(from J 06-20-2022)

Brother Dave,

I read your "last straw". All I've got to say is I will miss your weekly assistance with the audio and other good stuff you shared. I've been enjoying your site for over 10 years  and have benefited greatly.

I hope that if you do begin again or If i can bother you for a download or two of the WT volumes you have done, I may be able to do so.

Wishing you all the best and praying Jehovah's blessing for you.

Thank you again,

J

------------------------

(from me 06-20-2022)

Hi J

Please take this with the best of intentions!

Picture me as a close friend with my hand on your shoulder, looking you in the eye, and speaking in a calm and kind voice.

Is that really  'all you've got to say'?

In "The Last Straw" I accuse the GB of serious wrongdoing!

Do you think i'm wrong? If so, please point out my errors.

Do you think i'm right? If so, what are YOU going to do? Continue following the men who have and are doing those things?

I am sincerely asking.

I know that if i was confronted with that information 10 or 20 years ago i would have tried to rebut it, or if i realized it was true, i would have made some serious changes.

If your response is to do nothing either way, but, as many say, "wait and see," remember how the Son of God feels about it. (Re 3:16)

Your brother

Dave

------------------------

(from J 06-20-2022)

Sorry bro! This will be my last email. I don't have the energy nor time to go back and forth. My family life, wife and 10 year old daughter, deserve my full attention but here is my take.

You also take this with the best of intentions. I am showing love as Jesus did. Nothing more, nothing less.

If I die....you will not be there to save me....or if I live, you will not be there to sustain me. 

Live and let live and if I agree with you or not, that is my prerogative and not my obligation.

I'm tired of people asking me to pick sides, including you. 

 I'm on Jehovah's side and Jesus, not yours or ANYONES. 

If you take it like you like to dish it, here it is, my STRONG conviction. I would tell you this in person if I had to and anyone else. I've been in the truth for all of my 51 years and will do as I PLEASE. 

I'm tired of being bullied by the likes of you and others! I will not be bullied.

Beware of the quiet ones....if you pick at us, we will eventually bite. So again, I was only being nice....as I have always been....

------------------------

(from me - placed here in this doc)

J, i am not responding to your email because you do not wish further correspondence.

I am sorry you felt that i was "bullying" you.

This whole thing is new to me.

Having to make a stand against those whom i have been taking direction from all of my life has me, well, it's hard to find the right word or words.

Gobsmacked, thunderstruck, numb, overwhelmed, shocked, angry, staggered,....

I was truly looking for input from you.

I am sorry you took it the wrong way.

your brother

Dave

------------------------

(from J 06-27-2022)

Hi Dave,

I want to apologize. I was out of character in my remarks.

 I respect your point of view. Doesn't mean we all will agree but I respect you and appreciate ALL you have done.

I do feel that from all camps, sometimes I feel bullied. Again, I will continue to do my best to serve Jehovah and follow Jesus. 

I will not judge anyone but will show love and respect for everyone's point of view.

Again, my sincere apologies to you. I thank you for all your hard work over the years.

With appreciation,

J

------------------------

(from me 06-27-22)

Thank you J

Growing up a witness in school I experienced a lot of bullying.

Once i was an adult i vowed never to let it happen again, regardless how big the other guy is.

So believe me, i share your loathing of bullies.

And as i said in my previous email, if you see that i have any scriptural errors, please point them out to me.

Scriptural accuracy is very important to me.

:^)

yb

Dave

------------------------

(from J 06-28-2022)

Thank you Dave for your kind reply. We'll see what the future holds. We shall take it day by day and live as Paul wrote to the Romans 12:12—“Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient in Tribulation, Be Constant in Prayer”

Your brother,
J

===============

(from K 06-21-2022)

I will never read such apostate garbage. How sad that you have chosen the wide road.

------------------------

(from me 06-21-2022 - updated 06-26-2022)

Hi K

Unfortunately many people choose the easy way.

They don't want to stand out or make waves, so they allow themselves to be carried along by the crowd.

That is how it is on the wide road. (Mt 7:13, 14)

Why does Matthew 7:14 say that few find the narrow road, while Revelation 7:9 says that a "great crowd" make it through Armageddon?

Because Matthew 7:14 is not about the numbers. It is about the conditions on the road.

On the wide road you don't have to make any decisions or stand-up for anything because you are allowing yourself to be swept along by the crowd.

Taking the wide road means taking the easy road.

But on the narrow road you have to exert yourself to make your way along it.

(Luke 13:24) Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door.

Many think that being compliant and non-confrontational is what it means to be a sheep, so they allow themselves to be carried along. (See my Article "Are you a sheep?")

If you are "going with the flow", if you are allowing yourself to be carried along by those around you because it is the easy thing to do, then you are on the wide road.

(1 Timothy 6:12) Fight the fine fight of the faith; get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called and you offered the fine public declaration in front of many witnesses.

Be like the Beroeans.

(Acts 17:11) Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessaloniʹca, for they ... carefully examin(ed) the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

The Beroeans were "noble-minded" NOT because they refused to listen, but because they did listen, and then they examined the scriptures to see if what they were told was true or not.

Apostasy means to "stand away from". I do NOT stand away from Jehovah and His Son.

I have chosen to stand away from men who are harming my brothers and sisters in the truth!!  

Men who have begun to teach in opposition of scripture.

Men who are siding with Satan's governments.

I provide the scriptural proof in my articles. Be noble-minded and see for yourself, and then tell me what you think.

And please be careful about judging others, my sister.

(Matthew 7:2) for with the judgment you are judging, you will be judged,

your brother
Dave

===============

(from N 02-24-2022)

Hi Dave,

I have read your article and most of the things you say makes sense.

The scriptures are all on point.

So my biggest question is, what do you do with such information?

Where are you going to go from here?

Does that mean you will leave this organization?

What is next for you.

N

-----------------------------

(from me 06-24-2022)

Hi N

That is a good question.

My answer is that i will stop doing anything that could be considered supporting the Governing Body (GB).

And i am making it known that i am doing so.

I am taking my stand.

(Acts 5:20) “Go and take your stand in the temple, and keep on speaking to the people all the sayings about this life.”

I am not keeping it a secret.

Why?

Because of 1 Corinthians 13:13.

(1 Corinthians 13:13) Now, however, these three remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love.

I have love for my brothers and sisters.

I do not want them harmed by the directions from the GB.

If i were to keep silent, i would be complicit in that harm.

And since advising someone to take the so-called Covid "vaccine" could actually get them killed, if i were to support those who do so i would also have blood on my hands.

I refuse to be guilty of that.

My relationship with Jehovah is too important to me to let that happen.

But i am not your typical JW.

If you have read the article in my Documents folder called "Perfume and Cologne - comments", i am Dave on page 5.

If my high sensitivity to fragrances had not stopped me from being personally present at the hall a few years ago, i would probably be in trouble with the elders for my views.

They do not put up with any dissent to the GB.

You can show them a truth straight from the Bible that they cannot refute, but if it contradicts what the GB teaches, then you are labeled an apostate of Jehovah and disfellowshipped.

The GB are imperfect men, and are not our spiritual leaders (Mt 23:10), but that is not how they promote themselves.

They teach that going against them is going against God, even if they are in scriptural error. And any who challenge a teaching of theirs are dealt with severely.

That is the very definition of beating your fellow slaves. (Mt 24:49)

They do this because they do not follow Christ's directions at Matthew 18:17.

They unscripturally take those they have issues with into back rooms and privately judge them instead of bringing the issue before the congregation as Christ commanded.

(see my article "Disfellowshipping in the Early Congregations")

They only get away with it because the brothers and sisters let them.

I made up my mind years ago that if they asked to meet with me privately that i would insist on following Christ's directions to meet in front of the eyes and ears of the whole congregation, and allow them to weigh in on the discussion. (2Co 2:6)

Of course with the Bible on your side they would never allow that, so they would just judge you without your presence, but at least my conscience would be clean.

Do you ask: What about field service?

Since i am not one of the "chosen ones" (Mt 24:31), that is not an issue for me.

(see my article "The Preaching Work")

Still, i will never stop speaking to people i come in contact with.

Do you ask: What about assembling with the congregation?

Yes, Hebrews 10:24, 25 says, 'let us not forsake our meeting together', but we also need to consider 1 Corinthians 11:17.

(1 Corinthians 11:17) But while giving these instructions, I do not commend you, because it is, not for the better, but for the worse that you meet together.

If meeting together is "for the worse" then it is not recommended.

But that does not mean that we give up associating and meeting together with our brothers and sisters "to incite to love and fine works." (He 10:24)

We can invite them to our homes, or meet in the park.

They didn't have telephones or email back when the Bible was written.

If getting together in person isn't possible, then we can use those options to build one another up. (Ro 14:19)

I hope that i covered all of your questions.

If not, let me know.

:^)

Your brother

Dave

===============

(from M2 02-28-2022)

Hi Dave,

I'm a bro in the UK

I've enjoyed listening to the talks that you have uploaded to your site, but have tried to listen to them and wonder if the link is broken or if you've taken the talks off.

If you are uploading them again, great.  If not would it be possible to email the ones that were on your site so that I can still listen to them, please?

Warm regards,

Your bro from the UK

M

-----------------------------

(from me 06-28-2022)

Hi M2

I have removed many things from my server.
My article  "- Final Straw -"  explains why.
(I have attached it for you.)

I also liked to listen to those old talks.

But then i started to listen to the Bible in audio.

It is a completely different experience than just reading the Bible.

I drive a lot for work and that is what i listen to while driving.

I have the Greek scriptures on repeat and i have learned so much!!!

I am constantly taking notes to look into topics further.

Every time i listen, more connections are made.

I recommend you give it a try.

This way there is no middle man between you and God's word.

You are not new to the truth so you are no longer a lamb or little sheep. (Jn 21:15-17)

You are a mature Christian and are ready for "solid food" straight from the Bible. (He 5:11-6:2)

:^)
Dave

===============

(from M3 06-27-2022)

My dear brother, Dave

Please don't go.

You have helped so many of your brothers and sisters that have required that special attention that wasn't available elsewhere. Now we won't have YOU, either. What shall we do?

You're right that the GB are imperfect men, so you would also understand the pressure that Satan tries to put on them ... please remember that they can't be everything for all of us, and some of us ARE going to miss out. That's why YOU helped in the first place.

The request that their information is not shared is a protection. I recall someone receiving a copy of a WT article that had been adjusted to APPEAR authentic; and that STILL goes on ... people are blinded by apostate deception.  That's DECEPTION, not IMPERFECTION. Please, brother Dave, before you decide that the GB are incorrect, please prayerfully research WHY they speak as they do.

Would you not agree that the GB are too busy to search through all of the different avenues that have been offered to help those that need it, so they give a blanket direction; but always with the view of serving Jehovah whole souled and taking care, to the best of their ability, of others wanting to do the same?

Your offer to make your information available has been greatly appreciated over many, many years, and while it's still following the direction of the GB and not openly available on social media it is still a valuable resource for those of us who depend on your assistance.

Please don't leave heavy-hearted ... please don't leave at all.

-----------------------------

(from me 06-28-2022)

Hi M3

Believe me, i have thought VERY seriously about this.

I do not make the decision lightly.

I actually fear that it may be held against me (from above) that i let it go on for so long before i finally took a stand.

In my article  "- Final Straw -"  i point out 5 ways that i knew that the GB and their leadership was/is causing real harm to my brothers and sisters.

If i was standing next to my family and a man came up and tried to harm them, and i did nothing, what would that say about me?

It makes me think of this scripture:

(Deuteronomy 22:8) “If you build a new house you must also make a parapet for your roof so that you may not bring bloodguilt on your house because of someone falling from it."

I was procrastinating, but i have finally built that parapet.

I just hope that i share no responsibility for anyone falling to their death.

If so, i too am bloodguilty.

What shall we do? 

...some of us ARE going to miss out.

Please don't leave heavy-hearted ... please don't leave at all.

I Hope that my articles are helping my brothers and sisters by helping them better understand the Bible.

Do you have any suggestions on how i can do more for the friends without supporting those who are causing them harm?

:^)

yb

Dave

===============

(from M4 06-29-2022)

Jehovah knows his shepherds are imperfect that is why he has given us a 'great Shepard', Jesus Christ. I know how you feel. I call the GB my big Jewish mother who knows how to issue out guilt. According to the GB everyone is wrong but for them the road gets brighter, they are never wrong. And I hate it when they say, 'just be obedient' without question or explanation. However, what I keep in mind is the words of Jehovah he will not forever tolerate bad shepherds and just like there were bad shepherds in Ezekiel's day there are bad shepherds today. But leaving Jehovah should not be an option. Over the years the organization has done a wonderful job increasing the knowledge of Jehovah despite its imperfections.

Read Ezekiel 34 it will strengthen your faith,

Ezekiel 34, 4 "The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.”

Christian Love,

Your Sister

-----------------------------

(from me 06-29-2022)

Thank you M

My faith has never been stronger.  :^)

Once i stepped out from under the thumb of the GB i have never felt so free and so close to Jehovah and His son.

And you are so right.

Jehovah will definitely clean house.

They have always said about the illustrations that the evil slave (Mt 24:48), the 5 foolish virgins (Mt 25:3), and the slave with only one talent (Mt 25:24), are all symbolic and that they don't exist.

They have a big surprise coming.

You are also right that over the years the organization has done many good deeds.

But Christ himself tells us what he thinks about that at Matthew 7:22, 23.

have a nice one sis

:^)

Dave

===================

(from B 06-30-2022)

Dear Mr Dave. How are you?

Let me understand better. Are you saying that you do not agree with the Governant Body's arguments, and at the same time wish to remain a loyal Jehovah's Witness to the divine theocratic arrangement?

-----------------------------

(from me 06-29-2022)

Hi B

As i say in that document (Final Straw), i more than disagree with the way they are harming my brothers and sisters.

I am taking a stand against it.

Their actions prove that they are NOT part of a divine arrangement.

(See my article: "Appointed by holy spirit")

I have stopped doing anything that could be considered supporting the Governing Body (GB).

And i am making it known that i am doing so.

I am taking my stand.

(Acts 5:20) “Go and take your stand in the temple, and keep on speaking to the people all the sayings about this life.”

I am not keeping it a secret.

Why?

Because of 1 Corinthians 13:13.

(1 Corinthians 13:13) Now, however, these three remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love.

I have love for my brothers and sisters.

I do not want them harmed by the directions from the GB.

If i were to keep silent, i would be complicit in that harm.

And since advising someone to take the so-called "Covid vaccine" could actually get them killed, if i were to support those who do so i would also have blood on my hands.

I refuse to be guilty of that.

My relationship with Jehovah is too important to me to let that happen.

I just watched a member of the Governing Body (at the 38:55 mark of the first morning video of the 2022 convention) call newborn babies "little enemies of God".

I'm sorry B, but my conscience just won't let me promote this current Governing Body in any way.

That includes the older talks from my server that promote obedience to those men.

your brother

Dave

===================

(from S 06-30-2022)

Hi Dave

 Long story short, for a couple years I’ve been enjoying your website and all the resources that you offered – specifically your archive of all those talks. So when I went back to look for some more to listen to, I was disappointed to see them all removed. Since that time, I started to poke around more of your site (I had only used it to listen to those talks and grab a few videos) and I was even more disappointed to come across your dissertation about the final straw.

 I’m glad that you’ve posted the messages other friends have sent to you as well as your responses. I don’t want to repeat the points they’ve already made, but I’ll say this to start: it would be wise to heed the counsel we read at Proverbs 3:7 and Romans 12:16, and keep in mind the principle we learn from Acts 8:26-39.

 There’s no argument that the Governing Body is made up of imperfect men, and they have readily admitted to being wrong in the past regarding various matters. But as you know, that is no different from the way things were in the first century. Even the disciples didn’t always understand things correctly or make the correct decisions while Jesus was still with them, so why is it so hard to believe that there will be occasions when the same won’t be true now, including this situation with the pandemic?

 Nonetheless, the overwhelming evidence shows that Jehovah is backing the Governing Body as his means of dispensing spiritual food today. Are there things that could be handled differently or better? Perhaps. But even if true, that doesn’t mean that everything they have done or the direction they have provided should be completely disregarded.

 If this is not Jehovah’s organization today, then I ask you, which one is? As Peter so simply puts it at John 6:68: “whom shall we go away to?” There is no one else. While I’m sure I don’t need to, let’s not forget all the things that make this organization stand out as different and give evidence of it being the truth:
• truly fulfilling the commission of making disciples by going out into the ministry, especially in person, on a worldwide scale

• really highlighting Jehovah’s name and drawing attention to him as the Almighty

• remaining politically neutral and putting full trust in God’s Kingdom

• does not get involved in celebrations with pagan, nationalistic or other unscriptural backgrounds

• reflects John 13:34, 35 worldwide

and there are many other things I could list. Yes some other religious organizations may do some of these things, but not all of them or not to the same extent.

 Regarding your point about taking the COVID vaccine, while it may be something that they have been encouraging to some extent, it is not something that the Governing Body is forcing on anyone. They still leave it up to each person to make that decision, and there have been plenty of brothers who have chosen not to get vaccinated (including two of my cousins). Just as is the case with all medical choices that don’t conflict with Bible principles, we all have to make our own personal decisions in line with Galatians 6:5.

 As for the fact that the brothers have pointed out that at times we may be given direction that is contrary to what seems to be wise from a human standpoint, this possibility is not something new that they are telling us just now. Not only that, but there are numerous times this happened in the past in the scriptures – Abraham offering up Isaac, Moses and the Israelites end up at the Red Sea, Gideon reducing his army to 300 soldiers, Hezekiah not surrendering to the Assyrian army, Esther going before King Ahasuerus, disciples being sent out as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16); Jesus’ “shocking” speech at John 6, leaving Jerusalem in 66 CE the moment the Roman troops withdrew, etc. – so there are scriptural precedents already set.

 In regards to your point that we are told that we have a responsibility to preach and that if we don’t, we won’t make it through Armageddon, I disagree. Granted, that might have been pushed more strongly in the past, but the brothers have made it quite clear that we should do what we are capable of and nothing more. For some, that means being a special pioneer, for others, maybe that means just putting in 15 minutes per month, and for even others, maybe not even that. Jehovah is loving and doesn’t expect more from us than we are capable of, and the Governing Body is aware of that and recognizes that, too. In fact there have been numerous times that they have tried to help allay the fears and frustrations of those who can no longer do what they did in the past due to a change in circumstances. My elderly mother is slowly but literally losing her mind (cognitive memory loss) and I don’t believe she’s been engaged in any form of the ministry for several months – probably longer – because of her condition (I don’t know for how long since I don’t live anywhere near them and haven’t asked for specifics). And yet my father continues to serve as an elder in their congregation and to the best of my knowledge there hasn’t been any counseling given her for not being a regular publisher, nor does she feel emotionally harmed despite the fact that we are regularly encouraged to engage in the ministry. The brothers understand her situation and she has not been condemned for it. I’m sure the same consideration is given to our dear brothers that are huddled in basements in war-torn parts of Ukraine that are just trying to survive. One side note: don’t forget that those who don’t have an “outgoing personality to evangelize” can always engage in letter writing or join others for telephone witnessing even if they themselves don’t make any calls.

 As for how the brothers handle disciplining those who committed serious sins, I disagree with your claim that they use “appropriated power to ‘beat their fellow slaves’”. While I’m not an elder, I know that the whole point of having judicial committees is first and foremost to show love and try to help the person spiritually. Yes this includes a responsibility to determine whether the person is repentant or not in line with scriptural principles, and even to discipline a person by disfellowshipping, but that is only when it is deemed absolutely necessary. From what elders have told me in the past, they are instructed to look for any evidence of repentance and work with that. I personally experienced this many years ago when I approached the elders about a long-running sin I had been involved with, both when I was child and a teen, and years later as an adult (there had been a long stretch in between when I hadn’t done it). It should be noted that by the time I went to the brothers, I had already stopped committing the sin for about 2 years, but my conscience still pricked me at times, and after a dear friend of mine in another state told me he was going to be disfellowshipped for a long-running sin he had been involved with (completely unrelated to me or my sin), I felt this burning inside that I could no longer hide my sin and felt the need to come clean. When I met with the 2 elders assigned to speak with me (who were not the ones I asked for or felt closest to), I was sure I would be disfellowshipped. After an opening prayer, as I laid bare what I had hidden for so long at that first meeting, I cried my eyes out like a toddler – like never before (or since) – the emotions just poured out of me. The two elders patiently listened to me, gently asked questions, shared scriptures with me and gave me encouraging counsel, before closing in prayer and giving me a hug. As we were leaving, I remember them asking me if I felt better, and I admitted I did, although I was still concerned about what would happen to me. I don’t remember what exactly they said in response, but I think it was along the lines of just being patient and leaving it in Jehovah’s hands. Because my sin was pretty unusual (it’s not what you would think it is), I believe they contacted Bethel for guidance, but in the end, it never progressed to a full judicial committee; I was privately reproved and that’s it. Now is that using “appropriated power to ‘beat their fellow slaves’”? I think not.

 That said, it is true that unfortunately there are some occasions where the elders involved have not handled a disciplinary situation correctly. But fortunately the person involved has the opportunity to appeal the decision. In fact, apparently they can appeal the decision multiple times; my father told me that he knew of a case where that happened, although he obviously did not give me any details. Additionally, there have also been some cases of entire elder bodies that have had to be removed for one reason or another. The thing is, when the organization becomes aware of what is going on, they handle it and bring in a new elder body; I personally know of a brother and his wife who are SKE graduates that were assigned to a congregation for that specific purpose (I believe along with 3 other SKE couples). My point is that this is an unfortunate part of everyone in the organization being imperfect, including those taking the lead, and the Governing Body handles these situations in the best way possible.

 I won’t even get into discussing your point that “we are served article after article that strongly implies that Jehovah individually protects us physically” because I don’t see that at all. Either you’re reading into what is being said or we’re not reading the same articles. I certainly hope you haven’t been visiting apostate websites, but your accusatory tone in some of the things you’ve claimed sure look like the kind of thing I imagine they would post.

 Likewise, I don’t know what you’re speaking about in regards to a claim that Jehovah has rejected an entire race of people, but if that’s in reference to the Jews as God’s chosen people, then yes that’s true – Jehovah went from his chosen people being literal Israel to spiritual Israel. I think that’s been pretty clearly established in the scriptures. But still every single individual of that race still has the chance to be accepted by Jehovah, as is the case with every other individual regardless of nationality, background, etc. The brothers have made clear that everyone has that same opportunity, as reflected at Acts 10:34, 35.

 As for Revelation 18:4, it’s pretty clear that this is directed to all rightly-disposed ones regardless of their religious background. But here’s the thing: to leave Babylon the Great, they clearly have shed all false worship and taken up true worship; therefore those that come out of Babylon the Great would now be in the truth. Babylon the Great includes all false worship, including that of Christendom, so it makes perfect sense that those who choose to remain a part of Babylon the Great regardless of their awareness and exposure to the truth would be condemned because they reject true worship, just the same way as the majority of the Jews of Jesus day that rejected him as the Messiah were condemned.

 You take issue with them talking about “a terrible world-wise ‘great tribulation’” but this comes directly from Jesus at Matthew 24:21: “then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” Exactly how things will play out during the great tribulation remains to be seen, but if it was merely a walk in the park or just like every other day, why did Christ himself describe that time period as a “great tribulation” and something that never had occurred in the world before? He obviously had a reason. As for how that compares with Matthew 24:36-42, verses 36 and 40-42 are speaking about Armageddon, but verses 37-39 (as well as Luke 17:26-30) are describing the time before that, leading up to the time of the end. Notice verse 37 specifically refers to “the presence of the Son of man” which is already happening even now. So your interpretation that conditions right up to the day of Armageddon being normal are incorrect.

 In terms about how this point (and other things) may cause emotional and/or psychological harm because of the way the brothers present the information, I can’t help but think of a response that Brother Lett made during the May 2020 broadcast. From time stamp 9:17 to 12:18 in the video, he addresses the concerns that some parents have had regarding the depiction of Bible events in some of the videos. While not exactly what you take issue with, I think the point that he makes also applies to this concern of yours. Here’s the link to the video:

https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/StudioMonthlyPrograms/pub-jwb_202005_1_VIDEO

 Finally, in terms of your points about the Governing Body, you are correct that Jesus is our leader. However, as you well know, he himself identifies a faithful and discreet slave at Matthew 24:45-47 that he would appoint over his domestics and all his belongings. Certainly the Bible is our source of direction. But the fact that there are literally hundreds of different Christian religions out there today proves that Satan can twist the meaning of those scriptures so that those genuinely looking for the truth end up like sheep without a shepherd if they don’t receive proper guidance. Jehovah and Jesus knew this would happen, which is why a faithful and discreet slave needed to be appointed. Using that illustration, this slave (or servant) would oversee the running of his master’s household. Does that mean the slave always did everything exactly the way his master wanted him to? Not necessarily, especially if there wasn’t explicit instruction one way or the other. But no doubt the master expected the slave to always act in accordance with the principles that he (the master) set, to the best of the slave’s ability and understanding. That is exactly what the Governing Body does for us today.

 Likewise, we are encouraged to make the truth our own – in fact we are encouraged to read and meditate on the scriptures daily, completely in harmony with 1 John 4:1, Philippians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21. But the key is that we are to be balanced in these things. Yes we should dig into the Bible and meditate on these truths for ourselves, to strengthen our faith and build a firm foundation, but we should not take it to the extreme so that we become “wise in your own eyes” as Proverbs 3:7 tells us. If we do, we could easily end up like Hymenaeus, Alexander and Philetus as mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 and 2 Timothy 2:16-18.

 Maybe I missed it, but there are three things in particular that bother me about what you have written besides the points I’ve already rebutted, although admittedly I haven’t bothered reading any of your other papers (and I’m not going to):

• First is that there is no mention of you going to Jehovah in prayer. To what extent have you prayed about all these issues? I would hope often. If so, how has Jehovah answered your prayers thus far? If not, why haven’t you been praying?

• Second, if you’ve reasoned on these matters thoroughly and have irrefutable evidence, then why don’t you speak with the elders in your congregation and ask them in line with Acts 8:26-39? If done in a humble and loving way as true Christians should, (that is, asking for help to reconcile these issues you have that seem to go against scriptural principles, as opposed to taking an antagonistic tact saying the organization is wrong and that they need to adjust to your way of thinking), do you really think the brothers are going to brand you an apostate and disfellowship you? And even if you feared being disfellowshipped (which I think is a stretch just for asking genuine questions about teachings), why don’t you just write to the organization in an anonymous manner? For those who have genuine concerns that are brought up in a humble and loving way (in harmony with Philippians 2:3, 4), I am confident that the brothers will treat such ones kindly and with respect, and perhaps one of the points brought up will give them reason to give consideration to the matter. While minor in comparison, we toured Wallkill in 2014, and the brother who gave us the tour pointed out how the brothers made an adjustment to the image on lesson 37 of the My Book of Bible Stories after some friends wrote to the organization questioning how the carrying poles of the ark were depicted in comparison to how they are described in the Bible. So they are open to correction. That being said, when talking about more complex matters, it may take much more time to come to a conclusion or make an adjustment, as Brother Splane mentioned in his talk “Decisions of ‘the Faithful and Discreet Slave’”.

https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODPgmEvtMorningWorship/pub-jwbmw_201608_1_VIDEO

So it’s always possible that some of the issues/concerns/doubts you have are things that are already being discussed and they have not made a decision on yet.

• Finally, your proclamation of taking a stand against the Governing Body immediately makes me think of Acts 20:30. You’re not just raising questions, but now you are announcing that you are in opposition to those taking the lead, which gives me the impression that you are trying “to draw away the disciples after themselves”. That may not be your intention at this moment, but that’s the direction you’re heading in.

 Though they are no longer online, I’m guessing you still have that archive of all those talks. If so, I encourage you to listen to Brother Kite’s talk “Enduring the Tests Within God’s Organization” as well as “Is It Proper to Have Doubts?” by Brother Sinutko, as both brothers bring up some very good scriptural and reasoning points that would be good for you to prayerfully consider. I also think it would be good for you to watch this video again, featuring real life examples of 3 who in different ways disagreed with the organization:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODIntExpEndurance/pub-jwbcov21_22_VIDEO

 In the end, we all have to make our own decisions, and I hope that you prayerfully take these things to heart and remain our brother, and I will keep you in my prayers.

With genuine Christian love,
S

-----------------------------

(from me 07-01-2022)

Thank you for your email S

Hi Dave

 Long story short, for a couple years I’ve been enjoying your website and all the resources that you offered – specifically your archive of all those talks. So when I went back to look for some more to listen to, I was disappointed to see them all removed. Since that time, I started to poke around more of your site (I had only used it to listen to those talks and grab a few videos) and I was even more disappointed to come across your dissertation about the final straw.

 I’m glad that you’ve posted the messages other friends have sent to you as well as your responses. I don’t want to repeat the points they’ve already made, but I’ll say this to start: it would be wise to heed the counsel we read at Proverbs 3:7 and Romans 12:16, and keep in mind the principle we learn from Acts 8:26-39.

Yes, we definitely need to make sure that we "do not become wise in (our) own eyes." (Pr 3:7)  But as we maintain humility, we must not ignore scriptures such as this:

(Hebrews 13:7) Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out, imitate their faith.

After scrutiny, if their conduct aligns with God's, only then should we imitate their faith. Yes, it is our God-given responsibility to examine those taking the lead and what they teach, and if we judge their leadership or teachings to go against the Bible, we are to reject it.

(Acts 17:11) Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·niʹca, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

(Romans 12:2) And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(1 Thessalonians 5:21) Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine.

(Philippians 1:10) that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ;

There’s no argument that the Governing Body is made up of imperfect men, and they have readily admitted to being wrong in the past regarding various matters. But as you know, that is no different from the way things were in the first century. Even the disciples didn’t always understand things correctly or make the correct decisions while Jesus was still with them, so why is it so hard to believe that there will be occasions when the same won’t be true now, including this situation with the pandemic?

 That is true, but we are instructed not to follow blindly. (Mt 15:14)

(1 John 4:1) Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired statement, but test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

If we examine them and deem that their conduct or "art of teaching" is in contradiction to what the Bible says (Titus 1:9), then we should follow the directions in these scriptures:

(Psalm 146:3, 4) Do not put your trust in princes Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation.  ⁴ His spirit goes out, he returns to the ground; On that very day his thoughts perish.

(Isaiah 2:22) For your own sakes, quit trusting in mere man, Who is only the breath in his nostrils. Why should he be taken into account?

(Matthew 15:14) Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Nonetheless, the overwhelming evidence shows that Jehovah is backing the Governing Body as his means of dispensing spiritual food today. Are there things that could be handled differently or better? Perhaps. But even if true, that doesn’t mean that everything they have done or the direction they have provided should be completely disregarded.

 If this is not Jehovah’s organization today, then I ask you, which one is? As Peter so simply puts it at John 6:68: “whom shall we go away to?” There is no one else. While I’m sure I don’t need to, let’s not forget all the things that make this organization stand out as different and give evidence of it being the truth:

• truly fulfilling the commission of making disciples by going out into the ministry, especially in person, on a worldwide scale

• really highlighting Jehovah’s name and drawing attention to him as the Almighty

• remaining politically neutral and putting full trust in God’s Kingdom

• does not get involved in celebrations with pagan, nationalistic or other unscriptural backgrounds

• reflects John 13:34, 35 worldwide

and there are many other things I could list. Yes some other religious organizations may do some of these things, but not all of them or not to the same extent.

It is true that they have performed many powerful deeds in his name. (Mt 7:22) But just as Christ does not accept their good deeds as cover for their bad, neither should we. (2Co 11:14)

Consider the prophet Agabus. (Ac 21:10-14) He was a prophet of God, but his actions were in contradiction to what God wanted Paul to do. He no doubt was falsely influenced by Satan. Should Paul have listened to him because of his position as a prophet of Jehovah? (Ac 11:27, 28) No. Paul recognized that his directions and their consequences ("weaken my resolve") were in opposition to God's will, so he ignored him.

As for John 6:68, that is a very good scripture to consider.

(John 6:68) Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.

Yes, Christ is the one we should follow, and his Father Jehovah, not any human organization. The GB are not our spiritual leaders.

 (Matthew 23:10) Neither be called leaders, for your Leader is one, the Christ.

They are our equals in Christ.

(2 Corinthians 1:24) Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.

They have admitted it in the past:

[w20.01 p. 28 par. 5] (The GB) know that Jehovah does not necessarily give anointed ones more holy spirit than he gives his other servants. They do not feel that they have a deeper understanding of Bible truths than anyone else.

[w16.01 p. 23 par. 6] (The GB) do not claim to have special knowledge or revelations.

[w16.01 p. 20 par. 15] "Jehovah’s spirit works with equal force in those who have the hope of living forever on earth"  

We do not need to go to some other false religion if we reject the false and harmful teachings of the GB.

(1 Corinthians 3:16) Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that the spirit of God dwells in you?

(1 Corinthians 6:19) Do you not know that your body is the temple of the holy spirit within you, which you have from God? Also, you do not belong to yourselves,

(2 Corinthians 6:16-18) We are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ¹⁷ “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” ¹⁸ “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

Yes, Hebrews 10:24, 25 says, 'let us not forsake our meeting together', but not if it is detrimental.

(1 Corinthians 11:17) But while giving these instructions, I do not commend you, because it is, not for the better, but for the worse that you meet together.

It is Jehovah and His Son that we should put our full trust in. All others should be continually inspected, examined, and tested. (Job 7:18; Ps 17:3)

(Acts 17:11) Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·niʹca, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

(Philippians 1:10) that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ;

Regarding your point about taking the COVID vaccine, while it may be something that they have been encouraging to some extent, it is not something that the Governing Body is forcing on anyone. They still leave it up to each person to make that decision, and there have been plenty of brothers who have chosen not to get vaccinated (including two of my cousins). Just as is the case with all medical choices that don’t conflict with Bible principles, we all have to make our own personal decisions in line with Galatians 6:5.

As for the fact that the brothers have pointed out that at times we may be given direction that is contrary to what seems to be wise from a human standpoint, this possibility is not something new that they are telling us just now. Not only that, but there are numerous times this happened in the past in the scriptures – Abraham offering up Isaac, Moses and the Israelites end up at the Red Sea, Gideon reducing his army to 300 soldiers, Hezekiah not surrendering to the Assyrian army, Esther going before King Ahasuerus, disciples being sent out as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16); Jesus’ “shocking” speech at John 6, leaving Jerusalem in 66 CE the moment the Roman troops withdrew, etc. – so there are scriptural precedents already set.

Those are examples of direct instructions from Jehovah or Christ, not second hand information like Agabus (Ac 21:10-14) , or the prophet at 1 Kings 13:18. So what are we to do here in the last days when Jehovah and His son are not talking directly to us? We are to follow the directions given to us by the holy spirit at 1 John 4:1 and "test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God." Not to question the GB's directions is to go against scriptural direction.

There are no scriptures that tell us that in the end, before Armageddon, that we will have to obey some order from a group of men representing Jehovah. But the Bible does tell us that there will be men who try to take up that position:

(2 Peter 2:1-3) However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.

In regards to your point that we are told that we have a responsibility to preach and that if we don’t, we won’t make it through Armageddon, I disagree. Granted, that might have been pushed more strongly in the past, but the brothers have made it quite clear that we should do what we are capable of and nothing more. For some, that means being a special pioneer, for others, maybe that means just putting in 15 minutes per month, and for even others, maybe not even that. Jehovah is loving and doesn’t expect more from us than we are capable of, and the Governing Body is aware of that and recognizes that, too. In fact there have been numerous times that they have tried to help allay the fears and frustrations of those who can no longer do what they did in the past due to a change in circumstances. My elderly mother is slowly but literally losing her mind (cognitive memory loss) and I don’t believe she’s been engaged in any form of the ministry for several months – probably longer – because of her condition (I don’t know for how long since I don’t live anywhere near them and haven’t asked for specifics). And yet my father continues to serve as an elder in their congregation and to the best of my knowledge there hasn’t been any counseling given her for not being a regular publisher, nor does she feel emotionally harmed despite the fact that we are regularly encouraged to engage in the ministry. The brothers understand her situation and she has not been condemned for it. I’m sure the same consideration is given to our dear brothers that are huddled in basements in war-torn parts of Ukraine that are just trying to survive. One side note: don’t forget that those who don’t have an “outgoing personality to evangelize” can always engage in letter writing or join others for telephone witnessing even if they themselves don’t make any calls.

 "do what we are capable of "  Exactly!  In my article "The Preaching Work" i give examples of how we are told it is our duty and responsibility to preach, and that it is those who fulfill that duty that are the ones who will make it through Armageddon. I also give scriptural proof that that is not the case.

As for how the brothers handle disciplining those who committed serious sins, I disagree with your claim that they use “appropriated power to ‘beat their fellow slaves’”. While I’m not an elder, I know that the whole point of having judicial committees is first and foremost to show love and try to help the person spiritually. Yes this includes a responsibility to determine whether the person is repentant or not in line with scriptural principles, and even to discipline a person by disfellowshipping, but that is only when it is deemed absolutely necessary. From what elders have told me in the past, they are instructed to look for any evidence of repentance and work with that. I personally experienced this many years ago when I approached the elders about a long-running sin I had been involved with, both when I was child and a teen, and years later as an adult (there had been a long stretch in between when I hadn’t done it). It should be noted that by the time I went to the brothers, I had already stopped committing the sin for about 2 years, but my conscience still pricked me at times, and after a dear friend of mine in another state told me he was going to be disfellowshipped for a long-running sin he had been involved with (completely unrelated to me or my sin), I felt this burning inside that I could no longer hide my sin and felt the need to come clean. When I met with the 2 elders assigned to speak with me (who were not the ones I asked for or felt closest to), I was sure I would be disfellowshipped. After an opening prayer, as I laid bare what I had hidden for so long at that first meeting, I cried my eyes out like a toddler – like never before (or since) – the emotions just poured out of me. The two elders patiently listened to me, gently asked questions, shared scriptures with me and gave me encouraging counsel, before closing in prayer and giving me a hug. As we were leaving, I remember them asking me if I felt better, and I admitted I did, although I was still concerned about what would happen to me. I don’t remember what exactly they said in response, but I think it was along the lines of just being patient and leaving it in Jehovah’s hands. Because my sin was pretty unusual (it’s not what you would think it is), I believe they contacted Bethel for guidance, but in the end, it never progressed to a full judicial committee; I was privately reproved and that’s it. Now is that using “appropriated power to ‘beat their fellow slaves’”? I think not.

That said, it is true that unfortunately there are some occasions where the elders involved have not handled a disciplinary situation correctly. But fortunately the person involved has the opportunity to appeal the decision. In fact, apparently they can appeal the decision multiple times; my father told me that he knew of a case where that happened, although he obviously did not give me any details. Additionally, there have also been some cases of entire elder bodies that have had to be removed for one reason or another. The thing is, when the organization becomes aware of what is going on, they handle it and bring in a new elder body; I personally know of a brother and his wife who are SKE graduates that were assigned to a congregation for that specific purpose (I believe along with 3 other SKE couples). My point is that this is an unfortunate part of everyone in the organization being imperfect, including those taking the lead, and the Governing Body handles these situations in the best way possible.

If you read my article "Disfellowshipping in the Early Congregations" you will find that "judicial committees" and being privately reproved are NOT "in line with scriptural principles."  Christ's instructions have no resemblance to how things are handled in the congregations today.

I won’t even get into discussing your point that “we are served article after article that strongly implies that Jehovah individually protects us physically” because I don’t see that at all. Either you’re reading into what is being said or we’re not reading the same articles. I certainly hope you haven’t been visiting apostate websites, but your accusatory tone in some of the things you’ve claimed sure look like the kind of thing I imagine they would post.

[w22.2 p. 29] "Over the years, my love for Jehovah has grown as I have observed how he guides and protects his people through his organization."

[w19.1 p. 6] "Jehovah said that “no weapon” used against us would “have any success.” Just as a wall protects us from the force of a destructive rainstorm, so Jehovah protects us against “the blast of the tyrants.” Our enemies will never succeed in causing us any lasting harm."

[w19.1 p. 7] "Consider an example of the beautiful word picture Isaiah uses to illustrate how Jehovah protects us."

[w19.10 p. 19] "We know that “Jehovah protects the faithful.”

[w18.4 p. 32] "The earlier you do this in your life, the sooner you will experience how Jehovah guides, protects, and blesses you."

[w18.7 p. 26 ] "If Jehovah so jealously protected lifeless implements used in his worship, how much more would he protect his dedicated loyal worshippers whom he has chosen as his people!"

[ws17.10 p. 23] "As in Zechariah’s day, Jehovah of armies still uses his angels to protect and strengthen his people."

[w15 8/15 p. 11] "Jehovah desires to guide us, his dedicated people, and to protect us from harm."

[w15 9/15 p. 22] (subheading) "JEHOVAH PROTECTS AND SAFEGUARDS US" "One way Jehovah protects his people is by means of his angels."

That is just a small sample.

Likewise, I don’t know what you’re speaking about in regards to a claim that Jehovah has rejected an entire race of people, but if that’s in reference to the Jews as God’s chosen people, then yes that’s true – Jehovah went from his chosen people being literal Israel to spiritual Israel. I think that’s been pretty clearly established in the scriptures. But still every single individual of that race still has the chance to be accepted by Jehovah, as is the case with every other individual regardless of nationality, background, etc. The brothers have made clear that everyone has that same opportunity, as reflected at Acts 10:34, 35.

My article "Replacement Theology" scripturally proves that the Jews are still Jehovah's people and belong to Him, and are not rejected by Jehovah. We, on the other hand, belong to Christ. (Mr 9:41; 1Co 3:23; 2Co 1:21; Ga 3:29)

As for Revelation 18:4, it’s pretty clear that this is directed to all rightly-disposed ones regardless of their religious background. But here’s the thing: to leave Babylon the Great, they clearly have shed all false worship and taken up true worship; therefore those that come out of Babylon the Great would now be in the truth. Babylon the Great includes all false worship, including that of Christendom, so it makes perfect sense that those who choose to remain a part of Babylon the Great regardless of their awareness and exposure to the truth would be condemned because they reject true worship, just the same way as the majority of the Jews of Jesus day that rejected him as the Messiah were condemned.

See my article "Babylon the Great".

You take issue with them talking about “a terrible world-wide ‘great tribulation’” but this comes directly from Jesus at Matthew 24:21: “then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” Exactly how things will play out during the great tribulation remains to be seen, but if it was merely a walk in the park or just like every other day, why did Christ himself describe that time period as a “great tribulation” and something that never had occurred in the world before? He obviously had a reason. As for how that compares with Matthew 24:36-42, verses 36 and 40-42 are speaking about Armageddon, but verses 37-39 (as well as Luke 17:26-30) are describing the time before that, leading up to the time of the end. Notice verse 37 specifically refers to “the presence of the Son of man” which is already happening even now. So your interpretation that conditions right up to the day of Armageddon being normal are incorrect.

Those scriptures have been misapplied. See my article "The Great Tribulation - Discussion".

In terms about how this point (and other things) may cause emotional and/or psychological harm because of the way the brothers present the information, I can’t help but think of a response that Brother Lett made during the May 2020 broadcast. From time stamp 9:17 to 12:18 in the video, he addresses the concerns that some parents have had regarding the depiction of Bible events in some of the videos. While not exactly what you take issue with, I think the point that he makes also applies to this concern of yours. Here’s the link to the video:

https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/StudioMonthlyPrograms/pub-jwb_202005_1_VIDEO

Yes, there are definitely adults who react like children and are spoiled and easily triggered. I think the modern term for them is "snowflakes". But those are not who i was referring to. I was thinking of that small (but real) minority who are so introverted that they have issues just dealing with daily life.

Look at how many come to the memorial every year. Many of the guests are those that use to come to the meetings regularly, but because of their own issues with joining in the preaching work, and the pressure and guilting, the unspoken judging and shunning, the looking down the nose at them, they have stopped coming to the meetings. Because they have been driven out by that conduct, they are missing out on the encouragement from meeting together that we all need more and more as the day draws near. (He 10:24, 25) And why? Because of the unscriptural requirement that we all must be evangelizers. (Eph 4:11)

Finally, in terms of your points about the Governing Body, you are correct that Jesus is our leader. However, as you well know, he himself identifies a faithful and discreet slave at Matthew 24:45-47 that he would appoint over his domestics and all his belongings.

Yes, the "chosen ones" (Mt 24:31) have the task of providing spiritual food to Christ's lambs and little sheep. (Jn 21:15-17) But what does that entail? (see my article "Share Your Thoughts and Research + advice")

Certainly the Bible is our source of direction. But the fact that there are literally hundreds of different Christian religions out there today proves that Satan can twist the meaning of those scriptures so that those genuinely looking for the truth end up like sheep without a shepherd if they don’t receive proper guidance. Jehovah and Jesus knew this would happen, which is why a faithful and discreet slave needed to be appointed. Using that illustration, this slave (or servant) would oversee the running of his master’s household. Does that mean the slave always did everything exactly the way his master wanted him to? Not necessarily, especially if there wasn’t explicit instruction one way or the other. But no doubt the master expected the slave to always act in accordance with the principles that he (the master) set, to the best of the slave’s ability and understanding. That is exactly what the Governing Body does for us today.

And if they are not acting in accordance with the principles that he set?

Ok, stop.

I did not read through your email. I just started at the top and began responding to what you wrote.

Just now i looked a little ahead and saw these words that you wrote:

 I haven’t bothered reading any of your other papers (and I’m not going to)

Apparently you are one of those that Solomon wrote about.

(Proverbs 18:13) When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating.

It would seem that you are only interested in your own opinions, not the facts.

So i will stop here.

If you change your mind and wish to discuss "the facts", let me know.

yb
Dave

====================

(from V 07-08-2022)

David,

I trust everything is going well with you. I’m sorry for the delayed response. Life has been crazy to say the least. I must tell you that I’ve reread the letter a few times but have not had time to review in depth the scriptures and references. However, I will be as forthright with you as I can.

My initial comment would be that there is some inaccurate statements and potentially statements of opinions rather than facts. I will respond in detail as soon as I can. One example is the info about the protection of us individually. I have NEVER heard or read even an inference of us being protected personally. I have read that we are protected as a group. Again, I have not done any research as I’m preparing for pioneer school. However, I know there is a morning worship by Geoffrey Jackson where he says that to believe that Jehovah protects us individually would be an act of stupidity. I believe it is based on Malachi 3:10 about testing out Jehovah contrasting how Jesus said you must not put Jehovah to the test. Anyway, again I’m sorry for not responding sooner. I do have a few initial questions. One is Does this mean you are leaving the truth? The second is what has occurred that is actually “the last straw”? A third would be What do you hope to achieve by removing resources that helped others spiritually?

Thank you for all of your hard work so far my brother. 

Your Brother,

V

------------

(from me 07-08-2022)

All good questions V

1) ... the info about the protection of us individually.

[a few examples]

[w22.2 p. 29] "Over the years, my love for Jehovah has grown as I have observed how he guides and protects his people through his organization."

[w19.1 p. 6] "Jehovah said that “no weapon” used against us would “have any success.” Just as a wall protects us from the force of a destructive rainstorm, so Jehovah protects us against “the blast of the tyrants.” Our enemies will never succeed in causing us any lasting harm."

[w19.1 p. 7] "Consider an example of the beautiful word picture Isaiah uses to illustrate how Jehovah protects us."

[w19.10 p. 19] "We know that “Jehovah protects the faithful.”

[w18.4 p. 32] "The earlier you do this in your life, the sooner you will experience how Jehovah guides, protects, and blesses you."

[w18.7 p. 26 ] "If Jehovah so jealously protected lifeless implements used in his worship, how much more would he protect his dedicated loyal worshippers whom he has chosen as his people!"

[ws17.10 p. 23] "As in Zechariah’s day, Jehovah of armies still uses his angels to protect and strengthen his people."

[w15 8/15 p. 11] "Jehovah desires to guide us, his dedicated people, and to protect us from harm."

[w15 9/15 p. 22] (subheading) "JEHOVAH PROTECTS AND SAFEGUARDS US" "One way Jehovah protects his people is by means of his angels."

2) Does this mean you are leaving the truth?

Once you have time and can read some of my articles you will see that scriptural truth is of utmost importance to me. I will never leave it.

3) What has occurred that is actually “the last straw”?

That is covered on pages 2 through 4 of  "- Final Straw -".

Short version: Their siding with Satan and his world governments in pushing that poison on my brothers and sister, and their intention to replace our instructions from the Bible with their own instructions.

4) What do you hope to achieve by removing resources that helped others spiritually?

Why would i wish to continue to assist or encourage my brothers and sisters to follow men who are spreading unscriptural teachings of men and causing them spiritual, emotional, and physical harm?

yb
Dave

===============

(from M5 07-10-2022)

Hi Dave,

I’ve enjoyed your site for quite a while now and your willingness and courage to “make sure of all things”. I agree with your thoughts on the covid scam and the fact that the fds has gone off track with this and other issues historically from time to time. I also agree that we have to be extremely careful not to accept everything we hear, as even in bible times errors of judgment were made by the earthly part of God’s organization. Many of the so-called catastrophes like 9/11, Global Warming, Covid and others are nothing more than an attempt by the U.N. “eighth king” to centralize power and to scare the majority of the human race into accepting Satanic world domination, ready for destruction at Armageddon.

You are correct in many ways but I firmly believe this is still the organization that Jehovah is using. I wasn’t raised in the truth, I came out of the world, and having experienced my share of “imperfect humanity”, of which I am one, I vowed never to let myself be stumbled by any human being - in or out of the truth. (“neither height nor width nor depth”, etc) but I fear you may become embittered and let Satan in if you are not careful.

I also firmly believe that Jehovah allows these tests from time to time to refine his organization exactly the way Jesus intentionally did when he was sick of all the hangers-on trying to seek their own glory, and those who were too lazy to think for themselves but preferred others do their thinking for them. See John 6:52-58.

“Because of this, many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him. ⁶⁷ So Jesus said to the Twelve: “You do not want to go also, do you?” ⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.”

Yes Dave, there’s nowhere else to go to. (Heb 10:24-25) There are never any examples in the  bible of those leaving Jehovah’s organization and going it alone with Jehovah’s blessing.

Think: The FDS could not do this unless Jehovah permitted it. It’s a test.

I don’t believe it’s your role to protect the brothers and sisters from these things. After all, how did you  come to know about them? If they themselves were “making sure of all things”, then you wouldn’t and shouldn’t have to do it for them. We don’t get into the new system as a congregation, but as individuals.

Also consider this: you are not going to get much thanks nor convince many about the things you discuss. As you correctly say in a round-about way about such ones; unless the society says it or it’s in the Watchtower, it’s not true. I faced enormous backlash when I dared to point out errors in the Covid issue. So I said to one sister: “How much of the world lies in the power of the wicked one”? She was forced to admit the WHOLE world. (Also see also Rev 12:9 – Satan “is misleading the ENTIRE inhabited earth” not just the religious aspects of it but the political, societal, commercial, and yes, even the medical and scientific spheres are controlled by Satan, so wouldn’t it be prudent to be a Beroean and make sure of all things before mistakenly assuming that Satan’s system of things has our best interests at heart? - which many do whether they realize it or not. Dave, you cannot stop the following prophecy from being fulfilled and it’s up to everyone to recognize these things for themselves.

“Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. ¹¹ Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; ¹² and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.” (Matt 24:10-13)

This prophecy indicates clearly that MANY false prophets will arise from within the organization. And it could not happen unless Jehovah permitted it in order to separate the wheat from the weeds.

Of course the FDS has to pull back hard on political issues otherwise with the imperfect human heart, many of the brothers would become overly political rather than spiritual in their outlook, so it’s always a delicate balance. But the society should ALWAYS take a neutral stand rather than agreeing with or having an opinion on political issues – ESPECIALLY not quoting the U.N. as an authority on anything. After all, as the FDS admits, The U.N. is one of Jehovah’s primary enemies which he is going to destroy at Armageddon, so the FDS itself should not be backing up or promoting the things they tout.

Jehovah IS truth and reality, without him there would be nothing. You can show all the love you want, but if it isn’t grounded in truth, then you have very little left as even the wicked love their own. To say it another way, Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In other words, the way to life is through the door of truth, (Jesus) not an emotional feeling which many seem to embrace. Our love, like everything else we do should emanate and be reflected to others via the God of Truth. We speak truth and we love truth.

Dave, I think it’s an error of judgment not to keep helping the blind brothers and sisters. Since your relationship is with Jehovah directly, how do you think he views you withdrawing your help (love) from innocent ones if it’s in your hand to do it?

I’m not sure if you want my advice, but if you did, it would be this: Remove all the politically motivated items from your site and keep it between you and Jehovah and other like-minded brothers you can trust. Pray to Jehovah and thank him from the heart for revealing these truths to you, and ask him to help you build your love for the whole association of brothers. Otherwise it may lead you down a path that you may find it hard to recover from.

All the best. Your brother in love and truth.

---------------

(from me 07-10-2022)

Hi M

I vowed never to let myself be stumbled by any human being - in or out of the truth.

Smart move.

I fear you may become embittered

I am actually not angry at all. I am sad, mostly.

I also firmly believe that Jehovah allows these tests from time to time to refine his organization exactly the way Jesus intentionally did when he was sick of all the hangers-on trying to seek their own glory, and those who were too lazy to think for themselves but preferred others do their thinking for them. See John 6:52-58.

Yes, tests, like in the following two scriptures:

(1 Corinthians 11:19) For there will certainly also be sects among you, so that those of you who are approved may also become evident.

It is those who do not join those sects that are approved.

(2 Peter 2:1-3) However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.

There will be "false teachers" among Jehovah's people. It will be up to us individually to decide whether or not to follow their "brazen conduct," and we will be judged accordingly. And note that it is because of those who follow those false teachers that the truth is spoken of abusively.

(Revelation 18:4) And I heard another voice out of heaven say: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.

⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.”

Exactly! It's Christ and his Father that we turn to, not earthly men. Your question itself shows the depth of indoctrination by the GB to make Christ's sheep think that to follow him, you must go through those men in New York.

Yes Dave, there’s nowhere else to go to. (Heb 10:24-25) There are never any examples in the bible of those leaving Jehovah’s organization and going it alone with Jehovah’s blessing.

Although that scripture is directed at those within Babylon the great, the advice applies to all who are following those that Jehovah disapproves of.

(1 Corinthians 11:17) But while giving these instructions, I do not commend you, because it is, not for the better, but for the worse that you meet together.

If your meetings are not building you up, but are tearing you down, it is best not to meet.

Why do we meet together?

(Hebrews 10:24, 25) And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.

Yes, we meet together to encourage one another, not to receive instructions from men who have placed themselves in positions of power on what to think. We have the Bible for that.

Christ assures us that we don't need an earthly organization of ruling men for us to have his backing and approval.

(Matthew 18:20) For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.”

Think: The FDS could not do this unless Jehovah permitted it. It’s a test.

Yes, as 2 Peter 2:1-3 points out, Jehovah "will" permit these things to happen. And we will be judged as to whether we follow them or not.

(2 Peter 2:1-3) However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.

Will you pass the test? Will you obey God as ruler, or obey the men who contradict his word and harm His sheep? (Ac 5:29)

I don’t believe it’s your role to protect the brothers and sisters from these things. After all, how did you  come to know about them?

Very true! These tests are there to refine the congregation. We must allow those tests. But if we promote those men, we will be just as guilty as they are and will receive the same judgment.

If they themselves were “making sure of all things”, then you wouldn’t and shouldn’t have to do it for them. We don’t get into the new system as a congregation, but as individuals.

Yes, but the fact that they have made their way to my server to read my articles shows that they are searching for truth and trying to "make sure". I will not leave them out in the cold on their own. (Mt 25:35-40)

(Titus 1:13, 14) This witness is true. For this very reason, keep on reproving them with severity so that they may be healthy in the faith, ¹⁴ paying no attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

I faced enormous backlash when I dared to point out errors in the Covid issue.

Yes, if you dare to contradict the GB, regardless of what evidence you have, you are labeled an apostate. And that goes for scriptural things as well. Does that sound like they are Christ's true earthly representatives to you?

Dave, you cannot stop the following prophecy from being fulfilled and it’s up to everyone to recognize these things for themselves.

“Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. ¹¹ Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; ¹² and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.” (Matt 24:10-13)

This prophecy indicates clearly that MANY false prophets will arise from within the organization. And it could not happen unless Jehovah permitted it in order to separate the wheat from the weeds.

Very true, but that doesn't mean that we are to remain silent and not share in Christ's warning of its coming.

(Ephesians 5:10, 11) Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; ¹¹ and stop sharing in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness; rather, expose them for what they are.

Dave, I think it’s an error of judgment not to keep helping the blind brothers and sisters. Since your relationship is with Jehovah directly, how do you think he views you withdrawing your help (love) from innocent ones if it’s in your hand to do it?

That is exactly what i am trying to do, to "help" my brothers and sisters.

How do you think Jehovah would view me if i continued to promote those "false teachers" and encouraged others to "follow their brazen conduct"?

I do not think He would approve at all.

I just hope it is not too late for me, and that i will not share in their judgment because i have known about their conduct for some time now and yet continued to promote the following of those men with the Weekly Audio and Study Prep.

Remove all the politically motivated items from your site

I can't think of a single thing on my server that has to do with politics.

ask him to help you build your love for the whole association of brothers.

My love for the brothers and sisters has never waned, which is why i did what i did and am doing what i am doing.

I have looked around a bit and from what i have seen most of the ex-JW's (and similar ones) on the internet are filled with hate and just want to attack the organization.

My main goal, on the other hand, is to help bring better Bible understanding to those searching for it.

Since most of the blind brothers and sisters are not able to read my articles, do you think that recording an audio reading of them could be a way to "help" them?

Thank you very much for the email

:^)

Dave

====================

(from K 07-08-2022)

hey dave,

i read your final straw when you stopped the weekly audio.

im sure you considered all this so i dont want to be… (sorry i dont know the word - im not questioning or judging)

but the GB are just men as long as they are on earth.  likely many things remain to be seen and… put right? (trying not to sound judging of them either…) but there have been mistakes, yes. and im not just talking about the accurate knowledge thing we talked about. 

(judging isnt the right word either and im sorry)

but anyway, just wanted to wish you well and i continue to call you Brother. i would like to check in now and then… 

love,k

--------------------

(from me 07-08-2022)

Hi K

Yes, they are mere men.

But Luke 12:48 applies to them:

(Luke 12:48) Indeed, everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him, and the one who was put in charge of much will have more than usual demanded of him.

And i now see them as those who have done great works, but are still rejected by Christ because their other deeds:

(Matthew 7:22, 23) Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’

To understand some of my scriptural reasoning on the matter, i recommend you check out these articles:

Appointed by holy spirit

Disfellowshipping in the Early Congregations

The Preaching Work

As you say, accurate knowledge is not a requirement for true Christians.

It is their faith, hope, and love that marks a true Christian.

And their actions, as pointed out in the "Final Straw" doc, and those articles listed above, show me that they are seriously lacking in brotherly love, not to mention how they are putting themselves in first place when it comes to OUR relationship with Jehovah.

They even insert themselves into our baptism, which should only be between our self and God.

If you find ANY scriptural flaws, PLEASE let me know.

:^)

yb

Dave

---------------------

(from K 07-08-2022)

it will take me a bit to get thru the articles, but i will read them over the next week.

another question- so are you saying that you no longer believe this is the “truth” or are you only referring to the flaws. i mean do you still believe in the meetings and conventions? 

my husband has an aunt who says she is a worshipper of Jehovah. she uses the Name and that no one can tell her she is not a witness of Jehovah bcs she is a witness to Him. but shes not a jw im guessing bcs she doesnt agree with some separation that happened btwn JWs under rutherford and the IBSA who stayed under russell after he died (??? huh.) 

anyway i always say that i do not (at this point) believe that if youre not a JW that… well like the cong. is noahs ark and everyone not on that “ark” will not survive. thats why i always say to myself, they are just men…

--------------------

(from me 07-09-2022)

Are you saying that you no longer believe this is the “truth” or are you only referring to the flaws.

I was raised a Witness and thought the GB could do no wrong, but several years ago I realized they were wrong about something. (the resurrected remaining single, which they have since corrected)
Then over the years, with my eyes opened, i started looking into their other teachings and found more and More and MORE that did not align with scripture.

Do I think they are 100% wrong about everything?
No, but I question their every teaching, and if I find that it conflicts with scripture then I reject it. (as we all should)

Do you still believe in the meetings and conventions? 

With their backing/pushing of the Covid "vaccine" and their recent statement to believe/follow future instructions without question (which completely goes against scriptural directions), i have now rejected the current GB as well.

Not to mention their outrageous statement that babies are "little enemies of God" in part one of the Monday 2022 convention video.

So i have no desire to attend meetings and conventions which are produced by them and promote their teachings as the way to Jehovah and salvation.

My husband has an aunt who says she is a worshipper of Jehovah.

(Mark 9:40) For whoever is not against us is for us.

(Luke 9:50) But Jesus said to him: “Do not try to prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.

(1 Corinthians 13:12, 13) For now we see in hazy outline by means of a metal mirror, but then it will be face-to-face. At present I know partially, but then I will know accurately, just as I am accurately known. 13 Now, however, these three remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love.

That last scripture confirms that it is faith, hope, and love that marks a true Christian.

Does his aunt have those characteristics?

If so, then she is a Christian, one of those that are referred to as "my people" at Revelation 18:4.

And if God refers to them as "my people", who are we to judge otherwise?

The cong. is Noah's ark and everyone not on that “ark” will not survive.

That is another false teaching of the GB; that only JW's will survive Armageddon.

The arrogance of that belief is what turns a lot of people off to JW's.

Check out my article "Who will survive Armageddon?" to find out what the Bible has to say about it.

:^)

Dave

-------------------

(from K 07-09-2022)

more questions 

but whats this about resurr. remaining single? couldnt find in your articles

also maybe i had a typo but i meant i do *not believe we are the ark and everyone not on it wont survive. i dont believe any human has the authority to say that.

as for the aunt- thats another reason i say that about the ark. some people just have a tiny thing wrong but i cant believe they wont be shown mercy bcs there *is something in their heart. ive heard on a broadcast that they wont survive just bcs they are "good people" bcs they said maybe some not on the ark were "good people" but were destr. im not sure i believe there were good at all bcs Jehovah would have seen to it. or else maybe they are in His memory and will return. idk

but again no i dont believe we can say that. 

i read your truth article and sometimes i dont understand why some of us arent... nicer... to each other at least. sometimes i wonder if they think pioneering is more important than being nice if you know what i mean. like if youre not a pioneer youre not wholehearted putting Jehovah first.

but again.... i know theyre just men.

--------------

(from me 07-10-2022)

The resurrected and marriage - compare [w87 6/1 p. 31]  with  [w14 8/15 p. 29]

maybe i had a typo but i meant i do *not believe we are the ark and everyone not on it wont survive. i dont believe any human has the authority to say that.

Ahh, right you are.  :^)

like if youre not a pioneer

(1 Corinthians 11:19) For there will certainly also be sects among you, so that those of you who are approved may also become evident.

Who do you think are the "approved" in that verse, the ones who join the sect that is "among you"?

(2 Peter 2:1-3) However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.

:^)

Dave

-------------

(from K 07-10-2022)

thank you. but the more recent article was what i always thot was the understanding anyway.

didnt think of such as a sect but i suppose thats what it is.

still reading your rambles but so far im mostly on the same page. im just waiting for Jehovah to put it all right and i believe He will. not sure when or how - whether it be done this side or the next.

another thot- what if its actually sort of a test for all of us? (not the right word!) but idk... 

in the meantime im just trying to give my true best. whole heart is whats required and He knows what that is for each of us right...

-------------------

(from me 07-10-2022)

another thot- what if its actually sort of a test for all of us? (not the right word!) but idk... 

Yes it is a test for us all. (1Co 11:19)

in the meantime im just trying to give my true best. whole heart is whats required and He knows what that is for each of us right...

Yes, He does. But faith without works is dead. (Jas 2:17)

That is why i am making my stand. (Ac 5:20)

:^)

Dave

=================

(from S 07-13-2022)

Hi my lovely brother Dave! 

Now Im gonna talk to you sir like I would talk to myself, honestly namely. 

I cannot make any choice for you, you gotta make it your own for yourself, you know that already. So Im urging you not to leave the organization. Outside is nothing, I know from personal experience. I was raised in the world, tried everything but there is nowhere like this. Almost everybody in this world cares about himself, not about the others' needs. In this organization we learn how to take care of each other, and you know this! I read this comment of yours that that comment about babies being Jehovah's enemies, and yes its a strong sentence. Do you recollect what Jesus said a few days before he died? "You gonna drink my blood.." and so forth; do you remember the reaction of many of the students, they just left him. But some did stay with him Dave. They didnt have all the pieces of the puzzle in front of them, but they stayed. Yeah dude, I myself believe that this was intentional meaning, but that does not have to do with YOUR relationship to Jehovah. You love God dude for your own reasons, you know he exists, you know he has to do with people who are imperfect, and yeah dude the governing body has no perfect individuals, and yeah dude they do make mistakes. Yes they do make mistakes like I myself. But Jehovah is looking at the biggest picture Dave, his new world will be here, whatever the governing body says or anyone. Its because of his name and his name is on stake now. Jehovah made perfect people not like this damn mess we look like now.

Please Dave listen to this https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODPgmEvtMorningWorship/pub-jwb_202011_11_VIDEO 

I feel like its gonna be more such expressions in the future, intentionally, Why? I dont have all the answers Dave, Im sorry. What I do know is that YOU dude love Jehovah. You know what to do.

Please do upload your old talks, I gotta download them :) Yeah dude, Im Greek and I dont need to spend lots of time to understand Greek :) I could teach you some Greek if you would :) Im here for you Dave, write to me whatever you like. If I have offended you Im sorry. Excuse my language once more. 

/Your brother S

---------------------------

(from me 07-14-2022)

Hi S

So Im urging you not to leave the organization. Outside is nothing,

Outside of that organization run by men are Jehovah and His Son.

I know from personal experience. I was raised in the world, tried everything but there is nowhere like this. Almost everybody in this world cares about himself, not about the others' needs. In this organization we learn how to take care of each other, and you know this!

Yes, the brothers and sisters who make up the congregation are loving and caring people (mostly).

They are still my brothers and sisters.

I am not abandoning them.

I am abandoning the false teachers who are harming them.

(2 Peter 2:1) However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves.

You are asking me to continue to follow those false teachers.

I ask you to stop following those false teachers so that you don't get caught in their "speedy destruction".

I read this comment of yours that that comment about babies being Jehovah's enemies, and yes its a strong sentence. Do you recollect what Jesus said a few days before he died? "You gonna drink my blood.." and so forth; do you remember the reaction of many of the students, they just left him. But some did stay with him Dave. They didnt have all the pieces of the puzzle in front of them, but they stayed.

Using that reasoning no one should leave the churches in Christendom because they just don't "have all the pieces of the puzzle".

But we have something that those apostles didn't have.

We have the Bible.

And we are instructed to use that Bible to make sure that what we are being taught is accurate.

(Acts 17:11) Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·niʹca, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

(Romans 12:2) And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(1 Thessalonians 5:21) Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine.

(Philippians 1:10) that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ;

(1 John 4:1) Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired statement, but test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Yeah dude, I myself believe that this was intentional meaning, but that does not have to do with YOUR relationship to Jehovah. You love God dude for your own reasons, you know he exists, you know he has to do with people who are imperfect, and yeah dude the governing body has no perfect individuals, and yeah dude they do make mistakes. Yes they do make mistakes like I myself.

Yes! That is why we are also commanded to scrutinize those taking the lead.

(Hebrews 13:7) Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out, imitate their faith.

Are their actions merely a product of imperfection, or far more than that?
How can you tell?
By seeing "how their conduct turns out."
And how has it turned out?
With the harming of my brothers and sisters.
And with their usurping of Christ's position.
How? By demanding that we obey them even when it contradicts Christ.

But Jehovah is looking at the biggest picture Dave, his new world will be here, whatever the governing body says or anyone. Its because of his name and his name is on stake now.

Yes. And when Armageddon gets here, we will all be judged.

That is why i am getting out. (Re 18:4)

I do not wish to share in their sins, or receive their judgment. (2Pe 2:1)

I hope that you will follow the instructions given to us in the Bible and turn away from being a follower of men.

(Colossians 3:23, 24) Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men, ²⁴ for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the inheritance as a reward. Slave for the Master, Christ.

(2 Corinthians 11:4) For as it is, if someone comes and preaches a Jesus other than the one we preached, or you receive a spirit other than what you received, or good news other than what you accepted, you easily put up with him.

For your own benefit, stop 'putting up with' those men.

Please do upload your old talks, I gotta download them.

Those talks promote the beliefs and teachings of the Governing Body.
Their false teachings cause harm to my brothers and sisters.
I will not be complicit in that.
I care too much for you to do that to you.

Im Greek and I dont need to spend lots of time to understand Greek :) I could teach you some Greek if you would :)

Does the understanding of modern Greek help understand ancient Greek?

Im here for you Dave, write to me whatever you like.

Thank You!

I am trying to be here for you too, and for all of my brothers and sisters, by helping them to get out from under the burdensome yoke of the GB and under Christ's yoke.

(Matthew 11:29, 30) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. ³⁰ For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”

If I have offended you Im sorry. Excuse my language once more.

No offence taken my brother.

:^)

yb

Dave

===============

Here are a few scriptures for those who are looking for scriptural advice on what to do.

(Matthew 10:35-37) For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. ³⁶ Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. ³⁷ Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.

(Acts 5:20) “Go and take your stand in the temple, and keep on speaking to the people all the sayings about this life.”

(1 Timothy 6:12) Fight the fine fight of the faith; get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called and you offered the fine public declaration in front of many witnesses.

(Titus 1:13, 14) This witness is true. For this very reason, keep on reproving them with severity so that they may be healthy in the faith, ¹⁴ paying no attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

(Ephesians 5:10, 11) Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; ¹¹ and stop sharing in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness; rather, expose them for what they are.

(Galatians 2:14) But when I saw that they were not walking in step with the truth of the good news, I said to Ceʹphas before them all:

(2 Corinthians 11:10) As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, I will not stop this boasting...

(Galatians 4:16) So, then, have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

(1 Corinthians 11:17) But while giving these instructions, I do not commend you, because it is, not for the better, but for the worse that you meet together.

(Revelation 18:4) And I heard another voice out of heaven say: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.

(2 Corinthians 6:16-18) We are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ¹⁷ “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” ¹⁸ “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

(1 Corinthians 11:19) For there will certainly also be sects among you, so that those of you who are approved may also become evident.

(Ephesians 6:14-16) Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. ¹⁶ Besides all of this, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows.

(2 Peter 2:1-3) However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. ² Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. ³ Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.

There will be "false teachers" among Jehovah's people. It will be up to us individually to decide whether or not to follow their "brazen conduct," and we will be judged accordingly. And note that it is because of those who follow those false teachers that the truth is spoken of abusively.