Witness

With all the warnings by God to avoid admiring the work of one’s own hands, why would any dedication to man’s work be considered a righteous act? Rev 9:20; Jer 25:12-14; Isa 2:8   And why dedicate a building to God when he says,

“‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be?”  Acts 7:49

Strong’s Concordance defines this “place of rest” as kat-ap'-ow-sis; from G2664; reposing down, i.e. (by Hebraism) abode:—rest.

Thayer’s Greek lexicon mentions it as being viewed metaphorically as “the heavenly blessedness in which God dwells”

Stephen was quoting from Isaiah 66, where God continued to say,

“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.  Isa 66:2

Why would Stephen bring this out to the disbelieving Pharisees? He told them,
“However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands”  Acts 7:48
He’s trying to get the same point across that Jesus did with the woman at the well:

 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.” “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:21:23,24

When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days,” did he mean that in the end times, man would again devise a system of worship built around a corporate entity with roots in failed prophesies, pyramidology where 1914 originated from; and where meanings of end times must continually be changed to support an iconic date?  Acts 1:6,7

The Pharisies replied, “‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?’   But the temple he had spoken of was his body.”

Obviously, their hearts were hardened to the understanding that the new “Temple” arrangement would be those in Christ, his chosen ones.  Because of their lack of spiritual insight regarding this New Covenant, Stephen said,

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”  John 2:19-21

God resides in spirit in his Temple, the Body of Christ.  1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 13:5

 “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

For those anointed who are redeemed as pure and blameless, they ultimately become one with the Father and the Son, together making up the Temple of God.   John 17:11,22; Phil 2:15; Rev 3:18; Mal 3:2

“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”  Rom 8:9

This truly puts a hole in the doctrine that the organization is an “earthly Zion”. The anointed Body is where God is worshiped, “in the Spirit and the truth”, as one in Christ. 1 Tim 3:15; 1 Pet 2:5; 1 Cor 6:19

 “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:“I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” 2 Cor 6:16

Looking back to the meaning of God’s place of rest, it is clear it is not found within man’s interpretation of Zion, but within his own spiritual Temple – within Christ and within his faithful anointed ones. 

They are the representatives of “true religion”.  2 Cor 5:20; 1 Cor 4:1; Mal 2:7; John 7:18,38; Rev 21:6; 22:17; 14:3,5; and not an arrangement made by man as an established corporation.  Acts 17:24; Heb 9:11; Eph 2:10

Because the organization overrides the Body of Christ, God’s true Temple, there is no unity of this Body within it.  Thus, Holy Spirit is absent in such a state.  A greater “Gentile” power has received dominance over Christ’s anointed ones – the elder body.  For those anointed who continue to allow it, they will permanently lose their connection with their Head, and “lawlessness” will continue to overwhelm and oppress them.  Isa 52:2; Rev 13:10; Isa 42:7; Isa 61:1

“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might  on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.” 2 Thess 1:8-10

There is only one Zion, which is God’s heavenly spiritual Temple.  Rev 3:12; 21:22; Isa 33:20; 52:1

 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth”  Exod 20:4

"You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me”  Exod 20:5

'But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.'  Deut 18:20

“Come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation”  WT ‘81/11/15

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

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:  whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.   Phil 3:18,19  

Earthly things = a perceived earthly Zion
Again, the WT, speaks out of both sides of the mouth.  There is a little truth in the following statement, although the redeemed, repentant, chosen ones will  “come down out of heaven” with Christ to be with faithful mankind.  Rev 3:12; 5:10; John 1:51; Rev 3:18

 “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.”  W 02/7/1

Through WT eyes, Zion mutates into an earthly organization and thus, becomes a full-fledged lie:

“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 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

An idol subsequently has taken form.  We should ask ourselves, if this Temple of God goes unheeded and unnoticed within the organization as the source of spiritual nourishment, and since God’s laws are written on the hearts of such ones, how does the Father in heaven view this neglect for his laws?  Rom 2:29; 2 Cor 3:3; Mal 2:7; Deut 6:24,25

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”1 Cor 3:16,17

These words are referring to each anointed one, not just a handful who tout their own glory - "to their shame", as they are primarily responsible for suppressing the decrees of God fulfilled through his Son, Jesus Christ.  Isa 3:16-26; Rev 13:11-18

http://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com/


 

I would say it's worshiped. I mean, what do disciples direct folks to? Jesus gathered people to Himself, and told the apostles to point others to Himself. If one is adamant in pointing someone to a website that claims to be the only way to salvation,  then those people are disciples of that website. 

Janice, I’ll try to be short to make it easier on you.  I admire your sense of obligation to answer everything I’ve written.  It wasn't expected. 

Once we break the mindset that an earthly organization, church or otherwise is not needed to worship, serve, praise our God, the Father and the Son, anything earthly becomes nonexistent in the mind and heart, and has nothing to do with developing a relationship with God and Jesus. 

"For Abraham was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Heb.11:10)

God’s new Temple in Christ is represented by chosen anointed ones, as well as God and Christ. (Rev 21:22; Acts 17:24; Heb 9:11; 1 Pet 2:5; 1 Cor 3:16;

The power of Holy Spirit is beyond most people’s comprehension.  This power is working now in those leaving the WT who cleanse themselves of earthly defilement, moving on to serve God and Christ with their “whole heart, whole soul and whole mind” ( Matt 22:37) – with no, and I stress, no intervention from assumed authority by men.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”  Deut 6:4,5

The organization consistently says, "Jehovah and the organization", "Jehovah with the organization", "Jehovah and his organization", "Jehovah along with his organization".  If the Lord is one, why is he grouped with an organization, and seldom with his own Son?
“It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. “ Deut 6:13


The organization swears by itself and its broadcasting station, and by doing so, those inside are following other gods.  God's laws are continuously broken by the organization and those who support it.  Will he be forgiving towards such actions? 

“You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you—  for the Lord your God in your midst is a jealous God—lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth.” Deut 6:14

 Also, check your baptism question #2 if you haven’t yet done so. (Deut 6:13)

 Chosen ones who have left (anointed) will merge as prophesied to become the refined capstone of the Body of Christ as long as they remain faithful to their Head, Christ.  Their hearts must be sealed in their dedication to purity and truth.  ALL who realize this and have left the organization, will join with this capstone (“two witnesses”Rev 11:1-3) in praising God and declaring his name in righteousness.  (Dan 9:18; Jer 33:16)

In order to see this fulfillment one must:

Stop following and obeying what is seen.  Rev 13:8

“Set the mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth”  Col 3:2 
Look directly at Christ as the Way, Truth, and Life to lead us to “refreshment for your soul”, in more knowledge, more understanding and an extremely close relationship with him.

“Buy” from him refined “gold” that he offers in the time of the end, and accept his discipline and  refinement.  Rev 3:18-20

Even if you feel you are a non-participant in WT’s unrepentant follies, when one tolerates dissension, abuse, lies, hypocrisy, that one partakes in it as well. 

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’” Jer 23:16,17

Obviously, God warns his people when error is made by his wayward priests and prophets.  He does so in the end through his Son, Jesus Christ.

“But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.”  Rev 2:20

“And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.”  Rev 17:5

 “ And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs.  For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings (Rev 5:10; 1:6) of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.  (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)”

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”  Rev 18:15-17

Christ says, “Come out of her, my people,  lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues”  Rev 18:4

We cannot enter the Kingdom carrying with us the baggage of the Watchtower’s sins. 

God will not take us full of the desire of the flesh, the desire of eyes, the pride of life – all richly found within the organization.  This is “not from the Father, but from the world”  1 John 2:16  There is no exception!   There is no earthly Zion!

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” 1 Cor 2:14

Natural - sensitive, i.e. animate (in distinction on the one hand from G4152 (spiritual), which is the higher or renovated nature; and on the other from G5446,(physical) which is the lower or bestial nature):—natural, sensual.

This struggle that we both see as what really is truth “tribulates” the heart; it, alone is a sign of the end times. We choose our heart's desire, be it solely in the Father and Christ or in the world. We all must search out what true worship means to God.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.  James 1:27

The world encompasses anything contrary to the Spirit of God; animate, sensual, natural.  If we don’t make our minds over to the Spirit of God, we will continue to look to the world for a source of salvation thinking it is something acceptable to God. 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Rom 12:2

Don’t feel it necessary to respond, Janice.  I think you've had your fill.  This is here also for any who may have eyes that see.  Luke 10:23,24

http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-greatest-tribulation-why.html


 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing.  I am sure there is more to your experience than what you have told us. My heart aches for you and my anger boils for those who have done these things. 
I will research more about you. I feel that is why you wrote and how you wrote. It is a disgrace when children, or anyone, is violated and people turn a blind eye. I feel those who know but do nothing are just as guilty as those who did the act.

Hi Janice,
It is the Watchtower that has hit a raw nerve, misleading thousands in impure teachings.  If you find my own statements are contradictory, please point them out as I would appreciate correcting them, if what I’ve written here doesn’t cover them. 

You are welcome to post your writing of 5/19 still if you feel the need.   You must realize I am not stopping you from doing so.  Yes, perhaps moving on is best, although I will always feel the need to defend the Father and Christ in truth.

If my comments “echo” many of those on the internet, keep in mind many do have the literal “facts” about the organization and its hypocritical history.  Combine that with prophesy being fulfilled it could and should lead one onto the path of truth.

So, in defense of this truth I will respond to many of your comments.

It is confusing when you switch from supporting anointed ones or a priestly class and then denouncing the same you feel are lording it over.  However, I don't know specifically which ones you find egregious, whether it's ones of the governing body or a certain body of elders, or all of them, or if you feel you are anointed by God chosen and capable.

The specific ones are those of the GB as well as those who support the role in obedience.  There are two promised covenants that play out in the end, one of life in Christ, one of death in Satan.  Anointed ones can fall away from Christ as I have earlier stated.  Jerusalem Above is life, while Babylon the Great is death. 

The testing of each one is allowed by God. 2 Cor 11:3,13,14,4,20 If they fail this testing, (Matt 4:8,9; Rev 13:4,1,2;17:3; Isa 31:1; Rev 9:7,9; 19:18-20; 17:14) they become Satan’s seed. Ezek 16:23-25; Jer 2:20,19,21; Hos 13:6; Rev 13:11,14,15,8,7

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”  Heb 3:12

The “lording it over” other anointed ones is through the granting of it by the GB, enforced by an unanointed elder body.  It is not only the “operation of error”, “man of lawlessness”, but the two Beasts of Revelation working in unison – a dual power,  to destroy Christ’s seed – accomplished through the immoral covenant accepted, the covenant in death. 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 13:14,15; 19:20; Dan 11:36,37; 8:11,24; Mark 13:14

By means of the final beast pictured by fallen anointed ones, Satan wars with the “remaining ones of the woman’s seed.  Rev 12:17,15; Dan 11:10,33; Rev 13:10; Col 2:8.  It is against the “camp of the Holy Ones” captive under the expected obedience to an elder body, subsequently also to a fallen anointed GB.  Rev 20:7-9; 11:5; Jer 23:29; 5:14; Isa 24:6

This is a lot to throw at you, but there is nowhere else to look for fulfillment of prophesy but among God’s own anointed people. Two seeds at enmity with one another.  Gen 3:15
 
In regards to prophecy, Jesus did say many would prophesy in his name in the last days but many would not be rejected.  

To have disregard for those whose lives were ruined by following such cold and calculated failed dates is misleading God’s sheep.  Does he care?  Yes, much more than the Watchtower does.

“I did not send the prophets,
    yet they ran;
I did not speak to them,
    yet they prophesied.
 But if they had stood in my council,
    then they would have proclaimed my words to my people,
and they would have turned them from their evil way,
    and from the evil of their deeds.”  Jer 23:21,22

The scriptures you bring out in rebuttal to my stating that no organization is needed, are concerning the Body of Christ and congregations.  Nothing is said in the scripture that there was an organized and set governing body in Jerusalem or organization.  This is a fabrication of the WT.   Paul and the apostles worked through the blessing and guidance of holy spirit.   Acts 18:5; 19:5; 20

 No group of men told them where to go and what to do unless by a rare unanimous agreement.  Their goal was to work in harmony as a Body in Christ along with all believers.  Centralized hierarchical authority developed after the apostles were gone and to the detriment of the sheep.  This is where Satan fully employed his tactic of prideful lording over another to deviate anointed ones from the Body of Christ.  It is also the establishment of the early Catholic Church.  Have you had a chance to compare the hierarchy found in both the Catholic church and the organization – on paper?

 During a court case, a Watchtower lawyer made the comment, “We are a hierarchical religion structured just like the Catholic Church.  And when the order from the Pope comes down in the church defrocking a priest and kicking him out, he no longer has any say in any matter in the local parish”

Now tell me, doesn’t it seem that Satan surely knows what he’s doing with his use of similar schemes?  His success with the Catholic Church spans centuries, but in this case his ploy against the last of the anointed ones will be short-lived.

In reference to idol worship, God explained in detail how the temple was to be built. You say, “ People admired, prayed and bowed down to the temple on a daily basis.which was full of images.”

Those particular images you speak of did not detract from salvation acknowledged coming from God.  The organization, on the other hand, IS salvation to JWs – a confusing mix of salvation stemming from “wood and stone” as well as from God.  This is idolatry, not whether the early temple was decorated in pomegranates. 

"People and ORGANIZATIONS making up the antichrist still OPPOSE Christ and his teachings. They deliberately spread lies and deceptions with the intent of CONFUSING THE IDENTITY of the Father, Jehovah God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ. WT 6/2015 "Who is the Anti-Christ?"

I believe I must have brought out 1 Kings 18 somewhere in this string of conversations, where God’s people “limped on two different opinions”, sacrificing to the work of one’s hands, as well as to God.  The similarity of worship within the organization is uncanny.  By not accepting the Temple in God’s chosen ones, where the early temple was a copy and a shadow of this heavenly one, the organization ridicules God and his arrangement in Christ.  Heb Chapter 8

Again, you mention Matt 28:19 as if the organization is following that command in righteousness.  This couldn’t be farther from truth.  It commands that to earn salvation one must identify itself - bear the mark - of an organization.  This is not observing Christ’s commandments.  Rev 19:20

If you were asked by an elder if you uphold 1914, what would you say?  If you did not become a Witness based upon a timeline then you must not support the GB and their teaching.  

God’s strength is not in numbers, but in Holy Spirit.  Remember Gideon and his chosen 300 men, how the number diminished from 32,000 to a mere handful?  This was to clarify in the minds of Israelites how God works.  It was to instill in them his exceeding power to do his will based on his way and not man’s.  Isa 46:9 

Over the time period that God continually disciplined his people how many died for worshiping idols?  We know it was in the hundreds of thousands – wasn't it a thousand alone for worshiping the golden calf made by Aaron?  And THAT account alone should bring wide eyes to the sheep “worshiping and bowing down” symbolically to an organization professed as representing salvation in the same way that the calf became the path of salvation. 

Only a few would will survive or find the cramped road to life, as Jesus said.  Many seeds are planted but will not take root or grow to maturity.  This can be expected.

Yes, so few of the anointed remnant are to come out of captivity to the Beast, refined and purified, that God says of these symbolic trees,

The glory of his forest and of his fruitful land
    the Lord will destroy, both soul and body,
    and it will be as when a sick man wastes away.
 The remnant of the trees of his forest will be so few
    that a child can write them down.  Isa 10:18,19

 I'm not fully understanding your question.  Most religious organizations have head ones that oversee their flock or church/congregation members and/or responsibilities.  

God and Christ do not expect an anointed Body to obey elders that are not anointed.  You also are stuck on man’s“organization” built to thrive in Satan’s world.  Anointed who remain in Christ have truth written on their hearts, which I have mentioned previously.  Heb 10:16  Holy Spirit would work for the benefit of all if the Body was unified in the manner Christ outlines.  Eph 4:4  But this whole picture of the organization’s denial of the Body of Christ is one of prophesy as I had mentioned earlier. 

Revelation speaks of “two witnesses” a symbolic term alluding to the remnant escaping captivity in the organization who will preach through the power of Holy Spirit – not through any manmade organization.  Rev 11:1-4; Zech 4:11-14  Surely I have brought this out earlier.  Their message is in the same vein as Elijah and Moses, leading the people into righteousness and refinement with Christ directing.  Do you see?  How amazing it is to think that God can accomplish such a feat as to use mere men to proclaim the iniquities of his people; all without the pomp and circumstance of an organization.  Sarcasm aside, because the organization preaches it can’t be done any other way, it shows how dependent it is on its own “mountainlike” power.

 “And I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”  Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.  Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”  Zech 4:4-7

You mentioned that God has appointed Jesus to judge using 1 Cor 15:12.  May I ask then, why would an elder body have the ability to judge another’s spiritual standing before God?  John 5:22

An identical scenario is given in Acts 15

“But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1

The WT states, "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

“But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”  Acts 15:5
These men refused to accept the new salvation in Christ extended to the Gentiles.  Today, the WT is still stuck in a Pharisee-like mode refusing to accept this same salvation possible only through Christ.

“Remember not the former things,
    nor consider the things of old.
 Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.  Isa 43:18,19

With the refusal to accept salvation coming to the Gentiles, Peter stood up and asked,

“Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?  But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

A self-proposed faithful and discreet slave endorses a yoke to be placed on the anointed ones since they are blind in seeing the Temple of God in Christ as God’s “new way”. 

And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

16 “‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
     and I will restore it,
17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
    and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
     says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’  Acts 15;12-17

You support an organization that destroys God’s Temple arrangement where it presently lays in ruins. The remnant to come out to Christ’s call, are they who will then symbolically be called by God’s name.  Rom 9:27; Micah 7:18; Rev 7:14; Rev 3:12; Rev 18:4-8

Your last words were, “I do hope you find your way back and forgiveness.” 

I doubt that you will get back to me on this, but how is this comment based on scripture? Truly, it cements my understanding that you also feel an organization can bring one to salvation, even if you do not support the fluctuating timeline it is based on.  If I worship the Father and uphold his Son in truth, where is forgiveness needed for doing this?
The Last Harlot and Her Beast:  http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/12/here-is-earlier-post-with-updates.html

 

 

 

These words are all very true. Yet, I must ask JWs about this:

 “It is also sobering to know that Jehovah does not tolerate hypocritical worship.”

Please note the contrasting statements from the publications:

“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. Wt ‘90/11/1/p.26

The words of Jesus clearly showed that true worship would not depend upon the presence or use of visible things and geographic locations. Instead of relying on sight or touch, the true worshiper exercises faith and, regardless of the place or things about him, maintains a worshipful attitude. Thus he worships, not with the aid of something that he can see or touch, but with spirit. it-2 pp. 1210-1212

Compare with these:

“Come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation”  WT ‘81/11/15 p. 212


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

“JEHOVAH’S people on earth today worship him in a way that pleases him… They became an organization that represented Jehovah.” ws14 5/15 pp. 21-26 

Now read this first quote then those that follow:

"Ask yourself now, Did Christ Jesus, who set our example and told us to follow his example to gain life, join any church organization in his day? No, God does not require us to do that; but he requires us to worship him... We have the Bible to show us the right way. Certainly it is not necessary for a person to become a member of a church to gain everlasting life." Watchtower 1953 Mar 1 p.143 
If we are to have Jehovah’s favor and blessing as individuals, we must support his organization and accept adjustments in our understanding of the Scriptures. w14 5/15 pp. 26-30 

Jehovah wants us to support his organization and accept adjustments in the way we understand Bible truth and in the way we preach….ws14 5/15 pp. 21-26

Now contrast these two:

No human organization will help Jehovah’s people.... They will need to trust in God for salvation. Wt 12/4/15

One valuable lesson we learn is that we need to trust God’s organization. bt chap. 13 pp. 101-107

Who do YOU trust?  God, or organization, or a combination, which is idolatry?  Can you worship without the organization as stated in the W ’90?  Or must you worship only by supporting an organization as W ’14 states. 

"To whom, then, will you compare me, and to whom should I be equal?" asks the Holy One.  Isa 40:25

Are you completely confused? From the daily text:  "Although a devious person may skillfully deceive other humans for a while, Jehovah’s almightiness and righteousness guarantee that “the one covering over his transgressions will not succeed."

The Watchtower tells you two sides of the coin, but of course you must comply to the lie - that the organization is God's earthly Zion. There is no scriptural evidence of an earthly Zion in the form of an organization built using Satan’s tools and placed in Satan's world. Touting a physical organization to represent God is not worshiping in spirit and truth, but instead relying on what is seen and made - and all centralized religions do the same thing. 

"When you say, 'Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of other countries, worshiping wood and stone', what you have in mind will never happen."  Ezek 20:32

"As for you, house of Israel, this is what the Lord God says:  Go and serve your idols, each of you.  But afterward you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols." Ezek 20:39

"I will act for My own sake, indeed, My own, for how can I be defiled? I will not give My glory to another."  Isa 48:11

 God’s true organization is the Body of Christ, thus the words from 1953 Watchtower above are true.  John 17:22,23; Rom 12:1,2,4-8
"Jesus answered, "Destroy this sanctuary, and I will raise it up in three days."  Therefore the Jews said, "This sanctuary took 46 years to build, and will you raise it up in three days?"  But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body."  John 2:19-21        

Yes, it is "very sobering to know that God does not tolerate hypocritical worship".

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!"  James 4:8

"They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts."  Ps 12:2

http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/jehovahs-genuine-mountain.html

 


 

In light of Gianis' comment, would the spiritual food being served now be from God…or Satan?   I do believe Jesus.Defender nailed it:

“Conclusion: False prophecies lead us to conclude that the Watchtower is receiving its information from demons, rather than from God.”

Are these anointed leaders who have consistently desired to set dates of Christ's arrival hearing what the spirit says?

“ 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

There are no excuses for the leaders of the Watchtower.  They have mislead thousands of lives who have hung on to every changing doctrine coming through their scheming mouth.

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. “  Eph 4:14-16

It's seems hard to believe that such beauty and rhythm in the organization could be anything other than blessed by God, even though all know each prophesy has failed!   Who is able to blind us from the TRUTH that is Christ, but the Lord of the darkness?
"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.  Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.  On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  The god of the age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.  For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." 2 Cor 4:1-6
....and not through any organization.  The organization preaches of itself and its glory, with the "faithful and discreet slave" preaching of itself as well.  
 



 

Jesus’ own name, which we know as “YHWH is Salvation”.
 Jesus name is also Immanuel, "God with us"

good questions. I have one to add:
If God's name was removed and MAN had to put it back in, then this is saying that God cannot preserve His own word without the help of MAN. So is this what JW's actually believe, that God is powerless to preserve His own word without the help of men?

You know, I’ve thought a lot about the substance of not only your question, Carmen, but also your answer, Shiwiii.   Why would Jesus, who washed the feet of his disciples be so untouchable to all of us once ascending to heaven?  He appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, eating with them and teaching, so why would this closeness have to end with his resurrection? 

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,  rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

 "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”  John 13:3-5,12,13,16
Will we see Christ again, even speak to him?  And can we pray to him today?


 “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,“Let all God's angels worship him.”  Heb 1:2,6

It’s pretty clear here that Jesus will return to earth and with him the Bride – 144,000. 

John 1:51 - And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” 

If we look at Heb 1:6 again, worshipping him are the same angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man – his Bride (144,000).  Angels are messengers, the chosen are the priesthood and messengers as well, according to Mal 2:7 (Rev 1:20) 1 Pet 2:5

The restoration of the earth and mankind connect in their meaning with Ps 37:11,29 and Acts 3:20,21 which says:

“ that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,  whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago."  Acts 3:20,21

If Jesus was seen “in the flesh” after his resurrection, there is no reason why he wouldn’t be seen again in such a manner.  1 Cor 15:6  He is the firstborn of the “new creation”, both spirit and flesh with the 144,000 to follow in suit.  The 144,000 are assured by God, that they will obtain the same "likeness" as the resurrected Christ. Rom 6:5  (John 1:14; Col 2:9; 1:19)

Eph 2:21,22 - " in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

God is within Christ and within the 144,000. This is why Christ said,

“nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”  Luke 17:21

"And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."  Rev 21:2

From that “holy city”which is composed of the Bride and her Husband, Jesus, and where God dwells within them, comes sustenance provided through Christ and through the 144,000 for mankind on earth.  They are present on the earth as “New Jerusalem”.

“ through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”  Rev 22:2

But can we pray to Jesus now?  I have thought long and hard about this wondering why it couldn’t be.  The Watchtower says no, but as far as I know there is no scriptural validation to this doctrine.  What I have found is interesting. 

We have this example that Paul prayed to Jesus:

“ So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

To verify that the one speaking to him is Christ, it goes on to say:

“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Cor 12:7-10

We also find in many translations that John 14:12-14 reads similar to this:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.  Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Is inserting "me" here accurate?  The RNWT translates verse 13,14 as:

“Also, whatever you ask in my name, I will do this, so that the Father may be glorified in connection with the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it. “

Now, going to the Watchtower Kingdom Greek Interlinear we find that John 14:14 word for word reads:

“if ever anything you should ask ME in the name of me this I shall do”.  In the translation from Greek to English they have removed the word “me” after “ask”. 
Not only is Paul's example proof that we can pray to Jesus, but it is clear that we can ask Christ in prayer for guidance through this Greek translation put out by the Watchtower itself.  


 “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”  John 16:24

How can we respond to Christ’s call of “come to me” if we cannot speak to him?    Matt 11:28; Luke 18:16

John 5:39,40 – “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,  yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”

If we strive to have an intimate relationship with God, would this not include a similar relationship with his Son who pleads for us to come to him?  Isn’t this what God wants us to do?  Matt 17:5


 

 

Why yes I do.  So you don't know if you are anointed and you don't know who it is your even praying to.Tacking on Jesus name at the end of your prayer isn't speaking to Him as you suggest. 
 
The helper is the Holy Spirit according to Jesus. 
John 14:16&17
" 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Jesus is our mediator as the Bible teaches us, just as you quoted 1 Timothy 2:5, but the watchtower says otherwise to its followers. You do know this, right? If you are not of the 144k, then Jesus is NOT your mediator according to the society. 
 

I agree Shiwii, and knowing that the scriptures give credence to our praying to Jesus, we can then freely give him that honor, as well as worship, that he deserves. I believe by withdrawing ourselves from this privilege to pray to not only the Father, but his Son also, we cannot truly comprehend the glory and honor of the Anointed One.
"All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."  1 John 1:3-5

We all must honor the Son just as we honor the Father.

You know, I’ve thought a lot about the substance of not only your question, Carmen, but also your answer, Shiwiii.   Why would Jesus, who washed the feet of his disciples be so untouchable to all of us once ascending to heaven?  He appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, eating with them and teaching, so why would this closeness have to end with his resurrection? 

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,  rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

 "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”  John 13:3-5,12,13,16
Will we see Christ again, even speak to him?  And can we pray to him today?


 “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,“Let all God's angels worship him.”  Heb 1:2,6

It’s pretty clear here that Jesus will return to earth and with him the Bride – 144,000. 

John 1:51 - And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” 

If we look at Heb 1:6 again, worshipping him are the same angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man – his Bride (144,000).  Angels are messengers, the chosen are the priesthood and messengers as well, according to Mal 2:7 (Rev 1:20) 1 Pet 2:5

The restoration of the earth and mankind connect in their meaning with Ps 37:11,29 and Acts 3:20,21 which says:

“ that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,  whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago."  Acts 3:20,21

If Jesus was seen “in the flesh” after his resurrection, there is no reason why he wouldn’t be seen again in such a manner.  1 Cor 15:6  He is the firstborn of the “new creation”, both spirit and flesh with the 144,000 to follow in suit.  The 144,000 are assured by God, that they will obtain the same "likeness" as the resurrected Christ. Rom 6:5  (John 1:14; Col 2:9; 1:19)

Eph 2:21,22 - " in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

God is within Christ and within the 144,000. This is why Christ said,

“nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”  Luke 17:21

"And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."  Rev 21:2

From that “holy city”which is composed of the Bride and her Husband, Jesus, and where God dwells within them, comes sustenance provided through Christ and through the 144,000 for mankind on earth.  They are present on the earth as “New Jerusalem”.

“ through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”  Rev 22:2

But can we pray to Jesus now?  I have thought long and hard about this wondering why it couldn’t be.  The Watchtower says no, but as far as I know there is no scriptural validation to this doctrine.  What I have found is interesting. 

We have this example that Paul prayed to Jesus:

“ So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

To verify that the one speaking to him is Christ, it goes on to say:

“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Cor 12:7-10

We also find in many translations that John 14:12-14 reads similar to this:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.  Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Is inserting "me" here accurate?  The RNWT translates verse 13,14 as:

“Also, whatever you ask in my name, I will do this, so that the Father may be glorified in connection with the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it. “

Now, going to the Watchtower Kingdom Greek Interlinear we find that John 14:14 word for word reads:

“if ever anything you should ask ME in the name of me this I shall do”.  In the translation from Greek to English they have removed the word “me” after “ask”. 
Not only is Paul's example proof that we can pray to Jesus, but it is clear that we can ask Christ in prayer for guidance through this Greek translation put out by the Watchtower itself.  


 “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”  John 16:24

How can we respond to Christ’s call of “come to me” if we cannot speak to him?    Matt 11:28; Luke 18:16

John 5:39,40 – “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,  yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”

If we strive to have an intimate relationship with God, would this not include a similar relationship with his Son who pleads for us to come to him?  Isn’t this what God wants us to do?  Matt 17:5


 

 

All one has to do is remember who wrote the first books of the Bible, Moses! Of course Moses would write God's name where it belonged and where He spoke with the patriarchs. This is because Moses knew it. I understand your point, and agree that they didn't know the full extent of God's character. However, God appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as God Almighty.  That was how he was known to them.

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


 

 

I think it's best to remember scriptures when approached by such an "arrangement".  
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  1 Sam 16:7
And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.  Luke 16:7
It seems rather "worldly" to impress upon another how one should appear.  Would it be the lust of the earthly things by presenting a "beardless" image, instead of presenting the image of sincerity of each one's heart?
"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. "  1 John 2:15-17