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"PEACE AND SECURITY"Just as the leaders of the ancient nation of Israel kept saying: "There is peace! There is peace!" when there was no peace, so it is the same today in the congregations. For this year, Jehovah's Witnesses have been proclaiming "Peace and Security!" by means of their convention invitations, the title and talks of the convention, as well as the two scheduled assemblies for the year. All the while, Jesus shows in the book of Revelation that the congregations are not at peace. The seven congregations mentioned in Revelation all have problems that interfere with peace, including persecution, false teachings infiltrating the congregations, as well as a lack of love. There can be no peace when such things exist. When Paul is talking about those in the congregation who are crying "Peace and Security!" and then instant destruction is upon them, he is referring to the presence of the lawless ones that are talked about throughout the Christian Greek Scriptures. These lawless ones are also referred to in Jude as being in the restored Christian congregation in the last days. Paul said in Thessalonians that there is one exercising a restraint. The ones exercising a restraint are the angels, who John described in Revelation as holding back the winds of destruction until the anointed are all sealed. The United Nations, as described in Revelation, will be soon destroying Babylon the Great, but Ezekiel showed Jehovah said "start at my sanctuary" and with "the elders in front of the house." Jehovah has allowed his name to be placed on the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, just like in the past he allowed his name on the house in ancient Israel. It is his "house".
Ezekiel was given a vision of the bad practices going on right at the temple, which parallel Jesus' description of the bad activities taking place in the seven congregations right now in our day. The winds of destruction unleashed by the United Nations on false religion will start with the lawless ones who have hidden in Jehovah's organization. Those who are sighing and groaning over what is going on in the organization are marked for survival. The seven stars of the congregations are angels, and these ones will protect the faithful. The attack on religion will be accomplished without any prior warning, "like a thief in the night". There will be no talk about it by the governments or newscasters ahead of time on the news or the internet. (But Jehovah does reveal such matters to his friends, Amos 3:7.) Just like the Medes and Persians came to Babylon and no one knew they had dried up the river or snuck across the riverbed until they were already in the city, so it will be with the attack on religion. Daniel and faithful Jews in the city survived. Many faithful Christians will survive the initial attack, because we have more work to do. The nations do not have permission to hurt Jehovah's faithful ones among the congregations, and when the nations overstep their bounds, they will face Jehovah's wrath. (Isaiah 5:26, 28:2, 54:11-17) The religious leaders are drunk, even those lawless ones in Jehovah's organization, some of the elders who hide what they are (and their supporters) who elevate themselves, placing themselves "like a god" right within the organization, are spiritually drunk and inebriated; they have forgotten how to heed a warning. The city is surrounded, but there are many lawless elders among the congregations who say, "I sit a queen, I will never see mourning." It will start at Jehovah's sanctuary, with the elders in front of the house. She will be devastated. It is according to the will of Jehovah. The angels will remove those things causing a stumbling and those people doing wickedness. True worship will be cleansed. "And you will again see the distinction between a righteous person and a wicked person, between one serving God and one not serving him." "EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM"People saw Jesus after his resurrection and lived. The apostles met with him many times during the 40 days before Jesus ascended to heaven. Jesus was a resurrected spirit creature at that time. The apostles and other disciples did not "burn up" when they saw him. He ate with them. He talked with them. Jesus told the wrongdoer on the torture stake next to him, "You will be with me in Paradise." He wasn't talking figuratively. Jesus will also eat and talk with that man in Paradise. It is not impossible for God. The scripture that says "Jesus dwells in the inapproachable light" is describing Jesus in his heavenly glory. When he visits the earth, he doesn't have to shine all that glory at once. He can materialize a body or do whatever he wants to in order to interact on an individual basis with humans and not have them burn up because of his glory. When Jesus comes at Armageddon, every eye will see him in the way that he decides to make himself manifest. It is not figurative. The anointed priests and Jesus will interact on earth in person during the 1,000 year reign. Good kings and good priests in ancient Israel were humble and interacted with the people. We can expect nothing less from Jehovah and Jesus.
ON KINGS AND WOMENThose in authority are like "kings" in regard to those subject to them. Those in subjection are like "women" in regard to those in authority. All of Jehovah's people have a measure of authority and can benefit from the advice to "kings". All of Jehovah's people are in subjection and can benefit from the advice to "women". Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon train the anointed, who are like Jesus' "woman" collectively speaking. They will rule as kings. The principles about good versus bad "women" show the difference between false religion (an adulterous woman) and the true priesthood (a loyal woman). The advice about kings is useful for those who will rule in heaven. The principles are useful for all humankind, in whatever assignment they find themselves, but specifically the anointed need to see what is expected of them in their heavenly assignment. When Solomon says he has found one man out of a thousand but a woman he has not found, at the time he wrote Ecclesiastes, Jesus was alive in heaven but he did not yet have his "woman", his pure loyal bride. Song of Solomon describes Jesus like "a head of gold"; as the head of the Kingdom government he is far superior to any other government on earth. His other qualities described in Song of Solomon are describing him as King of the Kingdom; similarly the descriptions of the Shulammite describe the beauty of the Kingdom made up of 144,000 chosen ones. Song of Solomon describes Jesus' bride with many expressions, "like the tower of David with the circular shields of a thousand mighty men" describes the courage of the 144,000 because of Jehovah's holy spirit; "lips like a scarlet cord" just like Rahab saving others; "spending the night...I will go to the frankincense and myrhh" prayer to be close to God; "I am a wall, not a door" loyal to the Kingdom and not committing spiritual adultery. "Until the day grows breezy and the shadows flee" until the appointed time for the marriage, Jesus and the anointed long to "go into the interior room of she who gave birth to me" namely, heaven, where Jerusalem above is our mother, and from where blessings will pour out onto those on the earth. The ancient kings give a record for those who will rule in heaven to study and see what to do and what not to do with authority. All of Jehovah's people can learn from these things, but specifically the anointed need to see what a good king does.
IN DEFENSE OF 144,000 IS LITERAL NUMBER OUT OF FIGURATIVE ISRAELIs the number 144,000 symbolic or literal? Well, where do they come out of? Israel.
“Israel” = Contenders With God Who are some in the Bible called “Israel”? Jacob is called Israel. (Literally) Jacob’s physical offspring is called the nation of Israel. (Literally) Christians are called Israel. (Symbolically) “…and sit on thrones to judge the 12 tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:30) (Jesus was talking about Christians as symbolically being the 12 tribes of Israel.) “…to the 12 tribes that are scattered about: Greetings!” (James 1:1) (James was talking to Christians.) “This is the territory that you will assign as the land inheritance to the 12 tribes of Israel…” (Ezekiel 47:13) (This Ezekiel’s temple vision is about the future; the 12 tribes of Israel are Christians symbolically.) The 12 tribes listed in Revelation are symbolic. They symbolize all Christians. Ezekiel shows that Christians have the hope of a land inheritance here on earth. Jehovah will be here too, because the city on earth is called “Jehovah Is There.” (Ezekiel 48:35) Revelation 21:2 says the holy city comes down out of heaven to the earth. Revelation 21:3 says the tent of God is with mankind on earth and he will reside with them on earth. God himself will be with them on earth. You don’t have to go to heaven to be with Jehovah. He Causes to Become. He’s coming here once everybody’s perfect. Nobody will burn up when He comes. He can make a way to not show all his glory at once. He’s Jehovah. Jehovah will wipe every tear out of the eyes of those on earth, Jehovah himself. “And a spirit proceeded to raise me up and bring me into the inner courtyard, and, look! the House had become full of the glory of Jehovah. And I began to hear someone speaking to me out of the House, and [the] man himself had come to be standing beside me. And He went on to say to me:“Son of man, [this is] the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I shall reside in the midst of the sons of Israel to time indefinite…” (Ezekiel 43:5-7) Jehovah was the one speaking to Ezekiel out of the house. The Man Himself. (Isn’t it interesting Jesus is so often called the Son of Man? Who is man’s Father again? Man is a chip off the ol’ block.) Jehovah told Ezekiel “I shall reside in the midst of the sons of Israel.” Jehovah is Our Father. Some of his kids live in heaven. Some live on earth. Jehovah can hang out with both. Angels can visit the earth, why not Jehovah? He made the angels. Jesus did both. Is anything impossible for God? “As regards the heavens, to Jehovah the heavens belong, but the earth he has given to the sons of men.” Jehovah lives in heaven, but He built the earth for his human kids. What Father builds a house for his kids and doesn’t go visit them there? Jehovah’s hands built Adam. Can’t you picture Jehovah down here on earth with his hands forming the body? Jehovah breathed life into Adam’s nostrils. Can you picture Jehovah looking into Adam’s eyes when they first opened? Adam was built like His Father, and like his brother, Jesus. “Let us make man in our image.” “The One who built the ear, can He not hear? The One who built the eye, can He not see?” The One who built the earth, can He not walk on it? “Later they heard the voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden…” (Jehovah was walking in the garden.) “They hid from the face of Jehovah.” (You don’t hide from a voice.) They saw his face. Jehovah has had to endure being physically apart from his beloved human children for thousands of years. It is not fair for Jehovah. The “firstborn from the dead”, some of the older kids who are made perfect earlier, the ones made into a new creation, will sacrifice the opportunity to procreate and have different gifts in order to join Jehovah a little earlier than the rest of humans, but it’s not because they’re extra special. Jehovah chose the lowliest of the low to be anointed, the ones looked down upon, so that the rest would see it’s not by works. Why do you think some people get so irritated with the governing body? Why do some people get irritated with anyone who is anointed? It’s not because the anointed ones are "special" or "perfect". It’s because they’re low. How many of the ancient Israelite kings messed up big time? Most of them. And yet, most of them are awaiting a resurrection. It’s the same with all the anointed. Most mess up big. But the ransom is big. That’s Jehovah’s way, so that no flesh may boast. The lowliness of the anointed serves to exalt the unfathomable riches of Christ’s blood. 144,000 is a literal number, a representative sample of some lowly people who made a lot of mistakes who can relate well enough to the rest of humankind so as to fill up the experience of the Christ as regards suffering. Not all in Israel were priests, there was just a representative sample; most Israelites could enjoy their land and home as Jehovah intended. The priests had to go slaughter animals and pour out blood and clean up the mess. (Why envy them?) As one complete unit, the Kingdom government, with Christ and the 144,000, like a man and woman who become one flesh, have suffered while on earth in every way imaginable and so can relate to and love and conduct the necessary priestly household activity in a loving and compassionate manner. They sacrifice the normal wonderful human experience of marriage and childbearing to instead be married in a different way and inherit children on earth. Those on earth inherit them as “parents” – a government (actually, family) of people who will love them as parents love their own children, because Jesus is the Eternal Father, he takes Adam’s place. Jesus will walk on the earth with his children. “I will be with you in Paradise.” Jesus was talking about eating and drinking and hanging out. When the anointed go to heaven now Jehovah doesn’t have to wait to the end of the 1,000 year reign to embrace some of his human kids. Jehovah is on the figurative torture stake because He can’t embrace you right now. It’s torture for him. Jesus learned how to endure torture by watching Jehovah. Jehovah wants to be with you physically now, but He is putting himself through this pain because He has something beautiful in store for you and He’s willing to wait for it. Israel (Jacob) wrestled all night with an angel so as to get the blessing for his family. His limp after that wrestling was with him all the rest of his life, that pain, until the Paradise. Jehovah is doing the same, enduring the pain, so as to have the blessing for you and with you. You are enduring too, with Jehovah. You are Contending With God, along with Jehovah, in that pain, but you will get the blessing. You are part of Israel. In the family, there is a firstborn. They didn’t do anything special to be firstborn. They were just born first. It’s not a big deal. Joseph was not the firstborn. Judah wasn’t the firstborn. But all the 12 tribes, all the 12 sons of Israel, got the inheritance, even though some of them made big time mistakes. Judah got the “right” as firstborn because at the time somebody had to take the lead in caring for the family. But we know who Israel favored, it was Joseph. Jehovah isn’t saying “I love the anointed more” when someone is anointed. He’s just saying, “hey, these guys are born first so they are going to have their abode and assignment over here to take care of some business for the family.” They are just a representative sample. It’s not a big deal. Which tribe are you like? Have you had your share of trials, like Joseph? Jehovah was with Joseph. Levi was a murderer, and that’s the tribe Jehovah chose to be the priests. What does that tell you about who Jehovah chooses to be anointed? It’s so that no flesh may boast. Jesus is your new father who replaced Adam. Jehovah brought Jesus to heaven to get some stuff done. Would Jehovah bring your new father there if he wasn’t coming back? What good father takes off forever? He said he was coming back. Lots of people saw Jesus after he became a new creation, for 40 days after his resurrection. Every eye will see him again soon on earth. Literally. Then, after the new parents (Jesus and the 144,000 who replace Adam and Eve) help the kids get to perfection, at the end of the 1,000 years, the “crowns” will be thrown down and God will become all things to everyone. Our Father. We are a real universal family. A family hangs out and visits each other, but the members have their own “abodes”. Jehovah is coming. He wants his whole family. All his precious ones. He is telling you these things because He loves you. “Lift up your heads, you gates; Open up, you ancient doorways, That the glorious King may enter! Who is he, this glorious King? Jehovah of armies—he is the glorious King.” PAUL'S VISION OF THE "THIRD HEAVENS"Sometimes “heavens” means sky, as in where the birds fly.
Sometimes “heavens” means up where angels live. Sometimes “heavens” means governments or authorities or ruling systems. Which “heavens” did Paul mean when he spoke of the “third heavens”? “I have to boast. It is not beneficial, but I will move on to supernatural visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in union with Christ who, 14 years ago—whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know; God knows—was caught away to the third heaven. Yes, I know such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know; God knows— who was caught away into paradise and heard words that cannot be spoken and that are not lawful for a man to say.” Paul was so excited about this vision, he called it “an extraordinary revelation”. Yet he also said that at the time he “heard words that cannot be spoken and that are not lawful for a man to say.” Are they lawful to talk about today? “As for you, Daniel, keep the words secret, and seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.” We live in the time of the end. “Now when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write, but I heard a voice out of heaven say: “Seal up the things the seven thunders spoke, and do not write them down.” The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the earth raised his right hand to heaven, and he swore by the One who lives forever and ever, who created the heaven and the things in it and the earth and the things in it and the sea and the things in it: “There will be no delay any longer. But in the days when the seventh angel is about to blow his trumpet, the sacred secret that God declared as good news to his own slaves the prophets is indeed brought to a finish.”” Are we living in the time of the seventh trumpet? Peter gives us the clues about the “third heavens”. Here is the first heavens: “For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were HEAVENS and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water.” (2 Peter 3:5:6) Here is the second heavens: “But by the same word the HEAVENS and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.” 2 Peter 3:7 Here is the third heavens: “Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! But there are new HEAVENS and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.” 2 Peter 3:11-13 There was a “Heavens” that was destroyed in the days of the Flood. It was the government/authority/ruling system over the earth at that time. There was a “Heavens” that we are living under now, the governments/ruling authorities of this world. There are new “Heavens” we are awaiting, the kingdom arrangement. The new kingdom government will make the earth like a paradise, just like Paul said. How? Where will the kingdom be? The kingdom comes down from heaven to the earth. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” And he said to me: “They have come to pass! I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga, the beginning and the end. To anyone thirsting I will give from the spring of the water of life free. Anyone conquering will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Why will it be a paradise? What makes a garden like paradise? It’s not the fruit. It’s who’s in the garden with you. Who was in the garden with Adam and Eve? (and I don’t mean the snake…) Who walked with them, talked with them, every day? Jehovah. Jehovah was there with them. What is the name of that city on earth? Jehovah Himself Will Be There. (Ezekiel 48:35) “Let the little children come to me.” How would a little child understand that passage in Revelation 21? How would a little child understand “And God himself will be with them.” “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes.” Would a little child think, “oh, that’s figurative”? No. A little child knows their daddy. “In that very hour he became overjoyed in the holy spirit and said: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children. Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.” Jesus came to teach us what Jehovah is like. Jehovah is not a “figurative-hang-out-with-you-from-afar-only” kind of person. What was Jesus like? How close did he get to people? Did he hug kids? Jehovah will hug you, whether you live in heaven or on earth. Literally. (No wonder Paul was so excited about that vision!) “With that he turned to the disciples and told them privately: “Happy are the eyes that see the things you are seeing. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see the things you are observing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them.”” Jehovah is revealing these things to us. He has great affection for us! “And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah.” “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, for the appointed time is near.” “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’” “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones.” May you rejoice in his great love, dear ones! THE FIRST CENTURY GOVERNING BODYThe Bible says that the first century governing body was called "elders and older men". Peter was part of that governing body. Paul was not. Paul was an apostle to the nations, but he was not part of the governing body.
Paul and Barnabas came up to Jerusalem regarding the issue of circumcision, to get clarification. Certain Jewish members of the Christian congregation were teaching something against what Christ taught, namely, that circumcision was a requirement to be saved. Jesus poured out holy spirit on uncircumcised ones, and this showed evidence that clarified the matter, and the governing body took this into account and sent forth the decree to the rest of the congregations. Here is an interesting point: those "lowly" uncircumcised Gentile Christians were anointed with holy spirit and knew these things BEFORE the governing body did. The question arises, does this situation show that the "governing body" is truly the "channel" for new light? In the first century, the lowly Gentile Christians knew the truth about circumcision being unnecessary before there was a decree from the governing body. Jehovah was with those lowly ones. They didn't know because they were super smart. They knew because Jehovah let them know. Praise Jehovah! What about later, when Peter stopped eating with men from the nations who became believers during the time Jewish Christians were visiting? Who corrected Peter in this matter? Was it the governing body? Peter was part of the governing body. He was the one needing to be corrected. Paul corrected him. Paul was an anointed Christian who was NOT part of the governing body. Who made Paul aware that what Peter was doing was wrong? Was Paul imposing his own opinion in the matter? Not at all! It was Jehovah, by means of Jehovah's holy spirit, that Paul spoke these things. Two witnesses establishing a matter, two situations from Jehovah's Word regarding the governing body in the first century that show the governing body is NOT the only "channel" that light comes through. Jehovah may raise up anyone to share light. Jehovah used so many different ones in the past to share light, some were kings and priests, others were lowly itinerant workers or shepherds. Jehovah is using his modern-day organization to take the lead, yes, Jehovah is using the governing body as the group of men to send out decrees for the congregation, yes, but as far as understanding and sharing light - Jehovah can move whoever he sees fit to share that light, even the lowliest of men (or women or children.) Our faithful brother C.T. Russell was a shopkeeper. Brother Adolf Weber was a gardener. (Did you know that an uneducated woman restored Jehovah's name to its rightful place in the scriptures decades prior to the release of the NWT when she translated the entire Bible from Hebrew and Greek into English as a home Bible study project back in 1847-1855? She didn't have the help of a translation committee, but she had holy spirit. There is a copy of her work in the Bethel Bible exhibit, but you won't hear much about her in the Watchtower magazine at present, because some worldly people labeled her as a "feminist". Julia E. Smith is being misunderstood as many of Jehovah's faithful children are misunderstood and mislabeled. Even a lowly and despised woman can be used by Jehovah to shine light. How many other faithful women were labeled "wicked feminist apostates" when in truth they were adhering to Bible teachings? Do we really know what went on with Maria Russell? The Bible says to pay marital due and not to separate from your unbelieving spouse. Who separated from whom? I wasn't there, but we are told on one hand "stop judging" and on the other "teachings are refined as the light gets brighter". Is it possible Sister Russell didn't agree with pyramid teachings chart and wanted to adhere to what the Bible says instead? I don't know, but it is clear this is Jehovah's organization and sometimes those taking the lead make mistakes, even those on the governing body. The ransom is big enough to cover them all, unless a person is blaspheming the spirit.) What does it matter before Jehovah God what we are? We are all dust, and Jehovah can use the dust as he sees fit. He can even make the rocks cry out! This brings glory to Jehovah, that no man may boast. Praise Jehovah! AN APPEAL TO THOSE WHO ABORT FAMILY MEMBERS:Woe to those who put good for bad and bad for good!
For by means of your traditions, you have made the word of God invalid! God's Word says: "The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world" and "Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith." Our literature/videos say: Get a "theocratic career" so you don't have to take care of widows and orphans. "Let someone else take care of them, because my time is "dedicated" corban." Men sacrifice their children, children abandon their parents, in order to adhere to these false traditions, in order to get a so-called "theocratic career" and glory from men. It is proper to put the Kingdom first, but what does that mean? The Kingdom arrangement has to do with family, both physical family and spiritual family. Is it proper to disregard family in order to have a title? What really does it mean to "minister"? What is an "elder"? Supposedly, an older brother. How do "elders" shepherd according to the Bible? Why does the organization trade brotherly love for checklists and numbers? Is it a time for numbers and checklists and placements? All those things do have a place, but is their place before or after love and affection and justice and mercy? What does Jesus teach us? True, if anyone has room for the gift of singleness, fine, but if you already have children and parents and a mate and brothers and sisters, is it right to sacrifice them? Is that what Jesus is really teaching? Can you imagine Jesus resurrecting the widow of Nain's son, and then telling him to leave her? Why did he resurrect him? "Give him to his mother." "Put the Kingdom first," yes, "as you go preach," yes, "slave for the master, Christ," yes, "beg the Master for more workers in the harvest," yes - but also "little children, keep yourselves from idols". Beware putting a so-called "theocratic career" in the same place the Pharisees of old put their so-called "theocratic career." "Let your gifts of mercy be in private," and "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Jesus did so many good things that all the scrolls on the earth could not contain, and yet he did not have a "theocratic career" with a title and a graduation ceremony and applications and checklists and placement/time requirements, did he? Jesus teaches us. Follow him! "Beware the leaven of the scribes and Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Life story after life story, the organization praises those who disobey God's commands on family, and the organization seeks to train a new generation to continue in this God dishonoring course. A so-called "theocratic career" disregards God's commands in so many ways - eating without working secularly, men who meddle with what doesn't belong to them by loading up people with heavy loads but not lifting a finger to help them, encouraging abandonment of family. Videos encourage isolation and divisions in the family by means of a misapplication of scripture as regards friendships with worldly family and the "disfellowshipping" doctrine applied in the wrong way. God's Word is being annulled by means of your traditions. How can Jehovah bless those who teach traditions of men as doctrines? "A little leaven has fermented the whole lump." Jehovah will clean his house. You are much mistaken about who Jehovah is. God is Love. "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." "I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be." "I myself will feed my sheep...the injured I will bandage, and the weak I will strengthen, but the fat one and the strong one I will annihilate...I will feed that one with judgement." Please repent! Jehovah is coming. "Make the way of Jehovah straight, you people!"
My dear brothers,
Jesus did not take antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds, even when they were offered to him during the most heavy trial any man could ever face. What is the history of such medications? Many Victorian era poets and writers composed their works while on opium or even cocaine. Such drugs were thought to be the "antidepressants" or "anti-anxiety meds" of the day. What do you think? Satan has not changed his tactics, they just are wrapped differently. The modern medical field of psychology is based in ancient Greek philosophy. The "medications" actually open people to demonic influence. You can see how a person takes an antidepressant. "Magically" it works for a little while. But then it needs to be upped. And again. And again. Why? Have you ever known an addict? The demons give him a nice high the first time. He chases the high. The demons make him chase the high, and it gets worse and worse. The technique is the same with psychology drugs. The Bible shows that demons harass people, even good people. They harassed Jesus. They harassed Job. They harassed a lot of Israelites in the first century, people who believed in Jesus and followed him. It's the same today. Even loyal Witnesses of Jehovah can be harassed. Do you think giving someone drugs, even "prescribed" drugs, will improve the situation? The world thinks so. But who really controls the world? People who are labeled "schizophrenic" or "bipolar" are being tortured by demons. A person who is rightly depressed by world conditions or life circumstances can also be leaned on by demons who attempt to make them feel worse, again, look at Job's situation. When the psychology "doctor" prescribes meds, the demons back off a bit so it looks like the "drugs" worked. Then the person is open to even more torture because the drugs dull the thinking ability. The person is kept as a slave to the drugs and the demons and the label. Jesus came to set people free. He is not healing diabetes right now or physical blindness or even demon possession, but we can take practical measures to cope in ways that are in harmony with Jehovah's Word. A diabetic can try to eat well and exercise and check his blood sugar, and if need be, there are medications that are measurable to lower his sugar. A blind person can learn braille and use a cane and a seeing-eye dog. A demon harassed person can fight the demons by strengthening their faith and fighting discouraging thoughts with the sword of the spirit, the Scriptures, to overturn every thought that is in opposition to the Christ and bring it into captivity. But how can they fight the fight if they are drugged up and more incapacitated when it comes to mental power? You men have God's Word. What does it say? "Here they tried to give him wine drugged with myrrh, but he would not take it." Follow the Christ! Stop recommending and approving of conduct that God hates. Jesus is cleaning the house. It's time to throw away the opium and the cocaine and the fluoxetine and the sertraline and the benzodiazepines and all the other demon drugs. Origins matter. Have you researched the origins of psychology lately? Would it come as a surprise to you that Hitler used psychology theory and that homosexuals use psychology theory and that other immoral people use psychology theory to back their actions? I think you already know that. Why do you want to worship those disgusting idols? So you can fit in with the nations? The nations are going to be destroyed, and so is all of Satan's world. The Word of God remains forever. It's time to clean out God's house. Luke was a beloved physician, but it was Mark and Matthew who noted that Jesus refused the mind-dulling drugs. "And when they came to a place called Golʹgo·tha, that is, Skull Place, they gave him wine mixed with gall to drink; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it." When will you refuse them? You need all of your mental capacity to do this job. The demons are harassing you, their time is limited, and you will be more open to their suggestions if you take those drugs. You can help the Bethelites better if you are not drugging them up too. Why do you think all those drugs have side effects that say "increases risk of suicidal tendencies"? Please, praise Jehovah! JONAH Drama Quotes Jonah: Listen to this: "You are a holy people to Jehovah your God, and Jehovah your God has chosen you to become his people, his special property out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." Joanna: The words of Moses, speaking to our people before they entered this land. Jonah: Yes, and just before that, he told them to destroy all the idols of the Canaanites. Joanna: I wonder if there are more idols in the land now than there were then. Jonah: At every turn, our people bow and pray to them. JOSIAH Drama Quotes Josiah: Zephaniah, today my little son found this in a field and brought it home. Zephaniah: They're filling the holy city with their filthy idols. Josiah: Everywhere I look, I see Baal images and smoke on the high places. The smell of their incense makes me sick! I've been king for 12 years now. It's time to act! I want to finish the cleansing work my grandfather started. Zephaniah: You will need Jehovah's help. Josiah: I know. I've been praying about it day and night. Zephaniah: Good. Josiah: I will issue a proclamation. Let the word go forth that we will rid this land of idolatry! NEHEMIAH Drama Quotes Not only had they neglected Jehovah's house... Nehemiah: What are you doing? Do you not care that this is the Sabbath?...What is this evil thing you're doing? That's why God brought disaster on this city! Elder: The people think it's acceptable now. Nehemiah: What does Jehovah think?... Raham: Nehemiah, nobody cares... Nehemiah: Then why have you ignored the command of Jehovah and your own oath?...Did you imagine you could succeed without Jehovah's blessing? Raham: I prayed for Jehovah's blessing! Nehemiah: Did you? But you didn't obey him. Raham, how can Jehovah bless something that is against his will? The people were just following the bad example of those taking the lead. Pediah: Eliashib's grandson married a Horonite, the daughter of Sanballat. Nehemiah: Have you no respect for God's Law? Remove the Magic-Practicing Priests and Tear Down the High Places We have wonderful articles that have researched the origins of yoga and revealed its darkness. What about all the other spiritistic activities that have permeated the organization today? Research acupuncture, chiropractic, aromatherapy theory, enema cleansing, "emotional tapping", electric shock therapy, "Heart Math", reflexology, Craniosacral therapy, and you will find all these "therapies" have the same kinds of origins and darkness as yoga. We tell our children not to watch cartoons about magic and not to read books about magic and we tell our teens not to watch shows about magic, but then right at Bethel and in all the congregations you have not only adults consulting "magic-practicing priests" but those who teach and practice such therapies on others! Talk about "sorcery" in the congregation! In my circuit, there are several women who practice Craniosacral therapy for work. One is a pioneer, considered to be "exemplary" even though she practices spiritism. There are brothers and sisters (one is an elder) who recommend their favorite doctor to others, he is a chiropractic neurologist who practices "muscle testing" to determine which potions (aka supplements) the body "needs" to heal. He also teaches a form of self-hypnosis and electric shock therapy techniques. Several sisters went to that doctor on the recommendation of that elder and his wife, and one got hurt and seriously harassed by demons. The elder who recommended the spiritistic "doctor" did not get removed, instead he was "promoted" to be the COBE. Bethel was aware of these things, but they don't care because Bethel is full of spiritistic medical practices. Rather than help the sister that was hurt by this, Bethel sent her a letter that recommended she get medicated. Then they supported wicked congregation elders who disfellowshipped the sister for also telling on other bad behaviors going on in the congregation, including adultery, violence, abuse, and drunkenness. The sister wrote time and again to Bethel, including the governing body. The governing body refuses to stand up for Jehovah's clear commands. They permit wickedness, and as regards spiritism, they do not take a stand. Instead they wishy-washily say "it's a conscience matter". It's not a conscience matter! The "land" of our organization is full of the high places! And our people have liked it that way! It's time to clean the house. Do the research, not just surface research, but the origins of these things, and see for yourself. You will find these therapies are promoting witchcraft and eastern religious theories right in the congregations. Is it any wonder there is so much trouble? Who are you inviting when you invite these practices among us? Whose spirit are you driving away? How can you partake of the table of Jehovah and the table of demons? It's not possible. You can say you are serving Jehovah, but when Jesus says the congregations have Jezebel and Balaam and are like the synagogue of Satan, he's not kidding. Wake up, please! It's time to clean house. Elder worship, clergy class, toleration and promotion of spiritism and use of blood, religious doctrines of excommunication and twisting the scriptures...so many idols in God's house! Jesus is issuing a proclamation to clean the land of the idols: The cleansing will start at the sanctuary, with the elders in front of the house. It's time! Praise Jehovah! (Sent to Bethel:) "They were sacrificing to demons, not to God, To gods that they had not known, New ones that came along recently, To gods that your forefathers did not know." ...gods of psychology ...gods of modern medicine ...gods of technology ...gods of legal departments ...gods of traditions made up in modern times in the organization ...gods of elders and governing body and full time servants ...gods of theocratic schools ...gods of counting numbers of placements and hours ...gods of required clothing styles and banning hats and beards ...gods of whatever is published in the Watchtower or other publications ...all ahead of Jehovah and His Word and obedience to the Law of the Christ. Jehovah God is Love. Your gods are gods of lawlessness, not love. Please repent and praise Jehovah! Praise Jehovah! "They were sacrificing to demons, not to God, To gods that they had not known, New ones that came along recently, To gods that your forefathers did not know." ...gods of psychology ...gods of modern medicine ...gods of technology ...gods of legal departments ...gods of traditions made up in modern times in the organization ...gods of elders and governing body and full time servants ...gods of theocratic schools ...gods of counting numbers of placements and hours ...gods of required clothing styles and banning hats and beards ...gods of whatever is published in the Watchtower or other publications ...all ahead of Jehovah and His Word and obedience to the Law of the Christ. Jehovah God is Love. Your gods are gods of lawlessness, not love. Please repent and praise Jehovah! Praise Jehovah!
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"THE KINGDOM OF THE HEAVENS IS LIKE..."Jesus gave three illustrations that showed how the modern day organization will be cleansed and why. The wheat and the weeds, the leaven and flour, and the mustard seed all show that undesirable elements would show up in the true Christian congregation and need to be removed. Birds don't belong on a mustard plant. Revelation says that Babylon the Great has become the dwelling place of every unclean and hated bird. In Jehovah's organization, Jude shows there would be such unclean and hated false shepherds feasting "at your love feasts". The high quantity of fumbled abuse cases is evidence of this issue. The leaven has fermented the whole mass of flour, Jesus showed that the truth would be infiltrated by bad teachings and traditions, similar to in the days of the Pharisees. The whole organization is marred by such God-dishonoring practices such as misapplied disfellowshipping, encouragement of elder-worship and a paid clergy class ($229 million spent on "Special Full-Time Servants" in 2021, even though the apostle Paul said "he who does not work should not eat" and that all Christians should imitate his example, he who was willing to do menial work as a tentmaker in order to support his ministry. Even most of the Levites and priests of old served in shifts, more like commuters. They still had to work to care for their own homes and families. The priesthood of old foreshadowed the anointed working in heaven with Jesus as priests, not "special full-time" service at Bethel. In the first century congregation, there was no such clergy class that worked at a central headquarters supported by tithes or with titles. Jesus said we are all brothers. Having "special full-time servants" sounded like a good idea at its inception, just like Sarah's idea to have Abraham sleep with Hagar or man's idea for polygamy. But it wasn't in accord with Jehovah's standards. True, Jehovah still blessed Abraham and Jacob - the twelve tribes are all blessed and they are the children of a polygamous marriage - but Jehovah made clear in time the way things were supposed to be.)
Additionally, the exaltation of the governing body by means of misapplication of the verse about "a faithful and discreet slave" has led to an operation of error on the writers of the publications. Jesus' illustration of the faithful and evil slaves was just an illustration about how we need to be faithful. It was not a prophetic type. No where else does the Bible point to such a title or assignment for the governing body. It is fitting to have a governing body, or a group of elders and older ones who make basic decisions and offer sound Bible-based direction, but it is imitating false religion to mold such ones into a clergy class and then perpetuate the teaching by means of weekly publications and videos. When those writing the publications lord it over the flock by means of decrees that are not recorded in the Bible (such as disfellowshipping as it is currently practiced and forbidding higher education) they are imitating the Pharisees and Sadducees of old, those who Jesus said, "beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." As regards the wheat and weeds illustration, Jesus said that at the conclusion of the system of things he would send out his angels and remove all things (like false teachings) causing a stumbling in the organization and all people (like those unclean and hated birds) doing wickedness. "When the wicked sprout as the vegetation and all the wrongdoers flourish, it is that they may be annihilated forever." (Ps.92:7) Jesus' illustration of lowly despised ulcerated Lazarus changing positions with the exalted sneering rich man depict the changes soon to take place in Jehovah's organization. Those loyal little sheep (who have been beat up and cast out and despised by some who are like self-exalted power/fame-hungry "lords", wolves in sheeps covering who hide in the organization) will receive the blessing and comfort of Jehovah's protection and approval, while the Pharisaical ones will be humiliated. It is for the purpose of glorifying Jehovah. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) Some more illustrations from Matthew 13...Matthew 13 says the Kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure. The man buys the field, not just the treasure. He buys it for the hidden treasure, yes, but he owns the whole field now. Jesus is saying the congregation of anointed ones (those who make up the Kingdom of the heavens) are like that treasure because they are hidden in the world, and Jesus bought the world with his blood. He bought the whole world, he owns all of it now, it belongs to him, including those "hidden" anointed ones who will rule in the Kingdom. (They are "hidden" in that they are not recognized as treasure by the world in general. But Jesus knows those who belong to him, and he rejoices over them.) Jesus said at Matthew 13 that the Kingdom of the heavens is like a traveling merchant. (He didn't say the Kingdom of the heavens is like a pearl here. He said it's like a traveling merchant seeking pearls.) The anointed congregation is like this merchant who is willing to promptly give up everything to follow Christ, the true king, the pearl of high value. We must give up everything for him, and be willing to follow him wherever he goes. Jesus said the Kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet. The anointed draw many to them through the preaching work. The congregation arrangement is full of many people. Some don't belong, even some on the elder bodies don't belong. It is not the elders that will clean this up by means of "disfellowshipping" or manmade rules. It is the angels. Jesus said the angels will fix it during the great tribulation. That is the point when fakers will be cast out at Jesus' direction. (2 Peter chapter 2). Jehovah sees the lawless ones where they are in the congregation, even those who may currently have the title of "elder" but who are actually wolves in sheeps clothing, wicked shepherds who feed themselves on the Lord's sheep. (They may be able to hide from a judicial committee of men, but they can't hide from Jehovah.) The lawless ones' days are numbered. We just have to hang in there for a little while longer. "You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard so that you may not be led astray with them by the error of the lawless people and fall from your own steadfastness. No, but go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." THE NAME OF THE CITY WILL BE "JEHOVAH HIMSELF IS THERE"All things are possible with God. In the Garden of Eden, Jehovah was Walking in the Garden. The man hid from Jehovah's Face. When it says in John that no man has seen the Father at anytime, it is talking figuratively about Seeing Jehovah as He really is in heaven. Jehovah is able to make a way for himself to enjoy the earth and his children on the earth in person. When Jacob was wrestling, after he asked the name of the one he was wrestling with, what was the answer he got, and what did he name that place? What did Hagar say after her interaction with "the One who sees me"? Jehovah is not partial. He is not only going to have personal face-to-face interactions with a certain "class" that goes to heaven. He is the Father of all his Children, both those whose abode is in heaven and those whose abode is on earth. There is a reason Jesus is called "Son of Man" and not just "Son of God". God made man in His image, because Jehovah is built that way too, and He can visit here and interact with his children here. He is Jehovah, "He Who Causes to Become" and "I Shall Become Whatsoever I Choose to Become". The city in the end of Ezekiel, that city that is on the earth in the future, is called Jehovah Himself Is There, and in Revelation 21:3,4 it says that Jehovah himself will wipe away every tear from out of their eyes. The "two sticks" will be joined together into one universal family with Jehovah as Father.
In what way are the anointed "elders" according to Revelation? Not in the sense of a clergy class. They are "elder brothers" in that they are "born again" first. The 144,000 are "older brothers" in that they are born as God's children when anointed with holy spirit. The rest of faithful humankind is "born" completely as God's children at the end of the 1,000 year reign, when God becomes all things to all people and the family will truly be united at last. Jehovah is Your Father. He is not far away from each one of us, and He wants you to know that you on earth will look into his eyes someday too. He is Our Father. Jehovah breathed the breath of life into Adam's nostrils here on earth. How close was Jehovah to Adam in order to do that? Adam will not be back, but Jesus took Adam's place as our Eternal Father. Jesus is not a deadbeat dad. He will interact with his earthly children forever, and when he turns the kingdom back to his Father at the end of the 1,000 year reign, when all humans on earth are perfect, then Jehovah will be all things to all people, meaning, He will be walking in the garden with you too and you will see His face. How could the earthly Paradise be complete without Jehovah there? He is the Most Important Part. God is Love. GOD'S CHILDREN“The crown of old men consists of children’s children” Proverbs 17:6 (Rotherham)
Who were Israel’s “children”? Jacob/Israel had 12 sons. They were his children. So was his daughter, she was one of Israel’s children too. Jacob/Israel’s children had children. They were Israel’s grandchildren. Those had children, and so on, until there was a great nation, all of them called, collectively, Children of Israel. Who are God’s children? If the 144,000 are God’s children because of Christ’s blood, then who are the children of the 144,000? Grandchildren? Then aren’t they also God’s children? What children are we talking about? Adam had children. Jesus adopted Adam’s children. Jesus marries the 144,000, thus all the children of Adam who have faith in the ransom are also children of the 144,000. Being a child of a child of God makes you a child of God too. It doesn’t end with one generation. In order to be a child of God, you don’t have to be one of the 144,000. Jesus said that even children could understand the deep things of God, but the learned men had a hard time. Their eyes are dulled. It’s a partial dulling of senses upon some in “Israel”. (Jehovah’s true people, whether they be in or out of the organization, are Israel, “Contenders With God”.) “Let the young children come to me.” Jehovah wants the whole family. The ransom is big enough for those who repent, even those men who currently try to distance us from Jehovah by misrepresenting him. We will wait for them until our Lord says the time is up. They belong to him, all things belong to him. We have to be ready to comfort them, because if they survive the tribulation, they are going to need comfort. They’re going to feel really bad about misrepresenting Jehovah, and about driving sheep away. Surely they aren’t doing it on purpose, not the sincere ones. (I am not talking about the ones who have blasphemed the spirit, but we don’t know which ones they are.) Some are really just misled. “For I do not want you to be unaware of this sacred secret, brothers, so that you do not become wise in your own eyes: A partial dulling of senses has come upon Israel until the full number of people of the nations has come in, and in this manner all Israel will be saved. Just as it is written: “The deliverer will come out of Zion and turn away ungodly practices from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them, when I take their sins away.” True, with respect to the good news, they are enemies for your sakes; but with respect to God’s choosing, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are not things he will regret. For just as you were once disobedient to God but have now been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so also these now have been disobedient with mercy resulting to you, so that they themselves may also now be shown mercy. For God has confined all of them together in disobedience so that he might show all of them mercy. O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are! For “who has come to know Jehovah’s mind, or who has become his adviser?” Or, “who has first given to him, so that it must be repaid to him?” Because from him and by him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” “My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s.” 1 JOHN 4:12Hope is like an anchor for the soul – so important for that anchor to be solid!
Many who feel they have an earthly hope also desire to “see” Jehovah. Part of the difficulty is the misunderstanding of this verse: “No man has seen God at any time.” In what way did John mean “seen”? John spoke figuratively quite a bit. He calls Jesus “the Word” and “the light’. He says God “is Love” and God “is light”. Let John himself explain…”No man has seen God at any time; the only-begotten god who is at the Father’s side is the one who has explained Him.” John was talking about “seeing” Jehovah in all his heavenly glory, in heaven. Jesus explains further: “And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time nor seen his form.” Jesus had seen Jehovah’s “form” in heaven, all Jehovah’s glory; that’s why Jesus could really explain him. Just meeting the person of Jehovah for the first time or knowing the person of Jehovah for even one human lifetime isn’t the same as “seeing” and “knowing” Jehovah in all his heavenly glory the way Jesus has been with and seen and known Jehovah. What about this scripture in a conversation between Jehovah and Moses: “No man may see me and live”? “Then he [Moses] said: “Please show me your glory.” But he said: “I will make all my goodness pass before your face, and I will declare before you the name of Jehovah; and I will favor the one whom I favor, and I will show mercy to the one to whom I show mercy.” But he added: “You cannot see my face, for no man can see me and live.” Jehovah said further: “Here is a place near me. Station yourself on the rock. When my glory is passing by, I will place you in a crevice of the rock, and I will shield you with my hand until I have passed by. After that I will take my hand away, and you will see my back. But my face may not be seen.”” When Jehovah said “my face may not be seen” here, he was talking as regards all his glory. Moses specifically asked to see “your glory”. We know Moses saw Jehovah’s “face” in a different way, not with all the glory, because the Bible is true. “Jehovah spoke to Moses face-to-face, just as one man would speak to another man.” And many other saw Jehovah’s face, as recorded in the following: “Jehovah faced him [Gideon] and said: “Go with the strength you have, and you will save Israel out of Midʹi·an’s hand. Is it not I who send you?” (Judges 6:14) “Then she [Hagar] called on the name of Jehovah, who was speaking to her: “You are a God of sight,” for she said: “Have I here actually looked upon the one who sees me?”” (Genesis 16:13) “Then I [Ezekiel] heard someone speaking to me out of the temple, and the man came and stood beside me. He said to me: “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet, where I will dwell among the people of Israel forever.” (Ezekiel 43:6,7) “In turn Jacob inquired: “Tell me, please, your name.” However, he said: “Why is it that you ask my name?” With that he blessed him there. So Jacob named the place Pe·niʹel, for he said, “I have seen God face-to-face, yet my life was preserved.”” (Genesis 22:29,30) “Later they heard the voice of Jehovah God as he was walking in the garden about the breezy part of the day, and the man and his wife hid from the face of Jehovah God among the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8) “Afterward, Jehovah appeared to him among the big trees of Mamʹre while he was sitting at the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing some distance from him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, and he bowed down to the ground. Then he said: “Jehovah, if I have found favor in your eyes, please do not pass by your servant. Please, let a little water be brought and have your feet washed; then recline under the tree. Seeing that you have come here to your servant, let me bring a piece of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. Then you may go on your way.” At this they said: “All right. You may do as you have spoken.” So Abraham hurried to the tent to Sarah and said: “Quick! Get three measures of fine flour, knead the dough, and make loaves of bread.” Next Abraham ran to the herd and chose a tender and good young bull. He gave it to the attendant, who hurried to prepare it. He then took butter and milk and the young bull that he had prepared and set the food before them. Then he stood by them under the tree as they were eating. They said to him: “Where is your wife Sarah?” He replied: “Here in the tent.” So one of them continued: “I will surely return to you next year at this time, and look! your wife Sarah will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the tent entrance, which was behind the man. Abraham and Sarah were old, being advanced in years. Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah began to laugh to herself, saying: “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I really have this pleasure?” Then Jehovah said to Abraham: “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Am I really going to give birth even though I am old?’ Is anything too extraordinary for Jehovah?” So Jehovah ate with Abraham, right here on earth. Abraham, the one called “Jehovah’s friend”. (Also, Abraham is one of Jehovah’s earthly children.) Then what happened? “When the men got up to leave and looked down toward Sodʹom, Abraham was walking with them to escort them. Jehovah said: “Am I keeping hidden from Abraham what I am going to do? Why, Abraham is surely going to become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed by means of him. For I have come to know him in order that he may command his sons and his household after him to keep Jehovah’s way by doing what is right and just, so that Jehovah may bring about what he has promised concerning Abraham.” Then Jehovah said: “The outcry against Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah is indeed great, and their sin is very heavy. I will go down to see whether they are acting according to the outcry that has reached me. And if not, I can get to know it.” Then the men left from there and went toward Sodʹom, but Jehovah remained with Abraham.” There were three “men” who came to Abraham. (Remember, man is made in God’s image. “Let us make them in our image.”) One “man” was Jehovah. The other two went down to Sodom and found Lot. Jehovah stayed behind to talk with Abraham for awhile. “Is anything to extraordinary for Jehovah?” “I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be.” “Our Father.” Remember Jesus' lineage in the gospels? How does the last line go? “Son of Adam…Son of God.” Our Father can walk on the earth. He can eat with us here. He can talk with us here without us burning up. He can do anything. He’s Jehovah. “No one has seen God at any time. If we continue loving one another, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us. By this we know that we are remaining in union with him and he in union with us, because he has given his spirit to us. In addition, we ourselves have seen and are bearing witness that the Father has sent his Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is God’s Son, God remains in union with such one and he in union with God. And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in union with God and God remains in union with him.” John was explaining what it’s like to see love. It’s the whole letter of First John. What is God’s glory like, “seeing” God’s glory? It’s like seeing love. Do you see the love of the Christ when you read the gospels? That’s God’s glory. Do you see the love of God reflected in your brothers? That’s God’s glory. Do you feel His love in you when you love, in union with him and by means of His holy spirit? That’s God’s glory. Love. “I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word, so that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory that you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are one. I in union with them and you in union with me, in order that they may be perfected into one, so that the world may know that you sent me and that you loved them just as you loved me.” “The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah As the waters cover the sea” and “May your glory be over all the earth!” “Who is blind except my servant, So deaf as the messenger I send? Who is so blind as the one rewarded, So blind as the servant of Jehovah?” “At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.” “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, for the appointed time is near!” Praise Jah! SUBJECTIONEphesians
5:22-24 – You wives must learn to adapt yourselves to your husbands, as you submit yourselves to the Lord, for the husband is the “head” of the wife in the same way that Christ is head of the Church and saviour of the body. The willing subjection of the Church to Christ should be reproduced in the submission of wives to their husbands. 5:25-27 – But, remember, this means that the husband must give his wife the same sort of love that Christ gave to the Church, when he sacrificed himself for her. Christ gave himself to make her holy, having cleansed her through the baptism of his Word – to make her an altogether glorious Church in his eyes. She is to be free from spots, wrinkles or any other disfigurement – a Church holy and perfect. 5:28-33 – Men ought to give their wives the love they naturally have for their own bodies. The love a man gives his wife is the extending of his love for himself to enfold her. Nobody ever hates or neglects his own body; he feeds and looks after it. And that is what Christ does for his body, the Church. And we are all members of that body, we are his flesh and blood! ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’. The marriage relationship is doubtless a great mystery, but I am speaking of something deeper still – the marriage of Christ and his Church. In practice what I have said amounts to this: let every one of you who is a husband love his wife as he loves himself; let the wife reverence her husband. (JBPhillips Translation) The privilege of showing subjection under difficult circumstances glorifies Jehovah. If imperfect humans can keep integrity despite showing honor and proper respect and submission to dictators or a difficult mate or those who lord it over the flock, then the disobedient angels who didn’t remain in subjection to their perfect heavenly Father certainly have no excuse! We (both men and women who are in subjection to whoever is currently allowed authority over us, whether it be governors or presidents or managers or whatever) keep this sign of authority because of the angels. All of us are “women” when we are in subjection to any authority. (Just like all of us are “kings” in regard to those in subjection to us.) “Give her the reward for what she does, and let her works praise her in the city gates.” Those in heaven see when we (men or women in godly subjection) endure subjection under hardship, like Joseph, Abigail, Jacob during his time with Laban, etc. Granted, we may have temporary assignments now. Are you a mother? You are a “king” over the children. Are you a worker in an office? You are a “woman” in regard to the manager. “Women” have “long hair” figuratively speaking in regard to the sign of subjection to authority. The angels are often depicted as women (like in Zechariah when flying the wicked woman in the ephah jar to Shinar) when showing their subjection. The angels as a group are depicted as Jehovah’s “woman” because of their subjection to him. The anointed are depicted as Jesus’ “woman” and “bride” because of their subjection to him as a group. Babylon the Great is depicted as a harlot because she is not really in subjection to her “husband”, the one she claims to be in subjection to, namely, God. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon all teach us illustratively what a good “woman” and a bad “woman” look like. Proverbs 31 illustrates the loyal bride of Christ as an organization. Proverbs 5 about an immoral woman is warning about adulterous false religious worship. Song of Solomon shows the loyalty of the bride as an organization. Solomon’s words about treacherous “women” are describing what false religion does and looks like. It is advice for both men and women, those who would either choose to join true worshippers or those who would choose to take part in adulterous bad worship. When Solomon says in Ecclesiastes, “one man in a thousand I have found, but a woman I have not found,” at that time Jesus was alive in heaven and loyal, but his bride/church/woman was not yet in existence. Song of Solomon goes on to describe Jesus figuratively as “dazzling and ruddy, he stands out among ten thousand,” and a “head of gold” and many other qualities that describe him as King of the Kingdom. The description of the Shulammite are qualities of the 144,000 in the Kingdom, “like the tower of David, with the circular shields of a thousand mighty men”, etc. “This sacred secret is great.” JEZEBEL IN THYATIRAThe current disfellowshipping arrangement allows "wolves" posing as shepherds to twist rules in order to remove anyone faithful who seems to threaten their authority, when in fact, oftentimes some elders in authority are just suffering from the same insecurity as the Sanhedrin members who wanted to kill Jesus. (Jesus did not threaten anyone’s authority either – he plainly stated his kingdom was not of this world. But the Sanhedrin wolves twisted the rules to illegally “judge” Jesus as “guilty” anyway. Go figure. Same thing happens today sometimes in the congregation.)
Perhaps you have seen “appointed elders” who should be “disfellowshipped” according to the current “rules” still lording it over the flock; and perhaps you also have seen faithful integrity keepers “disfellowshipped” for adhering to Bible principles. (Ecclesiastes 7:15) “During my futile life I have seen everything—from the righteous one who perishes in his righteousness to the wicked one who lives long despite his badness.” Those given authority will be held accountable for how they exercise their authority. Just as Jesus refined the polygamy teaching that didn't belong and the circumcision teaching that didn't belong, he will refine this disfellowshipping teaching too. Until then, sometimes we do stand alone in a congregation or a circuit or our family when we uphold the pure teachings of the Christ. “We must obey God as ruler rather than men,” and we do receive our reward for being persecuted for righteousness sake. Thank you for comforting others with the comfort with which you have been comforted by God! The verses in Revelation on what happens to Jezebel are encouraging in this regard. “Jezebel” does not mean “a headstrong woman or group of women trying to start a feminist movement in a congregation.” Jezebel was evil, but she was not a "feminist". Jezebel worked along with her husband, with his permission and backing. She did not usurp the kingship from Ahab. While he was alive, he gave her permission to do her wicked deeds. Jezebel was a wicked woman for many reasons such as idolatry, immorality, and that she bore false witness in order to kill someone. She was a murderer. In the Christian congregation today, there are some (men or women) who bear false witness in order to “kill” (disfellowship or slander) others. Some work with governments or authorities to try to get an appearance of legality to their evil deeds. It is spiritual adultery. It is a form of idolatry. These dark ones may even wink at spiritism, since they are willing to accept and condone and promote other dark deeds. Just as Jezebel sent letters to the elders in Naboth’s city, and the elders willingly followed through on bearing false witness and then misusing the arrangement in order to make it look like Naboth deserved to die, so today the same thing happens in many of the congregations. The elders call Bethel. Bethel gives permission and instruction on how to remove a perceived “apostate” (who in all actuality is the one actually adhering to the Bible), the CO may be involved, then perhaps an appeal committee. The integrity keeper is framed and labeled an “apostate” for sticking to the Bible principles. The congregation follows through by treating the integrity keeper as if they are “dead”. It’s horrible. The elders and accomplices become Jezebel and her children. Jesus’ words to the congregations in Revelation show us what is happening today in the modern-day organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Mathematically speaking, if there were really literally one out of seven congregations where such an influence takes place, is it any wonder there is so much corruption? Gangrene and lawlessness have spread. Jesus sees it. He is going to throw “Jezebel” and her children (those who learn from her and act like her) out of the congregation. All the “Naboths” will be “resurrected” to the congregation. Jesus said “keep holding fast what you have until I come.” The leaven has spread to the whole lump. Only Jesus can remove it. The words to the angels of the congregations show that the angels are involved in this work. “The seven stars mean angels” not elders. The elders are part of the problem. (Not all the elders, just the ones who are like Jezebel or Balaam or sectarianists.) The angels know where they are. We can’t read hearts. Jesus is telling us the angels will take care of it at the proper time. We can rest in that regard, stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah in our behalf. The tribulation is about to begin. Jesus has marked those who are sighing and groaning over what is going on in Jehovah’s organization. Who are really “Jehovah’s Witnesses”? Jehovah is the judge. There are many outside the organization who Witness about Jehovah. There are many inside the organization who are really wolves or shepherds who hide what they are (as mentioned in Jude). Jesus said, “The angels will remove those things (teachings) causing a stumbling, and those people doing wickedness.” The weeds are about to be removed. The wheat will be gathered. “Those from the synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews but are not…will know I have loved you.” Two out of seven congregations in Revelation are said to be like the synagogue of Satan. No wonder there is so much trouble in the organization today! Jesus foretold it, so we would not worry, so we would know the time is near. “Happy is the one who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy and who observe the things written in it, for the appointed time is near.” “He also tells me: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, for the appointed time is near. Let the one who is unrighteous continue in unrighteousness, and let the filthy one continue in his filth; but let the righteous one continue in righteousness, and let the holy one continue in holiness. “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work.” You have continued to work, despite your tribulations. “I know your tribulation and poverty—but you are rich—and the blasphemy by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but they are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison so that you may be fully put to the test, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Many have been thrown into a figurative “prison” by means of the “disfellowshipping” arrangement, by those who call themselves Witnesses of Jehovah but whose actions do not match what Jehovah approves of, instead those lawless men are serving the interests of Satan. Let us keep being faithful throughout this tribulation. The Lord is near. Soon we all will be free. And look, we already are, really, the truth has set us free. The word of God is not bound. It’s just a matter of time until these other “prison bonds” are removed. There are seven congregations mentioned in Revelation. Some have idolatry issues, false teachings, Jezebel issues, etc. Jesus is going to clean house. But there are many faithful ones still there in the organization. We will have to comfort them. Jehovah has given us the privilege to know these things before they happen. Our brothers will need us in that hour, even though they abandoned us when we needed them. Jehovah did not abandon us. Just like Jesus or Paul or Joseph of old, we will provide for our brothers when the tables are turned. That’s what God’s children do. (1 John) And we are God’s children, provided we keep imitating our beloved Father. “Peace be to all Christian brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!” COMMUNITY BLOODGUILT AS REGARDS DONATIONSIn the local congregations, the elder body makes an accounting. The funds coming in and going out are posted openly. This is in accord with Bible principles.
Why do the branch and worldwide headquarters not follow this pattern? Just one abuse case resulted in our organization having to pay out $13,500,000. Just one. How many cases have had a similar result, and rightly so, since Jehovah says those who hurt others need to make amends? It is proper for the organization who fails our brothers and sisters to make such amends. Jehovah does not approve of the current tradition of protecting lawless ones and attacking the victims. The Bible shows that Paul was transparent on where the donated funds were going. The reason there is not transparency today on an organizational level as regards donations is because the donation arrangement is whitewashed. It's the same thing the Pharisees did. Currently, a large portion of the donated funds are going toward abuse settlement cases, as well as for room and board and insurance and healthcare and transportation payment for able-bodied men and women who choose to rely on others (a practice which is in opposition of Jehovah's Word) to support their ministry, and also funding to publish many God-dishonoring doctrines (like teachings on psychology and promotion of use of medication for so-called "mood disorders", even though Jesus' example shows he refused to take mind-altering medications and the Bible shows some people were afflicted with demons, something "medications" will not treat, only make the afflicted ones open to more trouble) mixed in with Bible truths. It's like Wormwood in the Water. True, Jehovah blesses the parts of the donated funds that are used in harmony with his will, but is it any surprise the donations are drying up since those in authority choose to disregard God's commands on basic Bible principles, namely, love, justice, mercy, and truth? "Practice giving." Do not let your left hand know what your right is doing. Give by means of helping those near to you. Give by means of helping those far away. But do not give to those who love what is bad and hate what is good. "Is it the wicked you should be helping, and is it those who hate Jehovah you should love? Because of this the indignation of Jehovah is against you." The organization is bloodguilty. How does Jehovah view those who donate to support abortion or a worldly war effort? Or another bloodguilty organization? By not being transparent with the donations, so many sheep are being drawn in to similarly support something Jehovah hates. It's community bloodguilt. Jehovah will make an accounting.
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THE GREAT CROWD & ARMAGEDDON
Today, Jehovah's Witnesses are numbered. There is a number counted at each meeting, at each Memorial, for each group overseer. The Bible says that the great crowd will be a size that "no man may be able to number." When the Israelites left Egypt, they were numbered in that they were organized like an army, with each family group arranged according to tribes. However, there was a great crowd of Egyptians and others who joined them on the exodus. After Babylon the Great is destroyed, after the plagues on false religion, there will be many God-fearing individuals with no more "idols" or church, many who will now see the power of Jehovah. "They will have to know I am Jehovah." Just as some Egyptians joined the Israelites after the plagues showed who was really the true God, so today after the plagues on false religion, a great crowd will join in worshipping the true God, saying "We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people." Revelation shows that the 144,000 are called out of the whole 12 tribes of Israel. The anointed are to judge the entire 12 tribes of Israel. Depending on the context, the word "Israel" can mean the entire group of Jehovah's worshippers at any given time, (not just "the Israel of God" meaning specific to the anointed or "Israel" meaning Jacob or "Israel" meaning the ancient nation - it depends on the context). Any of Jehovah's people who are contending alongside Jehovah for the blessing are also Israel in that context, "we will go with you people, for we have heard God is with you people."
Ezekiel chapter 34 shows that Jehovah is very angry with any of the current shepherds in his organization who may be mishandling their shepherding duties. Jehovah himself is going to gather his little sheep that are currently not being "counted" in the congregation. Jehovah is going to dismiss any shepherds who refuse to repent and replace them with shepherds who show love for truth and the sheep. Just like David dwelt in the wilderness with his mighty men for awhile when being persecuted by Saul, so those faithful ones today who are dwelling outside the congregation because of keeping integrity will be restored to "Israel", Jehovah's organization, when it is the appointed time. There will be a lot of shepherding work to do by people like you, because those in the organization right now do not have a clue that sudden destruction is practically upon them. They will need comfort when this "earthquake" comes upon them, the "locust plague" of the United Nations, the instrument of Jehovah's wrath on both the rest of false religion and the unfaithful elements in Jehovah's organization on earth. All of you who Jehovah has given the privilege of suffering for righteousness sake, to be expelled from the synagogue like Jesus our Lord who was hung on the torture stake by those of his own people, you are also being given the privilege to show forgiveness in the manner of Jehovah and Jesus, to love those who don't love us, to love first, to look ahead with joy to the hope that at some future point these ones will repent and we will all embrace each other as brothers, truly one united people. Korah, Dathan and Abiram were executed by Jehovah for exalting themselves. King Solomon eventually went corrupt. All four of those men are mentioned as resting in Sheol, awaiting a resurrection. Any of those within Jehovah's organization who receive discipline by Jehovah at the great tribulation for adhering to false doctrines and chasing off Jehovah's loyal sheep, men like certain elders who disfellowship integrity keepers or those at Bethel who write publications teaching false doctrines, such men can be forgiven in the same manner as Korah and Solomon if Jehovah sees fit. We have the privilege of imitating Jehovah's outstretching love and sharing the undeserved kindness by means of the precious blood of the Lamb, the perfect fit for the sins of all who will repent, some who may only repent when they finally get their heavenly reward and Jehovah tells them of their errors or at a resurrection into the Paradise. The ransom is big enough for anything, barring "the sin unto death" which is blaspheming the holy spirit. Thankfully, we do not have to judge such matters.
We must have faith and hope and love. The family will be restored. At Jehovah's appointed time, Moses and Jephthah and David and Jesus were called back to help the nation who persecuted them but repented (or the persecutors died). We will be called back too, at Jehovah's appointed time. That time is near. "They will have to know that I have loved you." (Those who say they are "Jews" but are not but are really the "synagogue of Satan" is describing any of Jehovah's Witnesses in the congregation Kingdom Halls who are working against Jehovah by means of adhering to false doctrines and persecuting loyal sheep.) There is going to be some time between the destruction of false religion and Armageddon, because the nations have never had the chance to work their governments without false religion present, and Jehovah is going to give them that opportunity so they can't say they haven't tried it. The marriage of the Lamb is the moment all the anointed are in heaven with Jesus. The marriage is "consummated" when they have their first fruits together, the destruction of the wicked at Armageddon and the salvation of Jehovah's sheep on earth.
The three horns who are replaced on the beast in Daniel 7 are the Triple-Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy). As shown in Daniel 7:8,24, they are humiliated by the Anglo-American world power (the false prophet of Revelation) in the world wars. The false prophet breathed life into the scarlet colored wild beast, the UN. The UN arrogantly claims to be able to do what only God's Kingdom can do. "He will speak words against the Most High, and he will continually harass the holy ones of the Supreme One." The UN and all the governments will attack true worshippers at the end of the great tribulation. All the governments against Jehovah's sovereignty will be destroyed at Armageddon by Jesus and his heavenly armies, but those calling on the name of Jehovah in trueness and sincerity will be saved.
Daniel 8:23-25 is referring to the leader of the United Nations. Daniel 11:44,45 is about Putin being disturbed by reports from China/east and pro-war elements within Russia/north who put pressure and criticism on him so that he goes out to threaten and attack (bombing/nuclear/etc). Putin's tents are between the sea and decoration by means of his attacks and imprisonment of Jehovah's people in Russia.
When the Medes and Persians came upon ancient Babylon, Jehovah had faithful people like Daniel living in the city. The faithful people survived. When the nations come against religion, Jehovah's faithful people will also be attacked. The description of Ezekiel chapter 38,39 and the attacks in Revelation 16,17,18,19 include some of the same players described from different points of view. (Like the merchants and the birds.) Just like in the past, Jehovah used the nations to discipline his people but when those nations went too far Jehovah disciplined the nations, similarly today, the UN coalition will be used to attack false religion and those lawless ones in the true organization, but when the nations go too far they have crossed Jehovah's line and they will be executed. The situation of "Armageddon" is not a two-second battle. The situation of "Armageddon" is the situation that includes all of the great tribulation, from its beginning after the cry of "peace and security" to the time Jesus and the anointed come from heaven to destroy God's enemies. The situations at Megiddo in the past involved time: time for the nations to come against Israel, time for the attacks, time for execution of God's enemies. The entire great tribulation is all "Armageddon", where the nations have come against Jehovah, just like it took time for Pharaoh to come against the Israelites and their companions at the Red Sea. The whole tribulation is that situation of the nations coming against Jehovah. (Incidentally, while there was a great victory for Israel at Megiddo in the past, it was also the place where good king Josiah died, as he made a mistake in going against Jehovah's expressed will; additionally, rotten king Ahaziah was mortally wounded there by Jehovah's appointed executioner, Jehu. Today, during the situation of "Armageddon", namely, the great tribulation, also lawless ones in the the organization will be disciplined too.)
The scrolls mentioned at Revelation 20:12 are not "new scrolls" as in some kind of new Bible scriptures. There is the book of life, and there are scrolls of the records of how certain ones act during the 1,000 year reign. Those ones are judged out of the scrolls where their deeds are recorded and then based on God's judgment they are either destroyed or written into the book of life. We already have the complete Bible, and the angel said woe to the one who adds to it. "All Scripture is inspired of God, that the man of God may be completely equipped for every good work." May Jehovah continue to bless you in your work for His glorious name and His wonderful Kingdom! Jehovah is with you!
Ezekiel chapter 34 shows that Jehovah is very angry with any of the current shepherds in his organization who may be mishandling their shepherding duties. Jehovah himself is going to gather his little sheep that are currently not being "counted" in the congregation. Jehovah is going to dismiss any shepherds who refuse to repent and replace them with shepherds who show love for truth and the sheep. Just like David dwelt in the wilderness with his mighty men for awhile when being persecuted by Saul, so those faithful ones today who are dwelling outside the congregation because of keeping integrity will be restored to "Israel", Jehovah's organization, when it is the appointed time. There will be a lot of shepherding work to do by people like you, because those in the organization right now do not have a clue that sudden destruction is practically upon them. They will need comfort when this "earthquake" comes upon them, the "locust plague" of the United Nations, the instrument of Jehovah's wrath on both the rest of false religion and the unfaithful elements in Jehovah's organization on earth. All of you who Jehovah has given the privilege of suffering for righteousness sake, to be expelled from the synagogue like Jesus our Lord who was hung on the torture stake by those of his own people, you are also being given the privilege to show forgiveness in the manner of Jehovah and Jesus, to love those who don't love us, to love first, to look ahead with joy to the hope that at some future point these ones will repent and we will all embrace each other as brothers, truly one united people. Korah, Dathan and Abiram were executed by Jehovah for exalting themselves. King Solomon eventually went corrupt. All four of those men are mentioned as resting in Sheol, awaiting a resurrection. Any of those within Jehovah's organization who receive discipline by Jehovah at the great tribulation for adhering to false doctrines and chasing off Jehovah's loyal sheep, men like certain elders who disfellowship integrity keepers or those at Bethel who write publications teaching false doctrines, such men can be forgiven in the same manner as Korah and Solomon if Jehovah sees fit. We have the privilege of imitating Jehovah's outstretching love and sharing the undeserved kindness by means of the precious blood of the Lamb, the perfect fit for the sins of all who will repent, some who may only repent when they finally get their heavenly reward and Jehovah tells them of their errors or at a resurrection into the Paradise. The ransom is big enough for anything, barring "the sin unto death" which is blaspheming the holy spirit. Thankfully, we do not have to judge such matters.
We must have faith and hope and love. The family will be restored. At Jehovah's appointed time, Moses and Jephthah and David and Jesus were called back to help the nation who persecuted them but repented (or the persecutors died). We will be called back too, at Jehovah's appointed time. That time is near. "They will have to know that I have loved you." (Those who say they are "Jews" but are not but are really the "synagogue of Satan" is describing any of Jehovah's Witnesses in the congregation Kingdom Halls who are working against Jehovah by means of adhering to false doctrines and persecuting loyal sheep.) There is going to be some time between the destruction of false religion and Armageddon, because the nations have never had the chance to work their governments without false religion present, and Jehovah is going to give them that opportunity so they can't say they haven't tried it. The marriage of the Lamb is the moment all the anointed are in heaven with Jesus. The marriage is "consummated" when they have their first fruits together, the destruction of the wicked at Armageddon and the salvation of Jehovah's sheep on earth.
The three horns who are replaced on the beast in Daniel 7 are the Triple-Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy). As shown in Daniel 7:8,24, they are humiliated by the Anglo-American world power (the false prophet of Revelation) in the world wars. The false prophet breathed life into the scarlet colored wild beast, the UN. The UN arrogantly claims to be able to do what only God's Kingdom can do. "He will speak words against the Most High, and he will continually harass the holy ones of the Supreme One." The UN and all the governments will attack true worshippers at the end of the great tribulation. All the governments against Jehovah's sovereignty will be destroyed at Armageddon by Jesus and his heavenly armies, but those calling on the name of Jehovah in trueness and sincerity will be saved.
Daniel 8:23-25 is referring to the leader of the United Nations. Daniel 11:44,45 is about Putin being disturbed by reports from China/east and pro-war elements within Russia/north who put pressure and criticism on him so that he goes out to threaten and attack (bombing/nuclear/etc). Putin's tents are between the sea and decoration by means of his attacks and imprisonment of Jehovah's people in Russia.
When the Medes and Persians came upon ancient Babylon, Jehovah had faithful people like Daniel living in the city. The faithful people survived. When the nations come against religion, Jehovah's faithful people will also be attacked. The description of Ezekiel chapter 38,39 and the attacks in Revelation 16,17,18,19 include some of the same players described from different points of view. (Like the merchants and the birds.) Just like in the past, Jehovah used the nations to discipline his people but when those nations went too far Jehovah disciplined the nations, similarly today, the UN coalition will be used to attack false religion and those lawless ones in the true organization, but when the nations go too far they have crossed Jehovah's line and they will be executed. The situation of "Armageddon" is not a two-second battle. The situation of "Armageddon" is the situation that includes all of the great tribulation, from its beginning after the cry of "peace and security" to the time Jesus and the anointed come from heaven to destroy God's enemies. The situations at Megiddo in the past involved time: time for the nations to come against Israel, time for the attacks, time for execution of God's enemies. The entire great tribulation is all "Armageddon", where the nations have come against Jehovah, just like it took time for Pharaoh to come against the Israelites and their companions at the Red Sea. The whole tribulation is that situation of the nations coming against Jehovah. (Incidentally, while there was a great victory for Israel at Megiddo in the past, it was also the place where good king Josiah died, as he made a mistake in going against Jehovah's expressed will; additionally, rotten king Ahaziah was mortally wounded there by Jehovah's appointed executioner, Jehu. Today, during the situation of "Armageddon", namely, the great tribulation, also lawless ones in the the organization will be disciplined too.)
The scrolls mentioned at Revelation 20:12 are not "new scrolls" as in some kind of new Bible scriptures. There is the book of life, and there are scrolls of the records of how certain ones act during the 1,000 year reign. Those ones are judged out of the scrolls where their deeds are recorded and then based on God's judgment they are either destroyed or written into the book of life. We already have the complete Bible, and the angel said woe to the one who adds to it. "All Scripture is inspired of God, that the man of God may be completely equipped for every good work." May Jehovah continue to bless you in your work for His glorious name and His wonderful Kingdom! Jehovah is with you!
"As for me, this secret was not revealed to me because I have greater wisdom than anyone living," "no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation," "the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but the anointing from him is teaching you about all things and is true and is no lie," "I will ask the Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, the spirit of the truth, which the world cannot receive, because it neither sees it nor knows it. You know it, because it remains with you and is in you," "When the helper comes that I will send you from the Father, the spirit of the truth, which comes from the Father, that one will bear witness about me; and you, in turn, are to bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning," "the time of the end. Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant," "I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing concerning Jesus. Worship God!" "To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever," "To the extent that each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness that is expressed in various ways. If anyone speaks, let him do so as speaking pronouncements from God; if anyone ministers, let him do so as depending on the strength that God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The glory and the might are his forever and ever. Amen."
May you rejoice in the undeserved kindness and outstretching love of Jehovah through our ransomer, Christ Jesus! Praise Jehovah!
APPENDIX: Comments on three additional issues -
A DEFENSE OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES REGARDING THE UN LIBRARY CARD ISSUE
I have a library card for the public library in the town where I live. I had to pay a small fee and fill out a form to get it. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the town because I have a library card?
On paychecks in the past, I have also had a state id number. I had to fill out some forms when I got a job so that I could get paid. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the state because I had a state id number?
I also have a social security number. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the federal government ("the false prophet" or "feet of iron and clay" or a member of the "scarlet colored wild beast") because I have a social security number?
Joseph and Mary cooperated with the Roman authorities and got registered for the census. Joseph and Mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the Roman authorities, the "legs of iron". Joseph and Mary were not perfect. Joseph almost divorced Mary at first when he found out she was pregnant, but Jehovah forgave Joseph and helped him figure things out. Jehovah showed Joseph and Mary were fit to be the parents of the perfect Son of God, and the evidence of that blessing is clear.
The governing body of the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not perfect. Like all of us, they sometimes make bad decisions and do things they later regret. Peter stopped eating with Gentiles for awhile, and that could have derailed the faith of a lot of people. Everybody knows about that today. It will be the same with the imperfect men on the governing body and the others. They are not currently ruling as kings, they are supposed to be elder brothers, but if they try to rule as kings while in their present state, Jehovah will take care of it in time. In ancient Israel, when kings lorded it over others in a bad way and refused to change, they met their end eventually. God's Word says that every mountain will fall and every island. Every "government" that is opposition, including those mini-kingdoms that men may try to set up within the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses - anyone who misuses their authority, any "evil slave" who "beats" others, whether that "evil slave" be on the governing body or at Bethel or on an elder body or "disfellowshipped" or a family head, where ever, "every mountain" and "every island" - anyone who sets up their own way of doing things that is in opposition to God's Kingdom. Jehovah will repay, we don't have to worry about that. Sometimes it takes awhile from our point of view, like Jezebel and Ahab. But He will take care of it. They can't hide from him, wolves in sheep's covering don't fool Jehovah.
Jehovah's friend, King Jehoshaphat, unwisely made a marriage alliance with Ahab and Jezebel's family. What was he thinking? God only knows.
Jehovah's friend, King Jehoshaphat, unwisely went into battle alongside wicked Ahab, even after Jehovah's prophet warned him against it. What was he thinking? God only knows.
Jehoshaphat remained Jehovah's friend, despite making some really dumb decisions that affected the people in his care. The whole nation suffered because of some of those decisions. Yet Jehoshaphat is still considered to be overall a "good" king. Because he was perfect? No. Because of his heart. God knows his heart.
"Not many wise" are called by God, to be his friends. Being awesomely intelligent or exquisitely perfect is not a prerequisite to being God's friend, thankfully. "God chose the foolish things of the world to put the wise things to shame." It is better not to make foolish mistakes, but God can turn around any situation to make it into a blessing in due time. Jehovah does not cause mistakes, but Jehovah's love is magnified by means of the mistakes of his imperfect friends. In what way? In that Jehovah's mercy and undeserved kindness toward them is manifest just like a pearly covering overlayed on the irritation-causing particle in the heart of the oyster. In this way the blessings and the honor and the praise belong to Jehovah, and not to any man. By means of the ransom, Jehovah can keep using imperfect "foolish" ones and still get his purpose accomplished on time, in a way that exalts God's wisdom and power and glory.
Looking back, getting a UN library card doesn't seem like the greatest decision. Neither was Jehoshaphat going into battle alongside Ahab. What were they thinking? God only knows. Jehovah is the judge of the hearts of men. Praise Jehovah for his great mercy and undeserved kindness through the ransom, of which we are also recipients. We will also stand before the judgment seat of God. How will we fare in that day? "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy."
Moses did some really cool stuff, but he also messed up a few times. It's written for all to see. Jehovah allowed Jehu to do some really cool stuff, but later Jehu did false worship. Jehovah has it recorded so everybody in the world knows. Solomon did some really cool stuff too, but later he did false worship. Jehovah has it recorded so that everybody in the world knows. David did some cool stuff, he messed up big a few times, but he repented. We don't know the hearts of those men given authority today. We don't have to. We just have to take care of our own business - staying faithful to Jehovah.
There are refugees in some countries who stay in refugee camps sponsored by the UN. Some of the brothers are in such camps. Are they "part of the UN?" Of course not, that is ridiculous.
Sarah: "I did not laugh."
Angel of Jehovah: "No, but you did laugh!"
Was Sarah deemed an incorrigible liar and doomed to eternal death for her blatant falsehood straight to the face of God? Sarah was blessed for her faith. Imperfect humans are weak. We all stumble many times. Jehovah doesn't just throw us away for our mistakes.
If it was a mistake for our organization to get a UN library card, then thank Jehovah for the ransom.
We are contenders with God. He is here by our side. He is "contending", enduring torture by watching his little sheep endure abuse by those who should know better. He is listening to all this and exercising restraint and self-control. But he will soon make himself known, "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." (Ezekiel 34) He will gather all his little sheep from everywhere they have been scattered, and He will make clear how he feels about those "shepherds" who are misrepresenting him.
Jesus allowed the disciples to misunderstand the following: "unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no share with me..." He didn't explain everything at that time. He allowed some to misunderstand both this teaching and the timing of when the Kingdom would come. Did he throw those ones away because of their misunderstanding? No. He gave them an opportunity to show that they were contenders too. Peter still did not understand clearly, but he said, "where else are we going to go? You have sayings of everlasting life."
If you see mistakes and misunderstandings in the modern day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, you are blessed with insight and comprehension. What will you do with that information? When you help others who have been stumbled, when you pick up the wounded and comfort them with the comfort you have received from above, you are truly imitating your Father in heaven who is by your side as you contend for the blessing.
The Pharisees and scribes will be judged. So will we. Let us make peace while there is time. We can leave the judging to the judges, namely, Jehovah and Jesus. A hundred years from now, we won't care about that misapplied verse or library card. If they want to be there, everyone who hurt you will have to apologize for all the stupid stuff they did. We'll make new memories, and the old pains will be gone. We'll just be glad to be all together and with Jehovah. We are a family. We don't want any to be lost. May you have peace and undeserved kindness and mercy from our Father and his Son, who paid the price for us and for them. Your endurance under such circumstances brings great glory to Jehovah, just like Joseph endured the abuse from his brothers. In the end, all 12 of the sons of Israel received a blessing. These trials are almost over.
Does Jehovah, "He Who Causes To Become", have the power to remove his name from the modern-day organization? He chooses not to remove his name. Why? Jehovah is Contending. He sees all the stuff we see, all of it. But He is Contending, for the sake of a blessing. They are his sons, and he doesn't want to lose any of them. He is Contending. Will you contend with him?
The evidence is clear that Jehovah is leaving his name on the modern-day organization. It's his name. He doesn't have to leave it there, but he is. There are tons of mistakes the men in authority make. Tons of them. Joseph and Mary lost Jesus at a festival and left him behind. Did Jehovah ex them out? No. If these men on the governing body leave some sheep behind in their ignorance, it is really bad, but Jehovah will fix it in time. Jehovah will gather the sheep himself and feed them. He will exalt those lowly lost sheep, and the shepherds who lost them will be taken to account. Ezekiel 34. We need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. The current troubles are only temporary. We have everlasting life in view in perfect conditions. We have to keep moving forward, looking to the future with confidence, knowing that Jehovah will work all these other things out. You have heard of the endurance of Job. You are Job. Look toward the reward. Jehovah knows every single tear and every single treachery you have experienced. He was with you the whole time you've been on that torture stake. Jesus was tortured by the very organization that was supposed to be supporting him. If you have suffered in a similar way, what do you think Jehovah says about you in heaven? He is proud of you and rejoices over you and holds you up as an example. Jehovah has more blessings in store for you than you can imagine. Praise Jehovah. "Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
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A PLEA TO "APPOINTED ELDERS"
In harmony with what is prophesied at Daniel 11:34, there have been undercover agents who have been appointed as elders at different times and in different places. Were they appointed by holy spirit? No, they were not appointed by holy spirit. What about other elders? What does the Bible really teach?
Is the phrase "appointed by holy spirit" even in the Bible? Yes, but not in the way it is applied today.
Moses was not "appointed by holy spirit"; he was appointed by Jehovah by means of an angel.
King Saul was not "appointed by holy spirit"; he was appointed by Jehovah by means of a prophet. Jehovah told Samuel to anoint Saul with oil.
King David was not "appointed by holy spirit"; he was appointed by Jehovah by means of that same prophet, Samuel. Jehovah told Samuel to anoint David with oil.
Jehovah told Elijah to appoint Elisha and Jehu and Hazael. (By the way, was Hazael "appointed by spirit"? Hazael was a man of the nations who was a murderer.)
We all should show respect for anyone in authority. Even Romans shows us that we should even show respect for the superior authorities of the nations. Paul teaches us that we should show respect for masters, even those who are unkind to their slaves. But what is the verse in Ephesians 4:8 really talking about, when it says "gifts in men" were given?
In context, Paul was talking about the "one body, one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling," he was talking about the anointed, the 144,000 who are placed in the body according to God's will. Paul goes on to discuss this further in the next few verses. When he talks about "gifts in men" it could also be rendered, "gifts in humans" or "gifts in men and women" since the original language is talking about both men and women who become part of the 144,000, as is shown in verse 11, where he discusses "he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers."
In the first century, there were women who prophesied (Acts 21:9 "this man had four unmarried daughters who prophesied") and who evangelized. Those who go to heaven to be part of the body of the Christ will no longer be man or woman anyway, because they are a new creation. Jehovah is the one who "appoints" eye or ear or any part of the body.
When Paul gave the admonition to overseers of the first century, "pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers," those men were directly appointed by holy spirit. Paul talks about Timothy's appointment in 1 Timothy 4:14, where holy spirit was manifested in his appointment. There were other gifts of the spirit that were apparent in the first century - among them were speaking in tongues, gifts of healing, etc - but Paul said those gifts would cease. Acts 14:23: "Moreover, they appointed elders for them in each congregation, offering prayer with fasting, and they entrusted them to Jehovah, in whom they had become believers." Acts 13:2-4: "As they were ministering to Jehovah and fasting, the holy spirit said: “Set aside for me Barʹna·bas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So these men, sent out by the holy spirit..." When they prayed and fasted, Jehovah through his holy spirit directly appointed those first century overseers. This does not happen today in the same way.
When men are appointed as elders today, they are not appointed because of apparent gifts of the spirit. Jehovah does not speak to the elder by means of the holy spirit today. Today, these three remain, "faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." The other gifts of the spirit have ceased.
Today men are appointed when other men read the Bible and pray and discuss outward qualifications, and hopefully they don't make too many mistakes. Sometimes they do make mistakes. The men they are appointing are not appointed by holy spirit. Jehovah foretold that there would be lawless men among the elders in our time. All the men do deserve respect because they are allowed to exercise authority, but it's not because of being "gifts in men" according to Ephesians 4:8. That verse at Ephesians 4:8 is talking about the gifts of the anointed in the body of the Christ.
The lawless ones among the elders who Jehovah has allowed to be appointed are those "appointed" as elders who have been appointed for destruction. Here is what the Bible says:
"Beloved ones, although I was making every effort to write you about the salvation we hold in common, I found it necessary to write you to urge you to put up a hard fight for the faith that was once for all time delivered to the holy ones. My reason is that certain men have slipped in among you who were long ago APPOINTED to this judgment by the Scriptures; they are ungodly men who turn the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for brazen conduct and who prove false to our only owner and Lord, Jesus Christ...shepherds who feed themselves without fear..."
"...to those not believing, “the stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone” and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were APPOINTED. But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies” of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.."
"For the scripture says to Pharʹaoh: “For this very reason I have let you remain: to show my power in connection with you and to have my name declared in all the earth.” So, then, he has mercy on whomever he wishes, but he lets whomever he wishes become obstinate. You will therefore say to me: “Why does he still find fault? For who has withstood his will?” But who are you, O man, to be answering back to God? Does the thing molded say to its molder: “Why did you make me this way?” What? Does not the potter have authority over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel for an honorable use, another for a dishonorable use? What, then, if God had the will to demonstrate his wrath and to make his power known, and he tolerated with much patience VESSELS OF WRATH MADE FIT FOR DESTRUCTION? And if this was done to make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, namely, us, whom he called not only from among Jews but also from among nations, what of it?"
"Now in a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for an honorable use but others for a use lacking honor. So if anyone keeps clear of the latter ones, he will be an instrument for an honorable use, sanctified, useful to his owner, prepared for every good work...Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him to do his will."
Elders in the organization who choose to "speak abusively of glorious ones," namely, those who Jehovah has appointed to be part of the body of the Christ, such elders are stumbling over the foundation corner stone. Those elders are stumbling on the rock-mass of offense. They are marked for destruction. For this, they were appointed.
Not all elders are appointed for destruction. But some are. Perhaps you will repent if you are one of these "appointed" elders who are appointed for destruction? I hope you will repent. Jehovah is coming. Pharoah had so many opportunities to change. Some of the Egyptians turned around. Maybe you will too.
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ON "DISFELLOWSHIPPING" ARRANGEMENT
A wise person will not spend time with unwise ones more than is absolutely necessary. Jesus did not institute a "disfellowshipping arrangement" because it was not necessary. "Do not eat with anyone called a brother" who is actively being an adulterer or a drunkard or things like these. The Bible principles are in place; wise people will choose to avoid hanging out with lovers of wickedness. There is no need for a committee or checklists or rules or hidden meetings. The Pharisees made "guidelines" for dealing with lepers, "guidelines" that went beyond what the law proscribed. Their "guidelines" made the law invalid. (God's law is based on love.) The way of the Pharisees is not to be the way among Jehovah's faithful people.
Where did the current disfellowshipping arrangement come from? Who did something similar in the first century? Remember when the Pharisees threw out the blind man who Jesus had healed? That man's parents were afraid of the congregation leaders, "they were in fear of the Jews, for the Jews had already come to an agreement that if anyone acknowledged him as Christ, that person should be expelled from the synagogue." Their fear was valid, because when the faithful man stuck with Jesus, "they [the congregation elders] threw him out!" Who else threw people out of the congregation? What did Diotrephes try to do?
The Bible is quite clear that the "city gate" was the place to go for having injustice handled. Those affected by unresolved serious injustice were required to go to tell the "congregation" (in Greek meaning the whole group of people, not just the elders.) The "city gate" in ancient times was in clear view of anyone walking by, and just decisions were generally made by appointed judges during daylight for all to see and hear. If the appointed judges in the city gate mishandle justice today, where is the modern-day "city gate" we can go talk about it to the rest of the congregation, so they can protect themselves?
Any who mishandle matters by attempting to twist justice in the darkness are eventually exposed, such as the Sanhedrin with their nighttime trial of the Christ. Certain modern day elder judicial decisions that take place behind closed doors do not reflect the way of doing things in the first century Christian congregation, or the way judicial matters would have been handled more publicly in ancient Israel. The Judge who is above all other judges will make restitution for those who have suffered at the hands of unrighteous oppressors or ignorant men - just as He gave Israel their wages upon leaving Egypt. Those unpaid slaves stripped the Egyptians of their treasures at Jehovah's command. Jehovah made sure they got their wages.
We can see the rotten fruit of those individuals who mishandle judging. Those with such authority will be held accountable for how they use or misuse that authority. We are to judge whether someone has actions that are in harmony with Bible principles, and we are to judge whether someone is good or bad association. But did God give Christian elders permission to put anyone to death? It does not belong to us to judge the hearts of men, even those in the congregation. "Disfellowshipping" is the same as "death" in many ways. It is a form of "living death". Who gave any man in the Christian congregation on earth such authority, to judge someone worthy of "death"? In ancient Israel, Jehovah did gave men that authority, but he did not give it to men on earth in the Christian congregation. Today we do not have animal sacrifices at a temple either - thank Jehovah God!
Jesus was not controlled by the Pharisees, but he did permit them to exercise authority over him. Those Pharisees did not take Jesus by surprise; he was well aware of what they were doing and even told his friends ahead of time what was going to occur.
None of us are surprised when we meet with suffering for taking a stand for righteousness. Jesus told us we would face these things. "A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you."
Jesus was a Jew, affiliated with the local synagogues, and yet the Jews of his day did not teach the truth about Jehovah. Was Jesus a heretic for sticking with the Jewish religion? Of course not. Was he a heretic or apostate for sticking with Jehovah's Word? Never may that happen! Jesus is Loyal. He shows us the way.
We are not afraid of being affiliated with an organization (a family is a type of organization, so is a workplace or a school group, etc) neither are we "controlled" by an organization. Of our own free will, we can choose to cooperate with the Christ in order to be joined to him and whoever he chooses to place in his body, that is, the congregation. Christ's true congregation is also a family, with Christ as head, and it is pleasant to be under Christ's direction. If he permits unreasonable or harsh men to stand for awhile in a position of authority, certainly he can give us the strength and spirit needed to endure it. Additionally, if Jesus was willing to speak out about the inconsistencies and hypocrisies of certain individuals or spurious traditions in the religion he belonged to and supported, then it is not wrong for us to do the same.
God's Kingdom has not yet crushed all other kingdoms. There are labor pains. The modern-day organization bearing the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" has its share of those pains. Imperfect people are not meant to lord it over imperfect people. Some of the constructs and superior authorities of this world are only temporary until the Kingdom is completely here. We must perceive what the will of God is for us and act in accord with our conscience. What is the direction from the Christ? "Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the inheritance as a reward. Slave for the Master, Christ. Certainly the one who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality."
Peter said that we could know that "the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world," and Jude said, "certain men have slipped in among you who were long ago appointed to this judgment by the Scriptures; they are ungodly men who turn the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for brazen conduct and who prove false to our only owner and Lord, Jesus Christ."
(What is one of the defenses given for "disfellowshipping"? Isn't it to "give them a taste of what it is like to be separated from Jehovah so they'll repent"? Doesn't that sound a little like the reasoning for the Spanish Inquisition torture? Did you know that every time a disfellowshipped person hears one of the songs about "love" or "brotherhood" or "friends" it's like driving a nail into their heart because of the unscriptural disfellowshipping arrangement, and it drives them further away, not closer? Did you know that separating a "disfellowshipped" person from their friends and family is like tearing out their internal organs right in front of them? Are you sure you are understanding those scriptures correctly? Do you really think that is the arrangement those scriptures are promoting? Is that really what you think is going to bring them closer to Jehovah? Is that what Jesus would do? How does the current arrangement fit with the rest of what you know about Jehovah and Jesus? Is it possible you have misunderstood those verses? Yes! Just like the Pharisees misunderstood about the dill and the cumin and the camel and the gnat and love and mercy and righteousness!)
It is actually faith-strengthening to have such experiences, to be persecuted at the hands of those in Jehovah's organization. Jehovah gives us love to endure the pain. We can be more confident than ever that God is going to clean out his organization, and we become more confident in his Word.
In the meantime...Jesus said in prayer that he made his Father's name, "Jehovah" (which includes his reputation as a God of love, justice, wisdom and power) known and would continue to make it known, "so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them." We must keep bearing fruit in order to remain in union with them. Love is the most important thing. Jesus' love helped him conquer the world. It's the same power he gives us to conquer whatever we face. We will all be victorious with love, as we continue to obediently follow the Christ wherever he leads.
When Hannah was on earth, where did she direct Samuel to go? What was going on at the temple there? Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, and what was going on there? We have to do the best we can with the conditions we have. New ones need to know what God's name is if they are going to call on him. They need to know there is a Kingdom and what the Bible teaches about Christian conduct. The jw . org website teaches those things. If Jehovah allows the other misapplied scriptures temporarily, well, he allowed polygamous marriage in ancient Israel for awhile because the people were stubborn but anyone associating with Jehovah's organization back then had to tolerate the issue, and he allowed the circumcision issue to go on in the early congregation, and some might have been stumbled by it, some refused to eat with Gentiles, it caused a ruckus. Those causing a stumbling will be held accountable. Jehovah clears things up in time.
We are not the master of anyone's faith, but we have to figure out what is appropriate in our own situations. Woe to us if we did not preach. We may not have the ideal situation, but when Joseph was in prison at the hands of his own brothers, did he stop talking about his God, Jehovah? It must have been awkward, but not impossible. It's awkward for us too to preach while being persecuted, but it's not impossible. Nothing is impossible with Jehovah helping us. Forward is the only way we can go. No trial lasts forever.
Brothers, we will receive the prize if we endure in faith. May you continue to be blessed as you run the race, confident that your Father in heaven and his Son are faithful, even if men may be unfaithful. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God's love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(A side point: When Moses tells you in God's Word about the goings-on of Jacob's household, about Tamar and Judah, about Joseph's situation, is that engaging in gossip or slander? No. Was Moses a reviler for recording the truth about Pharoah? No. When the prophets of old tell you about Jezebel and Naboth and Ahab and the elders of Naboth's city, is that engaging in gossip or slander? No. Were the prophets revilers for recording the wicked deeds of opposers of truth? No. It is not engaging in gossip or slander or reviling to inform others or to be informed of what is going on with our people. Was Jesus a reviler for calling out the Pharisees? Nope. Were Peter or Paul or Stephen engaging in gossip or slander for recalling the evil deeds of the men in authority, the judges and elders, in the Jewish congregation, the Sanhedrin? Not at all. Peter and Paul and Stephen were faithful men, they imitated Jesus' boldness and spoke with power from Jehovah's holy spirit. It is not engaging in gossip or slander or reviling to speak about or to hear what the Russian authorities are doing to our brothers in Russia. It is not engaging in gossip or slander or reviling to tell about or to listen to what authorities are doing to our brothers here, whether it be authorities in the municipal government or authorities in the congregation. We are one united people. "Keep in mind those in prison, as if you were in prison with them." "Weep with those who weep." We cannot weep with those who are suffering if we bury our heads in the sand as to their afflictions.)
What was discipline like in the first century? "City gates" were public places, not behind closed doors. "Let justice take place in the city gate." Those sinners who were "stripped of privileges" were the men taking the lead in the congregation who were publicly teaching things in opposition to the Christ, like Diotrephes. Their consequences were not that people stopped talking to them, but that they stopped teaching the congregation. Paul said of others who were acting immorally that we shouldn't hang out with them so they change their ways. He didn't say not to talk to them, but "keep admonishing them as a brother." The traditions that have grown up around the current "disfellowshipping" arrangement here are leftovers from the Catholic and Protestant and Bahai type traditions of Babylon the Great. What does Jesus teach you? How did he treat tax collectors and prostitutes who were of the Jewish faith?
Who is the greater Moses? Is it the governing body? Is it the elders? Is it Bethel? No. It is Jesus. Jesus is the greater Moses. Do not rebel against Jesus' authority. Even if other men, "250 men, men of fame", men who used to be faithful, like Korah Dathan and Abiram, men who have the appearance of godliness but prove false to its power, namely, by sacrificing love on the altar of self-exaltation and pride, even if any of those leaders of the congregations rebel against "Moses", we must obey the Christ. Jesus said the Pharisees bound up heavy loads on men but refused to lift a finger to help carry them. Ungodly decrees and traditions have permeated our organization, just like Pharisaical leaven fermented the Jewish religion of old. Jesus is about to remove these traditions that don't belong. "The Kingdom is like a little leaven that a woman placed in a mass of flour. The whole lump was fermented." "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees." We must not rebel against Jesus' authority. He teaches us how to walk.
"Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works." What is the teaching of the Christ? Is it not to "love your brother"? In the first century, what was "a greeting"? The gospels show Jesus also said to not say a greeting when on the road in the preaching work, because a Jewish greeting was a long drawn out exchange of pleasantries that took quite a bit of time. Jesus wasn't saying "don't talk"; rather he was saying don't hang out with people and spend a lot of time with those who don't have love or don't teach love, those who are like the Pharisees, who make up traditions for everything and end up throwing out the kingly law of love. They gulp down the camel and strain out the gnat. They say "I am clean because I never talk to a lowly one" but they ignore justice, love and mercy! What does your conscience teach you? When you avoid a "disfellowshipped" person who visits the kingdom hall or in a grocery store you walk the other way, can you picture Jesus doing that? Or is it the Pharisees who ignore lepers and throw rocks at them?
Please, look at Jesus. He is the faithful witness.
"You are my witnesses," declares Jehovah...
When were these words written about Jehovah having witnesses? Over 2,500 years ago. Long before the modern-day organization called "Jehovah's Witnesses."
If any man or group of men sits on a committee decides to make an announcement, "So-and-so is no longer of Jehovah's Witnesses," does that mean anything in heaven? It depends. Men on earth have authority to make some decisions and judgments, but they do not have authority to make other decisions and judgments. If any man takes it upon himself to make a declaration that is not within the realm of his authority, he can proclaim it until he is blue in the face, but that does not change God's judgment in heaven.
Case in point: The Pharisees said that Jesus was a blasphemer and a seditionist and a demonized man. Those men had authority in the organization of the Jewish nation. They were called "judges". But their proclamations did not always match what God said in heaven. We know how Jehovah feels about Jesus. Jehovah exalted Jesus name above every other name. We pray in the name of the one who those Pharisees said was cursed by God!
Imagine if Jesus had been put in a holding cell for three days after his "trial" and before his execution, and you were being held in the same cell, would you have treated him as if he was "guilty" of the false charges? Would you have ignored him and not talked to him? "Well, the Sanhedrin and the Roman government said he was guilty, and they are the ruling authorities by God, so we have to listen to them." That would be foolish! "We must obey God as ruler rather than man" when the ruling authorities say to do something that is not in harmony with God's will! What if you are thrown into a prison cell during the great tribulation with only a "disfellowshipped" witness? What will you do then? Ignore your fellow prisoner? Of course not, that would be foolish!
Jesus forgave Peter for denying him three times. How many times have we denied the Christ by forsaking his children, the little ones who were "beat up" on the side of the road, the weak ones, the disfellowshipped ones who we refused to talk to but we just walked by them on the road? The ones who were ignored at the Kingdom Hall although in their great courage they went through those doors, knowing they'd be humiliated and shunned? Jesus forgave Peter when Peter repented. Jesus will forgive us too when we repent of such horrid behavior of ignoring "disfellowshipped" ones. Now is the time to cleanse ourselves of such Pharisaical behavior. "Let the young children come to me." Would you leave your kid out in the cold when they have come home to you? Jesus said the prodigal son's father ran to embrace him from a long way off. Is that what happens in the Kingdom Hall today when a lost sheep comes home, or are they ignored because of misapplied scripture and twisted traditions? Why would they want to come back to such a cold place? It is not God's spirit that moves men to make such traditions. It is the spirit of self-exaltation and pride, qualities of the Devil. God is Love. Jesus shows us the way. Can you picture Jesus ignoring that poor beat up sheep who comes to the Kingdom Hall?
"If anyone does not love his brother, who he can see, he cannot love God, who he cannot see." You cannot see God at present. But if you do not show love for his children, if you do not obey the kingly law of love, how can you survive the coming tribulation and Armageddon? "The one who exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him." Is it obeying Jesus to withhold love? "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts fear out, because fear restrains us. Indeed, the one who is fearful has not been made perfect in love." Do you really follow the "disfellowshipping" tradition out of love? Or is it out of fear? Fear of what others will say? Fear that you're not following a tradition? Fear that you're going to be zapped from heaven? Jesus showed us the way. Follow him!
Being one of Jehovah's Witnesses according to God's Word does not mean we are signed up with a group or following a checklist designed by men. It doesn't mean having a title or wearing a tie or a skirt or a badge card. Some people might do those things, or might think that is what being one of Jehovah's Witnesses means. And it is not wrong to do these things. But the most important part of being one of Jehovah's Witnesses means we obey God in accord with His Word, bearing witness by our lives and words. We are led by his holy spirit. We follow the Christ.
Jesus gave direction to the congregations as recorded in Revelation 1-3. During the last days, it is clear there would be all kinds of bad things going on in the congregations. What counsel did Jesus give to those faithful individuals who saw all that bad stuff going on? "Hold fast what you have until I come" and "those from the synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews but are not" (in other words, those who claim to be true worshippers but are actually fulfilling the interests of God's chief enemy) "will have to know that I have loved you."
The modern-day organization bearing Jehovah's name will be cleansed. Jesus said so. He got his information and authority from Jehovah, who doesn't lie. All of us who are sighing and groaning over the detestable things going on in her midst will be comforted. Any causing a stumbling will be cleared out by God's holy angels. It's just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more. "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." Jehovah is Our Father. He doesn't forget any of his sheep. "All those calling on the name of Jehovah will be saved." Jehovah is the best judge of who his witnesses are. He knows when we call on him in truth. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks. Praise Jehovah.
Jesus words in Matthew about a faithful and discreet slave are direction for all of us to be faithful and discreet, and not unkind to those under our authority, whether we be a housewife with kids or a manager at a hotel or an elder or whatever. We all need to be faithful and discreet.
It is clear from the Bible that God uses organization, and there was a governing body in the first century congregation, but it was to be "older brothers", not "kings" or "lords". In a family, an older brother is not a dictator who throws out anyone who disagrees with him or anyone he dislikes or anyone who he views as commiting "injured majesty". He's an older brother.
A family is a type of organization. Jesus said we are all brothers.
Joseph's older brothers threw him in a pit. Jehovah had it recorded for us. Jehovah didn't approve of what they did, but it's in the Bible so we can see sometimes those taking the lead don't always do what Jehovah approves of. But He will fix it in time.
Many have been "kicked out" for telling the truth. But the sins of those individuals within the organization who misuse their authority or misapply the scripture does not mean Jehovah is not still using that organization. Jehovah executed those who worshipped the calf, but he did not execute Aaron. Why not? Aaron was misled and foolish, but he was not really a hater of God. Jehovah's name was left on that nation for that time despite many episodes of foolishness.
God's faithful individuals were often wrongly "kicked out" in the past by authorities within God's own organization. Jehovah allowed it, but always rewarded those who suffered in this way. This is nothing new. Joseph was kicked out by his own brothers, the 11 other tribes of Israel who inherited the promised land. David, anointed to be the next king, was kicked out by King Saul. Jesus was kicked out by the Jewish authorities. This is nothing new.
Jesus stuck with the Jewish way of doing things (minus the Pharisaical traditions) until Jehovah's appointed time to execute judgment on it. Jesus knew judgment would come in Jehovah's appointed time. He shows us the Way. He was blessed for being willing to suffer for righteousness sake. You will be too. Jehovah will execute judgment on the organization bearing his name today. The Bible is clear. "Start with the elders in front of my sanctuary". Those who are faithful and sincere, both inside and outside the organization, those who are "sighing and groaning over all the detestable things going on in the city", are known to Jesus. He knows where we are.
He will also sit in judgment of us. How will we fare in that day? Those who show mercy will be shown mercy. We do not make excuses for serious wrongdoing. But we also don't oppose the preaching work Jesus commanded to be done by condemning faithful anointed servants and then cutting them off from the congregation support, banning them from the congregation, denying them access to literature for placing, and telling others not to talk to them. Paul made clear that some gave him a hard time and preached out of a spirit of competition, and those who do such a thing while condemning faithful anointed ones are hypocritical. What of it? Either way, the Lord is being proclaimed. We continue to imitate the undeserved kindness of Our Lord, and let him do the judging of who will receive life and who will be destroyed.
True theocratic order means obeying God first. If the men in authority, any authority, whether a family head or an elder or a president or a military tribunal, tell us something that goes against Jehovah or his Word, we have to listen to Jehovah ahead of what is published or some tradition. But just because we go against a tradition doesn't mean we go against everything that authority says. We don't murder or kill even if the secular authorities tell us to murder or kill somebody, because Jehovah says not to and we obey God as ruler rather than men, but we do still pay taxes if that is appropriate.
What direction are we given at present? "Love your brother." Even if your brother does not show love for you. "By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." Some people may not show love for us, but just as God loved us before we loved him, we show ourselves God's children by loving people who hate us. If Jehovah is drawing them, they will have more love in time.
We have the privilege of knowing these things. Jesus said we would be happy if we do them.
Showing love to the whole association of brothers includes loving those who have been "disfellowshipped", and that love is shown not just by works that others see and follow as a predetermined published checklist, but also where only Jehovah sees, in our hearts and actions all the time. The organization needs to repent of the bloodguilt and stumbling of all the little "despised" ones, some who are abused women and men, some who are disfellowshipped weak ones or some who are willing to stand up for Jehovah's name and truth by clinging to what the Bible really says even when they get called "apostates" for "heretically" being willing to say something different than what is published. We are one united people before Jehovah when we cling to Bible truth despite being persecuted or ignored by those claiming to uphold a tradition that doesn't match basic Bible principles.
Jehovah sent Daniel to tell Nebuchadnezzar that he was going to be cut down so that he would realize Jehovah is the one really in charge. Soon every "mountain" on earth is going to be cut down, even those within the organization who may misuse their authority to lord it over others. In fact, that is where the destruction is going to begin, where any disloyal elders are, as Jehovah says, "start at my sanctuary". The community bloodguilt is real. Jehovah is a fair judge, and He sees all the broken hearts from injustices and misapplication of Bible principles, things that misrepresent Him and His holy name.
Until then, what a fine opportunity we have to imitate the Christ by forgiving those who in their blindness don't really know what they are doing. The ransom is big enough. "Father, forgive them..." Someday they will know, and they'll feel really bad about it. Jehovah will make it clear as day. What a privilege we have to imitate Jehovah in His abundant mercy and undeserved loving kindness.
It must not have been easy for Hannah to cooperate with the temple arrangement back in her day with those creeps working at the temple, or Jesus back when he was on earth since he could see everybody's flaws. He called out the Pharisees on their hypocrisy, but he also cooperated where he could with the parts of the organization he could, because he knew that's what Jehovah was using at the time. He knew the men taking the lead were the ones who were going to kill him, and he still cooperated with the organizational arrangement to the best of his ability, because it was his Father's will. But Jesus did talk to those the Pharisees kicked out of the synagogue. (Remember the blind man Jesus healed who was kicked out? The one who the Pharisees "disfellowshipped"? Jesus embraced that man.) Eventually some of the wrongdoers among the Pharisees turned around, and those that didn't His Father executed when Jerusalem was destroyed. What a fine example Jesus gave us of being willing to go along with a temporary arrangement even when it's difficult. He showed us how we can show love and respect in the same way.
Jehovah is leaving his name on the organization, despite all the flaws. We don't serve men. We serve Jehovah. All things will be corrected in time. It's just a little while longer, and we'll all have peace at last. "For all things I have strength through the one who gives me power." Even strength to be loyal to an organization that may not be loyal to us at times. Because the joy set before us is worth enduring the torture stake. The blessings always outweigh the sacrifice. (Job 42) Jehovah sees and knows the pain. "In all their distress, it was distressing to him." His name will be sanctified, and we will all rejoice together.
Bad things do happen in every imperfect organization. Sometimes really bad things.
(1) What Solomon said about man ruling man to his injury is true.
(2) Solomon himself as well as the nation of ancient Israel are examples that Jehovah tolerates within his organization those who mishandle justice at times on a large scale. (David, Saul, Manasseh, Jeroboam, etc...)
(3) Jehovah will repay (where is Solomon's temple today? Gone. Those who misrepresent God will be just as "gone" at God's appointed time.)
(4) Jehovah has chosen to put his name on an imperfect organization and allow it to stay there despite the fact that many teachings still obviously need to be clarified and certain people may seem to get away with things at present.
(5) As Solomon wrote, "the conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: fear the true God and keep his commandments, for that is the whole obligation of man."
After the Flood, there was the rainbow. Today, things are a mess. Everywhere. It will be fixed eventually. We have a work to do to preach and teach about the Kingdom. Jesus said so. Jehovah's Witnesses as an organization is where God put His Name at present. Jehovah is using them to do a work, though they do it imperfectly. He will clean house, and everybody will know when He does it (Ezekiel 9:6). The first plagues in ancient Egypt affected both the Egyptians and Jews. It will be the same when false religion today is taken out. The angels will remove those things (teachings) causing a stumbling and those people doing wickedness. He always tells us before he does something. It's coming soon.
God's Word clarifies matters. It's not easy to be at the raw end of the deal as regards injustice or abuse or teachings that need to be clarified. But we all will be sifted as wheat. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay" says Jehovah. Thankfully, we don't have to take it into our own hands. Jehovah always takes out the bad guys, with style. "Just a little while longer." It is a privilege to suffer anything for Jehovah's name sake! Praised be Jehovah.💖
I am low and made of dust. I am an imperfect sinner and an integrity keeper. I am your sister and servant and fellow slave of the Lord. I am loyal. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I am one of Christ's adopted brothers by means of Christ's blood (by faith in that blood and not by works), part of his future bride, a faithful anointed one, a minister of the new covenant, a member of the body of Christ, one of the 144,000 who has the witness of the holy spirit and the promise by means of God's undeserved kindness and mercy, a new creation to Jehovah's glory and praise.
I shared these things with the governing body, but they do not want to respond. They do not discern the body at present, but instead they give permission for the local elders to persecute me. It's not me they're persecuting - it's the Christ they're persecuting, because he said "if you do it to the least of these my brothers, you are doing it to me."
"I became hungry, but you gave me nothing to eat; and I was thirsty, but you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, but you did not receive me hospitably; naked, but you did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but you did not look after me.’ Then they too will answer with the words: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying: ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones, you did not do it to me."
"That is why the wisdom of God also said: ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them, and they will kill and persecute some of them, so that the blood of all the prophets spilled from the founding of the world may be charged against this generation, from the blood of Abel down to the blood of Zech·a·riʹah, who was killed between the altar and the house.’ Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation."
Jehovah will have mercy on all of his true children. Great is his loyal love.
"A man should regard us as attendants of Christ and stewards of God’s sacred secrets. In this regard, what is expected of stewards is that they be found faithful. Now to me it is of very little importance to be examined by you or by a human tribunal. In fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself. But by this I am not proved righteous; the one who examines me is Jehovah. Therefore, do not judge anything before the due time, until the Lord comes. He will bring the secret things of darkness to light and make known the intentions of the hearts, and then each one will receive his praise from God."
"For the speech about the torture stake is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is God’s power. For it is written: “I will make the wisdom of the wise men perish, and the intelligence of the intellectuals I will reject.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this system of things? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not get to know God through its wisdom, God was pleased through the foolishness of what is preached to save those believing. For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks look for wisdom; but we preach Christ executed on the stake, to the Jews a cause for stumbling but to the nations foolishness. However, to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because a foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and a weak thing of God is stronger than men. For you see his calling of you, brothers, that there are not many wise in a fleshly way, not many powerful, not many of noble birth, but God chose the foolish things of the world to put the wise men to shame; and God chose the weak things of the world to put the strong things to shame; and God chose the insignificant things of the world and the things looked down on, the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, so that no one might boast in the sight of God. But it is due to him that you are in union with Christ Jesus, who has become to us wisdom from God, also righteousness and sanctification and release by ransom, so that it may be just as it is written: “The one who boasts, let him boast in Jehovah."
We learn obedience from the things suffered, and are better fit for our assignments. May Jehovah be praised forever and ever!
"And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and underneath the earth and on the sea, and all the things in them, saying: “To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.” The four living creatures were saying: “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshipped."
Praise Jehovah!
I have a library card for the public library in the town where I live. I had to pay a small fee and fill out a form to get it. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the town because I have a library card?
On paychecks in the past, I have also had a state id number. I had to fill out some forms when I got a job so that I could get paid. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the state because I had a state id number?
I also have a social security number. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the federal government ("the false prophet" or "feet of iron and clay" or a member of the "scarlet colored wild beast") because I have a social security number?
Joseph and Mary cooperated with the Roman authorities and got registered for the census. Joseph and Mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the Roman authorities, the "legs of iron". Joseph and Mary were not perfect. Joseph almost divorced Mary at first when he found out she was pregnant, but Jehovah forgave Joseph and helped him figure things out. Jehovah showed Joseph and Mary were fit to be the parents of the perfect Son of God, and the evidence of that blessing is clear.
The governing body of the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not perfect. Like all of us, they sometimes make bad decisions and do things they later regret. Peter stopped eating with Gentiles for awhile, and that could have derailed the faith of a lot of people. Everybody knows about that today. It will be the same with the imperfect men on the governing body and the others. They are not currently ruling as kings, they are supposed to be elder brothers, but if they try to rule as kings while in their present state, Jehovah will take care of it in time. In ancient Israel, when kings lorded it over others in a bad way and refused to change, they met their end eventually. God's Word says that every mountain will fall and every island. Every "government" that is opposition, including those mini-kingdoms that men may try to set up within the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses - anyone who misuses their authority, any "evil slave" who "beats" others, whether that "evil slave" be on the governing body or at Bethel or on an elder body or "disfellowshipped" or a family head, where ever, "every mountain" and "every island" - anyone who sets up their own way of doing things that is in opposition to God's Kingdom. Jehovah will repay, we don't have to worry about that. Sometimes it takes awhile from our point of view, like Jezebel and Ahab. But He will take care of it. They can't hide from him, wolves in sheep's covering don't fool Jehovah.
Jehovah's friend, King Jehoshaphat, unwisely made a marriage alliance with Ahab and Jezebel's family. What was he thinking? God only knows.
Jehovah's friend, King Jehoshaphat, unwisely went into battle alongside wicked Ahab, even after Jehovah's prophet warned him against it. What was he thinking? God only knows.
Jehoshaphat remained Jehovah's friend, despite making some really dumb decisions that affected the people in his care. The whole nation suffered because of some of those decisions. Yet Jehoshaphat is still considered to be overall a "good" king. Because he was perfect? No. Because of his heart. God knows his heart.
"Not many wise" are called by God, to be his friends. Being awesomely intelligent or exquisitely perfect is not a prerequisite to being God's friend, thankfully. "God chose the foolish things of the world to put the wise things to shame." It is better not to make foolish mistakes, but God can turn around any situation to make it into a blessing in due time. Jehovah does not cause mistakes, but Jehovah's love is magnified by means of the mistakes of his imperfect friends. In what way? In that Jehovah's mercy and undeserved kindness toward them is manifest just like a pearly covering overlayed on the irritation-causing particle in the heart of the oyster. In this way the blessings and the honor and the praise belong to Jehovah, and not to any man. By means of the ransom, Jehovah can keep using imperfect "foolish" ones and still get his purpose accomplished on time, in a way that exalts God's wisdom and power and glory.
Looking back, getting a UN library card doesn't seem like the greatest decision. Neither was Jehoshaphat going into battle alongside Ahab. What were they thinking? God only knows. Jehovah is the judge of the hearts of men. Praise Jehovah for his great mercy and undeserved kindness through the ransom, of which we are also recipients. We will also stand before the judgment seat of God. How will we fare in that day? "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy."
Moses did some really cool stuff, but he also messed up a few times. It's written for all to see. Jehovah allowed Jehu to do some really cool stuff, but later Jehu did false worship. Jehovah has it recorded so everybody in the world knows. Solomon did some really cool stuff too, but later he did false worship. Jehovah has it recorded so that everybody in the world knows. David did some cool stuff, he messed up big a few times, but he repented. We don't know the hearts of those men given authority today. We don't have to. We just have to take care of our own business - staying faithful to Jehovah.
There are refugees in some countries who stay in refugee camps sponsored by the UN. Some of the brothers are in such camps. Are they "part of the UN?" Of course not, that is ridiculous.
Sarah: "I did not laugh."
Angel of Jehovah: "No, but you did laugh!"
Was Sarah deemed an incorrigible liar and doomed to eternal death for her blatant falsehood straight to the face of God? Sarah was blessed for her faith. Imperfect humans are weak. We all stumble many times. Jehovah doesn't just throw us away for our mistakes.
If it was a mistake for our organization to get a UN library card, then thank Jehovah for the ransom.
We are contenders with God. He is here by our side. He is "contending", enduring torture by watching his little sheep endure abuse by those who should know better. He is listening to all this and exercising restraint and self-control. But he will soon make himself known, "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." (Ezekiel 34) He will gather all his little sheep from everywhere they have been scattered, and He will make clear how he feels about those "shepherds" who are misrepresenting him.
Jesus allowed the disciples to misunderstand the following: "unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no share with me..." He didn't explain everything at that time. He allowed some to misunderstand both this teaching and the timing of when the Kingdom would come. Did he throw those ones away because of their misunderstanding? No. He gave them an opportunity to show that they were contenders too. Peter still did not understand clearly, but he said, "where else are we going to go? You have sayings of everlasting life."
If you see mistakes and misunderstandings in the modern day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, you are blessed with insight and comprehension. What will you do with that information? When you help others who have been stumbled, when you pick up the wounded and comfort them with the comfort you have received from above, you are truly imitating your Father in heaven who is by your side as you contend for the blessing.
The Pharisees and scribes will be judged. So will we. Let us make peace while there is time. We can leave the judging to the judges, namely, Jehovah and Jesus. A hundred years from now, we won't care about that misapplied verse or library card. If they want to be there, everyone who hurt you will have to apologize for all the stupid stuff they did. We'll make new memories, and the old pains will be gone. We'll just be glad to be all together and with Jehovah. We are a family. We don't want any to be lost. May you have peace and undeserved kindness and mercy from our Father and his Son, who paid the price for us and for them. Your endurance under such circumstances brings great glory to Jehovah, just like Joseph endured the abuse from his brothers. In the end, all 12 of the sons of Israel received a blessing. These trials are almost over.
Does Jehovah, "He Who Causes To Become", have the power to remove his name from the modern-day organization? He chooses not to remove his name. Why? Jehovah is Contending. He sees all the stuff we see, all of it. But He is Contending, for the sake of a blessing. They are his sons, and he doesn't want to lose any of them. He is Contending. Will you contend with him?
The evidence is clear that Jehovah is leaving his name on the modern-day organization. It's his name. He doesn't have to leave it there, but he is. There are tons of mistakes the men in authority make. Tons of them. Joseph and Mary lost Jesus at a festival and left him behind. Did Jehovah ex them out? No. If these men on the governing body leave some sheep behind in their ignorance, it is really bad, but Jehovah will fix it in time. Jehovah will gather the sheep himself and feed them. He will exalt those lowly lost sheep, and the shepherds who lost them will be taken to account. Ezekiel 34. We need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. The current troubles are only temporary. We have everlasting life in view in perfect conditions. We have to keep moving forward, looking to the future with confidence, knowing that Jehovah will work all these other things out. You have heard of the endurance of Job. You are Job. Look toward the reward. Jehovah knows every single tear and every single treachery you have experienced. He was with you the whole time you've been on that torture stake. Jesus was tortured by the very organization that was supposed to be supporting him. If you have suffered in a similar way, what do you think Jehovah says about you in heaven? He is proud of you and rejoices over you and holds you up as an example. Jehovah has more blessings in store for you than you can imagine. Praise Jehovah. "Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
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A PLEA TO "APPOINTED ELDERS"
In harmony with what is prophesied at Daniel 11:34, there have been undercover agents who have been appointed as elders at different times and in different places. Were they appointed by holy spirit? No, they were not appointed by holy spirit. What about other elders? What does the Bible really teach?
Is the phrase "appointed by holy spirit" even in the Bible? Yes, but not in the way it is applied today.
Moses was not "appointed by holy spirit"; he was appointed by Jehovah by means of an angel.
King Saul was not "appointed by holy spirit"; he was appointed by Jehovah by means of a prophet. Jehovah told Samuel to anoint Saul with oil.
King David was not "appointed by holy spirit"; he was appointed by Jehovah by means of that same prophet, Samuel. Jehovah told Samuel to anoint David with oil.
Jehovah told Elijah to appoint Elisha and Jehu and Hazael. (By the way, was Hazael "appointed by spirit"? Hazael was a man of the nations who was a murderer.)
We all should show respect for anyone in authority. Even Romans shows us that we should even show respect for the superior authorities of the nations. Paul teaches us that we should show respect for masters, even those who are unkind to their slaves. But what is the verse in Ephesians 4:8 really talking about, when it says "gifts in men" were given?
In context, Paul was talking about the "one body, one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling," he was talking about the anointed, the 144,000 who are placed in the body according to God's will. Paul goes on to discuss this further in the next few verses. When he talks about "gifts in men" it could also be rendered, "gifts in humans" or "gifts in men and women" since the original language is talking about both men and women who become part of the 144,000, as is shown in verse 11, where he discusses "he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers."
In the first century, there were women who prophesied (Acts 21:9 "this man had four unmarried daughters who prophesied") and who evangelized. Those who go to heaven to be part of the body of the Christ will no longer be man or woman anyway, because they are a new creation. Jehovah is the one who "appoints" eye or ear or any part of the body.
When Paul gave the admonition to overseers of the first century, "pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers," those men were directly appointed by holy spirit. Paul talks about Timothy's appointment in 1 Timothy 4:14, where holy spirit was manifested in his appointment. There were other gifts of the spirit that were apparent in the first century - among them were speaking in tongues, gifts of healing, etc - but Paul said those gifts would cease. Acts 14:23: "Moreover, they appointed elders for them in each congregation, offering prayer with fasting, and they entrusted them to Jehovah, in whom they had become believers." Acts 13:2-4: "As they were ministering to Jehovah and fasting, the holy spirit said: “Set aside for me Barʹna·bas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So these men, sent out by the holy spirit..." When they prayed and fasted, Jehovah through his holy spirit directly appointed those first century overseers. This does not happen today in the same way.
When men are appointed as elders today, they are not appointed because of apparent gifts of the spirit. Jehovah does not speak to the elder by means of the holy spirit today. Today, these three remain, "faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." The other gifts of the spirit have ceased.
Today men are appointed when other men read the Bible and pray and discuss outward qualifications, and hopefully they don't make too many mistakes. Sometimes they do make mistakes. The men they are appointing are not appointed by holy spirit. Jehovah foretold that there would be lawless men among the elders in our time. All the men do deserve respect because they are allowed to exercise authority, but it's not because of being "gifts in men" according to Ephesians 4:8. That verse at Ephesians 4:8 is talking about the gifts of the anointed in the body of the Christ.
The lawless ones among the elders who Jehovah has allowed to be appointed are those "appointed" as elders who have been appointed for destruction. Here is what the Bible says:
"Beloved ones, although I was making every effort to write you about the salvation we hold in common, I found it necessary to write you to urge you to put up a hard fight for the faith that was once for all time delivered to the holy ones. My reason is that certain men have slipped in among you who were long ago APPOINTED to this judgment by the Scriptures; they are ungodly men who turn the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for brazen conduct and who prove false to our only owner and Lord, Jesus Christ...shepherds who feed themselves without fear..."
"...to those not believing, “the stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone” and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were APPOINTED. But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies” of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.."
"For the scripture says to Pharʹaoh: “For this very reason I have let you remain: to show my power in connection with you and to have my name declared in all the earth.” So, then, he has mercy on whomever he wishes, but he lets whomever he wishes become obstinate. You will therefore say to me: “Why does he still find fault? For who has withstood his will?” But who are you, O man, to be answering back to God? Does the thing molded say to its molder: “Why did you make me this way?” What? Does not the potter have authority over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel for an honorable use, another for a dishonorable use? What, then, if God had the will to demonstrate his wrath and to make his power known, and he tolerated with much patience VESSELS OF WRATH MADE FIT FOR DESTRUCTION? And if this was done to make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, namely, us, whom he called not only from among Jews but also from among nations, what of it?"
"Now in a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for an honorable use but others for a use lacking honor. So if anyone keeps clear of the latter ones, he will be an instrument for an honorable use, sanctified, useful to his owner, prepared for every good work...Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him to do his will."
Elders in the organization who choose to "speak abusively of glorious ones," namely, those who Jehovah has appointed to be part of the body of the Christ, such elders are stumbling over the foundation corner stone. Those elders are stumbling on the rock-mass of offense. They are marked for destruction. For this, they were appointed.
Not all elders are appointed for destruction. But some are. Perhaps you will repent if you are one of these "appointed" elders who are appointed for destruction? I hope you will repent. Jehovah is coming. Pharoah had so many opportunities to change. Some of the Egyptians turned around. Maybe you will too.
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ON "DISFELLOWSHIPPING" ARRANGEMENT
A wise person will not spend time with unwise ones more than is absolutely necessary. Jesus did not institute a "disfellowshipping arrangement" because it was not necessary. "Do not eat with anyone called a brother" who is actively being an adulterer or a drunkard or things like these. The Bible principles are in place; wise people will choose to avoid hanging out with lovers of wickedness. There is no need for a committee or checklists or rules or hidden meetings. The Pharisees made "guidelines" for dealing with lepers, "guidelines" that went beyond what the law proscribed. Their "guidelines" made the law invalid. (God's law is based on love.) The way of the Pharisees is not to be the way among Jehovah's faithful people.
Where did the current disfellowshipping arrangement come from? Who did something similar in the first century? Remember when the Pharisees threw out the blind man who Jesus had healed? That man's parents were afraid of the congregation leaders, "they were in fear of the Jews, for the Jews had already come to an agreement that if anyone acknowledged him as Christ, that person should be expelled from the synagogue." Their fear was valid, because when the faithful man stuck with Jesus, "they [the congregation elders] threw him out!" Who else threw people out of the congregation? What did Diotrephes try to do?
The Bible is quite clear that the "city gate" was the place to go for having injustice handled. Those affected by unresolved serious injustice were required to go to tell the "congregation" (in Greek meaning the whole group of people, not just the elders.) The "city gate" in ancient times was in clear view of anyone walking by, and just decisions were generally made by appointed judges during daylight for all to see and hear. If the appointed judges in the city gate mishandle justice today, where is the modern-day "city gate" we can go talk about it to the rest of the congregation, so they can protect themselves?
Any who mishandle matters by attempting to twist justice in the darkness are eventually exposed, such as the Sanhedrin with their nighttime trial of the Christ. Certain modern day elder judicial decisions that take place behind closed doors do not reflect the way of doing things in the first century Christian congregation, or the way judicial matters would have been handled more publicly in ancient Israel. The Judge who is above all other judges will make restitution for those who have suffered at the hands of unrighteous oppressors or ignorant men - just as He gave Israel their wages upon leaving Egypt. Those unpaid slaves stripped the Egyptians of their treasures at Jehovah's command. Jehovah made sure they got their wages.
We can see the rotten fruit of those individuals who mishandle judging. Those with such authority will be held accountable for how they use or misuse that authority. We are to judge whether someone has actions that are in harmony with Bible principles, and we are to judge whether someone is good or bad association. But did God give Christian elders permission to put anyone to death? It does not belong to us to judge the hearts of men, even those in the congregation. "Disfellowshipping" is the same as "death" in many ways. It is a form of "living death". Who gave any man in the Christian congregation on earth such authority, to judge someone worthy of "death"? In ancient Israel, Jehovah did gave men that authority, but he did not give it to men on earth in the Christian congregation. Today we do not have animal sacrifices at a temple either - thank Jehovah God!
Jesus was not controlled by the Pharisees, but he did permit them to exercise authority over him. Those Pharisees did not take Jesus by surprise; he was well aware of what they were doing and even told his friends ahead of time what was going to occur.
None of us are surprised when we meet with suffering for taking a stand for righteousness. Jesus told us we would face these things. "A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you."
Jesus was a Jew, affiliated with the local synagogues, and yet the Jews of his day did not teach the truth about Jehovah. Was Jesus a heretic for sticking with the Jewish religion? Of course not. Was he a heretic or apostate for sticking with Jehovah's Word? Never may that happen! Jesus is Loyal. He shows us the way.
We are not afraid of being affiliated with an organization (a family is a type of organization, so is a workplace or a school group, etc) neither are we "controlled" by an organization. Of our own free will, we can choose to cooperate with the Christ in order to be joined to him and whoever he chooses to place in his body, that is, the congregation. Christ's true congregation is also a family, with Christ as head, and it is pleasant to be under Christ's direction. If he permits unreasonable or harsh men to stand for awhile in a position of authority, certainly he can give us the strength and spirit needed to endure it. Additionally, if Jesus was willing to speak out about the inconsistencies and hypocrisies of certain individuals or spurious traditions in the religion he belonged to and supported, then it is not wrong for us to do the same.
God's Kingdom has not yet crushed all other kingdoms. There are labor pains. The modern-day organization bearing the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" has its share of those pains. Imperfect people are not meant to lord it over imperfect people. Some of the constructs and superior authorities of this world are only temporary until the Kingdom is completely here. We must perceive what the will of God is for us and act in accord with our conscience. What is the direction from the Christ? "Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the inheritance as a reward. Slave for the Master, Christ. Certainly the one who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality."
Peter said that we could know that "the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world," and Jude said, "certain men have slipped in among you who were long ago appointed to this judgment by the Scriptures; they are ungodly men who turn the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for brazen conduct and who prove false to our only owner and Lord, Jesus Christ."
(What is one of the defenses given for "disfellowshipping"? Isn't it to "give them a taste of what it is like to be separated from Jehovah so they'll repent"? Doesn't that sound a little like the reasoning for the Spanish Inquisition torture? Did you know that every time a disfellowshipped person hears one of the songs about "love" or "brotherhood" or "friends" it's like driving a nail into their heart because of the unscriptural disfellowshipping arrangement, and it drives them further away, not closer? Did you know that separating a "disfellowshipped" person from their friends and family is like tearing out their internal organs right in front of them? Are you sure you are understanding those scriptures correctly? Do you really think that is the arrangement those scriptures are promoting? Is that really what you think is going to bring them closer to Jehovah? Is that what Jesus would do? How does the current arrangement fit with the rest of what you know about Jehovah and Jesus? Is it possible you have misunderstood those verses? Yes! Just like the Pharisees misunderstood about the dill and the cumin and the camel and the gnat and love and mercy and righteousness!)
It is actually faith-strengthening to have such experiences, to be persecuted at the hands of those in Jehovah's organization. Jehovah gives us love to endure the pain. We can be more confident than ever that God is going to clean out his organization, and we become more confident in his Word.
In the meantime...Jesus said in prayer that he made his Father's name, "Jehovah" (which includes his reputation as a God of love, justice, wisdom and power) known and would continue to make it known, "so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them." We must keep bearing fruit in order to remain in union with them. Love is the most important thing. Jesus' love helped him conquer the world. It's the same power he gives us to conquer whatever we face. We will all be victorious with love, as we continue to obediently follow the Christ wherever he leads.
When Hannah was on earth, where did she direct Samuel to go? What was going on at the temple there? Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, and what was going on there? We have to do the best we can with the conditions we have. New ones need to know what God's name is if they are going to call on him. They need to know there is a Kingdom and what the Bible teaches about Christian conduct. The jw . org website teaches those things. If Jehovah allows the other misapplied scriptures temporarily, well, he allowed polygamous marriage in ancient Israel for awhile because the people were stubborn but anyone associating with Jehovah's organization back then had to tolerate the issue, and he allowed the circumcision issue to go on in the early congregation, and some might have been stumbled by it, some refused to eat with Gentiles, it caused a ruckus. Those causing a stumbling will be held accountable. Jehovah clears things up in time.
We are not the master of anyone's faith, but we have to figure out what is appropriate in our own situations. Woe to us if we did not preach. We may not have the ideal situation, but when Joseph was in prison at the hands of his own brothers, did he stop talking about his God, Jehovah? It must have been awkward, but not impossible. It's awkward for us too to preach while being persecuted, but it's not impossible. Nothing is impossible with Jehovah helping us. Forward is the only way we can go. No trial lasts forever.
Brothers, we will receive the prize if we endure in faith. May you continue to be blessed as you run the race, confident that your Father in heaven and his Son are faithful, even if men may be unfaithful. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God's love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(A side point: When Moses tells you in God's Word about the goings-on of Jacob's household, about Tamar and Judah, about Joseph's situation, is that engaging in gossip or slander? No. Was Moses a reviler for recording the truth about Pharoah? No. When the prophets of old tell you about Jezebel and Naboth and Ahab and the elders of Naboth's city, is that engaging in gossip or slander? No. Were the prophets revilers for recording the wicked deeds of opposers of truth? No. It is not engaging in gossip or slander or reviling to inform others or to be informed of what is going on with our people. Was Jesus a reviler for calling out the Pharisees? Nope. Were Peter or Paul or Stephen engaging in gossip or slander for recalling the evil deeds of the men in authority, the judges and elders, in the Jewish congregation, the Sanhedrin? Not at all. Peter and Paul and Stephen were faithful men, they imitated Jesus' boldness and spoke with power from Jehovah's holy spirit. It is not engaging in gossip or slander or reviling to speak about or to hear what the Russian authorities are doing to our brothers in Russia. It is not engaging in gossip or slander or reviling to tell about or to listen to what authorities are doing to our brothers here, whether it be authorities in the municipal government or authorities in the congregation. We are one united people. "Keep in mind those in prison, as if you were in prison with them." "Weep with those who weep." We cannot weep with those who are suffering if we bury our heads in the sand as to their afflictions.)
What was discipline like in the first century? "City gates" were public places, not behind closed doors. "Let justice take place in the city gate." Those sinners who were "stripped of privileges" were the men taking the lead in the congregation who were publicly teaching things in opposition to the Christ, like Diotrephes. Their consequences were not that people stopped talking to them, but that they stopped teaching the congregation. Paul said of others who were acting immorally that we shouldn't hang out with them so they change their ways. He didn't say not to talk to them, but "keep admonishing them as a brother." The traditions that have grown up around the current "disfellowshipping" arrangement here are leftovers from the Catholic and Protestant and Bahai type traditions of Babylon the Great. What does Jesus teach you? How did he treat tax collectors and prostitutes who were of the Jewish faith?
Who is the greater Moses? Is it the governing body? Is it the elders? Is it Bethel? No. It is Jesus. Jesus is the greater Moses. Do not rebel against Jesus' authority. Even if other men, "250 men, men of fame", men who used to be faithful, like Korah Dathan and Abiram, men who have the appearance of godliness but prove false to its power, namely, by sacrificing love on the altar of self-exaltation and pride, even if any of those leaders of the congregations rebel against "Moses", we must obey the Christ. Jesus said the Pharisees bound up heavy loads on men but refused to lift a finger to help carry them. Ungodly decrees and traditions have permeated our organization, just like Pharisaical leaven fermented the Jewish religion of old. Jesus is about to remove these traditions that don't belong. "The Kingdom is like a little leaven that a woman placed in a mass of flour. The whole lump was fermented." "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees." We must not rebel against Jesus' authority. He teaches us how to walk.
"Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works." What is the teaching of the Christ? Is it not to "love your brother"? In the first century, what was "a greeting"? The gospels show Jesus also said to not say a greeting when on the road in the preaching work, because a Jewish greeting was a long drawn out exchange of pleasantries that took quite a bit of time. Jesus wasn't saying "don't talk"; rather he was saying don't hang out with people and spend a lot of time with those who don't have love or don't teach love, those who are like the Pharisees, who make up traditions for everything and end up throwing out the kingly law of love. They gulp down the camel and strain out the gnat. They say "I am clean because I never talk to a lowly one" but they ignore justice, love and mercy! What does your conscience teach you? When you avoid a "disfellowshipped" person who visits the kingdom hall or in a grocery store you walk the other way, can you picture Jesus doing that? Or is it the Pharisees who ignore lepers and throw rocks at them?
Please, look at Jesus. He is the faithful witness.
"You are my witnesses," declares Jehovah...
When were these words written about Jehovah having witnesses? Over 2,500 years ago. Long before the modern-day organization called "Jehovah's Witnesses."
If any man or group of men sits on a committee decides to make an announcement, "So-and-so is no longer of Jehovah's Witnesses," does that mean anything in heaven? It depends. Men on earth have authority to make some decisions and judgments, but they do not have authority to make other decisions and judgments. If any man takes it upon himself to make a declaration that is not within the realm of his authority, he can proclaim it until he is blue in the face, but that does not change God's judgment in heaven.
Case in point: The Pharisees said that Jesus was a blasphemer and a seditionist and a demonized man. Those men had authority in the organization of the Jewish nation. They were called "judges". But their proclamations did not always match what God said in heaven. We know how Jehovah feels about Jesus. Jehovah exalted Jesus name above every other name. We pray in the name of the one who those Pharisees said was cursed by God!
Imagine if Jesus had been put in a holding cell for three days after his "trial" and before his execution, and you were being held in the same cell, would you have treated him as if he was "guilty" of the false charges? Would you have ignored him and not talked to him? "Well, the Sanhedrin and the Roman government said he was guilty, and they are the ruling authorities by God, so we have to listen to them." That would be foolish! "We must obey God as ruler rather than man" when the ruling authorities say to do something that is not in harmony with God's will! What if you are thrown into a prison cell during the great tribulation with only a "disfellowshipped" witness? What will you do then? Ignore your fellow prisoner? Of course not, that would be foolish!
Jesus forgave Peter for denying him three times. How many times have we denied the Christ by forsaking his children, the little ones who were "beat up" on the side of the road, the weak ones, the disfellowshipped ones who we refused to talk to but we just walked by them on the road? The ones who were ignored at the Kingdom Hall although in their great courage they went through those doors, knowing they'd be humiliated and shunned? Jesus forgave Peter when Peter repented. Jesus will forgive us too when we repent of such horrid behavior of ignoring "disfellowshipped" ones. Now is the time to cleanse ourselves of such Pharisaical behavior. "Let the young children come to me." Would you leave your kid out in the cold when they have come home to you? Jesus said the prodigal son's father ran to embrace him from a long way off. Is that what happens in the Kingdom Hall today when a lost sheep comes home, or are they ignored because of misapplied scripture and twisted traditions? Why would they want to come back to such a cold place? It is not God's spirit that moves men to make such traditions. It is the spirit of self-exaltation and pride, qualities of the Devil. God is Love. Jesus shows us the way. Can you picture Jesus ignoring that poor beat up sheep who comes to the Kingdom Hall?
"If anyone does not love his brother, who he can see, he cannot love God, who he cannot see." You cannot see God at present. But if you do not show love for his children, if you do not obey the kingly law of love, how can you survive the coming tribulation and Armageddon? "The one who exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him." Is it obeying Jesus to withhold love? "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts fear out, because fear restrains us. Indeed, the one who is fearful has not been made perfect in love." Do you really follow the "disfellowshipping" tradition out of love? Or is it out of fear? Fear of what others will say? Fear that you're not following a tradition? Fear that you're going to be zapped from heaven? Jesus showed us the way. Follow him!
Being one of Jehovah's Witnesses according to God's Word does not mean we are signed up with a group or following a checklist designed by men. It doesn't mean having a title or wearing a tie or a skirt or a badge card. Some people might do those things, or might think that is what being one of Jehovah's Witnesses means. And it is not wrong to do these things. But the most important part of being one of Jehovah's Witnesses means we obey God in accord with His Word, bearing witness by our lives and words. We are led by his holy spirit. We follow the Christ.
Jesus gave direction to the congregations as recorded in Revelation 1-3. During the last days, it is clear there would be all kinds of bad things going on in the congregations. What counsel did Jesus give to those faithful individuals who saw all that bad stuff going on? "Hold fast what you have until I come" and "those from the synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews but are not" (in other words, those who claim to be true worshippers but are actually fulfilling the interests of God's chief enemy) "will have to know that I have loved you."
The modern-day organization bearing Jehovah's name will be cleansed. Jesus said so. He got his information and authority from Jehovah, who doesn't lie. All of us who are sighing and groaning over the detestable things going on in her midst will be comforted. Any causing a stumbling will be cleared out by God's holy angels. It's just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more. "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." Jehovah is Our Father. He doesn't forget any of his sheep. "All those calling on the name of Jehovah will be saved." Jehovah is the best judge of who his witnesses are. He knows when we call on him in truth. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks. Praise Jehovah.
Jesus words in Matthew about a faithful and discreet slave are direction for all of us to be faithful and discreet, and not unkind to those under our authority, whether we be a housewife with kids or a manager at a hotel or an elder or whatever. We all need to be faithful and discreet.
It is clear from the Bible that God uses organization, and there was a governing body in the first century congregation, but it was to be "older brothers", not "kings" or "lords". In a family, an older brother is not a dictator who throws out anyone who disagrees with him or anyone he dislikes or anyone who he views as commiting "injured majesty". He's an older brother.
A family is a type of organization. Jesus said we are all brothers.
Joseph's older brothers threw him in a pit. Jehovah had it recorded for us. Jehovah didn't approve of what they did, but it's in the Bible so we can see sometimes those taking the lead don't always do what Jehovah approves of. But He will fix it in time.
Many have been "kicked out" for telling the truth. But the sins of those individuals within the organization who misuse their authority or misapply the scripture does not mean Jehovah is not still using that organization. Jehovah executed those who worshipped the calf, but he did not execute Aaron. Why not? Aaron was misled and foolish, but he was not really a hater of God. Jehovah's name was left on that nation for that time despite many episodes of foolishness.
God's faithful individuals were often wrongly "kicked out" in the past by authorities within God's own organization. Jehovah allowed it, but always rewarded those who suffered in this way. This is nothing new. Joseph was kicked out by his own brothers, the 11 other tribes of Israel who inherited the promised land. David, anointed to be the next king, was kicked out by King Saul. Jesus was kicked out by the Jewish authorities. This is nothing new.
Jesus stuck with the Jewish way of doing things (minus the Pharisaical traditions) until Jehovah's appointed time to execute judgment on it. Jesus knew judgment would come in Jehovah's appointed time. He shows us the Way. He was blessed for being willing to suffer for righteousness sake. You will be too. Jehovah will execute judgment on the organization bearing his name today. The Bible is clear. "Start with the elders in front of my sanctuary". Those who are faithful and sincere, both inside and outside the organization, those who are "sighing and groaning over all the detestable things going on in the city", are known to Jesus. He knows where we are.
He will also sit in judgment of us. How will we fare in that day? Those who show mercy will be shown mercy. We do not make excuses for serious wrongdoing. But we also don't oppose the preaching work Jesus commanded to be done by condemning faithful anointed servants and then cutting them off from the congregation support, banning them from the congregation, denying them access to literature for placing, and telling others not to talk to them. Paul made clear that some gave him a hard time and preached out of a spirit of competition, and those who do such a thing while condemning faithful anointed ones are hypocritical. What of it? Either way, the Lord is being proclaimed. We continue to imitate the undeserved kindness of Our Lord, and let him do the judging of who will receive life and who will be destroyed.
True theocratic order means obeying God first. If the men in authority, any authority, whether a family head or an elder or a president or a military tribunal, tell us something that goes against Jehovah or his Word, we have to listen to Jehovah ahead of what is published or some tradition. But just because we go against a tradition doesn't mean we go against everything that authority says. We don't murder or kill even if the secular authorities tell us to murder or kill somebody, because Jehovah says not to and we obey God as ruler rather than men, but we do still pay taxes if that is appropriate.
What direction are we given at present? "Love your brother." Even if your brother does not show love for you. "By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." Some people may not show love for us, but just as God loved us before we loved him, we show ourselves God's children by loving people who hate us. If Jehovah is drawing them, they will have more love in time.
We have the privilege of knowing these things. Jesus said we would be happy if we do them.
Showing love to the whole association of brothers includes loving those who have been "disfellowshipped", and that love is shown not just by works that others see and follow as a predetermined published checklist, but also where only Jehovah sees, in our hearts and actions all the time. The organization needs to repent of the bloodguilt and stumbling of all the little "despised" ones, some who are abused women and men, some who are disfellowshipped weak ones or some who are willing to stand up for Jehovah's name and truth by clinging to what the Bible really says even when they get called "apostates" for "heretically" being willing to say something different than what is published. We are one united people before Jehovah when we cling to Bible truth despite being persecuted or ignored by those claiming to uphold a tradition that doesn't match basic Bible principles.
Jehovah sent Daniel to tell Nebuchadnezzar that he was going to be cut down so that he would realize Jehovah is the one really in charge. Soon every "mountain" on earth is going to be cut down, even those within the organization who may misuse their authority to lord it over others. In fact, that is where the destruction is going to begin, where any disloyal elders are, as Jehovah says, "start at my sanctuary". The community bloodguilt is real. Jehovah is a fair judge, and He sees all the broken hearts from injustices and misapplication of Bible principles, things that misrepresent Him and His holy name.
Until then, what a fine opportunity we have to imitate the Christ by forgiving those who in their blindness don't really know what they are doing. The ransom is big enough. "Father, forgive them..." Someday they will know, and they'll feel really bad about it. Jehovah will make it clear as day. What a privilege we have to imitate Jehovah in His abundant mercy and undeserved loving kindness.
It must not have been easy for Hannah to cooperate with the temple arrangement back in her day with those creeps working at the temple, or Jesus back when he was on earth since he could see everybody's flaws. He called out the Pharisees on their hypocrisy, but he also cooperated where he could with the parts of the organization he could, because he knew that's what Jehovah was using at the time. He knew the men taking the lead were the ones who were going to kill him, and he still cooperated with the organizational arrangement to the best of his ability, because it was his Father's will. But Jesus did talk to those the Pharisees kicked out of the synagogue. (Remember the blind man Jesus healed who was kicked out? The one who the Pharisees "disfellowshipped"? Jesus embraced that man.) Eventually some of the wrongdoers among the Pharisees turned around, and those that didn't His Father executed when Jerusalem was destroyed. What a fine example Jesus gave us of being willing to go along with a temporary arrangement even when it's difficult. He showed us how we can show love and respect in the same way.
Jehovah is leaving his name on the organization, despite all the flaws. We don't serve men. We serve Jehovah. All things will be corrected in time. It's just a little while longer, and we'll all have peace at last. "For all things I have strength through the one who gives me power." Even strength to be loyal to an organization that may not be loyal to us at times. Because the joy set before us is worth enduring the torture stake. The blessings always outweigh the sacrifice. (Job 42) Jehovah sees and knows the pain. "In all their distress, it was distressing to him." His name will be sanctified, and we will all rejoice together.
Bad things do happen in every imperfect organization. Sometimes really bad things.
(1) What Solomon said about man ruling man to his injury is true.
(2) Solomon himself as well as the nation of ancient Israel are examples that Jehovah tolerates within his organization those who mishandle justice at times on a large scale. (David, Saul, Manasseh, Jeroboam, etc...)
(3) Jehovah will repay (where is Solomon's temple today? Gone. Those who misrepresent God will be just as "gone" at God's appointed time.)
(4) Jehovah has chosen to put his name on an imperfect organization and allow it to stay there despite the fact that many teachings still obviously need to be clarified and certain people may seem to get away with things at present.
(5) As Solomon wrote, "the conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: fear the true God and keep his commandments, for that is the whole obligation of man."
After the Flood, there was the rainbow. Today, things are a mess. Everywhere. It will be fixed eventually. We have a work to do to preach and teach about the Kingdom. Jesus said so. Jehovah's Witnesses as an organization is where God put His Name at present. Jehovah is using them to do a work, though they do it imperfectly. He will clean house, and everybody will know when He does it (Ezekiel 9:6). The first plagues in ancient Egypt affected both the Egyptians and Jews. It will be the same when false religion today is taken out. The angels will remove those things (teachings) causing a stumbling and those people doing wickedness. He always tells us before he does something. It's coming soon.
God's Word clarifies matters. It's not easy to be at the raw end of the deal as regards injustice or abuse or teachings that need to be clarified. But we all will be sifted as wheat. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay" says Jehovah. Thankfully, we don't have to take it into our own hands. Jehovah always takes out the bad guys, with style. "Just a little while longer." It is a privilege to suffer anything for Jehovah's name sake! Praised be Jehovah.💖
I am low and made of dust. I am an imperfect sinner and an integrity keeper. I am your sister and servant and fellow slave of the Lord. I am loyal. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I am one of Christ's adopted brothers by means of Christ's blood (by faith in that blood and not by works), part of his future bride, a faithful anointed one, a minister of the new covenant, a member of the body of Christ, one of the 144,000 who has the witness of the holy spirit and the promise by means of God's undeserved kindness and mercy, a new creation to Jehovah's glory and praise.
I shared these things with the governing body, but they do not want to respond. They do not discern the body at present, but instead they give permission for the local elders to persecute me. It's not me they're persecuting - it's the Christ they're persecuting, because he said "if you do it to the least of these my brothers, you are doing it to me."
"I became hungry, but you gave me nothing to eat; and I was thirsty, but you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, but you did not receive me hospitably; naked, but you did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but you did not look after me.’ Then they too will answer with the words: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying: ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones, you did not do it to me."
"That is why the wisdom of God also said: ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them, and they will kill and persecute some of them, so that the blood of all the prophets spilled from the founding of the world may be charged against this generation, from the blood of Abel down to the blood of Zech·a·riʹah, who was killed between the altar and the house.’ Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation."
Jehovah will have mercy on all of his true children. Great is his loyal love.
"A man should regard us as attendants of Christ and stewards of God’s sacred secrets. In this regard, what is expected of stewards is that they be found faithful. Now to me it is of very little importance to be examined by you or by a human tribunal. In fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself. But by this I am not proved righteous; the one who examines me is Jehovah. Therefore, do not judge anything before the due time, until the Lord comes. He will bring the secret things of darkness to light and make known the intentions of the hearts, and then each one will receive his praise from God."
"For the speech about the torture stake is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is God’s power. For it is written: “I will make the wisdom of the wise men perish, and the intelligence of the intellectuals I will reject.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this system of things? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not get to know God through its wisdom, God was pleased through the foolishness of what is preached to save those believing. For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks look for wisdom; but we preach Christ executed on the stake, to the Jews a cause for stumbling but to the nations foolishness. However, to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because a foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and a weak thing of God is stronger than men. For you see his calling of you, brothers, that there are not many wise in a fleshly way, not many powerful, not many of noble birth, but God chose the foolish things of the world to put the wise men to shame; and God chose the weak things of the world to put the strong things to shame; and God chose the insignificant things of the world and the things looked down on, the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, so that no one might boast in the sight of God. But it is due to him that you are in union with Christ Jesus, who has become to us wisdom from God, also righteousness and sanctification and release by ransom, so that it may be just as it is written: “The one who boasts, let him boast in Jehovah."
We learn obedience from the things suffered, and are better fit for our assignments. May Jehovah be praised forever and ever!
"And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and underneath the earth and on the sea, and all the things in them, saying: “To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.” The four living creatures were saying: “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshipped."
Praise Jehovah!