Wednesday, Sept 2 - Then Jehovah may be with you

[Watchman]

Jehovah is with us. Do not fear them.—Num. 14:9.​

When we have cultivated proper fear of Jehovah, we love him so much that we would never do anything to displease him. We are eager to learn the difference between right and wrong, between truth and falsehood, so that we can gain Jehovah’s approval. (Prov. 2:3-6; Heb. 5:14) If we were to fear humans more than we fear God, we could be led away from the truth. Consider the example of the 12 chieftains who spied out the land that Jehovah had promised to give to the Israelites. For ten of the spies, their fear of the Canaanites was stronger than their love for Jehovah. They told their fellow Israelites: “We are not able to go up against the people, because they are stronger than we are.” (Num. 13:27-31) From a human standpoint, the Canaanites were stronger. That part was true. But to say that the Israelites would not be able to conquer their enemies left Jehovah out of the picture. w24.07 9 ¶5-6

God's continued blessing and salvation depend on our loyalty to him. There is no question about that. Who can deny, though, that JWs are judged to be either faithful or unfaithful based on their loyalty to the Watchtower? To illustrate: If a JW confessed to having doubts about the existence of God, they would likely be ministered to; perhaps some elder would study with them to try and bolster their faith. But if someone expresses doubt or questions the teachings or policies of the Governing Body, they are viewed as disloyal, even dangerous apostates.

But Jehovah is not the Watchtower's mascot. God does not need a publishing company to accomplish what Jesus foretold: that the good news would be preached in all the world before the end. Jesus said God could raise up witnesses from the stones.

As regards the fear of God, here is what Jehovah has said: “This people approach me with their mouth and they honor me with their lips, but their heart is far removed from me; and their fear of me is based on commands of men that they have been taught." - Isaiah 29:13

Below is my commentary on the verse as stated in the Second Coming of Christ brochure (Which is being updated and expanded and soon to be published on Amazon)

Is it not Jehovah’s Witnesses who honor Jehovah with their lips; who praise Jehovah with their mouths in both the public ministry and from the platform and via JW Broadcast? Who other than Jehovah’s Witnesses even use God’s personal name and recognize the distinction between Jehovah and Jesus? Surely, God would never accept praise from those who are steeped in Babylonish religion. Still, Jehovah knows the heart.

It is undeniable that the Watchtower governs virtually every aspect of the lives of Jehovah’s Witnesses— lives that revolve around meeting attendance, regular field service, studying Bible-based literature, commenting at meetings, being properly dressed and groomed, not celebrating this and that, keeping the Kingdom Hall tidy and in good repair, generously donating to the worldwide work, and on and on.

Who can deny that the fear of Jehovah is based upon the rules laid down by Bethel? For example, until recently, brothers did not wear beards. If they did, they were probably not allowed privileges in the congregation. Recently, though, the Governing Body has relaxed its prohibition, and just like that, a large percentage of brothers have stopped shaving their faces every day. Even in lifting the prohibition of facial hair, is this not a demonstration that the faith of Jehovah’s Witnesses is based upon the commands of men?

The 5th chapter of Amos is directed at Jehovah's Witnesses. Who else but Jehovah's Witnesses yearn for the day of Jehovah? Therefore, these words of God should be a sobering warning: "Woe to those who yearn for the day of Jehovah! What, then, will the day of Jehovah mean for you? It will be darkness, and not light. It will be like a man who flees from a lion and is confronted by a bear, and when he enters his house and leans his hand against the wall, a snake bites him. Will not the day of Jehovah be darkness, and not light; will it not have gloom, and not brightness?"

There is no correcting the Watchtower. They presumptuously claim that Jehovah is with them because they are doing God's work. Somewhere along the line, they have forgotten the basics of true worship: looking out for the widow and orphan and remaining spotless from the world. Publishing millions of books, Bibles, and magazines does not give one the right to dispossess tens of thousands of congregants, seize Kingdom Halls they built and paid for, and then roll the profits into a hedge fund to play the markets. The leadership of the Watchtower has a lot ot answer for. And they will. God advises those who say God is with us to repent of their wickedness so that God really will be with you.

"Therefore, those with insight will keep silent at that time, for it will be a time of calamity. Search for what is good, and not what is bad, so that you may keep living. Then Jehovah the God of armies may be with you, just as you say he is." - Amos 5:13-14

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

Quote from WT Daily Text: "If we were to fear humans more than we fear God, we could be led away from the truth. Consider the example of the 12 chieftains who spied out the land that Jehovah had promised to give to the Israelites. For ten of the spies, their fear of the Canaanites was stronger than their love for Jehovah."

Aside from possible monetary gain, could "fear" of the authorities/elite (or, their "desire to be in their good favor") have also contributed and, perhaps, continue to contribute to WT's stance on certain policies/durectives?

 

[Nomex]

It has become quite evident that WT's only claim to their authority is their claim they are "Jehovah's Organization." And until I landed here, it seemed to me a very good case they were making. I remember one of the first conventions where they tied in Bethel and one of the GB gave a talk, maybe around 2012 or so, and then all the dramatizations they had already produced by then, and I remember thinking, " Upon seeing this who can deny this is God's org?" And it seemed to be a very convincing argument, and recently just a week or two ago, my brother sent me a text, to the effect, "what did you think of today's WT, who can deny this is the truth."

Well, in that WT their claim to their authority remains the same claim, that they "are Jehovah's Origination." There is just one very GLARING problem with this reasoning. It was literally "Jehovah's Organization", which he himself established through powerful miracles and great odds, by establishing the Israelites as a Nation, giving them victory over their enemies, and giving them the "promised land", it was that VERY Org, who murdered Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son!!! So what exactly does it mean to be "Jehovah's Organization?" Well, I'll say this... it does NOT mean what they think it means!

 

[Watchman]

It has become quite evident that WT's only claim to their authority is their claim they are "Jehovah's Organization."

I believe it is Jehovah's organization; otherwise, I wouldn't do what I do. The problem arises because JWs assume it is a permanent arrangement. It's not. The Kingdom will be way better.

 

[MickHewitt]

I believe it is Jehovah's organization; otherwise, I wouldn't do what I do. The problem arises because JWs assume it is a permanent arrangement. It's not. The Kingdom will be way better.

That's the approach I'm trying to use with them: Because I remember the ministry advice wisely given decades back that before taking away a person's faith or crutch you must replace it with something stronger, better. I premis my intros with that reassurance. Their worship is placed upon the gb not Jehovah like the day's text said they worship with their mouths but heart is far removed. Our ministry is as delicate as transplant surgery. I remember back in 2017 Bk Kevin arguing with Robert that the witnesses could never be Jehovah's footstool or sanctuary of true worship: His argument was that the crimes of Bethel were too outrageous. It took a while before he came round to understand the parallels with former Jerusalems and their outstanding crimes.

 

[Shiloh]

That's the approach I'm trying to use with them: Because I remember the ministry advice wisely given decades back that before taking away a person's faith or crutch you must replace it with something stronger, better. I premis my intros with that reassurance. Their worship is placed upon the gb not Jehovah like the day's text said they worship with their mouths but heart is far removed. Our ministry is as delicate as transplant surgery. I remember back in 2017 Bk Kevin arguing with Robert that the witnesses could never be Jehovah's footstool or sanctuary of true worship: His argument was that the crimes of Bethel were too outrageous. It took a while before he came round to understand the parallels with former Jerusalems and their outstanding crimes.

I recall when I first understood that this was Jehovah's organization accepting that not just the name Jehovah's Witnesses are called but the accountability as an organization we have to live up to that name as expressed in Isaiah chapter 43, is demanded by us as an organization and as individuals. The problem we are faced with now is that the GB acts as if the organization is infallible before Jehovah when it comes to things like: being an NGO to the UN, the handling of CSA cases, the Covid vaccine mandate and the 1914 operation of error, to name just a few. All these things are evidence that there's an apostasy being carried out among Gods people, as Jehovah's organization which the man of lawlessness has succeeded in spearheading. Because they are Jehovah's organization they are most reprehensible and accountable. So we will see Jehovahs judgement carried out on them.

 

[Ana]

Yo -Mamá, me gustaría tener unos patines, le dije a mi madre allá por los años 80.
Mi madre: - Ni se te ocurre la idea, no sea que te caigas y te pase algo y tengamos un problema con la sangre. ¿Con que cara llamo a: (nombre del anciano de mi congregación en aquel entonces)?
FIN DE LA CONVERSACIÓN
Lo que hoy parece algo hasta ridículo fue una conversación real. Ese era el nivel de sumisión a los ancianos. También tengo que decir que había rangos, ancianos que importaban más que otros. Pero ellos decidían algo y los demás ponían punto en boca.
No hay nada como la ignorancia para conseguir adeptos y nada más peligroso que un adepto ignorante enfurecido al que se le cae su ídolo.
Se les termina el tiempo...
Que papelón le viene al pueblo de Jehová.

 

[MickHewitt]

I recall when I first understood that this was Jehovah's organization accepting that not just the name Jehovah's Witnesses are called but the accountability as an organization we have to live up to that name as expressed in Isaiah chapter 43, is demanded by us as an organization and as individuals. The problem we are faced with now is that the GB acts as if the organization is infallible before Jehovah when it comes to things like: being an NGO to the UN, the handling of CSA cases, the Covid vaccine mandate and the 1914 operation of error, to name just a few. All these things are evidence that there's an apostasy being carried out among Gods people, as Jehovah's organization which the man of lawlessness has succeeded in spearheading. Because they are Jehovah's organization they are most reprehensible and accountable. So we will see Jehovahs judgement carried out on them.

That's precisely the place that Paul prophesied the Daughter of Jerusalem would find themselves: 2Thess2: The MOL is showing itself: This is the scripture I took to my disassociation Judiciary only the Elder to my absolute surprise said first let's turn to 2Thess2 AAAAArgh! He used it to convince himself and others that I was the MOL! I was the evidence of apostacy! But it's the scripture I will keep on producing to show our siblings they are inciting Jehovah to jealousy by worshipping these guys!

 

[Shiloh]

That's precisely the place that Paul prophesied the Daughter of Jerusalem would find themselves: 2Thess2: The MOL is showing itself: This is the scripture I took to my disassociation Judiciary only the Elder to my absolute surprise said first let's turn to 2Thess2 AAAAArgh! He used it to convince himself and others that I was the MOL! I was the evidence of apostacy! But it's the scripture I will keep on producing to show our siblings they are inciting Jehovah to jealousy by worshipping these guys!

Their twisting of the scriptures is maddening for sure. How could you be one who sits in "the temple of The God publicly showing himself to be a god." ? Their understanding of the scriptures is shallow.

 

[MickHewitt]

Their twisting of the scriptures is maddening for sure. How could you be one who sits in "the temple of The God publicly showing himself to be a god." ? Their understanding of the scriptures is shallow.

When I asked them 'Don't you see yourselves as part of modern day Jerusalem?' They replied 'No we have something better than old Jerusalem!' …..It's as Isa42:19 says 'Who is blind as my servant?'. I will keep going to them because of the patience Jehovah and Christ have had with me sister.

 

[Nomex]

I believe it is Jehovah's organization; otherwise, I wouldn't do what I do. The problem arises because JWs assume it is a permanent arrangement. It's not. The Kingdom will be way better.

I was not contending that they are not. What I was pointing out, is that their demand that we obey them unquestionably, is tied directly to the fact that they are Jehovah's Org. That alone is their claim to the authority they hold over the brotherhood that we cannot question anything they say, because "we want to obey Jehovah and Jehovah's Organization." Implying every single time they say that, that they speak for Jehovah as well as elevating themselves to Jehovah's station. That is in fact why "judgement begins with the house of Jehovah", because they should know better.

What I was illustrating is, rather than making their dictates something that cannot be questioned, that was the very thing that allowed the Pharisees to justify in their hearts the murder of God's son, that fact means they bear the heaviest of responsibilities. It calls to mind the scripture were Christ said it would be better if some had a millstone tied around their neck and cast into the sea, or it was better if they were never born. Their claim to being Jehovah's Org does NOT absolve them of their responsibility. To my way of thinking it is exactly what Jesus was referring to regarding the slave who buried the talent! It's what I also mean when I say, "they are going to regret waiting on Jehovah." Which is also how they justify all their inaction as well.

 

[Nomex]

I recall when I first understood that this was Jehovah's organization accepting that not just the name Jehovah's Witnesses are called but the accountability as an organization we have to live up to that name as expressed in Isaiah chapter 43, is demanded by us as an organization and as individuals. The problem we are faced with now is that the GB acts as if the organization is infallible before Jehovah when it comes to things like: being an NGO to the UN, the handling of CSA cases, the Covid vaccine mandate and the 1914 operation of error, to name just a few. All these things are evidence that there's an apostasy being carried out among Gods people, as Jehovah's organization which the man of lawlessness has succeeded in spearheading. Because they are Jehovah's organization they are most reprehensible and accountable. So we will see Jehovahs judgement carried out on them.

I had not read this when I posted the above...but EXACTLY! This is exactly what I mean.

 

[SusanB]

All Jehovah’s Witnesses are very familiar with the vision described at Ezekiel 9:3-4: “Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from where it had rested above the cherubs and moved to the threshold of the doorway of the house, and he began calling out to the man who was clothed in linen, at whose waist was the secretary’s inkhorn. Jehovah said to him: “Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the city.”

But the ORG states in the July 15, 2008 Watchtower that anointed ones are the symbolic “man clothed in linen” and they are marking the Great Crowd by their preaching work. Here is the quote from the Watchtower, “The importance of the house-to-house ministry can be seen from a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel. In that vision, Ezekiel sees six men with weapons in their hands as well as a seventh man clothed in linen with a secretary’s inkhorn at his side. The seventh man is told to “pass through the midst of the city” and “put a mark on the foreheads of the men that are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it.” Following that marking work, the six men with the slaughtering weapons are commanded to execute all those who do not have the mark.—Read Ezekiel 9:1-6.

We understand that in the fulfillment of this prophecy, the man “clothed in linen” represents the remnant of spirit-anointed Christians. By means of the preaching and disciple-making work, the anointed class puts a symbolic mark on those who become part of Christ’s “other sheep.” (John 10:16) What is the mark? It is the evidence, as if displayed on their uncovered foreheads, that such sheep are dedicated, baptized disciples of Jesus Christ and that they have put on the Christlike new personality. (Eph. 4:20-24) These sheeplike ones become one flock with anointed Christians and assist them in their vital work of marking still others.—Rev. 22:17.”

But the detestable things that are being done are in the city of Jerusalem and the marking begins with the Elders in front of the Sanctuary. It is the symbolic “House of Israel” that is doing detestable things.

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

But the detestable things that are being done are in the city of Jerusalem and the marking begins with the Elders in front of the Sanctuary. It is the symbolic “House of Israel” that is doing detestable things.

"Double honor" brings "heavier judgement".
A retribution often overlooked by elder's who serve mainly out of ego in their thirst for power and prestige.

(1 Timothy 5:17) . . .Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor. . .

(James 3:1) . . .Not many of YOU should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment. . .

 

[Spoilmerotten]

The brothers and sisters are in a state of confusion and the deceptive influence is getting stronger and stronger. Jehovah is definitely letting them go the way they want to go by their heart condition. I have a niece that left the org. 30 years ago. I spent time with her and talked to her about the message Jesus preached while here on earth. One being repentance. My sister who has been a pioneer and wife of an elder for 40 years called me quite upset that I would even bring repentance into my conversation with her. One thing lead to another and I unloaded on her in a nice but very firm way. I had sent her one of Bro. King’s videos 5 years ago. approx. on 1914 and she shut me down. She said: If it doesn’t come out of the mouth’s of the GB, I will not listen to it! So here 5 years later I get a phone call from her and I said, It’s now or never! So I decided to quote Daniel 11 to her. I wanted her to know we are deep into the time of the pushing and Daniel spoke of those in a covenant with God would behave wickedly thereby being led into an apostasy by the KOTN. I then told her about the Watchtower participating in the ecumenical movement by working in what are called “Cooperative Circles” organized by URI. I asked her if she wanted to know more? Here’s the response back that I got: How dare you scare Heather with descriptions of the GT! Your doing what Mom did to us, scaring her. All she needs is to come back to the Kingdom Hall! How dare you talk to her about repentance! And where are you getting those horrible descriptions from about the GT? I knew then that she didn’t even know Daniels’s words. She didn’t want to know or care what her leaders are doing, nor does her husband. Because both of them don’t take a phone call or read any mail without doing it together as if it was gossip.But what really hurt was the repentance part because no one and I mean no one will gain entry into The Jerusalem Above or on earth under Gods arrangement without humbling themselves before Jehovah and asking for forgiveness of all sins. And of course we will be refined by fire so we will reflect the Glory of our father in Heaven and his Son Christ Jesus. And above all, love for Jehovah first and love for one another. “Therefore love is the law’s fulfillment. Romans 13:10 But no, all they need to do is show up at a meeting. No soul searching, no humbling our hearts to Jehovah asking for forgiveness, not because you want to be forgiven but because we hurt Jehovah’s heart everyday in our conduct and it should crush our spirit that we do that. We want him to know that we love him. Jesus ask Peter 3 times, do you love me Peter? Yes Lord I do, says Peter. Then feed my sheep! (with emphasis 3 times) Thank you Bro. King for feeding us. We all need to keep praying for the ones in there to depend on Jehovah only, not man. It is Jehovah’s organization because out of it the chosen will come.But when the constant feature is removed and the Watchtowers preaching work has stopped, everyone knowing the name of Jehovah will have to prove their loyalty to him through fire!

 

[MickHewitt]

All Jehovah’s Witnesses are very familiar with the vision described at Ezekiel 9:3-4: “Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from where it had rested above the cherubs and moved to the threshold of the doorway of the house, and he began calling out to the man who was clothed in linen, at whose waist was the secretary’s inkhorn. Jehovah said to him: “Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the city.”

But the ORG states in the July 15, 2008 Watchtower that anointed ones are the symbolic “man clothed in linen” and they are marking the Great Crowd by their preaching work. Here is the quote from the Watchtower, “The importance of the house-to-house ministry can be seen from a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel. In that vision, Ezekiel sees six men with weapons in their hands as well as a seventh man clothed in linen with a secretary’s inkhorn at his side. The seventh man is told to “pass through the midst of the city” and “put a mark on the foreheads of the men that are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it.” Following that marking work, the six men with the slaughtering weapons are commanded to execute all those who do not have the mark.—Read Ezekiel 9:1-6.

We understand that in the fulfillment of this prophecy, the man “clothed in linen” represents the remnant of spirit-anointed Christians. By means of the preaching and disciple-making work, the anointed class puts a symbolic mark on those who become part of Christ’s “other sheep.” (John 10:16) What is the mark? It is the evidence, as if displayed on their uncovered foreheads, that such sheep are dedicated, baptized disciples of Jesus Christ and that they have put on the Christlike new personality. (Eph. 4:20-24) These sheeplike ones become one flock with anointed Christians and assist them in their vital work of marking still others.—Rev. 22:17.”

But the detestable things that are being done are in the city of Jerusalem and the marking begins with the Elders in front of the Sanctuary. It is the symbolic “House of Israel” that is doing detestable things.

Thanks for that update: The one sister I was talking to didn't know that the W/T had changed thoughts on the Locusts in Joel she still thought she was fulfilling the role of a Locust! I missed the chance to tell her that it took a letter from Robert to point it out that it couldn't be because Joel points out that the target of the locusts was Jehovah's vine!

 

[MickHewitt]

Their twisting of the scriptures is maddening for sure. How could you be one who sits in "the temple of The God publicly showing himself to be a god." ? Their understanding of the scriptures is shallow.

The dumbed down witnesses manning carts are not so well read when it comes to the MOL who sits in the Temple of God: For the Insight on the Scriptures says 'The MOL sits in the temple of the God' Which gives a different reasoning all other versions and translations say 'So he will seat himself in the temple of God' Yet I am determined to bring it to their attention for the 2Thess2 upturns the 1914 and gives assurances that Christ has not arrived yet. I am endeavouring to best as I can memorise the text so as to have fluency. The truth will out!