Witness

2 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

Even you, a staunch supporter of BREAKING God’s commands

Which ones? 

2 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

Remember the keyword in Luke 17:4 is REPENT!

Repent of what?

2 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

Romans 16:17 New International Version (NIV) 17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

Which teachings are you referring to, the Bible’s teachings that I wholeheartedly defend, or the teachings of the Watchtower?  I doubt Paul was speaking of those.

2 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

9 My hand will oppose the prophets who see false visions and speak deceptive divinations. They won’t be included with the council of my people, nor will they be entered into the registry of Israel’s house or enter Israel’s land. Then you’ll know that I am the Lord God,

Should I list again, Watchtower’s long list of failed, false visions?

“So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.”  Mal 3:18 

There is no room in my heart to serve an organization, but only room to serve the Lord.  Luke 10:27; Matt 6:24

“For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.  Indeed, it is necessary that there be factions among you, so that those who are approved may be recognized among you.”  1 Cor 11:18,19

It was “prophesied” to happen in the last days.  If I say I follow Christ, and the WT promotes the following of an organization – who is right?  Surely, I do not need to repent if I reject idolatry!

“Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.  He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women,(“virgin Israel”/anointed, whose Master is Christ) nor regard any god (“saints”); for he shall exalt himself above them all.  But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses (the Temple “living stones”) with a foreign god, (the Body of Elders) which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, (the elder body does rules over all) and divide the land for gain.  Dan 11:36-39

“a god of fortresses” – “And just as a child seeks his parents’ protection when a storm rages, we seek protection in Jehovah’s organization when, like a thunderstorm, the problems of this world strike us.  Wt 11/4/15 pp. 3-5

This is a god “which his fathers did not know”.  What fathers?  The fathers under “Jacob”/”Israel”.  This can’t apply to anyone but those who are part of spiritual “Israel”, -  the anointed. 

35 minutes ago, Nana Fofana said:

t seems like to be fair, he'd have to, figuratively speaking, go to 'every door' somehow, in order to give 'everyone' a chance to "hear his voice, and open the door."  Would he deputize helpers, maybe?:

We know people gravitated toward Jesus, because of his healing acts, and the accounts of feeding thousands.  Once he entered a town, his reputation would have followed him, and also the disciples who were  given the gifts of healing.  There were many instances where throngs of people surrounded him.  Luke 4:42; 9:12; John 4:28-30

When we reach out to the Father, Jesus personally opens the door to our heart. “Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never cast out.”  John 6:37

“This is the will of him who sent me: that I should lose none of those he has given me but should raise them up on the last day.  For this is the will of my Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”  John 6:39,40

 Think beyond the physical and perceive how powerful the Spirit of God can be.  Acts 15:8; Gal 4:6

15 minutes ago, AllenSmith said:

I hope those Elders had the good sense to D’fd you James Thomas Rook Jr, and now your contempt is no different than, that of an ex-witness since It’s going to sink being you come judgement day!

Allen, you are not making sense, again.  You are hoping JTR is disfellowshipped.  Do you realize if any JW were to be called into question for deliberately concealing evidence for the same type of situation as Wt. faced in Australia, but scaled down to an individual level,  that person would/should be disfellowshipped?  At least we would hope the individual would be disfellowshipped.  

“when I heal Israel, (“Israel” is healed outside the apostate city)
the iniquity of Ephraim (today's GB) and the crimes of Samaria (meaning "watch tower")
will be exposed.
For they practice fraud;
a thief breaks in;
a raiding party pillages outside.
 But they never consider that I remember all their evil.
Now their actions are all around them;
they are right in front of my face.”  Hos 7:1,2

Can you really dismiss Watchtower’s sins and point the finger at anyone who loathes what the Watchtower has done?  And if a person with any integrity loathes injustices, how much more so do you think the true God in Heaven feels about an organization that appears to represent Him, but cares little for victims of crimes, both spiritual and physical?  

Rev 18:4-8

22 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

I think the best debate this fellow had was proslavery.

Who are you referring to?  Brown or Barnes?  Barnes wrote books against slavery.  

6 hours ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

The key to understanding anything ... is CONTEXT!

Yes, it is.  Examine the context from a secular point of view, who also gives scriptural contextual support to his conclusion:

Albert Barnes Notes on the New Testament:

Matt 10:11 – “And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide til ye go thence.”

“Who in it is worthy”.  That is, who in it sustains a fair character will be able and disposed to show you hospitality, and will treat you kindly.  This shows that they were not suddenly and needlessly to throw themselves in the way of insult or want. “

On a regular basis, JWs receive insults in their door to door work…repetitively and ‘needlessly’.

“And there abide”.  There remain; as Luke 10 adds, “Go not from house to house.”  They were to content themselves with one house; not to wander about in the manner of vagrants and mendicants; not to be men of idleness, and fond of change; not to seem dissatisfied with the hospitality of the people; but to show that they had regular, important business; to show that they valued their time, were disposed to give themselves to labour, prayer, and meditation; and to be intent only on the business for which he had sent them.  If ministers of the gospel are useful, it will be by not spending their time in idle chitchat, and wandering about as if they had nothing to do; (hmmm, I remember those days “in service” with “pioneers” who never missed their coffee break) but in an honest and laborious improvement of every moment in study, prayer, preaching and religious visiting their people. 

At Luke 10:7, he footnotes 1 Tim 5:13:

“And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.“

There is no good connotation attached to going “house to house” within the Bible. 

This was a harvesting work directed by Jesus and Holy Spirit, not as Watchtower leaders expect today, following their own agenda as to what to preach, and how. Sheesh, JTR, you, of all JWs here, know that Watchtower’s “new light”, does become “old darkness” – and if once darkness, always darkness.  2 Cor 6:14   Why would Jesus bless such a “good news”? Since the Wt declares another message than what Jesus or the disciples preached; which is, “come to Jehovah’s (“spirit-directed”) organization for salvation”, (Hab 2:18,19)  and doing it in the stubborn manner they choose; I believe, they are clouded by their own agenda; and I am quite aware of what that agenda is.  Those under the “woman” New Covenant promise are under attack by a force that can only be discerned with spiritual understanding.  Jesus knew this would happen, and both he and the Father knew how.  2 Tim 3:1-9; 2 Thess 2:1-4:9-12; Rev 13:1,4-10

How can you not see this?  A hundred years ago, an organization develops that takes on a unique “preaching work” spearheaded by anointed ones.  They become quite efficient at covering each house in a territory – repetitively.  This has never been done before.  The incoming contain more anointed ones along with many others.   During the time of the end, a remarkable “Beast” and false prophet comes against the “saints”.  Has the Catholic church surrounded the “camp of saints”?  Will a political entity successfully surround the “camp of saints”?   

Satan’s net is already full of anointed ones (Rev 12:3,4,15) and those who innocently fall into the same trap - the organization.    Hab 1:9-11,15-17  They are flooded with Satan’s lies, which indeed is darkness.  Interestingly, Satan has used the same method of capturing those “under priests” that he used to scout out Jesus – their High Priest.    

An example of productive “harvesting” is Ruth, following the direction of Boaz. Ruth 2:8,9,12,17

13 hours ago, Nana Fofana said:

• When you read parallel accounts it seems pretty clear what he meant. :

   

• • Matthew 10:11 “Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving, and stay there until you leave.

•  

• • Mark  6:10 Further, he said to them: “Wherever you enter into a home, stay there until you leave that place.

•  

   
• Luke9:4 But wherever you enter into a home, stay there and leave from there.
•  
  • You  DO agree- don't you?

Matt 10:11 – NWT, “search out” 

For a more rounded meaning:

“And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence”  Does this support going “house to house”?

exetasate exetasate G1833 vm Aor Act 2 Pl OUT-INTERROGATE inquire-ye !

ἐξετάζω exetázō, ex-et-ad'-zo; from G1537 and ἐτάζω etázō (to examine); to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e. ascertain or interrogate:—ask, enquire, search.

Luke 9:4 – “And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.”

menete menete G3306 vm Pres Act 2 Pl BE-YE-REMAINING be-ye-remaining !

μένω ménō, men'-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), × thine own.

Luke 10:7 – “And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.”

Upon entering the city or town, Jesus directed them to “ascertain”, through questions, which house may offer an invitation for them to remain/dwell. 

Tell me, how do any of the scriptures that you quote, support going “house to house” – house over house, door to door, as JWs have been doing for years?  And in doing so, keeping a log of each individual who was ‘accepting’; even the names of their animals, kids, etc., which they have come under fire for, in other countries?

What do you think Jesus meant by saying, “go not from house to house”?

On 3/2/2018 at 3:06 PM, AllenSmith said:

No! That’s just your erred understanding about scripture, and what it means, Mark 16:15, Matthew 24:14, and the manner of delivering the Gospel of Christ, which you now question. But the day you do understand by your example of Luke 10:3-12, you will release, JESUS wasn’t talking about, NOT preaching door to door but much rather sending the 70 to teach Christ message without positions and to be left to the generosity of others. (Armed with vulnerability) Through the different towns and cities. Territory! For logging? If a disciple was welcomed, great! Eat, drink in peace! If he wasn’t, that was okay to. They were instructed not to stay in a house that wasn’t welcoming. Matthew 10:5-8, Mark 6:7-11. Therefore. Your citation is WRONG!

1

Really.  Your (bold and underlined) sentence doesn’t make sense one bit to me.  How do you twist Christ’s specific words regarding how he sent out the 70, which was into towns and cities and into the houses of those who invited them, as well as telling them NOT to go “house to house” (KJV),  as HE REALLY DIDN’T MEAN THAT LAST PART?

This is typical Watchtower talk, reversing the meaning to conveniently fit its purpose.   

"Therefore. Your citation is WRONG!"

Which citation is wrong, mine or Christ’s?  Mine is in harmony with Christ's; yours is just the opposite.  

Who searched house to house for the “firstborn” – to destroy the promised seed?  Matt 2:16-18; Gal 3:16

Who has sent out unknowing ones, “house to house” and brought in, with sufficient bait, the “firstfruits”?  Rev 12:17; 13:7; 11:7; 6:9-11; Rev 20:9 

There was a reason why Christ said what he did.  It was a tactic used by Herod to kill him.  

 The Watchtower’s “preaching work” is counterfeit.  There is nothing different about the religion than any other since its database is full of false doctrine and pedophiles, as well as the next religion.  What makes it unique, is it holds the authentic anointed ones, who are the true “witnesses” of God.  Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; Gal 3:29,26; As long as the organization can keep them captive with the threat of disfellowshipping, they will not be sealed.  Rev 13:10; 20:7-10; 12:4, 15-17; John 16:2

Ezek 14:22; 6:8; 7:16; 12:16

But to get back on topic, every lie that the GB has uttered; every false and failed doctrine they have issued as under the direction from God, should lead every JW to question whether they should believe anything these men tell them - even where they may live.  

1 hour ago, AllenSmith said:

Therefore, if scripture STATES, about the preaching work, then, don’t criticize the manner it's being delivered.

Wait.  Jesus stated clearly, do no go door to door.  You are saying that the Watchtower's command to do so, carries more weight than that of Christ's, without even considering that he had a reason for saying so.    So, who really is the one committing spiritual immorality by transgressing Christ's command?  Who really is the Jezebel?

1 hour ago, AllenSmith said:

Silly thing about the teachings of Christ, when the mission statement is to take the gospel of Christ to them!

On 3/1/2018 at 11:06 AM, Witness said:

And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ "

The scripture is not dismissing the preaching of the "good news"... to the "lost sheep of Israel".  Matt 10:23

I am curious why you refer to the Catholic church and the Pope so much.   Is this because both the Watchtower and the Catholic church are hierarchical organizations; thus, making it easy to compare?

I do remember Losch saying this in a video.  “Roaming about” is depicted to occur at the end of the days, prophesied by Amos to God’s unfaithful people;

¹ “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord,
    “when I will send a famine through the land—
not a famine of food or a thirst for water,
    but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.
¹² People will stagger from sea to sea
    and wander from north to east,
searching for the word of the Lord,
    but they will not find it.  Amos 8:11,12

  Contradictory teachings are a sign of the GB’s “roaming about”; speculation on the meaning of God's Word.  

“During the great tribulation, faithful anointed ones cannot help anyone who became unfaithful. It will be too late. So, what will happen to the unfaithful? Notice what happened to the foolish virgins who went off to buy oil: “The bridegroom came. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.” When Jesus comes in his glory near the end of the great tribulation, he will gather the faithful anointed ones to heaven. (Matthew 24:31; 25:10; John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17) However, Jesus will reject the unfaithful ones. Like the foolish virgins, they may say: “Sir, Sir, open to us!” But how will Jesus respond? Sadly, he will give them the same answer that he will give to many goatlike ones: “I tell you the truth, I do not know you.” —Matthew 7:21-23; 25:11, 12.

The marriage feast is a spiritual banquet, the opening and meaning Revelation’s scrolls given to the faithful by Jesus Christ.  Rev 1:1 The Wt. is accurately stating that unfaithful anointed ones will be present during the great tribulation, as virgins searching for another source of “oil” to fill their lamps.  They are the ones “roaming about”.

The next Wt. paragraph contradicts the above paragraph by saying,

"Was Jesus saying that many of the anointed will become unfaithful and need to be replaced? No. In Matthew chapter 24, we read that Jesus warned the faithful and discreet slave not to turn into an evil slave. This did not mean that he expected to see that happen. Similarly, the parable of the ten virgins is a warning. Just as five virgins were foolish and five were discreet, each anointed Christian must choose to be prepared and watchful. Otherwise, he or she could become foolish and unfaithful.”    “The warning in the parable of the ten virgins reveals that Jesus had similar confidence in the anointed. He knows that each of his anointed servants can remain faithful and receive the wonderful reward!”   Wt 15/3/15 pp 9-14

Is the parable just a warning, with no possible outcome of unfaithful ones being present, or will there actually be unfaithful ones as the first paragraph states?  The first paragraph supports the parable, the second paragraph shoots it down as just a warning, letting all the anointed within the organization breathe a sigh of relief. 

If Jesus did not expect an evil slave to appear, why even go there; especially if he KNOWS that each anointed one “can remain faithful” as the Wt. declares?

The great tribulation is here; the refinement period for God’s priests is in the process, for those who submit to it. Rev 3:17;Heb.12:6,11; Eze.33:11 The Marriage Feast is here.  Those of the remnant “sealed” in heaven are found present on the earth when Jesus returns in glory. 2 Cor 1:22; Heb 12:22; Rev 3:12

The “foolish virgins” “buy” their source of “light” from a wicked slave/GB, and not from Christ. Each virgin receives a seal of ownership, according to the Master they serve and obey – directly, either Satan or Christ; indirectly, for the unfaithful, it is the GB who has made it perfectly clear that the anointed ones must obey their direction. Rev 13:16,17  They have rejected Christ as the only recognizable authority over them. 

 For those who accept Christ’s refinement and leave this captivity to falsehood, slave only for Christ and not for men.   John 14:6; John 16:2; Rev 3:18; Mal 3:1-3 They no longer, are “roaming about”.  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6%3B+John+16%3A2%3B+Rev+3%3A18%3B+Mal+3%3A1-3&version=NKJV

The Marriage Feast, where all are invited, is found “outside “apostate” spiritual “Jerusalem” Matt 22:4-10; 2Cor.6:16-18; Eph.4:24-25; 5:11; Ps.26:4; Rev.18:4; Jer.51:6,9,45; Isa.48:20; Matt.24:14-16

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=”+Matt+22%3A4-10%3B+2Cor.6%3A16-18%3B+Eph.4%3A24-25%3B+5%3A11%3B+Ps.26%3A4%3B+Rev.18%3A4%3B+Jer.51%3A6%2C9%2C45%3B+Isa.48%3A20%3B+Matt.24%3A14-16&version=NKJV

Understanding Sheol and Hades results in deeper comprehension of many Bible teachings.
It is first good to establish that the Hebrew word Sheol, is the equivalent of the Greek, Hades.
We see that demonstrated by a comparison of Acts 2:27 (Hades - Greek) and Psalm 16:10 (Sheol - Hebrew).
The Greek word Hades (G-86) consists of a combination of two Greek words--
{From ἄλφα (G1) (as negative particle) and εἴδω(G1492)}.
The combination (not + perceiving), means, to be conceptually blind... unable to perceive spiritual light (Mark 4:12). Hades is the symbolic and spiritual consignment, of those in spiritual darkness (Eph.4:18; 2Cor.4:3-4; John 12:35; 1John1:6; 1Thess.5:4)... not "the common grave of mankind", as we were deceived into believing by the "wormwood" of the "Watchtower".
The "realm" of those who occupy this darkened condition, is symbolically depicted in the book of Revelation, as the abyss (Rev.9:1; Rev.11:7) and as the sea / deep (Rev.11:7; Rev.13:1; Isa.57:20; Jude 1:13).

Accordingly, Hades is occupied by those who are conscious, but considered spiritually dead (Eph.2:1; Ephesians 2:5; Col.2:13). Christ was there after his death (Rom.10:7) in order to preach to it's occupants (1Pet.3:19-20; Jude 1:6)  (Isa.49:9) (Isaiah 42:7). It is a realm without the light of the knowledge of God, without which, we are in a spiritually dead condition (Isa.59:10).
Only those called out of that realm, gain understanding (1Pet.2:9; Col.1:13; John 1:4) through Christ. Those not granted, do not gain spiritual sight (Mark 4:11-12; Isa.6:9).
They remain under the power of the spiritual realm, Hades.

When we ourselves have "light" concerning the meaning of Sheol/Hades/Abyss/Sea/Deep;
we then have an advantage, when it comes to grasping the meaning behind such verses, as Rev.13:1 , Revelation 11:7 andRevelation 9:1.
We then can "make our minds over", and remove former "Watchtower" misconceptions,
such as the doctrine which asserts that the Wild Beast arising from the sea (Isa.57:20; Rev.13:1 and Revelation 17:8) is coming forth from "a place of inactivity". No... that is not the meaning of the abyss.
Satan's "abyss" of deception, is quite active in the minds of men. It is the source of the false prophet's great deceptive power, and the birthplace/source, of the Wild Beast/locust-scorpion collective (Rev.8:10-11; Revelation 9:1,2,3; Joel 2:2)  

Since Adam, we are all (including the Chosen) born under the realm of Hades, and the dominion of it's agents. 

Without the salvation granted by God, we would remain under that consignment of "darkness", confusion, "Babylon the Great", and death.
The power and realm of deception and death (Hades), is also symbolized as a covenant/"mother", of death 
(Isa.28:15; Rev.9:1; Revelation 17:5)
"She", has a husband (Heb.2:14; Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1).
All "her" children, are born spiritually blind and corrupted, and prisoners of death.
The power and realm of light and life, is also symbolized as a covenant/"mother", of life (Gal.4:26; Gal.4:24). "She", also has a husband (2Cor.11:2; Rev.14:4-5; Rev.21:9-10; Rev.3:12; Rev.22:17).
Those born to her (Gal.4:19; Rev.12:1-2; John 3:3), are given spiritual enlightenment, and are her "seed" (Gen.3:15; Rev.12:17).
 

 Pearl Doxsey 4womaninthewilderness

6 hours ago, Matthew9969 said:

I notice he was teaching and healing, not just knocking on doors.

"Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.  Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. ⁵ But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’  And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. ⁷ And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.  And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ "  Luke 10:3-12

2 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

What good is knowledge with a mistaken view? This concept

You may want to be a bit clearer.  What concept?  And, what is my mistaken view?

18 hours ago, Space Merchant said:

So, I take into account of what the bible says and not the words of people who do not really understand something. Knowledge is power for a reason, and in learning these things you will not be mislead so easily. But it seems that many people are astray because of errors in the bible such as the KJV and or of prophets who use errors to push a claim and or teaching.

Knowledge is a blessing from Holy Spirit Col 1:9,10; Eph 1:15-18  I am sorry if you feel I have been misled.  Through your words, there is both a condescending attitude, yet I do detect some compassion.   In general, you appear to have a strong defense for your own words.  Again, you assume much about me without knowing my full beliefs, which is quite incredible; judging me, when you have no basis to.   Some of what you say I am in agreement with; a large portion of it, I am not.   I defend GodÂ’s Word through scripture; trying fervently to boast only in the Father and Jesus, and not of myself.   Gal 6:3,4,14   I hope you understand this.  We both have the freedom to speak what we believe is truth. 

God’s presence is within one’s heart, fertile ground for the Word of God; not within the physical walls of a building, of any sort.  John 14:23; Luke 8:15,8; Col 1:9,10 This is a fleshly view inspired by the desires of men.  Gal 6:7-9 ;1 Cor 2:14; Col 3:2; Heb 11:8-10

But, I do appreciate the history lesson that I was already aware of. 

 

11 hours ago, Space Merchant said:

You may want to read up on the history of the Samaritans, for they too have built a temple to worship God, a temple built by their hands. Another thing is when Jesus was a child, his parents took him to the Temple of his Father, God Yahweh. Anyone can see what took place as to what happen to baby Jesus there, but it would seem some Christians tend to ignore anything before Jesus' adulthood other than just his birth, but not taking into account of what took place after that. People, Christians, build the temple/church (House of God) as a place of worship to God in addition to teach, preach, etc, to consider this as defaming God because the temple was made by the hands of man, is hypocrisy. Read the bible, please.

You seem to think I have no knowledge of the early Temples.  You also appear to believe I have no idea that nothing can hold God. And, you also seem to be excusing man for building temples today.  There is a difference between meeting to pray and study the Bible, and calling a meeting place, God’s House. 

1 Chron 17:1-15

  Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under tent curtains.”

² Then Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”

³ But it happened that night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, ⁴ “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: “You shall not build Me a house to dwell in. ⁵ For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought up Israel, even to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another. ⁶ Wherever I have moved about with all Israel, have I ever spoken a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar–’”’ ⁷ Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel. ⁸ And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a name like the name of the great men who are on the earth. ⁹ Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, ¹⁰ since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel. Also I will subdue all your enemies. Furthermore I tell you that the Lord will build you a house. ¹¹ And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. ¹² He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. ¹³ I will be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. ¹⁴ And I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever.”’”

“But Solomon built Him a house. “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

⁴⁹ ‘Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,
Or what is the place of My rest?
⁵⁰ Has My hand not made all these things?’

⁵¹ “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.  Acts 7:47-51

Matt 16:18 - And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

“Peter” – Petros – rock or a stone, an apostle, a piece of rock

“rock” – “petra” -  a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

“and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock (“petra”) was Christ.” 1 Cor 10:4

“Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!’  ² And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Mark 13:1,2

Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

²⁰ Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”

²¹ But He was speaking of the temple of His body.  John 2:19-21

One Temple, one church, and God’s ONLY house; built on Christ, the Rock.  God is also the Rock.  Ps 95:1  Both, are the Temple Zion.  Rev 21:22

Peter and the apostles were the first “rocks/stones” to be added to the Temple/Rock mass -  Christ and  Head.  1 Cor 3:11  They are the foundation of this Temple along with the prophets.  1 Cor 12:27-28

More followed.

“you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

“Behold, I lay in Zion – Mountain/Rock  Heb 12:22
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

⁷ Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,

“The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”

⁸ and “A stone of stumbling  And a rock of offense.”

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light “ 1 Pet 2:5-9

Mount Zion/Holy City is the Temple of God.  

  ^“Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names^[i] of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”  But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”  Rev 21:14,22

And, since the holy priesthood, “living stones” are part Christ’s Body/rock mass, they too, can be said to be the Temple.

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? ¹⁷ If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”  1 Cor 3:16,17  

The “144,000” “living stones” of the Temple belong to God and the Lamb   Rev 14:1

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.  Eph 2:20-22

This is the only Temple – the only “house” God recognizes as His.  This “holy priesthood” of “living stones” is also the Bride: 2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:23,25; Rev 21:9,10,2; Zech 8:3; 1 Cor 1:27, 8,28; 6:2

When the woman at the well pointed to the temple where the Samaritans worshipped, and then to Jerusalem’s temple, Jesus was explaining that no longer would there be a physical temple of any sort – no “house” where God’s spirit would dwell; except the house HE and the Father were building with Christ as the chief cornerstone, the foundation in the apostles and prophets, and all the faithful “living stones” added over the years.  Do you really think that God would lay claim to anything else  - that mere man would build?  John 4:19-24    For those in the world who desire to build ostentatious temples and buildings supposedly sanctioned as “God’s House”/dwelling, perhaps Jesus has become  “A stone of stumbling  And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word”; that being,

“the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands”.

11 hours ago, Space Merchant said:

Man's visual? A church organization isn't an idol, however a church can easily hold idols and give more importance to said idols and not God the Father -  for churches who do this do not take into account of the Great Commission and even if they did, they lack, trust, I know from experience.

Since you appear to come here upholding the Watchtower, you may want their perspective (that comes and goes) about idols: 

WT ‘90 11/1 p. 26 "As Christians, we face up to similar challenges today. We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry—be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization."

An idol is an image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of passionate devotion.. (“All who remain loyal to Jehovah and his organization will have his continued blessing.” W14/5/15) ...whether material or imagined. Generally speaking, idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. It is usually practiced toward a real or supposed higher power, whether such power is believed to have animate existence [as a human, an animal, or an organization) or is inanimate (as a force or lifeless object of nature –(the Watchtower exists as both animate and inanimate, as a “spirit directed organization”) ]. Idolatry generally involves some form, ceremony, or ritual.  Insight Vol 1

 Large letters are for emphasis, not signifying yelling, although at times I feel like it.   

48 minutes ago, AllenSmith said:

I believe your church is a lot closer than the Watchtower. Matthew 7:2-5.

Oh, dear Allen, what church do you believe I belong to other than the anointed Body of Christ?

11 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

Your illustration does show a contrast. How many poor churches can you compare with VATICAN CITY? From the poor nations around the world that adhere to the Catholic faith? Is that the BEST argument you can make? What are you really trying to prove, when the Watchtower can’t be singled out.

Should I be impressed by your comparison?  Should YOU feel triumphant by your comparison? As I told another JW who compared Wt’s failures as supposedly less than other religious organizations, excusing away Wt’s failed doctrines, as you are now excusing away Wt’s use of money…

… it is by your own admittance that you have brought the “mountainlike organization” down to the level of all other religions. If God were to back this “spirit-directed organization” would there be any comparison? This is a conundrum for JWs, continually weighing in a balance Wt’s failures, or in this case Wt’s visible accomplishments, with those of other false religions/prophets. You are essentially, comparing apples to apples, Satan’s religious empires within the world - with each other.  Thus, can you see, by Wt’s definition of “Babylon the Great”, that Watchtower is included? 

However, Revelation’s “Babylon” is a covenant – a promise of death, (Isa 28:15,18) and called a “mother”. (Gal 4:26,24; Rev 17:5)  “She” has many daughters represented physically by those in power; and since end time fulfillment of Revelation concerns God’s anointed ones and companions, “Babylon’s” daughters are the GB, since they rule through the Wild Beast that comes against God’s “saints”.    Rev 13:1,4,7,8,11,14-17

Watchtower can’t have it both ways; being part of the world through its various investments, stocks, money derived from other organizations, implore other countries to come to its aid when facing adversity; and yet, teach its members not to be part of this world.

Hold on to those scriptures you posted  -  John 4:24 (also 21-23) and Acts 17:24 (also 25)

16 minutes ago, AllenSmith said:

Only apply Isaiah when you understand the NT, Philippians 2:3-4, James 3:16, Romans 8:5, 2 Timothy 3:2,

 

Therefore, youÂ’re STILL dealing with the desire of the flesh that has NOTHING to do with Christ message of LOVE. Proverbs 18:1

I believe your scriptures on the desires of the flesh as well as LOVE can be better put to use in explaining how they may fit in the following pictures.   Which building would you rather visit?  

Allen, if the organization knew love and practiced it, they would know their brothers and sisters in the anointed Body of Christ; God's TEMPLE.    BUT THEY ARE TOLD NOT TO GET TO KNOW THEM! 2 Thess 2:1-12   So, tell me, who is not practicing love?  Who is bent on feeding their fleshly desires but those who following the dictates of an earthly organization - A CORPORATION - who slave for it and revel in every fleshly manifestation of their worship, from cleaning the toilets, to constructing more buildings, making sure every physical piece of clothing they wear is just right - ALL TO MAKE A FLESHLY, APPEALING SHOW, WHEN GOD DOESN'T CARE!

All He asks for is mercy, and not sacrifice.  Matt 12:7

  

 

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

. now i can see little, little more then before :)))

Isa 32:1-7

On 2/22/2018 at 11:10 AM, AllenSmith said:

Therefore, understand the premise of Gods followers, with physical objects. An understanding that should be well known by those that comprehend, Acts 17:24, which makes this post a meaningless point.

Allen, I am so very glad to see you use the same scriptures I repeatedly share with JWs. 

John 4:24; Acts 17:24

We can conclude by the words of Acts 17:24 that God’s House – His dwelling -  is his Temple NOT made with hands. And that Temple, as scripture verifies, would be in the hearts of the anointed Body of Christ. John 2:19-21; Matt 16:18; Eph 2:20-22; Rev 21:14; 1 Cor 6:19-21  If we agree with this, then surely you can also plainly see the hypocritical teaching in this video.

https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/pub-jwb_201710_7_VIDEO

And this one:

https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/pub-pk_18_VIDEO

Since the Watchtower clearly exposes its idolatrous ways by calling meeting places, “God’s House”; basically, temples built with hands” (Acts 17:24), shouldn’t His true Temple/anointed ones question why God’s Temple is so defamed by substituting man-made buildings as more valuable than God’s Holy Temple made up of His "living stones"?  1 Pet 2:5,9

“Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?  Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,

“I will dwell in them and walk among them;
And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.
“And do not touch what is unclean;
And I will welcome you.
 “And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.  2 Cor 6:15-18

Please, just reason on this.  The organization’s teachings of upholding and boasting in, man’s visual desires are a stumbling block to God’s true Temple – and to you, and all other JWs. 

WHAT AGREEMENT HAS THE TEMPLE OF GOD WITH IDOLS? THE LARGEST BEING THE ORGANIZATION ITSELF?  Rev 13:1-8; 2 Thess 2:1-4

 ^“But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”  Matt 16:23

On 2/4/2018 at 8:30 AM, Nana Fofana said:

Thus far we have seen that Jesus followed a pattern when feeding his followers: He fed many through the hands of a few.

 

This has been said so many times by the Wt. that one JW told me “scripture says”…when it doesn’t.    In other words, the Wt denies any growth over time in the Temple of God. 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; 1 Cor 3;16,17; Eph 2:20-22   The apostles as foundation of the Body of Christ, taught more “living stones” to follow their example. Matt 16:18; Rev 14:5; John 21;17 Teaching didn’t stop with just the apostles. Every faithful anointed one since Christ is to present truth that the Holy Spirit gives them through the anointing. 1 John 2:27 By using it, they build on it. 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 4:11-13 The “feeding” program that Jesus outlined involved all anointed within the Body.  So…today in the Watchtower there is a large number of anointed ones who could “feed” and teach God’s laws, but a “wicked slave” will not have it. Heb 10:16; Matt 24:48-51; Rev 13:17; 3:18   Thus, their adopted slogan; ‘feeding many through the hands of a few. ‘

Blasphemy.

 The people do not receive merciful guidance through the laws fulfilled in Christ.  Mark 4:21  This is not God’s idea, but the idea of self-assuming, self-driven men fooling the masses of JWs, and 'shutting the door of the Kingdom of Heaven' - God's righteous "organization" found within his "priesthood".  Mark 10:42,43 ; 1 Cor 4:6; Matt 23:13,14  

“Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people;
Her priests have polluted the sanctuary,
They have done violence to the law.”   Zeph 3:4

“Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food.”  Heb 5:12

 “My covenant was with him, one of life and peace,
And I gave them to him that he might fear Me;
So he feared Me
And was reverent before My name.
⁶ The law of truth was in his mouth,
And injustice was not found on his lips.
He walked with Me in peace and equity,
And turned many away from iniquity.

⁷ “For the lips of a priest (1 Pet 2:5,9)  should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”  1 Tim 4:16

“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was.

God’s “priesthood” has forgotten their role – to be a “messenger of the Lord”.  Instead, they follow the dictates of men whose message is to preach an earthly “organization”.  Rev 13:12,14,8

 ²⁵ But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:22-25

“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and of the mysteries of God”.  1 Cor 4:1

Watchtower 14/5/15 pg 26-30    "There has been remarkable growth in the number of GodÂ’s servants because Jehovah himself is backing his Witnesses. (Read Isaiah 43:10-12.) This increase was foretold in these prophetic words: “The little one will become a thousand and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time.” (Isa. 60:22) At one time, the anointed remnant were like “the little one,” but their number grew as other spiritual Israelites were brought into GodÂ’s organization. (Gal. 6:16) Because of JehovahÂ’s blessing over the years, the increase continues with the gathering of the great crowd."

 

IS THIS TRUE?  WHAT ARE THE FACTS?

 

 

 

 

 

On 2/19/2018 at 9:43 AM, JOHN BUTLER said:

However, I still feel that God will have a clean Organisation of some sort  before Armageddon. I also believe that some JW's will get through Armageddon and some who are not JW's will also get through. It will be an individual judgement. 

The true “mountainlike” organization is an administration of priests, chosen to become heirs of the earth as “firstfruits”, (James 1:18)  followed by the rest of God’s children to live on the earth – to also share in the inheritance of the earth that Jesus was the first to inherit.  The “144,000” are to serve God, Christ, and ALL children of God.  Just as the early priesthood served the needs of the people as well as taught them God’s laws; so too will the priests under their High Priest, Christ.  Eph 1:9-12; 1 Pet 2:9,10; Rom 8:19; Gal 3:9; Gen 13:14; 28:14; Heb 2:5,16; Rev 22:1,2; Ezek 34:27   

This is God’s organization and the only organization that He accepts.  It is pure, not tainted by Satan’s world.  You can learn more through the links I have earlier provided. 

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.  For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them."  Heb.11:1,2,8,10,16; Rev.21

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2Cor.4:18

So let us imitate our spiritual forefather Abraham, who lived by Faith, and not by sight (2Cor.5:7; Heb.6:11; 13:7).

9 hours ago, Shiwiii said:

How can the average jw..............makes my head hurt that there are people being scammed and lied to but they refuse to research and think for themselves. 

2 Thess 2:9-12

Yes, which is the root, explaining the works behind 2 Tim 3:1-9   

“For the love of money is the root of all (“each, every, any, all, the whole”) evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  1 Tim 6:10

Luke 3:9 – “The ax is already at the root of the trees. (Zech 11:2; Amos 4:9; Isa 10:19; 10:33 [Zech 4:11-14; Rev 11:4; Isa 61:1-3]) Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

If anyone revels in the “works of the flesh” which include the divergence of worshiping in Spirit, to worshiping through the product of a fleshly desire of men; the building of an earthly organization – they also become slaves to money.  Gal 5:19-21; 6:7,8; James 3:13-16

Matt 6:24 - “No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

“The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”  John 6:63