xjwsforChrist

I saw this today, OMG how awful, how stupid, its a sin and shocking.
Just a big reminder as to how much a cult it is:

NO INDEPENDENT STUDY
Does "the faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?-Matt. 24:45, 47.

No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. Others explore scientific subjects related to the Bible. They have created Web sites and chat rooms for the purpose of exchanging and debating their views. They have also held conferences and produced publications to present their findings and to supplement what is provided at our Christian meetings and through our literature.

Throughout the earth, Jehovah's people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah's organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God's people may be "fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought" and remain "stabilized in the faith." (1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7) Surely we are grateful for Jehovah's spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, "the faithful and discreet slave" does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.-Matt. 24:45-47.

It is commendable for individuals to want to use their thinking ability in support of the good news. However, no personal pursuit should detract from what Jesus Christ is accomplishing through his congregation on earth today. In the first century, the apostle Paul warned about getting involved in exhausting, time-consuming subjects, such as "genealogies, which end up in nothing, but which furnish questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith." (1 Tim. 1:3-7) All Christians should strive to "shun foolish questionings and genealogies and strife and fights over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile."-Titus 3:9.

For those who wish to do extra Bible study and research, we recommend that they explore Insight on the Scriptures, "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial," and our other publications, such as those that discuss the prophecies found in the Bible books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation. These provide abundant material for Bible study and meditation, whereby we can be "filled with the accurate knowledge of [God's] will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as [we] go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God."-Col. 1:9, 10.

Kingdom Ministry 9/07 p. 3 Question Box

It IS awful, Zoe. But it also shows fear (and anger); hence the cracking down. They know that if people pursue independent study, on their own or with others... that they won't come to the same conclusions as the wts. The only 'safe' material (for the wts) is their approved material and supervised studies/leads.

They know this because it keeps happening... and then people leave and 'infect' others.

Peace,
tammy

I know that Tammy, I see it, you see it, we all see it except those trapped in the religion. I boggles my mind that they are blinded as to what a lie the religion is.

Something that stands out foremost in my mind is what my JW Mom repeated to me and others about why she knew the WT was the truth and why she became one. She quoted that scripture about examining and testing everything (someone help me with what that scripture is) and when she studied with the witnesses they let her do that and always had a scripture to back up their doctrines.
But after she was baptized and into the religion she refused to read anything other than WT publications version of things. She didn't see it at all as being like that though and it was very frustrating. If I mentioned anything about it she got this glazed look on her face and she just tuned out.

Acts 17:11

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Note here that they received the message eagerly first... and then examined the scriptures to test what Paul said.


In any case, the wts twists interpretation (as all religions do) to suit them. The wts also has things in it that is in opposition to scripture, which they twist other writings to support them (as they all do). I know you know this already though.


I could have been like your mom. I could have joined, and put the blinders on. We were getting flyers from the baptists in the mail - their own tracts - and I had just made the decision to throw them out and never even look at another thing other than the magazines and wts literature (other than the bible). I actually FELT blinders going on, like a cloud coming around my head so that I kept everything out except wts stuff. But it was in their own book (the revelation one) that held something I had not seen earlier, but that my Lord showed me directly after I decided to join... that had me waking up and leaving.

My Lord reminds me now... that 'cloud' that I felt; those blinders... that was me putting myself to sleep, and I willingly did that to myself, from listening to them. That is scary stuff.


Ironic that their magazine is called Awake.


Peace to you,
tammy

Sadly, if one poster here is to be believed, the WTBTS isn't the only "christian" organization who teaches this, dear Zoe (mornin' and peace to you!). Apparently, the thinking of these (well, no, the TEACHING... will has resulted in the thinking of those who believe it) is that our dear Lord works through a "church" or religion... rather than with his Body members, directly. Funny, though, if one thinks of a real body: does the head tell the arm to tell the leg what to do? Does the head tell the leg to tell the eye what to do? Does the eye tell the knee what to do? Or... does the head tell each part, INDIVIDUALLY, what it wants the other to do?

The leaders of religions... "churches"... who teach others (who, sadly, believe them) that such are necessary in order for folks to know Christ (and through him, know God)... are only fulfilling my Lord's words as to those who "seat themselves in the seat of Moses." Matthew 23:2, 3 Moses was the SOLE mediator of the Old Covenant at Sinai; he alone when up and GOT the "law" that was to be handed to Israel, which Law was the TERMS of the Covenant they would agree to. While he did appoint assistants to help him help the people resolve matters, NONE of them were mediators of the Law. NONE of them went up and received the Law directly from JAH... and brought it back to the people. And he only appointed such people... because being HUMAN, he alone could not handle all of the issues that came up.

Christ... is the SOLE and ONLY mediator of the New Covenant... at "Zion." He ALONE received that Law... and handed it to us, his Body, the terms of which are listening to him, love (which is shown by listening to him), mercy, forgiveness, etc. And while HE appointed his Body to tell others ABOUT him, ABOUT that [New] Covenant... and so ABOUT the law that FULFILLS it... that was it. None of THEM were/are mediators, EITHER... and, unlike the human man Moses, HE... Christ... the SPIRIT man... doesn't NEED others' help as Moses did. ALL can go to him, DIRECTLY... and HE can handle ALL that is brought before him by such ones!

The job of Christ's Body... both individually AND as a group... is NOT to judge between one another (Matthew 7:1, 2; Luke 12:13, 14)... but to tell ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN... ABOUT the One to whom ALL authority in heaven AND on earth... INCLUDING to judge... has been given! That is ALL. To say, to anyone hearing, "Come!".

That is the ONLY "job" of the BRIDE, the Body of Christ, and we have SCRIPTURE to TELL us this:

“I, [Jesus], have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears SAY, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." Revelation 22:17

To add to the "job" of the Bride by saying that Body is to do MORE... or to take AWAY from that "job"... by saying she is to do LESS... is adding to/taking away from the words of the scroll that is the Revelation. We have been TOLD what we are to do... and how:

Preach the GOOD news of the kingdom, that Christ... although once dead, now LIVES... is ALIVE... and SPEAKS... to all those who have FAITH so as to HEAR him... and in HEARING him... HEAR his call to COME to him... and DRINK... FROM him... "life's water"... which is God's holy spirit... WHICH spirit is what grants LIFE... the REAL life... that body that is INCORRUPTIBLE, by means of the WHITE "robe"... which that One, Christ... gives us. He TELLS us how to attain it, either at resurrection... or when "changed" (metamorphoso)... and he is the ONLY One who can tell us... and give us the means. There is NO other.

That this IS the "thing," is recorded HERE:

“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

[Jesus] answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:10-14


And HERE:

"On the last and greatest day of the festival, [Jesus] stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty... come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the spirit, WHICH those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the spirit had not been given, since [Jesus] had not yet been glorified." John 7:37-39


And HERE:

“But now listen, Jacob, my servant,
Israel, whom I have chosen.
This is what JaHVeH says—
he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
and who will help you:
Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
JAH'eShu'run, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
like poplar trees by flowing streams.
Some will say, ‘I belong to JaHVeH’;
others will call themselves by the name of Jacob;
still others will write on their hand, [belonging to] 'JaHVeH's,’
and will take the name Israel." Isaiah 44:1-5


He, Christ, is the One who FULFILLED prophecy, particularly THIS:

"The spirit of the Sovereign JaHVeH is on me,
because JaHVeH has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of JaHVeH's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair."[/color] Isaiah 61:1-3


Which in THAT One was FULFILLED:

"At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

"[Jesus] returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of JaHVeH is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[f]

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:16-21


It's not rocket science. It's just not TAUGHT... because those who profess knowledge... don't KNOW. Because it has not been REVEALED to THEM... because they do not KNOW the One who so REVEALS it:

"At that time [Jesus] said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [b]Matthew 11:25-29[b]

So, yes, dear Zoe, what they are doing is a sin. They... and everyone else who points God's sheep toward ANYONE and ANYTHING... other than Christ, the "Copper Serpent" raised UP in front of us, upon whom ALONE our gaze is fall... always.

Because there is nothing... and no one... else.

Peace to you... and thank you, for sharing that!

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

[quote="Zoe"]I saw this today, OMG how awful, how stupid, its a sin and shocking.
Just a big reminder as to how much a cult it is:


Throughout the earth, Jehovah's people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah's organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God's people may be "fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought" and remain "stabilized in the faith." (1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7) Surely we are grateful for Jehovah's spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, "the faithful and discreet slave" does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.-Matt. 24:45-47.


Yes Zoe! That verse is translated to them as...."remain stabilized in the WTBS." Not the faith!

So yes, of course they can't endorse any outside research. Thats the best way a cult loses control! What they are so blind to realize is...It's already too late!

Thanks for sharing
Love Justmom

Dear Shelby, you are in a muddle. That word again, Loz, your cue to come in, I think!

You think that some believe Jesus works through the Catholic Church.

Shelby, you should read your Bible more. You know, Jesus said wherever two or three are gathered together in his name he would grant their request. How can you think that Jesus needs someone or some thing to work through? Jesus is the Son of God, remember!

He founded his church so that those who believe in him, who will never die, which includes potentially the whole world, will remain together, according to his will in his prayer, and so that his own teachings would continue to be passed down from the apostles, through him, Jesus himself, in obedience to the Father and in the power and unity of the Holy Spirit.

Oh, no, dear Char (peace!)... I... and what I share... am/is CRYSTAL clear... at least to those who've been given eyes to see and ears to hear. To those who haven't, well... that's not on me, luv.



Ummmm... nooooooo... I truly do not. YOU do. You MUST allow yourself to look at those three fingers pointing back, dear one...



I don't think so, dear Char - I think I refer to it ad nauseum, actually... and truly wish EVERYONE one get to the point where they simply hear Christ himself speak, so that I would no longer need to do so. Quite time consuming, actually. Even so, I realize that, based on modern Bible translations, most believe "Jesus" said that, but that's really not the case. The HOLY ONE of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA ("Joshua", in English), the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah) is recorded to have said that, yes. So, if such ones are not gathered... IN HIS NAME... well... they're pretty much gathering as to some other spirit. Whether they be 2... or 2 million...



You're funny, girl. I don't think that at all. You, on the other hand... not only think it, but apparently take offense with those who don't. Those three fingers, again, my dear!



There is no "Jesus," dear Char. The Son of God, if you're referring to the HOLY ONE of Israel and Holy Spirit (versus Adham, also the son of God)... is JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (or "MischaJah"). "Jesus" is an English translation of the Greek MIStransliteration of the name (in English) "Joshua" or... in Hebrew "Jah eShua" (sometimes presented as "Yeshua," or "Y'Shua" or "Yehoshua", etc.).

Just a cursory bit of Hebrew or Greek etymology, linguistics, or alphabet might help you see this truth, dear one. A much EASIER way to know, however, is to simply ASK... and then LISTEN as HE tells you his name. Takes faith to do that, though. Just the size of a mustard, yes... but some faith, even so.



Almost, luv. Yes, he did found his church, thus... ON HIMSELF, the ROCK-MASS... and not on Peter... so that, yes, those who believe and EXERCISE FAITH in him... will either never die... of if they DO die... will be brought back to life (resurrected) by him... which does potentially include the whole world but, sadly, the whole world has never had enough FAITH to be a part of that... but those who do WILL remain together, yes, whether being changed to spirit bodies or resurrected to them... so as to be ABLE to remain together... AND WITH HIM... which is the teachings he gave to his Apostles, yes, and they passed down... to those with ears to hear... so that when when he, the Spirit, and his Bride called/calls THEM... they will come to HIM and drink... so as to HAVE that everlasting life... ALL in obedience to the will of the Father... and in His power... though unity... by MEANS of His holy spirit... His SEED, BLOOD, BREATH... which BEGETS them (as His sons)... and UNITES them (through blood)... and grants them ONE breath... as Head and Body.

Yes. Absolutely.

You're gettin' there, dear Char, you're gettin' there. All you need do is garner the courage to walk away from that golden calf, quit touching that unclean thing... step out on FAITH... and follow the LAMB... and him ALONE. WHEREVER he goes... even if it's not into a den of thieves... or a brothel of harlots.

Gird up YOUR loins, girl, put away YOUR fear... and step onto the Narrow Way. The Door/Gate that he is...stands open. To any who are wishing... and HEARING. May YOU, then, be given ears to hear... when he and his Bride say to YOU:

"Come! Take "life's water"... the HOLY SPIRIT of God, the MOST HOLY ONE of Israel, JaHVeH... which spirit is POURED out from the innermost parts of His Son and Christ, the HOLY ONE of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... FREE!"

No cost, dear Char. Nothing to buy... except eyesalve. But that, too, is free. Doesn't cost ANYTHING... except [a tiny little bit of] faith.

My wish for peace remains.

A slave of Christ,

Shellamar

Dear Char...
In answer to these two comments you have posted that I have highlighted....

To the first....tens of millions believe this or they would not have given all their gold and riches and devotion TO IT! The RCC wouldn't have its own Vatican City if people truly believed that Christs kingdom was NO PART OF THIS WORLD. They wouldn't view the pope as a god. Hoard billions of dollars yet teach " more happiness in giving than receiving." Giving to them of course is okay just as it is to the WTBS.

To the second comment....
You need to explain to all your fellow members that they do not need salvation connected to the RCC then.
The true church is HIS BODY yes....but the RCC claims that it is the visible representation of this body or CHRIST on earth. And the WTBS claims the same,

His kingdom is no part of this world. Nothing visible other than people is what he is using. And he certainly doesn't care about the quantity nor the riches. He cares about those with faith, and he is looking for suchlike ones. John. 4:23-24

Faith in HIM, not the Vatican City or the Pope or the WTBS or the GB etc And etc!

These comments you have made and the support you have given to this entity to continually back it up as truth, shows your loyalty and devotion is to this same golden calf.


Just a thought or two
Love to you always
Justmom