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PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 12:15 pm 
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I like your pedantic-ness, lol.

Yes, the wise virgins opposed to the foolish virgins.


And I did hear that the oil was holy spirit... but my thinking got in the way of what I heard... because I started thinking about the lamp as opposed to the oil IN the lamp allowing the lamp to 'burn/shine'.

Sorry for confusing anyone.

Peace to you!

tammy


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PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 12:19 pm 
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The Adversary is a ruler... a prince... and so has a throne (Luke 4:6, 7; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Revelation 2:13)


May you all have peace!

Our dear Lord woke me up early this morning and told me that I needed to clarify further on this, as some will have a problem "receiving" that the Adversary, the one called "Satan" and "Devil" has a throne.

Dear ones, for most of us, a throne relates directly to a king (or queen). But that's not exactly what a throne it. True, it is the literal "seat" upon which the rear ends of kings and queens rest. And so, when we think of it, we usually envision some kind of an elaborate chair. In TRUTH, though, a throne is a "seat" of "authority", the symbol from which a ruler rules, a governor governs, a judge judges. Thus, the court "bench"... where the judge sits and rules from... is a "throne." The seats from which folks like the President, Prime Minister, Congress, Parliament, Supreme and other courts, etc., hand down laws/legislature... make decisions... and, in essence, issue "rulings"... ALL of those are "thrones", dear ones.

Even Death, the one named Abaddon/Apollyon... has a throne, as he is a king (of the abyss) and so ruler of that world.

A governor, although not a king... is a ruler, albeit a lesser one. As is a prince (one who is over a principality). This is why dukes, marquises, lords, etc., are all considered "royalty" - because of the land/territory/principalities over which they govern/rule.

The king is just the HIGHER ruler... and the MOST HOLY One of Israel, JAH of Armies, the HIGHEST (MOST Holy/ALL Mighty/TRUE Sovereign).

This is why the literal cover of the physical Ark of the Covenant is called the "mercy SEAT": those "under" the "cover" of the Ark of the (NEW) Covenant... are granted mercy as a ruling. Rather than be JUDGED by that king... they are awarded mercy... from that "seat", the One with the authority to sit on it and judge FROM it.

It, that "cover" or "seat"... is Christ... the King... who rules from the "THRONE"... or seat... of MERCY.

I hope this helps and I have shared it with you just as I received it from my dear Lord, the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah - who also gave me the information for you, dear LQ (peace to you, dear one!)... but I forgot to give him the glory and so do so now)... JAH who is the MOST HOLY One of Israel and the One Who, by means of His breath... brings armies (of spirits) into existence.

Peace to you, all!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar


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PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 3:39 pm 
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A lot to take in. Thanks for sharing, everyone.

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Yes, I know which religions... but I am not permitted to share that other than as to the head that received the fatal stroke but was cured (Judaism) and the wild beast that breathes life into the IMAGE of that beast who head was slain. The "image" is the Law Covenant, which the WTBTS, that other wild beast, "has breathed life BACK into" (that Law "died" with Christ)... and by means of it puts under compulsion TO the Law (the image of the first wild beast) "the great and the small." It is the two-horned beast... which has horns (strength) "LIKE a lamb" (i.e., as if directed by the Lamb)... but spoke/speaks "like a DRAGON" (its words are LIES).

You specifically mentioned WTBTS here. This leads to many questions.
"that other wild beast" - do you mean the two-horned wild beast spoken of at Rev 13:11?
If so, in what ways do what's discussed in verses 12-18 apply to WTBTS?
- How does WTBTS make the earth and those who live in it worship the first beast who was healed? (vs 12)
- How does WTBTS perform great signs, even making fire come down out of heaven? (vs 13)
- How does WTBTS tell those who live on the earth to make an image to the wild beast who was healed? (vs 14)
- If the image is the Law Covenent, in what way does it speak and caused to be killed anyone who does not worship that image? (vs 15)
- Then vs 16-18 talks about the mark of the beast. How is this related to WTBTS?

I'm not defending WTBTS here, just seeking to understand in what ways what is written applies specifically to them and not to any other group.


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PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 5:10 pm 
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Hello LQ,

I do not fully understand all of the details of the account but there are a couple of things I could share here as to this,


You specifically mentioned WTBTS here. This leads to many questions.
"that other wild beast" - do you mean the two-horned wild beast spoken of at Rev 13:11?

Yes, I believe the reference is of this beast that has two horns like a lamb, but speaks as a dragon.
This organization the WTBS calls itself " THE TRUTH" even " the visible representation of The Lord on earth" ( the Proclaimers book) therefore making itself "The Lamb" or Chirst or mediator between Jah and us. We all know they taught us that unless we are part of Jehovah's visible organization ( the WTBS) we cannot survive armaggedon or be saved.
This is ALL a lie! They are not the truth and they are not teaching truth. They are false prophets, they twist the scriptures to teach their own lies and dates and prophecies.
They are an anti- CHRIST because they shut up the kingdom so that none of the great crowd of sheep can enter into this new covenant by eating of CHRIST flesh and drinking his blood, being able to receive Holy Spirit themselves, being able to have THEIR sins forgiven by being washed clean and having life within themselves... not just to 144,000 ( of so-called JWs) or who the GB say can or can't have Holy Spirit.
So this is some of how they speak as dragon. Because they don't speak or teach truth, and yet call themselves the only truth ( which belongs to CHRIST ) they are liars and belong to their father the devil who is " the father of the lie".


- How does WTBTS make the earth and those who live in it worship the first beast who was healed? (vs 12)


Some of the things they do is say on one side of their mouth that Chirst fulfilled the old law and we are no longer under it, ( works under the law that still led to condemnation) therefore it is faith NOT works and undeserved kindness, mercy etc that is a requirement...YET who do you know that stresses " Works " more than these people in a religion ANYWHERE?
And constantly tell you, " faith without works is dead". ( without THEIR works)
How many hours in field service do you do and keep track of your works, how much literature to do place and keep tract, how many bible studies to have or have had, and keep tract, and turn in!
How many meetings do you need to attend? Circuit assembles? District assemblies? How often are you available to give talks, personal study, family study???
And no matter how much YOU DO, you can always do more!!!
And they pick and choose what part of the old law they want to keep and not. ( pork is okay to eat, tattoos and piercings are not)




- How does WTBTS tell those who live on the earth to make an image to the wild beast who was healed? (vs 14)

They ARE everywhere all over the world. Starting a massive new world head quarters. They have people that devote their whole lives to this beast free of charge, even quitting their careers and education to promote and build this image ( golden calf)
All if not almost all of their support is free of charge. People leave real estate, trust funds and more to this WTBS instead of leaving it to their children.


- If the image is the Law Covenent, in what way does it speak and caused to be killed anyone who does not worship that image? (vs 15)

You can be a fornicator, an adulterer, an abusive spouse, even a homosexual ( non practicing in public of course) a liar, a greedy person, live a double life, even a child molester and etc....
And either live inside the organization in good standing or be forgiven quickly, or even just a hand slap..

But you can NEVER say this organization in NOT the truth, you can NEVER speak against it or the Governing body or you will be put to death as an apostate which to them is the worst label to have on an individual and lose everyONE and for some everyTHING they have!

Do anything you want ( behind close doors) but NEVER deny this organization being " THE TRUTH"



Hope this helps you some LQ,
Love to you, Justmom


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PostPosted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 9:54 pm 
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I don't want to take anything away from what dear 'Mom shared, dear LQ (peace to you, both!)... but perhaps I can fill in some of the blanks with "a bit more details" (LOLOL!) so you have a clearer, fuller picture. I will try.

Quote:
You specifically mentioned WTBTS here. This leads to many questions.
"that other wild beast" - do you mean the two-horned wild beast spoken of at Rev 13:11?


Yes. I realize someone might ask, "But wait, John wrote this 1900 or so years ago and the WTBTS didn't even exist then, so how can that be?" Which is true; however, apparently these visions included times that were to occur [much] later (in human timeframes) than when they were written. John was told that the time was near, but then Moses told those of Israel who were with HIM that JAH was going to raise up for them a prophet after him... which occurred close to 1500 years later. Since the spirit timeline is different from our physical timeline, "near" doesn't necessarily mean tomorrow, let alone next week, month, year... century... millennium.

Quote:
If so, in what ways do what's discussed in verses 12-18 apply to WTBTS?


Well, let's take a look, but let's start with verse 11:

Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon.

Both dear 'Mom and I explained "how" the beast has two horn "like a lamb" but speaks "like a dragon." It calls itself "truth", yet lies. It does this through its two "horns". This is easier to understand if one understands what the "horns" are. Biblically, horns either denote strength, serve to announce... or both. The WTBTS has two "horns" which do both, give it strength... and make announcement:

The Watchtower "ANNOUNCING Jehovah's Kingdom"... and its "companion" the AWAKE! (which is an announcement in and of itself)... which are its PRIMARY source of strength and the thing it USES to put folks "under compulsion," etc..

Quote:
Awake! is considered to be the second most widely distributed magazine in the world (after The Watchtower), with a total worldwide printing of 44,748,000 copies in 99 languages per month. http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Awake!

See also, http://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_magaz ... irculation


The stated purpose of the Watchtower is to announce "Jehovah's" kingdom (what kingdom? What "Jehovah"??!), the AWAKE! states that it "... builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure new world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things." That, too, is an "announcement."

Thus, they are "horns" - they are the WTBTS' strength (without them, they could NOT have the influence they do) and means of announcing "something."

Quote:
- How does WTBTS make the earth and those who live in it worship the first beast who was healed? (vs 12)


One must first understand what that first beast "who was healed" is. It is Israel, specifically the system of worship given to her ON THE BASIS OF THE (Old) LAW... which system JAH came to hate. As a result of their repeated "adultery" He prophesied that He would give the nation a "chronic (incurable) stroke"... which prophesy was fulfilled both physically and spiritually:

Physically, the "stroke" occurred when He brought the Babylonians against Jerusalem, let them destroy the temple, capture the Jews and exile them into Babylon (I say Jews, because it was the 2-tribe kingdom of JUDAH that was exiled into Babylon and NOT the 10-tribe kingdom of Israel - the latter was already exiled by the Assyrians long before). That stroke was "healed" when Israel was allowed to return and rebuild the temple.

Spiritually, the "stroke" occurred when JAH rejected most of Israel and Christ opened the way for the nations... due to Israel's rejection of the King HE chose for them... which resulted in a BIGGER physical "stroke"... the last destruction of the temple... which has not been rebuilt to this day, in a PHYSICAL sense. JAH's temple IS being rebuilt, however, by Christ. This time, "Israel" will be a SPIRITUAL "temple"... made up of people and will never be brought to ruin again.

The BASIS for the first system of worship was the Old Law. That is what was used to set up the system and its priesthood. So long as the Law was "alive", Israel was bound to it. When Christ died, however, the (Old) Law was ALSO put to death, nailed to the pole with him (because he replaced it with a NEW Law). The WTBTS, however, by attempting to put people BACK under the OLD Law... have, in essence, have attempted to breathe life BACK into that "head" of the "beast"... the former system of worship given to Israel by means of the Law... for those it compels.

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- How does WTBTS perform great signs, even making fire come down out of heaven? (vs 13)


One word, dear one: "Armageddon." They use that word/event to strike SUCH fear in those who listen to it that such ones are awestruck by ANY other "signs" that beast proclaims. "1914" and the "signs" of that "time"... "1918" and the signs of that "time"... "1935" and the signs of that "time"... "607 BCE"... "33 BCE"... and all of the other "signs" it has proclaimed to instill fear in people, great and small, and get them to bow down to and follow it. ANYTHING they proclaim MUST be believed... or the one not believing risks what? "Fire coming down from heaven and devouring" them. Armageddon. Their number one "weapon", followed only by DF'ing. Folks fear Armageddon first, then being disfellowshipped (and losing family/loved ones)... because those who are disfellowshipped will... what? "Be destroyed at..." you guess it. Armageddon. When fire comes down out of heaven.

Quote:
- How does WTBTS tell those who live on the earth to make an image to the wild beast who was healed? (vs 14)


As I shared with you above, the WTBTS has attempted to breathe life BACK into that "head" of the "beast"... the former system of worship given to Israel by means of the Law... for those it compels. Thing is, the (Old) Law was impaled with Christ... and so, really is dead... for those who truly belong to Christ. Since they can't actually resurrect it (which actually creates a conundrum as how can you tell folks they're under the NEW Law... while compelling them to adhere to the OLD Law? How can you say ear piercings are okay, but body piercings/tattoos are not??)... they make an IMAGE of it. Not the (Old) Law itself... with all of its features and creeds, dictates, commands, etc., but a psuedo FORM of it (by means of picking and choosing the parts they want to use to control people and discarding the parts they know that even THEY can't fulfill. Then they push that psuedo-OLD Law... even WAY more than they do the NEW Law (the fulfillment of which is love, which fulfillment they fail miserably at).

Quote:
- If the image is the Law Covenent, in what way does it speak and caused to be killed anyone who does not worship that image? (vs 15)


GOOD question! One easy way to explain that might help you "see" is how they use Leviticus 5:1:

“‘If someone sins because he has heard a public call to testify and he is a witness or has seen or learned about it and he does not report it, then he will answer for his error."

Everyone of us who've been a JW KNOW that if you know that someone "sinned and don't tell the elders of it... and they find out you knew... you could be held accountable, even DF'd. Yes? But that's the Old Law. What, though, is the "rule" of the NEW Law? What did CHRIST say we are to do when someone "sins"? If the sin is against us... are we to run and tell the elders/brothers/others about it? Or... are we to forgive the sin? What, though, if it's a "serious" sin? Then what? Run tell the "older men"? What of Christ's words (at Matthew 18:15-18), though, that:

"... if your brother commits a sin, go and reveal his fault between you and him alone"?

Okay, so your brother doesn't listen to you. What next, per Christ?

"But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established."

Okay. But where did he say those one or two needed to be "elders"? He didn't. He just said take one or two others. But, okay, say your brother STILL doesn't listen? Do you go to the elders THEN? Not according to Christ. Per HIM:

"If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation."

When, pray tell, have YOU ever seen a JW CONGREGATION addressed as to the sin of a member? I can promise you that I NEVER have. EVER. But let's say, for argument's sake, that one STILL doesn't listen, even to the congregation. THEN what? Time to "remove" him, yes? DF him... expel him... kick him out... so as to keep the congregation "clean"... right? Not what Christ said. HE said:

"If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector."

Well, now, just how was a "man of the nations" or a "tax collector" supposed to be treated? Like Paul said ("not even eating with such a man")? Or as Christ said?

Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous.

For
if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? And
if you greet your brothers only what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing?

You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."


Matthew 5:44-48

Under the Old Law, one could be put to death for a transgression (although one didn't HAVE to be - love SURPASSES the Law and so love COULD have been used to FORGIVE a transgression). Today, with the WTBTS, although one is not literally put to death, one is SYMBOLICALLY "killed": from the POV of active JWs, including family and other loves ones... a disfellowshipped person is CONSIDERED "dead"... yes? And so, they use DF'g to "kill" anyone who doesn't adhere to their psuedo form of the Law Covenant.

Quote:
- Then vs 16-18 talks about the mark of the beast. How is this related to WTBTS?


We have to look at that mark... and what it does/permits:

It puts under compulsion all people—the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the free and the slaves—that these should be marked on their right hand or on their forehead, and that nobody can buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name."

As with other religions, the WTBTS boasts members from every walk of life. Unlike other religions, however, from which I can buy... virtually whatever I want from them (literature, bibles, garments... information/Bible teaching, whatever)... or can SELL such things... one cannot as to those things that belong to the WTBTS. Buy... OR sell (REsale does not count)... except those who have the MARK of that "beast"... or the NAME of that "beast"... or the number of the beast's name.

And... it's getting even harder, isn't it? Now, they even have a "publisher" version of their literature... different from the public version... and no one can get THAT (per se; remember, the account is symbolic) except actual/active members (plagiarism/folks making it public after the fact doesn't count). And it will get even more difficult over the next few coming years.

Quote:
I'm not defending WTBTS here, just seeking to understand in what ways what is written applies specifically to them and not to any other group.


I totally understand. I hope I was able to help you do that, understand the way that what is written in this prophesy applies specifically to them. I realize that it might be hard to "see" ("Okay, Shel, some things SEEM like them, but I'm not so sure they fulfill ALL, if ANY of this!")... and I get that. So, as usual, I will proffer that no one, even you, need to take my word for what I have shared. I have only shared it as I received it, from the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, my Lord, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... who is the only One found worthy to even OPEN the scrolls so AS to reveal what's in them and the meanings (which is why it's CALLED a "revelation" - these are things that were revealed to John). He is alive and speaks... and all one need do is go to him and ask HIM... and let HIM tell them, either directly or perhaps through his angel, Mischa'El... which is how John received it.

But I have not lied to you, dear one. I promise you that.

Again, peace to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:50 am 
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"But wait, John wrote this 1900 or so years ago and the WTBTS didn't even exist then, so how can that be?"

No issue with timing, although I'm often confused when Paul thought Christ would arrive shortly, and the Revelation said not to seal up the words because the time for their fulfillment was near, yet Daniel was told to seal up the words because the time was for the future.

I see what you're saying with all of this, but I gotta ask: how does a tiny organization like WTBTS, of which only a little over one one-hundredth of one percent of the world's population is part of, make it so prominently in the prophecy? The organization seems to be too insignificant to matter. Certainly not to the extend of affecting all those on the earth and those dwelling in her.

Quote:
As with other religions, the WTBTS boasts members from every walk of life. Unlike other religions, however, from which I can buy... virtually whatever I want from them (literature, bibles, garments... information/Bible teaching, whatever)... or can SELL such things... one cannot as to those things that belong to the WTBTS. Buy... OR sell (REsale does not count)... except those who have the MARK of that "beast"... or the NAME of that "beast"... or the number of the beast's name.

And... it's getting even harder, isn't it? Now, they even have a "publisher" version of their literature... different from the public version... and no one can get THAT (per se; remember, the account is symbolic) except actual/active members (plagiarism/folks making it public after the fact doesn't count). And it will get even more difficult over the next few coming years.

I would agree with the "sell" portion. Even for free. WTBTS definitely watches over their copyrights. However, for the "buy" portion, I disagree. It's actually much EASIER to get their literature (in digital format), including the "publisher" version, on their web site. Anyone can get almost anything they want there long before the print version is available. There's only one item I can think of that is truly "publisher" only and not available to the general public, and that is the "Kingdom Ministry". There's a few other "specialty items" that aren't even available to the average JW.


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 11:25 am 
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The Watchtower "ANNOUNCING Jehovah's Kingdom"... and its "companion" the AWAKE! (which is an announcement in and of itself)... which are its PRIMARY source of strength and the thing it USES to put folks "under compulsion," etc..


The stated purpose of the Watchtower is to announce "Jehovah's" kingdom (what kingdom? What "Jehovah"??!), the AWAKE! states that it "... builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure new world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things." That, too, is an "announcement."

Thus, they are "horns" - they are the WTBTS' strength (without them, they could NOT have the influence they do) and means of announcing "something."



Yes to all of this and thank you for the details, /:)

As to the above that is mentioned.

Remember the Watchtower has been long used as the primary source of strength used to " put individuals under compulsion to worship this beast" because it is the Watchtower that they have primarily used to " dispense spiritual food at the proper time."

You cannot disagree with it regardless of what you read in the Bible. They will take the food in the watchtower over what's in the Bible. And remember if we ever come across anything written in the bible that disagrees with the Watchtower, we are told to not " push ahead" of the organization but to wait on Jehovah. Yet they claim the watchtower not to be inspired. Something not inspired that is taught and your life through that and them are dependent on whether you will agree and follow it or not.

I would say pretty powerful,

Just wanted to add to the emphasis on the power and strength these publications have had on its members for over 100 years.

Enjoy your day, hope this all helps,
Love Justmom


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 1:04 pm 
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Dear LQ, you stated:

Quote:
I see what you're saying with all of this, but I gotta ask: how does a tiny organization like WTBTS, of which only a little over one one-hundredth of one percent of the world's population is part of, make it so prominently in the prophecy? The organization seems to be too insignificant to matter. Certainly not to the extend of affecting all those on the earth and those dwelling in her. (Emphasis mine.)


Interesting use of the word “insignificant,” my brother/sister. Hasn’t Jah always dealt with what “seems” to be insignificant? Take Bethlehem, for example:

"And you, O Beth′le•hem of the land of Judah, are by no means the most insignificant [city] among the governors of Judah; for out of you will come forth a governing one, who will shepherd my people, Israel.’”—Matthew 2:6.


How about the choice of Israel itself to be God’s people:

For you are a holy people to Jehovah your God. It is you Jehovah your God has chosen to become his people, a special property, out of all the peoples that are on the surface of the ground.7 “It was not because of YOUR being the most populous of all the peoples that Jehovah showed affection for YOU so that he chose YOU, for YOU were the least of all the peoples. 8 But it was because of Jehovah’s loving YOU, and because of his keeping the sworn statement that he had sworn to YOUR forefathers, that Jehovah brought YOU out with a strong hand, that he might redeem you from the house of slaves, from the hand of Phar′aoh the king of Egypt.—Deuteronomy 7:6-8.


And then consider the Christ himself, to whom was he sent? Was he sent to the governments of the world empires—Rome? Or Greece? Or Egypt? Notice to whom he said he was sent. Please see:

In answer he said: “I was not sent forth to any but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”—Matthew 15:24.


And consider what the apostle Paul stated:

In the past generations he permitted all the nations to go on in their ways, 17 although, indeed, he did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving YOU rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling YOUR hearts to the full with food and good cheer.”—Acts 14:16-17.

To the extent that other nations interacted with the nation Israel (for good or for bad), to that extent Jah dealt with them (for good or for bad). Otherwise he did not “deal” with them. He was good to them, of course, but he really didn’t “deal” with them.


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 1:23 pm 
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LQ:

From emphasis of God’s choice and use of the insignificant, check out what Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians:

For YOU behold his calling of YOU, brothers, that not many wise in a fleshly way were called, not many powerful, not many of noble birth; 27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put the wise men to shame; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put the strong things to shame; 28 and God chose the ignoble things of the world and the things looked down upon, the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are, 29 in order that no flesh might boast in the sight of God. 30 But it is due to him that YOU are in union with Christ Jesus, who has become to us wisdom from God, also righteousness and sanctification and release by ransom; 31 that it may be just as it is written: “He that boasts, let him boast in Jehovah.”—1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

As for the Revelation, was it not to be sent only to the seven congregations scattered about in Asia Minor. Were not these seven congregations “insignificant” to the rest of the world? Who in Rome, Britannia, Gaul, Tarshish, Italy, Germania, Ethiopia, Babylon, etc., etc., cared about a letter being distributed to seven congregations filled with the foolish, the weak, the ignoble? If the world knew of their existence, wouldn’t they be looked down upon by the world?

Is it really any different now?


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 1:52 pm 
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Very revealing and excellent points Armand. I am hearing this too.

Loz x

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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 2:14 pm 
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how does a tiny organization like WTBTS, of which only a little over one one-hundredth of one percent of the world's population is part of, make it so prominently in the prophecy? The organization seems to be too insignificant to matter. Certainly not to the extend of affecting all those on the earth and those dwelling in her.


In addition to dear 'Mom's and Armand's comments, dear LQ (peace to you, all!), I would like to add that while the organization itself may be small in comparison to other religions, this is not about its SIZE... but it's INFLUENCE. Which INFLUENCE is not necessarily small. I am directed by our Lord to remind of its court cases... in the U.S. and now the world over... in relation to other religions... and the INFLUENCE those have had in the world. Remember, it "put UNDER COMPULSION... the GREAT and the small." In addition to the "small" people, its members, that have been put under compulsion... how many "great" people and institutions, including government leaders, even governments, even religions, religious leaders... have been put under compulsion by this relatively small... even considered "insignificant"... entity?

Dear one, its INFLUENCE has toppled the "strongholds" (i.e., "strongly entrenched things", such as traditions, regulations, laws, even doctrines...) of MUCH larger entities, has it not? Has it not affected the influence of the Catholic (particularly the RCC), Orthodox, SDA, LDS, fundamental, and other churches during the past century? Has it not sought and helped with the overturning of local, state, and federal government regulations/laws that restrict things like free speech, peaceful assembly, and religious freedom? What about flag saluting? Compulsory military service? Home schooling (vs. public school attendance)? What about time off from work or refusal to participate in events at work... for the sake of religious (observances)?

That is why it's has "HORNS" - strength - dear one. The other religions have NEVER undertaken... or caused the level of influence... this "insignificant" entity has! They never HAD to as they either MADE the "laws" (based on their own doctrines) or conformed to them in some way.

The "beast" that is the WTBTS is anything but insignificant, dear one. Not necessarily KNOWN by all in the earth... yet. But certainly not insignificant. There are actually laws on the books today that were adopted BECAUSE of that entity. Trust me: they're not only actually in the case law books... but I had to hold MY tongue when we read them and my classmates/professors would be giving them KUDOS!! LOLOLOL! I would be thinking, "Oh, if ya'll only KNEW!"

But I could say nothing because the laws, in and of themselves, are GOOD; what the underlying purpose for pushing for them was (again, to put others under compulsion!)... is another story entirely. But try to get those who don't know that "harlot" to understand that... well...

No, she isn't insignificant, by ANY stretch. Small, perhaps... for now... but not insignificant.

I hope this helps!

Peace to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 2:33 pm 
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I forgot to address this (peace to you, again, dear LQ!):

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for the "buy" portion, I disagree. It's actually much EASIER to get their literature (in digital format), including the "publisher" version, on their web site. Anyone can get almost anything they want there long before the print version is available.


Yes, but you (or someone) must go to them to get it - you can't buy it in a regular retail store (as you can with other religion's stuff). And they can stop you (via blocking your IP) at any time, if they choose to (because you have shown yourself to be a public opposer), etc.

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There's only one item I can think of that is truly "publisher" only and not available to the general public, and that is the "Kingdom Ministry". There's a few other "specialty items" that aren't even available to the average JW.


Hence, such are only available to those who have the "mark"... the "name of the mark"... or the "NUMBER of the name." While this may also be true of other organizations (all have their "inside" stuff, of course), this one is the only one among them that fits ALL of the "beasts" description.

Also, and most important... as far as religions go (for "christians")... she's pretty much the last "city" (or "daughter" [of Babylon the Great] on the "route"... is she not? I mean, when people leave, say, the SDA, LDA, RCC, etc., "where" to they often end up? Is it not in "her"? Yet, when they leave "her" (the WTBTS)... "where" do they most often end up? Indeed, if you ask a JW/exJW what religion they would join if/AFTER leaving the WTBTS... "where" would THEY tell there is to GO?

I hope this helps, dear one, truly!

Again, peace to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:36 pm 
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Thanks again, everyone, for putting up with my incessant questions. I have considered WTBTS to be part of Babylon the Great, but had not given any thought to it being the two-horned wild beast. Very interesting indeed.


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 7:29 pm 
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my incessant questions.


Not incessant at ALL, dear one (again, peace to you!). This is how it often starts for some: having their initial questions answered so that they can begin to HAVE a bit of faith (the size of a mustard seed) because of perhaps hearing the GOOD news of the kingdom, which is the TRUTH about Christ (who IS the Truth and the image of God, by means of Whom we can not only hear and see... but KNOW God:

THIS means everlasting life, their KNOWING you, the TRUE God... AND (knowing) the One whom you sent forth."

That good news has been withheld from most, by those who SHOULD have given it to them but cannot... because THEY don't know it!

Quote:
I have considered WTBTS to be part of Babylon the Great, but had not given any thought to it being the two-horned wild beast. Very interesting indeed.


The "SOCIETY"... meaning the so-called "anointed" who are in her and once led her... those who allowed and fomented the creation of the RELIGION that is "Jehovah's Witnesses" (well, the, what is it now... "Christian Organization of Jehovah's Witnesses" or something like that?)... which RELIGION is a "daughter" of the Babylon the Great... one of the "harlotous" offspring of the "Mother of the Harlots" through her "fornication" with the "kings of the earth" (Russell, Rutherford, their GB)... make up part of that Harlot. They are the adulteresses, professing a union with Christ, as his Bride... while committing fornication, such that they no longer look to and follow their TRUE husbandly-owner and HIS Law... but have given themselves over to other men... and follow THEIR laws." Which is what MAKES them adulteresses: so long as a husband is alive, wife is BOUND to his "law". Only the death of a husband... or adultery... severs the bond. Christ, who they CLAIM as their husband, however... is NOT dead... nor is HE the one who committed adultery (with other women!) in the "relationship"! Rather, HE gave his LIFE for his Bride!

The RELIGION (the "Worldwide Organization of Jehovah's Witnesses") that has resulted, then, is a "woman" that those who claim to belong to Christ as part of the "144,000" (but are not)... have "defiled" themselves with (which is why they CAN'T be a part of that group! Such ones do NOT defile themselves "with women"! Revelation 14:4).

The CORPORATION (the "Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of...New York, Pennsylvania, etc.") and PUBLISHING company that PRODUCES the "horns"... the WT and AWAKE!... and have used it to PUT under compulsion the "great and the small"... is the "beast." It works in collaboration with the "false prophet," which is why they, TOGETHER, are thrown into the Lake of Fire.

JOINTLY, these are the manifestation of the FALSE prophets and FALSE "christs" (anointed)... who "arise... to mislead, IF POSSIBLE... EVEN the (TRUE) chosen ones" during THIS time. Matthew 24:24

Which is why those who truly DO belong to Christ are exhorted to GET OUT OF HER. Meaning out of Babylon the Great... by getting out of, away from, and quit TOUCHING... ANY of her UNCLEAN daughters! Why? So that they can be CLEANSED... so as to BE taken in as sons/daughters:

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”

Therefore,

Come out from them
and be separate,
says JaHVeH.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”

And,

“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says JaHVeH Almighty.”


2 Corinthians 6:14-18

JAH cannot dwell in an UNCLEAN vessel; yet, how is one clean if what one is "touching" is UNCLEAN? THAT was the whole lesson of the Law, as to touching dead bodies, or menstruating women, or eating certain animals, or touching someone with leprosy! He wasn't talking about THOSE things... but tried to USE those things to TEACH Israel as to what it meant to touch something unclean: one BECOMES unclean by the thing touched!

And so, if Babylon and her daughters are harlots, adulteresses, fornicators... in the SPIRITUAL sense... they are UNCLEAN "women" and anyone "having RELATIONS" with them... BECOME unclean... by JOINING themselves TO them. "Touching" them. If one gets OUT, however, then they can be CLEANSED... so as to be taken IN by JAH.

They get OUT... by following the Lamb... who leads them out... THEN cleanses them... by granting them the "blood that cleanses", the "water" of life... holy spirit:

"He calls his own sheep by name and LEADS them OUT. When he has brought OUT all his own, HE goes on AHEAD of them, and his sheep FOLLOW HIM because they know HIS voice." John 10:3, 4

Anyone who is still IN... and says they are clean/anointed... is lying. It can't BE... unless JAH Himself lied. But that can't be, can it? If they are lying, though (and they are!)... they CAN'T be part of the 144,000 - Revelation 14:5. True, they may not KNOW that they're lying... may HOPE they are part of that group... but that doesn't make it SO. And... the people of our Lord's day in the flesh didn't know/believe THEY were lying, either. They thought they were "chosen", too. Because they were Abraham's seed. They were wrong, though, weren't they?

I hope this helps, dear LQ!

Peace to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar


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PostPosted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 9:16 pm 
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Yes, yes, and yes. I know that it has been a few months since this thread, but I have not been able to fully hear (or rather, fully accept) that the wts IS that wild beast, the one that looks like a lamb, and yet speaks like a dragon. Until now. She fits all of the requirements that Shelby and Armand and JM (and others if I have missed you, sorry) have shared above. (Maybe even another one, unless I am misunderstanding something, that I will try to share now, or soon as I can)

I feel breathless, in awe... I mean, we are here... at this point in the "timeline" of what was, what is, and what is to come... that the wild beast (the wts) has come, and has given life to the image of the first beast. We are seeing prophecy, first from Daniel as given to him, and then by John, as given to him by our Lord, come to pass. Pretty exciting stuff.


Makes me remember our Lord's call to "Come out of her (not just the wts, but all of 'her'), MY people!"

Just needed to add my 'amen' to this revelation.


"Come! All you who are thirsting and all you who are seeking. Come and take the gift of the water of life - holy spirit that is poured out from Jah, through Christ - FREE!"


Peace and love to you,
Your servant and sister, and fellow slave of Christ,
tammy


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