Sunday, Aug 11 - You will be hated by all the nations on account of my name

[Watchman]

You will be hated by all the nations on account of my name.—Matt. 24:9.

The very fact that we are experiencing such hatred is proof that we have Jehovah’s approval. (Matt. 5:11, 12) The Devil is behind this opposition. But he is no match for Jesus! With Jesus’ support, the good news is reaching people of all nations. Consider the evidence. As Kingdom preachers, we also face the challenge of overcoming a language barrier. In the revelation that he gave to the apostle John, Jesus disclosed that in our day the good news would overcome that obstacle. (Rev. 14:6, 7) How so? We are giving as many people as possible a chance to respond to the Kingdom message. Today, people around the world can read Bible-based material on our jw.org website because it contains information in over 1,000 languages! Approval was given to translate the Enjoy Life Forever! book—our main study tool for making disciples—into more than 700 languages! w22.07 9 ¶6-7

Are Jehovah's Witnesses persecuted? Yes. Some countries, like Russia, have banned the organization. Are Jehovah's Witnesses persecuted on account of Jesus' name? No. Not really. Thousands of sects and denominations call themselves Christians and hardline Islamic countries and China ban some of them too. They cannot all be hated on account of the name of Jesus, can they? But are Jehovah's Witnesses hated by all nations? Not really. If so, how is that hatred expressed? Here in the United States, JWs have not experienced persecution since the Second World War, and even then, the Supreme Court of the land ruled in favor of protecting our rights.

If anything, Jehovah's Witnesses are hated on account of the name Jehovah. Obviously, that is the name Jehovah's Witnesses are associated with, not Jesus. In fact, some Evangelical groups even claim that Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians at all because we do not believe in the Trinity.

First-century Christians were certainly hated on account of Jesus' name. The Jewish authorities even ordered the apostles to stop preaching about Jesus. Remember, though, that Jesus' words, "You will be hated by all nations on account of my name," are part of a prophecy foretelling developments during the conclusion and presence of Jesus. The Watchtower claims that the prophetic sign associated with Jesus' return has been in evidence since 1914.

The Watchtower rightly teaches that the things Jesus foretold make up a composite sign. In other words, it is one sign with many features. Jesus provided an illustration to make the point: “Notice the fig tree and all the other trees. When they are budding, you see it for yourselves and know that now the summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near." - Luke 21:29-31

Here is an important question: Have we seen "all these things happening"? Sometimes, the Watchtower implies that we have, and other times, It candidly admits that we have not. For example, Jesus said: "Also, there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." The Watchtower has recently implied that climate change is causing people great fear and anguish, but surely sensible people realize that is simply idiotic drivel.

But here is the problem: Jesus said, "When you see these things happening" --- or, as it is worded in Matthew: "When you see all these things." Have you personally seen nation rising against nation, kingdom against? Obviously, not. No one alive today personally experienced the First World War. We have only read about it in history books and seen black-and-white film clips and photos. So, if 1914 was when the first buds of summer began to appear how is it possible for the generation living now to "see these things happening"?

There is something else that is included in "all these things." In the 21st chapter of Luke, Jesus forewarned: "But before all these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name. It will result in your giving a witness. Therefore, resolve in your hearts not to rehearse beforehand how to make your defense, for I will give you words and wisdom that all your opposers together will not be able to resist or dispute. Moreover, you will be handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all people because of my name."

Have any of Jehovah's Witnesses been made to stand before government officials for the sake of Jesus' name? Mind you, we are not talking about government officials inquiring about the Watchtower's lax child abuse policies when a Governing Body member lied under oath. Or, do you know of any of Jehovah's Witnesses who have been handed over by brothers to be put to death? Neither of these things have happened.

However, we do see developments leading up to global war. We see tyrants coming to power in the lands that boast of being the Free World. We see dark powers intentionally destroying food production capability. We have seen how secret bio labs have created deadly pathogens and released them on the world. We see the apostasy that Paul foretold must come first within the Watchtower. So, all of the things Jesus foretold we will see happening are lined up like the horsemen of the Apocalypse. What do you suppose will happen when the things Jesus foretold begin happening for real, when it becomes apparent that 1914 was a fraud? Again, I refer you to the words of Christ: "Then people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another."

The chosen will be hated on account of the name of Jesus because they will give witness, even before world leaders, that they have seen Christ in his glory.

Because of the increasing of lawlessness

JW.org has a front page snippet posing the question: Increasing Lawlessness Worldwide—What Does the Bible Say? Since the article is filed under the category Keep on the Watch, naturally,

e-watchman.com

If 1914 is wrong how can Jehovah’s Witnesses be right?

If 1914 is not the year that Jesus’ Kingdom came to power how can it possibly be true that Jehovah’s Witnesses are accomplishing what Jesus said; namely, that the good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the earth before the end?

e-watchman.com

Do Not Treat Prophecies with Contempt

KINGDOM BULLETIN #26 A recent article on jw.org asked, What does the Bible say about political violence? The brief article made reference to the attempted assassination of the Slovakian prime minister as well as Donald Trump. The snippet

e-watchman.com

 

[noname]

I've noticed a huge upswing of popularity in Christianity in general in the last 5 years, in the US, or maybe it's best to call it a resurgence, since originally Christianity was apart of the founding of the nation. Albeit deluded in some false doctrine, the general message has been faith in Christ. Many claim that they will under no circumstances recant their faith. These new christians haven't been put through the test of fire, and neither have I. And is that not why Jehovah is coming as a laundryman.
In the end we do not know exactly who will be left standing, because the fire hasn't come to expose what materials ones have used to build their houses.

 

[Watchman]

Posted a new article on e-w

When you are extinguished I will cover the heavens and darken their stars

With each passing day, the world sinks deeper and deeper into conflict and crises. The civil chaos and war escalation are intentional—by design. On the surface, the conflict is being driven by the ascendancy of Russia, China, and the BRICS+. A multipolar world is replacing, yes, challenging the

e-watchman.com

 

[TheJehuChariot]

This article by you Robert highlights something I had said in a prior post regarding JW's not having a true deep affection for and understanding of the role of Jesus. Because JWs have been indoctrinated to have love & affection for Jehovah. So much so they toss His name around like word salad in their daily life. I don't believe He likes that nor has the same affection in return. He intends to introduce JWs to His Son in a way they don't realize. The Son in turn intends to introduce the world to The Father in a way they don't expect. The beauty of the Father/Son relationship...who truly can comprehend it? The JW or the trinitarian of Christendom? Definitely not the trinitarian. But I would argue neither truly do. Except for the Chosen Holy Ones and the miniscule of those tagging onto the skirt. It would make sense the majority of these come from JWs because the majority of mankind have no knowledge of YHWH, so there is a head start in comprehension if one does have such knowledge. That leaves the masses of mankind to eventually learn and make a decision. But the BIG question here is, whose name shall be called on for salvation? Is it Jehovah or Jesus? If the apostle Paul, James and John were alive today and you asked them, I bet they would say "Jesus". If you asked Moses, he'd say "Jehovah". If you asked a JW, they'd say Jehovah. If you asked a member of Christendom, they'd say Jesus. Robert has said "Jehovah", but he has also acknowledged the Greek text of the NWT could be in error and "Lord" should be in place, not Jehovah. This article today, highlights Jesus. Or is it, only the Chosen Holy Ones will truly comprehend this when they see the Christ. I'll admit, I wonder about this. One thing I know, is that when Jesus told us to pray, he said " Father, in the heavens". He didn't tell us to begin with the name of God or Christ. Why? One thing, "Father" is more tender. As we are His children, like kids seeking their Dad. But in a reverent way. Yet the fascinating thing about this, is the Father will say..."Yes, but I need you to first talk to my son when he gets to you. ". Then the Son will say when he gets here, "I need you to acknowledge my Father". I would argue that many who did not have a lovely, healthy relationship with their father on earth, struggle to understand and assimilate this dynamic. Regardless, the question still stands, who are we to call on, and whose affection for in your heart do you have most for? JWs don't have it balanced, nor do they perform any preaching that would reflect this. They are as if impotent blind eunuchs. And Christendoms leaders and klan are ignorant to the disposition of the One whom flooded the world and decimated ancient Egypt. I don't think the masses of earth could even handle knowing who Jehovah is yet, because of His impeccable holiness. We definitely need the Son to come show us the right path and Way.

 

[SusanB]

Posted a new article on e-w

When you are extinguished I will cover the heavens and darken their stars

With each passing day, the world sinks deeper and deeper into conflict and crises. The civil chaos and war escalation are intentional—by design. On the surface, the conflict is being driven by the ascendancy of Russia, China, and the BRICS+. A multipolar world is replacing, yes, challenging the

e-watchman.com

Nice article and I particularly appreciated this explanation because it is illuminating to me to understand why Egypt is used to symbolize rulerships that have nothing to do with literal Egypt. Wonderful insight. Nice to see “clues” in the scriptures and how they can be reasoned on.

“Because Egypt was the first of the seven kingdoms, it represents the other kingdoms to follow, particularly the last. For example, Revelation describes the two symbolic witnesses: ‘When they have finished their witnessing, the wild beast that ascends out of the abyss will wage war with them and conquer them and kill them. And their corpses will be on the main street of the great city that is in a spiritual sense called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was also executed on the stake.’

Jesus was not executed in Egypt. He was put to death outside the walls of Jerusalem, which at that time was ruled over by the Roman Empire. Pontius Pilate, who gave the order to have Jesus put to death, was a representative of Rome. Thus, Rome is symbolized as Egypt in the case of Christ, and the beast that will ascend from the abyss in the aftermath of the seemingly fatal blow to the seventh head of the beast will serve as the last Egypt.”

 

[SusanB]

…

The chosen will be hated on account of the name of Jesus because they will give witness, even before world leaders, that they have seen Christ in his glory.

Because of the increasing of lawlessness

JW.org has a front page snippet posing the question: Increasing Lawlessness Worldwide—What Does the Bible Say? Since the article is filed under the category Keep on the Watch, naturally,

e-watchman.com

If 1914 is wrong how can Jehovah’s Witnesses be right?

If 1914 is not the year that Jesus’ Kingdom came to power how can it possibly be true that Jehovah’s Witnesses are accomplishing what Jesus said; namely, that the good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the earth before the end?

e-watchman.com

Do Not Treat Prophecies with Contempt

KINGDOM BULLETIN #26 A recent article on jw.org asked, What does the Bible say about political violence? The brief article made reference to the attempted assassination of the Slovakian prime minister as well as Donald Trump. The snippet

e-watchman.com

Very important point in my view that the Chosen will fulfill this “prophecy” of being hated on account of the name of Jesus in a way that is not anticipated by nearly everyone witness and non-witness. It makes perfect sense. And, I think it also harmonizes how the Chosen will follow in Jesus’ footsteps regarding learning obedience.

“The chosen will be hated on account of the name of Jesus because they will give witness, even before world leaders, that they have seen Christ in his glory.”

Hebrews 5:8: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.”

 

[Watchman]

This article by you Robert highlights something I had said in a prior post regarding JW's not having a true deep affection for and understanding of the role of Jesus. Because JWs have been indoctrinated to have love & affection for Jehovah. So much so they toss His name around like word salad in their daily life. I don't believe He likes that nor has the same affection in return. He intends to introduce JWs to His Son in a way they don't realize. The Son in turn intends to introduce the world to The Father in a way they don't expect. The beauty of the Father/Son relationship...who truly can comprehend it? The JW or the trinitarian of Christendom? Definitely not the trinitarian. But I would argue neither truly do. Except for the Chosen Holy Ones and the miniscule of those tagging onto the skirt. It would make sense the majority of these come from JWs because the majority of mankind have no knowledge of YHWH, so there is a head start in comprehension if one does have such knowledge. That leaves the masses of mankind to eventually learn and make a decision. But the BIG question here is, whose name shall be called on for salvation? Is it Jehovah or Jesus? If the apostle Paul, James and John were alive today and you asked them, I bet they would say "Jesus". If you asked Moses, he'd say "Jehovah". If you asked a JW, they'd say Jehovah. If you asked a member of Christendom, they'd say Jesus. Robert has said "Jehovah", but he has also acknowledged the Greek text of the NWT could be in error and "Lord" should be in place, not Jehovah. This article today, highlights Jesus. Or is it, only the Chosen Holy Ones will truly comprehend this when they see the Christ. I'll admit, I wonder about this. One thing I know, is that when Jesus told us to pray, he said " Father, in the heavens". He didn't tell us to begin with the name of God or Christ. Why? One thing, "Father" is more tender. As we are His children, like kids seeking their Dad. But in a reverent way. Yet the fascinating thing about this, is the Father will say..."Yes, but I need you to first talk to my son when he gets to you. ". Then the Son will say when he gets here, "I need you to acknowledge my Father". I would argue that many who did not have a lovely, healthy relationship with their father on earth, struggle to understand and assimilate this dynamic. Regardless, the question still stands, who are we to call on, and whose affection for in your heart do you have most for? JWs don't have it balanced, nor do they perform any preaching that would reflect this. They are as if impotent blind eunuchs. And Christendoms leaders and klan are ignorant to the disposition of the One whom flooded the world and decimated ancient Egypt. I don't think the masses of earth could even handle knowing who Jehovah is yet, because of His impeccable holiness. We definitely need the Son to come show us the right path and Way.

It is understandable why the Watchtower over emphasizes Jehovah and not so much Jesus. It is a natural reaction to the phony Christians who totally omit Jehovah. With them, it's "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus."

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

It is understandable why the Watchtower over emphasizes Jehovah and not so much Jesus. It is a natural reaction to the phony Christians who totally omit Jehovah. With them, it's "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus."

Yes, but when Jesus was baptized, as it is written: “Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus too was baptized. As he was praying, the heaven was opened up, 22 and the holy spirit in bodily form like a dove came down upon him, and a voice came out of heaven: “You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.”

We imitate Jehovah but follow Jesus’s example. Jehovah said “Listen to HIM” Jehovah approved him.
He was appointed as Jehovah’s spokesman. Matthew 28:19,20 Jesus said “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

Watchtower does this to the other extreme of phony Christians, who won’t acknowledge Jehovah for their phony Trinity.
Watchtower has now evolved from placing emphasis on Jehovah to hardly mentioning Jesus. Oh wait, their convention this year is all about Jesus…yeah, that’s probably because they were getting a lot of complaints and feedback from ex witnesses talking about it.

They will probably be back to putting themselves in Jehovah and Jesus’s place. They’ve actually rejected Jesus’s sacrifice because of the way they practice Christianity. For example, disfellowshipping those and refusing to accept their repentance.

 

[Edith]

Regardless, the question still stands, who are we to call on, and whose affection for in your heart do you have most for?

Although I am very much indoctrinated with the WT’s ‘commandment’ to call upon Jehovah, I am slowly starting to wonder, after being on the forum for a while, if that does not only apply to the anointed, since they are chosen by Jehovah and HE therefore becomes THEIR father at the moment of sealing.
I myself am inclined to pray to Jehovah, but not through Jesus, but with thanksgiving for the ransom sacrifice given by Jesus, also for our benefit, whereby Jesus in principle becomes the father of the great crowd, i.e. the non-anointed. And so it seems more logical to me to also involve Jesus in the calling.