Welcome all Anointed Jehovah’s Witnesses and those who would like to talk with you!
Anointed Talk is a place for the Anointed of Jehovah’s Witnesses to talk to each other and for others of us to get a chance to talk to you. And why not? We have been told that no one else is listening to you. Is this true? The The Watchtower, 5/15/00, p. 11 says, “anointed Witnesses of Jehovah have been blessed with insight, enabling them to understand…” (See complete quote below). Yet to what avail is this special insight? Does the Governing Body care what the Anointed have to say? Do they ask for the opinion and spiritual insight of the anointed? Sadly, we are getting reports from Anointed JWs, indicating they are being disrespected, ridiculed and made fun of. They tell us that they are even being discouraged from partaking of the memorial. Is it true that the elders and others just don’t believe that those who claim they are anointed really are? That they do not respect insights of those claiming to be anointed? Are the anointed who express a different point of view labeled an Apostate? Is what we are hearing true? Is this the norm or just unusual examples coming our way?
Why doesn’t the Governing Body consult the anointed? Why aren’t they interested in their opinion? Why is the Watchtower writing department adding more writers that are not anointed? Are the Anointed a perceived threat to the power structure that must be diminished? After all, shouldn’t JWs being looking to the anointed for spiritual guidance as opposed to Elders, Circuit Overseers and District Overseers? Is the JW power structure trying to minimize and belittle their influence? Is this really all just about power and who is in control?
We are not trying to incite the Anointed to rise up and rebel and fight the system. The Lord’s anointed are a humble and meek people. Yet we understand that if anyone expresses a difference of opinion, whether anointed or not, they are in danger of being labeled an apostate. So, how then can the anointed be in any position to provide spiritual insights. If it is only to tell everyone else to follow the organization, then couldn’t any JW member do that? So then of what value are the anointed in the JW Organization? It only seems to make sense that elders and leaders in the JW organization would desire, in humility, to look to the anointed for spiritual guidance.
What do you think? What is really going on. Let us know what you think. This is a place to talk. We want to hear from everyone, but especially from the anointed ones, whether presently JWs or whether you have been driven out of the organization. Please enlighten us and tell us the truth of what is happening. Here you can talk to each other and help each other out.
Full quote: “Daniel 12:4 states: “As for you, O Daniel, make secret the words and seal up the book, until the time of the end. Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.” Much of what Daniel wrote was made secret and sealed up to human understanding for centuries. But what about today?
6 In this time of the end, many faithful Christians have ‘roved about’ in the pages of God’s Word, the Bible. The result? With Jehovah’s blessing on their efforts, true knowledge has become abundant. For instance, anointed Witnesses of Jehovah have been blessed with insight, enabling them to understand that Jesus Christ became heavenly King in the year 1914. In keeping with the apostle’s words recorded at 2 Peter 1:19-21, such anointed ones and their loyal companions are ‘paying attention to the prophetic word’ and are absolutely certain that this is the time of the end.” – “The Watchtower, 5/15/00, p. 11.
For any J.W.s or exes who may be thinking about what real Christianity is,and how they can get more of Jah’s spirit and onto the process of meaningful growth in spiritual enlightenment,I would like to offer my experience here,and recommend it,because the Father drew me into his word so that I was directed to certain parts that eventually opened up to me the following truths; No.1…Read everything Jesus said,over and over.-No.2 Read everything Paul said..over and over….,Peter…James.Read the book of Revelation carefully,yet,don’t be discouraged cause of not getting it all at one time,just read it thru in a couple of settings. Lastly or somewhere read Genesis carefully,because in those precious pages are the answers to many of life’s most important questions. During the time you are reading His word,pray to Him just like your real father,even think about talking or saying something to his son,Christ,as you will learn,he is interested in a more active role for you than what any religious order is saying.At this time of intimate learning from Them,don’t read ANY outside scriptural commentaries;just the Bible.It’s more than enough,because Holy Spirit will start working on your mind and you will begin to come alive in this spirit as never before.Read a VARIETY of translations,and be careful when reading the NW translation,because I found it has been biased with W.T. doctrine,as the one who basically did all the translating was old bro. Franz,so it needs to be read and checked against the’Kingdom Interlinear’ translation published by W.T.which is a word for word trans. from Wescott and Hort Greek text.So read the words on the pages to the left right under the Greek words.These are the world recognized scholar’s words.You will immediately start to see some differences in comparison to NW.THIS BECOMES VERY IMPORTANT IN YOUR RESEARCH.I would also recommend another Bible that W.T. printed;the ‘Emphatic Diaglott’…an interlineary word for word English translation by Benjamin Wilson of the New Testament.Also the NIV,Revised Standard,and one of my all-time favorites;’The Jerusalem Bible’,(Reader’s Edition),which I found in a used book store.I recommend anyone serious about this to collect as many diff. versions as he can,so that one can get the overall gist of what these important passages mean.Unfortunately you are going to find that some translations will slant the scriptures toward their rel. doctrines,therefore favor the interlinear word for word from old manuscript editions.This is important,sorry,the Bible itself warns that false teachers would arise and alter even the word itself.THIS HAS BEEN DONE…don’t be shocked,we have been warned that Satan would do this.But if you know anything about the word,you know only those who work hard will achieve a good understanding of the truth.Proverbs 4:18-27 says,”The path of the virtuous is like the light of dawn,it’s brightness growing to the fullness of day…”,so your growth in this search will occur at the rate of your research.But the Spirit will inspire you and you will come to have a hunger for more and more of your Father’s message to you.You will also begin to develope the “mind of Christ” as you read his words for you.As you grow in these matters you will begin to gradually understand the real message that has been hidden from you by those supposedly “in the know”, or authorized (but they’re basically wanting you to read their books on doctrine to accept their vision)True Christians want all people to have the intimacy with the Father and son and be filled with his spirit as they are,with no exceptions…Acts 2:38,39;Rev.22:17-19. Last,but not least,as you have a desire and motive for your reading,key in on the more intimate parts of scripture that deal with what it means to become a Christian.It is a wonderful,miraculous transformation that is presented for them.These are some of the more prominent passages;John ch.3,4,15-17.Rom.ch.8,Ephesians and Colossians, and pay close attention to the main teaching;Christians must receive and walk with the Holy Spirit.I wish you the best in your personal search.You will find Jehovah will protect your mind and heart during the time you are making these efforts to understand his word.He will ward off Satan for a time so you can get your feet under you,so to speak.May peace and satisfaction and joy from the Spirit be your achievement.
Bro.Humbleman,you can call me anytime;Tuesday-sat.;I work fro Sat.evening to Tues a.m…be glad to share the word. Thank you all.I appreciate the kind,loving comments from you all.May Jehovah give us all more truth as we near the end. I’m sorry if my comments are shaking faith,rather than building up.It just seems to me as a clear cut case.And you’d have to agree ,most of the millions of Bible readers view the last days and Armagedon as a judgement from God,it’s not like I’m preaching craziness here or some radical new thought I just came up with myself. But you all seem concerned for my spirit,so I’ll keep trying.
Thanks Peter and Jaqueline and Humbleman,OK,I’ll be back Wed. to the study,because I hope we can arrive at some MUTUAL understanding,if not…I can see the importance of ALL having the opportunity to avail themselves of the ransom.The persons I’ve been pointing out in the scriptures are those the scriptures say HAVE heard about the ransom,understand what it means,yet still murder and persecute Christians.(Just as the Devil and the demons are doing)So I feel we ARE in agreement on ALL having the opportunity to have their sins forgiven,but some think that people today aren’t receiving a good enough witness to be saved.I can’t agree with that in many cases ,as the scripures say the good news is preached to all creation under heaven,and at Armagedon the wicked run and hide,saying to the mountains,”Fall over us and hide us from the face of the Lamb”,and in Luke’s account,Jesus while dying on the cross warned,”If they do this while the tree is moist,what will occur when it is withered?”So at the end we’ll be seeing Christians going thru Great Tribulation.And Peter I see Rom. ch.1and 2 as both being in the world that is now. Yes J. it’s true we are able to voice beliefs on scripture,and for that I’m thankful.I’m sorry I treated the moderator Leonard disrespectfully,but it seems he’s saying that all the preaching work lived ,spoken and died for; present and for the past 2000 years is paltry,weak and worthless.And the wicked could never be judged on the basis of all that body of evidence.People have gone to the electric chair for doing these very things,(Murder and torture),and rightly so.To say their blood has no value in God’s eyes is offensive to all,especially the families.The fighters against God are the ones the scriptures are singling out for the Lake of Fire in the world that is now.(Acts 527-39)
Thanks sister for your testimony.I,too left J,W.s for the same reason,the GB wanted worshipful honors ,and I’ll die first before I knuckle under to their pompous threats and egotistical pride.I was empowered with the Spirit and yes,They actually invited me(I was Given an invitation,right outside my house here while walking down the litle lane to my camphouse) It just floored me.It was so real I remember turning round and looking into the sky,cause I thought I would see them looking down at me!So I said out loud,”You want me to come up there? But how can I,because I have sinned so many times?And then in my mind Jesus said(real quickly in a kind of scolding voice),”It’s not about that!” In my mind I envisioned him with a crown on his head,very handsome with a trimmed beard( sorry, he was white in this image(LOL)) but Jehovah was beside him in a bright light,He didn’t say anything,but a feeling of tenderness and loving gratitude and mercy washed over me,similiar to the feeling you get when you see a mother take her newborn into her arms for the first time.I felt totally washed clean by their forgiveness,and it gave my heart the greatest joy.Then I made my decision and I said, “Yes,I’ll come up there,you betcha!” And that’s when I got this feeling of power in my heart that I was going to be used to get everlasting relief and life for the pitiful and oppressed.And as I walked down the lane I pulled down my fist in that success gesture,you know?And I said,”Let’s do this thing!”I’ve been working hard for this ever since.It consumes my mind and heart.But like you I have been free since resigning 3 years ago.I stayed in a couple years ,but was reviled and envied/hated by many people and all my paternal family spurned me.This is rough cause I thought the Bible students mite be the answer to all my association needs,but I tried.I read over 600 pages of their books;The Photo-Drama was actually a wonderful book! And I really love the brothers,but like the Witnesses,I love them too,yet I am at odds with so many of the teachings of both.I am confident They have something else in mind for me.So,I,ll go on.I really admire you and wish you the best.You are a chosen vessel for the Lord.And the same for Peter.We’ll meet again downstream in time.Agape’,John
Hi John and welcome.
You have shown in real time, what I have been trying to say for a year now to JW and Ex-JW and a few other religions. Bible Students can see scriptures differently, yes disagree, and not be shunned. BTW, don’t believe that crazy stuff that you disfellowship yourself when you leave. It’s indeed hard to shake a way of life that you have had drilled in you. You are more like a BS than you think. You search the scriptures and use them. (Didn’t do that much as a witness, did you?)
Philppians 3:12-16 in part, “‘ Complete the salvation that God has given you with a proper sense of awe and responsibility. For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve HIS purpose. Do all you have to do without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless harmless, faultless children of God, living in a warped and diseased age, and shining like lights in a dark world……..
The first century congregations had differences of opinions, but Paul advised let it go, and get on with the work at hand. John you are like me, you learn from the things you suffer, often times brought on by myself. We welcome you, my brother, and hope to have you on the next Wednesday study.
Isn’t it refreshing to be able to exercise you brain and power of reasoning and bounce off of other Christians. My brain had stopped working because I couldn’t ask a question about anything I read in the watchtower publications. I couldn’t bring in an outside scripture, and could only read the ones they said to read that were quoted. I have enjoyed looking in on you and Br. Peter. Humbleman, go back and forth.
John, others have also. We check the statistics of visits to the site. I hope some of the brothers looking on see now what it was like in the early days before 1931. Now, we have seen how the Bible has something to say, not just Dogma. In Christ the foot and the hand can sometimes see things differently, and don’t get the heart involved, now you really have problems. The BRAIN, however will straighten it out and bring the body into harmony, in it’s own time. If we listen to it we won’t run into disaster. The heart should not lead, us but the BRAIN of that body should, which all of us are a part of. Take Care by brother In Christ’ Love, sincerely Jacqueline
Bro John when is the best time to call you i would love to chat with you 🙂
John – I appreciate your zeal Jehovah’s Justice and certainly the wicked deserve to be punished for their evil deeds, and they will be. How can the wicked be resurrected to judgment (Greek Kisis includes trial & testing) if they were eternally destroyed in Armageddon.
Romans 2:6-8 applies to judgment in the future kingdom saying, “…who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: … to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek.” Notice how during the kingdom, there will be tribulation and distress for evil doers. It does not say eternal destruction. The tribulation and distress are to bring them to repentence.
In Rev 20:12 people are judged by their works based on the standards written in the books in the books (books of the Bible). The anointed are justified before God by faith, not by works (Gal 2:16), else we would all be condemned to death since none of us are truly righteous. (Rom 3:10). Do you believe the anointed are judged by works during the Gospel Age?
Mankind Judged by Their Future Behavior in God’s Kingdom. John 12:47-48 says, “I did not come to judge the world but to save the world… the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” NKJV
The wicked will exist during the 1,000 year kingdom. Rev 22:14 says, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are immoral, murderers, idolaters and liers.” But these wicked will be invited to enter the kingdom arrangement. Rev 22:17 says, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.”
2 Peter 2 (NASV) is talking about the “second death” class. These are those “denying the Lord that bought them” 2 Pet 2:2. Jesus bought the anointed (1 Cor 6:20) and they are the only ones receiving personal judgment during this present evil world.
The fire in 2 Pet 2: 12 is symbolic of destruction, but not necessarily eternal destruction. The Chaff (Jewish Nation) of Matt 3:12 was said to be burned with “unquenchable fire.” Ye here we see the Jewish Nation reestablished since 1948. Zeph 3:8-9 tells us that Jehovah will destroy the earth with fire, after which he will turn to the people a pure language. The earth is symbolic of the present “social order” which shall be destroyed. But the earth “abides forever” (Eccl 1:4; Psa 104:5) and the people will learn the pure language of Jehovah’s righteousness.
2 Pet 2:20 (NASV) says, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” So here again, this chapter is talking about those anointed who have turn away from Jesus and toward evil.
I know that we want justice and judgment for the wicked. But remember how merciful Jehovah is to us. 1 Cor 6: 9 (NASV) “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”
Notice how verse 11 says, “such were some of you.” If some of the anointed were formerly wicked and Jehovah could turn them around, can he not do the same for many of the wicked in the kingdom? Let us have mercy, for Jesus says that we will be judged with the judgment that we judge others. (Matt 7:2). Jehovah admonishes us to love mercy (Micah 6:8
The punishment of the wicked is not necessarily eternal destruction; otherwise the endless scriptures supporting a Ransom and Salvation for ALL would all need to be modified with unstated exceptions.
ALL People Receive an Opportunity to be Saved. Do we want to insert exceptions when none are provided in these scriptures?
1 John 2:2 – “He is an atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. – Weymouth
1 Tim 4:10 – God…is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. NKJV
Rev 22:17 – “the bride say, “Come!”… Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. NKJV [An invitation to unbelieving mankind on Paradise Earth.]
Rom 8:19,21 – “the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God… also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God NKJV
Gen.22:18 – “In your seed ALL the nations of the earth shall be blessed “ NKJV
Luke 2:10 – “the angel said…I bring you good tidings of great joy… to ALL people.” NKJV
Heb 2:9 – “But we see Jesus … that He … might taste death for EVERYONE.” NKJV
John 12:32 – “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL peoples to Myself.” NKJV
John 1:29 – “John …said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! NKJV
John 6:51 – “the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” NKJV
The Blindness Will Be Removed in the Kingdom. This will give the wicked an opportunity to repent:
2 Cor 4:3 – “gospel is veiled…to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded” Rom 10:14-17 – … how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? … So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. NKJV
Matt 13:10-11 – Jesus spoke in parables because it is not for the world to understand mysteries of Bible.
Isa 25:6-8 – LORD will remove the veil that is spread over ALL nations. He will swallow up death
Isa 60:1-3, 10-12 – Darkness covers the earth, but the world will come to Jerusalem to worship
The Kingdom will be a Time of Teaching & Learning
Isa 29:18, 24 – Deaf will hear, blind will see. Those who erred will understand.
Isa 26:9 – “when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.”
Isa 11:9-10 – “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.”
Mic 4:1-2 – “Many nations shall say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.”
Isa 35:8 – “The way of holiness… shall be for (the redeemed)…fools, shall not err (therein).” ASV
Isa 40:5 – “The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, And ALL flesh shall see it together “ NKJV
Hag 2:7 – “And I will shake all nations, and the desire of ALL nations shall come” KJV
Are there any anointed ex-J.W.s or Witnesses out there? If so would you like to talk about the hope?I’m sure you could use some encouragement like I could.
Hi John, How are you today? This is long because of the page it is on, conversations can be a little lenghty. (maybe?(:)
The subject of anointing in the classic JW sense has not happened to me. I read Pearl’s blog and I have talked to some others (JW anointed), and they have a clear cut moment where they had their hope made sure that they had been called to be of the 144,000.
I have not had that. I never, ever wanted to go to heaven but really dreamed of what I would do in the new world. Now I realize the scriptures more accurately about the enormous work to be done in helping “the many” come to righteousness.
Something occurred gradually with me as I gained more accurately the knowledge of what millenium is about. I have an overwhelming desire, you might say, to help Jesus with this work. It is true I no longer dream or think of the paradise conditions on earth and enjoying them. I only visualize helping to accomphish it, if Jesus will let me be a part of it. I can understand the Bible by reading it now after praying for the Holy Spirit to help me. I always had to look it up in the society’s publications. Now I know that grieved the Holy Spirit, that I would not allow Jesus to help me understand his purpose. I know within me, so to speak, that I will have some part, be it as support for Jesus or with him. This has been gradual for me over the course of 11yrs. I literally sought out those of the anointed to see, not if I was anointed, but what I could do to help now and in the furture. I now literally talk to Jehovah in a different way, as a friend now. And as regards Jesus, I feel a connection now, because I can understand his plan. I am not afraid of anyone knowing that I will serve only him now and not the substitute governing body. I think I actually was worshiping them, I assisted their different projects in every way, often at great expense to myself. (CO, DO making sure they had proper monies etc, assembly donations, bethelites in my path, you name it, I supported it.)
But, I have come to realize, I was not really supporting Jesus. I had substituted ideas of a business and was pushing those ideas on Bible Studies that I had (sometimes 8-13 at a time).
Only after I repented of this and got on my knees to ask him to please forgive me, did I realize, I could understand the Bible. It was like scales dropped off my eyes. That is the only type of awakening that I had. My heart is clear now. I don’t fear the elders of JW or the corporation, I have casted fear outside. These are the “things” that has happened to me, but no one has said anything to me. My heart and spirit now is completely dedicated to Jesus.
John, it has been a journey for me. I have made a lot of mistakes trying to disciple what I felt and met with disaster at each turn! You don’t want to hear the truth about me and the problems that seemed to follow me. Only after I just stopped trying to figure out what was happening to me did I get relief. I just threw in the towel and just said “Lord have Mercy on me, please”!
Step 1: I stopped going to Book study in about 2004, when we studied the Isaiah book. I realized we, as JW, were sinning against God, if we were Spiritual Israel. Elders couldn’t get me to go. I saw straight thru the Daniel book as a lie.
Step 2: Only then, in August of 2009, I said I will never turn in a time slip again! (I felt indignation over this practice, only my father needed to know.) had felt this way for at least 10yrs.
Step 3: I went on total hook up in September 2009 until December 2009. I never missed a meeting, but I couldn’t bring myself to walk in another KH again. I just couldn’t for some reason.
Step 4: I had been reading from the Dawn website for some time and had come across the Chicago Bible Student website everytime I prayed, but it’s location confused me. (because of JW thinking). I asked a brother that was of the anointed if he could tell me who these BS websites were. He told me who they were. I saw a convention for New year’s Day in Addison, Il on the Dawn website. I didn’t just want to walk in there, so I called the hotel to get the contact info. They wouldn’t give me the number. I told the receptionist that God would bless her if she helped me. I explained my situation. She said I could get in trouble for giving you this number (I wanted a sister’s number) but here is the number of a lady that has some doings with this convention. I contacted her the friday of the convention. She wanted to know how I got her cell number. I told her God gave it to me. I asked if she would tell me how to get there and if she would be there for me when I arrived. She did, and as I sat beside her and listened and observed, I KNEW I WAS HOME! That day is the only time I had something just assure me, that this is where I should be.
Let me digress a little. I had prayed for years to Jehovah to put me in a smaller place, that this organization was just to embedded, too worldly for me. The conventions were advertised as clearing up the economies of some cities. Lots of money was flowing. Building being built, then sold for large profits. I reasoned with him if this is the slave that did much, I wanted to find the second slave, (Matt 25: 14-30) this one was too big and corporate for me I wanted to find the second slave with the two talents. Remember I am not trying to explain this parable, but I needed out of this giant conglomerate. It was for me, not a religion anymore, but a corporation like enron, microsoft, etc. I am not judging the JW brothers and their way of getting the name of Jehovah and the Kingdom purpose out there. For such a huge display of themselves does cause attention and many want to know what they teach. So as they google them, at least they see the teachings of the kingdom. The squeaky wheel gets the attention, and JW are out there in the news, even if it is negative. I Cor. 3:10-14 shows we all can still get a reward for work done. Rom. 3:1-12 says all men have deflected.
Philipians 1:15-20 shows that whether through envy, rivalry out of love, whatever, Christ is being declared and we all get a reward. So, I know that the JW have it right about the kingdom hope. I just could not worship the GB. Their policies, that affected me on the pedophiles was abhorrent. The elders (not all) were killing God’s people. They were only following orders from the GB. I took it personally and felt disgust that they were pors,traying Jehovah in such a way and that they wiped Christ Jesus off the slate all together. One convention they said: Some say we don’t recognize Jesus”, the whole convention was about Jesu except the last few talks. Then they went right back to the GB and the organization. On the end at the Rockford Illinois convention they said: This convention was brought to you by the governing body, and as the man walked off the stage, his last words were. Remember the governing body loves you. I felt as if I had been suckered in! Had I known I was spending 3 days worshipping the GB, I would not have gone. So in digression, I WAS DONE! But, I didn’t know what to do, or where to go, so I went to Jesus, only, in pray and study and this is where I ended up.
You see it is smaller, and I asked specifically to be placed in a smaller place. Where I could grow and ask questions, find out what he wanted me to do. I said I would do it if he showed me. John he could not have been more specific.
That is an awakening, but is it an anointing? I simply can’t say now but I feel as Paul did when he said at Philipians 3:15 “Let us, then, as many of us as are mature, be of this same mental attitude; AND IF YOU ARE MENTALLY INCLINED OTHERWISE in any respect, GOD WILL REVEAL THE ABOVE {attitude} to you. NWT.
So, for what’s it’s worth, that is my story in a nutshell. For me it has been strictly a learning process, not emotional or anything, just a satisfaction that I will help Jesus, by doing whatever he says, to bring the many to righteousness.
PS. John I also went through what you seem to be going through now, asking, searching for answers, enjoy the journey. (May I suggest, humbly) Just relax and accept it and get on with what you have been called to do. Peace to you my brother!
Thanks Jacqueline for the good read.I know I’ve read other stuff about W.T. real estate and asset juggling.It was and always will be a cardinal truth; “You can’t slave for God and for riches”; “You’ll reap what you sow”; “He that hastens to gain riches will not remain innocent”. I have never had a day in my life that went without food.I always had enough work to pay my bills on time.Jehovah takes good care of us if we trust in him and work hard. Those who find themselves in possession of a lot of money find out that it also brings a lot of pain and temptation with it.It also seems to be true in a proverb that states ‘Money is a protective wall in your imagination’,and isn’t it true that the more we possess the more we seem to deceive ourselves that we are secure.But if we spend much time in our lives trying to get large sums of money we may wake up to some bitter facts that we let more important opportunities forever slip by. I feel the W.T. is so far out of the realm of Jehovah’s favor at this point that nothing they do that appears self aggrandizing or greedy surprises me.They are like apostate Israel in the old testament that has many a modern day true prophet hurling personal complaints/outcries toward them.Yet they are too proud and haughty to address even the 1st one of them.But a judgement day will come for all and they will reap what they have been sowing.Thanks again.Be safe on the highways.
Thanks Jacqueline, for responding to my concerns.I hope you have a safe trip.I’ll try to be brief but, you know me.I have to admit my hours of preaching yielded only a few converts ,and most of them back in the pre-1975 era of witnessing. And sadly not all those stayed faithful to Jehovah.But we weren’t teaching the acceptance of the Holy Spirit like I am today.I don’t think the depth of devotion was near the same in those early students as these faithful ones today.And Peter ,I do agree with you both that it seems likely we are not in the total judgement period at Armageddon.The scriptures I quoted above had to deal with:#1;wicked people who knew what the teaching was about Christ,yet were or will be PERSECUTING Christians at the end( 2 Thess 1:6-9),and#2; People alive at the same time as the anointed brothers of Christ,and treated them and obviously the Christian message a certain way.(Matt.25:41-46). So it appears Jesus knows who he can throw into the lake of fire here,if he so chooses;it certainly appears these ones are not ignorant lambs.But I have to agree it seems logical that many to most are in dire need of a better witness,but this thing isn’t over yet.I am glad you described the B.S.s as preachers of the truth ,too,Jacqueline.I know they do and are stepping up to the plate to help the downtrodden among us.This very personalized ministry reminds me of the Good Samaritan illustration where a gentilish person was going the way extra distance to do GOOD to his suffering neighbor.Yet not tooting his horn about it(sorry I have been doing that).I really enjoyed the articles both of you wrote on shunning witnesses by relatives:well researched and powerfully logical.I think the W,T. society can only clean up the messy egg on their faces on this by presenting a truly soulful full apology to the “Terrible Apostates” and the families they’ve destroyed,but that would be quite unrealistic,as I’ve never known them to apologize to anyone for anything.Thanks again for the succor.
Hi John, how are you? Fest your eyes on this. http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/34/32/dtg_bridgeparkdealmain_2011_08_12_bk.html I don’t need to say a word.
O.K.,now we’re gettin’ somewhere! Thanks for the response and seeing things somewhat like the scriptures say or seem to be saying.I’m sure that you guys both have been faithful about discharging your obligation to preach about Christ,repentance and the need for consecration,and I’m sure like myself you are greatly distressed that many more didn’t respond to the need to align their life into harmony with Christ.WE all feel the same about this.When we read 2 Thess.1:6-10 about Christ’ return and people having to pay for their lack of response to the Good News, they “undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength at the time he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones and to be regarded in that day with wonder in connection with all those who exercised faith because the witness we gave met with faith among you.” Now ya’ll I am very aware that without the blood of Christ covering my sin I would certainly not survive any judgement analysis, and especially since I am in possession of this ticket to the realms above,(anointing ,a token of the spirit body ahead) I am liable to second death now ,if I sin against this powerful witness.(Heb.10:26-31,and39). I fear for my two sons who having been brought up knowing about God’s requirements choose to do nothing about saving their souls or even thanking God one little bit for giving them life with all the joys and privileges and potential of youth.We know Ecc.12:1,”Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood”, and vss. 13 and 14;”fear the true God and keep his commandments.For this is the whole obligation of man.For the true God Himself will bring every sort of work into the judgement in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad.” Yes they know they’re doing wrong,their consciences they’re pushing aside and God says mankind has a responsibility to reflect the image of God in their life.It is the “Witness Bearer” within us and ultimately determines our destiny;whether we follow it or not.This is the whole point of Romans ch.2. Instead of gambling on what we MAY misunderstand about this Christian era and it being a judgement time for mankind and especially those of the heavenly destiny( who I feel were just the average ‘Joe’,too, before God rewarded their faith with the hope),we need to continue to warn all;the wicked and the righteous concerning the Coming of Christ and the need to “Kiss the Son”.Remember Matt. 13:30 says at the conclusion of the system of things,the Christians are gathered up and taken into the Kingdom,but the weeds are “burned up”.This sounds pretty final to me.Also compare the warnings Jesus gives at Luke 21:34-36 and Matt.25:31-46. These warnings and signs of the last days are given to people living at the time Jesus is speaking,the Christian era ,you could say,and especially are fulfilled upon those at the conclusion of this world system or age. There would be no way we could claim he uttered these prophecies for the Millennial age,his whole sermon here was the all important series of signs and instructions for Christian survival of the conclusion of the system of things.(Matt, 24:3)And as we all know,his concluding words to the whole sermon;”And these will depart into everlasting cutting off,(goats) but the righteous ones into everlasting life.(brothers of Christ)We know this because of the nature of all the illustrations in this series is about Christians(termed ‘slaves’,or “virgins”, or “brothers”) and how they carry on with their life AS THEY ARE BEING EXAMINED AND TESTED among the world of mankind who don’t serve the Son.That is,RIGHT NOW.As we all seem to agree,or do we,that Jesus received the crown of rulership in 1914 at the end of the ” 7 times” of Gentile rule?( Ezek. 21:25-27) As far as we had all discussed the presence or “parousia” had to have a sign of earthly activities occurring so that Christian brothers of Christ would know the end was near.That way they would know what activities they had to engage to protect themselves and warn their neighbors(the world)of approaching calamity.They would not only see mankind’s degeneration into chaos but could look forward to the great supernatural display of as yet an undefined heavenly witness of God’s handiwork that will also seem to give a kind of undeniable witness of the new king’s due appearance about to occur.(Luke 21:25-28and Matt. 24:29-31).This is why Jesus sprinkles his speech thru-out with saying:”keep on the watch, therefore because you do not know the day or hour your Lord is coming”.(Matt.24:42) But we know it was right upon us because he favored the world with this “sign” as foretold in God’s Word,the most widely printed and most well known of all books in this time.Most people of earth know about this sign as it has been talked up(witnessed to)by Christians worldwide and the media and internet and is still receiving a greater witness daily.Yes Christians worldwide have done a good job in fulfilling their responsibility for it has been a pleasure for all of us to speak out this wonderful hope,all down thru 20 centuries.I am eagerly awaiting God’s own hand to join the witness so many more start to express faith before the “Coming of the Lord”.(Acts 2:19-21,Ex.9:16,and Acts 2:38,39) I would like to say that there is much confusion about the gravity of our judgement period at this time because of this reason I feel;the teaching that only a”little flock” of anointed Christians would be alive to greet the Lord at his return.This claim is contrary to the teaching about the return of the Lord.That only a handful of mankind would escape and survive into heaven would of course contribute hugely to the idea of a no judgement period or a need to be preaching earnestly the coming of the Lord.( …..but maybe another time that could be discussed).It’s good to be able to talk to you both.I highly respect and love you both and PRAISE the spirit you show in working hard to encourage the faith and endurance of the people you are lovingly shepherding,Your efforts are greatly appreciated by all I have talked with and it’s obvious we’ve ” got it going on” here as respects these discussions with the Bible Students and J.W.s and all worshipers of Jehovah.Bless us Father together to unite into one and begin to serve you shoulder to shoulder and to hammer out a more accurate knowledge of the truth.
Just a short reply John as I am preparing to take a trip. I am also hedging my bets and preaching and teaching at every occasion now. Isn’t it funny how Jesus got us proclaiming him just the same. If persons die or live through Armageddon, at least they will know and have a better chance in Millenium. BTW, we say this is not the time for world conversion not that it is not the time to declare the Good news of God’s kingdom. We will preach and teach until the end. You can go to The Indianapolis and California State fair and perhaps many more and you will see BS handing out thousands of pieces of Literature for free to persons coming to the booth. Many of these people come back every year. Do we run them down and scare them to death, no. They come freely. The Indy fair is almost 3weeks and is manned all that time booth rental and hotel etc is provided by each brother. So BS witness prolifily, but they don’t toot their horn. But tooting of the horn still gets the name of God and Jesus heralded. Phillipians 1:15 says”True some are preaching the Christ through envy and rivalry, but others also through goodwill.16,17, then vs18:What then? except that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being publicized, and in this I rejoice. in fact, i will keep on rejoicing.. and vs19-30 are great. So John we are all on the same page, it is about Christ our saviour( ie. kingdom hope of salvation.) No, we won’t convert the world now, but we can talk about world conversion and many people will be glad to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Some will just wait and see and recognize Jesus at armageddon and hopefully walk thru, because they won’t fight him. They may be a colateral casualty but they will be able to say they were there. BS go door to door, at the truck stop where I had an office They had little set ups and kept them filled. I had a JW one right beside them. They take advantage of the internet for not only preaching and teaching those not knowing, but We can attend conventions around the world and see the brothers on Adobe. I got up in the middle of the night to attend one in Africa. They loved it and so did I. JW can’t be beat in the door to door and that is their mode of ministry mostly, although the GB encourages many more. I don’t see anything wrong with that. We are all pushing for the same reward whether heavenly or earthly. Yes, we are all on the same page John. And John I believe we all have been given gifts in men. You can’t keep bringing them in the front door and they fall out the back. There has as you say to be shepherds and helpers, I am a helper and I am so grateful to the LORD that he has allowed me to help. I will do whatever divine providence ask of me. For to turn back now will be rejecting the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah and talk to you later. I will probably write from the road or vehicle the next 2 weeks.
Hey,Peter,yeah, it’s good to be back associating with my brothers and sisters.Sorry I get testy at times.But we are all fed up with WRONG Bible doctrine and get offensive.To your good good question about do I know any books that are more accurate than the B.S.s,and you seem like you might look at one? Well in the main as you know the J.W.s books on Revelation,tho very off-track on some points seem very close to being right on others.And since the two religions are somewhat-cousins,(altho not kissing),I think there is much merit to what they think about,of course they don’t preach anointing by the spirit to the people(a major problem to me).But sadly I don’t have a revelation on Revelation as you know. I am continuing on enjoying my 3rd B.S. book,after reading thru Divine Plan and the great little primer and study book ‘Photo Drama of Creation’,(which I highly recommend both). My problems began after reading some accounts about Pyramid teachings,and a no-judgement-Armageddon/Return of Christ.Now with such a radically different view from Russell’s teaching about these subjects it’s hard for me to be all that complacent about a end time where Christians don’t have to preach on the seriousness of repenting their sins at this time and accepting and obeying the new King of earth.If we take the view “Oh well, it doesn’t matter if we preach or not,everybody’s getting a chance to live in the Millenium on earth anyway.But Jesus left instructions to preach and Paul also for the Christians,Paul emphasizing that blood-guilt would be upon us if we failed to preach.That could only be the case if blood is spilled at Armageddon,would it not?This seems a dilemna to anyone believing Armageddon just a transfer of power from the nations to Christ in a peaceful atmosphere(something very unrealistic to my way of thinking,look at Egypt,Syria,Libya,Somalia,China,North Korea,etc.)
Hi John ,you know I got to thinking about now not being the epoch or time for world conversion but a witness of things to come, a heralding as it were of the Christ so that all nations would know about the kingdom and Jesus, even Christian Churches has been of great aid in this.
Matt. 15:21-28 The Phoenician woman had a problem with Jesus only dealing with one set (nation) of mankind and she held her ground.And I might say she benefited in that he made an exception because of her great faith. But he still stated the fact.
“vs 23 But he did not say a word in answer to her.”……24 ” I was not sent forth to any but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” So at that particular time he was following a certain order but he showed her and all looking own that I am going to get around to cases like this, and this is how I do it, I can raise the dead from afar, but this was just a side point, he still came only to Israel.
1Cor.15:20-27 shows definite order of things not to the exclusion but he goes on to include all, but in order of accomplishment.vs 23 says but each one in his own rank.
We were taught that the eyes would rot in their sockets while standing on their feet and the flesh will fall off their skin at armageddon. and every word is true, but I actually read the scripture myself.
Zech. 14 12″And this is what will prove to the scourge with which Jehovah will scourge all the people that willl actually do MILITARY SERVICE (caps added) against Jerusalem, There will a rotting away of one’s flesh, while one is standing upon one’s feet:…..
Blood will be shed, this is war and all fighters or collateral damage or retaliation for those not willing to fight against Israel, but this is not judgement day for the wicked, just and unjust. Even Jehovah Witnesses since 2005 agrees with that. Jesus will separate the sheep from the goat in Millenium, even JW teaches that now. Peaceful turn over, no, war is never peaceful.JW nor BS are going to go to war against Jerusalem or Jesus.Some of us might be shot by the firing squad for treason or executed with the axe.
Ezekiel 32: laments Egypt (2nd fulfilment political systems of today) going down into Sheol with their weapons buried wih them under their heads in notice inSheol. (they’ll be baaaack, probably fighting mad) Wars have ceased. Resurrection begins. Then afterwards the watchman make the cry to warn the wicked. Chapter 33. This is the Age To Come, I believe John. Jesus is ruling in the midst of his enemies. Remember they took their weapons with them. Now yes, we do a preaching work to warn the wicked but most I have talked to are dead now or dying but they responded and will be better able to help one’s recognize the seriousness of the situation now in Millenium. Maybe I am incorrect but we are not determining by our witness work the eternal life or death of anyone. Cause even you and I can’t quite agree and get it right, and the Jw have changed it also. So I am puzzled as to how he can send someone to Gehenna on what i understood the Bible to say, I pray he does not. I am just trying to think this thing through with you John. When you look up a point, I am reading, I go search it through. The synapses in my brain are connecting old burnt out neurons John, when I try and follow you. I am loving it. (smile) I might be a little wrong but I am trying. This is just my opinion, you know everybody’s got one. Enjoyed you on our study tonight. Take Care my brother
John – Thanks for sharing your insights. I just want to say that I agree that Armageddon will bring destruction and death to many people, but I don’t believe that the Bible describes this as a time of eternal judgment for individual persons. I believe that judgement period takes place during the resurrection period on earth, culminating in the followers of Satan in the “Little Season” (Rev 21:7) being eternally destroyed in “second death.” I could go on for pages quoting scriptures like Rom 8:19,21 (NKJV) “the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God… also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” In all the examples I could quote it talks about everyone being saved. So in every case one would then have to say that there are exceptions not mentioned in the verses cited. (That is a weak position.) I believe people will be accountable for their evil deeds of the past and have disciplinary experiences and be required to make amends. Since people come back with the characters they died with, the truly wicked are at a disadvantage in making progress, however Jehovah knows the mind and the childhood trauma and suffering that led to many becoming evil. He knows what it will take to change a wicked persons heart and make them righteous.
Isa 29:18, 24 – Deaf will hear, blind will see. Those who erred will understand.
Isa 26:9 – “when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.”
Isa 11:9-10 – “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.”