Watchtower Governing Body: Are They The Exclusive Channel For God??

[katiemygirl]

"Mountain_Climber, post: 4328787, member: 57086"]I assume you are referencing Revelation chapter one. We need to dissect the chapter together.

But in the mean time, what in the world do you expect an image to be but like the one it images? If the one he images was the first and the last then he images that with respect to man, even as Revelation chapter one says.



Where in the Strong's does it say that "beside" is an acceptable translation? "Beside" means something completely different than "besides".

I don't mind having to stop and answer you, besides, I was looking forward to it anyway.

H1107 -- bil`adey -- constructive plural from 1077 and 5703, not till, i.e. (as preposition or adverb) except, without, besides:

In modern English we have broken the word, "besides", down to basically meaning, "beside the point being made", as in an additional way to view the point being made.

But when we see the word, "beside", we think of a place alongside.

Two totally different perspectives.

I mean, I showed you that the KJV does translate it also exactly as does Tyndale.

You cannot have the same word meaning two completely different things. One or the other must be wrong. Whenever multiple meanings are given for the Hebrew or the Greek word's translation into English, they must be understood as always retaining the root sense of the word, which in the case of bil`adey is "not til" or "apart from".

I side with Tyndale because he is clearly correct.

You go to great effort to try and prove that Jesus isn't GOD. I pray it doesn't keep you from receiving your crown.

Jesus doesn't say in Rev. 1 that He is only an image. He flat out says, I am the alpha and omega, the first and last. I take Jesus at His word.

 

[katiemygirl]

Maybe this will clear up the Romans 6:7 controversy. As the JW's state, that when we die we are set free from sin, it's like we never sinned and get another chance. This is a false belief. Does it make sense if you hear it like this? Remember, the Bible says, without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin! Sins are not "FORGIVEN" without being covered by the Blood Jesus shed for us. Think of the following as a letter to you from Paul himself.



Don't you know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried with him by baptism into death and one who has died has been set free from sin. How can we who died to sin still live in it? Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body. Because our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

To be set free from sin is to be forgiven.

 

[james2ko]

There was no "other" group. What was the religious situation back when Jesus walked the earth? Who was Jesus addressing when he said those words in Mark 9:38, 40?

The ESV translates these verses......"John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us."

There were no "Christians" back then. There were only Jews and Jesus was addressing John, a fellow Jew who was speaking about another Jew who was casting out demons in the name of Jesus.....thus putting faith in him as Messiah. There were no Christian "sects" at that time, but there were Jewish sects.

1 According to Merriam Webster, a sect is also a group. So the two bold statements above contradict each other. Besides, I said nothing about "Christian" groups existing at the time. You place words in people's mouth that were never said, just as you "place" words in the scriptures that were never said. I guess old habits die hard

Jesus did not have a good thing to say about any of them.

2 For the exception of whatever group or sect the individual in Mark 9:38-40 belonged to, right?

Those Jewish sectarian teachers were the reason why "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" were lost in the first place.So from that perspective, any Jews who were responding to him as Messiah was a good thing....

3. And this after saying, "Jesus did not have a good thing to say about any of them". "shrug". The last two points are indicative of the kind of fallacious reasoning that has you guys so confused.

Divisive sects are the product of human thinking....

4. So are exclusive sects.

Jesus and his apostles promoted unity and dissension was discouraged.....unity is certainly not seen in the fragmented state of Christendom. (1 Cor 1:10)

5. Really? The individual or group in Mar 9 was not united with Jesus' group. So why didn't Jesus stop or discourage them? Let me guess....The guy was a proto JW?

When Jesus comes as judge, he will reject those who failed to "do the will of the Father"...telling them that he NEVER knew them....that means that he has not recognised them EVER! He isn't talking about "Christians" here. He is talking about those who only imagine that they are, fooling themselves that they are doing what Christ requires of them. (Matt 7:21-23) Do any of us want to be one of those? If we can't identify who the true Christians are, then we can easily be part of the "weeds" (fake Christians) that Jesus said would be planted in the world by the devil. If we cannot identify "Babylon the great" then we will not be able to heed God's command to his "people" to "get out of her" before he brings her to ruin. (Rev 18: 4, 5)

No one puts us in line for life or death except ourselves. Bottom line.....our choices will result in one or the other. There are only "sheep and goats"...there are only two roads. (Matt 7:13, 14) All of us are on one or the other. We have to weigh up all the evidence in view of the fact that the devil (the master deceiver) is running this show. (1 John 5:19; 2 Cor 4:3, 4)[

There is no arrogance in any "exclusivity" on our part any more than there was in the message preached in the first century (Matt 10:11-15)

6. Don't see Jesus in these or any other verses, in the English or the original language, claiming exclusivity. But I see and hear it from your organization frequently.

there is simply a truth that must be told and people will make their decisions based on what is in their own heart. We are messengers of the kingdom...nothing more. Everyone is free to reject the message if they like......its up to them.

7. So this long response does nothing to address my assertion. It simply confirms the fact you guys are not the only group. As there are other groups, both Jewish and Christian, that place their faith on the same Messiah you do.

 

[djhwoodwerks]

To be set free from sin is to be forgiven.

We are forgiven for our sin when we confess our sins.

1Jo 1:7-10 (ESVST) . 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

To be set free from sin and it's controlling power, we must die.

Rom 6:6-7 (ESVST) . 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.


Like Paul said,"I die daily".

 

[Mountain_Climber]

You go to great effort to try and prove that Jesus isn't GOD. I pray it doesn't keep you from receiving your crown.

Jesus doesn't say in Rev. 1 that He is only an image. He flat out says, I am the alpha and omega, the first and last. I take Jesus at His word.

If you miss-read revelation chapter one it does seem that is saying of Jesus, but it isn't.

I will give you a little while to reconsider that idea before i burst your bubble.

Pegg or JayJayDee could help you understand that one.

 

[JayJayDee]

If you miss-read revelation chapter one it does seem that is saying of Jesus, but it isn't.

I will give you a little while to reconsider that idea before i burst your bubble.

Pegg or JayJayDee could help you understand that one.

Alpha and Omega is not addressed to Jesus.

"Alpha and Omega: To whom does this title properly belong? (1) At Revelation 1:8, its owner is said to be God, the Almighty. In verse 11 according to KJ, that title is applied to one whose description thereafter shows him to be Jesus Christ. But scholars recognize the reference to Alpha and Omega in verse 11 to be spurious, and so it does not appear in RS, NE, JB, NAB, Dy.
(2) Many translations of Revelation into Hebrew recognize that the one described in verse 8 is Jehovah, and so they restore the personal name of God there. See NW, 1984 Reference edition.
(3) Revelation 21:6, 7 indicates that Christians who are spiritual conquerors are to be ‘sons’ of the one known as the Alpha and the Omega. That is never said of the relationship of spirit-anointed Christians to Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke of them as his ‘brothers.’ (Heb. 2:11; Matt. 12:50; 25:40) But those ‘brothers’ of Jesus are referred to as “sons of God.” (Gal. 3:26; 4:6)
(4) At Revelation 22:12, TEV inserts the name Jesus, so the reference to Alpha and Omega in verse 13 is made to appear to apply to him. But the name Jesus does not appear there in Greek, and other translations do not include it.
(5) At Revelation 22:13, the Alpha and Omega is also said to be “the first and the last,” which expression is applied to Jesus at Revelation 1:17, 18. Similarly, the expression “apostle” is applied both to Jesus Christ and to certain ones of his followers. But that does not prove that they are the same person or are of equal rank, does it? (Heb. 3:1) So the evidence points to the conclusion that the title “Alpha and Omega” applies to Almighty God, the Father, not to the Son."

Trinity — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

 

[Mountain_Climber]

We are forgiven for our sin when we confess our sins.

1Jo 1:7-10 (ESVST) . 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

To be set free from sin and it's controlling power, we must die.

Rom 6:6-7 (ESVST) . 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.


Like Paul said,"I die daily".

We must die alright. We must die to our selfishness.

Jesus told those who claim to believe in him the truth as to why we sin or do not sin. But many would rather twist a few words spoken to them by persons like John or Paul and interpret in a way that discounts what Jesus told us. Do you even know what he told us?

He told us with no if, ands, or buts, (John 14:21a) "he who is having my commands, and is keeping them, that one it is who is loving me," ........ (John 14:24a) "he who is not loving me, my words doth not keep;.."

Jesus thus told us all that our failure to obey him and the word that he bears of the Father is due to a lack of love. Throughout his ministry he made similar comments:

Matthew 6:19-21 "Treasure not up to yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust disfigure, and where thieves break through and steal, but treasure up to yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth disfigure, and where thieves do not break through nor steal, for where your treasure is, there will be also your heart."

Matthew 22:37-40 "And Jesus said to him, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thine understanding -- this is a first and great command; and the second is like to it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; on these -- the two commands -- all the law and the prophets do hang."

Jesus showed us many examples that it is a problem with what people love that causes them to be the sinners they are:

John 3:19 "And this is the judgment, that the light hath come to the world, and men did love the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil.."

Matthew 6:5 "And when thou mayest pray, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites, because they love in the synagogues, and in the corners of the broad places -- standing -- to pray, that they may be seen of men; verily I say to you, that they have their reward."

Matthew 6:24 "None is able to serve two lords, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to the one, and despise the other; ye are not able to serve God and Mammon."

Mark 12:38-40 "and he was saying to them in his teaching, "Beware of the scribes, who will in long robes to walk, and love salutations in the market-places, and first seats in the synagogues, and first couches in suppers, who are devouring the widows' houses, and for a pretence are making long prayers; these shall receive more abundant judgment."

Luke 11:43 "Woe to you, the Pharisees, because ye love the first seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the market-places."

John 12:25 "he who is loving his life shall lose it, and he who is hating his life in this world -- to life age-during shall keep it;"

John 12:43 "for they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God."

Paul likewise identified the problem as being with a person's heart and the choices they make as to what they love:

Romans 2:5 "but, according to thy hardness and impenitent heart, thou dost treasure up to thyself wrath, in a day of wrath and of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God.."

Romans 12:7-9 "or ministration -- "In the ministration!" or he who is teaching -- "In the teaching!" or he who is exhorting -- "In the exhortation!" he who is sharing -- "In simplicity!" he who is leading -- "In diligence?" he who is doing kindness -- "In cheerfulness." The love unfeigned: abhorring the evil; cleaving to the good;"

Romans 13:10 "the love to the neighbour doth work no ill; the love, therefore, is the fulness of law."

I could go on and on with the evidence that Jesus and all of the Bible writers taught that we sin due to a lack of love. And not that we do not know how to love, but that we choose to love things God hates and we find a way to rationalize those things as at least understandable so that we don't have to feel too bad about our neglect.

That evil inherited sin doctrine has caused a great deal of this ignorance.

 

[Mountain_Climber]

Alpha and Omega is not addressed to Jesus.

"Alpha and Omega: To whom does this title properly belong? (1) At Revelation 1:8, its owner is said to be God, the Almighty. In verse 11 according to KJ, that title is applied to one whose description thereafter shows him to be Jesus Christ. But scholars recognize the reference to Alpha and Omega in verse 11 to be spurious, and so it does not appear in RS, NE, JB, NAB, Dy.
(2) Many translations of Revelation into Hebrew recognize that the one described in verse 8 is Jehovah, and so they restore the personal name of God there. See NW, 1984 Reference edition.
(3) Revelation 21:6, 7 indicates that Christians who are spiritual conquerors are to be ‘sons’ of the one known as the Alpha and the Omega. That is never said of the relationship of spirit-anointed Christians to Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke of them as his ‘brothers.’ (Heb. 2:11; Matt. 12:50; 25:40) But those ‘brothers’ of Jesus are referred to as “sons of God.” (Gal. 3:26; 4:6)
(4) At Revelation 22:12, TEV inserts the name Jesus, so the reference to Alpha and Omega in verse 13 is made to appear to apply to him. But the name Jesus does not appear there in Greek, and other translations do not include it.
(5) At Revelation 22:13, the Alpha and Omega is also said to be “the first and the last,” which expression is applied to Jesus at Revelation 1:17, 18. Similarly, the expression “apostle” is applied both to Jesus Christ and to certain ones of his followers. But that does not prove that they are the same person or are of equal rank, does it? (Heb. 3:1) So the evidence points to the conclusion that the title “Alpha and Omega” applies to Almighty God, the Father, not to the Son."

Trinity — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Very impressive and I cannot see how anyone can rationally argue with what it says.

Similarly, Revelation chapter 22 is used to try to prove the ill-conceived idea of Jesus being the Alpha and the Omega in chapter one.

So what do they have to say about chapter 22?

I only find a few things wrong in their teachings. The vast majority of what they teach is spot on. And as to some of the things we disagree over, it can be seen in their literature that they teeter-totter onto the correct view at certain points; especially in the inherited sin and free-will doctrines.

I can afford to be objective when I read their literature, as I have nothing but love toward them in my heart. I have no agenda to try to topple them, but only to move them to continue to grow.

 

[JayJayDee]

1 According to Merriam Webster, a sect is also a group. So the two bold statements above contradict each other. Besides, I said nothing about "Christian" groups existing at the time. You place words in people's mouth that were never said, just as you "place" words in the scriptures that were never said. I guess old habits die hard

Unless you believe that Judaism and Christianity are the same faith, your statement here is incorrect.
There were sects in Judaism (denounced by Jesus)...Christianity as such didn't yet exist. It is true that some viewed those belonging to "The Way" as a sect of Judaism...but that was not true. Sectarianism was never promoted by Jesus.

Paul said of Christians "Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought."

This leaves no room for sects of any persuasion. The corruption of Judaism came about because of the teachings and traditions acceptable to men. The sects of Christendom come from the same place. Jews had to leave that apostate system in order to obey the Christ....Christians are called out of "Babylon the great" for the same reason. (2 Cor 6:9-11)

2 For the exception of whatever group or sect the individual in Mark 9:38-40 belonged to, right?

The individual in Mark 9:38-40 was Jewish. Christianity had not yet formed.

3. And this after saying, "Jesus did not have a good thing to say about any of them". "shrug". The last two points are indicative of the kind of fallacious reasoning that has you guys so confused.

I guess that depends on how you read scripture. The sects of Judaism were roundly condemned by Jesus. The sects in Christendom would likewise be condemned by him. Christians were to be "united in their beliefs"...not divided whilst claiming unity. (1 Cor 1:10)

4. So are exclusive sects.

Jesus began an exclusive sect if you want to press the point. His followers were required to cut ties with the apostate Jewish system. It required them to accept one set of beliefs...taught by Jesus and his apostles. No adoptions of pagan ideas was permitted in their worship...which was the undoing of Israel down through their history. Christendom has emulated them.

5. Really? The individual or group in Mar 9 was not united with Jesus' group. So why didn't Jesus stop or discourage them? Let me guess....The guy was a proto JW?

Or the guy was blown away by the power of using Jesus name in expelling demons. If he was drawn to Christianity, then he would have attached himself to the congregation because no one was permitted to teach their version of Jesus' teachings. All congregations came under the leadership and direction of a body of older men in Jerusalem. These in turn were guided by the apostles. There were no sects in Christianity originally, just as there were no sects in Judaism at first. Men broke away and formulated their own version of each. Why do we suppose that Christ rejected the Pharisees and Saducees and led people away from their errors...he is doing the same with the sham form of Christianity sown by men in the early centuries, C.E. The "weeds" of Jesus parable were not sown recently and they did what weeds do best...they all but choked out the wheat and took over the garden.

6. Don't see Jesus in these or any other verses, in the English or the original language, claiming exclusivity. But I see and hear it from your organization frequently.

Since there are only "wheat" and "weeds" at the end of the age, and there are only two roads, not several, it seems as if there is only two kinds of religion in the world when Jesus comes to judge us. True worship and false worship. According to Matthew's account the ones Jesus rejects as "workers of lawlessness" have no idea that they are unacceptable to the one they claim as their "Lord". (Matt 7:21-23)

7. So this long response does nothing to address my assertion. It simply confirms the fact you guys are not the only group. As there are other groups, both Jewish and Christian, that place their faith on the same Messiah you do.

There are not many versions of the truth...there is just one. There can be many versions of untruth however. It is up to each of us to find the only gate leading to the cramped and narrow road to life.....there are not many who find it. (Matt 7:13, 14) The "many" are on the other road, blissfully unaware of where it is taking them.

 

[Mountain_Climber]

5. Really? The individual or group in Mar 9 was not united with Jesus' group. So why didn't Jesus stop or discourage them? Let me guess....The guy was a proto JW?

That was long before the church came into existence and before it was unified by means of the holy spirit.

If they believed that Jesus was the Messiah, then their speaking to others would encourage others to look closer at Jesus so as to be able and learn more about who he was.

It would get them in position to align themselves with those gathered at Pentecost so as to be able to receive that anointing.

 

[JayJayDee]

Very impressive and I cannot see how anyone can rationally argue with what it says.

Similarly, Revelation chapter 22 is used to try to prove the ill-conceived idea of Jesus being the Alpha and the Omega in chapter one.

So what do they have to say about chapter 22?

"The title occurs again at Revelation 21:6, and the following verse identifies the speaker by saying: “Anyone conquering will inherit these things, and I shall be his God and he will be my son.” Inasmuch as Jesus referred to those who are joint heirs with him in his Kingdom as “brothers,” not “sons,” the speaker must be Jesus’ heavenly Father, Jehovah God.—Mt 25:40; compare Heb 2:10-12.

The final occurrence of the title is at Revelation 22:13, which states: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” It is evident that a number of persons are represented as speaking in this chapter of Revelation; verses 8 and 9 show that the angel spoke to John, verse 16 obviously applies to Jesus, the first part of verse 17 is credited to “the spirit and the bride,” and the one speaking in the latter part of verse 20 is manifestly John himself. “The Alpha and the Omega” of verses 12-15, therefore, may properly be identified as the same one who bears the title in the other two occurrences: Jehovah God. The expression, “Look! I am coming quickly,” in verse 12, does not require that these aforementioned verses apply to Jesus, inasmuch as God also speaks of himself as “coming” to execute judgment. (Compare Isa 26:21.) Malachi 3:1-6 speaks of a joint coming for judgment on the part of Jehovah and his “messenger of the covenant.”

The title “the Alpha and the Omega” carries the same thought as “the first and the last” and “the beginning and the end” when these terms are used with reference to Jehovah. Before him there was no Almighty God, and there will be none after him. He will bring to a successful conclusion the issue over Godship, forever vindicated as the one and only Almighty God.—Compare Isa 44:6."

Alpha and Omega — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

 

[Pegg]

There is no one earthly organization, group, denomination, or sect (including my own) that is the exclusive channel for God:

Mar 9:38 John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using Your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group [denomination, organization, sect]."
Mar 9:39 "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs a miracle in My name will soon be able to speak evil of Me.
Mar 9:40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. (NLT)​

To claim otherwise is unscriptural.

When Jesus spoke those words, he was speaking about a Jewish man who was living under the then covenant of Moses. That man was not a christian because the christian church did not exist until after Jesus death.
That man was a Jew under the covenant of Moses and was part of the one and only holy nation of God at that time.

So Jesus wasnt saying there would be others besides the christians who would also have Gods favor.

 

[Pegg]

And you believe that when God said, "In the day you eat....you will surely die," God is using the word DAY figuratively?

Everytime the word DAY is used in the Bible, is it used figuratively? Does it always mean 1000 years? How do you know when to apply literal or figurative?

What in Genesis has told you that God meant DAY in this passage to mean 1000 years?

2Peter 3:8 However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah* as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.​

 

[Pegg]

There is no one earthly organization, group, denomination, or sect (including my own) that is the exclusive channel for God:

Mar 9:38 John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using Your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group [denomination, organization, sect]."
Mar 9:39 "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs a miracle in My name will soon be able to speak evil of Me.
Mar 9:40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. (NLT)​

To claim otherwise is unscriptural.

I should remind you that God has always used a specific channel throughout all history.
Way back in the days of Noah, God chose him alone to represent him.
By the mouth of Moses alone God spoke.
To the nation of Israel only did God reveal himself and his laws.
Only through Jesus did God establish the new covenant for the saving of mankind.
God established christianity as 'one' church under his 'one' Son.

It is only logical to conclude that God works through one channel today as he has always done. Do you really think its likely that Jesus would divide himself among thousands of denominations who are not even on the same page when it comes to what they believe and teach?
Remember what Jesus said:
Matt 12:25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself comes to ruin, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

 

[JFish123]

I should remind you that God has always used a specific channel throughout all history.
Way back in the days of Noah, God chose him alone to represent him.
By the mouth of Moses alone God spoke.
To the nation of Israel only did God reveal himself and his laws.
Only through Jesus did God establish the new covenant for the saving of mankind.
God established christianity as 'one' church under his 'one' Son.

It is only logical to conclude that God works through one channel today as he has always done. Do you really think its likely that Jesus would divide himself among thousands of denominations who are not even on the same page when it comes to what they believe and teach?
Remember what Jesus said:
Matt 12:25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself comes to ruin, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

He is with All believers in the Holy Spirit. We should be united in scripture as one body but the only channel is not an organization. It's through His word and the Holy Spirit living on the inside of every believer. Remember Jesus rebuked the "channel" of His day because they were believing a man made religion focusing on tradition and not Gods Word. That's what you get when one channel claims to be he only one. The Watchtower bends scripture to its will as my previous posts demonstrate, and they follow the traditions of man made doctrine (like not celebrating birthdays cause it's not in the bible-man made tradition) along with for a long time not accepting blood transfusions while many JW's including children died because of the man made traditions by the Watchtower.

 

[savagewind]

The JWs come after the fashion of Israel. They do it on purpose so that they can consider themselves "spiritual Israel". They say, "we must be organized like Israel was organized and like Noah was organized". Israel is FLESH and Noah is a story about FLESH. When a person accepts God's invitation the person is no longer about the flesh but is now born in the spirit. The Spirit is the organizer.

John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

The cramped road is now what keeps us in line. What does cramped mean? Cramped does not allow for disorganization. So to be on it means organized. It's spiritual.

The governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses guide people in the ministry. But it is written that in the first century it was God's Spirit which did the guiding.

The Holy Spirit (and we agree) have favored adding NOTHING to you except theses things.....

Acts 15: 28 For the holy spirit+ and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things:29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols,+ from blood,+ from what is strangled,*+ and from sexual immorality.*+ If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!”*

Acts 16: 9A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."10When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

[compare Acts 9:10]
10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."11And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,

 

[katiemygirl]

If you miss-read revelation chapter one it does seem that is saying of Jesus, but it isn't.

I will give you a little while to reconsider that idea before i burst your bubble.

Pegg or JayJayDee could help you understand that one.

Rest assure. You will never burst my bubble.

When the Scriptures say something, it is a mistake to make them say what you want them to say. Your old JW teachings die hard.

 

[Pegg]

He is with All believers in the Holy Spirit.

Yes, of course HE is. But not all believers are following the leading of holy spirit. Not all believers accept the authority of his written word. Not all believers accept that mankind are born sinners, not all believers believe that Jesus was the Son of God.

I agree with you that any believer who has Gods spirit has God. But I dont agree that all have Gods spirit.

We should be united in scripture as one body but the only channel is not an organization. It's through His word and the Holy Spirit living on the inside of every believer. Remember Jesus rebuked the "channel" of His day because they were believing a man made religion focusing on tradition and not Gods Word. That's what you get when one channel claims to be he only one. The Watchtower bends scripture to its will as my previous posts demonstrate, and they follow the traditions of man made doctrine (like not celebrating birthdays cause it's not in the bible-man made tradition) along with for a long time not accepting blood transfusions while many JW's including children died because of the man made traditions by the Watchtower.

Anyone who claims to be walking by spirit, will also abide by Gods written word. Our refusal of blood is in adherence to Gods laws about blood. Our refusal to celebrate birthdays is in adherence to Gods laws regarding false worship and practices. Sorry if you can't see that, but I can and thats probably why I'm one of Jehovahs Witnesses and you are not.

 

[katiemygirl]

We are forgiven for our sin when we confess our sins.

1Jo 1:7-10 (ESVST) . 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

To be set free from sin and it's controlling power, we must die.

Rom 6:6-7 (ESVST) . 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.


Like Paul said,"I die daily".

If we walk in the light as He is in the light, and if we confess our sins we will be forgiven.

 

[Mountain_Climber]

Rest assure. You will never burst my bubble.

When the Scriptures say something, it is a mistake to make them say what you want them to say. Your old JW teachings die hard.

"Your old JW teachings", hey?

You know so very little about me but try to speak so very much.

It is not your fault. This world teaches and rewards it's children for being so imaginative..

Yes, what you believe you believe in a bubble.

Although, be it a thick skinned bubble, nonetheless a bubble.