Srecko Sostar

@Srecko Sostar, I think that was Brother Lett doing his own version of Saturday Night Live's Church Lady:
"Could it be SAAAAAAAAATAAN?!?!?!?!?"

 

Well, it was Jesus who spoke to Paul, twice:
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink" Acts 9:3-9
It was Jesus who chose his apostles, Paul being one of the them.  
One more time that we KNOW of, Jesus spoke to Paul:
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  2 Cor 12:7-9
 

Quote @Anna " I wonder what would cause someone to actually say “this is not what I have signed up for”. Maybe you have a few ideas? "
Child Sexual Abuse / Paedophilia hidden within the JW Org. 
Victims of CSA having been disfellowshipped for complaining to Elders. 
Victims of CSA being shunned for going outside the Org for help.
Immoral, dishonest lawyers being used by the GB to tell lies in court cases. 
The GB exalting themselves above the other Anointed. As it seems the complete remnant was the F&DS but now it's only those 8 Men. 
The GB suggesting that the rest of the Anointed 'keep quiet and do as they are told' by the GB / Elders of congregations.
The failed 'prophecies' of the JW Org. (1975 being one) 
The misuse of scriptures. Superior Authorities being one. 
The hypocrisy of the GB / Org advising people to read their own Bible, BUT not to have their own thoughts on scriptures.
The statement by one of the GB that 'God and Jesus Christ trusts us' whilst admitting finally that they are NOT inspired and do get things wrong. 
The list could be endless of course, as the GB are so puffed up with themselves, and make so many stupid videos and make up new rules as they go along. One such, that if a man and a woman spend a night in the same house they will be accused of fornication.... Strange in this day and age but if two men or two women spend a night in the same house I doubt they will be accused of homosexuality.  
And then it seems they are begging kids to give their ice cream money to the Org, whilst the Org is running big business project under different names. IBSA Properties London is one of them. 
Enough for now Anna ? 
 

This is disgusting! So if doctrine states that killing someone on the third Tuesday of the month is ok, then would this also be allowed as well? 
The good thing about this though is that it is a great witness as to the practices and policies within this organization, and those who are curious will see this and think long and hard if it truly is an organization being used by God. Would a loving God want child abuse covered up? Would a loving God want it hidden because men made up a doctrine to get away with it?   

It doesn't matter if .... we will looking on this doctrine as of minor importance :))) and if that WT explanation have no significance and influence on some other WT explanations :))
I am in late 50's, perhaps you too. We are "younger" .... definitely  :))))

As I'm not inspired of Holy Spirit I can't answer that question. The Revelation of course was inspired as basically it would not exist otherwise. But as to whether all of Paul's writings were inspired, I don't know.  
My point was though that I don't think Paul saw his letters as being inspired when he wrote them. He wrote in a rather blunt and direct way. 
@Srecko Sostar  has some good points / questions about the 'gathering together' of the writings of the Greek / NT. I don't have memory, though i would once have known, about whom gathered Greek writings together. I think @Srecko Sostar has written that it was the Catholics that gathered those writings together and he asks, 'Did those people have the guidance of Holy Spirit' to collect the correct writings together. I've heard of other writings that were not included.  
But I'll repeat again, that scripture in 2 Timothy 3 v 16 saying 'All scripture is inspired ... '  was written before some of the other Greek writings. And as JWI pointed out, when in context it proves it refers to the Hebrew Scriptures. So if the GB / W/t / JW Org pretend that it refers to the whole Bible then that is being dishonest. I've known JWs use it to mean the complete Bible and of course most people who haven't studied the Bible will not know. However it shows dishonesty. 

You opened interesting subject. Single book or letter, that was later collected, making each and separate context. Content of each of them speaking about specific things. Connecting historical events that each and separate book describing, can bring some wider picture about events and persons involved. Human influence was involved in collecting and choosing. If we can make general agreement how SOME books and letters from the past period of time that was created in particular part of Earth, are inspired, we have NOT proof for claim, how collecting and choosing particular books and letters are under inspiration of same holy spirit. We can believe it is.
WHY and HOW? WT Society teaching for a long time is, how God stopped to inspire people with holy spirit, even own servants in 1 century. In 1 century.
When people started to collect OT books? Who was "inspired" to collect Hebrew writings in a format we have it today? When people started to collect NT writings? Who was "inspired" to collect Greek writings in a format we have it today? 
Context of each old writings is at first, context for itself. When people started to connect OT and NT writings in one "context", did they been "inspired" for such work? If they are, than WT Society wrongly claiming how influence of holy spirit stopped in 1 century. We would "expect" how "inspiration, guiding by holy spirit" is needed for such important, vitally important task. What we know is how Pope and bishops in Catholic church done that later on Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 and the First Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381, which decided what should be included in the Bible, after few decades of debates. 
WT Society explaining how JHVH is guardian of his Word and how He made influence on what will be chosen as His Word. Can we conclude how Pope and bishops were "inspired" or at least "guided by spirit" when doing that? If yes, what is difference when GB claim today how they are also "guided by spirit"? 
When we say how we must using "Bible context" to understand Bible, is not that self limiting? Because Bible text was primarily made inside historical context of time and people lived before. Our time and people making new sort of context. For example, blood ban have today very different context than that in days when it was written about. In this issue Bible context didn't bring any explanation or future ban about medical technology and using of blood in this context. Because, primarily Bible context was - not to eat blood as a food. Blood is not a food. This is first and perhaps only Bible context. 
What GB done about "blood context" is visible in very strange explanations about medico-religious using of "main components of blood" and "blood fractions". It seem how they agree with my idea of not to be self limiting when we talking about "Bible context" :))). But please, how this medical, scientific understanding about blood contributing to religious part of "Bible context"?

Quote @Arauna Every person will only be accountable for him/herself.
This should be true. But if a person is not a JW, or if a person was a JW but has since left the JW Org because they no longer believe the JW teachings, or because they have decided that JW Org is 'unclean', then according to the GB / JW Org, that person had 'no chance' anyway. 
Because the JW teaching is that one MUST BE a Baptised JW to 'be saved'.
So do you believe that, as you say 'Every person will only be accountable for him/herself.' ?
Or do you believe it depends on whether you are a Baptised JW or not ?  Or both ? 
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Quote "there are people on this forum who do not use scripture in context ..."
Ever since Chapter and Verse of the Bible has been numbered, they have been used out of context. 
It sometimes makes me think that the devil was involved in such numbering. 
The only time it is in context is when the 'book' / 'letter' / writing is read from start to finish. Just taking a scripture out of a letter of Paul for instance, makes it out of context against how it was originally written. 
A prime example of taking scripture out of context is the 2 Timothy 3 v 16 " All scripture is inspired of God... "  Written in 65 (NWT), so written before 1, 2, 3, of John and before Revelation, and Paul would not have thought his writings as scripture. Add to this that a Bible complete had not be constructed at the time. 
However the JW Org use that scripture in Timothy to refer to the whole Bible as being inspired, where as it would seem that Paul would have been meaning the Hebrew Scriptures. 
So when you talk about out of context, you can easily apply that to your GB and it JW Org. 
 

When G. Jackson explained before ARC how every JW in the World has own Bible and individual power for understanding/reasoning, which allowed him/her to not listen and obey what GB released, thought in printed way, video way or e-way, because that somehow contradict to his/her understanding/conscience..... does he talking about great and/or small matters or he speaking about some other sort of valuation about things/subjects that coming from GB?? 
"Causing contentions". Do you have in mind only public contentions between two or more persons, or you allowing also internal contentions - inside person?! 

When G. Jackson explained before ARC how every JW in the World has own Bible and individual power for understanding/reasoning, which allowed him/her to not listen and obey what GB released, thought in printed way, video way or e-way, because that somehow contradict to his/her understanding/conscience..... does he talking about great and/or small matters or he speaking about some other sort of valuation about things/subjects that coming from GB?? 
"Causing contentions". Do you have in mind only public contentions between two or more persons, or you allowing also internal contentions - inside person?! 

Generally said, all teachings that are not approved by God and Jesus are "dangerous" in various levels of danger. Because such teachings not bring people closer to more proper view, perspective on things (i would avoid wording as "closer to truth"), but doing contrary. 
Ezekiel book 3:18,19
 

To add to the confusion:
Corporations outside the United States
International Bible Students Association
The International Bible Students Association (IBSA) is a corporate not-for-profit organization used by Jehovah's Witnesses in the United Kingdom for the production and distribution of religious literature. Its stated purpose is "to promote the Christian religion by supporting congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses and others in connection with their spiritual and material welfare in Britain and abroad within the charitable purposes of the Association."[22]
The IBSA was founded in 1914 as a corporation of the Bible Students by Charles Taze Russell in London, England, and was the first legal corporation representing Russell's ministry in Europe. The Watch Tower Society stated in 1917 that the IBSA, along with its Pennsylvania and New York based corporations "were organized for identical purposes and they harmoniously work together."[23] Other similarly named corporations operate in various countries to promote the interests of Jehovah's Witnesses.[24]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporations_of_Jehovah's_Witnesses
 
Also... https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/24472/watchtower-society-evil-slave-proof
 
 

Excellent!

@Anna  said  "Oh really? Well they are not holding mine, and I am sure I am not the only one whose hand they're not holding."
Oh dear. You can see the words that i made bold. 'an elder' 'telling us how to think'. But dear Anna choose to pick the word she wants to play with.  Elders telling congregants how to think goes along with that first scripture about being obedient and submissive or in fact being domineered and giving in under pressure. 
This can be applied to talks given in KH or at Assemblies. Congregants are expected to take all of it as being 'from God' and therefore being expected to submit to every bit of it.  To the point, and unfortunately I can't quote perfectly but, something about congregants being obedient even if the order given seems unreasonable. 
There we are Anna, I've just done to you as you did to me. I think it's called dissecting a conversation. 
Have a good day. 
 

Are you saying this scripture is wrong?
@Anna  I think you know what I said, but I will repeat it. THE SCRIPTURE IS MISUSED. 
Anyone could use it. The Pope or an Archbishop. The scripture itself is not wrong, it is the use of the scripture by those not having authority from God or Christ. That includes the GB and Elders. 
A well known example of this is obviously the Elders telling victims of Child Sexual Abuse, NOT to go to the police or authorities 'because it would bring shame on God's name and the Org'. 
We could also show the misuse of this scripture, as at the time the congregation of JWs were told that the early 1970's was going to be Armageddon and they were told to be ready and to step up the preaching work. So congregants were obedient and submissive and sold their homes and left their jobs and preached full time. And then ................. oh dear. 
The opposite of submissive is domineering which seems suitable for the GB and the Elders.
And the Greek word that is translated 'submissive', in the Interlinear is actually 'yielding'. And yielding means 'giving way under pressure'.  
So the GB / JW Org use that scripture to show congregants how to :- 'give way under pressure' to a domineering GB and their Elders.  
Now I hope that explains it clearly enough for you. 
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Quote @Anna  Ahh, the faults of the GB. Well this too has been brought out many times, that faults and mistakes will will happen, just as they did with Jesus’ disciples.
Did Jesus or the disciples ever put a date on a prophecy and then it didn't take place ? 
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Quote @Anna  Matthew 18:15-17 "  “Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go and reveal his fault* between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.16  But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, so that on the testimony* of two or three witnesses every matter* may be established.17  If he does not listen* to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen* even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector"
So when exactly do the Elders 'speak to the congregation' and when does the wrongdoer get to listen to the congregation ? 
Matt 18 v 17 If he does not listen* to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen* even to the congregation ........... 
The Elders form a committee and things are dealt with 'behind closed doors'. Now according to the Matthew scripture that is going against the things written, because it clearly states to take matters to the congregation, and, to let the wrong doer have conversation with the congregation over the matter. 
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Generally said, all teachings that are not approved by God and Jesus are "dangerous" in various levels of danger. Because such teachings not bring people closer to more proper view, perspective on things (i would avoid wording as "closer to truth"), but doing contrary. 
Ezekiel book 3:18,19
 

Generally said, all teachings that are not approved by God and Jesus are "dangerous" in various levels of danger. Because such teachings not bring people closer to more proper view, perspective on things (i would avoid wording as "closer to truth"), but doing contrary. 
Ezekiel book 3:18,19
 

You missed 1 Cor 13:9,10 and focused only on knowledge.  Prophesy brings forth knowledge.
“For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
“that which is perfect” has not arrived until the Kingdom arrives.  Prophesy will exist until then, as will the increase of knowledge.   Prophesy will cease, when what was prophesied, is fulfilled.
 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.”  Acts 2:17
A prophet comes in the last days, in the spirit of “Elijah”. 
Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things.  Matt 17:11
Jesus “shows” his servants what must take place in the last days.  The understanding of Revelation that John wrote down, is only through a prophet.  Rev 1:1
Rev 11:3 –  “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Rev 10:7 -  “but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.”
 Quite the theory.  You are apparently making up doctrine  about the Body of Christ, contrary to the WT; which in this case, they are right…until they change it, which I expect to happen any time.   https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200021176
The little flock (Matt 15:24; 10:6) were the physical Jews; added to them, were  physical “Gentiles”(Acts 13:46; 3:25; Rom 11:25; 9:6,18) all anointed, becoming “Israel” and “one flock”.  There is no more “little flock” and “other sheep”, but the anointed Body of Christ. Eph 2:11-22
 
 

@Arauna And a base for so many erroneous WT teachings is the belief that 1914 was a start for many prophecies about the end time, including all what consern time times and half a time. That in turn affect the beasts described in Daniel and Revelation and what really the mark of the beast represent? Those prophecies are very important to understand correctly. And better not to affirm something as  absolute truth if it it is not yet fully clear. 
For example I can not believe  WT teachings about:
Babylon the Great, the image of the beast, the beast with seven heads in Revelation 13, the two withesses, the mark of the beast, woman and her flight to the wildernes, the disgusting thing and so on. 
 
 
 
 

@TrueTomHarley No, I am not saying that I know all the answers. But the problem with churches and WT organization is that you can not even present a different view point without disiplinary measures. Within Jehovah's witnesses it includes all baptised members. In other chrches it might only include ministers. But probably you would be expelled if you started to speak against trinity from most of the church meetings.
Such harsh treatment can not be christian. It is very hypocritical that WT organization says it bases all their doctrines on the Bible and are reasonable and open to new light. And when some member has found something in the Bible contrary to the WT explanations, then we are denied to even discuss our findings even with elders. If we would be wrong they should be able to logically explain using the Bible if we are mistaken. When I told the elders that I have found some flaws in the WT explanations on Biblical doctrines the elders refused to even look at what I had found. That smells bad. It can only mean that they do not have counter arguments to many questions. If they are not sure about what is the truth, why then require total acceptance of those doctrines? That is stupid. 
I am for what I believe to be true and I want to share that. And you are wellcome to examine my arguments and come with biblical counterarguments. That is how the true knowledge will increase.
 
@Arauna I meant what apostle Paul shortly told the Athenians at that particular occasion.
Acts17:30 True, God has overlooked the times of such ignorance;+ but now he is declaring to all people everywhere that they should repent. 31  Because he has set a day on which he purposes to judge+ the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and he has provided a guarantee to all men by resurrecting him from the dead.”
And that is the central message all churches preach. On that occasion Paul did not get into any other biblical doctrines. 

Well, you had better get ready for every JW to be taken captive by the United Nations/Beast. Rev 13:10  They will be “captured” by the “empty philosophy” of  the UN and its religious conglomerate.  Col 2:8 
In your world, that coalition of nations will target and “blaspheme” the Temple/anointed priests, (Rev 13:5)  somehow singling them out of 8 million people,  to “make war” with them. Dan 8:24,11; Rev 13:6   The "saints" will be conquered. Rev 13:7   Yet, before that happens, all JWs will “worship” the United Nations, willingly bearing its mark. Rev 13:16,17 They will say, “Who is like the United Nations, who can fight a war with it?”  Rev 13:4  As you now see, there is a developing cry of “peace and security” by the dual Beasts. It endeavors to proclaim "peace and security" for all who receive its mark.  1 Thess 5:3 
Since you see things literally, some JWs under its captivity will then stand up to this UN Beast,  and will be physically killed for speaking out against the dual rulership of a false prophet and Beast organization over them. Rev 13:1,2,11,12  Yes, if they reject the identifying mark of the UN Beast, they are killed.   Yet, many JWs will choose to remain with the UN Beast.  Rev 14:9-10; 16:2 
Can you see THIS coming?  This is the only way it can play out in your literal world.  Can you also tell me how the UN  will become “spirit-directed”? Rev 13:15 
No other organization touts to be spirit-directed (“spirit breathed”), but the Watchtower. Rev 13:15
Satan is making his obvious display of prophetic fulfillment in the world, but in the hand he holds behind his back, is the threat that God’s people are already under.  JWs believe they reside in "peace and security".  Your leaders have even written a book about it.  

@TrueTomHarley There is one thing the world should know that Jesus will return to judge the world and that he has died for our sins. So it is good that all the Chinese get to know it when there are so few JWs. So logically other churches fulfill a purpose despite differences in how they understand scriptures. The same with WT. There are tens of doctines that are falls. But all churches including WT have futhered the spreading of God's word the Bible and at least som basic knowledge about Jesus. As Jesus said weeds mixed with wheat.
But I will not join any church. I can not stand false teachings. I would prefer if people would listen to what I teach based on God's word.

Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. Heb 11 1
Faith as state of our mind and heart, not need evidence. Because when you see evidence you don't need faith for what you see and about what this particular evidence serve to prove. Only "evidence" Abraham and Sarah received was spoken promise. Words they received was in form of Promise, and not in form of Testimony or Indication. If, that they then did a miracle, made from people/angels who gave Promise, for example to make bread - (of) - from stones, that would serve to Abraham and Sarah, as Indication - sign, how another miracle, future birth of son, is also possible. I that case her "faith in promise" would be supported by Evidence of bread made from stones.
Definition of evidence
 (Entry 1 of 2)
1a: an outward sign : INDICATION
b: something that furnishes proof : TESTIMONY specifically : something legally submitted to a tribunal to ascertain the truth of a matter
2: one who bears witness especially : one who voluntarily confesses a crime and testifies for the prosecution against one's accomplices
 

Thanks for confirming my thoughts. Sarah " did not believe" (she laughed) because she hadn't clear evidence how promise is possible to come true. In other words she hadn't clear evidence to support her faith, to strengthen her faith. In fact she hadn't faith at all. And she showed lack of own faith with her laughing. In next 25 years they not showed faith in the promise. They didn't wait on JHVH! In that period Hagar came in family and give child.
Only after, she was able to build her faith in God on some other level. 
To come back to 1914. WT society, similar to Abraham and Sarah didn't wait on JHVH too. But they entering own 1914 Promise how Kingdom will be born on Earth in that year. After they changed that same Promise, Kingdom borned Invisibly in 1914. 
Promise, supposedly made by JHVH and Jesus how his Kingdom will come (to be born)  and change everything in 1914, was turned by JW's Mother Organization (Sarah) into involving "Agara" into "marriage, family" and thus Ismael aka false Kingdom was born in 1914.
This is just fictional illustration for JW members who are sure how (based on clear evidence :)) ) their Mother Organization is JHVH' wife. Well, who is JW and WT organization, Sarah or Hagar?