Wow
@Oeste you go all the way back to 1920 WT.... and I am sure beyond. You could show me things that probably aren't in the 1993 Proclaimers Book.
Yes, that was my point…to show the stuff you taught back then, at the closest point of Jesus’ examination and approval, is not the same stuff you teach now. If we were to drop any Witness from back then into our current day they would be appalled at how quickly the Organization went “apostate”.
In other words, we can only believe a fraction of what you told us 99 years ago, which means 99 year from now, in the year 2118, we can only believe a fraction of what you tell us today.
Scripture tells us this is not something to expect when guided by the Spirit but it's exactly what we can expect when guided by men:
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. (Ephesians 4:14)
I think it interesting (and correct) that the Watchtower refers to their this tossed wave with the nautical term "tacking". It was clearly indicated in their teachings on Sodom and Gomorrah.
All of that literature could probably fill - not just one, but a few libraries in a few of our Kingdoms Halls. Much of it is old and useless.
Yes, I agree, but again, it’s interesting you refer to your former "truths" as “old and useless”. This goes back to the point made earlier. That is, what you teach today will be considered "old and useless" 99 years from now.
However, you seem to find it useful. In fact, it seems you find it extremely
useful.
Most certainly! I consider them educational, instructive, and eye-opening for anyone considering the Watchtower.
If it makes you happy, then by all means, enjoy it.
Not “happy”…
”informed” would be a better word.
Do you make it a part of your sermon, or your ministry to God?
Not in the manner of the Watchtower. For instance, the idea that my kids should limit their contact, or not play with the kids next door because they're the "wrong religion" and "Armageddon is coming" would never enter my mind.
However when witnessing to Witnesses I think such things are essential. It goes to show that "the truth"...whatever "current version" they claim to have now...is much more tethered to the latest Watchtower article or website than scripture.
While you busy yourself with that JWs are busy doing the Lord's work, aren't they.... preaching and teaching the good news of the kingdom of God in every land, and making disciples of people of all nations. Isn't that what our Lord and master Jesus Christ commanded, and said would be a sign fulfilling the end times?
I’ve never understood why JW’s believe they are the only church doing this when virtually every church on the planet evangelizes. The planet did not go to sleep pagan one day and wake up Christian the next. Christianity would ceased to exist long ago if we waited on Jehovah Witnesses to come along.
Thinking of you looking through and searching those publication to find what you can to fault JWs, made me think of people who search the Bible to find fault with it, and I was thinking of apostle John's words, as well as Solomon's.
When your Organization searches through Christian publications to find fault with Christians, does it also make you think of people who search the Bible to find fault? Or is your measuring rod only applied to others?
And why
wouldn’t you encourage others to examine their bibles and find fault with it? If scripture cannot stand on its own then there is something horribly wrong and we are following the wrong God. My faith was strengthened, not diminished, precisely because I attempted to find scriptural "faults".
I couldn’t imagine following
any religion that discourages or fears scrutiny. If you have the full armor of God, you need not fear skeptics.
What a beautiful book the Bible is, yet it contains just a fraction of all the things said and done, by faithful men and women, and children of God, and the masses of mankind are blind to its treasures - yet millions all over the world benefit from what it says...
See? We can agree on things and one of the most important things at that.
People can see the evidence for themselves, as to whom these millions are. No one has to point a finger at them, in order for them to see. It's clear.
What a united, peaceful group they make - united in teaching, in purpose, in love - not war. Yet the masses of mankind are swept up in nationality, and patriotism... political strife, disunity, and confusion.
Don't forget
religionism, described as an excessive religious ardour or zeal. extreme piety. discrimination or prejudice on the basis of religion or religious beliefs.
Politics,and racism are two other biggies, but you'll see mostly religionism on this forum.
However the bible teaches us to unite through Christ, and not through nationalism, patriotism, religionism, politics, race, or other "identities".
Yet it is evident to many people whom as an organization, stands out in the crowd, as different.
The bigots always claim they stand out based on their nationality, political fervor, religion, race or other such thing. It is better to put our credence in Christ than any other form of identity.
Look at the Pharaohs. They actually thought their Order kept the Law. They were easily spotted in the public square, and renowned for their ability to appear spotless and undefiled before the world, tithing even a tenth of their spices. They were keen on seeing the sin in other, but for some reason could never see the sin of their own. They considered themselves "different" and "not like other men" (Luke 8:9-14). Jesus spoke truly when he said: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Yes. People will bash the Bible.
Until Jesus comes, the skeptics will always bash our bible. Not much we can about that.
They will bash the teachings of this group.
I’m sure the Pharisees thought Jesus was bashing their group when all he wanted was for them to apologize and repent…something the Watchtower never has and still refuses to do.
For example, from
The Finished Mystery:
- The "valiant men" of Nathum 2:3 are an engineer and a fireman. (p.93)
- "The chariots rage in the streets, they jostle one another" of Natham 2:4 are the clanking and the bumping of railway cars. (p.93)
- The "voice from heaven" of Revelation 18:4 is the voice of The Watchtower Society. (p.276)
IMO, non-biblical teachings taught as "truths" were never scriptural to begin with and s
hould be bashed. Those that taught them, especially those holding themselves out as "teachers" have a duty to apologize and repent.
They will launch their attacks on both,
Not sure what you mean by "both". Truth interwoven with a few lies is not "truth". Here is what the bible teaches on the subject:
"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." Galatians 5:9
In other words, just
one false teaching can corrupt the entire gospel message and we've already demonstrated quite a few as
verified when your Organization abandoned them.
but what does the evidence show? What's enduring despite outright attacks?
The evidence speaks for itself, does it not?
The evidence certainly does, but this is why we as Christians must bring it up. Such evidence will remain until the Organization apologizes and repents…and then it will be forgotten.
Until then, the Organization remains in its sin.
But I don't think we should worry much about your Organization apologizing and/or repenting. It should be remarkably easy for an Organization constantly boasting how “humble” they are.
What end of what world?