BroRando

Well yes. you and James always were in agreement. 

Wow. You and SM must get on well. All you do is criticize and judge me. You deliberately avoid the whole point of this topic because you get your pleasure, not from serving God, but from trying to wind people up and to get material for your books.
Have a good day Tom.  

It is. You needlessly complicate it by being overly exacting, excessively unforgiving, and too enamored with your own righteousness.
“NAILS OR NAIL, HANDS OR WRISTS, AND OTHER SUCH SCRIPTURES. HOW DO CHRISTIANS KNOW WHAT IS TRUE ?”
They can’t. They need a True Anointed to explain everything. In the meantime, it’s important not to do anything except complain.
Whatever happened to “Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door?” (Luke 13:24) He didn’t say wait for the doorman to ease your way in.
 

John 2 From verse 19 onward. 
 When it was late that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them: “May you have peace.” 20  After saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced at seeing the Lord.21  Jesus said to them again: “May you have peace. Just as the Father has sent me, I also am sending you.” 22  After saying this he blew on them and said to them: “Receive holy spirit. 23  If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you retain those of anyone, they are retained.”24  But Thomas, one of the Twelve, who was called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25  So the other disciples were telling him: “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them: “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and stick my finger into the print of the nails and stick my hand into his side, I will never believe it.” 26  Well, eight days later his disciples were again indoors, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and he stood in their midst and said: “May you have peace.” 27  Next he said to Thomas: “Put your finger here, and see my hands, and take your hand and stick it into my side, and stop doubting but believe.” 28  In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!” 29  Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
I did the biblehub thing to compare these verses and as far as I could see they all compare favourably with this NWT translation. 
BUT it seems that some people on here do not agree with any of them. 
Some of you, even some JWs, want to change the wording. You want NAIL, instead of NAILS. And you want WRISTS instead of HANDS. 
Now this is only ONE small portion of scripture. This portion is from the New World Translation written by the Watchtower Soc' / JW org, and approved by the GB of those orgs. And yet even JWs do not believe it. 
So how is a Christian supposed to 'study' God's word if that 'word' is not translated properly anywhere ? 
Some here will say, 'You have to do research'. But surely that would mean spending ten minutes on every line written. Not only would you lose the sense of it, you would quickly become demoralised. 
Some here call me a fool for my hoping in a True Anointed remnant. So continue to do so, as now I'm also hoping in a TRUE translation of the Holy Scriptures. 
People need to be able to trust what they are reading in God's word. But how can they if all translations are written according to the writer's own beliefs and agenda... If Strong's or any other, show that things can be translated in various ways, then how does the average Christian know which way is the right way ?
Remember Matthew 11 : 25 & 26
At that time Jesus said in response: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children. 26  Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved.
Some of us are like young children. We are not wise and intellectual ones.  So, some of us need TRUTH to be simple. But 'religions' have made TRUTH to be difficult. 'Religions' have added burdens to even basic Bible study, by not translating it truthfully. Because 'religions' all follow their own agenda. 

What are JWs putting their faith in?  Many leave the organization and find their faith in the Father and the Son has blossomed.  They grow in their love for them.  They gain knowledge of God's word.  They experience a closeness to the Father and Jesus Christ that they never had before.
So, what part are JWs taking in this war?  They are putting up a "hard fight" for their faith in an organization and men who lord it over them.  (Rom 1:25; Rev 13:4; 2 Thess 2:9-12)
 

Yes the last words of his talk were…
“False rumors are often spread during wartime. Brothers, this is war. We need to put up a hard fight for the faith as if our life depended on it — because it does! “
And this is the war that will continue, until the Wt. is gone. (Matt 24:6)  Every JW believes they are spiritually “safe” within the organization. (1 Thess 5:3)  Anyone who exits, becomes the “apostate” - they can’t be trusted, they are the liars, and liars must be silenced.  Truth, must be silenced within the Wt. So, it is God who has rejected those who leave, because they reject the teachings of men guaranteed to fail?  THIS is the decision-making war of Armageddon; and the underlying reason that “this is war”, has to do with trampling of God’s anointed/Temple by the full leadership. The GB directs the elders to silence the anointed.    (Joel 3:1-14;1 Cor 11:19; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Luke 21:24; 2 Thess 2:3,4,7-10; Rev 11:2; Dan 8:13; Jer 12:10; Rev 13:1,2,5-7, 11,12,15)
Since Splane expounded on this war, it should be clear that Armageddon has nothing to do with the UN, Russia or Christendom…obviously! These political and religious entities are not  Watchtower’s greatest threat.  How can they be, when they’ve shared the same bed together?  (now, we’re finding out that they are donating donated money to politicians…’robbing from the poor and giving to the rich’ to support wt’s platform.)
The organization’s threat comes from those who were once among them, who now see their lies and sins, and lay them bare for all JW,s and the world to hear. Not good for business in the corporate world! 
Yet their greater threat is the exposure of lawlessness enacted against the “city that is called by My name” – the members of God’s Temple in the anointed. (Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2;5,9) If only they would wake up, repent, and leave their captivity to lies behind.  (2 Chron 7:14; Jer 25:29; Isa 1:4-9; Rom 9:31-33; Col 2:8; Rev 18:4-8,10)
From Proverbs 21 - 
A proud attitude, accompanied by a haughty look, is sin;
    they reveal wicked people. 4
A fortune gained by deceit
    is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. 6
The soul of the wicked craves evil;
    he extends no mercy to his neighbor. 10
The Righteous Onetakes note of the house of the wicked
    and brings the wicked to ruin. 12
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
    but terror to evildoers. 15
One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty
    and pull down the stronghold in which they trust. 22
The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
    behaves with insolent fury. 24
A false witness will perish,
    but a careful listener will testify successfully.28
The wicked put up a bold front,
    but the upright give thought to their ways.29
 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.30
 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.31
 
Wars to Cease
 
 
 
 

But you know the truth about it. 

Promoting your books again. It seems that is all you are here for. 

Luke 22:36
Berean Study Bible
“Now, however,” He (Jesus) told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.   
Yes I know that scripture is for entirely different reasons, but it seemed to fit well  '''
Maybe ask @Pudgy what he thinks of guns ? I think he and 'Billy the Kid' might own a few.
It must be terrible to actually live in those conditions though. Here in England it is more knives than guns but no doubt it will get worse.  If I find time I will try to listen to some of the 'new light' from the Org. 
 

You would think so. But from what I have come to understand is, if JW's even attempt to judge the GB / Watchtower writers, that will automatically put them in the position of being viewed as one doubting that Jehovah God is using this organization. Unfortunately, this sort of questioning is not welcome as if they are going by the example of the Bereans by doing their due diligence when it comes to the rank-and-file members. No, It goes against what they have publicly declared to hundreds if not thousands during their baptism ceremony.
Yes, members are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but within this public declaration, it also includes in their 2nd question confirming that they believe that this organization is the one that Jehovah is using. 
If a member judges, scrutinizes or finds fault with any interpretation of the scriptures by the GB or Watchtower writings, that one could be considered "running ahead of the chariot." Reminded who taught them the truth in the first place? ( which in actuality, is a swift reprimanding statement that is pretty much saying, know your place kiddo, & how dare you question mother Org! ) this is if a member is getting kind feedback if they chose to go to the elders with any doubts. Otherwise that one is declared an apostate, and when that happens, it never turns out to be a good day. 
From what I gather from this latest summer symposium is, if there are gang members in your neighborhood who are killing your neighbors and harassing your own son on a regular basis, it would be wrong to own a gun for the protection of your family and home. ( I Linda, am not advocating for whether or not anyone should own a gun. ) But on the other hand
GB member, brother Splane has declared to the members, that we are at war [with them their apostates.]

You have all deliberately avoided the point. Although James did give it a good shot.
Don't JWs have to judge the credibility of the GB / Watchtower writers ? 
My point was that surely a Bible should say EXACTLY what it means. IF 'certain people' think they have 'special insight', then surely those 'certain people' are responsible for giving a TRUE translation of God's word. 
I used one small scripture as an example. But if by that one scripture it can be shown that the translation is not a TRUE one, then how can the translation be trusted ? 
Pudgy here says it does not matter. But if i remember rightly, the GB through it's Watchtower magazine, have said that JWs will be given instruction 'that might not make sense', but that JWs are to obey that instruction anyway.
So credibility does matter. It matters to the point of life or death according to the GB. It certainly mattered in bible times for those very reasons. 
But if such people cannot even produce a truthful honest translation of God's word, then how can they be trusted with you life ?  

Today is a spiritual repeat of apostasy in Jesus' day.  The greatest threat to the Jewish leaders, was those in Christ who left to follow him - who had once been  "among them", among the Jewish system.   The GB mimic the leadership of the Pharisees, expecting full devotion, detailed service, and obedience above and beyond the Father and the Son.  If this wasn't true, there would be no disfellowshipping for rejecting THEM and THEIR doctrine.  
And then again, "among" those who were anointed, false teachers arose.  Jesus tells us, they could very likely deceive the "elect", the saints.  (Matt 24:24; Acts 20:29)  
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Don't you take the message of your leaders to others?  Don't you bring this message?  I did not come to JWs, they came to me.  Upon hearing the message, my ears perked up to a few "grains" of truth, as Splane mentioned is the tool of apostates...and then the time came...
"when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."  2 Tim 4:3,4
Fables, i.e. "beliefs clarified" (and how many teachings and false dates were not included in the list?)
HUMAN TEACHINGS, EMPTY DECEPTION.  Col 2:8
What characteristics designate a false teacher, Tom?  Check your beliefs clarified list and apply its evidence to prove your leadership cannot speak truth. And yet, JWs cling to their every word.  (1 Tim 4:1)  If that list was provided to the householder, (an insert flyer in a magazine perhaps?), I wonder how many people would become JWs.  The householder would say,  "Oh, by the way we have compiled our list of empty deception, and felt the need for you to look it over."
Do you see?  What are you defending?  What spiritual substance is there from your organization, that lasts?  (John 15:16)  Just a few grains of truth?  Is that really all that Jesus promised us?  (John 7:38; 4:13,14; Rev 22:17)
 
 
 
 

apostate /əˈpɒsteɪt/ noun a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle. abandoning a religious or political belief or principle. "an apostate Roman Catholic"   I do wish we could all be of some agreement as to what Apostate really means. 
It seems some here think as I do, that it renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
Whereas others think it is turning against God and Christ. 

Two points.  
@Witness said.
And your reply was
So are you now admitting that it is people that LEAVE THE ORG that are apostates OF THE ORG ?  
NOT turning against God or Christ, because that is the second point. 
You say " modern-day apostates have gone the atheist route ".
So you are saying that you KNOW that most people who are apostate to JW Org are now atheist. That's a big accusation.
However in reality you don't even know how many are still serving God or how many are not. You just have your own agenda and write things to suit it. 

This is what I can give you.  https://speakoutinfearlessness.blogspot.com/2021/07/watchtower-of-jehovahs-witnesses.html?fbclid=IwAR1wyzf4vYeWVirn52OYeRnPz2dAy1r0lQnwxbJ4kCczdtFV1DTSu9ehQHo
I went to followthemoney.org after seeing your post and came up with the same info as in the video.  But, by the powers that be, any reference to the Watchtower Society is now gone.  Take from it what you will.  The organization has hidden its sins, its hypocrisy...its true dealings in the world, for a number of years, and it will continue to make a hard effort to do so, until God exposes every crack in its walls.  No longer will they be able to whitewash over them.  Ezekiel 13
 

(now, we’re finding out that they are donating donated money to politicians…’robbing from the poor and giving to the rich’ to support wt’s platform.)
I think you need to give full details of this if you are making this a serious accusation.  Or at least give us a link or reference to be able to 'check it out' 
My feeling about the CSA situation and that 25 year Pedophile Database (information of which seems to have gone very quiet of late) is they someone is being paid off to keep it all quiet. If your accusation is correct then I'd like to know the details. But right now I will keep an open mind about it. 

Now this is interesting because the GB of the JW org say they are the F&DS and they say they are 'guided' by God. 
One would think that if the Watchtower / JW Org was God's chosen organisation then the Leaders would have known as much as you did back then. In fact they should have known even more, and should have known before you did.  Then they should have protected their own people, rather than leave them there to suffer. 
Tell me, these rare few that know so much more than everyone else. Are they guided by God or men ? 

That's a dangerous accusation to make. In the beginning of Christianity there was only one direct Christian way. Now however there are many 'Christian' religions. You seem to be following the Watchtower direction of pretending that if a person does not serve God in a way in which 'you approve', then they are not serving God at all.  
Please go and look at yourself in the mirror and examine yourself spirtually. You are happy to dig at me with this :-
but you actually lack the understanding of my meaning. Now whether you lack that understanding deliberately or not is not for me to judge. But for you to think you know who is alienated from God and who isn't, well I'll repeat, examine yourself. 
You are concerned what 'the cool folks' say ?  I prefer the words of the apostle Paul at Romans 12 : 9
"Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." 
I left the Watchtower / Jehovah's Witnesses because I learnt that their Leaders were involved in EVIL deeds. Not only the Leaders but also many of the Elders earthwide. Since leaving I've learnt of some of the many lies they have told, scriptures they have misused, and the lack of love and mercy they show. So I will continue to HATE WHAT IS BAD. Whereas it seems, you are more interested in what 'the cool folks' say. But who are those  cool folks ? Are they part of the devils wicked world ? 

Unable to edit this.  "householder" should read, JW!

@Space Merchant  I am sorry that you are so angry and have to 'hate' on me.  We will of course continue to have different opinons. You obviously think from a different angle to me but you sound so aggressive about it all.
You seem to like to tell me what I should and shouldn't think or do, and even to the point of which scriptures i should and shouldn't use. That does not show any form of love, it in fact shows the wish to control.  This is very much in line with the Watchtower / JW org leaders that wish to control the thinking and actions of every JW. 
Like I say, it would probably be wise for you to look in that spiritual mirror.  You may have lots of 'knowledge' but it would appear by the things you write that you lack the love of a true Christian. 

Thank you for all the information, and i stand corrected. You are right I don't dig deep enough. 
OK, even the meme is funny.  On this occasion I bow to your superior knowledge. Thank you. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It seems the name still exists though but as part of the JW Org. 
https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=216647&subid=0
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Charity number 216647 
Activities - how the charity spends its money
Promoting the Christian religion by helping congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses & others with their spiritual & material welfare. We provide facilities for the production of Bible literature & housing for members of the order of special full-time servants. Conventions for Christian education are arranged & the public are invited.
Income and expenditure
Data for financial year ending 31 August 2020
-------------------------------------------------
They also run an Estate agents (Real estate?) business selling property too. https://ibsaproperty.com/
------------------------------------------
But that is all off topic, and as I say I stand corrected. 
 
 

And you presume that people studying the Bible with JWs were ever taught this ?
Well not here in the UK. not back in the 1960's / 70's. 
Do you think this is taught in Kingdom Halls or via vidoe link now ?  
The JW teaching was, and probably still is, that it was a smooth transition from Rusell to Rutherford then to the JW org. 
I don't think you gave a link as to where this diagram came from., but I see it's on Wikipedia.... 

The manner and purpose of conducting a “Bible study” with people interested in the JW religion is not to get to know how the WT Society came into being, it is not the history of the Organization as a Corporation.
The purpose of “studying” is to reject “wrong” religious or secular ideologies and to fully accept WTJWorg theology. Some details of the Organization's historical transitions can be found in other WTJWorg publications, but comprehensive and/or complete insight cannot be gained by reading a single book that would provide a complete historical overview with all the details. After all, history is written by “winners”. And that most often means that the truth will be distorted or significantly changed.
PS
"Proclaimers" book, for example, dealing with historical overview of Corporation. But is not available on every language and by that not for every JW member in the World. Even if it is available on language of some JW member that would not mean she/he would read it and find some gaps and questions about Organization.
For sure they will not find "diagram" as showed here.    

17 Goals to Transform Our World, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection." Therefore the prophecy, "It puts under compulsion all people—the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the free and the slaves—that these should be marked on their right hand or on their forehead, and that nobody can buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name" at (Rev 13:16-17) will have come in Full Force. A door to door enforcement if need be.
Read more...

Warned of “Things Not Yet Beheld”
6. What did Jehovah determine to do in Noah’s day?
6 In Noah’s day, Jehovah declared: “My spirit shall not act toward man indefinitely in that he is also flesh. Accordingly his days shall amount to a hundred and twenty years.” (Genesis 6:3) The issuance of this divine decree in 2490 B.C.E. marked the beginning of the end for that ungodly world. Just think what that meant for those then living! Only 120 years more and Jehovah would bring “the deluge of waters upon the earth to bring to ruin all flesh in which the force of life is active from under the heavens.”—Genesis 6:17.
[https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2003923]
1914 marks the beginning of the end for this ungodly world.  Only 120 years more and the end for Satan's System of things will start dissolving!  
It's Spiritual... 
2 Peter 3:10 But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed.
Unbelievers are not allowed to SEE... turn around!  "You are going the Wrong Way"  Quote taken from the movie, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. 😀