Christian Denominations Chart - Starting w/ the Commentary on JW's

[Equivocation]

@AudreyAnnaNana 

Unfortunately, Excommunication DOES have some contextual meaning and usages in the Scriptures, and in the Christian congregation (there were people literally excommunicated in the Scriptures; having congregation ties cut). There were points, even Space Merchant made on here that solidifies that, even in example of verses that shows such. Like the early Christians, the JWs apply it (Jehovah’s Witnesses practice Expelling for a reason, it wasn’t something random concerning wrongdoers), we don’t do total censure though, which was a claim someone made a while back. The practice of Expelling (Excommunication or Disfellowshipping) of incorrigible wrongdoers is a clear and explicit teaching in the Bible. As some mentioned before, or in your pervious discussion with SM, it was pointed out that Jesus Christ was the very person to establish this as a requirement for the Christian congregation, to not even recognize this, is a telling sign of what I met about identifying marks of a True Christian, in terms of knowing what the Bible says or what Jesus says. For example, Matthew 18:17, which reads: 

[17 If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.] 

The context of his words points back to how judges and officers represented the nation of Israel in dealing with judicial matters under the Old Law Deut. 16:18. In Jesus’ day, offenders answered to the local courts made up of Jewish elders, and later, men would be appointed by the spirit to act as judges in each Christian congregation. For these offenders would end up being treated as a tax collector of whom the Jew had no dealings with. In the Christian congregation, or in this case, among Jehovah’s Witnesses, Expelling, according to commentary, is an exercise by the Christian Congregation, is not merely founded on the natural right, possessed by all societies, nor merely on the example of the Jewish Church and nation. It was instituted by our Lord… The meaning of this is, cease to have religious intercourse with him... Regard him as obstinate, self-willed, and guilty... We should disown him as a Christian brother...This is the only way of kindness. This is the only way to preserve peace and purity in the church… Christ’s teachings repeatedly showed that a willful incorrigible reprobate would be “cast out” from true worshipers, especially in the “last days” during his second presence. And that “his servants” would be commanded to carry out this command. 

Obviously, the Apostles understood that Christ commanded the expelling of obstinate sinners since Paul showed that it was done with Christ's authority. Expelling can be permanent or temporary regarding congregation members who were cast out of the community. This practice, specifically mentioned in Matthew's Gospel (Mt.18:15-17) and the Corinthian correspondence (1 Cor.5:5; 2 Cor. 2:6), served 2 purposes. 

Although congregation ties are cut, Family ties remain (usually depends on the culture in most cases), for, there are former Witnesses, some whom I ran into, who said they’re expelling was justified because of some of the thing they did, some things they do not want to go into detail about, these former witnesses are different from the Apostate types who are very rude and aggressive in some cases, even towards former witnesses who do not share in their thoughts and ideas, in two situations, I had to defend the bullied, in this case, another, regarding someone’s girlfriend, who was studying with us at the time, being the subject of attack by Apostates, resulting in a very angry significant other and an angry community.

 

Anyways those 2 purpose, being, 

[1] It protects the community from the harmful influence of the sinner (1 Cor.5:6-7). 

[2] It reminds the sinner of the sin (2 Cor.2:7) in the hope that repentance (7:9) and redemption occur. 

Expelling can be done instituted via various actions (ofc used in the correct way), for example, serious matters, sexual sins (1 Corinthians 5:1), Unrepentance (Matthew 18:15-17), Facetiousness (Titus 3:10-11) and speaking heresies (Roman 16:17), so we, as True Christians, would need to stop mixing company with such persons. Or other practices that are unclean and or immoral. Anyone who is truly showing repentance, we are to forgive and take that person back, this is why there is a reinstate process to this too (James 5:14-16; Acts 17:30; Proverbs 28:13). The action deals with sinners and or wrongdoers, and it are done to dealt with them quickly and seriously for both the health of the community and the spiritual health cast out. 

One of the identifying marks of True Christians and a faith is to follow what Jesus said, as is follow the command of the one who sent him, therefore, within a community of Christians who worship the True God together, we are to remove willful sinners on the grounds of sin, even serious sin. We already see the state of those who do not even follow what Jesus command, and now look what entered into their church to fit in with what is seen as normal in today’s society. 

Just wanted confirmation lol. I bring it up because unlike everyone here I do not log on here as much, but how you constantly post remind me of Witness, in a way, even Jesus.Defender. I think she is a nice person too, but as others have pointed out, even others who aren’t even religious, points out she is misguided. Since we are all talking about core teachings, there were some things that she has said that are both contradicting and or did not make sense in some cases. She was also unfazed and seem supportive of the very people who raided my Hall some years ago. 🤷🏾‍♂️

Indeed, God has not change, but it should not stop us from following his command, as well as the command of his Son. To fail on trying to keep the community clean would only result in problems later on, and upon his return, judgement for not taking action.

[Equivocation]

2 hours ago, redHarmonioussparrow said:

OTHERS WHO MERIT HONOR
13 Those related to us in the faith certainly merit honor and respect. This is especially true of the elders who are taking the lead. (Read 1 Timothy 5:17.) We honor these brothers regardless of their nationality, education, social standing, or financial status. The Bible refers to them as “gifts in men,” and they are a key part of God’s arrangement to care for the needs of his people. (Eph. 4:8) Think of congregation elders, circuit overseers, Branch Committee members, and the members of the Governing Body. Our brothers and sisters in the first century had high regard for those appointed to take the lead, and we feel similarly today. We do not idolize well-known representatives of the Christian congregation or react in their presence as if angels were standing nearby. Still, we do respect and honor such brothers for their hard work and humility.—Read 2 Corinthians 1:24; Revelation 19:10.
 

@redHarmonioussparrow Bingo, 100% 👍🏾

 

 

@AudreyAnnaNana My knowledge on the UN is not that limited lol, but yeah that sums it up, however like I said people like @JW Insider know their stuff, especially both @Arauna and @Space Merchant. 🤷🏾‍♂️.

There was 2 other people I forgot to mention, his name started with a K and another guy who had a profile picture of a black cat sporting a dress tie, I think his name was Outta Here.

[John 12.24to28]

22 minutes ago, Equivocation said:

@AudreyAnnaNana 

Unfortunately, Excommunication DOES have some contextual meaning and usages in the Scriptures, and in the Christian congregation (there were people literally excommunicated in the Scriptures; having congregation ties cut). There were points, even Space Merchant made on here that solidifies that, even in example of verses that shows such. Like the early Christians, the JWs apply it (Jehovah’s Witnesses practice Expelling for a reason, it wasn’t something random concerning wrongdoers), we don’t do total censure though, which was a claim someone made a while back. The practice of Expelling (Excommunication or Disfellowshipping) of incorrigible wrongdoers is a clear and explicit teaching in the Bible. As some mentioned before, or in your pervious discussion with SM, it was pointed out that Jesus Christ was the very person to establish this as a requirement for the Christian congregation, to not even recognize this, is a telling sign of what I met about identifying marks of a True Christian, in terms of knowing what the Bible says or what Jesus says. For example, Matthew 18:17, which reads: 

[17 If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.] 

The context of his words points back to how judges and officers represented the nation of Israel in dealing with judicial matters under the Old Law Deut. 16:18. In Jesus’ day, offenders answered to the local courts made up of Jewish elders, and later, men would be appointed by the spirit to act as judges in each Christian congregation. For these offenders would end up being treated as a tax collector of whom the Jew had no dealings with. In the Christian congregation, or in this case, among Jehovah’s Witnesses, Expelling, according to commentary, is an exercise by the Christian Congregation, is not merely founded on the natural right, possessed by all societies, nor merely on the example of the Jewish Church and nation. It was instituted by our Lord… The meaning of this is, cease to have religious intercourse with him... Regard him as obstinate, self-willed, and guilty... We should disown him as a Christian brother...This is the only way of kindness. This is the only way to preserve peace and purity in the church… Christ’s teachings repeatedly showed that a willful incorrigible reprobate would be “cast out” from true worshipers, especially in the “last days” during his second presence. And that “his servants” would be commanded to carry out this command. 

Obviously, the Apostles understood that Christ commanded the expelling of obstinate sinners since Paul showed that it was done with Christ's authority. Expelling can be permanent or temporary regarding congregation members who were cast out of the community. This practice, specifically mentioned in Matthew's Gospel (Mt.18:15-17) and the Corinthian correspondence (1 Cor.5:5; 2 Cor. 2:6), served 2 purposes. 

Although congregation ties are cut, Family ties remain (usually depends on the culture in most cases), for, there are former Witnesses, some whom I ran into, who said they’re expelling was justified because of some of the thing they did, some things they do not want to go into detail about, these former witnesses are different from the Apostate types who are very rude and aggressive in some cases, even towards former witnesses who do not share in their thoughts and ideas, in two situations, I had to defend the bullied, in this case, another, regarding someone’s girlfriend, who was studying with us at the time, being the subject of attack by Apostates, resulting in a very angry significant other and an angry community.

 

Anyways those 2 purpose, being, 

[1] It protects the community from the harmful influence of the sinner (1 Cor.5:6-7). 

[2] It reminds the sinner of the sin (2 Cor.2:7) in the hope that repentance (7:9) and redemption occur. 

Expelling can be done instituted via various actions (ofc used in the correct way), for example, serious matters, sexual sins (1 Corinthians 5:1), Unrepentance (Matthew 18:15-17), Facetiousness (Titus 3:10-11) and speaking heresies (Roman 16:17), so we, as True Christians, would need to stop mixing company with such persons. Or other practices that are unclean and or immoral. Anyone who is truly showing repentance, we are to forgive and take that person back, this is why there is a reinstate process to this too (James 5:14-16; Acts 17:30; Proverbs 28:13). The action deals with sinners and or wrongdoers, and it are done to dealt with them quickly and seriously for both the health of the community and the spiritual health cast out. 

One of the identifying marks of True Christians and a faith is to follow what Jesus said, as is follow the command of the one who sent him, therefore, within a community of Christians who worship the True God together, we are to remove willful sinners on the grounds of sin, even serious sin. We already see the state of those who do not even follow what Jesus command, and now look what entered into their church to fit in with what is seen as normal in today’s society. 

Just wanted confirmation lol. I bring it up because unlike everyone here I do not log on here as much, but how you constantly post remind me of Witness, in a way, even Jesus.Defender. I think she is a nice person too, but as others have pointed out, even others who aren’t even religious, points out she is misguided. Since we are all talking about core teachings, there were some things that she has said that are both contradicting and or did not make sense in some cases. She was also unfazed and seem supportive of the very people who raided my Hall some years ago. 🤷🏾‍♂️

Indeed, God has not change, but it should not stop us from following his command, as well as the command of his Son. To fail on trying to keep the community clean would only result in problems later on, and upon his return, judgement for not taking action.

 

@Equivocation, I follow God's commands and support His Son's commands. I am sure you would agree that that means taking Bible verses in context. 

 

The specific verses used by the organization to attempt to support the current way of applying disfellowshipping doctrine are discussed in context in this post...

 

 

 

...and also on this thread...

 

 

 

...and this one...

 

But to summarize some of it, we have to look at the specific scriptures in context and the Bible as a whole, as well as the original language meanings. An example below is given of how looking at specific Bible verses in the original language helps clarify the true meaning of a scripture and identify twisted teachings in the org...

 

"Go to the congregation" means tell the congregation members, not just the elders...

 

 

[John 12.24to28]

32 minutes ago, Equivocation said:

2 hours ago, redHarmonioussparrow said:

Our brothers and sisters in the first century had high regard for those appointed to take the lead, and we feel similarly today. We do not idolize well-known representatives of the Christian congregation or react in their presence as if angels were standing nearby. Still, we do respect and honor such brothers for their hard work and humility.—Read 2 Corinthians 1:24; Revelation 19:10.
 

@redHarmonioussparrow Bingo, 100% 👍🏾

 

Playing bingo is always taking a chance. There's a chance you might lose. It's not 100%.

 

If you follow a brother who is loyal, you'll end up in the right place. But how can you tell if a brother is loyal? Who is the only brother who was loyal 100% of the time?  Jesus is the only perfect brother who always adhered to God's Word. Follow him. His path is described for us in God's Word.

 

Respect and honor for brothers in authority positions needs to be balanced with respect and honor for the Highest Authorities, Jehovah God and His Son Christ Jesus.

 

Following imperfect men without thinking is not the way to follow God and Christ. (If the first-century Christians followed Peter when he was shunning Gentiles, where would we be today? Actually, we're in the same place...the GB teaches to unscripturally shun all kinds of people..."If the blind follow the blind, both will fall in the pit.")

 

Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. He talked to them before they repented. He said if someone sins 77 times a day and repents to forgive then that day, not to wait for some committee a year later to give you permission to speak to them. 

 

The organization leaders like to say how they "progressed" from voting democratically for leaders to a more refined way, but read this definition and the following examples to see how similarly they fit the modern organizational processes and ways of governing...

 

"Dictionary

Definitions from Oxford Languages 

so·cial·ism

noun: socialism

a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole."we want a real democratic and pluralist left party—one which unites all those who believe in socialism"

 

Jehovah's Witnesses view saying the Pledge of Allegiance as an act of worship, and rightfully so.

 

 

(from https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm )

 

If you changed a few words, the pledge could read...

 

"I pledge allegiance to the JW.ORG and the Governing Body Faithful Discreet Slave for which it stands; one ORG indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

 

Jehovah detests idol worship. Jehovah is jealous for His Holy Name, and rightfully so.

 

"We must obey God as ruler rather than men." Even if those men are on the governing body. Humans are made of dust, the same thing graven images are made of. Jehovah is the Only True God.

 

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

[Equivocation]

Just now, AudreyAnnaNana said:

@Equivocation, I follow God's commands and support His Son's commands. I am sure you would agree that that means taking Bible verses in context. 

 

The specific verses used by the organization to attempt to support the current way of applying disfellowshipping doctrine are discussed in context in this post...

It is one of several verses, and from the comment,several passages, even explicit examples in the Bible itself. The commentary used was not of Watchtower origin however they themselves also cited it, and the context and literal practice is brought up, even with the word Congregation (Church).

As for Matthew 18:17, if you didn't see it, there was a reference. Congregation or ekklesia can also mean the members in the congregation including ordained elders, and or individual Christian congregations. Matthew 16:18 is also cited where Jesus not only mentions the members of the congregation but in context is refering to anointed Christians who are also called living stones.

Even in example, going back to the Corinthians, Paul, essentially an elder, was informed by a regular congregation member about problems in Corinth, and Paul went to address it by means of letters, Paul clearly was a fellow member along with Corinth, the Romans. Etc. as part of the Christian Congregation that is made up of anointed ones and regular members.

 

So the question is, if excommunication was an issue, why did Jesus establish it and why did Paul actually remove wrongdoers from the congregation if, in your words, it is a wrong practice? And secondly, you never explained how anyone, and or any Jehovah’s Witnesses should deal with a wrongdoer, knowing unrepentant sins can ruin a congregation community.

Paul excommunicated Christian who were unrepentant and continued to practice sexual immorality. Paul also excommunicated Hymenaeus and Alexander. Was Paul in the wrong?

[John 12.24to28]

3 minutes ago, Equivocation said:

So the question is, if excommunication was an issue, why did Jesus establish it and why did Paul actually remove wrongdoers from the congregation if, in your words, it is a wrong practice? And secondly, you never explained how anyone, and or any Jehovah’s Witnesses should deal with a wrongdoer, knowing unrepentant sins can ruin a congregation community.

Paul excommunicated Christian who were unrepentant and continued to practice sexual immorality. Paul also excommunicated Hymenaeus and Alexander. Was Paul in the wrong?

 

I never said Paul was wrong or that there isn't a place for removing wrongdoers from our association. It's the modern-day process used in the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses that has apostasized from what Jesus and Paul and John said.

 

Where in the Bible is there instruction for a two or three elder committee secret meeting judicial hearing Pharisee-style? There isn't. Justice used to take place in the city gate or the whole congregation would know, like how Paul let everybody in the congregation know the details of what was going on with that guy who was sleeping with his dad's wife. There was no hearing to get the guy reinstated. When he stopped sleeping with the lady, then they welcomed him back.

 

The whole business about not eating with a serious wrongdoer in context was talking about for the Memorial meal.

 

John's letter was saying not to "rejoice" with someone teaching false doctrine - in other words, don't be commending a person teaching false doctrine like the way the GB does about 1914 or FDS title. Don't be encouraging them to keep teaching such things.

 

If someone claims to be a brother but treats others in an unloving way by teaching to shun family members, don't let that person come in your home because then you're encouraging perpetuation of that antiChrist doctrine.

 

Paul said that in our day in the congregation there would be some taking the lead who say they have godly devotion but prove false to its power. The governing body says they have godly devotion, but then they teach people to shun in an unscriptural way. We are told: "from these" (people like the GB) "turn away."

 

It doesn't mean to abandon the organization bearing God's name. There are wheat-like teachings and there are weed-like teachings. They have grown together. It just means that we need to reject the weed-like ones.

 

Jesus is coming to remove all the weedy teachings and weed-like people at the appointed time near at hand. In the meantime we need to stay unsullied from the satanic teachings that have infiltrated the organization like the leaven in the dough. Disfellowshipping doctrine as currently practiced is one of those satanic teachings.

[Pudgy]

 

If you don’t mind hanging some innocent people rough justice is very efficient way of keeping a town orderly.

AND consolidating and entrenching the authority and power of the Sheriff’s department.

It’s not the fact that people are being hung, it is that they’re being hung Not in accordance with the law, due process, common sense, and a deep sense of justice. 

Even Jesus said to the whore … “Go your way and sin no more”, which if memory serves, the Society removed those scriptures from the NWT.

It’s in all the other Bibles I checked.

John 8:1-11 IS MISSING!

 

[Equivocation]

3 minutes ago, AudreyAnnaNana said:

 

Respect and honor for brothers in authority positions needs to be balanced with respect and honor for the Highest Authorities, Jehovah God and His Son Christ Jesus.

 

Following imperfect men without thinking is not the way to follow God and Christ. (If the first-century Christians followed Peter when he was shunning Gentiles, where would we be today? Actually, we're in the same place...the GB teaches to unscripturally shun all kinds of people..."If the blind follow the blind, both will fall in the pit.")

 

Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. He talked to them before they repented. He said if someone sins 77 times a day and repents to forgive then that day, not to wait for some committee a year later to give you permission to speak to them. 

 

The organization leaders like to say how they "progressed" from voting democratically for leaders to a more refined way, but read this definition and the following examples to see how similarly they fit the modern organization processes and ways of governing...

 

"Dictionary

Definitions from Oxford Languages 

so·cial·ism

noun: socialism

a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole."we want a real democratic and pluralist left party—one which unites all those who believe in socialism"

 

Jehovah's Witnesses view saying the Pledge of Allegiance as an act of worship, and rightfully so.

 

 

(from https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm )

 

If you changed a few words, the pledge could read...

 

"I pledge allegiance to the JW.ORG and the Governing Body Faithful Discreet Slave for which it stands; one ORG indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

 

Jehovah detests idol worship. Jehovah is jealous for His Holy Name, and rightfully so.

 

"We must obey God as ruler rather than men." Even if those men are on the governing body. Humans are made of dust, the same thing graven images are made of. Jehovah is the Only True God.

 

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

You are saying this but previously you said, Jehovah’s Witnesses worship thr GB as if they are above God and made an assumption based on the titles of a few articles when, any glance of what is there, tells a different story. You also said the GB said to follow them and ignore God and Christ, I asked where was this said but you never gave an answer to that so, this still remains in the assumption vs what is actually said or mentioned in the articles you listed, I don't see how Christian Values and Bible study amongst family members is false.

There is no surprise that some people show a little bit too much honor, however, you wouldn't catch them swapping Jehovah God out for someone else. 🤷🏾‍♂️ Those taking the lead will give provisions but never do they subscribe to Godhood, equality to God. 🤨

Also we don't do idol worship. My last comment, I mentioned idols, images and anything carved isn't associated with true worship, especially in meetings. I even said that some former witnesses would try to state otherwise, but ultimately, refuted, which @Jesus.defender did, although he post some of the stuff here, he did PM some of us here.

The good thing is many who learn a thing or two from us Jehovah’s Witnesses is that they have abandoned forms of idol worship. It is also an example of the difference of identifying marks of a True Christian vs current Christendom. 

 

If you are unsure what Christian values are, the article in your screenshot mentioned that it is essentially principles followers of Jesus hold as important, and these values are practiced by members of not only the congregation, but a family and or household. Some of these values stem from making good decisions, knowing right from wrong, even maintaining morality. So it is confusing to see something like this seems negative in what you were implying previously. Is it because the GB repeated what Jesus said that makes it false? 🤔

[Equivocation]

3 minutes ago, AudreyAnnaNana said:

I never said Paul was wrong or that there isn't a place for removing wrongdoers from our association. It's the modern-day process used in the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses that has apostasized from what Jesus and Paul and John said.

I never said you said it, I asked in question was Paul in the wrong for taking action? The modern day practice is still similar to how it was in the early days. Disciplinary action isn't simply done by one person, but from the looks of it, a few members in the congregation who act as elders, such as Paul.

Dismissal of wrongdoers isn't something apostatized. In fact, to not do so at all, there are already examples today, posted my a few others over the years.

8 minutes ago, AudreyAnnaNana said:

Where in the Bible is there instruction for a two or three elder committee secret meeting judicial hearing Pharisee-style? There isn't. Justice used to take place in the city gate or the whole congregation would know, like how Paul let everybody in the congregation know the details of what was going on with that guy who was sleeping with his dad's wife. There was no hearing to get the guy reinstated. When he stopped sleeping with the lady, then they welcomed him back.

There were people in the congregation that had some roles to keep the congregation community clean and maintain pure worship. Yes, that may be the case, but some people were not repented and never brought back into the congregation. This is why I pointed out in my last comment that there are those who are repented and those who are not, but regardless, we clearly see a disciplinary action done in the congregation as noted in Paul's letter.

If you were an elder, be it back then or present day, you'd of course welcome back a person who is truly repented, but one who isn't and remains a problem you wouldn't bring him back knowing he would cause problems. This, in turn, can damage thr community.

15 minutes ago, AudreyAnnaNana said:

If someone claims to be a brother but treats others in an unloving way by teaching to shun family members, don't let that person come in your home because then you're encouraging perpetuation of that antiChrist doctrine.

Only congregation ties are cut. If someone is removed from the community, they don't really communicate with members, but they still do with family members, like I said, cultures do play a part in this and I already gave you legitmate experiences. Even if the person is Expelled, they can still see talks and partake in meetings, JWs do not practice censure. Even in commentary, this is also mentioned and these commentaries did not originate with the Watchtower. 

But by the looks of it, you seem to assume that we practice censure.

It should also be known that regular former witnesses and Apostates aren't the same type of people, Apostates are the only ones who really do seek repentance. Former witnesses, some of them, at least try to cling on to some values where Apostates do not.

20 minutes ago, AudreyAnnaNana said:

Paul said that in our day in the congregation there would be some taking the lead who say they have godly devotion but prove false to its power. The governing body says they have godly devotion, but then they teach people to shun in an unscriptural way. We are told: "from these" (people like the GB) "turn away."

So you are saying that the GB came up with shunning..... When this was something associated with Expelling in a religious sense, even outside of the Watchtower? 

In regards to shunning, current witnesses do not really associate with anyone Expelled, unless the person in question is indeed seeking repentance and recognizes what they have done was wrong. I even mentioned elders do make an effort to speak with these people, since, these types of former witnesses are more receptive to speaking vs Apostate who refuses to repent. I brought this up some time ago too. 🤷🏾‍♂️

25 minutes ago, AudreyAnnaNana said:

It doesn't mean to abandon the organization bearing God's name. There are wheat-like teachings and there are weed-like teachings. They have grown together. It just means that we need to reject the weed-like ones.

So why assume Christian values and teaching it, from the article, although it being a core teaching of true Christians, as false? Wouldn't it make follow and promote what Jesus taught?

This is what I don't get. 

26 minutes ago, AudreyAnnaNana said:

Jesus is coming to remove all the weedy teachings and weed-like people at the appointed time near at hand. In the meantime we need to stay unsullied from the satanic teachings that have infiltrated the organization like the leaven in the dough. Disfellowshipping doctrine as currently practiced is one of those satanic teachings.

Ofc, Jesus will indeed come to finish the rest, but that doesn't mean we should remain idle as a community deteriorates because of a problem. We are imperfect but it doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

If expelling is satanic then it contradicts why Jesus established it to begin with, let alone practiced by thr congregations. Makes you think what would happen if Paul didn't expel those who practiced sexual immorality. Even today, since Christendom abandon Expelling, it resulted in marks of false Christendom to plague the congregations, examples like the teaching of God being genderless, same sex marriage, interfaith and a list of other things. 🙅🏾‍♂️ To not deal with problems, you invite them and some negativity splashes over to others indirectly. 

The irony of it all, if you factor out us Jehovah’s Witnesses, the people you meet while preaching, will mention the same thing, regarding a Godless society.

[Equivocation]

45 minutes ago, Pudgy said:

 

If you don’t mind hanging some innocent people rough justice is very efficient way of keeping a town orderly.

AND consolidating and entrenching the authority and power of the Sheriff’s department.

It’s not the fact that people are being hung, it is that they’re being hung Not in accordance with the law, due process, common sense, and a deep sense of justice. 

Even Jesus said to the whore … “Go your way and sin no more”, which if memory serves, the Society removed those scriptures from the NWT.

It’s in all the other Bibles I checked.

John 8:1-11 IS MISSING!

 

Not in all other Bibles lol 😆. Non Bible canons were removed from some revisions, the KJV kept it tho.

John 7:53 to 8:11 is The Adulterous Woman passage (Pericope de Adultera) - The fact  is that it isn't Bible Canon making it spurious and false or an exaggerated story. There are 267 Greek manuscripts, which are the earliest versions, and are considered the most important by textual analysts, and none of those 267 contain this passage about the Adulterous Woman. Newer Bible translations that were compiled, and wrote after the more ancient manuscripts were discovered, either omit/removethe passage or add a note or reference along with the passage, stating it was not found in the more ancient manuscripts. The same case can be made for other passages and or verses, even forgeries.

So there was a reason why you won't find it in the NWT or any revised Bible, in the notes of some translations, it explains to you why.

 

Some people like to mess around with whatever Paul or John wrote lol 😆 

[Srecko Sostar]

Can the biblical text be completely trusted?

The first Bible was created by the Catholic Church.

Then the Protestants made their own Bible.

Afterwards, WTJWorg intervened and made their own Bible/s (few versions).

And to make everything more interesting, theological minds of different religions have created intricate interpretations and are harassing lost human souls with them day and night. Other souls who are not considered lost, but have found meaning for themselves in one of the interpretations will not fare any better than other people..., For time and chance happen to all.

[John 12.24to28]

7 hours ago, Equivocation said:

it takes a discerning individual to know what are the true identifying marks of a True Christian or a True faith vs marks of a false Christian or a false faith, this goes for those who ultimately have bad intentions, like people who falsify forgiveness before God while at the same time manipulate others for a gain, something I posted a while back. 

At the end of the day, yes, some false teachings are to be cast aside but as Christians we were given a specific command, that we must do in this day and age. Doing so or refuse puts Christians on 2 seperate routes.

 

5 hours ago, Equivocation said:

Well, back to the question, where did the GB specifically said what you mentioned now about following them but not Jehovah or Jesus? 🤔 After all, if you said they say this, clearly you saw it somewhere. 

 

6 hours ago, Equivocation said:

You should be aware of the identifying marks of a True Christian, example, True Christians aren't peddlers of God's word however false Christendom are as such, so much so to even hustle the word of God, at the same time they profane places for worship

 

7 hours ago, AudreyAnnaNana said:

It doesn't matter what the rest of any of those articles say, the point was that all the ones that mention the FDS/GB and "obey" and "be thankful" are weaving in false worship with true worship. It's the oldest trick in the book.

 

6 hours ago, Equivocation said:

If that is the case, in the article I put in bold text, can you show me or anyone else here if your implication is true.

...

From the focused article:

https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/w20010515/Building-a-Spiritually-Strong-Family/

Second article from your screenshot:

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2003805

So far, I don't see anywhere where it is implied that the GB demands worship in the same sense as God. Or demand superiority in the same sense as Jesus. 🤷🏾‍♂️

 

Here are some screenshots from the articles you cited🙂...

 

 

Jesus' illustration about a faithful slave was part of a set of illustrations talking about keeping on the watch. All Christians are commanded to keep on the watch. Jesus was NOT using that expression as a title or a label or a prophecy about a certain group of leaders. Jesus said "all you are brothers" and "call no one Rabbi or Leader for One is your Leader, God". When someone called Jesus "Good Teacher" he did not accept such a label. Why would Jesus have given such a title as "His Eminence, Most Holy Pope" or "Benevolent Leader" or "Faithful and Discreet Slave" to a man or a group of imperfect men who he told to stamp themselves down and behave as lowly ones? Here's the answer: Jesus didn't give them that title. They took it upon themselves. Shame on them. And shame on them for poisoning the publications with that teaching mixed in with God's Word.

 

 

Jesus didn't set up special schools. The Pharisees had special schools. Jesus didn't set up special publications. The Pharisees had special publications. The arrangement for a commune funded by "voluntary" donations is not scripturally based. The first century Christians were commanded to work for what they ate and not to live off of others. "If he doesn't work, let him not eat." Those who disobeyed such direction were to be marked and avoided. According to Paul's counsel, the Bethelites and the GB and the COs should all be marked and avoided. Certainly most of them are just ignorant to what the Bible teaches, but if they were to reread that chapter where Paul is talking about marking in context they would see it is completely misapplied by the organization. It is their behavior that should be shunned and avoided.

 

 

Jehovah's Word says to take care of your family first. "For if anyone doesn't take care of his family, he is worse than one who disowns the faith." The organization says to work less and volunteer more for their assets, more recently in the building work for projects that they own and can sell. Jesus said such "corban" like arrangements actually negate the sacrifice in God's eyes.

 

 

Jesus taught without movies or books or magazines. He is the one we should follow. (It's not wrong to use such tools, but it shouldn't be put on a level that comes at the cost of sacrificing obedience to the more important things.) Jesus drove out the money-makers from the temple. He said they were making his Father's house a cave of robbers. That's what these guys at Watchtower are doing. They are robbers pretending to use the money for good things. If they were really using the funds well, then they would provide an accounts report, just like the local congregations do. "The righteous one is not afraid of coming to the light, but the wicked one does not come to the light, that his works may not be exposed."

 

 

The Watchtower begs for money from poor people and then says they're not begging. Do you know any other publication that so blatantly asks for funds in this way? At least they could be honest about it and say, please give us your money. Instead they attempt to guilt the friends by putting a bunch of scriptures first and at the ends saying it's like giving to God. Giving to them is not giving to God, it's paying for room and board and healthcare and lawsuits for a bunch of guys that are pulling the wool over the eyes of about 9 million or so people. "Give us your coconuts!!!"

 

 

Here is a link to another thread that has some information on some financial holdings of the organization...

 

 

 

And interestingly enough, if you want to talk to anybody at Bethel over the phone about anything of importance it is almost impossible. I've tried. But chances are you can get through every time if you want to call the number to give money.

 

The organization is asking the friends to give something that Jesus doesn't require. The GB are money lovers. They are cultivating their business in those articles. It's the same thing the Pharisees did.

 

"No servant can be a slave to two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves to God and to Riches.” Now the Pharisees, who were money lovers, were listening to all these things, and they began to sneer at him.  So he said to them: “You are those who declare yourselves righteous before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is considered exalted by men is a disgusting thing in God’s sight."

 

(Luke 16:13-15)