by WantTheTruth 26 Replies latest jw experiences
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!! IT IS THE LOVE BOMB!! IT ALL LOOKS FANTASTIC, AND THEY SURROUND YOU WITH EVERYTHING THAT YOU EVER MISSED OUT ON IN YOUR LIFE. THEY SEEM TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. BUT..........AFTER A FEW MONTHS OR MAYBE EVEN A YEAR, THAT NAGGING DOUBT WILL HIT YOU AND YOU'LL ASK A QUESTION IN ALL INNOCENCE.........
THEN YOU'LL HAVE YOUR ANSWER!!
Truthseeker2 Made this list of WT Publication Quotes....
Read it and then decide.....look up more things on this forum by Focus and JT....AllenF....etc.
You can decide after that
Please look up and read all of the scriptures in your Bible that are referred to in these articles. Also, please look up the articles and read all of these quotes in their context in the Watchtower publications. You will find that everything here is taken directly from them. _______________________________________________________________________ August 1, 2001 Watchtower 2001 -- Make Your Advancement Manifest -- First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." By regularly taking in the spiritual food provided "at the proper time" -- through Christian publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions -- we can be sure that we maintain "oneness" with fellow Christians in faith and knowledge. -- Matthew 24:45. June 22, 2000 Awake! -- The Manipulation of Information -- "By clever and persevering use of propaganda even heaven can be represented as hell to the people, and conversely the most wretched life as paradise."ADOLF HITLER, MEIN KAMPF.the flow of persuasive messages has dramatically accelerated.Many respond to this pressure by absorbing messages more quickly and accepting them without questioning or analyzing them. The cunning propagandist loves such shortcutsespecially those that short-circuit rational thought. Propaganda encourages this by agitating the emotions, by exploiting insecurities, by capitalizing on the ambiguity of language, and by bending rules of logic. As history bears out, such tactics can prove all too effective.From ancient times, men have used every available medium to spread ideologies or enhance fame and power.Certainly, the handiest trick of the propagandist is the use of outright lies.Another very successful tactic of propaganda is generalization. Generalizations tend to obscure important facts about the real issues in question, and they are frequently used to demean entire groups of people.Some people insult those who disagree with them by questioning character or motives instead of focusing on the facts. Name-calling slaps a negative, easy-to-remember label onto a person, a group, or an idea. The name-caller hopes that the label will stick. If people reject the person or the idea on the basis of the negative label instead of weighing the evidence for themselves, the name-caller's strategy has worked.Even though feelings might be irrelevant when it comes to factual claims or the logic of an argument, they play a crucial role in persuasion. Emotional appeals are fabricated by practiced publicists, who play on feelings as skillfully as a virtuoso plays the piano.Hatred is a strong emotion exploited by propagandists. Loaded language is particularly effective in triggering it. There seems to be a nearly endless supply of nasty words that promote and exploit hatred toward particular racial, ethnic, or religious groups. Some propagandists play on pride. Often we can spot appeals to pride by looking for such key phrases as: "Any intelligent person knows that . . ." or, "A person with your education can't help but see that . . ." A reverse appeal to pride plays on our fear of seeming stupid.But do most people carefully analyze the real issues involved in the crisis or conflict? Or do they just accept what they are told? In writing about World War I, Winston Churchill observed: "Only a signal is needed to transform these multitudes of peaceful peasants and workmen into the mighty hosts which will tear each other to pieces." He further observed that when told what to do, most people responded unthinkingly.Love of parents can also be exploited.So the sly art of propaganda can paralyze thought, prevent clear thinking and discernment, and condition individuals to act en masse. June 22, 2000 Awake! -- Do Not Be a Victim of Propaganda! -- "A fool will believe anything."PROVERBS 14:15, TODAY'S ENGLISH VERSION. There is a differencea big differencebetween education and propaganda. Education shows you how to think. Propaganda tells you what to think. Good educators present all sides of an issue and encourage discussion. Propagandists relentlessly force you to hear their view and discourage discussion. Often their real motives are not apparent. They sift the facts, exploiting the useful ones and concealing the others. They also distort and twist facts, specializing in lies and half-truths. Your emotions, not your logical thinking abilities, are their target. The propagandist makes sure that his message appears to be the right and moral one and that it gives you a sense of importance and belonging if you follow it. You are one of the smart ones, you are not alone, you are comfortable and secureso they say. How can you protect yourself from the types of people that the Bible calls "profitless talkers" and "deceivers of the mind"? (Titus 1:10) Once you are familiar with some of their tricks, you are in a better position to evaluate any message or information that comes your way.Solomon, a king and educator in ancient times, warned: "Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps." (Proverbs 14:15) So we need to be selective. We need to scrutinize whatever is presented to us, deciding what to accept and what to reject.[Picture] Discernment enables you to discard irrelevant or misleading information..Using discernment, we will be able to recognize those who are merely using "smooth talk and complimentary speech" in order to "seduce the hearts of guileless ones." (Romans 16:18) Discernment enables you to discard irrelevant information or misleading facts and distinguish the substance of a matter. But how can you discern when something is misleading?[Picture] Test whatever you are reading or watching, to see if it is truthful.Put information to the test: "Beloved ones," said John, a first-century Christian teacher, "do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions." (1 John 4:1) Some people today are like sponges; they soak up whatever they come across. It is all too easy to absorb whatever is around us. But it is far better for each individual personally to choose what he will feed his mind.No matter what you are reading or watching or listening to, test to see whether it has propagandistic overtones or is truthful. Moreover, if we want to be fair-minded, we must be willing to subject our own opinions to continual testing as we take in new information.As we have seen, there are many today who would like to 'delude us with persuasive arguments.' (Colossians 2:4) Therefore, when we are presented with persuasive arguments, we should ask questions. First, examine whether there is bias. What is the motive for the message? If the message is rife with name-calling and loaded words, why is that? Loaded language aside, what are the merits of the message itself? Also, if possible, try to check the track record of those speaking. Are they known to speak the truth? If "authorities" are used, who or what are they? Why should you regard this personor organization or publicationas having expert knowledge or trustworthy information on the subject in question? If you sense some appeal to emotions, ask yourself, 'When viewed dispassionately, what are the merits of the message?' Do not just follow the crowd: If you realize that what everybody thinks is not necessarily correct, you can find the strength to think differently. June 8, 1994 Awake! p.20-21 -- Does the Bible Discourage Freedom of Thought? -- The Bible's ViewpointActually, incidents of book burning-a universal symbol of the suppression of freedom of thought and speech-have occurred in many countries and in many centuries. Often, it has been instigated by religious leaders who feared the effect that freedom of thought would have on the common man. No wonder that many today assume that the Bible mandates rigid restrictions against open intellectual inquiry. 'Love Jehovah With Your Whole Mind'The Bible does not discourage the use of the mind. In fact, Jesus encouraged each of us to 'love Jehovah with our whole mind.' (Mark 12:30)Paul entreated all Christians to render their service to God with their "power of reason." (Romans 12:1) He encouraged the Thessalonians not to let misleading 'inspired expressions shake them from their reason.' (2 Thessalonians 2:2)The Bible encourages the use of one's mental faculties to the full but not without all restraint. However, the burden of responsibility for keeping our thinking in harmony with that of Jehovah is placed on the individual Christian, not the congregation.The Bible encourages each Christian to set as a goal the bringing of "every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5) This is achieved, not through restrictions placed by religious leaders, but through an individual's exercise of self-control and through his love for and understanding of Jehovah and His principles. April 1, 1991 Watchtower p.17 -- Mankind's Search for God -- The book then raises the logical question. "Is it reasonable to assume that the religion imposed at one's birth is necessarily the whole truth?" Thus, every person is encouraged to examine other religions with an open mind. As is stated on page 10: "Understanding one another's viewpoint can lead to more meaningful communication and conversation between people of different faiths." It continues: "True, people may strongly disagree about their religious beliefs, but there is no basis for hating a person just because he or she holds a different viewpoint."-Matthew 5:43, 44. March 22, 1987 Awake! p.8-9 -- Are You Open-Minded Toward God? -- DO YOU love God? Do you want to know him better? The way to do so was shown 19 centuries ago. The apostle Paul preached to a mixed crowd of Jews and Greeks in a Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica. Some Jews and some Greeks were convinced and changed their religion, but many of the Jews, full of resentment, enlisted the help of a gang from the market place, stirred up a crowd, and soon had the whole city in an uproar. Under cover of darkness, Paul escaped the mob and moved on to Beroea and soon was in the synagogue preaching to both Jews and Greeks. Here the Jews were more open-minded than those in Thessalonika, and they welcomed the word very readily; every day they studied the scriptures to check whether it was true. Many Jews became believers, and so did many Greek women from the upper classes and a number of the men.Acts 17:1-12. The Jews in Thessalonica clung to their centuries-old religion with its oral traditions that made void Gods Word. (Matthew 15:1-9) How different were those of Beroeathey listened with open minds, checked the Scriptures to see whether Pauls words were true, and changed their religion.
April 1, 1986 Watchtower p.31 -- Questions From Readers -- Obviously, a basis for approved fellowship with Jehovahs Witnesses cannot rest merely on a belief in God, in the Bible, in Jesus Christ, and so forth.Approved association with Jehovah's Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah's Witnesses. March 15, 1986 Watchtower p.19 -- Allow No Place for the Devil! (see entire article) June 15, 1985 Watchtower p.12 -- Digging Deeper Into God's Word -- Digging DeeperProverbs 2:4, 5 states: If as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, you will find the very knowledge of God. The context of that passage speaks of the need to seek out Jehovahs sayings, commandments, wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Searching for treasures requires effort and perseverance. It calls for much digging. It is not different when searching for the very knowledge of God, for discernment, and for understanding. This also requires much digging, or penetrating below the surface. Do not feel that it is sufficient to skim over the surface of Gods Word.This involves looking up the scriptures cited. It means reading the footnotes in Watchtower articles, some of which refer the reader to an older publication that provides a fuller explanation of a certain passage or prophecy. It requires digging deeper, putting forth effort to locate that older publication and then studying the pages referred to. November 22, 1984 Awake! p.3-4 -- An Open or a Closed Mind-Which Do You Have? -- What Is an Open Mind?An open mind is free from the fetters of prejudice, which by one dictionary is defined as follows: "A judgment or opinion, favorable or unfavorable, formed beforehand or without due examination; a mental decision based on other grounds than reason or justice; especially, a premature or adversely biased opinion." A necessary part of life is that we make decisions and reach judgments. But decisions made "without due examination" or judgments reached "on other grounds than reason or justice" are evidences of a closed mind. Having an open mind, on the other hand, means to be receptive to new information and ideas. It means being willing to examine and to evaluate information without a biased attitude. By retaining what is worthwhile and rejecting what is worthless, we can reach definite conclusions on a solid basis and still leave our minds open to further revision should additional information become available at a future time. He who feels he has learned it all can be sure that this attitude will prevent him from ever learning more. Why People Have Closed MindsA closed mind may indicate lack of knowledge. We may know so little about a subject, or have information so distorted or incomplete, that the facts necessary to reach proper conclusions are missing. November 22, 1984 Awake! p.4-7 -- Six Benefits From an Open Mind -- Remember when you were a child? How exciting life was! How thrilling to explore everything new that came along. You wereas most children normally areopen-minded, receptive to new impressions. You did not know what prejudice meant. But have you retained this open-minded attitude toward new things? Or have you become like the foreign traveler who complains that he cant find the food he is accustomed to eating at home?And how do you feel about foreign customs? They may be somewhat strange viewed from your standpoint. But strange does not mean inferior. It is a closed mind that insists that our way of doing things is better. An open mind helps us maintain a cheerful attitude. A closed mind is poisoned by prejudice and hate. It is unloving and therefore detrimental to health.A closed mind brings mental growth to a standstill. This is dangerous because a closed mind is incapable of correcting improper or wrong ideas and views. An open mind, on the other hand, leads to maturity and greater mental balance. It helps us broaden the foundation upon which to base our views and make our decisions. Thus, the greater likelihood we have of making correct ones.To solve problems successfully we need to be willing to accept wise counsel. Proverbs 15:22 says: There is a frustrating of plans where there is no confidential talk, but in the multitude of counselors there is accomplishment. An open mind helps us to accept the counsel of those around us, people with whom we work, live and associate. This leads to accomplishment and success.Yes, we can benefit greatly by not closing our minds to the thoughts and conduct of others.Did you ever jump to conclusions that later proved to be incorrect? How embarrassing. But even worse, how painful if this caused a severe strain on your marriage or on a treasured friendship. An open mind would have prevented you from making up your mind about the matter until all the evidence was in. This, in turn, would have prevented you from speaking too soon. The Bibles sage observation about this at Proverbs 18:13 is: When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it, that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation. It is truly difficult to have a fine relationship with narrow-minded people who see everything only from their perspective, not allowing for differences of opinion, taste and preference. And what is more narrow-minded than a closed mind? Of course, an open mind should not be so open or broad that it loses sight of moral principles and adopts the view that anything goes. But by open-mindedly trying to understand a person, we are not condoning his wrong actions. We are simply trying to determine why he thinks or acts as he does. November 22, 1984 Awake! p.8-10 -- An Open Mind Wins God's Approval -- THE importance of having an open mind so as to win Gods approval is shown in the words recorded at Ephesians 5:10, 17. There we read: Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord. On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. But is it not a fact that many people have closed minds when it comes to religion? Even some religious people have closed minds. They are interested only in their religion, showing no willingness to as much as listen to the views of others. And even though they may not have chosen their religion but simply have inherited it from their parents, still they feel that their religion must be right.What makes a religion right is its total adherence to Gods Word. Whether our religion meets this criterion or not can only be determined by open-mindedly comparing it with the Bible. Certainly such an important matter as our worship of God should not be determined for us by the coincidence of where we were born. After all, the child born to Catholic parents has had no more control over this fact than the child born to Muslim parents controls that. Avoid Religious PrejudiceWhy, some people have even been known to doubt the truthfulness of a message simply on the basis of where the message bearer came from. Take, for example, an event from the first century C.E. John 1:45, 46 tells us: Philip found Nathanael and said to him: We have found the one of whom Moses, in the Law, and the Prophets wrote, Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth. But Nathanael said to him: Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see. Philip was clearly admonishing Nathanael to keep an open mind.How to Find Religious TruthAn open mind is willing to do what 1 John 4:1 recommends. It says: Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.Be Sound in MindThe apostle Peters admonition be sound in mind includes, of necessity, having an open mind, for only an open mind can reach sound conclusions and make sound judgments. Some of the inhabitants of Beroea had such an open mind, because of them we read that they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.1 Peter 4:7; Acts 17:11.An open mind, free of prejudice, will enable us to go on carefully examining the Scriptures daily and then to act upon what we learn.Yes, having an open mind will pay in many ways. Using it to help us find the true religion will enrich our present life, improve our spiritual health and assist us in solving lifes problems. [Picture on page 9] Do you reject a message because of preconceived ideas? Or do you investigate?
January 15, 1983 Watchtower p.22 -- Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs -- Avoid Independent ThinkingFrom the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question Gods way of doing things. He promoted independent thinking.How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by Gods visible organization.
January 15, 1983 Watchtower p.27 -- Armed for the Fight Against Wicked Spirits -- Fight Against Independent ThinkingYet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe. This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? Such thinking is an evidence of pride. February 15, 1981 Watchtower p.19 -- Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? -- OUR VIEW OF THE SLAVEWe can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his slave to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using.No question about it. We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the faithful and discreet slave organization. Is This Life All There Is? (1974) p.46 -- What Is This Thing Called "Soul"? -- It is obvious that the true God, who is himself the God of truth and who hates lies, will not look with favor on persons who cling to organizations that teach falsehood. (Psalm 31:5; Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21:8) And, really, would you want to be even associated with a religion that had not been honest with you? January 15, 1974 Watchtower p.35 -- Can You Be True to God, Yet Hide the Facts? -- When persons are in great danger from a source that they do not suspect or are being misled by those they consider their friends, is it an unkindness to warn them? They may prefer not to believe the warning. They may even resent it. But does that free one from the moral responsibility to give that warning? October 22, 1973 Awake! p. 6 -- Examine the Evidence -- Reasonable persons agree that the only fair method is to examine the evidence on both sides, both for and against a disputed theory. That is how one arrives at the truth. April 15, 1971 Watchtower p.230 -- The Bible-the Creator's Guide for Man -- Only the Bible provides the guidance that he needs.Is it not obvious why this Book of books should be mankind's primary textbook for study? Christians, above all, are keenly concerned about investigating this Book that is authored by the One to whom God's Son said: "Your word is truth." (John 17:17) April 15, 1970 Watchtower p.246 -- Questions That People Ask About Jehovah's Witnesses -- How many are aware that adhering to false religion can mean their eternal destruction?... Are true Christians going to stand by quietly and say nothing about such gross misrepresentations? Hardly! The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life 1968 p.13 -- Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion -- Since we do not want our worship to be in vain, it is important for each one of us to examine his religion. We need to examine, not only what we personally believe, but also what is taught by any religious organization with which we may be associated. Are its teachings in full harmony with Gods Word, or are they based on the traditions of men? If we are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from such an examination. It should be the sincere desire of every one of us to learn what Gods will is for us, and then to do it.John 8:32.
June 1, 1967 Watchtower p.338 -- Move Ahead with Jehovah's Organization -- Obedience the Basic FactorIs there a secret formula for moving ahead with the organization? No. But there is a basic thing we must have.It can be expressed in one word: OBEDIENCE.Effort With Positive Attitude NeccessaryOf course, effort is needed. There are four things we must do to perfect obedience that will move us ahead: (1) Study of Gods Word; (2) zeal and effort in applying the things learned to our life and ministry; (3) continually seeking and following the lead of Jehovahs holy spirit; (4) receiving help from other brothers in the organization. There are no shortcuts. How will we put these four things into effect? First, study: We may think of study as hard work, as involving heavy research. But in Jehovahs organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to do that very thing, to help you who do not have so much time for this, these preparing the good material in The Watchtower and other publications of the Society. But you do not study enough? Take this suggestion: Often the very best and most beneficial studying you do is that done when you read a new Watchtower or Awake! or a new book with the joy of getting the new truths and a fresh view. March 1, 1966 Watchtower p.132 -- Should Falsehood and Corruption Be Exposed? -- People feel that it may not be the best policy to deceive and be untruthful, but to make known deception and uncover falsehood is regarded as being even worse. To do so often opens one to greater censure than is received by the person who commits the wrong.Jesus never hesitated to speak the truth, even though he was killed at the instigation of the angered religious leaders for doing so.Therefore, how will you respond when pointed statements are made about false religious teachings and corrupt practices? Will you immediately condemn the person or organization making the expos? Do you feel it is all right to teach lies and misrepresent Gods Word, but wrong to expose the error? Contrary to what some may think, it is not unkind and unloving to lay bare falsehood and corruption.Therefore, it is right and proper to speak out strongly against falsehood and corruption. A person or organization that, in imitation of Jesus Christ, has the courage to do so deserves attention and respect. March 1, 1965 Watchtower p.151 -- Basis for Reliance on Prophecy -- The best method of proof is to put a prophecy to the test of time and circumstances. The Bible invites such a test. (1 John 4:1; Isa. 45:11) To conduct such an examination, we must have a standard, a set of requirements. The Bible itself establishes the rules for testing a prophecy, at Deuteronomy 18:20-22 and Deuteronomy 13:1-3: (1) It must be spoken in Jehovahs name and at his command; (2) it must come to pass; (3) it must be in harmony with Gods commandments and thus promote right worship. November 15, 1963 Watchtower p.688 -- Execution of Divine Judgment upon False Religion -- It is not a form of religious persecution for anyone to say and to show that another religion is false. It is not religious persecution for an informed person to expose publicly a certain religion as being false, thus allowing persons to see the difference between false religion and true religion.
May 1, 1957 Watchtower p.284 -- Trust Your Proved, Faithful Brothers -- We will realize that Jehovah knows what is going on in his organization, and if he is willing to permit it, who are we to insist it should be different? May 15, 1957 Watchtower p.313-315 -- Appreciating Basic Christian Publications -- Remember, the spiritual man examines [searches] indeed all things, and should know even the deep things of God. There is so much richness in Gods Word, and so many things of value, that it is impossible for all of these things to be repeated every few months. Yet more than half of Jehovahs witnesses today were not witnesses as recently as 1949! And a million more people are reading this magazine now than were reading it in May, 1955, just twenty-four months ago! How can all these people get the things they have missed? Only by studying earlier publications and digging back through previous issues of The Watchtower kept in the library at your local Kingdom Hall. There is much in the way of spiritual riches and aids toward mature knowledge in these earlier publications, and their study is most certainly worth your time.
Qualified To Be Ministers 1955 p.156 -- If we have love for Jehovah and for the organization of his people we shall not be suspicious, but shall, as the Bible says, 'believe all things,' all the things that The Watchtower brings out... August 15, 1950 Watchtower p. 263 -- Name and Purpose of The Watchtower -- The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it dogmatic. It invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures. | ||
| First are scriptures quoted from the New World Translation, then quotes from Watchtower publications follow afterwards. Please feel free to check to make sure nothing is misquoted and to read everything in its context as presented in the literature. There was so much to present that it all could not be included here, but this scratches the surface. _____________________________________________________________________ Deut 13:1-4: In case a prophet or a dreamer of a dream arises in your midst and does give you a sign or a portent, and the sign or the portent does come true of which he spoke to you, saying, Let us walk after other gods, whom you have not known, and let us serve them, you must not listen to the words of that prophet or to the dreamer of that dream, because Jehovah YOUR God is testing YOU to know whether YOU are loving Jehovah YOUR God with all YOUR heart and all YOUR soul. After Jehovah YOUR God YOU should walk, and him YOU should fear, and his commandments YOU should keep, and to his voice YOU should listen, and him YOU should serve, and to him YOU should cling. Deut. 18:18-22: A prophet I shall raise up for them from the midst of their brothers, like you; and I shall indeed put my words in his mouth, and he will certainly speak to them all that I shall command him. And it must occur that the man who will not listen to my words that he will speak in my name, I shall myself require an account from him. However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken? when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him. Jeremiah 14:14: And Jehovah went on to say to me: Falsehood is what the prophets are prophesying in my name. I have not sent them, nor have I commanded them or spoken to them. A false vision and divination and a valueless thing and the trickiness of their heart they are speaking prophetically to YOU people. Jeremiah 28:11, 15: And Hanani'ah went on to say before the eyes of all the people: This is what Jehovah has said, Just like this I shall break the yoke of Nebuchadnez'zar the king of Babylon within two full years more from off the neck of all the nations. And Jeremiah the prophet proceeded to go his way. And Jeremiah the prophet went on to say to Hanani'ah the prophet: Listen, please, O Hanani'ah! Jehovah has not sent you, but you yourself have caused this people to trust in a falsehood. Zechariah 13:3-5: And it must occur [that] in case a man should prophesy anymore, his father and his mother, the ones who caused his birth, must also say to him, 'You will not live, because falsehood is what you have spoken in the name of Jehovah.' And his father and his mother, the ones who caused his birth, must pierce him through because of his prophesying. "And it must occur in that day [that] the prophets will become ashamed, each one of his vision when he prophesies; and they will not wear an official garment of hair for the purpose of deceiving. And he will certainly say, 'I am no prophet. I am a man cultivating [the] soil, because an earthling man himself acquired me from my youth on.' Matt. 7:15-23: Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheeps covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits YOU will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men]. Not everyone saying to me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name . . . ? And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness. Matt. 24:24: False Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs [miracles, TEV] and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. John 7:18: He that speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory. 2 Thess. 2:9, 10: The lawless ones presence is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved. 1 John 4:1-3: Test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world. You gain the knowledge of the inspired expression from God by this: Every inspired expression that confesses Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God, but every inspired expression that does not confess Jesus does not originate with God. ________________________________________________________________________ March 22, 1993 Awake! p.3-4 -- Why So Many False Alarms? -- [Footnotes] Jehovah's Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this, some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions 'in the name of Jehovah.' Never did they say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.' The Watchtower, the official journal of Jehovah's Witnesses, has said: "We have not the gift of prophecy." (January 1883, page 425) "Nor would we have our writings reverenced or regarded as infallible." (December 15, 1896, page 306) The Watchtower has also said that the fact that some have Jehovah's spirit "does not mean those now serving as Jehovah's witnesses are inspired. It does not mean that the writings in this magazine The Watchtower are inspired and infallible and without mistakes." (May 15, 1947, page 157) "The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it dogmatic." (August 15, 1950, page 263) "The brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)"-February 15, 1981, page 19. I nsight Volume 2 p.696-7 -- Prophet -- The three essentials for establishing the credentials of a true prophet, as given through Moses, were: The true prophet would speak in Jehovah's name; the things foretold would come to pass (De 18:20-22); and his prophesying must promote true worship, being in harmony with God's revealed word and commandments (De 13:1-4). Insight Volume 2 p.680-1 -- Presumptuousness -- The danger is great, therefore, and something to be closely guarded against. A presumptuous act is a much more serious sin than a mistake. Whether one is in a high position or a low one, the taking of liberties is a detestable thing in God's sight.When a person acts presumptuously toward God he is showing disrespect for Jehovah's sovereignty and Godship. Those claiming to be his servants and misrepresenting him are most reprehensible. Of the false prophets, Jehovah said: "The prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak . . . that prophet must die. . . . When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, . . . with presumptuousness the prophet spoke it."-De 18:20-22. Reasoning From the Scriptures (1985, 1989) p.136 -- False Prophets -- False Prophets Definition: Individuals and organizations proclaiming messages that they attribute to a superhuman source but that do not originate with the true God and are not in harmony with his revealed will.If any individuals or organizations claim to represent God butmake it a practice to express their own opinions on matters, are they measuring up to this important qualification of a true prophet?Jehovahs Witnesses do not claim to be inspired prophets. June 8, 1986 Awake! p.9 -- "Would That All Were Prophets!" -- You will be interested to learn that God has on earth a people, all of whom are prophets, or witnesses for God. In fact, they are known throughout the world as Jehovah's Witnesses. October 1, 1982 Watchtower p.27 -- Be as Men Who Are Facing Har-Magedon Unafraid -- In behalf of such individuals who at heart seek Gods rule instead of mans rule, the prophet whom Jehovah has raised up has been, not an individual man as in the case of Jeremiah, but a class. The members of this class are, like the prophet-priest Jeremiah,wholly dedicated to Jehovah God through Christ and, by the begettal of Jehovahs holy spirit, they have been made part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession. (1 Peter 2:9) At this late date there is a mere remnant of this prophet class yet on earth. The war of the great day of God the Almighty at HarMagedon could not start before this composite prophet ends his work. January 1, 1980 Watchtower p.2 Page Two (inside front cover) -- A WATCHTOWER enables a person to look far into the distance and announce to others what is seen. Likewise, this magazine, published by Jehovah's Witnesses, aids the reader to see what the future holds. Holy Spirit -- The Force Behind the Coming New Order! (1976) p.148 ch.8 -- "Spirit of Life from God Entered into Them" -- The facts substantiate that the remnant of Christ's anointed disciples have been doing that prophesying to all the nations... May 15, 1976 Watchtower p.297 -- Preaching Christ-Through Envy or Goodwill? -- They do not claim infallibility or perfection. Neither are they inspired prophets. Paradise Restored to Mankind--By Theocracy, 1972 p. 353-354 -- Jehovah, the God of the true prophets, will put all false prophets to shame either by not fulfilling the false prediction of such self-assuming prophets or by having His own prophecies fulfilled in a way opposite to that predicted by the false prophets. False prophets will try to hide their reason for feeling shame by denying who they really are. (Zech. 13:4-6) March 15, 1972 Watchtower p.189 -- Wanted-A Messenger -- What Is Required of Gods Messenger...More accurately, was there any group on whom Jehovah would be willing to bestow the commission to speak as a "prophet" in His name, as was done toward Ezekiel back there in 613 B.C.E.? ... It is of importance to every individual on earth to identify the group that Jehovah has commissioned as his "servant" or messenger. We must recognize and understand the warning that he brings. We need to take action on the warning to safeguard our lives, for they are in a danger as grave as that of the lives of Jerusalem's citizens as that city neared destruction. For this reason forthcoming issues of The Watchtower will further discuss the identity and work of Jehovah's commissioned messenger as revealed in His vision to Ezekiel. [See next quote for answer to this question] April 1, 1972 Watchtower p.197 -- 'They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them' -- People today can view the creative works. They have at hand the Bible, but it is little read or understood. So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? Identifying the Prophet These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? ... This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses. ... Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a "prophet" of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah, 1971 (Pages 56-71) January 1, 1969 Watchtower p.2 Page Two -- Ever since 'The Watchtower' began to be published in July of 1879 it has looked ahead into the future... No, 'The Watchtower' is no inspired prophet, but it follows and explains a Book of prophecy the predictions in which have proved to be unerring and unfailing till now. 'The Watchtower' is therefore under safe guidance. It may be read with confidence, for its statements may be checked against that prophetic Book. October, 8 1968 Awake! p. 23 -- True, there have been those in times past who predicted an end of the world, even announcing a specific date...The end did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing?...Missing from such people were Gods truths and the evidence that he was guiding and using them. October 1, 1964 Watchtower p.601 -- Pay Attention to Prophecy -- God has on earth today a prophetlike organization, just as he did in the days of the early Christian congregation.This has proved true of Jehovahs anointed witnesses on earth. June 15, 1964 Watchtower p.365-6 -- Jehovah, the God of Progressive Revelation -- As Jehovah revealed his truths by means of the first-century Christian congregation so he does today by means of the present-day Christian congregation. Through this agency he is having carried out prophesying on an intensified and unparalleled scale.All this activity is not an accident. Jehovah is the one behind all of it.How thankful we should be for the provision God has made of this slave class, the modern spiritual remnant, as they faithfully dispense the revealed truths of Jehovah!Jehovahs faithful witnesses have been progressively brought to an understanding of Jehovahs purposes, which are clearer now than ever before in history.Each year they gather into the organization tens of thousands of new ministers, clearly a product of Jehovahs spirit operating through his invisible King-Son and his angelic representatives, then through his faithful slave class on earth today.Matt. 24:14. January 15, 1959 Watchtower p.39-41 -- Down with the Old-Up with the New! -- Who will be Jehovahs prophet to the nations, to speak to them everything that He should command? Who will be the modern Jeremiah? Jeremiah prophesied forty years in the time of the end of the kingdom of Judah. So who will prophesy with his message in this time of the end of the nations of this world? Back there, about forty years ago, that was the question. Today we may ask, How was the question answered?The fact that decides the answer to the question is, not, Do all the clergy of Roman Catholicism and of Protestantism agree that Jehovahs witnesses have been and are Gods prophet to the nations? but, Who discerned the divine will for Christians in this time of the worlds end and offered themselves to do it? Who have undertaken Gods foreordained work for this day of judgment of the nations? Who have answered the call to the work and have done it down till this year 1958? Whom has God actually used as his prophet?Jehovahs witnesses are deeply grateful today that the plain facts show that God has been pleased to use them. It has been because Jehovah thrust out his hand of power and touched their lips and put his words in their mouths. October 15, 1958 Watchtower p. 613 -- Sometime between April 15 and 23, 1957, Armageddon will sweep the world! Millions of persons will perish in its flames and the land will be scorched. So prophesied a certain California pastor, Mihran Ask, in January, 1957. Such false prophets tend to put the subject of Armageddon in disrepute. February 1, 1956 Watchtower p.88 -- Cautious as Serpents Among Wolves -- We dare not lie against Gods Word, adding to it or taking away from it, reading into it what it does not say and denying, passing over or explaining away what it does truthfully say. Every word of God is tried: . . . Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Prov. 30:5, 6, AS) We may not tell untruths in his name, for that puts God in the light of a liar. Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar. (Rom. 3:4, NW) In Jeremiahs day the false prophets prophesied lies in Jehovahs name and lied against his purpose, foretelling in his name what he had not foretold. Therefore Jehovah was against them. He executed judgment against them at Jerusalems destruction in 607 B.C. (Jer. 23:25; 27:15) Religious liars like them today cannot escape a like judgment but will meet a like end at Armageddon. April 15, 1952 Watchtower p.253 -- Aids for Understanding Prophecy -- Jehovah has provided a channel, the faithful and discreet slave class, who are given spiritual food at the proper time, and this spiritual food includes among other things the understandings of the prophecies in the course of their fulfillments. (Matt. 24:45, NW) Jehovahs witnesses themselves are not nor can they be interpreters of prophecies. But as fast as the superior authorities Jehovah and Christ Jesus reveal the interpretations through their provided channel that fast do Gods people publish them the world over to strengthen the faith of all lovers of righteousness.Jehovahs people confess no powers of inspiration today. However, they do pray continually for more of Gods holy spirit to understand the many prophecies already uttered and preserved for the final preaching work which Jehovahs witnesses are now undertaking. They know that the inspired infallible Scriptures of prophecy will be fulfilled toward them correctly.They diligently study the visions and dreams of Gods faithful men of old. They can quote and copy the Scriptures of Gods inspired men and can apply them according to the facts. They can observe how God interprets them by Christ Jesus through the events and facts that he causes to appear. They are then faithful in publishing and preaching the revealed prophecies to the utter ends of the earth. The twentieth-century preaching prophets of Jehovahare the ones who are running to and fro over the Bible to gain knowledge of the divine pronouncements which is on the increase.Dan. 12:4. May 15, 1930 Watchtower p. 155-156 -- The true prophet of God today will be telling forth what the Bible teaches, and those things that the Bible tells us are soon to come to pass. He will not be sounding forth man-made theories or guesses, either his own or those of othersThe difference between a true and a false prophet is that the one is speaking the word of the Lord and the other is speaking his own dreams and guessesThis text proves again that those men who foretell things out of harmony with the Bible statements are false prophets. In 1914-1918 these same three classes told the whole world that the great World War would end all wars and make the world safe for democracy; and that the young men who died on the field of battle would die sacrificial deaths as did Jesus and would go to heaven. Their prophecies did not come true. Therefore they are false prophets; and the people should no longer trust them as safe guides. | ||
Thank you "Utopian_Raindrops"... I have some weekend reading to do now ; thanks to everyone else for your help.
I have been searching the web on and off to try to find information on the credibility of the Bible... if anyone has any good links please let me know (preferably unbias ones).
So, a bit of background on myself (as promised)...
A year and a half ago I met this Gorgeous girl (if you have a problem, a women is usually involved )... anyway, we used to meet up and really developed feelings for one another (it was Love); we could not hold back the passion and did things we shouldn't have! as a result she was Disfellowshipped last August.
Incidently, she has a meeting tonight with the Elders to assess whether she is OK to start her journey back into her religion again, which she very much wants. Things have been very difficult between her and I, in the past I really didnt want the religion... to be honest before I met her I was swaying towards 'Evolution' over 'Creation'. But now it has got me thinking, and I do want something more for myself... I am really not happy with day after day of routine, and I want a hope for the future! My life has been thrown into further darkness... as my best friend of 13 years died in a car accident at this start of this year... I just think to myself "what hope does he have now", he was only 25.
This girl that I speak of and myself have decided to go our seperate ways... this whole situation has been very exhausting and soul destroying. But I am not happy with my life or my uncertainties... I want to do what's right.. for my own well-being.
Sorry to bore you.
Happy Valentines Day
WTT
Well, WTT, thanks for the background info. I am sure I won't be the only one here to say that if your girlfriend wants to be a JW, it is for the best that you go your separate ways.
I have been thinking about your posts, and I suspect that if you are asking for advice here, you already know the answer. This place has to be somewhere under "ouija boards" in the JW list of approved information!
I can understand that you are looking for something spritual in your life - have you looked anywhere other than your local kingdom hall? Because of your relationship with a JW, those teachings have been at the forefront of your mind in tha past year. For all the hours JWs spend knocking on doors, the average man in the street knows next to nothing about their beliefs. Most of us here have been JWs and still have family in the cult, so it is of continuing interest. Maybe now it would be good for you to put that stuff to one side and start from scratch. I think it is more important for you to find out what is right for you than concentrate on why JWs are wrong. Don't assume that all the bad things JWs say about other religions are true - see for yourself, you might be peasantly surprised.
Anyway, WTT, all the best to you in your search!
I suspect what you think is attractive is the non-nutritional snack food disquised as true understanding of the bible; such as the "living forever in a paradise world" and seeing your relatives literally "resurrected' and having a wonderful reunion after "arrmegeddon". Well, my friend, if you believe this crock of bs, I have a great bridge to sell you, only you sign over your inheritance to me and as no questions.
good luck
caveman
I think you have one key issue to get past: the urgency they foist on you. They have been preaching the end of the world for more than one hundred years. God isn't around the corner waiting to wipe out you and the rest of your unbelieving family. If you can keep that sense of urgency at bay for a while, you are left with a simpler situation, and have more time to decide.
If you can let some of the blood get back to the brain at the top of your shoulders, the decision won't take long. If you have been reading, you will realize that she is expected to put her religion ahead of you. But I remember being young once (how much does that sound like my father, grandfather, ....?) so if you gotta chase her, make your own mistakes.
Good luck.
Thank you for all your feedback... I would like to say again that I would be doing this soley for myself... how could i live with myself otherwise.
I must admit... there is one question that really gets to me:
I am still in search of the truth.. just when I think, "I will give the JW
religion a shot"... I come across scriptures like the ones below:
Deuteronomy 18:20
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
My summary of the above is that that The Watch Tower Society has , on numerous occasions , made predictions in the name of God that have not come true. In 1914 Armageddon was suppose to happen, in 1925 there was to be the
earthly resurrection of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob...didn't happen And again in 1975 they predicted Armageddon.
Is the WatchTower this false prophet???
N.B. - I realise that i will get a very bias response here!
Regards
WTT
