Witness

If you care to see vivid documentation (actual paperwork) of misquotes of various sources used by the Watchtower, I suggest watching this video. Do you remember the incident involving the Awake Magazine, 1/15, misquoting Raman Singh? 
My quotes from the Watchtower are verbatim, as are Shiwii's, unlike a common practiced by the Watchtower.  
JW org - Lies, Misquotes and Deception
Proverbs 28:25-27 - 
He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor will not lack,
But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Allen, Christ's Kingdom cannot be held by anything man has created.  John 4:21-24; Luke 17:20-23; John 18:36

Sigh.  I know you get such satisfaction in your condescending attitude to all who are not JWs here, but do you notice they generally don’t repay in kind?

According to the words above, an organization isn’t necessary to have a relationship with the Father.  Would  you agree?  No, you can’t agree.  Dedication has been churned up well with dedication to an organization.  Allen, you can’t deny that your dedication to God is mixed with dedication to the Watchtower, as all of your words fall back on. 

Definition of dedication:  “a feeling of very strong support for or loyalty to someone or something : the quality or state of being dedicated to a person, group, cause, etc.”
“If we are to have Jehovah’s favor and blessing, we must support his organization and accept adjustments in our understanding of the Scriptures. Par. 15

All who remain loyal to Jehovah and his organization will have his continued blessing.  Par. 16

From Are You Moving Ahead with Jehovah’s Organization?  5-2014 WT

So tell me, which dedication to you choose?  That outlined in the quotes above, or the quotes from this Watchtower? 
Our personal relationship with God is not based on any dedication to an organization, which is what the quote you felt the need to highlight carefully for my benefit, clearly brings out.  God is the giver of life, period. We either accept or not.  Luke 12:34 Isa 44:18



 

 

How disgraceful and childish. Instead of relying on content in your message, you choose to try and belittle. 

Hello Arauna,
You are saying that everyone who leaves the organization is wicked, even if there is no sin committed; still, if one sins their judgment of being found “wicked” is up to Christ. Rom 14:10   What if one leaves simply because they desire to develop the pure qualities that God and Christ expect?  Failed prophesy, slaving for earthly treasures, and slaving for men is not what Jesus or the apostles taught.

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.  Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.  “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”  Mark 9:38-42

Rom 12:2 tells us “not to conform to the pattern of this world”.  The organization has admitted it is a hierarchy of power, a pattern we see clearly in Satan’s world.  This scripture also says we are to be transformed by the “renewing of our mind”.  Again, Paul speaks of this in Eph 4:20-25

“That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”  Eph 4:20-25

If we renew our mind in Christ, we are breaking away from the earthly pattern of worship - "not on this mountain" or any other.  John 4:21-24  
In order to develop qualities pleasing to God, we give and serve Him with exclusive devotion – he is not an organization aligned in the same manner as all else in the world. 
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything (an “earthly Zion”) in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me”  Exod 20:4,5

And He has made no exception to accommodate an organization.  You said, and which is very true, “Because the Christian personality is our identifying mark for survival when Armageddon arrives.”


This is the identifying mark given you at baptism:

“Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?”

Over 50 years ago, the Watchtower shed a little light on the truth:

"A Christian, therefore, cannot be baptized in the name of the one actually doing the immersing or in the name of any man, nor in the name of any organization, but in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit." Watchtower 1955 Jul 1 p.411

Wt 1966 10/1 pp 603-4 "We do not dedicate ourselves to a religion, nor to a man, nor to an organization. No, we dedicate ourselves to the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, our Creator, Jehovah God himself. This makes dedication a very personal relationship between us and Jehovah." 

Shouldn’t we ask, why the change of teaching? Deut 11:18 Shouldn’t we also ask, who really are the potential wicked ones, those who desire to dedicate their lives exclusively to God and Christ, or those who serve an organization, teaching inconsistent, changing doctrine?  Luke 12:1

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  Matt 22:36,37

No man has been given authority to judge one as “wicked” who desires to follow this teaching and the standards God has set in place.  Many anointed ones and many sheep have left the organization to serve Christ and the Father exclusively, yet the organization readily marks them as “wicked”.  Rev 13:16-18


Mark of the Beast 
 

 

 

I appreciate your opinion on the Greek Interlinear.  I wish I could understand how although the Greek is a rich language, you said, “In Greek though there is no difference in the meaning however you may want to word it”.  In my mind I’m trying to see a full spectrum of interpretation with one Greek word and its meaning, each time it is read. Yet, in the bible the same Greek word brings about a different use according to scripture. While there are most definitely fine connotations or wording in English, there also appears to be so with Greek.  If I only could speak the language. How many times has the Greek word for worship been discussed and argued over when it concerns God, Christ and Satan? 
I know you don’t want an answer, Praeceptor,  but I must clarify something.   What you quoted from me, is pertaining to the anointed ones who permit a “wicked slave” to rule over them, even “beat” them if their thoughts are contrary to scripture; by the GB giving authority to the elders to“kill” them for rejecting doctrine, and organization, but also for their testimony of Christ.  Matt 24:45-51; Rev 13:15.  They receive a symbolic “beheading” as John the Baptist did for proclaiming Christ. Shunning and disfellowshipping is a cutting off of all communication and socialization, is it not?   Mark 6:27; Rev 20:4; John 15:20; Matt 10:21,22; Luke 12:49-53; John 16:2; Heb 13:13; Matt 5:10,11
What Gamaliel said is true, but do we use this to support the idea that we “wait on Jehovah”?  Gamaliel was not a prophet or an apostle. Since God is unchanging, he certainly wouldn’t change to justify the Watchtower if it has transgressed his decrees.   When it came to transgressions made against God’s Temple, he let the people know about it, and does so today.  Rev 11:2; Eze 44:6-9; 2 Chron 23:6; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Dan 11:31; 8:11; Matt 24:15,16; Mark 13:14
Always concerning idolatry, God let the people know it, and we realize they suffered for it, as in Moses’ day.   (Isa chapter 2)
“So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’ But the people said nothing.” 1 Kings 18:21
We know what happened after this powerful display that Elijah used to judge the hundreds of prophets that relied on Baal.  1 Kings 18:18-40
Although I have posted these before on this forum, it’s important to be reminded of the hypocrisy within the organization.
WT ‘90 11/1 p. 26 "As Christians, we face up to similar challenges today. We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry—be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization." Our Relative Subjection to the Superior Authorities
Kingdom Ministry ’90/11 p. 1 Directing Bible Students to Jehovah’s Organization:
"Bible students need to get acquainted with the organization of the “one flock” Jesus spoke about at John 10:16. They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovah’s organization is essential to their salvation. (Rev. 7:9, 10, 15) Therefore, we should start directing our Bible students to the organization as soon as a Bible study is established."
In the same month, out of the same mouth, comes two different understandings of salvation.  Which opinion do you choose?  Jer 23:16; Ezek 13:1-19; Matt 24:24; 1 Thess 5:3; Rev 3:18
If we support false, changing, hypocritical doctrine, God does not sort us out as worthy.  Rev 18:4; 2 Cor 11:3,4; Rev 3:15-18
“The prophets prophesy falsely,
    the priests rule by their own authority,
and my people love it this way.
    But what will you do in the end?”  Jer 5:31
 
 
 

 
 

You have gone through a lot of effort, Allen.  I did read it, and found it helpful, in ways other than what you were implying, I’m sure.  Yes, 2 Peter 3 can be quite enlightening.

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;  but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Pet 3:14-18

“In the past, we thought that the great tribulation began in 1914 when World War I started. We thought that Jehovah “cut short” those days in 1918 when the war ended so that the remaining anointed ones on earth could preach the good news to all nations. (Matthew 24:21, 22) After that preaching work would be completed, we expected that Satan’s world would be destroyed. So we thought that there were three parts to the great tribulation. It would begin in 1914, it would be interrupted in 1918, and it would finish at Armageddon.”  “Tell Us, When Will These Things Be” ws13 7/15 pp. 3-8

 Previously, this journal has explained that in the first century, “this generation” mentioned at Matthew 24:34 meant “the contemporaneous generation of unbelieving Jews.” That explanation seemed reasonable because all other recorded uses that Jesus made of the term “generation” had a negative connotation, and in most cases, Jesus used a negative adjective, such as “wicked,” to describe the generation w 08/2/15 p 21-25

How, then, are we to understand Jesus’ words about “this generation”? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation.  Watchtower 2010 Apr 15 p.10 Holy Spirit’s Role in the Outworking of Jehovah’s Purpose

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless”

Do you see how the GB grasps at straws? How do you excuse such confusion promoted by the GB, Allen?  Have you forgotten the thousands before you who believed completely, wholeheartedly, intently in “truth” to later find it was wrong, a lie?  Do these people’s lives matter to anyone in the organization?  Is it any way gratifying to know that these ones lived a lie, and were devoted to it? 

Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon ("BA'AL protect the king", but check with Praeceptor, please) shares much in common with the GB.

“But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this.  And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels (2 Cor 4:7; 2 Tim 2:20) of His house (1 Pet 2:5) before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. (Heb 13:15; John 15:5) 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.  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”  Dan 5:22-27

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  Heb 10:31

Rev 19:20
Last Harlot and Her Beast

 
 

 

Hello,
Thank you Praeceptor, it is good to know you speak Greek.  I would ask you many questions if I could.  One off the top of my head is why would you suppose the Watchtower Kingdom Interlinear translates it as “among you”?  Actually, its translation enhances the unity of the Body of Christ.  Eph 2:20; Phil 3:17; 1 Cor 14:32,33; 1 Cor 12:7,17,18,21,22,25,26,28

To “go before, lead”, is harmonious with my thoughts earlier. Translating this word into English seems to have some flexibility. Heb 13:17

YLT - Be obedient to those leading you, and be subject, for these do watch for your souls, as about to give account, that with joy they may do this, and not sighing, for this is unprofitable to you.

NIV -  Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

The question to ask is, who has the right to “lead” God’s people?  If you feel the elder body, a false priesthood not appointed by God, has been given authority to issue “commands” over the sheep using doctrines of men in the name of righteous leadership, shouldn’t sheep question whether Christ’s commands are the overriding principle used by those who “rule over” them?  If these ones are breaking the law of proper worship, should they be listened to?

Jesus told those whom he chose, to feed his sheep, not that all can’t do so, but he gave this primary responsibility to the Body.  John 15:16; 21:17 These are the anointed ones, not those appointed on the basis of “scriptural qualifications”, or if one meets the required amount of field service hours per month.  This is a direct spiritual appointment made by God, any other man or woman is not involved.  1 John 2:20 (Matt 25:21)

“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.  But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him:  Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”  1 John 2:3-6

So, the question is, does the elder body follow Christ’s commands, or those of men?  Matt 15:9

The anointed in Christ are the true priesthood (1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19; Acts 17:24; Col 2:17; Rev 5:9,19), and are to offer “fine fruits”, but who have stooped down to a GB/elder body who lord it over them, and all sheep.  Rom 11:9,10; Rev 13:11,15  They are those “among you” who are expected to ‘go before”, to lead, not through dogmatic obedience to doctrine, but directing one to obey, not men, but God’s word, as Jesus did.  John 12:47,48; Phil 2:8; Heb 10:9

Jesus warned his disciples of “ruling over” others, in the same way the elder body rules over the flock. Mark 10:42-45 (1 John 2:20,21)

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mar 10:42-45

Does the elder body take Jesus’ admonition to “lead” through serving and slaving for others as Jesus did?  And what about the “high officials” the GB?  No.  These false prophets have given authority to the elder body, to spiritually judge one as dead, breaking not only one commandment, but many.  Rom 14:12; Luke 21:36

Rom 14:10 – “ But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”

“Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.  Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.  But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.” 1 John 2:7-11 (John 14:23)

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:30-31

These last words leave no room left to give love, devotion, admiration, or loyalty of any kind to an organization, or to “kill” one’s brother or sister through man’s judgment. 1 John 2:15-17; Acts 7:48-51 The organization uses Heb 13:17 to the farthest reaches of the rich Greek language, as you say, and that is, “I have dominion”, not only over the sheep, but over God’s chosen Temple, his Holy Place.  Matt 24:15; Dan 9:27; 8:10;  1 Cor 3:16,17; Rev 11:2; Matt 5:13

Those who have been appointed to “watch out for your souls” – Christ’s sheep, as well as each other, also have a heavy accountability for not listening directly to Christ.  Matt 25:24-30  Truly, what the organization has fabricated is a “disgusting thing” in God’s eyes, and a rejection of Christ, by the rejection of the Body of Christ.  John 12:48-50

The account in 2 Sam 19:24-30 was handled by David, an anointed one by God.  Is there really any comparison to the elder body and the discipline they mete out according to a rule book? 

I, too, take the stance of 1 Timothy 6:3,4,20,2 balanced with 2 Cor 10:4,5; Col 2:8 and Eph 5:11-14


Disgusting Thing

 

 

 

by all means, please correct my thinking on this one statement made by the WT :
 
"Come to Jehovah's organization for salvation" - Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.212
 
I believe it means that they have claimed the title of God, as He is the only one who can save. 

Fair enough, as the word used is hēgeomai, but is that with the implication of administering punishment? While you may hand that sort of application over to these men, I do not see it that way. Is there an instance when we should accept correction from those taking lead? Sure, but to what extent? To rule and reign over my conscience and my relationship with God? Never. My relationship does not depend on the ideas or "rules" of men. Just like many other religions of the world who impose punishment over their followers above and beyond what is written, the Bible tells us that is wrong. Going beyond what is written is forbidden. There is a big difference between being encouraged by council and imposing punishment for breaking "their rules". A perfect example is that of military or police service for a member of the WT. If you were to choose that course for your life,  Would you not be punished, or rather shunned because you are going against the "rules" established by the WT? Of course you would be. But did anyone in the Bible tell a Roman soldier he must quit being a soldier if he is to become a believer? 
 
Your first statement I agree with to an extent , but can anyone adhere to these principles fully?  Hardly. So that makes each one of us sinners, not able to live up to the law. Hence the reason why Jesus came and died for our sins. Ephesians 1 tells us that we are made holy and blameless by the blood of Jesus and yet we are still sinners. We are only clean by means of Jesus and our belief in Him. 
To clarify my point, we are in a relationship with Jesus and it is this relationship that sets us apart, as a congregation. There is no man who can tell me I am not a part of the congregation in which Jesus followers are in, regardless of my sin. This is because my heart belongs to Jesus, and fail I will, I still strive to seek after Him. 

Did you read this brochure in Greek?!
Martha has admitted what she did during those 40 years of being an inactive JW.  How else did the WTS get her story.  The implication in the brochure is that she was welcomed back with open arms.
Again,  Is that the correct message the WTS is trying to convey?

I do not see that in this scripture. That is your assumption, and is perfectly fine to have that opinion, but it does not change the fact that this is not said here. What is said is that one should be humble and accept direction to those who are taking a lead. Nothing is said of administering any sort of punishment. 
Return to whom? men or God? To men, yes. To God, no it is between them and God and not a group of men. That is my whole point. 

What seems to me to be missing from the brochure is any mention of those returning being disciplined. Why is that?
Martha's story stood out because of the length of time she was an inactive JW, and because her sins were of the gross kind to the WTS: politics, birthdays, churches.  But no mention of the elders sitting down and talking to her to determine what her sins were for those 40 years, how many times she had committed those sins, and which ones, if any,she was still practicing. The brochure's recounting of Martha's experience gives the impression that after having confessed her sins to Jehovah and evidently been forgiven by him, she returned to the meetings and was welcomed back with open arms.
Is that the correct message the WTS is trying to convey?
We both know "return to Jehovah" means "return to the WTS", don't we.

I gave you your history and you don't want it. It come from their own publications! how can you continue to deny what they themselves wrote? 

Allen, Why should any of us argue for any "religion", other than for God and Christ?  Col 2:20-23
 

Hello Praeceptor,
This phrase, “to take the lead”, has allowed men, elders, to judge another.   Is this the intention?  As Shiwii said, the word, hēgeomai, is used in many different formats in the scriptures, which gives us a well-rounded view if one takes the time to study it.  I noticed you said you read the Greek, then you know one terminology is “to go before”; we have Jesus as the best example of this.  He set the path for our feet, showing us the way to life.  The apostles did the same, exhorting, “esteeming” (one use – Heb 11:26), “accounting” (2 Pet 3:15) for those who listened to their words.  In the book of Hebrews alone, this word, hēgeomai, is used six times in various forms. 
In translation, the WT Greek Interlinear does not say, “over you”, but “among you”.  There’s a difference, do you see?  This implies working together, not a ruling over one.

The further scriptures you are referring to are in reference to the Chosen anointed ones, who have no voice in the organization.  You are speaking of men appointed by men, who are concerned with earthly organizational matters.  Jesus was concerned with the spreading of "good fruit" and chose those who would represent words of Truth. “Disfellowshipping” was never a term used by the apostles, it is a word and decree of men. 

The struggle men have in their determination of the righteous heart of another, by following documented organizational policy, is not based on Jesus’ direction.  Because of this need for an outlined set of rules, it is obvious Holy Spirit does not back their decision making in “taking the lead”.  God’s laws are “written on the heart” of one faithful chosen/anointed by Christ.  2 Cor 3;3; Rom 2:15; Heb 10:16  Would not God’s laws be sufficient enough to help another in faith, those very laws that Christ fulfilled and based on love?

The elder body certainly “takes” the lead and “rules over” the congregation, because they cannot comprehend Christ’s way, which is through love.  Would they struggle to assess a situation using a rule book if Holy spirit guided them?  The determination to set up man's arrangement has led to much suffering through use of organizational policy, a rejection of Christ's own Body.

"There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day." (John12:48)

Everyone has one advocate, Jesus Christ.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1,2

Greek word for “advocate” -   paráklētos, par-ak'-lay-tos; an intercessor, consoler:—advocate, comforter. “one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate”

 “Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”  Matt 7:1
 
Should men assume this role before God?  Consoling and disciplining in love is one thing, judging one by marking them as “spiritually dead” is another, which is the foundation of disfellowshipping and shunning. 

 

 

You must not be aware of some statements made by the GB:
 
"To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it." Watchtower 1983 Feb 15 p.12
"These overseers faithfully seek to apply instructions received from JehovahGod and Jesus Christ by means of the faithful and discreet slave and its Governing Body." Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.20
"Come to Jehovah's organization for salvation" - Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.212
The Watchtower 1975 Sep 1 p.531 asks "Where could we turn if we would leave God's organization today? There is nowhere else! 
"But if we were to draw away from Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation and true joy." Watchtower 1993 Sep 15 p.22
"They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovah's organization is essential to their salvation." Kingdom Ministry 1990 Nov p.1
"And while now the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovah's organization for salvation, the time no doubt will come when the message takes on a harder tone, like a "great war cry."" Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.21
 
Who runs the WT? The GB, that's who. Who writes and/or approves the messages? The GB, that's who. 

Martha’s story is in the Return to Jehovah brochure which came out in January of 2015.  Martha claims to have been inactive for 40 years before she returned to the WTS.  If that return was in 2014, the year before the brochure came out, she would have been inactive from about 1974. 
Returning to the WTS is also called returning to Jehovah by JWs, but it is also called returning to the truth…..a word that becomes rather fluid among JWs since it doesn’t ever refer to the truth of their teachings.  One has only to look at what WTS teachings were 40 years ago when Martha became inactive, to what those teachings are today.
The world was going to end in 1975……obviously not the truth.
There were no more spirit-anointing going on to fill the ranks of the 144,000….not true any more.
The 144,000 were the faithful and discreet slave…….not true any more.
The faithful and discreet slave was appointed over all the Master’s belongings…….not true any more.
The other sheep were the belongings of the parable at Matthew 24:45-47…….they’ve been elevated to domestics now.
The generation of Matthew 24:34 would be remembered by Martha as being, beyond question, worldly people, as described in the wt:

"The actual meaning of these words is, beyond question, that which takes a generation in the ordinary sense, as at Mark 8:12 and Acts 13:36, or for those who are living at the given period. So it was on this generation that the accumulated judgments were to fall. (Matt. 23:36) This therefore means that from 1914 a generation shall not pass till all is fulfilled, and amidst a great time of trouble." Watchtower 1951 Jul 1 p.404 This teaching has gone thru three changes since Martha became inactive.  I wonder if she would recognize the current “overlapping” scenario as being “the truth.”
 
 

Jesus always referred to God as Father, which should help us realize there is more than just pronouncing his name in order to know him.  Jesus made mention many times that by accepting him and his teachings one could know the Father.  The book of John is incredible in shedding light on how to know God.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.  From now on you do know him and have seen him.”  John 14:6,7

Philip still had to ask,

“Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.  Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.”  John 14:8-11

More good scriptural proof that by knowing Christ we can know God:

 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me that they may be one, even as we are one.  John 17:11

O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”  John 17:25,26

These reveal that with the coming of Christ, the best way to understand and know God is by knowing Christ. To the Jews who thought they knew God, he said:

“I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.”  They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”  John 8:18,19

Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word.  Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”  John 8:54-56

 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.  For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.  I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.  All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.  And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me that they may be one, even as we are one.  While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.  John 17:6-12

God’s name is known by receiving Christ’s words and believing in him, recognizing that he is the Bread of Life coming down from the Father.  By receiving that bread/teachings/life, we come to know the Father who is its ultimate source.  John 6:33,51  We do this with loving gratitude for such a wonderful gift.

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.  John 14:23

Obeying all of God’s laws fulfilled in Christ is motivated by love and faith, which then allows us to be “one” with the Father and Christ (John 17:11).  

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.   John 17:1-3

The Father knew how far his people had strayed from serving him, thus knowing him was impossible.  What a gift we have in Christ; all eyes should be on him and him only to lead us to the Father.  He is the mediator of all men, anointed and those not anointed.  Our salvation has come to us through Christ; our heart’s devotion and obedience to his teachings can lead us to love him.  By doing so, we then come to know and love God, the Father. 

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  Phil 3:8-11

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,  but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”  Jer 9:23,24

Righteousness from God comes through Christ; accepting this in faith leads to knowing God.

“For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

“and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, `This is My Son -- the Beloved, in whom I did delight.'   Matt 3:17      Young’s Literal Translation

Can we simply address God as “Father” in the same manner as Christ and it be acceptable?  Indeed, Christ is our example to follow. There is an account in Malachi 2 where God is relating the iniquities of his priests failing to honor God’s name.

“A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.

“It is you priests who show contempt for my name. “But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’  “By offering defiled food on my altar. “But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’

“By saying that the Lord’s table is contemptible. When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty.  “Now plead with God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?”—says the Lord Almighty. Mal 1:6-9

Sacrifices today by anointed ones is the fruit of the lips, (Mal 2:7; 1 Pet 2:5; Heb 13:15) which can be defiled through wrong teachings and dishonoring God’s name.  If these teachers fail to show the sheep the honor due the Father, how would it be presented?

Jesus said, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.  John 5:23

Does the organization honor the Son just as it honors the Father? Can we honor the Father but not the Son?   Mark 7:6


 

 

Could you please provide scriptures that show Christ was leading people to an earthly organization?  Or was he establishing the Body of Christ, a spiritual “administration” of firstfruits and providing further life to all children of God in the Kingdom? 2 Cor 9:12; Rom 8:23,19

 
You said, “By the way “witness” Isa 46:5 is referring to either worship the true God or the false Gods like BAAL. You’re not even trying to understand scripture anymore. If we are to worship the true God? Then let us be, reflective of Gods image as his children.”

Let’s look at Isa 46. 

Isa 46:3 - “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel.”

This refers to the anointed ones, including your GB.  Rom 11:26; 9:6,8; Heb 10:16

“To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal
And compare Me, that we should be alike?
 They lavish gold out of the bag,
And weigh silver on the scales;
They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god;
They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship.
 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it
And set it in its place, and it stands;
From its place it shall not move.
Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer
Nor save him out of his trouble. Isa 46:5-7

Our spiritual heritage can also infuse in us a deep sense of spiritual security that can be enjoyed only within Jehovah’s organization.  05/2/15/p. 17-22 (1 Thess 5:3)

“Remember this, and show yourselves men;
Recall to mind, O you transgressors.
 Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me Isa 46:8,9

I’ll borrow a quote from Shiwii’s post, which baffles me why you would think any of these quotes are manipulated or misrepresented, when taken straight from the source.

"But if we were to draw away from Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation and true joy." Watchtower 1993 Sep 15 p.22

“The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation! 2 Sam 22:47

Although God has clearly stated that no one could build a house for him, that heaven is his throne and earth his footstool, the Watchtower has stuffed God into man’s enterprise, assured He has chosen it to represent HIS salvation. Acts 7:49 If so, why did Christ come to the earth? 

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Do you believe I have manipulated this scripture as Samuel Herd slaughtered 1 Cor 6:19,20 to fit his agenda targeting slaving for the organization? How would you interpret it?

“Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure,’
 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man who executes My counsel, from a far country.
Indeed I have spoken it;
I will also bring it to pass.
I have purposed it;
I will also do it.”

“Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted,
Who are far from righteousness:
 I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off;
My salvation shall not linger.
And I will place salvation in Zion,
For Israel My glory.” Isa 46:10-13

I take it you believe this “Zion” to be the organization, the source of salvation. If so, please provide scriptural proof that it is and earthly organization.

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels”  Heb 12:22 (Rev 14:1)
 YHWH's Genuine Mountain - http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/jehovahs-genuine-mountain.html

 

 

 

Samuel Herd alludes to the writing as being done by others, the GB’s 30+ helpers.  In a recent video on slaving for “Jehovah” given to the Bethelites he said, “While all major decisions and approval are made by the FDS, we have 30 qualified helpers and several other brothers who work hard in assisting us in accomplishing our responsibilities of feeding and caring for Jehovah’s sheep.”

As he runs down the long list of organizational (BUSINESS) matters needing to be addressed, including “looking into legal fights we’re having all over the world”, he finally says, “involved with all teachings”. “Now some of us may be viewed as iron chefs, but we’re not the only ones in the kitchen, you better believe that”.

How could anyone listening to this talk miss the priorities given to running a corporation – a business, over simply feeding the sheep as the early apostles did? 

He begins his talk on slavery by saying, “Paul told the early Christians in Corinth, “you do not belong to yourselves, for you were bought with a price”. 

He broke up two scriptures to create his own. 

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Cor 6:19,20

Initially, one would believe he is speaking of Christ’s sacrifice, but after hearing his talk, I can only surmise he means one is “bought” through baptism when relinquishing one’s identity, and donning a new one in the name of a corporation, becoming its slave.  This whole business in the name of God contradicts scripture, but it has persuaded so many to become "company men", devoted to its running, and convinced that God is backing it.  

Obviously, this scripture was not part of his talk:  “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men”. 1 Cor 7:23

Or this one:  “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”  Gal 1:10

And not this one: “No one can be slave to two masters; for he will either hate the first and love the second, or scorn the second and be loyal to the first. You can’t be a slave to both God and money”.  Matt 6:24

Or this one:   “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

Definitely not this one: “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. 
http://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com/
 


 

Come back to what, Anna?  And who’s forgiveness do we seek? Is it the organization and under man's decision of acceptability and worthiness?  Or do the scriptures say we repent and come back to God and Christ?  God isn't the organization, is he?
Isa 46:5 - “To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal And compare Me, that we should be alike?”
John the Baptist told the Jewish people, to repent of their wrongdoings, never leading them to an organization, but preparing them for Christ.  Jesus' message was to his own people, to repent.  They did this by recognizing who he was and his salvation for all of us.  Matt 4:17
Should we equate salvation with what man has built, or should we respectfully give credit of salvation to Christ and the Father?
1 Cor 7:23 - "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men."
We become "slaves of men" when putting our salvation in their hands, as if they are the ones who read our hearts.
Jer 17:10 -  "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.
 
Ps 139: 23-24 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting."
Rom 8:27 - "Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
The Catholic Church uses a false priest and confessional, becoming mediator between man and Christ.  The Watchtower uses false priests, called a judicial committee, and the back room, becoming mediator between man and Christ.
 

I asked this in the Controversial section, and though it was read quite a few times, no one has ventured a reply.
In the new brochure reaching out to inactive ones, there seems to be an implication that inactive Jehovah's Witnesses can confess violating WTS rules for 40 years and not be disciplined for it, but rather will be welcomed back to each congregation with open arms.  The brochure tells of one coming back after 40 years of being inactive, who during that time had celebrated holidays, gone to other churches, been involved in politics, and probably much more. 
Has something been left out of the brochure....something like 'yes, you'll be welcomed back with open arms....as soon as the elders say you can be, but until then you'll be shunned for your 40 years of sins that you just confessed to them.' ?
I ask because the articles about inactive ones returning to the Kingdom Hall have always said something about  "Loving discipline may be required." There's even been instructions to those who may be asked to study with an inactive JW, such as this in a 2008 wt:
[w08 11/15 Help Them Return Without Delay!, p.12, par.2] If they assign a publisher to study with an inactive person desiring help, what should be done if the conductor learns that the individual has committed a serious sin? Instead of giving counsel about any judicial or confidential matter, the publisher should suggest that he speak to the elders. If he fails to do so, the publisher himself should inform the elders.
But the 2015 brochure, Return to Jehovah, doesn't mention discipline being required.  If elders can question the sincerity of someone's repentance because he or she waited a month or two before confessing it to the elders, wouldn't it be even more doubtful that a person confessing after 40 years is truly repentant?
 
Holly
 
 
 

Thank you, Eoin, for helping to adjust my view of just exactly what is meant by " the record that the “faithful and discreet slave” organization has made for the past more than 100 years"
I've been interpreting it to mean the faithful slave had been teaching the truth for the past 100 years, but the point you bring out from the article itself (and Janice's agreement) brings me to the realization that to JWs it doesn't mean the record of the faithful slave will show it has been teaching the truth for the past 100 years but that it has been continually changing and refining what it has been saying is the truth.
No wonder my referring to what has been written in the older publications has frustrated and irritated some on this forum. 
Your appeal to Acts 18:26 with Priscilla and Aquila explaining the way of God more accurately to Apollos, evidently means to you and Janice that Jehovah and Jesus have been explaining the way of God more accurately to the WTS all these years, hence the "continual refining of the body of Bible-based truth to which Jehovah’s Witnesses subscribe", as the article points out.
And this "continual refining" then causes (actually the article says "forces") you to apply to the WTS the words of Peter to Jesus:
 “Whom shall we go away to?” (John 6:66-69) "You have sayings of everlasting life. 69 We have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” 
So its the record of a 100 years of changing its teachings that cause JWs to view the WTS as the sole channel of communication between God and mankind.  

It is not uncommon to be told by (fellow) JW's that only new magazines or books are to be used. Why? Well, for the reasons already expressed: these book contain "old light" or expressions similar to this.
Just consider this; The WBTS is the only source of the material that JW's use. So, all JW's know, believe and accept comes from that source. In other words, the WBTS is accountable for what they published as truth. (even if a JW would disagree, he runs the risk of being DF'ed).
Further: the claim is that the WBTS has been selected to act as FDS since 1919 (was 1918....). Though apparently not appointed (WT 2013) but still FDS and that God has used them (WBTS) as the ONLY channel to educate so-called Gods people. So, one might expect that at least basic doctrines would be correct, without needing one or more corrections. Would God allow people to learn WRONG things?
So, if the WBTS can be wrong, can it be that for example l am right? In other words, could I be the FDS? What scriptural proof is there that directs me to the WBTS as the source of my bible education and explanations?
And who says that what is published today is good?
I therefore believe that when the WBTS tries to block old (pre 2000) books and magazines to be used or reviewed ,it is proof they do not even believe their own material. If the Revelation contained so much truth and explanations valuable for all of us, why is it no longer vaiuable ? According to the WBTS we are close to the end, right? Would such a book then not be most useful?
Apparently not.

In the course of several discussions here, I've received a certain amount of resistance and even criticism for referencing the older publications of the WTS, and even for referencing current publications (2014) that reference older publications (1914).
What I need to know is how far back, then, is it appropriate to go when quoting from WTS publications?
For instance, is 1981 too far back?  Consider this quote from the WT of 2/15/1981 in the article on pg. 19 "Do We Need Help To Understand The Bible?" and please note the part I've bolded:
Our View of the "Slave"
If we have once established what instrument God is using as his “slave” to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using. At the Brooklyn headquarters from which the Bible publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses emanate there are more mature Christian elders, both of the “remnant” and of the “other sheep,” than anywhere else upon earth.
True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18) However, this has resulted in a continual refining of the body of Bible-based truth to which Jehovah’s Witnesses subscribe. Over the years, as adjustments have been made to that body of truth, it has become ever more wonderful and applicable to our lives in these “last days.” Bible commentators of Christendom are not inspired either. Despite their claims to great knowledge, they have failed to highlight even basic Bible truths—such as the coming Paradise earth, the importance of God’s name, and the condition of the dead.
Rather, the record that the “faithful and discreet slave” organization has made for the past more than 100 years forces us to the conclusion that Peter expressed when Jesus asked if his apostles also wanted to leave him, namely, “Whom shall we go away to?” (John 6:66-69) No question about it. We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the “faithful and discreet slave” organization.