The Governing Body

(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.

What does Christ say on the matter of men taking the lead?

(Matthew 20:25-28) But Jesus called them to him and said: “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them and the great men wield authority over them. ²⁶ This must not be the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. ²⁸ Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”

What does "lord it over" mean? The original Greek word (katakyrieusin) merely means to exercise authority over others, to be in charge of others. It does not refer to ruling harshly or oppressing others. The same goes for the Greek word (katexousiazousin), translated here as "wield authority over." No negativity is associated with those Greek words. (Mr 10:42-45) In fact, at Luke 22:25 Christ referred to those rulers as "Benefactors." The Greek word for benefactor is euergetés and means a doer of good, a well-doer. Other Bible translations render it gracious lords, friends of the people, and everyone's friends, showing the positive view of their rulership.

If what Jesus meant was that the apostles should not rule harshly, as current Jehovah's Witness teaching on the matter claims, then he would have told them to do the opposite of that, which would be to rule gently and lovingly, to be "Benefactors". But he did not.

So if Jesus was not talking about harsh rulership, what was "the way" that he was referring to? He was referring to the mere act of exercising authority. And what is the opposite of that? To not rule at all. Yes, he said that "whoever wants to be first (great) among you", meaning whoever wants to be in charge (Mt 20:21; Lu 22:30), must instead be your minister and slave. Instead of presenting themselves as authority figures, he directed them to take the opposite position of a slave and perform the lowly act of ministering to others.

Even if we did not understand what the original Greek for "lord it over" and "wield authority over" meant, the fact that the other side of the coin was to be a slave and a minister defines them. Jesus even gave himself as an example to make sure that what he said was understood: "Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister." Rulers and governors are ministered to. A slave ministers to others.

Peter reiterates Christ's view on the matter:

(1 Peter 5:2, 3) Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; ³ not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.

Peter points out that the flock are "God's inheritance". The flock do not belong to the shepherds and therefore they do not possess the authority of ownership for them to be able to exercise it over the flock, just as they did not exercise authority over another man's slave. (Ro 14:4)

Taking the lead does not mean giving directions (orders). It means to walk out in front and lead by example. As Peter points out, those shepherding the flock are to lead by "becoming examples to the flock." (1Pe 5:2, 3; He 13:7; Php 3:17)

That is why Christ refers to those taking the lead as "shepherds". They are to "shepherd the flock of God" (1Pe 5:2) as a shepherd of sheep does, by walking out in front of them and leading the way, that is to say, by setting a good example for the flock to follow. A goat herder walks behind the flock and drives it forward, but true shepherds of the congregation walk in front by "becoming examples to the flock", and the sheep follow that example of their own accord, not under compulsion. (2Co 9:7; Phm 14)

Governors

Let's consider the term "Governing Body" (GB). What is a governing body? A group of men who govern, who exercise continuous sovereign authority. (I would provide the Greek definition, but nowhere is a Christian "governing body" referred to in the Bible.)

You do not get to choose whether or not you obey a governor. You must obey. In contrast Paul tells us there in Hebrews 13:7 that "as you contemplate how their conduct turns out, imitate their faith." Yes, it is up to us to decide. After we have contemplated how the conduct of those taking the lead turns out, that is to say, if after scrutiny their conduct is acceptable, only then should we "imitate their faith."

Note that he does not say that if we judge their directions (orders) to be acceptable, to then obey them. No, but we are to examine their conduct. Why? Because those taking the lead are directed to use the example of their own conduct to lead the congregation. (1Pe 5:3) And if we judge the example that they are setting to be good, only then should we emulate their conduct. Giving orders (directions) is not part of taking the lead. (Matthew 20:25-28)

Well if Christ forbade them from exercising authority over others, what did Paul mean at Hebrews 13:17?

(Hebrews 13:17) Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over you as those who will render an account, so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.

How is it that you are to be obedient and submissive to someone if they do not exercise authority over you? By following the example they set. Governing Body (GB) member Geoffrey W. Jackson expresses it well in his video: Elders Take The Lead! There he says: "We’re not leaders, but we set the right example." "So, obviously, to take the lead means to do the work, to be a minister, to be a servant, to serve others." "...setting the right example, and then others following." (The full transcript is in my Transcripts folder)

Those taking the lead "preside" over their own household, not over the congregation. (1Ti 3:5) Note the difference in the words used at 1 Timothy 3:5.

(1 Timothy 3:5) for if any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he care for the congregation of God?

To "preside" (prostēnai) over, means to manage, to rule. Timothy says that is what a man does in his own home.

To "care" (epimelēsetai) for, means to take care of, to attend to. Christ used that same Greek word in his illustration of the Samaritan who "took care of" the man beaten by robbers. (Lu 10:34)

(1 Timothy 2:2-5) concerning kings and all those who are in high positions, so that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with complete godly devotion and seriousness. ³ This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, ⁴ whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus,

Regarding those men in high positions (GB), it "is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God," for us to have come to the "accurate knowledge of truth" that there is only "one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus." The GB have put themselves "between God and men."

(John 14:6) Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The GB tell us that we should only believe what they tell us is "truth".

(John 18:37) For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.”

Christ tells us to listen to his voice, while the GB tell us to listen to them. If we discover "Bible truths" on our own that conflict with what the GB teach, we are marked as apostate.

(Romans 1:18) For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who are suppressing the truth in an unrighteous way,

If you would bring a "truth" to your elders (one that contradicts the GB), even though you had clear and unquestionable scriptural proof, you would get into serious trouble because you dared to contradict the GB. And they would threaten you with judicial action if you were to discuss your findings with others in the congregation. That is the very definition of "suppressing the truth." But that is how the elders are instructed to act by the GB.

(Romans 2:8) however, for those who are contentious and who disobey the truth but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and anger.

Those elders are guilty of 'disobeying the truth' and 'obeying unrighteousness,'

(1 Corinthians 13:4, 6) Love..., rejoices with the truth.

That is how the elders should act, but they do not.

(2 Corinthians 4:2) But we have renounced the shameful, underhanded things, not walking with cunning or adulterating the word of God; but by making the truth manifest, we recommend ourselves to every human conscience in the sight of God.

The GB and their enforcers (the elders), are "adulterating the word of God" through their actions. But those of us who 'make the truth manifest' have a good "conscience in the sight of God."

(John 8:45-47) Because I, on the other hand, tell you the truth, you do not believe me. ⁴⁶ Who of you convicts me of sin? If I speak truth, why is it that you do not believe me? ⁴⁷ The one who is from God listens to the sayings of God. This is why you do not listen, because you are not from God.”

The elders listen to the instructions from the GB, not the instructions in the Bible, because they are taught that being "united in the same mind and in the same line of thought" is more important than accurate knowledge. (1Co 1:10)

(John 8:31, 32) Then Jesus went on to say to the Jews who had believed him: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The elders should listen to his word, not the words of the GB.

(2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12) That is why God lets a deluding influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie, ¹² in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.

They are misled, and do not want to hear the truth from the Bible. They only want to hear what the GB tells them is "truth." They value their position as elder more than they do Bible truth.

(2 Timothy 3:8, 9) these also go on opposing the truth. Such men are completely corrupted in mind, disapproved as regards the faith. ⁹ Nevertheless, they will make no further progress, for their folly will be very plain to all, as it was with those two men.

They do not want to hear the truths that you have found in the Bible.

(2 Timothy 4:4) They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories.

So why does The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses refer to themselves as such? Because they have set themselves up to govern Christ's sheep.

That is in direct violation of Christ's clear directions at Matthew 20:26.

Their very title identifies them as being disobedient to Christ.

Recently the GB even said that they believe that they are going to receive instructions from God, and when they pass on those instructions, although those instruction may "seem strange, impractical, or illogical", they say: "that will hardly be the time to second-guess the direction or to view it with skepticism." [w22.02 p. 6 ¶15, see also ws13 11/15 p. 20 ¶17]

That categorically and unequivocally contradicts the directions given to us in the Bible, which tell us to "make sure" (Php 1:10) and to "test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God." (1Jo 4:1; 1Th 5:21) We are NOT to unquestionably accept directions! That is how those in Christendom have gotten to be where they are. We should follow the advice at Hebrews 13:9.

(Hebrews 13:9) Do not be led astray by various and strange teachings,

If you point this out, or dare contradict or challenge them in any way, they label you as apostates who are going against God Himself, because they see themselves as our spiritual leaders and God's means of direction on earth. They clearly do claim the position of Christ. (Mt 23:10; Jn 10:8)

Feed my Lambs

Now did Christ give those taking the lead a task to fulfill? Yes. They are to feed Christ's "lambs" and "little sheep." (Jn 21:15-17) "Lambs" are baby sheep. "Little sheep" are a bit older, but are not yet adults. These new ones to the truth are fed the appropriate spiritual food for their spiritual age.

Those who are new to the Bible need "milk, not solid food" (1Co 3:2), and the "chosen ones" (Mt 24:31) have been given the task of serving that food to the lambs and little sheep. (Mt 24:45) But once a sheep has matured, they move beyond milk and feed themselves solid food. (He 5:11-6:2) (see the article "Share Your Thoughts and Research + advice")

Yes, the directions Christ gave were to make disciples and baptize them. (Mt 28:19) He did not tell them to set up a governing body to tell his sheep what to do, how to think, and to direct every aspect of their worship.

The problem is that once the lambs have matured and are ready to feed themselves solid food, the GB refuse to give up that position between the sheep and Jehovah. Their actions are fulfilled in Christ's illustration of the cultivators. (Mt 21:33-41; Mr 12:1-9; Lu 20:9-16) Were those cultivators given the job of cultivating the landowner's crop? Yes. Did they cultivate the landowner's crop? Yes. Does that mean that the landowner is happy with them? No. What will the owner of the vineyard do? "He will come and kill those cultivators." (Lu 20:16)

Just as the cultivators wanted to keep the vineyard for themselves, the GB want to maintain the position they claim between God and the congregation. But there is only one person who is to be between Jehovah and ourselves.

(1 Timothy 2:5) For there is... one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus,

Compare that verse to this one:

(Matthew 24:5) For many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.

How can many come on the basis of his name, and yet claim to be him at the same time? Because they are not saying that they are the Son of God. They only claim to be filling the position of Christ. And what is the position of Christ? "Mediator between God and men." (1Ti 2:5)

Jesus warned us about such ones.

(John 10:8) All those who have come in place of me are thieves and plunderers;

If you want proof that they claim the position of Christ, all you have to do is go to the elders (as many have done) and tell them that you are no longer going to follow the teachings of the GB. Their response is to quote John 6:68.

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

Every church in Christendom has "sayings of everlasting life", so that is not what the elders are talking about. No, the elders are saying that leaving the GB is leaving Christ.

No doubt any of you who have considered leaving have even asked yourself 'whom shall I go away to?' And why is that? Because the GB have conditioned their followers to believe that they are the "mediator between God and men." (1Ti 2:5)

They even insert themselves into your baptism. Paul asked this question:

(1 Corinthians 1:13) Is the Christ divided? Paul was not executed on the stake for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

No, our baptism should be to none other than Christ and Jehovah. Yet JW Baptismal candidates must answer in the affirmative to the following question before being allowed to be baptized:

"Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s organization?" [od p. 206]

Our baptism should be pure, and only about our belief in God and Christ. It should not involve The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. (WTB&T)

Yes, the GB, and their obedient servants (the local elders in each congregation), have put themselves between Jehovah and millions of Jehovah's Witnesses. They tell the congregation that they must follow their directions if they are to please God. They tell them that disobeying them is disobeying Jehovah. They have truly 'misled many'. (Mt 24:5)

Here is how Luke words it:

(Luke 21:8) He said: “Look out that you are not misled, for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The due time is near.’ Do not go after them.

The GB has been saying that the due time for Armageddon is imminent since the late 1800's. And they come on the basis of his name saying "I am he" in that they claim that following their teachings and rules is the only way to be acceptable to God. (Jn 14:6)

So they fit that two-part description: They come on the basis of his name while placing themselves between God and men, and they have a long history of saying that the due time is near. And what does Christ command us to do? "Do not go after them"!

"enslave us"

(Galatians 2:4) But that matter came up because of the false brothers brought in quietly, who slipped in to spy on the freedom we enjoy in union with Christ Jesus, so that they might completely enslave us

Can it be said that the GB enslave the congregation? Yes. How do they enslave them? By teaching that only they have the correct interpretation of the Bible, therefore JW's all must believe and obey what the GB teach or else they will become disapproved of by God and will die at Armageddon.

They also "enslave" them with the false teaching that the evangelizing work is the responsibility of everyone in the congregation, coercing all to do the work assigned to the "chosen ones" (Mt 24:31) under threat of death. (see my article "The Preaching Work")

(1 Corinthians 1:10) Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.

The GB use that scripture to quash any challenges to their unscriptural teachings. And the elders obey and enforce the instructions from the GB because they are told that being "united in the same mind and in the same line of thought" is more important than following the Bible.

The elders have chosen the teachings of men (the GB) over the teachings of Christ.

(Titus 1:16) They publicly declare that they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.

"you must forgive"

(Acts 20:29, 30) I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, ³⁰ and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.

The elders are "oppressive wolves" who do "not treat the flock with tenderness." How so? Following the directions from the GB the elders ignore Christ's instructions regarding sinners.

How many of those who have been disfellowshipped said that they were not repentant, that they were glad they did what they did and would do it again? No, the vast majority of them no doubt expressed repentance, but they were disfellowshipped anyway. Yet Christ gives the clear commandment that "you must forgive him," "even if he sins seven times a day against you and he comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent." (Lu 17:4)

(1 John 2:4) The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet does not observe his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in this person.

Are they 'observing his commandments'? No. They are not. Even the other aspects of the disfellowshipping process is in direct violation of Christ's instructions. (see my article "Disfellowshipping in the Early Congregations")

Consider also this: They teach and believe that Armageddon is imminent. They also apply Matthew 18:18 to the unscriptural judicial decisions they make in private back rooms.

[w96 4/15 p. 29] "The elders do not make up their own standards of judgment. They apply Bible principles and closely follow Scriptural procedures that Jehovah set out. Hence, any forgiving or not forgiving on the part of the elders would be in the sense of Jesus’ words at Matthew 18:18: “Truly I say to you men, Whatever things you may bind on earth will be things bound in heaven, and whatever things you may loose on earth will be things loosed in heaven.” Their actions would simply reflect Jehovah’s view of matters as presented in the Bible."

And what do they believe will happen to someone at Armageddon who is 'not forgiven' by them since their judgments are also "bound in heaven"? Those un-forgiven and disfellowshipped ones will be destroyed of course. That is why the following scripture applies to them.

(John 16:2) Men will expel you from the synagogue. In fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he has offered a sacred service to God.

Yes, by their own admittance, they believe that their judgments are a death sentence if Armageddon comes before they decide to forgive.

(Matthew 12:37) for by your words you will be declared righteous, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Because of their judging they will be judged, and because of their condemning they will be condemned. Because they do not forgive (Lu 17:4) they will not be forgiven.

(Luke 6:37) “Moreover, stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned. Keep on forgiving, and you will be forgiven.

(see my article "Judging Others")

Freedom

(2 Corinthians 3:17) Now Jehovah is the Spirit, and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.

Yes, true followers of Christ have freedom. (Ro 8:21; 1Co 10:29; Ga 2:4; 5:1, 13; Jas 1:25) Of course those verses are not referring to a freedom to act outside of Bible principles. (1Co 6:9, 10)

(1 Peter 2:16) Be as free people, using your freedom, not as a cover for doing wrong, but as slaves of God.

But Jehovah's Witnesses do not have such freedom. They live under similar conditions as are imposed on prisoners: an oppressive environment that demands passive compliance to the demands of authority figures, passive acceptance of severely restricted acts of daily living, the repression of personal lifestyle preferences, the elimination of critical thinking and individual decision making, and internalized acceptance of severe restrictions on honest self-expression, thoughts, and feelings. They truly do "beat (their) fellow slaves." (Mt 24: 49; Lu 12:46)

Proof

Some point to Matthew 24:14 as proof that JW's are the true Christian denomination.

(Matthew 24:14) And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

They argue that there is no other organization who fulfills that verse. But is that true? Can no others claim to be fulfilling that verse?

The Catholic Church would say that they do. Regardless of what out-of-the-way place JW missionaries are sent to on earth, they often find an old Catholic church already there. So they have been spreading their version of "the good news of the kingdom" all around the world for a lot longer than JW's have.

And there are many small groups that have gone-on and are continuing to go-on missionary trips to out-of-the-way places where Christianity has no foothold. I doubt there are any places on this earth where Christ's teachings have not been taught by one group or another.

So you can't use Matthew 24:14 to define JW's as the true Christian denomination simply because of their world-wide work.

Another example put forth as proof that JW's are the true Christian denomination is "accurate knowledge." They say that JW's are the only ones who truly understand the Bible. But all you have to do is read my articles to know that is not true.

Matthew 24:25 is another scripture put forth as proof of God's Blessing. But all the churches in Christendom also claim to be feeding their congregations.

Am i saying that Jehovah's Witnesses never had Jehovah's blessing? No. In Christ's illustration the landowner chose those cultivators and gave them the task of cultivating his vineyard, but in the end, because of their actions, they lost his approval. (Mt 21:33-41; Mr 12:1-9; Lu 20:9-16; 2Tim 3:8, 9)

Merely claiming to be Christ's representatives does not make it true.

(1 John 2:4) The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet does not observe his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in this person.

And 'performing many powerful works in his name' does not prove them to be Christ's representatives either.

(Matthew 7:22) 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?’

Now what?

So returning to the Question: "Whom shall I go away to?" (Jn 6:68) The obvious answer is: To Christ. He is our "mediator between God and men." (1Ti 2:5) Not the GB.

If you are reading this you are no doubt not a little lamb who is new to the teachings of Christ and need someone to lead you by the hand and feed you milk. (Jn 21:15-17) You can sit at the adult table and eat solid food from the Bible without someone spoon-feeding it to you. (He 5:11-6:2)

And being an adult comes with responsibilities. A mature Christian will follow the directions given to us in the Bible. When we discover that we have been deceived we are to share those newly found truths.

(Ephesians 4:25) Therefore, now that you have put away deceit, each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another.

We are not to keep silent. We are to pay no attention to "commandments of men who turn away from the truth."

(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.

What do you think Jesus was referring to in the following verse when he spoke of things "whispered" to you?

(Matthew 10:27) What I tell you in the darkness, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, preach from the housetops.

He would not tell you to repeat bad things, so those things whispered must refer to good and righteous things. But why would they be whispered to you? Because the one whispering had a fear of man, as the next verse addresses.

(Matthew 10:28) And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·henʹna.

Yes, the fear of man causes some to whisper the bible truths they have learned if those truths contradict what the GB teaches. Why? Because they fear what those men who have stolen the position of mediator will do to them. But Christ tells us to "preach it from the house tops" so that all can hear. Do not let elders who suppress Bible truth frighten you into silence or into speaking only in whispers. (Ps 27:1; 56:4, 10, 11; Ro 8:31; He 13:6) Those men only have the power that you give them.

(Psalm 118:6) Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Those who have "the truth of Christ" in him and have seen past the false teachings of the GB will not stop spreading truth.

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

I will not keep quiet about it....

(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.

....even if it causes those who claim to be my brothers and sisters to think of me as their enemy.

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

We are told that it will not be easy, but we have the truth and God's approval on our side.

(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.

Anyone can turn back someone who has been "led astray from the truth," but not if we keep silent.

(James 5:19, 20) My brothers, if anyone among you is led astray from the truth and another turns him back, ²⁰ know that whoever turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save him from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

They may come to their senses.

(2 Timothy 2:26) and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him to do his will.

We were warned that there would be false teachers.

(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.

(Jeremiah 23:16, 17) This is what Jehovah of armies says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are deluding you. The vision they speak is from their own heart, Not from the mouth of Jehovah. ¹⁷ They are saying again and again to those who disrespect me, ‘Jehovah has said: “You will enjoy peace.”’ And to everyone who follows his own stubborn heart they say, ‘No calamity will come upon you.’

They say "the vaccine is safe", but we "do not want to receive part of her plagues." (Re 18:4)

Fortunately we have the Bible to prove them wrong:

(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.

(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;

(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.

(Ephesians 5:10) Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord;

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

A Muslim asks another who has chosen to leave: "Mohamed is the prophet of Allah. Whom shall you go away to?" He answers: "To Christ, the only true mediator between God and men."

A Mormon asks another who has chosen to leave: "The Quorum lead us to God. Whom shall you go away to?" He answers: "To Christ, the only true mediator between God and men."

A JW asks another who has chosen to leave: "The GB are the channel of God. Whom shall you go away to?" He answers: "To Christ, the only true mediator between God and men."

:^)
Dave
da.getmyip@gmail.com       http://da.getmyip.com/PDF/Ramblings      

Last edited 03-08-2024 (date created 07-09-2022)