Who the JW.org "Governing Body" think they are.
- C.Aamold
- Nov 3, 2024
- 31 min read
Updated: Aug 27
NOTE: I do not subscribe to any religion. I once believed in Masoretic Text translations until I dug deeper and came to a different conclusion during my search through Christian denominational teachings, their leaders, and the roots of how they started, while reading the Bible itself verse by verse a few times (many translations) or more to match up their beliefs to the spiritual book they claim to follow and believe in themselves. If you ask me what I believe, I would say what the scholarly census has agreed upon, even if the decision board doesn't agree with them because they're worried about the faith of humanity for what they were taught to believe despite it contradicting evidence. Anything I've studied, watched, read is added here to help you see how I got to this point to help others who are curious too.
(Their own literature, what I see important highlighted red, my raw notes/commentary blue)
What they tell their people
Then, too, nuns often feel as though they are treated as children—indeed, practically every decision and move are dictated for them. The way the Catholic Church is structured contributes to this. The Mother Superior, for instance, is granted great powers over the lives of nuns, which tends to make her feel that she is somebody special. One woman, who left after spending seven years in convents in Argentina and Chile, reported:
“The superiors required total obedience. This, in fact, amounted to idolatry because, according to them, God placed them in their positions and therefore all had to give them unquestioned obedience. . . . The obedience they required reached such an extreme that we had to bow down before them, without ever questioning them.”
“The superiors talked constantly of charity and humility, but it was always advice for the others—they never did what they demanded of others. Among them there always existed a spirit of envy and the desire to advance to higher positions and titles. After they received such advancement, they tried to convince the others that those positions were granted to them by God and therefore they should be rendered even more obedience and devotion than before. Thus, they became very powerful.
Sounds familiar
Long article break down
JESUS’ apostles stood on the Mount of Olives and watched as their master and friend, Jesus, was lifted up toward heaven and hidden by a cloud. (Acts 1:9, 10) For about two years, Jesus had taught, encouraged, and led them. But now he was gone. What would they do?
He said he's send the spirit of truth...
2 Before going to heaven, Jesus told his followers: “You will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) How could they possibly do that work? Jesus had promised that God’s holy spirit would help them. (Acts 1:5) But who would direct them and organize the worldwide preaching work?
Who he said he would... the holy spirit.
The apostles knew that Jehovah had used men to lead the Israelites in the past. So they may have wondered whether Jehovah would now choose a new leader.
3. (a) After Jesus went to heaven, what important decision did the faithful apostles make? (b) What questions will we answer in this article?
3 Soon after Jesus went to heaven, his disciples consulted the Scriptures, prayed to God for help, and chose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot as the 12th apostle. (Acts 1:15-26) Why was this selection so important to them and to Jehovah? The disciples realized that there needed to be 12 apostles.a (See footnote.) Jesus had chosen the apostles and trained them for a very important role among God’s people. What was that role, and how did Jehovah and Jesus prepare them for it? What similar arrangement exists today? And how can we “remember those who are taking the lead” among us, especially “the faithful and discreet slave”?—Hebrews 13:7; Matthew 24:45.
A parable they made into a prophecy about themselves.
JESUS LEADS THE GOVERNING BODY
Leading thought.
And goes against what Jesus told us about how he doesn't rule like the gentiles.
4. What role did the apostles and other elders in Jerusalem have?
4 The apostles began to take the lead in the Christian congregation at Pentecost in the year 33. The Bible says that “Peter stood up with the Eleven” and taught lifesaving truths
Purposely saying this for leading their thoughts on what they do. When man cannot save them. And Peter stood up to say the truth of the Messiah, and how to repent, not cut your life off.
to a large crowd. (Acts 2:14, 15) Many people in that crowd became Christians. After that, those new Christians “continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles.”
They taught the messiah, and what he said. they didn't go beyond and make names for themselves such as the "JW GB" does.
(Acts 2:42) The apostles were responsible for managing the money of the congregation.
Seems like they love this part and use it to live off donations. I mean, "enjoy the privileges" their position.
(Acts 4:34, 35) They also taught God’s people and prayed for them, saying: “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4) And they sent experienced Christians to preach in new territories. (Acts 8:14, 15) Later, other anointed elders joined the apostles in taking the lead in the congregation. As a governing body, they gave direction to all the congregations.—Acts 15:2.
No, they were, basically the only ones leading through the holy spirit because they were actual witnesses and had to be to be considered an apostle. The rest just taught them the messiah has come.
Christians in the first century knew that Jehovah was directing the governing body through Jesus
5, 6. (a) How did holy spirit empower the governing body? (See opening picture.) (b) How did the angels help the governing body? (c) How did God’s Word guide the governing body?
5 Christians in the first century knew that Jehovah was directing the governing body through Jesus. How could they be sure? First, holy spirit empowered the governing body. (John 16:13) All anointed Christians received holy spirit, but it specifically empowered the apostles and the elders in Jerusalem to carry out their role as overseers.
Trying (or accomplishing) making them seem like they too receive holy spirit, though at the same time they call themselves uninspired.
For example, in the year 49, holy spirit guided the governing body to make a decision about circumcision. The congregations followed that direction. As a result, they “continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number day by day.” (Acts 16:4, 5) From the letter to the congregations about circumcision, we can see that the governing body had God’s spirit and showed qualities such as love and faith.—Acts 15:11, 25-29; Galatians 5:22, 23.
6 Second, angels helped the governing body. For example, an angel told Cornelius
They trying to say they're taking messages from angels? makes sense why the message is different than what Jesus said like Paul warned.
Try reading Gal 2:1-6
Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. I t was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that somehow I might be running, or had run, in vain. But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. Yet it was a concern because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy on our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. But we did not yield in subjection to them, even for an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. But from those who were of considerable repute (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism)—well, those who were of repute contributed nothing to me.
to find the apostle Peter. After Peter preached to Cornelius and his relatives, they received holy spirit, even though the men had not been circumcised. Cornelius thus became the first uncircumcised Gentile to become a Christian. When the apostles and other brothers heard about this, they accepted God’s will and welcomed uncircumcised Gentiles into the Christian congregation. (Acts 11:13-18) From this, we can see that angels actively supported the preaching work that the governing body was directing. (Acts 5:19, 20) Third, God’s Word guided the governing body.
Scripture isn't that important apparently... like how to check if angels are even speaking truth compared to it. And really, how often do they actually use it, is this saying their own WT literature is equivalent? They also only met once. They had two churches, one in Antioch as well. For the most part, they left and did another walk through to make sure they got the 1 hope, 1 faith, 1 messiah, part down.
Those men used the Scriptures to help them make important decisions about Christian beliefs and to direct the congregations.—Acts 1:20-22; 15:15-20.
7. Why can we say that Jesus led the early Christians?
7 Even though the governing body had authority in the congregation, its members understood that Jesus Christ was their Leader. How do we know that? The apostle Paul said that it was Christ who appointed “some as apostles.” He also said that Christ was “the head,” or Leader, of the congregation. (Ephesians 4:11, 15) And instead of naming themselves after an apostle, “the disciples were by divine providence called Christians.” (Acts 11:26) Paul knew that it was important to follow the Bible-based teachings
Canon wasn't made till 325+ by trinitarians. the scriptures they used then, are beyond what we use today. They knew it with their hearts.
of the apostles and other men who took the lead. Even so, Paul said: “But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ.” This statement included every member of the governing body. Then Paul added: “The head of the Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:2, 3) Clearly, Jehovah had appointed his Son, Christ Jesus, to lead the congregation.
“THIS IS NOT MAN’S WORK”
8, 9. What important role did Brother Russell have?
8 Starting in 1870, Charles Taze Russell and some of his friends began trying to worship God according to the Bible and to help others to do so. This included helping people who spoke various languages. So Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society was legally formed in 1884, and Brother Russell became the president.
Don't worry about the first president, I guess (see my roots article).
b (See footnote.) He studied the Bible very carefully and was not afraid to tell others that church teachings such as the Trinity and the immortality of the soul were not in the Bible. He learned that Christ’s return would be invisible and that “the appointed times of the nations” would end in 1914.
How? How did he learn?
(Luke 21:24) Brother Russell used his time, energy, and money
Who's exactly? And what did he do to gain it? and, how much material did he sale using Gods name? (in roots article)
to teach these truths to others.
The majority of them now "apostate material" and a threat to their organization.
It is clear that Jehovah and Jesus used Brother Russell to take the lead at an important time in history.
9 Brother Russell did not want any special attention from people. In 1896, he wrote that he and other responsible men did not want to be honored at all. They did not want to be given any special titles, and they did not want any group to be called by their name. He later said: “This is not man’s work.”
“The faithful and discreet slave” is a small group of anointed brothers who make up the Governing Body
He didn't even know he was the appointed slave, and given all things, a later teaching. He also didn't want an organization out of this at all ( see contradictions article).
10. (a) When did Jesus appoint “the faithful and discreet slave”? (b) Explain how it became clear that the Governing Body was different from the Watch Tower Society.
10 In 1919, three years after Brother Russell’s death, Jesus appointed “the faithful and discreet slave.”For what purpose? To give his followers “food at the proper time.” (Matthew 24:45) Even during those early years, a small group of anointed brothers at headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, provided spiritual food to Jesus’ followers. The expression “governing body” began appearing in our publications after 1940.
So how did C.R. even know these things then?
At that time, the governing body was closely connected with directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. However, in 1971, it was made clear that the Governing Body was different from the Watch Tower Society, which was responsible for legal matters only. From then on, anointed brothers could become part of the Governing Body without being Society directors. More recently, responsible brothers of the “other sheep” have served as directors of the Society and of other corporations used by God’s people.
Others?
As a result, the Governing Body can focus on providing Bible instruction and direction. (John 10:16; Acts 6:4) The July 15, 2013, issue of The Watchtower explained that “the faithful and discreet slave” is a small group of anointed brothers who make up the Governing Body.
The governing body, 1950’s
11. How does the Governing Body make decisions?
11 The Governing Body makes important decisions as a group when its members meet together each week. Meeting this way helps them to have close communication and stay united. (Proverbs 20:18) No member of the Governing Body is more important than the other members, so each year a different brother takes the lead at those meetings. (1 Peter 5:1) This is also the case in each of the six committees of the Governing Body. No member of the Governing Body feels that he is the leader of his brothers. Each of them is also one of the domestics and receives spiritual food from the faithful slave and follows its direction.
Ever since the faithful slave was appointed in 1919, it has prepared spiritual food for God’s people (See paragraphs 10, 11)
“WHO REALLY IS THE FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE?”
12. What questions will we answer next?
12 The Governing Body is neither inspired nor perfect. It can make mistakes when explaining the Bible or directing the organization. For example, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the subject “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments to our understanding of the Bible since 1870. Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food.
Well, good thing we could rely on the Old prophets to know Jesus even came right? We can be sure on that...right? This is exactly why he said not to trust men.
So how can we answer Jesus’ question: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?”
Yes... question...rhetorical at that.
(Matthew 24:45) What evidence is there that the Governing Body is the faithful slave? Let us consider the same three things that helped the governing body in the apostles’ time.
13. How has holy spirit helped the Governing Body?
13 Holy spirit helps the Governing Body. The holy spirit has helped the Governing Body to understand Bible truths that were not understood before. For example, consider the list of beliefs clarified that was mentioned earlier. No human could have understood and explained these “deep things of God” on his own!
Lie. Used out of context. and contradicts what they've said before (contradiction post). They are also saying the Holy spirit plays with them apparently.
(Read 1 Corinthians 2:10.) The Governing Body feels as did the apostle Paul, who wrote: “These things we also speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) After hundreds of years of false teachings and no clear direction, why has there been such an increase of Bible understanding since 1919? The reason can only be that God has been helping with his holy spirit!
14. According to Revelation 14:6, 7, how do angels help the Governing Body and God’s people today?
14 Angels help the Governing Body. The Governing Body has the huge responsibility of directing over eight million publishers in the worldwide preaching work. Why has that work been so successful? One reason is the support of the angels. (Read Revelation 14:6, 7.) In many cases, the angels have directed publishers
If they are special, why haven't they seen any? Why does Jesus not show himself as he did to those in the beginning of the church?
to a person who had just prayed to God for help!c (See footnote.) The preaching and teaching work continues to grow even where there is intense opposition. This also is only possible with help from the angels.
15. How is the Governing Body different from Christendom’s leaders? Give an example.
15 God’s Word guides the Governing Body. (Read John 17:17.) Consider what happened in 1973. The June 1 issue of The Watchtower asked whether “persons who have not broken their addiction to tobacco qualify for baptism.” The answer it gave to that question was based on Bible principles, and it was no! The Watchtower cited several scriptures and explained why a person who will not stop smoking should be disfellowshipped. (1 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Corinthians 7:1) It said that this strict standard does not come from humans but comes “from God, who expresses himself through his written Word.” No other religious organization has been willing to rely so completely on God’s Word even when doing so may be very difficult for some of its members.
Guilt tripping. And that's presumptuous of them to say this. There are others that do it far better and not half ass Jewish mosaic works based like they are. And what is difficult is when they say the Jehovah has given them clearer understanding when they used scripture to back up the prior belief to say its truth.
A recent book on religion in the United States says: “Christian leaders have regularly revised their teachings to match the beliefs and opinions gaining support among their members and in the larger society.”
Stop there... bears and pants now?
The Governing Body, however, is not guided by what most people like. Instead, its members are guided by God’s Word, which proves that Jehovah is the one who is really guiding his people today.
“REMEMBER THOSE WHO ARE TAKING THE LEAD”
16. What is one way to remember the Governing Body?
16 Read Hebrews 13:7. The Bible says to “remember those who are taking the lead.” One way we can do this is by mentioning the Governing Body in our prayers. (Ephesians 6:18) They have many responsibilities, which include providing spiritual food, directing the worldwide preaching work, and caring for the donations that are made to the organization. So they really do need our regular prayers!
17, 18. (a) How do we follow the direction of the Governing Body? (b) How does our preaching support the Governing Body and Jesus?
17 We can also remember the Governing Body by following its instructions and direction. The Governing Body gives us direction through our publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions. It also appoints circuit overseers, who then appoint elders. By carefully following the directions given to them, the circuit overseers and the elders show that they remember the Governing Body. And all of us show respect for our Leader, Jesus, by obeying the men he is using today.—Hebrews 13:17.
That..........goes against God and his son and his apostles' words... beyond. That...is not "bible based".
18 Another way that we can remember the Governing Body is by doing our best in the preaching work. Hebrews 13:7 urges Christians to imitate the faith of those taking the lead. The Governing Body has shown great faith by zealously preaching and promoting the good news. Are we supporting those brothers in this important work? If we are, we will feel happy when we hear Jesus tell us: “To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”—Matthew 25:34-40.
Out of context. This is how we should be to EVERYONE, and that's why the people that said they did all things in his name were confused, because they us versus them instead, and didn't realize the people they didn't know that were of need, were actually him waiting to be served in a symbolic way. They know, the GB and their bosses.
19. Why are you determined to follow our Leader, Jesus?
19 When Jesus returned to heaven, he did not abandon his followers. (Matthew 28:20) He knew that the holy spirit, the angels, and God’s Word helped him to take the lead when he was on earth. He gives the faithful slave today the same help. The Governing Body continues “following the Lamb,” Jesus, “no matter where he goes.” (Revelation 14:4) So when we follow the direction of the Governing Body, we follow our Leader, Jesus. Soon, he will lead us to everlasting life. (Revelation 7:14-17) And no human leader can promise that!
So, they are Jesus, and they lead you to everlasting life.
To say to follow them is to follow Jesus, is no different to me than what the pope says of himself and his ruling authority over others. This is a way to gaslight people and keep them to themselves and away from having holy spirit within themselves to be seeking and reasoning scriptures for themselves, or even thinking that at the least. They keep the kingdom to themselves and shut the gates to the sheep themselves.
1Cor 2:10
Paul is talking to the church, and their reasoning here doesn't even really include Paul with saying the 12, since he was the 13th.
How can they say, holy spirit guides, angels guide, then say not inspired…when their own definition below says….
Inspiration
The quality or state of being moved by or produced under the direction of a spirit from a superhuman source. When that source is Jehovah, the result is a pronouncement or writings that are truly the word of God.
However, they used to go to an organization, and they kept getting kicked out.
Acts 9:1-43
When Saul went to the high priest at the synagogue to get letters to find the apostates.
Similar beliefs of thinking people have to EARN their way to God going after the people they hate.
Where was he finding these people related to "the way"? Reason why he was going to the sects of the synagogues, was because they were there, and he needed letters to enter the other synagogues. They went there to be with their families. But as soon as their beliefs didn't align with those running their synagogues, they were kicked out.
Paul/Saul after belief would always go to the synagogues first, that’s where the God fear-ers were.
Act 22:19
Giving his account of his conversion.
Prison and flog "in one synagogue after another".
Acts 26:11
All the synagogues to find the believers, and to take them out of that organization that existed in that time.
This is New Age/Spiritism at its finest, no different than the NAR churches with their insane prophets.
Angelic direction in the preaching work is precisely what Jesus foretold. In his illustration about the wheat and weeds, Jesus said that during the harvesttime—the conclusion of the system of things—“the reapers are angels.” He added that these spirit creatures would “collect out from his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling and people who practice lawlessness.” (Matt. 13:37-41) At the same time, the angels would gather prospective heavenly heirs of the Kingdom—and later “a great crowd” of “other sheep”—whom Jehovah wants to draw to his organization.—Rev. 7:9; John 6:44, 65; 10:16.
Rev 7:9
Has nothing to do with them.
Joh 6:44
"come to ME" not an organization, vrs 65 "can come to ME" no organization there, unless you are claiming to be God himself. Oh wait...they do.
Joh 10:16
He is talking to Israel, the other sheep were gentiles.
Holy spirit guides us.
As a part of the Christian congregation, you have the privilege of working along with the angels as the modern-day preaching work takes place on an unprecedented scale. Never take that privilege for granted. By persevering in your efforts, you will find great joy as you continue to declare “the good news about Jesus.”
They don’t say, ever, Jesus died for your sins, they only go hard on kingdom. Infact they diss on people that talk about Jesus too much and call them "reborn freaks", based on experience.
Holy spirit guides us.
There is also a separation work that results from such Kingdom preaching, and this under angelic direction
It’s the holy spirit not angels, they minister, not give the messages or tell us what to do. That has always been Jesus speaking to others then angels opening gates. This is something to be questioned since they keep saying channel, and angels give them the information, we are to test even the angels.
Gal 1:6-9
I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
Video
Saying they are "likened to the voice of Jesus", but pushing it along with the rest of their Gods prophets and spokesperson leading thought.
They also don’t explain that parable right, they say only the first half of it and keep out the "light", it keeps to their works base, obey our commands doctrine
Act 15:2-4
But after quite a bit of dissension and disputing by Paul and Bar'nabas with them, it was arranged for Paul, Bar'nabas, and some of the others to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem regarding this issue. So after being escorted partway by the congregation, these men continued on through both Phoeni'cia and Samar'ia, relating in detail the conversion of people of the nations and bringing great joy to all the brothers. On arriving in Jerusalem, they were kindly received by the congregation and the apostles and the elders, and they related the many things God had done by means of them.
Act 15:22-26
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, and they sent this letter with them: “The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: Greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have confused you by their teaching, upsetting your souls, it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Even if it were that it’s a small group of men, apostles and elders, they definitely went to these guys because they were the last to SEEEEE Jesus, and it was important for them all to come together because they all remember his words while here. Paul didn’t know the words while there, but he knew it wasn't of Jesus on what was happening.
If we were to also think of this as "proof there was a gb" then we should let the women be elders by vrs 23, and understand, holy spirit would never get it wrong or make it confusing per that verse above.
Jesus was the head for them, He is the one that gave them powers, powers that were proof they were sent by him as God gave him (Jesus) powers to prove he was sent by God. The only way they received this, was because Jesus showed himself to Paul, and was among the rest of the apostles and disciples (most likely becoming elders). They on the other hand, todays "GB" did not have any of these qualifications. They say there are no gifts, though they say they are prophets in their literature, or vaguely hint at being so as "the channel", yet that is one of the gifts. You can't have it both ways.
In vs 24, they gave no instruction until then, and only those 3 things, anything else was going beyond and causing problems again. Which is where we are today.
They gave a single letter for Paul and Barn to travel around, slowly, to tell this letter to the rest of the people. That’s not really GB today. It was anything but consistently, when it was one issue, other than, act like Christ and a deeper explanation to remind them. They were also told many times "You know the truth" and how they were happy but to say it anyway. Totally different stance then JW GB.
Gal 2:1-6 shows it was just Paul.
Act 16:5-10
So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.
They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; and passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and pleading with him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
When he had seen the vision, we immediately sought to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Where are the men?
1Co 14:31-40
For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Or was it from you that the word of God first went out? Or has it come to you only? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.Therefore, my brothers and sisters, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things must be done properly and in an orderly way.
The verse they use for their "organization" while they rip it apart and cherry pick, when this is about taking turns with prophecy and tongues and about women that think they are better in a Hellenistic era where women were priest for Athena. It's supposed to be a sound church, so they don’t look freeking nuts, not about dictatorship.
Mat 12:24-33
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.” And knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and no city or house divided against itself will stand. “And if Satan is casting out Satan, he has become divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?“And if by Beelzebul I cast out the demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. “But if I cast out the demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. “Or, how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. “The one who is not with Me is against Me; and the one who does not gather with Me scatters. “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. “And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
“Either assume the tree to be good as well as its fruit good, or assume the tree to be bad as well as its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.
What Jesus thought about pharisee organized religion.
They say men, when it's obvious the spirit is in charge.
Mat 20:24-28
And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers.
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them.“It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant,
and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
What he believed of us gentiles' way of ruling. Exactly what JW are, gentiles, even going to the lengths of using worldly gentile overpowering names for their head people that lord over others instead of slaving for their people.
To say there is an "organization" or "gb" is to say there is a "trinity", they use it just like trinity, it's not anywhere in scripture, and since it isn't and JW condemn it as false, why not use the same logic for their made up 11inity.
To have an organized way of getting together, is great, but not needed. Especially not by a governing body that imposes rules upon the people and dictate everything, approve or not or even kick everyone out and shun while smear campaigning if people don’t agree. Even going to the lengths of lying about it. They are taking away the power of the holy spirit and claiming the power of putting things together for their own, as if the holy spirit couldn't do it Itself.
1Co 3:16-23
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. Take care that no one deceives himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God. For it is written: “He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE BY THEIR CRAFTINESS”; and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE useless.” So then, no one is to be boasting in people. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
Or in groups of men
1Pe 2:13-19
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly.
They use v17 for their congregation, but this is to honor all, especially those in authority as our government here on earth, or police, that are sent here by God to punish the evil doers and praise those doing right. Not the "GB" or JW only as authority, they themselves are to submit to "worldly" authority as well. Especially when being called out for CSA and shunning abuse toward children (not even adults, but children) instead they fight, which is to fight against God.
1Jn 4:1-6
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.They are from the world, therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. The one who knows God listens to us; the one who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
If you want to organize because "how else can we find out spiritual brothers and sisters…" we were given instructions.
Or…
Mat 7:13-21
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. “For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?
“So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “So then, you will know them by their fruits. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Their fruits/character/actions
Joh 4:21-24
Jesus *said to her, “Believe Me, woman, that a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. “You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. “But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
What he thinks of organized religion.
Joh 16:13
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
Surprised they didn't use this as "prophecy" since it's not a freeking parable.
Joh 14:26
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.
Probably because they can't get away with calling themselves holy spirit/spirit of truth.
1Jn 2:26-27
These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you remain in Him.
We have a teacher, the holy spirit himself, the spirit of truth, that doesn't lie aka, get it wrong or change it.
Matthew 10:19-20
But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Mark 13:11
When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.
Luke 12:12
for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
The holy spirit teaches.
Stephen was by himself btw.
Act 6:8-10
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were unable to cope with his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.
What organization looks like against someone who is taught by the spirit of God/Holy spirit/Spirit of Truth.
Act 6:15
And all who were sitting in the Council stared at him, and they saw his face, which was like the face of an angel.
Theres an organization for ya
Act 7:51-57
“You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, and you have now become betrayers and murderers of Him; you who received the Law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.” Now when they heard this, they were infuriated, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”But they shouted with loud voices, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one mind.
I would say, JW would of called Stephen an "apostate", and like JW, the Pharisee were happy to kill him for being a "despicable apostate". Sam herd...Tony Morris.
Luk 19:39-40
And yet some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!”
Jesus replied, “I tell you, if these stop speaking, the stones will cry out!”
To say you must have an organization to get the message to all nations and languages… it will happen with or without humanity, it’s a show of a lack of faith to think otherwise.
Don’t grieve or deny the holy spirit, which is to deny Christ and how it works, then you can do this stuff on your own. Or he'll do it without you.
To say Jesus appointed you to give all this to the people, and dooms day stuff, is to remove that he sent the "helper", the holy spirit, the spirit of truth, to us. They replaced it, with themselves by use of a false prophecy that is a parable. A riddle. Better yet, a question to answer a question along with 2 more parables (as his usual) to explain his answer he was getting at.
1Jn 3:9-10
No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother and sister.
They hate people that believe, especially the ones that still believe but not the way they do anymore. They sin continually and lie to their congregation about it and try to hide and gaslight them about it and deflect and project it onto others.
Its black and white for the "worldly" for them, but once you're in their ranks, it's all grey and its ok to be imperfect.
Revelation 2:2
“I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves emissaries, and they are not, and found them false."
No longer friends with Jesus, only slaves
They (GB) use the Slave concept to say they can't understand the bible for themselves.
"However, we cannot hope to acquire a good relationship with Jehovah if we ignore those whom Jesus has appointed to care for his belongings. Without the assistance of “the faithful and discreet slave,” we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God’s Word nor know how to apply it." Earnestly Seek Jehovah’s Blessing — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY (jw.org)
"All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave" The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY (jw.org)
"We have the opportunity to show love for our brothers who take the lead in the congregation or in connection with Jehovah's visible organization worldwide. This includes being loyal to "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47) Let us face the fact that no matter how much Bible reading we have done, we would never have learned the truth on our own. We would not have discovered the truth regarding Jehovah, his purposes and attributes, the meaning and importance of his name, the Kingdom, Jesus' ransom, the difference between God's organization and Satan's, nor why God has permitted wickedness." How Can We Respond Unselfishly to God’s Love? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY (jw.org)
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind." Finding Freedom with Jehovah’s Visible Organization — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY (jw.org)
When they see the Gov body, they see Jesus.
You're too stupid. We know what's best for you. Making them all co-dependent.
C.R. would have been an apostate… especially since he didn't want them to "organize" (page, "contradictions"), who was once their king (page, "doctrine roots").
How are they "chosen"?
However, the Governing Body is not a legal instrument. Its members are not elected. They are appointed through the holy spirit under the direction of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. (Compare Acts 20:28.) Moreover, those making up the Governing Body are spirit-appointed men without any obligatory fixed geographic location or headquarters.
Thats a lie, they were voted in before, probably so now. This is why there was a huge split once J.R rigged the votes.
10 In 1919, three years after Brother Russell’s death, Jesus appointed “the faithful and discreet slave.”
Then why did his wife consider him as the appointed, and made his followers believe it too?
6 These “gifts in men” are overseers, or elders, appointed by Jehovah and his Son, through holy spirit, to shepherd the sheep with tenderness. (Acts 20:28, 29) To begin with, these overseers were all anointed Christian men. At Revelation 1:16, 20, those who served on bodies of elders within the anointed congregation were symbolized by “stars” or “angels” in Christ’s right hand, that is, under his control. In this time of the end, however, with the number of anointed overseers still on earth ever dwindling, the vast majority of Christian elders in the congregations are of the other sheep. Since these are appointed by representatives of the Governing Body under the leadings of the holy spirit, they too can be said to be under the right hand (or, under the direction) of the Fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 61:5, 6) Since the elders in our congregations submit to Christ, the Head of the congregation, they deserve our full cooperation.—Colossians 1:18.
Obedience and Submission
7. What counsel did the apostle Paul give with regard to our attitude toward Christian overseers?
7 Our heavenly Shepherds, Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, expect us to be obedient and submissive to the undershepherds whom they have placed in positions of responsibility within the congregation.
Stars? Thats new.
Dwindling? should check the numbers of the anointed, pretty sure its growing and in the 20 thousand.
Obedient to men...again...beyond not "bible based"
They claim themselves being kings, this along with a praise worship song to them for memorial opening, is a sure signal, they want to be worshipped.
The are the group of men that call themselves kings.
How can they be appointed then?
What they don't tell their people
The lie biggest of them all.
Case Study 29 - Transcript - The response of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd to allegations of child sexual abuse (Jehovah’s Witnesses) - Day 155 - 14082015 (childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au)
35 Q. And do you see yourselves as Jehovah God's
36 spokespeople on earth?
37 A. That I think would seem to be quite presumptuous to
38 say that we are the only spokesperson that God is using.
39 The scriptures clearly show that someone can act in harmony
40 with God's spirit in giving comfort and help in the
41 congregations, but if I could just clarify a little, going
42 back to Matthew 24, clearly, Jesus said that in the last
43 days ‐ and Jehovah's Witnesses believe these are the last
44 days ‐ there would be a slave, a group of persons who would
45 have responsibility to care for the spiritual food. So in
46 that respect, we view ourselves as trying to fulfil that
47 role.
.14/08/2015 (155)
15937 G W JACKSON (Mr Stewart)
Transcript produced by DTI
I have a question for JWs... if there was only 1 organization that they try and link to just being in Jerusalem, why are there messages to 7 churches in different locations in Revelations 2-3?
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