Posts by AnnaNana

61

UN and Governing Body and an accounting

by AnnaNana in

joseph and mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the roman authorities, the "legs of iron".

joseph and mary were not perfect.

the governing body of the modern-day organization of jehovah's witnesses is not perfect.

AnnaNana

Jesus was not controlled by the Pharisees, but he did permit them to exercise authority over him. Those Pharisees did not take Jesus for "a ride"; he was well aware of what they were doing and even told his friends ahead of time what was going to occur.

None of us are surprised when we meet with suffering for taking a stand for righteousness. Jesus told us we would face these things. "A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you."

Jesus was a Jew, affiliated with the local synagogues, and yet the Jews of his day did not teach the truth about Jehovah. Was Jesus a heretic for sticking with the Jewish religion? He shows us the way.

I am not afraid of being affiliated with an organization (my family is a type of organization, so is my kids school group, etc) neither am I controlled by an organization. I do, of my own free will, choose to be joined to the Christ and whoever he chooses to place in his body, that is, the congregation. Christ's true congregation is also a family, with Christ as head, and it is pleasant to be under Christ's direction. If he permits unreasonable or harsh men to stand for awhile in a position of authority, certainly he can give me or anyone else the strength and spirit needed to endure it. If Jesus was willing to speak out about the inconsistencies and hypocrisies of certain individuals or spurious traditions in the religion he belonged to and supported, then it is not wrong for us to do the same. (The existence of this forum is evidence of many who follow Jesus' example in this regard.)

God's Kingdom has not yet crushed all other kingdoms. There are labor pains. The modern-day organization bearing the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" has its share of those pains. Imperfect people are not meant to lord it over imperfect people. Some of the constructs and superior authorities of this world are only temporary until the Kingdom is completely here. We must perceive what the will of God is for us and act in accord with our conscience. What is the direction from the Christ? "Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the inheritance as a reward. Slave for the Master, Christ. Certainly the one who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality."

61

UN and Governing Body and an accounting

by AnnaNana in

joseph and mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the roman authorities, the "legs of iron".

joseph and mary were not perfect.

the governing body of the modern-day organization of jehovah's witnesses is not perfect.

AnnaNana

I haven't checked that video out yet, but nothing would surprise me. Peter said that we could know that "the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world," and Jude said, "certain men have slipped in among you who were long ago appointed to this judgment by the Scriptures; they are ungodly men who turn the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for brazen conduct and who prove false to our only owner and Lord, Jesus Christ."

Although it might sound funny, it is actually faith-strengthening to have had this experience. I am more confident than ever that God is going to clean out his organization, and I am more confident in his Word.

In the meantime...Jesus said in prayer that he made his Father's name, "Jehovah", (which includes his reputation as a God of love, justice, wisdom and power) known and would continue to make it known, "so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them." We must keep bearing fruit in order to remain in union with them. Love is the most important thing. Jesus' love helped him conquer the world. It's the same power he gives us to conquer whatever we face. We will all be victorious with love, as we continue to obediently follow the Christ wherever he leads.

When Hannah was on earth, where did she direct Samuel to go? What was going on at the temple there? Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, and what was going on there? We have to do the best we can with the conditions we have. New ones need to know what God's name is if they are going to call on him. They need to know there is a Kingdom and what the Bible teaches about Christian conduct. The JW.ORG website teaches those things. If Jehovah allows the other misapplied scriptures temporarily, well, he allowed polygamous marriage in ancient Israel for awhile because the people were stubborn but anyone associating with Jehovah's organization back then had to tolerate the issue, and he allowed the circumcision issue to go on in the early congregation, and some might have been stumbled by it, some refused to eat with Gentiles, it caused a ruckus. Those causing a stumbling will be held accountable. Jehovah clears things up in time.

I am not the master of anyone's faith, but I have had to figure out what is appropriate in my situation. Woe is me if I did not preach. It's not the ideal situation, but when Joseph was in prison at the hands of his own brothers, did he stop talking about his God, Jehovah? It must have been awkward, but not impossible. It's awkward for me too, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible with Jehovah helping us. Forward is the only way we can go. No trial lasts forever.

I am thankful to have been led here to meet you. Eternity is a long time, and we will have the opportunity to get to know each other forever if we are faithful. Brothers, we will receive the prize if we endure in faith. May you continue to be blessed as you run the race, confident that your Father in heaven and his Son are faithful, even if men may be unfaithful. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God's love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

61

UN and Governing Body and an accounting

by AnnaNana in

joseph and mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the roman authorities, the "legs of iron".

joseph and mary were not perfect.

the governing body of the modern-day organization of jehovah's witnesses is not perfect.

AnnaNana

I was disfellowshipped for telling on an HLC/COBE for abuse. I fled to another congregation to get help, and those elders also covered for the man I told on. The circuit overseer made it very difficult for me, so I went to a foreign language congregation locally that had a different circuit overseer. Eventually, those elders said "Bethel said you need to go back to English." I went back to the congregation with the elder I had told on, and when I refused to turn on my audio/video during the prayers of the elders (if Jehovah doesn't listen to their prayers, it didn't seem appropriate for me to) I was banned from Zoom meetings. Once in person meetings resumed, I was told I wasn't allowed to come to the Kingdom Hall because I had emailed congregation members warning them about the elder and what the other elders did. I came anyway, and then the elders went to the local police department and lied saying I was disruptive and had a trespassing ban put on me. The elders accused me of reviling and causing divisions because I quoted Jesus' words to the Pharisees and applied it to them: "Serpents, offspring of vipers, how are you to escape the judgment of Gehenna?" and because they said it causes divisions to tell the truth about serious wrongdoing. Of course, they are incorrect. Jesus and Jehovah want us to tell on serious wrongdoing. I also wrote to Bethel hundreds of times to every man whose name I could get. And I emailed them. Repeatedly. I would not repent of keeping my integrity, so they disfellowshipped me. I appealed because it was the right thing to do. The appeal committee didn't hardly deliberate for two minutes. I am banned from the local Kingdom Hall and I cannot be "reinstated" because I am not guilty of reviling or causing divisions. They are currently upset with me on that elder body because I still go preaching door-to-door. (Incidentally, that elder I reported recently stepped down from being HLC/COBE and an elder.)

I was bitter at first and went through a lot, I don't have to tell you, you already know. Jehovah helped me, because I am not guilty and his holy spirit can help us get through anything.

"You are my witnesses," declares Jehovah...

When were these words written? Over 2,500 years ago. Long before the modern-day organization called "Jehovah's Witnesses."

If any man or group of men sits on a committee decides to make an announcement, "So-and-so is no longer of Jehovah's Witnesses," does that mean anything in heaven? It depends. Men on earth have authority to make some decisions and judgments, but they do not have authority to make other decisions and judgments. If any man takes it upon himself to make a declaration that is not within the realm of his authority, he can proclaim it until he is blue in the face, but that does not change God's judgment in heaven.

The Pharisees said that Jesus was a blasphemer and a seditionist and a demonized man. Those men had authority in the organization of the Jewish nation. But their proclamations did not always match what God said in heaven. We know how Jehovah feels about Jesus. Jehovah exalted Jesus name above every other name. We pray in the name of the one who those Pharisees said was cursed by God!

Being one of Jehovah's Witnesses according to God's Word does not mean we are signed up with a group or following a checklist designed by men. It doesn't mean having a title or wearing a tie or a skirt or a badge card. Some people might do those things, or might think that is what being one of Jehovah's Witnesses means. And it is not wrong to do these things. But the most important part of being one of Jehovah's Witnesses means we obey God in accord with His Word, bearing witness by our lives and words. We are led by his holy spirit. We follow the Christ.

Jesus gave direction to the congregations as recorded in Revelation 1-3. During the last days, it is clear there would be all kinds of bad things going on in the congregations. What counsel did Jesus give to those faithful individuals who saw all that bad stuff going on? "Hold fast what you have until I come" and "those from the synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews but are not" (in other words, those who claim to be true worshippers but are actually fulfilling the interests of God's chief enemy) "will have to know that I have loved you."

The modern-day organization bearing Jehovah's name will be cleansed. Jesus said so. He got his information and authority from Jehovah, who doesn't lie. All of us who are sighing and groaning over the detestable things going on in her midst will be comforted. Any causing a stumbling will be cleared out by God's holy angels. It's just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more. "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." Jehovah is Our Father. He doesn't forget any of his sheep. "All those calling on the name of Jehovah will be saved." Jehovah is the best judge of who his witnesses are. He knows when we call on him in truth. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks. Praise Jehovah.

61

UN and Governing Body and an accounting

by AnnaNana in

joseph and mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the roman authorities, the "legs of iron".

joseph and mary were not perfect.

the governing body of the modern-day organization of jehovah's witnesses is not perfect.

AnnaNana

Oh, I don't believe that "Faithful and discreet slave" business means anything about a "channel". Jesus words there appear to be direction for all of us to be faithful and discreet, and not unkind to those under our authority, whether we be a housewife with kids or a manager at a hotel or an elder or whatever. We all need to be faithful and discreet.

It is clear from the Bible that God uses organization, and there was a governing body in the first century congregation, but it was to be "older brothers", not "kings" or "lords". In a family, an older brother is not a manager. He's an older brother.

A family is a type of organization. Jesus said we are all brothers.

Joseph's older brothers threw him in a pit. Jehovah had it recorded for us. Jehovah didn't approve of what they did, but it's in the Bible so we can see sometimes those taking the lead don't always do what Jehovah approves of. But He will fix it in time.

Thank you for being older brothers who are willing to be honest about discrepancies. It is refreshing to be with those who want to worship God with spirit and truth.

61

UN and Governing Body and an accounting

by AnnaNana in

joseph and mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the roman authorities, the "legs of iron".

joseph and mary were not perfect.

the governing body of the modern-day organization of jehovah's witnesses is not perfect.

AnnaNana

I have been "kicked out" for telling the truth. But the sins of those individuals within the organization who misuse their authority or misapply the scripture does not mean Jehovah is not still using that organization. Jehovah executed those who worshipped the calf, but he did not execute Aaron. Why not? Aaron was misled and foolish, but he was not really a hater of God. Jehovah's name was left on that nation for that time despite many episodes of foolishness.

God's faithful individuals were often wrongly "kicked out" in the past by authorities within God's own organization. Jehovah allowed it, but always rewarded those who suffered in this way. This is nothing new. Joseph was kicked out by his own brothers, the 11 other tribes of Israel who inherited the promised land. David, anointed to be the next king, was kicked out by King Saul. Jesus was kicked out by the Jewish authorities. This is nothing new.

Jesus stuck with the Jewish way of doing things until Jehovah's appointed time to execute judgment on it. Jesus knew judgment would come in Jehovah's appointed time. He shows us the Way. He was blessed for being willing to suffer for righteousness sake. You will be too. Jehovah will execute judgment on the organization bearing his name today. The Bible is clear. "Start with the elders in front of my sanctuary". Those who are faithful and sincere, both inside and outside the organization, those who are "sighing and groaning over all the detestable things going on in the city", are known to Jesus. He knows where we are.

He will also sit in judgment of us. How will we fare in that day? Those who show mercy will be shown mercy. We do not make excuses for serious wrongdoing. But we also don't oppose the preaching work Jesus commanded to be done. Paul made clear that some gave him a hard time and preached out of a spirit of competition. What of it? Either way, the Lord is being proclaimed. We continue to imitate the undeserved kindness of Our Lord, and let him do the judging.

True theocratic order means obeying God first. If the men in authority, any authority, whether a family head or an elder or a president or a military tribunal, tell us something that goes against Jehovah or his Word, we have to listen to Jehovah ahead of what is published or some tradition. But just because we go against a tradition doesn't mean we go against everything that authority says. We don't murder if the secular authorities tell us to murder somebody, but we still pay taxes if that is appropriate.

What direction are we given at present? "Love your brother." Even if your brother does not show love for you. "By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." They may not show love for us, but just as God loved us before we loved him, we show ourselves God's children by loving them before they love us. If Jehovah is drawing them, they will have more love in time.

We have the privilege of knowing these things. Jesus said we would be happy if we do them.

61

UN and Governing Body and an accounting

by AnnaNana in

joseph and mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the roman authorities, the "legs of iron".

joseph and mary were not perfect.

the governing body of the modern-day organization of jehovah's witnesses is not perfect.

AnnaNana

I have not personally spoken with any Jehovah's Witnesses from Malawi, and I would not presume to speak for them. However, I have spoken with quite a few from Congo who have endured various hardships and violence, and not one of them has been concerned about library cards.

Sarah: "I did not laugh."

Angel of Jehovah: "No, but you did laugh!"

Was Sarah deemed an incorrigible liar and doomed to eternal death for her blatant falsehood straight to the face of a mighty angel of God? Sarah was blessed for her faith. Imperfect humans are weak. We all stumble many times. Jehovah doesn't just throw us away for our mistakes.

Why are we here? To beat up those who are already beat up? No. Many have been left beat up on the side of the road by "Pharisees" who walk by out of adherence to traditions and "scribes" who misapply scriptures. We are not really left behind. We are contenders with God. He is here by our side. He is "contending", enduring torture by watching his little sheep endure abuse by those who should know better. He is listening to all this and exercising restraint and self-control. But he will soon make himself known, "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." (Ezekiel 34) He will gather all his little sheep from everywhere they have been scattered, and He will make clear how he feels about those "shepherds" who are misrepresenting him.

Jesus allowed the disciples to misunderstand the following: "unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no share with me..." He didn't explain everything at that time. He allowed some to misunderstand both this teaching and the timing of when the Kingdom would come. Did he throw those ones away because of their misunderstanding? No. He gave them an opportunity to show that they were contenders too. Peter still do not understand clearly, but he said, "where else are we going to go? You have sayings of everlasting life."

If you see mistakes and misunderstandings in the modern day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, you are blessed with insight and comprehension. What will you do with that information? When you help others who have been stumbled, when you pick up the wounded and comfort them with the comfort you have received from above, you are truly imitating your Father in heaven who is by your side as you contend for the blessing.

The Pharisees and scribes will be judged. So will we. Let us make peace while there is time. We can leave the judging to the judges, namely, Jehovah and Jesus. A hundred years from now, we won't care about that misapplied verse or library card. If they want to be there, everyone who hurt you will have to apologize for all the stupid stuff they did. We'll make new memories, and the old pains will be gone. We'll just be glad to be all together and with Jehovah. We are a family. We don't want any to be lost. May you have peace and undeserved kindness and mercy from our Father and his Son, who paid the price for us and for them. Your endurance under such circumstances brings great glory to Jehovah, just like Joseph endured the abuse from his brothers. In the end, all 12 of the sons of Israel received a blessing. These trials are almost over.

Does Jehovah, "He Who Causes To Become", have the power to remove his name from the modern-day organization? He chooses not to remove his name. Why? Jehovah is Contending. He sees all the stuff we see, all of it. But He is Contending, for the sake of a blessing. They are his sons, and he doesn't want to lose any of them. He is Contending. Will you contend with him?

61

UN and Governing Body and an accounting

by AnnaNana in

joseph and mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the roman authorities, the "legs of iron".

joseph and mary were not perfect.

the governing body of the modern-day organization of jehovah's witnesses is not perfect.

AnnaNana

God's Word does not promote the "put up and shut up" way of doing things, and neither do I. The Bible is quite clear that the "city gate" was the place to go for having injustice handled. Those affected by unresolved serious injustice were required to go to tell the "congregation" (in Greek meaning the whole group of people, not just the elders.) The "city gate" in ancient times was in clear view of anyone walking by, and just decisions were generally made by appointed judges during daylight for all to see and hear. If the appointed judges in the city gate mishandle justice today, where is the modern-day "city gate" we can go talk about it to the rest of the congregation? Here is one of the "city gates", where we are talking in plain view of all in the city who "walk by"...

Any who mishandle matters by attempting to twist justice in the darkness are eventually exposed, such as the Sanhedrin with their nighttime trial of the Christ. Certain modern day elder judicial decisions that take place behind closed doors do not reflect the way of doing things in the first century Christian congregation, or the way judicial matters would have been handled more publicly in ancient Israel. The Judge who is above all other judges will make restitution for those who have suffered at the hands of unrighteous oppressors or ignorant men - just as He gave Israel their wages upon leaving Egypt. Those unpaid slaves stripped the Egyptians of their treasures at Jehovah's command. Jehovah made sure they got their wages.

We can see the rotten fruit of those individuals who mishandle judging. Those who are given such authority will be held accountable for how they use or misuse that authority. We can also see that it does not belong to us to judge the hearts of men.

Jehovah's friend, King Jehoshaphat, unwisely made a marriage alliance with Ahab and Jezebel's family. What was he thinking? God only knows.

Jehovah's friend, King Jehoshaphat, unwisely went into battle alongside wicked Ahab, even after Jehovah's prophet warned him against it. What was he thinking? God only knows.

Jehoshaphat remained Jehovah's friend, despite making some really dumb decisions that affected the people in his care. The whole nation suffered because of some of those decisions. Yet Jehoshaphat is still considered to be overall a "good" king. Because he was perfect? No. Because of his heart. God knows his heart.

"Not many wise" are called by God, to be his friends. Being awesomely intelligent or exquisitely perfect is not a prerequisite to being God's friend, thankfully. "God chose the foolish things of the world to put the wise things to shame." It is better not to make foolish mistakes, but God can turn around any situation to make it into a blessing in due time. Jehovah does not cause mistakes, but Jehovah's love is magnified by means of the mistakes of his imperfect friends. In what way? In that Jehovah's mercy and undeserved kindness toward them is manifest just like a pearly covering overlayed on the irritation-causing particle in the heart of the oyster. In this way the blessings and the honor and the praise belong to Jehovah, and not to any man. By means of the ransom, Jehovah can keep using imperfect "foolish" ones and still get his purpose accomplished on time, in a way that exalts God's wisdom and power and glory.

Looking back, getting a UN library card doesn't seem like the greatest decision. Neither was Jehoshaphat going into battle alongside Ahab. What were they thinking? God only knows. Jehovah is the judge of the hearts of men. Praise Jehovah for his great mercy and undeserved kindness through the ransom, of which we are also recipients. We will also stand before the judgment seat of God. How will we fare in that day? "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy."

61

UN and Governing Body and an accounting

by AnnaNana in

joseph and mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the roman authorities, the "legs of iron".

joseph and mary were not perfect.

the governing body of the modern-day organization of jehovah's witnesses is not perfect.

AnnaNana

I have a library card for the public library in the town where I live. I had to pay a small fee and fill out a form to get it. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the town because I have a library card?

On paychecks in the past, I have also had a state id number. I had to fill out some forms when I got a job so that I could get paid. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the state because I had a state id number?

I also have a social security number. Am I in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the federal government ("the false prophet" or "feet of iron and clay" or a member of the "scarlet colored wild beast") because I have a social security number?

Joseph and Mary cooperated with the Roman authorities and got registered for the census. Joseph and Mary were not in a spiritually adulterous relationship with the Roman authorities, the "legs of iron". Joseph and Mary were not perfect. Joseph almost divorced Mary at first when he found out she was pregnant, but Jehovah forgave Joseph and helped him figure things out. Jehovah showed Joseph and Mary were fit to be the parents of the perfect Son of God, and the evidence of that blessing is clear.

The governing body of the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is not perfect. Like all of us, they sometimes make bad decisions and do things they later regret. Peter stopped eating with Gentiles for awhile, and that could have derailed the faith of a lot of people. Everybody knows about that today. It will be the same with the imperfect men on the governing body and the others. They are not currently ruling as kings, they are supposed to be elder brothers, but if they try to rule as kings while in their present state, Jehovah will take care of it in time. In ancient Israel, when kings lorded it over others in a bad way and refused to change, they met their end eventually. God's Word says that every mountain will fall and every island. Every "government" that is opposition, including those mini-kingdoms that men may try to set up within the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses - anyone who misuses their authority, any "evil slave" who "beats" others, whether that "evil slave" be on the governing body or at Bethel or on an elder body or "disfellowshipped" or a family head, where ever, "every mountain" and "every island" - anyone who sets up their own way of doing things that is in opposition to God's Kingdom. Jehovah will repay, we don't have to worry about that. Sometimes it takes awhile from our point of view, like Jezebel and Ahab. But He will take care of it. They can't hide from him, wolves in sheep's covering don't fool Jehovah.

Moses did some really cool stuff, but he also messed up a few times. It's written for all to see. Jehovah allowed Jehu to do some really cool stuff, but later Jehu did false worship. Jehovah has it recorded so everybody in the world knows. Solomon did some really cool stuff too, but later he did false worship. Jehovah has it recorded so that everybody in the world knows. David did some cool stuff, he messed up big a few times, but he repented. We don't know the hearts of those men given authority today. We don't have to. We just have to take care of our own business - staying faithful to Jehovah.

The evidence is clear that Jehovah is leaving his name on the modern-day organization. It's his name. He doesn't have to leave it there, but he is. There are tons of mistakes the men in authority make. Tons of them. Joseph and Mary lost Jesus at a festival and left him behind. Did Jehovah ex them out? No. If these men on the governing body leave some sheep behind in their ignorance, it is really bad, but Jehovah will fix it in time. Jehovah will gather the sheep himself and feed them. He will exalt those lowly lost sheep, and the shepherds who lost them will be taken to account. Ezekiel 34. We need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. The current troubles are only temporary. We have everlasting life in view in perfect conditions. We have to keep moving forward, looking to the future with confidence, knowing that Jehovah will work all these other things out. You have heard of the endurance of Job. You are Job. Look toward the reward. Jehovah knows every single tear and every single treachery you have experienced. He was with you the whole time you've been on that torture stake. Jesus was tortured by the very organization that was supposed to be supporting him. If you have suffered in a similar way, what do you think Jehovah says about you in heaven? He is proud of you and rejoices over you and holds you up as an example. Jehovah has more blessings in store for you than you can imagine. Praise Jehovah. "Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

30

Shunning Disfellowshipped & Apostate family Members. Scriptural?

by objectivetruth in

anyone who is a witness or was previously a witness, is aware of the written & un-written rules concerning association with disfellowshipped family members.. there are a multitude of quotes through out the watchtower publications, but these 2 will suffice.. "are you proving yourself holy by not associating with family members or others who are disfellowshipped?

"the clear instruction in the bible is: avoid them.

that means that we have to stay away from them... the bible says that apostates are mentally diseased and that they use their teachings to make others think like them... what must we do to avoid false teachers?

AnnaNana

Jehovah's Witnesses as an organization have great bloodguilt before God. Many people have been stumbled by certain teachings or policies that are not solidly based on Bible principles.

Woe to the stumbling blocks! It is better to have a millstone around the neck and be cast into the sea rather than to stumble one of the little ones. How many little ones have been stumbled by the fumbling of the abuse cases? How many little ones have been stumbled by the unloving application of disfellowshipping arrangements that miss the point of keeping the congregation clean by allowing so many who commit serious sins to be protected and stay in the congregation and instead removing faithful ones or excluding weak ones who need to be bandaged up? How many in the world have been turned away from Jehovah by a Pharisaical application of theocratic law that gulps down the camel but completely strains out Love?

Additionally, so many misapplications of scripture have led to a quasi-clergy class within the organization in some places. To many, the word "elder" doesn't mean older brother or older man, now it means similar as "Father" in the Catholic Church. It's not supposed to be that way, but in many places, that's how it is.

Jehovah's time is near to clean the organization. The entire book of Revelation is full of Jehovah's judgments, a message "to the congregation." Jehovah loves his holy name, that's why He's going to clean the organization bearing his name. He is going to use some of the same "plagues" that will afflict false religion ("Babylon the Great"), but faithful ones wherever they are who are marked for survival by Jesus (not by humans) will survive. (Ezekiel chapter 9) Jehovah knows those who belong to Him.

Showing love to the whole association of brothers includes loving those who have been "disfellowshipped", and that love is shown not just by works that others see and follow as a predetermined published checklist, but also where only Jehovah sees, in our hearts and actions all the time. The organization needs to repent of the bloodguilt and stumbling of all the little "despised" ones, some who are abused women and men, some who are disfellowshipped weak ones or some who are willing to stand up for Jehovah's name and truth by clinging to what the Bible really says even when they get called "apostates" for "heretically" being willing to say something different than what is published. We are one united people before Jehovah when we cling to Bible truth despite being persecuted or ignored by those claiming to uphold a tradition that doesn't match basic Bible principles.

Jehovah sent Daniel to tell Nebuchadnezzar that he was going to be cut down so that he would realize Jehovah is the one really in charge. Soon every "mountain" on earth is going to be cut down, even those within the organization who may misuse their authority to lord it over others. In fact, that is where the destruction is going to begin, where any disloyal elders are, as Jehovah says, "start at my sanctuary". The community bloodguilt is real. Jehovah is a fair judge, and He sees all the broken hearts from injustices and misapplication of Bible principles, things that misrepresent Him and His holy name.

Until then, what a fine opportunity we have to imitate the Christ by forgiving those who in their blindness don't really know what they are doing. The ransom is big enough. "Father, forgive them..." Someday they will know, and they'll feel really bad about it. Jehovah will make it clear as day. What a privilege we have to imitate Jehovah in His abundant mercy and undeserved loving kindness.

It must not have been easy for Hannah to cooperate with the temple arrangement back in her day with those creeps working at the temple, or Jesus back when he was on earth since he could see everybody's flaws. He called out the Pharisees on their hypocrisy, but he also cooperated where he could with the parts of the organization he could, because he knew that's what Jehovah was using at the time. He knew the men taking the lead were the ones who were going to kill him, and he still cooperated with the organizational arrangement to the best of his ability, because it was his Father's will. Eventually some of the wrongdoers turned around, and those that didn't His Father executed. What a fine example Jesus gave us of being willing to go along with a temporary arrangement even when it's difficult. He showed us how we can show love and respect in the same way.

Jehovah is leaving his name on the organization, despite all the flaws. We don't serve men. We serve Jehovah. All things will be corrected in time. It's just a little while longer, and we'll all have peace at last. "For all things I have strength through the one who gives me power." Even strength to be loyal to an organization that may not be loyal to us at times. Because the joy set before us is worth enduring the torture stake. The blessings always outweigh the sacrifice. (Job 42) Jehovah sees and knows the pain. "In all their distress, it was distressing to him." His name will be sanctified, and we will all rejoice together.

35

A handy CHRONOLOGY of the life and times of Charles and Maria Russell

by Terry in

1852 charles taze russell was born in(february 16) in pittsburgh, pennsylvania.

he was raised in a strict presbyterian home.. 1868 (age 16) in an encounter with a non-believer he became disillusioned over the subject of whether god as a heavenly father would burn his children in hell.

side note: 1869 (joseph franklin rutherford was born and raised a baptist).

AnnaNana

It's so difficult to know truly what happened. We can't exactly interview any of the people involved at present. But bad things do happen in every organization. Sometimes really bad things.

Having personally wrestled with the mishandling of justice in the organization, I can see more clearly the following:

(1) What Solomon said about man ruling man to his injury is true.

(2) Solomon himself as well as the nation of ancient Israel are examples that Jehovah tolerates within his organization those who mishandle justice at times on a large scale. (David, Saul, Manasseh, Jeroboam, etc...)

(3) Jehovah will repay (where is Solomon's temple today? Gone. Those who misrepresent God will be just as "gone" at God's appointed time.)

(4) Jehovah has chosen to put his name on an imperfect organization and allow it to stay there despite the fact that many teachings still obviously need to be clarified and certain people may seem to get away with things at present.

(5) As Solomon wrote, "the conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: fear the true God and keep his commandments, for that is the whole obligation of man."

After the Flood, there was the rainbow. Today, things are a mess. Everywhere. It will be fixed eventually. We have a work to do to preach and teach about the Kingdom. Jesus said so. Jehovah's Witnesses as an organization is where God put His Name at present. Jehovah is using them to do a work, though they do it imperfectly. He will clean house, and everybody will know when He does it (Ezekiel 9:6). The first plagues in ancient Egypt affected both the Egyptians and Jews. It will be the same when false religion today is taken out. The angels will remove those causing a stumbling from the Kingdom.

I am thankful God's Word clarifies matters. It's not easy to be at the raw end of the deal as regards injustice or abuse or teachings that need to be clarified. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay" says Jehovah. Thankfully, we don't have to take it into our own hands. Jehovah always takes out the bad guys, with style. "Just a little while longer." Praised be Jehovah.