Witness

Beginning with a comment made to an anointed one:
"While there are some glaring doctrinal errors embedded in the faith of Jehovah’s witnesses I do not see any conflict with scripture as to when they hold the Memorial. If as you stated there is no evidence that Jesus left any specified date and time to hold the Memorial then the matter of partaking is left up to the conscience of the individual partaking. As such there is no impropriety associated with continuing the practice of observing on Nissan 14th. In fact it supports scripture and the gospel accounts to do just that.
We know from scripture that Jesus was killed on the same day that the other Passover victims were being killed and according to the Law of Moses this could have only occurred on the 14th of the month. We can’t change the order of events to support his last supper at the expense of his death.
His death as a sacrificial offering had to conform to the sacrificial system otherwise it could not be accepted as payment or atonement. The yearly Passover was not only a commemoration of the past but also a rehearsal for the future antitypical atonement sacrifice that God himself promised to provide in the future. According to your account this never happened and God to date has not kept his word.
Jesus remained under law and the law remained in effect until his death, in order to fulfill the law he had to complete the law first. Keep in mind that the sacrificial system, the law and the temple arrangement originated with God and he is not above his own law. God’s own righteousness would demand that he work within the confines of his own system to provide atonement for mankind. To suggest otherwise calls into question the legitimacy of the sacrifice as the day you have rearranged Jesus death could not have had any legal precedent in scripture. If we take your assessment at face value, God accepted an illegitimate sacrifice which would be illegal payment for sin and extended forgiveness without any legal justification. In essence your narrative convicts God of Unrighteousness and delegitimizes Jesus sacrifice. "
Reply:
Thank you for leaving a comment. Sorry for the time it took to reply. I am presently caring for an elderly parent.
The purpose of my post above (as well as the link it contains), provides scriptures that convey a clear picture, as to when Christ both held the last supper with his disciples, as well as when the Passover lambs were sacrificed. Since you express that you believe that day to be Nisan 14;  I will provide those verses more pointedly for your consideration, and if you do not interpret those cited scriptures in the same way as I, I would appreciate your expressing here, your   own understanding of those cited verses.   "Jehovah's Witnesses" claim to hold the Memorial on Nisan 14, and also establish this Jewish date as the time to celebrate... not the Passover, but the Memorial of Christ's last meal with his chosen disciples. I do not challenge the proper date for the Passover Sabbath, as being Nisan 14. But I have logically deduced by means of scripture, that Jesus neither held the Last Meal with his disciples, nor died, on Nisan 14.  The scriptures also reveal, that the Passover lambs were sacrificed at twilight, as Nisan 13 was ending and Nisan 14 was starting. At twilight, the days overlapped, just as our days do, as night gradually leaves at sunrise.   The Passover lambs were to be eaten that evening, after nightfall, on the new day of Nisan 14 (Exodus 12:5-8,12-13,22,29). After nightfall of Nisan 14, was the Passover. Therefore, it was the twilight of Nisan13-14, when the lambs were slaughtered. Jesus died at 3pm, before the arrival of that twilight, while it was still Nisan 13. God however, created a premature supernatural "twilight" as Jesus was dying (Matt.27:45-46,50; John12:35; 9:5,4), making it impossible for the Jews to have a valid twilight sacrifice and Passover in God's estimation, in the nightfall to come, on Nisan 14, 33CE. In 33CE, the Jews had their Passover and ate the lambs, after nightfall on Nisan 14, and after Jesus died at 3pm the afternoon before. He  was laid in his tomb, previous to the onset of that day's natural twilight. The lambs had to be slaughtered at the twilight of 13-14 (The Day of Preparation), in order to be eaten during the night of Nisan 14. Otherwise, if slaughtered on the twilight of Nisan14-15, the lamb would have been eaten on Nisan 15. Although you rightly claim,    "If as you stated there is no evidence that Jesus left any specified date and time to hold the Memorial then the matter of partaking is left up to the conscience of the individual partaking."...... I have also said it is up to each partaker. But I must personally rely upon what scripture conveys... Paul referred to the timing of the Memorial, at 1Cor.11:25-26.  He referred to a specific "cup" and a specific "bread". He referred to the emblems, which Christ shared with his disciples. When did that originally occur?  Was it on the Passover Sabbath? Was it Nisan 14?    No to both. It was the day before, on the Day of Preparation... when all the Passover lambs were also to be sacrificed as that day began to evaporate.  Reason and scripture dictates, that this was the specific "date" when the original partakers originally partook, and logically, the time Paul referred to as to when the annual anniversary would occur, to partake of that specific bread and cup (1Cor.11:26). When Jesus said, "Do this in memory of me" (Luke22:19); He said it on Nisan 13.   If your own reasoning concludes that an anniversary should be celebrated the day after the original event, because a previous covenant was celebrated a day later, than your reasoning differs with mine. I do not judge you or those who think like you. I simply offered (at the link) an explanation for why I had decided to partake on the Day of Preparation, for the sake of those who had requested to partake with me. I needed to tell those who wished to partake with me, my decision... Did I not? How else could we partake together? And since my decision differed from the norm, would it not be inconsiderate to set an unexpected date, without an explanation? For anyone whose conscience disagreed with my decision, they could then know to make other arrangements.   I clearly stated in the link above, that in light of 1Cor.5:7, I do not take a dogmatic approach, nor judge another, as to whether they choose to partake on the Jewish Passover (which date, commemorates a dead covenant), nor do I judge those who choose to partake on the date when Jesus and his disciples inaugurated the NEW Covenant (Heb.8:7).  I choose to be identified with the New Covenant and its original Memorial, and not the Old Covenant foreshadowed by Moses and Egypt. The saving blood of God's new Lamb fulfills that which the literal Passover lambs only hinted at. I wish to embrace that fulfillment, over keeping the Jewish law (Gal.4:9-11; 2:21). In fact, when the Jews celebrated the Passover after nightfall (at midnight) at the start of Nisan 14 33CE, it was a futile act. They had already condemned and executed the previous afternoon, their only real hope... the fulfillment of God's "Passover" and salvation of the "firstborn" from the Destroyer
(Heb.11:28; 12:23; Luke10:20).   Why would we who have been set free by Christ, want to continue to imitate the timing of those hypocrites, who failed their time of inspection? From Christ's death on Nisan 13 onward, the Jewish Passover is futility. You stated,
"As such there is no impropriety associated with continuing the practice of observing on Nissan 14th. In fact it supports scripture and the gospel accounts to do just that." It would be considerate when writing to someone who wishes to be guided by scripture, to provide the scriptures you refer to at the time of your assertion.   You also state: "We know from scripture that Jesus was killed on the same day that the other Passover victims were being killed"... This is correct, and it was Nisan 13... The Day of Preparation, which ran from twilight of Nisan12-13 to twilight of Nisan 13-14. Jesus both conducted the Memorial and died, during that Jewish day of Nisan 13. You continue: "and according to the Law of Moses this could have only occurred on the 14th of the month."... No, according to Moses, the eating of the Lamb and the Passover by the Destroyer, occurred on Nisan 14... not the slaughter of the lambs, nor the other preparations, which were to be completed by nightfall on the Day of Preparation (Nisan 13), when the twilight of Nisan 14, began. Jesus died at 3pm, on Nisan 13. The Passover lambs were to be slaughtered before nightfall that same day. You continue... "We can’t change the order of events to support his last supper at the expense of his death."... That is correct. But since the Jewish day is from sundown to sundown, Christ instituted the Memorial, and died, on the same day... the day of Preparation, on Nisan 13. He had the supper after sundown, and died before the next sundown, and before the start of Nisan 14 (Luke 23:52-56). You state: "His death as a sacrificial offering had to conform to the sacrificial system otherwise it could not be accepted as payment or atonement."   In fact, Jesus stated repeatedly, that he matured to become no part of the system you speak of, as he expects his followers to be no part. In fact, he exposed and ultimately destroyed that "world"/"system", for the sake of Truth (Luke21:5-6; Matt.23:38-39; John2:18-21; 1Cor.12:27; Eph.2:6,20-22). I don't know where you get the idea that atoning sacrifices can only be validly offered on Nisan 14, but the scriptures disagree. Blood is needed for forgiveness (Heb.9:22). But such sacrifices for sin occurred on many days (Lev.17:11; 1:2,4), just as our own sacrifice for sins comes before God, irrespective of the date (Phil.3:10; Rom.6:5; Rev.6:9; 7:14; 6:11; Zech.11:4; Mark 8:35).  These verses speak of a New Covenant that requires a sharing in the blood and sacrifice of Christ, irrespective of the literal date... not of a dead and empty ritual which reflects a lost promise, due to unfaithfulness (Matt.21:43).    Christ has already fulfilled the Law... not by a date, but by his blood. If you regard that blood as invalid because it was shed on the Day of Preparation, then I have no response, other than to say that you are guilty of your own accusation against me... "According to your account this never happened and God to date has not kept his word." On the contrary, I acknowledge what Christ accomplished, and when he accomplished it according to scripture. It is you who deem that sacrifice as invalid, because it was not on Nisan 14. Why do you believe that God requires us to respect the literal timing of a covenant that has been replaced since Nisan13, 33CE, rather than respecting when Jesus established a New Covenant, by his Last Supper and Death?  Please send me the scriptures that lead your thoughts in this way.   You state: "Jesus remained under law and the law remained in effect until his death, in order to fulfill the law he had to complete the law first."   And what was the Law, which Jesus fulfilled? Was it the Jewish Law? Did he live subservient to the Jewish Law?     Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt.22:37-40). (Rom.13:10; Gal.5:14) See Matt.12:2,10,22,13-14; John5:10-11; etc. Jesus fulfilled the Law (John10:11; 15:10; 14:31) and so must we (1John3:16; John13:34-35), but as is seen from the above scriptures, Jesus and his apostles rightly lived according to greater truths.    You state: "the law and the temple arrangement originated with God and he is not above his own law. " God's laws were not for God, but for us to be taught by them (Mark2:27; Matt.19:8). Jesus was Lord of the Sabbath. He was over it, and went beyond it's lessons to a sinful nation (Matt.12:2,5-8).  His disciples followed that example.   You state; "God’s own righteousness would demand that he work within the confines of his own system to provide atonement for mankind. "   God keeps His promises, and concerning the seed promised to Abraham, as well as the Passover Lamb (the Jewish festival of Passover lasted a week), God kept His promises. They were fulfilled.  But do not confuse God's promises with the embellished system created by the Jews, or God's shepherding staff of Laws to guide His nation, as an obligation for God to follow. He condescended to deal with mankind and their sinful state (Ps.113:5-6; 8:4) when providing the moral guidance they needed. His ways are above all the ways of mankind (Isa.55:9), including the guidance necessary for an unruly people who needed regulation. Do not make the moral deficit of such a people and their need for discipline, into the image of God. If you believe that Christ's sacrifice was "illegitimate" because he both died and commemorated his death on the Day of Preparation... your contention is not with me, but with God.   Again, if you interpret the timing of  Mark14:12; 15:42-43; Matt.26:17;  John19:14,31,42 in a different way than I do, please explain, and include the scriptural backing, so that I may benefit. Please keep in mind that all Jewish days ran from sundown to sundown, including the Day of Preparation and the Passover Sabbath. The Jewish twilight was what we ascribe to sunrise, regarding the start of a new day. It is also notable, that according to the Jewish method of arriving at Nisan 14 (Spring equinox and the previous new moon), "Jehovah's Witnesses" partook this year, on Nisan 15.   We are told at Mal.3:1-3, (Zech.13:9) that it is not "Jehovah's Witnesses" that God's refinement is directed toward at Christ's arrival. He comes to purify his own priesthood (Rev.3:19). If our beliefs are accurately based upon scripture (Matt.7:24; 1Cor.3:11-15), our fire-resistant faith will not perish (2Pet.3:10-12), nor the teachings we have sourced in God's Word (John15:16; Rom.3:4; Matt.12:37). We all have been defiled by the demonic exhalations of the wicked steward (Rev.2:20; 17:2; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13-16)... becoming drunk on that harlot's wine.  We all need to obey Christ, and wake up (Matt.25:5-7; Mark13:33). Once we do, we can either "buy from those who sell" (Matt.25:9-10; Rev.13:17) and become their branded slaves (Rev.13:16; Isa.44:20; Col.2:8; Rev.13:10; 17:5)... Or return to God and His Word, "buy" from Him (Isa.55:1-2; Rev.3:18), and be marked as His slaves (Deut.11:18; Rev.7:3; 14:1; 22:4-5). Now is the time of separation and harvest, just as it was among the Jews of the first century.
We can celebrate the Passover when they impotently did,
or on the day that Christ memorialized his death and died, according to his request (Luke22:19; 1Cor.11:23-24,26).  
The Memorial - When? - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-memorial-when.html

Zech. 7:8-14, NWT: 
The word of Jehovah again came to Zech·a·riʹah, saying: 
“This is what Jehovah of armies says,
‘Judge with true justice
and deal with one another in loyal love and mercy.
Do not defraud the widow or the fatherless child,
the foreigner or the poor;
and do not scheme evil against one another in your hearts.’
But they kept refusing to pay attention, and they stubbornly turned their backs, and they stopped up their ears so as not to hear.
They made their heart like a diamond and would not obey the law and the words that Jehovah of armies sent by his spirit through the former prophets.
So there came great indignation from Jehovah of armies.”
“‘Just as they did not listen when I called, so I would not listen when they called,’ says Jehovah of armies.
‘And I scattered them with a storm wind throughout all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them, with no one passing through or returning; for they turned the desirable land into an object of horror.’”
Jer 51:6; Rev 18:4-8
 

How about applying the Law of Reason and the Law of Love ..........?
" you have been badly hurt in body and mind .. you are angry and confused ....you no longer feel comfortable in being around people who did not defend you in your most desperate time of need and you loathe walking into the Hall ..with its vivid reminders of your abuse ...so you want to be out....that's ok ....we understand..   but we still love you and we are here for you......."
Contrasted by: " you have chosen to disfellowship Jehovah's Organization ....how dare you......take her out to the city gate and stone her "
You just don't understand LOVE at all some of you! Christ-like love! You have never comprehended the Lesson of the meeting with the woman at the well that Jesus had.

If anything, Tom, I appreciate your addressing me personally. 
John 3:12; John 18:36; Gal 4:3; Matt 6:19-21; Col 3:1,2; Col 2:8; 1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 11:3,4

I HAVE REVIEWED THE LAST FOUR PAGES OF INCREDIBLY DISGUSTING LOGIC AND EXCUSES.
During World War II, England was almost conquered by the Nazi Luftwaffe in a long series of Air battles over England as waves of German aircraft continuously bombed London and other cities, and the outnumbered British RAF pilots knew as they rose into the sky to meet this barbarian horde, that being outnumbered, and out-gunned, and running out of planes and pilots ... barring unforeseen circumstances .. in less than an hour, they would BE DEAD! .. and their Nation soon destroyed.  This was called the "Battle of Britain".
Shot out of the sky, their bodies burned, crushed, shot or blown to small pieces. NOW!
Many of these men truly believed in Christ, to the limits of their understanding, and many were atheists.... but they sacrificed their lives, many knowing they would be FOREVER DEAD ... to fight for Justice, Truth, Fairness, that their extended Family would not become slaves of the Third Reich.
All this crap about "who is or is not clergy", and "what is the law on this side of the boundary" is TOTALLY IRRELEVANT to people who love righteousness, and have the courage to FIGHT for it.
When the opinions, and culture of your friends turns you into a weasely lawyer looking for loopholes to escape censure, and you get into the mindset that just because the Governing Body cannot be fired, that they are the will of God  what you have is an eight sided Trinity ... an Octopus Pope.
Do you not REALIZE that rough men of violence, who swear, drink, and screw around, who are willing to put their lives on THE LINE ... and die for Justice .. compared to our craven abdication of our responsibility to the Brotherhood for disfellowshipping those who talk and cry out in anguish ... and hide their gross incompetency and craven greed for money and authority,  these men HAVE THE MORAL HIGH GROUND!
NOT US !

Aside from the false sense of “peace and security” offered by the organization, a false teaching that Zion that it is an earthly organization, a trampling of God’s temple priesthood (true Zion) by an elder body not anointed; is evidence of your own struggle to make sense of the two quotes you offered above and settling on man’s opinion to connect the two. 1 Cor 3:16,17; Ezek 44:7; 1 Thess 5:3; Exod 20:4,5; Isa 48:1-5
Here are three more quotes that can be contrasted with, " Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food":
"Today, harmony of belief and unity of action prevail among Jehovah’s Witnesses, who total some 7,000,000 in well over 100,000 congregations around the earth. How is such unity possible, especially in view of the turmoil and divisive thinking prevalent in today’s world? Principally, unity results from the clear and decisive direction that Jesus Christ, the Head of the congregation, provides through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) Unity also results from the way the worldwide brotherhood cooperates willingly with the direction of the Governing Body."  2009/ bt chap. 14 pp. 108-115
“The faithful and discreet slave,” whom Jesus Christ directly supervises, diligently provides timely spiritual food for all." w01 5/15 pp. 28-31
"No matter what comes upon his people, Jehovah constantly provides spiritual food and needed direction. God also gives discernment and insight to responsible brothers to prepare for further advancement and refinements in theocratic organization. (Deuteronomy 34:9; Ephesians 1:16, 17) Without fail, Jehovah provides what we need in order to fulfill our disciple-making commission and to accomplish our ministry worldwide." w01 1/15 pp. 17-21
With their most recent declaration, they have knocked people off path, again – those who all along thought Jesus was providing clear and decisive direction.  When we distort someone’s faith by providing excuses for wrongdoings, aren’t we basically perverting the truth? 
The path we take with Christ is always straight and clear because men are not distorting our direction. Acts 5:9 
How are they drawing disciples after themselves?  
"Like a mother who makes sure that her child is well-fed and cared for, “the faithful and discreet slave” provides an abundance of timely spiritual food for our spiritual advancement." w06 4/1 pp. 21-25 
“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?  I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.  So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” 1 Cor 3:5-8
"Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”;  and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 
 Therefore let no one boast in men.
For all things are yours:  whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours.  And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” 1 Cor 3:18-23
Innumerable times, the Watchtower has patted the  "faithful and discreet slave", the Governing Body, on the back -  for what?  For providing a clear direction for the sheep through scripture?
They have successfully perverted the scriptures and created a following based on a delusion. 
 

The Body of Christ and its power under Christ is buried under layers of Watchtowers, thus JWs are clueless as to what it comprises.  I was.  If the Body was working in unison with all anointed “slaves” attending to the needs of the congregations, what would happen?

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,  that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

  I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. (" Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food".)

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority”

Further on, Paul allows us to see why the Governing Body has failed in organizational direction:

 ”Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize (all  anointed ones will be determined at Christ’s coming to be considered faithful and discreet – or not.)”  Matt 25:21; 1 Cor 4:8

“by delighting in self-abasement (“having a humble opinion of oneself”)

 “and the worship of the angels, (of themselves; anointed ones are God’s “messengers” Heb 12:22,23;1:6,7; John 1:51; Rev 14:4;22:3,4)”

“taking his stand on visions he has seen,

inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,  

and not holding fast to the head,(CHRIST) from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments,

grows with a growth which is from God”

Through these scriptures we see the necessity of the anointed being united with no superiority over another.  Through this wholeness in Christ, he supplies his Holy Spirit, and it is for the benefit of everyone.  The GB and the elder body, have stifled all possibility for the anointed sanctuary of God to stand up on behalf of the congregations.  Dan 8:11;11:31;12:7

The one who has been given the assignment to intervene is Christ, the Head of the Body; and most assuredly, he will intervene.  Matt 24:27,30,31;Rev 12:7; 6:16,17

As for all in the congregations,

If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world,

 why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,  “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)

—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?  These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Each JW, each anointed one within the organization needs to ask themselves why they submit  to teachings and opinions of men; men who have transgressed their covenant in Christ. Luke 22:20

 Colossians 2 appears to have great prophetic meaning for all within the Watchtower.


 

 

Very true, but disfellowshipping is a form of perceived "killing" and symbolic for the outcome speaking truth as Christ did. Rev 13:15; 12:10,11,17; 20:4; John 15:20; Ps 119:161
To the average JW, I believe you would be hard pressed explaining the difference between the Watchtower organization and “Jehovah’s organization”.  They are both representing the “preaching work”.

“According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.”  “What is the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society?”

The visuals in the premise of “Organized to do Jehovah’s Will” give a vivid description of the Watchtower’s charter, but in fact is speaking in terms of “Jehovah’s organization”.

They are identical, are they not?

The following is how truth turns into a lie.  Firstly, we remember these words:

“Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.  You must not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ sin, to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commands.” Exod 20:4-6

Today, Zion is REPRESENTED on earth by the remaining ones of “the Israel of God,” the international congregation of spirit-anointed Christians, who have the hope of ruling with Christ in heaven. w02 7/1 pp. 9-14 

This is very close to truth, but in fact these faithful chosen ones will inhabit both heaven and earth.   Rev 3:12.

Introduction to a previous “earthly organization”, a term not used in the bible.

God purposes to punish Edom for what has maliciously been done to His earthly organization, called Zion. ip-1 chap. 27 pp. 356-368

The transition to a full lie:

“As part of Jehovah’s organization, what joy we now have in telling others about God’s promised new world!” Wt 14/05

THE EARTHLY PART OF JEHOVAH’S ORGANIZATION INCLUDES: (Wt 13/04)

The Governing Body
Branch Committees
Traveling overseers
Bodies of elders
Congregations
Individual publishers 
“Jehovah has chosen an ORGANIZATION to REPRESENT him. Wt 14/5/15 pp.21-26

The organization comprises at least 8 million people, with only a fraction who are the “spirit- anointed”.  All will tell you they are part of the Watchtower organization, but perhaps excluding you.  I remember it was taught early on when we hear “who is it?” while at the door, to answer, “we represent the Watchtower”.

“The wonders about Jehovah’s organization, or “Zion,” and the truth about the spiritual paradise must be joyfully passed on “to future generations.” w15 7/15 pp. 7-11

The chapters from “Organized to do Jehovah’s Will” includes the charter’s purposes, with the concluding chapter entitled, “Stay Close to Jehovah’s Organization”. 

How is this done?  Are they admonished to “stay close” to the “spirit anointed Christians”, which is impossible under the command for them to remain anonymous?  Or are they admonished to attend meetings, listen and obey, and work for the good of a corporation? 

Daughter Zion, God’s “holy mountain” and represented on earth by the anointed, are now misrepresented by a corporation.  Jer 4:31; Zech 2:7; Rev 12:1-6

Still, as a people, “the chosen ones” and their loyal companions will physically survive the end of apostate Christendom by taking refuge in Jehovah and his mountainlike organization. w11 1/15 pp. 3-7

“Righteous flee to God’s Mountain-like Organization.”  Make Sure of All Things, pg 323

“Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth”

The true Zion is found in the faithful and continually refined hearts of the Chosen ones:

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,  to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”  Heb 12:22-24

Now consider:

“When Jesus taught his followers how to pray, he did not tell them to use images.  The very idea of using an image to worship the true God cannot be found in the Christian Greek Scriptures…God rejects worship given him through images”  Awake 10/2014

The word “through” is highlighted by the magazine. 

Definition of an idol from the Insight book: 

“An idol is an image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of passionate devotion, whether material or imagined. Generally speaking, idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. It is usually practiced toward a real or supposed higher power, whether such power is believed to have animate existence (as a human, an animal, or an organization) or is inanimate (as a force or lifeless object of nature). Idolatry generally involves some form, ceremony, or ritual.”

Many times in the Watchtower, one can find references implying our worship is to be in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught us; and then it is announced that we must only worship with the organization, which no different than through an image of an organization.  This is exactly the type of worship that the discloser made by the Awake was indicating that God rejects.  The organizational image outlined in the “Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will” book, which concurs with the Watchtower charter is, according to JWs, the only way to worship God.

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

A truth gives way to lies; the lie, surrounded by partial truth, becomes “mountainlike”. 

“And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”  Luke 16:15

God’s true Zion/sanctuary has been profaned by the introduction of a lie.  Matt 24:15; Ezek 23:38; Ezek 44:7; Eph 2:19-22; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Rev 14:1

 “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.   Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  James 1:14-17

 “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast (image), and out of the mouth of the false prophet.”  Rev 16:13  (Ps 105:30)

Their land abounded with frogs,
Even in the chambers of their kings.  Ps 105:30

He sent swarms of flies among them, which devoured them,
And frogs, which destroyed them. Ps 78:45

Satan can take truth and twist it like a rope, in order to deceive Christ’s seed.  2 Cor 11:13-15

This might sound odd, and even sound "independent" and perhaps "apostate" to some other JWs, but if you listen closely to the history of the Watch Tower organization given to the 59th Gilead Class (in the same talk by F W Franz partly quoted in the video links you provided) you will see that this is actually the way that Franz himself understood the way we should view the Watch Tower. 

I agree, and thought he gave good proof that no governing body existed in the first century, but what were Franz's underlying reasons for the talk? 

This article sheds some light on history.  http://gwest59.tripod.com/ChristIsLord/id46.html
God's Genuin Mountain  http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/jehovahs-genuine-mountain.html
 

 

 

 
 

It is quite astonishing that these primary teachings are what pull people in.  It is equally astonishing that beyond this foundation, confusion sets in. If Holy Spirit had a hand in revealing these truths, what about now?   (Rev 13:15 – “breath”, 2 Cor 11:4 – “receive a different spirit”)

What are the 'new things' that have been uncovered?  Are they "truth" to replace "truth"?
Surely you noticed in the videos how an “organizational structure” was not recognized by the apostles. They adhered to the direction of Jesus and Holy Spirit, on an individual basis. This was the driving force that motivated their teaching, not men. In the org. the power of men comes into play, men who decide one's spiritual fate. Judgement belonging to Christ has fallen into man's hands.  Rom 14:4
 
Yes, If we say our teaching is based on Christ, wouldn’t we be on a slippery slope if we deviate in any way?  What if teachers whom we listen to, teach fallacies that we may later pass on in the ministry?  Who’s responsible for such errors?  We all are. Jer 23:11-14  To say we can sift through the Wt. teachings and bring our own refined cake to the door, leading one into an organization that has taught against Christ’s own words, is presumptuous. 
“Legitimate and important ministry”.  Is the changing doctrine of generation, legitimate?  Where are you leading people when they ask about it?  How will you shield them from the disappointment they will experience when realizing that “truth”, is in fact, a falsehood, an error in direction?
I sincerely encourage you to take a comfortable seat and read the book of Matthew from a dependable translation (whatever dependable is, perhaps NKJV).  Keep in mind…
The GB and all anointed ones in the congregation who must teach “good fruit”, not rotten fruit, not even passable fruit. - Matt 3:7-10; 12:33; 7:15-20
Our salvation is solely from God and the Word – Matt 4:4
We serve God and Christ, nothing fleshly, nothing earthly. – Matt  4:10; 10:38,39; 6:19-21, 24
The many, many who leave the organization and turn humbly to Christ and are persecuted for it, in their endeavor to hear the teachings of “good fruit”, and teach it – Matt 5:11,12; 10:32,33; 16-23
The seriousness of judging these individuals according to man’s doctrine, which is breaking God’s commandments – Matt 22:36-40; 5:46,47,19,20
How God’s priests lose their “salt”, and lose their “light” when teachings deviate from Christ.  Matt 5:13-16; 6:23
If we build our trust in teachings other than Christ’s pure words, our own “house”, will fall.   Matt 7:24-27
A false sense of “peace” that the organization expounds on, (“Peace, Health and Prosperity!”)
 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”  Matt 10:34-39
Where do you see this fulfillment if not when disfellowshipping occurs to those who leave and follow Christ and God, serving whole souled?
JW Insider, you may be very careful of your own teachings, but it cannot be doubted that you lead your students into an environment of shaky ground and diverted paths, where direction can error and where history verifies it.  These are people’s lives, whom we must love as Christ loves them. Matt 10:24-26
“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’”  Matt 3:3
Albert Barnes’ commentary on this particular scripture is very applicable, when evaluating the teachings of the organization.
 
"What is the worst sin thw WT has done?" http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-is-worst-sin-wt-has-done.html
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

JW Insider, thank you for your thoughts.  Your words are in green.  
When the Watchtower speaks of the earthly part, or visible part of Jehovah's organization, it still does not specifically refer to the Watchtower itself, but to those who associate with and live their lives as sincere Christians. 

I understand your view, but look closer.   Notice the comparison of the organization to the early temple.

"In the first fulfillment of these words back in the days of the return from Babylonian exile, kings and others from the nations did actually help in the rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem. (Ezra 3:7; Nehemiah 3:26) In the modern fulfillment, the great crowd has supported the anointed remnant in building up true worship. They have helped to build up Christian congregations and thus strengthen the citylike “walls” of Jehovah’s organization. They also share in a literal building work—the construction of Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and Bethel facilities. In all these ways, they support their anointed brothers in caring for the needs of Jehovah’s expanding organization! w/02/7/1 par 16

Aside from the fact that “true worship” cannot be built on a foundation of false teachings, and false prophesy, (Deut 18:19-22) an organization and all aspects of it, is considered God’s ‘House’ even down to the kingdom hall.  Not one JW (are you the exception?) can separate their spiritual worship from the established, defined organization.

 In truth, God’s house is God’s Temple  Acts 7:49,50

 God’s true mountain is God’s Temple.

God’s Temple ARE/INCLUDES the anointed ones. 1 Pet 2:5; 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20-22,10  During the last days, at the completion of the “144,000”, all will then stream to this mountain. 

“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.” Isa 2:3

Is the temple, the house of God, completed yet?  No, thus this is not referring to the organization, but to the Body of Christ.

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.  Isa 2:1

The organization cannot be the earthly part of Mount Zion, since Zion is represented on earth by God’s spirit within God’s Chosen ones – spiritual Israel, spiritual “Jerusalem”.   

"Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads."  Rev 14:1

“And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?  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 6:15,16

Who make up the organization that calls itself earthly Zion?  The large majority are NOT God’s Chosen anointed ones; they are NOT spiritual “Jews”, but spiritual “Gentiles”.

For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Isa 2:3

This law is written on the hearts of God’s anointed/Chosen ones. Heb 8:10; 2 Cor 5:20; Rom 2:29; 1 Cor 6:2,3

Within the organization, spiritual “food” is produced primarily by those not anointed, while God’s Chosen ones who carry His laws somewhere in their suppressed heart, lay dormant.

There is nothing in principle about the anointed that cannot be equally applied to all Christians.

This is true, until we go against God’s arrangement of the “administration” that Paul spoke of, the Body of Christ. 2 Cor 9:10-15 The priests are required to teach truth from the knowledge given them. (Mal 2:7) The early temple priesthood foreshadowed the priesthood in God’s Kingdom.  Heb 7:11,12; 8:1,2,5-10; 9:11; 2 Cor 5:17; 1 Pet 2:10,9; Acts 7:48; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19; Acts 17:24; Col 2:17; Eph 2:20-22; 1 Pet 2:5,9; Rev 5:9,10

Under the New Covenant we must recognize this administration, now. Heb 9:8-12, 15,23,24

Our glimpse of God’s heavenly Mt Zion is found in Matt 17:1,5,9.  Peter describes this vision:

 “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.  And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” 2 Pet 1:16-19

There is no prophesy of any other “holy mountain” in the scriptures to be found in the latter days called, “earthly Zion”, “Jehovah’s organization”, or the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. 

They have been asked to take a step back and allow themselves to be represented by a smaller group of anointed.

Who asked them?  God?  Christ?  Uninspired men?

1 Pet 4:10 -  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

First and foremost, each anointed one is appointed as a steward of God’s word. They are to “look after” the truth they have received from Christ. This does not include any deviation of those teachings.  If another teaches a crooked path to Christ, should they accept this over the words of their Master? 2 Cor 11:2-4; Matt 24:4; 2 Cor 11:20

 A true steward or manager over a household gathers from all sources and provides it to those in need.  The GB who rules over the Body of Christ uses those not anointed , “Gentiles”, to write this “food”, while any suggestions written by anointed ones are discarded by the GB, thrown out, along with God’s priest. With the anointing comes knowledge (1 John 2:20,27). If one is not a Chosen priest to direct the people, there is no blessed direction in knowledge. (Rev.1:5-6; 5:9-10).  Since the anointed GB refuses to recognize this, they too, lack direction of Holy Spirit.  God’s will on these matters is ignored. 

This is the situation of oppression, the trampling, and the symbolic captivity spoken of in Revelation (Rev 13:10), to overcome the anointed ones during the time of the end, as well as the measuring, the scrutinizing,  of God’s “Temple” (each anointed one) within scripture.  Isa 5:13; Isa 46:2; Col 2:8; Luke 21:24; Rev 11:1; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:5; Eph 2:20-22; Rev 6:9-11

“ But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.”  Rev 11:2 (Matt 24:15)

The GB will tell you that there have been no faithful slaves until now.   Jesus asks,  “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.

This household has been ongoing since Christ ascended into heaven.  Christ isn’t saying that there is only one historical group that will be found faithful, but is saying that among all “faithful and discreet slaves” (Matt 25:21) during any time period, which faithful one is appointed over the domestics?  BUT, the GB has come to the conclusion that from all of the thousands of anointed ones since Christ, THEY are the   only faithful and discreet slave among all of God’s Chosen slaves.  Thus, such a lie brings conclusive evidence from scripture, (Matt 24:48-50) they must also fulfill the wicked slave beating down their brothers in Christ into submission to teachings gleaned from those other than the members of the Body. (Ezek 44:6-8)

Since this Temple is built on Christ, surely one can see how precious God’s own Zion is to become – superior to any temple built by man. 

Just because some feel they will be sons of God and therefore Christ's brothers in heaven does not discount the scriptures that speak of everyone who has faith being sons of God and therefore Christ's brothers. Heaven and earth do not constitute two different hopes.

I agree.  JW Insider, my attempt is not to pump up a presumed superiority of Chosen ones, but to relate the realities of the importance of this priesthood, as well as the prophetic condition of God’s anointed ones in the organization.  So many lies have been told about them and their role, that it sickens me.  They are the “firstfruits” (James 1:18) of God’s children.  They give their lives as a sacrifice in the same manner as Christ– both this Bride and Christ will bring the promise of life to all who have faith.  To teach that the “144,000 “are not allowed to enjoy their inheritance of the earth from the earth, is blasphemy. John 1:51   Christ, the very firstfruit, received this inheritance; he, in turn gives it to his faithful brothers, and the Kingdom blessings bring this inheritance to all of God’s children who accept God’s arrangement. Matt 25:34-36; Gal 3:16; Ps 2:8; Heb 1:2 This means that God’s children will work together in respective roles; his kingly priesthood will work under their glorious High Priest, attending to the needs of the rest of Abraham’s seed, in servitude to the Father and Christ.  The Chosen one’s role is a blessing of sacrifice to mankind, not one of superiority that Anthony Morris so pompously boasted of.  No wonder no one cares to consider the role of the anointed ones.  Christ suffered and died for all of mankind, his brothers must do the same – for all of mankind. 

It is in God’s Kingdom where all faithful sons of God receive its blessings, when Mount Zion, God’s spiritual “Holy City”, comes down from heaven with the “144,000”.  Rev 21:2  They are the “new creation”, in imitation of Christ, who appeared in fleshly form to the disciples after his resurrection. 

I know I’ve posted much of this before, but this is the time when truth becomes abundant, not through erring doctrine, but through the blessings of the Marriage Feast.  Matt 24:27,28; 22:4; Rev 19:9; John 16:13; Rev 1:1; 22:6; 10:7

We are not free in Christ until we let go of all and everything that goes against God’s will.  Among His people, wolves in sheep’s clothing would not preach that we must turn to Christ, who is our salvation, but would preach we must be part of the work of man’s hands in order to obtain it.  Rev 9:20

“Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!”  Jer 7:4

The Presence of the Chosen Ones - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/10/here-is-letter-from-reader-who-wants-to.html


 

A short comment to Eoin Joyce first -  your example of an entire congregation working together to help someone in need is truly rare.  What happens in entire congregations that are poor and can barely feed their own family?

Many years ago, I remember a family so poor that the couple lived in a tent with their five children.  The sister begged the elders for help, stating her family was hungry because her husband (not a ministerial servant at the time) was having trouble getting work.  This area was very depressed economically, but the elders turned her away saying it was her husband’s job to provide food.  I would not have known any of this if she had not come to my house in tears.  How many actually knew her desperate situation in the congregation?  If the word had been made known to all in the congregation, surely her family would have received the needed food, possibly even a place to live. 

We know this isn’t an isolated incident.  Both of your comments in defense of Warwick, show where the treasure is placed -  in the organization.  It appears that the workers at Warwick are more valued than those, say in Africa, who out of their want, serve the organization by donations and ‘field service’.  Do we really give homage to the goals of an earthly hope by building in Satan’s world, as the world does? 

I am not sure who you are defending JW Insider, God, or the organization.

How can those in the organization who are dedicated to this business, honestly say they follow in Christ’s footsteps when he explicitly said these words:

 “Stop storing up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But keep on storing up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal, because where your treasure is, there your HEART will be also.”  Matt 6:19-21

This dissolves homage to the goals of an earthly hope.  Receiving the earthly hope comes in time, but to reach that goal, Christ said we give homage to God, by worshiping in the spirit and the truth.  The Watchtower has created a mountain, after Christ clearly said our worship (homage) is only in spirit and truth!

We can’t take this scripture…  “Jesus told her, ‘Believe me, dear lady, the hour is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.’”

…and surmise, “Oh, well, worship may not be in Jerusalem or Samaria, but it’s okay to build a corporation and call it the mountainlike organization – earthly Zion”  (nowhere in scripture is there such an identity)

He follows his words with, “Yet the time is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Indeed, the Father is looking for people like that to worship him.  God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:23-24

Where are those true worshipers?  Are they in Warwick, slaving for earthly things?  How can they possible set their sights on “things above” while laboring on another ‘mountain’, a reasoning that is contrary to Christ’s teachings?

“The Devil also took him to a high placeand showed him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant.  He told Jesus, “I will give you all this authority, along with their glory, because it has been given to me, and I give it to anyone I please.  So if you will worship me, all this will be yours.”

 But Jesus answered him, “It is written, You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Luke 4:5-8

Serving God only….NOT serving the needs of a corporation.  They can’t be blended together to make it acceptable to God.

“To whom, then, will you compare me, the One who isGod?
    Or to what image will you liken me?”  Isa 40:18

The concern that Diakonos has, can’t be explained away with such reasoning that you presented.  While those in Warwick live comfortably, the poor who believe they are serving God, live in discomfort.  Should they strive to work in Warwick and be relieved of their discomfort? Is it held out like a carrot as a privilege?  Why, yes it is.

Some Christians have the privilege to do building work, as did Noah and Moses. Some may help build Assembly Halls, Kingdom Halls, and branch offices. Whether you are renovating a local Kingdom  Hall or building the world headquarters at Warwick, New York, cherish your privilege!  It is sacred service. W 10/2014 par. 7 

 Shouldn’t “our sacred service” be to love God with the whole soul, mind and heart, and “our neighbor as ourself”, by following Christ’s example in the appropriate way?  Matt 22:37-40  By following this path, the concentration of love would focus on the needs of each individual sheep – not on building a business.

“Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God.  Keep your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.”  Col 3:1,2

You used James 1:27 - The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.

This undefiled worship, is undefiled only because it isn’t shared with ANYTHING earthly, built within the world. 

Now, unless JWs feel that the organization is built on air, surely…surely… all must realize it is exists because of the advantages of Satan’s world.  As the organization buys, sells, and makes profits on their investments, are they truly “no part of the world”?  Are they really hated by those buyers and those with whom they invest their money into?

“If the world hates you, you should realize that it hated me before you.  If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as one of its own. But because you do not belong to the world and I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.”  John 15:18,19

JWs, can’t you see that you are in the world just as much as any other centralized authoritative religion? Those today who are persecuted as Jesus was, are the anointed ones and all who leave the organization to follow him, and serve God whole souled.  They are those who worship in spirit and in truth.  They are hated by those “in the world”.  If they remained in the organization, they would be loved as one of their own. They strive to follow in Christ’s path by suffering persecution brought upon them for doing so, as Christ experienced at the hands of his own people.  Christ now calls everyone out; those who respond, are hated by family, friends, the entire congregation.  John 16:2; Rev 18:4-8; Matt 10:21-22

But, these particular outcasts have this hope:

Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”

 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.”  Mark 10:28-30

Submitting oneself to share in building an earthly empire, which rightly describes the organization, and identified as blessed by God, is idolatry; a fact supported by scripture that can’t be dismissed.  Matt 6:24; Ezek 14:4-8

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”  Act 17:24-25
YHWH's Genuine Mountain - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/jehovahs-genuine-mountain.html


 
 


 

 

The part I find troubling is this, to whom do you need to answer these 100 questions and where in the Bible do we find these requirements to join Jehovah's organization? The simple answers are 1. Men  and  2.You don't, but people subject themselves to this on the basis of men who claim authority directly from Jehovah with no actual proof. In fact it is just the opposite, there IS proof, proof that they are not chosen, not any different that anyone else. The proof is freely admitting by means of the "err" statement, but yet still claiming this authority. They are playing with a two-headed coin!
There is only ONE requirement in the Bible to be a part of God's family, John 1:12

No, that's not how it should work.
As part of the training for my job working with young people, it is drummed into us that we NEVER try to ascertain the truth or otherwise of child abuse allegations. This kind of questioning is to be left solely to those specially trained to do so. I have not had that specialist training. Elders have not had that specialist training.
The following are standard protocols, and have been for some time in institutions (TrueTom, please take note - it is certainly NOT the case that "Most churches get around these problems by not having any standards. There are no investigatory committees for misconduct at churches where the daily text every day is 'Anything Goes.'"):
Protocol
• If you suspect that a crime has been committed or the suspected victim is in imminent danger: Call 911 or local law enforcement authorities and report the incident immediately.
• If a child voluntarily discloses abuse: Control your emotions and do not look shocked or disgusted.
Listen:  Let the child talk at his/her own pace.
Reassure:  Let the child know it's not his/her fault and that you are going to help them.
Document:  Write down the date, time and specific circumstances of the disclosure including who was present and what prompted the child to reveal the abuse.
D o N o t :
Force the child to talk. Let the child know that you are concerned and that you are available if they need to talk to someone. 
Ask the child to disclose abuse separately to different staff members.
Keep asking questions because you want to prove child abuse.
Touch the child without their permission.
Prohibit the child from returning to their home.
• Report the suspected abuse as outlined above:
First, call ChildLine (1-800-932-0313) immediately.
Then, advise the person in charge of the Church/ School. • For additional questions or concerns, contact: ...
This excerpt is from the policy document of Roman Catholic Diosese of Pittsburg, p. 7-8.
Also see the policies of, e.g.,
The Evangelical Lutheran churches - http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Leadership/Vocation-Become-a-Leader/Report-Misconduct
The Episcopal churches' model policy - https://www.cpg.org/linkservid/3F743B4C-06F1-5DFF-86FFB64C8B79DE07/showMeta/0/, p. 9-10.
Google other church child abuse policies. You will find that JW policies are nowhere near as robust - even now! First, the secular authorities are notified. Even now, this instruction is not included in the BOE letters or Shepherd book. 
Of course, the elders can provide spiritual and pastoral assistance to the families concerned, but they should not be 'forensically' investigating the matter. Leave that part to the authorities and then act in a congregational manner in light of what the authorities establish.
Segueing into the mandatory reporting issue ...
Why does it have to be that a law needs to be passed to make 'Jehovah's Earthly Organization' do the right and responsible thing? 
 

Tom,
Our loyalty is to God and Christ – and Truth.  The organization is not God.  Isa 46:5; Exod 15:11; Mark 12:30  Can you not see that your words are exactly why most JWs will not know the outcome of the ARC sessions coming up, because of putting loyalty to the organization ahead of seeking truth?  

It is putting blinders on, Tom.  If one of your dear friends, or you and a loved one have to face the same situation, is this when you will take your blinders off, when it affects you?  Matt 15:14; Mark 12:31




You believe you’re telling the “good news”, yet lead people into an environment of secrecy, and  required obedience to men who do not have the best interests at heart of victims of abuse, and who hide abuse from the general congregation.  THIS is a spiritual paradise?
I know, the organization has 880 languages under its belt, and that you feel it is remarkable; and I agree it is remarkable, but we know it isn't an isolated outstanding feat in the history of mankind. Jesus and his apostles were pretty humble, but achieved greatness in the eyes of God. How many times in the scriptures have we seen God use the meagerness of men to accomplish his will?  (Lev 26:7,8; Judges 7:2-4; Zech 4:6)

“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.  The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.   For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie  and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” 2 Thess 2:8-12

“People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”  Rev 13:4

"Know that there is no other organization that has Jehovah's blessing and favor". W13/10/15
"There is no doubt that Jehovah's organization will be preserved and will prosper spiritually." W 08/11/15

Judgment comes upon the people you are speaking of – God’s anointed ones (spiritual Israel) and all who listen to them. 

“‘When any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing in Israel separate themselves from me and set up idols (organization) in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet to inquire of me, I the Lord will answer them myself.  I will set my face against them and make them an example and a byword. I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

 “‘And if the prophet is enticed to utter a prophecy, I the Lord have enticed that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel.  They will bear their guilt—the prophet will be as guilty as the one who consults him.  Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Eze 14:7-11

Rev 18:4-8


 

Anna's words:  
 “I suppose if someone wanted to go back on their dedication, and no longer wanting to be identified as one of Jehovah's Witnesses…”
You revealed the problem. 
Is the baptism exercised by the organization “from heaven, or from men”?  Matt 21:25
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”  Matt 28:19,20
Baptize In the name of these three - the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit.
Is this what the organization does?
"On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?" 
"Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?"
Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism."
Surely, this is a baptism from men. 
“Brothers, I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what the Scriptures say. Then you will stop boasting about one person at the expense of another.”  1 Cor 4:6
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that person be condemned! What we have told you in the past I am now telling you again: If anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that person be condemned!”  Gal 1:8,9
Are the above baptism questions “teaching” those to be baptized, observance toward all the things that Christ commanded us?
No.
How valid, then, is a baptism performed by the organization today?

Actually, the ARC found that wasn't so - not one alleged abuser was reported to the authorities, even though some states required it. E.g. I remember the consternation on Br. Spinks' face (Service Department) when it was put to him that they hadn't complied with NSW law about reporting if one has knowledge or a belief that a crime had been committed.
The Fessler case brought it to light that the Org did not comply with PA law by reporting the abuse. Not only that, but even when Watchtower has been court-ordered to produce documentation, it has done everything it can to wiggle out of or obstruct the production of documents, like with the Campos cases.
So it's fair to say that the general practice in the Org has been NOT to report suspected abuse to the secular authorities.
Where did you get the 'two-thirds' statistic from, by the way?
This is exactly why trained professionals should handle all allegations, rather than untrained elders. Besides, when laypersons bumble in, trying to ascertain the truth of an allegation, they can (unintentionally) corrupt any evidence-gathering which, in turn, compromises the case, making it harder to successfully resolve.

The attached youtube video is of Archbiship Mark, giving his message to ALL, Catholics as well as the general public.  After listening to his message of promise, can any JW imagine the GB making a similar public announcement prior to the Watchtower's meeting with the ARC?  I certainly cannot.  Instead, the only way Jehovah’s Witnesses will know of the WT's own ARC hearing is by contact elsewhere on the internet, or through word of mouth – not through jw.o r g.
It appears that the organizational image and its website cannot be tainted by such negative news; news that would shatter the image of a “spiritual paradise”.  Matt 23:25; 1 Thess 5:3  It is more likely that JWs will hear from their leaders that the press and the internet can’t be trusted.
Peace and Security - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/08/whats-wrong-with-peace-and-security.html
 

What if there was a “place” where God’s refined people are, who leave all lies …

where instead of being led by the power of men, they leave it all behind and are led by God’s Holy Spirit?  Isa 2:22

Where worship is only in “spirit and truth”, and not through the work of men’s hands? 

Where faithful anointed ones have successfully gone through the “fire of affliction” and are blessed with truth?

Where the Marriage feast has begun and “10 men will grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man” Zech 8:23

This is where God’s people reside in a spiritual sense.  This is where “law will go out from Zion” Micah 4:2; Heb 8:10  How can the organization be Zion, when its teachers transgress God’s laws with falsehoods? 

If the GB were aware of God’s power, they would be aware of Truth and teach it.

"But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.  I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.  But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him." (1John2:20,21,26,27)

God’s ways are not our ways,  and NO LIE IS OF THE TRUTH. Every JW who can read scriptures should ask, is the organization the “truth”, when founded on lies and grown on lies?

God parted the Red Sea for his people to leave oppression and idolatry.

“Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” Exod 5:1

 Today he “dries up the river of lies” allowing those who care to follow Christ fully, to walk across on the dry river bed and reach the Marriage Feast, “in the wilderness” and where the eagles have gathered.  Matt 22:9,10; Rev 16:12; 17:37; 12:14,6; 11:1-3; Luke 17:34-37

It is no longer a guessing game when we come under God’s Holy Spirit. 


 

 

 

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.  But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Tim 4:3-5

The word “obey” is as powerful as, “breathe” when a woman gives birth, or “stop” when a loved one sees peril awaits us.  How many times are the sheep told to obey, have obedience -  to the elders and the GB? “Listen, obey, and be blessed”.  This is, on the surface, implying obedience to God; but the reality is obedience to the elders who run the organization, teaching very young ones to be “company men”.

When God’s chosen people have been found “sexually immoral” (Deut 31:16; Ezek 16:15) it is referring to their break in covenant with God and with Christ, and for serving their own whims and desires – the work of their hands that builds power for themselves. Matt 4:9 They have left Christ, even if it appears otherwise, by defending and serving a “created thing”, an idol.  Rom 1:25

 “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.  What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.’” 2 Pet 2:20-22

To believe that God would bless a system that consistently errors and still call it “spirit-directed”, is foolishness.  There are those here who zealously defend the organization and its leaders, yet our primary concern is to defend God and Christ by detaching ourselves from fables – failed dates, wavering teachings, wrong paths, and introducing others to follow in their footsteps! Ezek 13:10-12,18; 2 Tim 3:6,7 For those who are aware of the history of the organization and its confusion in teachings, why would anyone, who has love for their neighbor, put that burden on an unsuspecting one at the door (or cart)?  Should they hide the JW history, as the Watchtower is trying to do? 

Yes, many people have been greatly harmed by this organization.  Apparently, there are few JWs who are moved by such a horrendous fact.  God realizes the harm done to lives following the wrong path, a path that many times is pointed to - covertly.  Rev 14:8  If we claim to love God and Christ, why don’t we individually realize the extent of our actions on others through our teaching?  This is an example of love of the greater number cooling off. Matt 24:10-12  Will the organization put a stop to this spiritual, and at times, physical, “bloodshed”?  No. The Father and Christ will.

Why does Christ come as a thief in the night?  Because his chosen ones are living under a ruse of “peace and security” – safety in an organization known to be salvation, and under the heavy hand of a wicked slave. Matt 25:1-13;24:45-51  While under this illusion, destruction follows as “labor pains upon a pregnant woman”.  This is the heavenly promised/ “woman” giving birth to God’s Kingdom, (the completed number of 144,000) not through signs found within Satan’s world, but through heavenly signs. Rev 12:12-4; 1 John 5:19; John 18:36   JWs teach the Kingdom was “born” in 1914:

Just as Jesus predicted, his “presence” as heavenly King has been marked by dramatic world developments—war, famine, earthquakes, pestilences. (Matthew 24:3-8; Luke 21:11) Such developments bear powerful testimony to the fact that 1914 indeed marked the birth of God’s heavenly Kingdom and the beginning of “the last days” of this present wicked system of things.—2 Timothy 3:1-5.  What does the bible teach?

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Matt 24:6-8

The GB preaches the Kingdom as having been “born” in 1914, then describe the state of affairs in the world as birth pains; apparently out of sync with the natural process of birth – labor pains, then birth.  Truly, this ongoing lie slanders God!  It has deceived his anointed ones to sit back in comfort, even though this teaching requires constant adjustments. Each anointed heart fights individually with Satan, through acceptance or non acceptance of his lies. Luke 22:31 Surely, JWs see that many teachings called truth within the organization have been found to be falsehoods.  Time doesn't erase this fact.

 No anointed one who remains in the congregation will be “sealed” in Christ, unless they face the same persecution he did, spiritually, even to “death” (disfellowshiping). Matt 23:34; John 15:20; 16:1-4; Rev 3:13-15; 12:17; 11:7; 6:11.  If they choose to obey men rather than Christ, they too, are fornicators, because they have exchanged their purity for untruth. They are no longer virgins, but defiled harlots.  Rev 14:5;3:18; Matt 25:10; 2 Cor 11:2-4; Rev 2:20

To believe this is not possible with God’s own chosen ones, the GB, who appears as a lamb but speak like a dragon (lies, Rev 13:11), is to believe none of God’s leaders in the bible have fallen to Satan’s desire and will.  Darkness is anything off the path of truth.  Christ would never allow darkness to be taught as “good fruit”.  1 Thess 5:1-11; Matt 5:13-16; 12:33

To seek harmony with those who have exalted themselves above all God’s slaves, is seeking corruption of truth in Christ. 1 Cor 6:15-17  To believe Satan, at this last time period in history will not outwit Christ’s seed with forces that appear benevolent, is blindness. Rev 3:18  He is a powerful force, and not ready to give up his kingdoms of the world. 

“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.”  Rev 2:20

Jesus is speaking to HIS servants, his chosen ones, who have gone astray; seduced into following a pompous GB who enforce lies and obedience.

Like Belshazzar, they have not humbled their heart, ‘but lifted themselves up against the lord of heavens’.  Daniel brings out:

“And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.”  Dan 5:23

"Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written. And this is the inscription that was written:


MENE, MENE, TEKEL,UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it;  TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”  Dan 5:24-28

There will be a change in the organization.  The GB will be booted out, her sins exposed by God putting it into the hearts of a combination of both anointed and not anointed – the “eighth king” of Revelation. Rev 17:15-18 It will rule for “one hour”; a short time period before God and Christ step in.  Rev 17:12-14; 8:8  It is imperative for the anointed potential “kings and priests” – God’s sanctuary - to leave the oppression and lies, and turn completely to Christ.  It is imperative for all in the organization who value their life with God and Christ, to do the same. Matt 24:15,16;Eph 2:20-22; 1 Cor 3:16,17;  John 12:25

Earth Swallows Satan’s River - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/earth-swallows-satans-river.html


 
I have been called an "apostate" for not accepting 1914 as truth, and for obeying Christ, my Head, and not men.
Christ was considered an apostate for obeying God's word over men.  He set the pattern for all to follow - which is pure truth.  
 

That question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.  I can only tell you why the organization has not successfully come to the aid of victims of unrighteous acts, or disfellowshiped those who deserve to be removed from the congregation for grave unrepentance. Exod 23:7; Ps 94:21; Amos 5:12 Yet even then, disfellowshiping by the org. is not in line with the love of Christ. Even the Wt use to condemn excommunication as it now practices today.  A person can be disfellowshiped for something as menial as smoking, to adultery, or murdering; yet in each instance, the treatment of the individual is exactly the same. They are shut completely out of the JW mind. This is pretty cut and dry, isn't it, and is an extremely unbalanced judgment; especially when hidden serious sins remain hidden within the congregation. 
Think about how God’s laws were enacted before Christ.  Who taught the people?

“For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.  Mal 2:7

The anointed priesthood (Exod 28:41) gave instruction and guidance according to God’s laws.  As long as the priesthood remained a cooperative effort and in harmony with God’s decrees, their guidance brought all Israel blessings. 

“‘In any dispute, the priests are to serve as judges and decide it according to my ordinances. They are to keep my laws and my decrees for all my appointed festivals, and they are to keep my Sabbaths holy.”  Ezek 44:24

“They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.”  Ezek 44:23

How did they know God’s ordinances?  Through the anointing designated by God. 

That Temple priesthood arranged by God, foreshadowed the chosen priesthood to come. Heb 7:11,12;8:1,2,5-10;9:11.  The anointed ones in the organization are this priesthood, as we know.  What JWs don’t realize is how very important they are in facilitating the shepherding of God’s people with righteous justice. (Ezek 44:24)

Just as the early priesthood knew and enacted God’s ordinances through their anointing, it is the same with those anointed since Christ.

“This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Heb 8:10

 “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Cor 3:3

This “spiritual Israel” are circumcised, (signifying God’s possession), on the heart.  Col 2:11; (Jer 31:33)

“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.”  Rom 2:28,29

Hopefully, you can see the importance of this priesthood and how its union with its High Priest, Christ, would benefit all mankind. 

“ But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. (the Spirit of Truth John 16:3) I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.”  1 John 2:20,21

Does the organization acknowledge this priesthood that God has established, a priesthood that would rule unfailingly, and justly, according to God’s ordinances? 

“Appointed elders represent the royal priesthood”  w02 8/1 pp. 9-14

What happens when men transgress God’s decrees, in this case, the priesthood that he has ordained by choosing others to guide his people?

In the early temple arrangement:

 “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.  Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come.  Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.’” Exod 30:25,30-33

“But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary is to be put to death."  Num 18:7

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh is to enter my sanctuary, not even the foreigners who live among the Israelites.” Ezek 44:9

The sanctuary today – since the New Covenant in Christ, it is still God’s choice of priesthood that comprise the Temple  2 Pet 2:10,5,9  The warning of transgressing this Temple arrangement, God’s sanctuary, is as serious now as it was with the early temple.

“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

Just as foreigners were not allowed in God’s early temple, those who replace his priesthood, and the GB who decree such an arrangement, will answer to God.

Destruction of God’s anointed ones by the organization is committed in more than one way.

-          They are “scattered” through the use of twisted wording:

“Modestly, anointed ones acknowledge that they do not necessarily have more holy spirit than those with an earthly hope. They do not claim to have special knowledge or revelations; neither do they try to prove that they are in some way superior. “ W 16/1

“Anointed Christians do not feel that they should spend time only with other anointed ones, as if they were members of a club. They do not try to find other anointed ones so that they can talk about being anointed or meet in groups to study the Bible.”  W 16/1  

-          They drink in lies about themselves from a wicked slave who “beats” them.  Matt 24:48-51; Rev 17:2

-          They are disfellowshiped for not accepting such an arrangement, when realizing the need to turn to Christ.  John 16:2; Heb 13:13; Rev 13:15


 
Can you see how these lies keep the possibility of righteous judgment from the sheep?  Any elder chosen by men to shepherd, that are not God’s choice, will rule faultily.  As you well know, a shepherding book is outlined as ordinances to follow.  If Christ’s priests were as one, and connected to the vine, Christ, would there be a need for such a book? . God’s ordinances are written on their heart, and would promote all judgment to be made in pure righteousness and love.  As I have said, this union of Christ with his anointed Body is not possible in the organization.

So as it is, an “abomination standing in the holy place” is the man appointed priesthood ruling over God’s choice.  Matt 24:15,16

 It is the “operation of error”. 2 Thess 2:11

“Trampling” is evident by the submission of his priests, and their acceptance of this spiritual “Gentile” arrangement. Luke 21:24; Dan 7:19; 8:10; Rev 11:2

 They obey men instead of Christ, just as they are told to. Rev 13:5,7 Because of this, no honor is given to the One who chose them as his special possession.  Mal 2:1-9

“When we loyally obey the elders and other brothers appointed by “the faithful and discreet slave,” we show that we want to help Christ’s brothers.” W 15/3/15

These are words of men; they are not from Christ or the Father.  The spiritual remnant anointed priesthood to survive the last days are those who come out of such a lovely veiled trap, and turn to Christ.  Jer 5:26; Col 2:8;  Rev 13:10; Zech 4:7; Rev 8:8; 1 Thess 5:3; Rev 18:4-8  This is how the law "will go out from Zion" - the law that will judge in righteousness.  Isa 2:3
Perhaps now by previous comment will blend, with more comprehension, with this one; yet it is the scriptures that bring us to truth. 




 

 

The blatant hypocrisy is still vivid.  While child abuse cases are hidden from the congregations, committed by leaders, these very ones mark another as one to shun, while their own sin lays tucked away in order to keep the organization looking clean.  Luke 11:39,43,44

"For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well;  but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. "  James 2:2-4,8,9

"Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." Rom 14:4,12,13
Disfellowshiping and shunning covers a gambit of reasons.  It seems to be somewhat based on the whim of the elder body.  If one declares salvation as coming from the Father and Christ, rejecting the organization as such, this too leads to disfellowshiping.


“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.  They will put you out of the synagogues (Greek: "de-church you/disfellowship you); yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.  And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.  But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you."  John 16:1-4
This killing today by one's own brothers is spoken of in the symbolic book of Revelation. (Rev 1:1, ("presented it in signs")  It is a cutting off, a silencing, a "be-heading" of one proclaiming truth in Christ.  Rev 20:4;12:11,17  Interestingly, John the Baptist was literally beheaded for his announcements made to God's people before the coming of Christ. Luke 7:24-28; Matt 14:11  
Would the actions disfellowshiping produce spiritual bloodguilt?  Ezek 22 directs attention to "this city" of bloodshed and its idolatry.


 

 

There is a genuine humility expressed through the desire to serve the Father with one’s heart, mind and soul; and there is a lowly fear from oppression by those who threaten any to stand up to the GB’s teachings.  Also, it is easy to hear and accept that remaining in the organization will bring “security”, and will bring one “peace of mind”. 1 Thess 5:1-3 Could that be interpreted as pride?  Certainly, even the most humble appearing person could harbor a prideful view by choosing a sense of security offered by a fortress built by men.  How does that challenge one’s faith?

The challenge to one’s faith is through a full submission to God and one’s Master, Jesus Christ; God, who is our only fortress. Ps 18:2 (Dan 11:38) Anointed ones who choose to remain in the organization are either fearful or prideful – both require a selfish disposition and displays one’s lack of love for Christ, who bought them “at a price”.

 “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.”  1 Cor 7:23

So, yes, I have a “problem” that my brothers and sisters in Christ have chosen what men say over scripture.  The GB has miserably failed to teach of the love among members of the Body of Christ. John 13:34,35 They easily disfellowship (“kill”) those who question their actions.  1 John 3:10,12; Rev 13:15 

Because of the continual wariness made concerning one’s anointing within Watchtower pages, many out of fear, no longer ‘partake’ at the Memorial.  This is oppression, Anna, by a “wicked slave” who beats his fellow slaves – not literally, but through emotional abuse and lies.  Matt 24:48-51

“Feeding many at the hands of a few”.  This is such catchy man-made phrase, and I expected it to be brought up.

When Jesus told his disciples to “feed my sheep, it was to the foundation of the Temple, and they were few in number.   When Pentacost happened, many more joined, in fact this “temple” building has been going on since the apostles.  Each priest is to “feed my sheep.” 

Eph 2:19-22 – “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,  in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

All who comprise this Temple are a “dwelling place of God in the Spirit”.  All have the ability, whether they know it or not, to to provide his people with instruction and spiritual direction as the 2002 Wt brings out.  In ancient Israel, this is how God’s priesthood served the people, interceding on their behalf, as well as teaching.   Mal 2:7; Deut. 24:8; 33:10; 2 Chron 35:3; Neh 8:7

Since the early temple was a “copy and a shadow” of the heavenly, would their role to serve and teach be any different today with Christ as our High Priest?  Heb 8:5

 “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the best (greater) gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”  1 Cor 12:27-29

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” Eph 4:11,12

All anointed ones are to provide spiritual food as they are blessed by Holy Spirit through their entire oneness in Christ.  Among the Body, the anointing alone gives knowledge, yet even more so when the Body is a whole.

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:20

So, why are so many anointed ones becoming squeamish within the organization?  And why are there those who speak up to defend their God in the face of an elder body, like myself?  If God’s spirit is within each anointed heart, those who choose to listen to the Helper, will realize ‘the truth’. John 14:26 Either they act upon it, or choose to remain hidden.

“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” 1 John 2:27

John also speaks of those who will deceive anointed ones, a deception that can destroy this relationship with Christ and the Father  –

“Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.” 1 John 2:

 “These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.” 1 John 2:26

Obviously, within the organization, it is quite impossible for the Body of Christ to come together.  Truly, they are scattered among ‘nations’. 

 Thus says the Lord God: “When I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am hallowed in them in the sight of the Gentiles, then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to My servant Jacob.”  Ezek 28:25

Why, then, is there a Watchtower organization where anointed ones reside?

“And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” 2 Thess 2:11 “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders”  2 Thess 2:9

As 1 John 2:26 said, there would be those who will deceive the anointed ones.

Christ’s Temple priests are supplanted by an elder body that has “set itself up” within God’s Temple, trampling them into submission.  Dan 8:11; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Ezek 44:6,8; 2 Chron 13:9; Mark 13:14; 1 Cor 3:16

It is an “operation of error” coming through a “false prophet”, a fallen star (anointed one) - and  based on lies and delusion.  Rev 13:11,15; 19:20; 8:10,11; 9:1-3,10; 12:15; 16:13,14; 1 Tim 4:1; Gen 3:15

Anointed ones are to speak as one in truth - in Christ.  Truth is pure, and based on scripture, not based on man’s desire of dominance.  John 13:14-17

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Cor 10:5


"Operation of Error"
 
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/06/operation-of-error.html

 

 

 

Firstly, sorry for meshing John 14:26 with Dan 8:23-25   The option to edit seems to disappears once a post has been around awhile. 

The Watchtower consistently presents both truth and lies to the sheep, then reinforces the lie.

Compare:

From the Watchtower 02/8/1 pp. 9-14

“Who make up this royal priesthood today? The apostle Peter answers that question in his first inspired letter. To anointed members of the body of Christ, Peter wrote: “You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies’ of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) From these words it is clear that, as a group, the anointed footstep followers of Jesus make up this “royal priesthood,” which Peter also called “a holy nation.” THEY constitute the channel that Jehovah uses to provide his people with instruction and spiritual direction.—Matthew 24:45-47.

Are those words put in practice? 

“ Jesus has appointed the ‘faithful slave’ to be the only channel for dispensing spiritual food.” w16 November pp. 14-18 

So which is it?  All or just a few who are the channel Jesus uses?  Obviously, it is believed to be the latter.

Many, many anointed ones have written letters to the GB expressing their understanding of scripture.  The GB trash these letters, refusing to recognize “the channel that Jehovah uses to provide his people with instruction and spiritual direction”  At the consent of the GB, many are disfellowshipped by the Body of Elders for disagreeing with the GB’s direction. Rev 13:15

The only way to receive spiritual food from Christ is through Holy Spirit, as part of the vine.
John 15:4,5 - "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
Wouldn’t this necessitate receiving more Holy Spirit to understand Christ’s direction?  Can you imagine that if the Body of Christ was working together, complete in Christ as a finished Temple, how blessed all God’s people would be with understanding? Rev 22:1-3

This will occur, when the Kingdom arrives.  For now, many do have spiritual understanding, but not under a hard-hearted leadership that refuses to recognize the necessity of God’s Temple. Rev 3:20; Mark 11:24; Rev 11:2; Luke 21:24; Isa 1:12  In the organization, since there is no unity within the Body of Christ, and the GB refuses to acknowledge their own brothers in Christ as part of the true vine, the GB will continue to err, out of the hardness of their heart.  Acts 7:51; Jer 7:23-26  Without Christ, without Holy Spirit directing them, they can do nothing.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”  Rev 5:8-10



So, what’s going on?  The Watchtower is blurring the identity of God’s chosen “kings and priests” with all “elders”.

 
Wt 16/1 pp. 20-26, par 6 – “So anointed ones do not think that they are better than others. They know that Jehovah does not necessarily give anointed ones more holy spirit than he gives his other servants. And they do not feel that they can understand Bible truths more deeply than anyone else.”

Soon, the anointed ones will be faceless.

Dan 8:23-25 –But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise.  He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people.  He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

Dan 12:7 - "The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed."
 “…they do not feel that they can understand Bible truths more deeply than anyone else”...excluding the Governing Body.  
"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you."  John 15:16
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" 1 Pet 2:9
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;  that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you."  John 14:16,17
 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." John 14:26


"When Do the Anointed Become Kings?"   http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/06/when-do-anointed-become-kings_17.html


 

 

 

 

 

it-2 pp. 548-551  “The apostle John had a vision of Jehovah’s throne in heaven, surrounded by 24 lesser thrones upon which were seated 24 elders dressed in white outer garments and having golden crowns upon their heads. (Re 4:1-4) As the vision continued, John saw the 24 elders not only repeatedly falling down in worship before Jehovah’s throne but also taking part in the various features of the vision as it progressed. (Re 4:9-11; 5:4-14; 7:9-17; 14:3;19:4) Especially were they observed joining in the Kingdom proclamation to the effect that Jehovah had taken up his great power and had begun to rule as king.—Re 11:15-18.

In ancient Israel, “older men [elders] of Israel” represented and spoke for the entire nation. (Ex 3:16; 19:7) In the same way “elders” may stand for, or represent, the entire congregation of spiritual Israel. Therefore, the 24 elders seated on thrones about God might well represent the entire body of anointed Christians who, proving faithful till death, receive the promised reward of a heavenly resurrection and thrones near that of Jehovah. (Re 3:21) The number 24 is also significant, for this was the number of the divisions into which King David organized the priests to serve at Jerusalem’s temple. The anointed Christians are to be “a royal priesthood.”—1Pe 2:9; 1Ch 24:1-19; Lu 1:5-23, 57-66; Re 20:6; see OVERSEER.”



Isn’t the IT book one that will no longer be available? 

By the Watchtower’s recent obscurity over the identity of the 24 elders, it is another display of the “trampling” of God’s Temple priests. Dan 11:31; 8:10,13; Matt 24:15; 2 Cor 11:20; Isa 5:13;Jer 5:26; Luke 21:24; Rev 13:10; 12:17,11

The 24 elders, the 144,000, along with the Lamb are symbolic details of God’s administration that brings salvation to mankind.  Heb 12:22-24,28,29; Eph 2:6,7

If the Wt teaches truth, why would such a hazy generalization be made of the “24 elders” today, and contrary to the IT book’s words?

Shouldn’t the GB, anointed ones, understand the importance of this?  Shouldn’t they realize that the completed Temple in Christ is vital for the Kingdom to commence?  2 Cor 11:13

Or does the powerful “mountainlike organization” which relies on strength in men, carry its own agenda, that of oppressing God’s Chosen ones?

“Then he replied to me, “This is this message from the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by valor nor by strength, but only by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of the Heavenly Armies.  ‘Who are you, great mountain? You will become a plain in Zerubbabel’s presence, and he will position the capstone, exulting over it, “How beautiful! How beautiful!”’”  Zech 4:6,7  (Matt 16:18; 1 Pet 2:5)

God’s blessed administration, the true Mt Zion:

Isa Chapters 60, 61