Coincidence or Correlation?

[JW Insider]

9 hours ago, Witness said:

 I'm hoping all of this covered your questions in another post you made before this one.  I'll look over it.  

Thanks. And sorry to make you repeat yourself. You have said a lot of these things before. And, of course, I have my own way of dealing with the WTS historical problems. Just as Israel went through experiences they could learn from, I think the association of Witnesses can learn from these experiences, too. In the spirit of love and forgiveness we should not rehash this history except in the context of a loving, but stern reminder, when we see a dangerous signal that some similar experience awaits us again if we haven't learned from past mistakes.

It's easy to understand why someone would leave the 'organization' and say it's not for them, and they might go so far as to tell others to stay away. And some take it to a further extreme and say it's a den of false prophets and a lurking place of demons and hated birds, etc. But I don't expect any of those persons to also say that every member of the anointed remnant will be found passing through such a "despised" organization at one time or another. It makes a paradox out of the message that everyone should "get out of her" if it's also a place that all the anointed must pass through. What if your preaching keeps an anointed person from ever going through Satan's "test" organization in the first place? It's also a problematic theory, from your perspective I'd think, for those who are born into the organisation, and who leave before their anointing is sure.

[Space Merchant]

On 2/10/2018 at 6:04 PM, Witness said:

Such a well-read man as CTR had no clue where his use of the symbols originated from, or what they meant, that he attached himself to.  Interesting.  We have evidence of just one of his deceitful ploys in what JWI posted from jwfacts.  No, sir.  You are excusing a man just as deceitful as the next Watchtower leader.  His teachings were not sourced in Holy Spirit; which, as a Christian, you should recognize, but feel I should ignore.  I will not excuse the man for his use of pagan symbols and support of measurements of a pyramid that he put into printÂ…to teachÂ…as divine truth, to thousands of people who believed him at the time.   What an act of blasphemy toward the Father.  

Matt 15:17-20; 7-9; 10:26

 

Here are the “facts”.  You choose which you want to go with:

“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

“Come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation”  Wt 1981/11/15 p. 212

“Still, as a people, “the chosen ones” and their loyal companions will physically survive the end of apostate Christendom by taking refuge in “Jehovah and his mountainlike organization”  Wt. 11/1/15 pp. 3-7

You do realize that according to JWs, you belong to apostate Christendom, donÂ’t you?

Kingdom Ministry 11/1990 p. 1 Directing Bible Students to Jehovah’s Organization" 
"Bible students need to get acquainted with the organization ... They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovah’s organization is.... 
. * essential to their salvation *. ...(Rev. 7:9, 10, 15) ... directing our Bible students to the organization as soon as a Bible study is established".

“Satan would like to reel in your children as a man reels in fish. Various clubs and other organizations are designed to make young people fit in with Satan’s world. But Jehovah’s servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things.” Wt. 07/12/15 pp. 11-15

Awake! 2009 Jul p.29 (p.28)
"No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family."

But wait, they really donÂ’t mean thatÂ…

"Really, what your beloved family member needs to see is your resolute stance to put Jehovah above everything else - including the family bond. … Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail." 
Watchtower Study Edition 2013 Jan 15 p.16

"The slaveÂ’s will is JehovahÂ’s will. Rebellion against the slave is rebellion against God." Wt 1956/6/1 p 346

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet you canÂ’t prove anything from your source in regards of influence? If it was regarding symbols and use of them why didnÂ’t you bring that up before instead of alleging influence without source to claim, which could have easily avoided all the mental gymnastics on the spot?

Anyways, your claim is that:

Such a well-read man as CTR had no clue where his use of the symbols originated from, or what they meant, that he attached himself to. Interesting. We have evidence of just one of his deceitful ploys in what JWI posted from jwfacts. No, sir. You are excusing a man just as deceitful as the next Watchtower leader. His teachings were not sourced in Holy Spirit; which, as a Christian, you should recognize, but feel I should ignore. I will not excuse the man for his use of pagan symbols and support of measurements of a pyramid that he put into printÂ…to teachÂ…as divine truth, to thousands of people who believed him at the time. What an act of blasphemy toward the Father.

No one said he had no idea of what the symbols were or where they originated from, the only thing that was brought up was a false claim of influence, which you coined several times already, in addition to saying he had fleshy desires, but you have no source or information to back that up, and obviously such will just be swept under the rug without a source to such claim that you made.

So far your claims of “pagan symbols” regarding CTR using the Sun of Righteousness

Reslight, alongside others who have studied Pastors, specifically CTR for well over 50+ years stated the following in his research:

Information from someone who researched CTR and Bible Student (big info) regarding the use of those symbols:

Quote

Sun of Righteousness Symbol

 

 

Fritz Springmeier (FS) makes quite a few assertions concerning Russell and sun worship. His statements appear not to be based on anything Russell said, but rather in the usage of the "sun of righteousness" illustration that appeared on the cover of the Studies in the Scriptures, and the usage of the rising sun of righteousness in a picture in earlier issues of the Watch Tower. It is further claimed that these illustrations are Masonic symbols, and are offered as proof that Russell was a member of the Mason's Society.

Following in Springmeier's deceptions, many sites have joined in misrepresenting Russell as being a Freemason and a Rosicrucian, as well as being of some kind Illuminati bloodline set out to take over the world.  An author on one site imagines and assumes as being fact: "This is not a common symbol of Christianity that Russell inadvertently borrowed, this was an unchristian symbol solely of pagan origins."

Of course, "the winged sun disk" symbol itself was around for a long before there was a Free Masons Society or a Rosicrucian Society, so the symbol itself is not of Masonic or Rosicrucian origin. Nevertheless, according to FS:

I remember the first time I came in contact with Jehovah's Witness literature. I was in high school, and as the caretaker of our family library I puzzled over the symbolic meaning to the cover. Two tiny snakes with protruding gold tongues  encircled a Winged globe on the book's reddish-brown cover. The book was part of a series "Studies in the Scriptures". What the symbolic meaning of this strange Winged-Sun-Disk with snakes was not explained. Obviously, the meaning was for those "in the know" and not the casual reader. -- The Watchtower and the Masons, page 1.

Yes, Russell did use a sun of righteousness illustration with wings on the cover of the Studies in the Scriptures, but we are sure that he saw nothing in the usage of the illustration involving of sun worship, or the Masons. In his first volume of the Studies of the Scriptures, in the first paragraph of the first study, Russell stated:

The period in which sin is permitted has been a dark night to humanity, never to be forgotten; but the glorious day of righteousness and divine favor, to be ushered in by Messiah, who, as the Sun of Righteousness, shall arise and shine fully and clearly into and upon all, bringing healing and blessing, will more than counterbalance the dreadful night of weeping, sighing, pain, sickness and death, in which the groaning creation has been so long.

The above words, in effect, state what the sun symbol on the front of the Studies of the Scriptures was meant to depict.

 

Only one who is either not actually familiar with Russell's writings, or who deliberately wishes to misrepresent Russell, would make such assertions as Springmeier makes. However, we may wonder about the description given by Springmeier, since it does not match the actual design that appeared on the Scripture Studies. Variations of the symbol were historically connected with the worship of sun-gods (under various names), but a study of the Biblical usage indicates that this kind of illustration may have been originally used by the ancestors of the Hebrews as depicting the promises of hope long before the heathens used it to worship the sun-gods.  -- Genesis 3:15; 22:18; Psalm 89:36.

The only "secrecy" that would be connected to the usage of the winged sun of righteousness illustration would be in that one would be ignorant of the scriptures, and thus, by not knowing what the scriptures say, the meaning of the illustration would be a mystery, a secret.* An allusion to this illustration is in Malachi 4:2, where Yahweh says: "But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall."
==========
*See the study:
Understanding Kingdom Mysteries

Nevertheless, if Russell was guilty of sun worship, then was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, guilty of the promoting the same sun worship?  FS states concerning this:

Springmeier, Masons, pages 125, 126:

There seems to be a fairly wide concensus of commentators that this refers to the Winged-sun-disk of Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, and Persia. That Jewish scripture would allude to a pagan religious symbol might give us pause to think about how thoroughly they were surrounded by and mixed in with the pagan world at this time. A comparison might be for a Christian to say, "Christ is a superman." Or for another to say, "God is an awesome God."
Prof. John P. Smith (& Mitchell and Brewer) in the International Critical Commentary explain Mal. 4:2- "--2. But, for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings] This exact figure is nowhere else employed in the Old Testament; but cf. Ps. 84:11, 139:9 It means apparently that the era of prosperity and peace that is due the righteous will be inaugurated on Yahweh's day, and that all the wrongs of the past will be made right for Israel. Like the morning sun dispelling the darkness of night, so will a sudden manifestation of Yahweh's righteousness illumine the gloom of Israel's afflictions. Righteousness is here practically equivalent to vindication and victory, as is so often the case in Is., chs. 40-66; e.g. 412 458 4613 5l5.6.8 561 621. Cf. Je 236 3316. In connection with 'sun of righteousness," it is of interest to note that the Babylonish Shamash, the sun-god, was conceived of as the god of justice. The absolute impartiality of the sun's rays may easily have given rise to the association of justice with the sun. The phrase "sun of righteousness" does not indicate any personal agent, but is rather a figurative representation of righteousness itself (v.i.). The phrase "in its wings" at once suggests the winged solar disk of Egypt, Babylonia, Assyria, and Persia. This representation was doubtless known in Judah at this time, either through borrowing from without or as having been inherited from a remote antiquity in Israel itself as in the rest of the oriental world. Isolated allusions like this suggest how little we really know of the social and aesthetic background of Hebrew literature."

We are not sure why FS quotes Mr. Smith above, but it appears to be to establish that the phraseology in Malachi 4:2 is being borrowed from heathen idolatry. If this is so, then, we have to ask: Was Malachi lying when he said that these were words of the Most High Yahweh? (Malachi 1:1) Was Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus, guilty of sun worship in saying the words recorded in Malachi 4:2? Is the Bible a heathen book for mentioning the kind of symbolism that Russell utilized artwork to depict? And if this symbolism that Malachi recorded means that Russell is a Mason, would it not also mean that the prophet Malachi was a Mason, or that the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Jesus, was a member of the Mason's Society? The reasoning is of itself secular, saying, in effect, 'we assert that this symbolism is a Mason (or Rosicrucian) symbol, and therefore because we assert this, we further assert that Russell was a member of the Freemasons.  Thus, based on this, our assertions are fact, and thus the fact is that Russell was a Freemason because we have imagined and assumed this to be so.'

No recognition is given by those who present their assertions as being fact to the possibility that heathen religions may have adopted the idea of the winged-sun from earlier Hebraic origins although the quotation of Smith as provided by Springmeier shows that this is a possibility.

However, according to the above quote of John P. Smith,  the "Sun of Righteousness" in Malachi 2 means "righteousness" itself. "Righteousness" is equated with Jewish "victory" and vindication. The idea appears to be to deny that Messiah is being spoken of in Malachi 4:2, not unless one takes the view that this Jewish victory and vindication itself is the Messiah, thus discrediting a personal Messiah. This would thwart the hope set forth in Genesis 3:15. Of course, in reality, there is no Jewish victory, nor is there any Jewish vindication, outside of Jesus, the Messiah promised by Yahweh.

Most Christian commentators do identify the "Sun" spoken of in Malachi 4:2 with the Messiah -- Jesus, although most Christian commentators, believing that those blessed by this "Sun" to be only the church, fail to recognize that the saints, as participants with Jesus as the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:28), will also participate with Jesus in bringing the blessings and healing to the world (including Israel), the event which all human creation has been (ignorantly) waiting and longing for. (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Psalms 72:7; Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 7:22;27; Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; Romans 8:17,19; 1 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10; 20:4,6) We need to note, also, that most commentators believe that the Son of God is a person of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and therefore confuse the two.

Certainly, it is far more likely that Our Lord is indicated here than it is that, "The Babylonian sun-god Shamash" should be considered as having any "connection with the `sun of righteousness'" mentioned here. How amazing it is that liberal scholars who cannot find Jesus anywhere in the passage can discover the heathen sun-god of ancient Babylon!
Coffman, James Burton. "Commentary on Malachi 4". "Coffman Commentaries on the Old and New Testament". http://www.studylight.org/com/bcc/view.cgi?book=mal&chapter=004. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.

The Bible's symbolism regarding the sun and the need of a sun of righteousness can be traced back to the Garden of Eden. Many believe that the sun in Genesis 1:16 is a type for Jesus as the sun of righteousness.

When Adam sinned, became unrighteous, no longer straight, part of the curse upon man was:

Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. -- World English

The sweat of Genesis 3:19 comes as a result of the heat from the sun. This indicates, in turn, a suffering that did not exist before. The symbolism of the sun as representing that which causes suffering (as a result of God's curses upon man in Genesis 3) amongst the lineage that became sons of Israel can be seen from the references to the sun and its heat (both literal and symbolic) in the Bible. -- Jonah 4:8; Ecclesiastes 1:2,3; 13-18; 2:11,17-22; 4:1,7,15; 5:13; 6:1; 9:3,11; Song of Solomon 1:6; Revelation 7:16.

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon is describing the crooked condition of all man "under the sun", associating this with vanity. This condition he attributes to God, saying "It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with." (Ecclesiastes 1:13) This is an obvious reference back the curses of Genesis 3. Solomon continuously associates this condition of mankind with the sun, thus showing a symbolism of sun with burden of vanity. Paul, likewise describes this condition in Romans 1:20-33; 2:1; 3:9; 5:12-19; 8:20; Philippians 2:15; Ephesians 2:3. He describes it as a "bondage of corruption." (Romans 8:21) Additionally, Peter spoke it of when he spoke of the "corruption that is in the world through lust." -- 2 Peter 1:4.

Solomon said that "there is no new thing under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:19) and "Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?" (Ecclesiastes 7:13) Solomon was saying that there is no way that anyone under the subjection of vanity who could bring a new creation that is not under subjection to vanity. Man cannot justify himself, make himself straight. So how is man to be saved from the vain condition he is under, if he cannot make himself straight?

Going back to Genesis 3, God indicated a remedy when he stated to the serpent:

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your [seed] and her [seed]. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel. -- Genesis 3:15

This promise indicates a reversal a matters, for if the serpent would be bruised in the head, it would mean the death of the serpent. But the promise is that a seed of the woman would come that would do this. Paul uses women to symbolize a promise or covenant; likewise, in this vague statement, God designates his promise as being a woman who would produce a seed. This seed is spoken of in the New Testament as being Jesus and those who believe on him in this age, while amongst the present "perverse and crooked generation." -- Acts 2:4; Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Galatians 1:4; Philippians 2:15; Revelation 12:15.

To displace the present sun of vanity, a new sun would be needed, a sun of righteousness, and the development of the symbolism of a sun of righteousness that is come with healing in his wings or beams. Jesus was born into this world, but he was not begotten of this world; likewise, those who believe in Jesus become begotten anew not of this world as a new creation. Jesus' coming into this world was not as a part of the crooked generation of Adam, but God specially prepared his body.  -- Hebrews 10:5.|

 

Getting back to FS's description of what he saw on Russell's books (the winged sun disk symbol),  he evidently sees the two arrows pointing to the sun as snakes protruding with "gold tongues," or else he has confused the artwork Russell used with that used by othrs. (In reality, the whole illustration that Russell utilized, as well as lettering, was embossed on the cover in gold, not just those arrows.) Below is a reproduction of the cover of the book, *The Time is At Hand*, so that one may see what actually appeared on the books.
 

 

Evidently, FS reports the inner part of the wings that partially encircle the sun as the body of snakes. However, the "sun of righteousness" illustration, as used by Russell, does not actually match the symbol as used by the ancient heathen religions, nor does it match exactly the symbol presented by FS from the Albert Churchwood's book, Signs and Symbols of the Primordal Man, which FS claims to be the Masonic form. The symbol FS presents does have snakes, and possibly that is what FS had in mind when he made his statement. At any rate, one would have a hard time trying to see "snakes" in the illustration that appeared on Russell's books. Below is a reproduction of the symbol as presented in Signs and Symbols of the Primordal Man, so that one may compare and notice the differences in from that which appeared on Russell's books.
 

 

So far, we have not found any of the winged sun disk symbols presented to Masonic, pagan, or used for sun worship, that are actually the same as that which Russell used. It seems that the illustration that Russell used may have been designed specifically to represent the sun of righteousness depicted in Malachi 4:2.

Nevertheless, if Russell was guilty of anything in using the winged sun symbol on his books, it was just that -- in view of the historical usage of this kind of symbol in idolatry -- it may have been in poor judgment to have used the symbol. On the other hand, should we refuse any benefits from the literal "sun" because the sun is worshiped in idol worship? Should we seek to take the sun out of the sky because it used in idol worship? Does the fact that heathens worshiped the sun make the sun any less a creation of God, or any less a fitting illustration of the Messiah? Should we discard the Bible itself because it has been used in occultic and spiritistic practices?

Regardless, almost all publishers of Russell's works today do not include the winged sun illustration on the cover.

In his book, The Watchtower and the Masons, FS states:

Russell at various times gave various interpretations to Malachi 4:2. A comprehensive examination shows he said the Sun of Righteousness is

1) Jesus and his church (Pastor Russell's Sermons, p.790,244) WT Reprints pp.4557,5097,5339,5420.)

2) The spiritual seed of Abraham (Overland Monthly, p.205)

3) Righteousness (Harvest Gleanings, Vol l,p.417)

4) Truth (Harvest Gleanings, Vol. 1,p.421)

5) Cyrus the Great (Harvest Gleanings, Vol l,p.521)

6) Jesus as the center part of the Sun (WT Rp. 5135)

Evidently, the above is meant to leave the impression that Russell was not always consistent in his application of "the Sun of Righteousness" in Malachi 4:2. What it actually does is show how the writer is very capable of making things appear to other than what they really are, that he in general ignores what is actually being spoken of, or that he is only interested in finding what may taken out of context so as to make it appear to supporting his false misrepresentations.

The sun itself does indeed represent the rising sun, the Messiah, which, does include all the seed of Abraham by faith, both Jesus and those who come into the covenant with God as the seed through Jesus. Thus 1) and 2) above are actually saying the same thing. The statements presented above regarding the other references, however, are misleading, to say the least.

The reference to Harvest Gleanings, Vol. 1, page 417 is not to "righteousness" itself, but rather to "the righteous" (the justified ones) as spoken of Matthew 13:43. It is "the righteous" -- not righteousness itself -- that Jesus spoke of and that Russell identified as "Christ and his glorified church", who are justified, made righteous, through their faith in Jesus. What Russell actually stated:

"The knowledge of the glory of God shall fill the whole earth," declares the Prophet. (Hab. 2:14) And again, "The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in its beams," and again, "Then shall the righteous [Christ and his glorified saints] shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father." (Mal.4:2; Matt. 13:43)

Then FS asserts that Russell says the "sun" represents "truth", and Harvest Gleanings, Vol. 1, page 421 is given as a reference. I am presenting what Russell actually said below:

The promise to which Christ and the Church are heirs is that they shall be God's instrumentality for the blessing, instruction and uplifting of all the willing of the world of mankind. To be heirs of this promise made to Abraham, that in his Seed all the families of the earth should be blessed, would be a meaningless farce and jest on the Almighty's part had he not purchased or ransomed all men and provided a time and means by which his blessing should accrue to the world. Thus we perceive that he has arranged a time for granting the world a trial for life a trial respecting their willingness to abandon the ways of sin and death and to walk in the ways of righteousness under the enlightenment of the Truth, which, we are assured, shall shine forth as the sun, and whose beams shall heal humanity. (Mal. 4:2) The means for the blessing we see provided in Christ, and his Bride, the "Elect" Church of this Gospel Age; but the guarantee of the whole is fixed beyond peradventure in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man," or, as our text declares, became the Mediator between God and man by giving himself a ransom for all.

Please not carefully what Russell said! It should be obvious that Russell is still showing the "sun" itself to be Jesus and the church, not "truth" in general. However, as Jesus and the church begin to rule as the sun of righteousness, the truth will begin to figuratively shine from them as the sun of righteousness, just as the physical sun shines forth with rays of light upon the earth.

Next we are told that Russell identifies the "sun of righteousness" as Cyrus the Great, and Harvest Gleanings, Vol.  l, page 521, is given as a reference. Did Russell identify Cyrus the Great as the "sun of righteousness" as stated? Look as we may on the page given, we will not find any place that Russell identifies Cyrus as the "sun of righteousness". Let us read what Russell actually said:

CYRUS A TYPE OF THE CONQUERING CHRIST AND HIS MESSAGE.

This likeness of Cyrus to Messiah is not merely in the particulars noted. It should be remembered that the name Cyrus signifies "the sun," and that thus in his name he reminds us of the prophecy of Christ-"The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His beams. "

Moreover, there were sundry very remarkable prophecies respecting Cyrus, made long before he had come into prominence. Through the Prophet Isaiah (Isa. 44:28) the Lord speaks of Cyrus as His shepherd, who would lead back Israel; and again (Isaiah 45:1-4), He calls him His Anointed, saying, "Thus saith the Lord to His Anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates, and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of brass and cut in sunder the bars of iron; and I will give thee the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, Jehovah, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel Mine elect, I have even called thee by name; I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me."

All Brother Russell is saying is that Cyrus is a "type" of Christ, and  Russell  identifies Christ, not Cyrus, as the "Sun of Righteousness."

The final assertion is that Russell taught "Jesus as the center part of the Sun" (Watch Tower Reprints 5135). In The Watchtower and the Masons, FS informs us that Russell "stated that the resurrected Christ was at the center of the sun." Read what Russell actually stated:

Today's study points out that the ministry of Jesus would be in Galilee; that those people of the Jews who at the time were supposed to be in greatest darkness would see the great Light of Divine Truth, as represented in Jesus and His ministry. This had a primary fulfilment in Galilee, where the major portion of the mighty works of Jesus were performed. But its real fulfilment lies in the future, when the great light of the Millennial Kingdom, "the Sun of Righteousness, shall arise with healing in its beams." Before that glorious Sun, sorrow and sighing will flee away; ignorance and superstition will vanish; sin and darkness will be no more; every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. Jesus is the great Center of that Sun of Righteousness, but, as He points out, the Bride class, in process of selection during this Age, is to be with Him in the Morning, shining forth His glory. They shall sit with Him in His Throne.

I do not think that Russell would have thought that he was saying that Jesus was the center "part" of the Sun of Righteousness, or that Jesus was located "at the center" of the Sun of Righteousness. Russell did not use that terminology at all, but rather he seemed to be using the term "center" as meaning the central head of all members of the "Sun of Righteousness". At any rate, the context shows that "sun of righteousness" includes Jesus and the church, in agreement with all the other statements of Russell.

The expression "Sun of Righteousness", of course, is figurative in the usage of the word "Sun". As such, Jesus would only be "figuratively" located in the center of this figurative Sun.

Then FS states concerning Russell:

And he interpreted the wings as

a) A great light (WT Rp.3686)

b) Beams of Christ (WT R p.4557, Pastor Russell's

Sermons, p.55)

c) Beams of grace and truth (Overland Monthly, p.205)

This in furtherance of the assertion that "Russell at various times gave various interpretations to Malachi 4:2."

Point a) The wings as "a great light". What Russell actually said as found in Reprints 3686:

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." After the Hebrew idiom this statement pertaining to the future reads as though it related to something only in the past, just as in verse 6 we read, "Unto us a child is born," whereas Jesus was not born at that time nor until several centuries later. The standpoint of the shining light is still future, the great light is not yet shining upon the people, they still dwell in the land of the shadow of death. The shadows of our demoralized, sinful, dying condition affect all of life's interests for R3686 : page 381 the world of mankind. As the Apostle explains subsequently, "The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together, waiting." (Rom. 8:22.) The world is still waiting for this great Light, which the Scriptures promise shall in due time shine forth, "The Sun of righteousness with healing in its beams." (Mal. 4:2.) Our Lord refers to the same great event, still future, and assures us that when that Sun of righteousness shall shine forth it shall include not only himself but all of his faithful disciples, the ripened wheat of this Gospel age. He distinctly portrays this in the parable of the wheat and the tares, telling us that at the close of the age he would gather the wheat crop of this age into the garner--the heavenly state--and he adds, "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear let him hear."--Matt. 13:43.

There is nothing in Russell's statements that would lead us to think that the "wings" of the "Sun of Righteousness" is being defined as the  "the great light", as being distinct from the "Sun of Righteousness". Russell interpreted the "wings" of the "Sun of Righteousness" as being "beams", and thus refers to the "beams" of the Sun of righteousness as bringing healing to the peoples. It appears that he is referring to the figurative beams of sunlight that would figuratively radiate from the figurative sun,  as that being symbolized as figurative "wings". However, he is still associating the "Sun of Righteousness" with the promised seed (including Jesus and his church) as fulfilling the "great light" prophecy, not just the "wings".

The next assertion concerning Russell's alleged "various interpretations" concerning the "wings", is that Russell interpreted the "wings" as being "beams of Christ" as found in Pastor Russell's Sermons, page 55, and the Watch Tower Reprints page 4557.

The sermon referred to is "Messiah's Sharp Arrows", based on Psalm 45:5. Let us read the paragraph in question, from pages 54 and 55:

It will be during that Millennial period of Messiah's Reign that force will be used instead of preaching; that His rebuke will smite into the hearts of His enemies, and that all shall fall under Him. Every knee must bow, every tongue must confess. Happy will it be for the world when Messiah shall take unto Himself His great power and reigns. Blessed will it be for the people when His sharp arrows shall smite them and when His judgment as a hammer shall break the hard, stony hearts; for, as the Scriptures declare, He wounds to heal. (Hos. 6:1.) The healing process will be coincidental to the wounding and breaking; for the great Messiah, Christ and the Church, will be not only the King, the Ruler, but also the Priest of that Millennial time to heal, to console, to forgive, and the great Prophet to instruct the thousands of millions of Adam's race who have gone into death during the reign of Sin and Death and under the blinding influences of the Adversary. No wonder the Scriptures speak in glowing terms of that glorious Millennial Day, when the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the whole earth! No wonder they picture this symbolically as the rising of the Sun of Righteousness with healing in its beams. -- Mal. 4:2.

It should be obvious that this quote is not saying anything different about the wings than the earlier quote from Reprints 3686, for the earlier quote reveals that Russell was expressing "wings" as meaning "beams".

From Reprints 4557, the paragraph under discussion is:

The great light which flared forth in Capernaum, Bethsaida, Chorazin and Nazareth, the chief cities of Galilee, exalted these places to heaven figuratively, in the sense of bestowing so great honor and privilege upon them. But they were in turn cast down to hades, the grave, because they received not the message. (Matt. 11:20-24.) The light shined in darkness and blessed and gathered some, "the elect," and passed onward to bless and gather others, as it has continued to do throughout this Gospel Age. The time for the still greater enlightenment of the whole world is yet future. In the Millennial morning the Redeemer and his elect Church (Malachi 4:2) will shine forth as the Sun of Righteousness with healing in its beams for the enlightenment and blessing of Israel and the whole world of mankind--including the millions who have gone down to the darkness of hades, the grave.

We still find nothing different concerning the "wings" from what is stated in Reprints 3686. In all three references, Russell is identifying the "wings" as "beams", and he presents the figurative "Sun" as representing the Messiah, and thus these beams, of course, would be beams of Messiah.

We are next given a reference to the Overland Monthly articles, and the claim is that Russell designates the "wings" as "beams of grace and truth." -- Overland Monthly, p.205.

The paragraph being referred to is below:

The morning of joy, the Millennial Morning, of course, cannot be ushered in until the rising of the Sun of Righteousness. Its beams of Grace and Truth will flood the earth with the light of the knowledge of the glory of God to such a degree that it will drive out, expel, all ignorance, superstition and sin, which have worked such havoc in our race.

What is Russell saying here? Is he saying anything that conflicts with the earlier quotes? No, rather he is identifying the figurative beams of light as representing the light of grace and truth that will flood the earth in the age to come. This all harmonizes with Russell's other thoughts.

FS states further in his book on the Masons:

Russell told his followers they would not be around to see the sun of Mal. 4:2 rise. (WT_Rp.l24)

What does Reprints, page 124, actually say? (Please note that by saying "we" the author, presumed to be Russell, is referring the joint-heirs with Christ, the 144,000.)

Q.--It speaks elsewhere of the "Sun of Righteousness arising with healing in his wings." When sunrise has come we do not need lamps. Does not this seem to indicate that we shall reach a condition whether by sight or not, where there will be no need of the light of "the lamp?" Does not this involve the thought of faith giving place to sight?

W.--I think not. It is not we but the Jews who see the "Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings;" and they are told in connection with it to "remember the Law of Moses." (Malachi 4.) On the contrary, we, with Jesus our head will constitute that "Sun of Righteousness," as Jesus said (Matt. 13:43) speaking of the "harvest" or end of this age, when the wheat of the church should be completely separated from the tares of the same:

"Then shall the righteous shine forth as the Sun in the kingdom of their Father."

It is the same thought that is expressed in Rev. 21:24 of the New Jerusalem shining and the Nations walking in the light of it. Yes it is a grand thought, that the day so long expected is near at hand. Not only natural Israel but as Paul says: "The whole creation groaneth and travaileth together in pain until now," and "waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God." (Rom. 8:19 and 22.) All are now passing through a dark night of experience with sin, woe and death; all creation is sick; they groan in pain and soon they shall be delivered. Soon the "Great Physician" -- "the Elijah"--"The Sun of righteousness (the Christ, head and body) shall arise with healing in his wings."

Now the world is full of suffering,
Sounds of woe fall on my ears,
Sights of wretchedness and sorrow
Fill my eyes with pitying tears.
'Tis the earth's dark night of weeping,
Wrong and evil triumph now,
I can wait, for just before me
Beams the morning's roseate glow.

Yes, Bro. Q., "when He shall appear we shall appear with Him in glory." We will not be here when the "Sun" rises. True we are now in the dawn, but there is quite a while between first dawn of day and the Sun rise, and that is what Peter means. "We have a more sure word of prophecy--as a light in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts." Jesus is the day star--"The bright and morning star." He must come first to us before we shine with Him as "the sun." And, dear Bro. Q., do you not see that this very thing is now being fulfilled? To all who recognize Jesus as present it is a fountain of joy to realize in Him the sure forerunner of our own glory with Him, and the great millennial day of restitution for the world.

It should be apparent that when Russell said "We will not be here when the 'Sun' rises", that he is not saying that the joint-heirs will not be present at all, but that they will not be here on the earth, since they are joint-heirs with Christ, and thus become part of that Sun of Righteousness. In other words, the joint-heirs with Christ are included in the rising of this figurative sun, and thus will not be present here on the earth when they rise as that figurative sun. This is scriptural.

I wouldnÂ’t trust jwfacts 100% after the fiasco they took place with the Russians in a 2 month span, that same man who challenged jwfacts is among those marked by the FSB sadly on their anti-activist/protesting sites for the guy was fighting for those who have been pressured by Russian FSB and the church, reasons why he defended the JehovahÂ’s Witnesses when the Americans started popping up with jwfacts website, not realizing the danger JWs and Christians are under in Russia.

You canÂ’t prove his faith and works are not of Holy Spirit, despite him being an imperfect man, especially when you go back to the time before his own birth with the type of family he had and or was born from, for most of them were of Scottish-Irish Christian linage, for these people were die-hard Christians who had migrated to the United States, for any well-informed person or child can identify why and when such people moved to the US in the 1800s. CTRÂ’s parents, Joseph L. and Ann Eliza (Birney) Russell, who were Presbyterian Christians of Scottish-Irish descent and both parents were Presbyterians of Scottish-Irish lineage, ending up in Philadelphia. So clearly, the man knew what it met to be a Christian and by being a Christian, one must show their faith and their works to earn their salvation.

As for Pyramid measurements, it has nothing to do with Masons at all, for the earliest of people who ever began to research the Pyramids were indeed Christians, some who even predate CTR, which I have stated before, other than Christians, scholars/writers also did their research for majority of Christians at the time were drawn to the Pyramid of Giza, CTR included who was influenced by those who predated him to see if measurements from the Pyramid can be lined up with bible prophecy and he taught such, as did other Christians, because they felt that such measurements and or study was the key to something biblical and or give them at least an idea or clue of what is to come, ironically what CTR has done, several Christian faiths accepted it and not just the Bible Students, not to mention the confidence of events that took place on 1914-1919 and onward for the Bible Students believed Satan had been cast out of Heaven after the great battle, prior to Jesus becoming King. He did acknowledge those who thought they understood Pyramidology, but uses it for their own sick gains, Spiritualism and the occult. For CTR attacked Spiritualism (which he called Spiritism). Plus among other Christians, CTR took the Great Commission seriously, (Matthew 28:19–20, Mark 16:15–18).

Lastly, I am not excusing anyone, because I did my research. You stated that in your source, he got influence from the Masons because of his study of the Pyramids, when the real influence came from a Christian by the name of Joseph A. Seiss, who is an Evangelical Christian. If we go back even further, the study supposedly originated from Metrological Pyramidology, which dates back to the 17th century, notable figures being John Graves.

Anyways, I hold several sources and various links to CTR's work, to those that study him, as well as even more valid proof of him not being influenced by any Masons or being affiliated with them while being a Bible Student. In addition to that I have another couple of sources with lack of records of him being a 33 degree, and even the words from Masons themselves. For proof beats assumption quite easily and I can prove from real sources in addition to Christian opposition to Freemasonary. Not a wise decision  to eat out of the hands of conspiracy nuts.

As for the other WT stuff I will just quote them here. They are quotes from articles, perhaps they are facts until you read from start to finish of what said articles contain, and any Christian who knows about organized religion will coin things such as the Great Commission, Evangelizing works of said church and view of salvation for their church and for others, etc. Especially since the JWs are categorized as "Restorationist" who tend to view themselves as such.

Quote

When one knows how religious church organizations view the Great Commission and or what Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 16:18, one can easily see the view of Salvation from the church’s point of view, be it JWs, Unitarian, etc, commonly the churches who are NT, Non-Trinitarian, for such faiths believe in what the scriptures say in regards to the “church” that is spoken of in the bible, something mainstream Christians today ignore. For they, even JWs, believe that their organization will also be saved by means of salvation at the end, for any church who thinks as such believes they are among righteous Christians who profess the true God, also teaching that the meek ones will also be saved too, thus all people being saved, and those who profess the one true God and acknowledge the Son, for Christians are servants of God and of the exalted Son by means of the sacrifice via crucifixion. For all you the quotes you posted, I read each articles to the full for context and to how you view it vs them it is contradicting, especially with other articles. For most Christian churches today often say “That only one true Church brings true Salvation”, it is no different with the JWs, for JWs, as with any Restorationism church organization will say the same thing, for their  organization is salvation and that they can evangelize and or teach those salvation for they too can be saved.

Reasons why some Christians even today avoid idolatry, they maintain Christian neutrality, they will go hat it means to be sacrifice their effort and time to God even when opposed by friends and family, an example I can give:

From my experience, a man I know, 22 Trinidadian, became a Christian when majority of his family were not serving God or professing the Father’s name or his spoken Word, for their main religion revolves around Obeah, in English, Voodoo (Black Magic), his choice to learn about God and the one he sent, Jesus, caused him to not only be ridiculed by his family, but it would put him in danger, for even the bible says (Matthew 10:36). He is intelligent and clever, for he was able to have means to leave from that part of his country and live with relatives elsewhere in Trinidad, away from the area that have such a heavy practice of Spiritism, away from those who he calls crazy or violent toward him being a Christian as they do with others, for outside of the US, Christian persecution is quite violent and dangerous at times, even for Missionaries. He made the sacrifice to take such a bold step, and as a Christian, one will take such a sacrifice to serve to the one true God, and people will do what it takes to serve and worship, even when such a situation is presented towards them, some more far worse than others while some people tend to get lucky, for some would have to endure the persecution upfront and it isn’t easy for them. The person I speak of is a good friend of mine who resides in Trinidad, even goes to a Non-Trinitarian church that even I attended twice, who also claims the same thing as JWs do believing that their church is like, as they put it: “a house that protects the household from falsehood for it is their refuge and salvation”, in addition to that, they stated “even though the house is their means of refuge and salvation, all people also gain salvation by professing the true God, the Son of whom he had raised from the dead, and knowing what his kingdom will bring to those on earth, by means of evangelizing or by making the truth known to those you preach it to”.

Since most NT Church organizations because they take into account Jesus’ role and what “his” church/congregation is all about, in addition to the Great Commission. He goes back and forth in the Tri-State area in the US, for his cousin, who is somewhat learning about the scriptures and learning about God, works as a barber in the US, a really good one too, in addition, he has family there having a family there. His cousin was also among those who were around when 9/11 happened when the Twin Towers fell.

That being said, Christians will always have to be aware that among friends and family, even their own household, there will be chances of such things happening, which will put you in a situation where as you go with what they say or stick to God, that is if one takes the bible serious.

You also pointed out the JE slaving for Yahweh/Jehovah, which isn’t wrong at all. For “Slave” means “Servant” also, not limited to persons owned by others, so called Masters. Slave in Hebrew is evedh or ebed (?????), for True Christians who were bought by Jesus’ blood by means of sacrifice (1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 12:11) makes us slaves/servants of the True Almighty God, for we are also obligated to keep the commandments/commands. As for God’s Son, the Jesus Christ, ignoring any of his word, also puts us in a position to rebel against God quite easily, either twisting what Jesus says or ignore him, turn your back on him as what some of the Jews did, a position no one wants to be in, but due to the sacrifice, one can easily repent for the error of their ways. For the will of the slave is to do God’s will, when one attacks/persecutes the slave, in turn, they also rebel against God.

That being said, every quote you mentioned, I looked them up myself, and I read the entire article of which they came from, understanding their view of salvation quite easily, as a Christian and their view of the the church/congregation being said salvation, for it is said even in Christendom, only a few churches claim their church has salvation, but they do the opposite of what the scriptures say while mainstream Christian ignore the Great Commission and what the church means to Jesus, what the scriptures tell us. Now it would have been a problem if said church organizations who claim this disregarding one or a few things of what the church represents and its meaning, its congregations, etc., which isnÂ’t evident in either of the articles, the only church organizations who donÂ’t follow is that of those who teach a false doctrine of who God is, professing him in a negative light, which reflects what one of your quotes said in its article regarding apostate Christendom.

Anyways I see you mentioned my first question somewhat. I can tell you right now you are incorrect. I will tell you this so you understand as to why, no matter the Christian denominations, Anti-Region groups are always up in our necks for those who teach what isn't bible canon, saying that we ignore Deuteronomy 4:2 and John 10:35b.

The bible isn't 100% accurate because of various scripture violations that has tainted the scriptures, even in the days of our church Fathers, who also fought against most non bible canons that some so called Christians tried to place into what we have know today, but it didn't stop those beyond the 4th century.

We know that the bible had not only removed God's name, but placed words and meanings of words over time, adding "Jesus" or "God" where it couldn't be, examples being 1 Timothy 3:16, Revelations 1:11, 1 John 5:7, which are said to be biblical forgeries and did not reflect that of what the disciples have wrote.

It is also said that bible verses have been added to the scriptures by translators, Man-Made verses, ignoring anything that pertains to the oldest and most reliable source being the 4th century manuscripts, mainly the Septuagint. These man-made verses can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_Testament_verses_not_included_in_modern_English_translations

Forgeries: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_bibl.htm

One of the reasons why any bible other than the KJV/NKJV are not really used by majority of Christians, who tend to stick to their own bibles, despite a FEW errors being carried over, like the addition of Jesus in Jude (Jude 1:5) to make it seem Jesus saved the Egyptians, when it was his Father, this error is in the ESV, but there is a couple of bibles that are revised, and try to maintain to what the oldest sources say.

Reasons why Christians have to be careful to say that the bible is 100%, not being aware of the errors and additions that were added to the scriptures, for most Christians do not know any better, I spare for on this one because what is said is true on how some do not know this and can easily be targeted by Anti-Religious groups or in this cased, challenged by a very zealous Christian and or Muslim, or even worse, by an Atheist.

Better to be aware of these things than to not know of them at all.

 

[Space Merchant]

8 hours ago, JW Insider said:

Thanks. And sorry to make you repeat yourself. You have said a lot of these things before. And, of course, I have my own way of dealing with the WTS historical problems. Just as Israel went through experiences they could learn from, I think the association of Witnesses can learn from these experiences, too. In the spirit of love and forgiveness we should not rehash this history except in the context of a loving, but stern reminder, when we see a dangerous signal that some similar experience awaits us again if we haven't learned from past mistakes.

It's easy to understand why someone would leave the 'organization' and say it's not for them, and they might go so far as to tell others to stay away. And some take it to a further extreme and say it's a den of false prophets and a lurking place of demons and hated birds, etc. But I don't expect any of those persons to also say that every member of the anointed remnant will be found passing through such a "despised" organization at one time or another. It makes a paradox out of the message that everyone should "get out of her" if it's also a place that all the anointed must pass through. What if your preaching keeps an anointed person from ever going through Satan's "test" organization in the first place? It's also a problematic theory, from your perspective I'd think, for those who are born into the organisation, and who leave before their anointing is sure.

In the end, only God knows who is really for him and who isn't, he knows our hearts and by means of his Son, he shall judge among those of the righteous, of the meek, and of those who didn't repent. I take no issue with Non-Trinitarian Christians, since some of them are similar to each other, for even among the JWs, there are those with good heart and intentions, at least having somewhat of a path in the scriptures and what the oldest reliable source says that the bible truly originates from.

My biggest issue is with those who are dishonest to the point of ignoring scripture or something that is true, some of the dishonest can be spared for they tend to be ignorant of what is true, but some knowingly ignore what is true, even going to great lengths to try to paint something for what it is not, as well as those who twist scripture to fit a false doctrine, the same Christians who will support the destruction of others by the hands of people with power, i.e. so called Christians who support a group that left Syranic Christians to be slaughtered by the hands of terrorist, and or accept/support something, knowingly putting a city into pure chaos (Jerusalem) and the list goes on.

For most church organizations that to a seriousness to the Great Commission and what the church means to Jesus, which is something that is often challenged and or tested by those who wants to test a Christian be it in a religion or not, which seems to be the case with the SC community, a place I recommend none of you go to unless you are really up to task.

That being said, some of us have to be careful of whom we accuse of being part of Babylon, for any Christian or Christian groups who is part of Babylon is very evident, the JWs got a taste of that in Russia and some European countries, they were even replaced by the RoC who started to "preach like" JWs in the streets, one can only imagine the full effect of such persecution in the US where not everyone becomes targets.

[Witness]

On 2/11/2018 at 12:29 PM, JW Insider said:

It's easy to understand why someone would leave the 'organization' and say it's not for them, and they might go so far as to tell others to stay away. And some take it to a further extreme and say it's a den of false prophets and a lurking place of demons and hated birds, etc. But I don't expect any of those persons to also say that every member of the anointed remnant will be found passing through such a "despised" organization at one time or another. It makes a paradox out of the message that everyone should "get out of her" if it's also a place that all the anointed must pass through. What if your preaching keeps an anointed person from ever going through Satan's "test" organization in the first place? It's also a problematic theory, from your perspective I'd think, for those who are born into the organisation, and who leave before their anointing is sure.

 

Consider the paradox that is the organization; touting itself as Mt Zion, where the law of God goes forth, (Micah 4:2) yet it cannot even follow the laws of men, resisting justice to save money by avoiding compensating a victim of pedophilia.  This is also resisting God’s justice to protect and care for the innocent ones. Nahum 3:1  God’s justice is transgressed by the rejection of His own priesthood… silencing them and threatening them, and all, with the loss of family and friends for rejecting false teachings and false prophesy. Ezek 44:6-9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Luke 21:16,17; John 16:2   This alone ,is cause to get out when we can envision this covert injustice; and which is, the last call!  Dan 12:6-9; Matt 24:15,16; 2 Thess 2:4; Rev 11:1-3
ws16 January pp. 20-26
w02 8/1 pp. 9-14 par. 18

Yes, Satan has created a trap, to catch people through efficient means – all sorts of signs and wonders. 2 Thess 2:9,10; Rev 13:4,13,14    I imagine such a thing is hard to fathom. However, if he demands to sift/thresh each anointed, each individual as wheat, where do you believe the wheat will be found in the end, in the trap where lies and injustices have deep roots?  As soon as we recognize falsehood, we turn our back on it, and leave no matter how appealing and convincing the environment appears.   

 “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”  Matt 3;12 (Jer 23:29; 5:12-14)

“Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵ But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. ²⁶ When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

²⁷ “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

²⁸ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

²⁹ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Matt 13;24-30

 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom.  The weeds are the people of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Matt 13:37-39

The “harvesters” are anointed “messengers”, which is the definition of “angel”.  They are people of the kingdom who have rejected the apostasy of the Wt.  Along with them are Christ’s “workers”, the companions of the anointed who also take up the cry for all to leave Satan’s military ruse. Mal 2:7;3:1; Matt 13:41;24:31; Rev 11:3,4; Heb 12:22,23; 14:4; Zech 8:23

The Wt. claims it is “preaching” God’s truth, though it is a ‘truth’ that is never stable. They are totally convinced that they engage in the ‘harvest work’ – what, to bring people into a bed of lies? 2 Tim 3:6,7

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. ² And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. ³ By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”  2 Pet 2:1-3

My goodness.  Each failed prophesy of the org., each changed doctrine, blasphemes the truth found in Christ.  I wish every JW would open their eyes to this.  Matt 7:20; John 15:16

The Wt. appears glamorous, with a display of outward piety, but it is all accomplished within Satan’s world; using all sorts of signs and wonders. Rev 13:13; John 18:36;15:19  The true harvesting work is seen and accomplished by those who discern Wt’s wickedness…and refuse to take part in it.  “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit”  Zech 4:6

Each aspect that is wrong within the organization that I listed earlier, wouldn’t exist if Holy Spirit was present within the org.  The nation of Israel “did evil” and suffered for it – how many times, with how many lives lost?  They suffered defeat because of the evil they practiced and God removed his protection from them.  He let them choose to either struggle in their own determination to do it their way, or to turn to Him and be protected.   Isa 48:18

Can the word, defeat apply to the organization’s recent political dealings? Many times when Israel lost their battles, it was for abandoning God and turning to idols, or they sought out help from other nations, instead of relying solely on God.  These examples can aptly be applied to the organization that holds God’s people “hostage” today.  Hos 4:6-10

When Revelation says, “come out of her my people”, (Rev 18:4-8) it is telling God’s anointed ones to wake up and leave the trap/delusion and serve God and Christ fully, with a complete heart.  Attempting to serve God through an earthly organization that requires its own dedication, is the same as attempting to serve God through, or with, an idol.

“Apostates may claim to worship Jehovah and to believe the Bible, but they reject the visible part of his organization.” w04 2/15 pp. 15-20

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

JWs feel that salvation cannot be reached without it; yet, it can’t be proven that it is a necessary means to receive salvation, which is only possible through Christ – directly.  John 5:40  However, it has seduced millions into believing that it is the Way.  Only deception and thievery would lead one through another “gate”; a gate constructed by the Father of the lie.  John 10:1-5,7-10

Those individuals that turned from the evil practiced by the nation of Israel gained God’s protection.  In fact, when they “cried out to the Lord” over the detestable things, he would send a deliverer.  Today, there are multiple detestable things happening in the org.; and for those who awake to their “captivity” (Col 2:8;Rev 13:9,10) and are sighing and crying over the injustices, the deliverer is Christ.  Ezek 8:6; 9:4; John 4:10; Matt 7:7; Rev 3:7,8; Dan 12:1-3

Think of other religions that JWs may have come from.  Weren’t JWs told to make a declaration by letter to end their membership with it, once they realized that the teachings were false? I did this when I became a JW.  If false teachings were not tolerated at that point, why would they be tolerated in the Wt., which boasts deceptively to be GOD’s organization? Does this mean that God would excuse lies uttered by his own people?   Doesn’t the organization continually expose falsehoods about other religions?  This clearly shows just how strong is the delusion spoken of in 2 Thess 2:1-12, that God’s anointed face, during the last days.

 It is a compromise of one’s integrity to remain within a haven of 100 years of changed doctrine, old light tossed out; which is none other than falsehood. The organization is built upon it; and like any  "house” built on shifting sand, it will fall. Matt 7:26,27; Rev 8:10,11

Ezek chapter 13     https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+13&version=NKJV

[JOHN BUTLER]

So then, where do you imagine the 'anointed' go to when they leave the Org' ?  Do they form another religious group ? Are you saying that there is no need to be an organised religion ?  The early Christians had a group of 'Older men' starting with the disciples / Apostles. They formed congregations as we know by Paul's writings.  It was only when the Romans took over Christianity that it got out of line really. My personal opinion is that the scriptures were written to be understood by an 'anointed class', not for everyone to understand, but then that causes the problem of needing an honest 'anointed class' of people.... I do agree with you about the Org changing the meaning of scriptures quite often. does it mean they are trying to jump ahead of the guidance from God ? Guessing their way through. It's difficult. Is JW / WT the true religion just needing cleansing ? Or is it totally wrong and is there a need for God to set up a new Organisation ? 

[Space Merchant]

2 hours ago, JOHN BUTLER said:

So then, where do you imagine the 'anointed' go to when they leave the Org' ?  Do they form another religious group ? Are you saying that there is no need to be an organised religion ?  The early Christians had a group of 'Older men' starting with the disciples / Apostles. They formed congregations as we know by Paul's writings.  It was only when the Romans took over Christianity that it got out of line really. My personal opinion is that the scriptures were written to be understood by an 'anointed class', not for everyone to understand, but then that causes the problem of needing an honest 'anointed class' of people.... I do agree with you about the Org changing the meaning of scriptures quite often. does it mean they are trying to jump ahead of the guidance from God ? Guessing their way through. It's difficult. Is JW / WT the true religion just needing cleansing ? Or is it totally wrong and is there a need for God to set up a new Organisation ? 

The Romans adopted Christianity, but they still held true to their pagan celebrations and wild parties, in addition to the practices and teachings regarding good and evil spirits. Constantine the Great only made Christianity legal, whereas Theodosius decreed Christianity to be a state religion after being instructed by one of those who adhere to the Nicene Creed, in addition to that,Theodosius decreed everyone follow the Nicene Creed otherwise they’d be branded as unchristian, sometimes find themselves to be sentence to far worse consequences and possible death, for they had to accept the decreed out of fear for some.

 

In short, Romans didn't play around,especially when it comes to religion (Christianity).

[Witness]

2 hours ago, JOHN BUTLER said:

So then, where do you imagine the 'anointed' go to when they leave the Org' ?  Do they form another religious group ? Are you saying that there is no need to be an organised religion ?  The early Christians had a group of 'Older men' starting with the disciples / Apostles. They formed congregations as we know by Paul's writings.  It was only when the Romans took over Christianity that it got out of line really. My personal opinion is that the scriptures were written to be understood by an 'anointed class', not for everyone to understand, but then that causes the problem of needing an honest 'anointed class' of people.... I do agree with you about the Org changing the meaning of scriptures quite often. does it mean they are trying to jump ahead of the guidance from God ? Guessing their way through. It's difficult. Is JW / WT the true religion just needing cleansing ? Or is it totally wrong and is there a need for God to set up a new Organisation ? 

When Christ came earth, he introduced a new structure of worship, and a new temple to recognize – his Body built on the anointed apostles.  “Living stones”/anointed ones were added to God’s Temple over the years, but never was an “organization” approved by God that contradicted the one He is building.  Satan’s last ruse is targeted to throw off this truth by producing an earthly organization that happens to include “living stones”, giving it seeming incredibility.  1 Pet 2:5,9,10

The early congregations were simply the gathering of anointed and believers who followed Christ.  There was no system where men relayed the necessity to answer to an organization.  That developed with centralized religion. 

Jesus’ words to the woman at the well tell this story. 

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.²² You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. ²³ But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:21-24

When he left the earth, the apostles worshiped in spirit and truth.  Now again, the hour is here where true worship is restored, in spirit and truth.  No earthly “mountain” will be recognized as the place to worship – no earthly organization can bring us to salvation.  The spiritual Temple and the only Temple God recognizes is the dwelling of God’s spirit within the hearts of faithful anointed ones.  To seek out this Temple, leads one to ‘living water’ of Christ. John 7:38; 15:4  They are those who remain in Christ and teach truth in Christ, not doctrines of men. 

The organization has reverted to the early temple analogy, treating its buildings as “temples”, and has rejected the true Temple built on “living stones”. 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22   There are restored “living stones”, who are the dwelling place of God’s spirit… (2 Cor 6:16; Jer 30:3,18-22)

…that I have given links to, under this thread; the first one being most important.

They are part of the authentic Mount Zion of Isa 2:2, and the Judean “mountains” where those who flee the “apostate city” run to.  They have been figuratively “slain” by the organization for their testimony of Christ.  Luke 17:37; Matt 24: 15,16, 23-28; Rev 11:7-10; 13:15

 “Elijah” has come to restore all things. Acts 7:48-50; Matt 17:10,11; Dan 7:22; 12:4; Rev 1:1; 11:1-3

These restored stones are once again able to offer their “daily sacrifices” before God. No one holds a hand at their throat causing their silence, any longer.    Heb 13:15 (Dan 11:8-13) 

Yet, your relationship with God and Christ is owned by you, not by men who expect literal “sacrifices” in the form of your labor.  James 5:1-6  The “stones” only offer the food for guidance, that you take or leave, with no strings attached and no guilt pinned upon you for leaving.   

 

[Shiwiii]

On 2/13/2018 at 11:18 AM, Witness said:

The early congregations were simply the gathering of anointed and believers who followed Christ.  There was no system where men relayed the necessity to answer to an organization.  That developed with centralized religion. 

Jesus’ words to the woman at the well tell this story. 

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.²² You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. ²³ But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:21-24

When he left the earth, the apostles worshiped in spirit and truth.  Now again, the hour is here where true worship is restored, in spirit and truth.  No earthly “mountain” will be recognized as the place to worship – no earthly organization can bring us to salvation.  The spiritual Temple and the only Temple God recognizes is the dwelling of God’s spirit within the hearts of faithful anointed ones.  To seek out this Temple, leads one to ‘living water’ of Christ. John 7:38; 15:4  They are those who remain in Christ and teach truth in Christ, not doctrines of men. 

The organization has reverted to the early temple analogy, treating its buildings as “temples”, and has rejected the true Temple built on “living stones”. 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22   There are restored “living stones”, who are the dwelling place of God’s spirit… (2 Cor 6:16; Jer 30:3,18-22)

Excellent description and support with scripture. I could have just given the happy face vote or the up arrow vote, but I felt it more appropriate to actually write it out.  

[JOHN BUTLER]

Um, don't agree with you. For instance there was a form of 'governing body' though of course not called such. The older men or elders in Jerusalem had to make decisions on behalf of all. This is proved by the problem about circumcision, which had to be resolved by the apostles and elders. ( Acts chapter 15 ) They are called Elders even in the King James bible. Once a decision had been made Paul and Barnabas and others then had to relay that decision to the congregations. Surely you can see that, that was organised, hence an organisation. Congregations were taught from the Apostles and Elders or older men. The fact that Paul wrote so many letters to different congregations also proves that early Christians were an organisation. An organisation in as much as they were led by the apostles and elders /older men. And also the fact that in Matthew 24 v 14, Jesus said that the gospel or good news of the Kingdom would be preached worldwide / earthwide. If, as you say, that we don't need an organisation, then how would Jesus' words here come true ?  Most religions don't even believe in God's Kingdom. Most people don't even believe in God's Kingdom. So are you saying that Jesus was wrong ? I hope not.

[Space Merchant]

2 hours ago, JOHN BUTLER said:

Um, don't agree with you. For instance there was a form of 'governing body' though of course not called such. The older men or elders in Jerusalem had to make decisions on behalf of all. This is proved by the problem about circumcision, which had to be resolved by the apostles and elders. ( Acts chapter 15 ) They are called Elders even in the King James bible. Once a decision had been made Paul and Barnabas and others then had to relay that decision to the congregations. Surely you can see that, that was organised, hence an organisation. Congregations were taught from the Apostles and Elders or older men. The fact that Paul wrote so many letters to different congregations also proves that early Christians were an organisation. An organisation in as much as they were led by the apostles and elders /older men. And also the fact that in Matthew 24 v 14, Jesus said that the gospel or good news of the Kingdom would be preached worldwide / earthwide. If, as you say, that we don't need an organisation, then how would Jesus' words here come true ?  Most religions don't even believe in God's Kingdom. Most people don't even believe in God's Kingdom. So are you saying that Jesus was wrong ? I hope not.

Any group who claims to follow the Great Commission are considered a religious organization, a body of Christians, who as one, teach and preach the gospel, making disciples, disciples into teachers to do the same.

The thing is, those who are unaware of the Great Commission as as what you say "They do not believe in God's Kingdom" or, the latter will cherry pick from scriptures, conjuring their own doctrine to keep telling themselves they are Christian and following the scriptures, when truly they do not know what being a Christian means let alone what following he scripture means. For any man or woman can say they're a Christian and completely ignore the the scriptures or foolishly accept anything forged into scripture, "man-made" verses, thus considering true what is not biblically  inspired.

Christianity in its state now is a mess, for those in organized religions actually attend to follow Jesus examples than throwing out things of which he said.

I would trust the KJV/NKJV 100% if I were you. Several reasons, perhaps even more as to why I think as such, as do the majority of those who are aware of truth.

 

Yeah, they were normally called body of elders or early christian church fathers, high priests, Bishops, the faithful and wise servants and or discreet Slaves, etc.

Which ever they are called, they have the same functions as those of the early Christians in the early congregation/church of those ancient times.

[Witness]

On 2/14/2018 at 12:47 PM, JOHN BUTLER said:

Um, don't agree with you. For instance there was a form of 'governing body' though of course not called such. The older men or elders in Jerusalem had to make decisions on behalf of all.

This is long; please, bear with me. 

As soon as we place ourselves in the hands of a religious “organization”, men decide how we are to worship. Organizational guidelines will have already been set in place, with expectations established for its members.  The Bible already tells us how to worship – Jesus was telling the woman at the well how to worship – in spirit and in truth.    Through prayerful guidance, we realized spiritual freedom comes through faith in the power of God. 

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”  Gal 5:1 

We have just one biblical account of a letter reaching to all congregations, concerning a major issue affecting the spread of Christianity in pureness.   Just one.  It was dealing with the transformation process of moving away from Jewish law that Jesus fulfilled.  Col 2:14; Eph 2:14-16  Does this give cause for the belief that an organization was present; that men “organized” the preaching work?  Paul and Barnabas addressed a prevalent issue, happening in Antioch and in Jerusalem.  Obviously, the brothers in Jerusalem hadn’t taken care of it until Paul and Barnabas showed up. Acts 15:24

“Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.   They wrote this letter by them:  The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.”  Acts 15:22

Everyone was involved in the process, unlike the GB’s use of a handful of men passing decrees behind closed doors, concerning biased doctrine that has nothing to do with truth in scripture – doctrine that must be swallowed down without a second thought, whether sound from a human standpoint or not.  Matt 24:26; 2 Tim 4:3-5

The decrees that the apostles, elders and the whole church, settled upon:

We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. ²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: ²⁹ that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.  Acts 15:27-29

No greater burden!! Did these decrees go beyond the things already written down in God’s Word? 

We have much proof that Holy Spirit directed individuals in the preaching work.

 “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. ¹² For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Gal 1:11

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, ¹⁶ to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, ¹⁷ nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.”  Gal 1:15-17

Phillip was directed by Holy Spirit; Acts 8:26,27,29 as well as Barnabas, Acts 13:2

In these early congregation of believers, “elders” were the anointed ones, fulfilling their role as “priests”.  1 Pet 5:1-4

Mal 2:7 - “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”

1 Pet 2:5 “you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Have you had an opportunity to hear or read Fred Franz’s talk on how the early preaching work was accomplished?  If not, I think you will be surprised. I can’t seem to find the audio version anymore, but you can read it. 

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/minimoog-898174-gilead-grad-talk-59th-class/

Sometimes, even the Watchtower leaders slip in words of truth but practice the opposite. Jesus words can aptly apply during these fleeting moments:

“Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.”  Matt 23:3

CT Russell - "Beware of "organization." It is wholly un-necessary. The Bible will be the only rules you need. Do not seek to bind other consciences, and do not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God's word today, and so continue to growing in grace and knowledge day by day." (Zion's Watch Tower, 1895, p. 216.)

"In view of these facts and also of the nature of the harvest work, and the addition. In fact that each one so gathered is expected to enter into the harvest work as a reaper, and will do so to the extent of his ability and opportunity, it is plain that the forming of a visible organization of such gathered out ones would be out of harmony with the spirit of the divine plan; and, it done, would seem to indicate on the part of the Church a desire to conform to the now popular idea of organization or confederacy. (See Isa. 8:12.) ... While, therefore, we do not esteem a visible organization of the gathered ones to be a part of the Lord's plan in the harvest work, as though we expected as an organization to abide here for another age, we do esteem it to be his will that those that love the Lord should speak often one to another of their common hopes and joys, or trials and perplexities, communing together concerning the precious things of his Word, and so help one another, and not forget the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is; and so much the more as they see the day approaching. -- Mal. 3: 16; Heb. 10:25." (Zion's Watch Tower, 1894, p. 384.)

On 2/14/2018 at 12:47 PM, JOHN BUTLER said:

, Jesus said that the gospel or good news of the Kingdom would be preached worldwide / earthwide. If, as you say, that we don't need an organisation, then how would Jesus' words here come true ?  Most religions don't even believe in God's Kingdom. Most people don't even believe in God's Kingdom. So are you saying that Jesus was wrong ? I hope not.

The preaching of the “good news” had great success in the first century. Matt 4:23;3:2; 11:5; Mark 1:14; Acts 20:25; 28:23,31; Luke 2:10,14    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+4%3A23%3B3%3A2%3B+11%3A5%3B+Mark+1%3A14%3B+Acts+20%3A25%3B+28%3A23%2C31%3B+Luke+2%3A10%2C14 &version=NKJV

Yet, in the apostle’s day, how far was the “good news” preached?  Rom 10:18; 1:8; Acts 17:6; Col 1:6,23; 1 Thess 1:8  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.10%3A18%3B+1%3A8%3B+Acts17%3A6%3B+Col.1%3A6%2C23%3B+1Thess.1%3A8.&version=NKJV

The “world” in that day encompassed all tribes, peoples and tongues of God’s nation.  Rev 5:9,10; Acts 10:34,35; 15:4; 13:47; Isa 49:6; Matt 10:6,7,23 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+5%3A9%2C10%3B+Acts+10%3A34%2C35%3B+15%3A4%3B+13%3A47%3B+Isa+49%3A6%3B+Matt+10%3A6%2C7%2C23&version=NKJV

Where is the “good news” preached at the time of the end?

“When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”  Matt 10:23

“Israel” –

“But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel,  nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.”  Rom 9:6,7 (Rom 2:29)

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Pet 2:9,10

“And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed”  Rev 7:4

Matt 24:14  from the Greek Kingdom Interlinear (WT):   “And will be preached this good news of the kingdom in whole the inhabited [earth] into witness to all the nations and then the end will come”

Ok, according to Matt 10:23 the preaching work right before the end is to the “cities of Israel” – God’s anointed people.  The “inhabited earth”, “οἰκουμένῃ”, are the “cities of Israel” and God’s “inhabited earth” – “the people of God.” 1 Pet 2: 10; Eph 2:20-22; John 14:23

 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Cor 3:16

Rev 14:3 verifies “Israel” in Rev 7:4 above, is the “earth”:

“They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.”

God’s anointed ones are the target of the end time preaching work.  Since the “Gentile” “man of lawless”/”ELDER” body has “trampled upon” God’s anointed priesthood, extinguishing all power of the “holy ones”, the call goes out to FLEE – leave Watchtower’s delusion, their false prophesies, sins, their idolatry to an organization as one’s salvation, behind.  Dan 11:31; 12:11; 2 Tim 3:1,5,7,8

 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),  “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”  Matt 24:15,16; Isa 56:7; 2 Pet 1:18; Zech 8:2,3; Joel 3:17; Rev 14:1  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+24%3A15%2C16%3B+Isa+56%3A7%3B+2+Pet+1%3A18%3B+Zech+8%3A2%2C3%3B+Joel+3%3A17%3B+Rev+14%3A1&version=NKJV

The “holy place” is described in 2 Thess 2:3,4 as God’s Temple, which is the holy priesthood.  1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20-22,10

 ^“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as Godin the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”

This is the sign that the Great Tribulation is at hand.  Everyone, will receive God’s righteous judgment, accordingly.  God’s anointed people and those who happen to be with them, are the focus of Revelation’s prophesy.  THEY have fallen for Satan’s end time delusion, his last piece of work to destroy those in Christ.  Gen 3:15; 2 Thess 2:9-12; Rev 13:1,4,6-15; 18:4-8

 

 

[JOHN BUTLER]

With all due respect, that's a lot of words, covering a multitude of subjects, but not giving me a clue as to what you are really meaning.

“And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed”  Rev 7:4 Yes but, 

  REV 7 v 9 After this I saw, and look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues,*f standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes;gand there were palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰  And they keep shouting with a loud voice, saying: “Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne,i and to the Lamb.” 

Whilst  i believe in the 144,000 of the 'heavenly class' I also believe in this large 'Earthly class' too. so how did this earthly class of people come to be ? Without the earthwide preaching work it would not be possible. And to do earthwide preaching work in a consistent way you need to be organised. If not you may be blood guilty of missing people out by not offering them God's message.

As for any of your quotes prior to 1931 there wasn't a JW Org as such, they were just bible students looking for the truth. There were many disagreements within the 'ranks' even then. So it can easily be seen that it wasn't the 'same' Org as it is now. Some of the earlier brothers even refused to do the preaching work.

I do agree with you about the apostle Paul, I think he was great, didn't mince his words and told it as it was. But, he did receive directly the holy spirit from God through his vision by Jesus Christ. So he wasn't just an ordinary disciple. He didn't need instruction from the 'older men' in Jerusalem because he had received it directly from Jesus Christ.

As for this quote, I feel you have slightly misused it. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”  Gal 5:1.. This was talking about not getting circumcised so as not to be in slavery to the 'Law of Moses'... 

As for the preaching work, it was originally organised by Jesus himself.  Mark Ch 6 V7 onwards.  King James Bible

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.  v 12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

 So there is the beginning of the preaching work. 

Jesus instructed his 11 disciples at Matthew 28  ¹⁸  Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.n ¹⁹  Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, ²⁰  teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.q And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” 

That wasn't to go just to the nation of Israel. and the good News of the Kingdom is to be and probably has been preached in all the nations too.

¹⁴  And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations,q and then the end will come.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.  

Whichever version you prefer. 

I think in all fairness it can easily be seen that there was an earthly organisation of Christians from the time of Jesus onwards. 

What we think of the JW Org / WT GB now is of course a totally different matter. I do not think they are inspired of God, and I think they have jumped forward as and when they see fit, not relying on God to guide them. As for the Child Abuse, that seems to prove to me that the JW Org is not serving God properly.

However, I still feel that God will have a clean Organisation of some sort  before Armageddon. I also believe that some JW's will get through Armageddon and some who are not JW's will also get through. It will be an individual judgement.