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Witness

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  1. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Micah Ong in "Let Your NAME Be Sanctified"   
    “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
     
     
  2. Upvote
    Witness reacted to Mike Forrest in Do Jehovahs Witnesses shun Child Victims of Sexual Abuse   
    Would we reason the same way if it was a question of for example murder? "No we can not be sure, so we don't report it to the authorities". Of course not!
    If we have reasonable suspicion of a serious crime we should report it to the police so that they can do a proper investigation. Yes, sometimes an innocent person could suffer from such an investigation. (It's the same thing with any crime investigation) On the other hand we absolutely must prioritize a likely victim and also protect potential future victims.
  3. Upvote
    Witness reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Do Jehovahs Witnesses shun Child Victims of Sexual Abuse   
    Yeah ... I also caught those lies ...  I am particularly sensitive to such things .. because as a JW Newbie, over a half century ago ... I did the very same thing ... to my everlasting shame.
    .

  4. Upvote
    Witness reacted to INTREPID TRAVELLER in Do Jehovahs Witnesses shun Child Victims of Sexual Abuse   
    On the 10th of this month, the Australia Royal Commission held Case 54 which was a review of the responses of Jehovah’s Witnesses to the Commission’s findings.  The representatives from the Australia branch swore on the Bible “to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”.  Did they comply with this solemn oath before God?  You be the judge after watching this video:
     
  5. Upvote
    Witness reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Jehovah’s Witnesses former members tell court they were subjected to ‘total control’   
    The WTB&TS has more that that to account for with one incident alone ..... their 9-1/2 year contractural association as a NGO registered with the United Nations, which caused at least that many Jehovah's Witnesses in South America alone to abandon the publishing empire, after it was exposed like an atom bomb to the whole world circa 2001, in the UK newspaper "The Guardian".
    I can think of perhaps a dozen other instances, not only of malfeasance, but subsequent attempts of cover-up that were never even mentioned to the rank and file Congregations.
    .. rough estimate of perhaps 4 million Witness in a 25 year period, chased away.
    My wife's mother and my wife were Roman Catholic, and she and my wife were chased away from the RCs and left due to the pedophile priest scandals. They had a conscience ... so do most of Jehovah's Witnesses.
    People of integrity ACT on their consciences.
    And if the Russian Judge does make an adverse ruling ... IT WILL ALL BE OPEN AND OUT IN THE PUBLIC FOR ALL TO SEE.
    ... NOT HIDDEN AWAY IN A Kingdom Hall Filing cabinet in sealed envelope, with a copy in a sealed blue envelope at Warwick.
    .
     
  6. Upvote
    Witness reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Jehovah’s Witnesses former members tell court they were subjected to ‘total control’   
    Yes, it is a bit extreme ... but when you find it necessary to discipline one person, and you destroy him, his family, and extended family relationships .. it is cruel, viscous, and callous.
    It also creates an atmosphere of fear, internally, for fear that YOU MIGHT BE NEXT,.
    A boy that was baptized at age 8 who grows up and chooses another path based on his conscience at age 20 gets his family ripped apart ... something that DID NOT happen between Ruth and Naomi, who lived in a family of mixed religions before the husband died, and they immigrated to Israel.
    Jehovah's Witnesses are becoming known globally NOT as a people for His name ... but for their brazen, blatant cruelty and unreasonableness.   That is a FACT! 
    That is why with BILLIONS of hours spent witnessing last year, Europe's JW growth last year was utterly pathetic, and in some countries there was actually a LOSS.
    I personally was dragged into "Room 101" last year by three angry Elders who chewed me out for responding "Hello.." to someone who started a conversation with me. 
    After the initial shock and stunned disbelief that this crap NEVER ENDS .... I have decided since then that I am going to be pleasant with ANYONE who is pleasant with me. I will not discuss Theology with them, but I will be openly courteous and friendly with all.
    Remember, even Jesus sat down and ate with sinners and tax collectors who had rejected the old Jewish System, which was STILL supported by Jehovah God !
    The head-shot cartoon is a bit extreme, but for those who have deep love for their families, it is LESS CRUEL than current JW standard practices.
    .The head of the Australian Royal Commission was flabbergasted that the Australian Branch head, under specific questioning about that .... did not understand that elementary fact.

  7. Upvote
    Witness reacted to JW Insider in Jehovah’s Witnesses former members tell court they were subjected to ‘total control’   
    Good! Because, for a minute there, I thought I recognized one of our local elders, there on the right.
  8. Upvote
  9. Upvote
  10. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Micah Ong in How do we make sense of Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved" and Acts 4:10,12. The answer might surprise you!   
    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
     
     
     
  11. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Micah Ong in How do we make sense of Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved" and Acts 4:10,12. The answer might surprise you!   
    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/
     
     
     
     
  12. Upvote
  13. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Micah Ong in How do we make sense of Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved" and Acts 4:10,12. The answer might surprise you!   
    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.
  14. Upvote
    Witness reacted to Evacuated in How do we make sense of Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved" and Acts 4:10,12. The answer might surprise you!   
    Wow! Whatever happened to you? These are the only relevant parts of your response. I can understand your withdrawal. Sorry to have touched such a raw nerve! 
  15. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Micah Ong in How do we make sense of Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved" and Acts 4:10,12. The answer might surprise you!   
    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."
  16. Upvote
    Witness reacted to Micah Ong in How do we make sense of Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved" and Acts 4:10,12. The answer might surprise you!   
    Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” 
     
    This would be a contradiction to the statement in the book of Acts.
     
    Compare Acts 4:10 "let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that in the name of Jesus Christ the Naz·a·rene..."
    verse 12 "there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.
     
    It is a contradiction in the 'New World Translation.'
     
    But Romans 10:13 from the Koine Greek(common Greek manuscripts as close as you can get to the original) you find in the Kingdom Interlinear Bible as found on the JW Library app; there is no 'Jehovah' but 'Kupiou' or 'Lord.'  Remember Thomas said "My Lord and my God."
     
    So there is no contradiction but it is by Jesus name we get saved.
     
    Compare also
     
    Philippians 2:9,10 For this very reason, God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, 10 so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend—of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground.
     
    I know his name Jesus means Jehovah saves.  But that is quite different to just Jehovah which means "I Am who I Am" or "I shall become."  In Ancient Jewish times it was more about the meaning of the name than the name it self.
     
    Jehovah had many names back then.
     
    El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) El Elyon (The Most High God) Adonai (Lord, Master) Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah) Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner) Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd) Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals) Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There) Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness) Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You) El Olam (The Everlasting God) Elohim (God) Qanna (Jealous) Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)  
    So one could reasonably conclude that Isaiah 43:10 “You are my witnesses,” declares Jehovah,
    “Yes, my servant whom I have chosen,

    Would apply to the nation of Israel back then that were part of the old covenant.  But in Isaiah 62:2 he speaks of his people having a new name. Acts 1:7,8 "He said to them: “It does not belong to you to know the times or seasons that the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction. 8 But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me(Jesus) in Jerusalem, in all Ju·deʹa and Sa·marʹi·a, and to the most distant part of the earth.”
    Yes witnesses of Jesus!
    Wouldn't then that be "Christians" as Jesus followers were known of back then in Antioch - followers of Christ. 
    Remember Jesus came to fulfill the law and bring in a new covenant, "that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend..." and "there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved."

    So it makes sense then that YHWH isn't in the Christian Greek Scriptures. Please re-read our promises in the scriptures.  Our hope is more wonderful than you think.  Our God is a wonderfully loving God.  We just need to worship him with spirit and truth! Christian regards
      Micah
  17. Upvote
    Witness reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Is the Governing body still "spirit directed"?   
    Soon after I was born, this came out in the AWAKE! magazine .....
    As Dorothy said (paraphrased)  "We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto"
     

     
  18. Downvote
    Witness reacted to Evacuated in Is the Governing body still "spirit directed"?   
    No one is disfellowshipped for their beliefs.....as far as I know.
  19. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Blue in Ignorance of Child Abuse within JW community   
    "...where the law requires..."
    In all cases?  No, which we see revealed by the many lawsuits.   And why is it that a law is necessary to twist the arm?  Love would compel the elders to act in the best interests of the victim.  Love would motivate the GB to make sure council is given in righteousness.   

    “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.  The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.  No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.  

    This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” 1 John 3:7-10

     "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:28

     
  20. Upvote
    Witness reacted to Micah Ong in What gives them the right to insert YHWH so that the the scriptures are manipulated to suit the their doctrine?   
    @JW Insider I apologise for being blunt but I do think it is important for everyone to know how tainted the NWT is to suit doctrine which I think was clearly shown in that they took it upon themselves to insert Jehovah in the Christian Greek Scriptures under their own assumptions.  Therefore trust in the Governing Body is clearly misdirected and dangerous.  I just want to sound the warning.
    You are right in saying "it's a matter of what sort of persons ought we to be"
    Bible based principals are what shape us and coming to Jesus in spirit and 'truth' is part of our worship to the God of truth.
    Geofferr Jackson GB member admitted at the Royal Commission under oath, that it would be presumptuous to say they are being used by Jehovah, but that they are Guardians Of the Doctrine(G,O,D).  Not inspired by Holy Spirit presenting truths from the bible as they say they are in the publications.
  21. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from JW Insider in "Faithful slave" and the "Publishers."   
    These are some thought-provoking quote from the Wt. 3/17 pp. 8-12
    "However, Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from treating religious leaders as ones who merit extraordinary honor, even though those leaders may expect it. False religion misrepresents God and distorts the teachings of his Word. Thus, we show religious leaders regard as fellow humans, but we do not show them special honor. We recall that Jesus denounced such men of his day as hypocrites and blind guides. (Matt. 23:23, 24"
    "Such elders are recognized as humble spiritual shepherds. As evidence of their humility, they refuse to let themselves be treated as celebrities. In this they differ from many modern-day religious leaders and from those of the first century about whom Jesus said: “They like the most prominent place at evening meals and the front seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.”—Matt. 23:6, 7."
    I can’t say I agree with the second paragraph.  Their word rules no different than the words of a Catholic priest. Both hear confessions, both judge.  And what about the “faithful and discreet slave”?  I have seen pictures on this forum easily depicting the GB as prominent figures.  Does this not also distort the teachings of God’s word?
    When Jesus said, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?”  (Matt 24:45), he is essentially saying, among all his faithful and wise servants, (whom he already has judged as such)  who will the master put in charge of the household?  He is not saying that the one in charge is the only faithful and wise servant.  At one time the Wt. taught that every anointed one was the “faithful and wise” slave.  Recently, it has boiled down to just the GB with no scriptural reason, except that it fulfills prophesy.  Rev 13:11,15; 16:13,14  But there is evidence in scripture that a “steward” over God’s household (which is all anointed ones, 1 Pet 4:17; Eph 2:21; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17) can begin to “beat” his fellow slaves, by selfishly insisting on their own announcement as faithful and discreet prematurely, by insisting that the Lord returns also prematurely, (Matt 24:48) by judging them without cause.  (Matt 24:48)
     Each anointed one must be found “faithful and wise” upon Jesus’ return.  Matt 25:21
    “When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:  “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.  If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.  For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Luke 14:7-11
    It is also true that each one of us is to slave for Christ and not for men. Rom 14:4; James 4:12  The title of “publisher”, along with unbaptized publisher, circuit overseer, district overseer, pioneer, special pioneer, etc, all categorize the sheep by bestowing certain characteristics that one must take note of.  What is the difference between the Wt. doing this and Christendom “meriting certain honor” on individuals? 
    Jesus said, "Why do you call me good?"  "No one is good--except God alone."  Mark 10:18
    If Jesus never accepted honor, why would any man seek his own glory, expecting obedience from others because of his self-proclaimed title? 
    The scenario of both a faithful steward as well as an evil steward present during the end time is evident in the scriptures.  One must discern who they both are by analyzing their “fruits”, their teachings.    Matt 24:48-51; Matt 7:15-20; John 15:4,5,8,16; Heb 13:15; Jude 1:12  Because we are all to be slaves of Christ, we are all responsible for our loyalty to pure truth.  Phil 1:9,10  The responsibility doesn’t just fall on the teacher, but on the student as well.  Jer 23:16-30; 5:30-31
    Prov 2:1-15; Matt 7:7,8;  Zeph 2:3; Ps 26:4-7; 2 Cor 6:17; Rev 3:18
  22. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Queen Esther in Is the USA Preparing for World War III?   
    "I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will." Isa 46:10
    "For just as rain and snow fall from heaven
    and do not return there
    without saturating the earth
    and making it germinate and sprout,
    and providing seed to sow
    and food to eat,
     so My word that comes from My mouth
    will not return to Me empty,
    but it will accomplish what I please
    and will prosper in what I send it to do.” Isa 55:10,11
    “See, today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and adversity.  I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live”  Deut 30:15,19
     “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able”  Luke 13:24
    “Make sure that you do not reject the One who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected Him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven.”  Heb 12:25
    "And Noah did this. He did everything that God had commanded him."  Gen 6:22
    "As the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be".  Matt 24:37
    "Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come." 1 Cor 10:11
    Luke 21:21,22; 17:32; Isa 52:11; 2 Cor 6:17; Jer 51:45; Rev 18:4
     
     
  23. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Micah Ong in "Faithful slave" and the "Publishers."   
    These are some thought-provoking quote from the Wt. 3/17 pp. 8-12
    "However, Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from treating religious leaders as ones who merit extraordinary honor, even though those leaders may expect it. False religion misrepresents God and distorts the teachings of his Word. Thus, we show religious leaders regard as fellow humans, but we do not show them special honor. We recall that Jesus denounced such men of his day as hypocrites and blind guides. (Matt. 23:23, 24"
    "Such elders are recognized as humble spiritual shepherds. As evidence of their humility, they refuse to let themselves be treated as celebrities. In this they differ from many modern-day religious leaders and from those of the first century about whom Jesus said: “They like the most prominent place at evening meals and the front seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.”—Matt. 23:6, 7."
    I can’t say I agree with the second paragraph.  Their word rules no different than the words of a Catholic priest. Both hear confessions, both judge.  And what about the “faithful and discreet slave”?  I have seen pictures on this forum easily depicting the GB as prominent figures.  Does this not also distort the teachings of God’s word?
    When Jesus said, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?”  (Matt 24:45), he is essentially saying, among all his faithful and wise servants, (whom he already has judged as such)  who will the master put in charge of the household?  He is not saying that the one in charge is the only faithful and wise servant.  At one time the Wt. taught that every anointed one was the “faithful and wise” slave.  Recently, it has boiled down to just the GB with no scriptural reason, except that it fulfills prophesy.  Rev 13:11,15; 16:13,14  But there is evidence in scripture that a “steward” over God’s household (which is all anointed ones, 1 Pet 4:17; Eph 2:21; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17) can begin to “beat” his fellow slaves, by selfishly insisting on their own announcement as faithful and discreet prematurely, by insisting that the Lord returns also prematurely, (Matt 24:48) by judging them without cause.  (Matt 24:48)
     Each anointed one must be found “faithful and wise” upon Jesus’ return.  Matt 25:21
    “When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:  “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.  If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.  For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Luke 14:7-11
    It is also true that each one of us is to slave for Christ and not for men. Rom 14:4; James 4:12  The title of “publisher”, along with unbaptized publisher, circuit overseer, district overseer, pioneer, special pioneer, etc, all categorize the sheep by bestowing certain characteristics that one must take note of.  What is the difference between the Wt. doing this and Christendom “meriting certain honor” on individuals? 
    Jesus said, "Why do you call me good?"  "No one is good--except God alone."  Mark 10:18
    If Jesus never accepted honor, why would any man seek his own glory, expecting obedience from others because of his self-proclaimed title? 
    The scenario of both a faithful steward as well as an evil steward present during the end time is evident in the scriptures.  One must discern who they both are by analyzing their “fruits”, their teachings.    Matt 24:48-51; Matt 7:15-20; John 15:4,5,8,16; Heb 13:15; Jude 1:12  Because we are all to be slaves of Christ, we are all responsible for our loyalty to pure truth.  Phil 1:9,10  The responsibility doesn’t just fall on the teacher, but on the student as well.  Jer 23:16-30; 5:30-31
    Prov 2:1-15; Matt 7:7,8;  Zeph 2:3; Ps 26:4-7; 2 Cor 6:17; Rev 3:18
  24. Upvote
    Witness reacted to Shiwiii in Is the organization being bless.?   
    First of all, what portion of my statement is not true that I may need to change my source of information? Can one get unbiased information from jworg? I think not. What mention is there of the child abuse cases in which the org is involved in on jworg? NONE, and that is the problem. There is a campaign to send letters to Russia, to appeal to the gov't to allow jw's to continue to operate within the country. This is called lobbying, something the org says they do not do:
    "Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Maintain Political Neutrality?
    Jehovah’s Witnesses remain politically neutral for religious reasons, based on what the Bible teaches. We do not lobby, vote for political parties or candidates, run for government office, or participate in any action to change governments. "https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/political-neutrality/#?insight[search_id]=ae2710d7-f1e4-4dd7-afa4-57b369e71ab7&insight[search_result_index]=5
     
    Lobbying: 
    verb (used with object), lobbied, lobbying. 5. to try to influence the actions of (public officials, especially legislators). http://www.dictionary.com/browse/lobbying   John, I'm not sure who you think you are, but this is a public forum. Not only that, but it is also within the section of Controversial Posts.  The forewarning should have been enough for you to avoid this section if it hurts your feelings:   Only enter this section if you feel strong enough spiritually to defend yourself biblically. As you probably are aware, not everyone on Facebook, Twitter and the Internet is nice and civilized. Some are rather rude. You are hereby forewarned.   I am only pointing out the hypocrisy clearly shown from the org's own mouth. The question was "are they blessed", my comments were made to demonstrate my view and invoke discussion on the ideas raised. Now if this bothers you, don't reply, don't engage in discussion. Your response to me had nothing to do with the topic, but rather a knee jerk reaction of defense when someone calls your mom ugly.  To continue with the Russian lobbying, I wonder what most jws are thinking when they hear that "the wild beast" is helping the org? 
     
  25. Upvote
    Witness got a reaction from Shiwiii in 7/17 Wt. “Seeking Riches That Are True”   
    A few highlights:
     “Although Jesus does not explain why he calls riches “unrighteous,” the Bible makes clear that commercialism was not part of God’s purpose. Par 6
     Along with the political and religious elements, the greedy commercial system, represented by “the merchants” of Revelation 18:3, constitutes part of Satan’s world. Unlike the complete separation that God’s people maintain from politics and false religion,  most cannot separate themselves completely from the commercial part of Satan’s world. Par 2
    Another way to gain friendship with Jehovah is by minimizing our involvement with the commercial world and using our circumstances to seek “true” riches. Par 12
    “Our annual Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) Growth Markets Summit, held on April 24th and 25th in New York City, featured a series of in-depth conversations on important themes and dynamics shaping the Growth Markets today. The event comprised 18 different sessions featuring over 40 leading CEOs, CIOs, policy makers, political scientists, industry experts, investment fund managers and senior Goldman Sachs professionals. We were honored to be joined by over 400 attendees representing over 275 organizations from 37 countries.”   2012 GROWTH MARKETS SUMMIT
    http://www.goldmansachs.com/gsam/pdfs/growth-summit-2012/2012GMS_RECAP2.pdf
    The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society were among the 400 attendees.
    “An obvious way to prove ourselves faithful with our material things is by contributing financially to the worldwide preaching work that Jesus foretold would take place.  (Matt. 24:14) A young girl in India kept a small money box and gradually added coins, even giving up toys to do so. When the box was full, she handed the money over to be used for the preaching work. A brother in India who has a coconut farm contributed a large number of coconuts to the Malayalam remote translation office, reasoning that since the office needs to buy coconuts, his supplying them directly will help his contribution to go further than it would if he gave cash. That is practical wisdom. Likewise, brothers in Greece regularly contribute olive oil, cheese, and other foods for the Bethel family.” Par 8
    Is it considered “practical wisdom” for the Watchtower to use another’s hard earned funds to support its commercial endeavors which are far from minimal? Although it is apparent that the Wt. is using another’s riches 'unrighteously', the “unrighteous riches” Jesus was referring to had no reference to commercialism or monetary donations made by such touching examples in paragraph 8.  This is conclusive when reading Matt 19:21-24,29; 6:19-21
    Each anointed one has a spiritual debt to pay to his Master, Christ.  (1 Cor 12:1-11; Matt 13:8; Luke 17:10)  The Steward appointed over God’s household refuses to let his fellow slaves pay their debt, the return on the provisions they received.  This is the reality with the GB, who selfishly refuses to accept input from other anointed ones, thus this “wasteful steward” cannot be trusted with handling all provisions of God’s House.  Prov 15:22; 1 Cor 4:8; Mark 10:42-44
    In the parable, the steward was cutting the debts owed to the Master, Jesus, using practical “earthly” wisdom to save his own soul, but he had no authority to do so. Thus, the steward’s wisdom is centered not on the Kingdom, as a son of light, but on acquiring power and authority over all in God’s House, as a “son of this system of things”, which the GB has successfully done.
     If this steward was to ‘make friends’ by sharing authority with all in the house, he would later be judged by his fellow servants, as faithful. John 20:23 
    The Watchtower makes the comment,
    “Although Jesus does not explain why he calls riches “unrighteous,” the Bible makes clear that commercialism was not part of God’s purpose.” Par 6
    The attached article is written by an anointed one, who has been blessed with the spiritual understanding of "unrighteous riches".   If the Wt. doesn't 'get it', who are they serving, God or wealth?  Luke 16:13
    Wasteful Steward - http://pearl-wastefulsteward.blogspot.com/
     
     
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