in each story heading.  

You people are impossible to talk to sensibly because you worship the GB and it's Org so much that you are blind to the truth of it all. 
Anything a victim says, that you don't like, you simply consider them as liars. 
Anything that an investigation finds out, that you don't like, you simply say they are twisting facts or making it all up.
Some of you cannot accept the truth about the JW Org. You can accept that the Israelites offered their children in the fire to Molech, but you think that the GB and it's Org are above any such badness.
You can make it known about Catholic priests and others committing Child Abuse but when people make it known about JW Elders you say it's lies or 'just apostate rumours'. 
TTH says " An JW leader committing CSA is rare. Not unheard of, but rare. Elsewhere it is the pattern. " 
Tom likes to pretend that the JW Org is so so different, but unfortunately it isn't any different. Oh yes, slightly different, the JW Org keeps as much of it secret as it can, and it withholds evidence and destroys evidence too. 
The JW Org also tries to stop investigations by those with a legal right to do so. A bit strange when God's word tells us to obey the law of the land and to be in subjection to the Superior Authorities, because those authorities are in their place with God's approval. 
Now if the GB actually believed God's word and therefore followed it properly, they would tell all those brothers in positions of responsibility to cooperate fully with all investigations and to hand over all information asked for by those authorities. The Bible calls it being in subjection and  'going the extra mile'. I'm sure you all know the scriptures well. 

Watchtower 2017/2/pg 24,25: Holy spirit helps the Governing Body. The holy spirit has helped the Governing Body to understand Bible truths that were not understood before. For example, consider the list of beliefs clarified that was mentioned earlier. No human could have understood and explained these “deep things of God” on his own! (Read 1 Corinthians 2:10.) The Governing Body feels as did the apostle Paul, who wrote: “These things we also speak, not with words taught by HUMAN WISDOM, but with those taught by the spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) After hundreds of years of false teachings AND NO CLEAR DIRECTION, why has there been such an increase of Bible understanding since 1919? The reason can only be that God has been helping with his holy spirit!
 This paragraph is absolutely convoluted in its message. JWs, I would guess you are all aware of the expansive list of “Beliefs Clarified”. They are called “adjustments” in teachings since 1870. The need for such a list proves there was no clear direction at the outset, and that human wisdom runs the Watchtower organization. Do you agree?
Here is just one teaching that needed adjusting:
"In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an ESTABLISHED TRUTH that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the kingdom of God, will be accomplished near the end of A.D. 1915. (The Time Is At Hand, 1915 edition, p. 99)”
Is this statement which was presented as established truth, sourced in Holy Spirit or human thinking? God’s Kingdom obviously didn’t arrive in 1915 as predicted, OR 1914, as predicted. Could the governing body be admitting that Holy Spirit did not lead “God’s organization” in its early days by stating “no human can understand and explain these “deep things of God”? They are experts at creating confusion; playing mind games that are incredibly twisted, by receiving help from the Father of the lie. John 8:44; Rev 13:11,13,14; 17:1-6 
 Here is a prime example of how JW members have suffered under the organization’s flawed doctrine:
"The year 1925 came and went. Jesus' anointed followers were still on earth as a class. The faithful men of old time - Abraham, David and others - had not been resurrected to become princes in the earth. (Ps. 45:16) So, as Anna MacDonald recalls: '1925 was a sad year for many brothers. Some of them were STUMBLED; THEIR HOPES WERE DASHED...Instead of it's being considered a 'PROBABILITY,' they READ INTO IT that it was a 'CERTAINTY' and some prepared for their loved ones with expectations of their resurrection." (Yearbook, 1975, p. 146)
Was it taught by the Watchtower leaders as a “probability”, or a “certainty”’?
"Our thought is, that 1925 is DEFINITELY SETTLED BY THE SCRIPTURES. As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge." (Watchtower, p. 106, March 1, 1923)
"The year 1925 is a date DEFINITELY AND CLEARLY MARKED IN SCRIPTURES, even more clearly than that of 1914.” (Watchtower 1924, p. 211)
“DEFINITELY SETTLED BY THE SCRIPTURES”
“DEFINITELY AND CLEARLY MARKED IN SCRIPTURES”
I vote, “certainty”.
Who received the blame for believing it was a ‘certainty’?
"The difficulty was that the friends INFLATED THEIR IMAGINATIONS BEYOND REASON; and that when their imaginations burst asunder, they were inclined to throw away everything." (Watchtower 1925, p. 56)
It was stated clearly by WT’s leaders that 1925 was an “established truth”. Please understand it was through their imagination that the lie was created. Ezek 13:1-3; Isa 65:2; Ps 73:7; 2 Pet 2:3 
The Watchtower states: “The Governing Body feels as did the apostle Paul, who wrote: “These things we also speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the spirit.”
Is the GB saying that now – finally, they are leading JWs by teachings sourced in Holy Spirit? It seems that way, but there is also the "new light" theory, where every designated teaching in the “Beliefs Clarified” list began with Holy Spirit’s direction as “light”; and that each “adjustment” of a certain teaching became progressively brighter since 1870. (Prov 4:18 ) Yet, any logical thinking person would agree that 1925 as the date of Armageddon, was not an “established fact”; but a false prophet’s proclamation formulated in the dark recesses of a wicked mind. Mark 13:22; 2 Pet 2:1; Rev 13:11; 16:13,14 
Still, the uninspired governing body is comparing its members to the apostle Paul, as being taught by spirit. Well, let’s see if this is true.
Based on 1975 as the date of Armageddon:
"Some of the generation that discerned the beginning of the time of the end in 1914 WILL STILL BE ALIVE ON EARTH to witness the end of this present wicked system of things at the battle of Armageddon.-Rev. 16:14, 16." Watchtower 1968 May 1 p.272 (also Dec 1 p.715)
There have been a few adjustments to this failed “certainty” over time, but a few years ago David Splane presented his new theory that now falls under the category of “truth” and you, JWs, can teach as such in your “preaching work”.
David Splane – “The generation will not pass away until the tribulation occurs. Now that is interesting, that is relevant to us. But of course we have to know, what is a generation, and what particular generation is Jesus talking about.”
He begins by turning to Exod 1:6: “And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation.”
Joseph had 11 brothers, 10 were older than him, and there was Benjamin, the youngest. He calls them “contemporaries”, living at the same time and part of the same generation, even though born during different years. This is his crutch to move on to the life span of Fred Franz, born in 1893, baptized in 1913 and died in 1992. It was never clearly brought out when this man was anointed, but that he was an anointed one who “saw” the physical signs of Matt 24 as beginning in 1914, and apparently recognized their significance at a young age of 21 years. 1992, the year Franz died, is the date pulled out of the hat for the termination of “this generation” of Matt 24:34 
Mr. Splane:
“For the sake of argument, let’s SUPPOSE, in order to be part of this generation” (from 1914-1992), someone would have had to been anointed before 1992, because he would have to have been a contemporary of some of the first group. Anyone anointed AFTER 1992 would be of the anointed, but he would NOT be a part of “this generation” and Jesus said, “this generation will not pass away until all these things happen”.
In the hard copy form, Splane’s SUPPOSITION is presented as fact, in the Wt 14/1/15 p. 31, par 15,16.
Joseph and his brothers were children of a fleshly family, but there is a spiritual family mentioned immediately following David Splane’s choice of a “generation” definition:
“But the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.”
If they remained faithful, the “children of Israel” had as their Father, YHVH, as spirit sons of God throughout many physical generations. They were a spiritual “generation” of seed that extended beyond the physical lifespan of a man or woman. When Christ came to earth, many of these children rejected the Father by rejecting Jesus, and adopted another father who also ‘generates’ seed – Satan, the devil. Gen 3:15; John 8:37; Gal 3:29
We have one spiritual generation as righteous children of God, Ps 112:2; Hos 1:10; Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:9,10; Eph 5:1; Matt 5:48; Phil 2:15…
…and one as wicked sons of the Devil: Deut 32:5; John 8:39-44; Luke 13:34; 1 John 3:12 
1 John 3:10 - “This is how God’s children and the devil’s children become obvious. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother or sister.”
The children of spiritual “Israel” increased abundantly when the way was opened for “other sheep” to compensate for the fleshly Jews’ lack of faith in Christ.
John 10:16 – “But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
To the Roman centurion, Cornelius, his household and friends, Peter said:
“Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, 35 but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all.
He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.”
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.”
Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Acts 10:34-36,42-47
JWs, can you see that what occurred in Cornelius’ home that day, was an anointing of the Holy Spirit on all who were with him? It was the introduction of “other sheep” into the one anointed fold under one Shepherd. Rom 5:5; 2 Cor 1:21,22; 2 Tim 1:14; Eph 4:4,5; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 7:13-17
The “little flock” of physical Jews and the “other sheep” from all physical Gentile nations have become spiritual “Israel”. This spiritual “house” made up of the “children of Israel” should be one flock under Christ, one spiritual “body” that Christ has gathered for his priesthood; and ultimately, one Bride of Christ. 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; Acts 11:15-18; Acts 13:46; 15:14; Rom.11:25; Gal 3:27-29; Eph 2:11,12,18-22; John4:35,23; Matt.9:38; Isa.49:18; Rev 14:1; Psalm45:14; Rev 22:17
However, teachings such as David Splane’s effort to work around the falsehood of 1914 and its physical signs; and seeing the need to fabricate a new doctrine for “this generation”, have mislead the anointed ones and YOU, with ‘established’ lies. Matt 12:39
In the eyes of God, would He consider “Beliefs Clarified” as needed adjustments, or falsehoods from the time they were first taught? Isa 55:8,9;Lev 19:11; Prov 6:16,17; 12:22; 14:5 
Should one’s heart cherish a past lie with fondness by viewing it as perhaps, the “heritage” of a developing nation of people? This is exactly how the WT explains it.
WT 13/2/15 p. 4 - “As Christians, we have a precious heritage. Says Collins Cobuild English Dictionary: “A country’s heritage is all the qualities, traditions, or features of life there that have continued over many years and have been passed on from one generation to another.” Our spiritual heritage includes the blessing of enjoying ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE of God’s Word and a CLEAR UNDERSTANDING of the truth about him and his purposes.”
You read one of the experiences concerning the failed 1925 doctrine in the 1975 Yearbook above. The blame of believing inaccurate knowledge and its false promises, was put upon Watchtower’s members and not on its leaders who fed you the lie. Is this any type of heritage to be proud of? Are we blessed for believing falsehood? Gen 3:4; Col 3:9; 2 Thess 2:9-12; Rev 22:15 
First, lets look at Matt.12:39.
Jesus speaks of a "wicked and adulterous generation". These would also be present at the "end of all things" (Mark 8:38) (1Pet.4:7; 1Cor.15:24).
He also spoke of another generation which is righteous (Matt.24:34,35; Psalm14:5; 112:2; Gal.4:26) 
BOTH these generations of seed, exist and battle,UNTIL THE END (Gen.3:15; Rev.12:17,7; John8:44; Rev.12:11; 1Pet.1:23; Gal.3:29 etc.)
Are those wicked and "adulterous" to their covenant with God (1Cor.6:15,16; Rev.18:3; 17:1,2; Isa.1:21,27,28), limited to the first Century Jews?
No. The Bible's prophecies about the "end" are full of indications that Satan's seed is alive and well, busy persecuting the faithful up until the end (Rev.20:7-9). 
Those adulterous to God's covenant in the time of the end, also keep seeking for physical signs to guide their worship. Because of their fleshly orientation, they will be mislead by the signs provided to them (2Thess.2:9,10; Rev.13:13,14) 
These too, will only receive one authentic tangible sign from God....the "sign of the Son of Man" (Matt.24:30).  Pearl Doxsey “The Sign of the Son of Man”
I think we can ‘adjust’ the opening statement by saying, after a hundred years of false teachings by the Watchtower, we who have finally broken the bond of our captivity to lies, are now blessed and able to perceive the truth that Christ presents us in these last days. Dan 12:4; Matt 22:8,9; 24:27,28; Rev 22:10; 10:7 
We have heeded Prov 14:7:
“Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.”
What is stopping you, JWs, from seeking the only doctrine that brings life? John 7:16-18 Those whom Christ “sends” must speak this truth, and are the authentic “witnesses” of God; “killed” by your leaders for doing so. John 13:20; Matt 7:15-20; John 16:2; Rev 11:1-3,7; 13:1,7,11,15 
Once leaving the adulterous “city”, they submit to refinement and repentance from sins, idolatry, false prophesy, and false doctrine by an “Ephraim” who teaches “human precepts”. Jer 25:29; 2 Tim 2:25,26; 1 Pet 3:9; Rev 3:18; Isa 29:13; Hos 5:11; Matt 15:9; Luke 3:9 They and their companions  together, support this truth. 
“I have seen something horrible in the house of Israel:
Ephraim’s promiscuity is there; Israel is defiled.
11 A harvest is also appointed for you, Judah.
When I return my people from captivity,
when I heal Israel,
the iniquity of Ephraim and the crimes of Samaria (meaning “watch tower”)
will be exposed.
FOR THEY PRACTICE FRAUD;
a thief breaks in;
a raiding party pillages outside.
2 BUT THEY NEVER CONSIDER THAT I REMEMBER ALL THEIR EVIL.
NOW THEIR ACTIONS ARE ALL AROUND THEM; 
THEY ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE.
Come, let us return to the Lord.
For he has torn us,
and he will heal us;
he has wounded us,
and he will bind up our wounds.
2 He will revive us after two days,
and on the third day he will raise us up
so we can live in his presence.
3 Let us strive to know the Lord.
His appearance is as sure as the dawn.
He will come to us like the rain,
like the spring showers that water the land. Hos 6:10,11;7:1,2; 6:1-3
Isa.48:20,21; Rev.22:1; Ps.36:8; 23:2; 46:4; Prov.13:14; John7:38; Isa.44:23; 49:5,9; Rev.13:10; 18:4; 2Cor.6:17; Isa.61:1; 43:1,2; Ps.66:12; Isa.43:10,21; 27:6; John15:8; Rev.22:2; Jer.31:10,11; Ps.142:6; Isa.51:11
 
Pearl Doxsey, 4womaninthewilderness blogspot: 
“Generation”
“An Illustration”
“New Scrolls?”
“Little Flock”
 
 

I just realize it wasn't under this topic, but...
 

Jehovah's Witnesses in a 1968 interview _Armageddon and 1975_ London Watchtower rep speaks to BBC.mp4

"to follow the teachings of the teacher and so forth."  My comment here was about Watchtower's baptisms, which do NOT follow the teachings of the teacher - Jesus Christ.   This is truth.  I will not entertain your whim to degrade anything and everything I have said here.
Fire away, SM.    I am finished.  
 
 

"to follow the teachings of the teacher and so forth."  My comment here was about Watchtower's baptisms, which do NOT follow the teachings of the teacher - Jesus Christ.   This is truth.  I will not entertain your whim to degrade anything and everything I have said here.
Fire away, SM.    I am finished.  
 
 

@Anna The situation I was telling you about happened over ten years ago and has affected my life ever since. I left the JW Org last year and you know why......  So, I was leaving that matter with God, as i had left many other matters with God. But when the size of the Child Abuse problem became known to me, then I decided that this cannot be God's true organisation. You are saying yourself how bad many Elders are. 
The GB / Org has made it easily possible for Elders to dictate the complete running of a congregation, as you seem to have said above. THe GB / Org has given Elders the right to choose what they will believe and what they will call lies. THe GB / Org has allowed a situation whereby not all Elders in a congregation are made aware of situations, such as the situation I have mentioned. The two witness rule can squash many things before they are even investigated properly. It also seems that the GB /org has given Elders the right to destroy written evidence of cases/situations. 
Is it any wonder why brothers and sisters take each other to the courts of the outside authorities ? You yourself have said many Elders cannot be trusted. Your words "corruption, favouritism and nepotism by elders".  
And with all the above being true, then how can God look with favour on such a wicked organisation ?  Remember Jesus called people wicked. So to call the Org wicked is not sin. 
Finally, i think you, Tom and others should get it into your heads that A PERSON CAN LEAVE THE JW ORG BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THEY HAVE LEFT GOD OR JESUS CHRIST. So your question of " Or have you lost trust in Jehovah too? " has no meaning to me. 
I rarely call God by that name anymore, as I'm still happy with Yahweh or Almighty God and i pray through Jesus christ as God's word says we should. 

If JW religion is ready to accept baptism of underage /minor children (5-17 year of age) maybe parents and elders will consider how marriage of such children isn't wrong idea too. :)))) 
If this children are able (read - mature) to make decision of dedication to God (for a life time), so what can be hard/difficult for them to dedicate life in marriage to other person? What a logic?! haha 

stretching it a bit aren't we? I mean on a full on technicality yes you are correct, but if we are going to use logic and common sense, you fail. If you really want to believe this , go right ahead, the rest of us will continue in the real world. 
 
if Jesus is our example and this was how He said to do it, then why is it not adhered to? Oh, that's right, because YOU and the wt know better. Got it. 
 
I didn't even read this past a few sentences, why? because it is the same thing from you. A twist or some convoluted definition of a word that technically makes you seem correct. Again, believe what you'd like and I'll do as well. Those of us who reside in the real world will continue to understand implications of words and context just fine. 
 
Just curious, why is it that every answer you give to me has this same ring to it? It always comes back to a broad definition that makes your argument technically correct even when you know it isn't?   

It is true that baptism is symbolic of the spiritual washing of our spiritual selves;  cleansing us of our past path in sin.  1 Pet 3:21; Acts 22:16   It signifies a new commitment, “pledge of a good conscience”, to leave sin behind through the application of the Word of God. John 17:17
Those that Jesus directed to baptize were the anointed “priests”/teachers of our High Priest, Christ.  Matt 28:19,20; Mal 2:7; 1 Pet 2:5,9 
The elder body who claims to “represent” God’s anointed priests, which must not be “challenged”,  perform a baptism that spuriously signifies a commitment to an organization and the word of the GB; setting unknowing ones on a path of new sin. 
 
  What a depressing thought.
 

Wow, Jehovah is suing facebook!

Industrial espionage.
Intellectual espionage.
Intellectual ownership, property.
Spiritual, religious truths. Spiritual food that is free and should be given free, to share it to all people without distinction.
WT Corporation loses money and they need money for many reasons. Beside common methods of collecting money by donation of members they are ready to "earn" money even by suing  people, or other institutions, even states.
Contradiction of this GB directives is revealed by Bible itself. What "intellectual ownership" exist in WT Company??!!       Of What Sort is such intellectual property?? This are: Doctrinal falsehoods, errors, failed ideas, instructional wrongs, misconceptions, flip-flop teachings, futile hope/hopes/hoping for millions of members and other sympathizers. 
Is that "food" worth anything? How much $ you will be ready to pay for past "new light" of WT publications? But JW members give money for similar "intellectual lies" today. Without any doubt! JW members pays with life and with money all such spiritual food from GBfds who "received (error) food for free from "God"", but after GB "Warwick kitchen cooking" they ask for money for distribution/sharing/dispensation process.
 Freely you have received; freely give. Mat 10:8 ....... But NO, they are so called OWNERS of INTELLECTUAL KNOWLEDGE that must be paid. :))))))))
 Shameless and Brazenly!!!

It's nice to see children dedicating their lives to Jehovah, unfortunately they are also dedicating their lives to an idol called the wtbts in a contract for life.

Thanks for sharing this, Jack. I have a friend who has been involved with the setting up of jw.org from the beginning and he knows that they have spared no expense to make sure the site is never hacked. Internally, the WTS and related corporations also distribute multiple versions of documents with hidden identifying tracking information buried in them so that if one is leaked it will be easy to narrow down the department or even the person, hopefully, from whom it was leaked. It's a shame that the WTS needs to put so much time and resources into tracking leakers, but it is the right of any corporation to take any measures deemed necessary to protect corporate interests.
The shame, in my opinion, is that the WTS and related corporations have produced any documents or videos that would be embarrassing to have distributed, or even critiqued. If one is humble, critique should be welcomed, requested and even promoted. Distribution of any WTS content by any means (e.g., news channels, social media channels, apostate channels, underground channels, and official channels) should all be encouraged. This assumes, of course, that nothing embarrassing or secret or underhanded is ever produced. As a corporation that can take pride in the message being given to the world, any and all means of allowing that content to be freely shared should be appreciated. And, as stated, if the producers of the content are humble, they will appreciate any type of questions and criticism, too.

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”  Jer 31:25
 

This JW members put their health and life to big risks and for what? For WT doctrines that will be changed very soon. Interesting.
It would be understandable, to some measure, that JW as one of Christian Denomination, talking about Bible and Jesus Teaching. But to Incorporate, into Jesus Teachings, all WTGB doctrinal Errors, past and present, and future errors that will be visible in future time-frames, and to preaching such things to people in purpose to make them JW members, is tragedy.