You mentioned that today Christian religions are also grouped into congregations. True, but if you go to each of these congregations they all teach different things which are not in line with the Bible.
Jesus made it clear there would be a slave assigned to provide food at the proper time. So this alone already gives the idea there would need to be some structure or organizing to accomplish this.
1 Peter 3:8 mentions: all of you have unity of mind. So if you compare the situation with 'Christian' congregations in the world with all their different ideas and compare them to JW's worldwide, there is a big difference.
Yes, Christian religions are grouped into congregations, which was stated in the article but I wasn’t trying to compare Christendom’s different churches and their unscriptural teachings with true Christian congregations whose teachings are in harmony with the Bible.
I’ve been one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for close to 40 years…I think I realize that different churches have various teachings that are false and do not harmonize with the Bible.
Early Christians were organised into congregations, as are Christian religions today. For the spread of Christianity it has been necessary to create organizations. For example, in modern times religious groups often need to establish legal entities or organizations in order to purchase halls to meet in and for the publication of literature.”
When it does come to “organization“ and having “an organization.” there’s a difference. For example, this part of the article as I believe you mainly are referring to here was only stating that Christians ( be they true Christians or not) did organize into groups for the stated reasons given even though they weren’t teaching the truth, but this paragraph wasn’t referring to the belief systems within those congregations.
The point is, yes, we need organization in the many different congregations of Jehovah’s people but not a man made organization and that’s what it has evolved into now. They’ve abused their authority even though God has used them to help with getting the good news of God’s Kingdom preached and taught us the basic truths of the Bible. In addition, they have unified God’s people worldwide, there’s no denying that. But as Robert has pointed out in many of his commentaries, the WT has served their purpose. Also, the fact that the time has not yet come for the FDS to be appointed.
Jesus told his followers, and that includes us:
“All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
Jesus said that he would be with us...and so,there were those who brought us the truth of God’s word and we benefited from that as long as they didn’t go “beyond the things written.” And now they are proving to be the MOL.
All I’m trying to say is even though Jehovah has used this organization to achieve his purpose we shouldn’t rely on or put so much trust in them as so many are now doing. Jehovah did not intend for his organization to become “masters over our faith.“
2 Cor. 1:24 says:
“Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.”
1 Peter 5:2,3
“ Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.”
We can plainly see, those men who were organized and gave instructions… instructions in line with what Jehovah and Jesus would require. But those shepherds were also to be “examples to the flock.”
For quite some time now, the GB have went “beyond the things written“ with all their added rules.
Since humans are inclined to want to have authority in some way over people, while others are inclined to ‘follow men’ just as we see happening in the organization today. So it seems many have and are going to fall victim to their abuses because of being followers of men. Jehovah clearly says at:
Psalm 146:3 “Do not put your trust in princes Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation.”
This means do not put your trust in any man. The FDS slave have compelled many to put their full trust in ‘those men‘ because for years now they’ve stressed that they are God’s representatives on earth…for example, the WT study article this past Sunday.
This no doubt makes the R&F think, not trusting in them is equivalent to not trusting in Jehovah.
“Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing carefully concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing secret that will not become known.”
The GB/WT has clearly become more like the Sadducees and Pharisees. Therefore Jesus warned to “watch out for the leaven…which is hypocrisy.”
These are some and there are many more clear instructions and warnings that were given by Jehovah and Jesus to help guide us through this ‘storm’ we are experiencing and the wonderful thing is that if we follow their counsel and warnings given we can be sure not to be caught off guard in the end.
1 Peter 3:8 mentions: all of you have unity of mind. So if you compare the situation with 'Christian' congregations in the world with all their different ideas and compare them to JW's worldwide, there is a big difference.
I'm not saying I agree with how the GB took the position and said that they alone are the FDS, but they did a good job uniting JW's worldwide.
At least if I go to a congregation somewhere in an asian country, I will know for sure that they will be teaching the same Bible principles as basic truth.
Unity of mind is important as long as the unity is in line with Jehovah’s thinking and Jesus’ example. As I said earlier, yes I believe Jehovah did use this organization to achieve his purpose until they no longer serve that purpose. But let us not forget that ultimately it was Jesus, who said he would be with his followers to the end…and Jehovah, behind preaching the message of the Kingdom worldwide. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible.
And also be mindful that unity can also be used for a bad purpose. Just look at the world right now how they’re all unified in this agenda that’s taking place since March 2020.…and the WT is right in line with the governments of this world. Something tells me that any instructions they give as we get closer to the end won’t be coming from Jehovah but will come from the UN, governments of this world. So if those who are going to put their trust in WT continue to do so where do you think this will lead them?
During the course of history you can see that Jehovah has mostly used people. Think about Moses, the time of the judges, the time of the kings and the temple arrangement....
Why would there be no organization in our time?
I don't see how the different 'Christian' religious congregations in the world could ever be called God's people if most of them don't even know Jehovah's name.
Yes,
@barry you are definitely correct but I believe we are well past this point of knowing how all of this has happened and did happen. And even Moses, although one who Jehovah used back then…he had to be corrected because he gave himself credit for something Jehovah had done. As a result, he wasn’t allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised land.
Bottom line is we have to get out of our head that following WT‘s lead is somehow the same as following Jesus and Jehovah.
Exodus 34:14 :
“You must not bow down to another god, for Jehovah is known for requiring exclusive devotion. Yes, he is a God who requires exclusive devotion.”
*Footnote for “exclusive devotion“ “Not tolerating rivals.” 
