We began Beroean Pickets in April of 2011, but regular publishing didn’t begin until January of the next year. Though initially started to provide a safe gathering place for truth-loving Jehovah’s Witnesses interested in deeper Bible Study far from the watchful eye of orthodoxy, it has become so much more. We are truly humbled by the support and encouragement of the thousands who regularly visit the site to read and also contribute their own research. Along the way, we saw the need for a sister site – Discuss the Truth – as a forum to provide other sincere Bible researchers with the means to initiate discussion topics of their own. This has greatly benefited our own research. We have come to see that the holy spirit does not percolate down through an ecclesiastical hierarchy but, as it did at Pentecost, it fills all in the congregation with a burning flame.
We started Beroean Pickets thinking we’d be fortunate to find a dozen or so brothers and sisters willing to participate. How wrong we were! To date, the two sites have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times and visited by tens of thousands from over 150 countries and islands of the sea. We are overwhelmed by this response. Peter and James spoke of the “temporary residents” and “the twelve tribes that are scattered about”. Paul often referred to them as the “holy ones”. It seems evident that the scattering of holy ones is now worldwide.
The question that has been on our minds for some time is: Where do we go from here?
Avoiding a Repeat of History
We are Christians, drawn together by spirit, but without ecclesiastical denomination. “Christian” was the name given to our first century brethren, and it is the only name by which we care to be known. Our job as Christians is to declare the good news of the Christ until he returns. We cherish the hope extended by our Lord Jesus to be sons of God and are honored by the opportunity to become ambassadors substituting for him.
Yet now, in the 21st century, how can we best go about doing that?
Before we can answer questions about the future, we have to look at the past, else we will end up repeating the mistakes and sins of Christian history. We have no wish to become as just another Christian denomination.
“. . .Do YOU not know that YOUR bodies are members of Christ? Shall I, then, take the members of the Christ away and make them members of a harlot? Never may that happen!” (1Co 6:15 NWT)
We will not contribute to more of the harlotry that defines Christendom today. Though the billions of humans professing Christianity around the globe share the commission to preach the good news, their message has been perverted by organized religion to suit the needs of men. (By “organized religion” we mean religions organized under the control and leadership of ecclesiastical hierarchies that determine what is right and what is wrong.) These ones have fallen prey to the trap that ensnared the first human couple. Their followers prefer to obey men rather than God.
What we desire to do is to preach the good news of salvation, of the Christ, of the Kingdom of God, free of any denomination and free of the rule of man. We want to proclaim the Lord until he returns and to make disciples of him—not of ourselves. (Mt 28:19, 20)
We have no desire to organize nor set up a centralized governing authority of any kind. We take no issue with being organized per se, but when organization turns into government, we must draw the line. We have but one leader, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is more than capable of organizing his people into localized groups to carry out worshipful service, express love, encourage one another, and declare the good news. (Mt 23:10; He 10:23-25)
We have been expressly prohibited by Jesus from becoming leaders of the Christian congregation. (Mt 23:10)
Where Do We Go From Here?
Returning to our original question, it would go contrary to what we’ve just stated to make the decision for ourselves.
In Judge Rutherford, we saw where the rule of one man can take us. Thousands were deceived by the false expectation surrounding 1925 and millions have been denied the hope of becoming sons of God and serving in Christ’s heavenly kingdom. The formation of a Governing Body in the mid-1970s has done little to change the landscape. Of late, they have assumed a similar authoritarian stance to that of Rutherford.
Yet a decision has to be made by someone or nothing can be accomplished.
How can we let Jesus rule?
The answer is to be found in the inspired Christian record.
Letting Jesus Rule
When Judas’ office was to be filled, the decision wasn’t made by the 11 apostles even though they were indisputably appointed by Jesus. They did not go off into a closed room to deliberate secretly, but instead involved the entire congregation of anointed ones at that time.
“. . .During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (the number of people was altogether about 120) and said: 16 “Men, brothers, it was necessary for the scripture to be fulfilled that the holy spirit spoke prophetically through David about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he had been numbered among us and he obtained a share in this ministry. 21 It is therefore necessary that of the men who accompanied us during all the time in which the Lord Jesus carried on his activities among us, 22 starting with his baptism by John until the day he was taken up from us, one of these men should become a witness with us of his resurrection.”” (Ac 1:15-17, 21, 22 NWT)
The apostles laid down the guidelines for candidate selection, but it was the congregation of 120 that put forward the final two. Even these were not selected by the apostles, but by the casting of lots.
Later, when there was a need to find helpers for the apostles (ministerial servants) they again put the decision into the hands of the spirit-guided community.
“. . .So the Twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said: “It is not right for us to leave the word of God to distribute food to tables. 3 So, brothers, select for yourselves seven reputable men from among you, full of spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them over this necessary matter; 4 but we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 What they said was pleasing to the whole multitude, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and holy spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 They brought them to the apostles, and after praying, they laid their hands on them.” (Ac 6:2-6 NWT)
Then again, when there arose the issue of circumcision, it was the whole congregation that got involved.
“Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole congregation, decided to send chosen men from among them to Antioch, along with Paul and Barnabas; they sent Judas who was called Barsabbas and Silas, who were leading men among the brothers.” (Ac 15:22)
We know of no Christian denomination that utilizes this Scriptural approach, but we can see no better way to let Jesus direct us than to involve the entire Christian community in the decision-making process. With the internet, we now have the tools to make this possible on a worldwide scale.
Our Proposal
We wish to preach the good news free from doctrinal deviation. It is the pure message that should be preached, not one laced with human interpretation and speculation. This is the commission of every true Christian. It is our mina. (Luke 19:11-27)
This we have strived to do with Beroean Pickets and Discuss the Truth. However, both sites – Beroean Pickets in particular – are undeniably JW-centric.
We believe the preaching of the good news would best be served by a site that is untainted by past affiliations. A site that is only and purely Christian.
Of course, our current sites will continue for as long as the Lord wills and as long as they continue to fill a need. In fact, we hope soon to see Beroean Pickets expanding into other languages. However, since our commission is to preach the good news to all the nations, not just one tiny minority, we feel a separate site will best accomplish that task.
We envision a Bible study site, with all the basic truths of the scriptures clearly laid out and categorized for easy reference. Perhaps there could be Bible study aids in the form of downloadable electronic copy, or even in printed form. Another option would be an anonymous one-on-one chat feature, such as is commonly used by corporations to provide on-line tech support. In our case we would be providing support of the scriptural and spiritual kind. This would allow for a larger community to directly engage in the preaching and disciple-making work through the site.
This site would be without affiliation to any denomination. It would be a teaching site only. To reiterate what was stated above, we have no desire to form yet another religion. We’re quite content to be in the one that Jesus started two thousand years ago and which he still leads.
As you can see, this would require a lot of work.
We are few and of limited resources. As Paul did, we have been funding this work with our own capital and our own time. It has been our honor and joy to be able to contribute what little we have toward doing the Lord’s work. However, we have pretty much reached the limit of our resources. The harvest is great, but the workers are few, so we are begging the master of the harvest to send in more workers. (Mt 9:37)
Investing Your Mina
Each of us has been given a commission to preach and make disciples. (Mt 28:19, 20) But each of us is different. We have been given different gifts.
“To the extent that each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness that is expressed in various ways.” (1Pe 4:10 NWT)
Our master has given us all a mina. How are we to make it grow? (Luke 19:11-27)
We can do so by contributing our time, skills and our material resources.
The Question of Money
There is no glory in possessing a wonderful, life-altering message and then hiding it under a bushel. How are we to let our light shine? (Mt 5:15) How can we make people aware of this valuable resource of unbiased Scriptural truth free from the confines imposed by organized religion? Should we rely solely on word of mouth and passive search engine hits? Or should we take a more proactive approach, like Paul standing up in the Areopagus and publicly preaching “an unknown God”? There are many modern venues open to us to advertise our message. But few, if any, are free.
There is a much deserved stigma attached to the request for funds in the name of God, because it has been so widely abused. On the other hand, Jesus said:
““Also, I say to you: Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches, so that when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places.” (Lu 16:9 NWT)
This shows that the unrighteous riches have their use. By their proper use, we can make friends with those who can receive us “into the everlasting dwelling places.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses are brought up with the idea that we must preach from door-to-door to be saved. When we learn that there are key doctrines of our faith that are false, we are conflicted. On the one hand, we need to preach. This is part of the DNA of any true Christian, not just those who were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, we want our preaching to be free from false doctrine. We want to further the true message of the good news.
We who have founded these sites have felt no misgivings about donating the monies we once gave to the Watchtower Society to fund our current work. It is our belief that others will feel similarly. However, it is justifiable should they be concerned about the funds being misused. Again, we want to avoid the mistakes of the past (and the present). To that end, we will be open as to how the funds are being used.
The Need for Anonymity
While willing to be a martyr for the Lord if called upon, a Christian should not carelessly nor brazenly face the lion. Jesus told us to be as cautious as serpents [afraid of being stepped on] and as innocent as doves. (Mt 10:16)
What if those who oppose us try to use the tool of a frivolous lawsuit simply to discover the identity of the ones publishing this good news? They could then, as they have in the past, use the weapon of excommunication, aka “disfellowshipping”, (See Awake Jan. 8, 1947, pg, 27 or this post.) to carry out persecution.
While expanding this ministry, we need to ensure that what is published is protected under copyright law. We also need to make sure that frivolous legal action cannot be used to backtrack funds to individuals. In short, we need the protection of Caesar’s law to ensure anonymity, and defend and legally establish the good news. (Phil. 1:7)
The Survey
We do not know if the ideas and plans just expressed conform to God’s will. We do not know if they will meet with Christ’s approval. We believe the only way to determine that is to seek the direction of the spirit in this matter. This, short of divine revelation, can only be achieved by getting input from the whole of the spirit-directed community of the “holy ones” who are “scattered about”.
Therefore, we would like ask you all to participate in an anonymous survey. If this proves to have the Lord’s blessing, it may well be the tool we use to continue to seek his guidance, for he doesn’t speak through any one of us as some type of modern-day “Generalissimo” nor does he speak through a committee, a Governing Body, as it were. He speaks through the body of Christ, the temple of God. He speaks through all. (1 Cor. 12:27)
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for supporting us these past years.
Your brothers in Christ.
The Survey is now closed. Thanks to all who participated
I see that the Survey is closed now. Has a new site been agreed on?
Yes. I has taken us longer than expected to set up the legal entity we need to expand our ministry without exposing ourselves unnecessarily to persecution. We are very close now, and once the initial site is in place, I’ll be posting the results of the survey and asking for more input from the community. Thank you for your support and interest.
MV
19 For though I am free from all people, I have made myself the slave to all, so that I may gain as many people as possible. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew in order to gain Jews; to those under law I became as under law, though I myself am not under law, in order to gain those under law. 21 To those without law I became as without law, although I am not without law toward God but under law toward Christ, in order to gain those without law. 22 To the weak I became… Read more »
Thank you for the encouragement and fine scriptural counsel.I would never have thought that the JW movement could ever be part of BTG but it seems it’s happened at the guidance of the GB.
If anyone in Melbourne Australia is interested in real bible study I would like to do something about,if possible.
I too am drawn to the fact that I don’t want to start another religion in opposition to the GB,however to be true to the scriptures,sooner or later Ime going to have to put a dagger in the organization,and the last thing I want to be is an exjw! Too many of them seem angry and bitter,what is a good way to proceed without causing grief ? Is it even possible? Can we be true to Christ and still be JWs?
Hi Meleti,
I thought you might find this site interesting to compare and contrast whatever you have in mind
http://watchtowerinvestigated.co.uk/
Thanks stonedragon2k. Yes, that’s a good example of what not to do.
I live in Melbourne Australia and want to begin a bible study group and give a true witness publicly,how do I go about this ?
If you are unconcerned about any past or present affiliation with Jehovah’s Witnesses, the answer is fairly straightforward. Starting with friends, family and associations, you could begin to preach the good news of the Christ and find those wish a hearing ear. A study group would naturally follow. We are working on a denomination-neutral bible study aid which might prove helpful. In the mean time, simply picking a theme and analyzing it with the group will be a good way to proceed. Of course, the ideal method allows for all to be involved and promotes a judgment-free environment so that… Read more »
Hello again Meleti,yesterday O went to a meeting of the Bible Students and was pleasantly surprised,they all knew I was a JW but had not a hint of judgement,I brought up Charles Russell a few times and was always met with a wry smile and a ” well bro Russell did get a few things wrong ” reply.
I believe that the foundation for encouragement of exiting JW is already available,what are your thoughts please.
I do not believe salvation is to be found in any organization. However, we need to associate with fellow Christians, so when we find them, we do well to obey the Bible command to congregate.
should elaborate, helping financially for the new site or project as some don’t have the skills or other things, but doing something can give ones a sense of being part of it all even in some small way.
I think it is a great idea to expand to help others there are probably more than we think crying and groaning about what is happening to their religion, doubts and not able to put their finger on it, but feeling spiritually unfulfilled. This site offers all that, however needs a personal touch a place where one can open up and for many healing is hard, its like a divorce or a death, I agree for ones that are crying for spiritual help this place is the best I have come across, also think getting involved in a personal way… Read more »
Hi Meleti, I remember how I felt when I realised the TTAT. Empty, cold, worthless, depressed, ANGER, BITTERNESS, confused, physically sick I was all the above and more. What I was not, was ‘happy’. Is the experience of any others here? It is a shocking thing, to realise that all your hopes and dreams are built on sand. So I say, the site should aim to comfort and lead people to Christ. To counter those emotions I mentioned. I have observed that brothers who realise TTAT end up (a) Abandoning ALL faith and become atheist (b) Abandoning ALL faith and… Read more »
This is an example of a ‘healing’ video produced by an ex-Mormon who comments on the similarities between their faith and ours. Its done very sympathetically and perhaps you could include the same type of material on the website.
Any case here goes… http://www.youtube.comwatch?v=GmeSmlHyDRU [Admin Note: Link broken for reasons of possible copyright infringement. To watch, copy it to the URL box in a browser and replace the backslash with a forward slash]
The video makes some good points, but others will fail to convince. A discerning viewer will realize that we do want mind control. Mind control in itself is not bad. “. . .but that YOU should be made new in the force actuating YOUR mind, 24 and should put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty. . .” (Eph 4:23, 24) The problem isn’t behavioral modification itself. That is what all loving parents should do to bring up their children in the path of righteousness. The problem comes when those who have no right to modify… Read more »
Those of us behind Beroean Pickets are on the same wavelength with you, StoneDragon2k. One of the main motivations behind our idea for a new site is to provide the seed for an alternative. Peter said, “to whom shall we go”. Stripped of the customs and daily routine of a former religion, the believer is set adrift. It is our hope to provide the means to get him/her grounded again based on our own experience and the direction of God’s word on the matter. While doing this, our goal is not to replace one organized religion with another. Our time… Read more »
ZIONS Watch Tower AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE. PITTSBURGH, PA., OCTOBER, 1883. NO. 3. OUR SECT. “Webster defines sect to mean “A part cut off,” “Hence a body of persons who have separated from others by virtue of some special doctrine, or set of doctrines, which they hold in common.” “Since we hold to a set of doctrines delivered to the saints by Jesus and the Apostles, and since we separate and cut ourselves off from all other religious jurisdiction and control, therefore it follows that we are a SECT. We “separate from sinners” and “have no fellowship with the… Read more »
……and your point is?
And her I thought Russell had explained it all so nicely 🙂
Hi Meleti I’ve just sent you an email, but I’m not sure if my Gmail is working. Can you let me know if you got it?
I haven’t received anything yet.
I definitely support the idea of going further with what we have. A lot of the ones you have helped removed the scales which covered our eyes are now left without a true spiritual home. While it’s true that now I am way more broad in who I consider spiritual family, I do yearn for strong men who I can look to for spiritual counsel in my life, for friends to grow together with in Christ. There is only so much doctrinal discussion you can do. We need to go beyond this.
Sorry should have spelled Beroean correctly !
I agree with many of the points stonedragon made. I have been an avid reader of this site for sometime and value your articles pointing out the scriptural errors of the the Watchtower study articles. This has given me and I suspect thousands of other seasoned Witnesses a place to truly “examine all things and hold fast what is fine” although we must do so secretly we can have an influence within the congregation. I know what you brothers propose comes from a pure heart as followers of our Master Jesus, but may I remind you this is how CT… Read more »
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Gogetter. It is very much our intention to continue the work we’ve started with Beroean Pickets and to expand it to other language groups. It is evident from initial results from the survey that the majority feel as you do and are willing to lend what support then can to this effort. We will have to see where the spirit leads us.
[…] YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY DONE SO BY CLICKING THIS LINK. FOR A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF WHY WE ARE MAKING THE SURVEY, CLICK HERE. […]
Hi Meleti I think you should start small and keep the focus for Witnesses. For a couple of reasons. A. Jesus stated with his own. There are plenty of Witnesses sighing and groaning and these need our attention first. In my limited observations there are plenty of other Christian groups facing the same issues we are. It would seem to me there is a calling out from these groups individuals like ourselves who will help those in their own vineyard. In the finale Jesus will gather everybody to himself. B. If you leave the door to wide open potentially you… Read more »
Those are good points stonedragon. The new site will not be a discussion site. We have BP for that in a limited way and Discuss the Truth to more fully explore topics. We do not want to have the message that the new site publishes watered down nor waylaid, so we will likely have the commenting feature disabled, but will have a contact page for feedback from the community so that we will continue to be held accountable for the accuracy of what we publish.
KeV c or Brenda are either one of you living in London?
Sorry mate miles away . up north kev
Hello Meleti This is lovely. I would rather much read, debate and natter about the things read and learned in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus rather than anything else. It is more important. For ages I have simply yearned and followed answering things the way I see them, after trying to get the meaning and spirit of the meaning of a Scripture or teaching. And so,this is the little path I have started to follow. And it is very nice. And rather than following anything manmade (including the compare/contrast of man’s interpretation about things (including religious and/or organisations),… Read more »
I am so sorry it came up with anonymous – it’s me, Brenda Evans from the UK writing. Sorry guys.
Dear sister Brenda . We will have to find a way to meet up .your not that far from us . Kev .
Hi Meleti, your efforts (together with Alex and Apollos) to help the many readers with biblical doctrines, clarifications etc have proven to be vary valuable. Not only the contents but also the freedom to participate in the discussion and share views, without being scared to be bullied or criticised. I also understand that this success triggers a feeling of “what else can we do to help others, to spread the good news”. Your proposal seems a logical step. Nevertheless, I do see some risks or potential issues as well that might impact future success: 1 – the bible is the… Read more »
Hi Menrov, Good points all. 1. It is the reader who determines what will be studied locally. There will always be those who disagree with any interpretation or understanding we expound. Trinitarians will disagree with the role that we explain Christ serves. Those who disagree are free to express themselves via the sites we provide, and the readers are free to determine what to accept and what to reject. In the end, it is the spirit of truth that guides each one. 2. We provide information only. We do not organize nor direct any type of congregation either local or… Read more »
We are already meeting together in my area . In private homes where we discuss a pre determined chapter of the bible in depth . Its been very good and encouraging. There are no bible teachers .dominating the study its just a discussion its amazing what we have learned . I am not interested in setting up a religion in opposition to jehovahs witnesses although they do very often come up in conversation at our meetings only for the fact that we tend to find them at odds with scripture week in week out . The purpose of the meeting… Read more »
I’ve wanted to leave the witnesses for awhile now. I feel so much closer to the truth reading the Bible on my own than I do from reading the materials they provide. The main problem for me is my daughter, who can’t remember not being at the Kingdom Hall. She feels that anything said that might seem critical to the “organization” is also critical to Jehovah (as the watchtower has so often said.) I don’t know how to go about teaching her about the Bible (not as witness-bashing, but from the beginning with truth in mind) without some kind of… Read more »
Friends. While I admire the spirit behind what you are planning, I feel that there is no way to avoid the weeds that have been sown in amongst the wheat. As a dear friend of mine who was a gillead missionary for many years said: that given enough time even JW’s would become as corrupted as the catholics. He passed away many years ago but his words ring truer then ever for me now. Im afraid that there is no real way of avoiding future corruption if you are to organise things on a global or multilingual scale. In the… Read more »
Hi Meleti I have for a long while had a burning desire to do what you propose. I am also thrilled that you want to make a break from WT. I was wondering how long you were prepared to wear clothes that don’t fit. Meeting up is a good idea. I got to meet a few brothers through forums. Remarkably one brother lives less than a mile from me and we used to chat on the forums all the time. The same could be true for others here as well. I have two caveats a. The Society could try to… Read more »
To answer your first question, I don’t know how much of a danger this is. It essentially requires a Jehovah’s Witness to abandon the beliefs he has about avoiding dishonesty and hypocrisy. However, if someone is duplicitous enough to do this, it is hard to guard against. As to the second question, I see no problem. Each Christian must decided for himself/herself how to apply the Bible counsel regarding fellowship. It is not for some “church authority” to do so. Were we to go beyond the things written, we would be falling prey to the hubris of organized religion–a trap… Read more »
I look forward to following the progress of this work…I feel that there is a blessing for following the example of Christ Jesus and his faithful early followers. I am not interested in an opposition to JW group however. So far I have not detected this desire, thus my interest.
As one commentator said, I’m happy to talk over the phone, get to know who you are, perhaps even meet on Skype. (I have to get set up) Perhaps even meet at a coffee shop or other place of business, (Public enough to be safe, quiet enough for serious conversation, perhaps even a library)
Incidently. I live in Beaumont, Texas.
Agape!
maybe we can be the first of many agape if you want, I can give you my email address and go from there if you wish.
Hello Peter. That’ll be fine. Give me your email addy and my husband and I will et in touch. AGAPE!
my email is pquin7@gmail.com..shalom
Amen to all of the above….Including Laura’s cautionary feelings and comments!!
And thank you one and all for the fine research and insightful thoughts. May the Lord Jesus bless all of you with love and the strength to endure all that he was given by the Father of us all!
sw
I am willing to donate financially and in any other way that is helpful. I only hope that this does not become the very thing I had to flee from a few years ago. I don’t think it will become that………..but we are weak and as such, we tend to get above ourselves.
As long as this site remains as clear and honest as it has done in the past. I will support it.
Thank you, umbertoecho. It is feedback from people like you that will help us keep it that way it is, and with God’s blessing, improve it still further.
i have an idea, it would be good to first meet in skype or in google hangouts that way, you can build confidence in who we are,getting to know eachother, and to find out what we stand for. and in time go into home meetings…its a way to break the ice first. I peronally love this going back to how it was done. It’s not about a new religion with a title but its a community of believers a family. All together in fellowship learning from one another proving all things through the scriptures. one faith one baptism one hope.… Read more »
Peter, I think your suggestion is a good one.
With respect,
Laura
To all here,
The first century model was face to face fellowship established by Christian men who had proven their love and spirit anointing. The Apostles took the lead, they in turn appointed others to take the lead in the congregations.
Should I truly drive up to an address of someone I have never met and have no real idea of their beliefs, or their moral trustworthiness, and walk in for spiritual fellowship?
Respectfully,
Laura
Brothers and Sisters, I wish to go on record saying that I support you in your endeavors. I am also willing to do any proofreading, editing and/or research that might be needed. I also like the idea of meeting in private homes as we used to do as JW’s. Would it be possible to offer my home as a meeting place (for those in my area) I do not see this as a “NEW” religion. I see it as a RETURN to what Christ established and what Christ taught. I have actually left the JW religion and personally feel that… Read more »
Opening your home to be used for Christian gatherings is very much in keeping with the first century model. See Ro 16:3-5; Col 4:15; Phm 1:1-2 Many would like to do this, but the current climate in the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses is like working under ban. However, if you are not concerned about that, feel free to publish your address here so that perhaps others in your area will be able to use it to meet together. Of course, there have been documented cases of elders staking out homes of Christians wanting to meet together so as to identify… Read more »
If our position is not clear from this article, please re-read “Gathering True Worshippers”: http://meletivivlon.com/2015/01/20/gathering-true-worshippers/ Even though we are commanded to preach and baptize, we can’t baptize anyone unto ourselves, but only in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So every religion is sectarian and seeks to divide the body of Christ. Our idea is to empower self-organization in Christian Freedom. Not to draw followers after ourselves, but to encourage others to become followers of Christ. That’s what Meleti meant by returning to the one that Christ set up. Not claim that there is any group that actually returned to… Read more »
Alex Rover, may you have peace.
With respect,
Laura
Meleti,
Are you proposing a loose confederation of Christians led by democratic vote or are you proposing a new religion separate and apart from Jehovah’s Witnesses?
As always, with deep respect.
Laura
Hi Laura,
And here I thought I’d explained myself so nicely. 🙂
We’re not proposing a new religion at all, but a return to the original one Christ set up. In the examples from the article relating to acts of the apostles, while it may appear to have been a democratic process, it was in fact, a spiritual one.
Hope that clarifies matters.
Your brother,
Meleti
To further clarify, this return to the Christianity that Christ instituted would require us to be apart from Jehovah’s Witnesses, but we already are, even if we attend meetings. One cannot be a true Christian while knowingly holding to false teachings and doctrines of men. What existed in the first century were congregation that were autonomous in the sense of being without a centralized human authority. However, eyes of faith will reveal to the true believer that they were not autonomous at all, but governed by the central authority that is the Christ who leads by holy spirit.
Meleti,
I hope Jehovah’s answer, whatever it may be, brings you peace.
With respect,
Laura