Wt Study For June 28,2009

[James]

Sorry to all here for being late and to you too Brother Bangalore.

[James]

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[James]

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As you can see, This week I've added a sneak preview of the the next article. Lol

[SWORDOFJAH]

Hello. Lovely study.


God used Moses to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage, even as Jesus brings about spiritual liberation. (Exodus 12:37–14:31; John 8:31, 32) Moses was privileged to mediate the Law covenant between God and the Israelites, while Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant. (Exodus 19:3-9; 34:3-7; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:3-6; 9:15) Jehovah also used Moses to make a name for Himself before the Israelites, the Egyptians, and others, just as Jesus Christ has magnified Jehovah’s holy name. (Exodus 9:13-17; 1 Samuel 6:6; John 12:28-30; 17:5, 6, 25, 26)

In our day, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is directing spiritual Israel and the “great crowd” of faithful worshipers. We need to apply the things we learn. Jesus said: “Everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them will be likened to a discreet man.” (Matt. 7:24)


*** w61 4/1 p. 212 par. 14 Patience and Endurance ***

Today we are following the lead of Christ Jesus, the Greater Moses. He provides us abundantly with spiritual food and the waters of truth in the midst of a parched land. He protects us from all the opposition that Satan and his hordes can bring against us. We do not want to show now the same lack of faith and appreciation that many of the Israelites showed, becoming impatient with Jehovah and his provisions or his schedule for working out his purposes. We do well instead to consider the promise at Psalm 37:7, 9: “Keep silent before Jehovah and wait longingly for him. .*.*. For evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth.”

[FutureMan]

Hello. Lovely study.


God used Moses to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage, even as Jesus brings about spiritual liberation. (Exodus 12:37–14:31; John 8:31, 32) Moses was privileged to mediate the Law covenant between God and the Israelites, while Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant. (Exodus 19:3-9; 34:3-7; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:3-6; 9:15) Jehovah also used Moses to make a name for Himself before the Israelites, the Egyptians, and others, just as Jesus Christ has magnified Jehovah's holy name. (Exodus 9:13-17; 1 Samuel 6:6; John 12:28-30; 17:5, 6, 25, 26)

In our day, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is directing spiritual Israel and the "great crowd" of faithful worshipers. We need to apply the things we learn. Jesus said: "Everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them will be likened to a discreet man." (Matt. 7:24)


*** w61 4/1 p. 212 par. 14 Patience and Endurance ***

Today we are following the lead of Christ Jesus, the Greater Moses. He provides us abundantly with spiritual food and the waters of truth in the midst of a parched land. He protects us from all the opposition that Satan and his hordes can bring against us. We do not want to show now the same lack of faith and appreciation that many of the Israelites showed, becoming impatient with Jehovah and his provisions or his schedule for working out his purposes. We do well instead to consider the promise at Psalm 37:7, 9: "Keep silent before Jehovah and wait longingly for him. . . . For evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth."[/b]

[Jinnvisible]

*** w61 4/1 p. 212 par. 14 Patience and Endurance ***

We do not want to show now the same lack of faith and appreciation that many of the Israelites showed, becoming impatient with Jehovah and his provisions or his schedule for working out his purposes.

Thats great advice.

It is important not to be impatient to the extent of announcing Christ's arrival before it actually happened or fashioning an idol due to the delaying of the master.

Which is problematic .

[TheMdC]

I felt like the writers kind of mailed this one in. Next week's, too. It was hard to really get into this week.

Moses was a man. Jesus was a better man.
Moses was a prophet. Jesus was a better prophet.
Moses led his people. Jesus perfectly leads his people.
Moses performed some miracles. Jesus performed more and better miracles.

Ok. What do we learn from this? Jesus rocks. I think everyone knew that coming in. I don't mean to belittle but this article seemed pretty shallow to me, especially in light of some of the really good stuff we've had recently in the WT and at the DC.

[billy2]

This was the 2nd meeting in a row i have attended now at 2 different halls

I didnt have a bible or wt with me so i just listened to the public talk and wt study

I found the wt overall good because it was all about Jesus - the GB werent even mentioned - one comment the conductor made set off my alarm bells though - he said a prophet doesnt necessarily mean someone who predicts the future but may have other duties as well - and i thought to myself - ah, the bible is very clear about what a true prophet is - what he foretells comes true and thats how you tell if he is false or true - but this speaker implied a different definition - he may have used the wrong words and it may not have been his intention to give a mixed message but it really stood out to me

the public talk at this hall was quite good as well -

his outline was

test your beliefs - even if you have been a witness for 50 years keep examining and testing what you believe - i gave that section a big tick

fear of man - check that what you are doing is for Jehovah and not to please men - you must have a PERSONAL relationship with Jehovah - i capitalized PERSONAL because this was a dispute i had with a sister awhile ago - she seemed to think i couldnt have this relationship with Jehovah unless i attended the meetings - another big tick

identity - be proud of who you are and express who you are to people as regards being a Jehovah's witness - personally i feel a bit squimish about this one - im proud to tell people im a christian and always make it clear i follow Jesus and not mainstream religion - I usually say to people i have been a Jehovah's Witness but have a few problems with the instiutionalization part but believe in most of the interpretion they have of the bible

Jeus is our mediator between man and God - glad to hear they werent putting themselves there - nothing mentioned about the anointed

there was another point but i cant remember it at this time - nothing about the GB was mentioned either which was good -

nothing about LOVE mentioned in either meetings - i heard one comment by a sister in the wt say we going out door to door because we love people -

when singing the songs -the b&s seemed to be whisipering - i get emotional and sing with great gusto -

i found from attending 2 meetings in a row that people were not really interested in saying hello or speaking to me - i always get depressed after i go to meetings

[TheMdC]

Looks like you had some good information at your meetings, billy2. Sorry the B/S aren't friendly at the congs you went to.

The point the brother made about what makes a prophet was based on the WT article. It gave a prophet two roles: one, prophesy about the future, and two, announce Jehovah's will and judgments to people. He may have dwelled on the second aspect more because the article leaned that way, too, with both Moses and Jesus being leaders. One subheading, however, did focus on Jesus' prophecies.



This was the 2nd meeting in a row i have attended now at 2 different halls

I didnt have a bible or wt with me so i just listened to the public talk and wt study

I found the wt overall good because it was all about Jesus - the GB werent even mentioned - one comment the conductor made set off my alarm bells though - he said a prophet doesnt necessarily mean someone who predicts the future but may have other duties as well - and i thought to myself - ah, the bible is very clear about what a true prophet is - what he foretells comes true and thats how you tell if he is false or true - but this speaker implied a different definition - he may have used the wrong words and it may not have been his intention to give a mixed message but it really stood out to me

the public talk at this hall was quite good as well -

his outline was

test your beliefs - even if you have been a witness for 50 years keep examining and testing what you believe - i gave that section a big tick

fear of man - check that what you are doing is for Jehovah and not to please men - you must have a PERSONAL relationship with Jehovah - i capitalized PERSONAL because this was a dispute i had with a sister awhile ago - she seemed to think i couldnt have this relationship with Jehovah unless i attended the meetings - another big tick

identity - be proud of who you are and express who you are to people as regards being a Jehovah's witness - personally i feel a bit squimish about this one - im proud to tell people im a christian and always make it clear i follow Jesus and not mainstream religion - I usually say to people i have been a Jehovah's Witness but have a few problems with the instiutionalization part but believe in most of the interpretion they have of the bible

Jeus is our mediator between man and God - glad to hear they werent putting themselves there - nothing mentioned about the anointed

there was another point but i cant remember it at this time - nothing about the GB was mentioned either which was good -

nothing about LOVE mentioned in either meetings - i heard one comment by a sister in the wt say we going out door to door because we love people -

when singing the songs -the b&s seemed to be whisipering - i get emotional and sing with great gusto -

i found from attending 2 meetings in a row that people were not really interested in saying hello or speaking to me - i always get depressed after i go to meetings[/b]

[imjustaskin]

he said a prophet doesnt necessarily mean someone who predicts the future but may have other duties as well - and i thought to myself - ah, the bible is very clear about what a true prophet is - what he foretells comes true and thats how you tell if he is false or true - but this speaker implied a different definition - he may have used the wrong words and it may not have been his intention to give a mixed message but it really stood out to me


i found from attending 2 meetings in a row that people were not really interested in saying hello or speaking to me - i always get depressed after i go to meetings[/b]

It was mentioned by one our elders at another meeting about the prophet thing. He was using that as a way to defend the WTS against those who call it a false prophet, saying that it is not like a prophet in foretelling the future, but like a prophet in proclaiming God's judgement. My ears burned also. My understanding has been that the WTS has never claimed to be a prophet period (even though they act like one and want to be treated as one). They always denied it when it came right down to it. If they ever did claim to be a prophet, I would have a serious decision to make. But I think this brother was just using the wrong wording.

I am so sorry also about your meeting experience with the b/s not talking. Come to my hall - you will feel so much better!

[FutureMan]

<div class='quotemain'>he said a prophet doesnt necessarily mean someone who predicts the future but may have other duties as well - and i thought to myself - ah, the bible is very clear about what a true prophet is - what he foretells comes true and thats how you tell if he is false or true - but this speaker implied a different definition - he may have used the wrong words and it may not have been his intention to give a mixed message but it really stood out to me


i found from attending 2 meetings in a row that people were not really interested in saying hello or speaking to me - i always get depressed after i go to meetings[/b]

It was mentioned by one our elders at another meeting about the prophet thing. He was using that as a way to defend the WTS against those who call it a false prophet, saying that it is not like a prophet in foretelling the future, but like a prophet in proclaiming God&#39;s judgement. My ears burned also. My understanding has been that the WTS has never claimed to be a prophet period (even though they act like one and want to be treated as one). They always denied it when it came right down to it. If they ever did claim to be a prophet, I would have a serious decision to make. But I think this brother was just using the wrong wording.

I am so sorry also about your meeting experience with the b/s not talking. Come to my hall - you will feel so much better!
[/b][/quote]

(QUOTE) from another site.

From FutreMan

[FutureMan]

(Quotes) from another site

The Watchtower, October 15, 1958, p. 613

"&#39;Sometime between April 15 and 23, 1957, Armageddon will sweep the world! Millions of persons will perish in its flames and the land will be scorched.&#39; So prophesied a certain California pastor, Mihran Ask, in January, 1957. Such false prophets tend to put the subject of Armageddon in disrepute."

Awake!, October 8, 1968, p. 23

"True, there have been those in times past who predicted an &#39;end of the world,&#39; even announcing a specific date. Some have gathered groups of people with them and fled to the hills or withdrawn into their houses waiting for the end. Yet, nothing happened. The &#39;end&#39; did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing? Missing was the full measure of evidence required in fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Missing from such people were God&#39;s truths and the evidence that he was guiding and using them. But what about today? Today we have the evidence required, all of it. And it is overwhelming! All the many, many parts of the great sign of the &#39;last days&#39; are here, together with verifying Bible chronology."

Paradise Restored to Mankind--By Theocracy, 1972 ed., pp. 353-354

"Jehovah, the God of the true prophets, will put all false prophets to shame either by not fulfilling the false prediction of such self-assuming prophets or by having His own prophecies fulfilled in a way opposite to that predicted by the false prophets. False prophets will try to hide their reason for feeling shame by denying who they really are."

Reasoning From The Scriptures, 1989, page 132

"FALSE PROPHETS - Individuals and organizations proclaiming messages that they attribute to a superhuman source but that do not originate with the true God and are not in harmony with his revealed will."

It is interesting that the Watchtower says of who false prophets are by what they predict to come to pass on a certain date, thus they are a false prophet! Those who are false prophets deny who they really are! That sounds just like what the Watchtower has been saying concerning what people say about them in reference to the years of 1914, 1918, 1925, 1975! The Watchtower says that they even set dates, the years of 1914, 1918, 1925, and that those predictions did not come to pass. The Watchtower said that those who predict a date, and it does not come to pass they are by their definition false prophets, and those who attribute their message to a divine source but yet does not come to pass are truly false prophets, not of God. Will the Watchtower read their own material and see what their own material says of themselves? The Watchtower is a false prophet Organization, and has covered up their false dates, and at certain times lied about what they have said. This information was done so that those of you out there who want to know the real truth of what the Watchtower predicted concerning 1975 and other dates would be able to see and investigate for yourselves. I encourage you to look deeper into this, and share it with Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses, and let them investigate it to see if what the Watchtower is telling them is true.

THE WATCHTOWER&#39;S CLAIMS ON BEING A PROPHET OF GOD

"Here, then, since 1914, and particularly since the year 1919, after World War I had ended, we should look for the modern-day counterpart of the prophet Ezekiel. Who is Ezekiel&#39;s present-day counterpart, whose message and conduct correspond with that of that ancient prophet of Jehovah? Of whom today was he a &#39;sign&#39; or &#39;portent&#39;? Not of some individual man, but of a group of people. Being made up of a unified company of persons, the modern Ezekiel is a composite personage, made up of many members, just the same as the human body is...So it is with the modern-day counterpart of Ezekiel: it is, not one person&#39;s body, but a composite body, made up of many members. All the members were together to do the will of Jehovah, who is the Creator of this modern &#39;Ezekiel.&#39; Who, then, are the group of persons who, toward the beginning of this &#39;time of the end,&#39; were commissioned to serve as the mouthpiece and active agent of Jehovah? In order to determine this, check the history of 1919, the first postwar year after the first world war."

The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah, 1971 ed., p. 70-71

"At the time, they might not view or appreciate him as a prophet of Jehovah. But whether they heard him as such or refrained from hearing and paying attention to him, the occasion was to come when these rebellious people would &#39;know also that a prophet himself happened to be in the midst of them.&#39; Jehovah would confirm him as a prophet before them by causing what Ezekiel prophesied to come true...Likewise it was a trying mission upon which the modern Ezekiel class was sent, to religious people of the same type as those in Ezekiel&#39;s day. But regardless of how Christendom views or regards this group of anointed witnesses of Jehovah, the time must come, and that shortly, when those making up Christendom will know that really a &#39;prophet&#39; of Jehovah was among them...Since the year 1919 C.E. the anointed remnant of Jehovah&#39;s witnesses have found it to be just like that as they have spoken fearlessly the word of Jehovah in the midst of Christendom."

The Watchtower, March 15, 1972, pages 186/187/189

"THERE is a real need today for someone to speak as a true representative of God. Why? Because things are taking place that people do not understandthings that greatly affect their daily activities, yes, their very lives. The churches do not have a satisfactory explanation. But God does have. Is there someone who can bring the truth of God&#39;s Word to the people, letting them know what is ahead and what they can do for safety and survival?"(page 186)

"Ezekiel was thereby commissioned. Note that he did not raise himself up to be a prophet. This difficult mission was not one an individual was likely to choose for himself. The fact that Jehovah appeared to him in a remarkable vision (and later in the vision revealed things to him that could not otherwise have been known by Ezekiel), also that Jehovah commissioned him directlyall these things prove that what Ezekiel said and wrote in his prophecy was inspired by Jehovah. He was in an outstanding way made a witness of Jehovah God. His being a witness of Jehovah is emphasized by his unusually frequent use of God&#39;s personal name."(page 187)

"Therefore, when it came time for the name of Jehovah and his purposes to be declared to the people, along with God&#39;s warning that Christendom is in her "time of the end," who qualified to be commissioned? Who was willing to undertake this monumental task as Jehovah&#39;s "servant"? Was there anyone to whom Jehovah&#39;s heavenly "chariot" could roll up and whom it could confront? More accurately, was there any group on whom Jehovah would be willing to bestow the commission to speak as a "prophet" in His name, as was done toward Ezekiel back there in 613 B.C.E.?"(page 189)

"It is of importance to every individual on earth to identify the group that Jehovah has commissioned as his "servant" or messenger. We must recognize and understand the warning that he brings. We need to take action on the warning to safeguard our lives, for they are in a danger as grave as that of the lives of Jerusalem&#39;s citizens as that city neared destruction. For this reason forthcoming issues of The Watchtower will further discuss the identity and work of Jehovah&#39;s commissioned messenger as revealed in His vision to Ezekiel."(page 189)

The Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p. 197/200

"So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come?...These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet?...This &#39;prophet&#39; was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah&#39;s Christian witnesses...Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a &#39;prophet&#39; of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?"(page 197)

"The scroll was doubtless delivered to Ezekiel by the hand of one of the cherubs in the vision. This would indicate that Jehovah&#39;s witnesses today make their declaration of the good news of the Kingdom under angelic direction and support. (Rev. 14:6, 7; Matt. 25:31, 32) And since no word or work of Jehovah can fail, for he is God Almighty, the nations will see the fulfillment of what these witnesses say as directed from heaven."(page 200)

The Watchtower, July 1, 1973, p. 402

"Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah&#39;s organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God&#39;s holy spirit or active force. (Zech. 4:6) Only this organization functions for Jehovah&#39;s purpose and to his praise. To it alone God&#39;s Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book. Many persons of the world are very intelligent, capable of understanding complex matters. They can read the Holy Scriptures, but they cannot understand their deep meaning. Yet God&#39;s people can comprehend such spiritual things. Why? Not because of special intelligence on their part, but as the apostle Paul declared: "For it is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God." (1 Cor. 2:10) Jesus Christ praised his heavenly Father for &#39;hiding such things from the wise and intellectual ones but revealing them to babes.&#39; (Matt. 11:25) How very much true Christians appreciate associating with the only organization on earth that understands the &#39;deep things of God!&#39;"

The Watchtower 1974, June 15, page 381

"Similarly the "false prophet" is not a person, but is a system or an organization. A "prophet" claims to have inspired information for the direction of others."

Good News--To Make You Happy 1976, page 14

"It was because they did not write of their own impulse, but were inspired by God. What is here meant by the word "inspired"? It means that God, the Creator of heaven and earth, moved these men by his spirit or invisible empowering force, putting into their minds what they should write down as his "word", or message, for mankind."

Clearly from the above quotes from Watchtower material it is very obvious that the Watchtower claims to be God&#39;s only channel for truth and God&#39;s voice here on earth. The Watchtower is a modern day Ezekiel and all those of Christendom will know that there is a &#39;prophet&#39; of God on earth, and that prophet is not one person, but many persons which is the Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses Organization! They claim to have have divine angelic inspiration from heaven, and to speak in Jehovah&#39;s name. The Watchtower claimed to be God&#39;s inspired prophet here on earth, to speak just like Ezekiel did, and the Watchtower even said to investigate the record to see for yourself! There is no doubt that the Watchtower has claimed to be a prophet of God speaking forth in His name.

(End of Quotes)

From FutureMan

[FutureMan]

Here is a more comprehensive excerpt from the 1972 watchtower.


(Quote) from
*** w72 4/1 pp. 197-200 ‘They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them’ ***

IDENTIFYING THE “PROPHET”

These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? The clergy of the so-called “Christian” nations hold themselves before the people as being the ones commissioned to speak for God. But, as pointed out in the previous issue of this magazine, they have failed God and failed as proclaimers of his kingdom by approving a man-made political organization, the League of Nations (now the United Nations), as “the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth.”

However, Jehovah did not let the people of Christendom, as led by the clergy, go without being warned that the League was a counterfeit substitute for the real kingdom of God. He had a “prophet” to warn them. This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. They are still proclaiming a warning, and have been joined and assisted in their commissioned work by hundreds of thousands of persons who have listened to their message with belief.

Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a “prophet” of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?

During the World War I period this group, the International Bible Students, was very active in preaching the good news of God’s kingdom, as their Leader Jesus Christ had set this work before them in his prophecy at Matthew 24:14. They took literally Jesus’ words to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate: “My kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 18:36) They also took to heart Jesus’ words to his followers: “You are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” They expected to suffer for living according to that rule, just as Jesus went on to say, “on this account the world hates you.” (John 15:19) Hatred toward them grew into violence during World War*I.

These Bible Students had long been concerned with Ezekiel and his prophecy. In 1917 they published a book entitled “The Finished Mystery,” explaining the book of Ezekiel as well as that of Revelation. This book criticized the clergy as false to the Word of Jehovah. Within nine months a ban was put on its circulation in the United States and Canada. Then eight members of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, including its president and secretary-treasurer, were sentenced to prison in the Federal penitentiary, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

Though the work of these Christians was crippled for a while, after only nine months the eight men were freed from prison, in March 1919. They accepted this as an answer from God to their prayers. Their work was revived, much to the consternation of the clergy, who had been behind the banning.

Accordingly, their magazine The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence, in its issues of August 1 and 15, 1919, encouraged vigorous resumption of the work of preaching the good news free from the fear of men. Under the subject “Blessed Are the Fearless,” the following statements were made:

“There is a fear which is very proper, and which everyone must have who is pleasing to God, and this is known as ‘Godly fear’. It means a holy reverence for Jehovah and a fear lest we should displease him and come short of the blessings he has promised us. .*.*. The Scriptures abound with testimony that those whom God approves do not fear man nor any other creature, but have a holy, reverential fear of Jehovah. In times of old Jehovah justified some men to friendship with him, and the record of his dealing with them was written for the benefit of the church.”

Ezekiel was one of these men so used by God, and not only his prophecies, but also Ezekiel himself and his acts were pictorial of things to come.

THE “PROPHET” SPEAKS TO CHRISTENDOM

A General Convention was held by the International Bible Students at Cedar Point, Ohio, September 1-8, 1919. Thousands of Jehovah’s servants were present from the United States and Canada. There the Watch Tower Society’s president urged the fearless resumption of the work, and this with the use of the outspoken magazine entitled “The Golden Age.” In the public talk delivered on the subject “The Hope for Distressed Humanity,” the speaker declared that the Lord’s displeasure was certain to be visited upon the League of Nations,

“because the clergy—Catholic and Protestant—claiming to be God’s representatives, have abandoned his plan and endorsed the League of Nations, hailing it as a political expression of Christ’s kingdom on earth.”

The League of Nations came into being in 1919 and began really to function when it was ratified by the signatory powers at Paris on January 10, 1920. But Jehovah’s servants continued to proclaim the Messianic kingdom of God. When the ban on The Finished Mystery was lifted, they resumed its circulation and, with it as a textbook, they continued to study the book of Ezekiel. As time went on and further developments fulfilled the prophecy of Ezekiel, a three-volume set of books titled “Vindication” provided an up-to-date understanding, showing more fully the application of the prophecy.

Thus this group of anointed followers of Jesus Christ, doing a work in Christendom paralleling Ezekiel’s work among the Jews, were manifestly the modern-day Ezekiel, the “prophet” commissioned by Jehovah to declare the good news of God’s Messianic kingdom and to give warning to Christendom. It is significant that, in 1931, after twelve years of faithful service despite the opposition of Christendom’s clergy, these followers of Christ embraced the name “Jehovah’s witnesses” at the same convention at which the book Vindication was released.—Isa. 43:10-12, American Standard Version.

PROPHET SENT TO “REBELLIOUS NATIONS”

When Jehovah spoke to the Jewish priest Ezekiel, commissioning him as his prophet, he said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to rebellious nations that have rebelled against me.” (Ezek. 2:3) Who are those who constitute the “sons of Israel” and the “rebellious nations” against Jehovah, in this “time of the end”?

Back there in Ezekiel’s day the Israelite people to whom Ezekiel was sent could be called “rebellious nations” because in 997*B.C.E. ten of the tribes of Israel had revolted against rule by the royal line of David, who sat on “Jehovah’s throne.” (1*Chron. 29:23) Thus there came to be two kingdoms or “nations.” The Kingdom of Israel set up golden calves for worship and the Kingdom of Judah later also rebelled against Jehovah by breaking his laws and engaging in idolatry.

In the modern fulfillment, who are the “rebellious nations” that have rebelled against Jehovah? Their counterpart is Christendom. The Bible gives the proof. For Christendom has applied to herself the apostle Paul’s words at Galatians 6:15, 16 (Authorized Version): “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” For instance, in his “A Commentary and Critical Notes” (1836 edition), the Wesleyan Methodist minister Dr.*Adam Clarke makes this comment on the expression “The Israel of God”: “The true Christians, called here the Israel of God, to distinguish them from Israel according to the flesh.”

Romans 2:29 (AV) corroborates the above understanding. The apostle says: “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

The history of Christendom shows that she has not been true to her claim of being “the Israel of God.” From the fourth century on she has shown herself to be apostate, rebellious against Jehovah and his Word of truth. Corresponding to Israel’s history, there was a break between the Greek churches and the Latin churches in 1054*C.E., when the Roman pope’s legates excommunicated Patriarch Michael Cerularius of Constantinople.

Later, in 1529*C.E., the Protestant movement was established by the followers of ex-priest Martin Luther, and in 1534 the king of England, Henry VIII, was declared to be the Supreme Head of the Church of England. After this, numerous non-Roman Catholic sects sprang up, so that a number of so-called “Christian” lands have their own national State churches. Therefore Christendom can be called “nations,” and their attitude toward God’s Word the Bible and toward his Messianic kingdom is one of rebellion toward Jehovah. They continue to prefer political man-rule.

JEHOVAH’S “PROPHET” VINDICATED

Ezekiel’s name meant “God Strengthens,” and in order to carry out his mission to the end he needed God’s help, for the professed people of God to whom he was sent were “insolent of face and hard of heart.” At the time, they might not view or appreciate him as a prophet of Jehovah. Nevertheless, whether they paid attention to him or refrained, the occasion was to come when these rebellious people would “know also that a prophet himself happened to be in the midst of them.” Jehovah would confirm him as a prophet then by causing what Ezekiel prophesied to come true. (Ezek. 2:3-5).......

(End of quote)

From FutureMan.

[imjustaskin]

That&#39;s pretty disturbing. Prophets don&#39;t make mistakes in prophecy. If they made a mistake they were stoned.

I am very liberal in my reading, but I got in a fuss with someone about the book "Conversations with God" regarding this very issue. It&#39;s one thing to say we are "guided" by God, and here is what I think, or what I have learned. But whenever you say God is speaking directly to you....you can&#39;t be wrong! About anything! Or it disproves the whole thing.

Am I mistaken also that they have said they are not inspired? Maybe that is what I am thinking of, when I thought they said they are not a prophet.

[TheMdC]

The WT certainly gives its critics plenty of ammo. Sometimes there&#39;s just no defense, even for the most hardcore believers. I&#39;d like to be able to defend the org but the late 60s through the early 80s were a pretty bad time where a lot of indefensible stuff happened top to bottom.

[billy2]

It seems to me that the only prophet around today is the bible

no man or organization today has the same credentials of the prophets of old

the last prophets would have been the proven anointed in Jeus time - they had the gifts of the spirit to prove who they were - and as the last one John died - that left the holy writings

interpretion shouldnt be confused with prophesising - the wt interprets the prophecies which they have been wrong many times - they shouldnt refer to themselves as prophets

as far as i am concerned anyone who makes a prediction and it doesnt come true - are a false prophet