Srecko Sostar

Both you and @the Sower of Seed, say that Paul had to submit and humble himself to the "older men" in Jerusalem, and do their will; to go and preach where these men directed them.   Gal 1:10
Firstly, scripture shows us this is not true.  Acts 8:29; 13:2-4; 11:11,12; 16:6-7; 20:22
Secondly, put the GB that you know, back in Jerusalem as these “older men”/Governing Body during Paul’s time period.   Picturing your eight men as those in Jerusalem, how does that seem to you? Your men are not inspired by Holy Spirit, but come equipped with man’s rules and doctrine to run an organization, in whatever that requires aside from the Bible for that time period.  It would be similar to the Pharisees adding additional decrees to God's Word.   Is it acceptable for a prophet/teacher/foundation stone of God’s Temple in Christ, (1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17) to submit to men and their “rules”, when he said specifically…
 “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.”  Col 2:20-22
Can you imagine Paul or any of the apostles submitting to your GB leaders, in that example?  This is basically what @the Sower of Seed was saying.  He has learned this from the GB, who have made up stories about a centralized organization present in Jerusalem, even so far as using the term "governing body" for those "older men".  All of this is to add magical credence to GB's spurious position. 
Paul was directed by Holy Spirit, not by men. 
Side point, you must not have heard the news.  The GB have already received their heavenly reward, it’s now a matter of making the trip to pick it up.
Gerrit Losch:  “To appreciate the extent of Jehovah’s and Jesus’ trust in the faithful slave reflect on what he has promised its members. He has promised them immortality and incorruption. Soon, JUST BEFORE ARMAGEDDON the remaining members of the slave will be taken to heaven.” 
“Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ COMPLETELY trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?”
What sort of person who admits they have led JWs in error,  would be so confident before God and Jesus by saying firstly, God “completely” trusts them?  Secondly, that they WILL be going to heaven before hearing the verdict?  Matt 25:19-21
The foundation stones of the Temple, who are the 12 apostles, will judge all anointed during their lifetime with the help of Christ.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matt 19:28
Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.  Rev 7:4
It’s very possible that the apostles judged the “older men” in Jerusalem if they were anointed.  But you say, that Paul had to be submissive to their direction! 
 Do you believe that the GB, who consistently makes subtle comparisons of itself to the apostles, will be excused for their self-righteousness?  Are they “pure and blameless” to serve Christ and the Father?  Is there “no lie” found in their mouths?  Rev 14: 4,5  Do you believe Jesus will excuse their presumptuousness in declaring their position in heaven with him , before he finds them worthy?  What about their “brothers and sister” in Christ?  Since the GB uses an elder army to judge the anointed ones, will they not be responsible before God’s judging panel, for usurping the apostle’s authority given to them by Christ? 
Rev 20:4,11-15; Dan 7:9,22; Jude 1:14,15
 The organization is a bottomless sink hole of sin and deception.  I believe the GB were once anointed by God, but chose to forsake this gift for another. It is evident in their desire to build their earthly "kingdom" and rule over the Body of Christ.  Luke 4:5-7; Rev 8:10,11; 13:11,12, 5-7
@Arauna  "I have seen enough on here to understand that you have no sense of justice or mercy - only false accusations.  Satan was an accuser day and night. To quote the same tons  of scriptures over and over is not wisdom."
To speak profusely, by condemning someone over and over without scripture to back up their words, is not spiritually wise. 
 
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 http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/11/resurrectionjudgmentlife-and-death.html
Maybe they don't want to reopen an old wound.
“It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”   Rose Kennedy

Jesus was not just anointed in 29 and ruling as king by 33, he was also already called "king of kings." As you already know, I'm sure, there is no scripture or prophecy that depicts Jesus waiting to be made king in 1914.
(1 Timothy 6:13-16) . . .Before God, who preserves all things alive, and Christ Jesus, who as a witness made the fine public declaration before Pontius Pilate, I give you orders 14 to observe the commandment in a spotless and irreprehensible way until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which the happy and only Potentate will show in its own appointed times. He is the King of those who rule as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, 16 the one alone having immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal might.. . .
I'm not going to say that the scriptures are lying when they say that Jesus had been made king in the first century. I imagine that if you could be transported back in time to the first century and heard these Bible writers saying the following, you would be saying: "No! No! Jesus doesn't deserve all this honor. Stop referring to Jesus as King." Stop repeating scriptures like the one above, or like the title that Revelation gives Jesus:
(Revelation 17:14) . . .because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. . .
(Acts 2:34-36) . . .“Sit at my right hand 35 until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”’ 36 Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you executed on a stake.”
(1 Corinthians 15:25) . . .For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet.
(Matthew 28:18) 18 Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.
(Revelation 1:5) . . .and from Jesus Christ, “the Faithful Witness,” “the firstborn from the dead,” and “the Ruler of the kings of the earth.”. . .
(Philippians 2:9, 10) 9 For this very reason, God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, 10 so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend—of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground. . .
(Ephesians 1:20, 21) 20 which he exercised toward Christ when he raised him up from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name that is named, not only in this system of things but also in that to come.
I can imagine you arguing with Paul, saying that he should stop saying that when Jesus was raised from the dead that he was already placed far above every government and authority and power and lordship, because that was the same as saying that he was given a name even higher than kings and emperors and Caesars. You might argue to Paul that he should stop saying such things, because then Paul himself is saying that Jesus is a king. Surely, Jesus was just joking when he told Pilate that the governor himself was saying that he was a king. Surely the sign on the stake was wrong when it claimed that Jesus had said he was a king. Perhaps you would argue against the title Christ, too. Because Christ was the same as saying he was the Messiah: the Messianic king.
(Mark 15:32) . . .Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down off the torture stake, . . .
(Luke 23:2, 3) . . .and saying he himself is Christ a king.” 3 Now Pilate asked him the question: “Are you the King of the Jews?” In answer he said: “You yourself are saying it.”
(Luke 23:35-38) . . .let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” 36 Even the soldiers mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was also an inscription over him: “This is the King of the Jews.”
Prophecy was not completed in 70. But we do know that in the first century Jesus said that his disciples should stop concerning themselves with chronology.
This is all very possible, and one way or another these scriptures will be fulfilled. But we must watch out for hubris and presumptuousness when we try to pretend that we absolutely know it must happen through a specific agency on earth. Jehovah may fulfill his word by making rocks cry out if necessary. We should keep in mind that these are very interesting and sometimes reasonable interpretations, but they are still just interpretations. It's very haughty to look at a track record that has failed on every single prophetic prediction so far, and then claim that we must be right on this particular future prediction.
You probably know that there are several religions in Christendom that believe we must watch the United Nations for fulfillments of several Bible prophecies and end-time events. There area also several conspiratorial crackpots who discuss the UN and declare exaggerated claims for the purpose of fearmongering for followers. There is a lot that appears to be "truth" about the UN from various "trustworthy" sources that claim to be directly quoting UN documents. But when you take the time to look at the actual documents they are interpreting, you realize that it's built on half-truths or less.

https://gothamist.com/news/inside-the-lost-jehovahs-witnesses-tunnels-under-brooklyn-heights
I thought this article was quite interesting and slightly funny too :-
"It was a little creepy" in the tunnels, Gregory Hall, 
"I've heard of some real strange things that happened down there" in the tunnels, Hall said, without going into detail. He did recall seeing "chain-link cages that they had their offices in. It felt weird. It was not real comfortable."
Since the tunnels were largely secluded, some elders reportedly saw them as an opportunity to corner members away from the rest of the community. Once, Hall said, an older JW man took him into the tunnels, then started talking to him about masturbation. (In a recently released video entitled "Pillowgate," two JW leaders are shown inveighing against masturbation; Hall said the Witnesses are infuriated about the video and are searching for a mole they believe leaked it.)
[I thought] 'I don't even know you, I feel creepy down here, and you're bringing that up to me?'" Hall recalled. "When those doors closed down in those areas, I didn't feel comfortable. Some of those guys, they lose touch with reality."
Read the whole article if you have time  
 

For a book, to advertise discretely on reddit, I suppose.  That's okay.  I quickly scanned it over, with mixed reviews. 

UM Does anyone see the difference between, being conned into doing restoration showy work on an old building, because you've been told it is for the 'glory of God' 
As opposed to, doing voluntary work, such as EMERGENCY WORK FOR A FIRE DEPT' OR HOSPITAL which actually serves a good purpose.  
It seems that Mr Harley doesn't know the difference. 
Mr Harley, the difference is, the one's that do the Emergency work actually volunteer to HELP OTHER PEOPLE.
The congregants, that should have been preaching the Good News of God's Kingdom', because it is so urgent as the 'End' is so close (in JWs opinion), were actually misled into believing that the restoration work on that theatre was for God. In God's eyes and Christ's I would have thought the preaching work was much more important. 
One thought, Jesus knew that Jerusalem was about to be destroyed, 
0  “However, when you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies,v then know that the desolating of her has drawn near.w 21  Then let those in Ju·deʹa begin fleeing to the mountains,x let those in the midst of her leave, and let those in the countryside not enter into her, .... "
I don't see any instruction to go and build a big fancy assembly hall some place.  

That is positive side of that, for that young people. To learn some skills and get experience and knowledge. No one has nothing against that. 
Second part of my response you know .... :)))

I had to revisit this, since I don't think you realize your own contradictions.
1)  The GB is compared to the apostles
(2 The GB are leaders of the organization
3) Paul, an apostle had to "humble" himself to the leadership of the "Way" or "organization.
4) This implies that the GB are higher in "rank" than the apostles!
BLASPHEMY!  Can you see this?
4)  The apostles are the foundation of the Temple of God in Jesus Christ.
5) The GB are the "foundation" of the organization called the WB&TS
Are there two foundations/"organizations" that God approves of?  One is spiritual and written in the Bible, The other is earthly, and is not.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.  Eph 2:20-22
 
Only one "mountain"/"organization" will be chosen by God.  The one that is built on Christ as its "chief cornerstone".    Zech 4:7; Rev 8:8
 
 
 
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/jehovahs-genuine-mountain.html
 
 
 
 

I have to agree with this. In positive and negative using of Criticism.
One of "trigger" for put critics about these or other WT works in past and now, lies in fact that WTJWorg "exalt" themself above all on Earth. They are: "only true religion, only God's organization, only people that have highest moral standards, only who be saved, .....and similar "the best"".
In light of such position and picture that WTJWorg forming for and from many decades, it is not strange when observers find some discrepancy and make the point of that.

New International Version Acts 17 v 23
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship--and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.
Call me John if it makes you happy. 
 

I have to agree with this. In positive and negative using of Criticism.
One of "trigger" for put critics about these or other WT works in past and now, lies in fact that WTJWorg "exalt" themself above all on Earth. They are: "only true religion, only God's organization, only people that have highest moral standards, only who be saved, .....and similar "the best"".
In light of such position and picture that WTJWorg forming for and from many decades, it is not strange when observers find some discrepancy and make the point of that.

Tom, what is with you? How you can compare JW volunteer restoration work in private building, in building that is in possession of Company .... with volunteer work in helping people when houses burning or helping sick people in hospital??
 

Excellent point as always. The answer is the same as that given Srecko. Make volunteer work illegal. Those volunteer fire departments? Tell them to let the houses burn. Those volunteers at the hospitals? Tell those lazy patients to get themselves out of traction and take care of their own needs. Those volunteers during every election? Free them! Tell Trump and Sanders to knock on doors and present their own case.
The purpose of life is to accumulate money. How can people do that if they are giving away their work? Free them from being manipulated. Let no  one do anything without a paycheck.
I made a normal one, too. What we need is a Department of Volunteer Monitoring so that any volunteering can be run by you for your approval or not. I suggest they will all be quickly approved except that concerning JWs

Tom, what is with you? How you can compare JW volunteer restoration work in private building, in building that is in possession of Company .... with volunteer work in helping people when houses burning or helping sick people in hospital??
 

Phil 3:19 -  They are ruled by their bellies, their glory comes by shame, and their minds are fixed on the things of this world. They are doomed. 

Volunteerism is volunteerism. What’s it to you where they choose to volunteer?
Besides is a life-saving work that preachers of the good news have been entrusted with. That being the case, I fitted my own vehicle with flashing lights and siren. Don’t worry—I got them cheap at the junkyard and restored them myself. 

Please Tom. I made normal comment. And ask anyone what would cost be for restoration. Volunteering is no illegal. Spending donation money for Religious Vanity is morally and ethically bad example. Perhaps we all like to see beautiful buildings. But, is it buy, restore and sell something, what have to be interest and occupation for Religious, Charity Organization of JW? 
2000+ members and unknown amount of $ versus 2000+  and same amount of money for preaching or helping people in need. What of this two IS CHARITY WORK???

He told illustrations about selling all you have to buy beautiful "pearl" and not Theater. :))) 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” Matthew 13

According to God's Word, they have adulterated the teachings of Christ and the apostles.  To apply "sacred" to a  building is idolatry, let alone to a corporation by calling it "spirit-directed".   No doubt JWs would admit that Catholics are idolaters:
"Whether you've been in a church many times or are new to its sights, sounds, smells and bells, knowing the rich meaning and history behind our sacred spaces and symbols can help us appreciate and deepen our faith. Churches reflect the communities who built them and the times and circumstances in which they are used. No two churches are alike, but each sacred space is used to celebrate the same Mass with our fellow Catholics.   https://www.catholicextension.org/camp-catholic/sacred-spaces-symbols
Somehow the point is missed when it comes to the organization.   Since Christ, can you tell me of any incident in the scriptures that describes a building OR earthly organization as "sacred" and approved by God?  Acts 7:24,25,29-31
 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
Does the GB need to repent for creating idols?  Do the Catholics?
 
 

Please Tom. I made normal comment. And ask anyone what would cost be for restoration. Volunteering is no illegal. Spending donation money for Religious Vanity is morally and ethically bad example. Perhaps we all like to see beautiful buildings. But, is it buy, restore and sell something, what have to be interest and occupation for Religious, Charity Organization of JW? 
2000+ members and unknown amount of $ versus 2000+  and same amount of money for preaching or helping people in need. What of this two IS CHARITY WORK???

He told illustrations about selling all you have to buy beautiful "pearl" and not Theater. :))) 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” Matthew 13

I don't apply the term, "sacred" to anything I own, including my house.  Do you?  

But in 1983, the neglected theater was purchased for $1.8 million by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society from Delaware Corporation...........In 1988, the theater, which is on the NJ Registry of Historic Places, underwent an initial renovation phase, but the latest, completed in a nine-month period from 2012-2013, has restored even more value and splendor to the space.....“We are largely self-financed,” said Robert Warren, media consultant for the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, noting that the project was funded by individual donations from Witnesses across the world. “Whoever wants to build a tower must first count the cost,” he cited biblically, attributing the successful funding to strategic planning. “Rather than start and escalate, we evaluate first.”.....Over two thousand Witness volunteers from across the United States worked together on the large scale project, with work completed through volunteers only with the exception of contractors for only high-risk safety needs.......“We know it is a privilege and we consider it an honor to be here,” Simonsson added.....“We automatically assign a sacredness to the building because of our worship,” said Warren, of Witness Assembly Halls. “Having this space adds to the grandeur of why we are here.”.....
1,8 mill $ for buying. Perhaps value of volunteer working hours and materials is also enormous.  Any suggestion?

This is such a successful, and pervasive lie.  If there was a leadership that needed attention other than those who’s words are in the Bible, you would think books would have been added concerning their “leadership” and “organization”, as a solid template for your own leadership.  WT has taken one account and blown it out of proportion…to suit their earthly, insatiable desires.
You may want to see the conversation Arauna and I had on the subject:  https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/forums/topic/84867-c-t-russell-was-labeled-as-an-apostate-by-the-adventists-in-1877/page/2/?tab=comments#comment-134575
"Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead)"  Gal 1:1
 
"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.  Gal 1:6-10
 
The Way then and now, is NOT by means of an earthly organization. 
This is the Way to life:
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
“A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called “The Holy Way”. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools shall not go there.”  Isa 35:8
You are turning your head away from WT’s obvious sins, which is so foolish.  Where do we find the source of WT’s sins?  It is with your leaders who are not appointed by God.  If they are uninspired, they assume a role of “faithful and discreet”.  
“Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you. Whoever does what God approves of, has God’s approval as Christ has God’s approval. 8 The person who lives a sinful life belongs to the devil, because the devil has been committing sin since the beginning. The reason that the Son of God appeared was to destroy what the devil does. 9 Those who have been born from God don’t live sinful lives. What God has said lives in them, and they can’t live sinful lives. They have been born from God. 
10 This is the way God’s children are distinguished from the devil’s children. Everyone who doesn’t do what is right or love other believers, isn’t God’s child. 1 John 3:7-10 
Bloodshed happens every day in your organization. The innocent are “condemned” for rejecting this lying organization.   If one finds “the Way” in Christ, your leaders “kill” them.  John 16:2; Rev 13:15 
11 The message that you have heard from the beginning is to love each other. 12 Don’t be like Cain. He was a child of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain murder his brother? Because the things Cain did were evil and the things his brother did had God’s approval. 13 Brothers and sisters, don’t be surprised if the world hates you.
The world that hates those who find the right Way, is your world.  Sir, you are on a path designed by “wicked fools” to lead you away from truth in Christ.

I believe how secular system for imprisonment of wrongdoers, and trial process working very similar. Court if found guilty take in consideration many details, also is wrongdoer repentant or not, but in many cases separates wrongdoers from society by putting them to jail or a prison. With limited visits of course - but no shunning policy :))) It seems how they were "inspired" by Bible when made such program.