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Witness

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  1. Do you know that many of these "members" are asked to turn over their insurance check to the organization? The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is the global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Through an international network, ADRA delivers relief and development assistance to individuals in more than 130 countries—regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliation, or religious association. By partnering with communities, organizations, and governments, ADRA is able to improve the quality of life of millions through 9 impact areas. https://adra.org/ Really, I don't know why you are tooting your own horn. It's as if you desperately need to find something outstanding and marvelous about the organization, to raise your hands in praise for "Jehovah's organization". Rev 13:4 Turn around and look at its dark side. 2 Cor 6:14 Give praise to God and Christ only, not to earthly treasures that do not deliver salvation. Matt 6:19,20; Dan 3:16-18; Rev 13:4
  2. You didn't read all that it said about the American Red Cross, did you. But the charity has come under severe criticism of late from media organizations and a congressional report, the findings of which suggest that the Red Cross is less than efficient in its disaster relief work and spends as much as a quarter of its contributions on overhead, administration, and fundraising. The Red Cross has responded to these criticisms with answers that sound reasonable, but more and more people are directing their donations elsewhere. I linked the article to give you a view of other religions and what they are doing in charity works. Somehow that escaped your notice, or purposefully ignored it, but it was the first thing addressed in the article. Read the article before you say I am lying. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA or ADRA International) is a humanitarian agency operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the purpose of providing individual and community development and disaster relief. It was founded in 1956, and it is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America. In 2004, ADRA reported assisting nearly 24 million people with more than US$159 million in aid. Its staff numbered over 4,000 members.[1] As of the end of 2007, it had operations in 125 countries [2] According to Forbes, in 2005, ADRA ranked among America's 200 largest charities. Wikipedia
  3. No, I get the point. But, perhaps you need to compare apples to apples - a religion in the world, compared to other religions in the world. https://thehumanist.com/commentary/disaster-relief-can-humanism-fill-gap Whatever "signs and wonders" that the organization is able succeed at, does not verify it belongs to God. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matt 24:24 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thess 2:9-12
  4. Thank you Srecko. It needed to be said. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back." Luke 6:32-34 It leaves no doubt in my mind that those "brothers" fully gave back through all aspects of their life, to the organization. Matt 6:24
  5. These are two thoughts, not well connected. Anointed ones were initially drawn together BEFORE the organization was established. It was under this premise, that they gathered: "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.) "There is no organization today clothed with such divine authority to imperiously command mankind. There is no organization doing this today; though we are well aware that many of them in theory claim that they ought to be permitted to do so; and many more would like to do so. This was the fatal mistake into which the Church began to fall in the second century; and the effort to realize this false conception culminated in the boastful, imperious counterfeiting of the coming Kingdom in Papacy, which for centuries sought to dominate the world, by claimed "divine authority". This idea more or less pervaded and poisoned the ideas of all the Protestant "clergy" as well; who copying Papacy's false ideas of the Church, claim also that the Church of Christ is now organized, though they now make less boastful claims to "divine authority" to teach and rule mankind in general, that the Papacy does." (Zion's Watch Tower, 1893, page 266.) From, http://corior.blogspot.com/2006/02/russells-opinion-on-organizations.html All of this truth, has dissolved over time; and the organization today at its peak of corruption, shows evidence of its peak as a lie, against God’s anointed, spiritual “organization” under Christ. Rev 13: 1,2,5-9; 16:13-15 As time has gone by, this priesthood of God has been consumed by a tally of millions who have joined what is now, a necessary “evil”. There is nothing wrong with people gathered with anointed ones. It is happening on the other side of the WT fence, never to be organized by man’s will. What is wrong with WT, is the GB’s dismissal of God’s priests gradually, over the spanning years of the organization's development. 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. Wt 02/8/1 This necessary evil requires a priesthood of its own, where its priests answer to their “High Priest”, the GB. False christs. Matt 24:24 Thus, they have "ordained" a priesthood for their own. True anointed have written on their hearts, the laws of God through the outpouring of Holy Spirit. Heb 8:10 God wouldn’t do this if He didn’t expect His servants to teach the people, as priests have always been admonished to do. Mal 2:7; 1 Pet 2:5,9 Except for a minority of elders who truly try to “love your neighbor as yourself”, the majority of elders are “heartless” to this guidance Jesus has taught us. Isa 3:12; Ezek 34; Rev 9:9,10; Joel 2:2-9 Those elders who make the effort to obey Christ’s law of love, in most cases leave, or just give up and answer to "lawlessness". So, the elder body can play the role of a clergy class at its whim in the court systems, when it is advantageous for the organization. Other times, it uses the excuse that all men are imperfect and make mistakes. As I have said, if the organization belonged to God, only His authentic priests would lead as shepherds. What would guide them in all cases, would be the "written letter" fulfilled in Christ, and inscribed on their hearts. 2 Cor 3:3 All the excuses made in defense of the organization’s need to fight for its rights in court, mean nothing to God or Christ. It is no different than what other organizations in the world of Satan face. If Christ said, "my kingdom is not part of this world", (John 18:36) a JW should ask, why do men make it so? God's priesthood/Temple has been rejected and trampled, for the sustaining benefit of an idol (1 Cor 3:16,17) Matt 24:14; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1-3; Ezek 44:6-9 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many miracles in your name?’ 23 And then I will say to them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matt 7:21-23 What has developed over time since its inception, is a devouring monster. Rev 13:1,2,10,11,12,15
  6. “This is the word of YHWH to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by strength and not by power, but only by my Spirit,’ says Yahweh of hosts. Zech 4:6
  7. This is all drama played out on the stage of Satan’s world. The apparent “lawyers” of God against lawyers in the world. God’s lawyers have been exposed for hiding their sins, but are now commended? Is one group better than the other? Possibly, in the eyes of God. “This is what the Lord God says: I have set this Jerusalem in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. 6 But she has rebelled against My ordinances with more wickedness than the nations, and against My statutes more than the countries that surround her. For her people have rejected My ordinances and have not walked in My statutes. 7 “Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: Because you have been more insubordinate than the nations around you—you have not walked in My statutes or kept My ordinances; you have not even kept the ordinances of the nations around you— 8 therefore, this is what the Lord God says: See, I am against you, Jerusalem, and I will execute judgments within you in the sight of the nations. 9 Because of all your detestable practices, I will do to you what I have never done before and what I will never do again.” Ezek 5:6-9 As you compare the organization to those of the world, God puts focus on those under covenant with Him. Judgment begins with God's House - "Israel". 1 Pet 4:17 Jesus had this to say to the lawyers and Pharisees of his day. If the GB had any spiritual cognizance of God’s justice, they would heed the words of Christ: “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.” 45 Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, “Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also.” 46 And He said, “Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.” Luke 11:42-46 Having a sense of justice requires knowing and following the expectations God has set before us, NOT defending injustice and wrongdoing, which is becoming the organization's subtitle... "Jehovah's organization" "The home of injustice and wrongdoing". Your organization projects God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, as powerless - needing lawyers to fight their battles in Satan's world, when love for one's neighbor begins at home - the organization itself.
  8. It was the Son of God that they ridiculed. Are you bestowing divinity on an organization? If "God's Kingdom Rules" through the organization, your "god" is very weak at defending the innocent, and following the laws of Christ. "Love your neighbor as yourself". Rom 13:9 And, just saying that God's Kingdom rules in the face of corruption committed by those who sell this bill of goods, is blasphemy toward the Almighty God. Are you comparing a "spirit-directed" organization to all other organizations in Satan's world? Truly, this blasphemes the Holy Spirit.
  9. Just the fact that child abuse exists in an organization that declares it is inspired by Holy Spirit – “spirit-directed” - is evil. (Rev 13:15) For any JW leaders and members as well, who believe this outcome as beneficial - "good" - toward upholding the governmental procedures of “God’s organization”, is also evil. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own opinion and clever in their own sight. 22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, who are fearless at mixing beer, 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice. 24 Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes straw and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will become like something rotten and their blossoms will blow away like dust, for they have rejected the instruction of the Lord of Hosts, and they have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Isa 5:20-24
  10. Haven't you heard from the video Srecko posted under "1914"? God's Kingdom is ruling! Apparently he has chosen these lawyers and accountants to fight the fine fight! The funny thing is, this "Jehovah" is not powerful enough to keep his members out of prison in countries that fight against him. He's not powerful enough to win all the court cases that arise against his Kingdom rule. He's not powerful enough to "hold down the fort", but he is an expert at building them.
  11. Right, so maybe they mean that with God's help, Christ's battle tactic from heaven, is to situate garrisons all over the earth? (1 Cor 15:25) What an impudent statement the man made in the video! It reminds me of this guy: The devil took him to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. 6 The devil said to him, “I will give you all the power and glory of these kingdoms. All of it has been given to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 So if you will worship me, all this will be yours.” Luke 4:5-7 "The God who made the world and everything in it—He is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in shrines made by hands. 25 Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. 26 From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. 27 He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 28 For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Being God’s offspring then, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination. Acts 17:24-29 http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-kingdom-when.html
  12. THE ZALKIN LAW FIRM, P.C. (facebook) We have received inquiries and concerns about a Montana Supreme Court's decision to reverse a $35 Million judgment against the Jehovah's Witnesses. What people should know is that this opinion is limited to the facts of that case and to that court's interpretation of the law of Montana and does not establish precedent in other jurisdictions. We know the lawyers who represent the victim in that case and in our opinion they did a fine job. Unfortunately, based on our reading of the Montana Supreme Court's opinion, the Court was mislead by testimony offered by the JWs in house expert in their child abuse policies and practices. The case hinged on whether the way in which the JWs handle reports of child sexual abuse falls within an exception to Montana's clergy mandated reporting law. Relying heavily on the testimony of Dave Chappel from the Service Department, the Montana Supreme Court concluded that the policies and practices of the JWs is to keep such information confidential, even if it is shared between elders of the congregation and elders of the Service Department, and even if elders are free to disclose that information to law enforcement should they decide to do so, thereby entitling the JWs to the confidentiality exception to the obligation of clergy to report suspicions of child sexual abuse. In essence, the Court's conclusion is that where a religious organization says it is required to keep such information confidential as a tenant of its religion, despite evidence to the contrary, the court is going to accept what it says as controlling. The JWs also argue that civil courts should not second guess how they deal with reports of child sexual abuse because doing so violates the JWs 1st Amendment right to the free exercise of its religion. That argument has failed in dozens of cases. The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that civil courts can enforce neutral laws that are intended to apply to everyone equally. Laws that protect children from child abusers are neutral and not targeted to any one religion. Over the course of the past decade of litigating cases against the JWs we have obtained numerous court opinions that have found the opposite of what the Montana Supreme Court determined to be the case. We feel very badly for the victim in this case. What this case shows very clearly, is that the JWs continue to place secrecy and protection of known child molesters above the safety of children. Shame on them.
  13. You must be referring to Rev 7:9,14,15 You may want to go back and read Shiwiii’s post of December 24th, quoting from the Insight Book….and my post of of Dec. 31st. Your argument of “forecourts” referring to the temple in Rev 7:14 cannot apply. naós (from naiō, "to dwell") – properly, a sanctuary (divine dwelling-place); a temple (sacred abode), the place of divine manifestation. 3485 (naós) refers to the sanctuary (the Jewish Temple proper), i.e. with just its two inner compartments (rooms). It proves not only that the anointed are the "dwelling"/"divine habitation" of God's Spirit, (1 Cor 3:16,17), the "temple"/"divine habitation" of 2 Cor 6:16, and the mobile "tabernacle"/"sanctuary"/"tent, booth, dwelling" of God's Spirit, that is blasphemed by the Beast/organization in Rev 13:6,7. (STRONGS NT 4633: σκηνή) The scripture accurately reads: "Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 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. " 1 Pet 2:5 The anointed are members/stones of a holy priesthood, being built up a spiritual house; which is the Temple. “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Eph 2:20-22 Each anointed is the dwelling place of God, stones that contribute to the completed "building". I really don’t think so, Arauna. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” 1 Cor 3:16,17 “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” 2 Cor 6:16 God’s “Temple” since Christ, is in Spirit. It isn’t fixed in one place, just as the Ark of the Covenant wasn’t immobile. 2 Sam 7:5-7; John 2:19-21; Acts 7:48-50 Only the priests were allowed to carry it, and inside of it, were kept the laws given to Moses. The ark symbolized the presence of God among His people, both when the priests were near it, and through the laws it held. Later, the tabernacle held the ark, which was also portable, and located in the inner sanctuary where the ark was kept. It was the duty of the priests to teach the people, God’s laws 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. The holy priesthood, temple stones, were given God’s laws when they were anointed. With the new “house” built on the Body of Christ, God’s priests must also carry out their assignment to teach God’s laws. The apostles led the way in showing future “stones” how to complete this will of God. They are not to wait to do God’s will to carry out their priestly duties. Do you see any scriptural evidence of that with the foundation temple stones, the apostles? Eph 2:20-22; 1 Cor 3:9-15 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. 2 Cor 3:2,3 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. Heb 8:10,11 An anointed one can be “heavenly” while still on earth, if their name is registered in heaven, just as your scripture shows, and notice it doesn't say "before" Mount Zion as you state, but "to": “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,” "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven." Luke 10:20 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, “ Eph 2:4,5 Can you not see that being the “dwelling place” of God in Spirit is “heavenly”? "Daughter Zion" was God's Israel. Jerusalem housed the early temple of God. "Virgin daughter Zion" are the anointed "144,000", and "New Jerusalem" that "comes down from heaven" to reside with God's children on the earth. Ps 9:14; Isa 52:2; Rev 14:4; 21:2 Is it me, or you? Yes, you are right in that they receive a “token” of Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 1:21,22 That deposit “sealed” on their hearts is the promise of the inheritance to come. Jer 31:33 They must build on it, by taking in knowledge and growing in faith. Those who are sealed into this promise, are to bear the seal of God: “Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads.” Deut 11:18 If only God’s laws direct the lives of the anointed, through their actions and deeds, their hearts will speak the words of Christ which fulfilled the law. “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.” Deut 6:6 “A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” Luke 6:45 Misleading one’s hearers with false teachings in the name of the organization, and who’s mouth speaks from the “overflow of the heart”, do not bear the seal/mark of God and His laws in Christ. They bear the mark of the organization and the teachings they uphold. Rev 13:16,17 Do false teachers, false “christs” have the token of Holy Spirit sealed in their hearts – that promise of the inheritance to come? All of the anointed in the organization must make the decision, to bear either God’s seal upon their heart, mind and forehead, or that of the Beast/organization: “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Rev 13:16,17 Only one mark or seal, can bring us eternal life. God’s laws are pure, and stand alone in bringing one to salvation. What comes out of the mouth of false prophets of “Israel” is poisoned waters. Rev 8:10,11; 13:11,12 “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison. When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,” they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. 20 The Lord will never be willing to forgive them; his wrath and zeal will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will fall on them, and the Lord will blot out their names from under heaven. 21 The Lord will single them out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law.” Deut 29:18-21 “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Heb 12:15 “The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter. Rev 8:10,11 @Arauna - The day of releasing from the flesh is not yet here....ep 4:30. 2 Corinthians 1:21 & 22 clearly indicates that the seal is a token of that which "is to come" - the spirit in our hearts. “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Cor 5:16,17 Arauna, we have considered in length, what the new creation is about. You have your belief, I have mine. What I see is someone limiting the hand of God; His promises and ability to create what is new out of the old. Your mind is stuck on the earthly vision and not the heavenly. But, that’s just my opinion. "However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:6-16
  14. Well, it was Jesus who spoke to Paul, twice: As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink" Acts 9:3-9 It was Jesus who chose his apostles, Paul being one of the them. One more time that we KNOW of, Jesus spoke to Paul: "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Cor 12:7-9
  15. Are you saying God has not made sure of it? Do YOU recognize the anointed as God’s priesthood or do you recognize the elders as “representing God’s royal priesthood”? 2 Thess 2:3,4 It is essential, but not possible in the organization. Is it possible for them to connect with Christ which also means connecting with the members of Christ, if they submit themselves to men who say, they are not to “bond”? Is that what Paul preached? Do you see that men’s doctrine holds more credulity among JWs, than God’s word? What is more important, the unity of the Body of Christ which results in the coming Kingdom, or the unity of an earthly organization that hides the identity of those who are the “living stones” of the true temple of God? JWs are never encouraged to seek out the anointed; rather, they are greatly encouraged to seek out the elders and honor them, as if through them, the Kingdom of God will arrive. Is this what you believe? If so ,this "image" that the organization is "spirit-directed", through a counterfeit priesthood, is what you truly believe is Zion; which is a counterfeit of God's true Zion/Temple of God, and is an idol. Rev 13:1,2,4-7;11,12,15 There is no possible way for the anointed to follow the words Paul established in 1 Cor 12, if they are told, not by their Head, Jesus Christ, but by uninspired men that they must not bond together. The organization is a ruse - Satan's deceitful, well-established ruse, that he uses to attack the "remaining ones of the woman's seed". Rev 12:1-4,15; 2 Thess 2:9-12 I know of many anointed who have left the organization, awake to the role of Christ in their lives. I know of anointed who preach Rev 11:1-3 and Rev 18:4-8
  16. In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Isa 2:1-3 Do you believe we are in “the last days”? Do be you believe that each anointed is a “living stone” of the Temple of God? 1 Pet 2:5,9 Jesus is the chief cornerstone of the foundation of Temple; the apostles and prophets are also built into that foundation. Eph 2:20-22 Already sealed into it. Each one who proves through their works, that they are faithful and obedient only to God and Christ, are also sealed into the Temple. 1 Cor 3:10 We have record of this sealing while faithful anointed were still on the earth. 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 4:30; Rev 5:9,10 None of this scriptural proof is excused away and dissolved, with the advent of the organization. Paul, to every anointed down to today: 16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives among you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. Because the anointed are “scattered”, not unified as they were in the first century, the Temple building in the organization has come to a halt. Why today, is it necessary for them to remain apart? If the organization truly was blessed by God, it would facilitate the Temple “progress”. The anointed would stand out as visible, as the true Zion, instead of the visible “Gentile” elder body, of the visible “Jehovah’s organization”. God would make sure of it. ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.’ 7 ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’ 8 He replied: ‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and, “The time is near.” Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.’ Luke 21:5-9 The Beast/organization of Rev 13:1,2 “makes war” against the Temple members – the saints. A false “messiah”/false “christ” designates that all anointed must remain “scattered”; not one stone to join with another. And God allows it to happen. The only way for a temple “living stone” to connect with Christ, the chief cornerstone, is to leave the organization, and repent for allowing an idol of deceit, trample and scattered them “among the nations”. Lam 4:1,16; Ezek 11:16,17 The “law” of God "goes out" from the Temple of God – from Zion, through the Temple priests who carry God's law on their heart. Mal 2:7; Heb 8:10 The Temple will be completed, but not by men who love their earthly treasures. The "mountainlike organization" transgresses God’s laws…daily. ‘Who are you, O great mountain?Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!And he shall bring forth the capstoneWith shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’ ” Zech 4:7 http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-rise-of-zion.html
  17. To be clear, I was responding to the comment by @"a holy place". who commented on @Kosonen opening statement, of which I totally agreed with. @Kosonen: If we love God more than ourselves, then sanctification of God is more important than our own salvation. That means we would be ready to die for God, even for no reward. That would be love in its full sense. @"a holy place" You said- "If we love God more than ourselves, then sanctification of God is more important than our own salvation. That means we would be ready to die for God, even for no reward. That would be love in its full sense." Surely you’re not saying when a person dies faithful to God his motive should be for no reward? I wouldn’t be very happy with that outcome. That's very depressing. You made a fine post. This is the act of mutual love. Obedience glorifies God and denounces Satan’s accusations against us. Every act of obedience Jesus performed as a human, glorified God. It was the evidence of his love for Him. We wouldn’t expect anything different from Jesus, since he is one with the Father. Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:9-13 For us, a gift has already been presented, the gift of life in Christ’s sacrifice. Any anointed one who values that gift laid before them, gratefully loves the Father and Christ, and will live and “do the works” that Jesus outlined for those who are “in Christ”. This requires a sacrifice of life, the giving up of living for oneself and freely having faith in the God who loves us. It can only be accomplished through grateful love AND relying on God and Christ to help us to be faithful. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 2 Cor 6:19-20 Just as Jesus is one with the Father, God’s anointed are “one” with Christ in Spirit. As they grow in their understanding of what lays before them, they live as Christ lived. They are tested by Satan, persecuted, slandered and refined. No one, can accomplish that without love for God and Christ and the grace bestowed on them to carry it out. The "reward" of glory they receive, for their faith and victory over Satan's accusations against them, gives ultimate glory to God and Jesus Christ. It goes back to what Kosenan said, “If we love God more than ourselves, then sanctification of God is more important than our own salvation. That means we would be ready to die for God, even for no reward. That would be love in its full sense.”
  18. The true Temple of God - completed in the Body of Christ. 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20-22; Zech 4:6-10
  19. YES, Jesus sacrificed his physical life. But you seem to be telling me he did this only to receive glory, which he expected to receive? ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:11-13 God is love. (1 John 4:8) God is Spirit. (John 4:24) Jesus and the Father are as one, united in the Spirit of Truth and love. (John 17:22) During an anointing, Holy Spirit is poured into one’s heart – the Spirit of Truth and love. (Rom 5:5; 1 John 2:27) God’s Word, His decrees/commandments were fulfilled in the coming of Christ. Love is the fulfillment of those commandments. (Rom 13:10) These “laws” of love, are written on the heart of an anointed one. (Heb 8:10) Since the word of God is “inspired” by Holy Spirit, (2 Tim 3:16,17) the product, the fruit, of the Spirit that resides in the anointed heart, is outlined in Gal 5:22,23. LOVE is listed first. All other attributes listed, are the product of love. When I was a child, I adored my fleshly father. He gave me loving attention, and I gave it back. I followed him everywhere and I did my best to please him through my obedience. He never promised me anything unusual, since we didn’t have spare funds for the “unusual”, let alone barely for the usual. I didn’t expect a reward for my obedience. I obeyed because I loved him and he returned my love. Love is a gift of Holy Spirit that motivates one to serve God and Christ no matter the reward. It is not that one is blind to what God promises to those who love Him and are obedient to Him, but it is the compelling desire to be where the source of light, love and truth exists; to be united with God and Jesus in that love. “Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” 2 Cor 5:14,15 This is the exchange of love between the Father and His Son: After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. 6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power ofyour name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. John 17:1-18
  20. Sir, I just don’t detect a bit of love that motivates your ideals. Christ offered himself up to be tortured and killed, to glorify God. Do you really think he had selfish motives when doing this, or was it out of pure love for his Father? Each anointed one who walks as Christ walked, bearing his torture stake, would feel the same – love for their Father AND for Christ, as his "Bride". Yes, they know there is a reward, just as Christ knew, but a faithful anointed one is motivated to obey God and Christ, first and foremost, out of love. Mark 12:29-31; 1 Cor chapter 13
  21. The plot does thicken, but what can we expect with the Watchtower. Here's more food for thought, from a few with extraordinary views at times. It looks like some info you have already found. https://www.reddit.com/r/JehovahsWitnesses/comments/89naxc/the_greatest_act_of_apostasy_the_watchtower_owns/?utm_source=amp&utm_medium=&utm_content=post_body
  22. To add to the confusion: Corporations outside the United States International Bible Students Association The International Bible Students Association (IBSA) is a corporate not-for-profit organization used by Jehovah's Witnesses in the United Kingdom for the production and distribution of religious literature. Its stated purpose is "to promote the Christian religion by supporting congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses and others in connection with their spiritual and material welfare in Britain and abroad within the charitable purposes of the Association."[22] The IBSA was founded in 1914 as a corporation of the Bible Students by Charles Taze Russell in London, England, and was the first legal corporation representing Russell's ministry in Europe. The Watch Tower Society stated in 1917 that the IBSA, along with its Pennsylvania and New York based corporations "were organized for identical purposes and they harmoniously work together."[23] Other similarly named corporations operate in various countries to promote the interests of Jehovah's Witnesses.[24] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporations_of_Jehovah's_Witnesses Also... https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/24472/watchtower-society-evil-slave-proof
  23. You missed 1 Cor 13:9,10 and focused only on knowledge. Prophesy brings forth knowledge. “For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. “that which is perfect” has not arrived until the Kingdom arrives. Prophesy will exist until then, as will the increase of knowledge. Prophesy will cease, when what was prophesied, is fulfilled. ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.” Acts 2:17 A prophet comes in the last days, in the spirit of “Elijah”. Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. Matt 17:11 Jesus “shows” his servants what must take place in the last days. The understanding of Revelation that John wrote down, is only through a prophet. Rev 1:1 Rev 11:3 – “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” Rev 10:7 - “but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.” Quite the theory. You are apparently making up doctrine about the Body of Christ, contrary to the WT; which in this case, they are right…until they change it, which I expect to happen any time. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200021176 The little flock (Matt 15:24; 10:6) were the physical Jews; added to them, were physical “Gentiles”(Acts 13:46; 3:25; Rom 11:25; 9:6,18) all anointed, becoming “Israel” and “one flock”. There is no more “little flock” and “other sheep”, but the anointed Body of Christ. Eph 2:11-22
  24. "Conquering" involves battle: " And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation." Rev 13:5-7 War using blasphemy - "slander, detraction, speech injurious, to another's good name" Such as, "honor" the elders, do not give "honor" to the anointed. They cannot join together and study as a united group. Can't you see? Such slander is needed to preserve the wicked slave's power and the organization/idol she currently "rides". Rev 17:3-6 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Rev 16:13,14 Those "kings" belong to Christ! Rev 1:5,6
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