3 1/2 Three and a half times / Granted to Understand

QUESTION:

greetings Pearl

it is said that the two witnesses will prophecy 3.5 days. Do you think that they have started this and how much longer do you think?

Thank you

REPLY:

Dear Daniel,

Isn't it true that all of us would like a date to depend upon? Wouldn't we all love to know exactly how much longer we have to suffer in this cruel and unjust world? (Rom.8:22,19)
Jesus told us that an exact timetable regarding the end, was not possible (Matt.24:36).
What then is meant by the 3 1/2 times, and the 7 times (the 3 1/2 of which, is half of)?

I will not go ahead of Holy Spirit's revelation of the meaning of these 7 times, but will tell you what holy spirit has shown me thus far.
The 7 times are for a certainty, symbolic. They represent the full requirement placed upon each anointed one, to bring them to the point of being sealed. That requirement has TWO aspects, EACH represented by 3 1/2. This is because the representation of full dominion, is 7. There are two requirements placed upon anointed, each 3 1/2 represents one of those requirements. When they are BOTH fulfilled, it results in "7".

This number also represents the period, during which the "Nations" are dominating the "Holy Ones". It is during this persecution, that the anointed must fulfill divine requirements, in order to be sealed into their dominion to come.
If you read the scriptures which refer to these 7 times, as well as the 3 1/2 times, you will see that they refer to the expectations placed upon faithful anointed, in order for them to fulfill God's Will for them. This is the case, regardless of when they live, chronologically.

Regarding the knowledge of a "date" for the end, Jesus told us that at best, the faithful anointed would only be able to discern "times and seasons".
In order to make this discernment possible, Jesus provided "signs" (not a date).
UPDATE: https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/12/times-and-seasons.html

Here is a helpful excerpt from http://pearl-sign.blogspot.com/ ...........

At Matt.24:32,33; Jesus makes plain that his disciples who are present upon the earth during the fulfillment of these signs, will need to "discern the signs of the times". We can turn to when this happened before....
Matt.16:1 "Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed."


These people wanted a physical, obvious sign, to test Jesus claim of divine authority and Truth. He points to their ability to read symbolic indications of weather and their meaning, and contrasts their inability to read symbolic indications of the "signs of the times"...the meaning of the critical days in which they lived.
Jesus then condemns them as wicked. Why? What bad thing did they do?
Those who are unable to discern the meaning of the symbolic "signs of the times" (Matt.24:3) are blind for a reason. Jesus tells us that reason, at Matt.13:14,15. Jesus' disciples asked him outright..."And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”Matt.13:10
Jesus answered, "13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." Matt.13:13
By always teaching by means of symbolism, Jesus and Jehovah control who they grant understanding to. This is confirmed at Matt.13:11: " He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given."
"However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the Day of the Lord might surprise you like a thief." (1Thess.5:4)

By always teaching by means of symbolism/illustrations/signs, Holy Spirit would determine who is granted to understand the words of Christ; especially when it comes to grasping "the signs of the times". Those who do not grasp it, have not been "granted"/"given" understanding, by design, and on purpose. Such ones are physical men, who seek physical signs. Jesus expects us to show our appreciation for these hidden spiritual treasures, by digging for them (John6:27; Matt.13:44,36,51; Luke8:8,9,10,11; Rev.2:29; 3:22). We must look to Jesus for the meanings (by means of scripture), not look to Satan's world. Only those willing to "beg" for God's spirit and truth by means of his Word (John17:17), are we granted understanding and insight (Luke16:3; 11:13; Matt.7:7; 21:22). For those who are physical and want everything given plainly, Jesus said, "A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet[b] Jonah.” And He left them and departed." Matt.16:4
[The only physical sign given, would be Jesus' death and resurrection (Matt.12:40). No further "understanding"/"visible sign, would such men be given. In the same way, the only reliable physical/obvious sign given physical men today, will be the death of the "two witnesses" Rev.11:7,11; Matt.24:30; 1Cor.2:14]


At Matt.13:35, it says of Jesus, " that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:“I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.”
With certainty, the "signs" of the end of our age, are such precious "secrets" (Dan.12:4). To be granted understanding of the greatest mysteries of all time, is the one of the most precious of divine favors. Should we expect then, that Jesus' words about "the signs of the times" of the end, would not also be by means of illustration? If he tells us that wicked false prophets are present at that time (Matt.24:4,5,24,25), would he not cloak these precious secrets in symbolism as well? Those with wayward hearts are prevented from having insight...by means of symbolic illustrations...
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’Matt.13:15
Only those who are granted, will see the deeper meaning (Matt.13:11,16,17). The time would arrive for those blessed ones, to understand (Rev.22:10; Matt.24:33).
Daniel 12:9,10 reads:
And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand."


In light of the fact that in the "time of the end", the wicked will not be granted "understanding", it is a certainty that the "sign of your presence and of the end of the age", would be by means of illustration. The meaning of those signs would not be obvious and physical (Luke17:20), and the "sealed up" understanding of those signs, would be granted by means of spirit (Matt.16:17; 13:11; John16:13; Daniel 12:4; Luke11:9,10,13; 1Cor.2:7,10,12,13,14; Luke10:21) and truth (John17:17; Heb.4:12; Gen.40:8; John7:16; 8:47), which are the requirements of our faith and beliefs (John4:24; 2Cor.5:7).
END OF EXCERPT
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If you would like to see more clearly, exactly what God is waiting for (7 times), please read
https://pearl-waiting.blogspot.com/
and
https://pearl-dayandhour.blogspot.com/
These will help you to see, that the end will come at the symbolic fulfillment of the 7 times...and what that requirement is.

I know that we all may feel a sense of disappointment when we learn that we can not mark our calendar and plan our life according to a concrete date of the end; but Jehovah HAS indicated something more important. He has revealed to us, what each of us must do in order to survive, and be welcomed by Him and His Son, into eternity. This is what will assure that our own eyes will witness the end, and the arrival of the glorious Kingdom...
That reward will not come through a knowledge of the date and hour in which it will come.
That knowledge is of no benefit to us, if it is the day of our death.

If, after reading the three relevant article links above, you still have a question about the 7 times, and the two 3 1/2 times, please follow up.
I expect that due to the fact that I saw the 7 times in vision (the night I was anointed), the time will also come when the meaning of that vision will be revealed to me. So far, that understanding is still partial. I will not go ahead of it, based upon my own conjecture. As I grow in understanding, I post notice on my main page... of any new articles which explain that growth in understanding. That main page is updated often, and also contains questions from readers. It is located at
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/

My current directory of articles, is located at
https://www.blogger.com/profile/13281232149590681155

The articles I recommended above, are in that list, as well as many others which may interest you.
All of them are totally based upon the scriptures, as you will see.

Thank you for your question, and I pray Jehovah bless you with Wisdom.
Pearl

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A QUESTION:


I read in one of your articles about some pledge that every witness will have to sign. How do you see that playing out?
Thank you

REPLY:
Hello again Daniel,
If you would like to read about how this is already playing out,
please read about "pioneering" and the application that is involved, at
http://pearl-titles.blogspot.com/
I underestimated Satan.
The pledge will not be as blatant as I had hoped.
Already, all witnesses who stay in association with the Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses
are making that pledge.
Every time a teaching comes through the magazines or talks, and it
contradicts the Bible...
yet the audience sits there in silence and accepts that false teaching....
they have already taken their stand for the Organization, turning their backs on
the Truth, Jehovah, and Christ as the Head of the Congregation.
They are no longer in the yoke of Christ (Matt.11:29)...working alongside him for truth.
They are now under the yoke of the Beast [Rev.17:8,11--"and yet will be present", "and yet is", literally means "and yet is ALONGSIDE" (as being under the same yoke...in original Greek)]; working with the Beast instead of Christ (Gal.5:1). These are blind to the fact that they have exchanged their Leader from Christ...to the "wicked steward" and it's Beast Organization (Rom.1:25; 2Thess.2:10; Matt.24:48,49; 23:10; 1Cor.6:15; Gal.1:10; Rev.13:8,11)
That work of the Beast is to teach lies and persecute Christ's brothers (Rev.13:7,5). Those in the yoke with the Beast do not realize it, nor see it. To them, that Idolatrous Beast of persecution, does not exist (Rev.17:8). Yet it does....and they are under it's yoke with it!

Our decisions and actions can be made manifest without signing a piece of paper. The distinction between those who serve Jehovah and those who subject their thinking and/or power, to the Beast, is prophesied to be manifested (Mal.3:18; Rev.13:16). I had assumed that this would take place as blatantly as it does on the pioneer application.
The lack of a clear manifestation of Satan's hidden trickery, does not change what is taking place, even if this overt detail is not fulfilled. Yet, it still may come to pass in the future. But it is not necessary to take place, in order for the object of each individual's worship to be made manifest. What one condones, obeys, and accepts already accomplishes that (Rev.2:20). All one has to do is remain asleep enough, to be lead along into error and death (Rev.3:1,2,3; 2Pet.3:17; Jude1:3,4; 1Cor.3:10,13,14; Matt.7:24,26).
Only those who take an active stand for Truth, will be saved (Luke9:24; Rev.12:11), even though that salvation will require a stand against the Beast (Rev.13:8,15), and the "death" that ensues (Luke9:24).

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"Peace and Security" within "Jerusalem"?

Here is a recent comment, and my reply:

COMMENT:

I find that you Pearl are the one attacking another anointed brother. What Perimeno said was not prophecy he merely quoted scriptures.

I find him to be a humble man, and never puts himself over Gods sheep, he knows he is here for Gods sheep not the other way around.

You also mentioned that he is under the GB influence by remaining in the congregation. Was Christ under the directions and influence of the Pharasees while still going to the temple. Was the apostle Paul under the direction of the superfine apostles, did he advocate leaving the congregation because of the wickedness by some of those anointed, NO. We wait on Jehovah, anything else is pushing ahead.

What would you have the sheep leave and go where, where do they congregate? where do they encourage one another, Jehovah looks after his sheep even when they are surrounded by wicked ones within, even if some of the shepherds have become apostate. Jehovah's holy spirit is for all his people, individually those faithful among his sheep are given his holy spirit it endure. Love is the key, love of God and love of our brothers, Jesus gave us the example to follow.

When Jesus adressed the seven congregations in Rev; did he say for any of the faithful b/s to leave, no he said for those who were doing wrong to repent. Jehovah in is loving kindness is waiting for those ones in his temple to repent, and I agree with Perimeno that it has another reason, to show those who are faithful and waiting on Jehovah for his time to judge his house, those that worship the GB and its WTO will be judged, and will be a distinction between those that love and worship Jehovah and those that love and worship the organization.

Where are Gods sheep today then? do we not go to the meetings to encourage one another, to show brotherly love?

Jesus brought his lost sheep back to the pen, he did not say go and find another.

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

REPLY:

If you reconsider, you may realize that I have not "attacked" Perimeno, but rather, have attacked some of his teachings. Perhaps you do not realize, that the central purpose and calling of anointed (should they prove faithful), is to do exactly that (2Cor.10:3,4,5,6). Is that not what Perimeno does also, with some teachings of the GB? 

Perimeno did not merely "quote scriptures"...he gave his interpretation, and how that interpretation should guide others. I KNOW that this guidance, will lead others to death. I MUST speak (Eze.33:8).

I know Perimeno. I caution you concerning the putting of your Faith in his "humility". That esteem has been ascribed to the GB too. Such faith in men is irrelevant. Our faith should only be in Yhvh, Christ, and the scriptures.

Jesus Christ was never "under the direction and influence of the Pharisees". His obedience to God's Laws were direct, and from the time of his birth he was born "under Law" (Gal.4:4). Jesus actions and teachings easily prove whose influence and direction he was under (John5:30; Matt.23:13,17).

Paul spoke out, publicly "attacking" the false teachings of "superfine apostles", did he not? (2Cor.11:12; 1Tim.1:7)

"Waiting on Jehovah", is blasphemy. Yhvh's justice is not to blame for the wickedness. The delay and drunken sleepiness of the anointed, is (Rev.6:11; 12:11; 2Tim.1:7). As regards "pushing ahead"...the anointed have not been called into inactivity (Phil.3:13; Rev.2:2-3,5,19,26; 3:2), but to war (Rev.19:11,14; 17:14; 12:11; Mark8:35). Those who refuse to fight, die (Rev.3:16; 1Tim.6:12; Heb.10:39; Matt.10:33).

As far as "where the sheep should go", that depends upon their obedience to Christ (Matt.24:15,16,28; Rev.18:4; John10:3-4).

 John 10:3-4; Matt.22:9; Eze.34:13-14; Mark 13:14

You are correct...Yhvh DOES "look after His sheep, even when they are surrounded by wicked ones". He also looks after them when they are no longer a part of the wicked ones (2Cor.6:17; Psalm26:4,5).

"Encouragement" is not derived by a passive listening to lies, while those around you are being guided to death (Eze.33:8).

The "example of Jesus", was to leave the corrupt congregation (Matt.23:38,39). It is NOT the path of love, to condone the misleading of God's Nation by Satan. This is what one does, if they sit in silence while their fellows are being deceived.

The wrong that the "seven congregations" were doing, which they needed to repent for, was a "tolerating" of false teachings, even though those teachings were "misleading of my slaves to commit fornication and idolatry" (Rev.2:14,15,16,20,22,23; 3:2,19). The rest of that same book, gives clear instruction to the remnant....

How do you understand these scriptures???.....

Rev.6:9,10,11; 13:15

How many who DO NOT worship the beast, avoid being "killed" by it?

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

"Yhvh's temple", are anointed (1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5). Perimeno's false teachings about this have gained him a following, based upon this false compliment (Rom16:18; 1Thess.2:5,4)...just as the elders have been mislead into thinking that they are the "spirit-appointed" "princes" (Rev.9:7).

The distinction (Mal.3:18), between those who love and worship Yhvh and those who follow the Beast, is already being made manifest...not within the meetings...but in the "wilderness" outside, where the "eagles" are gathering. Do you seriously see anyone standing up for truth in the Kingdom Hall, to fulfill Mal.3:18? I am sure that if anyone does claim this "certain distinction", he will be promptly ushered out, and announced as expelled. There is your distinction!
(Teach the Distinction!)

How is it that you are showing "brotherly love" to those on the line to the wine-press of God's wrath? Is your warning to them distinct? (1Cor.14:8)

Jesus himself (not an organization), is the entrance to the true spiritual "pen" (John10:9). The "Pen" of Jesus Christ is not a corrupt man-made organization which is now ruled by Satan (Rev.9:11). God's people are being held captive in that deadly pen (Rev.13:10; Isa.5:18,13,14; Amos9:4,8,9,10). When Yhvh "sifts" his people (Amos9:9), it is so that the "desirable ones" come to the True Temple! (Haggai 2:7; Matt.24:28). God's Word DOES NOT TELL US TO STAY PUT amidst the apostasy during his separating work. He tells us to GET OUT (Rev.18:4). Yhvh's pen is not inside the City of Jerusalem, "Babylon", Egypt, or Sodom (Rev.11:8; 18:10). Why does prophecy compare the corrupt "City" that kills the faithful anointed to "Sodom" and "Egypt"? Because in the case of both, physical fleeing meant survival! (Luke17:28,29,30,32,33)
When the righteous soul of Lot was tormented by the lawlessness of Sodom's citizens (2Pet.2:6,7,8) the solution was not to upbuild, love, and encourage those corrupt people, but to be removed from them. As impossible as it may seem, "Jerusalem" is now in the same condition (Eze.9:4,9,10; Rev.18:5); and anyone inside should also be "sighing and groaning"..."tormented" like Lot...if their "soul" is also "righteous" (Rev.9:5). God's judgment is coming to these (1Pet.4:17; Jer.25:29,30) and consistent with all the Cities destroyed by Yhvh in the past....to remain in their proximity of them, means death.

Why does Rev.11:8 also say that "Sodom" and "Egypt" it is the same place Jesus was impaled? Because the central place of Jehovah's worship... apostate Jerusalem (Matt.23:37); is in the same spiritual condition. Just as God's faithful had to flee from Babylon, Sodom, Egypt, and Jerusalem...God's people in the time of the end are given the same warning (Rev.18:4 --"MY people") to "get out" of where they are.
Please send me the scripture where the Bible tells God's anointed remnant, to stay inside and
remain associating with the mislead idolators, (1Cor.5:11; Psalm26:4,5)...not to warn them, but to "encourage" them toward a greater sense of "peace and security" (Eze.13:10; 1Thess.5:3).

I pray you wake up (Eph.5:11).

Pearl
For more on this subject:

Whats wrong with "peace and security"?
(pearl-perimeno)

(FLEE!)
What must we do?

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Interpretations

This comment was given by "randomabstractness", but due to space, I am posting my reply here. It follows the other comments, under the post of Aug.21st.

COMMENT:

Isn’t there more than one application of a verse? Would you have preferred that JW's go to war and kill...and vote as well? Haven’t JWs set a bible standard in this respect? Yes. And you haven’t answered the questions about why you won’t vote or go to war. Is it not because, you are neutral? The Org will finish when Jehovah decides, but there are many bible standards they follow which are correct. Why can’t you admit this?

REPLY:

I will take your questions one at a time…

Isn’t there more than one application of a verse ?

Satan twisted God’s own words to mislead Eve (Gen.3:1; 2Cor.11:3). Satan used some truth as bait (Gen.3:5). Satan used Bible verses, even against the Son of God (Matt.4:6). Will he do less with prospective Sons of God? (Luke22:31; Rev.12:15) He is the master of deception (John8:44; Rev.12:9) and his target today, are those who serve God (Rev.12:17; 13:7). Through his messenger angels, Satan is still misusing Bible verses to mislead the unwary into death (2Cor.11:14,15; Rev.13:11,13; 2Thess.2:4,2). Therefore, we cannot accept any “application of a verse” (1John4:1; Rev.16:13,15; 1Tim.4:1). This is especially true if the application is a twisted interpretation (2Pet.3:16), designed to castrate its true meaning, that Satan might deceive, ensnare, and kill (Rev.8:11; 1Pet.5:8).

Don’t you realize that Satan cannot ensnare his target [the Chosen Ones (Matt.24:24)], if he does not bait his trap with Truth? (2Thess.2:2)

That is the only lure that would attract his target (Psalm91:3). Satan knew this was the case with Christ (Matt.4:6), and that it is also the case with the faithful anointed. Can we then afford, to accept and teach any “application of a verse” which misleads?

I freely admit that Bible verses can be applied in various ways. That is precisely the root of all the confusion which now envelopes the religious world.

I freely admit that some of what the WTBTS teaches, is truth. That is precisely what has ensnared me and other anointed ones. That is what disarms and lures God's people into idolatry and spiritual fornication (Rev.2:14,20,23; 13:8; 17:2)

I also freely admit that some of what EVERY CHURCH teaches, is truth. What do you believe to be the outcome for all these other religions, according to divine judgment? Do you hold to a hypocritical double standard, when it comes to those who teach lies in Jehovah’s name; as if the use of God’s name cleanses those lies?
We are told that "Wormwood" only poisons 1/3 of the "waters" (Rev.8:10,11). That means most of it's waters, are still truth (John4:14). Does that make "Wormwood" good in your eyes?
God's standard for anointed, is higher than that (Rev.14:5,4).

If there is just enough falsehood, to get "JW's" to commit idolatry (by worshiping an Image of an organization);
then that's enough to "kill"...and it doesn't matter how much truth surrounds that poison.
How many times did we hear the "just a little poison in a glass of water"  talk?
Now it is time to apply that truth, not just to "Christendom", but at home (Rom.2:23; Matt.7:3,5).

Would you have preferred that they (“JW’s”) go to war and kill...and vote as well?

Would Jesus have preferred that the Jewish Nation break the Ten Commandments? The subject of physical neutrality is covered at 2Cor.10:3. I believe and honor all scripture, to the best of my ability; and I recommend that others do so, as well.
Spiritual neutrality is a higher standard than both that of the Jews and of “JW’s”. Spiritual Neutrality is vital (Matt.5:20; John17:16). Jesus did not say “They are no part of the world, just as conscientious objectors are no part of the world”! NO! We are to be “no part of the world” in exactly the way Jesus was no part of the world… the very ways he clarified and stated in the context of John17 (which I have already illuminated in depth for those who care about Jesus’ words, more than the words of men.).
You should also consider the account, where Jesus honored a Roman warrior (Matt.8:8,9,10,12,13).
Jesus did not cite or criticize that man's occupation, but rather he cited and honored that man's faith, as greater than that of God's own people.

Haven’t JWs set a bible standard in this respect?

The nation of Israel also set divine standards (Deut.18:9; Lev.20:23). This did not guarantee continuing favor (Matt.23:38) with the merciful God who graced them with the advantage of His standards (Isa.48:17,18; 2Tim.3:16,17)….especially when they broke them (2Chron.16:9 b)…as “JW’s” are breaking them today (Rev.13:8; 2Thess.2:4,10,11,12).

“JW’s” have not set precedent in being politically and nationally neutral in times of war. Even Nations themselves can claim Instrumentalist, Isolationist, or Normative Neutrality. Regarding neutrality on religious basis, here is an excerpt from Wikipedia:

                 “The reasons for refusing to perform military service are varied. Many conscientious

                   objectors cite religious reasons. Unitarian Universalists object to war in their sixth

                   principle "The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all". 

                   Members of the Historic Peace Churches such as Quakers, Mennonites, Amish, 

                   Old Order Mennonite, Conservative Mennonites and Church of the Brethren 

                   object to war from the conviction that Christian life is incompatible with military

                   action, because Jesus enjoins his followers to love their enemies and to refuse violence.

                   Since the American Civil War, Seventh-day Adventists were known as 

                   non-combatants, and had done work in hospitals or to give medical care rather than

                   combat roles, and the church has upheld the non-combative position.

                   Jehovah's Witnesses and Christadelphians, while not pacifist in the strict sense, 

                   refuse to participate in the armed services on the grounds that they believe they 

                   should be neutral in worldly conflicts and often cite the latter portion

                   of Isaiah 2:4 which states, "…neither shall they learn war anymore." 

                   Other objections can stem from a deep sense of

                   responsibility toward humanity as a whole, or from simple denial that any 

                   government possesses the moral authority to command warlike behavior from its

                   citizens. In the early Christian Church followers of the Christ refused to take up

                   arms. In as much as they [Jesus’ teachings] ruled out as illicit all use of violence 

                   and injury against others, clearly implied [was] the illegitimacy of participation 

                   in war… The early Christians took Jesus at his word, and understood his 

                   inculcations of gentleness and non-resistance in their literal sense. They closely

                   identified their religion with peace; they strongly condemned war for the bloodshed

                   which it involved.

— The Early Christian Attitude to War.

So no, “Jehovah’s Witnesses” have not “set the Bible standard” and are not the source of physical neutrality.

And you haven’t answered the questions about why you won’t vote or go to war

As I have already stated, I strive to be guided by scripture (Psalm146:3; 2Cor.10:3), and not men…whether those men be politicians or religious leaders.

I clearly perceive that you honor the “organization” more than the Creator and His Word.
When Jehovah does decide that the “Org will finish”, those in association with it are doomed.

(Rev.13:16,8; Jer.25:29,30; Rev.14:18,19).  Guess who these are???
They have been mislead into thinking they have peace with Jehovah (Eze.13:10,14,16; 1Thess.5:2,3,6).

You put your hope in an organization consisting of spiritually "uncircumcised" Gentiles and "sons of pride" (Job.41:34; Rev.9:11; 2Thess.2:3,4); more than the kingdom to come (Heb.13:14; Rom.8:24,25; Heb.12:22; Rom.10:11). You have before you, disappointment, and worse.

Luke21:36,35; Matt.24:24,25; Rev.6:16; Zech.12:9; 1Cor.3:17

How ironic, that the very Christian neutrality you wish to discuss, is what you yourself violate, as you do put your trust in men... and their power and authority under Satan's system. You also condone the warfare against the least of Christ's brothers, who are being "killed" by the very organization you defend (Rev.11:7; 13:15; John16:2; Isa.66:5).
Why?
Because you have swallowed the interpretation of neutrality according to WTBTS, instead of the protection that the teachings of Christ afford, ....his explanation of what it really means, to be "no part of Satan's world".
Endorsing and following a politician is no different that endorsing and following the GB and elders.
NO MAN or "mountain-like organization", can provide salvation (Rev.6:14,16; 16:20; 8:8; Ps.146:3; Jer.10:23; Rev.7:10)
(w11 1/15 pp. 3-7 par.8)
Jesus made plain, that the "Judean HillS" are plural (Zech.6:1,5), and that this end-time refuge corresponds to the slain ones (Matt.24:15,16,17; Luke17:31,35,37; Rev.11:7,8,3). The "eagles" will gather to these faithful slain anointed witnesses (Matt.24:28; Rev.11:8,4; Zech.4:14,3,9; 6:1; Jer.3:14; 23:3; Isa.11:12; 62:10)....not to a single "great" mountain/star (Zech.4:7; Rev.8:8,10)...all "great" mountains of which, are to be leveled (Eze.21:26; Jer.51:25; Rev.8:8; Zech.4:7).
The "mountain of the house of Jehovah" (Isa2:2,3,4) is Mount Zion (Isa.2:3; Rev.14:1; Heb.12:22,23,26,27), NOT WTBTS!
Isa.28:14-22

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Many good comments have been left at the end of the last post of Aug.21st.
They can be read by clicking on "Comments".

No Part of the World

A comment was left:


Hello Pearl! 

I have a question regarding your reply to the post from the newly baptized person in the Dominican Republic...I realize that the concept of neutrality doesn't appear in the bible but wouldn't being no part of the world imply it, especially in view of John 13:34,35; Matt. 26:51,52 and Revelation 13:10? In addition, it is my understanding that early christians avoided worldy conflicts --political and otherwise; is this not the case? 

I really enjoy reading your blogs as they have provided many scriptural missing links that for so long prevented me from gaining a truly accurate understanding of God's word. However, your explanation on this particular topic --christian neutrality --threw me for a bit of a loop so i am hoping you can provide more information on the subject, incorporating the scriptures i cited above in your reply....Thank you so much!

REPLY:


Please consider these accounts of Jesus, where he clarified Jehovah’s mind on matters…..

Matt.5:21,22 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”

Matt.5:27,28 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Matt.5:31,32 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’  But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”

Matt.5:33,34,35,36,37 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

Matt.5:38,39,40,41,42 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Matt.5:43,44,46,47,48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Do you discern the difference between the standard of “righteousness” that the Scribes and Pharisees taught, and the standard of righteousness that Jesus taught? (John8:23)
The Scribes and Pharisees felt fully righteous in their obedience to the things stated as murder, adultery, “lawful” grounds for divorce, lying, revenge, love and hatred. 
Yet Jesus came to raise the bar, did he not? 
Did this mean that he was abolishing the Commandments which the Jews obeyed? 
No…for at verse 17, he said:
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

Is it not true, that if a Christian obeys the refinements of Christ’s additions, that they will also fulfill the Law?
For example… If one loves his brother; will he murder him?
                      If one never looks at a woman with a lustful eye; will he commit adultery?
                      If married mates stay together, unless one commits fornication; 
                      will they divorce on frivolous grounds?
                      If your yes truly means yes, and your no, no; will you ever 
                      leave a vow unfulfilled? Will you swear falsely?
                      If you are yielding and give to those who ask for mercy; 
                      will you ever judge another unjustly?
                      If you love your enemies; will you not love your neighbor also?

If the Laws of Christ are obeyed, the Jewish Laws stand fulfilled.
Why did Jesus raise the standard?
He said in verse 20:
“For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” 
Jesus plainly said, that even these religious leaders of God's Covenant, were "part of the World" John8:23. Think about what Jesus meant by that! We should conform our own definition of this term, to the truth revealed by God's Son.

When Jesus said that our righteousness must be greater than these "worldly leaders", what was Jesus’ point?
For those seeking entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven; our “righteousness” must exceed the elementary laws given the Jews, and their inclination to wield power and dominion. For, such things are worldly (Mark10:42,43). Those who are sealed as part of the 144000, have God’s full laws, written on their hearts according to a New Covenant, based upon spirit, love, and the full removal of sin. This was not possible through a practice of Jewish Law, it's heirarchy or traditions, but only through a practice of the perfect law of love (Rom8:3; Heb.10:9,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18; Gal.5:14; Rom.13:8).

Similarly...
By my statement, that being “no part of the world”, means imitating Christ’s example; "keeping from the evil one", 
                         being "sanctified" by the scriptures, 
                         and preaching truth in a world of deception
....do you imagine that practicing true Christian "neutrality", would violate 2Cor.10:3 or John13:34,35?
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

If so, how?

Christ’s example was:
                         "keeping from the evil one", 
                         being "sanctified" by the scriptures, 
                         and preaching truth in a world of deception....
      (which the worldly religious leaders failed to do)
      (John8:44,47,19,26,23; Matt.23:13,15,23,25,27,28,31,34)
      Anyone under Satan's dominion, is "part of the world" 
      (John8:44,23; 1John5:19) 
      Everyone not under Christ's dominion,
       is under Satan's.

You also cited:

Matt.26:51,52
“And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

Do you imagine that if we are sanctified by the scriptures, - John17:17 (including Matt.5:44)... 
         (“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those 
            who curse you, do good to those who hate you, 
            and pray for those who spitefully use you 
            and persecute you”)
                                                      
…that we will draw a literal sword on an enemy, with the intent to do him physical harm?

Just as the righteousness of the Kingdom heirs must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees; so too must their righteousness exceed that of WTBTS teachings. Those teachings are the same as the Scribes and Pharisees, are they not? (Heb.6:1) Jesus has already made clear, that living by “eye for eye”, is wrong. Jesus has already told us that we must love our enemies. Is not the forbidding of murder already clear, by the Jewish law? But Jesus said his anointed followers must have a higher standard than that!
True followers of Jesus can not stop there. Is literal murder the limit of Christian “Neutrality”,
as it was for the Scribes and Pharisees? 
Did our Lord not make clear to us, that much more is required of his Chosen vessels?

If I tell you that being without spot from the world is not limited to the avoidance of the shedding of blood, why do think that I am teaching that the shedding blood is then acceptable? (2Cor.10:3)
When Jesus raised the bar and refined the Law; was he teaching that breaking the original Commandments became acceptable?
Of course not! Consider what he said, at Matt.5:17,18,19,20. To obey Christ is to fulfill the Law. Why then, when I forward to you the Christian neutrality taught by Christ, do you accuse me of leaving the elementary command on murder? 
Do you not see that if we imitate Christ’s model of being “no part of the world”, 
that we will also not murder?

Your last scripture that seems to perplex you, is:

Rev.13:10 “He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”

This verse is not forbidding the “killing” with the sword, but is telling of the consequence.
The book of Revelation is written in symbolic illustration. This verse included.
The sword being spoken of then, is not literal and physical.
Please consider 
Eph.6:17; Rev.1:16; Heb.4:12; 2Cor.10:4; 1Tim.1:18; 2Tim.2:3; Rev.19:11,14; 17:14.

The faithful “two witnesses” DO “kill” with the “sword”. They prophesy and bear witness, according to the “sword” of God’s Word. These ones “battle” with Satan and his “angels”, …and conquer him (Rev.12:7,11).
What is the consequence of these “battling” by means of God’s Word of Truth, the “sword”?
We were told at your scripture, Rev.13:10…remember?
Any who cause the condemnation of the wicked (“killed”), by means of the “sword” of God’s Word,
will be “killed”/condemned, by the same means. Jesus is warning his faithful warriors, of the consequence that they must be prepared to accept, if they fight the final battle.

How does this apply?

Jesus said at Mark8:35,38:
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's, will save it. For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Can you see the connection between declaring Jesus’ “words”, and the sacrificing of your life? 
Do you see that one is required to “lose his life” for the “sake” of Christ and his “gospel”?

That sacrifice will occur, during the war between truth and lies, by means of the spirit’s sword, which “protrudes” from the mouth of Christ (“my words” “the gospel” Mark8:35; Rev.19:15).

Do we have proof in Revelation, that this being "killed with the sword" is indeed the consequence to those who prove faithful?

Please consider Rev.11:7; 12:11; 13:7; 6:9,11; 19:8
Yes…if you “kill”/"condemn" by means of the scriptures (Heb.11:7)…YOU will be “killed” by those same means. 
We see that the Beast will do this 
(Rev.13:13; Exo.9:23; 2Kings1:10).
….The Beast will “kill” by means of God’s Word!?!?!?
Yes! (and this helps us to know the identity of the Beast) (see John16:2; Isa.66:5)

When the faithful are disfellowshipped by the Organizational Beast, (because they accept the battle for truth)
is it not seemingly done by means of scripture? 
When an anointed one enters a “judicial committee”; does not a battle ensue, with both “sides” using the same sword???
The faithful one is then “killed” on a false scriptural basis;
And those who have done that slaying of the faithful, are also “killed”/condemned on a true scriptural basis (Matt.25:40); 
the same as those who were condemned for killing the Christ Jesus; though they too used the “sword” to justify it (Matt.26:65,66; John8:40; Matt.23:37). The “two witnesses” are “killed” under the same circumstances (Rev.11:8). Yet…they are willing (Rev.12:11; Luke9:24).

This is why Rev.13:10 ends by saying, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”
Yes, it takes tremendous faith to suffer persecution and expulsion as one fights the fine battle for truth.
It also takes patience….
Because after one is “killed”, he must wait patiently for judgment to be carried out against those who misused God’s Holy Word to destroy the lives of Christ’s brothers (1Cor.3:17,16).
There is an additional reason patience is needed....
Rev.6:9,10,11:
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.”
(The patience of Holy Ones-- Rev.13:10)
Yes, those already proven faithful...killed for their witness to truth (just as Christ was), must wait until the rest of the faithful take their stand, and also are "killed" with the "sword".

It is my hope that you can now see that the symbolic book of Revelation (Rev.1:1) is consistent, even in Rev.13:10;
In that the “sword” and the “killing” are symbolic,
…and also that this battle for Truth is not an option, for those who desire to be sealed with a white robe. (Gen.3:15; 2Cor.10:4,5,6; 2Cor.11:12,13,14,15)
These ones will "kill"....by the same means by which they were "killed" (Rev.13:10; Heb.4:12; Rev.19:15).
The only other alternative for the anointed, is, "captivity" to the Beast (Rev.13:10,16,17; 9:4,5,6,14)

Those who are sealed by Christ, will obey his definition of being "no part of the world"....not the definition of the WTBTS.

Definition of Christian "neutrality" according to Jesus Christ:
John17:15,17,18,16; 1John2:7,15,16; James1:27

Definition of Christian "neutrality" according to WTBTS:
Do not vote, or murder in war.

Definition of righteousness according to the Scribes and Pharisees:
You must not commit murder (Deut.5:17).

Matt.5:20

Only anointed who imitate Christ’s example of neutrality in Satan's world...
                         "keeping from the evil one", 
                         being "sanctified" by the scriptures, 
                         and preaching truth in a world of deception....
will be among the sealed "two witnesses", who truly are, "no part of the world".

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"Christian Neutrality"

ADDITIONAL QUESTION AND REPLY ADDED AT BOTTOM

QUESTION:


Sister Pearl,
 How nice to finally talk with you. I've been following your answers for months and you seem to always give great scriptural advice. I'm sorry that you are having problems with the Elders in what you are trying to set straight.
 I am a newly baptised sister here in the Dominican Republic and I am still learning many things in the truth and how to prepare talks etc. I recently received an assignment to give a talk titled: "Does Neutrality Mean That Christians Are Not Interested in Their Neighbor's Welfare?" I really don't know where to start in preparing this talk. We don't have but 1 Elder and its hard to understand him when he talks. Another sister tried to help me but we are still undecided how to proceed; the format etc. Can you help me? Please?
 Thank you ever so much.


ANSWER:


Hello Xxxx,

It is also nice to hear from you. I don't know if I will be much help for this talk you have been given. 
The title of it is misleading to both the speaker and the audience. As such, in good conscience, I cannot help you to give it.

"Jehovah's Witnesses" believe that neutrality mostly means, not going to war. That is what is inferred by this talk title. They know that most people in the world view a refusal to fight war, as a refusal to protect your countrymen. Hence, a disinterest "in their neighbor's welfare" might be concluded. Can you see that this is the interpretation that this title assumes?

 According to "Jehovah's Witnesses", Christian "neutrality" is based, upon Jesus' words, at John 17:16...

"They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world."
The problem is that John17:16, means something very different.

This says nothing about the military, or the wars of the Nations.
It may help to look at the context of John17:16, as well as 1John2:15,16,17...

John17:14-18
  "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."

Do you notice that Christian "neutrality" means imitating Christ's example? In what ways? Three things are mentioned...
"keeping from the evil one", 
being "sanctified" by the scriptures, 
and preaching truth in a world of deception.

The opposite of those things would be:
Doing the will of Satan (John8:44) (hating and lying) (1John3:15; 4:8,20)
An ignorance of God and His Word (2Thess.1:8; 1John4:8)
Not loving the Truth (2Thess.2:10; Rev.2:4)

THESE are the very things that make one, a part of Satan's world...and they can even be practiced by those claiming to be God's people (John8:13,23), including "Jehovah's Witnesses".

Note how 1John2:15,16,17 defines being a part of the world...

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

Once again we see that when we lack Christian "neutrality", we lack a love of God, His Truth, and the doing of His will. The world is defined...NOT as being a soldier and going to war...but as "the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life". Even many anointed ones in the first Century, fell to those temptations...especially "the pride of life" (1Cor.4:8; Mark9:33,34).

Remember...when Jesus was praying at John 17:14,15,16,17,18; he was praying for his apostles. These were the ones Jesus was concerned about falling prey to the world (Matt.6:13)...it's desires of prominence, dominion, and power (Matt.4:8,9,10), just as the religious leaders of God's people had become a part of the world (John8:13,23; 15:18; 8:40; Luke12:1) (Matt.15:24; John15:22-24,18) by relying on Gentiles to do their dirty work (John19:15; Acts13:27,28; Rev.17:3,6; 18:24; Matt.23:35,33,34; John16:2; Mark13:13). These desires for power, dominion, and prominence are the things that originate in Satan's world! (1John2:17,16,15; James4:4)
Jesus left his disciples an example of Christian "neutrality", regarding these very things...
(John6:15; 18:36)
John13:12,13,14,15,16,17:
 "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." 
(also John6:2,15)
Humility, love, and truth are no part of Satan's world.
To have true Christian "neutrality", is to imitate Christ in humility, love, and truth (2Pet.1:8).
If we do not possess these things, we are a part of Satan's world, and are imitating his spirit...
Pride, hatred, and deception.

Now I must tell you that those very things (pride, hatred, deception) which the scriptures call "lawlessness",
are prophesied to be practiced by God's own people in the last days (Matt.7:21,22,23; 24:12). The very ones whom Jesus rejects, are those anointed chosen ones, seeking to "enter into the kingdom of the heavens"; which is proven by Matt.25:11,12.

Remember too, that the man of whom Jesus said had faith greater than all Israel, was a practicing soldier (Matt.8:9,10,13).

So I hope you can see, that the man-made doctrine of Christian "neutrality", (which term is not in the Bible), comes from the scripture at John17:16...according to "Jehovah's Witnesses". But the meaning of that scripture ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, does not mean what that doctrine teaches. The proper scriptures to use for an exclusive devotion to spiritual war, would be 2Cor.10:3,4,5; 2Tim.2:3,4; and 1Tim.6:12. 
By "Jehovah's Witnesses" using John17:16 to teach the idea that "Christian Neutrality" means an abstinence from secular warfare; the real meaning of this scripture, is then lost. 

John17:16 does really mean, that we must be no part of Satan's world...and it's spirit of pride, lack of love, and turning away from Truth. Jesus earnestly prayed that his anointed followers would be able to stay clean from that stain of  Satan's worldly enticements (John17:1,15,16,17; James1:27), because he knew many of them would succumb (Matt.24:48,49,50,51; Mark10:40,41,42,43,44; John13:14; Luke22:31; Matt.4:8,9)...
just as the leaders had succumbed before (Luke20:46; Matt.5:20).
They were the "world" that hated Jesus. These false prophets were also the "world" which he sent his disciples to preach to (John17:18; Matt.15:24; 10:6,16; 7:15; 10:23).

We see even more with these words of Christ...
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." (John15:18)
Who was "the world" that hated Jesus? Was it the Gentile Nations? Soldiers? Who hated Jesus so much, that they wanted him dead (John15:24,25)?
(John8:40; 5:18; Matt.12:14; John10:39) How did the Roman leader feel about Christ? (Luke23:4; John19:12,6)
Jesus was no threat to Rome, and Rome had no hatred of Christ, nor any interest in his demise. The "world" that hated Jesus, was the religious leaders who felt that the truth of Christ threatened their position (John3:19,20; 11:48).
Those leaders fulfilled the scriptural traits of the world's spirit, as I mentioned above...pride (Luke20:46), hatred (John8:42,40; 15:24,25), deception (John8:44; Luke6:39; Isa.9:16). These are the things that make a man "of the world".

Jesus said that the same world would also hate his followers. Once again, the source of persecution toward Christ's disciples, was predominantly the religious leaders (John16:2; Acts5:28,30; 4:18; 7:52,53; 2:36; 9:1,2; Matt.23:35; 27:25). That was "the world" that hated both Jesus, and his followers. Jesus did not want his followers to be a part of that self-righteous pride, lack of love, and false doctrines. to cultivate such traits within the heart, is to become a "weed".

If I really care about your life, I will now tell you that those who are now ruling over the Organization, are, the wicked steward of Matt.24:48,49,50,51. That "steward" has appointed spiritual "Gentile" elders to rule over each Congregation of Jehovah's sheep (Rev.9:3; 13:15; Eze.44:8), replacing Jehovah's Chosen Priests (Eze44:7,9; 2Chron.13:9; Rom.2:29) . This alliance between the anointed leaders and the Gentile organization beneath them, constitutes spiritual fornication. The leaders have betrayed the anointed body of Christ/God's genuine priesthood... and have authorized a counterfeit Gentile priesthood to trample down the genuine.
(note: NWT Eze.44:8 is wrong. Check any other translation, or the Greek interlinear. Even the context makes clear what is being said.). 
The faithful anointed who refuse to obey and worship that Organization or it's unfaithful leaders (1Cor.6:15-16), are being expelled (John16:2; Mark13:13; Heb.13:13). The unfaithful anointed who share in the harlot's sins, agree with that fornication (Rev.17:1-2). That is why "Jehovah's Witnesses" are no longer receiving the "proper food at the proper time". Jesus tells us that when we recognize this end-time reality, we are to flee for our lives (Matt.24:15,16; Luke17:27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37; Matt.24:28; Rev.12:14; 11:8)! I hope this warning can be accepted by you, to your eternal salvation. 
I pray it can.
"Jehovah's Witnesses" are amid the spirit of "The World", in a far greater way than they can imagine.
Love,
Pearl
For more on this subject:
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/symbolic-death-by-means-of-world.html)
**************************************************
PART TWO

QUESTION:
It was announced from the platform that you are no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  What do you tell people? (I would still call myself one of Jehovah’s Witnesses)
Also, do you still keep the Watchtower library in your computer and use it for reference, etc? What about going door to door?  What about the daily text? I guess now we should read a portion of the Bible in the morning? 

REPLY:


As with any question we might have, if we want God's answer, we turn to the Bible.
Who does Jehovah say his witnesses are?
 Jehovah's definition of His "Witnesses", is found at Isa.43:10,11,12,21; and 1Pet.2:9. There it shows that those whom JEHOVAH calls His Witnesses, are the CHOSEN Anointed....NOT the 8 Million non-anointed who have taken the title for themselves. Yet, we all can and should "witness" about Jehovah, sharing our faith to any who are disposed to listen. Although even the Creation witnesses about God (Psalm.19:1; 69:34), it is not called a chosen witness by Him. That name is for those who are given it.
It is not up to men to tell Jehovah who His chosen witnesses are. The true ones get their approval, not from men, but from God (Rom.2:29; Gal.1:10; John12:43; Rev.11:3,4).
Yet if we are learning to discipline our lives according to the teachings of Christ (Matt.28:20), anointed or not, we are all  "disciples"/"followers" of Christ (Matt.16:24; Luke14:26) if we make our own choice to voluntarily follow him. This is not the same as being "chosen" (John15:16).

Generally, people don't ask what religion I call myself by. But for those who do, I show them the above scriptures.
I do not use the WT library for reference (1Cor.10:21,22; John16:13; 7:17,18; 3:21; 1John2:27). At times, I will refer to it in an article, only to verify what the Society's doctrines state. God's true sons, are led by His spirit (Rom.8:14), not by the vacillating doctrines of false prophets, or controlling rules enforced by means of a heirarchy established by men.
I go door to door when I am able (that's how I got some of my Bible studies), but Jehovah has made clear to me what my priorities must be at this time. He wants his own people preached to more than anything else. Like Jesus (Matt.10:6,7) the priority is to wake up the anointed (Matt.10:23) before Christ arrives (Matt.25:5,6,11,12,30). Why? Because the Kingdom is waiting for the last of them to get sealed (Rev.7:3; 6:9,10,11). Jehovah will judge those "outside" (1Cor.5:12,13). He can read hearts, knows what opportunities to know truth each person has received, and knows what their heart's response was. He also knows how each treated his messengers of truth (Matt.25:40,45).
There are two harvests; wheat and grapes. Jesus' harvests the anointed wheat (Rev.14:14,15,16 check the Greek for "ripe"/"dried out" [wheat].) (NWT is mis-translated, and mis-interpreted in the Revelation Climax book.). The "judgment" starts with God's own anointed house [wheat] (1Pet.4:17) which is easily discerned by reading Rev., chapters 1-3. 

The prophecy of the wine-press of God's anger (Rev.14:17,18,19,20) is for those who call themselves by God's name, Jehovah (Jer.25:29,30). Their lives are more in peril than anyone, because they should know better (Eze.3:4,5,6,7,11; Rev.13:10; John9:41) than to commit idolatry (Rev.13:8; Exodus20:5; Rev.2:14), by worshipping the image of the organization as directed by God's spirit (Rev.13:14,15; 19:20). Spirit-direction is reserved for God's chosen priesthood, according to scripture (1Cor.3:16; Eph.2:20,21,22; 1Pet.2:5,9).

I have heard from a couple of anointed, who say they go door to door to those in their own congregation.
I personally have found that the "daily text" is loaded with doctrinal ideas that are not from the Bible, and even often against it.
It will be up to you (1John4:1), as you learn the Bible more (Heb.5:14), to distinguish those who are really serving God from those who are not (Mal.3:18; Matt.7:15,16,17,18,19,20; 24:24,25). The articles I gave you, contain the scriptures that will help you with this.

Reading the Bible is the best thing we can do. But remember the Ethiopian Eunuch? He was reading the scriptures, but needed help to understand. He needed someone guided by Holy Spirit, who could in turn, guide him (Acts8:26,27,28,29,30,31) (pearl-divineeducation.blogspot.com ). We need to employ Jesus' guidance, to discern who those true ones are, before we eat the "fruit" they offer (pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com ). Again, the scriptures in the articles you have, should help with that. I knew this is the first thing all need help with. So that is why I gave you those articles, first.

As you learn more Xxxx, you will understand where we are in the stream of time, and what we all need to be doing to please Jehovah. I think that if you read all the scriptures in the articles and contemplate what they are saying, more and more of your questions will be answered.
If any questions come up while doing so, just write me.

Christian Neutrality includes not following after false religious leaders (2Cor.11:13,14,15)
Christ’s example was:
                         "keeping from the evil one", 
                         being "sanctified" by the scriptures, 
                         and preaching truth in a world of deception....
      (which the worldly religious leaders failed to do)
      (John8:44,47,19,26,23; Matt.23:13,15,23,25,27,28,31,34)
      Anyone under Satan's dominion, is "part of the world" 
      (John8:44,23; 1John5:19; 2Cor.11:13,3) 
      Everyone not under Christ's dominion,
       is under Satan's.

("Who are God's Witnesses?")
("Who are God's People?")

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Update to yesterday's reply....highlighted in light purple.

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Give a Warning!

Here is the answer to a comment that was left:

COMMENT:

Hello Pearl!

I can only thank Jah that i found you! After seventeen years as a JW, i found myself so disturbed and distraught (i.e., sighing and groaning) over what was going on that i just couldn't bring myself to attend the meetings anymore. Prior to my departure, i discerned that much of the Society's liturature was laced with poison so i completely stopped reading any of it and began studying the scriptures only. What a difference that made! While i secretly never agreed with some of the Governing Body's official doctrines, policies and procedures (i viewed them as unscriptural, even idolatrous in some cases), when i realized that they couldn't possibly be the "faithful and discreet slave" (that is a future designation and only Jah/Jesus appoint these individuals, not themselves), I got the last bit of courage needed to finally leave and begin searching. Eventually i found your blog and now check it nearly everyday for any new information. A very close friend of mine who has also left after nearly twenty years as a JW (she just couldn't deal with it emotionally/mentally anymore) also reads your blogs and is as electrified as I am to be finally experiencing the true meaning of the "light getting brighter"!

So here's my question: How do we sound the warning that you mentioned? Since it's likely that no one on the inside will listen, what good will it do? Besides, you said yourself that a Christian is not obligated to sow seed among thorns. So while I have the desire to help others get out of symbolic Jerusalem, I do not know how to go about it nor do i see any point in it. Simply mentioning that i was no longer attending meetings (besides making a brief comment about the hypocrisy in the congregation) was enough for one person --someone i considered a good friend previously--to immediately cease all association with me. Thus, even hinting at the idea that the Organization is not all that its cracked up to be will send 99.9% of 'em running with their thumbs in their ears!

Please advise...Thank You!

REPLY:

I also, am greatly relieved to hear that you have found the truth, which I myself am so grateful to YHVH's spirit for. There are those who read it and recognize none of the truth of the cited scriptures...and then there are expressions like yours, which reveal eyes and ears that are open, and a consciousness of their spiritual poverty (Matt.5:3).
This need is keen during this spiritual famine and drought (Amos 8:11; Rev.6:6; 18:8; 12:14)...yet the spiritual pestilence that strikes others with blindness and an inability to hear, keeps them sick and unaware of their dire need (Matt.13:15; Rev.3:17; 6:8). The senseless are the great majority 

(Matt.7:13,14; Luke 13:23,24; Matt.24:22; Ps.94:17,5,8,12,13,14,16,18,20,22,23,20,21; Rev.20:9,7,8,9; 13:15; 11:7; 6:9,11). 

So to hear that my labors, (and that of other faithful) are reaching some, is of great refreshment, and relief to my grief (Matt.10:42).

The Bible reads;
"But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment."  2Pet. 2:7-9  (Eze.9:4)

"The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."  2Chron. 16:9 A

We see from these three scriptures that Yhwh will not abandon those whose heart is exclusively devoted to Him. He delivers them by His strength (2Chron. 16:9). His spirit can bring them to the truth (John 6:44; 14:6)...as He does for each faithful anointed one, as well as all those who may accept the "fine fruit" the faithful witnesses offer (Matt.10:40,41,42; Matt.7:20; Rev.11:3,4).

Regarding your question...
Yhwh has begun to make me aware of what I must do, as well as how to do it. You are right that God's "Land" must be warned (Jer.25:30,29; Rev.2:20; 13:14). It is true that Satan has erected a wall around God's people. It would seem impossible to penetrate that wall with the judgment message.
Remember the wall of Jericho? That prophecy will be fulfilled in it's grandest meaning, in our very day (Josh.6:8,13; Rev.8:6). I am going to ask everyone whose heart inclines him to obey Eze.33:7,8 to be a part of the upcoming universal witness. For, it is the final one to be given.
I am talking to another anointed one about how Holy Spirit is guiding this final warning. I will most certainly post all the details, as we become certain of how to do this in harmony with Yhvh's approval.
The wall of Jericho fell, partly due to the blowing of the 7 horns of the priests (Joshua 6:8).
This final wall of false teachings, which holds captive God's Called Ones, falls by the same means, as symbolized in Revelation (Rev.8:6).

"Whether they hear, or whether they refrain" the warning must be given (Eze.2:5). This warning will be the main tool used to harvest the remaining wheat of anointed, upon which the arrival of the Kingdom awaits (Rev.14:14,15,16; 6:11). It is a very important activity, and I hope everyone possible will offer themselves to support it.

The lives of those whom we regard as our "brothers and sisters", as well as the anointed who are still asleep and in chains, hangs in the balance.

In fact it would be good to consider all of Ezekiel chapter 2, because it brings up the very "thorns" you mention...

Eze.2:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10:
And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. (Rev.9:3; Eze.2:6) Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.
But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe." 

(Rev.8:13; 20:12)

So while we are not obligated to cast pearls before swine; we need to discern who those swine, dogs, "thorns" and "scorpions" are.

    https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/06/dogs.html

YHVH tells us in Rev.9:3,5,7.

These are the ones bearing what seems like "crowns" of authority...an army that goes forth as multitudinous as a locust swarm. Their target? The "unsealed men"...anointed previous to their being sealed. Why unsealed? Because they are obviously still under the domination of these "Locust/Scorpions" instead of Yhvh. Only by being set loose (Rev.9:14) from this smoke-like river of Satan's sons and their lies (Rev.12:15; 9:11; John 8:44;  2Thess. 2:3,9; Rev.12:3,9; 13:1,14,6); can these chosen ones become sealed as loyal to Yhvh (Rev.20:4).
  Yet we see from Eze.2 that a witness still has to be given to the "rebellious house". This is the light.....although these empowered Locust/Scorpions exist, we may not conclude that all "Jehovah's Witnesses" are these "thorns". Only the elders are depicted as having counterfeit crowns of authority. These ones are the "thorns" and "scorpions". Yhvh tells us that they are beyond conversion to truth, by the "breastplates of iron" which they wear (Rev.9:9). 
While the entire "house"/"land"/"fold" of God's people are blinded by these insect vessels of darkness (Rev.9:2,3; Jer.25:29,30; Rev.12:16) and it causes them to leave loyalty to Yhvh; not all are those insects of authority/elders.
We can not condone the idolatry of "Jehovah's Witnesses", nor continue to remain in company with them (Psalm 26:4;  1Cor. 5:11; Rev.18:4). But Ezekiel chapter 2 is clear....we must witness to them this final warning.

Jesus clearly showed me that the great majority will not heed the warning...not because we did not reach them with it, but due to their own hardened hearts, they stand as judged. Yhvh abandons them to their own desire. (Luke 17:28-37>LINK;  2Thess. 2:11; Ps.94:23)
I hope you can see why this warning needs to be given....
It saves us individually from blood-guilt. It establishes Yhvh's justice in condemning the wicked (who were first given warning). It saves those who can hear. It seals the rest of those who prove faithful, as well as the unfaithful "ten kings" who side with the Beast. All...extremely important events of prophecy!
I hope all who possibly can, will help. As I said, I will post details as they are established.

Your comments about the reaction of those marked by the Beast, help to illuminate the true identity of the Organization within prophecy. There is no other authority and power on earth, that has this control over people's minds and actions, as does this Wild Beast of Rev.13:8,15,16. We are seeing the fulfillment of that prophesied displaced loyalty and worship of the Wild Beast, right before our own eyes! God's Kingdom draws near!

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/warning-letter.html

Pearl's letter
and
Obadiah's letter

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