[From ws5/16 p. 23 for July 25-31]
“I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself.”—Isa 48:17
The article quotes Isaiah for its theme text in an attempt to establish that Jehovah is teaching Jehovah's Witnesses not only through his Word the Bible, but through the publications, videos, and platform teaching of the Organization. Is this true?
The theme text comes from the Hebrew Scriptures. Does the way Jehovah taught the Israelites correlate to the way Jehovah's Witnesses are taught? The Israelites were taught from the Book of the Law and by prophets speaking and writing under inspiration. How were Christians taught? Did something change when Jesus Christ came to teach? Or are we safe to stick with the Israelite model?
Equating the Word of Men with the Word of God
Paragraph 1 states: “Jehovah’s Witnesses love the Bible.”
Paragraph 3 states: “Because we love the Bible, we also love our Bible-based publications.” The simplified edition goes on to say: "All the books, brochures, magazines, and other literature we receive are provisions from Jehovah."
Statements like these are intended to put the publications on a par with the Bible. To deepen this feeling, the audience is asked to publicly express its appreciation for the publications. The question for paragraph 3 is, “How do we feel about our publications?” Certainly, this will generate much glowing praise in the over 110,000 congregations around the globe for what the rank and file view as a provision from Jehovah.
Having set this up, paragraph 4 continues to place the publications and web site material on a par with the Word of God by applying yet another verse from the Hebrew Scriptures to them.
“Such an abundance of spiritual food reminds us that Jehovah has kept his promise to “make for all the peoples a banquet of rich dishes.—Isa. 25:6” (Par. 4)
We are to understand that the words published by the Governing Body constitute a fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Jehovah’s provision of “a banquet of rich dishes”. However, before we jump to that conclusion, let us read the context.
Isaiah 25:6-12 isn’t talking about the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but of the mountain of Jehovah, which represents the kingdom of God under Christ. When we consider that during the past century and a half, the publications have taught many Bible "truths" which were subsequently abandoned as wrong; have promoted many prophetic understandings, virtually all of which turned out to be false; and have also taught things of a medical nature which have proved harmful, even fatal,[a] it is very difficult to view such a legacy as evidence of a banquet of rich food from the table of God.
This emphasis on the value of our publications continues in paragraphs 5 and 6:
Very likely, most of us wish that we had more time to read the Bible and Bible-based publications. – Par. 5
Realistically, we may not always be able to give equal attention to all the spiritual food available to us. –Par. 5
For example, what if a portion of the Bible does not seem relevant to our situation? Or what if we are not part of the primary audience for a certain publication? – Par. 6
Above all, each one of us should bear in mind that God is the Source of our spiritual provisions. – Par. 6
It will be helpful to consider three suggestions for benefiting from all portions of the Bible and the various types of spiritual food available to us. – Par. 6
The affect this propaganda has on the perception of Jehovah’s Witnesses at every level of our society is profound. If the Bible says one thing and the publications another, it is the publications which are held as the final word on any matter. We love to look down our long noses at other religions, but are we any better? Catholics will take the Catechism over the Bible in all matters. Mormons accept the Bible, but if there is any conflict between it and the book of Mormon, the latter will always win out. Yet both these groups accept their books, not as the works of men, but of God. By elevating their publications to a point where they value them more than God’s Word, they have made the Word of God invalid. Now we are doing the same. We have become the very thing we have long disdained and criticized.
Applying the Criteria
Some will counter that the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses only help us to understand God’s Word better, and that to criticize them this way is harmful.
Is that true, or are the publications being used to lead us to follow men over God? Let’s examine the evidence before us. We can start with this very study article.
Under the subtitle “Suggestions for Beneficial Bible Reading” we are given several good pointers:
- Read with an open mind.
- Ask questions.
- Do research
Let us put these into practice.
“As an example, think about the Scriptural qualifications for Christian elders. (Read 1 Timothy 3:2-7)” – Par. 8
Applying point number 2, here’s a question you could ask yourself: “Where in that passage is anything said about the number of hours the elder, his wife, or his children have to spend in field service for him to qualify?”
The Bible gives us clear direction, but we add to it and further, make the addition of greater importance than the original. Any elder will tell you that when considering a man for the office of overseer, the first thing they look at is the man's service report. This is because the first thing the Circuit Overseer is taught to consider are a man's hours, then those of his wife and children. A man can meet Christ's qualifications as found at 1 Timothy 3:2-7, but if his or his wife’s hours are below the congregation average, he is almost certain to be rejected.
“He [Jehovah] expects them [the elders] to set a good example, and he holds them accountable for the way they treat the congregation, “which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.” (Acts 20:28)” – Par. 9
Jehovah does hold them accountable, which is good, because the Organization certainly does not. If an elder vocally objects to the conduct of those higher up the chain of command, he is likely to find himself under scrutiny. Circuit Overseers now have discretionary power to remove elders on their own. That said, how often have we seen them use that power when it comes to dealing with elders who do not treat the flock with kindness? In my forty years as an elder in three different countries, I have never seen this happen. On the rare occasions that such ones were removed, it did not come from above, but from the grass roots, because their conduct had reached such egregious proportions that an outcry from below forced the hand of those in the lead.
What does this have to do with the study at hand? Simply this: the publications which are now put on par with the Word of God must include that which is published orally, such as the directions the elders receive from the Governing Body through their travelling representatives. There has always been an oral law that elders are familiar with, handed out at Elders schools and assemblies, as well as during the semi-annual visit of the Circuit overseer. Copies of these instructions are never printed up and handed out. Elders are instructed to make personal notes and hand written annotations in the broad borders of the Elders Manual.[b] This oral law often supersedes anything written in the publications, which as we know, supersede what is found in Scripture.
Failing to Think for Ourselves
There is another problem with putting the publications on par or above the Word of God. It makes us lazy. Why dig deep if we already have a provision from Jehovah? So, while encouraged by the article to “keep an open mind”, “ask questions” and “do research”, the average reader is just as likely to consume his spoon-fed diet without concern.
The publishers of the Watchtower want us to research, but only if we stick to the publications as our authority source. They want us to read the Bible, but only if we don’t really ask questions. For instance, this statement seems truthful on the surface.
“In fact, each Christian can learn from the qualifications listed in these verses, as most of them involve things that Jehovah asks of all Christians. For instance, all of us should be reasonable and sound in mind. (Phil. 4:5; 1 Pet. 4:7)” – Par. 10
“Jehovah asks of all Christians”? Is Jehovah doing the asking? Look up the immediate context of Phil. 4.
“Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! 5 Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near.” (Php 4:4, 5)
Question: “Why doesn’t the article say that Jesus asks us to be reasonable?” Given that Jesus is head of the congregation and the one who provides the food to the slave (Mt 25:45-47), why isn’t this article titled “Benefit Fully from Jesus’ Provisions”. In fact, why is Jesus not even mentioned in this article? His name doesn’t appear even once, while “Jehovah” appears 24 times!
Now there is a question we should ask ourselves with an open mind. If we look at the context (just four verses on) of the other Scripture reference from paragraph 10, we find further support for this.
“. . .If anyone speaks, let him do so as speaking pronouncements from God; if anyone ministers, let him do so as depending on the strength that God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The glory and the might are his forever and ever. Amen.” (1Pe 4:11)
If Jehovah cannot be glorified except through Jesus, why is Jesus role completely passed over in this article?
This goes back to one of our opening questions. How were Christians taught? Did something change when Jesus Christ came to teach? The answer is Yes! Something did change.
Perhaps a more appropriate theme text would have been this one:
"And Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Mt 28:18-20)
This marginalizing of Jesus in our publications affects our foremost printed work, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Yes, even here we've found a way to divert attention from our Lord. There are scores of examples, but two will suffice for now.
“. . .Then the proconsul, upon seeing what had happened, became a believer, as he was astounded at the teaching of Jehovah.” (Ac 13:12)
“. . .However, Paul and Barʹna·bas continued spending time in Antioch teaching and declaring, with many others also, the good news of the word of Jehovah.” (Ac 15:35)
In both these places, "Jehovah" has been inserted to replace "Lord". Jesus is the Lord. (Eph 4:4; 1Th 3:12) This shifting of focus away from our Lord Jesus to our God Jehovah may seem harmless, but it has a purpose.
The full role of Jesus in the outworking of Jehovah's purpose poses a bit of an inconvenience for an Organization which likes to refer to itself as our Spiritual Mother.[c] The point of this article is that provisions of spiritual food come to us from Jehovah through his Organization, not through Jesus. Jesus went away and left the “Faithful and Discreet Slave” (aka, the Governing Body) in charge. True, he did say, "I am with you all the days...", but we ignore that, bypass him, and focus only on Jehovah, just as this article has done. (Mt 28:20)
And just why is this change of focus harmful to us spiritually? Because it takes us off the path to redemption that Jehovah laid down. Salvation is achieved only through God's Son, yet the "Mother Organization" would have us look to them for salvation.
w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium
Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil.
The men of the Governing Body are revered. They are viewed as noble men. Yet, putting our trust in nobles, and hoping for salvation through them, will lead to disillusionment and worse. (Ps 146:3)
Why, these men cannot even get the foundation for their so-called appointment as the slave right!
According to Matthew 24:45-47, the reason this slave is commissioned to feed Christ's domestics is that he has left to secure kingly power. (Luke 19:12) In his absence, the slave feeds his fellow slaves.
In his absence!
This Slave began to feed us in 1919 according to the Governing Body[d], and according to this article is still feeding us with printed material and online publications and videos. Yet, Jesus departed in 33 C.E. and returned, according to the teachings of this self-same slave, in 1914. So while he was absent, there was no slave, but now that he's back, the slave is needed??
We are supposed to have an open mind, ask questions, and do research. The unspoken rule is that we stay within the confines of the publications of the Organization. However, even that will create problems for the honest Bible student, as we've just seen.
In Summary
Catholics run into many doctrinal inconsistencies because they’ve elevated the declarations of their leaders above the inspired Word of God. They are not alone. The fact is all organized Christian religions have been lead astray by putting the teachings of men on par or above the Word of God. (Mt 15:9)
We can't change that, but we sure can stop giving in to it ourselves. It's time to see God's Word restored to its rightful place in the Christian congregation. The best place to start is with ourselves.
___________________________________
[b] See Jehovah's Witnesses and Blood series
[b] See Shepherd the Flock of God.
[c] “I have learned to view Jehovah as my Father and his organization as my Mother.” (w95 11/1 p. 25)
[d] See David H. Splane: The Slave Is Not 1900 Years Old.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Karen on 2016-07-25 19:36:06
As we emerge from the crystalized morphed grub like state spreading our wings to become that free butterfly, when our brains recover from their anaesthetised state. We can begin to see clearly just how flawed the teachings of WT really are.
Meleti your article is so spot on when you make reference to the fact that when the publications differ from the Bible it will be the publications that are accepted as truth. As a witness our study program our very lives are so busy doing ...... When there is no time to look up scriptures or do further research, we quote the publications word for word as truth. If we don't understand then it is our fault because we are not spiritual enough or we haven't studied hard enough ....Or the all time favourite.... Wait on Jehovah all will be revealed as the light gets brighter....
Not until we finally have the courage to actually listen to that nagging little voice of doubt within, do we begin to look further than the WT. For many it like myself it has taken the ARC to raise questions and doubts, then came Raymond Franz book 'Crisis Of Conscience' now mentioned so often... An actual member of the Governing Body disclosing confidential letters .... These are not the spoken words of apostates, these are the printed pages straight from the lion's den .... The GB!
How clear it is now to see the lie behind the truth. No indeed Meleti we cannot change the fact that religions will continue to lead astray or put their man mad words above those of God's Word.. However as you have said so beautifully Meleti, we can stop giving in to it ourselves. It is indeed time to restore God's Word to it's rightful place and yes Meleti, the best place to start is with each and every one of us..
Well said, as always eloquently written, thank you for your efforts...
Comment by Christismyleadernotjw.org on 2016-07-25 21:00:50
Again, a great essay analyzing this weeks study. I appreciate your work into these articles.
The comparison of an uninspired word from men to a Divine inspired word of God is something that the Christ dealt with in his day. In fact, many religious leaders, if not all, in the days of Jesus believed that the ancient interpretations of the Law were at Par or more important than the Law itself. A study of Matthew chapter 5 will reveal how much this idea of men’s interpretation of the Law was more important that the Law itself.
For example, beginning in verse 21 of Chapter 5 of Matthew, in the sermon of the Mount, the Christ says the following:
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’
22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’
32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’
34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 7:28 and 29 says:
28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
The people in Jesus time were so used to hearing oral laws concerning the law. It was nothing ordinary for the people to be following men’s commandments as if they were Gods commandments. This is why Jesus would say in his famous sermon time and time again. “you have heard”, “you have heard that it was said”, “you have heard it said to those of old” (ancients). You see, the ancient Rabbis and interpreters of the Law, added to the Law their own interpretations. The Christ recognized that the people began to perceive that the interpretation of the Law was more important than the Law itself. This was following oral law, or commandments of men.
The people were amazed at Jesus because he spoke on his own authority. It is a given, that as Christians we understand that the only person that fulfilled the Law of Moses and has all authority to add to the word of God is Christ himself. (Matthew 28:18)
The apostle Paul recognized this truth, and therefore, reiterated this fact in his first letter to the Corinthians in chapter 4. In part it states the following:
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
Yes, the stewards of the mysteries of God were required to be found faithful. And how was that to be accomplished? Simple, the answer is in verse 6, where he states that the brotherhood learn from his and Apollos examples, to “not go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.”
When I conducted the Watchtower a few years ago, in my local Spanish speaking congregation, we analyzed a similar article. I remember mentioning something that may have challenged my brothers to rethink the importance of the Word of God and holding it into its rightful place, above all man inspired publications, videos, and other means of information. "If you did not have much time, and you had to choose between reading the Bible and reading the Watchtower, what would you choose to read?" That’s all I asked. It is a sad notion and thought that the majority of JWs will prefer to watch a JW video or read many Watchtower articles in lieu of reading and meditating in the Bible itself. We must always remember that Hebrews 4:12 states that “word of God is active and living”. No indication that any man made publication is as such. However, I fear that our constant praise of the GB’s provisions make the word of God inactive and non living.
All Christians are free to read and study and research any form of information. However, the word of God is what keeps us fed well. His loving provision of his Word, the Christ (John 1:1) is the best provision we can all receive.
Thanks again Meleti for such a great article.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-07-26 07:41:01
And thank you for a thoughtful analysis. I particularly liked your application of 1 Cor. 4:1-6.
Comment by 1984 on 2016-07-26 03:00:00
Excellent article Meleti. When I was learning "the truth" in 1991, one of the common objections I came across from others was that JWs had "rejected Jesus", and that they "break up families" etc. Actually, I have come to see that there is some truth in those objections now, and that this has been the experience of many associated with JWs.
I have also reflected over the last 25 years why I was attracted to JWs in the first place. The first and most obvious thing is that it was clear that all other organised religions were corrupt to a greater or lesser degrees, both in doctrine and in fruitage. JWs appeared to be different, but I have come to realise that they are just another manifestation of man made religion, under a different brand, which has deviated from the bible and replaced it with their own "teachings of men" and traditions.
One of the most obvious proofs of this is their very publications. Setting aside all the failed prophecies and false teachings, one should ask themselves why these publications need constant updating, while the gospels are still as accessible and relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. Watchtower publications are out of date after 20 years on average. And if you go back 50 or 60 they are just laughable. And yet we are meant to believe that Jesus has been directing this from heaven for 102 years now?
My first convention was in 1991 where I collected "the Greatest Man" book, which was a real treasure to me because I always felt inspired by and drawn to Jesus. My last convention (and my last meeting ever) was 2015 when I collected the updated version of this book "Jesus - the way." It seemed an appropriate note to bow out on, a symbolic moment of closure for me. I couldn't help reflect that the Greatest Man book hadn't even lasted 25 years before it needed updating. You would think that they could get the life of Jesus right! And I found the video reconstructions of his life at that convention appalling. That was the moment I got up and walked out for the last time. Why go beyond the gospels? How hard can it be to just stick to those?
So now I have come to the conclusion that all organised religion is fundamentally flawed and an impediment to bible truth. It's not that some truths cannot be found in organised religion, it's just that they all inevitably head down the road that Jesus warned about and become a beast beyond control - bigger and more important than the truths they were founded on or purport to espouse. And Watchtower is a good example of that.
So now I just read and research the bible on my own and enjoy hearing a variety of viewpoints such as those found on this forum.
Comment by lazarus on 2016-07-26 11:33:18
Brilliant analysis Meleti, love the comments also.
It reminds me the truthfulness of what 2 thess 2:11 says. It says, "That is why God lets a deluding influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie, 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness."
God allows this deluding influence , that the publications are a provision from God, in affect 'misled them' why? It says 'so they may believe the lie.'
Yes we have the bible as our Spiritual provision. And older men also can be a source of encouragement a provision if you like also.
Is the Organisation in some way following the footsteps of the Isralites of old. When Moses was away in the Mountain for 40 days. The Isralites got Aaron to built the Golden calf.
Meleti, you nicely highlighted that Jesus name doesn't even appear in the article. Seeing Jesus is the greater Moses (Acts 3:11, 22, 23;)are they in affect saying, while the Master is away let's give the bible based publications, a elevated status a provision from God. Clever. Just like the Golden Calf was. However we know how God felt about that move. Jehovah would in no way undermine his sons leadership like this watchtower study does.
The fact that Jesus is going to judge his appointed servants as to their faithfulness in carrying out their duties, this should be a clue, that Jehovah does not personally prepare or serve the spiritual food of his servants in the form of WT publications and other literature but only the Bible.
Comment by AndereStimme on 2016-07-26 14:58:01
Compare:
“All the books, brochures, magazines, and other literature we receive are provisions from Jehovah.”
With:
*** w81 2/15 p. 19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***
True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)
*** w79 3/1 p. 23 par. 15 To Whom Shall We Go but Jesus Christ? ***
In this regard, however, it must be observed that this “faithful and discreet slave” was never inspired, never perfect. Those writings by certain members of the “slave” class that came to form the Christian part of God’s Word were inspired and infallible, but that is not true of other writings since. Things published were not perfect in the days of Charles Taze Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society; nor were they perfect in the days of J. F. Rutherford, the succeeding president.
The publications are provisions from God but are not inspired. Anyone sense a huge oxymoron here?
For that matter, compare:
*** w79 3/1 p. 24 par. 15 To Whom Shall We Go but Jesus Christ? ***
But let us never forget that the motives of this “slave” were always pure, unselfish; at all times it has been well-meaning.
With:
*** w81 2/15 p. 19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***
We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the “faithful and discreet slave” organization.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-07-26 15:49:13
Oh, I like that. I like that a lot. I'll have to keep a copy and use it when friends talk about being loyal to the organization.
Reply by AndereStimme on 2016-07-27 13:13:40
Looks like good intentions cover a multitude of sins, as long as they're not any other denomination's sins.
Comment by Deo_ac_veritati on 2016-07-26 15:44:56
"Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil."
The "Supreme Organizer?" I've seen God called many things throughout the Bible: EL-OLAM: "Everlasting God" (Psalm 90:1-3), YAHWEH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts" (Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7), EL, ELOAH: God "mighty, strong, prominent" (Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19). I could go on with quite a number of additional examples. I can't, however, seem to find anywhere in the Bible where He is called "Supreme Organizer." Just sayin'.....Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-07-26 15:51:31
It's a perfect example of the adage, "When all you have is a hammer, everything around you looks like a nail." All they have it the Organization. If it's not organized, it can't be from God. And if it's from God, it must be organized.
Reply by AndereStimme on 2016-07-27 13:17:29
Now now, the Almighty has many, many titles. I particularly liked this one:
*** si p. 299 par. 4 Study Number 4—The Bible and Its Canon ***
"Jehovah God is the Great Librarian who sets the standard that determines which writings should be included."
'And I saw, and look!, someone with Cat Woman glasses, sitting upon the throne...' 2 Rev. 1:24
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2016-07-27 11:16:26
As usual you have hit the nails on the head. However it is a slow process freeing oneself from forty odd years of teachings. For me it is one step at a time, make sure you have taken the right step, and make sure you keep reading the Bible. I have completed my first move, not in any secret way, off the BOE. However l we must still maintain our relationship with God, and we can only do that by reading his word, and of course praying and continuing to search for truth. No one can just jump ship, because the sea is a dangerous place. Only sites like this seem to be trying to get to the truth, but there are many excellent commentaries out there. just like Daniel says "Many will rove about". No sure who else is roving about yet, so keep up the good work Meliti. You are spot on when you say there is not enough reference to Jesus. We took the name Jehovah's Witnesses, and you do have to ask yourself if we are trying to be only Winesses to Jehovah almost to the exclusion of Jesus teachings, which is what he commanded.
Comment by Keaton on 2016-07-27 13:37:48
Oh baby. This is the Article this Whole Month was leading up to, and its a doozy of pure Nonsense of the Highest order. I first of all again apologize for my Humorous tone if it sounds like that, but really that is how I am. But this article is full of lies, half. Truths and oh yeah Lies. Wait is that the Latest Video of Morning Woship: with the Master Thespian Kenneth Flodin released this week. We will get to that video later. Some Points of the Pure Evilness of this Article ... Yup it is.
1. They claim that there Material is Inspired, now first off, people will say if you Read this Nonsense I do it for Laughing Material, but if you still believe what the JW are selling, this Article will make you believe more. And again people will say they don't say the material is from There Deity name Jehovah, which any truth bible believer know that name is more made up then anything else.
Please Compare the Study Edition and the Simplified edition of this Article stuff get weird real fast.
In the Simplified edition has this for paragraph 3
Because we love the Bible, we also love our publications, which are based on God’s Word. All the books, brochures, magazines, and other literature we receive are provisions from Jehovah. They help us to stay close to him and to keep our faith strong
are from Jehovah....Really.
The last paragraph 19 in the Simplified has this
Clearly, Jehovah has provided plenty of advice and instruction for our benefit, Let us continue to read and apply all the information he has given to us. If we do that, we will benefit and will show Jehovah that we are grateful for all of his provisions.
Yup are from this Jah.
And again the Simplified has this box that the Study edition has not.this is at the end of the Article.
And tell me if this does not scream Cult.
SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED
Jehovah gives advice and instruction for our benefit. Jehovah’s provisions include the Bible, our publications, and material on jw.org. We benefit when we read and study such information carefully
To have an open mind means to be willing to accept new and different ideas. When we read the Bible and our publications, we need to meditate on how the information can help us personally
So the publication's and the bible are on the same level, and they are provisions from Jah, yes the Bible and publications...What!!!!!.
And we need a open mind, yeah a need a open Shovel for all this Nonsense [ I really want to say something else ]
So this is the Article we all know the Big O thinks that they are inspired. Look of I say I got this Letter from the Queen of England or I got this from The king of Mars, well I got it from them, and it holds authority and Value. Yup Loyally support this Garbage.
ah Yes I remember 2 Timothy 3:16 says Publications in my bible.
2. I am surprised no body [ if I missed it my bad and I apologize] That they Take Matthew 5:3 and of course twist it, I mean the Verse on the Greatest bible in Mankind has one of the Most shocking Displays of Scripture twisting ever. Look at the Greek look at all the bibles of Bible hub and even complete Jewish bible, Lexham bible and others, heck, even the a article on that Jw website under is the New World Translation Accurate they have the Nerve to day this.
Occasionally, word-for-word translations are unclear or misleading. And right after that they go on, on how the NIV and other versions have what it should say, but the NWT says they put the meaning of this Verse in Matthew 5:3, instead of the literal reading. WHY because it fits there Doctrines of Keeping getting Your need from the Organization. I mean they give you a footnote even the footnote is Lying cause they say Or it be Read this way....No the Literal reading. Wow, they twist the scriptures for there own cause, now if you look at the NLT reading of this verse, it sure looks a lot like the NWT. I mean i read The NLT sometimes and own 3 bibles of it, but to call it a Literal translation , would be saying the NWT is the best Bible in Mankind, That ain't True at all.
3. Do research on the Scriptures ....I did not see it say do research on our Publications from you know the ones from our Deity Named Jah.
4. Of course all those verses from Isaiah from chapter 48 Is fulfilled some 3000 years later in the Jw organization and Not for Israel , well it was but has a 2 or 3 fulfilments, just the New Teaching of Ezekiel Dry Bones Vision/ Prophecy is fulfilled in the Bible Students of 1919... Remember no more Anti types remember we ain't don't that anymore...Liars.
5. Let's end it with the Newly released video I mentioned on the top of this post. The newly released on Jw on with the Morning Woship: Kenneth Flodin , and at the last 3 minutes he talks about The Book of Jude and how Apostate's lie and tell half truth and twist things. He goes on to say about the Watchtower 1910 September 15 about When the Messenger of god [ check out the First 4 page of the Finished Mystery book, which I am rereading I own the original of it] he said that reading the bible alone without the studies of the Scriptures you would go in spiritual darkness, and the speaker said how Apostate's twisted and lied, well if you see his response he lies and twist the article as well, he never address what Russell or the Publication said about the main topic. He moves to another heading of the same article, twisting , let's be true Russell said that the studies books don't replace the Bible, in the same article but he also say that they are practically the Bible, the whole article but the writing not over the Bible but on the same level ground, and if you read the whole thing it is really shocking, let me put it this way I recently read that article which I actually own no , not the printing off the computer the article I have, and I read it to my relative I barely read two paragraph's and my relative said Stop Stop, I don't wanna hear anymore.
Oh yeah here Is a bit of wisdom of that article
If. then, the Lord has provided us with something in our
day that other days than those of the Apostles knew nothing
about, no matter how good nor how wise they were-for us to
ignore the line of teaching which has been thus developed
would be, in our judgment, to ignore the Lord's providences.
It is for each one to think for himself, however, and to guide
his Ponduct in every way acrordingly. .
If the six volumes of tlCRIPTUl~E STUDIES are practically
the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we
might not improperly name the volumes-the Bible in an
arranged form. '!'hat is to say, they are not merely comments
on the Bible, but they are pmctically the Bible itseH, since
there is no desire to build any doetrine or thought on any
indiYidual preference or on any individual wisdom, but to
present the entire matter on the lines of the Word of God. We
therefore think it safe to follow this kind of reading, this kind
of instrudion, this kind of Bible study
Yup provided us with something that The Follows of Our Master did not have, ....WOW, HAlf TRUTH AND LIES...SOUNDS LIKE the JW Organization.
May our Great Almighty Father Yahweh and his Mighty son Yahshua give all strength from all kinds of wickedness.
Love to all.