yet these days there seems to be none.
Exactly. So, why trust the Bible as inspired Word of God? What of God's inactivity nowadays?
Identifying who Jehovah is using
by jwfacts 14 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Knowsnothing
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jwfacts
Knowsnothing - You have highlighted that there are two questions here. Has Jehovah provided indication he is using the WTS GB, and has he indicated he uses anyone.
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WontLeave
Even if God does use them, so what? God used the Pharisees until the death of Jesus and Jesus demonstrated they weren't overlords to be obeyed blindly. He didn't cater to their demands to wash hands to the elbow - or encourage his followers to, either. Even when there is an "organization", a "channel", or a "leader", they don't get to make doctrine or rules that are beyond God's Word. In the case of an actual prophet, God's words are only known to that one, so God is very hands-on with that person. When there are merely human overseers making sure God's will is followed, they don't get to add to it, take liberties with its meaning, or extrapolate it beyond what is written.
All this "by extension" garbage is a clear violation of Scripture. Taking verses about homosexuality and prostitution and trying to apply it to a marriage is ridiculous. Taking verses about eating blood and the Mosaic Law additions to it and applying it to transfusions is ridiculous. Making sweeping bans of certain bands, movies, genres of music, etc. is ridiculous. Pretty much anything that isn't listed in the Scriptures as grounds to "not even eat" with such a person is fair game, our consciences and those around us (not someone looking for something to bitch about, but actually something which may stumble someone's faith) permitting.
"Because we decreed in 1968 that men can't wear beards, that's as good as God Himself telling you not to do it..."
Hmmm.
"Because we decreed that a married couple can't engage in oral sex, that's as good as God Himself telling you not to do it..."
Really?
"Because we decreed an organ transplant is 'cannibalism', it's as good as God Himself telling you not to do it..."
Wow.
"You must obey us if you are to have Jehovah's approval!"
Sickening.
We all have God's Word. We may have several versions and online access to many more. Moses was the conduit of God's Word and until he relayed it to the Jews, nobody knew what it was. We don't need someone to tell us what God's Word is. We don't have to "wait on Jehovah" to reveal his will. Reading God's Word and following it is not "pushing ahead" of the teachings of Christ.
Following the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus is not 'being like Korah'. In fact, Moses (of whom Jesus is the antitype, not the "faithful and discreet slave" - Acts 3:19-23) told Korah and his associates, "So must YOU men also try to secure the priesthood? (Num 16:10)" Jesus said there is one leader - himself (Mat 23:10), yet the Society tells us we must follow them. Who is actually being like Korah? The Society repeatedly tells us how Moses demonstrates their right to lead God's people. Likewise, the Pharisees demanded similar positions for themselves (Mat 23:2).
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jwfacts
Great information wontleave.
All this "by extension" garbage is a clear violation of Scripture. Taking verses about homosexuality and prostitution and trying to apply it to a marriage is ridiculous.
It is dangerous, as a leader can "by extension" find a parrallel to create almost any rule they like.
Moses (of whom Jesus is the antitype, not the "faithful and discreet slave" - Acts 3:19-23
Another powerful point.
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wobble
I have a question, the JW/WT organization isn't a cult by any chance ?