Earthly Jerusalem First Disciplined, Then Praised!

[Apollyon (Revelation 9:11)]

EARTHLY JERUSALEM FIRST "DISCIPLINED," THEN "PRAISED" BY ALL NATIONS!

[ Please see full color blog complete with graphics at: http://www.yorww.com/earthlyjerusalem.htm ]

The prophet Jeremiah foretold a spiritual "recuperation," and a glorious spiritual restoration for the EARTHLY "Jerusalem" of God's making, God's "Name" City (Jeremiah 25:29) by saying the following:

"Here I am bringing up for her a recuperation and health; and I will heal them and reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth. And I will bring back the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel, and I will build them just as at the start. And I will purify them from all their errors with which they have sinned against me, and I will forgive all their errors with which they have sinned against me and with which they have transgressed against me. And she [Jerusalem] will certainly become to me a name of exultation, a praise and a beauty toward all the nations of the earth who will hear of all the goodness that I am rendering to them [the captives]. And they will certainly be in dread and be agitated on account of all the goodness and on account of all the peace that I am rendering to her [Jerusalem]." -- Jeremiah 33:6-9

The above bible account of prophecy raises some very interesting questions that could be pondered at this time, by all keen students of bible prophecy.

For example, does not the above bible account and prophecy, clearly show that the very same "Jerusalem," an earthly Jerusalem, that receives a "RECUPERATION AND HEALTH," yes a "HEALING" itself from Jehovah's Own Hand...is also the same "Jerusalem" that also receives a "name of exultation," a "name of praise and beauty" from among "all the nations of the earth?" Does not this bible account actually show this?

Doesn't the above prophecy also show that at the time of EARTHLY Jerusalem's spiritual "recuperation" and "healing" from all of the sinning that they have done against Jehovah God, that at this time. It further says, Jehovah will "reveal" yes, "Abundant peace and abundant truth" to them. Yes, Jehovah will reveal to EARTHLY "Jerusalem" at that time... unheard of Great "Truths" from His Glorious Word of Truth. Yes, things that would formerly be considered so great, by the nation of spiritual "Israel," that it would be considered as the prophet said..."GREAT and INCOMPREHENSIBLE THINGS that you have not known of before", Jehovah has said. -- Jeremiah 33:3, 6

Also, does not this prophecy show that this very same EARTHLY "Jerusalem" that receives back all of its "captives," the ones of "Israel" that must be "purified from all of their errors that they have sinned against" Jehovah God, that same earthly "Jerusalem" will later be the same one which will be held in high esteem by "ALL OF THE NATIONS UPON EARTH"? Does not this bible account show this, I ask?

Yes, no question but this bible prophecy actually shows us the particular EARTHLY situation itself where the same EARTHLY "Jerusalem," that the nations of this earth will one day be in constant "dread and agitation" of, simply because of "all of the goodness" and "all the peace," that Jehovah God Himself, will "render" to the former "captives" who are of the nation of Israel -- the Great "Peace," that Jehovah God grants...RESTORED EARTHLY "JERUSALEM."

"Jerusalem" the "city" that Jehovah begins all of his discipline upon, the "house of God," where "judgment starts"... "the city that is called by God's Name"...Jehovah. -- Jeremiah 25:29; 1 Peter 4:17

End Part 1.

[Apollyon (Revelation 9:11)]

EARTHLY JERUSALEM FIRST "DISCIPLINED," THEN "PRAISED" BY ALL NATIONS!

Part 2.

God's Kingdom Government, An Earthly Kingdom Arrangement???

The idea of "New Jerusalem" being an earthly kingdom government seems quite foreign to Jehovah's Witnesses as a people. And yet, the bible does make numerous references to Zion, Mt. Zion being an earthly establishment, an Earthly Temple itself. (See Link below for more information on God's Earthly Temple Arrangement.)

See Link: The "Temple Of God" Under Examination Today

For instance the reference to the "Holy Mountain of Decoration" mentioned in Daniel 11th chapter, which is given Divine Protection from the menacing attack of the King of the North, during the "time of the end." Daniel 11:44, 45 says,

"But there will be reports that will disturb him, out of the sunrising and out of the north, and he will certainly go forth in a great rage in order to annihilate and to devote many to destruction. And he will plant his palatial tents between the grand sea and the Holy Mountain of Decoration; and he will have to come all the way to his end, and there will be no helper for him."

In the above prophecy, surely we can see the "Holy Mountain of Decoration," being shown to be an earthly arrangement from God, that indeed has His Divine Protection. In this sense, we clearly see this as being God's Holy Mountain ON EARTH -- Mount Zion, on earth. Is that not true?

Also, we have the reference of the "Mountain of Zion" shown in Isaiah 2nd chapter and Micah 4th chapter, all give the sure promise of God that an earthly Mt. Zion will figure prominently in the salvation of many people, yes, during the "final part of the days." Yes, each prophecy shows us that "many nations" of people will at that time, willingly, "beat their swords into plowshare" and "learn war no more." Yes, these ones will gladly "stream" in large numbers to the "mountain of Jehovah," where "law goes forth from Zion," -- clearly an earthly Zion. Isaiah 2:2-4 says:

"And it must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it ALL THE NATIONS MUST STREAM. And many peoples will certainly go and say: "Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore."

Again, this prophecy clearly shows us the Kingdom God, being established upon earth for the benefit of all mankind. In this particular setting, Isaiah's prophecy shows the Kingdom of God as being an exalted "mountain", that is raised high "above the hills" and even the "tops of mountains" of its time. It vividly shows "ALL the nations" of the earth, all of them, then must "stream" to this particular highly exalted earthly Mountain of God, the earthly "House of the God of Jacob." This means, that all nations of the earth at that time, will adhere to the Divine Instruction and Guidance, even Divine Law, that "goes forth from Zion," God's Kingdom Government, which is now established upon earth.

At that time, in the "final part of the days," it will be just as Jesus said,

"Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also UPON EARTH." -- Matthew 6:10

Yes, at that time, God's "Kingdom" will have indeed, been established "upon earth," just as it is in heaven.

Also the prophecy at Micah 4:1-4 says:

"And it must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. And many nations will certainly go and say: "Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion law will go forth, and THE WORD OF JEHOVAH OUT OF JERUSALEM. And he will certainly render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken it.

Did you notice in the above prophecy of Micah, that this "mountain" of Jehovah that is exalted in the "final part of the days," is called: JERUSALEM?

Yes, this "mountain," where the "word of Jehovah" goes out to the nations, is called, God's "Jerusalem," God's Holy City. And clearly, this is an earthly "Jerusalem" that God Himself has established, is that not true? No question, this is an EARTHLY Jerusalem itself, God's "Jerusalem" upon earth. Think about it.

The words of the prophet Zechariah 8:20-22 show us the same scene where it states:

"This is what Jehovah of armies has said, It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come; and the inhabitants of one city will certainly go to those of another, saying: Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah of armies. I myself will go also. And many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies IN JERUSALEM and to soften the face of Jehovah."

Clearly, this is, again, an earthly scene where many individuals from various "cities" will seek other individuals from other "cities" all for the purpose of going up to "soften the face of Jehovah." Yes, many individuals, from "many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies," ... where? Why, yes, the prophecy says, they will "seek Jehovah" again, IN JERUSALEM, the place he resides UPON EARTH. Again, that point is clear.

This special invite that we read of above, where various individuals from many different nations, speak the words:

"Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob..."

is a very special invite in itself. Yes it is, because it becomes the same invite mentioned in Revelation 22:17 where it states:

"..."Come!" And let anyone hearing say: "Come!" And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life's water free."

Yes, this is the same invite, only this time the special invite came from the magnificent Temple of the book of Revelation, the one that is always thought to be a HEAVENLY "Jerusalem", is it not? And yet, we find the same invitation coming from God, as mentioned thru the "Spirit" and the "Bride" [New Jerusalem] going out to earth's inhabitants. The Grand invitation to: "Come!" ... Come, up to "New Jerusalem." Its the same invite, itself.

Again, the reason we know that the Temple structure mentioned in Revelation is also an earthly establishment is because it mentions conditions, earthly conditions present OUTSIDE the walls of this glorious temple shown in Revelation. For instance, let's take Revelation 22:14, 15. It states:

"Happy are those who wash their robes, that the authority to go to the trees of life may be theirs and that they may gain entrance in the city by its gates. OUTSIDE are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie."

In the above bible account, it mentions those that may be privileged to "gain entrance into the city," the holy city of Jerusalem. So it is clear, we are discussing "New Jerusalem," here in this instance. However, did you notice the next verse says "OUTSIDE are the dogs," and other unsavory individuals who are practicing sin? Yes, "outside" of "New Jerusalem", outside of the "walls" of New Jerusalem, will indeed be such ones. But let's reason on this. Surely, we are not saying that IN HEAVEN WITH JEHOVAH, there will those that are filthy "dogs," or those that practice "spiritism," or unrepentant "fornicators" in the Holy Presence of Jehovah God in heaven, are we? No, but you would say, no that means ON EARTH...right?

But then, that would mean 2 things:

(a) God's Kingdom will be fully established, Heavenly "New Jerusalem" itself is established, while wickedness still prevails upon earth. In other words, the two conditions of righteousness and wickedness will exist at the SAME TIME. That point is irrefutable. Also, it means this,

(b) It is very possible, yes most logical to see finally, that "New Jerusalem," is actually an EARTHLY condition, where righteousness will finally prevail ON EARTH, as Jesus promised at Matthew 6:10. And if that is the case, then, we could see how "OUTSIDE" the earthly walls of God's Kingdom Government, "New Jerusalem" established right here on earth, "OUTSIDE" those walls, wickedness could actually abound! Yes, now, we see how that could be possible, indeed, if the Kingdom of God, is finally seen, realized or properly understood to become established, upon earth. Yes, we can see how both good and bad, can both exist, at the same time, upon earth. And in this way, we can see how God's Earthly Kingdom Government, is finally realized, seen, upon earth, in the "final part of the days" of this wicked system of things. Think about it.

God's Kingdom, Righteousness and Wickedness Exist on earth at the same time?!?

Yes, much to the surprise of many, the bible itself shows God's Kingdom would come into being, and would be established right here on earth, yes, in the midst of rank wickedness upon earth. Yes, imagine that!

Perhaps, we remember the key bible text found at Revelation 5:9, 10 which speaks about the "kings" and "priests" of God, ruling "OVER the earth", according to the New World Translation. The Watchtower Society suggests, using this verse, the "kings" and "priests" of God will rule up in heaven. However, if one would check the actual literal word-for-word Greek rendering of this same verse, as shown within the Watchtower Society's own Kingdom Interlinear Translation (1969), you will notice the more correct and literal rendering of this verse actually says the "kings" and "priests" of God will rule "UPON THE EARTH". That's right, it really says "upon the earth," and not "over the earth," as the Watchtower Society insists in their dogma. Now that's quite a difference in thought, wouldn't you say?

Think about it.

Indeed, we see the earthly aspect of God's Rulership being clearly indicated by Jesus in the many prophetic parables or prophetic illustrations that he gave. For instance, in the many prophetic illustrations of Jesus that dealt with the infamous "weeping and gnashing of teeth," of the wicked. Yes, let's examine these statements of Jesus about the establishment of God's Kingdom upon earth.

1. "But I tell you that many from eastern parts and western parts will come and recline at the table with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens; whereas the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the darkness OUTSIDE. There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be." -- Matthew 8:11, 12

Yes, the wicked are "thrown OUTSIDE," yes OUTSIDE the walls of "New Jerusalem," the Holy City which now, is established on earth, just as we read above in Revelation 22:14, 15. But let's consider more examples.

2. Therefore, just as the weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be in the conclusion of the system of things. The Son of man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out from his kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness, and they will pitch them into the fiery furnace. There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be." -- Matthew 13:40-42

Again, the "weeds" are "pitched into the fiery furnace," where the "weeping and gnashing of teeth" occurs. Again, the wicked "weeds" exist for a time, OUTSIDE the "Kingdom of God," since they are "collected out from his kingdom," it says. And so the wicked then co-exist with the righteous, who are themselves "in the kingdom of God," itself. But, they both co-exist together, upon earth. Which means, the "kingdom of the Son of Man," is an earthly arrangement. Another example,

3. "Again the kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet let down into the sea and gathering up fish of every kind. when it got full they hauled it up onto the beach and, sitting down, they collected the fine ones into vessels, but the unsuitable they threw away. That is how it will be in the conclusion of the system of things: the angels will go out and separate the wicked from the among the righteous and will cast them into the fiery furnace. There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be." -- Matthew 13:47-50

Again the "fiery furnace" is mentioned....another earthly condition where the "wicked" reside, co-exist OUTSIDE the Kingdom of God. In this "fiery furnace" represents a special place of rejection from God, where the wicked "weep" and "gnash" their teeth at this newly established Kingdom Government upon earth.

4. "When the king came into inspect the guests he caught sight there of a man not clothed with a marriage garment. So he said to him, Fellow, how did you get in here not having on a marriage garment? He was rendered speechless. Then the king said to his servants, Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the darkness OUTSIDE. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be." -- Matthew 22:11-13

Yes, the pits of dense "darkness" exist OUTSIDE, the earthly walls of "New Jerusalem," itself. Again, this shows, an earthly condition or state of affairs for those who are finally rejected by God. Another example,

5. "But if ever that evil slave should say in his heart, My master is delaying, and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, and will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his part with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be." -- Matthew 24:48-51

Again, where do the "hypocrites" exist, relative to God's Established Earthly Kingdom? Yes, OUTSIDE the walls of "New Jerusalem." But the "hypocrites" are still alive, and functioning, upon earth at this time when "New Jerusalem" is engaged in righteousness upon earth. Another example,

6. "Therefore take away the talent from him and give it to him that has the ten talents. For to everyone that has, more will be given and he will have abundance; but as for him that does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw the good-for-nothing slave out into the darkness OUTSIDE. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be." -- Matthew 25:28-30

Again, the wicked are "thrown OUTSIDE" God's Earthly Kingdom Arrangement. Another example,

7. "But he will speak and say to you, I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness! There is where your weeping and the gnashing of your teeth will be when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD, BUT YOURSELVES THROWN OUTSIDE. Furthermore, people will come from eastern parts and western, and from north and south, and will recline at the table IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD." -- Luke 13:27-29

Again, another EARTHLY setting, where the Kingdom of God is clearly referred to as an earthly government where people come from every quarter of the globe to be a part of this wonderful Godly Arrangement. Also, we notice, that some are not invited to be a part of this wondrous EARTHLY arrangement, since they are "thrown OUTSIDE" of this Kingdom of God's making.

Therefore, in the above mentioned prophetic parables of Jesus, did you notice how many times it mentioned: "Throw them OUTSIDE...into the darkness," did you? Or how about this one: "Thrown them into the fiery furnace, where their weeping and gnashing of teeth will be."

No question but these are real, EARTHLY conditions of Godly imposed "darkness" upon wicked, rejected individuals, these "sons of the kingdom" themselves. (Matthew 8:11, 12) These "sons of the kingdom," picture a wicked "two-thirds" majority Jehovah's Witnesses themselves who continue to support the vile antics of the Watchtower Society, indirectly or directly. (Zechariah 13:8, 9) Those Jehovah's Witnesses who absolutely refuse to "flee from idolatry" practiced at the kingdom halls, openly. Those Jehovah's Witnesses that refuse to obey God's command to "separate themselves" from blatant "idolaters," and to "quit touching the unclean thing," so that Jehovah God can "take them in" as "sons and daughters." (1 Corinthians 10:14; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18) Those Jehovah's Witnesses, in whom Jesus said "the love of the greater number will cool off," the "two-thirds" majority of loyal supporters of the wicked Watchtower Society, down to the end. (Matthew 24:12) These "sons of the kingdom," then are the ones, who will be thus, restricted from being a part of the Righteous, Glorious purposes of God, and the wonderful spiritual enlightenment of this newly established Kingdom Arrangement. Their "kingdom" access privileges have been cut off from these wicked, vile individuals of Jehovah's Witnesses, all "two-thirds" of them that refuse to "repent" before Almighty God and his numerous Calvary of some 200 million faithfuls. -- Zechariah 13:8, 9; Isaiah 5:26-30; Isaiah 44:3-5; Joel 2:2-11; Revelation 9:16-21

See Link: How Jehovah Replaces Watchtower Organization With The Miraculous Formation of A Numerous Calvary

And yet, we can discern these as more EARTHLY conditions prevalent when we see the result, the continual "weeping" [crying] because of being "thrown OUTSIDE" of God's Earthly Kingdom Arrangement, the real reward they seek. Yes, these ones, these wicked Jehovah's Witnesses themselves, are denied "entrance" into God's Holy city, "New Jerusalem," the "Holy Mountain of God." Thus, these depraved individuals, spiritually-speaking, are now "thrown" by Jehovah, in a special condition of darkness, similar to "Tartarus", where the wicked demons exist. A fitting reward for their wicked works. -- 2 Peter 2:4

Then too, we notice in the above prophetic parables of Jesus, the mention of "gnashing of teeth," yes clearly more EARTHLY conditions shown, where pure FRUSTRATION and seething ANGER overwhelm the wicked person, even CONSUME the person, since now he knows he has been fully and completely REJECTED by God's Earthly Kingdom Arrangement. In other words, this person has BLASPHEMED God's Holy Spirit, a sin that an individual cannot be forgiven of in this "system of things nor in that to come." (Matthew 12:31, 32) This means, the person faces certain and everlasting destruction at God's War against the wicked upon earth, at Armageddon. -- Revelation 16:14, 16; Revelation 19:17-21

To be sure, God's Coming Kingdom Arrangement will be an EARTHLY arrangement itself. Jesus likened this arrangement to a tiny "mustard grain" that one day grew heaven-high in statue. He said:

"Therefore he went on to say: What is the kingdom of God like, and with what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard grain that a man took and put in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of heaven took up lodging in its branches." -- Luke 13:18, 19

In the above prophetic parable, Jesus states the "kingdom of God," is like a tiny "mustard grain." But did you notice above, the "mustard grain" was planted "in his garden." Now, let's reason on this for a minute. The Kingdom "mustard grain" was first of all, planted in a "garden." Now, was this "garden," up in heaven, where Jehovah resides, we ask? Or, doesn't common sense and logic show us that this tiny "mustard grain," that eventually becomes a Giant, Heaven-High "Tree" in the end, was first planted in an EARTHLY "garden." Which makes the most sense to you?

The bible account of this same illustration at Mark 4:30-32 is even more explicit about earthly conditions depicting the new Kingdom Arrangement by saying:

"And he went on to say: With what are we to liken the kindom of God, or in what illustration shall we set it out? Like a mustard grain, which at the time it was sown in the ground was the tiniest of all the seeds that ARE ON THE EARTH -- But when it has been sown, it comes up and becomes greater than all other vegetables and produces great branches, so that the birds of the heaven are able to find lodging under it shadow."

Yes, this Giant "Tree" produces "great branches," so much so that even the "birds of the heavens are able to find lodging" under its mighty shadow. Again, doesn't this show more, EARTHLY conditions. Where this Heaven-High Tree, God's Kingdom, can finally give a place of refuge and rest, for the many "birds of the heavens" or birds that fly in mid-heaven, as the many "peoples" and "nations" that finally "stream" to the "Mountain of Jehovah," New Jerusalem upon earth, at that time.

Therefore, if you believe this "mustard grain" to become a Giant "Tree" to be God's Newly Established Kingdom Arrangement which by the Grace of God, will one day exist "upon earth," as Jesus promised, "as it is in heaven," then this prophecy matches up very well, with the one at Ezekiel 17:22-24. (Matthew 6:10) In this prophecy, it describes the same EARTHLY situation of the tiny "mustard grain" that later gains Worldwide attention. The prophecy states:

"This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: I myself will also take and put some of the lofty tree-top of the cedar; from the top of its twigs I shall pluck off a tender one and I will myself transplant it upon a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain of the height of Israel I shall transplant it, and it will certainly bear boughs and produce fruit and become a MAJESTIC CEDAR. And under it there will actually reside ALL THE BIRDS OF EVERY WING; in the shadow of its foliage they will reside. And all the trees of the field will have to know that I myself, Jehovah, have abased the high tree, have put on high the low tree, have dried up the still-moist tree and HAVE MADE THE DRY TREE BLOSSOM. I myself, Jehovah, have spoken and have done it."

Did you notice in the above prophecy, the same thing is mentioned, the "birds of every wing," will find safe "lodging" under the Giant "Shadow" cast by this Mighty "Cedar Tree" of God. (For a detail discussion on the "Low, Dry Tree" of Ezekiel 17, see link below.)

See Link: The "Low," "Dry" Tree Of Ezekiel 17:24

Again, we can see the correspondency of the "birds of the heavens" picturing the many "nations" of the earth, people from all over the globe, that will gladly flock to EARTHLY "New Jerusalem," God's "Holy Mountain" Government at that time. The Earthly Kingdom Government that Isaiah, Micah, Zechariah and Jesus himself, all prophesied about. The Earthly Kingdom Government that Jesus himself told his disciples to pray for, the "kingdom" that would will exist "on earth," just as we know God's Kingdom exists, in literal heavens where Jehovah resides. Yes, this "Majestic Cedar" will prove to be God's Earthly Kingdom Arrangement, that indeed, God makes grow, to worldwide proportions, to His Everlasting Glory. Praise Jah!

Donald C. Burney

***This article was contributed by YORWW Bible Academy found at the LivingWatersForum.com website.***

[Littleleslie]

I find it odd that mosts JWS do not feel they are the ones to be disciplined.

[Littleleslie]

Hi Dionna-

Yes, I'm with you there.

Actually, Jehovah's Witnesses believe the scriptures speak of someone (like the Churches of Christendom) that will be severely disciplined, according to prophecy...but not themselves. We remember, the Watchtower Society teaches that all of the prophecies of the bible that foretell a disastrous end to false worship, all apply to the churches of christendom. They are the ones that will be severely disciplined by Jehovah, according to Jehovah's witnesses. And that's because only Jehovah's witnesses have the "truth" and only Jehovah's witnesses are in God's Favor, at present. And that's because they practice true worship. And (for many years now) that has been the main focus of the literature and the Sunday Meeting, at the Watchtower Study we all used to go to...remember?

However, as these scriptural thoughts in the article bring out, what the Jehovah's witnesses teach is totally wrong! No, but actually God's Kingdom is to be earthly! This is completely different from what the Watchtower Society and Jehovah's witnesses teach. Yes, God's "Holy Mountain of Decoration" is to be earthly. The scriptures in this article are crystal clear on this.

(Isaiah 2:2-4) 2 And it must occur in the final part of the days [that] the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream. 3 And many peoples will certainly go and say: “Come, YOU people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. 4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.

(Micah 4:1-4) 4 And it must occur in the final part of the days [that] the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. 2 And many nations will certainly go and say: “Come, YOU people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. 3 And he will certainly render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. 4 And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making [them] tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken [it].

(Matthew 6:10) 10 Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.

These verses show God's Kingdom is actually established...UPON earth, on earth.

Which leads to the next thought...now, please tell me how WTBTS could possibly be a "Holy Mountain of Decoration" that people stream to, with Jehovah's law going forth, setting matters straight?

(See article entitled: Who Represents God's Holy Mountain Today?)

What do we see at WTBTS now? Do we see Jehovah's laws being firmly established, as these verses describe? Not if you look at the facts! With all that lawlessness to divine law that is going on there...joining up with the United Nations as an NGO, 1914 false teaching, making blood fractions a matter of choice, the child abuse policy, etc. etc. etc...how could that be Jehovah's "Holy Mountain of Decoration"? We really see more and more becoming disheartened at the Kingdom Hall. If you have been observing comments made by brothers and sisters who leave, you know something is terribly wrong.

(Matthew 24:12) 12 and because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off.. . .

So, if Jehovah's Witnesses were observant, they would be able to see this and know that they are the ones to be disciplined, so you're right, you get the point!

Agape,
Littleleslie

[Littleleslie]

All the years I was a JW I was told all the warnings and the bad things brougt on by Jehovah were for the Catholics, Babtists, etc. But always in the back of my mind I knew it was us Jehovah was making referance to. We were the ones proclaiming His name and then doing things detestible to Him. It is no differant now.

[Littleleslie]

Dionna-

We are doing well if we have come face to face with the reality of what is going on at WTBTS. We've been alerted to a big problem, and we know that Jehovah's Witnesses are in real trouble with Jehovah.

Now, what is the solution?

It's sad to see how some of our brothers and sisters react when they finally learn of the wickedness at WTBTS...the NGO, false teachings such as 1914, allowing blood fractions to be taken just to avoid lawsuits, the unjust child abuse policy, just to name a few things. Well I've noticed a few ways that the brothers and sisters begin to think because of being "fooled" for so long. Here are a few:

- Some will begin to reason that Jehovah's Witnesses were just like any other "church" and so will end up going to another church of their choice.

- Some will figure that there was nothing to Jehovah's Witnesses, and so they will go right back into the world getting involved in worldly pursuits, immorality or whatever suits their fancy.

- Some have become so confused, they don't know if Jehovah's Witnesses are really God's People anymore. They say that Christians could be found in every religion I ask, what about the 40 Basic Truths? See, Jehovah's Witnesses are correct on the 40 Basic Truths they teach (See chart: THE 40 BASIC TRUTHS TAUGHT BY JWS) ...but, our thinking can get really messed up with this!

- Some leave the Kingdom Hall and think they will just wait on Jehovah to do something. But they easily become involved with the world.

So, Dionna, what you learn can be very important to you. You said that you were afraid of being "indoctrinated". I can understand this because after learning of WTBTS sins, I was kind of in "grief" for a few months. The LAST THING I wanted was to get involved in any kind of stupid false religion, to be honest with you. That's why I was careful to check every scripture. I could not be more pleased, because I found Jehovah was working with a person and he was able to teach me what Jehovah was teaching him.

I do not think that a sheep can be misled. I think that the truth is discernable if you are a sheep. This is because of what this scripture says:

(John 10:14) 14 I am the fine shepherd, and I know my sheep and my sheep know me,

So we do need to study carefully, but it is not impossible to learn the truth.

Keep reading, because if you don't find Jehovah, then you can become bitter like what happens to so many of our brothers and sisters.

Agape,
Littleleslie

[Madmary1]

All the years I was a JW I was told all the warnings and the bad things brougt on by Jehovah were for the Catholics, Babtists, etc. But always in the back of my mind I knew it was us Jehovah was making referance to. We were the ones proclaiming His name and then doing things detestible to Him. It is no differant now.

Hello Dionna,

I am with you on that...I also ALWAYS thought it applied to God's People not those other religion that "don't know any better." JW's are suppose to know scripture, know Jehovah God, and therefore be TEACHERS of scripture.

But in order to do this, one must be "ON THE WATCH." Being "on the watch" does not mean one should let others tell you what is in the bible. Or just be taking their word on it which would mean YOU have to look it up for yourself.

Jesus told us to be "on the watch" and "keep awake" because even he did not know the when the time of the end would be occuring (Mark 13:32-37).

But he also said to be "on the watch" for something else. This specifically had to do with what we were being taught too. Notice this:

(Matthew 7:15-16) 15 “Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits YOU will recognize them. . . ."

To me, that description sounds like the Watchtower Society. But that is my thought! You must decide for yourself. You must be a "Beroean" by studing scriptures, weighing out what the bible says, and decide for yourself.

The Jews in the first century were God's People BUT they got replaced by the Christians. They changed covenants...the Law Covenant for the Christian Covenant. We, today are suppose to learn from this example in the bible so we, as God's People don't make the same mistake again.

Lol, but look around...think about it...what do you see happening all over again??? Amazing, isn't it?

(1 Corinthians 10:11) 11 Now these things went on befalling them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived.

(Romans 15:4) 4 For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.

So because you are here, Dionna, I commend you for "BEING ON THE WATCH." Now, it up to you to decide what you will do with this knowledge. You can choose whom you wish to immitate the Jews--who got fired or the Christians from the first century.

(Matthew 21:43) 43 This is why I say to YOU, The kingdom of God will be taken from YOU and be given to a nation producing its fruits.

When Jehovah God, is dissatified with His Own Name People...He simply takes the privilege of representing Him, takes it away from that people...and gives it to another people more worthy of carrying His Great Name...this is a very simple solution...

We are a part of that particular "solution"...as members of the YORWW Congregation.

(Ezekiel 17:24) And all the trees of the field will have to know that I myself, Jehovah, have abased the high tree, have put on high the low tree, have dried up the still-moist tree and have made the dry tree blossom. I myself, Jehovah, have spoken and have done [it].”’”

(Psalm 50:16) 16 But to the wicked one God will have to say: “What right do you have to enumerate my regulations, And that you may bear my covenant in your mouth?

Just something to think about.

Agape,
Madmary1

[Ground Zero]

Hi Don,

I just studied this article and it is awesome!!!

I also learned that "The Birds of Heaven" correspond to the many nations of the earth or the Abrahamic people. I never knew what this scripture meant, now I know.

Thank you, JJ

[Apollyon (Revelation 9:11)]

Hi Don,

I just studied this article and it is awesome!!!

I also learned that "The Birds of Heaven" correspond to the many nations of the earth or the Abrahamic people. I never knew what this scripture meant, now I know.

Thank you, JJ

...No problem. Glad to have been of some service to you.

agape,

Don

[draconian]

You know, even though alot of people are raised to believe in a Hell, and JWs are told there is no Hell, simply the Grave (from Sheoul meaning the common grave) there is no doubt that there is punishment for those who are not found worthy, and reading this just now I had this sudden vision of not flames or anything like that, but of a blistering hot desert, if this makes sense. It was actually kind of vivid for my part, and made me think of the river of fire.

Anyhow, gotta go babysit the neighbours kids,

might get back in a sec.

[Madmary1]

Hello Draconian,

It is very good to see you active on the board again!

Yes, our imaginations can be very vivid at times! So can the scriptures in this informational paragraph taken from the YORWW Academy Guidelines under Guideline #5:

"PLEASE NOTE: The biblical expression The "REPORT" taken from Ezekiel 21:6, 7 is a very special message disseminated by ourselves where we, as a united congregation, as the YORWW Congregation, continue to admonish all baptized Jehovah's Witnesses, former or current, of powerful bible prophecy concerning them, as God's Name People, which clearly points forward to a "Great Tribulation" (Revelation 7:14 New World Translation), a "Great Trial" (Revelation 7:14 New Jerusalem Bible), or a "Great Ordeal" (Revelation 7:14 New Revised Standard Version) of trouble, persecution and even death, that should be heaped upon all those who call themselves by God's Holy Name, or those who were called in the past by this Most Holy Name. All of this is explained clearly by the material presented on this particular discussion board. Please make no mistake about that! -- Jeremiah 23:19, 20; Daniel 7:21, 25; Daniel 11:41; Revelation 12:13-16; Revelation 13:5-7, 9, 10"

To me, those scriptures tell it all. The Great Tribulation won't be a 'walk in the park' especially the way the bible describes it. Jehovah God is mad and He also has satan in his face as this scripture points out...

(Revelation 12:10) . . .because the accuser of our brothers [satan] has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God!

If satan is accusing them day and night, he must have reason to. Which means our brothers are actually in God's hands...and Jehovah is not a "happy camper" at this junction, if you know what I mean. All this is sad but so very true.

But because of the sacred secrets I have learned from the MDS, I get to enter "his rest." -- Hebrews 4:1, 2

(Isaiah 28:12) 12 those to whom he has said: "This is the resting-place. GIVE rest to the weary one. And this is the place of ease," but who were not willing to hear.

Agape,
Mary