QUESTIONS & RESPONSES
Regarding Apostasy
03/11/12 | Visitor is concerned that the teachings on this website may be apostate.
10/26/12 | Visitor believes we are apostates and disapproved by the Governing Body.
10/31/12 | Visitors inquire about our knowledge of and relation to Raymond Franz.
11/02/12 | Visitor responds to our defense against the claim that we are apostates.
12/18/12 | Visitor accuses us of being murmurers like the sons of Korah.
12/23/12 | Follow up to accusation of being murmurers.
06/28/13 | Visitor asks if we are going to write a letter to the Governing Body denouncing the calling at the 2013 District Convention name.
09/06/13 | Are we a breakaway group? Are these new scrolls?
01/15/14 | Visitor believes we are trashing ‘Jehovah’s earthly organization’
03/31/14 | Visitor believes we are trashing ‘Jehovah’s earthly organization’
08/29/14c | Why aren’t the sons and new partakers being disfellowshipped as apostates?
10/12/14 | Why didn’t the brother in the Fenway Apostasy article remain silent like Jesus?
♦ Visitor is concerned that the teachings on this website may be apostate.
On March 11, 2012, we received the following comment:
“I am concerned that this web site comes with learning [what] Babylon the Great and apostates are saying.
“You say that all religious communities who say they are Christians must work together. And you say that all Christians will go to heaven.
“Is that correct?”
To the author, we thank you for taking the time to post your comments. We do understand your concern. Hopefully, by our response, we can alleviate some of it. We will respond to each aspect of your comment.
“I am concerned that this web site comes with learning [what] Babylon the Great and apostates are saying.”
Actually, this website comes with learning what the Bible says, especially the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Watchtower publications provide sufficient information about what “Babylon the Great” and “apostates” are saying. We are focusing on the Christ.
“You say that all religious communities who say they are Christians must work together.”
We do not say that they must work together. We are simply of the opinion that if we focus on our commonalities, we will be much more effective in the disciple-making work. It is hard to make disciples of people whom we condemn as false Christians or apostates.
Remember, Jehovah’s Witnesses used to celebrate Christmas and birthdays, and even had smoking breaks during our conventions! In fact, many of the things we now say are a part of “Babylon the Great” were practiced by Jehovah’s Witnesses! Shall we say that we were apostates or false Christians back then? No. We were serving to the best of our ability. And by our study and prayer, we came to an enlightened understanding. Can we not offer the same patience to others? Jesus told us that “the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you.” (Matthew 7:2) Let us at least utilize a fair measuring rod. That is the hope of this website.
And solely for the purpose of showing you how this attitude can have a good effect, we will share with you that over half of the comments we get with respect to this website that are words of encouragement and appreciation come from non-Witnesses. In fact, we have heard from a few Christian pastors who say they have a new and favorable opinion of Jehovah’s Witnesses and are electing to use portions of this site in their church curricula. That is a fine witness! All praise to the Father!
“And you say that all Christians will go to heaven. Is that correct?”
No, that is not correct. We do not say that all Christians will go to heaven. Instead, we say that the Bible teaches that all Christians have the heavenly hope. (See “Observing the Oneness of the Faith.”) Whether we will attain to the hope is dependent upon the effort we exert in imitating the Christ and doing the work he set out for us to do.
We know that the information in this website is in some ways rather bold. But we try very hard to make sure that what we present is in harmony with the teachings of the Christ – who himself was a rather bold teacher. And if we are shown that the things we present are not correct, we will be swift about making the correction.
We encourage you to continue your perusal of the site and please feel free to post your future comment and concerns.
♦ Visitor believes we are apostates and disapproved by the Governing Body.
On October 26, 2012, we received the following comments:
“You are apostates. You are going beyond the things that are written. The governing body does not support any of this. You are not the proper channel. The faithful slave is the governing body only. The slave is responsible only for spiritual food dispensing and preparing. Like Jesus apostles who fed the 4 and 5 thousand, many would be fed through the hands of a few. The anointed do not have special knowledge or extra favour or extra Holy Spirit. You are not inspired, so stop drawing attention to yourselves and direct all attention to the publications of the slave.”
To the author, we want to thank you for your email. You could have easily clicked away, and we would not have had an opportunity to respond to you. And thank you for providing an email address. It indicates that you are open to hearing our view. After we provide our response, we hope to hear from you again.
Your first comment was: You are apostates. We wonder what it is that leads you to that conclusion. What have we published on our site that is inapposite to the Christ’s teachings? This is a serious charge. We certainly do not want to apostatize from the Christ. If you can provide some specific information on where we err, it would be greatly appreciated. We are open to your counsel.
You also commented: You are going beyond the things that are written. Again, please let us know where we have done this. The information on our site is supported by abundant scriptural references. And we are very careful to stay within Biblical teachings. We await your further clarification of this comment.
You also commented: The governing body does not support any of this.
We wonder how you know this. We have been writing letters to the Governing Body since March 2012, but they have not responded. We have asked several times for them to let us know if they disapprove of our work, yet to date, they have remained silent. We interpret their silence as them taking a ‘wait and see’ attitude such as was recommended by Gamaliel in Acts 5:34-39. And we assume that if they found our site to be harmful to the association, they would at least let the local brothers know to avoid our site. This has not occurred either. So we are at a loss as to how you know the Governing Body’s view of our work. One of our number wonders if you are a member of the Governing Body or the Bethel family. If so, please let us know. Otherwise, it is only fair that the Governing Body be allowed to speak for themselves as to their approval or disapproval of our site – either to us or through their own channels.
You also commented: You are not the proper channel. The faithful slave is the governing body only. We believe you may have an erroneous view of a governing body.
In our article The Governing Body Myth, we trace the origin of the teaching of a governing body and we find that there was no such arrangement in the first century Christian congregations. Nevertheless, we understand that an international organization must have leadership of some kind, and we do not oppose leadership. We simply wish our governing brothers would acknowledge that they are self-appointed rather than divinely appointed. That would make their role much easier to understand. If you believe something in that article is inaccurate or ‘goes beyond what is written.’ please write us back with your comments.
You commented: The slave is responsible only for spiritual food dispensing and preparing. Like Jesus apostles who fed the 4 and 5 thousand, many would be fed through the hands of a few.
We believe that all disciples of Christ have the responsibility of sharing in the feeding work by preaching and teaching about the good news of the kingdom. We published an article on this subject entitled Feeding the Many where we look to see what the scriptures say about who is to take part in this work. Nothing we see in scripture points to the work being only in the hands of a small elect few. If you believe something in that article is inaccurate or ‘goes beyond what is written.’ please write us back with your comments.
You commented: The anointed do not have special knowledge or extra favour or extra Holy Spirit.
We agree that the anointed do not, as a rule, have ‘special knowledge’ or ‘extra favour’ or ‘extra Holy Spirit.’ But the scriptures do tell us that God’s spirit only leads His children:
“For all who are led by God’s spirit, these are God’s sons.” – Romans 8:14
The scriptures also tell us that we are given different types of gifts according to our abilities and the will of the Father:
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but there is the same spirit; and there are varieties of ministries, and yet there is the same Lord; and there are varieties of operations, and yet it is the same God who performs all the operations in all persons. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for a beneficial purpose. For example, to one there is given through the spirit speech of wisdom, to another speech of knowledge according to the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healings by that one spirit, to yet another operations of powerful works, to another prophesying, to another discernment of inspired utterances, to another different tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. But all these operations the one and the same spirit performs, making a distribution to each one respectively just as it wills.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
As for knowledge, the amount and degree of knowledge and understanding one has is in direct proportion to one’s effort to attain such knowledge and understanding. If you have noticed that the information on our site is informative, that is because we are taking our ministry very seriously and we ‘keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking.’ (Matthew 7:7) You, too, can know what we know and even surpass what we know. In fact, we encourage you to do so!
Finally, you commented: You are not inspired, so stop drawing attention to yourselves and direct all attention to the publications of the slave.
Our articles draw attention to the Bible. We believe that is the better direction. We also want to remind you that the ‘slave’ readily admits that neither are they inspired, so both the ‘slave’ and we ourselves should be directing attention to the Bible.
We believe we have responded to each of your concerns. You see, you may have overreacted. Our work is not at all at odds with the Christ or the Bible. And nothing we do constitutes apostasy.
It must seem odd to you that ordinary brothers could publish articles that are effecting such great changes in people’s lives. Therefore, we want to remind you that what we publish are the original, actual, plain and open teachings of Jesus. They do not originate with us. This is why the information is so well received.
Do not stumble over the fact that the Governing Body has not yet accepted our work. We hope and pray that their silence is temporary and that soon we will be serving the Father together, spreading the true good news to the most distant parts of the earth. If you have some private or inside connection to the Governing Body, we ask that you use your influence to encourage them to respond to our letters so that not only we, but all our visitors will know their stance and not have to assume or rely on hearsay.
In the meantime, we look forward to your response.
♦ Visitors inquire about our knowledge of and relation to Raymond Franz.
(10/31/12) Over the past few weeks, we received a few inquiries concerning our view of Ray Franz. Here are a few of the comments:
“I noticed your reference to "Christian freedom." It made me wonder if you brothers have read Raymond Franz's "In Search of Christian Freedom." I would think that there are some things he has said that you can agree with.”
“Hi Brothers! I was reading the book called CRISES OF CONSCIENCE. Its by Brother Ray Franz. I was wondering if your familiar with his story life. It seems to me to that he didn’t agree with the governing body of Jehovah Witnesses. I know you may have noticed many flaws with the governing body of JWs too. I just wanted to know if u think it was fair for our dear bro Ray Franz to have been disfellowshipped by our governing body the way they did?”
“Your writing style is similar to Ray Franz. Were you associated with him?”
“[Ray Franz’s] way of presenting what he has to say lends credibility to what he has to say, which is quite similar to your way of presenting what you have to say. Would you explain why you have chosen not to read what Ray has to say? I assume that it is not because of the Governing Body's warnings to avoid anything to do with apostates.”
To all those who have inquired about our view of the late Raymond Franz, we thank you for visiting our site. Of course, we are familiar with Ray Franz – practically all Jehovah’s Witnesses are.
While we have not as yet read any of his writings, everything we hear about him and his writings are favorable. He appears to have been a sincere, honest man who was compelled to act in accord with his conscience. We cannot find complaint with that. We believe all of us must respond to the urgings of our conscience if we are to be true to ourselves. And unless we are true to ourselves, we cannot be true to the Father.
At the time of Brother Franz’ problems with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, we were but babes, and of course, we followed the Society’s commands to avoid associating with disfellowshipped individuals or read literature that the Society viewed as apostate.
However, as we grew older and more sure in our relationship with the Father and confident in our hope and status as sons of God, those types of manmade commands have little impact on us. Our Christian freedom and spiritual acumen grants us the ability to discern whose association would be detrimental to ourselves and our families. We are now mature spiritual adults with trained perceptive powers. (Hebrews 5:14)
We do not need anyone telling us who we can and cannot associate with. (1 John 2:27) Our desire for freeness of speech before the Father is sufficient incentive for us to be cautious in all matters. But just because someone does not agree with something printed in a Watchtower magazine does not mean they are bad associates. And we would NEVER abandon or reject our family just because others do not view them as good association. But this is a subject for another discussion.
Our current reason for not reading Ray Franz’ books has nothing to do with his prior status as a disfellowshipped person. It has everything to do with how we choose to use our time. We have dedicated practically all of our waking time that is not associated with secular work, to this ministry. Our prime desire is to know the Father and Jesus Christ to the best of our ability, to follow in Christ’s footsteps to the best of our ability, and to endeavor to be faithful ambassadors of the Kingdom of the Heavens.
We feel the best use of our time is to take in knowledge of God and the one whom he sent forth, Jesus Christ. (John 17:3) He is our exemplar when it comes to our ministry, not any man, no matter how honorable. It appears that Brother Franz reached conclusions similar to our own. No doubt many others of our brothers who have come and gone, including Charles Taze Russell, and many now living, find commonality with our views. But we do not follow any man or take up anyone’s ministry except that of Christ Jesus.
Currently, we do not see a need to read Brother Franz’ books in order to understand the inner workings of the Governing Body. That does not interest us. We suspect that the behind-the-scene conduct of the Governing Body is much like that of any secular board meetings or legislative body – not very pretty. Those goings ons do not affect us. They are entitled to their privacy.
What concerns us is what the Governing Body does in the open, what they say publicly and what they print. As Jesus said, “These are the things defiling a man.” (Matthew 15:20) These are the only things that are our business. They will have to answer for their private affairs and inner workings to the Father, as will we all.
All that we can do is try to readjust our brothers when we SEE a need. (Galatians 6:1) We do not need to go searching, and we do not need to take the testimony of witnesses when we can see the error with our own eyes. Our governing brothers are no different than any other erring brothers. Our Father is one, and we are all brothers. (Matthew 23:8-9) We will continue to view them as such until they make it clear they do not want our association. We keep before us Peter’s counsel:
“Be as free people, and yet holding your freedom, not as a blind for badness, but as slaves of God. Honor [men] of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, have honor for the king.” – 1 Peter 2:16-17
We respect Brother Ray Franz’ decision to separate from the Society; we respect Brother Ray Franz’ decision to memorialize his experiences in his books; and, not only him, but we respect all individuals who act in harmony with their conscience and their understanding of the divine will. We cannot take freedoms for ourselves that we deprive from others. Since we can openly speak of our own understanding of divine will, we cannot contest the open confession by others.
We hope we have provided enough information here to satisfy all inquirers about our interest and knowledge of the late Brother Raymond Franz.
♦ Visitor responds to our defense against the claim that we are apostates.
On November 2, 2012, we received the following comments and inquiries:
“Responding to your answer to someone who referred to you as apostates. First, I am not on the Governing Body and have never been to Bethel.
This was your comment, "Do not stumble over the fact that the Governing Body has not yet accepted our work. We hope and pray that their silence is temporary and that soon we will be serving the Father together, spreading the good news to the most distant parts of the earth."
“First Problem, the good news has and is being spread to the most distant parts of the earth, by the direction of the Governing Body. Being so busy in that scriptural duty, they don't accept any false worship. Nor join any other religious group. Just like you said you don't have time to read Franz book because you are busy in the work. They are simply doing the same thing you said you do.
“Compare results, the Governing Body said we had over 18 million at the Memorial two years ago. We don't even know where you meet. Same applies to baptism, we have a number, but I don't see yours. Words are cheap, but results have actions that happened. So any reasonable person knowing the end is near would say show me your results.
“My other problem with your opening statement which I started with is where you hope and pray that they accept your work and start serving the Father together, spreading the good news. Right there shows you are not working with the Governing Body. Ps 133:1 1 Cor 1:10
“So you can understand how God and His Son have guided the preaching work for a long time covering the earth, and now some internet start up says they are going to do it. Where I come from the saying is, A Day Late, And A Dollar Short!
“When I received the truth I realized there would be many false anointed ones who mislead. But the record of works has no comparison!
“Diaglott Mat 24:24,"Shall be raised for false anointed ones and false prophets, and shall give signs great and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible even the chosen.
“Thank you for your time and I’m going to see if you post this to your readers.”
To the author, we respect your passion and your honesty about what you believe to be true. We also commend your attempt to defend what you perceive to be an attack on the Governing Body. However, we believe you are mistaken on many fronts. Let us reason together.
You state: [T]he good news has and is being spread to the most distant parts of the earth, by the direction of the Governing Body. Being so busy in that scriptural duty, they don't accept any false worship. Nor join any other religious group.
It is true that a ‘certain sort of good news’ (Galatians 1:6) is being spread to the most distant parts of the earth at the direction of the Governing Body. But it is not the good news that Jesus and the apostles taught, and it is not the good news that is expounded on in the Christian Greek Scriptures. The Governing Body teaches that all, except a few thousand Christians, have the hope of living forever on the earth under paradise conditions. Neither Jesus nor any of the Christian Bible writers preached or taught such a hope. For a discussion of the true good news, see our article What is the Good News?
This ‘other sort of good news’ did not even come into the thoughts of Christianity until nearly 1900 years after Christ’s death and resurrection when a handful of Christians attempted to interpret the prophesies in the Book of Revelation. Their limited spiritual vision led them to conclude that the Father’s purpose is for a ‘great crowd’ of people to live forever on earth. And they accepted this view, even though it is in direct conflict with what is taught in the Bible, namely:
“Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, should be dissolved, we are to have a building from God, a house not made with hands, everlasting in the heavens. For in this dwelling house we do indeed groan, earnestly desiring to put on the one for us from heaven.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
“As for us, our citizenship exists in the heavens, from which place also we are eagerly waiting for a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will refashion our humiliated body to be conformed to his glorious body according to the operation of the power that he has, even to subject all things to himself.” – Philippians 3:20-21
“We thank God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ always when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in connection with Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the holy ones because of the hope that is being reserved for you in the heavens. This [hope] you heard of before by telling of the truth of that good news which has presented itself to you, even as it is bearing fruit and increasing in all the world just as [it is doing] also among you, from the day you heard and accurately knew the undeserved kindness of God in truth.” –Colossians 1:3-6
“If, however, you were raised up with the Christ, go on seeking the things above, where the Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Keep your minds fixed on the things above not on the things upon the earth.” – Colossians 3:1-2
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for according to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance. It is reserved in the heavens for you, who are being safeguarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last period of time.” – 1 Peter 1:3-5
The Apostle Paul went so far as to tell us that if we are not pursuing the heavenly hope, we should pray about it and God will correct our thinking:
“I am pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God by means of Christ Jesus. Let us, then, as many of us as are mature, be of this mental attitude; and if you are mentally inclined otherwise in any respect, God will reveal the above [attitude] to you.” –Philippians 3:14-15
For a further discussion and clarification of this matter, see the articles What is the Good News?, Who Are Led by Spirit?, Moving Forward in Faith, Holding Fast to the Sacred Secret, Foreordained from the Founding of the World. We believe you will find them truly enlightening.
You commented: Compare results, the Governing Body said we had over 18 million at the Memorial two years ago. We don't even know where you meet. Same applies to baptism, we have a number, but I don't see yours. Words are cheap, but results have actions that happened. So any reasonable person knowing the end is near would say show me your results.
Brother, please know that we do not hold any meetings. We are not seeking disciples or followers. We are only trying to uplift the congregations and the spiritual conversation worldwide. We find it interesting, though, that you are impressed with the attendance of 18 million people at the Memorial celebration two years ago. Did you know that at the 2010 Memorial, only 11,202 out of 18 million, confessed sonship with God? What does that tell you about the Governing Body’s fruit? It screams that their preaching work does not produce sons of the kingdom! Rather than being an example of fine works, the statistics you site tell a woeful story of much ado about nothing.
As for us, we receive reports from around the world that, on average, about 250-500 persons per week are being baptized into Christ as sons of the Kingdom as a direct result of our ministry and this website. For more information on our work, see the articles The Powerful Message of Sonship, What Prevents Me? and Emails from Visitors. Yet we do not ‘claim’ these people as our own. Instead, we encourage them to use their newfound relationship with the Father to help others ‘become reconciled’ to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20) from wherever they are. As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman:
"‘Believe me, woman, The hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you people worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation originates with the Jews. Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him. God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.’” – John 4:21-24
That is the Christian ministry brother!
You commented: My other problem with your opening statement which I started with is where you hope and pray that they accept your work and start serving the Father together, spreading the good news. Right there shows you are not working with the Governing Body. Ps 133:1 1 Cor 1:10.
Brother, if you will look at our Open Letters to the Governing Body and the Writing Department, you will see that we are making great effort to work with them, not against them. Every attempt to reach out to them has been prompted with and founded on brotherly love. But loving our brothers does not mean we look away when we see them taking a false path. Surely you remember this counsel:
“Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself, for fear you also may be tempted. Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and thus fulfill the law of the Christ.” – Galatians 6:1-2
You commented: When I received the truth I realized there would be many false anointed ones who mislead. But the record of works has no comparison! Diaglott Mat 24:24,"Shall be raised for false anointed ones and false prophets, and shall give signs great and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible even the chosen.”
This is an interesting comment. You first extol the Governing Body for giving great sign and wonders in their numbers and their works, and then you cite to Matthew 24:24 which says that false anointed ones will give signs and great wonders. We know you mean to direct that condemnation at us, but we caution you in this regard. As they say, when you point your finger, three of your fingers are pointing back at you. So, again, brother, be cautious.
Finally, you commented: Thank you for your time and I’m going to see if you post this to your readers.
So, you see, we posted your comments and our responses. We are not afraid to defend our hope or our ministry. Nor are we so self-involved that we cannot accept criticism. To the contrary, we welcome comments, even opposing ones.
While we can respect your zeal and your passion, your comments, brother, are based in emotion, not in truth. You were immediately offended at even the appearance of someone attacking the Governing Body. Yet you express no sensitivity to the blatant disrespect of Christ (as if he never came and had no message for us), for his teachings (as if they are insignificant to the majority of mankind), or for his brothers, not even the least of them.
We urge you to get your spiritual allegiance in the proper order. May you have peace
♦ Visitor accuses us of being murmurers like the sons of Korah.
On December 18, 2012, we received the following comment:
“I was told by one of my good friends that's a missionary at our World Head Quarters in New York, that the society have heard who you are and they have identified you as MODERN DAY KORAHS because of your murmuring even though you are sincere. Korah and his men TOO were also sincere for CHANGE toward Moses and Aaron. This info I got about you from one of the anointed brothers from Bethel New York. Something for you to really think about EVEN IN YOUR PERSONAL SINCERITY TOWARD THE BROTHERS!”
To the author of this email, as always, we thank you for taking the time to visit and to share your thoughts. If you believe what your ‘good friend’ told you, then you are not likely to read this response. However, we felt it would be helpful to publish our response so that our other visitors who may have heard comments like these can know our thoughts on the matter.
First, we find it odd that an anointed follower of Christ, one of his brothers, would make such a comparison. Why would one compare us to Korah unless he feels that the Governing Body is ‘sitting in the seat of Moses’ as were the Pharisees of Jesus’ day? (Matthew 23:2) Really this supposed charge against us actually condemns the Governing Body. By your friend’s own reckoning, the Governing Body is stuck in the Judaic system as modern day Judaizers. As an anointed brother, he surely should know that when the Christ arrived, the seat of Moses was permanently vacated. There is no authorized modern day equivalent to Moses or the position he held in relation to the nation of Israel, and thus there could be no modern day Korahites.
Second, if your ‘good friend’ is claiming that we are murmuring against the Christ, we wonder what evidence he could have to support that accusation. To the contrary, our website provides abundant evidence that we are wholeheartedly in support of Jesus and his original teachings. We love and honor Jesus and his teachings above all others, including those of the Governing Body.
And, finally, if he considers our message to be murmuring against men who have set themselves up above the Christ, then we would still have to disagree with him. We are not murmuring as if we are whispering in undertones. We are courageously speaking our message loud and clear for all to hear. We echo Paul’s words:
“As we have said above, I also now say again, Whoever it is that is declaring to you as good news something beyond what you accepted, let him be accursed.” – Galatians 1:9
If your ‘good friend’ wishes to find fault with us, rather than murmuring against us, let him openly state his evidence, or else remain silent.
♦ Follow up to accusation of being murmurers.
On December 23, 2012, we received the following comment:
“Dear Friends. Your response to the individual who leveled the accusation that you are a modern day Korah, or Korahites, murmuring towards the governing body, was right on! I personally do not see any jealousy in the words or spirit you show here in this ministry. Besides, as you so truthfully stated, there are no modern day counterparts to the 'rebellion of Korah', unless we have a greater Moses in the 'Governing Body'. 1 Cor.4:8.”
To the author, thank you for your email and your words of support. Our response to the visitor who accused us of being murmurers was not the usual type of response we provide. But in this instance, we felt it was necessary to be very direct and unambiguous. Not only in defense of ourselves, but also in defense of those of our brothers and sisters who may be similarly charged with murmuring against the Governing Body or even with the elusive claim of apostasy.
Challenges such as these are meant to serve only one purpose, to intimidate into silence those who disagree or question presumed authority. It is used by accusers who have no competent or viable argument against another, and so they resort to such attacks.
The children of God give proper respect to all those in authority. As the apostle Peter wrote:
“Honor [men] of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, have honor for the king.” – 1 Peter 2:17
But we do not bow down to them as though there were our masters.
“But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.” – Matthew 23:8-10
One thing the children of God must know is that they are a free people. Free to think, free to speak, free to ask questions. Jesus told us:
“Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened. – Matthew 7:7-8
If we can ask questions of the Christ, surely we can ask questions of men! And if men cannot answer our questions, Jesus did not tell us to ‘wait on Jehovah.’ He told us to keep on asking, and seeking, and knocking until we get the answers we seek! Brothers, we have a living, growing, active, progressive faith! When we stop growing or become stagnant, it dies!
This is not rebellious talk. It is uplifting speech designed to restore dignity to our association. We are not little children who are to be seen but not heard. We are children of the most powerful personality in the universe – the Father of ALL. There is great honor in that!
Take the counsel of the apostle Paul:
“Hence straighten up the hands that hang down and the enfeebled knees, and keep making straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather that it may be healed.” – Hebrews 12:12-13
Yes, straighten up, brothers and sisters. Stand up! Stand tall!
“But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15
So, do not let the abusive, intimidating or careless speech of physical men and women stifle you or take away your hope. Pray incessantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17), take in knowledge of Jesus Christ and how he served the Father (John 17:3), and imitate his courage and conviction. Then you can say as did Paul:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Amen.
♦ Visitor asks if we are going to write a letter to the Governing Body denouncing the calling at the 2013 District Convention name.
On June 28, 2013, we received the following comment and inquiry:
“I recently read that at 2013 district convention they are calling anyone who leaves the organization Mentally Diseased. Are you going to address that in upcoming letters? I've been reading your letters to the Watchtower and also responses from elders, circuit overseers, etc. The governing body must be trying to find out who these men are. They'd be mentally diseased according to their views.”
To the author, thank you for your email. We, too, have seen and heard the comments at the 2013 District Convention that you are referring to. Currently, we have no plans to address it. Who is surprised at their actions? Each and every one of Jehovah’s Witnesses knows before getting baptized and subjecting themselves to the Society’s rules and regulations that if they should turn away, they will be subjects of such negative talk. We venture to say that many who are now complaining about this matter have themselves, at least at one time in their Witness career, done the same thing. Thus, there is good reason for us to not be so thin-skinned.
Really, this type of speech is ‘par for the course.’ We were forewarned:
“Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens; for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you.” – Matthew 5:11-12
Those who feel the comments were wrongly directed at them should use this as an opportunity for courage – not crying as victims, but standing tall as victors:
“You heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ However, I say to you: Do not resist him that is wicked; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other also to him. And if a person wants to go to court with you and get possession of your inner garment, let your outer garment also go to him; and if someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him two miles.” – Matthew 5:38-41
All followers of Christ should be careful not to let our sensitivity to the errors of others cause us to become guilty of the same error. Jesus said:
“However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; but whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, ‘You despicable fool!’ will be liable to the fiery Gehenna.” – Matthew 5:22
Those spewing venom against their brothers will be held accountable. How much better for those loving the Christ to ‘keep our eyes fixed on the things above’ (Colossians 3:2) and ‘let the dead bury the dead.’ (Luke 9:60)
♦ Are we a breakaway group? Are these new scrolls?
On September 6, 2013, we received the following inquiry:
“Hello, could you tell me if you are a breakaway from the organization or are these just new scrolls now being understood, thank you.”
To the author, thank you for your email and for visiting our site. We suspect others have asked one or two of these questions, so we respond privately and publicly.
You asked: “Could you tell me if you are a breakaway from the organization.”
No, we are not a breakaway group, nor are we encouraging such. We are simply working to uplift the spiritual conversation worldwide among all followers of Christ Jesus by showing from the Bible that we are all sons of God and heirs to the kingdom of the heavens.
“You are all, in fact, sons of God through your faith in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:26
“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but you received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: “Abba, Father!” The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children. If, then, we are children, we are also heirs: heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together.” – Romans 8:15-17
We were tutored by the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society for over 30 years. Thus, we have a special fondness for the worldwide association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, though we recognize that their message is a bit off track. But we do not believe the solution lies in leaving the organization or forming a new sect, and we are definitely not seeking followers after ourselves. It is our hope that when our brothers realize their true relationship with Jehovah, they will be spiritually built up so that they can be bright lights to others in the congregation as sons of God, not slaves to men.
You asked: “Are these just new scrolls now being understood.”
You will notice that the support for every article on our site is the Bible. Our thinking is that before our generation is ready for any new scrolls, we must first understand the old one. So much of Christ’s original teachings have been submerged under so much manmade dogma that Christianity as a whole has lost its way. There is a need to return to the authentic, actual, plain and open teachings of Jesus. Once the superfluous baggage of the ideas of man are stripped away from Christ’s teachings, perhaps then our generation will be ready for new scrolls.
We hope we have sufficiently responded to your questions. However, if you have any other comments or questions about any of the information on our site, please do not hesitate to write us again.
♦ Visitor believes we are trashing ‘Jehovah’s earthly organization’
On January 15, 2014, we received the following comment and inquiry:
“Your last article [Discerning the Time of Inspection] was straight forward and powerful indeed and will for sure have a great impact on its readers. Therefore my follow up question is: How do you mean then that a Jehovah's Witness should "flee" from the influence of the "antichrist" like leadership of the present [Governing Body]?”
To the author, thank you for your follow up question. Again, we respond publicly because we believe others would be interested in our response. Your questions are indeed spirit led. Our next article will discuss this in more detail, but we will provide some preliminary thoughts here.
“Fleeing” begins in the mind. Breaking away from the mental bonds that hold one in servitude to men and acknowledging your liberty as a free son of God. As long as a Witness views himself or herself as a friend of God, and not a child of God, he will continue as a slave of men, and a victim of their devices. The Jubilee that Jesus instituted (Luke 4:16-21) was to awaken the sleeping children so that they would have a consciousness of their true identity – that they were not slaves, but sons - the revealing of the sons of God! (Romans 8:19) This mental acknowledgment and spiritual realization is what frees us, as Paul explained:
“Now I say that as long as the heir is a young child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the lord of all things, but he is under supervisors and stewards until the day set ahead of time by his father. Likewise, we too, when we were children, were enslaved by the elementary things of the world. But when the full limit of the time arrived, God sent his Son, who was born of a woman and who was under law, that he might release by purchase those under law, so that we might receive the adoption as sons. Now because you are sons, God has sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, and it cries out: “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son; and if a son, then you are also an heir through God.” – Galatians 4:1-7
Once one takes his or her rightful position as a son of God, and properly establishes his loyalty to the Father and Christ Jesus, then it does not matter what foolishness or machinations are propagated by men – or in our case, by the Governing Body. One will have developed sufficient godly devotion and powers of discernment that he will be unaffected by their error. Such a son will be like Jesus who said: “The ruler of this world is coming and he has no hold on me.” (John 14:30) Such a mentally and spiritually free son will know how to be ‘in the world, but no part of the world.’ (John 17:6-19)
This is what we are currently observing in connection with the many Elders, and Traveling Servants who have stepped down from their positions of oversight, but remain in association with the congregation to help others. Mentally and spiritually, they are free of the control of the Governing Body and its teachings. They have begun their flight.
Once the mind is free and the spirit is activated, the rest of the body will follow, according to one’s circumstances and personal decision as to the timing. That is the meaning of the phrase “let the reader us discernment.” (Matthew 24:15) One can remain in association with the congregations for the purpose of helping others for as long as his spirit allows. He will have abandoned his loyalty to the Governing Body and is working to promote the interests of Christ Jesus. When such persons, in their own time, discern that it is time to physically leave, they will do so as courageous victors, not victims. And we trust that all those who confess union with Christ Jesus and who are led by spirit will know when it is their personal time to physically flee. As we mentioned, our next article will provide a more detailed answer to your question. In the meantime, please take a look at the article The Freedom of the Children of God.
As for our reference to the Governing Body as an Anti-Christian group, we believe it is quite obvious they are anti-Christian in their teachings and in their reactions to those who chose to confess union with Christ Jesus. We do not hold the idea that the Governing Body is THE Anti-Christ that so many Christians are waiting for. As John wrote, ‘there are many antichrists.’ (1 John 2:18) Being Anti-Christian is more than not accepting Christianity. It is a particular disdain for Jesus of Nazareth and his teachings. As the article showed, rather thoroughly, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses are, and have been for decades, Anti-Christian. They much rather prefer the old wine of the Jewish religious system than the new wine of peace, liberty, and brotherhood. We will be discussing more on this subject in upcoming articles.
For now, we hope we have satisfied your inquiries enough to whet your appetite for the upcoming article. We sincerely appreciate you and your diligent study of the materials on our site.
♦ Visitor believes we are trashing ‘Jehovah’s earthly organization’
On March 31, 2014, we received the following anonymous comment:
“I can't believe you call yourselves witnesses of Jehovah. Trashing Jehovah's earthly organization is far from being a true follower of Jehovah. How discouraging to find that such brothers and sisters that have had the blessing to serve as pioneers, Circuit Overseers, and District Overseers are appreciative and responsive to such a twisted message bordering on apostasy!”
To the author, thank you for taking the time to visit our site and share your thoughts. We wish you had been more specific about your charge of apostasy. Perhaps you will email us again and let us know what we have published that constitutes or borders apostasy.
The only way to commit real apostasy is to intentionally move away from teachings one knows are from God, and then choose not to comply with those teachings. Neither we nor the ones you mention have done that. The teachings we disagree with are the ones created by men that conflict with what Jesus and the apostles taught, such as ‘the earthly hope.’ However, moving away from the teachings of men is not apostasy. It is an altogether different matter. It is an exercise of freewill that should have no consequences, nor should there be a pronouncement of judgment against anyone who simply disagrees with the doctrines of men. We wrote about real apostasy in the article Beware of Apostates! You might find that article informative.
It is unfortunate that those who claim to serve God continue to judge the motives of others in how they render service to the Father. It seems that it is always the zealot who declares another to be an apostate because of that one’s misplaced loyalties and idolatrous worship of men. We believe your loyalties are misplaced. Where is your disdain for the disrespect shown to Jesus? Where is your outrage for the usurping of the Spirit of Truth? Where is your displeasure at how the Governing Body treats ‘the least of Christ’s brothers?’ It seems a personal inventory is in order. (Matthew 7:1-5)
And, for the record, the only ones ‘trashing Jehovah’s earthly organization’ is the Governing Body. They are squandering a valuable resource of consecrated men and women who are ready, willing and able to worship the Father the way Jesus did, but who are being grossly misled. The Governing Body’s stubbornness, and now their paranoia, is what is destroying the association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, not the faithful men and women who are waking up to the reality of the errors of their leadership and who are doing their very best to encourage and uplift those who continue to be misled.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is currently in a ‘sick bed’ because they have taken a stand against the Lord of Lord and King of Kings, and they have not repented. Instead, they choose to follow in the footsteps of their heroes, the Jewish Sanhedrin of the 1st century. They continue to harden their hearts toward the sons of the Father and so they will suffer the same fate as their heroes. When that occurs, we hope you will find yourself on the correct side of history, and not in the pit along with others who willingly choose to follow the sick, the deaf, and the blind.
♦ Visitor intends to report us to the Governing Body if we do not close down this website and stop publishing Bible-based material.
On August 2, 2014, we completed the following email exchange that we want to share with our audience:
“Dear brother and sister, It is to my regret I must tell you that at one convention 2 years ago, it was specifically said that NO brother or sister should make a website in addition to jw.org. Also the brother said that making bible based publications independently would be wrong. Some suggest that because the Faithful Slave has not contacted them, it must be alright to keep it up. Well that is not the case as it has already been mentioned at such assemblies in recent years. It is an act of apostasy. The very fact you're subtly trying to confuse individuals with the hope of heavenly life will cause people to make a serious decision- partaking of the emblems at the memorial. As you know, if anyone partakes of the emblems and is not of the anointed, Jehovah will judge that individual according to that deed.
“If you were in my congregation, you would be disfellowshipped quite quickly. I've dealt with individuals who falsely believe they are of the anointed. In fact, I once thought I was anointed. But I came to realise I suffered from anxiety and THAT is what made me believe that in the first place!“Do you trust in the Faithful Slave? In fact, does the fact that the change in understanding of who the Slave is make you feel like a 'lesser one'? Well actually all of Jehovah's Witnesses are lesser ones. You don't need this site. Where is the ministry? If you are ambassadors of God, you'd be working closely with the Organization. The two last articles in our current study Watchtowers are excellent.
“Do not think I am attacking your faith. I just had to speak out because I know your situation and you need to tell your elders about this site. If you don't, I will have to report it to the Governing Body."
Before responding to this email, we wrote back to the brother:
"Dear Brother, Thank you for visiting our site. However, before we respond, we want to be sure this is not a hoax. Or a joke. Is this sincerely how you feel?"
In response, we received this email from the brother:
“This is no hoax, I am a real person. I'm not actually one of your brothers, I should've reworded my email. I am an active witness of Jehovah. The best web site is jw.org
I wish that you do not reply to this email with a refute. The case is closed and I wish you respect my privacy.”
To the author, thank you for visiting our site and sending your email. We will respect your request that we not refute your comments to your email address. However, we have notified you that we have posted your email and our response on our site in the event you visit again, and for the benefit of those who might share your views or know persons who do.
As a preliminary matter, when you wrote to us, you referred to us as ‘Brothers.’ That is why we referred to you as ‘Brother’ when we responded. However, according to your request, we will refrain from doing so. We shall address you as ‘Sir.’
So, Sir, we notice that the authority for your position that we should not have a website or publish Bible-based material independent from the Watchtower Society is an unknown talk by an unknown brother at an unknown convention on an unknown date, during an unknown year. We would think that counsel that made such an impression on you to the point where you feel free to judge us as apostates would have a little more meat, a little more teeth, and be much more memorable. Something such as a scripture from the Bible, perhaps?
Unless, of course, it is your practice to accept as ‘the word of God’ anything that any brother says from any platform on any district convention hosted by the Watchtower Society. If that is the case, then you are not following the counsel from the Apostle John:
“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.” – 1 John 4:1
Sir, have you tested the validity of a statement that no one should have a website other than jw.org? Have you tested the validity of the statement that no one should publish Bible-based material independent of the Watchtower Society? Of course not. No such authority exists! Thus, your judgment that we are apostates or doing an act of apostasy is a burden you will have to carry alone, one that you alone will have to answer for.
You further wrote: “The very fact you're subtly trying to confuse individuals with the hope of heavenly life will cause people to make a serious decision- partaking of the emblems at the memorial. As you know, if anyone partakes of the emblems and is not of the anointed, Jehovah will judge that individual according to that deed.”
No, Sir, we do not ‘know’ that. What we ‘know’ is what Jesus said:
“So Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in union with me, and I in union with him.” – John 6:53-56
According to Jesus, only those who partake of the emblems have life, will gain a resurrection and are in union with him. All others would be these folks:
“Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 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?’ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’” –Matthew 7:21-23
Next, you wrote: “If you were in my congregation, you would be disfellowshipped quite quickly. I've dealt with individuals who falsely believe they are of the anointed. In fact, I once thought I was anointed. But I came to realise I suffered from anxiety and THAT is what made me believe that in the first place!”
What a shame! The Spirit bore witness with you and you rejected it! Don’t you know, Sir, that when one is faithfully undergoing trials, that is when they are closest to the Father, that is when their hope is confirmed:
“Though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear no harm, For you are with me; Your rod and your staff reassure me.” – Psalms 23:4
“Happy is the man who keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving Him.” – James 1:12
Sir, it is while suffering from trials that the Spirit draws closer to you than at any other time. And how awful that because you rejected the Spirit, you feel the need to persecute, judge and disfellowship those to faithfully do accept the Spirit’s witness! You are on very dangerous ground, Sir. If you don’t believe us, then look at what ‘the Slave’ has written in the June 15, 2009 issue of the Watchtower magazine, page 22, paragraph 15:
“On the other hand, how should other Christians view a person who claims to have received this anointing and begins to partake of the emblems at the Memorial? He or she should not be judged. The matter is between this person and Jehovah. (Rom. 14:12)
You are on dangerous ground from both the Spirit and the Governing Body! Watch out that it is not you who is disfellowshipped!
Then you wrote: “Do you trust in the Faithful Slave? In fact, does the fact that the change in understanding of who the Slave is make you feel like a 'lesser one'? Well actually all of Jehovah's Witnesses are lesser ones. You don't need this site. Where is the ministry? If you are ambassadors of God, you'd be working closely with the Organization. The two last articles in our current study Watchtowers are excellent.” Do we trust in ‘the Faithful Slave?’ Notice this scripture:
“Do not put your trust in princes Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation. His spirit goes out, he returns to the ground; On that very day his thoughts perish.” – Psalms 146:3-4
That is the position every God-oriented, Christ-following, Spirit-directed person should take. And it is the position we take.
Further, the Governing Body’s change in who ‘the Slave’ is does not concern us one bit. If they want to take on the role of playing ‘masters over the faith of Jehovah’s Witnesses,’ that will be their burden they will have to carry. As for us, we feel as did Peter:
“In answer Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” – Acts 5:29
You asked, “Where is our ministry?”
THIS is our ministry! This website. The one you visited. The one you corresponded with. And for the record, we are not ambassadors of God. We are ambassadors for Christ. That is why we promote the plain and open teachings of Jesus Christ and encourage our brothers, and 'sirs,' to confess union with Christ. We would like to work closely with the Watchtower Organization, but they are not ambassadors for Christ. They promote the ‘old wine’ of the Hebrew scriptures. But we do hold out hope that they will see their error and then we can all work closely together.
Finally, you wrote: “Do not think I am attacking your faith. I just had to speak out because I know your situation and you need to tell your elders about this site. If you don't, I will have to report it to the Governing Body."
Your disapproval of us is not an attack on our faith. Our faith is quite outside the realm of human approval. But we do wonder if you see your hypocrisy here. You are on this site. You are reading the articles enough to know our position on partaking. You have violated what you believe to be ‘the word of God’ by visiting a non jw.org site. So, perhaps it is you who needs to be reported to your body of elders and the Governing Body.
As for us, our elders know what we are doing. They know our names and our addresses. So does our Circuit Overseer. And from what we have been told, so does the Governing Body. In fact, it seems the Governing Body reads this website more closely than the average visitor. And yet here we are and here we will stay.
Notwithstanding these matters, we encourage you to contact the Governing Body and mention our site. They need to know that more and more brothers, and 'sirs,' are visiting us. They need to know that more and more ‘sirs’ such as yourself are indulging in a form of idolatry and worship of men that is reprehensible. They need to know that more and more ‘sirs’ such as yourself have become cowards as respect the Spirit and are afraid to ‘take life’s waters free.’ They need to know that they are feeding, breeding and churning out ‘dead soldiers walking.’
Your call or letter to the Governing Body might encourage them to make an open statement about our website and the Bible-based material we independently and freely publish so that the entire organization will know where they stand. We can tell you that millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are waiting for their open response. So, please do not hesitate!
We will pray for you, Sir, and hope that should the Spirit mercifully bear witness with your Spirit again, that you will favorably respond.
♦ Why aren’t the sons and new partakers being disfellowshipped as apostates?
On August 29, 2014, we received the following comment and inquiry:
“As I'm reading your site and all of these reports about [Jehovah’s Witnesses] partaking it seems very strange to me. How are subgroups getting together and partaking when the Watchtower condemns even getting together to study the Bible? How are they pushing variant teachings and not being branded as an apostate? The Organization is rather swift to stomp out any insurrection from the flock. You present this concept of this growing movement, even up to Bethel, of new partakers. This seems rather fanciful based on my experiences.”
To the author, thank you for your email. We are publishing your question and our response because we have heard that many others have the same question. It does seem odd given the history of how partakers have been treated in many congregations and continue to be treated. But we believe there are many answers to your question.
For one, in many of those congregations, members of the body of Elders or the Circuit Overseer for the congregations are partakers. So, these men certainly are not going to condemn as apostates those who accept sonship or disfellowship them. They are sons who honor the true shepherd and his flock, unlike the Elders who have the so-called ‘earthly hope’ who are merely hired men. (John 10:12-13)
Also, many who find themselves disfellowshipped often forget the counsel to make their defense with ‘mildness and deep respect’ (1 Peter 3:15), to be clothed with humility or lowliness of mind (Philippians 2:3) and the fruitage of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) Partaking is not a disfellowshipping offense neither is honoring the son. But being belligerent, abusive, judgmental, or confrontational can be used as a pretext to accomplish disfellowshipping.
Another reason is because everything we encourage on this site is solidly founded on scripture and, in many instances on Watchtower publications. So, there is not much a body of Elders can do unless they choose to ‘go rogue’ and venture way outside the directions of ‘the Slave.’ For example, many can point to the June 15, 2009 Watchtower, page 22, paragraph 15 which states:
“On the other hand, how should other Christians view a person who claims to have received this anointing and begins to partake of the emblems at the Memorial? He or she should not be judged. The matter is between this person and Jehovah. (Rom. 14:12)
They can also point to these scriptures which all agree refer specifically to those with the heavenly hope:
“Let us hold firmly the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for the one who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
“But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15
This, we suspect is the reason we have not been disfellowshipped, because the Elders at the congregation we used to attend knows what we are doing and knows to contact us, as does our Circuit Overseer, and other Circuit and District Overseers who are all regular visitors to our site.
And finally, the reason could also be that there is such a large number of Jehovah’s Witnesses who are accepting sonship and partaking of the emblems that an effort to silence or disfellowship them all would cause such an uproar that the Elders and likely the Governing Body like want to avoid it.
These are just a few reasons. But whatever the case, those who have accept their sonship and no longer serve men are not very concerned about what man can do to them, including disfellowshipping them. They have decided to remain in the congregations as long as they can for the sole purpose of helping other brothers and sisters to understand the true hope. From what we have been told, they all accept the possibility that they could be disfellowshipped, and when their time to leave arises, they will leave, but not as victims, as victors.
♦ Why didn’t the brother in the Fenway Apostasy article remain silent like Jesus?
On October 12, 2014, we received the following comment and inquiry in connection with the article Apostasy in the Fenway Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roxbury, Massachusetts:
“May the Lords peace and grace be upon you. Thank you for revealing verifiable facts! Many are appreciating it. The brother’s testimony may have benefitted from Jesus example of remaining silent when he was asked to condemn himself. Perhaps it's better to only focus on the easiest point: our right to declare our hope. The [Governing Body] themselves set that example.”
To the author, thank you for your email. We are glad you are still visiting our site and are continuing to do your part in bringing others to Christ. We relayed your email to the brother and he authorized us to provide this response.
The brother who gave us his personal account in the above article could have remained silent, but he viewed this as his opportunity to make a defense for his hope. It is not about saving himself, but about exposing an injustice that effects the eternal salvation of all who fail to confess union with the Christ by ‘eating and drinking’ of him as he commanded. (John 6:53-56)
Unlike Jesus, our dear brother’s life was not in danger. There was never a threat that the elders in his congregation would cause him physical harm, and those men certainly have no authority over his spiritual life, whether they disfellowship him or not. Their condemnation is just an opinion. Nothing more. He is very clear on this.
All these men can do is try to ruin his reputation which would have occurred whether he spoke up or remained silent. He chose to use this as an opportunity to speak up and give a witness for himself and for others who may be called before such misguided and pitiable men. And, as it is turning out, these wayward elders’ plan is backfiring, as it seems their actions are ruining their own reputations instead.
As for the subject matter of his judicial hearing, that is determined by his accusers. He had to defend whatever accusation was presented. The elders probably determined that their best opportunity to entrap and expel this brother would be based on his understanding of John 6:53-56. And while they may succeed in expelling him, it will not be without cost to themselves. But we are confident that had they chosen another subject having to do with sonship or the heavenly hope, our brother would have given just as excellent a witness.
In our opinion, our dear brother manifested a type of courage that is so needed in the Watchtower organization. Many Jehovah’s Witnesses know that many of the teachings of the Governing Body are inaccurate, but they are afraid to speak up and instead close their eyes and swallow the errors whole. They have abandoned their right to critical thinking and given their lives to men ‘to whom no salvation belongs.’
Our brothers and sisters among Jehovah’s Witnesses must abandon their fear of men and wake up to the fact that the Watchtower organization is just one of thousands of religious organizations that are, to some measure, trying to follow the Bible. They are not a chosen people, or a divinely selected group, no matter how often that idea is drummed into their heads. The mere fact that the Governing Body has to constantly change their teachings should be a clear indication of that. Like any other Bible-based religious group, to the extent that they follow the Christ, they will prosper. And to the extent that they reject the Christ, they will suffer.
According to the account in Genesis, Jehovah said to Cain:
“If you turn to doing good, will you not be restored to favor? But if you do not turn to doing good, sin is crouching at the door, and its craving is to dominate you; but will you get the mastery over it?” – Genesis 4:7
It’s that simple, even down to this day. Unfortunately, the Watchtower organization is not gaining the mastery over their sin against Christ, and soon their gross sin will dominate in every congregation. We shudder to think of what type of people Jehovah’s Witnesses will soon become.
Two of our associate writers wrote an article Leaving As Victors, Not Victims. Our brother who is the subject of the Fenway Apostate elder body is another example of how to leave as a victor. But first, he is giving a thorough witness and we, for our part, are making it known.