Posts by raymond frantz

2912

It's been a long 9 years Lloyd Evans / John Cedars (continued)

by Simon in

jw
friends

uh oh, looks like the mega thread gave up the ghost, so while i investigate / fix it just continue the discussion here .... it's been a long 9 years lloyd evans / john cedars.

raymond frantz

Updated X profile photo, he looks like a Hollywood star😅

75

WATCHTOWER JAN 2025: WHY IS THE WATCHTOWER OBSESSED WITH THE RANSOM?

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/ocufvpm3t04?si=75zmussxknhlsrs7.

the first watchtower for 2025 is out, and immediately, articles 4 and 5 drew my attention.

these will be studied near the memorial season, a time the witnesses prepare for their yearly commemoration of jesus’ death, i will be returning on this articles near at the time.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/oCuFVpm3T04?si=75ZMUsSXkNHlsrs7

The first Watchtower for 2025 is out, and immediately, articles 4 and 5 drew my attention. These will be studied near the Memorial season, a time the Witnesses prepare for their yearly commemoration of Jesus’ death, i will be returning on this articles near at the time. For many outside this community, this commemoration can feel like a strange ritual where most attendees reject the emblems representing Jesus’ flesh and blood. Despite my views on the Memorial, I was surprised to see two articles dedicated to the topics of ransom and grace, both of which are critical but are, unfortunately, presented in a skewed way. Here, I’ll focus on article 4, which delves into the concept of the ransom.
For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the ransom is a fundamental teaching. They understand it as the mechanism by which God canceled out Adamic sin, offering his son’s perfect life to atone for humanity’s inherited imperfection. But the problem isn’t in what they teach about the ransom—it’s in what they don’t address.
In paragraph one of the article, and i will be spending more time on this article, we read:
"SURELY you agree that the ransom is a priceless gift! (2 Cor. 9:15) Because Jesus sacrificed his human life, you can have a close friendship with Jehovah God. You can also have the prospect of everlasting life. How fitting it is that we show gratitude for the ransom and for Jehovah, who was moved by love to provide it! (Rom. 5:8) To help us remain grateful and never take the ransom for granted, Jesus instituted the annual Memorial of his death.—Luke 22:19, 20."
The issue here is subtle yet crucial. Witnesses often describe the ransom as offering two main gifts: everlasting life and a “close friendship with Jehovah.” But a careful study of scripture and context reveals that these benefits—everlasting life and a relationship with God—were actually available even before Jesus’ sacrifice. The patriarchs, prophets, and faithful individuals of the Old Testament had a relationship with God. They also had the promise of resurrection and hope of life on earth, just as today’s Witnesses believe they’ll have in the future.
This is where Jehovah’s Witnesses miss a deeper, more transformative understanding of the ransom. Yes, the ransom is “priceless,” as the paragraph suggests, but its true gifts go beyond what was available under the old covenant or God’s arrangements with the patriarchs. What’s missing from the Witnesses’ perspective are the aspects of grace, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the idea of becoming a “new creation” in Christ.
The ransom is not just a “canceling out” of Adam’s sin. It’s the key that unlocks an entirely new relationship between God and humanity. But the Watchtower’s teachings seem to reduce the ransom to a mechanism—a sort of spiritual transaction. It’s as if they’re focused on the engine of a car rather than the journey it enables.
To understand the difference, imagine walking into a bakery. The baker shows you a fantastic, high-tech dough-kneading machine. It’s impressive, and watching it in action is fascinating. But you didn’t walk into the bakery for the machine; you came for the bread it produces. This machine is essential to make the bread, but it’s not the final product. In the same way, the ransom isn’t the “bread” of Christianity; it’s the process that allows God to offer something far greater: grace, the Holy Spirit, and transformation.
Witnesses concetrate so much on the ransom mechanism that they risk missing the true gifts it makes possible. They view Jesus’ death as the “payment” that erases Adamic sin and gives people a clean slate. This is, of course, a critical aspect of Christian teaching, but it’s just the beginning. The ransom opens the door, but the real gift is what lies on the other side of that door.
For example, let’s talk about grace. Grace is one of the most profound aspects of the ransom. While the Old Testament faithful like Abraham, Moses, and David had relationships with God and received his favor, they did not have access to the same kind of grace that Christians experience post-ransom. This grace isn’t just God’s favor; it’s an empowering force that transforms us from within.
This brings us to the concept of the “new creation.” When Christ died and was resurrected, he didn’t simply return to life as before. He became a new being—a transformed, glorified person. Likewise, Christians who truly embrace the ransom become new creations themselves. This isn’t simply about avoiding Adamic sin or striving to live forever; it’s about a complete transformation that makes Christians different from what existed in the Jewish era. Witnesses focus so heavily on the mechanics of the ransom that they overlook this transformative aspect of Christianity. They don’t emphasize becoming new creations, nor the profound changes that grace and the Holy Spirit bring into a believer’s life.
Imagine, again, buying a new smartphone. You get a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory where it was made—all the complex machinery, the detailed assembly lines, and the engineers hard at work. It’s fascinating to understand the process, but you didn’t buy the phone to admire the factory. You bought it for its capabilities, the tools, the apps, and the connectivity it offers. In the same way, understanding the ransom is like seeing the factory where God’s salvation plan was made. But focusing too much on the ransom itself means missing out on the actual benefits it unlocks—eternal life, yes, but also grace, a transformative relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit.
Jehovah’s Witnesses often get stuck on the mechanism of the ransom, admiring the “factory” instead of experiencing the “phone” itself. They emphasize how Jesus’ death pays for sin, allowing a clean slate for humanity. But as scripture reveals, the ransom is just the beginning—the real gift is the transformed life that it makes possible. Christians are promised that they will become new creations in Christ, that they will receive grace and the Holy Spirit, which acts as an inner guide and comforter, far beyond anything offered to the faithful in the Old Testament.
Think of it like a treasure chest. The ransom is the key that unlocks it, but the true treasure is inside. And while it’s true that the ransom “pays” for humanity’s sin, the real joy and meaning come from the grace that strengthens, the Holy Spirit that dwells within, and the promise of a new creation in Christ.
In short, the ransom is the means—not the end. It’s like the vehicle that takes you to the destination. Jehovah’s Witnesses explain the ransom well enough, but they risk focusing so much on the vehicle that they overlook the destination itself: a life filled with grace, empowered by the Spirit, and transformed by God. This is what sets Christianity apart from any other covenant or arrangement that God had with humanity in the past.
So, while I appreciate the Witnesses’ dedication to understanding and teaching the ransom, I believe they’re missing the bigger picture. The ransom isn’t the final product. It’s what the ransom leads to that counts. It’s the grace that empowers, the Spirit that guides, and the transformation into a new creation that makes Christianity unique and beautiful. Stick around, as I’ll be diving deeper into these articles and exploring what these teachings mean for those who seek a fuller understanding of the ransom.

5

WHAT DOES THE NEW LIGHT ON THE UNITED NATIONS REVEAL ABOUT THE WATCHTOWER

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/8p5z-acq8yi?si=zs5r75kguxkk1woc.

so what you are about to watch is the 3rd adjustment that was introduced in the annual meeting by geofftey jackson and it has to do with the their new understanding on the united nations, so here is the verse revelation 17:12 :"these have one thought, so they give their power and authority to the wild beast.

" so they used to believe that the "one thought" in this verse was the one thought to destroy babylon the great but that has now changed to one thought empowering the united nations with more powers to carry on god's will and bring armageddon.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/8P5z-aCq8yI?si=zs5r75KGUXkK1Woc

So what you are about to watch is the 3rd adjustment that was introduced in the Annual Meeting by Geofftey Jackson and it has to do with the their new understanding on the United Nations, so here is the verse Revelation 17:12 :"These have one thought, so they give their power and authority to the wild beast." So they used to believe that the "one thought" in this verse was the one thought to destroy Babylon the Great but that has now changed to one thought empowering the United Nations with more powers to carry on God's will and bring Armageddon. Let's watch it together and then analyse the why and the when of this change...

What you didn't know is that this change in interpretation comes in light of developments surrounding the United Nations (UN) and its "Pact for the Future" that was introduced in September before the Annual Meeting something that Geoffrey Jackson failed to mention. Apparently this pact is seen as a significant step in the UN's role on the world stage, and refers to a proposed agreement among world nations under the UN aimed at strengthening international cooperation to tackle global challenges. It includes initiatives related to climate change, peace, security, and sustainable development, among other pressing issues. It’s seen as a blueprint for a new era of global governance. Now that's how they want to presented but what it really is is another step towards a World goverment and Agenda 2030 and that's why it wasn't accepted by Russia Iran and other 7 countries I think that refuse to take the blue bill and surrender their nations to the UN just yet. So whatever that is , isn't the "one thought" of Revelation 17:12 since all nations will have to sign up to that. Apparently, God's thoughts haven't reached these nations just yet. Now I don't take an issue with that. What I take an issue is the timing and the lack of transparency from Geoffrey Jackson, instead of coming out and saying guys pay attention to what is happening over at the UN he failed to disclose this information because he wants to play the prophet.

So, the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses intentionally holds back this information for now, potentially aiming to position themselves as having foreseen these events after they come to full realization. By withholding this specific detail, they will later be seen as prophetic when the "Pact for the Future" becomes a reality.

This is not the first time that they pretend to play the prophets when in fact they have advanced information on global developments, thankfully this is not the case anymore in the Internet era information travels faster and we all get the memo at the same time so nice try Watchtower but not this time.

So back in September 1942 another snake oil mercgant the then president of the Watchtower Society Nathan Knorr, gave a notable speech at an assembly that later became part of the red book the Revelation its Grand Climax, currently discontinued, predicting the return of an international organization resembling the League of Nations the predesessor of the United Nations , which had fallen into inactivity. What Knorr did not mention was that earlier that year in January, Allied Forces had already begun discussions to revive the League, eventually leading to the formation of the United Nations. By not disclosing this information at the time, Knorr positioned the organization as having made a prophetic prediction, even though key developments were already in motion.

In light of these parallels, the Watchtower's current approach could be seen as a continuation of a long-standing strategy. They may be waiting for the right moment to share their insights on how these global events fit into their interpretation of prophecy, potentially elevating their status as having divine foresight.

I’ll be making a full video soon on Nathan Knorr’s 1942 talk and how it mirrors what we are seeing today with the UN and the "Pact for the Future." There’s a fascinating pattern here that deserves deeper exploration.

Now, back on this verse, Revelation 17:12 , the Watchtower is the only Christian denomination that believes that the "beast" of Revelation is the united nations, most Bible scholars believe it is not an organization at all but a man, the Antichrist the End Time world ruler that will face Jesus Christ in the battle of Armageddon. He is described with many other names in the Bible, the little horn, the man of lawlessness, the beast. If you don't get this right you won't get much right when it comes to prophesy so I urge you to do your own research.So if the Antichrist is not her yet , neither can the kings of Revelation hand over to him their power under one thought so all this nonsense will just blow in their face when things don't turn out to be as I they hoped for, as they are doing already with Babylon the Great, please go back and watch my previous video. Now there is one final adjustment that I will cover next time about the "10 kings of Revelation " that Geoffrey Jackson went through but that's for the next video...

23

NEW LEAKED ANNUAL MEETING VIDEO :KENNETH COOK :THE DISFELLOSHIPPING IS NOT GOING AWAY ANYTIME SOON

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/6ga9v7ffrwk?si=0lor5qquapmq8ck4.

what you are about to watch is another leaked instalment from the recent annual meeting delivered by kenneth cook with the theme "help to tear down and build up" and highlights tge new take o disfellowshipping that will from now concentrate on major wrongdoing whereas minor wrongdoing will be dealt with kind and love.so the watchtower's at it again, rewriting the narrative like an old tv show that conveniently forgets a character's past.

for decades, the organization has been the ultimate gatekeeper, quick to kick out members for even minor missteps—let's not forget how jehovah's witnesses have had to grovel and practically beg to be reinstated.

raymond frantz

@BluesBrother

I take it only parts will appear and only from next month

22

BABYLON THE GREAT IS NOT FALLING ANYMORE? (NEW LIGHT FROM THE ANNUAL MEETING)

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/rsbfa_7lqv4?si=muuxmgtll1n1ifad.

the watchtower’s babylon the great: a shrinking reality?.

so this latest annual meeting introduced a new idea about babylon the great, and here is the part from geoffrey jackson's talk we real need to dig in and consider it's ramifications..... so you’ve got to hand it to them; they know how to keep things interesting with their ever-evolving interpretations and, of course, those classic "adjustments" in understanding.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/rsbFa_7lQV4?si=mUuXmgtlL1N1Ifad

The Watchtower’s Babylon the Great: A Shrinking Reality?

So this latest Annual Meeting introduced a new idea about Babylon the Great, and here is the part from Geoffrey Jackson's talk we real need to dig in and consider it's ramifications....

So you’ve got to hand it to them; they know how to keep things interesting with their ever-evolving interpretations and, of course, those classic "adjustments" in understanding. For decades, they’ve been pounding their podiums, proclaiming that Babylon the Great—represented by the world’s religious institutions—would face imminent destruction as humanity wakes up and leaves organized religion in droves. Spoiler alert: it’s not quite going according to plan.

Let’s backtrack a bit. For years, the narrative went like this: “Babylon the Great is falling! Look at Europe! People are leaving churches; religion is on its way out!” And yes, the statistics do show that religion is declining in some places like Europe. Churches are empty, priests are getting fewer attendees than a high school reunion, and religion’s influence seems to be on life support. But here’s where things get a little awkward for the Watchtower—turns out, this isn’t a worldwide trend. Africa, South America, and other regions? Religion is alive and thriving, folks. So much for the great exodus from Babylon.

And while the Watchtower has been frantically waving their “Babylon is shrinking” flag, there’s another group that’s seeing numbers dwindle. Guess who? Yep, it’s the Watchtower itself. As it turns out, they’ve been losing members too, and faster than they’d like to admit. Membership growth is slowing down, congregations are consolidating, and some Kingdom Halls are being sold off. It looks like the narrative of Babylon's supposed decline might actually be more fitting for their own organization.

But there’s more! In this latest “adjustment” to understanding—because they do love those—they’ve now subtly shifted their attention to something different. They used to say that Babylon’s demise would kickstart the Great Tribulation. The churches would collapse, people would run for their lives, and Jehovah’s Witnesses would be vindicated. But now? They’ve put a fresh coat of paint on their prophetic timeline.

Instead of Babylon being the central target, they’re now talking about nations handing over their power to the United Nations. Yes, the same UN they’ve demonized for years as part of a corrupt system. But apparently, God’s “one thought” is now about nations surrendering their political power to the UN. It’s a convenient development. By shifting the spotlight away from Babylon’s fall and onto this new scenario, they can gloss over the fact that their predictions about organized religion’s collapse haven’t exactly materialized. Talk about a clever dodge.

And here’s the kicker: this shift might be the first step in their strategy to soften their approach toward other Christian denominations. For an organization that once proudly labeled every other religion as the “whore of Babylon,” this is quite the change. Could it be that they’re starting to realize that publicly demanding the destruction of all other religions doesn’t exactly scream “peaceful charity”?

Let’s be real. In today’s world, religious organizations are under more scrutiny than ever. If you’re going around calling other faiths vile names and predicting their doom, it’s a bit harder to convince governments and charity organizations that you’re a wholesome, community-driven charity that deserves financial support. Countries like the UK and Australia, where Jehovah’s Witnesses are registered as charities, aren’t too thrilled when they hear that one of their beneficiaries is rooting for the downfall of other religions. And with their stance softening, the Watchtower can now maintain their charitable status without that pesky reputation of being a “cult.”

But there’s another layer to this. By distancing themselves from their old "us versus them" mentality, they may be taking a step toward aligning, at least partially, with the Ecumenical Movement.The Ecumenical movement is this initiative started by the Catholic Church aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among different denominations and churches worldwide.They have been promoting this movement for decades ,

the same movement the Watchtower historically criticized. Imagine that! An organization that once prided itself on being staunchly separate from “Christendom” is now, whether intentionally or not, warming up to the idea of finding common ground with other Christian groups. Oh, how the times are changing.

Now, let’s break this down. Why would the Watchtower want to position themselves in a less extreme light? Well, for starters, they don’t want to look like a group of doomsday fanatics. Being perceived as a radical, isolationist group doesn’t help when you’re trying to attract new converts or maintain your status as a tax-exempt charity. Plus, by softening their stance, they might actually find it easier to gain acceptance in countries where they’re currently viewed with suspicion.

The shift in their narrative also serves as a practical move to keep their members engaged. Think about it: if they kept banging on about Babylon the Great falling while churches in various parts of the world continued to thrive, they’d lose credibility faster. Members might start questioning the validity of their prophecies—can’t have that! So, by shifting their attention to a more “political” angle with the UN, they can keep the urgency alive without having to explain why the churches aren’t crumbling as fast as they predicted.

But let’s not forget, this shift also opens the door to something much bigger: financial survival. If they appear more open and less antagonistic toward other religions, they might have an easier time presenting themselves as a legitimate religious organization worthy of funding and support. And by not burning bridges with other Christian groups, they can avoid being labeled as a hostile fringe movement. It’s all about positioning,guys.

So, what does all this mean for the Watchtower’s future? Well, if they keep moving in this direction, we might see a kinder, gentler organization—at least on the surface. The rhetoric of “Babylon the Great” might take a backseat, and we might hear more about unity and cooperation. They could even start framing their mission as one of fostering global peace and understanding (with their own unique twist, of course). It’s a PR dream come true!

But, if they do take this softer approach, will their members be on board? After all, they’ve been conditioned for years to see the world through an “us versus them” lens. Will they accept a narrative that paints other religions not as enemies, but as groups who just need to be led in the right direction? It’s a risky move, but it might be the only way forward for an organization that’s seeing its influence wane and its membership shrink.

In the end, the Watchtower’s latest “adjustment” may be less about prophetic accuracy and more about adapting to a world where being the loudest voice in the room doesn’t always win you friends—or funding. Whether they’re softening their stance for financial reasons, strategic growth, or simply to avoid looking like the “crazy cult,” one thing’s for sure: the real dwindling numbers might not be Babylon the Great’s but their own. And in this game of religious survival, it looks like they’re willing to play a little nicer to stay afloat

23

NEW LEAKED ANNUAL MEETING VIDEO :KENNETH COOK :THE DISFELLOSHIPPING IS NOT GOING AWAY ANYTIME SOON

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/6ga9v7ffrwk?si=0lor5qquapmq8ck4.

what you are about to watch is another leaked instalment from the recent annual meeting delivered by kenneth cook with the theme "help to tear down and build up" and highlights tge new take o disfellowshipping that will from now concentrate on major wrongdoing whereas minor wrongdoing will be dealt with kind and love.so the watchtower's at it again, rewriting the narrative like an old tv show that conveniently forgets a character's past.

for decades, the organization has been the ultimate gatekeeper, quick to kick out members for even minor missteps—let's not forget how jehovah's witnesses have had to grovel and practically beg to be reinstated.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/6GA9v7fFRwk?si=0LOR5QqUaPMQ8ck4

What you are about to watch is another leaked instalment from the recent Annual Meeting delivered by Kenneth Cook with the theme "Help to tear down and build up" and highlights tge new take o disfellowshipping that will from now concentrate on major wrongdoing whereas minor wrongdoing will be dealt with kind and love.So the Watchtower's at it again, rewriting the narrative like an old TV show that conveniently forgets a character's past. For decades, the organization has been the ultimate gatekeeper, quick to kick out members for even minor missteps—let's not forget how Jehovah's Witnesses have had to grovel and practically beg to be reinstated. And now, they want you to believe they're just the epitome of mercy and love? Sure let's watch it together.

This latest sermon paints a very touching picture of mercy, reminding us that the elders are so eager to assist those "removed from the congregation." How noble, right? They make it sound like it’s been this constant, compassionate outreach—when in reality, the past is filled with stories of harsh disfellowshipping policies. Want to come back? Better crawl and prove your worth.

They even go on to say that while Jehovah’s standards haven’t changed, their “understanding” of mercy has. Oh, so now it’s an *adjustment*? Convenient. All those years of rigid, unforgiving rules—those weren’t mistakes, of course, just “adjustments.” It’s like a company blaming its customers for misunderstanding the return policy.

And the Watchtower makes it clear: if you've been disfellowshipped, it’s not Jehovah turning his back on you—no, no, it's just that you didn’t meet the mark. But hey, if you show even a glimmer of repentance, they’re happy to have you back. Such generosity! And yet, anyone who's been on the receiving end knows how humiliating the process can be. It’s a long, grueling wait filled with judgment, as if they’re doing you a favor by giving you a second chance.

But now, we’re expected to view the organization as the embodiment of mercy, with Jehovah's so-called warm appeal to "return." All the while, they continue to remind us that justice and righteousness are just as important, just in case anyone thought they were letting their standards slide. It's like saying, "Yes, we love you, but don’t forget—step out of line, and we’ll be back to square one."

And what about the "tear down and build up" analogy? They compare returning members to houses that can either be repaired or need demolishing. The message is clear: if you're worth it, they'll fix you up, but if not—well, they’ve got the wrecking ball ready. How's that for mercy?

It’s quite a show of selective memory. All of a sudden, it’s all about extending mercy during the Great Tribulation and looking forward to welcoming back repentant ones, as if their history of disfellowshipping and shunning isn't still affecting countless lives.

So, yes, the Watchtower may claim they're full of mercy now, but let’s not forget the years of crawling they’ve demanded before someone could even hope for a little taste of that so-called love.

2912

It's been a long 9 years Lloyd Evans / John Cedars (continued)

by Simon in

jw
friends

uh oh, looks like the mega thread gave up the ghost, so while i investigate / fix it just continue the discussion here .... it's been a long 9 years lloyd evans / john cedars.

raymond frantz

He likes using big words "torrential" online abuse😅 ,welcome to X Lloyd get ready for more exposure and embrace the worm welcome from all the exjw community that you abused, gaslit and milked for money for years.His come back will be shortlived. Like Samson of old who had his hair cut (looks like he also had a hair style change) your comeback will be shortlived. You ruined your brand forever, there is no reset button online...

18

NEW LIGHT ON THE 144,000 EXPLAINED

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/heulwyd00ku?si=9az0zrsquy67v74g.

the watchtower’s approach to "new light" is, frankly, a masterclass in manipulation.

when they introduce a new interpretation or change their teachings, it's presented as a revelation, showcasing just how guided and spiritually in-tune the governing body is.

raymond frantz

TonusOH

I love your explanation, the thing is most Witnesses reading the Bible they are destined to arrive to the inevitable conclusion that partaking from the bread and the wine is a command you can not ignore, it was obvious to me too as I was waking up

42

LEAKED ANNUAL MEETING VIDEO :EXPECT SUDDEN CHANGES: JEFFREY JACKSON

by raymond frantz in

jw
friends

https://youtu.be/uxqqyrrffow?si=wo0jotyvjg76oljk.

well that's sort of related to the next talk on our program brother jeffrey jackson will discuss the theme don't be surprised by sudden changes, brother jeff you have our.

attention well i'm sure we all agree with this fact in recent years there have been a lot of changes even since the last annual meeting there have been many changes some of them perhaps are a little surprising or may seem to be sudden but you know brothers and sisters when we look back on how these changes have come we can see that jehovah has gradually prepared us for each of these adjustments and changes let's review some of the recent changes we've had what changes have we seen with regard to our understand understanding of bible teachings at the 2021 annual meeting we received an adjusted understanding of john 529 it was explained that the resurrection of judgment will not be a judgment of condemnation rather it will be more like a period of probation the unrighteous mentioned at acts 24:15 will have an opportunity to gain everlasting life but their names will not be written wr in the book of life at the time of their resurrection to have their names eventually written in that book these ones will need to respond positively to the great educational work that will take place during the thousand-year reign then at the annual meeting in 2023 we gained enhanced insight into what we do know and what we don't know concerning jehovah's judgments we learned that the door of opportunity for people to take a stand for the kingdom does not shut when the great tribulation starts with the destruction of false religion at that time perhaps some will be like the egyptians in moses day who took a last minute stand and joined the exodus of god's people at the same annual meeting we adjusted our views with regard to jehovah's judgments of those who died in the flood and those who were destroyed in sodom and gomorrah also at that annual meeting an adjustment was made regarding the reporting of our time and activity in our preaching work instead of focusing on reports we try to make good use of every opportunity to witness then we receive the 2024 governing body update number two in that update we saw the need to adjust how we interact with those who have committed serious sins and have been removed from the congregation what other major adjustments have we recently seen in our preaching work the emphasis now is on studing bible studies and making disciples not on distributing literature to that end the focus is on studying meaningful conversations not just on using memorized presentations were you surprised by these adjustments perhaps so but as we look back we see how one adjustment in understanding gradually helped us with the next adjustment isn't it true that gradually jehovah has prepared us and when we look back on it we see how logical this training has been to refine our understanding but events in the world likewise have changed it's true sometimes in the world you have sudden changes for example the pandemic but often times change in the world is gradual isn't it true with regard to the view of morality homosexuality abortion even what's acceptable and not acceptable with regard to conduct all of that has happened gradually in the world and it's not until you look back and see how different the world is today with regard to those matters that we see that there have been a lot of changes but this can be dangerous because as things gradually change we may get used to gradual change and forget that there are some sudden changes about to occur uh let's take our bibles please and if you turn with me to the book of luke chap 21 now this is an example of sudden change in luke chap 21 uh notice there in verse 34 the words of our lord jesus are recorded and he said in verse 34 but pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with oving and heavy drinking and anxieties of life and suddenly suddenly that they be instantly instantly upon you it's interesting to note that jesus had already said that this day he was referring to would occur at a time that we don't think is likely so what lesson do we learn from what jesus said it's a warning isn't it that we can't just sit back and think well things are gradually going to develop we know which way it's going and maybe it's not going to happen yet you know got a little bit more wiggle room there with regard to the schedule but you see that's dangerous thinking now what we're going to do is consider two examples of areas where perhaps we could be a little guilty with regard to that for example our view as with regard to the number of anointed ones remaining on the earth now for many years what did we think we thought well that number would go down and down and down and down now i don't know about you but me i you when that report came out just how many how many partakers and and what were we thinking we probably you maybe we didn't say it but we were thinking you know the number will go down down down down and there'll be just a couple of old guys in a wheelchair who will get their reward well i'm exaggerating but that was sort of the feeling wasn't it but now what have we seen in recent years those numbers have gone up and up and not only that younger brothers have been appointed on the governing body now i know what you're all thinking two new ones how old are they we know you're not googling now but you will be but you see we need to be careful about what we're thinking with regard to the number of anointed ones left on earth you see 19 years ago i was appointed on the governing body even i thought i was too young now they tell me i'm not so young anymore but do we see the point what does the bible actually tell us with regard to this well it doesn't say the number would just dwindle down to just having a few uh older ones left no the great crowd of other sheep will be judged on the basis of how they deal with

raymond frantz

@BluesBrother, you're welcome!

There is a disgruntled exjw elder that is down voting us whatever we say, watch out for the negative feedback😀

18

NEW LIGHT ON THE 144,000 EXPLAINED

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/heulwyd00ku?si=9az0zrsquy67v74g.

the watchtower’s approach to "new light" is, frankly, a masterclass in manipulation.

when they introduce a new interpretation or change their teachings, it's presented as a revelation, showcasing just how guided and spiritually in-tune the governing body is.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/heUlwYd00kU?si=9AZ0zrsquY67v74G

The Watchtower’s approach to "new light" is, frankly, a masterclass in manipulation. When they introduce a new interpretation or change their teachings, it's presented as a revelation, showcasing just how guided and spiritually in-tune the Governing Body is. But when one of their long-standing interpretations proves wrong or doesn’t hold up, the blame shifts. Suddenly, it’s not about them; it’s about the members who misunderstood. They masterfully turn the tables and make it seem like the fault lies with those who took their teachings at face value—a textbook example of gaslighting.

Let’s break this down. For years, Jehovah’s Witnesses were told that the number of anointed ones—the 144,000 who partake of the emblems—would steadily decline. This was supposedly a key indicator that the end was near. The idea was that there would eventually be just a few elderly members left as proof that Armageddon was right around the corner. The expectation was crystal clear: keep an eye on the number of partakers, and when it shrinks to a handful of old men in wheelchairs, the end is just a breath away.

But then something unexpected happened. Instead of the numbers going down, they started to go up. More people started partaking, and—wait for it—younger people were showing up among the partakers. That doesn’t fit with the long-touted narrative, does it? Instead of seeing the numbers dwindle, it seemed like there was suddenly an influx of new anointed ones. So, what does the Governing Body do when the reality contradicts their teachings? Do they admit they got it wrong? Of course not. Instead, they say, “Oh, did we say that the numbers would dwindle? Well, that’s not really the point.” They brush it off, making it seem like it was never the real issue and that the members simply misunderstood.

To add to the fun, they even encourage the members to Google the ages of the newest Governing Body members. “Go ahead, look it up!” they say. And when you do, what do you find? Surprise—the new members are way too young to fit the previous narrative. But the Governing Body isn’t fazed. They claim that the Bible never said anything about the number of anointed ones dwindling down to just a few elderly people. No, what really matters, apparently, is that the Governing Body stays "active and vibrant" until the end. How convenient! By shifting the focus from the numbers to the vitality and activity of the Governing Body, they create a perfect excuse for appointing younger members.

It’s a genius move, really. The Governing Body gets to appoint younger members and keep the leadership looking fresh and energetic. Meanwhile, they act as if this was the plan all along and that anyone who thought the numbers mattered simply misunderstood. It’s a win-win for them: they get to rewrite history and blame the members for believing what they were told to believe.

This pattern isn’t new. The Governing Body’s strategy has always been to paint themselves as the enlightened channel of divine truth. When things go according to plan (or when they can make it look that way), they take full credit. They present their "new light" as evidence of how connected they are with God’s purpose. But when things don’t work out, they shift the narrative to make it seem like the members are the ones who misunderstood. "You thought the number of anointed ones was important? Oh no, that was never the point." And just like that, it’s your fault for focusing on the wrong thing, even though that’s exactly what they told you to focus on.

By saying that Jehovah ensures the Governing Body remains "active and vibrant" until the end, they create a loophole for themselves. It’s no longer about the numbers; it’s about the organization’s ongoing activity and leadership. They can keep things going indefinitely this way, without ever having to confront the contradiction that the numbers of partakers don’t add up to their previous teachings. And they can continue to blame the members for any confusion or misunderstanding, washing their hands of responsibility.

Here’s another twist: the Governing Body’s new narrative also subtly undermines the members’ ability to critically evaluate what they’ve been taught. Encouraging members to Google the ages of the new Governing Body members seems like they’re being transparent, but it’s just another way to control the narrative. When members find out that these new appointees are far younger than expected, they’re nudged into accepting the new explanation: it’s not about age or dwindling numbers; it’s about the work continuing. This keeps members in a state of compliance, accepting whatever new twist the Governing Body decides to introduce.

But let’s be real: this approach is all about rewriting the rules as they go. They’ve positioned themselves in such a way that they can never be wrong. If the numbers don’t match their previous teachings, it’s because the members misunderstood, not because the Governing Body made a mistake. And when they appoint younger members, they’ve already set the stage to justify it. It’s a brilliant way to maintain control and avoid accountability.

So, what about this so-called 144,000? The Watchtower has long emphasized this number as literal and fixed, creating a sense of urgency for members. But here’s the thing: according to the Bible, this group doesn’t even show up until the last 3 ½ years of human history, during the Great Tribulation. Revelation 7 and 14 describe the 144,000 as being chosen during that time—not decades or even centuries earlier. So, technically, none of the 144,000 have even been selected yet. The Watchtower’s focus on this number over the years has been a distraction, keeping members in suspense and using the figure as a signpost for the end. But scripturally, it doesn’t line up.

This means all the emphasis on the number of partakers dwindling over the years, the cut-off dates like 1935, and the idea that seeing fewer anointed ones was a sign of the end—none of that ever had a biblical basis in the first place. It was just another way to maintain control and keep members invested in a narrative that suited the organization’s agenda. The truth is, if we’re following what Revelation actually says, the 144,000 haven’t even been chosen yet, and they won’t be until the final stretch of human history.

In the end, it’s clear: when things go right for the Governing Body, it’s all about their insight and leadership. When things go wrong, they shift the blame, making it seem like it was the members who misunderstood. They’ve crafted a system where they can never be wrong, and any attempt to challenge them is met with a change in narrative that keeps them in control. It’s a classic case of gaslighting, and it’s designed to keep the members off balance and loyal, no matter how often the "light" changes.