With so many Christians in this world, why is the gate so narrow?
Matthew 7:13 ASV — Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.
UPDATE: This was a turning point for me. I knew JW.ORG was still riddled with many problems, I just didn't understand the extent of it. I still had to unlearn many false teachings. It took time, but Jehovah has taught me well. He allowed me to see the injustices, while still guiding me to the light properly, in a progressive manner. (Proverbs 4:18) I was taught by Jesus Christ to love anyway, no matter how much they continue to persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
I was SILENCED by the Jehovah's Witnesses for asking questions about some teachings they had and for claiming to be anointed by God.
I am so grateful to Jehovah.
I would like to start this post by sharing with you this fun, interactive card.
This was made for a childhood friend. She wanted to give a special card to a sister that was recently baptized.
1 Corinthians 16:9 ASV — for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
I layered the card with a vellum sheet, it is meant to be lifted up, so the message can be written.
She can write her message on the removable insert that was attached with washi tape.
The recipient can than remove the message sent to them, write a new message, and send it to another.
When they're ready to replace the insert, they will be surprised to see that it reveals another message.
This card is interactive and made with lots of love.
It is meant to pass forward to another.
I decorated a smaller envelope to include 6 inserts, 12 small pieces of washi tape and instructions. Once all inserts have been used, they can use the plain white envelope for the card and plastic clear sleeve that was included for the final mailing.
I want to clarify that the following information is in no way meant to offend anyone, it is meant out of love. It is my hope that as the end of this system of things approaches, that no one falls into the snare of the devil. It's just a reminder that Jehovah requires exclusive devotion to Him, not the organization that is run by imperfect men. We respect the positions appointed to each individual and must not put them on a pedestal. It's a reminder of what not to do.
What is idolatry?
1 Corinthians 10:7 ASV — Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Study Notes from NWT...
Neither become idolaters, as some of them did: Paul here refers to the occasion when the Israelites worshipped a golden calf at the foot of Mount Sinai. (Ex 32:1-6) They directly violated Jehovah’s command against that wicked practice, a law that they had agreed to obey just a few weeks earlier. (Ex 20:4-6; 24:3) They apparently did not intend to reject Jehovah as their God; Aaron even called their idolatrous celebration “a festival to Jehovah.” However, the Israelites fell into the trap of trying to mix the worship of Jehovah with idolatry.Excerpt...
An idol is an image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of passionate devotion, whether material or imagined. Generally speaking, idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. It is usually practiced toward a real or supposed higher power, whether such power is believed to have animate existence (as a human, an animal, or an organization) or is inanimate (as a force or lifeless object of nature).
To the Jehovah's Witnesses (JW)...
As JW, one needs to be careful not to become like the Israelites in the days of Moses. Ask yourself... are you proud to be a JW? or, are you proud to be a Witness for Jehovah?
What's the difference?
You need to check your pride, if your proud in a loving way, proud to be a Witness for Jehovah, that's great, you should be. He's our loving Father... our caring Creator. But, if you are putting emphasis on being baptized as a way that gives you status above those who are not? You are then putting pride on JW themselves, and not on Jehovah.
Please click your own link on...Pride
When you separate those who are dedicated from those who are baptized it creates division.
1 Corinthians 1:10 ASV — Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
How so?
Because those who are truly dedicated to Jehovah are dedicated well before baptism. They don't use baptism as way to be dedicated. Baptism is a public display of your dedication.
So when it comes to dedication, what's the difference between an unbaptized publisher or a baptized publisher? Nothing. You should continue to be just as dedicated. The only privilege I want and need, I already have, and it's the best privilege of all...preaching 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.
Ask yourself, what's more important to Jehovah? Your private dedication to him, way before baptism, or your baptism...the public display?
If you're one who puts emphasis on baptized JW, by putting JW on a pedestal...be it the governing body, circuit overseer, elders or yourself...then that's a problem. There's only one who is above all else, and that's Jehovah.
Trusting in Jehovah and Jesus Christ, is not trusting in "man." As witnesses for Jehovah, you know that the spiritual food put out by the JW organization must be backed by scripture, the organization is run by "man" by imperfect people, whether you believe they are anointed or not, they are still imperfect. Please do not put them up on a pedestal.
Let's respect all the positions appointed to each individual who are given holy spirit to serve Jehovah, male and female, regardless of who they are and what they do.
Be careful not to turn the organization or anyone in it, into an idol. Everything taught, must be taught through the Bible. If it's not explicit in the Bible, then you have the right to question it and it should not be held against you. If it can't be explained clearly, then one must keep digging until it can be made clear. (Hebrews 4:12; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1, 2)
If you claim something to be a certain way, but can't show how it is, and it's still not made clear, then maybe you are the one who is misunderstanding. One of the worst things you can tell someone is "that you just know it to be true or that it's something you come to understand in time."
Why is it that one of the worst things you can do?
Ask one who has had, or still has the belief of the trinity? When you show them scripture that proves differently, many will tell you it's a belief and understanding that can't always be explained.
So I ask, what if something can be explained in one direction (Cornelius), but can't be explained through scripture in the other direction (you cannot be anointed before baptism), what would be more logical?
Excerpt...
CHAPTER 14
“We Have Come to a Unanimous Accord”
How the governing body reached a decision and the unifying effect it had on the congregations
Based on Acts 15:13-35
CHAPTER 14
“We Have Come to a Unanimous Accord”
How the governing body reached a decision and the unifying effect it had on the congregations
Based on Acts 15:13-35
Acts 15:17 ASV — That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called,
I may not be a baptized Jehovah's Witness, but I am a Witness for Jehovah.
Romans 2:26 ASV — If therefore the uncircumcision keep the ordinances of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision?
If you push the narrative that is in the least logical direction, yet, you can't prove it in scripture, is it okay to say "well it's something you come to understand in time" or that "Jesus set the pattern"?
Does that not start to fall in the same line as those who believe in the trinity?
To tell any individual they are wrong for feeling the way they do when it comes to Jehovah, is wrong, you don't have that right. Remember, only Jehovah knows the hearts, not you. (Proverbs 17:3; 1 Samuel 16:7)
Can anyone deny that I am a true Christian? That I love Jehovah and Jesus Christ?...and that I love them with all of my heart?
I have proudly dedicated myself to Jehovah and I will continue to be dedicated to Jehovah for the rest of my life.
If you truly believe in Jehovah, then as a reminder you should reread one of the most recent articles regarding this matter.
8 Jehovah leaves no doubt whatsoever in the minds and hearts of those who receive his invitation to go to heaven. (Read 1 John 2:20, 27.) Of course, anointed Christians need to be taught by Jehovah through the congregation just like everyone else. But they do not need anyone to confirm that they are anointed. Jehovah has used the most powerful force in the universe, his holy spirit, to make it absolutely clear to them that they are anointed!
STUDY ARTICLE 5
We Will Go With You
STUDY ARTICLE 5
We Will Go With You
Excerpt...
CHAPTER 97
Illustration of the Workers in the Vineyard
“Keep doing all things free from murmurings.”—Philippians 2:14.
Illustration of the Workers in the Vineyard
Do not become like the Israelites in the wilderness or the workers of the field.
True Christians will follow the examples taught to us by Jesus, and then lead by them.
Matthew 22:37-39 ASV — And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
That means all peoples of the nations. That means you and me, any who have been disfellowshipped, who are inactive, those who know the truth, and those who do not. Do not judge, you don't have that right, we're all imperfect. Reflection.
TRUST IN JEHOVAH and Live!
“Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.”—PROV. 3:5.I don't go to the meetings for the Jehovah's Witnesses, I go to the meetings for Jehovah.
~ Peace, Love and Joy ~
