Leander H. McNelly

Unfortunately we have seen time after time the watchtower can twist, lied and change things as it suits them, so im sure they can make something up..
And remember the watchtower doesn't need to defend themselves if JWs doesn't know about it.... 😆😆😆

@Witness  the video is (for me anyway) over the top Americanism unfortunately. BUT what he is saying is true. 
We can see how the first sentence of this report starts off.  1. 
Expert Opinion, Holly Folk, Massimo Introvigne, J. Gordon Melton.
1. We have been requested by the law firm of Mr. Shane Brady, representing the “Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Netherlands”, 
Shane Brady, it seems, is/ was in 2007, an "in house Witnesses lawyer and respected 'Bethelite'. and a senior religious leader.... that defended the blood issue in 2007. 
I can't quite understand how this Mr Brady can be be a full time JW living in Bethel / HQ in USA, and at  the same time be part of this Law Firm below. 
https://wghow.ca/partners-associates.htm 

 
Shane H. Brady, J.D.
Partner

Shane received his law degree from Osgoode Law School (Toronto, Ontario) (later converted to J.D.) and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2001. He articled under the tutelage of our eminent founding lawyer, W. Glen How, O.C., Q.C., L.S.M. Few other mentors could have provided the breadth and depth of legal education. Shane has done trial and appellate work in civil, family, constitutional, and criminal law.
Shane has advocated for mature minors' rights to make their own medical treatment decisions. He was the primary lawyer in a case from the provincial trial court to the Supreme Court of Canada, resulting in the seminal decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in AC v Manitoba (Director of Child and Family Services), 2009 SCC 30, [2009] 2 SCR 181.
Currently Shane specializes in international human rights work in the European Court of Human Rights, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the United Nations Human Rights Committee, representing clients in both European and post-Soviet countries. 
So is he only representing JWs ? 
 So it was this Mr Brady, JW leader, Lawyer, currently specialising in human rights, that hired the EXPERT OPINION report, using a man, Massimo Introvigne  that writes about satanism and From 2008 to 2016 he has served as vice-president of the Catholic movement Alleanza Cattolica
 Massimo Introvigne is also known to :-  
 he advocates doctrinaire positions that favour groups like Scientology.   Sorry the writing is a mess, it's grabbing quote that don't want to fit together.   But, oh dear, the GB and their lawyers seem to have a lot to answer for. I honestly wonder how God and Christ feel about it all. What is Jesus feeling right now, that he actually died for this mess ?             

The JW Org / Watchtower Soc' / GB  are No part of the world ? 
They seem to be digging themselves deeper into the world every day. Obviously NOT guided by God's holy spirit. 
The plot thickens, but they cannot have God's approval at all, on this and many other matters. 
Is Almighty God bringing it all to a head ?
Is Jesus Christ showing the world how wicked the GB and it's Org are ?
Come on JWs lets hear your defence of this one 

Ohhhh this is Gold.... Massimo Introvigne is also the director of Transylvania society of Dracula...
Cant read about Dracula's book but happy to hire him to write something possitive for the society... 😆😆😆
Nice one

JWs will probably love to know he wrote this book. 😂
 
 
 
I wonder how much ice cream money went into this and who decided to spend it thus instead of saving someone from dying in agony...
A report like this is easy to purchase. The authors have no morals or credibility and the 'report' was built off a set of required talking points provided by the watchtower. The very fact that they spent an massive pile of ice cream money on something completely non-binding means they are mortified of the possibility that the Dutch report will cause a massive Exodus.
He was even interviewed by JW.ORG and you can download the video here:

https://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/russia/dr-massimo-introvigne-interview/
Here is a PDF as another source
All they had to do was use one of their own college educated scholars to write on their behalf! Oh wait...

I have always wondered why Jesus said, “foxes have dens”, in particular.  It reminds me of Luke 13:31,32 when he called Herod a “fox”. 
At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 
So, Herod sent the Pharisees, and their response was pretty devious, as if they had some concern for Jesus’ life.  A fox is cunning, and it seems to be a cunning move shared between Herod and the Pharisees. 
“foxes have dens”…much like false messiahs meet in their “inner rooms” - their dens.
 “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
26 “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.  Matt 24:24-26
 
 
 

The scores of branch office buildings, hundreds of Assembly Halls, and tens of thousands of Kingdom Halls around the world provide tangible proof that God’s Kingdom is real and is now ruling."
The GB and JW congregants need to see physical things, because they have no real faith in God, Christ or holy spirit. They are physical 'men'.
1 Corinthians 2 v 14  (NWT.)
 " But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. "
How very true this is. So the GB & Co replace it with physical things. Large buildings, Offices, books, magazines, 'carts', and the buying and selling of real estate. 
Jesus didn't even have a 'place to lay his head'. Luke 9 v 58
But Jesus said to him: “Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.

https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/end-times-prophecy-sign/
In describing what things will take place as visible "sign" of "conclusion" (in 70 CE) Gospels counting many events and conditions in the interaction inside society, among the people. Christians in the 1st century didn't build headquarter, branch offices, KH etc, what would be as a proof of God's blessings and proof that King is ruling in his Kingdom.  If apostles in 1st century was same as today GB, and vice versa, than it would be "normal" to expect same pattern of behavior, actions, plans, organizational instructions, doctrines, material programs, money principles, donation systems, building programs etc. in both period of time. That would be "proof" how 1st century GB and 20th century GB was run, guide by same power of God who do not change.
It was very well established  on this Forum how Jesus became King in the year 33 CE and had his Kingdom. In fact, He was The Kingdom on Earth not only in the midst of his disciples, (is "within you"), but also in the midst of his enemies. Obviously, 1st century disciples didn't need same sort of material "proofs" aka buildings for this, as WT publications want to show nowadays Christians how this sort of "proof" is exactly what they need today to "see".
Even in WT picture above, accent is on worlds conditions and people's deeds (and all are in context of evil). 

This requires putting one’s faith/treasure in men, riches, and what they can accomplish with it, and not putting faith in the power of Holy Spirit.
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:33,34
8 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen”  Matt 28:18-20
It doesn't take "tangible proof" to know God's will is accomplished. Isn't the Father and Jesus Christ powerful enough to make sure it's done without the use of the world's riches? 
Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  John 20:29
The meaning of Christ's words have not changed. He spoke against materialism.  Your leaders highlight materialism.  Men can interpret Jesus' words, who have no Holy Spirit within their heart, to be influential in deceiving others that they are following God's way.  I remember when becoming a JW, that Catholics were slammed for their churches and great accomplishments in building feats throughout the world.  I tried hard to convince others that the WT was God's organization, and not part of the world.  I desired to believe it was somehow "different".  As is more evident, all the WT strives to do, is appear to be a rival in the world's accomplishments, as it made note of, when revealing its plan to build a mega media center.  Now, there are two planned, which only will lead to more.  It is no different than the Catholic Church.  
 
 
 
 

"The scores of branch office buildings, hundreds of Assembly Halls, and tens of thousands of Kingdom Halls around the world provide tangible proof that God’s Kingdom is real and is now ruling." - https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/gods-kingdom/support/building-work-honors-jehovah/
This same words was told by GB Helper Alex Reinmueller on JW TV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzgfCMcOhM4&feature=em-uploademail  in 32:31 of this video.
Where in Bible and in Jesus' words you can find confirmation how construction program and buildings will be tangible proof about God's Kingdom reality on Earth?
Does Watchtower's worldwide possession of  properties, real estate (buildings) is part of "sign" of the Last Days ?
 
 

Yes, I agree, Jesus our Master and Lord expects that we increase his belongings here on earth. And different disciples of Jesus are able to do that in different measures. And that is okey, as long we do our best. A bad thing would be to know Jesus and God and never talk about that to anybody. That would really amount to burying the mina.
We can have a lot to do in the Lord's work in different ways. After the territories have been worked out where we live, we have to find other productive ways to increase Jesus' belongings here on earth. Some few are able to move to a place where it has not been preached. But if you are not among them, then you can in a balanced way witness about Jesus informally to people you are aquinted with. Just a little not to annoy them. Personally I have done that a regularly. I have tried to find interest, but nobody has taken it seriously.
Then there is apostle Paul's recommendation to have children. Every believing child will add to Jesus' belongings on earth.
1 Timothy 5:14 Therefore, I desire the younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage a household, to give no opportunity to the opposer to criticize.
1 Timothy 2:14 Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and became a transgressor. 15  However, she will be kept safe through childbearing, provided she continues in faith and love and holiness along with soundness of mind.
Yes, that is a way to make disciples. I have because of that 5 children. 4 still living with us and the youngest is 7 years old. I try to make disciples to Jesus out of them. 
An other way is to make the congregation grow spiritually. There is surely a lot of work to do for everyone. And most important is to make personal spiritual growth, and as a by-product we will be much more productive in making spiritual growth around us. 
Then there is a possibility to contribute to a spiritual growth on the internet.
Also contributing funds to spiritual things furthers spiritual growth on earth. 
And we should believe in the power of prayer. We can contribute to spiritual growth by praying that it would happen more abundantly. I think that will give more work for angels.
So, there is very much we can do to cause spiritual growth without doing unproductive door-to-door witnessing in places where people are already familiar with us and not interested in serving God.
If we feel that we have little to do in the Lord's work, then we should pray to Jehovah God in the name of Jesus about that. And I am sure Jehovah will through Jesus find for us ways to be productive in causing spiritual growth on earth, to increase the mina. About that we can pray everyday, so that we get constantly productive work to do in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.

It's a way of controlling people. And the monthly reports are proof of the control that the GB etc, have over the congregants. Quite funny though that the message preached this year may be seen as 'old light' and a different message preached next year.  

@Srecko Sostar   The GB show up their own stupidity more and more each day.
They certainly show that they do NOT have the guidance of God's holy spirit. 
@Anna said "In other words; Satan, by his action, deprived all humans of God's protective power when it comes to the elements, and over other things too."  
Do you really know how stupid that sounds ?  Have you really though it through ? 
You are saying that Satan had / has control of God.  Truth is that God decides who He will protect and when.  
My oh my, JWs get worse. 
 

It might seem plain to you. But I am not one of the anointed. At this point, this is a proposition to discuss amongst ourselves in this forum. Arauna has just as much right to her beliefs as I do. I'm sure the GB have seen these arguments before, and they have their reasons for continuing to read things differently. 

I kinda worry about Arauna, seriously. She seems to be looking for a sign when as already mentioned there will be no sign.  We do not know the day or the hour. Like a thief in the night. Isn't that plain to read ? 
Why look for a sign when one is not needed ? It seems to show a 'physical man' approach, not a 'spiritual man' 
Do you think women cannot be of the Anointed then ? 
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Of course you will, you're a story teller, it's your job. 

@JW Insider  It looks to me, in your last comment, that you are saying that the GB and JW Org teach false teachings by misusing scriptures.  They teach 'Signs of the times' which in truth are not signs of the times, but are things NOT TO USE as signs of the times.  Most JW congregants it would seem, believe that they ARE signs of the times, BECAUSE that is JW teachings.
Quoting from your above comment. 
" But no one should be able to excite us with the idea that the day of the Lord is already here. (Yet, we have claimed that the day of the Lord already started, in 1914.)
This is why the idea of a Governing Body believing they are the embodiment of the Faithful Slave can be so dangerous.
Should also note that the Watchtower publications teach us that Kingdom was BORN in 1914, so all these birth pangs should have been in the years leading up to 1914.
That's supposed to be 1914. So we have the birth pangs starting after the child is born. "
I've said that I would not go door to door to teach lies. And I would not advise people to have a 'Bible Study' as it is not a true BIBLE study, but it is a book study, from a JW publication. What you have shown above proves my point exactly. 
@TrueTomHarley says he does the preaching work of God. But if he teaches from W/t publications and does a study from a JW publication it will have the lies / mistakes you have mentioned. 
SO, is it better to preach lies, or not to preach at all, until one knows truth. 
I know that I'm harsh. Jesus was also harsh. The things he called those Pharisees and other Jewish religious leaders. Whitewashed graves, hypocrites, sons of Vipers ? John 8 v  4  ( Jesus said )
 You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father
So, although i do not compare myself to Jesus, I do think i have good reason to be harsh. I am looking for truth. 

I just wrote  (and lost) a long answer which demonstrated how in the entire US civil war just over 640,000 were killed -  not millions. Another war in which in one day 3000 persons were killed in 1838...... in which guns were used in fierce battle. 
Only with godly intervention there were millions upon millions killed.  Only after 1914 do we see unprecedented numbers of persons  killed in one day..which fits the horses of Revelation....... the front horse being a crowned king.
Just read Matt 24 again and see the sequence of events in Jesus' time and today as well.  Some here have taken it out of sequence and context.  I wrote a paragraph about the constant wars and how Titus came back in 70CE - lost this too! 
Today we have similar signs. I read today how the Beidou  positioning and surveillance satelite system will take over the world by the alliance between Russia and China (with UN approval ) which will give them more navigational power (even underwater) than USA. Google is cooperating.  
After June 2020 the world will start to change and you will see what I have been talking about.  The signs are already here. When the thief will break in, we do not know.
My eyes are weak and my fingers bad..... so I say goodbye.  
I will go and give ideas to those who want to hear.  Not those who think they are superior to JWs or secular in their thinking.  I have to use my eyes on more worthy pursuits. 
I know what is going on in the world but my thinking is not worldly. I have not been compromised by secularism.

Quote @TrueTomHarley  "These types of comments from you are so frequent that it seems clear to me you are someone who wants to be told what to do—by a “true anointed,” of course—but you do want to be told what to do. "
Coming from a man that asks if he is allowed to use blood fractions. Is it legitimate ? He asks. 
Well Tom it seems to be you that want to be given instructions from men.  
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You are so naive  @Arauna .  Can you seriously not see that your GB are the ones forming an elite group.
It is they that claim they, only those 8 men, are the F&DS. It is they that tell other Anointed not to gather together to study God's Word.
Why would your GB tell the body of Christ not to gather together, to upbuild one another ? 
As for singling out the rich man. Anyone that supports the GB are in fact then 'singling out the rich man', by putting the GB above other Anointed. 

@Arauna  wrore: "If they were truly anointed they would not want to single themselves out and get their own following.  True humility does not mean you create your own club."
But according to Jesus it should not be a problem for anointed to privately study the bible without WT guidance. Jesus promised that he would be with them.
Matthew 18:19 Again I tell you truly, if two of you on earth agree concerning anything of importance that they should request, it will take place for them on account of my Father in heaven.+20  For where there are two or three gathered together in my name,+ there I am in their midst.”

Your whole idea of another 10 years is irrelevant. Jesus was telling them that in the time period between the question and the fulfillment (turned out to be about 34 to 37 years) that it would be too late to try to prepare based on a sign. They should not start getting all excited about a war here, or a war there, an earthquake here or there, or a famine here or there, and to think that these might be signs of the END. So many of these things, even GREAT earthquakes, for example, might scare them half to death, might even kill some of them. But, stiil, they should not get all excited or alarmed into thinking it's a sign of the END, because there will be no sign of the end. At least not until it's too late to prepare, when the "strikingly visible" sign is already obvious in the skies -- and it's immediately after that point when the end of the age (synteleia of the aion) is upon them. 
The application for the end of that age was pretty obvious, that it would NOT be heralded by signs. And the application for the end of this age should be just as obvious, that it would NOT be heralded by signs. No one should get excited even by a publication from an apostle or an angel, that the end is near due to some sign someone thinks they are seeing. Because it could come at any time as a surprise. It needs no signs. There are certain things expected to happen that we shouldn't get too excited about, and wars, earthquakes are included. Even a letter from an apostle saying the end is upon us, should not get us too excited or alarmed that the end is upon us.
There have already been many times in history when Christians were killed by earthquakes, wars, and persecutions, and it was not a time to go off into the mountains to start waiting. Remember what Paul said:
(1 Thessalonians 5:1, 2) . . .Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night.
(2 Thessalonians 1:7-2:3)  But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9 These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, 10 at the time when he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones and to be regarded in that day with wonder among all those who exercised faith, because the witness we gave met with faith among you. 11 To that very end we always pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling and with his power perform completely all the good that he pleases and every work of faith. 12 This is so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in union with him, according to the undeserved kindness of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 However, brothers, concerning the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you 2 not to be quickly shaken from your reason nor to be alarmed either by an inspired statement or by a spoken message or by a letter appearing to be from us, to the effect that the day of Jehovah is here. 3 Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction.
(2 Peter 3:10-12) 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. 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12 as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat!
Translating 2 Peter 3 and 2 Thess 2:2 as "day of Jehovah" instead of "day of the Lord" has resulted in a conflict that produces some confusion to explain away. Note:
*** w94 2/15 p. 21 par. 24 “Tell Us, When Will These Things Be?” ***
That day of Jehovah, when he executes vengeance, will come as a grand finale to the conclusion of the system of things that has marked the day of the Lord Jesus from 1914 onward.
We now have TWO different "days of the Lord." (There was no evidence that the word "Lord" in 2 Peter 3:12 should have been changed to "Jehovah." This is especially true of 2 Thess 2:2 where the context identified that day of the Lord, as the "the revelation of the Lord Jesus." ) Worse than that, it gives us TWO different "parousias." One "parousia" starts in 1914, and the "parousia of the day of Jehovah" in 2 Peter 3:12 hasn't started yet.
Notice that the day of the Lord, his presence, is the time when the heavens are destroyed and the elements will melt. In other words, it's a time of unmistakable destruction of the age. It's also the time when the living holy ones are taken up and the time when those holy ones who had died are taken up.
Also, these writings indicate that the apostles took Jesus words to mean that the end of the entire world system (age) would come as a thief just like the end of the Jewish age. But no one should be able to excite us with the idea that the day of the Lord is already here. (Yet, we have claimed that the day of the Lord already started, in 1914.) If it were already here it would be too late to prepare. Thus Christians are always prepared so they are not overtaken. We should never try to prepare based on a sign someone claims is already upon us. Jesus knew that this produces a kind of false Christianity and even the temptation to "lord it over" one another because we can imagine that we live in a time when "the Master is delaying" and we think that we should be something MORE than just a servant who continues to do things the way we did when the Master was here with us.
This is why the idea of a Governing Body believing they are the embodiment of the Faithful Slave can be so dangerous. It can be the same as falling into the temptation to say "my master is delaying" and try to become a "leader" or "rabbi" who can claim they know things that Jesus never claimed. If it was never OK to try to set oneself up as a leader or rabbi when Jesus was on earth, then why would it be OK to do that when he is "delaying."
 
Should also note that the Watchtower publications teach us that Kingdom was BORN in 1914, so all these birth pangs should have been in the years leading up to 1914.
(Revelation 12:1, 2) 12 Then a great sign was seen in heaven: A woman was arrayed with the sun, and the moon was beneath her feet, and on her head was a crown of 12 stars, 2 and she was pregnant. And she was crying out in her pains and in her agony to give birth.
That's supposed to be 1914. So we have the birth pangs starting after the child is born.

Quote @TrueTomHarley " not to mention the most clever book interpreting the Book of Revelation, with connections too compelling not to take to heart. "
Which could NOT be the Revelation book by JW Org because they said it basically wasn't all true, in fact it probably had mistakes in..
In 2016 ? Watchtower announced the discontinuation of multiple publications which were key doctrinal guidebooks for Witnesses, including the “Creation” book, the “Isaiah” books, and the infamous “Revelation” book. 
I think we were brainwashed into studying this book THREE times. Repetition for emphasis maybe, or just make them read over and over then they will HAVE TO believe it. Even though they didn't believe it all themselves and basically said so. 
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 Quote @JW Insider " But these do NOT mean the END. If anything, these things will just be a BEGINNING, as things might get worse and worse between now and then. "
Just the beginning ? Matt 24 v 8  All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress. or  ' pangs of Birth' as the Interlinear reads.
Beginning of pangs of birth, just the beginning. 
So then maybe my idea of another 10 years is not so silly after all.  

I think it's pretty obvious the world "changed" because of WWI around 1914 to 1918. Many things changed for the better and many things changed for the worse. Historians always look for, and try to explain certain historical turning points to mark off which eras of history their specific chapters will cover, and sometimes the eras that their entire books will cover. A book on US history, for example, will nearly always cover the colonial period up to 1776 (the War), then from that war up to 1861 (the War), then from that war up until 1914-1918 (the War), then from that war up until WWII, then from that war up until the Vietnam War, Iraq, etc.
Therefore it should not be hard to find as many quotes about 1914 as there are books about historical periods that touch on WWI. And all of them should defend how this era marked a change. When writers talk about the "Civil War" in the US, they often discuss how it was the first war where technology (aircraft/balloons, submarines, iron battleships, Gattling guns) REALLY began to replace hand-to-hand combat (although arrows, canons, firearms and dynamite) had similar effects on war for many years before.
Still, you can't argue against the fact that these technologies had their first major effects around the world until around WWI, just as historians will argue the first major effects of nuclear technology around WWII.
It is no surprise then that --when looking for a sign-- that people are going to do exactly what Jesus said they would do. In Matthew 24, Jesus said that people would be looking at war and earthquakes and famines and pestilence and MISTAKING these things for signs. In fact, C.T.Russell appeared to be exactly correct when he indicated that such things would NOT be signs, but would be the kinds of things that people have suffered for these past 18 centuries (now nearly 20 centuries) since Jesus told us not to be FOOLED into thinking such things are signs.
Jesus' warning about the kinds of things we should not get fooled by, seems ever more apt now that technology has brought war and rumors of war to nearly every continent on earth.
But we should also note how, in trying to prove 1914, we are so "happy" that there was a great war in that year, that we have been very sloppy about how we read Matthew 24, and we give not a thought to the idea that Russell and many other Bible commentaries indicated. 
Also, we have to admit, what would be happening right now if the Watchtower had KEPT the dates 1915, 1918, or 1925 as the replacement dates for events once predicted in 1914  that failed to come true. Only after all those other dates also failed for the events expected for 1914, the Watchtower turned back all its emphasis on 1914 again, emphasizing the "war" part of the sign. But if it hadn't gone back to that date for the "sign" it's easy to realize that we would right now be arguing for why things actually changed in the world in 1918, for example, and we (Witnesses) would be arguing against 1914. We might even be talking about how all those secular historians were wrong and blinded by their constant quotes about 1914, when persons with eyes of faith realized that the Bible had pointed to 1918 all along. (We might even make fun of them for how they had truly missed the sign in Matthew that was so obvious when it was 1918 that saw both WAR, and FAMINE, and PESTILENCE (Spanish Influenza) and an 8.3 EARTHQUAKE in the Philippines, just months after an 8.5 in Samoa and just months before an 8.1 in Tonga.)
And if the false chronology we depended on for 1914 had been seen in advance to give us 1934 or 1944 or 1954, you can be sure that we would be now be arguing for those years instead.
But of course a focus on 1918 (or 1954) would be just another way to ignore Jesus' warning about being misled. It is because 1914 was a really truly pivotal date in modern history that we have been so easily misled. It's the very reason we have usually ignored Jesus' warning not to be misled when we see wars, earthquakes, pestilence, persecution, etc.
We forget that Jesus' disciples asked him for a sign so they would know WHEN the impending judgment day on Jerusalem's temple would be ABOUT to occur. (Not as a sign to know when something had invisibly occurred in the past.)
Jesus' answer indicated that impostors and false prophets would be going around declaring that a sign had already occurred and he indicated that people might mistakenly point to wars, earthquakes, and famines as their evidence. People might say they know it happened even though it was invisible to the people they were trying to convince, claiming Jesus had returned to an inner room somewhere, or it was over here, or over there. But Jesus said that it would be easy to know that these people were wrong because the parousia/synteleia (judgment day) would be as unmistakable as a lightning strike that instantly crosses from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth. There would be no advance warning signs, because it had to come as a thief in the night. Thieves don't give advance warning signs. Only after it was too late to prepare, THEN THE SIGN WOULD APPEAR IN THE HEAVENS. 

Quote @Anna  "Many JW's don't think beyond what is black and white, and need everything not only served up, but already digested." 
Yes, this is why the GB and Writing Dept' et al are so dangerous. Because JW boots on the ground have stopped thinking and just serve the GB and It's Org. You seem to admit it but when I put it in words you they deny it. You are kinda funny Anna.  
Quote "This is why many, like you, are under the wrong impression that the GB are supposed to make no mistakes, and cannot be questioned. "
In my opinion, if God through Christ was guiding the GB then the GB would get things right. Why? Well firstly, it seems that in the  eyes of the GB et al, Armageddon is 'so close'.  So there is no time to loose. The preaching work and the congregation should therefore be spot on / almost perfect, so as not to stumble anyone. Why? Because it is PEOPLE'S LIVES AT RISK. It would seem that JW teaching is that if a person dies at Armageddon they do not get a second chance. Hence if a person is stumbled by GB /JW Org teachings, or by Elders in congregations then Luke 17 v 1 & 2 comes into play.
 Then he said to his disciples: “It is unavoidable that causes for stumbling should come. Nevertheless, woe to the one through whom they come! 2  It would be more advantageous for him if a millstone were hung from his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to stumble one of these little ones.
Secondly. You know what would happen if a congregant started questioning the GB's 'guidance'. If a congregant started talking to others in their congregation, suggesting that the GB were giving false information. The said person would firstly be warned, secondly be disfellowshipped for 'causing a division in the congregation'. 
So how does one 'question the GB' ? Would they give me a personal invitation to visit them to question them ? I think not. (Apart from which i could never afford the air fare anyway).  I am talking about questioning the GB not writing to Bethel, as the later does no good at all. 
Quote " What do you think the identifying mark of these "real anointed" is? "
Zechariah 8 v 23
“This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘In those days ten men out of all the languages of the nationsj will take hold, yes, they will take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: “We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.”
So how will those 'ten men' know exactly who that 'Jew' is ?  
Quote "The anointed of those days were baptized with holy spirit, the HS helped them to speak languages they never knew before, it helped them to perform miracles. All that was finished and done when the last of them died, and wasn't going to happen again."
Are you sure it won't happen again ? Are not the Anointed today 'baptised' with Holy Spirit ? Are they not inspired of God ? How then, in fact, do they know they are the Anointed ?  You of little faith.
BUT your GB treads them down. Your GB slyly suggests that they might be 'mentally ill' and then to those that are Anointed it tells them they do not need to contact each other or to study God's word together.
Why would your GB do that ? Why would your GB say that only they, those 8 men, are the F&DS ? 
Would not truly anointed ones actually want to meet together ? Would not a true F&DS want to gather all the Anointed (via internet / telephone / letter / etc) so as to confer / discuss / build up and share thoughts and blessings from God through Christ ? 
Quote Anna " b4ucuhear hit the nail on the head when he said regarding those taking the lead: "
So I'll quote him " Also, that way we won't be stumbled when Jesus apparently gets dates and teachings wrong and has to back-track on what he directed/controlled before.
You think JESUS gets it wrong ? Seriously ?  So now you are prepared to blame Jesus for the faults of your GB.
No hope it seems for those that put the GB and JW Org above God and Christ. 
Have a good day Anna. 
 
 

The “war” began in Genesis:
And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”  Gen 3:15
Jesus has been ruling since the first century.  To say he hasn’t, reflects a greater perceived power to be attributed to Satan, than to Christ.  And who would mislead us with the lie that Jesus’ power was inert until 1914, if not Satan and his ministers? 2 Cor 11:12-15  Who can manipulate the world’s actions to create a counterfeit fulfillment of scripture, misleading God’s people in this war of truth against lies?  Satan is the master of deceit!  1 John 5:19; Matt 24:24; Luke 21:8; 2 Cor 11:3,4; Col 2:8; 2 Thess 2:3,9; Rev 16:13,14
 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”  Matt 28:18 
“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”  Mar 16:19 
The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!  Ps 110:1,2 
For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 1 Cor 15:25
Fabrication. Zion includes the “144,000”. 
“The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!”  Ps 110:2
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels”  Heb 12:22
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”   Phil 3:20,21 
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”  Eph 6:10-17 
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”  2 Cor 10:3-5
“by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left”  2 Cor 6:7
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”  Rom 13:12
 
These early priests of God were standing with Christ in this war, during their physical life time and in Spirit once they died.  Each faithful anointed in Christ since, has fought the same war during their fleshly time on the earth and once in heaven. 
“If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.”  2 Tim 2:12