Witness

Allen, I am so very glad to see you use the same scriptures I repeatedly share with JWs. 
John 4:24; Acts 17:24
We can conclude by the words of Acts 17:24 that God’s House – His dwelling -  is his Temple NOT made with hands. And that Temple, as scripture verifies, would be in the hearts of the anointed Body of Christ. John 2:19-21; Matt 16:18; Eph 2:20-22; Rev 21:14; 1 Cor 6:19-21  If we agree with this, then surely you can also plainly see the hypocritical teaching in this video.
https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/pub-jwb_201710_7_VIDEO
And this one:
https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/pub-pk_18_VIDEO
Since the Watchtower clearly exposes its idolatrous ways by calling meeting places, “God’s House”; basically, temples built with hands” (Acts 17:24), shouldn’t His true Temple/anointed ones question why God’s Temple is so defamed by substituting man-made buildings as more valuable than God’s Holy Temple made up of His "living stones"?  1 Pet 2:5,9
“Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?  Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“I will dwell in them and walk among them;
And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.
“And do not touch what is unclean;
And I will welcome you.
 “And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.  2 Cor 6:15-18
Please, just reason on this.  The organization’s teachings of upholding and boasting in, man’s visual desires are a stumbling block to God’s true Temple – and to you, and all other JWs. 
WHAT AGREEMENT HAS THE TEMPLE OF GOD WITH IDOLS? THE LARGEST BEING THE ORGANIZATION ITSELF?  Rev 13:1-8; 2 Thess 2:1-4
 “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”  Matt 16:23
 
 
 
 

This statement is posted under the section “Controversy”.  I suppose you take it that attacks by JWs against their own members are not included in the warning? 
Matt 24:11,12
 

@James Thomas Rook Jr.
Only enter this section if you feel strong enough spiritually to defend yourself biblically. As you probably are aware, not everyone on Facebook, Twitter and the Internet is nice and civilized. Some are rather rude. You are hereby forewarned.
 

Matt 10:11 – NWT, “search out” 
For a more rounded meaning:
“And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence”  Does this support going “house to house”?
exetasate exetasate G1833 vm Aor Act 2 Pl OUT-INTERROGATE inquire-ye !
ἐξετάζω exetázō, ex-et-ad'-zo; from G1537 and ἐτάζω etázō (to examine); to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e. ascertain or interrogate:—ask, enquire, search.
Luke 9:4 – “And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.”
menete menete G3306 vm Pres Act 2 Pl BE-YE-REMAINING be-ye-remaining !
μένω ménō, men'-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), × thine own.
Luke 10:7 – “And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.”
Upon entering the city or town, Jesus directed them to “ascertain”, through questions, which house may offer an invitation for them to remain/dwell. 
Tell me, how do any of the scriptures that you quote, support going “house to house” – house over house, door to door, as JWs have been doing for years?  And in doing so, keeping a log of each individual who was ‘accepting’; even the names of their animals, kids, etc., which they have come under fire for, in other countries?
What do you think Jesus meant by saying, “go not from house to house”?
 
 
 
 
 

I received email with this information, old but new  
Again, it shows how Watchtower, as "mother organization" for JW, are trading and commercial company and who know what else/other identity will come on as time passes. 
http://www.goldmansachs.com/gsam/pdfs/growth-summit-2012/2012GMS_RECAP2.pdf
 

I notice he was teaching and healing, not just knocking on doors.

“And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Matt 8:20
"Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness,
his upper rooms by injustice,
making his own people work for nothing,
not paying them for their labor.
14 He says, ‘I will build myself a great palace
with spacious upper rooms.Â’
So he makes large windows in it,
panels it with cedar
and decorates it in red.
15 “Does it make you a king
to have more and more cedar?
Did not your father have food and drink?
He did what was right and just,
so all went well with him.
16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?”
declares the Lord.
17 “But your eyes and your heart
are set only on dishonest gain,
on shedding innocent blood
and on oppression and extortion.” Jer 22:13-17
 

You misunderstand AllenSmith ... they WERE  sincere upvotes. 
If I make it into the New System, I plan on going down to the local cemetery and play a GREAT game of Whack-A-Mole.
You ought to stay away from trying to use facts, TTH.... it was 1006 PERPETRATORS with over 5.000 cases of abuse.  And the WTB&TS of Australia refused to comply with requests for records, and they HAD TO BE SUBPOENAED, and were produced under threat of prison for contempt of court.
 

Watchtower 14/5/15 pg 26-30    "There has been remarkable growth in the number of GodÂ’s servants because Jehovah himself is backing his Witnesses. (Read Isaiah 43:10-12.) This increase was foretold in these prophetic words: “The little one will become a thousand and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time.” (Isa. 60:22) At one time, the anointed remnant were like “the little one,” but their number grew as other spiritual Israelites were brought into GodÂ’s organization. (Gal. 6:16) Because of JehovahÂ’s blessing over the years, the increase continues with the gathering of the great crowd."
 
IS THIS TRUE?  WHAT ARE THE FACTS?
 
 
 
 
 

Should I be impressed by your comparison?  Should YOU feel triumphant by your comparison? As I told another JW who compared Wt’s failures as supposedly less than other religious organizations, excusing away Wt’s failed doctrines, as you are now excusing away Wt’s use of money…
… it is by your own admittance that you have brought the “mountainlike organization” down to the level of all other religions. If God were to back this “spirit-directed organization” would there be any comparison? This is a conundrum for JWs, continually weighing in a balance Wt’s failures, or in this case Wt’s visible accomplishments, with those of other false religions/prophets. You are essentially, comparing apples to apples, Satan’s religious empires within the world - with each other.  Thus, can you see, by Wt’s definition of “Babylon the Great”, that Watchtower is included? 
However, Revelation’s “Babylon” is a covenant – a promise of death, (Isa 28:15,18) and called a “mother”. (Gal 4:26,24; Rev 17:5)  “She” has many daughters represented physically by those in power; and since end time fulfillment of Revelation concerns God’s anointed ones and companions, “Babylon’s” daughters are the GB, since they rule through the Wild Beast that comes against God’s “saints”.    Rev 13:1,4,7,8,11,14-17
Watchtower can’t have it both ways; being part of the world through its various investments, stocks, money derived from other organizations, implore other countries to come to its aid when facing adversity; and yet, teach its members not to be part of this world.
Hold on to those scriptures you posted  -  John 4:24 (also 21-23) and Acts 17:24 (also 25)
 
 

being called to the carpet is NOT being proactive. Again, it is only jws who believe that the ARC was a good thing for the wt. 

Should I be impressed by your comparison?  Should YOU feel triumphant by your comparison? As I told another JW who compared Wt’s failures as supposedly less than other religious organizations, excusing away Wt’s failed doctrines, as you are now excusing away Wt’s use of money…
… it is by your own admittance that you have brought the “mountainlike organization” down to the level of all other religions. If God were to back this “spirit-directed organization” would there be any comparison? This is a conundrum for JWs, continually weighing in a balance Wt’s failures, or in this case Wt’s visible accomplishments, with those of other false religions/prophets. You are essentially, comparing apples to apples, Satan’s religious empires within the world - with each other.  Thus, can you see, by Wt’s definition of “Babylon the Great”, that Watchtower is included? 
However, Revelation’s “Babylon” is a covenant – a promise of death, (Isa 28:15,18) and called a “mother”. (Gal 4:26,24; Rev 17:5)  “She” has many daughters represented physically by those in power; and since end time fulfillment of Revelation concerns God’s anointed ones and companions, “Babylon’s” daughters are the GB, since they rule through the Wild Beast that comes against God’s “saints”.    Rev 13:1,4,7,8,11,14-17
Watchtower can’t have it both ways; being part of the world through its various investments, stocks, money derived from other organizations, implore other countries to come to its aid when facing adversity; and yet, teach its members not to be part of this world.
Hold on to those scriptures you posted  -  John 4:24 (also 21-23) and Acts 17:24 (also 25)
 
 

2 Tim 3:1-9 comes to mind.
I was thinking this same thing today, Shiwiii.  How is it that a JW may scrutinize a company for its honesty and products before buying, such as a car, an appliance, a house;  yet, when it comes to justice and truth, which God would expect his worshipers to live by,  they look the other way?  Are their consciences seared just as the Watchtower’s leaders are?  1 Tim 4:1,2 There are so many factors – a powerful force leading to “blindness”; the desire of the “flesh” manifested in what the organization is and produces; the fear of man, and apathy.  2 Cor 4:4; Matt 15:14; Matt 6:19-21; 2 Pet 2:1-3; Acts 5:29        
All that you say, holds no light, but only darkness.  Worshipping God without strings attached brings one authentic deepfelt, security and love - for the Father and Jesus - enough to weather all adversity, which cannot be obtained under the Watchtower's dark canopy.  I wish they would all pack up and leave.  1 John 1:6

I believe your scriptures on the desires of the flesh as well as LOVE can be better put to use in explaining how they may fit in the following pictures.   Which building would you rather visit?  
Allen, if the organization knew love and practiced it, they would know their brothers and sisters in the anointed Body of Christ; God's TEMPLE.    BUT THEY ARE TOLD NOT TO GET TO KNOW THEM! 2 Thess 2:1-12   So, tell me, who is not practicing love?  Who is bent on feeding their fleshly desires but those who following the dictates of an earthly organization - A CORPORATION - who slave for it and revel in every fleshly manifestation of their worship, from cleaning the toilets, to constructing more buildings, making sure every physical piece of clothing they wear is just right - ALL TO MAKE A FLESHLY, APPEALING SHOW, WHEN GOD DOESN'T CARE!
All He asks for is mercy, and not sacrifice.  Matt 12:7
  
 
 
 
 
 

This has been said so many times by the Wt. that one JW told me “scripture says”…when it doesn’t.    In other words, the Wt denies any growth over time in the Temple of God. 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; 1 Cor 3;16,17; Eph 2:20-22   The apostles as foundation of the Body of Christ, taught more “living stones” to follow their example. Matt 16:18; Rev 14:5; John 21;17 Teaching didn’t stop with just the apostles. Every faithful anointed one since Christ is to present truth that the Holy Spirit gives them through the anointing. 1 John 2:27 By using it, they build on it. 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 4:11-13 The “feeding” program that Jesus outlined involved all anointed within the Body.  So…today in the Watchtower there is a large number of anointed ones who could “feed” and teach God’s laws, but a “wicked slave” will not have it. Heb 10:16; Matt 24:48-51; Rev 13:17; 3:18   Thus, their adopted slogan; ‘feeding many through the hands of a few. ‘
Blasphemy.
 The people do not receive merciful guidance through the laws fulfilled in Christ.  Mark 4:21  This is not God’s idea, but the idea of self-assuming, self-driven men fooling the masses of JWs, and 'shutting the door of the Kingdom of Heaven' - God's righteous "organization" found within his "priesthood".  Mark 10:42,43 ; 1 Cor 4:6; Matt 23:13,14  
“Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people;
Her priests have polluted the sanctuary,
They have done violence to the law.”   Zeph 3:4
“Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food.”  Heb 5:12
 
 “My covenant was with him, one of life and peace,
And I gave them to him that he might fear Me;
So he feared Me
And was reverent before My name.
6 The law of truth was in his mouth,
And injustice was not found on his lips.
He walked with Me in peace and equity,
And turned many away from iniquity.
7 “For the lips of a priest (1 Pet 2:5,9)  should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”  1 Tim 4:16
“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was.
God’s “priesthood” has forgotten their role – to be a “messenger of the Lord”.  Instead, they follow the dictates of men whose message is to preach an earthly “organization”.  Rev 13:12,14,8
 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:22-25
“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and of the mysteries of God”.  1 Cor 4:1
 
 
 

I believe your scriptures on the desires of the flesh as well as LOVE can be better put to use in explaining how they may fit in the following pictures.   Which building would you rather visit?  
Allen, if the organization knew love and practiced it, they would know their brothers and sisters in the anointed Body of Christ; God's TEMPLE.    BUT THEY ARE TOLD NOT TO GET TO KNOW THEM! 2 Thess 2:1-12   So, tell me, who is not practicing love?  Who is bent on feeding their fleshly desires but those who following the dictates of an earthly organization - A CORPORATION - who slave for it and revel in every fleshly manifestation of their worship, from cleaning the toilets, to constructing more buildings, making sure every physical piece of clothing they wear is just right - ALL TO MAKE A FLESHLY, APPEALING SHOW, WHEN GOD DOESN'T CARE!
All He asks for is mercy, and not sacrifice.  Matt 12:7
  
 
 
 
 
 

Isa 32:1-7

good verses
5 Yet the Lord says, “During the forty years ...... i spend (spent) my 40 years in JW religion :)))) 1975-2015
4 But to this day the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear.  .... now i can see little, little more then before :)))

This has been said so many times by the Wt. that one JW told me “scripture says”…when it doesn’t.    In other words, the Wt denies any growth over time in the Temple of God. 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; 1 Cor 3;16,17; Eph 2:20-22   The apostles as foundation of the Body of Christ, taught more “living stones” to follow their example. Matt 16:18; Rev 14:5; John 21;17 Teaching didn’t stop with just the apostles. Every faithful anointed one since Christ is to present truth that the Holy Spirit gives them through the anointing. 1 John 2:27 By using it, they build on it. 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 4:11-13 The “feeding” program that Jesus outlined involved all anointed within the Body.  So…today in the Watchtower there is a large number of anointed ones who could “feed” and teach God’s laws, but a “wicked slave” will not have it. Heb 10:16; Matt 24:48-51; Rev 13:17; 3:18   Thus, their adopted slogan; ‘feeding many through the hands of a few. ‘
Blasphemy.
 The people do not receive merciful guidance through the laws fulfilled in Christ.  Mark 4:21  This is not God’s idea, but the idea of self-assuming, self-driven men fooling the masses of JWs, and 'shutting the door of the Kingdom of Heaven' - God's righteous "organization" found within his "priesthood".  Mark 10:42,43 ; 1 Cor 4:6; Matt 23:13,14  
“Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people;
Her priests have polluted the sanctuary,
They have done violence to the law.”   Zeph 3:4
“Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food.”  Heb 5:12
 
 “My covenant was with him, one of life and peace,
And I gave them to him that he might fear Me;
So he feared Me
And was reverent before My name.
6 The law of truth was in his mouth,
And injustice was not found on his lips.
He walked with Me in peace and equity,
And turned many away from iniquity.
7 “For the lips of a priest (1 Pet 2:5,9)  should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”  1 Tim 4:16
“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was.
God’s “priesthood” has forgotten their role – to be a “messenger of the Lord”.  Instead, they follow the dictates of men whose message is to preach an earthly “organization”.  Rev 13:12,14,8
 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:22-25
“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and of the mysteries of God”.  1 Cor 4:1
 
 
 

Why won't the head of the wt org admit that abuse is a problem within the society (yes, I understand that j jackson has in a round about way admitted this) and that they are willing to accept help to protect the people within the org? Is it PRIDE? The Catholic Church has offered help to the jws in the upcoming Holland investigation. They're been there and done that and know what it takes to keep on ticking. The government of Australia has given recommendations.  It appears that the head of the wt is more concerned with getting money, real estate, constant requests for voluntary donations, taking on the loans from local kh's only to make those payments by the local kh endless, special announcements and written articles on how to leave your estate to the wt (just make sure if its land that it is able to be sold), etc.  Why is the focus not on the problem that keep rearing its head worldwide? The governments of The United States, Australia, the UK, Canada and most recently Holland all have seen that the wt is not about to help the situation, but rather do their best to hinder it. What good reason is there for the obstruction of justice and complete disregard for victims or the countries in which these things are being investigated? How can one believe that this org is being used by God at all? Doesn't the Bible say at 1 Peter 2:13-20 to be subject to those who govern over you and by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish men? Seems to me that the wt leadership is doing the exact opposite. 
 
WHY? 

Someone posted a question about the longevity of Watchtower given the events of the past few years. The following is just my opinion, and my observations from the past year:
Two years ago, Watchtower implemented a 5-year cost reduction program in which they asked all branches to cut costs by a minimum of 10%, up to 25% as a preferred number.
In the spring of 2015, Stephen Lett asked for donations after stating that WT had more money going out than coming in. 6 months later in a private seminar which I have watched, Watchtower officials announced that Lett's plea resulted in 30 million extra dollars in donations, but this would not stem their financial issues and they would continue with the layoffs and cutbacks.
As you know, the cutbacks were significant. Aside from the Bethel layoffs, all non-essential branch projects were either cancelled or put on hold. Watchtower asked branches to sell as much equipment as the could liquidate - including heavy equipment, printers, etc. All monies were directed at finishing Warwick, then selling off their cranes and millions of dollars worth of vehicles and other high priced tools, right down to 5 dollar screwdrivers.
Meanwhile, Watchtower purchased four $8,000.00 scanners and scanned all documents located in Brooklyn, only keeping the hard copies they were required to keep by law.
Watchtower was spending tens of thousands per year to New York City just to maintain their tunnel and airbridge spaces between buildings. This was not a tax, it was a fee paid because New York owns the underground and the airspace. Moving to Warwick eliminated these costly payments.
Branches around the world are struggling to keep up with their own accounting procedures. In South Africa, over 1400 congregations struggle to file their government mandated tax returns required of each congregation. Most congregations have not filed returns for 2-4 years, primarily because local elders do not understand how to file returns, and are quite frankly not interested in the business aspect of this religion. These elders are being retrained, and have been called disobedient by the branch.
Watchtower has been spinning the cutbacks as simplification, and have coerced dozens of those who lost their full-time jobs to give testimonials about how happy they were to accept their new assignment in the field. (Translation - they are on their own. no health care, no jobs, no training. They are told to just go and pioneer.)
In Namibia, the government has denied Watchtower's plea to remove itself from employer status, since this forces Watchtower to pay social security benefits to all full-time workers - such as Bethelites. This has happened in outer countries as well. Watchtower must pay these benefits. This raises the issue of whether any benefits will ever be paid to other full-time JWs across the globe, who deserve them equally.
Watchtower is watching its assets in Russia vanish while paying settlements in the US and elsewhere for child abuse mishandling and other legal cases. Watchtower has taken over responsibility for all kingdom halls worldwide, but many sit in disrepair awaiting renovations in excess of what congregations can afford.
There is dissent in South Africa right now because of the fixed per capita amount assigned to each publisher who attends a circuit assembly. Many elders have questioned this vocally, and have described the amount of money charged to each circuit as an invoice. This does not sit well with many elders, particularly those in less than affluent areas. Watchtower has dispatched a team of elders to correct their thinking and their accounting procedures.
Watchtower is now implementing a new records management program along with a destruction of documents procedure which is designed to ensure that no documents exist which would tie watchtower to any legal responsibility or repercussions. The records management overseer related an experience where one hand-written note cost watchtower over $200,000 - simply because a JW elder at headquarters was honest and produced a written document which tied watchtower to a major litigation case with a prior vendor. Watchtower has made it clear these records are to be destroyed according to their new records management and destruction procedures.
Beginning in 2018, Watchtower will implement a program by which every single JW will be assigned a database number and their information will be in Watchtower's global database. Currently, in the US, Watchtower only has 40% of their publishers registered in the JW database system. All Jehovah's Witnesses will be given a number and tracked unless we can stop this invasion of privacy here in the US and around the world.
Watchtower is very upset and concerned about all the leaks coming from their headquarters. They use Office 365 now and embed data into PDF files in an attempt to track where the leaks are coming from. They have been issuing subpoenas from the Southern District of New York to various internet providers in the US, along with Google, inc. in an attempt to track down the source of the leaks and identify the individuals involved in leaking their literature and videos. Watchtower demands their freedom of speech but attempts to deny it to those sharing their publicly available materials, which by the way are not being distributed for monetary gain.
Watchtower continues to try to plug these leaks like the proverbial dam in Holland, but they are running out of fingers - and attorneys - to plug these leaks. We have far more than they realize we have, and there is nothing they can do to stop the flow of information outside of headquarters.
The cart-witnessing program is finally beginning to backfire. Witnesses are being approached and asked hard-hitting questions about child abuse, shunning, and other matters. When you stand in the public square and represent a religion, it's just a matter of time before the public connects the dots, and the carts are sent to the junkyard, one at a time.
In Canada, The US, Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands and multiple other countries, the government and media are taking notice of the public outcry for justice - justice for abuse victims to victims of imposed and mandated shunning. The Supreme Court of Canada will rule this year in a case involving shunning and discrimination, and if Watchtower loses this case the repercussions will be felt worldwide.
Yes, money is a problem for Watchtower. Yet Governing Body members like Samuel Herd have publicly stated how beautiful their new surroundings are at Bethel - how they hear the birds chirping as they observe the serene landscape of upstate New York.
Meanwhile, Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia have been imprisoned for following Governing Body directives. Young Korean Witnesses languish in prison for no reason. JWs in Eritrea have been rotting away in prison cells - some for decades, while the coalition of overweight, business class flying governing body members feign tears for the men and women who are effectively their slaves.
Like Stockholm Syndrome victims, Jehovah's Witnesses continue to support the only organization they think has the answers, identifying with and revering their captors - men who have little sympathy for the victims of child abuse, shunning, or death by blood policy.
Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson callously stated in 2015 before the Royal Commission in Australia that he had not even read the details of the victims who had testified before the Commission. He focused on his defense, like a narcissist who believes they are the center of the universe, unable to empathize with real people with real problems.
Tony Morris declared on multiple occasions that he was incensed with European trousers for men, designed by the homosexuals he hates so passionately - and followed this tirade by producing a side by side photo of what proper trousers look like versus "tight pants". In a recent private video for Bethel members only, this war against questionable pants, socks, and tights was restated, with Watchtower doubling down on matters which would baffle Jesus himself, were he to walk the earth today.
The lawsuits are piling up, the fines are compounding, the public awareness of Watchtower's dangerous and controlling cult influence on followers will become a spectacle in 2018. With multiple documentaries being filmed, protests being organized, and lawsuits being filed, Jehovah's Witnesses can choose to buckle up and attempt to survive the crash - or they can release that belt and get the hell out of the vehicle which is about to catch fire.
How long will all of this take? It's hard to say. But I will say this - each one of us can play a part in sharing what we know with the public. Find some websites which you believe are honest and accurate - and share them. Find some books which are truthful and sincere - and share them. Tell your story. Show your compassion for those still trapped.
There are millions trapped inside a mental prison, but we can help them. Let's make it happen.
John Redwood
 
 “Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming from the dragon’s mouth, from the beast’s mouth,”
….a spirit-“breathed” image requiring one’s devotion – “Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”
“And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names.                                                          They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”                                       And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.                                                                        It (Rev 13:11) was permitted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (symbolic killing through disfellowshipping)  And it makes everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead Rev 13:1,4,7
The MARK:
“Recall that on your baptism day, before eyewitnesses, you were asked whether you had dedicated yourself to Jehovah and understood that “your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization.”  Wt 17/4 pp. 3-8
 ”and from the mouth of the false prophet.” 
“Do the other sheep need to know the names of all anointed ones still on earth today? No. Why not? Because it is not possible for anyone to know for sure that these ones will get their reward.”  Wt 16/1 pp.20-26
“Therefore, one way you can “remember those who are taking the lead” is by mentioning the Governing Body in your prayers. 
Of course, remembering the Governing  Body involves not just words but also cooperation with its direction.
Circuit overseers and elders remember the Governing Body by sticking closely to guidelines given to them. All of us show respect for our Leader, Jesus, by being obedient and submissive to the men he is using to direct us.
Another way that we remember the Governing Body is by exerting ourselves in the preaching work.”  Wt 17/2 pp. 23-28
“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.  It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people.”  Rev 13:11-13
“Just like a servant who attentively observes his master’s hand in order to discern the indication of his will, Jehovah’s people today carefully fix their eyes on the progressive Bible-based instructions that Jehovah gives through his earthly organization.     Yes, they act on his direction, being alert to whatever Jehovah indicates through “the faithful and discreet slave.”   w03 2/15 p. 31
“For they are demonic spirits performing signs, who travel to the kings (Rev1:5;5:10; 10:11;1 Tim 6:15) of the whole world to assemble them for the battle on the great day of God, the Almighty. 
 ‘Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame.’  So they assembled the kings at the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”  Rev 16:13-16
…in the valley of “decision” Joel 3:14
He also said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute (beast with horns like a lamb – Rev 13:11)  was seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.  The ten horns you saw, and the beast,(Rev 13:1, organization) will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, devour her flesh, and burn her up with fire.  For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his plan by having one purpose and to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God are fulfilled.  And the woman you saw is the great city that has royal power over the kings of the earth.”  Rev 17:15-18
Rev 18:4-8 - Then I heard another voice from heaven:
“Come out of her, my people, Isa 44:8; 43:10; Hos 1:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10
so that you will not share in her sins
or receive any of her plagues.
 For her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
 Pay her back the way she also paid,
and double it according to her works.
In the cup in which she mixed,
mix a double portion for her.
 As much as she glorified herself and indulged her sensual and excessive ways,
give her that much torment and grief.
For she says in her heart,
“I sit as a queen;
I am not a widow,
and I will never see grief.”
 For this reason her plagues will come in just one day—
death and grief and famine.
She will be burned up with fire,
because the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”
 

Watchtower's viewpoint on charities:
"Like the neighborly Samaritan in Jesus’ illustration, we want to help suffering people, including those who are not Witnesses. (Luke 10:33-37) The best way to do so is by sharing the good news with them. “It is important to make clear right away that we are Jehovah’s Witnesses and that our primary mission is to help them spiritually, not materially,” notes an elder who has helped many refugees. “Otherwise, some may associate with us only for personal advantage."  Wt 2017/5 p. 7

"If there is any material giving, to charities for instance, it is because there is need to salve a conscience, or because one's reputation is at stake." Wt. 1969 5/1 p. 280 
"But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and evil.  Fools! Didn’t he who made the outside make the inside too?  But give from what is within to the poor, and then everything is clean for you."  Luke 11:39-41
"Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don’t ask for them back.  Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them".  Luke 6:30,31
 
 

Dear Allen, i am hoping you will be feel better tomorrow.  

 

Someone posted a question about the longevity of Watchtower given the events of the past few years. The following is just my opinion, and my observations from the past year:
Two years ago, Watchtower implemented a 5-year cost reduction program in which they asked all branches to cut costs by a minimum of 10%, up to 25% as a preferred number.
In the spring of 2015, Stephen Lett asked for donations after stating that WT had more money going out than coming in. 6 months later in a private seminar which I have watched, Watchtower officials announced that Lett's plea resulted in 30 million extra dollars in donations, but this would not stem their financial issues and they would continue with the layoffs and cutbacks.
As you know, the cutbacks were significant. Aside from the Bethel layoffs, all non-essential branch projects were either cancelled or put on hold. Watchtower asked branches to sell as much equipment as the could liquidate - including heavy equipment, printers, etc. All monies were directed at finishing Warwick, then selling off their cranes and millions of dollars worth of vehicles and other high priced tools, right down to 5 dollar screwdrivers.
Meanwhile, Watchtower purchased four $8,000.00 scanners and scanned all documents located in Brooklyn, only keeping the hard copies they were required to keep by law.
Watchtower was spending tens of thousands per year to New York City just to maintain their tunnel and airbridge spaces between buildings. This was not a tax, it was a fee paid because New York owns the underground and the airspace. Moving to Warwick eliminated these costly payments.
Branches around the world are struggling to keep up with their own accounting procedures. In South Africa, over 1400 congregations struggle to file their government mandated tax returns required of each congregation. Most congregations have not filed returns for 2-4 years, primarily because local elders do not understand how to file returns, and are quite frankly not interested in the business aspect of this religion. These elders are being retrained, and have been called disobedient by the branch.
Watchtower has been spinning the cutbacks as simplification, and have coerced dozens of those who lost their full-time jobs to give testimonials about how happy they were to accept their new assignment in the field. (Translation - they are on their own. no health care, no jobs, no training. They are told to just go and pioneer.)
In Namibia, the government has denied Watchtower's plea to remove itself from employer status, since this forces Watchtower to pay social security benefits to all full-time workers - such as Bethelites. This has happened in outer countries as well. Watchtower must pay these benefits. This raises the issue of whether any benefits will ever be paid to other full-time JWs across the globe, who deserve them equally.
Watchtower is watching its assets in Russia vanish while paying settlements in the US and elsewhere for child abuse mishandling and other legal cases. Watchtower has taken over responsibility for all kingdom halls worldwide, but many sit in disrepair awaiting renovations in excess of what congregations can afford.
There is dissent in South Africa right now because of the fixed per capita amount assigned to each publisher who attends a circuit assembly. Many elders have questioned this vocally, and have described the amount of money charged to each circuit as an invoice. This does not sit well with many elders, particularly those in less than affluent areas. Watchtower has dispatched a team of elders to correct their thinking and their accounting procedures.
Watchtower is now implementing a new records management program along with a destruction of documents procedure which is designed to ensure that no documents exist which would tie watchtower to any legal responsibility or repercussions. The records management overseer related an experience where one hand-written note cost watchtower over $200,000 - simply because a JW elder at headquarters was honest and produced a written document which tied watchtower to a major litigation case with a prior vendor. Watchtower has made it clear these records are to be destroyed according to their new records management and destruction procedures.
Beginning in 2018, Watchtower will implement a program by which every single JW will be assigned a database number and their information will be in Watchtower's global database. Currently, in the US, Watchtower only has 40% of their publishers registered in the JW database system. All Jehovah's Witnesses will be given a number and tracked unless we can stop this invasion of privacy here in the US and around the world.
Watchtower is very upset and concerned about all the leaks coming from their headquarters. They use Office 365 now and embed data into PDF files in an attempt to track where the leaks are coming from. They have been issuing subpoenas from the Southern District of New York to various internet providers in the US, along with Google, inc. in an attempt to track down the source of the leaks and identify the individuals involved in leaking their literature and videos. Watchtower demands their freedom of speech but attempts to deny it to those sharing their publicly available materials, which by the way are not being distributed for monetary gain.
Watchtower continues to try to plug these leaks like the proverbial dam in Holland, but they are running out of fingers - and attorneys - to plug these leaks. We have far more than they realize we have, and there is nothing they can do to stop the flow of information outside of headquarters.
The cart-witnessing program is finally beginning to backfire. Witnesses are being approached and asked hard-hitting questions about child abuse, shunning, and other matters. When you stand in the public square and represent a religion, it's just a matter of time before the public connects the dots, and the carts are sent to the junkyard, one at a time.
In Canada, The US, Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands and multiple other countries, the government and media are taking notice of the public outcry for justice - justice for abuse victims to victims of imposed and mandated shunning. The Supreme Court of Canada will rule this year in a case involving shunning and discrimination, and if Watchtower loses this case the repercussions will be felt worldwide.
Yes, money is a problem for Watchtower. Yet Governing Body members like Samuel Herd have publicly stated how beautiful their new surroundings are at Bethel - how they hear the birds chirping as they observe the serene landscape of upstate New York.
Meanwhile, Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia have been imprisoned for following Governing Body directives. Young Korean Witnesses languish in prison for no reason. JWs in Eritrea have been rotting away in prison cells - some for decades, while the coalition of overweight, business class flying governing body members feign tears for the men and women who are effectively their slaves.
Like Stockholm Syndrome victims, Jehovah's Witnesses continue to support the only organization they think has the answers, identifying with and revering their captors - men who have little sympathy for the victims of child abuse, shunning, or death by blood policy.
Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson callously stated in 2015 before the Royal Commission in Australia that he had not even read the details of the victims who had testified before the Commission. He focused on his defense, like a narcissist who believes they are the center of the universe, unable to empathize with real people with real problems.
Tony Morris declared on multiple occasions that he was incensed with European trousers for men, designed by the homosexuals he hates so passionately - and followed this tirade by producing a side by side photo of what proper trousers look like versus "tight pants". In a recent private video for Bethel members only, this war against questionable pants, socks, and tights was restated, with Watchtower doubling down on matters which would baffle Jesus himself, were he to walk the earth today.
The lawsuits are piling up, the fines are compounding, the public awareness of Watchtower's dangerous and controlling cult influence on followers will become a spectacle in 2018. With multiple documentaries being filmed, protests being organized, and lawsuits being filed, Jehovah's Witnesses can choose to buckle up and attempt to survive the crash - or they can release that belt and get the hell out of the vehicle which is about to catch fire.
How long will all of this take? It's hard to say. But I will say this - each one of us can play a part in sharing what we know with the public. Find some websites which you believe are honest and accurate - and share them. Find some books which are truthful and sincere - and share them. Tell your story. Show your compassion for those still trapped.
There are millions trapped inside a mental prison, but we can help them. Let's make it happen.
John Redwood
 
 “Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming from the dragon’s mouth, from the beast’s mouth,”
….a spirit-“breathed” image requiring one’s devotion – “Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”
“And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names.                                                          They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”                                       And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.                                                                        It (Rev 13:11) was permitted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (symbolic killing through disfellowshipping)  And it makes everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead Rev 13:1,4,7
The MARK:
“Recall that on your baptism day, before eyewitnesses, you were asked whether you had dedicated yourself to Jehovah and understood that “your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization.”  Wt 17/4 pp. 3-8
 ”and from the mouth of the false prophet.” 
“Do the other sheep need to know the names of all anointed ones still on earth today? No. Why not? Because it is not possible for anyone to know for sure that these ones will get their reward.”  Wt 16/1 pp.20-26
“Therefore, one way you can “remember those who are taking the lead” is by mentioning the Governing Body in your prayers. 
Of course, remembering the Governing  Body involves not just words but also cooperation with its direction.
Circuit overseers and elders remember the Governing Body by sticking closely to guidelines given to them. All of us show respect for our Leader, Jesus, by being obedient and submissive to the men he is using to direct us.
Another way that we remember the Governing Body is by exerting ourselves in the preaching work.”  Wt 17/2 pp. 23-28
“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.  It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people.”  Rev 13:11-13
“Just like a servant who attentively observes his master’s hand in order to discern the indication of his will, Jehovah’s people today carefully fix their eyes on the progressive Bible-based instructions that Jehovah gives through his earthly organization.     Yes, they act on his direction, being alert to whatever Jehovah indicates through “the faithful and discreet slave.”   w03 2/15 p. 31
“For they are demonic spirits performing signs, who travel to the kings (Rev1:5;5:10; 10:11;1 Tim 6:15) of the whole world to assemble them for the battle on the great day of God, the Almighty. 
 ‘Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame.’  So they assembled the kings at the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”  Rev 16:13-16
…in the valley of “decision” Joel 3:14
He also said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute (beast with horns like a lamb – Rev 13:11)  was seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.  The ten horns you saw, and the beast,(Rev 13:1, organization) will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, devour her flesh, and burn her up with fire.  For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his plan by having one purpose and to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God are fulfilled.  And the woman you saw is the great city that has royal power over the kings of the earth.”  Rev 17:15-18
Rev 18:4-8 - Then I heard another voice from heaven:
“Come out of her, my people, Isa 44:8; 43:10; Hos 1:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10
so that you will not share in her sins
or receive any of her plagues.
 For her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
 Pay her back the way she also paid,
and double it according to her works.
In the cup in which she mixed,
mix a double portion for her.
 As much as she glorified herself and indulged her sensual and excessive ways,
give her that much torment and grief.
For she says in her heart,
“I sit as a queen;
I am not a widow,
and I will never see grief.”
 For this reason her plagues will come in just one day—
death and grief and famine.
She will be burned up with fire,
because the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”