The Watch Tower Society originally used the term “governing body” in a strict legal sense, and in fact, used the term quite sparingly. As stated in the Watchtower, it was not until “the year 1944 the Watchtower magazine began to speak about the governing body of the Christian congregation (italics theirs).” (Watchtower, Dec. 15, 1971, p. 755) Since the 1950s, the term would frequently be used to refer to the first century, making assertions such as, “The apostle Paul belonged to the governing body in the first century” (Watchtower, April 15, 1951, p. 235 par. 7) without citing any scriptural backup. On the other hand, the magazine described the modern day “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, [as] the governing body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (Watchtower, Jan. 1, 1950, p. 10 par. 2)
Election of Leaders by Congregation Voting. In the Early Church, brethren met in various cities—Jerusalem, Antioch, Corinth, Thessonalica— often meeting in homes (Acts 11:22:13:1; 1Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15). Each ecclesia (church group) was autonomous electing its own leaders, its own “Elders—those not necessarily advanced in age, but mature in character.
Acts 14:23 “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
How did they “ordain” their leaders? The Greek for “ordained” is “cheirotoneo from a comparative of NT:5495 and teino (to stretch); to be a hand-reacher or voter (by raising the hand).” (Strong’s #5500). Early Christians had the responsibility of voting for their Elders by the stretching forth of their hands!
Twelve Apostles not Succeeded in Authority. The twelve Apostles were chosen directly by Jesus, but they had no replacements except, of course, Paul replaced Judas. Just as Jesus selected the original twelve, he selected Paul as a replacement (Acts 9:15). The other Apostles were well meaning, but premature in selecting the replacement Apostle themselves (Acts 1:26). Inspired by God, they were the “twelve stars” crowning the head of the Early Church (Revelation 12:1); also identified the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Acts 21:14). It would be hard to imagine that Paul as the greatest of the Apostles, would not be numbered among this special group of twelve. There was no “apostolic succession” of any kind for a body of leadership authority through the Christian Age.
The only time one ecclesia recommended a ruling to the brethren at large was when a Jerusalem counsel decided that the Gentile brethren should not be forced to circumcise. And, of course, at that time, there were actual Apostles in the ecclesia of Jerusalem making that recommendation [decree] to “abstain from meat offered to idols…” (Acts 15:22-29).
The independence of the Early Church is attested to by the fact that there were factions among the Corinthian brethren, some following either Paul, Peter or Apollos. Paul said in 1 Cor 3:6-7, “I planted, A-pol’los watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow.” NWT. Paul humbly said that He and Apollos were not anything. Paul did not rule over the brethren. In 1 Thes 2:7 he said, ” we became gentle in the midst of YOU, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children.” NWT
Alas, as prophetically predicted, very soon the Christian Church evolved into dividing between “clergy” and “laity.” (Acts 20:29; Matt 13:25; Rev 2:20; 1 Jn 2:18; 2 Thes 2:3) On the one hand, some grasping for power took advantage of those ready to let go of their responsibility of electing their own leadership. Gradually a tower of authority built up with priests, bishops and finally a “pope.” Again, the responsibility for decisions and authority to choose leader in the Ecclesia rests with the congregation.
Qualifications for Leadership as Basis for Voting. While the Apostle Paul said the Ecclesia is to submit to and obey those which have “rule over you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17)—Paul also laid guidelines for selecting and voting for those who in the first place would be acceptable leader as an overseer!
When Paul gave Titus the responsibility for instructing new Ecclesias in Crete for organizing their leadership—he certainly was consistent with what he arranged earlier (Acts 14:23). “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain (elect) elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (Titus 1:5).
Each congregation was responsible for electing Elders who qualified. He then laid out the qualifications for evaluation by the Ecclesia members quite clearly:
- Above reproach (Titus 1:6);
- Husband of one wife with children not unruly;
- Not self-willed, quick-tempered or addicted to wine;
- No striker; not given to filthy lucre (Titus 1:7);
- Hospitable, sensible, just, self-controlled (Titus 1:8);
- Holding fast the faithful word; able to exhort in sound doctrine (1:9)
In his letter to Timothy, Apostle Paul similarly lines up the qualifications for voting for overseers:
- Blameless, the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:1,2):
- Vigilant, sober, of good beheaviore, givento hospitality:
- Apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2);
- Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
- Patient, not a brawler, not covetous (1 Timothy 3:3);
- Having his children in subjection with all gravity (1 Timothy 3:4);
- Not a notive (1 Timothy 3:7);
- Of good report of them which are without (1 Timothy 3:7)
Individual Responsibility for Raising the Hand in Voting. Thus, the Ecclesia is given criteria for voting wisely and determining Jehovah’s will for the the selection of their teachers and instructors. Congregations do NOT need to have an outside authoritative body of leaders to tell them what to do and what to think and what to change for “new light.”
Each member is responsible for attempting to determine the LORD’s will and expressing it in voting by the raising of his/her hand. So Bible Students base their leadership selection—as well as activity selections—by the voting of the Ecclesia.
MORE ON ELECTION OF ELDERS BY VOTE
According to the Bible, the election of elders was practiced in the Early Church. The eventual elimination of this practice gradually led to Elders becoming the Lord’s of the Church, rather than its servants and opened the way for the development of the Antichrist system.
Paul and Barnabas went around to all the churches and conducted the election of Elders.
Acts 14: 23 – And in every Church, after prayer and fasting, they selected Elders by show of hands, and commended them to the Lord on whom their faith rested. – Weymouth
Rotherham and Young’s Literal translation say, “appointed to them by vote elders in every assembly.”
RVIC Revised Version Improved and Corrected says, “elected elders.”
In 2 Corinthians Paul speaks of a brother who was elected by the churches to travel with him:
2 Cor 8:19 – … he is the one who was chosen by the vote of the Churches to travel with us… – Weymouth
In another example, we recall that the Apostles asked the Jerusalem Church to select seven deacons.
Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, pick out from among yourselves seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them to undertake this duty. Weymouth
Who would have challenged the Apostles had they exerted their influence to appoint deacons themselves. Yet instead they humbly asked the Ecclesia to make this selection.
OUR LIBERTY IN CHRIST
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand. – NWT
2 Tim 2:7 – 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – NKJV
Gal 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. NKJV
Gal 5:13 – For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. NKJV
2Co 3:17 – …where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. NWT
John 8:31, 32 – And so Jesus went on to say to the Jews that had believed him: “If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free. NWT
DO BIBLE STUDENTS HAVE A GOVERNING BODY?
To find the answer Click here:
I dont understand why a jehovahs witness would create this website knowing very well the abuse jehovah’s witnesses experience.
The abstaining from blood issue (Obviously written by someone who doesnt understand the meaning of the word abstinence) is a very valid point for a christian the bible tells to abstain from blood in any form, simply because it doesn’t enter your body throughh your mouth doesnt mean its okay, injecting it into your veins isnt okay just like if you were tol to quit drinking alchohol, injecting it in your veins is not okay.
The other thing about the governing body sitting upon a load of real estate holdings is ridiculous as they are a charity and those real estate holdings are public buildings meaning anyone can enter and it is not expressly owned by anyone.
Saying money will be Jehovahs witnesses downfall is ridiculous as elders and ministerial servants and the governing body aren’t paid. believe it or not but they actually have full time jobs as well as preaching on the streets unlike ministers in other religions who have a ridiculous amount of money compared to the people in their congregation.
The bible is a very difficult book to understand can we really say anyone has a true interpretation? No, we cant but Jehovah’s witnesses live by what they honestly think the bible is saying and lead quite a good wholesome lifestyle (they dont harm anyone).
This website disgusts me, to the witnesses on this who use it regularly. what is faith? what is belief? do you have faith? do you believe?
if you have to hide your identity out of fear of being disfellowshipped does that not indicate shame. is this not something you would be ashamed about if your “brothers aand sister” were to find out? frankly I think you’re a coward- a pathetic coward who hides behind a computer in your quest for “true knowledge”. If I want to know something- I ask, I voice my opinions and doubts like a reasonable, truthful, honest person
Calasin,
PS:This is a very informative narrative by a sister.
http://www.outofthecocoon.net/PDF/BloodTransfusions.pdf
people tell a lot of lies about jw
Friend – This is your opportunity to tell us what these lies are and to explain what you believe to be the truth and why.
WHAT ARE YOU BUNCH BABBLING ON ABOUT THIS TIME? YOU DON’T HAVE THE SLIGHTEST INCLINE. WHY I WASTE MY TIME READING THIS KIND OF GARBAGE I JUST DON’T KNOW ANY MORE? HEARD ALL THIS BEFORE. NOTHING NEW OR NOTHING TO ADD SPIRITUALLY. THE SAME ARGUMENTS OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. JUST REMEMBER THIS FELLOW JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: YOU HONESTLY KNOW HOW THE WHOLE ASSOCIATION FUNCTIONS- UNQUESTIONABLY THERE IS NOTHING HIDDEN FROM US. YOU DON’T NEED MISINFORMED/UNINFORMED PEOPLE TELLING YOU HOW THE BROTHERHOOD STARTED OUT OR HOW IT SHOULD BE ORGANISED FOR THAT MATTER. ITS ALL AVAILABLE TO YOU IN ABSOLUTE ABUNDANCE AND PRECISE AND FASTIDIOUS DETAIL. SO PLEASE DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH ALL THIS, SPEND THIS VALUABLE TIME READING YOUR BIBLES (CONSIDER PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY).
Dear Servant,
I agree with you it seems that almost every new poster has the same problem. We don’t know each other, some are in different countries. So it is strange that all over the world many have the same problems and see the Bible’s counsel on not having any other god before his face. Many are recognizing that Jesus Christ is our mediator.
Everyone is trying to heal in their own way and have to express what they feel. This is a “FEAR FREE ZONE”. This is where everyone can get help and we will not try to do any more psychological harm to them. Many on this site are avid Bible readers and study probably more than you realize, but that is sound advice to read the Bible more. Thank you
ISAIAH 60
1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.
2. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but Jehovah will arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
3. And nations shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
4. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: they all gather themselves together, they come to thee; thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be carried in the arms.
5. Then thou shalt see and be radiant, and thy heart shall thrill and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned unto thee, the wealth of the nations shall come unto thee.
————-
“TODAY” these things begin to be fulfilled !
http://e-jehovahs-witnesses.com/forum/entry.php?36-Are-You-a-Prophet-Then-prophesy!
in Christ,
rus virgil
The truth will set you free .mark these words ,
Acts 5:38-39 …..but if it is from god you will not be able to overthrow them,otherwise you will be found fighters actually against God Jehovah.
if they are false they are doomed let the time tell
and the good tree is judged by its fruits .
i am a one of the christian congregation of Jehovah’s Witness. see you in earthly paradise.
Frm Witness, hello and welcome,
What you have said is not to be taken lightly. One would not want to be fighting against God or something that he has put in place. It is to be balanced however with what the Watchtower January 1,2009 (public issue). The title is “What We Learn From Mary”.”What Mary’s Example Can Teach Us”. page 7 Box (Direct quote)
“Mary was born into a Jewish family and she followed the Jewish religion. She attended the local synagogue, as the Jewish place of worship is called. and she visited the temple in Jerusalem. As Mary’s knowledge of God’s purposes grew, however, she came to see that the traditions of her fathers no longer had God’s approval. Jewish religious leaders had her son, the Messiah, put to death. Before that happened, Jesus announced to them: “Look! Your house is abandoned to you.” (Matthew 23:38) God withdrew his blessing from the religious system in which Mary had been raised.-Galatians 2:15,16
When the Christian Congregation was formed, Mary may have been about 50 or so. What would she do? Did she reason that she had been born into the Jewish religious system and that she wanted to remain loyal to the traditions of her forefathers? Did she say that she was too old to change? Of course not! Mary understood that God’s blessing was now with the Christian congregation, so she had the faith and courage to change.” End of quote.
A Sanhedrin type of system has built itself up again and one must look to Christ and ones that are worshiping with “Spirit and Truth” and associate with them. This article started me to thinking, Mary wasn’t afraid.
With Christian Love
Jacqueline,
You have me confused! I thought you didn’t believe in the beliefs of the JW’s, now you are agreeing with somethings?
I haven’t read everyones comments, but I will say that everything that I’ve been shown in the Bible, I believe it to be the truth. All people do is talk about the Witnesses. Most of the information is hearsay that people get. If you want to know what JW’s beliefs are, people should ask them. If you (anyone) wanted a decorated cake for a party…..would you go to a plumber…….or a baker?
People are so hypocritical of the JW’s. My daughter & her husband go to a Baptist Church. J.W.’s are one of their main subjects “for discussion”. How many religions are put down and picked apart??? You could probably count them on one hand, and the JW’s would take the #1 spot!
Do you know that the Religion’s Elders are not supported by the con- gregation (monetarily)! Each one is a man with a family, they are not put on a pedestal or elevated position. Just like Jesus told his disciples when they were arguing amongst themselves who was the greater. Jesus told them that a slave is not greater than his master nor is one that is sent forth greater than the one that sent him. He was talking about not being greater than his Father, Jehovah who sent Jesus to pour out his blood to save us from sin and death. Adam was perfect when he & Eve ate from the tree – so God needed an equal to Adams perfect state when he sinned and all offspring thru Adam inherited sin & death by him.
Reply to comment about the abstaining from blood. He said that it is not eating the blood. But it is still not abstaining from blood! A person doesn’t have to only eat blood for it to be in opposition of the abstaining from it. If a doctor tells his patient that he needs to stop smoking or stop drinking or it could kill him……………if he would nject the tobacco or the liquor into his veins, isn’t that the same as if he drank it. It is still circulated through his body and he still gets the same affects of it whether thru invenous or through the mouth!
I am falling asleep typing this so I hope it can be understook! LOL I would like to add a few more comments, but can’t stay awake. zzzzzzz zzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzz Just kidding : }
So until we meet again, CYA
Jacqueline,
You have me confused! I thought you didn’t believe in the beliefs of the JW’s, now you are agreeing with some
things?
I haven’t read everyones comments, but I will say that everything that I’ve been shown in the Bible, I believe it to be the truth. All people do is talk about the Witnesses. Most of the information is hearsay that people get. If you want to know what JW’s beliefs are, people should ask them. If you (anyone) wanted a decorated cake
for a party…..would you go to a plumber…….or a baker?
People are so hypocritical of the JW’s. My daughter & her husband go to a Baptist Church. J.W.’s are one of their main subjects “for discussion”. How many religions are put down and picked apart??? You could probably count them on one hand, and the JW’s would take the #1 spot!
Do you know that the Religion’s Elders are not supported by the con- gregation (monetarily)! Each one is a man with a family, they are not put on a pedestal or elevated position. Just like Jesus told his disciples when they were arguing amongst themselves who was the greater. Jesus told them that a slave is not greater than his master nor is one that is sent forth greater than the one that sent him. He was talking about not being greater than his Father, Jehovah who sent Jesus to pour out his blood to save us from sin and death. Adam was perfect when he & Eve ate from the tree – so God needed an equal to Adams perfect state when he sinned and all offspring thru Adam inherited sin & death by him.
Reply to comment about the abstaining from blood. He said that it is not eating the blood. But it is still not abstaining from blood! A person doesn’t have to only eat blood for it to be in opposition of the abstaining from it. If a doctor tells his patient that he needs to stop smoking or stop drinking or it could kill him……………if he would nject the tobacco or the liquor into his veins, isn’t that the same as if he drank it. It is still circulated through his body and he still gets the same affects of it whether thru invenous or through the mouth!
rom blood
Dear hey Cinderella,
I am sorry if I mislead you into thinking I don’t believe in the beliefs of the witnesses. Many of the doctrines and beliefs of the witnesses are sound and based on the Bible. Other religions also hold some of the same beliefs.
I was a witness when the magazine I quoted was released. I felt the watchtower was giving very sound and good advice and I obeyed and took the advice. Thank you so much for writing. If you would like to hear my story it is on http://www.sixscreensofthewatchtower.com site. I am not encouraging that you do this because I know it is against watchtower teaching and I want to respect your belief system.
In Christ,
Jacqueline
HeyCinderella,
I forgot to mention, I was a witness for 61 years. I am aware of most of the organizational things that you mentioned. I was a third generation witness.
Murray Smith and The Lingdow,
That is good advice Murray Smith, but this is a fear-free zone.Prov. 29:25 says “trembling at men is what lays a snare, but one trusting in Jehovah will be protected. PS. 33:8 says fear Jehovah. If Lingdow and others didn’t speak to help God’s people then another would be raised up.
We must not stifle anyone freedom to speak what they feel is righteous. This must remain a fear-free zone.
I used to be afraid also, but I learned that there is freedom in Christ. Bible Students at their Johnstown general convention this summer had a part on it that gave different views on what Jesus meant when he said “My God my God why have you forsaken me?” This never would be allowed at a JW convention. But it shows others should be allowed to think and discuss other meanings to scripture other than what the Governing Body decides is the correct thought.
Yes I agree don’t invite trouble, but we are reading this fine exchange between the two of you.
In Christ Love
I would keep your identity secret Lingdow. If you are indeed one of JW’s as you claim, you have already written enough to be disfelowshipped 10 times over
Rus Virgil and Lingdow,
We are enjoying this interchange. Please keep talking.
Thank you,
You are welcome , Jacqueline (I think we met first on topix , RF thread )
I think you enjoy this “interchange” because you are thirsty for truth and that is a good thing
unfortunately , I do not use to do endless “dialogue” / I can’t do it because I don’t understand english and very often I meet expressions I am not sure what they mean , and when it happen that , I don’t continue
and more often it happen to me that I can’t put on english my romanian thoughts and I am very confined in expriming my thoughts in english
I am a man of “principle” ; I seek the truth , I strive to understand it and when something is clear to me then I believe it , I speak it , and I live it
So is in my post answer to Lingdow : I have spoken ; if someone understand it , he has a responsability toward God / if he does not understand , the time is quickly coming when what I speak will be expressed more clear by other persons and will be easyier understandeable for people
I live in romania and I stand beside an anointed one (who speaks only romanian) ; I am convinced God is using him as a one belonging to the group of “prophet” , that is, an anointed who Jehovah is using to give “new understandings” from Scriptures /Prophecies , in order that other anointed and non anointed Christians may be helped in “awakening” themselves , taking a stand for Jehovah and His King ( by “remaining in the teaching of Christ” and obeying it /2John 9 ) , for further actions like “fleeing” from “Jerusalem” to the mountains , for accomplishing the action of “gathering together of all the chosen ones” and so on ; That is , for the fulfilling of Jehovah’s will in everything !
This brother was helped by the Helper (Spirit of Truth/ John 16:13) to have an insight in Scriptures and from the spring of 2002 the “truth” is flowing like a river / the publication of his researches/articles begun in August 2002 and are continuing till today
I am not able to translate his materials , but a few of them are translated in a blog you will find clicking on my name.
Regarding myself , Scripturally speaking , I am “one who received a prophet”
see my presentation:
http://bibleforum.reslight.net/index.php/topic,130.0.html
and
http://www.biblestudents.net/forum/index.php?topic=2872.0
I am firmly convinced that the time will come when the writings of brother Sas Gavril will be translated in other languages to help the comunity of Christians.
Enough for this time .
Jacqueline , you may read also the links I provide in my previous posts.
with love
in Christ,
rus virgil
(I sign with name because I was already “disfellowshiped” )
Rus Virgil,
Yes we have been on other forums. I went to some of the postings. I found the info insightful, thank you.
You are correct about my hunger for correct knowledge. I have felt many of the society’s teachings were not logical. The reasoning for a Governing Body, that one lacks good common sense. How they create a hierarchy domineering body from this one scripture. It is really all about money. They are actually sitting on Billions in real estate and in various corporations. I feel strongly that this will be their downfall, money and the government.
Like the Sanhedrin, they are anti-Christ. They have said things however that has started me searching. Don’t go on the internet they said, because apostates are lying. I went. Many of their disturbing teachings, like getting knowledge from the dead has caused me to search more. So in a way they push me to higher heights of study. I could not wait inside for Jehovah to act because they were pulverizing me. I won’t give them my attendance of support. It is damaging to me physically, emotionally and mentally. I simply cannot bear to hear their brainwashing over and over.
Please join in on the next internet chat Nov. 5th.
In Christ
Hello Rus, Nice to meet you.
I myself have not seen any proof that we are living in the Great Tribulation; “such has never occurred before”. Jesus spoke of it as happening to the whole world not just to his brothers. We (most of the world) still lives in general calmness. Free to do as we please. Yes there are places on the earth one is not so free but in general that is not the case. And it certainly isn’t much different than it’s ever been before. In fact you could argue that in most cases it is much better than it has ever been before. This to me shows that we have not reached that period of time that Jesus described as the Great Tribulation.
In fact Jesus basically said that no one would be wondering if it was the Great Tribulation or not. He said you would know that it was just as easily as “lightning comes from the eastern parts and shines over to the western parts”. Or the illustration of the fig tree: :”Just as soon as it’s young branch grows tender and puts forth leaves, YOU know that summer is near”. No one ever asks when they see lightning: what is that? or The trees are getting leafs on them: I wonder what season is coming next? You just know. It’s that obvious. And so it will be with the Great Tribulation for all of mankind. Only those who refuse to believe it because of being true apostates (ones who refuse to believe in God) will blind themselves to it or say it is happening for another reason. (2 Peter 3:4) . . .“Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep [in death], all things are continuing exactly as from creation’s beginning.”
There are two main mistakes we make as humans. Two things we are not physically capable of doing, yet we try and try to do them to our own detriment.
1. (Jeremiah 10:23) 23 “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”
We are not capable or it does not belong to us to govern anyone. Period. Yet we try and try. We tell ourselves we can do it right this time. Or, we have God’s backing because His Son chose us to be His Faithful and Discreet Slave. And we go on then to invalidate God’s word and then another scripture becomes true in our case:(Ecclesiastes 8:9) 9 “All this I have seen, and there was an applying of my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, [during] the time that man has dominated man to his injury.”
2.(Acts 1:7) . . .He said to them: “It does not belong to YOU to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction,”
Just like the scripture in Jeremiah it does not belong or in other words we cannot physically know about “times or seasons”. These I believe, are put in the Bible by Jehovah as test of our faith. And to show that only He can “tell the beginning to the finale.” That even if He sets it all out for us in advance we still cannot figure it out until after it happens and then sometimes not even then. Can we use these “time prophesies” to get “close” and to keep awake? Possibly. Can our focus on them lead us to miss the point and declare falsehoods in God’s name? Definitely. It has never been about when. It has always been about what. (2 Peter 3:11) . . .Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought YOU to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion,” It is all about our personal relationship with Jehovah God and His Son. Then it really doesn’t matter WHEN.
Today it is not about getting out of a physical location or religion per say, It is all about “worshiping God in Spirit and Truth”. Getting out of Babylon or her daughter is making sure your worship is not tainted with Babylonish practices. There is no where to physically flee to today.
As was the case in the first century so today. Jesus did not tell the Christians to flee Judaism he told them to flee Jerusalem. Jesus did not destroy Israel he grafted into it peoples of the nations to make it become what it was always destined to become. The Israel of God. Today Jehovah does not expect us to necessarily physically flee anything. What He does expect from us is to worship Him in Spirit and Truth and to quit touching the unclean thing (Babylon the Great: IE. false religious practices. ) and He will take us in.(John4:23-24; Romans11:17-24; Gal.6:16; 2 Cor.6:14-17)
The Man of Lawlessness will be reveled in God’s due time. I believe it has already started for too many reasons to go into at this time. And when that is complete then Jesus will “cast them out into the darkness”. And Jehovah’s Temple will be holy once more. So it is not the members who must leave the Temple (for then there would really be no Temple at all)it is the “son of destruction” who must be cleared away from it.
Babylon the Great does not mean misunderstood time or other prophesy, crazy non-scriptural based personal conscience matter forced on your brother decisions, even if those decisions cost the lives of thousands. That is not Babylon the Great. Babylon the Great is those religions or persons (as a group or composite) that believe and or teach the false doctrine of the ancient deities of Babylon. And to flee or get out means to at the very least do all you can to make sure you keep separate from those teachings. ‘For what agreement does God’s temple have with idols?’
With Christian love,
The Lingdow
hello The Lingdow
you are welcome, I am glad to meet you
I appreciate your last words “We must endure what is happening on the inside. That is the real struggle.” IN FACT , this is the Biblical Great Tribulation !
The tribulation come over the saints from MOL’s part, which are ruling over God’s people .
What Bro.Perimeno doesn’t know is , the fact that Jehovah’s worshippers are not under any commandment to remain under the beast control after finding the truth regarding the MOL and beast !
By prophetically expressions the commandment has been given already :”Get out of Babylon” and “Escape from the Daughter of Babylon!” Rev 18:4 and Zecc. 2:7
The truth is making you free to flee from the Daughter of Babylon !
But if you are a Christian , that is a Christ believer and follower , then you must obey His commandment in Matt. 24:15,16 ! You are free to be a slave of Christ and to prove that by obeying His commandment!
You must flee to the mountains !
You are NOT commended to remain in Babylon , at all !
This is what Perimeno and Robert King doesn’t understand.
I am inviting you to search some of my posts , even if they are written in a poor english , these posts may help you in understanding of some prophecies
https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/welcome/#comment-27
with love,
in Christ,
rus virgil