Watchtower Study-September 22, 2024- Do You Recognize the Truth?

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

What I don't understand is, if Jehovah is still with the Watchtower org and still backing it, aren't WE still supposed to be in the org showing support for Jehovah? This bit is all very confusing to me because I too believe Jehovah is still using the Watchtower to get the preaching work done, but I just can't bring myself to go back to the kingdom hall and assemblies, the door to door and trolley work, for so many reasons. If I'd have been at the hall Sunday just gone I would have had to leave, I can't keep doing that, it's stupid. If someone in the ministry told me that their family member died because of the injections and asked me if jws went along with it all, I'd be embarrassed and ashamed by that topic and would struggle to reply with the "right" answer, "right" in the eyes of whatever witness I was accompanying that day, "right" in the eyes of Jehovah, "right" in the eyes of the person who asked the question in the first place (bearing in mind we're supposed to be helping them draw close to Jehovah) It's all a blooming big mess, caused by the very people that Jehovah asks us to show respect to and obey. And it's totally changed my life, and I don't know for sure if Jehovah is ok or not with how I'm living my life now, since all the craziness

In what way is Jehovah with watchtower? My sister has been a JW coming on 60 years now - 40 plus of which she has not willingly spoken to me except to phone me when mother died because I am not attending the KH and therefore deemed evil. I am still “with” her though from my point of view. Being there for someone, does not necessarily being actively involved, but waiting for the right moment with essentially the door open in case they should want to walk through it.

I can’t say that Jehovah has “been with” watchtower, only that he has used it for the purpose in which he “adopted” it, to carry out the prophesy - but a prophesy of preaching the word, tarnished with a lie of their own making. It’s a bit of a paradox because the contrast between watchtower and the truth of the word, magnifies and clarifies that truth so that those who truly search for the word, can see it’s value more clearly through contrast. What a fantastic way to teach! Watchtower is there for judgement, not salvation. To be saved, people have to get out of it and oppose its lies demonstrably in their own lives. A mirror of Jerusalem 70AD.

The message of watchtower was true, was it not? The end. Watchtower got that bit right. What they got wrong, was the very thing they were warned against . “Do not add to or take away from these pages”. And it was even written that this would be the case. The same was true of Israel in that from the very beginning, Jehovah said that Jesus would be bruised in the heal by Satan, and the Jews did just that. Yet for years previously, Jehovah had dealt fairly with them, blessed them and at times, let the suffer the consequences of their betrayal of Him, before finally opening up salvation to all.

Today then, we must make the same decision, either to seek Jehovah whilst He still may be found, or to stay with watchtower, who demand our submission to them as the mouthpiece of Jehovah. Jehovah is found within our hearts. He does not inhabit a place. All are able to serve him, even those in prison. Likewise, have we been excluded from gathering ourselves together, without any intervention by man, to discuss the word freely? Can you or any of us do that in the Kingdom Hall? If then our interest is in the truth, and it’s proclamation, where should we go?

 

[Melinda Riling]

"I'm up at 2 a.m., tossing and turning, worrying about all this. Am I doing the right thing? Is Satan misleading me? Are they really the true religion? How can they be when their very foundation was built on lies? Yet, they're doing the preaching work. But that's a false message.
Should I stay with them because they are God's people? But their leaders are wicked. But they teach truth, yet their prophecies are wrong. Good grief, my head is spinning. I'm extremely stressed.
Sometimes, I think I'm done with all this worrying – 'if I live, I live; if I die, I die.' But 10 minutes later, I'm back to researching again. I'm exhausted. All I want is truth!

Everything you just described was me before I came to this forum. When I first studied with JW’s it was the basic teachings I fell in love with ….. who God was, why God permits wickedness… why we are here… hellfire… Gods purpose for the earth …NOTHING else. I could never explain 1914 as far as using the prophecy in Daniel…the overlapping Generation was laughable. When it came to explaining the basics I could knock it out of the park. I always stuck to the basics because I KNEW THOSE TEACHINGS were true. When you can cross out all religions but one because all religions of this world can trace their basic teachings to the occult and their teachings are opposite of truth… You don’t let go of the basic truths. All the XJW sites I visited left me with so much anxiety because they dismiss Truth. The X JW community threw out Jehovah and TRUTH. Robert’s forum did the opposite for me because he reaffirmed that my LOVE for the basic truths were real. The Truth is the Truth even if no one believes it and a lie is still a lie even if everyone believes it.

 

[a watcher]

...I can honestly say though, that I know for sure that Jehovah still helps me with stuff in my life and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't if he felt I'd left him or had turned against him. Do you find Jehovah still helps you in your day to day life problems?

Yes.

 

[Goldie]

Exactly the same as me! I'm fortunate enough to have a garden and so when I get the opportunity I dig around in the dirt and my mind is instantly away with the fairies! I can honestly say though, that I know for sure that Jehovah still helps me with stuff in my life and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't if he felt I'd left him or had turned against him. Do you find Jehovah still helps you in your day to day life problems?

I do.

 

[Serenity]

I wish we could all meet up with eachother every now and then and give eachother a hug We're so far away from eachother that we might just aswell be living on the moon..

Well they said at my hall on Sunday that there's so much "covid" in the congregation that they didn't have the time to read the names out..

Wow. Where is your congregation?

 

[Serenity]

"I'm up at 2 a.m., tossing and turning, worrying about all this. Am I doing the right thing? Is Satan misleading me? Are they really the true religion? How can they be when their very foundation was built on lies? Yet, they're doing the preaching work. But that's a false message.
Should I stay with them because they are God's people? But their leaders are wicked. But they teach truth, yet their prophecies are wrong. Good grief, my head is spinning. I'm extremely stressed.
Sometimes, I think I'm done with all this worrying – 'if I live, I live; if I die, I die.' But 10 minutes later, I'm back to researching again. I'm exhausted. All I want is truth!

I found this list somewhere and have added to it a bit. Feel free to add to it.

How To Be A Christian In A World Filled With Lies

• Read the Bible daily
• Follow God, not man. Pray to Jehovah to direct your steps.
• Pray regularly, more when in distress, under trial, or seeking answers
• Pray that Jehovah will keep you from being misled, from being decived by lies
• Believe in Christ Jesus as the Savior of mankind sent by God
• Love God with all your heart, mind and soul
• Love your neighbor as yourself
• Love even your enemies
• Don't change God's word
• Preach the Good News
• Oppose the Devil
• Do good, practice righteousness and justice

 

[Goldie]

I found this list somewhere and have added to it a bit. Feel free to add to it.

How To Be A Christian In A World Filled With Lies

• Read the Bible daily
• Follow God, not man. Pray to Jehovah to direct your steps.
• Pray regularly, more when in distress, under trial, or seeking answers
• Pray that Jehovah will keep you from being misled, from being decived by lies
• Believe in Christ Jesus as the Savior of mankind sent by God
• Love God with all your heart, mind and soul
• Love your neighbor as yourself
• Love even your enemies
• Don't change God's word
• Preach the Good News
• Oppose the Devil
• Do good, practice righteousness and justice

Very helpful. Thank you

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Wow. Where is your congregation?

East Midlands of the UK. The sad thing is, they've been making this announcement every 3/4 months for 3 years now. Zoom v in person is nearly always 50/50

 

[Serenity]

Very helpful. Thank you

That's another one to add to the list. Help and encourage other Christians. Love one another.

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

That's another one to add to the list. Help and encourage other Christians. Love one another.

Thank you. A very important one since Jesus said it would be the identifying mark of true Christians.
It's also a protection. If we show love to one another, we won't "squabble" as often about the trivial things which, in many instances, are just our personal viewpoints.

 

[Serenity]

East Midlands of the UK. The sad thing is, they've been making this announcement every 3/4 months for 3 years now. Zoom v in person is nearly always 50/50

I've been using Zoom because of the Covid thing and the spike protein shedding thing, which are of concern to me, especially with everyone vaxxed to the gills. But, attending only on Zoom unless you're sick is highly frowned upon and there is definately pressure to attend in person. There have been Covid outbreaks and even in person meetings cancelled and everyone going back on Zoom.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

In what way is Jehovah with watchtower? My sister has been a JW coming on 60 years now - 40 plus of which she has not willingly spoken to me except to phone me when mother died because I am not attending the KH and therefore deemed evil. I am still “with” her though from my point of view. Being there for someone, does not necessarily being actively involved, but waiting for the right moment with essentially the door open in case they should want to walk through it.

I can’t say that Jehovah has “been with” watchtower, only that he has used it for the purpose in which he “adopted” it, to carry out the prophesy - but a prophesy of preaching the word, tarnished with a lie of their own making. It’s a bit of a paradox because the contrast between watchtower and the truth of the word, magnifies and clarifies that truth so that those who truly search for the word, can see it’s value more clearly through contrast. What a fantastic way to teach! Watchtower is there for judgement, not salvation. To be saved, people have to get out of it and oppose its lies demonstrably in their own lives. A mirror of Jerusalem 70AD.

The message of watchtower was true, was it not? The end. Watchtower got that bit right. What they got wrong, was the very thing they were warned against . “Do not add to or take away from these pages”. And it was even written that this would be the case. The same was true of Israel in that from the very beginning, Jehovah said that Jesus would be bruised in the heal by Satan, and the Jews did just that. Yet for years previously, Jehovah had dealt fairly with them, blessed them and at times, let the suffer the consequences of their betrayal of Him, before finally opening up salvation to all.

Today then, we must make the same decision, either to seek Jehovah whilst He still may be found, or to stay with watchtower, who demand our submission to them as the mouthpiece of Jehovah. Jehovah is found within our hearts. He does not inhabit a place. All are able to serve him, even those in prison. Likewise, have we been excluded from gathering ourselves together, without any intervention by man, to discuss the word freely? Can you or any of us do that in the Kingdom Hall? If then our interest is in the truth, and it’s proclamation, where should we go?

Agree 100% I remember reading a question from readers asking if it was ok for us to get together, just as friends and associates to study and read the Bible together and the answer was NO!! I can't remember the exact reason why, I just remember being shocked because I couldn't, and still can't see the problem with it..

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

I've been using Zoom because of the Covid thing and the spike protein shedding thing, which are of concern to me, especially with everyone vaxxed to the gills. But, attending only on Zoom unless your sick is highly frowned upon and there is definately pressure to attend in person. There have been Covid outbreaks and even in person meetings cancelled and everyone going back on Zoom.

Zoom doesn't seem to be frowned upon here, although whoever says the opening or closing prayer, without fail, asks Jehovah to look after us lot on zoom and to get a speedy recovery so we can be back at the hall soon.. it's as if they've been told to add that bit Are you in the UK too?

 

[Serenity]

Zoom doesn't seem to be frowned upon here, although whoever says the opening or closing prayer, without fail, asks Jehovah to look after us lot on zoom and to get a speedy recovery so we can be back at the hall soon.. it's as if they've been told to add that bit Are you in the UK too?

I'm in the US. There was a very strong and scolding talk given recently at a mid-week meeting pretty much condemning attending on Zoom and not in person, like it's not being obedient to gather together; like those on Zoom are forsaking gathering together "as some have the custom". I was mortified and felt it beat up on those attending on Zoom. To me attending by Zoom is gathering together. I don't think physical presence is needed to gather together. And, by commenting you can encourage others, which you can do on Zoom now.

Much of the chit chat at the hall isn't about spiritual things. It often seems like a social club to me. And, honestly, some there are more discouraging than encouraging. Sad to say, I find some to be downright unpleasant at times and prefer not to be in their company. I know we are supposed to love everyone, as a matter of principal, but not everyone is pleasant and likable. Some have been very critical and consescending. It's very offputting.

 

[Goldie]

Thank you. A very important one since Jesus said it would be the identifying mark of true Christians.
It's also a protection. If we show love one another, we won't "squabble" as often about the trivial things which, in many instances, are just our personal viewpoints.

Excellent reminder.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

I'm in the US. There was a very strong and scolding talk given recently at a mid-week meeting pretty much condemning attending on Zoom and not in person, like it's not being obedient to gather together; like those on Zoom are forsaking gathering together "as some have the custom". I was mortified and felt it beat up on those attending on Zoom. To me it's gathering together. I don't think physical presence is needed to gather together. And, by commenting you can encourage others, which you can do on Zoom now.

Much of the chit chat at the hall isn't about spiritual things. It often seems like a social club to me. And, honestly, some there are more discouraging than encouraging. Sad to say, I find some to be downright unpleasant at times and prefer not to be in their company.

There's just no rhyme or reason is there? An awake sister in Canada told me a couple of weeks ago that every congregation in Canada had an announcement read out a couple of times, warning about the money pox. Surely that's enough to drive people onto zoom isn't it? And as it was every congregation it must've come from up top?

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

whoever says the opening or closing prayer, without fail, asks Jehovah to look after us lot on zoom and to get a speedy recovery so we can be back at the hall soon

If the prayers are opened and closed with the above request, that seems to say all that needs to be said as to how the elders view zoom attendees.

I've been using Zoom because of the Covid thing and the spike protein shedding thing, which are of concern to me, especially with everyone vaxxed to the gills. But, attending only on Zoom unless your sick is highly frowned upon and there is definately pressure to attend in person.

Because of "shedding" concerns, we, also, chose to attend meetings via zoom and, without question, those who attended via zoom were looked down upon. A two caste system definitely existed and the announcements reflected this. As a result, zoom attendance declined but in-person attendance did not increase proportionately (not at all) so the combined attendance decreased significantly.

As soon as the reason for the drop in attendance became evident to the elders, there was a concerted effort by the BOE to persuade/entice the back-slides/defectors (those previously attending via zoom) to come back to the meeting whether it be in-person or zoom. Circuit Overseers don't like to see a decline in meeting attendance on the reports and the elders are called to task when it happens.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

I'm in the US. There was a very strong and scolding talk given recently at a mid-week meeting pretty much condemning attending on Zoom and not in person, like it's not being obedient to gather together; like those on Zoom are forsaking gathering together "as some have the custom". I was mortified and felt it beat up on those attending on Zoom. To me it's gathering together. I don't think physical presence is needed to gather together. And, by commenting you can encourage others, which you can do on Zoom now.

Much of the chit chat at the hall isn't about spiritual things. It often seems like a social club to me. And, honestly, some there are more discouraging than encouraging. Sad to say, I find some to be downright unpleasant at times and prefer not to be in their company. I know we are supposed to love everyone, as a matter of principal, but not everyone is pleasant and likable.

So true, and especially true of the strict and rigid ones who have no qualms about making you feel bad for serving Jehovah "our own way" by not following the GB

 

[Serenity]

There's just no rhyme or reason is there? An awake sister in Canada told me a couple of weeks ago that every congregation in Canada had an announcement read out a couple of times, warning about the money pox. Surely that's enough to drive people onto zoom isn't it? And as it was every congregation it must've come from up top?

I'm surprised there hasn't been anything said about Monkeypox here. I guess they don't want to send more people to Zoom. It's a small congregation and there's often as many as 20 on Zoom for meetings so attendance at the hall may be rather sparse. When some have had Covid over and over again, one brother said he's had it 3 times, who needs that, and long Covid is a nightmare that no one needs.

 

[Serenity]

If the prayers are opened and closed with the above request, that seems to say all that needs to be said as to how the elders view zoom attendees.

Because of "shedding" concerns, we, also, chose to attend meetings via zoom and, without question, those who attended via zoom were looked down upon. A two caste system definitely existed and the announcements reflected this. As a result, zoom attendance declined but in-person attendance did not increase proportionately (not at all) so the combined attendance decreased significantly.

As soon as the reason for the drop in attendance became evident to the elders, there was a concerted effort by the BOE to persuade/entice the back-slides/defectors (those previously attending via zoom) to come back to the meeting whether it be in-person or zoom. Circuit Overseers don't like to see a decline in meeting attendance on the reports and the elders are called to task when it happens.

Thanks for that reply, very revealing. Prayers are not supposed to be used to council the congregation. I guess they're using a loophole in praying for those on Zoom to get well and get back to the hall.. And I agree that it revealed a two-caste system, Zoomers and the obedient, faithful ones. That talk was very discouaging to me. It made me want to attend another hall for Zoom meetings.

Zoom doesn't seem to be frowned upon here, although whoever says the opening or closing prayer, without fail, asks Jehovah to look after us lot on zoom and to get a speedy recovery so we can be back at the hall soon.. it's as if they've been told to add that bit Are you in the UK too?

 

[barry]

I'm surprised there hasn't been anything said about Monkeypox here. I guess they don't want to send more people to Zoom. It's a small congregation and there's often as many as 20 on Zoom for meetings so attendance at the hall may be rather sparse. When some have had Covid over and over again, one brother said he's had it 3 times, who needs that, and long Covid is a nightmare that no one needs.

In our hall in BC, Canada there was an announcement regarding the Monkeypox. That with it going around, we should be careful and not do in person activities when not feeling well or sick.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

I'm surprised there hasn't been anything said about Monkeypox here. I guess they don't want to send more people to Zoom. It's a small congregation and there's often as many as 20 on Zoom for meetings so attendance at the hall may be rather sparse. When some have had Covid over and over again, one brother said he's had it 3 times, who needs that, and long Covid is a nightmare that no one needs.

I hate keep hearing about it because all I picture in my head is people getting "tested" Keep getting "covid" these days is pretty much a badge of honour these days. What's wrong with just having a couple of days in bed and eating chicken soup like we used to in the "olden days"?

 

[Brother Obvious]

All of the spectrums of heartfelt concerns and agonies I am observing here on this thread shows that you are desiring the approval of Jehovah and that you all have a deep love for him. Of course no man can judge another's heart and we also know that there is hidden treachery in every man's heart. We are not condemned by these things, because Jehovah knows we are all sinner's made of dust. We are all going to make error's in judgement and sin at times. Jesus' blood covers us in that regard. If you practice a few basic things, you will be ok.
"Love Jesus and Jehovah and don't betray them. Don't try to be a master over anyone else's faith. Forgive one another freely. And whatever you do, as we approach the final day, refuse the "Mark of the Beast", even to death if necessary; whatever that proves to be. The "Mark" will be an obvious choice, you can't be tricked into taking it."
Don't be anxious, rest tonight in peace after you pray my friends and fellow lover's of our great God Jehovah.

 

[Goldie]

All of the spectrums of heartfelt concerns and agonies I am observing here on this thread shows that you are desiring the approval of Jehovah and that you all have a deep love for him. Of course no man can judge another's heart and we also know that there is hidden treachery in every man's heart. We are not condemned by these things, because Jehovah knows we are all sinner's made of dust. We are all going to make error's in judgement and sin at times. Jesus' blood covers us in that regard. If you practice a few basic things, you will be ok.
"Love Jesus and Jehovah and don't betray them. Don't try to be a master over anyone else's faith. Forgive one another freely. And whatever you do, as we approach the final day, refuse the "Mark of the Beast", even to death if necessary; whatever that proves to be. The "Mark" will be an obvious choice, you can't be tricked into taking it."
Don't be anxious, rest tonight in peace after you pray my friends and fellow lover's of our great God Jehovah.

What a lovely reassuring comment. Thank you brother.

 

[Deborah]

Matthew 6:27, 33-34

Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?

Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness.......

So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

2 Tim 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but one of power and of love and of soundness of mind.

1 Peter 5:6, 7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, while you throw all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

We all know a STORM IS COMING. We may not know the day or the hour but with all that is going on in this world today we have to have the faith that JEHOVAH will intervene at the right time. We don't need to stress over some of the things I am reading in this thread. Don't let the cares of the day do that to you.

Someone mentioned the basics. Sorry ole mind can't recall name of the forum member. If nothing else we have the basics. Jehovah knows us. He knows our heart. He is not going to destroy his loyal ones when he intervenes.

What keeps me going is that I have reached the point where I accept my weaknesses as well as my strengths and work on doing better. I stopped looking back because as the ole saying goes I will not be able to go forward. I trust Jehovah with my whole heart, soul and mind. I ask him to show me areas that I need to adjust (for lack of better word).

I stop looking/listening at things that are not helpful to me. My spirituality is the most important part of my life. If that is all twisted up, WHAT DO I HAVE? Anyway I hope scriptures are helpful.

The only thing I have problems with is this dumb EMERGENCY TO GO BAG. It has been laying on my spare room floor for months. Everyday I say I am gonna get it together. I can just see myself running around like a nut if an emergency comes up. I will be trying to figure out should I take the large bag, or the small bag. No, I don't need nail polish remover, take that out. Oh well such is life.

Best to all in these challenging time. May Jehovah be with us all. It goes without saying we are happy to have this place to gather and lift each other up while we still have relative peace.



Isaiah 41:10

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.

1 Thess 5:17

PRAY CONSTANTLY

Pray for peace of mind
Pray for understanding
Pray to help strengthen your faith

Philippians 4:13

For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.

ADDITION: Not making light of anyone's concerns. That is not the type of person I am.