Is this a subtle clue that the leaders really see the "great tribulation" of the WT coming soon?

by never a jw 23 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  never a jw

  Similarly, we cannot
  expect that the future interruption in
  the great tribulation will result in an
  influx of new believers. Rather, it will
  be an opportunity for all true believers
  to prove their love for Jehovah and
  give their support to Christ’s brothers.

  (Par. 7, page 16, WT July 2015)

  The underlying message here is that the WT anticipates that new members will be close to zero as a result of the bad publicity that we have seen and will continue to see in the near future. But also, I read that they want to turn the present and future unpopularity of the WT into evidence of the great tribulation, and thus prevent a mass exodus. It's not a bad tactic, it's worked before.
  
• 

  Half banana

  Coasting down to Armageddon hey? Psychosis takes on many forms!
• 

  Lemonp

  Just after your quote, there was this gem too:

  In the first century, Christians had to leave behind their possessions and endure hardships in order to survive. (Mark 13:15-18) To remain faithful, will we be willing to experience material loss? Will we be ready to do whatever is required of us to prove our loyalty to Jehovah?

  
  

  Hmmm, would you give up your material possessions? What if the Org. asked for your "valuable things?"
  
  
• 

  prologos

  remember that they taught an interrupted GT in the past. the paired paragraph 8 mentions " --it will involve some measure of sacrifice --their [ early Christian] possessions-- be ready to whatever is required of us to prove our loyalty--?

  sounds a lot like the requirement to do what seems unreasonable at the time--

  No, it is a not so subtle clue that the wt wants you to delivery all your goods to get "deliverance"; --

  that's the reason for this song and dance.

  beat me to it L.org.-- permit me to add:

  Par. 3: " soon, very soon---" then, talking about the abandoning of all belongings even though there is a lull. perhaps IMHO selling, contributing as during the Pentecost 33 CE "sharing like Saphire" period?

  "soon, very soon" after D. Splane opened the way to postpone the GT Overlap to possibly 2075?

  yeah, give your time, money now, but wait for 075 again?
• 

  never a jw

  Half banana, prologs, lemon party,

  Yes, a good part of the article seems to reflect an anticipation of events to come that they expect will result from recent and current world news related to the WT.

  Yep, the money part seems to be at the front of their concerns.

  They seem truly concerned about what's coming, and they want to spin it to their advantage to soften the blow.
  
• 

  snugglebunny

  I'd say that they're preparing to set a new date. The comment re not to expect an influx of new believers is simply to cover themselves in the event that they're accused of setting dates to actually get an influx of new believers!

  There's so much "hidden" goings on in WT speak - any politician or salesman can see it a mile off.
• 

  nugget

  The message is a reinforcement of the need to be loyal to the GB ie. brothers PROVE their love for Jehovah by being loyal to the organisation. This is more about control than an expectation of Gods Judgement.
• 

  prologos

  Par 6 raises an interesting question. During the supposed mess to come, the anointed will be taken to heaven, their flesh left behind, disposed of by angels. ( par. 15) so:

  why cut the Trib short to save their flesh?, they have to be axed to rule with Christ ! so:

  That par 6 includes the subtle shift from "the anointed" to "--God's people" because their interpretation of the "special anointed", 'two class christianity' is not in the book, the talking snake story.
• 

  The Searcher

  Will J.W.'s be asked to consolidate their homes, move in with another J.W. family, and send the proceeds of sale to Mother?

  It's definitely going to work with J.W.'s K.H./congregation consolidation scam, so why not with J.W.'s homes?
• 

  Heaven

  I think Botchtower's Great Tribulation is at hand. The ARC just released its redress statement.