Witness

What am I for. Shouldn’t we all be “for” truth, as outlined in the scriptures? John 14:6 For salvation only possible through Christ? Acts 4:12 Shouldn’t we put our hope in the administration that God set up under His Son, Jesus Christ? Eph 1:1-10; Rom 8:19-25 Shouldn’t we, after all the examples we have in the bible of God’s chosen people transgressing His laws, take heed of what happens? 1 Cor 10:11 God’s people were under oppression because of transgressing God’s decrees. James 2:10 Today, God’s laws have seriously been broken, and although the Watchtower acts as if God doesn’t see it or care, He certainly does. “Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord, “And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord. Jer 23:23,24 If anyone can perceive the oppression of God’s anointed people today under a “Gentile” rule (Body of Elders), they are to flee. Matt 24:15,16; Rev 1:1-3; Rev 11:1-4; Zech 4:11-14; Ps 85:1; Isa 43:1; I do not support any religion, only the spiritual Body of Christ, which is Mount Zion/God’s Temple. Ps 102:1-22; Isa 65

The question might be asked, what is the Watchtower building. By creating their own priesthood, the Watchtower has laid a “foundation other than that which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ”. 1 Cor 3:11 Christ is the cornerstone of the foundation of the Temple of God. The foundation includes the apostles and prophets. Each anointed one is a “living stone” built upon this foundation. “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Cor 3:9 “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 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 A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”[b] 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; 10 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 2:4-10 Each anointed one is a steward of God’s word. They are to be faithful as servants to Christ and the Father. 1 Cor 4:1,2 In the organization, they MUST obey the Body of Elders, BEFORE giving obedience to their Master, otherwise they are disfellowshiped. Wouldn’t you call this, “tearing down” the Temple, - “destroying” it? To the chosen ones, Paul said, “For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?” 1 Cor 3:4 Should God’s anointed priesthood follow an elder body? Or should the congregation follow the direction of the anointed priesthood? “For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.” Mal 2:7 “If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” 1 Cor 3:17 What you may think that I am tearing down is actually a falsehood, prophesied to overcome the remnant during the end times. “His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice (Heb 13:15) and set up the abomination of desolation.” Dan 11:31 Isa 63:18; Jer 12:10; Dan 8:13; Luke 21:24; Rev 13:14; 2 Thess 2:9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+63%3A18%3B+Jer+12%3A10%3B+Dan+8%3A13%3B+Luke+21%3A24%3B+Rev+13%3A14%3B+2+Thess+2%3A9&version=HCSB

Exactly. The Body of Elders are not anointed ones, as a whole, are they? The royal priesthood is God's sanctuary; His sanctuary is His Temple, His House. They are God's spiritual "Jews". "having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Eph 2:20-22 "but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God." Rom 2:29 To take away the appointed role of God's priesthood is the same as bringing that power to nothing. Just as Gentiles were never allowed in God's Temple, it is not allowed for these Temple priests to be pushed aside, "trampled" and silenced by others - spiritual "Gentiles". God's decrees do not change. “Now say to the rebellious, to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “O house of Israel, let Us have no more of all your abominations. 7 When you brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in My sanctuary to defile it—My house—and when you offered My food, the fat and the blood, then they broke My covenant because of all your abominations. 8 And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but you have set others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.” Ezek 44:6-8 Isn't this what the Watchtower has done, set others up to represent God's Temple? "who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thess 2:4 Not only has the anointed priesthood been replaced, they are silenced; admonished to not connect with other anointed ones. This is a culture of control.

What if it is already in the works? This is how the power of God’s anointed people in the organization is coming to an end - brought to nothing: Wt 02/8/1 - “REPRESENTING THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD ARE APPOINTED ELDERS, who serve in positions of responsibility in congregations of Jehovah’s people around the earth. These men deserve our respect and wholehearted support, whether they are of the anointed or not. Why? Because, through his holy spirit, Jehovah has appointed the older men to their positions." Isa 1:12; Dan 8:10; Matt 24:15; (Phil 2:15; Heb 11:12) 1 Cor 6:19; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17 Wt 14/6/15 – “Why do we obey the elders? Because we appreciate these “gifts in men” and we love Jehovah and Christ, the Head of the congregation.—Ephesians 4:8; 5:23; Hebrews 13:17. These scriptures pertain to the anointed Body of Christ, NOT the Body of Elders, who are a counterfeit priesthood. Eph 4:11-13 goes on to describe some the gifts given to anointed ones, the "saints". Eph 5:23 makes reference to the Bride of Christ, the "144,000". And Heb 13:17 refers to the anointed priesthood, who in ancient times were the "teachers" of the people. (Deut 24:8; Mal 2:7) They are God's "gifts in men", and the Temple/Body of Christ. Wt 16/1 pp. 20-26 - “Anointed Christians do not feel that they should spend time only with other anointed ones, as if they were members of a club. They do not try to find other anointed ones so that they can talk about being anointed or meet in groups to study the Bible.” All of this is the shutting down of the power of God's anointed ones. 2 Thess 2:3,4

So, the scriptures are lying.

“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all) you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:34-43

So very true. “ Let the unrighteous go on in unrighteousness; let the filthy go on being made filthy; let the righteous go on in righteousness; and let the holy go on being made holy.” “Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright Morning Star.” Rev 22:11-16

If the power of a group of people, God's anointed ones, is "shattered" (Dan 12:7), "broken", "brought to nothing" or "comes to an end", according to various translations, that's pretty successful.

I'm not upset with you at all. Just pointing out who really displays the attitude of Korah.

"Jesus delighted to do the will of his Father and spoke of it as food to him. (Joh 4:32, 34) He foretold that he would appoint “the faithful and discreet slave” to give (spiritual) food at the proper time to his disciples. (Mt 24:44-47; see FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE.) Just as Moses had told the Israelites: “Not by bread alone does man live but by every expression of Jehovah’s mouth does man live” (De 8:3), Jesus encouraged his followers to seek, not the material food, but the food that remains for life everlasting. (Joh 6:26, 27; compare Hab 3:17, 18.)" it 1 843-845 W"hat do you do when the faithful and discreet slave tells you to try a way of preaching that you never tried before? Do you obey even if this way of preaching seems very difficult to you?" WT 11/7/15 pp 22-27 “But we are acting against Jehovah’s purpose if we do not obey the faithful and discreet slave or if we choose to obey only what we think is important.” Wt 11/ 7/15 pp. 17-21 Tell me that there is no comparison of the GB to Moses in these paragraphs. Moses, who told the people to obey God, while the GB tells the people to obey them. The only time that Moses said “obey me” was when he was speaking to God and said, “What if they won’t believe me and will not obey me but say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Exod 4:1 “This Moses, whom they rejected when they said, Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?—this one God sent as a ruler and a redeemer by means of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness 40 years. “This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers. 38 He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors. He received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him, but pushed him away, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.” Acts 7:35-39 Moses, the mediator for God’s people – Jesus, the mediator for God’s people. JWs have “turned back to Egypt” and allow others to rule over them.

You would have a point if the GB was anything like Moses, a prophet that God spoke directly to and who was commissioned to lead God’s people out of slavery to men. He acted as mediator between the people and God. Exod 3:10 The GB is not inspired though, words they have rightly said, and their actions and misdirection does prove it. Yet, they appear to relish the idea of being mediator between God and men. Isn’t that Jesus’ role? 1 Tim 2:5,6 So, who really is displaying the attitude of Korah? In the vision of Jesus on the holy mountain, (Matt 17:1-5; 2 Pet 1:18) Elijah and Moses appeared at his side. Do you know why? The identities of both, announcing the iniquities of God’s people and leading them out from slavery to men is seen in the “two witnesses” of Revelation 11:3 and Zech 4:11-14. (Matt 17:11; Luke 1:17) (Rev 13:16,17,7,10; 9:5,10,14) Slavery does exist in the organization, (Col 2:8) otherwise the scriptures explaining its presence toward God’s anointed ones…are invalid. There is a symbolic “Egypt” in Rev 11:8 where those who refuse to wear the “mark” of slavery that the organization has placed upon God’s people, are “killed”, disfellowshipped. Rev 13:15; 14:9-13 Why? For following their Master, Christ. John 15:20 These are God’s people who listen to his call to “come out” in Rev 18:4. Rev 9:13,14; Matt 25:6; Isa 42:7; Nahum 1:13,15; Ps 107:14 Luke 21:8 - "Then He said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them."GB Christ is Truth, our only Mediator, Master and salvation. The organization is called "truth", the GB acts as mediator and the organization touts to be salvation. Clearly, the organization and GB are saying "I am he", a very 'Korah-like' attitude. 2 Thess 2:9-12

Daniel 11:31; 12:7; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Mark 13:22; Matt 24:22

So, you would perceive the fourth deceitful beast in Daniel's prophesy that comes against God's holy people, the meaning of which is concealed until the time of the end - before Armageddon? Dan 7:21,22 I ask this, because this knowledge is revealed as a result of Christ opening the scrolls. Rev 20:11,12; Dan 12:10,3; Rev 5:1,2,5-9; Amos 3:7 This powerful beast successfully overcomes God's anointed people, creating a culture of control. Rev 9:3-6,10; 13:7,10; 2 Pet 2:20; Col 2:8

Would you recognize it when they are opened, the same ones we have in the bible? Rev 20:12 Their opening is understanding the truth already available yet veiled by Satan. 2 Cor 4:3,4; Rev 20:7,8; 16:13,14; 13:11,4,8; 2 Thess 2:9,10,12 Do we really need “new scrolls” as the Wt. teaches, when Revelation must be understood fully? Revelation does not say they are “new”. Dan.12:4,9; Rev.22:10

There is no compulsion in serving God - only in serving men. If we love the elders and respect their work, we will be obedient and submissive to them. Wt. 12/5/15 pp. 21-26

Thanks, Eoin, I scratched my head over its use, but as you know, I ran with it. You could have let the whole thing drop, but I do appreciate your upfront honesty. “If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.” Hmmm, Wt 13/7/15 - “What about the Governing Body members who today make up the faithful and discreet slave? “ Matt 25:14-30 - Notice these scriptures address “slaves”, and it is not until the Master returns that they are commended as “good and faithful”. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+25%3A14-30+&version=HCSB “For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Gal 6:3 It has always been my desire to see each one of the GB repent for misleading the flock and for allowing their brothers in Christ to be “trampled”; but end time prophesy announced by the “two witnesses”, commissioned by Christ declare this trampling of God’s anointed ones would take place. Dan 9:27,11:31; Matt 13:14; Rev 3:18; 1 Cor 4:5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Dan+9%3A27%2C11%3A31%3B+Matt+13%3A14%3B+Rev+3%3A18%3B+1+Cor+4%3A5&version=HCSB By his faithful actions toward God, Noah ‘judged’ the world. The announcements against the iniquities of God’s people are always commissioned by God through those he uses to announce condemnation. This is the case of the “two witnesses” in Revelation, who are “killed” for their testimony for Truth in Christ. Rev 11:1-10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+11%3A1-10&version=HCSB In Rev 11:1, the Temple being measured are the anointed ones, measured according to God’s righteous standards. 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:5; Eph 2:20-22; Rev 6:9-11 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Cor+3%3A16%3B+1+Pet+2%3A5%3B+Eph+2%3A20-22%3B+Rev+6%3A9-11++&version=HCSB Rev 11:2 – “But exclude the courtyard outside the sanctuary. Don’t measure it, because it is given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.” You will find Greek interlinears giving both terms “within, without” or simply one or the other, concerning which courtyard has been given over to the Gentiles, where the Gentile elder body stands. It shows the discrepancy in the interpretive meaning of what courtyard has been given to the Gentiles. In the early temple arrangement, the inner courtyard was restricted from the Gentiles, only God’s appointed priests were allowed, which supports the translation of “within” the sanctuary. http://www.bible-history.com/jewishtemple/JEWISH_TEMPLEThe_Court_of_the_Gentiles.htm “The entire Temple compound was considered holy, but it became increasingly more holy as one entered farther in, from east to west. King Herod had enclosed the outer court with colonnades and it was referred to as the Court of the Gentiles because the "gentiles" (non-Jews) were permitted to enter the Temple area. They could walk within in it but they were forbidden to go any further than the outer court. They were excluded from entering into any of the inner courts, and warning signs in Greek and Latin were placed that gave warning that the penalty for such trespass was death.” “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” 1 Cor 3:16,17 Knowing this helps us to see how serious it is that the elder body, spiritual “Gentiles” have overrun God’s anointed Temple, the Body of Christ, and their expected obedience to a fabricated priesthood and a fabrication of salvation. A created thing can become an idol An earthly investment can become one’s idol If it is proclaimed as blessed by God, it is an idol. “Willingly and promptly do what Jehovah’s organization wants you to do, relying on Jehovah to help you.” w14 5/15 pp. 16-20 “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.” Hab 2:18 It was by faith that Noah condemned the world, faith in God’s Word and prophesy fulfillment. Through faith the prophets announced the sins of their people in ancient times, as well as John the Baptist and the apostles. And of course, all of them were pretty much despised. “Two Witnesses” are those anointed ones of Christ’s Body who have responded to the call of the Marriage Feast, the opening of Revelation’s scrolls. Dan 12:9; Matt 24:27,28; 25:1,6; 22:4; 3:20 And many have joined them in voicing this truth. Matt 22:8-10; Zech 8:23 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Dan+12%3A9%3B+Matt+24%3A27%2C28%3B+25%3A1%2C6%3B+22%3A4%3B+3%3A20%3B++Matt+22%3A8-10%3B+Zech+8%3A23&version=HCSB IF the GB KNOWS the true meaning of Roman 10:13, why don’t they expose it as good stewards of God’s Word? Holy Spirit would move them to do so if they are on the side of Truth in Christ, motivated by love for Christ. 1 Cor 4:1,2; 8:1-3; 1 Cor 2:13,14; Gen 3:15; Rev 12:7; 2:20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Cor+4%3A1%2C2%3B+8%3A1-3%3B+1+Cor+2%3A13%2C14%3B+Gen+3%3A15%3B+Rev+12%3A7%3B+2%3A20&version=HCSB Going back to Rom 10 - “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” When this was written, the Jews knew about God, so this doesn’t refer to “Jehovah” as the Wt. states. “And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” “But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. We know how the Wt. interprets this. But, who is really bringing the “good news” about the Christ? It is the “two witnesses”. Mal 3:1; Matt 25:31-33 Their message concerns the “restoration” of Jacob, God’s Temple, and it is preached to the “inhabited earth” – God’s dwelling, spiritual “Israel”. Zech 4:1-14; Matt 17:3,11; Luke 1:16,17; Mal 4:6; Matt 10:23; Isa 49:5-9,12,13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mal+3%3A1%3B+Matt+25%3A31-33%3B+Zech+4%3A1-14%3B+Matt+17%3A3%2C11%3B+Luke+1%3A16%2C17%3B+Mal+4%3A6%3B+Matt+10%3A23%3B+Isa+49%3A5-9%2C12%2C13+&version=HCSB Angels/messengers are “ministering spirits”, John 1:51 (Heb 1:14) both in heaven and on earth; God’s ‘two witness’ messengers are anointed ones who prove true to the New Covenant in Christ. Eph 2:6,7; Rev.22:6-9; 1:20; Heb 2:2; 2 Cor 10:6; Heb 2:5,16; 1:7; Ps 104:4; 39:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A51%3B+Heb+1%3A14%3B++Eph+2%3A6%2C7%3B+Rev.22%3A6-9%3B+1%3A20%3B+Heb+2%3A2%3B+2+Cor+10%3A6%3B+Heb+2%3A5%2C16%3B+1%3A7%3B+Ps+104%3A4%3B+39%3A3+&version=HCSB Holy Spirit is not an inactive questionable power, but very much alive in those who choose Christ and not an idol. John 16:13; Hab 2:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A13%3B+Hab+2%3A3&version=HCSB

How so? All prophesy about the chosen ones must be fulfilled concerning them through the great tribulation which coincides with Armageddon. Dan 12:7; Rev 13:7 Jer 31:11; 15:21; Isa 48:20; 51:11; Zech 9:16; Rev 1:20; 10:5; 5:10; Eph 2:6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Dan+12%3A7%3B+Rev+13%3A7+Jer+31%3A11%3B+15%3A21%3B+Isa+48%3A20%3B+51%3A11%3B+Zech+9%3A16%3B+Rev+1%3A20%3B+10%3A5%3B+5%3A10%3B+Eph+2%3A6&version=HCSB You’re right, it is “not yet”; I made a careless remark and apologize, yet the Watchtower continually tries to fulfill it, and it all hinges on 1914 doesn’t it? Dan 12:7; 1 Cor 15:24; 2 Thess 2:1-3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Dan+12%3A7%3B+1+Cor+15%3A24%3B+2+Thess+2%3A1-3&version=HCSB 2 Cor 8 “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 2 Cor 8:2-5 Are you referring to the Russian ban, and their loss of real-estate built on the sheep’s money, or the ‘remarkable’ work of the GB over the years? “Extreme poverty”? No anointed one knows “poverty” until they have lost family and friends, giving up the life they knew as a JW for Truth in Christ. John 15:20; Matt 16:25; Rev 13:15; 12:11 Yet, they also don’t perceive their “poverty” as a wicked slave rules over them. Matt 24:48-51; Luke 12:45; Dan 7:7,19,23; 1 Cor 4:8’ Matt 24:15; Rev 3:17,18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A20%3B+Matt+16%3A25%3B+Rev+13%3A15%3B+12%3A11%3BMatt+24%3A48-51%3B+Luke+12%3A45%3B+Dan+7%3A7%2C19%2C23%3B+1+Cor+4%3A8’+Matt+24%3A15%3B+Rev+3%3A17%2C18&version=HCSB Luke 16:19-31 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16%3A19-31&version=HCSB “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. 4 For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience.” 6 And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks. 7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor." Rom 13:1-7 You might be interested in the article I will post below. JWs must question why they have suffered so in Russia. God’s laws, which do not change, have been transgressed – against his anointed people, against his Temple. Matt 24:15; And against our salvation found in Christ by teaching it is only through an organization. 1 Cor 6:19,20; 3:16,17; Acts 4:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+24%3A15%3B+1+Cor+6%3A19%2C20%3B+3%3A16%2C17%3B+Acts+4%3A12&version=HCSB “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen. Rom 1:25 The truth of God is Jesus Christ! John 14:6; 4:24 “Rich generosity?” In what way, spiritually? Offering guidance in error? Rich generosity that is absent toward their anointed brothers in Christ? Simply, Eoin, do you believe it is a loving act to disfellowship another anointed one who sees the GB’s error, brings it up, but are then shunned; and to carry this hypocritical act further onto all who question wrong teachings? Rom 12:3 – “For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think.” Is the GB exempt from this? “Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” The entire anointed body is included in these scriptures: “According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of one’s faith; 7 if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; 8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.” Rom 12:6-8 Not one of these gifts are recognized by the GB possessed by other anointed ones. A “steward” is to glean from all and serves from all; the GB listen and serve from their own selfish platter of spoiled fruit. Rom 12:9,13; Luke 16:11-13; Matt 7:17,18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom+12%3A9%2C13%3B+Luke+16%3A11-13%3B+Matt+7%3A17%2C18&version=HCSB The GB has deceived the sheep in unlimited ways, and Micah brings out just one: “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation! 2 I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 Because they disregarded the righteousness from God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to God’s righteousness. Our salvation in Christ is the righteousness from God. 4 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them. 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, “Who will go up to heaven?” that is, to bring Christ down 7 or, “Who will go down into the abyss?” that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. 8 On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” From the kr book I quoted above, does it appear that the message is in the mouth and heart of JWs – about Christ? Or is it about the wonders and glory of “Jehovah’s organization”? "This is the message of faith that we proclaim: 9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation." That “Jesus is Lord” is not the primary ‘confession’ of JWs. It is based solely on the organization. In fact, GB Lett in his broadcast about the results of the Russian ban said how much the GB appreciates their support of the organization. 11 "Now the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame, 12 for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." By reading the scriptures prior to verse 13, and we compare it with verse 9, it is clear that the name represented by “Lord” in 13 should be understood as Jesus Christ. Yet, the ‘generous’ GB deceitfully has given Jesus little authority and little honor that is demanded by the Father. They have changed the scriptures, and more than once. 2 Cor 8:5 – “And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” Has the GB really given themselves to Christ or to their own insatiable appetite for self-glory, deceit and the establishment of earthly riches? Rev 18:5-8; Isa 22:17-19; Rev 17:15-18; 16:4-7; 18:3; 10:11; 16:13,14 (1 Cor 4:8; Rev 1:5,6;19:16) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+18%3A5-8%3B+Isa+22%3A17-19%3B+Rev+17%3A15-18%3B+16%3A4-7%3B+18%3A3%3B+10%3A11%3B+16%3A13%2C14%3B1+Cor+4%3A8%3B+Rev+1%3A5%2C6%3B19%3A16 &version=HCSB https://www.newera.com.na/2017/04/28/church-loses-labour-case/

I haven’t bought into it for a long time now. Matt 24:34 – “ I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place.” By looking deeper, we see there are several applications used for the word “generation” in the scriptures. fathered, birth, nativity I.that which has been begotten, men of the same stock, a family A. the several ranks of natural descent, the successive members of a genealogy B. metaph. a group of men very like each other in endowments, pursuits, character i.esp. in a bad sense, a perverse nation II.the whole multitude of men living at the same time III.an age (i.e. the time ordinarily occupied be each successive generation), a space of 30 - 33 years We also see there are two major generations that are addressed; a righteous one, of whose members are born of God’s spirit, with God as their Father. 1 John 5:18; 1 Pet 1:23; Phil 2:5; Mat 5:48 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A18%3B+1+Pet+1%3A23%3B+Phil+2%3A5%3B+Mat+5%3A48&version=HCSB “His descendants will be powerful in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.” Ps 112:2 And.. there is a wicked, crooked generation: “His people have acted corruptly toward Him; this is their defect -- they are not His children but a devious and crooked generation.” Deut 32:5 Satan is their father, and all of this generation are a “a group of men very like each other in endowments, pursuits, character” Acts 2:40; 1 Tim 4:1; John 8:44; Rev 16:13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A40%3B+1+Tim+4%3A1%3B+John+8%3A44%3B+Rev+16%3A13&version=HCSB Both of these “seed” groups from different fathers, remain until prophesy about both is fulfilled. Gen 3:15; Dan 12:7; 1 Cor 15:24; 2 Thess 2:9,10; Rev 12:9; John 6:63; 5:21; Luke 13:24 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+3%3A15%3B+Dan+12%3A7%3B+1+Cor+15%3A24%3B+2+Thess+2%3A9%2C10%3B+Rev+12%3A9%3B+John+6%3A63%3B+5%3A21%3B+Luke+13%3A24&version=HCSB The generation Jesus is referring to in Matt 24:34 relates to all the anointed ones; they are two “seed” groups within one group - the called ones of Christ. This generation is at odds with one another – the wheat and the weeds - and will not “pass away” until the last of the generation receive either a reward or punishment. Rev 16:15; 3:2,3; Matt 24:43 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+16%3A15%3B+3%3A2%2C3%3B+Matt+24%3A43&version=HCSB The Watchtower leaders teach a bumbling version of “this generation” as already being fulfilled. Surely, their grappling over this concept should help us to discern which “seed” they may belong to. 2 Thess 2:1-3; Dan 7:25 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Thess.2%3A1%2C2%2C3%3B+Dan.7%3A25&version=HCSB I do also.

I am glad you understand.

It's pretty much an uphill battle. The Wt. seems to feel it necessary to forego the words, “This is my beloved Son. Hear Him!" Luke 9:35 Did God give Jesus an "overbalanced importance" by proclaiming this? Should we correct God or listen and heed the scriptures about our only source of salvation, that one can avail without the need of an organization? The Watchtower counts everything, even how many times they have published the name, Jehovah. kr chapter 4, pgs 39-48, "First, Jehovah’s servants came to have the proper view of the importance of God’s name. Faithful early Bible Students viewed the ransom arrangement as the Bible’s main teaching. That explains why the Watch Tower often focused on Jesus. For example, in its first year of publication, the magazine mentioned the name Jesus ten times more than the name Jehovah. Regarding the Bible Students’ early years, The Watchtower of March 15, 1976, noted that they gave “overbalanced importance” to Jesus. In time, though, Jehovah helped them to discern the prominence that the Bible gives to God’s personal name. How did that affect the Bible Students? Especially from 1919 onward, says the same Watchtower article, “they began showing more appreciation for Messiah’s heavenly Father, Jehovah.” In fact, during the decade following 1919, The Watch Tower mentioned God’s name over 6,500 times! 10 By giving the name Jehovah proper recognition, our brothers showed their love for God’s name. Like Moses of old, they set out to “declare the name of Jehovah.” (Deut. 32:3; Ps. 34:3) In turn, as promised in the Scriptures, Jehovah took note of their love for his name and showed them favor.—Ps. 119:132; Heb. 6:10."

Thank you for directing me to this article, Queen Esther, but I am sure you know that Isaiah, Habakuk and Micah, the examples used in the article, prophesied against God’s people. We wait patiently on God’s judgment once we have reached repentance for our participation in wrongdoing. Mal 3:1-3 In Isaiah’s vision told in Isaiah 6, the chapter used in the article, he states: "Then I said: “Woe to me! I am as good as dead, For I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of armies himself!” At that, one of the seraphs flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth and said:“Look! This has touched your lips. Your guilt is removed, And your sin is atoned for.” Isa 6:5-7 "The men who approved the article, the GB, are the same men who approve disfellowshipping of their anointed brothers in Christ for not tolerating falsehoods. They allow a false priesthood to rule the sheep, silencing the anointed ones while they boastfully call themselves “faithful and discreet”. They are responsible for sweeping injustices related to child abuse under the carpet for many years…and the same ones who promise you peace only possible through an earthly organization." Amos 5:9,10; Acts 4:12; 1 Thess 5:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+5%3A9%2C10%3B+Acts+4%3A12%3B+1+Thess+5%3A3&version=NKJV THEY are telling you to exercise patience for their wrongdoings and errors in organizational guidance; in essence, their desire is for as many as possible to remain in the organization regardless of the sufferings one may experience from changed teachings, false prophesies and obedience expected to men. You must question why. Luke 22:31,32; 1 Pet 5:8-10; Rev 20:8,9; 2 Thess 2:1-4,9-12; Rev 13:1-4,10; Col 2:8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A31%2C32%3B+1+Pet+5%3A8-10%3B+Rev+20%3A8%2C9%3B+2+Thess+2%3A1-4%2C9-12%3B+Rev+13%3A1-4%2C10%3B+Col+2%3A8+&version=NKJV The Watchtower is not a “get out of jail free” zone, but as always has been the case, it is the same now; the end time judgment comes upon God’s chosen people because of their iniquities. This is why Jesus is saying in Rev 18:4 – “come out of her, my people”. “The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. (who is the bridegroom, who is the bride? Matt 25:6-10) For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” Rev 18:23-24 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. 17 They keep saying to those who despise me, ‘The Lord says: You will have peace.’ And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, ‘No harm will come to you.’ 18 But which of them has stood in the council of the Lord to see or to hear his word? Who has listened and heard his word? 19 See, the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath, a whirlwind swirling down on the heads of the wicked. 20 The anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand it clearly. 21 I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.’” Jer 23:16-22 “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot dine with the Lord and dine with demons, or you’ll provoke the Lord to jealousy, won’t you? Are we stronger than he is?” 1 Cor 10:21,22 Queen Esther, I do hope you and JW readers here can perceive the gravity of sin that the Watchtower is responsible for. In order to condition our heart to understand God’s decrees, we need to turn to his Son, and allow him to teach us how to become "pure and blameless"; he is our only mediator, not men. 2 Pet 3:14; 1 Thess 5:23; Gen 17:1

Does this apply to the JW website also? Holy Spirit is not confined to a place, but resides in the heart. It is poured out into the hearts of the anointed ones, and is given to those who desire to walk in Christ’s path of Truth. John 4:21; 1 John 2:20; John 14:26; 2 Cor 5:5; Col 3:16; Heb 4:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A21-24%3B+1+John+2%3A20%3B+John+14%3A26%3B+2+Cor+5%3A5%3B +Col+3%3A16%3B+Heb+4%3A12&version=NKJV Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Ps 37:7 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Ps 130:5-8 These scriptures are not to be used to excuse oneself from the wicked ways of men that we are aware of yet continue to tolerate. He’s waiting for each of us to make the wise choice and reject wickedness. Prov 3:5,6; Gal 6:4; Mark 10:29,30; Rev 2:2; 2 Cor 6:17; Rev 18:4; Mark 8:35 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov+3%3A5%2C6%3B+Gal+6%3A4%3B+Mark+10%3A29%2C30%3B+Rev+2%3A2%3B+2+Cor+6%3A17%3B+Rev+18%3A4%3B+Mark+8%3A35++++&version=NKJV At one time God backed the Jewish nation, but when they disobeyed his laws and rejected his Son, he rejected them! Only a comparatively small number listened to Christ and were saved. The Watchtower has corrupted God’s priesthood – should he turn a blind eye? The same scenario exists, God’s laws are broken, he is calling his people out (Rev 18:4-8) and they refuse to listen. Matt 24:15,16 “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers” Ps 1:1 “I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.” Ps 26:4 Didn’t Jesus speak against the oppression and corruption of his own people? Matt Chapter 23 We, as individuals, are the ones who must be responsible to uphold God’s righteous standards. Otherwise, we are condoning the corruption that God abhors. If I see the oppression of God’s anointed ones under the rule of self-appointed men, why would I pretend to “wait on Jehovah”, satisfying my own desires of wanting “peace” all the while knowing God despises this action? What would Christ do? Why do you think these men tell you, “wait on Jehovah” as numerous as they do? They have a habit of sweeping injustices under the rug; do they really want their own sins exposed? Ezek 6:11; 7:4; Rev 6:7,8; Rev 2:16;18:4-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezek+6%3A11%3B+7%3A4%3B+Rev+6%3A7%2C8%3B+Rev+2%3A16%3B18%3A4-8++&version=NKJV Your namesake, Queen Esther, put her life in God's hands to save her people when she saw that they were to be exterminated. Did she “wait on Jehovah” in the manner the Watchtower tells you? No, she boldy presented the situation to King Ahasuerus knowing she could lose her life – that is how she waited on God – by putting her trust in his word. Mordecai’s words to Esther were: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13,14 The example of Mordecai and Haman is very similar to the situation in the organization. Mordecai, a Jew, refused to pay homage to Haman, and Haman, coming from a people who hated Israel, “looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people” Esther 3:6 Anointed ones, spiritual “Jews” who refuse to pay homage to an elder body, are disfellowshipped. Knowing this, keeps God’s people under captive, for fear of losing everything they know, so…they put up with the “trampling”. Gen 3:15; Rev 9:1-6; 13:10https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+3%3A15%3B+Rev+9%3A1-6%3B+13%3A10&version=NKJV “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” Mark 8:35 Our faithfulness is not to men who tell us to wait and see, while they continue to transgress God’s decrees all the while expecting you to accept and obey whatever they tell you. This is putting “the burden on the Lord”, waiting for his “message” since these men have a history of being clueless. God will not ‘fix’ those who persistently refuse to correct their own corrupt actions. He will deal with them, individually. “Now when these people or a prophet or a priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the Lord?’ you will respond to them: What is the burden? I will throw you away”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “As for the prophet, priest, or people who say, ‘The burden of the Lord,’ (“wait on Jehovah”) I will punish that man and his household. This is what each man is to say to his friend and to his brother, ‘What has the Lord answered?’ or ‘What has the Lord spoken?’ But no longer refer to the burden of the Lord, for each man’s word becomes his burden and you pervert the words of the living God, the Lord of Hosts, our God. You must say to the prophet: What has the Lord answered you? and What has the Lord spoken? But if you say, ‘The burden of the Lord,’ then this is what the Lord says: Because you have said, ‘The burden of the Lord,’ and I specifically told you not to say, ‘The burden of the Lord,’ I will surely forget you and throw away from My presence both you and the city that I gave you and your fathers.” Jer 23:33-40 I will bring on you everlasting shame and humiliation that will never be forgotten.” God’s spirit does not sanction an organization where injustices to his anointed ones and all sheep who are victims of oppression, are tolerated, especially when his own Son tells us to leave the disgusting thing behind. Matt 24:15-22

“The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” “But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.” Rev 11:2-4 These numbers of Revelation are symbolic, not literal. Revelation is a set of signs (symbolism) of the end. (Rev 1:1) The “holy city” is New Jerusalem. Insight Book p. 496-7 “The Bride of the Lamb. In the light of other scriptures, the identity of New Jerusalem is made certain. She is “as a bride.” Wt. 14 2/15 pp. 9-14 - “We know who the Bridegroom is, but who is the bride? She is not a literal person. Instead, she represents the entire group of 144,000 anointed Christians.” Rev 11:2-4 is saying that the prospective invited ones to be Christ’s Bride and part of the 144,000 of spiritual “Jews” - are “trampled” by “Gentiles”, those not anointed. How? As the Insight Book states, the invited anointed ones are the Temple/sanctuary/Holy City. They are the priesthood assigned by God, but the organization doesn’t use this priesthood. They have appointed their own to stand in, and stand over the authentic priesthood. “It has been given to the Gentiles”. Rev 11:2 Is God’s royal priesthood exempt from “obeying” the elders? No. They are “trampled” by the “Gentiles” – disfellowshipped if they disagree with the GB. Wt 02/8/1 pp. 9-14 – “Representing the royal priesthood are appointed elders, who serve in positions of responsibility in congregations of Jehovah’s people around the earth.” “When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?” Isa 1:12 The “two witnesses” are those anointed ones who speak truth in Christ (two symbolically meaning truth), and for doing so they are spiritually “killed” (disfellowshipped) by the elder body/organization. Rev 12:11; John 12:25; John 16:2 “Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified.” Rev 11:7,8 Who killed Christ? The Jews turned him over to the Roman Gentile army. The GB, who are anointed spiritual “Jews”, [and always cleansing the outside of the cup, leaving the inside full of failed/false teachings, (empty words Eph 5:6)] empowers the “Gentile” elder body to “kill” – disfellowship anointed ones for their testimony to Christ and Truth, and rejecting false doctrine. You will either choose to have your JW world turned upside down and “see” Revelation’s prophesies being fulfilled now, or you will remain in darkness expecting Christ to arrive by signs seen in Satan’s world. The signs are already being fulfilled, this is the great tribulation. “For then there will be great distress, (tribulation, pressure, affliction, oppression) unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.” Matt 24:21 I hope you can look at this symbolically, not literally: “When you see Jerusalem (New Jerusalem) being surrounded by armies, (elder body, false priesthood) you will know that its desolation is near. (see Dan 12:7) Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, (Luke 17:37; Ezek. Chapt. 36) let those in the city get out, and let those in the country (outside the Watchtower) not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. When God’s decrees are transgressed, and in this case, when his Temple has been profaned, does he let it slide? “Say to rebellious Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Enough of your detestable practices, people of Israel! In addition to all your other detestable practices, you brought foreigners uncircumcised in heart and flesh into my sanctuary, desecrating my temple while you offered me food, fat and blood, and you broke my covenant. Instead of carrying out your duty in regard to my holy things, you put others in charge of my sanctuary. God does not change. He has a spiritual Temple in anointed ones, Christ’s potential Bride; how vital it is that His words should be heeded before the end, yet these transgressions fulfill prophesy. He would not have sanctioned an elder body to “represent” the royal priesthood - in the midst of His Temple, or “trample” it down by oppressive obedience and threats to remain silent. 2 Chron 23:6 - No one is to enter the temple of the Lord except the priests and Levites on duty; they may enter because they are consecrated, but all the others are to observe the Lord’s command not to enter. Num 3:10 - Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death.” “His (GB) armed forces (elder body) will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. (Heb 5:1; 13:15; Mal 2:7) Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. Dan 11:31 “Therefore, when you catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as spoken about by Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place (let the reader use discernment) Matt 24:15 When you “see” this, you are to flee and not look back. Luke 17:30-37 Whenever God’s people have disobeyed his decrees, they lose his protection. Can you visualize this, especially today, JWs?

“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, ‘Look here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is among you.” Luke 17:20,21 “The Pharisees and Sadducees approached, and as a test, asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them: “When evening comes you say, ‘It will be good weather because the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘Today will be stormy because the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to read the appearance of the sky, but you can’t read the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.” Matt 16:1-4 “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.” Does the birth of God’s Kingdom come from Satan’s world? Job 14:4 - Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one! Satan’s world does not give birth to the Kingdom, instead, it is the “woman”/New Covenant. Rev 12:2; Gal 4:26; Eph 4:13; Rev 12:5; 9:4; 7:3; Jer 25:29-34 John 18:36 - “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is, My kingdom does not have its origin here.” “They are not of the world, as I am not of the world.” John 17:16 Eph 6:12 – “For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” The signs of the Great Tribulation comes upon God’s anointed ones, his “kings”. These “kings” and their “nations” are at war – spiritual kings who have either fallen for Satan’s lies, or are strictly sided with Christ and truth. Rev 16:14; 19:19 They war against one another. Rev 17:2,12,14,16-18; 11:7; 19:11,14; 2 Cor 10:4 Rev 17:6; 18; 18:24; 2 Pet 3:10 The food shortages and pestilence of Matt 24:7 and Luke 21:11 is outlined in Amos 8:11, the lack of truth and its resulting sickness. Ezek 28:23,24; Isa 5:13; Hos 4:6; Rev 16:2,11; 2 Thess 2:11,12; Rev 2:21-23; Rev 18:8; (Rev 12:15,6,14) Jesus spoke in parables. If we were to look into Satan’s world for the understanding of these signs, what need would there be for parables? This is where our exertion is vital to get through the narrow gate, putting our full reliance on the Father for His Spirit to help us see. Matt 13:10-15 The “earthquakes” experienced by God’s anointed ones as the “labor pains” continue until the birth of God’s Kingdom, are the spiritual upheavals we all face when realizing that what we believed as truth, is instead, the lie. 2 Thess 2:11,12 "I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Jer 24:2,3;29:17; Isa 34:4; Matt 25:2;24:29 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. Isa 34:4; Mark 13:24,25 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Rev 6:12-17 It is the separating taking place during the harvest of the wheat and the weeds – the heart’s inclination to either truth or lies. Ezek 38:19; Zech 14:4,5; Matt 13:39,41,49; Mal 3:18; Heb 12:27 “When they persecute you in one town, escape to another. For I assure you: You will not have covered the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” Matt 10:23 Within the realm of spiritual Israel – the anointed ones - is where we look for the signs of the coming Kingdom. Matt 10:6,7; 24:33 It is too easy to see what Satan is doing in his world. Since Satan desires to take down Christ’s seed (Gen 3:15) it is clear that he would divert the attention of the real war at hand by creating the scenario of Jesus words as a literal fulfillment, and not a spiritual one.

Exod 23:7; Isa 66:5; Prov 17:15; Ps 37:32; 94:21; Prov 11:9; 18:21; Ps 12:2; Micah 3:5; John 16:2; James 5:6; Jer 23:1-10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exod+23%3A7%3B+Isa+66%3A5%3B+Prov+17%3A15%3B+Ps+37%3A32%3B+94%3A21%3B+Prov+11%3A9%3B+18%3A21%3B+Ps+12%3A2%3B+Micah+3%3A5%3B+John+16%3A2%3B+James+5%3A6%3B+Jer+23%3A1-10&version=NIV