Patiently waiting for Truth

Wow, I don't even remember reading such a thing in the Wt.  But I do know that the elders who "represent the royal priesthood" right now, are said to be the "princes" on the earth in the Kingdom.
This is the truth about where the anointed will rule with Jesus Christ; which is both in "heaven" - a spiritual state - and on the earth.  2 Cor 5:17
 
Said from a man who has created multiple identities on this forum, to hide who he really is.  
Why?

But you claim the word Jew is a made name up because the letter "J".  The readers should  know your stance against, Jehovah, Jesus, and the Jews.
I find it quite hypocritical when you quote scripture from the Book of John, but believe John is a false and made up name because the letter, "J".   Can one conclude from your hypocrisy that Jerusalem doesn't exist either??
Maybe your Name James or Julie doesn't exist?  Everything is in vain for you so you continue your weeping and gnashing... 

Allen, (yep, it's you) @BroRando has written many times about who comprise the Temple on the Body of Christ, as the anointed priests.  I am wondering why he isn't upholding his own belief.
1 Pet 2:5 - you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:20-22 - "because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."
Biblical history shows that only chosen priests have ever been approved by God to serve Him in His Temple.
2 Chron 23:6 - "But no one is to enter the house of the LORD except the priests and the ministering Levites; they may enter, for they are holy. And all the people are to keep the command of the LORD."
Num 18:7 - "But you and your sons with you are responsible for your priestly duties, for everything at the altar and within the curtain. And you must serve. I give you the priesthood as a gift for service, but the unauthorized person who approaches must be put to death.”
Many religions formulate the meaning of the spiritual temple built on the body of Jesus, as including all believers.  There was an initial reason for the priesthood, to teach all God's people His decrees for their benefit.  Mal 2:7  But, the Wt. is changing this truth into a lie, by saying the same as all religions, that the heavenly temple now comprises all JWs. 
It sounds like they want to be like the nations; and in a sense they are, by serving "wood and stone", an earthly organization.  Ezek 20:32
The anointed priests only, are the "saints"/chosen that Revelation 20:9 is referring to.
You can't change the message of the word of God, and get away with it.  🙂

Posted January 21 @
The Bible foretold not only the serious problems we now face but also the better times we can expect soon. It describes a future that is way beyond what human governments could hope to achieve, one that only God can provide. “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”—Revelation 21:4.
Jehovah’s Witnesses take comfort in the Bible’s promises of a bright future, and this helps them to see beyond the pandemic. They also support one another by obeying the Bible’s command to gather regularly for worship. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which are being held virtually during the pandemic.
Others agree that joining together with Jehovah’s Witnesses for worship has been helpful during these difficult times. For example, a woman infected with COVID-19 accepted an invitation to join Jehovah’s Witnesses’ virtual meetings.
These meetings helped her emotionally despite her ongoing health issues from the virus. She later said: “I feel that I am part of this family too. Reading the Bible gives me peace of mind and inner calm. It helps me focus on my hope for the future instead of my problems. Thank you for helping me find that connection with God that I have sought all my life.”
Read More...

Once again, I don’t believe the bible has discrepancies. I believe we are the ones that make those discrepancies manifest. A commentator used 1 Corinthians 3:16 as a point of reference. This particular passage refers, not only to the anointed, but to all those that become slaves of God.
Romans 6:16, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 3:9, 1 Corinthians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 6:16.
This passage refers to a point in time when we all exist as humans. It would be inappropriate to use this passage to mean when the saints are ruling in heaven with Christ.
In my understanding, this passage cannot be linked to the 1000-year reign, mentioned in Revelation 20:7-8. So, I would avoid such a man-made discrepancy.
If autocorrect incorrectly places a comma where it shouldn’t be, I’m not the developer of this software.
If anyone has a better suggestion on a good English grammar software, please advise me, thanks.
I also find no need to discredit those that apply the bible correctly. I will accept BroRando’s explanation and the illustration of the commentator Peter Carrol. Thank you.

My question was...
Keep in mind that in the Kingdom, the saints/priests will be serving God and Jesus in his spiritual Temple. (1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20-22)  The "law" will have gone out from Zion, the holy city. ( Isa 2:1-3)  Rev chapter 21 will have been fulfilled.  
Rev 20:7,8 - "Now when the thousand years are finished, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to bring them together for the battle. They are as numerous as the grains of sand in the sea. 9 They went up on the broad plain of the earth and encircled the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and devoured them completely."
Notice that the saints and the "beloved city" (which is the saints/priests 1 Cor 3:16) ARE ON THE EARTH in your paradise?  And that fire comes down from heaven?  Wt's doctrine says that the saints will be in heaven ruling with Jesus during the thousand years ; but somehow, the priesthood serving God in heavenly Zion, the holy city, will be surrounded by Satan's minions...on earth?  How is that possible when your doctrine states that the anointed will never come down on the earth in the Kingdom?  But somehow, the priests/144,000 will be deceived and surrounded on the earth; even though they have been sealed and would be serving as "living stones" of God's Temple/dwelling in Spirit.  Do you think  Satan will convince them to leave heaven and come to earth where he then surrounds them?
Lots of questions should be asked by JWs concerning this doctrine.   Is God too weak to defend Zion in the Kingdom? Will He be deceived also and allow Satan's army to surround His active priests on the earth?  In your Armageddon, it is shown that Christ and the 144,000 are fighting the nations (another appearance of Gog and Magog) successfully.  If the saints/priests are deceived in the paradise, and they are the members of Christ's Body, then is Christ, their spiritual Head, also surrounded in God's heavenly Temple...or is it on the earth...and deceived?
Oh wait, fire "comes down out of heaven", so the saints who are surrounded couldn't be sealed into "heavenly" Zion, could they?  They will have been existing on the earth when it all happens.
NONE OF WT'S DOCTRINE ON THE THOUSAND YEAR REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST MAKES ANY SENSE.
It began in the first century.  Satan was let loose when the Wt. was formed.  And look at what it has accomplished - the anointed saints are surrounded and trampled down by the "Gentiles"/body of elders, using DECEIT - LIES.   
2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1,2; Col 2:8; 13:1,2,10; 16:13-16

Sorry, BroRando.
I have become a distraction from your post. That wasn't my intention. You are doing a wonderful job explaining what the bible actually says. 

It only saddens me to know your apology was not sincere. I will take BroRando's advice and stay away from such insincere people that target others they disagree with, with animosity and suspicion. Sorry to have bothered you and the other commentator that carries the same unwillingness to help.

If it is comfort or solace you are looking for when you ask a question, be sure to ask someone skilled at flattery.
I am easily irritated.
Not your fault!
(… unless you really ARE “Wally McNasty”, in disguise ? ….)
 

     “Wait a minute … is ANYBODY here a real sheep?”

Sorry, I didn't mean to irritate you. I won't ask again. Thanks for being honest. 

Hello, commentor.
Why would others believe the 1000-year reign is symbolic even though the book of revelation speaks of it as it being literal? A time for humanity to experience perfection once again.
What does Gog of Magog, Satan's deceit have in connection while that 1000 years while it is happening? Isn't Satan supposed to be locked up, or is that deceit discussion, after his release? 
I don't want to directly ask, that commentor, there seems to be some animosity and suspicion, that's why I ask you. I don't wish to offend a fragile person.

Okay, thank you. You seem to be more civil and respectful than that other commentator that agreed with you. 

Nope, nothing to do with English not being one's primary language.  It's just an observance I've noticed before - a pattern made by one person with many identities.🤔
I wouldn't wish for anyone to stop posting, no matter who they are.  🙂

I've had the same chill for the last few days.  I believe now seeing a traditional comma out of place, may prove this chill  isn't from covid.  
 

In my opinion this org is not pleasent and is not safe to be in. I believe it is used as a social club for many lonely people and now that direct witnessing is not required it could become an easy hiding place for unpleasent people. My suggestion is that people do not get involved with this organisation. 
@The Librarian I hope this is polite enough. 

Warning! @Peter Carroll
"As far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men."
Please try to be nice, be respectful.
It is ok to disagree.... state that simply without the emotionally charged adjectives as much as possible.
 

As regards the thread topic “Paradise … Will It Come?”, perhaps in our lifetimes …. Perhaps not, but some peoples’ concept of “Paradise” may not be exactly as expected.

(….. Pudgy feels a sudden chill in the room, as if someone has pulled a sharpened wooden stake from the lifeless heart of Wally McNasty, and ….. naw …. Probably just a semantic coincidence …..).
For some strange reason, all of a sudden I feel the need to buy LOTS of garlic …. 
…. perhaps a touch of Covid-19 going around, no more.

Peter, picture two fruit trees growing side by side.  One is full of good, edible fruit.  Each piece is desirable to eat. The tree is healthy, with fruit that not only contains nourishment, but healing properties. (Rev 22:1,2)
Next to it is another tree, and lying at its base is fruit that has already fallen, and rotting. Flies and wasps are having a constant feast on its bounty.  On the tree itself, you see fruit turning brown from disease, barely holding on to the branches. True, there may be a handful of specimens that still look good enough to eat; but anyone with common sense would realize that relying on that tree for healing nourishment, would be an act of foolishness.  (Ps 1:1-3)
Which tree would you choose to eat from? 
The first tree represents the word of God in Jesus Christ.  To make it clear, a picture of the Bible might be the appropriate symbol to place next to it.  Better yet, perhaps a drawing of Jesus Christ, who is the tree of life. (Rev 2:7)
The second tree could aptly be named “Beliefs Clarified”, with the appropriate symbol of Wt’s website that you eagerly provide in full color, leaning against the trunk.  Its beauty fades under swarms of flies feasting on rotten fruit.
Leading individuals to the labyrinth of JW org, does not lead them to the tree of life.  Continuously, this “tree” hides its rotten “fruit” by purging old and failed teachings.  Still, if a student of the Bible decided to do a search on specific teachings within the labyrinth, confusion likely will result since some fruit that has turned from disease, still clings to the branches. (2 Pet 2:1-3)
However, most newcomers investigating its fruit, stay close to the entrance of the labyrinth and feast on what looks appetizing and “healthy” to eat, provided through the most recent videos, magazines and books.  One thing that the GB is an expert at, is diverting the attention of their embarrassing past through a sort of "artificial selection", to glorify their past activities in a new shiny up to date offering of fruit. 
“Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they? 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad[aa](“diseased”) tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will recognize them by their fruit.”  Matt 7:15-20
We recognize false prophets by their failed teachings and doctrine of men; yet incredibly, the Wt. has exposed a portion of their rotten fruit for the world to see, while also convincing millions to keep eating from their tree.  They have disguised themselves as servants of righteousness.  2 Cor 11:13-15
If you remainin me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples.  John 15:7-8
Has the GB shown they are true disciples of Christ by the fruit that they bear?
 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”  John 15:16
Do you condemn a person for rejecting the doctrine of men – rotten fruit? Do you, Peter, condemn a person who follows and “eats” from the tree of life?  Rev 2:7 
 
Two Trees, Past and Present
 
 
 
 
 

So very true …. that is why mental “sharpness” includes rejecting all scripture that is quoted out of context, by self aggrandizers who tell you that God is all powerful, but needs THEM … and YOUR money!

I find your comments on this subject to be the most uplifting, and have certainly given me food for thought. Thank you. 
I think others are 'digging too deep' and losing the real meaning behind it all, as you have said. 

BUT,
True Christians would NOT tell lies pretending to know when Armageddon is going to happen.
True Christians would NOT insult and degrade the True Anointed ones.
True Christians would NOT hide Pedophiles in their organization.
True Christians would NOT cast out Victims of Child Sexual Abuse, nor call those children liars.
True Christians would NOT allow people to become collateral damage within their Organization, just to keep the outside of that Org looking 'nice' and 'clean'.
In fact, True Christians wound NOT be Jehovah's Witnesses. 
 
 

This may be in relation to 1 peter 3 : 19 Berean Study Bible ·
18For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, 19in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water.…
Some people may believe that whilst He was 'dead', Yeshua (Jesus) went down in to 'hell' and spoke to  wicked spirits that were in prison there. 
I do not believe this myself. 

I see your point. Yes, the Jews start their week on Sunday under our current calendar. Yom Rishon First Day (Sunday)

I am sure that if you keep it civil and not just use your post to get at the GB, the librarian will not mind.  We will not mind either.  We like to have new thoughts.