Witness

6 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

Therefore, this statement is nothing more than a copout, by attempting to somehow wash the hands (SHIFT) of responsibility as Pilate attempted to do by the murder of Jesus!!!!

This statement is posted under the section “Controversy”.  I suppose you take it that attacks by JWs against their own members are not included in the warning? 

Matt 24:11,12

6 hours ago, Shiwiii said:

Why won't the head of the wt org admit that abuse is a problem within the society (yes, I understand that j jackson has in a round about way admitted this) and that they are willing to accept help to protect the people within the org? Is it PRIDE? The Catholic Church has offered help to the jws in the upcoming Holland investigation. They're been there and done that and know what it takes to keep on ticking. The government of Australia has given recommendations.  It appears that the head of the wt is more concerned with getting money, real estate, constant requests for voluntary donations, taking on the loans from local kh's only to make those payments by the local kh endless, special announcements and written articles on how to leave your estate to the wt (just make sure if its land that it is able to be sold), etc.

2 Tim 3:1-9 comes to mind.

6 hours ago, Shiwiii said:

How can one believe that this org is being used by God at all?

I was thinking this same thing today, Shiwiii.  How is it that a JW may scrutinize a company for its honesty and products before buying, such as a car, an appliance, a house;  yet, when it comes to justice and truth, which God would expect his worshipers to live by,  they look the other way?  Are their consciences seared just as the Watchtower’s leaders are?  1 Tim 4:1,2 There are so many factors – a powerful force leading to “blindness”; the desire of the “flesh” manifested in what the organization is and produces; the fear of man, and apathy.  2 Cor 4:4; Matt 15:14; Matt 6:19-21; 2 Pet 2:1-3; Acts 5:29        

All that you say, holds no light, but only darkness.  Worshipping God without strings attached brings one authentic deepfelt, security and love - for the Father and Jesus - enough to weather all adversity, which cannot be obtained under the Watchtower's dark canopy.  I wish they would all pack up and leave.  1 John 1:6

1 hour ago, AllenSmith said:

Your jealousy is showing JTR. If you don’t like your present status in life, you should have upgraded yourself from waste management engineer to some other higher paying Job. Then maybe you wouldn't care who lives in a gated community that is dedicated to serving God.

 

Then perhaps, you can reacquaint yourself with the Promise you now shy yourself from God, by reintroducing yourself, in understanding scripture to benefit your Christian Life, NOT manÂ’s Worldly Ideologies. Proverbs 29:25, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Corinthians 1:27

 

Then pass it on to your little, friends here! There are one hundred and one ways to view scripture, Romans 8:5, but ONLY one, that is “acceptable” to GOD!!!

 

@James Thomas Rook Jr.

Only enter this section if you feel strong enough spiritually to defend yourself biblically. As you probably are aware, not everyone on Facebook, Twitter and the Internet is nice and civilized. Some are rather rude. You are hereby forewarned.

 

In other words, @DespicableME, with your downvote, are you saying you approve of Watchtower accepting funds from worldly foundations?  

Watchtower's viewpoint on charities:

"Like the neighborly Samaritan in Jesus’ illustration, we want to help suffering people, including those who are not Witnesses. (Luke 10:33-37) The best way to do so is by sharing the good news with them. “It is important to make clear right away that we are Jehovah’s Witnesses and that our primary mission is to help them spiritually, not materially,” notes an elder who has helped many refugees. “Otherwise, some may associate with us only for personal advantage."  Wt 2017/5 p. 7

"If there is any material giving, to charities for instance, it is because there is need to salve a conscience, or because one's reputation is at stake." Wt. 1969 5/1 p. 280 

"But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and evil.  Fools! Didn’t he who made the outside make the inside too?  But give from what is within to the poor, and then everything is clean for you."  Luke 11:39-41

"Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don’t ask for them back.  Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them".  Luke 6:30,31

 

 

Someone posted a question about the longevity of Watchtower given the events of the past few years. The following is just my opinion, and my observations from the past year:

Two years ago, Watchtower implemented a 5-year cost reduction program in which they asked all branches to cut costs by a minimum of 10%, up to 25% as a preferred number.

In the spring of 2015, Stephen Lett asked for donations after stating that WT had more money going out than coming in. 6 months later in a private seminar which I have watched, Watchtower officials announced that Lett's plea resulted in 30 million extra dollars in donations, but this would not stem their financial issues and they would continue with the layoffs and cutbacks.

As you know, the cutbacks were significant. Aside from the Bethel layoffs, all non-essential branch projects were either cancelled or put on hold. Watchtower asked branches to sell as much equipment as the could liquidate - including heavy equipment, printers, etc. All monies were directed at finishing Warwick, then selling off their cranes and millions of dollars worth of vehicles and other high priced tools, right down to 5 dollar screwdrivers.

Meanwhile, Watchtower purchased four $8,000.00 scanners and scanned all documents located in Brooklyn, only keeping the hard copies they were required to keep by law.

Watchtower was spending tens of thousands per year to New York City just to maintain their tunnel and airbridge spaces between buildings. This was not a tax, it was a fee paid because New York owns the underground and the airspace. Moving to Warwick eliminated these costly payments.

Branches around the world are struggling to keep up with their own accounting procedures. In South Africa, over 1400 congregations struggle to file their government mandated tax returns required of each congregation. Most congregations have not filed returns for 2-4 years, primarily because local elders do not understand how to file returns, and are quite frankly not interested in the business aspect of this religion. These elders are being retrained, and have been called disobedient by the branch.

Watchtower has been spinning the cutbacks as simplification, and have coerced dozens of those who lost their full-time jobs to give testimonials about how happy they were to accept their new assignment in the field. (Translation - they are on their own. no health care, no jobs, no training. They are told to just go and pioneer.)

In Namibia, the government has denied Watchtower's plea to remove itself from employer status, since this forces Watchtower to pay social security benefits to all full-time workers - such as Bethelites. This has happened in outer countries as well. Watchtower must pay these benefits. This raises the issue of whether any benefits will ever be paid to other full-time JWs across the globe, who deserve them equally.

Watchtower is watching its assets in Russia vanish while paying settlements in the US and elsewhere for child abuse mishandling and other legal cases. Watchtower has taken over responsibility for all kingdom halls worldwide, but many sit in disrepair awaiting renovations in excess of what congregations can afford.

There is dissent in South Africa right now because of the fixed per capita amount assigned to each publisher who attends a circuit assembly. Many elders have questioned this vocally, and have described the amount of money charged to each circuit as an invoice. This does not sit well with many elders, particularly those in less than affluent areas. Watchtower has dispatched a team of elders to correct their thinking and their accounting procedures.

Watchtower is now implementing a new records management program along with a destruction of documents procedure which is designed to ensure that no documents exist which would tie watchtower to any legal responsibility or repercussions. The records management overseer related an experience where one hand-written note cost watchtower over $200,000 - simply because a JW elder at headquarters was honest and produced a written document which tied watchtower to a major litigation case with a prior vendor. Watchtower has made it clear these records are to be destroyed according to their new records management and destruction procedures.

Beginning in 2018, Watchtower will implement a program by which every single JW will be assigned a database number and their information will be in Watchtower's global database. Currently, in the US, Watchtower only has 40% of their publishers registered in the JW database system. All Jehovah's Witnesses will be given a number and tracked unless we can stop this invasion of privacy here in the US and around the world.

Watchtower is very upset and concerned about all the leaks coming from their headquarters. They use Office 365 now and embed data into PDF files in an attempt to track where the leaks are coming from. They have been issuing subpoenas from the Southern District of New York to various internet providers in the US, along with Google, inc. in an attempt to track down the source of the leaks and identify the individuals involved in leaking their literature and videos. Watchtower demands their freedom of speech but attempts to deny it to those sharing their publicly available materials, which by the way are not being distributed for monetary gain.

Watchtower continues to try to plug these leaks like the proverbial dam in Holland, but they are running out of fingers - and attorneys - to plug these leaks. We have far more than they realize we have, and there is nothing they can do to stop the flow of information outside of headquarters.

The cart-witnessing program is finally beginning to backfire. Witnesses are being approached and asked hard-hitting questions about child abuse, shunning, and other matters. When you stand in the public square and represent a religion, it's just a matter of time before the public connects the dots, and the carts are sent to the junkyard, one at a time.

In Canada, The US, Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands and multiple other countries, the government and media are taking notice of the public outcry for justice - justice for abuse victims to victims of imposed and mandated shunning. The Supreme Court of Canada will rule this year in a case involving shunning and discrimination, and if Watchtower loses this case the repercussions will be felt worldwide.

Yes, money is a problem for Watchtower. Yet Governing Body members like Samuel Herd have publicly stated how beautiful their new surroundings are at Bethel - how they hear the birds chirping as they observe the serene landscape of upstate New York.

Meanwhile, Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia have been imprisoned for following Governing Body directives. Young Korean Witnesses languish in prison for no reason. JWs in Eritrea have been rotting away in prison cells - some for decades, while the coalition of overweight, business class flying governing body members feign tears for the men and women who are effectively their slaves.

Like Stockholm Syndrome victims, Jehovah's Witnesses continue to support the only organization they think has the answers, identifying with and revering their captors - men who have little sympathy for the victims of child abuse, shunning, or death by blood policy.

Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson callously stated in 2015 before the Royal Commission in Australia that he had not even read the details of the victims who had testified before the Commission. He focused on his defense, like a narcissist who believes they are the center of the universe, unable to empathize with real people with real problems.

Tony Morris declared on multiple occasions that he was incensed with European trousers for men, designed by the homosexuals he hates so passionately - and followed this tirade by producing a side by side photo of what proper trousers look like versus "tight pants". In a recent private video for Bethel members only, this war against questionable pants, socks, and tights was restated, with Watchtower doubling down on matters which would baffle Jesus himself, were he to walk the earth today.

The lawsuits are piling up, the fines are compounding, the public awareness of Watchtower's dangerous and controlling cult influence on followers will become a spectacle in 2018. With multiple documentaries being filmed, protests being organized, and lawsuits being filed, Jehovah's Witnesses can choose to buckle up and attempt to survive the crash - or they can release that belt and get the hell out of the vehicle which is about to catch fire.

How long will all of this take? It's hard to say. But I will say this - each one of us can play a part in sharing what we know with the public. Find some websites which you believe are honest and accurate - and share them. Find some books which are truthful and sincere - and share them. Tell your story. Show your compassion for those still trapped.

There are millions trapped inside a mental prison, but we can help them. Let's make it happen.

John Redwood

 ^“Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming from the dragon’s mouth, from the beast’s mouth,”

….a spirit-“breathed” image requiring one’s devotion – “Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”

“And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names.                                                          They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”                                       And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.                                                                        It (Rev 13:11) was permitted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (symbolic killing through disfellowshipping)  And it makes everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead Rev 13:1,4,7

The MARK:

“Recall that on your baptism day, before eyewitnesses, you were asked whether you had dedicated yourself to Jehovah and understood that “your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization.”  Wt 17/4 pp. 3-8

 ”and from the mouth of the false prophet.” 

“Do the other sheep need to know the names of all anointed ones still on earth today? No. Why not? Because it is not possible for anyone to know for sure that these ones will get their reward.”  Wt 16/1 pp.20-26

“Therefore, one way you can “remember those who are taking the lead” is by mentioning the Governing Body in your prayers. 

Of course, remembering the Governing  Body involves not just words but also cooperation with its direction.

Circuit overseers and elders remember the Governing Body by sticking closely to guidelines given to them. All of us show respect for our Leader, Jesus, by being obedient and submissive to the men he is using to direct us.

Another way that we remember the Governing Body is by exerting ourselves in the preaching work.”  Wt 17/2 pp. 23-28

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.  It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people.”  Rev 13:11-13

“Just like a servant who attentively observes his master’s hand in order to discern the indication of his will, Jehovah’s people today carefully fix their eyes on the progressive Bible-based instructions that Jehovah gives through his earthly organization.     Yes, they act on his direction, being alert to whatever Jehovah indicates through “the faithful and discreet slave.”   w03 2/15 p. 31

“For they are demonic spirits performing signs, who travel to the kings (Rev1:5;5:10; 10:11;1 Tim 6:15) of the whole world to assemble them for the battle on the great day of God, the Almighty. 

 ^‘Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame.’  So they assembled the kings at the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”  Rev 16:13-16

…in the valley of “decision” Joel 3:14

He also said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute (beast with horns like a lamb – Rev 13:11)  was seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.  The ten horns you saw, and the beast,(Rev 13:1, organization) will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, devour her flesh, and burn her up with fire.  For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his plan by having one purpose and to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God are fulfilled.  And the woman you saw is the great city that has royal power over the kings of the earth.”  Rev 17:15-18

Rev 18:4-8 - Then I heard another voice from heaven:

“Come out of her, my people, Isa 44:8; 43:10; Hos 1:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10
so that you will not share in her sins
or receive any of her plagues.
 For her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
 Pay her back the way she also paid,
and double it according to her works.
In the cup in which she mixed,
mix a double portion for her.
 As much as she glorified herself and indulged her sensual and excessive ways,
give her that much torment and grief.
For she says in her heart,
“I sit as a queen;
I am not a widow,
and I will never see grief.”
 For this reason her plagues will come in just one day—
death and grief and famine.
She will be burned up with fire,
because the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”

https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp82-00457r002100830008-3

Click the attachment found part way down the page...

https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP82-00457R002100830008-3.pdf

Communist Party of Greece: https://inter.kke.gr/en/firstpage/

Provided by Kim Mikey youtube. 

 

On 2/14/2018 at 12:47 PM, JOHN BUTLER said:

Um, don't agree with you. For instance there was a form of 'governing body' though of course not called such. The older men or elders in Jerusalem had to make decisions on behalf of all.

This is long; please, bear with me. 

As soon as we place ourselves in the hands of a religious “organization”, men decide how we are to worship. Organizational guidelines will have already been set in place, with expectations established for its members.  The Bible already tells us how to worship – Jesus was telling the woman at the well how to worship – in spirit and in truth.    Through prayerful guidance, we realized spiritual freedom comes through faith in the power of God. 

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”  Gal 5:1 

We have just one biblical account of a letter reaching to all congregations, concerning a major issue affecting the spread of Christianity in pureness.   Just one.  It was dealing with the transformation process of moving away from Jewish law that Jesus fulfilled.  Col 2:14; Eph 2:14-16  Does this give cause for the belief that an organization was present; that men “organized” the preaching work?  Paul and Barnabas addressed a prevalent issue, happening in Antioch and in Jerusalem.  Obviously, the brothers in Jerusalem hadn’t taken care of it until Paul and Barnabas showed up. Acts 15:24

“Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.   They wrote this letter by them:  The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.”  Acts 15:22

Everyone was involved in the process, unlike the GB’s use of a handful of men passing decrees behind closed doors, concerning biased doctrine that has nothing to do with truth in scripture – doctrine that must be swallowed down without a second thought, whether sound from a human standpoint or not.  Matt 24:26; 2 Tim 4:3-5

The decrees that the apostles, elders and the whole church, settled upon:

We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. ²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: ²⁹ that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.  Acts 15:27-29

No greater burden!! Did these decrees go beyond the things already written down in God’s Word? 

We have much proof that Holy Spirit directed individuals in the preaching work.

 “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. ¹² For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Gal 1:11

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, ¹⁶ to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, ¹⁷ nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.”  Gal 1:15-17

Phillip was directed by Holy Spirit; Acts 8:26,27,29 as well as Barnabas, Acts 13:2

In these early congregation of believers, “elders” were the anointed ones, fulfilling their role as “priests”.  1 Pet 5:1-4

Mal 2:7 - “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”

1 Pet 2:5 “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.”

Have you had an opportunity to hear or read Fred Franz’s talk on how the early preaching work was accomplished?  If not, I think you will be surprised. I can’t seem to find the audio version anymore, but you can read it. 

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/minimoog-898174-gilead-grad-talk-59th-class/

Sometimes, even the Watchtower leaders slip in words of truth but practice the opposite. Jesus words can aptly apply during these fleeting moments:

“Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.”  Matt 23:3

CT Russell - "Beware of "organization." It is wholly un-necessary. The Bible will be the only rules you need. Do not seek to bind other consciences, and do not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God's word today, and so continue to growing in grace and knowledge day by day." (Zion's Watch Tower, 1895, p. 216.)

"In view of these facts and also of the nature of the harvest work, and the addition. In fact that each one so gathered is expected to enter into the harvest work as a reaper, and will do so to the extent of his ability and opportunity, it is plain that the forming of a visible organization of such gathered out ones would be out of harmony with the spirit of the divine plan; and, it done, would seem to indicate on the part of the Church a desire to conform to the now popular idea of organization or confederacy. (See Isa. 8:12.) ... While, therefore, we do not esteem a visible organization of the gathered ones to be a part of the Lord's plan in the harvest work, as though we expected as an organization to abide here for another age, we do esteem it to be his will that those that love the Lord should speak often one to another of their common hopes and joys, or trials and perplexities, communing together concerning the precious things of his Word, and so help one another, and not forget the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is; and so much the more as they see the day approaching. -- Mal. 3: 16; Heb. 10:25." (Zion's Watch Tower, 1894, p. 384.)

On 2/14/2018 at 12:47 PM, JOHN BUTLER said:

, Jesus said that the gospel or good news of the Kingdom would be preached worldwide / earthwide. If, as you say, that we don't need an organisation, then how would Jesus' words here come true ?  Most religions don't even believe in God's Kingdom. Most people don't even believe in God's Kingdom. So are you saying that Jesus was wrong ? I hope not.

The preaching of the “good news” had great success in the first century. Matt 4:23;3:2; 11:5; Mark 1:14; Acts 20:25; 28:23,31; Luke 2:10,14    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+4%3A23%3B3%3A2%3B+11%3A5%3B+Mark+1%3A14%3B+Acts+20%3A25%3B+28%3A23%2C31%3B+Luke+2%3A10%2C14 &version=NKJV

Yet, in the apostle’s day, how far was the “good news” preached?  Rom 10:18; 1:8; Acts 17:6; Col 1:6,23; 1 Thess 1:8  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.10%3A18%3B+1%3A8%3B+Acts17%3A6%3B+Col.1%3A6%2C23%3B+1Thess.1%3A8.&version=NKJV

The “world” in that day encompassed all tribes, peoples and tongues of God’s nation.  Rev 5:9,10; Acts 10:34,35; 15:4; 13:47; Isa 49:6; Matt 10:6,7,23 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+5%3A9%2C10%3B+Acts+10%3A34%2C35%3B+15%3A4%3B+13%3A47%3B+Isa+49%3A6%3B+Matt+10%3A6%2C7%2C23&version=NKJV

Where is the “good news” preached at the time of the end?

“When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”  Matt 10:23

“Israel” –

“But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel,  nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.”  Rom 9:6,7 (Rom 2:29)

“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; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Pet 2:9,10

“And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed”  Rev 7:4

Matt 24:14  from the Greek Kingdom Interlinear (WT):   “And will be preached this good news of the kingdom in whole the inhabited [earth] into witness to all the nations and then the end will come”

Ok, according to Matt 10:23 the preaching work right before the end is to the “cities of Israel” – God’s anointed people.  The “inhabited earth”, “οἰκουμένῃ”, are the “cities of Israel” and God’s “inhabited earth” – “the people of God.” 1 Pet 2: 10; Eph 2:20-22; John 14:23

 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Cor 3:16

Rev 14:3 verifies “Israel” in Rev 7:4 above, is the “earth”:

“They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.”

God’s anointed ones are the target of the end time preaching work.  Since the “Gentile” “man of lawless”/”ELDER” body has “trampled upon” God’s anointed priesthood, extinguishing all power of the “holy ones”, the call goes out to FLEE – leave Watchtower’s delusion, their false prophesies, sins, their idolatry to an organization as one’s salvation, behind.  Dan 11:31; 12:11; 2 Tim 3:1,5,7,8

 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),  “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”  Matt 24:15,16; Isa 56:7; 2 Pet 1:18; Zech 8:2,3; Joel 3:17; Rev 14:1  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+24%3A15%2C16%3B+Isa+56%3A7%3B+2+Pet+1%3A18%3B+Zech+8%3A2%2C3%3B+Joel+3%3A17%3B+Rev+14%3A1&version=NKJV

The “holy place” is described in 2 Thess 2:3,4 as God’s Temple, which is the holy priesthood.  1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20-22,10

 ^“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as Godin the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”

This is the sign that the Great Tribulation is at hand.  Everyone, will receive God’s righteous judgment, accordingly.  God’s anointed people and those who happen to be with them, are the focus of Revelation’s prophesy.  THEY have fallen for Satan’s end time delusion, his last piece of work to destroy those in Christ.  Gen 3:15; 2 Thess 2:9-12; Rev 13:1,4,6-15; 18:4-8

5 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

If this is your understanding, in your opinion, Then what's your excuse for abandoning Christ teaching? Proverbs 4:2, Revelation 2:4

Prov 4:2 – Are you referring to Wt’s doctrine, full of “rotten fruit”, aka “new light” ? Matt 7:17-20  Should God be at fault for the GB’s teaching errors? Rom 3:4   Christ’s teachings originate with the Father.  The GB’s teachings are their own, such as the example I gave in my previous comment.   John 7:16-18  I do hope you can discern the difference.

Certainly God’s laws have nothing to do with “new light”; and when it comes to those laws, which remain in the mind and on the heart of a faithful anointed one, (Heb 8:10) please remember who it is that refuses to listen to the court system, and who easily disfellowship others for rejection of their present “new light” as well as any past “light” no longer lit.  Since the GB cannot “walk by the Spirit of God” – inspired -  they are blind to God’s righteous decrees.    

Rev 2:4 – If the GB had not left the love they had at first, do you think they would serve up, “rotten fruit”?  John 15:5

No, I have returned to Christ’s teachings since leaving the Wt.

Dear Allen, why do you and 7 million + JWs continue to support an operation of error?  Because men put a stamp on in that says, “Jehovah’s organization”, and the threat of shunning hangs over all members that refuse to listen to such a lie? 

“Those who make an image, all of them are useless,
And their precious things shall not profit;
They are their own witnesses;
They neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed.
¹⁰ Who would form a god or mold an image
That profits him nothing?
¹¹ Surely all his companions would be ashamed;
And the workmen, they are mere men.
Let them all be gathered together,
Let them stand up;
Yet they shall fear,
They shall be ashamed together.”  Isa 44:9-11

3 hours ago, AllenSmith said:

As for your frivolous question. At what point wouldn’t anyone understand, that the GB is mobile. They LIVE, wherever the need is, greater, under the AUTHORITY, and DIRECTION of GOD’A HOLY SPIRIT? Hint, GLOBAL!!!!!  Matthew 6:25-34, 2 Timothy 1:14, Galatians 5:16

 “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 1 Tim 1:14

There is no doubt that the GB have let their guard down and have lost what was initially given them by Holy Spirit.  Matt 25:28-30; Mark 4:24,25,22,23; Heb 12:15; Rev 8:10,11; 13:11-15  

By their own admission, they say they are not inspired (“divinely breathed in”); which is the receiving of Holy Spirit given at an anointing (“the special endowment ‘chrism’ of Holy Spirit”). 1 John 2:18-21,23

1 Cor 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

To say they are not inspired, they ADMIT they are no longer the dwelling of God, bereft of the spiritual influence, “inspiration” of God’s Spirit.  The evidence that they do not “walk by the Spirit of God” is their insatiable motivation to fully “gratify the desires of the flesh” that Satan aptly provides them within his realm.  1 Tim 6:17; Matt 4:8,9

Jesus would never have considered developing an empire in the same earthly realm that his enemy has authority over. Matt 6:19-21; James 5:3 The GB lineage lost their position as the “dwelling of God” by submitting to another spirit.  They have been used as pawns to create a counterfeit “mountain”/dwelling, boasting that it is “spirit-directed” by God. Rev 13:11,15  It was purposefully built under the spiritual influence they have “breathed” in to take into “bondage” as many as possible. Rev 13:10; Luke 21:24; Rev 13:11-14  “Jehovah’s organization” blasphemes the true God and his true “dwelling”. 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22; Matt 24:15,16; Dan 11:31; Rev 13:1,2,6,7

“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”  John 18:36

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 1 Tim 4:1

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.  And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.  By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”  2 Pet 2:1-3

For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escapedfrom those who live in error.  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.  For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.  For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.  But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Pet 2:18-22

“Deceptive words”, “great swelling words of emptiness”; such as,

"Today, a small percentage of mankind can still recall the dramatic events of 1914. Will that elderly generation pass away before God saves the earth from ruin? Not according to Bible prophecy. 'When you see all these things,' Jesus PROMISED, 'know that he is near at the doors. Truly I say to you that THIS generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' - Matthew 24:33, 34." (Wt 5/1/1992  pg 3)

Satan provides all the material goods the GB needs to do HIS will; destroy the "living stones" of the Temple of God.  2 Thess 2:1-12; Rev 16:12-16

On 8/31/2017 at 2:24 PM, Alessandro Corona said:

Because Jehovah's Witnesses are the only Christian denomination that do not believe in the trinity. 

"Nontrinitarianism"  Wikipedia

In terms of number of adherents, nontrinitarian denominations comprise a small minority of modern Christianity. By far the three largest nontrinitarian Christian denominations are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("Mormons"), Jehovah's Witnesses and the Iglesia ni Cristo, though there are a number of other smaller groups, including Christadelphians, Christian Scientists, Dawn Bible Students, Living Church of God, Oneness Pentecostals, Assemblies of Yahweh, Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ, Members Church of God International, Unitarian Universalist Christians, The Way International, The Church of God International and the United Church of God.

14.8 million Mormons 

 Iglesia ni Cristo: “There is no official count, however, Adherents.com claims that there are 27,000,000 members globally, while the Philippine Census Bureau claims that they represent 2.3% out of a population of 102,624,209 people as of July 2016.”    “Quora”

Just two choices and already the number of nontrinitarians far surpasses the number of JWs.  Those that “hate” JWs account for a small number, compared to those truly concerned for their spirituality. This is what I observe elsewhere.   I think it is apropos to ask why JWs “hate” someone who leaves lies and hypocrisy behind, realizing that turning to Christ is in line with what he taught.  (John 5:39,40)  They leave all “life” they had while in the organization to follow Christ; and for that, they are rejected by the organization, which Jesus predicted would happen among one’s own people.  Rev 13:4,15

Mark 8:35,38 - “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's, will save it. For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

John 16:2,3 – “They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, (“meeting place”) but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.  These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me.”

 “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues (“meeting places”) and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. (“Judicial hearing”)  So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, (disfellowshipped:  spiritually “dead”) and you will be hated by all because of My name.  Yet not a hair of your head will perish.  By your endurance you will gain your lives.”  Luke 21:12-19

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”  John 14:6

JWs narrow-mindedly believe that their “persecution” by worldly governments fulfills scripture.  Not in the least.  Persecution comes from within the JW ranks, toward those seeking the unchangeable truth.   John 15:16

When "generation" is referred to at Matt.24:34, it does not speak so much of a time, as it speaks of a result.

In other words, the Greek of "generation" is actually speaking of something which spirit generates, or creates. 

The result of that action, is what is generated, created. 

The "generation", 

are all those who are born, or generated, from spirit.
 

There can be a righteous generation (Ps.112:2; 14:5), born of God's spirit (1Pet.1:23; John 1:13; 1John 5:18), with Him as Father (Eph.5:1;Matt.5:48; Phil.2:15);

or a crooked and twisted generation (Deut.32:5; Acts 2:40; Matt.12:39), born of Satan's spirit (Eph.2:2; 1John 3:12; Rev.16:13; 1Tim.4:1), with him as father (John 8:44; Isa.27:1 -lit. "coiling" = "'crooked and twisted' serpent").
 

Each of these "generations", 
are the "seed" which come forth from the spirit of each "father".
They have existed from the beginning (1John 3:12; Heb.11:4), and will exist until the all prophecy concerning them, is fulfilled (Gen.3:15;Jer.33:17-18; Rev.5:10; Heb.13:15; Matt.24:34).

 

And so, 

by stating that this generation 
(speaking of a particular created group -John 6:63; 5:21; 2Cor.3:6; 5:17; 1Cor.15:45; Rom.8:14) 
will not pass away until all things occur;

Jesus was letting us know, that all things prophesied 

about all Christ's Called Ones, both faithful "wheat" and unfaithful "weeds", will happen, before they pass away (Dan.12:7; 1Cor.15:24). 
He also tells the "wheat", that he will be with them, throughout time, up until the end (Matt.28:20; 18:20). This also helps us to see, that if he is with each of them throughout time, up until the end, they exist throughout the years, up until the end. Therefore, the meaning of this righteous generation, is not about a group of contemporaries limited by a literal lifetime, but about a group known by their righteousness.

Jesus tells us Matt.24:34, because most of the prophecies about this group, will be undergoing complete fulfillment, without being so recognized. 

Why? 

Because,
 but for a few who find the road of truth to life (Luke 13:23,24; Matt.7:14); the "entire inhabited earth" (Rev.12:9), will be deceived by Satan's counterfeit "signs and portents" (2Thess.2:9,10) that lead to idolatry (Rev.13:8). Satan will fabricate a counterfeit fulfillment of prophecy, using his only resource.... his dominion over the physical world around us (1John 5:19). Jesus does not want his Called Ones to be misled by the agents of Satanic deception 
(Matt.24:24,25; 2Pet.3:17; Rev.12:15; 16:13; 2Cor.11:3,4,20,13; Rev.2:20; Luke 21:36) 
(1Tim.6:20,21; 2Tim.1:13,14; 2Cor.10:5).

Instead of this "generation" "overlapping" during the span of the last 100 years;

in truth, they have been overlapping since the first century.

The WT is so absorbed by their own importance, everything is interpreted from the narrow perspective of the period of their own existence.

Note what Jesus said in the very next verse (Matt.24:35)...

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away."

This is opened more by Matt.5:18...

"I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved."
(Jer.1:12,11,13,14,15,16,17,18; Rev.10:11)

"Heaven and earth" are going to pass away.

2Pet.3:10-13 reads;

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."

Of course, this destruction is not literal, but according to verse 7;

"By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
(Jer.23:29; 5:14; Rev.11:5; Matt.10:20; Jer.1:9; Hosea 6:5)

Also, the "new heavens and new earth" are spoken of where "righteousness dwells". Such righteousness is not found in the literal heavens and earth, but in the hearts of men. 

So since all the "ungodly" (Called Ones who proved to be wicked slaves)

are to pass away; how will this passing away be recognized?

Remember....this refers exactly to what Jesus said,

"This generation will by no means pass away, until all things occur."

Yes...the "wheat" and "weeds" will not receive their punishment or reward,

until all things prophesied, the Great Tribulation and Armageddon included, are completed. 

Jesus tells us this, because these Great spiritual events,

will go unrecognized by those "asleep" (Rev.3:2,3; Matt.24:43; 1Thess.5:2,4; 2Pet.3:10; Rev.16:15).
These events will be declared as already fulfilled, by false apostles, even before the genuine end of the ungodly, arrives (2Thess.2:1,2,3;Dan.7:25).

I hope this helps to eradicate the lies we learned from the WT,

about "generation", as well as how the things written will actually be fulfilled among these two "generations".

Pearl Doxsey 4womaninthewilderness

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Matthew9969 said:

So it would make sense, that sense it is a billion dollar luxury compound that they probably made for themselves pretty lavish apartments with a massive amount of security. 

Good point!

2 hours ago, JOHN BUTLER said:

So then, where do you imagine the 'anointed' go to when they leave the Org' ?  Do they form another religious group ? Are you saying that there is no need to be an organised religion ?  The early Christians had a group of 'Older men' starting with the disciples / Apostles. They formed congregations as we know by Paul's writings.  It was only when the Romans took over Christianity that it got out of line really. My personal opinion is that the scriptures were written to be understood by an 'anointed class', not for everyone to understand, but then that causes the problem of needing an honest 'anointed class' of people.... I do agree with you about the Org changing the meaning of scriptures quite often. does it mean they are trying to jump ahead of the guidance from God ? Guessing their way through. It's difficult. Is JW / WT the true religion just needing cleansing ? Or is it totally wrong and is there a need for God to set up a new Organisation ? 

When Christ came earth, he introduced a new structure of worship, and a new temple to recognize – his Body built on the anointed apostles.  “Living stones”/anointed ones were added to God’s Temple over the years, but never was an “organization” approved by God that contradicted the one He is building.  Satan’s last ruse is targeted to throw off this truth by producing an earthly organization that happens to include “living stones”, giving it seeming incredibility.  1 Pet 2:5,9,10

The early congregations were simply the gathering of anointed and believers who followed Christ.  There was no system where men relayed the necessity to answer to an organization.  That developed with centralized religion. 

Jesus’ words to the woman at the well tell this story. 

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.²² You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. ²³ But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:21-24

When he left the earth, the apostles worshiped in spirit and truth.  Now again, the hour is here where true worship is restored, in spirit and truth.  No earthly “mountain” will be recognized as the place to worship – no earthly organization can bring us to salvation.  The spiritual Temple and the only Temple God recognizes is the dwelling of God’s spirit within the hearts of faithful anointed ones.  To seek out this Temple, leads one to ‘living water’ of Christ. John 7:38; 15:4  They are those who remain in Christ and teach truth in Christ, not doctrines of men. 

The organization has reverted to the early temple analogy, treating its buildings as “temples”, and has rejected the true Temple built on “living stones”. 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22   There are restored “living stones”, who are the dwelling place of God’s spirit… (2 Cor 6:16; Jer 30:3,18-22)

…that I have given links to, under this thread; the first one being most important.

They are part of the authentic Mount Zion of Isa 2:2, and the Judean “mountains” where those who flee the “apostate city” run to.  They have been figuratively “slain” by the organization for their testimony of Christ.  Luke 17:37; Matt 24: 15,16, 23-28; Rev 11:7-10; 13:15

 “Elijah” has come to restore all things. Acts 7:48-50; Matt 17:10,11; Dan 7:22; 12:4; Rev 1:1; 11:1-3

These restored stones are once again able to offer their “daily sacrifices” before God. No one holds a hand at their throat causing their silence, any longer.    Heb 13:15 (Dan 11:8-13) 

Yet, your relationship with God and Christ is owned by you, not by men who expect literal “sacrifices” in the form of your labor.  James 5:1-6  The “stones” only offer the food for guidance, that you take or leave, with no strings attached and no guilt pinned upon you for leaving.   

On 2/8/2018 at 4:42 PM, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

With that huge acreage available for expansion on site .... it is clear that their plans are for the next hundred years in this System of Things, and historically there is 100% consistent evidence that is a good and practical thing to do.

The sad, and hypocritical irony produced by the Watchtower:

https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/LatestVideos/pub-jwbcov_201705_6_VIDEO

11 hours ago, Foreigner said:

1 Peter 4:14

If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Since when are JWs reviled in the name of Christ?  Please tell.  

On 2/11/2018 at 12:29 PM, JW Insider said:

It's easy to understand why someone would leave the 'organization' and say it's not for them, and they might go so far as to tell others to stay away. And some take it to a further extreme and say it's a den of false prophets and a lurking place of demons and hated birds, etc. But I don't expect any of those persons to also say that every member of the anointed remnant will be found passing through such a "despised" organization at one time or another. It makes a paradox out of the message that everyone should "get out of her" if it's also a place that all the anointed must pass through. What if your preaching keeps an anointed person from ever going through Satan's "test" organization in the first place? It's also a problematic theory, from your perspective I'd think, for those who are born into the organisation, and who leave before their anointing is sure.

Consider the paradox that is the organization; touting itself as Mt Zion, where the law of God goes forth, (Micah 4:2) yet it cannot even follow the laws of men, resisting justice to save money by avoiding compensating a victim of pedophilia.  This is also resisting God’s justice to protect and care for the innocent ones. Nahum 3:1  God’s justice is transgressed by the rejection of His own priesthood… silencing them and threatening them, and all, with the loss of family and friends for rejecting false teachings and false prophesy. Ezek 44:6-9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Luke 21:16,17; John 16:2   This alone ,is cause to get out when we can envision this covert injustice; and which is, the last call!  Dan 12:6-9; Matt 24:15,16; 2 Thess 2:4; Rev 11:1-3
ws16 January pp. 20-26
w02 8/1 pp. 9-14 par. 18

Yes, Satan has created a trap, to catch people through efficient means – all sorts of signs and wonders. 2 Thess 2:9,10; Rev 13:4,13,14    I imagine such a thing is hard to fathom. However, if he demands to sift/thresh each anointed, each individual as wheat, where do you believe the wheat will be found in the end, in the trap where lies and injustices have deep roots?  As soon as we recognize falsehood, we turn our back on it, and leave no matter how appealing and convincing the environment appears.   

 “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”  Matt 3;12 (Jer 23:29; 5:12-14)

“Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵ But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. ²⁶ When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

²⁷ “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

²⁸ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

²⁹ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Matt 13;24-30

 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom.  The weeds are the people of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Matt 13:37-39

The “harvesters” are anointed “messengers”, which is the definition of “angel”.  They are people of the kingdom who have rejected the apostasy of the Wt.  Along with them are Christ’s “workers”, the companions of the anointed who also take up the cry for all to leave Satan’s military ruse. Mal 2:7;3:1; Matt 13:41;24:31; Rev 11:3,4; Heb 12:22,23; 14:4; Zech 8:23

The Wt. claims it is “preaching” God’s truth, though it is a ‘truth’ that is never stable. They are totally convinced that they engage in the ‘harvest work’ – what, to bring people into a bed of lies? 2 Tim 3:6,7

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. ² And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. ³ By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”  2 Pet 2:1-3

My goodness.  Each failed prophesy of the org., each changed doctrine, blasphemes the truth found in Christ.  I wish every JW would open their eyes to this.  Matt 7:20; John 15:16

The Wt. appears glamorous, with a display of outward piety, but it is all accomplished within Satan’s world; using all sorts of signs and wonders. Rev 13:13; John 18:36;15:19  The true harvesting work is seen and accomplished by those who discern Wt’s wickedness…and refuse to take part in it.  “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit”  Zech 4:6

Each aspect that is wrong within the organization that I listed earlier, wouldn’t exist if Holy Spirit was present within the org.  The nation of Israel “did evil” and suffered for it – how many times, with how many lives lost?  They suffered defeat because of the evil they practiced and God removed his protection from them.  He let them choose to either struggle in their own determination to do it their way, or to turn to Him and be protected.   Isa 48:18

Can the word, defeat apply to the organization’s recent political dealings? Many times when Israel lost their battles, it was for abandoning God and turning to idols, or they sought out help from other nations, instead of relying solely on God.  These examples can aptly be applied to the organization that holds God’s people “hostage” today.  Hos 4:6-10

When Revelation says, “come out of her my people”, (Rev 18:4-8) it is telling God’s anointed ones to wake up and leave the trap/delusion and serve God and Christ fully, with a complete heart.  Attempting to serve God through an earthly organization that requires its own dedication, is the same as attempting to serve God through, or with, an idol.

“Apostates may claim to worship Jehovah and to believe the Bible, but they reject the visible part of his organization.” w04 2/15 pp. 15-20

“To survive, we must keep our faith strong and loyally worship Jehovah with his organization.” ws14 5/15 pp. 21-26

JWs feel that salvation cannot be reached without it; yet, it can’t be proven that it is a necessary means to receive salvation, which is only possible through Christ – directly.  John 5:40  However, it has seduced millions into believing that it is the Way.  Only deception and thievery would lead one through another “gate”; a gate constructed by the Father of the lie.  John 10:1-5,7-10

Those individuals that turned from the evil practiced by the nation of Israel gained God’s protection.  In fact, when they “cried out to the Lord” over the detestable things, he would send a deliverer.  Today, there are multiple detestable things happening in the org.; and for those who awake to their “captivity” (Col 2:8;Rev 13:9,10) and are sighing and crying over the injustices, the deliverer is Christ.  Ezek 8:6; 9:4; John 4:10; Matt 7:7; Rev 3:7,8; Dan 12:1-3

Think of other religions that JWs may have come from.  Weren’t JWs told to make a declaration by letter to end their membership with it, once they realized that the teachings were false? I did this when I became a JW.  If false teachings were not tolerated at that point, why would they be tolerated in the Wt., which boasts deceptively to be GOD’s organization? Does this mean that God would excuse lies uttered by his own people?   Doesn’t the organization continually expose falsehoods about other religions?  This clearly shows just how strong is the delusion spoken of in 2 Thess 2:1-12, that God’s anointed face, during the last days.

 It is a compromise of one’s integrity to remain within a haven of 100 years of changed doctrine, old light tossed out; which is none other than falsehood. The organization is built upon it; and like any  "house” built on shifting sand, it will fall. Matt 7:26,27; Rev 8:10,11

Ezek chapter 13     https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+13&version=NKJV

On 2/8/2018 at 4:42 PM, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

With that huge acreage available for expansion on site .... it is clear that their plans are for the next hundred years in this System of Things, and historically there is 100% consistent evidence that is a good and practical thing to do.

19 hours ago, Matthew9969 said:

Yeah they sure are planning on the end of the world coming any day now. Jesus is gonna love that Olympic swimming pool when he comes back a third time.

Has the Watchtower tossed out  Matt 6:19-21 from the NWT?    

On 2/9/2018 at 8:36 PM, JW Insider said:

Can you give an example of what initial truth is presented by the organization which you call "bait"? It just seems to me that if there is sufficient initial truth to bring in the anointed ones, then why are you treating this organization as something that everyone should leave?

I believe you grew up in the organization, am I right?  For the outsider who joins, I’ll give you my example. I was a Catholic but also looked into other religions, never finding what seemed to be “truth”.  When introduced to the Wt. teachings, the bits of truth that had a clear ring were, living on a cleansed earth, no hellfire, no annihilation of both the heavens and earth (taught by my Catholic father as the result of Armageddon), no purgatory, no limbo, and no trinity (as I was taught). These are truths taught by genuine anointed ones, another bait tactic, but who have fallen from the grace of God by practicing deceit. Rev 13:11; Matt 12:34; Rev 8:10,11   JWI, can it be dismissed that a projected date that never materialized is false prophesy, and false prophets are doomed to destruction?  Deut 18:20-22; Isa 9:16; Jer 23:10-12

I have said quite a bit on here why JWs need to leave, and primarily which is spiritually discerned - the “abomination standing in the holy place”, which is the replacement/standing in/sitting over the holy priesthood of anointed ones who are God’s Temple, by the “Gentile” elder body/”man of lawlessness”/Beast from the Sea.  2 Thess 2:3,4   “Spiritual Israel” is trampled upon by the elder body’s rule over them, condoned by the GB.  I am sure you remember now that I’ve spoken of this many times.  Dan 8:9-13; 2 Thess 2:4; Dan 11:31-36; Mark 13:13,14; Rev 11:2; Mark 13:13,14; Rev 11:2; 13:7,10; Luke 21:24  We have a symbolic mirrored image of what happened in the first century.  The abomination standing in the holy place then, in Jerusalem and the temple, was the Gentile army overtaking Jerusalem.  Luke 21:20-22; Matt 24:15-25; Mark 13:14  This was a warning to get out, flee to the mountains.  Through the years of Wt’s existence a slow transition has developed where the elder body has gained power over the anointed ones and given authority to “kill”/deem as spiritually “dead” any who reject the GB/wicked slave’s teachings. Matt 24:48-51  Christ was killed by the Roman army, turned over to them by Jewish leaders.  So, too, those holy ones who declare Wt’s sins.  As soon as anyone discerns this spiritual fulfillment of the “man of lawlessness”, they are to FLEE – flee the Watchtower.   The true “mountains” of Israel are the restored “living stones” of the Temple Zion.  1 Pet 2:5,9,10; 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20-22; Heb 12:22; Zech 4:7  (Rom 9:33)

It is curious that the physical appeal of the early temple caused the majority to disregard Jesus’ words, even though he stated “not one stone will be left on another, every one will be thrown down”.  Mark 13:2  Today, the physical appeal of the organization causes one unbelief that it will be destroyed. Rev 8:8; 19:20  Those “living stones”/holy ones who have already been “scattered” will not be restored under Christ, if they remain with the organization.  Christ expects worship in spirit and truth, and under his Headship; not through a mediator called the GB.  Matt 24:48-51  No one can slave for "two masters".  Matt 6:24

On 2/9/2018 at 8:36 PM, JW Insider said:

I'm sure it's clear to you, so I'm not asking for further clarification. It's just that I have trouble with the concept of an organization set up by Satan I guess, that all the anointed remnant appear to be required to get trapped into, which makes it part of Jehovah's plan for all the anointed to get baited into it. It's like you are saying that there is this "bad" thing out there that all the holy saints must participate in.

Satan demands it:   “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat,  but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  Luke 22:31,32

This demand is put upon all anointed ones before they are sealed.  His purpose is to derail the faith of as many as possible and is the basic war outlined in Gen 3:15.  

 He also instigates it.  Because God knows all things, we have the evidence of how he will demand it, through scripture.  Rev 12:7; 9:5,6;6:9-11; John 16:20,22,23; Eph 6:12; 1 Pet 5:8; 2 Cor 2:11   And how the successful ones combat this demand put upon them.  Rev.12:5; 2:26-27; 11:12; 4:1; 22:6; 3:21; Eph.2:6; Rev.19:11,14; 17:14.  

The Watchtower teaches that the anointed have left Christendom/”Babylon” and have repented of their sins. They have been cleansed of Satan’s defiling tactics by entering the organization.  However, what do we find in the organization?  Failed prophesy, changing doctrine, errors in guidance, lawsuits because of strict guidelines made without mercy, men judging another’s spiritual standing, hidden sin among leaders,  a “holy priesthood” directly told not to “gather” which renders them powerless, their continual struggle to remain afloat among the nations, and devotion to an organization – all, is the result of “another gospel” other than what Jesus or the apostles taught.   It is submerged by the heavy focus on a “preaching work”, a message also contrary to scripture during this time of the end.  Luke 10:7; Matt 10:11,23

John tells the anointed of his day – “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” 1 John 5:19  With his power, the wicked one can create “mountains” and instill his “rulers”. Zech 4:7; Rev 8:8; 17:9  We can’t dismiss the possibility that the fourth beast, which is “different” and which comes against the saints, is not cloaked in a spiritual deception.  Ps 1:17

It would be different from all obvious powers; this ploy and his last, by seducing anointed ones to spearhead its formation.  The organization/mountain and all aspects of it is a full counterfeit of the true Zion, found in the Body of Christ.  Satan uses his convincing lies to cause all of the anointed to swallow them down.

The organization was labeled “spirit-directed” by the Wt. leaders; the Beast from the Sea is given “breath” by a false prophet. Rev 13:15  (John 20:22)

 The organization requires one’s dedication and loyalty; the Beast from the Sea requires “worship” and adulation, and it is successful in convincing many.  Rev 13:4,7,8

The organization has taken away the reputation and rightful position of the priesthood and bestowed it onto and elder body.  Rev 13:5,6 The Beast from the Sea “was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them.”  Rev 13:7 

 The organization disfellowships those who speak against it when revealing its lies; the Beast from the Sea “attacks”, “overpowers” and “kills” those who refuse to worship it.  Rev 13:15; 11:7-10

The Watchtower is not God’s plan, but Satan’s.  God’s justice, though, requires our freedom of choice, just as he gave Adam and Eve. Yet, these developments of prominent anointed ones joining powers with the “Gentile” Beast from the Sea, to bring to nothing the powers of the anointed by “trampling” underfoot, was prophesied to occur.  Matt 24:15,16; Mark 13:13,14; Dan 8:9-13; 2 Thess 2:4; Dan 11:31-36; 2 Thess 2:4; Dan 11:31-36; Mark 13:13,14; Rev 11:2; 13:7,10; Luke 21:24 

 Yes, we all face the test because Satan demands that we do.  Once the last anointed one who will stand up to Satan’s deception by declaring it as the lie - the delusion of 2 Thess 2:9-12 - and becomes sealed in Christ, Satan’s accusations against Christ’s individual brothers are finished. Still, all hearts within the Watchtower must decisively take “sides” in the war of truth against lies. Rev 7:3; Matt.18:12; John18:9; 17:12; Dan.12:1; Matt.24:24-25; Luke18:26-27; Matt.24:21-22

“Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons 1 Tim 4:1

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”  1 John 4:1

Those anointed who have awakened to Satan’s ploy have the job to reveal it to all.  Some will, some won’t.  Those that do, are the “two witnesses” of Rev 11:1-3 who “prophesy in sackcloth” over the iniquities of God’s people.  “Babylon” means “confusion”; among spiritual immorality by Wt’s leaders, no set of teachings are more confusing than those of the Watchtower.  Rev 18:4-8  It is time to leave the “apostate city”. 

Satan always reveals a bit of his plan through the pages of the Watchtower, in word and including artwork.  Although it will be dismissed that it is an artistic individual guilty of shenanigans, as frequently as it has occurred through the years it is apparent that darkness resides in the organization.  Where darkness resides, the light of Christ is not there.  Wt. 2/1/83 pg 17 is a perfect example – the face in the woman’s skirt and the feet of the directing “angel” in the “preaching work”.  2 Cor 6:14,15

 I'm hoping all of this covered your questions in another post you made before this one.  I'll look over it.  

8 hours ago, Space Merchant said:

don't care about elders, disfellowship, excommunication, or any of that, I care about your response and your response as a Christian alone, no elders, no jws, no one, but you, and I raise these questions because of how you ignored and or avoided my questions on CTR's influence in your source, even when facts and clear information of said influence is nowhere to be found in said source, for even within your source it gave key points that confute what you even said and or put in bold letters , examples being the study of Pyramids and the Pastor's friends. Let alone the man can't even tell the difference between Templar or Knight is among the Masons, thinking they all function the same way.

Such a well-read man as CTR had no clue where his use of the symbols originated from, or what they meant, that he attached himself to.  Interesting.  We have evidence of just one of his deceitful ploys in what JWI posted from jwfacts.  No, sir.  You are excusing a man just as deceitful as the next Watchtower leader.  His teachings were not sourced in Holy Spirit; which, as a Christian, you should recognize, but feel I should ignore.  I will not excuse the man for his use of pagan symbols and support of measurements of a pyramid that he put into print…to teach…as divine truth, to thousands of people who believed him at the time.   What an act of blasphemy toward the Father.  

Matt 15:17-20; 7-9; 10:26

8 hours ago, Space Merchant said:

FYI, you contradicted yourself in terms of salvation because of the j organization, for it says something else on their website compared to what you said regarding salvation. For even they stated, Salvation is for ALL people, not jws alone, but to say something without facts just makes you blind.

Here are the “facts”.  You choose which you want to go with:

“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”  Wt 90/11/1 p. 26

“Come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation”  Wt 1981/11/15 p. 212

“Still, as a people, “the chosen ones” and their loyal companions will physically survive the end of apostate Christendom by taking refuge in “Jehovah and his mountainlike organization”  Wt. 11/1/15 pp. 3-7

You do realize that according to JWs, you belong to apostate Christendom, don’t you?

Kingdom Ministry 11/1990 p. 1 Directing Bible Students to Jehovah’s Organization" 
"Bible students need to get acquainted with the organization ... They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovah’s organization is.... 
. * essential to their salvation *. ...(Rev. 7:9, 10, 15) ... directing our Bible students to the organization as soon as a Bible study is established".

“Satan would like to reel in your children as a man reels in fish. Various clubs and other organizations are designed to make young people fit in with Satan’s world. But Jehovah’s servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things.” Wt. 07/12/15 pp. 11-15

Awake! 2009 Jul p.29 (p.28)
"No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family."

But wait, they really don’t mean that…

"Really, what your beloved family member needs to see is your resolute stance to put Jehovah above everything else - including the family bond. … Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail." 
Watchtower Study Edition 2013 Jan 15 p.16

"The slave’s will is Jehovah’s will. Rebellion against the slave is rebellion against God." Wt 1956/6/1 p 346

On 2/8/2018 at 7:35 AM, Space Merchant said:

I will ask you 4 questions since you yourself, avoided to answer me several times already, for it is only fair, and to make it even more of a challenge, it will be both bible canon history, which will show if you yourself isn't like the corrupted Christians that you mentioned.

The last time someone challenged my stand as a Christian, was for my testimony of Christ in front of an elder body.  I was disfellowshipped for turning to Christ, rejecting an organization as salvation and for rejecting false dates and prophesies that began with CT Russell.    Rev 11:1-3,4,7; 12:17;13:5,7,11,12,14-17  You appear to have the same cock-sure attitude as those who judge God’s anointed ones for refusing to accept unfit spiritual food from a wicked slave.  Matt 24:48-51. 

Believing 100% in scripture would motivate a true Christian to expose the lies, would it not? Gal 1:6-9; Eph 5:8-14; Isa 32:6-8; Luke 6:43-45

Concerning your challenge -

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”  Gal 1:10

18 hours ago, JW Insider said:

I know I've asked you this before and I have read your answer, but this still doesn't make sense. You are saying that God had nothing to do with setting up the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, YET somehow the same organization is Satan's testing ground for all the remaining anointed? (Note that I added the word all, to see if this is where I needed clarification.)

Jesus gave us the indications of his coming with signs to look for, which Satan is well aware of.  There are two types of “signs” that would exist in the time of the end – physical, which would be found in the physical world of Satan; and the spiritual fulfillment (Rev 1:1).

The threat to Satan’s power and dominion are the anointed ones; He demands to test each one for their faithfulness to God, since the victorious ones will receive what he has now, dominion over the earth. 1 John 5:19  God allows this test just as he allowed Satan to test Job.  Luke 22:31; Acts 14:22; Matt 24:22,23; Luke 13:23,24; Matt 7:14; Mark 13:13; John 16:2; Rev 2:9,10,13,17,7,24,26,28; 6:9,11; 3:5,9,12,21,22  

God didn’t set up the test, which is seen in Job 1:12 - And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”

Which is verified in James 1:13 – “No one undergoing a trial should say, "I am being tempted by God," since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn't tempt anyone.”

God gives plenty of warning for us to look for, if we care to serve him; but Satan will twist the signs in order to deceive, by concentrating on the fleshly, earthly fulfillments.    We are our own judge in a sense, by choosing either dominion, that of God’s or Satan’s.  If our heart desires to fully, faithfully serve only God and Christ, not men with their earthly ambitions, we are helped to see through the deception.  1 Cor 10:13; 1:8; Matt 6:13; 2 Pet 2:9  

Deut 30:15-19 

Would Satan test the anointed in the time of the end by what is already seen prominently in the world and recognized as dangerous by most people?  From the blessing of Holy Spirit received during an anointing, the initial truth presented by the organization is enough bait to bring in the anointed ones. 

Revelation’s prophesy plays out through the existence of the organization.

Each anointed one has faced its “beasts” or tests demanded by Satan, but not all anointed ones succeed in “conquering” it. Usually, among God’s people, the case is the minority repent for their wrongdoings.  The fourth Beast of Daniel, is the last and most deceptive, Satan’s last military ruse to tempt and destroy the anointed ones and any companions who fall into the trap. It IS the most deceptive, since Satan knows his end is imminent. Dan 7:19; Rev 13:1-4  These tests are no different than what Jesus went through to gain victory over death. Satan uses the same allurement that he proposed to Jesus; power and authority, and the love of physical pleasures. Luke 4:5-7 Those in Christ, who desire to follow in his footsteps, must also gain victory over Satan’s offers, which are all found in the beauty and the hum of the organization. The Wt. says the attack by Gog and Magog will happen by nations in the world.  But notice in Ezek 38:10-12, Satan’ evil plan comes against a peaceful people, who (apparently) dwell in safely. What does the organization offer, but God’s protection?  Rev 20:7-9 says the anointed are gathered and surrounded, which they presently are. And who is it that fills them with deceitful lies, such as pyramidology, “this generation”, 1914 and failed dates and many more deceptive teaching, but a false prophet, an organization/Beast/ and the source, Satan?  Rev 16:12-16

2 Thess 2:9-12 states that the “evil plan” of Ezek 38 is

 a strong (“effectual working operation, In the NT used only of superhuman power, whether of God or of the Devil”)

delusion. (a wandering, a straying about, one led astray from the right way, roams hither and thither, mental straying, error, wrong opinion relative to morals or religion, error which shows itself in action, a wrong mode of acting, error, that which leads into error, deceit or fraud)

The nations of the world will not offer a lying delusion to trap an unsuspecting people, who already feel they have found the truth.   

Not all anointed “kings of the earth” leave the organization as we see with the parable of the “10 virgins”, which was in my post here, Monday at 10:34 am. They side with the Beast against Christ’s “kings” in the war of truth against lies.   Isa 10:19; Amos 7:1-6; Rev 19:19; Dan 11:35  (1 Cor 4:8; Rev 1:5; 5:9,10; Rev 21:24)

The blindness that comes over all anointed ones is instigated by the false prophet, cajoling them into complacency that the organization will provide for their safety as long as their obedience remains with the organization which is also projected as obedience to God and Christ. Matt 25:5; 1 Thess 5:2,3; Jer 14:13; Ezek 13:10,16)

What causes the blind to wake up?  They sense something wrong with the organization’s teachings, they do research, they pray for understanding of truth.  Through this awakening, the process of refinement begins for all…when they choose the right path, Christ.  Isa 59:10,19-21; Ezek 14:21-23; Rev 6:8; Prov 17:3  The majority, choose to remain comfortable in what they know and desire – the organization.

If I didn't make this clear, please tell me.  

On 2/8/2018 at 1:05 PM, JW Insider said:

You said this in the past, Witness, and I flatly denied then that Russell established 1914 on the measurements of the Pyramid of Giza.

Thanks, JWI, I didn’t know you had corrected me before.  Note taken.

If he read all of Smyth’s books, the first published in 1864, also writings by Morton Edgar,  who knows what he was thinking on the matter before he actually put his findings in print. The New Proclaimer’s book doesn’t mention the belief in pyramids that existed in Wt’s teachings for around 50 years, does it?  Barely was it mentioned in the old version.  Would the typical JW have known where Russell got his ideas from?  Maybe, maybe not.  When I was a JW, I was totally taken off guard when an elder told me before a Sunday meeting, “Russell got 1914 from his measurements of the Pyramid of Giza”.  I was rather shocked.  What I’m saying is, he convincingly used the pyramid to support four dates – 1874, ’78, ’81, 1914.  Research into the organization’s teachings is not a habit by the majority of JWs.  They accept what is provided, just as I did without knowing the truth. 

@Space Merchant ,

Dear Sir, 

You do your job, which you do well; and  I’ll do mine,  which is to bring to light what is hidden in the darkness (1 Cor 4:5; Rev 11:1-3) and to reveal who are, the Beasts of Revelation that persecute God’s anointed ones during the time of the end. These Beasts had their beginnings with one man's teachings, who was influenced by Satan.  It is obvious that his teachings were not sourced in God’s Spirit, evident by corrupting God’s Word with his own “fleshly” pursuits. John 8:44; Gal 6:6-8; 2 Thess 2:1-12

This was my intention in posting the video; to expose his fleshly desires, revealing who the man is under the surface that the Watchtower has so effectively buried from the eyes of JWs, yet still supported by the organization.  Eph 6:12 

 

 

 

I apologize for not referencing the pages of pdf I quoted from. Had I done so, I think JTR would have realized what I was quoting. 

Would Russell have been so naïve not to know where his use of the Masonic symbolism came from, even IF he acquired from another person or religion?  Was he so unaware that the drawings he used in the Photo-Drama of Creation were mimicked from the Masons' literature and the cover of their own bible? 

 And no, I cannot separate Russell from the Watchtower, since he is the foundation of the organization’s beginnings.  He is still mentioned in Wt. articles, and no matter what he taught at the time, his ‘work’ is projected with a positive light. 

Wt 09/5/1 pp. 22-25: “Those taking the lead in the preaching work back then knew that evangelizing by sermons printed in newspapers was an effective way to spread Bible truth. In fact, by the year 1908, Russell’s weekly Bible sermons appeared in 11 newspapers with a combined circulation of 402,000.”

It appears more important to know how widespread Russell’s teachings were than WHAT he taught.

He is not “just a pastor” from another religion; this man was known as “God’s mouthpiece”, as are all Watchtower leaders, who are genuine anointed ones.  He was a false prophet that buffaloed plenty of people, and the first in the line of more to come. Deut 18:20-22

I don’t doubt your knowledge, but I do doubt your understanding of how grave it is that Russell was influenced by paganism, through the use of symbols, pyramidology, and astrology.   Unless you were a JW, you can’t know this, or how JWs should be aware that “Jehovah’s organization” has its foundation on the sand.  Matt 7:24-27  They are convinced that God was behind these leaders bringing them where they are today – into a haven of supposed “peace and security”.  1 Thess 5:3

6 hours ago, Space Merchant said:

Lastly, pertaining to my last comment, he did state the following about the Masons. He is oblivious to how the Masons roll when it comes to “grips” of hands, but he had also held firm to what he thinks of the unchristian practices of Masons.

You might check with one of the present GB members.  Rumor has it he’s well versed in using it.

Regarding page 914, he mentioned several denominations, to begin with, and then concentrated on comparing Mason theology with his brand of Christianity. 

I am well aware of Russell’s studies on the Pyramid, but thank you for your information..  How ironic that the Bible can apply to Russell’s love of “God’s Stone Witness”

“Woe to the rebellious children!
This is the Lord’s declaration.
They carry out a plan, but not mine;
they make an alliance,
but against my will,
piling sin on top of sin.
 Without asking my advice
they set out to go down to Egypt
in order to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection
and take refuge in Egypt’s shadow.
 But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame,
and refuge in Egypt’s shadow your humiliation.”  Isa 3:1-3

https://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/davinci-freemason.php