Showing posts with label body of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label body of Christ. Show all posts

Friday, September 24, 2021

Body of Christ -- Paula

What follows, is the work of another anointed one. Body members of Christ work together to accomplish God's will, under the direction of their Head, Jesus Christ.
At times, I will post on this Main Page, the work of other of God's priests (Mal.2:7; Rev.5:10; 1Cor.12:7). When I do this, the posts will be titled "Body of Christ", and then I will add the name of the priest, so that readers will know which anointed one is the contributor. I have added within the post, supplemental links for the topics being touched upon. The post is lengthy. In order to derive the greatest benefit; please examine the content in sections, reading the scriptures as you come to them.

Her contribution is as follows:

This comment may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The material has been made available for teaching purposes only, as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.

JWs frequently compare the organization to the days of Moses leading the nation of Israel in the wilderness. They tie these time periods together by saying they are both ‘theocratic organizations’. However, do they acknowledge that Moses, was an inspired prophet leading God’s people; and simply, their leaders are not by their own admittance? When making this comparison, do they acknowledge that God installed His priests, anointing them with holy oil, and giving them the assignment to teach the people His laws? 
(Ex.28:41; 29:7-9; Mal.2:7) 

The priesthood in Moses’ day was separated from the people to carry out this special work as ministers of God on behalf of the people. (Num.18:7,20; 3:10; Deut.17:9; 31:9)
In the early 1950’s it was stated in a JW magazine that the members of the “royal priesthood” were to be “teachers and guardians of the law of God”, providing evidence from Mal.2:7; Lev.10:11; Deut.33:10; 17:9-11. It said that the anointed priests had a ‘tremendous responsibility which God held them to’. They were to keep the people “on the right path”. (Num.18:7,20; Isa.43:10; 1Pet.2:9; Heb.13:15; Ezek.44:23; Jer.23:22) 
Isa.30:21; Prov.4:27; 1Pet.2:21

Are any of these words from the past magazine recognizable in “Jehovah’s organization” today? Like a chameleon blending into a wall unnoticed, the leadership of pathological liars has changed any bits of truth into untruths so gradually, that nothing seems amiss to present day JWs. 
(Ezek.13:3,6-7,14; Matt.24:24-25; Acts 13:9-10; Gal.1:6-7,11-12; 2Pet.2:1-3; 1Tim.4:1-2; Heb.12:15; 2Pet.3:17; Rev.8:10-11; 16:13-16) 
These changes have aided in the development, and capability of two “Beasts” to dominate and trample God’s priesthood into the dust, into an unclean state before God. (2Thess.2:3-4; Rev.9:1-3,4-6; 13:1-2,5-7,11-12,15-17) (Isa.29:2-4; Dan.7:23; Luke 21:20,24; 19:43,44; Ec.3:20; 12:7; Rev.3:1,18) 

We have an incomparable situation from that of Moses’ day, where the spirit-anointed priesthood has been shoved out of the position as active priests. Their value spoken of in the 1950’s has been dismissed by a large army’s power siege, under the guidance of a “wicked slave”. 
(Ezek.34:21; Jer.4:16-21,27-28; Joel 2:2,17; Dan.7:19; 8:9-11; Matt.24:48-49,50-51)

The Levitical priesthood is under an eternal covenant with God, but His anointed priests have broken this promise God held them to, and have allowed the elder body said to “represent” God’s priests, to teach men’s laws founded on the principles of an earthly organization. 
(Jer.33:18-19,20-21; Num.18:1,5,19; Heb.4:14-15; 8:10; 13:15) 
(Mal.2:8; Lam.2:9; Joel 2:17; Jer.5:3,11,30-31; 2Chron.15:3; Luke 11:52; 2Thess.2:3-4) 

But now, an earthly organization is proclaimed as the dwelling of God’s spirit. (Rom.1:25).
This image of a “spirit-directed organization” is reflected through the representation of the elder body. These men are said to have received Holy Spirit and authority to teach and judge, by the misapplication of scriptures, which rightfully apply to God’s holy priesthood. 
(1Kings12:28-30; 13:33-34; Rev.13:11-12,15; 19:20) 
(John20:23; 1Cor.6:2-3; 12:4-6,27; Eph.4:4,7-8,12-13; Rev.20:4) 

Replacing and silencing these “living stones" of God’s spiritual dwelling, is an “abomination” according to God...
(Num.3:10,38; 2Chron.13:9-10; Ezek.8:6; 44:6-9; Matt.24:15-16; 1Cor.3:16-17; Rev.11:1-2; 1Pet.2:5,9; 1Cor.4:1; Heb.9:11; Eph.2:20-22) Mark 13:14
(https://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)
...And that does lead to a few apt comparisons to the time of Israel in the wilderness. 
Besides the persistent tendency to neglect the Word of the Holy One, there are two major correlations we can make. 
The first was Korah’s attempt to usurp the priesthood.
The organization comments, 
“When Korah and his associates in the wilderness wanted to exalt themselves to the priesthood and charged Moses and Aaron with taking too much on themselves, they proved that they did not appreciate theocratic organization.” (w 1952/2/1 pp. 76-85)
Today, it is clearly evident that there is no appreciation for ‘theocratic organization’ of the anointed priesthood of God’s Temple under Jesus Christ. By the orders of the evil slave and her massive army, they are denied the ability to direct the people in truth. 
(Zech.8:16; Prov.8:7; 12:17; 2Cor.4:1-2; 1Tim.4:1; Dan.8:12) 
This equates to removal of their “daily sacrifices” of praise and truth in Jesus, to the Father. 
(Dan.7:23; 8:10-11,13; 11:31; John15:4-6) 

All that has taken place in the organization, was prophesied to affect the remaining anointed ones in the last days – Christ’s “kings of the earth”. 
(Rev.12:17,15; Dan.11:10; Rev.16:13-14,15-16; 20:7-9; Luke 21:20; 13:10,7; Col.2:8) 
(Rev.1:5-6; 5:9,10)
SEE: - Daniel Chapter Eleven, verses 31-45 - 

The other major comparison to Israel’s years in the wilderness, was the idolatry that broke out among them. (Ex.32:1) Their uprising, which led to fabricating a golden calf to “go before” the people, is seen through the fabrication that one must “keep in step with” – “moving ahead with Jehovah’s organization”. JWs have been stumbled by their leaders’ vision of their own minds, to “go before” them, thoroughly convinced that this idol will lead them into salvation. 
(Deut.7:26; Jer.14:14; Matt.16:23; 2Pet.2:1-3; Rev.2:14,20; Isa.57:14) 
Idols do come in all sizes and forms, and it has been said from their own mouths…
"As Christians, we face up to similar challenges today. We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry—be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization." Wt 1990/11/1 p. 26

It was an act of physical and spiritual thievery to ask the people of Israel to contribute their gold for the making of the golden calf idol, even if they willingly handed it over. Aaron succumbed to the pressure of the crowd’s fleshly desires. But how Aaron approached God in repentance concerning His failure to prevent idolatry, is not known. Moses begged God for forgiveness on his behalf, and on behalf of the people. 
(Ex.32:2-4,26,30-31; Deut.9:18-20) 
Not so with the governing leaders. They continue on their path of growing greed and support of the abomination present in the elder body. 
(Mark 13:14; Matt.24:48-49,50-51; Dan.2:33,43; Rev.13:11-12; 17:3) 

Every willing or begrudging contribution that is now mandatory to preserve and to build up the idol, is pure thievery. 
(Ex.20:3-4; Deut.4:23; Rom.16:17-18; Rom.1:25; 8:5; Mark 10:19; John 10:10)
Every JW who submits to such pressure becomes the victim of spiritual abuse. They are slaves to men and those men's earthly treasures. 
(1Cor.7:23; Gal.1:10; Col.3:24; 2:8; Jude 1:4; Rev.13:10)
Both of these major comparisons to Israel's unfaithfulness in the past, are linked to the present. 
The gradual removal of the holy priesthood, has led to the solid installation of the idol/organization through the exaltation of the "man of lawlessness"/elder body. This “body” that produces ‘stinging’ judgments against God’s holy people, stands “where it doesn’t belong”. 
(Mark 13:14; Rev.9:7-8,9-10; 11:1-2; 13:5-7; Ezek.2:6) 

In his prayer during the dedication of the temple he built for the name of God, King Solomon stressed the sovereignty of God, and the necessity of his servants to “walk in all His ways”, keeping His commandments “with all their hearts”. (1Kings 8:23,57-58) (Deut.11:18; Ps.119:105)
We do not “walk” in the statutes of men or those of an organization whose needs are no different than another earthly entity. We “keep in step” with the statutes of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. We observe only, the decrees Jesus fulfilled in his coming, and in his teachings. 
(Matt.15:9; 1Tim.6:3-5) 
(1Kings 2:3; 6:12; Micah 6:8; John 8:12; Matt.22:36-37,38-40; 5:17-18; 24:35; Rom.13:10; 2Thess.3:6) 

The temple that Solomon built, was not to be worshiped. (1Kings 8:27). 
It was a house of prayer and sacrifices made for the atonement of sins; and where God graciously filled the temple with His glory and radiance. Still, Solomon repeatedly stated that one’s prayers from the temple would be heard by God “in heaven, the place of your dwelling” 
(1Kings 8:30,32,34,36; Gen.28:16-17)
(Isa.66:1; Ps.99:5; Acts 17:24; John4:20-21,24; 1Cor.3:16; 6:19; 2Cor.6:16; Eph.2:6; Heb.12:22-23).  

Although God allowed His name to be on the temple as long as Israel was faithful, it was still the Almighty God who directed the nation of Israel, and not the temple where God’s Spirit rested. (Ex.15:2; 20:2; Isa.43:11) 
In contrast, it is the organization which bears the name “Jehovah” (and its non-anointed elders), that is continually stressed as the guiding authority over the lives of JWs. 
(Ex.23:13; Eph.5:15-16; Judges 10:13-14; Isa.46:5-7,8-9)

One of the hypocritical governing leaders who lives behind locked gates where men in a kiosk scrutinize all visitors arriving at their highly protected compound, stated to his listeners that God expects money to be given to the organization. Through these donations received, the satisfaction of his fleshly desires is preserved and secure; his prominence and power over the Elect and all JWs, remains intact. 
(Luke 4:5-7; Rom.8:5; Gal.5:16-17,24; Eph.4:20-22,23-24; 1John2:16; Col.3:5; 2Tim.3:2; Jude 1:17-18)

---[[[[[ I (Pearl Doxsey) am inserting the following two videos: 
--------(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9jFShBnr0E) (Matt.5:20; Luke 12:1) ]]]]]---

(Paula continuing):
He stated, “Now, the fact is we never beg for money, but that’s not to say we can’t talk about money in Jehovah’s organization, the earthly part”.
Never beg for money? 
When speaking of the future project on the gospels of Jesus, one governing partner said, “In view of the large scope of this project we encourage you to make it a matter of prayer and  ...please... (said with lengthy emphasis), support it according to your circumstances”.
God has no need for an earthly organization, when Zion is built on the Body of Jesus Christ and God’s chosen “living stones” of His priestly kings. They are the “organization” that God has sanctioned since the first century. They are the temple/dwelling of God’s spirit....
(1Pet.2:5; 1Cor.3:16; Eph.2:20-22,10; Rev.5:9-10; 1Cor.12:27; 14:1) 
.....not the foretold counterfeit, of Isa.2:2-3. 
(Zech.4:7; Rev.8:8; Matt.21:21).

So, why is this leader talking about money? The idol requires it, just as the idol in Moses’ day required people’s gold to create it. (1Cor.10:7) It can only exist if money is poured into it. The leader admits, “Money has to be discussed in the last day, this system, meets a response in all things.” We must ask then, what sets this organization apart from any other? Where is God’s power and spirit in this apparently unusual “spirit-directed organization”? Where does the faith in God’s ability to provide for their needs, lay? Their faith and trust is in the idol, and all idols need to be fed by the men who create them. So the lie is fostered that God and the Father will love JWs, because they give their material possessions…to the idol. He used two scriptures to support this.

The first was Deut.16:16-17 
What were the blessings brought before the Lord? They were the “firstfruits” of the barley and wheat harvest, and of the olive and grape. God blessed their plantings throughout the year leading to abundant harvests, because of their obedience to His commandments. (Deut.16:13,15; 26:3-5; 30:9,10) These feasts all held spiritual significance, which we find in Jesus’ presence on earth, his teachings and God’s provision for redemption through his atoning sacrifice. 
(Matt.1:23; 7:17-18; Rom.8:2; 1Cor.5:7; 15:20; Heb.4:15; Col.2:16-17; Mark 2:22)
Money holds no spiritual significance to God, and cannot preserve one’s good standing before Him, or prove our love for Him (Haggai 2:8; Eze.7:19; Zeph.1:18). We are judged on our love and obedience to His Word in Jesus Christ. (John12:48-50; Deut.7:11-13; Ec.7:12; Hosea 6:6; Matt.6:19-20,24; Col.3:1-2,5-7; 1Tim.6:6-8,9-10) 

He also cited 2Cor.9:7 
Paul's words, urged Christians to practice an uninhibited, generous spread of the seed of truth, and the generous giving to those who were poor and suffering. (2Cor.9:10,8) Please read 2Cor.8:13-15. 
Neither the sharing of and need for truth, nor physical provisions for the poor, are met in or by, the organization. There is no fairness or equality with Bible truth in either regard, as men who live a worry-free, comfortable life, breathe and propagate lying doctrines (Matt.23:4). 
(Prov.5:3-4,7-9,10-12,13-14; Heb.12:14-15; Rev.8:10-11; 18:7-8)

A comment from Pearl Doxsey:
"We learn from God's own Word, about the sacrifices that He is pleased with.
Three scriptures come to mind... 2Cor.9:7-9,10-11,12-13; 8:11-12; Philemon 1:14.
They contain the lesson that our gift is decided in our own heart, between us and God alone. No compulsion should be felt, but our gift is rooted in love and joy. God then blesses our charitable work, by supplying all we need to continue in it, while we also reap abundant blessing for ourselves. Through such a relationship with God's truth and the life that results, all, are refreshed, sustained, and built up. There is no sense of burden, comparison, shame, competition, or failure. Such things come from the wicked one, and those who assist Satan to shackle men with a bondage to Idols.
Rules, standards, human expectations, and counting, do not serve the will, truth, or purpose of God (Matt.15:9; Mark7:13).
Those things only serve the unlawful, worldly power and desires, of men, and the purpose of Satan.
'You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' (John8:32)"

The poor and needy among JWs must provide not only for their own needs, but donate to the desires of the leaders, and to the needs of their idol. Using the example of the widow’s contribution to the temple in Jesus’ day, the speaker had the impudence to tell the poor, “So even when we’re poor we’re expected to give monetarily, it’s because we love Jehovah, love Jesus” (Mark 12:41-42,43-44).
The Watchtower Corporation is laden with stock holdings and investments. The money they receive, have, spend, and invest, is of primary interest to its governors (Matt.6:21). 
The NMB version of the Bible states; "No man who wars, entangles himself with worldly business, because he wants to please him who has chosen him to be a soldier." (2Tim.2:4). 
Jesus has chosen the members of his Elect, to battle with him against religious falsehood 
(2Tim.2:3-4; 2Cor.10:3-5; Rev.17:14; Eph.6:11-12; 5:11). 
His faithful anointed will not prioritize or focus on, materialism (Matt.6:19-21,24,25-26,28-30,31-32).

The GB speaker's comparison to the early temple in Jerusalem where God removed His Spirit for rejecting his Son, should certainly clue us in to the true identity of today’s idol/”temple”, as “Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”. The first-century Jewish system was also corrupt; the Pharisees had added their own laws to the laws of God, which Jesus referenced as burdens put upon the people. (Matt.11:28; 23:4; 16:11-12). The division between the rich and the poor was widened under the Roman Gentile domination. The widow dropped her coins into one of 13 chests marked for the donation’s use, (sound familiar?) whether it was for sacrifices, voluntary contributions for the poor, or mandatory obligations. These chests were shaped like trumpets, with large funnels playing back the sound of the money dropping in. Knowing this, brings more clarity to Jesus’ words in Matt.6:2. There was no balance stressed by Paul in 2Cor.8:13-15. If the widow dropped in “all she had to live on”, was she a recipient as a poor one, from the temple’s treasury? For a certainty, the poor in the organization are not the recipients of its “treasury”. 
(Isa.58:1,6-7; 2Thess.3:7-9; 1Thess.2:9; James 2:1-3,4-5,6-7) 

Jesus said, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matt.22:21) This nonprofit organization (and he called it such) follows strict guidelines and codes when building their “Bethels”. They seek tax exempt status, which requires registration with the government. They are in essence, under the management of the government by following certain regulations. This is the crux of the GB’s statement that “money has to be discussed” and “meets a response in all things” in this system. Solomon’s temple and its building was not influenced by a government, yet when God’s people sinned, outside nations obtained dominion and power over His people, Jerusalem, and the temple.

Within this idolized, nonprofit, so-called “spirit-directed organization”; the living stones of God’s genuine spiritual Temple have been dominated by a foreign nation – a “Gentile” take-over. (1Cor.3:16-17; Rev.11:1-2; Rev.13:4,7). Under compulsion to remain silent; God’s priests are chained and branded by an organization of false doctrines, spiritual famine is pervasive; and a plague of corruption, disease and affliction of the heart, has come upon them and those in their company. 
(1Kings 8:37-38,39-40; Ezek.14:3; Prov.23:6-8; Isa.29:7-8; Zech.10:2; Amos 8:11-13; Rev.2:9; 9:20; 13:7,16,17; 16:2; 2Thess.2:7-8,9-10) 
The congregations suffer in the spiritual sense; and in many areas of the world, the constant burden to give out from the few resources one has, is expected by the idol.
The citing of John 14:23 by the GB member, was a very desperate choice to give credence to the leader’s decrees, because Jesus’ words in general, condemned accumulating worldly riches and storing up treasures on earth.

Satan had offered Jesus earthly power, riches and authority over the “kingdoms of the world/earth”, but he rejected all of it. (Luke 4:5-7) He stated, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), so why would Jesus approve of his disciple's desires, to establish his kingdom based upon the resources of this world (1John2:16,15,17; 5:19; James 4:4), ...and then attempt to put God’s name on it? (Jer.25:29; Rev.17:3)
The Kingdom reign of Jesus Christ, is one of “grace and truth” (John18:36-37; 1:14), far superior than any power, riches, advantage, or authority this world has to offer. 
(Prov.11:28; Matt.19:23; John 1:14,17; Eph.1:19-21) 

Please consider the Bible's understanding of today’s spiritual Temple, as being the anointed priesthood, where God’s spirit truly dwells (Eph.2:22; 1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5,9-10). Only His decrees are written on the hearts of the faithful. 
(Deut.6:4-6,7-8; 2Cor.6:16; John 14:23; Rom.5:5; 2Cor.3:3; Heb.10:16)
The anointed over the years have been taken captive by this Beast/organization. 
(Luke 22:31; 21:24; 1Pet.5:8; Col.2:8; Rev.13:10; 12:17) 
Those who have confronted it with truth in imitation of their Head, Jesus Christ, have faced persecution for their testimony of Jesus. 
(John 15:20; 16:2; 1Pet.4:12-13; Rev.12:17; 13:15; 6:9,11) 
The faithful “living stones”, made in the ‘image and likeness of God’, will bear the name of God and Jesus Christ in the Kingdom. (Rev.3:12). 
They and those who gather with them under Jesus' guidance and protection, will worship the Almighty Father in “spirit and truth”. 
(Gen.1:27; Matt.5:48; Col.3:10; Eph.5:7-8,9-10; Eph.4:24) (John 4:22-24) 
SEE: "Mankind" / "Son of Man" / "Man' of Lawlessness">> https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/04/mankind-man-of-lawlessness.html


Posted by Pearl Doxsey at 7:31 AM 0 comments
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Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Body of Christ -- Rachel

INTRODUCTION:
It was prophesied for the time of the end, that the living stones/royal priests of God's Temple (1Pet.2:5; Rev.5:9-10), would be conquered, trampled, and scattered...
(Rev.13:7,10; Luke21:6,24; Rev.11:2; Dan.8:10-12,19; 7:25; 11:31-33,36-37; 2Thess.2:4)
...because of their losing the strength of their covenant of salt (Matt.5:13)(2Chron.13:5; Ecc.10:5,7).
As a result, the remnant of living stones are scattered (Dan.9:7; Luke21:24).

Prophecy also tells us, that the sanctuary will be set right again (Dan.8:14; Mal.3:1-4,6; Matt.17:11) and the scattered, collected back together again (Mark 13:27; John17:21; 11:52; Eph.1:10; 4:13).
Readers may have taken note, that this eventuality I describe is the basic mission statement, written at the top of this Blog. That foretold gathering of the elect and royal priests of God, is underway. The temple of living stones is being "brought back to it's right condition", and again undertaking to render their sacred service (Mal.3:4; Heb.13:15; Matt.7:20; John15:16).
These faithful members of the Body of Christ (1Cor.12:27,18), receive holy spirit from their Head (Eph.4:15; 5:23; John15:4-5; Rom.11:17; Eph.5:29-30; John6:63; 17:8; 8:51). That spirit supplies unity, wisdom, and love under their one head (Eph.4:3; John17:23; Col.3:14; Eph.1:10; 4:13).

I would like to share with you, a sacrifice of praise from another anointed one that is now with us.
Here is her blog, which contains the letters she is sending out as her testimony to those who marked by the Beast. (https://inthenightaflyingscroll.blogspot.com/)
It is a long post, but well worth your time. I suggest taking it in sections, being sure to read the scriptures as you come to them.
Here below, is the letter they sent out as a testimony to all those still captive to the Beast.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gathering Elect [] Apostasy [] Abomination of Desolation [] God's Temple [] Divine Warning

Dear friends, 

I know you feel the same as I do about just the mere mention of the word “apostate”…a strong feeling of revulsion wells up.  That is a good thing!  Who wouldn’t fear rebelling against the Most High.  We are incredibly thankful that through preservation of God’s word the Bible, we can clearly identify an apostate.  Since we are unable to meet in person at the moment due to safety precautions, I am writing you, and perhaps in your personal study, you, too, researched this subject of apostasy.  Did you realize that an apostasy was prophetically foretold to occur?  You may have, but it is still shocking to read about it in the scriptures. 

The Hebrew and Greek scriptures give us a complete blueprint for identifying apostasy.  In the Greek scriptures, “apostasia,” translated “apostasy” (2 Thess.2:3) means a rebellion, a falling away, a defection from truth – “Jesus said to him [Thomas]: “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one come to the Father except through me.”  Apostasy, a defection from truth, is a departing from Jesus, rebelling against his instruction, and not imitating his example (1 Tim.6:3; 1 Tim.1:3; 2 Tim.4:4; 1 Cor.11:3; Luke 21:8; Rom.16:17; Matt.7:15; Heb.3:12; 1 John 2:6; 2 Thess.2:3).  The scriptures recorded the history God’s chosen ancient nation of Israel’s actions, both good and wayward, “examples…written for our admonition” (1 Cor.10:6-11; Heb.3:5; 9:1,6,9; 10:1,11,3,5-8).  In the Hebrew scriptures, we find God’s people, his nation of Israel, repeatedly became rebellious.  A Hebrew word was used for their disobedience: “meshubah,” defined, “apostasy,” “turning back/away,” “backsliding,” “waywardness,” and “unfaithful” (Prov.1:32; Jer.3:6,8,11,12,22; 5:6; 8:5; 14:7; Hos.11:7).  Time and again we read scriptural accounts of Israel’s unfaithfulness/apostasy due to their “abominations,” which described various kinds of wickedness they were warned against and described as “detestable things/images” and “disgusting thing/idols/god/practices” (Deut.12:31; 18:9-12; 20:18; 1 Kings 14:24; 2 Kings 16:3; 21:2; 23:24; 2 Chron.28:3; Jer.4:1; 16:18; 32:34; Ezek.5:11; 7:20; 11:18).  Ancient Israel was God’s “treasured possession,” a “holy people,” and where He dwelled, but their abominable idolatrous practices were considered adultery/prostitution/“acts of harlotry,” and resulted in God describing them as a “prostitute”/“harlot” (Deut.7:6; 26:18; 14:2; Exod.34:14-16; Num.35:34; Jer.2:11,20; 5:7; 13:27; 16:18; Hos.3:1; 4:15; 9:1; Psalm 106:39; Isa.1:21; Ezek.16:15,22,25,34,36).  Did you ever take note of the pattern of ancient Israel’s priesthood?  The priesthood were the only consecrated persons to permitted to carry out “daily sacrifices,” or offerings in God’s tabernacle and Temple…all others/”foreigners uncircumcised”/Gentiles/non-consecrated persons were forbidden from duties in the Temple, at the penalty of death (Jer.33:18; Deut.17:14,15; Lev.3:16; 17:5,6; 2 Chron.23:6,7; 1 Chron.9:33; Exod.29:38-40,42-44; Ex.40:15-16; Num.18:7; 28:6; Lev.6:9-12; Ezek.44:9).  Despite being repeatedly told that that no one “except the priests and Levites” were permitted to serve in the Temple, the Israelites even departed from that divine command and appointed uncircumcised foreigners to “keep charge” of God’s sanctuary (Ezek.44:6-8,10,12,15; 20:30,31; Num.18:7). 

We recall that “all the things that were written beforehand were written to instruct us” (Rom.15:4).  What a constellation of apostate acts have been recorded and described in the scriptures!  Both the Hebrew and Greek scriptures come together perfectly to present a complete picture that perfectly guides us on what apostate acts are, and how to identify apostasy, according to God and Jesus.  Let’s first start with the Hebrew scriptures, which describe God’s chosen people, the nation of Israel, and the divine commands regarding worship they were not to depart from: 

 <> God referred to the nation of Israel as “My people,” “a holy nation,” “holy people,” and His “dwelling place” (Deut.7:6; 26:19; 28:9; Exod.19:6; 22:31; 25:8; Lev.21:15; 2 Chron.7:14; 1 Kings 8:16; Isa.51:4; Ezek.21:12; 37:27). 
 <> God established a covenant with His people whom He chose, and gave them divine commandments and instruction for building the Temple and sanctuary (Deut.14:2; Gen.17:4; Exod.25:8,9; Exod.19:5; 24:8; Deut.4:13; see Exod.24-26). 
 <> Temple duties were limited to a consecrated priesthood, anointed to carry out the daily sacrifices/offerings/sacred service (Exod.29:1,9,29,44; Lev.6:9-12; Num.18:7; Jer.33:18; 1 Chron.9:33; 23:24; 2 Chron.23:6,7; 26:16-18; 13:10,11; 35:3; Neh.12:44-47; 13:10,11; Ezek.44:6-8). 
 <> Uncircumcised foreigners/Gentiles were forbidden from sacred service duties in God’s Temple and forbidden to be appointed as king over Israel (Deut.17:14,15; 2 Chron.23:6; Ezek.44:6-9; Lam.1:10; 5:2). 
 <> God’s holy people were commanded not to imitate the customs of worship of the surrounding nations, and their abominable idolatrous and detestable practices (Deut.12:30; 18:9; 20:18; 2 Kings 9:9, 17:7-15). 
 <> Warnings against idolatry included setting up physical idols and setting up “idols in their heart” (Deut.4:16,23; Exod.20:1-5; 23:13; 34:17; Lev.19:4; 26:1; Ezek.44:12; 14:1-5). 
 <> Israel had a choice:  Obey God’s commandments, be blessed and looked upon with favor, or do not obey God’s commandments and lose blessings and favor, and bear the consequences of their sin/unfaithfulness (Deut.7:12; 11:13-17; 28:1,15; Lev.26:3-13,14-39; 1 Chron.9:1; 2 Chron.7:19-22; Hosea 10:15; 11:7; Ezek.15:8; 39:23,26; 44:10-12; Josh.22:20; Dan.9:7).   
 <> Israel’s record reveals they often became wayward/apostate/unfaithful, and their rebellious acts likened to adultery, prostitution, and the “sin of divination” (1 Sam.15:23; Lev.17:7; Jer.3:6,8; Zeph.1:3-5; Hosea 6:7; 9:1; Ezra 9:1,2; Josh.7:1; 1 Chron.5:25; 2 Chron.28:22; 29:6; 30:7; Ezek.20:27). 
 <> Israel’s acts of unfaithfulness included “detestable practices of the nations,” idolatry/trusting in idols, and breaking the divine commands of who may perform sacred service in the Temple (2 Kings 17:7-11,15,41; 9:22; 21:21; Exod.32:4,8; Judges 18:31; 2 Chron.26:16-18; 36:14; Jer.48:7; Isa.44:17; Ezek.23:49; Hosea 4:12; 10:5,13; Psalm 52:7; 135:15-18). 
 <> Detestable and idolatrous acts were likened to sexual immorality; God described His people’s “acts of harlotry” and adultery as sexual immorality and called them a “prostitute”/”harlot.” (Isa.1:21; Lev.17:7; Jer. 2:17,19-22; 3:6-9; 9:2; Isa.1:21; Ezekiel 16:1,2,14-17,20-26,32,33,35,36; Micah 1:7; Hosea 4:12; 9:1). 
 <> When Israel was unfaithful, God “kept warning them by means of his messengers, warning them again and again, because he felt compassion for his people and for his dwelling place,” and good news that a repentant remnant of Israel, at times, only a few refugees, would be saved (2 Kings 17:12,13; 2 Chron.36:14,15; Isa.1:9;19,27,28; 10:20-22; 28:5; 41:8,9,27; Jer.23:3; 44:14; Ezra 9:8; Nahum 1:14,15; Micah 2:12; Hos.1:10; Joel 2:32). 
 
The apostles drew attention to the first covenant Temple arrangement as it foreshadowed, illustrated, and served as a pattern for the spiritual Temple arrangement under the new covenant established by Jesus’ sacrificial death (1 Cor.10:6,7,11; Heb.7:19; 8:5; 9:1,8-10; 10:1; Col.2:17; Rom.4:18,22-25).   

 <> All anointed “have an anointing from the Holy Spirit” by God, and become part of “Christ’s body.”  Christ’s body is “not of one member but of many” with each part given different gifts according to the Holy Spirit given them from God (Matt.16:18; 2 Cor.1:21; Col.2:9; 1 John 2:20; Heb.12:23; Acts 1:4; Rom.8:15,28; 12:4,5; 1 Cor.2:11-13; 10:17; 12:12-18,27-29; 14:33; John 2:19,21; Mark 14:58; Jude 1:13; Rev.1:5,2). 
 <> All anointed are “living stones,” a “spiritual house” in which “the whole building,” “God’s household,” is built together into “a holy Temple.” Christ is the “foundation cornerstone,” a “chief cornerstone,” and “Son over God’s house,” in which “there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved” (1 Pet.2:4,5; Heb.3:6; Acts 4:11,12; 1 Tim.3:15; Eph.2:19-22; Matt.21:42; Isa.28:16; 1 Pet 2:4,5,9,10; 1 John 2:27 John 14:26).  
 <> All anointed are “God’s Temple” and “dwelling place.”  Ancient Israel and their Temple worship served as a “copy and shadow of heavenly things.  When the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus’ disciples, they grasped that the physical city of Jerusalem was no longer God’s Temple for worship, and expressed that as “living stones,” they are God’s Temple and dwelling place and that He dwells in them.  Yes, the early Christians had fellowship and congregated in homes, and the apostle Paul drove the point home to them that God does not dwell in man-made Temples.  Jesus, as high priest, and “mediator of a better covenant,” is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God, and is a minister of God’s sanctuary and true tabernacle erected not by man, but by God (1 Cor.3:16,17; Matt.12:6; Acts 7:48,49; 17:24; Heb.8:1-6; Heb.9:11,24; Heb.10:19-21; John 4:21-24; Isa.66:1; 2 Cor.5:1). 
 <> All anointed are a “holy priesthood” with Jesus as “high priest.”  Jesus “has become surety of a better covenant,” making obsolete the old covenant with his death.  Jesus has a “permanent priesthood,” those who God considers to be “My people,” just was ancient Israel, but now ordaining a spiritual priesthood for acts of divine service, a sacred service without the limitations of physical burnt offerings, but “spiritual sacrifices” (Heb.3:1; Heb.7:22,24,26-28; Heb.8:1,9,10; Heb.9:1,6-10; Heb.10:5-10; Rom.12:1; 1 Pet.2:5,9). 
 <> All anointed, Christ’s body, are Jesus’ “congregation.”  Jesus Christ is the “firstborn” and “the Ruler of the kings of the earth” -  Jesus is not the ruler of the world, but he is the “head” and the ruler over his “body,” his “congregation” of all anointed (John 12:31; 14:30; 1 Cor.2:12; 12:12-18,27-29; Rev.1:5,6; 2:11; 5:10; 3:21; 12:9; 20:4,6).   
 <> All anointed are taught directly by the Spirit.  Spirit teaches all anointed, and together, as a “holy priesthood,” they must carry out their priestly duties by offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  These “sacrifices” are not literal burnt offerings as was carried out by ancient Israel’s priesthood who served in God’s Temple.  All anointed, as God’s Temple, are to offer themselves as a “living sacrifice,” and through a perpetual “sacrifice of praise,” which is a bearing of “much fruit,” “the fruit of the lips”; sharing with others what the Spirit has taught them (John 14:26; Heb.13:15,16; Psalm 119:108; Rom.12:1; 1 John 2:20,27; 1 Cor.1:21; 2:10; 12:7,11-13; Matt.7:17; 13:23; Mark 4:20; 1John 2:27; John14:16; 15:4,5,16,18,26; 12:24; 16:3,7,13; Acts 2:33; Jer.33:18; Rev.22:3-5). 
 <> All anointed are ”branches” that must remain attached to the “vine”/Jesus.  All anointed must remain faithful to Christ’s teachings, lest they stray, become unfaithful, and be “cut off” from the vine/Jesus, discarded/”thrown into the fire.” Yes, it is possible for anointed to stop following Jesus, become apostate, and lose their “light.”  Without “light” in darkness and become false teachers, producing “fruit”/teachings that “rot”/expire and are thus, lies (Heb.3:12-15; 4:7,11; 6:4-6,18; John 3:19; 8:12; 15:5-7,16; 2 Cor.2:11; 4:6; 11:13,14; Rom.11:17-22; Acts 26:18,23; Matt.22:14; 7:15-23; 15:8,9; Mark 13:22; 1 John 2:11; John 8:44; Num.23:19). 
 
We now have the keys, the scriptures, to identify an apostate!  Carefully examine the example of ancient Israel, God’s people, and take note of the divine laws regarding the Temple/tabernacle arrangement….THIS is a pattern and foreshadow of God’s spiritual Temple (Eph.2:14-16; 1 Cor.10:6,7,11; Rom.4:23; Num.18:1,5-7; 2 Chron.23:5,6,18,19; Heb.8:5; 10:1; Col.2:17).  According to scripture, here is what we know: 

 <> Jesus’ faithful death fulfilled the old covenant, making it obsolete, and established a new covenant, one where God’s Temple is made up of spirit-anointed persons that include Gentiles, who are spiritual Jews, a “holy priesthood”/Jesus’ congregation. All anointed are God’s Temple, “living stones” that build His “house” (1 Pet.2:5; 1 Cor.3:10; 12:27,28; Rom.12:4-8; Eph.2:19-22; Rom.2:25-29; Col.2:11; 3:11,12,15; Phil.3:3; 1 Cor.7:19; Gal.5:6).  
 
 <> Jesus foretold that “many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people” (Matt.24:10,11; 1Tim.4:1).  Deception is an attempt to lead you in the wrong way, away from true teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “watch out for false prophets” (Matt.7:15-20), “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Mark 13:5).   

 <> Will it be easy to identify a false prophet?  No, it will not. Jesus warns that false prophets will deceive by appearing sheep-like and be successful because they will actually be well-perceived and praised by many people (Luke 6:26; 1 Cor.2:14; 2 Cor.11:13-15; 1 John 4:1; Heb.5:14; Matt.7:15; 24:11,25; 22:14; Rom.12:2; John 7:24; 1 Tim.4:1; 1 Thess.5:21).   

 <> Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with striking observableness” (Luke 17:20).  However, a “natural person” is enticed by the “senses,” and unable to “hear” and “see” because of not using spiritual discernment (1 Cor.2:14; Matt.13:13,14; 16:1-4; 12:39; 23:27,28; Mark 8:11,12; Luke 12:54-56; 2 Pet.2:18; Rom.8:5-8; 11:8; 1 John 4:1; 2 Thess.2:2; Jer.5:21).  Such persons will be easily deceived by false prophets who were foretold by Jesus to perform “great signs and wonders,” observable acts done to elicit a reaction of awe from onlookers, and to deceive, “if possible, even the elect,” spiritual Jews/anointed (Mark 13:22; Matt.24:24,22,31; John 4:48).   

 <> Jesus said we would recognize false prophets by their “fruit.”  What fruit?  Jesus’ truthful unchanging teachings; he is the “fruit of the light,” “the light of the world” and reflects God’s light, God’s truth (John 3:19,21; 8:12; 12:46; 14:6; 17:17; Eph.5:9; 1 John 1:5-7; 2:8; 2 Cor.4:6; Luke 11:36; Psalm 27:1).   

 <> The teachings, the “fruit,” we ingest from those we trust to be faithful anointed taught by Holy Spirit, does that “fruit” rot away and expire over time?  If so, we are ingesting “fruit” from a false prophet, an anointed that has departed from Jesus’ teachings.  Do not be deceived, God and Jesus will not vacillate or flip-flop in truth, nor provide teachings relayed with the “Spirit of truth” that only later expire, for as we know, “It is impossible for God to lie” or to “change His mind” (Heb.6:18; Titus 1:2; James 1:17; Num.23:19; John 14:17,26; 15:26; 1 John 4:6; Psalm 25:5).  Truth that “rots” is a lie, a hallmark of Satan who “masquerades as an angel of light,” and is the father of the lie (Matt.7:15-23; 12:33;15:8; Luke 6:43,44; 2 Cor.2:11; 11:13,14; John 8:44; Heb.6:18).   

 <> Jesus’ apostles too warned of individuals who are among God’s household, His Temple, who would lead in teaching others, yet would become unfaithful/apostate.  “The inspired word clearly says that in later time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons” (1 Tim.4:1; 2 Tim.4:3,4; Acts 20:29,30; 2 Cor.11:3,13-15; 6:16; Eph.2:21,22; 1 John 4:1; Col.2:8; 1 Tim.4:1).  The apostles did not exclude their own teachings from being thoroughly tested against scripture, and reminded the early Christians to “test all things,” a reminder preserved for us today in which no one is excluded from (1 Thess.5:21; 1 John 4:1). 
 
What Temple of God was the apostle Paul speaking about?  Ancient Israel?  No.  Remember, the scriptures tell us that those anointed by Spirit are “living stones,” they are God’s Temple.  (1 Pet.2:5; 1 Cor.3:16,17).  Is it feasible to think the Father departed, apostatized from His own truthful words, breaking His covenant with His people and directing His son Jesus to select a religious group among all the religions on the globe as a representation of the Most High?  That instead of all anointed being God’s Temple, anointed leaders are to imitate surrounding physical religious organizations common today, perhaps imitating televangelists, or churches, in the sense of man-made buildings/structures.  Did Jesus depart from his own teaching that anointed, who are the parts of his “body” and taught directly by Spirit, are now, not to receive direction from him, their “head,” and that he now, diverts his authority over his own “congregation”/”body” to not-anointed elders/overseers/physical Gentiles to teach and judge them? (Ezek.20:32; 2 Cor.6:16; 1 Cor.6:15,19,20; 12:12,13,27,28; 1 John 2:27; John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7,13; 1 Thess.1:9; Eph.1:23; 5:5; Isa.42:8; Lev.19:4; 26:1; 1 John 5:21; Rom.1:21-23; Gal.1:6-9; Deut.12:29-32; Lev.20:22,23; Jer.10:2-4; 1 Cor.2:14; Deut.7:26; Matt.24:15; Mark 13:14). 
We are warned that an “apostasy comes first” before “God’s day.”  “Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it [God’s day, vs.2] will not come until the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction. He stands in opposition and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the Temple of God, publicly showing himself to be a god” (2 Thess.2:3,4).   

This very thing was prophesied to occur, is happening now, and has been revealed in Revelation.  What anointed leaders have departed from Christ’s teachings and have become adulterous, a “prostitute,” by their idolatrous acts, lauding and claiming a physical religious organization, an idol, is “God’s earthly organization”?  “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I, then, take the members of the Christ away and join them to a prostitute? By no means!” (1 Cor.6:15).  This “wild beast,” Watchtower, is led by a “false prophet” who has “breathed life,” a spirit of divine authority into its “image,” not-anointed elders/overseers (Rev.13:1-18).  The only spirit this “image” has been given is out of the mouth of the “false prophet,” a deceiving spirit that originates from Satan and blasphemes God, “slandering his name and his dwelling place,” His holy people…inciting God’s wrath (Rev.13:4,7-10; Rom.2:5-8; Rev.14:9-11; 1 Pet.2:9; Heb.13:14; Col.3:12; Eph.2:6-10,12,19-22; Phil.3:3; Rom.2:28,29; 1 John 4:6; John12:44; 8:44; Jude 1:4; Deut.7:26; 29:17; Jer.16:18; Isa.62:12; Ezek.5:11; 11:21; 16:36; 20:7,8; Ezra 9:1,2; Rom.2:17-24; Acts 17:24; Acts 7:48-53; Titus 1:2).  Do you dare to confront the leaders of Watchtower or their elder/overseer representatives who speak for them about their false teachings, or openly disagree with them?  If so, will you be left “unharmed” (avoid shunning, disfellowshipping)?  “Who is like the wild beast [Watchtower], and who can do battle with it?” (Rev.13:4). “And it [the false prophet] was permitted to give breath [appearance of divine spirit and authority] to the image of the wild beast [not anointed elders/overseers], so that the image of the wild beast should both speak and cause to be killed (symbolic for disfellowshipping and shunning) all those who refuse to worship the image of the wild beast” (Rev.13:15).
 
Can you now, using scripture, spiritually discern the apostasy that has occurred and the man of lawlessness/Gentiles/not-anointed that have taken a seat in God’s Temple and are trampling God’s spiritual Temple?  (2 Thess.2:1-4; Exod.20:3; 1 Cor.3:16,17; 6:2; Mark 13:1,2,14; Luke 21:20-24,28; 17:20,21; Matt.24:12,15,16; Rom.12:1; Dan.11:31; Rev.11:1,2; 13:7; 17:15; 21:27; John 18:36; Matt.24:4; Ezek.5:11; Deut.7:26; 2 Kings 17:41).  God’s spiritual Temple, Jesus, the head of this “congregation,” is being surrounded, hemmed in and trampled by not anointed/physical Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Rev.11:2; 12:17; 19:20; Dan.8:13; Heb.10:29; Acts 3:17-20; Jer.12:10; 17:5; 32:36-44; Isa.1:4-9; Rom.9:31-33; 6:16,20-22).  Do you discern the abomination?  It is time to flee! (Matt.24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:21; Dan9:27).  “But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually” (1 Cor.2:14).
 
God is right 100% of the time…all His prophecies come true (Dan.8:13; 1 Thess.5:20,21; 1 Cor.14:32; Deut.18:18,19; Jer.12:10; 17:5; 32:36-44; Heb.10:29; Hos.12:10; Amos 3:7; 2 Chron.20:20; 24:19; Isa.1:4-9; 8:20; 30:10; Matt.5:11,12; Rom.12:6,7; Eph.4:11-13; 1 John 4:1).  God always warns His people when they become wayward, sending messengers to warn them, and with good news...a remnant will repent, and return to their “head,” Jesus, worshiping God in truth and spirit (Rev.22:12-16,18,19; 21:22-27; Eph.4:15; 5:23; Col.2:10; John 4:23,24; 16:13; Rev.3:12; 12:17; 19:20; Acts 3:17-20; Jer.4:1; Isa. 10:20-23; Ezek.11:18; 2 Kings 19:30,31; Rom.6:16; 9:27). Who do you believe and have more faith in…Christ’s teachings, or the Watchtower’s? (John 5:22-24: Luke 10:16; 1 John 2:23; Isa.29:13; Mark 7:6; Matt.15:8; Eph.2:8,9; Titus 1:16).  

“Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues” (Rev.18:4). 

Rachel Roman-Pruden

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Posted by Pearl Doxsey at 12:13 PM 0 comments
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