A. MORRIS AND MONEY

[Witness]

JWs frequently compare the organization to the days of Moses leading the nation of Israel in the wilderness.  They tie these time periods together by saying they are both ‘theocratic organizations’.  However, do they acknowledge that Moses was an inspired prophet leading God’s people; and simply, their leaders are not by their own admittance? When making this comparison, do they acknowledge that God installed His priests, anointing them with holy oil, and giving them the assignment to teach the people His laws?  (Exod 28:41;29:7-9; Mal 2:7)

The priesthood in Moses’ day was separated from the people to carry out this special work as ministers of God on behalf of the people. (Num 18:7,20; 3:10; Deut 17:9; 31:9) 

In the early 1950’s it was stated in a JW magazine that the members of the “royal priesthood” were to be “teachers and guardians of the law of God”, providing evidence from  Mal 2:7; Lev 10:11; Deut 33:10; 17:9-11.  It said that the anointed priests had a ‘tremendous responsibility which God held them to’. They were to keep the people “on the right path”.   (Num 18:7,20; Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:9; Heb 13:15; Ezek 44:23; Jer 23:22)

Are any of these words from the past magazine recognizable in “Jehovah’s organization” today? Like a chameleon blending into a wall unnoticed, the leadership of pathological liars has changed any bits of truth into untruths so gradually, that nothing seems amiss to present day JWs. (Ezek 13:3,6,7,14; Matt 24:24,25; Acts 13:9,10; Gal 1:6,7,11,12; 2 Pet 2:1-3; 1 Tim 4:1,2; Heb 12:15; 2 Pet 3:17; Rev 8: 10,11; 16:13-16)

These changes have aided in the development, and capability of two “Beasts” to dominate and trample God’s priesthood into the dust, into an unclean state before God. (2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 9:1-6; 13:1,2,5-7;11,12,15-17) (Isa 29:2-4; Dan 7:23; Luke 21:20,24; 19:43,44; Eccl 3:20; 12:7; Rev 3:1,18)  

We have an incomparable situation from that of Moses’ day, where the spirit-anointed priesthood has been shoved out of the position as active priests. Their value spoken of in the 1950’s has been dismissed by a large army’s power siege, under the guidance of a “wicked slave”.  (Ezek 34:21;Jer 4:16-21,27,28; Joel 2:2,17; Dan 7:19; 8:10,11,13; 11:31;Matt 24:48-51)

The Levitical priesthood is under an eternal covenant with God, but His anointed priests have broken this promise God held them to, and have allowed the elder body said to “represent” God’s priests, to teach men’s laws founded on the principles of an earthly organization.   (Jer 33:18-21; Num 18:1,5,19; Heb 4:14,15; 8:10; 13:15) (Mal 2:8; Lam 2:9; Joel 2:17; Jer 5:3,11,30,31; 2 Chron 15:3; Luke 11:52;2 Thess 2:3,4)  

But now, an earthly organization is proclaimed as the dwelling of God’s spirit. (Rom 1:25) This image of a “spirit-directed organization” is reflected through the representation of the elder body.  The men are said to have received Holy Spirit and authority to teach and judge, by the misapplication of scriptures, which rightfully apply to God’s holy priesthood.  (1 Kings 12:28-30; 13:33,34; Rev 13:11,12,15; 19:20) (John 20:23; 1 Cor 6:2,3;12:4-6,27; Eph 4:4,7,8,12,13; Rev 20:4)

Replacing and silencing these “living stones of God’s spiritual dwelling, is an “abomination” according to God. (Num 3:10,38; 2 Chron 13:9,10; Ezek 8:6; 44:6-9; Matt 24:15,16; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Rev 11:1,2; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 4:1; Heb 9:11; Eph 2:20-22)   

And that does lead to a few apt comparisons to the time of Israel in the wilderness.  Besides the persistent tendency to neglect the word of the Holy One, there are two major correlations we can make.  The first was Korah’s attempt to usurp the priesthood.

The organization comments, “When Korah and his associates in the wilderness wanted to exalt themselves to the priesthood and charged Moses and Aaron with taking too much on themselves, they proved that they did not appreciate theocratic organization.” (w 1952/Feb 1 pp. 76-85)

Today, it is clearly evident that there is no appreciation for ‘theocratic organization’ in the anointed priesthood of God’s Temple under Jesus Christ. By the orders of the evil slave and her massive army, they are denied the ability to direct the people in truth.  (Zech 8:16; Prov 8:7;12:17; 2 Cor 4:1,2; 1 Tim 4:1; Dan 8:12)  This equates to removal of their “daily sacrifices” of praise and truth in Jesus, to the Father. (Dan 7:23; 8:10,11,13;11:31; John 15:4-6)

All that has taken place in the organization, was prophesied to affect the remaining anointed ones in the last days – Christ’s “kings of the earth”. (Rev 12:17,15; Dan 11:10; Rev 16:13-16; 20;7-9; Luke 21:20) (Rev 1:5; 5:9,10)

The other major comparison to Israel’s years in the wilderness, was the idolatry that broke out among them. (Exod 32:1) Their uprising, which led to fabricating a golden calf to “go before” the people, is seen through the fabrication that one must “keep in step with” – “moving ahead with Jehovah’s organization”. JWs have been stumbled by their leaders’ vision of their own minds, to “go before” them, thoroughly convinced that this idol will lead them into salvation. (Deut 7:26; Jer 14:14; Matt 16:23; 2 Pet 2:1-3; Rev 2:14; Isa 57:14)  

 Idols do come in all sizes and forms, and it has been said from their own mouths…

"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 1990/11/1 p. 26 

It was an act of physical and spiritual thievery to ask the people of Israel to contribute their gold for the making of the golden calf idol, even if they willingly handed it over.   Aaron succumbed to the pressure of the crowd’s fleshly desires. But how Aaron approached God in repentance concerning His failure to prevent idolatry, is not known.  Moses begged God for forgiveness on his behalf, and on behalf of the people.   (Exod 32:2-4,26, 30,31; Deut 9:18-20) 

Not so with the governing leaders. They continue on their path of growing greed and support of the abomination present in the elder body. (Mark 13:14; Matt 24:48-51; Dan 2:33,43; Rev 13:11,12; 17:3)

Every willing or begrudging contribution that is now mandatory to preserve and to build up the idol, is pure thievery. (Exod 20:3,4; Deut 4:23; Rom 16:17,18; Rom 1:25; 8:5; Mark 10:19;John 10:10)

 Every JW who submits to such pressure becomes the victim of spiritual abuse.  They are slaves to men and their earthly treasures. (1 Cor 7:23; Gal 1:10; Col 3:24; Col 2:8; Jude 1:4; Rev 13:10)

Both of these major comparisons to Israel’s unfaithfulness in the past, are linked to the present. The gradual removal of the holy priesthood, has led to the solid installation of the idol/organization through the exaltation of the man of lawless/elder body.  This “body” that produces ‘stinging’ judgments against God’s holy people, stands “where it doesn’t belong”.  (Mark 13:14; Rev 9:7-10; 11:1,2; 13:5-7; Ezek 2:6) 

In his prayer during the dedication of the temple he built for the name of God, King Solomon stressed the sovereignty of God, and the necessity of his servants to “walk in all His ways”,  keeping His commandments “with all their hearts”.   (1 Kings 8:23, 57,58) 

We do not “walk” in the statutes of men or those of an organization whose needs are no different than another earthly entity. We “keep in step” with the statutes of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. We observe only, the decrees Jesus fulfilled in his coming, and in his teachings. (Matt 15:9; 1 Tim 6:3-5)   (1 Kings 2:3; 6:12;Micah 6:8; John 8:12 Matt 22:36-40; 5:17,18; 24:35; Rom 13:10; 2 Thess 3:6)

The temple that Solomon built, was not to be worshipped.  1 Kings 8:27.  It was a house of prayer and sacrifices made for the atonement of sins; and where God graciously filled the temple with His glory and radiance.  Still, Solomon repeatedly stated that one’s prayers from the temple would be heard by God “in heaven, the place of your dwelling”.  (1 Kings 8:30,32,34,36; Gen 28:16,17)  Although God allowed His name to be on the temple as long as Israel was faithful, it was still the Almighty God who directed the nation of Israel, and not the temple where God’s Spirit rested.  (Exod 15:2; 20:2; Isa 43:11)

In contrast, it is the organization which bears the name “Jehovah”, (and its nonanointed elders) that is continually stressed as the guiding authority over the lives of JWs.   (Exod 23:13; Eph 5:15,16; Judges 10:13,14; Isa 46:5-9)

One of the hypocritical governing leaders who lives behind locked gates where men in a kiosk scrutinize all visitors arriving at their highly protected compound, stated to his listeners that God expects money to be given to the organization. Through these donations received, his fleshly desires are preserved; his prominence and power over the holy people and all JWs, remains intact. (Luke 4:5-7;Rom 8:5; Gal 5:16,17,24; Eph 4:20-24; 1 John 2:16; Col 3:5; 2 Tim 3:2; Jude 1:17,18)  

He stated, “Now, the fact is we never beg for money, but that’s not to say we can’t talk about money in Jehovah’s organization, the earthly part”.

Never beg for money?  When speaking of the future project on the gospels of Jesus, one governing partner said,  “In view of the large scope of this project we encourage you to make it a matter of prayer and please (said with lengthy emphasis), support it according to your circumstances”.

God has no need for an earthly organization, when Zion is built on the Body of Jesus Christ and God’s chosen “living stones” of His priestly kings. They are the “organization” that God has sanctioned since the first century. They are the temple/dwelling of God’s spirit. (Isa 2:2,3; Zech 41 Pet 2:5; 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20-22,10; Rev 5:9,10; 1 Cor 12:27; 14:1)

So, why is this leader talking about money? The idol requires it, just as the idol in Moses’ day required people’s gold to create it. (1 Cor 10:7)  It can only exist if money is poured into it.  The leader admits, “Money has to be discussed in the last day, this system, meets a response in all things.”  We must ask then, what sets this organization apart from any other?  Where is God’s power and spirit in this apparently unusual “spirit-directed organization”? Where does the faith in God’s ability to provide for their needs, lie?  Their faith and trust is in the idol, and all idols need to be fed by the men who create them.  So the lie is fostered that God and the Father will love JWs, because they give their material possessions…to the idol. He used two scriptures to support this.

The first is Deut 16:16,17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut+16%3A16%2C17&version=NIV

What were the blessings brought before the Lord?  They were the “firstfruits” of the barley and wheat harvest, and of the olive and grape.  God blessed their plantings throughout the year leading to abundant harvests because of their obedience to His commandments. (Deut 16:13,15; 26:3-5; 30:9,10)   These feasts all held spiritual significance, which we find in Jesus’ presence on earth, his teachings, and God’s provision for redemption through his atoning sacrifice.  (Matt 1:23; 7:37,38; Rom 8:2; 1 Cor 5:7;15:20; Heb 4:15; Col 2:16,17; Mark 2:22) 

Money holds no spiritual significance to God, and cannot preserve one’s good standing before Him, or prove our love for Him. We are judged on our love and obedience to His Word in Jesus Christ. (Deut 7:11-13; Eccl 7:12; Hos 6:6; Matt 6:19,20,24; Col 3:1,2,5-7; 1 Tim 6:6-10)

He also cited 2 Cor 9:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Cor+9%3A7&version=NIV

 Paul urged the uninhibited generous spread of the seed of truth, and the generous giving to the poor and suffering.  (2 Cor 9:10,8)  Please read 2 Cor 8:13-15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Cor+8%3A13-15&version=CSB -

Neither the sharing of and need of truth, nor physical provisions for the poor are met in the organization.  There is no fairness or equality with Bible truth in either regard, as men who live a worry-free comfortable life, breathe and propagate lying doctrines. (Prov 5:3,4,7-14; Heb 12:14,15; Rev 8:10,11; 18:7,8) 

 Pearl Doxsey:

We learn from God's own Word, about the sacrifices that He is pleased with. 

Three scriptures come to mind... 2 Cor 9:7-13; 8:11,12; Philemon 1:14

They contain the lesson that our gift is decided in our own heart, between us and God alone. No compulsion should be felt, but our gift is rooted in love and joy. God then blesses our charitable work, by supplying all we need to continue in it, while we also reap abundant blessing for ourselves. Through such a relationship with God's truth and the life that results, all, are refreshed, sustained, and built up. There is no sense of burden, comparison, competition, or failure. Such things come from the wicked one, and those who assist Satan to shackle men with a bondage to Idols.

Rules, standards, human expectations, and counting, do not serve the will, truth, or purpose of God (Matt 15:9; Mark 7:13).

Those things only serve the unlawful, worldly power and desires, of men, and the purpose of Satan.

"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

 “Service” - https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/01/service.html

The poor and needy must provide not only for their own needs, but donate to the desires of the leaders, and to the needs of their idol. Using the example of the widow’s contribution to the temple in Jesus’ day, the speaker had the impudence to tell the poor, “So even when we’re poor we’re expected to give monetarily, it’s because we love Jehovah, love Jesus”   (Mark 12:41-44)

The Watchtower Corporation is laden with stock holdings and investments. The money they receive, have, spend, and invest, is of primary interest to its governors (Matt 6:21). 

The NMB version of the Bible states; "No man who wars, entangles himself with worldly business, because he wants to please him who has chosen him to be a soldier." (2 Tim 2:4). 

Jesus has chosen the members of his Elect, to battle with him against religious falsehood. (2 Tim 2:3,4; 2 Cor 10:3-5; Rev 17:14; Eph 6:11,12; 5:11). 

His faithful anointed will not prioritize or focus on, materialism (Matt 6:19-21,24,25,26,28-32).

The GB speaker’s comparison to the early temple in Jerusalem where God removed His Spirit for rejecting his Son, should certainly clue us in to the identity of today’s idol/”temple”, as “Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”.  This Jewish system was also corrupt; the Pharisees had added their own laws to the laws of God, which Jesus referenced as burdens put upon the people.  (Matt 11:28; 23:4;16:11,12) The division between the rich and the poor was widened under the Roman Gentile domination.  The widow dropped her coins into one of 13 chests marked for the donation’s use, (sound familiar?) whether it was for sacrifices, voluntary contributions for the poor, or mandatory obligations.   These chests were shaped like trumpets, with large funnels playing back the sound of the money dropping in.  Knowing this, brings more clarity to Jesus’ words in Matt 6:2. 

There was no balance stressed by Paul in 2 Cor 8:13-15.  If the widow dropped in “all she had to live on”, was she a recipient as a poor one, from the temple’s treasury?  For a certainty, the poor in the organization are not the recipients of its “treasury”.  (Isa 58:1,6-7; 2 Thess 3:7-9;1 Thess 2:9; James 2:1-7)

Jesus said, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  (Mark 12:7)   This nonprofit organization (and he called it such) follows strict guidelines and codes when building their “Bethels”. They seek tax exempt status, which requires registration with the government.  They are in essence, under the management of the government by following certain regulations.  This is the crux of the GB’s statement that “money has to be discussed” and “meets a response in all things” in this system.  Solomon’s temple and its building was not influenced by a government, yet when God’s people sinned, outside nations obtained dominion and power over His people, Jerusalem, and the temple.  

Within this idolized nonprofit “spirit-directed organization”, God’s spiritual Temple has been dominated by a foreign nation – a “Gentile” take-over.  (1 Cor 3:16,17; Rev 11:1,2; Rev 13:4,7) Under the compulsion of God’s priests to remain silent, chained and branded by an organization of false doctrines, spiritual famine is pervasive; and a plague of corruption, disease and affliction of the heart, has come upon them and those in their company. (1 Kings 8:37-40; Ezek 14:3; Prov 23:6-8; Isa 29:7,8; Zech 10:2; Amos 8:11-13; Rev 2:9; 9:20; 13:7,16,17;16:2; 2 Thess 2:7-10) The congregations suffer in the spiritual sense; and in many areas of the world, the constant burden exists to give out of the few resources one has, expected contributions to the idol. 

Citing John 14:23 was a very desperate choice to give credence to the leader’s decrees, because Jesus’ words in general, condemned accumulating worldly riches and storing up treasures on earth.

Satan had offered Jesus earthly power, riches and authority over the “kingdoms of the world/earth”, but he rejected all of it. (Luke 4:5-7) He stated, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), so why would Jesus approve of men’s desires to establish his kingdom under his authority in this world, and attempt to put God’s name on it?  The Kingdom reign of Jesus Christ is one of “grace and truth”, far superior than any power, riches and authority this world has to offer. (John 1:14,17; Eph 1:19-21)

Please consider the understanding of today’s spiritual Temple as being the anointed priesthood where God’s spirit dwells. Only His decrees are written on their hearts. (Deut 6:4-8; 2 Cor 6:16; John 14:23; Rom 5:5;2 Cor 3:3; Heb 10:16)  

The anointed over the years have been taken captive by this Beast/organization. (Luke 22:31; 1 Pet 5:8; Col 2:8; Rev 13:10; 12:17) Those who have confronted it with truth in imitation of their Head, Jesus Christ, have faced persecution for their testimony of Jesus. (John 15:20; 16:2; 1 Pet 4:12,13; Rev 12:17;13:15; 6:9,11) The faithful “living stones”, made in the ‘image and likeness of God’, will bear the name of God and Jesus Christ in the Kingdom. (Rev 3:12) They and those who gather with them under Jesus' protection and care, will worship the Almighty Father in “spirit and truth”. (Gen 1:27; Matt 5:48; Col 3:10;Eph 5:7-10; Eph 4:24) (John 4:22-24)

 

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/

Daniel Chapter Eleven, verses 31-45 

Armageddon 

"Mankind" / "Son of Man" / "Man' of Lawlessness" - https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2

[Srecko Sostar]

36 minutes ago, Witness said:

"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 1990/11/1 p. 26 

The person who wrote this may not have been aware of the message he/she was sending. It is to be assumed that he/she meant any other organization outside the JW circle. But WTJWorg is an organization as well. Or to write, Organization, with a capital letter.
I believe there is a difference between the terms, (being) organized and (having) organization.

[Arauna]

3 hours ago, Witness said:

priesthood into the dust, into an unclean state before God.

Accusations, accusations like Satan. It is merely your opinion..... God had tremendous patience with the Israelites but sent them into exile because they were not keeping the Sabbath years, divorcing their wives and taking foreign wives, they were breaking  the laws of God by taking property off the vulnerable, defrauding, divorcing and corrupting justice for the poir apart from all the disgusting false gods. 

I have seen no practice of this.... so you are more than a false accuser.... but I leave God to judge that. ....

[Patiently waiting for Truth]

18 hours ago, Arauna said:

Accusations, accusations like Satan. It is merely your opinion..... God had tremendous patience with the Israelites but sent them into exile because they were not keeping the Sabbath years, divorcing their wives and taking foreign wives, they were breaking  the laws of God by taking property off the vulnerable, defrauding, divorcing and corrupting justice for the poir apart from all the disgusting false gods. 

I have seen no practice of this.... so you are more than a false accuser.... but I leave God to judge that. ....

But the GB did write in the Watchtower magazine that the Anointed would not want to meet together for prayer or Bible study, and the GB wrote that the Anointed would be 'working against the Holy spirit' if they did meet together for such things. The GB put that in writing so it cannot be denied. 

As for divorce and adultery, I've seem plenty of it in the congregations I've been in, here in England. 

And again, as for corrupting justice, we only need to look at the CSA judicial decisions and court cases. And the hiding of known pedophiles in congregations of JWs. Some of those pedophiles were (and maybe still are) Elders and because they were hidden in congregations they managed to sexually abuse more than one child continuously.  Unless your think all of the Victims Earthwide are telling lies. 

And you will remember that up until 2013 ( i think it was that year) ALL of the Anointed were classed as the Faithful and Discreet Slave, but that tittle was suddenly taken from them by the GB. So did the GB exhalt themselves or belittle the reast of the  Anointed ? 

Aurana, we are all imperfect, but those with more power and responsibility (the GB) need to be more careful with how they use it all. 

 

[Witness]

6 hours ago, Arauna said:

I have seen no practice of this.... so you are more than a false accuser.... but I leave God to judge that. ....

We are all being judged by the words of Jesus Christ as Morris said, who then bent his words into a tight ball of yarn for his benefit.  John 14:23  Our spiritual perception can be dulled by our own desires. It requires spiritual perception to understand the sins of God’s people today.

 Jesus said, “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.”  Matt 6:19,20

Idolaters set their mind/focus on earthly things, which is the whole concept of the Watchtower’s existence.

“More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things—indeed, I regard them as dung!—that I may gain Christ, ⁹ and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness—a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness.

Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example. ¹⁸ For many live, about whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, they exult in their shame, and they think about earthly things. Phil 3 

We have Jesus and the apostles as our pattern to follow in this matter.  JWs choose the pattern set by the GB without examining the scriptures, as you yourself have done.  God doesn’t choose that corrupt example, and His tolerance only goes so far. 

The Lord said,

“Go up and down through the streets of Jerusalem.
Look around and see for yourselves.
Search through its public squares.
See if any of you can find a single person
who deals honestly and tries to be truthful.
If you can, then I will not punish this city.
² These people make promises in the name of the Lord.
But the fact is, what they swear to is really a lie.”

“These people have denied what the Lord says.  – the words of Jesus Christ.
They have said, ‘That is not so!
No harm will come to us.
We will not experience war and famine.
¹³ The prophets will prove to be full of wind.
The Lord has not spoken through them.
So, let what they say happen to them.’”

“Proclaim this message among the descendants of Jacob.
Make it known throughout Judah.
²¹ Tell them: ‘Hear this,
you foolish people who have no understanding,
who have eyes but do not discern,
who have ears but do not perceive:
²² ‘You should fear me!’ says the Lord.
‘You should tremble in awe before me!

Something horrible and shocking
is going on in the land of Judah:
³¹ The prophets prophesy lies.
The priests exercise power by their own authority.
And my people love to have it this way.
But they will not be able to help you when the time of judgment comes! Jer 5

 

 

[Matthew9969]

I don't remember Noah demanding financial donations to build the ark and legal assistance for his sons.

[Arauna]

9 minutes ago, Matthew9969 said:

remember Noah demanding financial donations to build the ark and legal assistance for

I doubt they had a similar financial system as ours - lol.

[Pudgy]

1 hour ago, Arauna said:

I doubt they had a similar financial system as ours - lol.

…. They had a credit card account at Home Depot.

 

[Patiently waiting for Truth]

On 10/2/2021 at 7:42 AM, Matthew9969 said:

I don't remember Noah demanding financial donations to build the ark and legal assistance for his sons.

That's funny because the Leaders of the JWs used to say that the Org was the new Ark 

[Witness]