Note: This post was originally made on 04/30/20. On occasion, I've been updating some of my older posts. Ever since the JW's have stopped me from studying with them, banishing and silencing me in October of 2020, I've slowly made corrections on many things that I found to be not true, these were shared on some of my older posts, literature excerpts that were from their site. What I've decided to do with this particular post, was to update it and repost it. It's a message I want to reshare with much updated scripture and completed changes. Thank you. I will now move on to the updated post.
What is reflection?
When you look into a mirror, what do you see? You see your face. Now I ask, is that a true reflection of who you are? No, that's just the surface. It's what's visible to the eye, it's what anyone can see. What happens when you dig deeper and look beneath the surface, what do you see then? It's another reflection, one of whom you truly are inside.
So, what does it mean when someone says you should reflect on who you are? It means look at yourself, your intentions, who are you and whatyou do,as an individual, what you are truly about. How do you do that? Remove the outer layer and dig deep, if you still don't see it, dig deeper. Many can be fooled by who you are on the outside, you can even fool yourself. Many forget or may not think about this, but there is One whom you cannot fool, and that's the Father, Jehovah. (Hebrews 4:12, 13) He can see between the layers, He can see deep inside your heart, He can truly seeyou, from deep within.
Why is it so important not to Judge?
Because what you see on the outside, may not be what's inside...it's the surface, an appearance, a perception. Those who believe like you can be more deceitful than those who don't. If everything you do, you do in love, all else follows...especially the TRUTH. Without love, you have NOTHING. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
UPDATED: 12/11/21 ~
Most excerpts from literature previously used on this from JW Org. have been deleted. I did leave one excerpt below to show how this is is literature studied by JW's, but sadly, most don't know how to practice what they preach. This is not by fault of their own, they are taught to do what is in the following excerpt, but without realizing it, they're then taught subliminally (implant) to turn on their brother/sister if they don't view things the same way as the organization.Depending on the circumstance, one can be disfellowshipped/shunned or simply silenced, (losing family and friends) just for thinking differently.
Most religions and study groups will do this, because of indoctrination (implant), it's just done differently...in this case, I call it soft shunning. These aren't even aware that they are doing this. Eventually, you are made to feel like an outcast, an unwanted child, simply because your view is different. These either lack faith or are puffed up with pride or both. Some will allow you to stay, but at a distance. I've experience this everywhere I go. I'm thankful that not all are like this, there is a select "few"that will try not to do this.
No one is perfect, I expect it at first, I too was there once, it was a short while, but now I understand it. It's when they don't make change, that I will personally remove myself from their midst. I won't judge them; I will simply pray for them. I'm thankful that I was never indoctrinated by religion. It made it easier for me to return and listen to how scripture was being shown to me by my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ.
It is uncomfortable when views differ, even for me, but this is where your faith is tested.
Ask yourself:
How strong is your FAITH?
Does your faith impede someone else's faith?
Do you shy away or judge those who think differently?
WHY?
Be honest, is it fear that you may be deceived by them?
What does it mean to lack faith/trust in God?
Do you ever look deeper and try to understand "why" they think what they do?
Are you complacent with your own understanding and don't really want to hear what someone else has to say?
Did you ever stop to think that your "sound" doctrine may not be as "sound" as you think it to be?
Does pride kick in?
Ephesians 5:6 ASV — Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.
Hebrews 13:6 ASV — So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?
My Faith is so strong, unshakable, that no matter who sits in front of me, believer or not, Jew or Gentile, I can love them anyway, because I know the truth will be revealed, especially to those who keep trying, and who are genuine in their search...the true Body of Christ. No man can deceive me, because I trust the Father - Jehovah, and the Son - Jesus Christ...I love them BOTH dearly, and I love you.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24ASV — Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentilesfoolishness; but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
What does it mean for a Jew to be stumbled? ~ Who is Jesus Christ?
Isaiah 9:6 ASV — For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Matthew 1:21 ASV — And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.
John 10:34-36 ASV — Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
Jesus is quoting from the Old Testament...
Psalm 82:1 ASV — A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of God; He judgeth among the gods. (Jehovah's divine council)
Psalm 82:6-7 ASV — I said, Ye are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High. Nevertheless ye shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes. (They will die like men because they are NOT men, as many commentators claim, they are divine sons.)
Psalm 82:8 ASV — Arise, O God, judge the earth; For thou shalt inherit all the nations. (Jehovah speaking to his son Jesus. For those who don't believe he pre-existed, this shows he did.)
What is the foolishness of a Gentile? ~ Who is Jehovah/Yahweh?
1 Corinthians 11:3 ASV — But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
There is no scripture that says Jesus is the Almighty God, nor that he is part of a triune God. Does Jesus have God's power? Absolutely, because God the Father, the Almighty God ~ Jehovah, the head of Christ, gave it to Him, he was anointed with it.
Acts 10:38 ASV — even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; forGod was with him.
If Jesus was part of a triune God, he would know the day and hour...
Matthew 24:36 ASV — But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.
If Jesus was part of a triune God, he couldn't have died. Jehovah's Holy Spirit left Jesus just before he died...
Matthew 27:46 ASV — And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Then Jesus gave up his spirit...
Matthew 27:50 ASV — And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.
Is it possible to have multiple gods and still have one true God?
Yes, because none can ever be the Almighty God ~ Jehovah.
Isaiah 45:21-23 ASV — Declare ye, and bring it forth; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath showed this from ancient time? who hath declared it of old? have not I, Jehovah? and there is no God else besides me, a just God and a Saviour; there is none besides me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
This is quoted in...
Romans 14:11 ASV — For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God. (The "Lord" here is Jehovah.)
Furthermore, the church is the body, not the bride of Christ...more on this below.
Ephesians 5:23 ASV — For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body.
Yes, there is three (trinity)... the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but all three stem from One God only, the Father ~ the Almighty Jehovah. The Holy Spirit is from the Father, Jesus Christ is begotten from the Father, it is the Father who begot him and brought him forth...it is only the Father who is EVERYTHING.
John 1:18 ASV — No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Matthew 28:19 ASV — Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
What is the name of the Father?
If you didn't know, how were you be baptized in it?
Are you offended when one uses the name of the Father?
Exodus 3:14-15 ASV — And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
God doesn't lie, if He says Jehovah (יהוה) is His name forever, than it's what His name is. It's "in the name" of Jesus. Strong's G2424:"Jehovah is Salvation."
Titus 1:2 ASV — in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal;
Here's an excerpt that I chose not to delete from the original post...All should ask the following questions, including those wrote it ~ the JW Organization.
HOW can we make sure that we really love Jehovah and are worshipping him for the right reasons? The Bible encourages us: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) We may need to examine our conduct regularly in order to be sure that there is no trace of hypocrisy in our worship to Jehovah. Ask yourself the following questions:
When I show hospitality or give someone a gift, do I expect something in return?—Matthew 6:2-4.
Do I always treat my family with love and consideration, even when others are not around?—Colossians 3:18-21.
Is my conduct always in harmony with the Bible principles I zealously teach others?—Romans 2:21-23.
What if we find small traces of hypocrisy in ourselves? Before these tendencies become a larger part of our personality, we should quickly make any necessary changes. If we do so, we will have Jehovah’s approval. We will also be able to say that “we never used flattering speech or put on any false front with greedymotives.”—1 Thessalonians 2:5.
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What is Perception?
It can be how you pick up on something and then impress on it, noticing things that are not obvious. What is a "first time" impression? It's how you first perceive someone or something to be, Why is it so important? Because as imperfect beings we tend to judge the book by its cover and we're not always right, we need to take the time to get to know what the book is about inside.
If the cover is beautiful, but what's inside is not, would you still buy it?
Well, I read the Bible and I can honestly tell you it's the most Beautiful Book you will ever read. It gives perfect instruction, it speaks to YOU, if you open your heart to it and to others.
Matthew 6:21 ASV — for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
One should never trust his/her own understanding of things, because you don't always know, and whenyou come up with your own conclusion... would you not be judging in an indirect way?
Proverbs 3:5-6 ASV — Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.
Remember, there is One Supreme Judge...Jehovah, and that judgement is given to His Son. This is why, you as an individual need to rely on Jehovah and Trust in Him and do it through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:2 ASV — For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.
John 3:17 ASV — For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.
John 5:22 ASV — For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son;
John 5:30 ASV — I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
How can you learn about God?
Joshua 1:8 ASV — This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Fearing GOD is a healthy fear, but how can you fear Him and understand what that means...
If you don't know who He is?
Proverbs 3:7 ASV — Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil:
Proverbs 8:13 ASV — The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 9:10 ASV — The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 16:6 ASV — By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.
Ecclesiastes12:13-14 ASV — This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
What does it mean to be complacent?
Per the Collins English Dictionary...A complacent person is very pleased with themselves or feels they do not need to do anythingabout a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous.
Luke 21:34-36ASV — But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Do not become too comfortable (complacent) with your understanding of "truth" because you may one day find that your understanding wasn't the truth you thought it to be after all. Do not hold it against those who think differently than you, there's a reason why they believe what they believe.
Luke 12:51 ASV — Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Instead of judging your brother/sister, kindly ask why they feel what they do. If you have the truth, you won't hold it against them if they don't. (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) That takes FAITH.
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 ASV — Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know; but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him.
Instead of condemning your brother/sister, direct them to scripture and help them to believe...
Matthew 6:6 ASV — But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.
Matthew 7:7 ASV — Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
The church was the reason why I left the first time, and it could have been the reason why I would leave again. But because my reliance and understanding come from God and not man, my faith is unshakable. It is your responsibility to draw people in, not push them away with YOUR understanding of scripture.
Having had Jehovah's Witnesses in my life, although I myself was not baptized as one, I do believe they strive to do the best that they can, to do Jehovah's will. Does that mean they're perfect? No, but neither is any other religion. You ALL do something that isn't right, so stop judging and pray for those who judge you. One should always ask themselves, on adaily basis... "Truthfully, am I really doing everything in my power to do Jehovah's will?" I ask this quite often: "Would Father approve? and What would Jesus do?"
What is a clean Home/Mind?
Be aware of your surroundings...keep it filled with spiritual things of God, keep it holy.
Luke 11:24-26 ASV — The unclean spirit when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and finding none, he saith, I will turn back unto my house whence I came out. And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first.
What is an implant?
Something that's put into your body, be it an object or, most importantly, a thought. There are many ways to implant something, be it medically or mentally; an idea or attitude in people, making it accepted or believed.
Subliminal messages...
Subliminal [ˌsəbˈlimənl]
ADJECTIVE
psychology
(of a stimulus or mental process) below the threshold of sensation or consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.
Think of advertisements, news, movies, music...why do companies spend millions on advertisement and why is the entertainment industry so rich. When something is implanted in your mind long enough, it gets imprinted there and before you know it, without even realizing it, you're buying what they're selling...this includes religion and politics.
Example: When you can walk into a supermarket with a wide-open Bar that you and/or your children need to walk through to get to the Mall, that's an implant. Young ones are impressionable and start to see this as normal and acceptable, without seeing the many dangers within it. Back in the day, we weren't allowed to walk into a bar unless you were of age, now it's welcomed at any age. It's just like seeing that cigarette machine at the end of the register, back in the 70's (implant), or buying soda everyone calls "Coke" (implant), or the government making it legal to kill babies at full term, if you looked past it and voted anyway, you accepted it (implant).
When it's right in front of you and you can't see it, this is what Satan wants, he knows his time is very short and he wants to take as many with him as he can, don't give him that opportunity. Phones are a danger, and most children have one. The one thing Satan does not want implanted in your mind is the One and only True God, the One who can save you...JEHOVAH.
Romans 10:13 ASV — for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Quoted from...
Joel 2:32ASV — And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those that escape, as Jehovah hath said, and among the remnant those whom Jehovah doth call.
Don't be fooled.
I became a product of my environment...from child abuse (mental and physical) to sexual abuse, from bullying and racism to constant persecution, all to which led to attempted suicides. Smiling on the outside and crying on the inside. Many have been there, and many still are.
Who Really Controls the world?
Ephesians 6:12 ASV — For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
If there's ever a time to examine your heart, now would be it. Everyone on this planet has a chance to be saved, we are ALL children of God. In the end, it's up to you. Do you want to be saved, or do you choose to look the other way? Meaning, do you want to be a sheep or a goat? When you know better and you still choose to look the other way, then you are just as guilty.
Matthew 18:3 ASV — and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 25:40 ASV — And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.
Matthew 25:45 ASV — Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.
How you treat your brother/sister, believer or not, same faith or not, is how you treat Christ.
We are approaching the End, do not become dependent of what "man" has to say, become dependent of Jehovah and His Son, Jesus Christ. Lean on Him, surround yourself with like-minded people, people who truly Love Jehovah and Jesus Christ, and truly want is to do the Father's will.
Stay close to His Word and those who bring positive light...
Sound Doctrine:
What is it?
Where does it come from?
Man?
How do you know what you believe to be sound doctrine, isn't as sound as you think it to be?
Ephesians 5:6 ASV — Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.
1 Corinthians 8:4-6 ASV — Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many; yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.
There's only one truth, the Spirit of truth...
The "Angel of the LORD"
Daniel 10:21 ASV — But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these, but Michael your prince.
Zechariah 8:3 ASV — Thus saith Jehovah: I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called The city of truth; and the mountain of Jehovah of hosts, The holy mountain. (Third Heaven - Mind)
Galatians 4:26 ASV — But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother.
John 1:17 ASV — For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 ASV — Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:17 ASV — even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:18 ASV — I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you.
2 Corinthians 12:2 ASV — I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven. (Mind)
John 14:21 ASV — He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
I may not be a "Jehovah's Witness", but I AM a witness for Jehovah.
Isaiah 43:10 ASV — Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
John 4:24 ASV — God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 14:26 ASV — But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.
The Bride of Christ is not the church, the church is the Body of Christ.
These videos can help clarify somewhat, although they still don't have a full understanding, these are Christians who are waking up to the fact that the bride of Christ is misapplied to the church...they're correct in saying it's not the church, but it isn't specific to Jerusalem either.
Revelation 1:20 ASV — the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angelsof the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks are seven churches.
John 15:5 ASV — I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.
John 15:26 ASV — But when the Comforter is come, whomI will send unto youfrom the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
Zechariah 4:14 ASV — Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Mark 9: 2-9Transfiguration (Presence of the LORD Jehovah and His two witnesses)
Revelation 11:4 ASV — These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks, standing before the Lord of the earth.
Hebrews 9:5 ASV — and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy-seat; of which things we cannot now speak severally. (In detail.)
Revelation 22:16 ASV — I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things forthe churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright, the morning star.
The Spirit (Jesus) and his angel (bride)...two witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10)
Revelation 22:17 ASV — And the Spiritand the bridesay, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:20 ASV — He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.
I may not be a part of Jehovah's Witnesses, it's been over a year since they silenced and banished me, but I still love them, as I love all mankind, regardless of belief or disbelief...and I still listen to many of the songs they available as well.
1. Sing to Jehovah. His great name is highly exalted. His proud Egyptian foes, He has cast into the sea. Praise Jah Almighty; Besides him there can be no other. Jehovah is his name; He has gained the victory.
(CHORUS) Jehovah God, Most High over all, The one who is forevermore the same, You soon will cause your enemies to fall And sanctify your holy name.
2. See now all nations Opposing the Sov’reign, Jehovah. Though mightier than Pharaoh, They too will suffer shame. Judgment awaits them; They cannot escape Armageddon. Soon ev’ryone will know That Jehovah is God’s name.
(CHORUS) Jehovah God, Most High over all, The one who is forevermore the same, You soon will cause your enemies to fall And sanctify your holy name.
