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Pearl Doxsey -
(1 Corinthians 14:34)... "let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but let them be in subjection, even as the Law says"
Paul had been a teacher of this "Law" that he was referring to (Acts23:6). This was the Jewish Law, which viewed woman as lower class, untouchable, and as unclean.
Christ abolished this practice (Rom.4:14; Eph.2:15,16; Matt.9:20,21,22), as we will see.At Gal.2:21; 3:1-2 Paul stated...
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the law based in the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
(see also Col.2:14,20; Eph.2:15)Take note of how he introduces Phoebe:
Rom.16:1,2:
"I recommend to YOU Phoe′be our sister, who is a minister of the congregation that is in Cen′chre‧ae, 2 that YOU may welcome her in [the] Lord in a way worthy of the holy ones, and that YOU may assist her in any matter where she may need YOU, for she herself also proved to be a defender of many, yes, of me myself".
And what Paul said here...
1 Cor. 11:4 "Every man that prays or prophesies having something on his head shames his head; 5 but every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered shames her head"...clearly reveals his realization that women can prophesy.
This is confirmed, at Acts 21:8-9.
Why the change in Paul's teaching about women?
Regarding whether the new Christian congregation continued to practice the Law, this gradually faded and those who continued to observe it, were corrected.
Heb.8:7,6,13 states:
(7) "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah (6) But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. (13) By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear."
So the time came for the Law to "disappear", which was at Pentecost (please noteActs1:4-5; 1:8-9; 2:1-4,14-18), when both men and women received the Holy Spirit under the New Covenant, and they were enabled to prophesy, speak, and teach. The Law, was then finished.
Even while the Jewish Nation was still under Law, note some accounts of women who were prophets:
(Luke 2:36,37,38) Now there was Anna a prophetess, Phan′u‧el’s daughter, of Ash′er’s tribe (this woman was well along in years, and had lived with a husband for seven years from her virginity, 37 and she was a widow now eighty-four years old), who was never missing from the temple, rendering sacred service night and day with fastings and supplications. 38 And in that very hour she came near and began returning thanks to God and speaking about [the child] to all those waiting for Jerusalem’s deliverance".
Judges 4:4:
"Now Deb′o‧rah, a prophetess, the wife of Lap′pi‧doth, was judging Israel at that particular time....
and the sons of Israel would go up to her for judgment".2Kings 22:14-20:
"Accordingly Hil‧ki′ah the priest and A‧hi′kam and Ach′bor and Sha′phan and A‧sai′ahwent to Hul′dah the prophetess the wife of Shal′lum the son of Tik′vah the son of Har′has, the caretaker of the garments, as she was dwelling in Jerusalem in the second quarter; and they proceeded to speak to her. 15 In turn she said to them: “This is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said, ‘Say to the man that has sent YOU men to me: 16 “This is what Jehovah has said, ‘Here I am bringing calamity upon this place and upon its inhabitants, even all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read; 17 due to the fact that they have left me and have gone making sacrificial smoke to other gods in order to offend me with all the work of their hands, and my rage has been set afire against this place and will not be extinguished.’”’
18 And as to the king of Judah who is sending YOU to inquire of Jehovah, this is what YOU should say to him, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said: “As regards the words that you have heard, 19 for the reason that your heart was soft so that you humbled yourself because of Jehovah at your hearing what I have spoken against this place and its inhabitants [for it] to become an object of astonishment and a malediction, and then you ripped your garments apart and began weeping before me, I, even I, have heard,” is the utterance of Jehovah. 20 “That is why here I am gathering you to your forefathers, and you will certainly be gathered to your own graveyard in peace, and your eyes will not look upon all the calamity that I am bringing upon this place.”’” And they proceeded to bring the king the reply.".2Chron.34:22 "Accordingly Hil‧ki′ah along with those whom the king [had said] went to Hul′dah the prophetess, the wife of Shal′lum the son of Tik′vah the son of Har′has the caretaker of the garments, as she was dwelling in Jerusalem in the second quarter; and they proceeded to speak to her like this. 23 In turn she said to them:...".
Side point:Interestingly, the name Huldah (meaning mole-rat), and deborah (meaning bee) are both creatures who belong to social structures called, eusociality.
According to Wikipedia:
Eusociality (Greek eu: "good/real" + "social") is a term used for the highest level of social organization in a hierarchical classification.
Examples
"The most familiar examples are social insects such as ants, bees, and wasps (order Hymenoptera), as well as termites (order Isoptera), all with reproductive queens and more or less sterile workers and/or soldiers. The only mammalian examples are the naked mole rat and the Damaraland mole rat.[2]
Eusociality with biologically sterile individuals represents the most extreme form of kin selection. The analysis of eusociality played a key role in the development of theories in
The phenomenon of reproductive specialization is found in various organisms. It generally involves the production of sterile members of the species, which carry out specialized tasks, effectively caring for the reproductive members. It can manifest in the appearance of individuals within a group whose behavior (and sometimes anatomy) is modified for group defense, including self-sacrificing ("altruism")."
I find it interesting that the names of both prophetesses are derived from eusocial creatures, that have a queen at the pinnacle of its complex social structure.
Let us move forward in time to the example of Christ.
Jesus corrected and defied this practice of spurning women, even doing so with a Samaritan woman. He both spoke to her and touched her, which broke that Law twice. He asked her questions and listened to her answers, also breaking this Law (John 4:7-27). He had women as friends (John 11:5,20), including a former Harlot (Luke 7:36-50). He anointed women, and is still doing so today (1Pet.3:7;Acts 1:14;2:1,2,3,4,18,33).Anointed women are to be among the "two witnesses"; ...anointed that he will "cause" to "prophesy" (Rev.11:3,4,5) during the last days (Acts 2:17; Rev.1:10).
We read at Rev.6:9-11, that both men and women...
["brothers and sisters" - Greek word for brothers and sisters
(adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women,
as part of God’s family; also in Rev.12:10; 19:10.]
..."killed" for giving their testimony. Women cannot testify, if they are silent.Is there other scriptural proof that women can be true prophets?
See Acts 21:8-10 and Acts 2:18...
(Acts 21:9) This man had four daughters, virgins, that prophesied" (Philip)
(Acts 2:18) and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
The "Watchtower" society interprets 1Cor.14:34 as meaning that a sister cannot get up in front of the Congregation and teach the men in the audience, including perhaps her husband. Yet, women were evangelizers and prophets. So they did teach.
Let us consider another scripture which is used to silence women, and remove them from the religious justice system.
(1 Timothy 2:11,12)... "Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. 12 I (not God) do not permit a woman to teach, or to *exercise authority over a man*, but to be in silence."
Paul made a distinction between his own opinion, and one derived from God's Holy Spirit (1Cor.7:40,6,25).When Paul stated;
"Let a woman *learn in silence* with full submissiveness"...
I am inclined to believe that Paul was referring to the Bible's meaning of "woman" covenants, and those taken into them (Gal.4:24,26)...that these are to be silent before the Christ who teaches them (Matt.10:27;Eph.5:23,24; Col.1:18; 1Cor.12:27) This is the meaning of the context of 1Tim.2:12(1Tim.2:13,14,15; Gal.4:19; Rev.12:2; Eph.5:23,24,32) Being "kept safe through childbearing" (1Tim.2:15) is not a reference to literal women in a physical sense, but was a symbolic, spiritual reference (Gal.4:19; Rev.12:1-2; John16:21-22).
Also the submissive virginal "wife" of which Paul speaks as having this spiritual protection, is not physical, but spiritual (2Cor.11:2; Matt.25:1; Rev.21:9).
How might this lack of submissiveness among symbolic "women" (Rev.17:1), be evidenced?
Many anointed ones/Chosen saints, and other ecclesiastical leaders fail in their submission to Christ (John15:4-5,8),
by "speaking up" and teaching things that Christ has not given them (Matt.24:45-48;24:49-51; Rev.14:8; Deut.32:33). These usurp the headship and actual teachings of Christ, in favor of their own contrived tenets (Matt.15:9; Col.2:22; Mark7:13).
Paul was the watchdog of the first century, over this very "wife" (2Cor.11:2-3; 11:13).
This is why he did not permit such impropriety among the "Bride"/"woman" members (Rev.21:2,9; 19:7; 22:17).So, a prophetess (who is not learning from a man, but learning from God) learns in silence. This carries with it the thought that while she is learning, she should not contribute her own thoughts (John16:13). This should apply to male prophets as well, who are also members of this "woman". While silent during learning; .....after she has learned, she can not be silent!.....(we will learn why, below.)
"I do not permit a woman to teach"...
Notice, Paul does not say, "God does not permit", he says. "I do not permit".
"or to *exercise authority over a man*"...
But, she can convey God's message without exercising authority over a man!
By a woman writing what God's Word and spirit incites, men can choose to read and heed, or not (Eze.2:5,7).
What a true prophet offers is not based on *authority over men*, but they give what God directs by spirit. About 350 times, Bible writers wrote the words, "Hear the word of Jehovah". Yet, this message from God, came through the mouths of his prophets and prophetesses.
Neither I, other women, nor even men, have any authority to teach. While a man, even Jesus did not take this authority. (John 7:16). Only YHWH and the glorified Christ have such authority (Rev.5:4,5). They "exercise authority over" all men (Matt.28:18). What they give, we all must teach (1Cor.9:16; Jer.20:9; Matt10:27).One who prophesies (male or female), must preach God's message to all (Acts5:28-29). This can be done in a respectful way that does not neglect the respect men are due (1 Peter 3:15). Men can voluntarily read what a prophetess may write. Remember, a true prophet does not teach from themselves...they only pass on what they are given by God. . Like Christ, they do not speak of their own originality. They speak what God commands and gives. They are only a vessel (Acts9:15; Rom.9:21;1Thess.4:4; 2Tim.2:21). Therefore, it is not them teaching, but God (Matt.10:20).
Should we then take all that any "prophet" says, as from God? No. Any man or woman making that claim, we must scrutinize! Jesus said this scrutiny is vital. He also told us how to do this (Matt.7:15-27; Gal.5:22,23,24,25). Also, any interpretations of prophecy, must be done completely by means of God's Word (Gen.40:8; Rev.22:18,19).Would anointed women have a role in this job of prophesying???
If you look at Gal. 3:28...
(Galatians 3:26,27,28) YOU are all, in fact, sons of God through YOUR faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of YOU who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for YOU are all one [person] in union with Christ Jesus".
We see here that once a woman is a son of God (anointed), baptized into Christ by spirit, she no longer is considered separate from the men (or a lower female) in comparison to her other brothers in Christ. All become "sons" and "brothers" in union with Christ. This pouring out of spirit upon both men and women under the New Covenant, began at Pentecost, as discussed at the outset of this article.
Romans 12:4,5,6 reads:
"For just as we have in one body many members, but the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, although many, are one body in union with Christ, but members belonging individually to one another. 6 Since, then, we have gifts differing according to the undeserved kindness given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the faith proportioned [to us]".
Christ's body is made of both male and female. Each uses whatever gift they are given by spirit.
1Cor. 10:17:
"Because there is one loaf, we, although many, are one body, for we are all partaking of that one loaf."Should a female prophet fail to declare what she has received from God and Christ because of fear of man (as being over her), she would be submitting herself to men rather than to God (Acts5:29; Rom.3:4). No prophecy from God should be silenced to honor men. God is obeyed and honored, foremost (John5:44; Rev.4:11).
Remember what YHWH says:
(Acts 2:18) and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy".
We must prophesy, whether we are female prophets, or male prophets.
We cannot prophesy if we are "silent".
- - - - - - -
(Acts 21:9) This man had four daughters, virgins, that prophesied" (Philip)
(Acts 2:18) and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
(Galatians 3:26,27,28) YOU are all, in fact, sons of God through YOUR faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of YOU who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for YOU are all one [person] in union with Christ Jesus".
----------------PART TWO--------------------
"
A QUESTION:
Jehovah Witness Religion-What is the role of women?
Question: "Can a women lead the congregation in a Kingdom Hall and can she reside over a funeral?"ANSWER:
Hello Jane,
Your question is a bit difficult because it is really asking three things; and the answer to each is different.
In the "Subject", you ask what the role of women is in the "Jehovah's Witness" religion.
Yet your question asks if a woman can lead the Congregation in a Kingdom Hall;
and then, if a woman can preside over a funeral.
I will do my best to give you a thorough answer to all three.
In regards to the religious doctrine of "Jehovah's Witnesses", all baptized women are considered to be in subjection to all baptized men. This means that they can not take the lead in anything within the religion, or within the Kingdom Hall.
The only exception is what is called "taking the lead out in service". According to doctrine, a woman may, if no male is available, cover her head (to show subjection to the males who are not present), and then proceed to make field service arrangements and offer a closing prayer for that gathering.
("Field service arrangements", determine who rides in what car with who, and what territory will be covered.)
Other than that, women do not give "talks" in Kingdom Halls, unless they sit down at a table and put the information in "demonstration" format...a dramatization...a pretend scenario. In this way, it can be construed that she is not really "teaching" the men in her audience.
Of course to anyone who has thinking ability, this is hypocrisy.
I hope this addresses your first question.
As regards the covering of the woman's head to show subjection..."Jehovah's Witnesses" claim that all women are under subjection to all baptized men, and they must display this subjection in order to give the angels in heaven a good example. They base this doctrine upon 1Cor11:1-16:
1"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.
3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.
5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.
6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.
8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man.
9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.
10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.
12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.
13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her[a] for a covering.
16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.
I hope that you will let this scripture, upon which "Jehovah's Witnesses" rest this doctrine, to teach you what God's Word actually says in comparison to this doctrine.
Take note of verse 5...
"But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved."
There it says that if a woman prays or prophesies uncovered, she dishonors "HER HEAD". This is saying that she need not show subjection to ALL men, but only her personal head, which is her own husband. This is confirmed at Eph.5:22,23,24:
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything."
Therefore, the "head" of each woman, is not ALL baptized men in general, but only her own husband (baptized or not), should she be married.
What about an anointed woman or female anointed prophet? Who is her head?
Anointed (male or female) have one head...Christ. (Eph.1:22; 5:23; Col.1:18; 2:19)
Anointed are told to put their marriage behind their calling (1Cor.7:29).
Note too, that the praying and prophesying a woman may do in verse 5, is public.
This CONTRADICTS the doctrine, which prohibits women from saying public prayers or public teaching in Kingdom Halls.
(This doctrine is hypocritically violated when women preach door-to-door.)
It seems uncovered women are permitted to take the lead teaching publicly when outside the Kingdom Halls (even in the presence of baptized men), but not inside Kingdom Halls. The Bible does not make this distinction of inside or outside buildings.
Verse 15&16 go well together....
This "Witness" doctrine ignores verse 15, which indicates that this "head covering" is the natural hair a woman possesses upon her head.
Verse 16 shows that this subject should not raise "contention". Paul makes clear that if anyone has a problem with this show of subjection as already cared for by nature itself, that the true churches of God have no such custom of requiring more. This he says to counteract the excessive demands of the Jewish law...which DID require a woman to cover her head in excess of her hair.
We see that "Jehovah's Witnesses" are doing no better than the Jews, in going beyond what is written (Acts15:28,29; 1Cor.4:6; Matt.23:4; Isa.28:10).
Finally, verse 10 reads:
"For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels."
The "Witnesses" assume that this is speaking of the angelic spirits in heaven. They assume that these angels are lower than mortal women, in that women set a teaching example to these mighty Sons of God.
According to the Bible, the PERFECT MAN Christ, was made a little LOWER than the heavenly angels (Psalm8:5; Heb.2:7; Phil.2:7). Now from a perfect man...we must take a BIG step down a notch to go to IMPERFECT SINFUL MAN....and then step down another notch from man to woman. We are told of perfect EVE, that unlike Adam, she was thoroughly deceived (1Tim.2:14). Are we to reason that imperfect women today are really a teaching example to the mighty perfect Sons of God in Heaven???
Let's see what this verse really means.
1Cor.11:10:
"For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels."
The symbolism Paul refers to, can be found if we return once again to Eph.5:22,23,24; only this time lets look at what a woman's subjection to her own husband is compared to...
Verse 23&24 read:
23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything."
Did you notice the comparison to Christ and the "Congregation"?
How does the subjection of the anointed "Congregation" (Christ's own wife/body) compare to "angels"? (1Cor.12:27,28; 1Cor.3:16)
It is a fact, according to the Bible, that the "New Creation" of anointed (Christ's wife), are called "angels".
In order for these "angels" ("Greek" for "messenger")...to prove faithful and be sealed, they must remain in union and subjection to the "head" Christ, as his body. (Matt.22:30; Heb.1:6,7; 1John2:28; 1Cor.6:15; Rev.1:20; 2:8,12, etc.) It is in regards to THESE angels, that Paul makes reference to women showing subjection. A woman's subjection to her OWN HUSBAND, is a visible example to the anointed body of Christ.
But when you ask, "Can" a woman "reside" over a funeral...I'm not sure if you are asking about the doctrine of Jehovah's witnesses, or the truth of the Bible.
According to "Witness" doctrine, No...once again, due to the imaginary presence of baptized males.
If you would like to read about the role of women in the Bible, please consider “Should Women Teach?” on my blog.
You may learn there, that the Bible expects especially "anointed" women, to work as hard as men in their public teaching. For, in the "body" of Christ, there is "neither male nor female" (Gal.3:28). In that article, you will find the many scriptures that indicate that men and women are equal in God's sight; both in glory and in divine expectations.
This truth helps to answer your question about "residing over a funeral". My relatives are not Christians. Yet, at the death of a relative, I was asked to give a talk in light of my known familiarity with the Bible. I was able to use the occasion to give a fine witness to many people. Imagine God's disapproval if I had declined that opportunity, in favor of an unscriptural constraint through the doctrines of men! (Mark7:13;2Tim.4:2)
(more on 4womaninthewilderness Pearl Doxsey)
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 When King David address the leaders of Jerusalem about his son, Solomon building a temple for the Lord, he offered up this prayer:
“Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all. 1 Chron 29:10b,11,12And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been GIVEN to me in heaven and on earth. Matt 28:18
“For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. Col 2:9,10
"And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the CHURCH WHICH IS HIS BODY, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." Eph 1:22,23
Christ is “King of kings and Lord of Lords”, the one true Head of his kingly priesthood - the Body of Christ and the Temple of God. 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Rev 19:15,16 Revelation is a message to them, recorded by the apostle John. It is a message now unfurled for Christ’s remaining servants on earth, to understand its words, and to take them to heart. Rev 1:1-3   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Pet+2%3A5%2C9%3B+1+Cor+3%3A16%2C17%3B+Rev+19%3A15%2C16%3B+1%3A1-3++&version=NKJV
Jesus calls his servants, “kings of the earth”. Rev 1:4,5; 5:10; 21:24   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+1%3A4%2C5%3B+5%3A10%3B+21%3A24++&version=NKJV
It should be quite clear that these kings in Revelation do not refer to kings and their kingdoms of the world, since the book of Revelation begins by addressing those servants under Christ, showing them what THEY will face before GodÂ’s Kingdom arrives. Yet, the Watchtower will define them when convenient, as the worldÂ’s political rulersÂ…
1. Next, God will turn his attention to the political rulers themselves—“the kings of the entire inhabited earth.” Along with wicked people in general, these will be destroyed in “the war of the great day of God the Almighty,” also called “Armageddon.”—Revelation 16:14, 16. Awake! 11/15 pp. 14,15
2. God’s Kingdom “will crush” all human rulerships, including the seventh world power. Why? All these will refuse to relinquish power and will face off against God in a final great war at a figurative place called Har–Magedon, or Armageddon. The Bible makes clear that this war involves “the kings of the entire inhabited earth.”—Revelation 16:13, 14, 16. Awake! 5/11 pp. 15-18
First off, notice what is missing in the scriptures Watchtower quotes. The missing scripture can help us understand what kings Jesus is really speaking about. In both quotes above, Watchtower has left out Rev 16:15.
Rev 16:13-16:
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the BEAST, and out of the mouth of the FALSE PROPHET 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the KINGS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD, to gather them to the battle of thatÂ
great day of God Almighty.15 “BEHOLD, I AM COMING AS A THIEF. BLESSED IS HE WHO WATCHES, AND KEEPS HIS GARMENTS, LEST HE WALK NAKED AND THEY SEE HIS SHAME.”
16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon."
Would Jesus be addressing all the political human rulers, telling them to keep their “garments” – their identities, as HIS kings? Rev 19:8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+19%3A8&version=NKJV
Notice the accounts in Revelation where Jesus speaks similarly to his “church”/congregations, the Body of Christ. Please see, Rev 3:1-6,11,14, 18-21   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+3%3A1-6%2C11%2C14%2C+18-21+&version=NKJV
You should be able to discern the commonality of the messages given to Christ’s servants, (Rev 1:11; 1 Cor 14:33) asking them not only to be on the watch, but to hold on (to their “garment”), and repent.   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+1%3A11%3B+1+Cor+14%3A33&version=NKJV
The Greek word-for-word breakdown of Rev 16:14 merits looking at.
Scriptures4all translates :THEY-ARE for spirits OF demons DOING SIGNS WHICH-IS-OUT-GOING (“is-going-out”)
ON THE KINGS of-the land (earth)
and of-the beING-HOMED WHOLE
TO-BE-TOGETHER-LEADING (“to be mobilizing”) them
INTO THE BATTLE OF-THE DAY that THE GREAT OF-THE GOD THE ALL-HOLDer (“Almighty”)
The Greek word for “being-homed”, “oikoumen?”, is another key to realizing whether the kings mentioned by the Watchtower are political rulers, or those chosen by God.Â
The same phrase, “all the inhabited earth” is found is Matt 24:14, to whom the good news of the kingdom must be preached. (Matt 10:23)   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+10%3A23&version=NKJVI will quote PEARL DOXSEY from her article, “THE GOOD NEWS”:
"All the inhabited earth"...
[literal Greek "being homed" (John14:23; Rom.8:9; Ps.27:4; 1Cor.3:16; 6:19; Ps.23:6; 26:8; Eph.2:19). Some translate as Matt.24:14 as "world" ("cosmos" in Greek) which is not the Greek word used there)]
The "inhabited home" refers to those who are unsealed, but are God's chosen people. Please read Jer.25:29,30. When God is referring to His whole People, He refers to them as His "filled home"/ translated, "all the inhabited earth". When He performs His will against this group, it is always His people...not Satan's entire "world" which are totally under Satan's control (1John5:19). When Jer.25:29,30 was fulfilled, it was fulfilled only with the Jews...not with the whole world.” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John14%3A23%3B+Rom.8%3A9%3B+Ps.27%3A4%3B+1Cor.3%3A16%3B+6%3A19%3B+Ps.23%3A6%3B+26%3A8%3B+Eph.2%3A19%3B+Matt+24%3A14%3B+Jer+25%3A29%3B1+John+5%3A19&version=NKJVTo be found written in the Book of Life, what do ChristÂ’s kings who are told to hold on to their “garments” at the time of Armageddon, need to overcome? As Revelation 16:13,14 says, it is demonic expressions uttered from the mouth of the false prophet, and the Beast where they are NOW “gathered” together. It is also Satan himself. Rev 13:1,4,6,7; 13:1,11;12:10,11Â
The false prophet/ Beast from the earth, and the Beast from the Sea, work under the resource of deceit, Satan the devil. Please, ask yourself, JWs, why else would the Watchtower leave out Rev 16:15, if not to direct your attention AWAY from the true identities in Rev 16, and where the anointed “kings” reside?   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+13%3A1%2C4%2C6%2C7%3B+13%3A1%2C11%3B12%3A10%2C11++&version=NKJVRevelationÂ’s unfolding message to ChristÂ’s kings exposes the identity of the Wild Beast and False Prophet. In fact, Armageddon is a battle between these kings, who either represent ChristÂ’s truth, coming under him as their Head; or, as is the case with WatchtowerÂ’s leaders, they rebel and have rejected HIS authority, to build and uphold their own false authority over the remnant of these priests/kings found in the Watchtower organization. Among the anointed priests who choose to listen to and confidently obey a false united headship instead of Christ, they will be found “naked” upon ChristÂ’s return. Rev 3:17,18; Rom 8:35; 2 Cor 5:3  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+3%3A17%2C18%3B+Rom+8%3A35%3B+2+Cor+5%3A3&version=NKJVÂ
Watchtower 15/3/15 - “When we LOYALLY OBEY THE ELDERS and other brothers appointed by “the faithful and discreet slave,” we show that we want to help Christ’s brothers."
Should God’s chosen anointed “holy ones” of spiritual “Israel”, hand selected as ministers in the capacity of leaders, teachers, comforters, helpers; built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the chief cornerstone, obey anyone, other than their rightful Head, Jesus Christ? Rom 12:3-8; Rev 7:4; Eph 2:19-22; Rev 2:20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom+12%3A3-8%3B+Rev+7%3A4%3B+Eph+2%3A19-22%3B+Rev+2%3A20&version=NKJV
There is another instance in scripture where the word “thief” relates to the day of the Lord:
“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” 1 Thess 5:1-4Â
(SEE “LABOR PAINS” – 4womaninthewilderness)Jesus stressed to his servant priests to be on the WATCH in Revelation 16:15; 3:3; yet, under the Wild Beast/organization and False Prophet/governing body, his servants believe they are inhabiting a spiritual, peaceful, safe paradise. They no longer feel the need to watch, believing the “day of the Lord” arrived in 1914.
Watchtower 1988/10/5 pp. 10-15 – “This day began in 1914 when Jesus was installed as King of God’s Kingdom. And it will continue right through to the end of the Thousand Year Reign, when Christ will ‘hand over the kingdom to his God and Father.’ (1 Corinthians 15:24) Faithful Christians have looked forward to the Lord’s day for many centuries. Now, it is finally here!”
Hold on a minute. The day of the Lord, does not come until a rebellion occurs and the “man of lawlessness” is revealed. 2 Thess 2:1-4   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thess+2%3A1-4&version=NKJV
“who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thess 2:4
What is the underlying motive of Satan, who inspires a false prophet/Beast of the Earth, and who appears to be faithful to Christ? Rev 13:11 It is to bring the power of the holy ones – God’s Temple priesthood…down to nothing… by utilizing the army/organization it directs. Matt 24:48-51; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:19-22; Dan 12:7; Rev 12:1-4; Rev 13:12   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+13%3A11%3B+Matt+24%3A48-51%3B+1+Pet+2%3A5%2C9%3B+1+Cor+3%3A16%2C17%3B+Eph+2%3A19-22%3B+Dan+12%3A7%3B+Rev+12%3A1-4%3B+Rev+13%3A12++&version=NKJV
This elimination of power did not happen in 1918 as the Watchtower has taught, since it correlates with the existence of the “man of lawlessness”/abomination of desolation found sitting in the Temple/holy priesthood of God. Dan 8:11-13; 12:11 Watchtower twists its identity by referring to the clergy class of Christendom throughout history; calling them “proud, ambitious clergymen” who have “crowned and dethroned kings and emperors”, “dictating to rulers of the world”. This theory has one gaping hole in it. The “man of lawlessness” affects ONLY the anointed kings/priests, who ARE the Temple of God. 2 Thess 2:3,4; Matt 24:15; Rev 11:1-3    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Dan+8%3A11-13%3B+12%3A11%3B+2+Thess+2%3A3%2C4%3B+Matt+24%3A15%3B+Rev+11%3A1-3&version=NKJV
As a recap, Rev. 16:13-16 tells us that “the kings of the inhabited earth”/anointed ones are gathered together for the Great Day of God the Almighty by deceptive means and demonic expressions, carried out by the false prophet/governing body and the Wild Beast/organization.
When we back up to the Watchtower 3/15 quote above, it becomes absolutely clear how the elder body, a “proud, ambitious“ false priesthood, are able to “sit” and “dictate” to these potential rulers of the earth. Picture a school yard bully sitting on the chest of a meek, frail looking boy, eyeing the threatening fist positioned right in front of his face. What is in that fist that the elder body has tucked away? The power given by the false prophet to judge “fellow servants” as spiritually “dead” for their testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev 13:1,7,15;11:7;12:11 It is the Beast of Rev 16:13 at work. This collective system of authority manifested through the elder body is undoubtedly, the “man of lawlessness”.   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+13%3A1%2C7%2C15%3B11%3A7%3B12%3A11%3B+Rev+16%3A13+&version=NKJV
Â
The book of 1 Kings considers the introduction of King SolomonÂ’s reign. Among all of DavidÂ’s sons, God chose Solomon as the next king to sit on the throne. 1 Chron 22:6-10Â Â https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chron+22%3A6-10+&version=NKJV
In steps Adonijah; the half-brother of Solomon, who is determined to usurp the throne.
“Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I WILL BE KING”; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him." 1 Kings 1:5
Nathan the prophet, quickly presented the situation to Bathsheba, who then approached the ailing David. Immediate action was taken to anoint Solomon as king, securing his place as ruler after David. Adonijah made one more deceptive move to usurp the throne, which led to his death. This struggle for headship regardless of God’s choice of King in Christ, is manifested in the governing body’s dominion over the anointed ones of God. They, and their entourage of priests, elders/cavalry are telling you JWs, “I WILL BE KING!” 1 Kings 1:11,12,15-18,32-35; 2:13-25    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+1%3A11%2C12%2C15-18%2C32-35%3B+2%3A13-25+&version=NKJV
The “house” or temple Solomon built for God was a partial fulfillment that later would be realized in Christ. 1 Chron 17:10b-14; Matt 12:42; John 2:19-21 But at the time, God put his name on the temple built by Solomon, blessing it with His Holy Spirit. 1 Kings 5:5;8:29 Has the governing body recognized GodÂ’s true Temple today as the anointed Body of Christ? No. Just as they have rejected Christ as their King and Head, they reject GodÂ’s Temple/priesthood by installing their own false priesthood, the elder body.Â
Additionally, they have put a corrupted form of YHWH’S name on what they have built, by calling it “Jehovah’s organization”.   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chron+17%3A10-14%3B+Matt+12%3A42%3B+John+2%3A19-21%3B+1+Kings+5%3A5%3B8%3A29++&version=NKJVFor those faithful kings of Christ who have overcome the demonic expressions uttered from the mouth of Satan, his synagogue/organization, and false prophets/Beast from the Earth who are now ruling as HIS kings, Revelation says...
“Look! I will make those FROM THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN who say they are Jews yet are not, but are lying—look! I will make them come and bow before your feet and make them know that I have loved you. Because you kept the word about my endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of test, which is to come upon THE ENTIRE INHABITED EARTH (GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE) to put to the test those dwelling on the earth. I am coming quickly. Keep holding fast to what you have, so that no one may take your crown.” Rev 3:9-11 RNWT
“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” Rev 3:12
Do you understand, JWs, that Armageddon is HERE and that the battle between kings is raging NOW? Â
A bit of trivia for all JWs who may be reading this. WatchtowerÂ’s new Headquarters in Warwick, NY has as its address,
1 KINGS DRIVE.
“Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!
For what good is the day of the Lord to you?
It will be darkness, and not light.
It will be as though a man fled from a lion,
And a bear met him!
Or as though he went into the house,
Leaned his hand on the wall,
And a serpent bit him!
Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light?
Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it?” Amos 5:18-20Â
Pearl Doxsey –
“The Fourth Beast/Armageddon”
“Trample, How Does it Happen?”
“Two Beasts”
“The Two Horns”
“Why Jesus Came to Earth/Last World Power over the Chosen Ones/’Iron’ and ‘Clay’”
“Who are the Kings of the Earth?”
4womaninthewilderness
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7 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:
then maybe for modern people and readers of Bible today would be more acceptable that Abraham clearly said those facts, how Sara is his sister and wife...2 in 1 model :))
perhaps after he experienced Sodom and Gomorrah he changed his feelings and thoughts. But yes, in their case he acting nice.
And as you said, many details are unknown.
Thanks
 Â
“I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 8:11
To be in the kingdom at all, Abraham would have reached “perfection” just as his Father and Jesus is perfect, reflecting the same love, and following the same decrees fulfilled in Christ.  Matt 5:43-48  It wouldnÂ’t happen overnight, but his heart was already set initially, to serve God and only God.  Abraham lived 175 years and I can imagine those years guided him into the perfect maturity and worthiness to be called a friend of God, by God himself.   GodÂ’s judgments are righteous, reliable and true. He knows the disposition of the heart, and He knows our abilities and desires much better than even we do. Â
For the GB, though, who believe they will soon reign in heaven, sitting at the same table as Abraham? Oh, my.Â
Gerrit Loesch, governing body member speaks on JW Broadcast, March 2018:Â
“So whom do you trust? You fully trust in Jehovah, Jesus, and the “faithful slave”.Â
“This is not to say that the slave is perfect and never makes mistakes, but Jehovah and Jesus trust the imperfect slave who cares for things to the best of his ability AND WITH THE BEST OF MOTIVES. Shouldn’t we then trust the imperfect slave as well?”
“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 the immortality and incorruption. Soon, JUST BEFORE ARMAGEDDON, the remaining members of the slave (governing body) will be taken to heaven.”
 “Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ COMPLETELY trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?”
These men seek their own righteousness, their own standards apart from Christ. Rom 10:3 They “serve” what they have built and expect all JWs to do the same.  Matt 6:24 The words above reflect what is in their heart – to exalt themselves above all other anointed and all JWs. I find it incredible that JWs can listen to Loesch, and swallow his own judgment of himself before Christ, as TRUTH, forgetting that the position of judge has been given to Christ. Matt 28:18  Can they not see, the GB are the ones saying "I am the Christ"? Matt 24:5
Matt 5:20; Matt 3:7-9Â Â
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6 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:
Abraham did this same lie 2 time - Gen 12
Well, i can see (in chapter 20:11) how Abraham has prejudice that people of different tribe, people, religion are all bad, immoral, without ethics, not honest... how similar with some JW members standpoint on so called "worldly" people, that they are not worth of their society because of similar reasons.
Second, he has not told people "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth", but his version of tribal and family connections and customs (and such explanation came at the culmination of problem, not at first contact, in the beginning). And this is not even in sphere of WT thesis about "theocratic warfare". Reason is, as he told, fear for his own life. He did not care about Sara's life and her moral integrity, honesty. Not about what will people talking about his God, religion, beliefs. Only about his life - according to text.
7Abraham upheld the one true God among nations who practiced idolatry. He was the minority among the majority who worshipped many gods. Apparently, there are legends saying that Abraham was persecuted for his faith in YHWH. Through him, and Sarah a covenant was made – a promise of life to his seed. This was pretty big and I would imagine, caused some anxiety carrying such a heavy burden. If you knew you were the “father” of many nations yet didn’t know how it would play out, what would you think? We don’t know the whole story, (just as we don’t know all that Jesus did when on the earth John 21:25) but this is my opinion about why he said in two instances (that we know of), that Sarah was his sister and not his wife, which really, is not a lie.
Firstly, when people introduce their siblings that may have one parent different, do they always clarify they are “half-brothers” or “half-sisters? Not really. Even after Abimelek learned that Sarah was Abraham’s wife, he still called Abraham, Sarah’s brother. Gen 20:16
Every prophet chosen by God faces persecution and the threat of death. Obadiah hid a hundred prophets in a cave from Jezebel who was out for every true prophet’s blood. When Elijah told him to go to Ahab and announce his arrival, Obadiah balked, fearing for his life. Even Elijah fled from Jezebel to a cave, afraid for his life. 1 Kings 19:3 How many others did the same thing? And how many were Satan’s target? All of them, and it seems he used those who fell into idolatry to do his dirty work. There is also the thought that the love Abraham had for Sarah caused him to reason as he did. Perhaps, just perhaps, he reasoned that she would be safer apart from him than with him, keeping in mind the persecution that he had suffered through his life. I don’t doubt that Abraham and Sarah, after all they went through together, had a deep love for one another especially as they saw the increasing fulfillment of God’s promise through the birth of Isaac. Gen 17:21; Heb 6:13-15; 11:8-12
7 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:how Abraham has prejudice that people of different tribe, people, religion are all bad, immoral, without ethics, not honest...
Gen 18:16-33
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10 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:
Picture of Abraham and Sara came to me. What spirit guided Abraham when he lied about Sara, how she is his sister and not wife? Is his lie in red field, or he has "theocratic warfare" and not told privileged information to person who is not entitled to hear/know it? :))
This always bothered me too, until I kept reading...
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+20%3A9-18&version=NKJV
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10 hours ago, Gone Away said:
Hmm.....Probably a contradiction buried here. If they did lean on their own understanding, they would be unlikely to change.
Check it out...
Which change was the result of Christ's direction and not the Wt leaders' own understanding?
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18 hours ago, UcyImd1 said:
We ASK for Holy Spirit on matters. We ASK and He gives. So those asking receive.
So every changed teaching; say, about “this generation”, or failed Armageddon dates, was a gift from Christ, because the governing body ASKED for Holy spirit on the matter.
Or, did they forget to ask?
Maybe they are like surgeon generals, or doctors, who cannot lead a spiritual nation because they are not blessed to do so, (unless either one is an authentic "faithful and discreet slave").
If an anointed one “remains” in Christ, they can ONLY produce good fruit. Changed doctrine is bad fruit. There is no in-between or middle road. Matt 12:33-37 Notice, these anointed “trees”, “will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Good and perfect gifts from the Father are very possible to receive if that anointed one remains close to Christ. James 1:17; Luke 11:13
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4,5
Jesus is not speaking about changed teachings; he is speaking about fruit that endures the test of time. The generation teaching was scrapped – how many times?
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16
Teaching a changed doctrine, or prophecies failed, is presumptuousness; not sourced in Holy Spirit. It shows what is in the teacher’s heart. Luke 6:43-45
Remember Prov 3:5-7? Each doctrine that has to be changed or fails is clear evidence that the governing body lean on their own understanding.
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On 7/29/2018 at 10:20 AM, Jack Ryan said:
But he sends angels to protect women at a door preaching from a potential bad householder? Wouldn't we often here of this experience?
Does anyone have a copy of the illustrations of angels protecting JW's during the preaching work?
Well there is this one, from 2/1/1983
My son pointed out the picture of Zeus in the woman’s skirt when he was just 10 years old. It was later that I saw the angelÂ’s right twisted leg and “hoof” that really raised an eyebrow.
No angel of God there, protecting those women in their preaching work!
Sure. There are subliminal images all through the history of the Watchtower. And sure, JWs will always figure out an excuse for them, which is just what Satan wants them to do.
Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.  For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray.” Matt 24:4,5
Yes, fully accomplished by those “ambassadors substituting for Christ. NWT 2 Cor 5:20
Substituting: “If you substitute one thing for another, or if one thing substitutes for another, it takes the place or performs the function of the other thing.”
This is how the GB gets away with expecting the obedience of all anointed and all JWs. They are “performing” as if they are Christ.Â
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” KJV 2 Cor 5:20
Ambassadors are messengers, coming as representatives of someone. The anointed priesthood are to bear Christ’s message, not replace him. Mal 2:7; 1 Pet 2:5,9 Any anointed one who wants to “substitute” for Christ has an ulterior motive – power over others. I wonder how many times the magazines refer to the corrupted form of 2 Cor 5:20. THAT is the “subliminal” message being taken to the door. God would not bless such a message or the messengers who present it.
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Watchtower 14/11/15
The flocking of many humans to worship Jehovah with his people in this time of the end was foretold by two ancient prophets. Isaiah prophesied: “Many peoples will go and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For law will go out of Zion, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:2, 3)
If, therefore, we wish to benefit from Jehovah’s protection during the great tribulation, we must recognize that Jehovah has a people on earth, organized into congregations. We must continue to take our stand with them and remain closely associated with our local congregation. With all our hearts, may we join the psalmist in proclaiming: “Salvation belongs to Jehovah. Your blessing is upon your people.” —Ps. 3:8.
Protection? Blessings? Have you considered how a victim of abuse feels about this?
Tell me, JWs, when the court systems of the world must alert and teach JWs to show compassion and righteous judgment to victims of child abuse, where is the “law that goes out from Zion” – GOD’S LAW?
Does this organization protect and nurture, through the teaching of God’s law which is far superior than any court law of the land? The “law” is found in the hearts of the anointed priests and kings that YOU refuse to recognize due to your submission to a Harlot/false prophet/ Wicked Slave; and her muscle, the elder body carrying out their own version of God’s laws. Isa 43:10; I Pet 2:5,9,10; Heb 8:10; Rev 13:1,6,7,11,14-17; Matt 24:48-51
WAKE UP! It can’t be excused away that this organization IS Zion, yet offers no protection or blessing from the true God, YHWH. It is all, a delusion. 2 Thess 2:9-12
Mount Zion, in all its glory, is NOT FOUND IN SATAN’S WORLD, called the “mountainlike organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses” but in the hearts of righteous faithful anointed ones, who LEAVE THIS LIE BEHIND. Many others, have found it to be “neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, the now “apostate city” of Harlots and their hardened hearts. 2 Chron 7:14 “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:21-24
“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” Zech 4:7
“The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.” Rev 8:8,9
It is blasphemy to believe that the cornerstone of God’s Zion/Temple (1 Pet 2:6) and his fulfillment of the “law” based on love, would approve of such twisting of God’s decrees, by men who trust only in themselves. Isa 2:22
YHWH’s Genuine Mountain – Pearl Doxsey 4womaninthewilderness
edited for sentence structure
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“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast (leaven) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matt 16:6
Strong's G2219 for "leaven" - ζύμη zýmē - ferment (as if boiling up)
blueletterbible's comment: "Leaven is applied to that substance which is small in quantity, yet thoroughly pervades a thing by its influence. The NT uses it in both a positive (Matt 13:33 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+13%3A33&version=NIV) or negative sense."
Watchtower's foundation began with a lie, thoroughly pervading every aspect of its existence, by compounding lie after lie.
God and Christ are not behind this route of crooked teachings. Matt 7:24-27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24-27&version=NIV
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15:16
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Where does the judgment of the wheat and the weeds occur? Remembering that the entire realm of mankind is judged for their works, God’s anointed ones and those with them, are judged using different parameters. Christ’s parable is speaking about his chosen anointed ones. John 12:31,32; 1 Pet 4:17
“The field is the world, the * good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.” Matt 13:38
* sealed anointed ones.
“The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom (his anointed Body of priests and kings Luke 12:32; Rev 1:6) all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matt 13:41-43
So you see, God’s priestly kings are being judged for whom they serve. They must be “pure and blameless” of all falsehoods before serving God and Jesus, eternally, as the Bride of Christ. Phil 2:14-16; Rev 14:5
Within the Watchtower, the governing body expects them to obey not only themselves, but the elder body, who have been exalted as deserving of obedience even by God’s personally chosen priesthood. Only Christ is our mediator, but with great deception, the governing body has assumed that role. 1 Tim 2:5
All who are under the Beasts of Revelation, now face judgment. The anointed “wheat” join Christ, as do all those who also reject falsehoods, a.k.a, “new light”. The road to life is a narrow one, while the road clearly depicted in the magazines is filled with people of all nations, including those anointed who believe they will walk safely out of Armageddon, and into a paradise. 1 Thess 5:1-3; Rev 6:15-17
“for this people’s heart has grown callous,
their ears are dull of hearing,
they have closed their eyes;
or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their heart,
and would turn again;
and I would heal them.’ Matt 13:15On 7/17/2018 at 11:11 PM, sami said:As noted in the parable, it is only during "the end of the age", the time of the end, the last days, in which one would see a harvesting that would bring together once again the wheat, but now separate from the weeds – indeed, the call made at Revelation 18:4, for his people, to get out.
When Jeremiah proclaimed similar words as the scripture in Rev 18:4, he was speaking to God’s people under covenant with Him. Jer 51:6 They had sinned greatly, forgetting God’s decrees and falling into idolatry – spiritual immorality. Today, the anointed priesthood are God’s people under covenant with God. Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10 They are not in Christendom, but are found already gathered in the organization/Beast of Rev 13:1;16:13,14 Satan has deceived them, and you, hunting them down through a false “preaching work”, enticing them with bits of truth. God has allowed it to come upon them as 2 Thess 2:11,12 shows us. Satan demands to “sift” them as “wheat”, just as he tempted Christ with what his earthly realm has to offer. All JWs, with the anointed, are also being sifted on this “threshing floor”. Luke 3:17; 4:1-13
Where do you direct your love – is it to the Father and Christ only as they expect, or is it to an organization that oppresses God’s holy people with an “army”/elder body, who has taken its seat in His Temple? God’s Word shows us it can’t be both. Rev 13:1,6,7;9:1,3,4;Matt 22:37-40
Will you listen to Christ’s voice? –
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” John 5:39,40
“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her (Harlot/false prophet Beast from the earth/governing body Rev 13:11) sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 *Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. Rev 18:4-8
*“She” approves the disfellowshipping (spiritual “killing”) of God’s anointed priesthood for rejecting “her” lies, and for usurping the position of Christ, as their Head. Matt 24:48-51; Rev 13:11,14-17
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On 7/17/2018 at 10:59 PM, sami said:
So you were preaching false doctrine in the kingdom hall to Jehovah's Witnesses? Not a very smart move.
Dear sami,
Some scriptures have links. For those that don’t, I do hope you look into the Bible and read.
What is your definition of “false doctrine”? Being labeled an apostate by the Watchtower is the rejection of their own teachings unique to the organization. If I believe in the Father and Christ, and are guided by God’s Word, I am not an apostate according to God’s Word.
We’ll start by seeing what the Watchtower says about its prophetic abilities:
"Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a 'prophet' of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?" (Watchtower April 1, 1972, p. 197)
What does the records show? Let’s look at just a few examples over a hundred year span.
"In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the kingdom of God, will be accomplished by the end of A.D. 1914." (The Time Is At Hand, 1902 edition, p. 99)
The "Gentile Times" prove that the present governments must all be overturned about the close of 1915 A.D." Studies In the Scriptures Series II - The Time Is At Hand 1915 ed. pp.99, 101, 242
"Shortly, within our twentieth century, the "battle in the day of Jehovah" will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom." The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah p. 216
(We are now in the 21st century.)
“"Logically, the calling of the little flock would draw to a close when the number was nearing completion, and the evidence is that the general gathering of these specially blessed ones ended in 1935." Watchtower 1995 Feb 15 p.19
Logically? Apparently not.
"Thus it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends." Watchtower 2007 May 1 p.31
Your Awake magazines before 11/8/1995, use to have this statement on the inner cover:
"Why Awake is Published" “Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away."
That generation who saw the events of 1914 is no longer alive! The magazine now states:
"Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things."
Do you hear Christ’s voice in any of these teachings? Did your leaders hear Christ’s voice when they fabricated such teachings? The failed doctrines of “this generation” are so twisted and so plentiful I chose not to list them. But, I encourage you to check out Watchtower’s lengthy history of changed teachings regarding it. It is JWs who follow a “Judas goat”/false prophets, putting their lives in jeopardy. Jer 5:31 Jesus said we would recognize both false prophets and those he sends by the “fruit”/teachings they produce which is to last – not be discarded as you would toss aside a rotten apple. John 15:4-8,16;13:20; Matt 24:4,5
Have you ever read the following scriptures?
Moses speaking:
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, according to all you desired of the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’
17 “And the Lord said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. 18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.” Deut 18:15-22
Simply, the “prophets” of the organization since its inception have and continue to speak presumptuously on behalf of God, or in the name of another “god” (Jehovah’s organization)…and fail time and time again in their “predictions”. There really is no wiggle room to get around what God predicts as their outcome.
Jesus did not forego speaking up for Truth and exposing lies. Those of Christ’s Body – the anointed ones – must also speak up for Truth, especially among each other. 2 Cor 10:4,5
On 7/17/2018 at 10:59 PM, sami said:You must be a disfellowshipped person, HUH ? You should be supremely happy - you are now on the outside looking in so stop pressing your nose against our windows.
The entire world is pressing its nose against Watchtower's windows. No longer, can Watchtower hide its secrets. Disfellowshipping has caused thousands to lose connection with their families; it has driven people to take their life; yet, I believe JWs seem to take all of this with tongue in cheek. Victims of child abuse by other members of the organization, have been disfellowshipped; while perpetrators remain in the congregation. I am sorry that you are so indoctrinated, you cannot see the lack of love among your leaders, who have twisted this form of counsel - into a catalyst of hate and destruction. This should be enacted by the anointed priesthood under their loving Head, Christ. Mal 2:7; 1 Pet 2:5,9; John 21:16; Heb 8:10; Rom 13:10; Heb 8:5,6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+16%3A24-27%3B+Isa+57%3A13%3B++Rev+13%3A11%2C12%2C15%3B+11%3A3%2C7&version=NKJV
Your use of John 10:27 reminded me of a time in the JW “preaching work” with a woman who approached a man working in his yard. When he rejected her message, she walked away calling out loudly, “Christ’s sheep know his voice”. This puzzled me, since our message was based on “Jehovah”, the organization, a paradise only obtainable through the organization, and the kingdom that supposedly began in 1914. I wondered if I had personally heard Christ’s voice. To believe that you have, while in the organization is pure folly. The governing body’s voices are much louder and much more demanding than Christ’s. 1 Cor 7:23; Rom 6:16; Matt 11:28-30 It wasn’t until leaving the Wt. did I “hear” his voice, unclouded by men’s doctrine loaded with falsehood. I learned it was okay to respond to his voice in prayer, something that your Pharisee-like leaders tell you not to do. John 6:68,69 Ask yourself, who’s voice are you really hearing? Jesus did say those who hear his voice, follow him. John 10:27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Cor+7%3A23%3B+Rom+6%3A16%3B+Matt+11%3A28-30%3B+John+6%3A68%2C69+&version=NKJV
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10:1-5
An earthly corporation with many earthly holdings, is not the gate/door to salvation. Matt 6:24; Acts 4:12 Clearly, if you read the scriptures, Jesus is the gate, and the shepherd of his sheep. John 10:9 I am relieved and blessed I now recognize Christ’s voice. It is no longer a stranger to me. I am so grateful I ‘ran away’ from the thieves, your leaders, who preach “another Jesus” deliberately, to mislead the flock. 2 Cor 11:3,4; Ps 52:1-7
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide (Watchtower organization) is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matt 7:13,14
Regarding 2 Thess 2:7. I really hope you can put aside your defense for the organization and try to engage yourself in these scriptures.
2 Thess 2:7 – (AMP) “For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. “
2 Thess 2:6 – “And you know what restrains him now [from being revealed]; it is so that he will be revealed at his own [appointed] time.”
This lawlessness is not accomplished by one person, but a collective reign - a power that has now been revealed. The “day of the Lord” is prophesied to have come in 1914 by your literature.
Look what 2 Thess 2: 1,2 says about this:
“Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] *from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come.”
*”from us” – from other anointed ones, but who have “gone out” from the Body. 1 John 2:19
In other words, you should reject Watchtower’s “revelation” about 1914! Why?
“Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], 4 who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God.” 2 Thess 2:3,4
There is only one temple of God, found in the hearts of the anointed ones. Can you envision this? John 2:19-22; Acts 4:11; Matt 16:18; Eph 2:20-22 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A19-22%3B+Acts+4%3A11%3B++Matt+16%3A18%3B+Eph+2%3A20-22&version=NKJV
To te anointed ones of his time, Paul said:
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 1 Cor 3:16,17
How would a collective “man of lawlessness” reign, or “take his seat” over the anointed priesthood of God? It has developed gradually, and it is within the organization where the anointed are found. The elder body are, in God’s sight, “foreigners” standing in the Temple of God. 2 Chron 23:6,7; Num 18:7; Ezek 44:6-9 They have been given authority by the administrating anointed ones (GB) to “rule” God’s personal “heritage” – His chosen people. Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; Matt 24:48-51 This is the lawlessness at work among those who “profess” to be Christians. 2 Chron 13:9
Do you know where we can find further description of this present “lawlessness”? It is in the Beast of Revelation 13:1,18, and the 4th Beast of Daniel’s image. (Dan 7:7)
This Beast, (Rev 13:1) along with Revelation’s false prophet (Rev 13:11) unitedly work together to claim power over the “holy ones.” Rev 13:6,7; Dan 12:7 YOU reside with the anointed ones. YOU accept the lawless rule over them, and over yourself. When Jesus prophesied that a “disgusting thing” would be found in the temple, it was a two-fold prophesy. It came upon the city of Jerusalem leading to its destruction by a Gentile Roman army. It has appeared again upon the “New Jerusalem”/Temple of God – the anointed Body of Christ. Matt 24:15,16; Rev 11:1-3 Those who are not anointed as spiritual “Israel”, are spiritual “Gentiles”. Rom 2:28,29; Rev 7:4 The elder body is by far, not anointed.
Christ’s voice is heard by those who reject the Beasts and their great deception to come against the “remaining ones of the woman’s seed”. Rev 12:17 I do hope you ask God if you are on the side of pure, unadulterated by falsehoods, TRUTH, since you are seeing the effects of the battle of truth against lies. Those anointed “kings” who side with Christ in truth, against anointed “kings” who side with Satan and his delusion. 2 Thess 2:9-12; Rev 20:7-9
2 Thess 2:9,10 (AMP)“The coming of the [Antichrist, the lawless] one is through the activity of Satan, [attended] with great power [all kinds of counterfeit miracles] and [deceptive] signs and false wonders [all of them lies], 10 and by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them]. 11 Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, 12 in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness.”
Do you believe the lie that Christ approves of failed doctrines? That God approves an organization that must be cherished and revered as one’s path to salvation over His Son? Do you believe the anointed ones, God’s true priesthood/teachers must remain apart from one another in the organization as your leaders teach you? Do you believe the organization is “spirit-directed” by God, when its leaders have admitted they personally, are not? All of these things are what the Watchtower teaches.
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Melinda, I implore you to reason on your words.
On 7/15/2018 at 7:42 AM, Melinda Mills said:In a sense Jehovah's Witnesses are like Alex. They did not stay under the authority of the major religions like the Catholic Church, but examined the matter of what the real authority the Bible said, regardless of the consequences, whereas the majority of persons accept the authority of the Church and its erroneous teachings and refuse to look any further.
How is your example of the Catholic Church any different than the Watchtower? For any who reject teachings such as “this generation”, the Armageddon dates that have come and gone, and Watchtower’s desire to put a manmade organization on a pedestal as the source of salvation, and which they proudly call “earthly Zion”, disfellowshipping ensues. Any failed teaching gives evidence of lack of knowledge from God. James 1:16-18 Failed doctrine has no relationship with Christ’s truth nor is it good news, but only stumbling forecasts made by stubborn priests already “defrocked” in the eyes of God. They have haughtily rejected Christ as their head, usurping his authority by expecting obedience of all Christ’s anointed priests, to be given to them. Ezek 21:25-27; Matt 23:12; 24:24
Here is your comment from a different perspective:
In a sense exJWs are like Alex. They did not stay under the authority of religions like the Watchtower organization, but examined the matter of what the real authority the Bible said, regardless of the consequences, (regardless of being disfellowshipped) whereas the majority of persons accept the authority of the Watchtower and its erroneous teachings and refuse to look any further.
Feb 12, 2012 Calvin Rouse, lawyer for the Watchtower in the Menlo Park kingdom hall lawsuit:
“We are a hierarchal religion structured just like the Catholic Church. And when the order from the Pope comes down in the church defrocking a priest and kicking him out, he no longer has any say in any matter in the local parish priest -- in the parish.”
This set of “consequences” affects anointed ones – the “holy priesthood” of God, as well as many others who have recognized the sound of Christ’s Truth. When choosing Christ’s full authority over men, they can distinguish between the rotten fruit of false/failed doctrine, and fine fruit sourced in Christ. John 15:1-8 Why is it, that the majority of JWs cannot recognize it? Why is it that God’s anointed priests still inside, turn a blind eye to such falsehood? Why do they not perceive THEY are the true Zion and that their hearts are the dwelling and Temple of God? 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; Eph 2:20-22; Zech 8:3 Simply because they have filled their mind and heart with teachings/”fruit”/”wine” from false leaders, - harlots - just like the Catholics who listen to the pope. John 7:18; Matt 7:15,16; Jer 2:21; Deut 32:32,33; John 15:5,16; Rev 17:1,2
But in this case, it is gravely serious, because these priests are God’s chosen people. Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20-22
You said,
“Hosea 4:6 shows that people will be silenced for lack of knowledge.”
“But let no one bring a charge,
let no one accuse another,
for your people are like those
who bring charges against a priest.(a Judicial committee of false “priests”/elders who are not anointed, judging God’s anointed priesthood as “spiritually dead” for accepting Christ as their Head, instead of a “wicked slave. Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1-3; Rev 13: Matt 24:48-51)
5 You stumble day and night,
and the prophets stumble with you.
So I will destroy your mother—
6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.“Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also reject you as my priests;
because you have ignored the law of your God,
I also will ignore your children.
7 The more priests there were,
the more they sinned against me;
they exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful.
8 They feed on the sins of my people
and relish their wickedness.
9 And it will be: Like people, like priests.
I will punish both of them for their ways
and repay them for their deeds.10 “They will eat but not have enough;
they will engage in (spiritual) prostitution but not flourish,
because they have deserted the Lord
to give themselves 11 to prostitution;
old wine and new wine ( old light, new light)
take away their understanding.
12 My people consult a wooden idol,
and a diviner’s rod speaks to them.
A spirit of prostitution leads them astray;
they are unfaithful to their God.Do JWs allow a spirit of prostitution to lead them astray? Yes. False prophets/Harlots have convinced you to “serve the organization”, transposing this to mean, serving God. Rev 13;1,4,7,8,11,14-17 Nothing on this earth is to be compared to, or served, except God and His Son. Isa 42:8; 46:5,20; Luke 4:8; Rom 6:16 The apostles didn’t “serve” the needs of an organization, but they wholeheartedly served God and Jesus. Matt 6:24 Where does it say in the scriptures that an organization, other than the ‘organized’ anointed Body of Christ, the Temple of God, must be recognized as the pathway to salvation? Ps 2:6; Ezek 20:40; Rev 14:1 God and Christ both have absolutely no interest in earthly wealth, investments, or buildings that thrive in Satan’s world. Matt 6:19-21; Acts 17:24,25; Phil 3:19; Col 3:2 His only “investments” are those members of Christ’s Body; where His Holy Spirit dwells, as well as the hearts of those seeking pure Truth through His Son. John 14:23
On 7/15/2018 at 7:42 AM, Melinda Mills said:The case above shows the good sense of letting the real authority of the Bible speak. God's true sheep know the sound of the truth/his voice.
I would hope we are speaking of the authority of God and Christ, and not that of the governing body. For them to say that God is responsible at any point in time, for Watchtower’s wayward teachings is an absolute lie; yet, they are guilty of doing so. Did they let the real authority of the Bible speak, or was it from their own desires? Ezek 13:3 JW have been disfellowshipped for bringing this to the attention of the elders.
Is it possible for any JW to read scriptures in support of this truth, and take it into their heart? Or, is the plentiful “fruit” of false teachers more desirable to “eat”? It is easy to say one relies on the authority of the Bible; JWs are convinced they do, forgetting all the “bible-based” discarded books and teachings that are no longer in use.
“God’s anger is revealed from heaven against every ungodly and immoral thing people do as they try to suppress the truth by their immoral living.
They knew God but did not praise and thank him for being God. Instead, their thoughts were pointless, and their misguided minds were plunged into darkness. 22 While claiming to be wise, they became fools.
These people have exchanged God’s truth for a lie. So they have become ungodly and serve what is created rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen! Rom 1:18,21,25
JWs, you believe you are out of the woods and have left false teachings behind; but you can’t see the forest for the trees. These particular “trees”/teachers that you seek shelter under, waiting for their spiritual “food” to drop, have an axe waiting at the base of their bitter roots, to chop them down. Jer 23:15; Matt 3:7-10; Heb 12:14-17;Rev 8:10-11; Rev 19:20
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SM – my point is, I don’t really care what the Watchtower may or may not have “bunkered” away. The bigger evil is played out in the “heavenly” realm and affects the motivation of its leaders. Yet, anything is possible by an organization that practices spiritual deceit and lacks integrity toward upholding God’s Word. Eph 6:12
7 hours ago, Space Merchant said:Moreover, this Trust is a mutual fund and mutual funds are typically fluid and careful with their investments. Basically, for the assets left by Henrietta Riley is the generating force regarding income by the trust, which is transferred to the Watchtower by means of donation. Around April 30, 2002, the trust generated income of around $1,740,127 USD and donated nearly $1,945,645 USD to the Watchtower. Majority of the income of the trust is from two main sources such as oil and gas. The trust also has almost $2 million of investments in various stocks and other vehicles.
The Watchtower is not in the dark concerning where the trust money comes from, but the rank and file have been for years. I suppose if there was a brothel listed among the companies you may take a different view of this trust money coming into the hands of the Watchtower? You are on the other side of the Watchtower fence. Although you have nicely explained how the trust funds develop and are used, the truth is, the money has been accrued and used by the very organization that teaches its members to be “no part of the world”. The money the Watchtower open-handedly accepts with no questions comes from companies that its members would be disfellowshipped for working for. In fact, they may not be approved for baptism if working for a military company, when readying themselves to join the organization.
It is hypocrisy and deceit, a fact kept until recently, from the rank and file who have believed it is only through their donations that Watchtower’s building projects are funded, as well as a preaching work that is taught as leading people out of the world and into a spiritual paradise.
Thank you for listing the companies. This scripture has a startling deeper meaning to me when applying it to the leaders of the Watchtower...
“Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” Luke 4:5-7
- Foreigner and Srecko Sostar
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Space Merchant,
If there is any possibility of a "weapon bunker", it would be at Warwick, not under kingdom halls. Before that, the Brooklyn tunnels, maybe.... All speculation.
Maybe this research will help. http://www.die-vierte-wache.eu/EN/share-earnings-of-the-watchtower.html
The link, “Website of NCC” is broken
This is the one I used: https://nccs.urban.org/
I clicked “Charity Navigator”, typed in “Henrietta M Riley Trust 33b006006 FBO” and opened the documents below. I had to sign up in order to gain access.
We all know this Trust “supports the Watchtower”, and that this stock is “shared”, but no one has them chained to it. They freely profit from the listed companies, no matter what they stand for, no matter what they sell; and they have done so for a number of years now.
The Raytheon Company was on the 2009 tax return (see link above) which is not available on Charity Navigator any longer.
http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990pf_pdf_archive/386/386043103/386043103_201504_990PF.pdf
http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990pf_pdf_archive/386/386043103/386043103_201504_990PF.pdf
http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990pf_pdf_archive/386/386043103/386043103_201604_990PF.pdf
http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990pf_pdf_archive/386/386043103/386043103_201704_990PF.pdf
For 2017, there is not a comprehensive list of companies as do the other returns, but only the title, “Various Stock Funds”. The GB must be getting nervous. ? At one time, these documents were available on Charity Navigator back to 2003, I believe.
I typed in Watchtower Bible and Tract Society just to see what pulled up. Interestingly, I am guessing a rogue kh, in Cortez, CO was available for donations. Is this the new “donation arrangement”? Are they getting that desperate? Cortez is a very small town, and having been there many times, there isn’t any Watchtower complex on the edge of the Colorado/New Mexico/Utah border to warrant the need to rake in charity monies.
You may already be aware of Watchtower’s interest in Rand Cam:
https://www.watchtowerlies.com/watchtower_owns_warfare_technology.html
See the sources at the bottom of the page
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24 minutes ago, Space Merchant said:
Then cite them here since you are the one to bring it up.
I did give you a list. You mean, you have never gone online and FOUND Watchtower's shared stock in the military.
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20 minutes ago, Space Merchant said:
Lastly, I recognize Raytheon Company, the reality here is, this has been debunked a decade ago
One down, and many more to go. :)
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On 7/12/2018 at 9:23 AM, Nicole said:
mediocre level of healers.
It appears that you may feel it is impossible for an anointed woman to bear “fine fruit”. (Matt 7:17)
Is it because sheÂ’s a woman? (Gal 3:28)Â
Or, because she doesnÂ’t live in a superb compound named in Warwick? (Luke 9:58; Jer 22:13-17)
Or, that she does not share a place at the expansive conference table in Warwick’s “boardroom” with eight men? ( Dan 11:27)
Or, her preaching work is not “organized” by men, but by God? Zech 4:6,11-14; Rev 11:1-3
Is it because she doesnÂ’t have, at her beckon call, an army of elders to disperse all of the food she produces? (Matt 24:48-51)
During EzekielÂ’s time, the number of those “sighing and crying” over the detestable things happening in Jerusalem, were among the minority. It is no different within spiritual “Jerusalem” today. If any are obedient to ChristÂ’s words in Matt 7:15-20, and search out the “fine fruit”, which is provided in the humble example found in the recorded Sound Cloud above,  (Matt 23:12) Christ offers healing with “living waters” of Truth through the servant he chooses. John 7:37,38Â
"But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life." John 4:14
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” John 13:20 (Mal 4:5,6)
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I am breaking down Matt 7:15-20 using the NWT Study Edition with its remarks:
15 “Be on the watch for the false prophets
 (q:  Mt 24:11; 2Pe 2:1; 1 Jo 4:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mt+24%3A11%3B+2Pe+2%3A1%3B+1Jo+4%3A1&version=NKJV)
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who come to you in sheepÂ’s covering,
in sheep’s covering: Or “in sheep’s clothing,” that is, disguised in figurative garments and exhibiting sheeplike qualities in order to give the impression of being a harmless member of God’s “flock” of worshippers.
(Do you see where the false prophets are found? They are members of God’s “flock”, found among the anointed “trees” and their companions. )
(r: Luke 6:26Â - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A26&version=NKJV)
but inside they are ravenous wolves.
ravenous wolves:Â A metaphor describing those who are extremely covetous and who exploit others for personal gain.
(Not only are the false prophets wearing sheep’s clothing, and part of God’s “flock”, they must be found in the position of power to successfully “exploit” others with their scheme, and to satiate their covetous desires.   Would an “apostate” female  who has left the Watchtower have the ability to exploit JWs for personal gain? No, but the governing body has that ability, and they have been quite successful doing so.)
(s:Â Acts 20:29,30Â Â https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A29%2C30\&version=NKJV)
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16Â Â By their fruits you will recognize them.
fruits: Here used figuratively of peopleÂ’s works, their words, or the results of what they do and say.
Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they?
(t: Parallel account Luke 6:44 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A44&version=NKJV)
17Â Â Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit.
(u : Matt 12:33 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+12%3A33&version=NKJV
18Â Â A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit.
(v : Luke 6:43 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A43&version=NKJV)
19Â Â Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
(w:  Mt 3:10; Lu 13:6; Lu 13:9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mt+3%3A10%3B+Lu+13%3A6%3B+Lu+13%3A9&version=NKJV) Â
20Â Â Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.
(x:Â Matt 12:33Â https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+12%3A33&version=NKJV
Convenient! The NWT calls these false prophets, men!  Sometimes, Satan reveals more of his plan that we realize. Â
TREES:Â GodÂ’s anointed ones Ps 1:1-6;Zech 4:11-14; Rev 11:4; 22:2
FRUIT: What comes out of their mouth – their teachings, which determines whether they are “weeds” (thorns and thistles)…
…or fine trees producing fine fruit. This sort of fruit, “lasts”. John 15:16
JesusÂ’ words warn us of both possibilities. Those that bear rotten fruit that falls from these trees, are the “wolves in sheepÂ’s clothing” – found among the worshipers.Â
Sadly, the rotten fruit is accepted and savored, by the majority. Jer 5:31; 23:16 To his own people, concerning the time of the end, Jesus said, “Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matt 24:11
“There were indeed false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. (among God’s people) They will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved ways, and the way of truth will be maligned because of them. 3 They will exploit you in their greed with made-up stories. Their condemnation, pronounced long ago, is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep.” 2 Pet 2:1-3
Notice, false prophets (not Inspired by God’s Holy Spirit and admitted by the GB) breathing a demonic spirit, as all false prophets do (Rev 16:13,14) and who serve up their version of “truth”, (2 Thess 2:9-12) deny the Master – JESUS – who bought them.  Does the GB deny their Master, Christ? Yes, in at least two detectable ways. “Living water” is another term for teachings. Just as the rotten “fruit” by the Watchtower cannot sustain life, neither can any water issuing from the same source . For those who remain in Christ, they also become the source of fine fruit and living water. John 15:4,5,16
If the GB fully accepted Christ as their Head, do you believe they would expect their fellow anointed bodily “members” to obey THEM as is the case in the organization?  Of course not. All anointed would recognize their one true Master and obey only Christ, working side by side in love, and giving honor due the other member. Yet, this is such a foreign concept under a wicked slave. Matt 24:48-51; John 15:10
Reason on this. Would Jesus call Watchtower’s “new light” teachings, fine fruit that lasts/ endures? If a shifty false prophet would discard his own fruit and replace it with a new “rotten” crop of made-up stories, what do you think Jesus would do with it, and the tree it comes from?
“Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire” Matt 7:19
A false prophet harbors unseen wicked desires, well hidden behind sheep’s clothing and mannerisms. The Beast from the Earth of Rev 13:11 is a lineage of false prophets , who uses a disguised “army”, a false priesthood, to come against the anointed ones…and YOU, with deceptive made-up stories labeled “truth”, yet it is “poisoned” water. Prov 10:11; 2 Thess 2:9-12; Rev 8:10,11; 9:1-6
JWs, please donÂ’t be deceived. It is truly not a laughing matter. God has always sent his messengers to expose the sins of His people, while also providing the way to gain back His favor. Amos 3:7; Matt 23:34; Rev 18:4-8; 3:18  At this time of the end, the greatest deception to come against GodÂ’s anointed people isnÂ’t “Christendom” or the political field, but the Watchtower Harlot/false prophet and Wild Beast she directs.Â
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On 7/12/2018 at 9:23 AM, Nicole said:
When that is not its name. What kind of christian or healer is that with that kind of language filled of hatred?
I’ll address your term “hatred”, hopefully keeping in mind the language difference between us. Within the anointed priesthood (1 Pet 2:5,9), which is the authentic Body of Christ, each member should have care, concern and genuine love for the other. 1 Cor 12:12-26; Rom 12:5; Eph 5:29
They are the chosen genuine “Witnesses” of God, which does not to include every JW. Isa 43:10,12; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22 Perhaps you may have anointed ones in your congregation. Hopefully, you can recognize that their only Head whom they must obey, is Christ, our High Priest, who has been granted supremacy over his priesthood. Col 1:18; Heb 3:1 Those priests who are faithful, will serve only the Father and Christ. Rev 1:4-6;20:6 Do you agree? Whatever they are to accomplish as a Witness of Christ, even now, should come directly from their heart – not a magazine produced by 8 men and a writing staff, since they are God’s messengers, and not the messengers of men. 1 John 2:20,21; Mal 2:7; John1:51; Gen.28:10-14,17; Eph.2:19
The “faithful and discreet slave” appointed as “house steward” is a position within the Body of Christ, and who is to manage/administer/guide all the spiritual food to be produced by the other members of the Body under one Spirit with Christ, and distribute it among them and to all the sheep. Matt 24:45; Luke 12:42; 1 Cor 6:17; 12:7-11,27,28
These two spiritual facts do not exist in the organization.
1. The governing body has clearly pointed out that the rest of the anointed priesthood must obey them; yet, we are not to change the scriptures to make the “steward’s” appointment “fit” the desires of men. The “faithful steward” should not expect obedience to themselves. Luke 22:24-27; 1 Tim 5:8
2. The governing body, as “house steward” has decidedly twisted the term “steward” (looking up its definition is helpful) to be an all-consuming role handled only by themselves, resulting in a narrow stream of “spiritual” food lacking Holy Spirit. Amos 8:11 Progressive literal proof of this is Wt’s struggle to maintain any output of “new” spiritual food in magazine form. Not only is the organization apparently in need financially, but also famished spiritually.
This haughty act to rule over one’s brothers has resulted in the individual governing body members detaching themselves from Christ, (in order to usurp his authority as Head). It also has caused the anointed “branches” of the ”vine”, to lay dormant. John 15:1,4-6; Col 2:19
Jesus gave us two possible scenarios; one of a faithful slave as house steward, as well as a “wicked slave”. The wicked slave - symbolically, emotionally, spiritually -“beats” his fellow anointed slaves into submission, with threats of “disfellowshipping” by its “confirmed drunkards” – the elder body who drinks down the decrees of the wicked slave. Matt 24:48-51; Titus 1:7
This ‘parable’ Jesus presented to his disciples, has been fulfilled, and carries over with greater enhanced understanding in the symbolic book of Revelation. The Wild Beast of Rev 13:1 is the organization; a collective authoritative “rule” of elders, over God’s chosen anointed ones. Rev 13:6,7 This Beast slanders the anointed priesthood. If an anointed one chooses to serve Christ only as their Head according to God’s Word and not submit themselves to a false “priesthood”/elder body, this is the basis for a spiritual “killing” – disfellowshipping – decreed and approved by the governing body/false prophet of Revelation. John 16:2; Rev 13:15; Rev 11:3,4,7
You think that calling the “spirit-directed organization”, “the Beast”, is “hatred”. Can you see that there is no love among your governing body for their fellow anointed slaves? 1 John 3:10-12 This is a hidden abuse; and like child abuse, unless someone speaks up it will continue to go unnoticed. Jesus has made sure it has come to our attention – John 15:26; Matt 17:11;Rev 1:1;2:7;11:1-3; Zech 4:12-14 He sends his messengers – other anointed priests – to reveal not only the priesthood’s lack of obedience to their one Master, but the true definition of who are the Beasts of Revelation; one being the “man of lawlessness” - the Wild Beast from the Sea. Mal 3:1-7; Rev 13:1,18,11 Their existence was spearheaded by Satan who has won over fallen anointed priests, to carry out his plan of deceit and last effort to destroy God’s holy people. Rev 13:1,2,11,14-17; 2 Thess 2:3,4,9-12; Gen 3:15
The anointed ones are the dwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. They are referred in the scriptures as God’s Temple. 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:21,22 When anyone steps into this “Temple” unauthorized by God, it is an “abomination”, a “disgusting thing”. Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1-3
God’s commands have been broken by the organization.
The scriptures explaining the anointed Body should help you discern this on your own. You can find information on who they are on the jw website. (the IT book will define them as the temple) On the other hand, you will also find that they are told to remain apart, and submit to the elder rule – an absolute lie created for the convenience of dominating God’s anointed people; which, according to scripture is the removal of the “daily sacrifices”/teachings/sacrifices of praise, no longer offered by the anointed priests. Dan 8:11-12; 11:31; 12:11
YOU, also, are dominated by a false priesthood who judges the spiritual standing of any JW who may question not only their authority but the governing body’s false teachings. Acts 5:29; 2 Cor 11:20
Under the direction of the governing body (who is the “false prophet of Revelation 13:11) the “man of lawlessness”/elder body has “trampled”, or “stands/sits" in God’s Temple. 2 Thess 2:3,4 You are purposefully not taught by the Watchtower, the distinction between the “holy and the common”, which is a serious transgression of God’s decrees, concerning His Temple. He didn’t take this lightly in the past, and at this time of Revelation’s fulfillment, He certainly doesn’t do so, now. Ezek 44:6-9; 22:23-29 If God has chosen a people to declare and praise His name, and teach His laws fulfilled in Christ, should they be under any other dominion and rule, but that of God and Christ? Deut 17:8-13; Heb 8:5; Num 18:7; Heb 10:16
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On 7/12/2018 at 10:31 AM, Space Merchant said:
Then do you support Rick's stance on Jehovah's Witnesses having weapon bunkers in the basement of their churches?
Here we go again. I didn’t say that, did I!
Regarding stockpiling weapons and a bunker, I haven’t investigated the possibility, but it leaves one thinking. Since the Watchtower has and holds shares in military companies/corporations…
Raytheon Company
Lockheed Martin
Armor Holdings
United Technologies Corp
Northrup Grumman Corp
Boeing
BAF Systems Inc
and more…
it wouldn’t be such a far-fetched idea, now would it.
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On 7/12/2018 at 10:31 AM, Space Merchant said:
As for Pearl Doxsey, I am aware of this person as well, everything she says is against Jehovah's Witnesses belief and or teachings, but some of what she has address sparks a bit of hypocrisy also, for anyone can look into the teachings of early Christians and or the early Church to see the information for themselves. An example would be what she had to say on Michael the Archangel, since this is the topic of interest as of late here, she clearly speaks against the JWs on this belief, but does not shed any information on the fact that early Christians had the believe that Jesus was indeed Michael,
She DOES teach that Michael is Jesus. Apparently, you really have no idea what she teaches.
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11 hours ago, Space Merchant said:
This guy, Rick Fearon, is the same guy who said Jehovah's Witnesses have a bunker under their churches that houses Assault Rifles, Firearms, explosives, and handguns, for he has some believing that JWs will literally go all guns blazin' in the last days and or against those who do not agree with them. In addition to poisons so that they use to kill their members. This is the same man who posed claim to wedding rings referencing the sex organs of both male and female, in short, a sexuality form of paganism and the like.
I have seen these claims of his refuted and Rick Fearon is only attacking JWs to gain money and to get some converts, for he was exposed by disgruntled JWs, as well as those who hate both JWs and ExJws combined aka the Anti-JWs, so to use this man's information as a support, only destroys your credibility further, out of all people, you use this Fearon guy? That is both shameful and embarrassing.
And no, JWs do not have vials of acid or machetes stashed in their charts. Fearon is as blasphemous as his own teachings and money grabbing schemes, and going with what even the hateful few have said, this man will take his hate to the grave with him. He is just as bad ass the people who promote Islamic Hatred, mainly the man who caused the whole school Quran hate situation some years ago.
Rick Fearon has several programs from various independent speakers. He presents a mixed bag of opinions. Whether he adheres to each one’s beliefs, I could not say. Pearl Doxsey called into one program that asked the question why individuals left the Watchtower. She was invited to return with her own program. Perhaps Rick recognized words of Truth. Perhaps he was ready for the “healing river”.
Jesus was judged negatively for his association with tax collectors and sinners as he brought “living water” to their thirsty hearts, and the “bread of life” to nourish their famished spiritual state; those whom Jesus sends, appear to be receiving the same condemnation by you. Matt 9:10-13; Mal 4:5,6; John 7:37,37; Matt 4:4;17:11; Rev 11:3,4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+9%3A10-13%3B+Mal+4%3A5%2C6%3B+John+7%3A37%2C37%3B+Matt+4%3A4%3B17%3A11%3B+Rev+11%3A3%2C4&version=NKJV
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A new radio program entitled, "Healing River" (Rev 22:1,2) begins today at 1:00 EST with each broadcast stored at SoundCloud.
"There is much healing needed after one is spiritually abused by the WT Beast and its' false prophet. Let us pray that as many as possible derive benefit from God's truths, as the program explores the scriptures, and how they can provide us the guidance and healing we now need, today.
To tie into the program, the number to call is; (712) 432-8710. The pin # is 9925.
Sunday, at 1pm.
The program will run on the second Sunday of each month, at 1 pm."Pearl Doxsey
- SuziQ1513 and BillyTheKid46
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IS IT PROPER FOR A WOMAN TO SPEAK, TEACH AND PROPHESY?
in Topics
Posted
I must ask, did you read the article written by Pearl? You offer no scriptures as a rebuttal, while the article is chocked full of them supporting the role of women as teachers and prophets.
Just look at the example of prophets.
“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
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.” 1 Cor 12:27-31
There is no demarcation between male or female in these scriptures. It is in the minds of men.
“Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.” 1 Cor 14:29-31
So you see, women who were prophets were to instruct others, which included men. Thus, prophets could be teachers as well. And as far as teachers go, does it say they must be male? Are you speaking for God when you say women cannot teach? How do you know women who are anointed are not given the admonition by Holy Spirit to teach, especially when we have record of women prophets who also instructed others in the congregations?
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal 3:28
Prophets that we know of in the New Testament:
Anna
Mary
Philip’s daughters
Over the ages since Christ, we can guarantee there were more:
Acts 2:17,18 - ‘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.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.’