#8 - Increasing Lawlessness, Mt 24;12.

Matthew 24:12.

Jesus said; “the Increasing lawlessness” will take place, affecting the entire congregation to the extent that the “love of the greater number will cool off”.

As I mentioned previously, I had only been associated with the J.W.s since the 1990s. From the older servants of God I got a sense of what life as a J.W. must have been like during their heyday. I saw photos of many and on video etc. They would “be aglow with the spirit”. You could see the peace and tranquillity in their faces.

When they looked at you, they would smile. Making you feel assured, secure and safe. Just by their faith and confidence. They would have what was called a “Kingdom smile”, Very happy, assured of their future under the loving care of the Lord Jesus, truly at peace.

Many served for many decades, even from youth and on into old age.

When reading in the magazines about their life stories, they would often relate a pivotal moment when they would exclaim, “I have found the truth”. Simply by coming across a tract, a Kingdom news, or just by attending one meeting or reading one magazine article.

Those faithful brothers and "the large army" of sisters would give their all to pass on the good news about “Gods kingdom” that they had found.

Often this new life course resulted in persecution from others: even family and often a mate.

Standing strong; in the face of persecution, during wartime and when not. Persecution from governments and religious organisations, their neighbour’s, even their own families.

Just for teaching truthful things, truths that opposers thought might undermining their authority.

Not that that was their aim, but to simply point to something better.

Often it cost them dearly, despite their hardships, “God kept making it grow.”

Many witnesses were imprisoned and more than a few killed for standing

up against Hitler's regime. In other lands also for refusing to kill their neighbour on the battlefields of war.

They would hold big international conventions, welcoming others from all over the globe.

Though these brothers and sisters, they had never met previously, these opened their doors and heart’s as to a sibling. That’s what they were, all one family, one Father, one Big Brother, Christ Jesus, one goal, love. In fact even world observers commented that "if the whole world was full of Jehovah's Witnesses, wars would cease".

They would spend days being built up, even supplying cooked meals for the visitors on mass.

All without a single complaint or ruckus. All being built up in brotherly love and fortified for the work of preaching “the Kingdom Good News” and “making Disciples” of “every nation, tribe and tongue.” All cultivating the “fruits of the spirit and following their Lord and king Christ Jesus into battle. Soldiers, unafraid, ready for service.

Mostly they demonstrated Love for all, even their enemies as did their leader. They were pretty much of one mind, one goal and one purpose.

They would love meeting together, with young ones especially. Thrilled when seeing new ones baptised. Genuine love flourished among this group. Now in Heaven ready to serve us, further as joint Aires, “kings and priests” in the “administration” of “Gods Kingdom”. Ephesians 1:8-14, Revelation 14:1-5-14. Made up of Men and Women.

Change

For the most part, Christian love was demonstrated. Not always. One thing that didn't sit well with me was the eagerness of some, intent on preaching on special worldly holidays. Christmas for example.

To me it is too much "in your face", so to speak. It is in effect, their religious day. Was it really ok to interrupt their family or religious activities??

Similarly, in days past, I heard of the directive given, "Put your foot in the door, until your say your pre-rehurst sayings". To me that sounds way too forward for anyone, let alone a Christian.

Besides the scriptures clearly indicate that "Many are won without a word", by good conduct and a genuine love of neighbour.

Neverthe less, these were, as far as I could see, the ones approved of to fulfill the God given commission to preach "the Kingdom of God", all others were already "teaching the traditions of men as doctrine.".

If the congregation was a place of Brotherly love, what went wrong as time went on? gain; I am not Jehovah, and can’t see everything. Only what I have noticed, as compared to revealed scriptural truth. A number of Bible texts were what appears to be what set them off balance.

For example; 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, was a potential source for deviation, talking about not going to courts, to be sorted out by themselves. They however seemed to neglect verses 12-19. Matthew 16;19, was also a favourite for the brothers, “Whatever you bind on earth will be a thing bound in the heavens, and whatever you loose on earth will be a thing loosed in heaven.”

I imagine these two scriptural statements and other doctrinal types could have likewise contributed to the falling short of the faith of other Religions as well.

There are likely others, but these two from what I can perceive, nudged the Brothers into course of not caring tenderly for the sheep, ensuring justice for the fatherless boy and widow and developing a self-righteousness and pride.

As I discussed in an earlier piece, the organisation began to expect, even those who were the victims of wrongdoing to carry the burden of Christlike love for those who have hurt them.

Causing many to be “stumbled”, leave or be “crushed like a bruised reed”, Matthew 12:18-21, by the lack of love.

One big problem is that the scriptures quoted earlier regarding the courts and binding on earth, were written to those who would, in time serve as judges as well as kings in the coming kingdom arrangement. Those who had an attitude as was just highlighted regarding “The Anointed” who imitate their leader’s attitude toward one another, the Sheep, to Justice and Mercy. In fear of the living God.

Not to those who judge with “a view to the flesh”, Gal 6:8.

For example regarding judging with a view to the flesh;

When a new one, or family, or individual, begins attending meetings, either from a new congregation, or a newly interested one. The first thing that happens is a ripple goes through the congregation.

Like a new pebble in a pond. Yes! they are thrilled that a new face is among them, but, if just one in “the inner circle”, for whatever reason, labels this one or their children as “marked”, or “bad associations” or even saying “there’s something I’m not sure of with that one”, their future is sealed.

One and all, then welcome them into the congregation, demonstrating “their” “Christlike love”.

But, secretly, they are suspicious of the new one, they, keeping them at arm’s length, all the while making certain that they feel good about themselves by “loving” this new family etc; going through the motions as to what is expected of a Christian.

Though keeping free from spot from the world was a serious concern for a clear conscience but this should not at the expense of others on the road to life, Ja 1:27.

But then; when after months or years this one realises they will not really get what they personally or emotionally need from the congregation, they move or fall away. Maybe slowly at first but sure enough, their gone. The Love wasn't there for them. And when they do, they say; “too bad for him”, “it’s a good thing we labelled him a bad association” “we on the other hand are still here, we at least are Holy”. “It’s a good thing we called them Goats and not Sheep, Samaritans and Amha,'arets. We were right”.

Feeling good about themselves, they do it again.

These very one’s, put on a show of righteousness and sticking to their god.

Sin I Have Witnessed

In our area, every Year around Christmas time, they would hold a large party, “Not a Christmas Party”. Many people, from many congregations would meet. They reasoned; “It’s the best day to meet, we all have time off work”.

They were counselled from the platform, “Do not do that” it looks like your celebrating Christmas!” AS J.W.s do not celebrate Christmas, for many scriptural reasons about which they have published many articles as to why.

These ones didn’t care. Every year, despite being told “it doesn’t look good”, did it anyway.

However, Sheep from outside The Inner Circle were usually not invited.

One elder said to me, "I’m going to stay in the city this year, not to celebrate New Year’s Eve of course, which would be wrong, we are just getting a motel so we can watch the fireworks."

I don’t care if they have a party or watch fireworks, but to have a "Not a Christmas party, at Christmas or celebrate other events” sneakily, sure sounds hypocritical to me. I’m sure other non J.W.s would notice, and so would Christ Jesus and the Angels.

Jesus prophesied about you people Matthew 11:16, 17, “With whom should I compare this generation? It is like young children sitting in the marketplaces who cry out to their playmates, saying, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance; we wailed but you did not beat yourselves in grief.’

Likewise this generation appears to themselves to be blessed. Saying, “We go into the field to preach every Saturday, we attend all the meetings, even, preparing in advance. I’m on the ministry school, I conduct X amount of Bible studies. But their works are all in vein.

Because if just one from the Inner Circle labels another unworthy, they declare these as it were “unfit for everlasting life”, that is, not worthy of Gods approval or blessing, they push them away.

A decision that can only made in the heavens above.

It’s like they welcome them in the front door and say “I’m so glad you came back, came to the meetings or moved here”. While shaking their right hand with “Brotherly love”, they place their left on their shoulder and lead them straight through the back door.

Hypocrites, Workers of lawlessness. It’s Just as was also prophesied “this people worship me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me”.

Inner circle

I mentioned earlier about “The Inner Circle”. What’s that? In all congregations that I have seen, there exists a hierarchy of respect; there are the “special pioneers” and those who served at “Bethel home’s”, then Elders, then pioneers, Ministerial servants and then the congregation of approved ones within the inner circle, headed usually by Elders wives.

Then the ones who are the Hangeronerers, who just won’t quit, due to their love for truth and God, and finally those marked as bad associations.

Of course, many within the Inner Circle, are good hearted peoples, trying their best and likely would never see things from another perspective.

It’s like a house in a dark world, the residence of which didn’t build the house. They were invited in by those who did, but as these original tenants fell asleep in death, these later ones took control.

The glorified ones in the “Inner Circle” get to exist in radiant light. While the Hangeronerers and the ones "marked" are only allowed to stand outside on the porches and by the windows where the light penetrates the darkness. Only occasionally is a person welcomed inside. Jesus warned about this attitude, Matthew 6:23 says “If your eye is wicked, your whole body will be dark. If in reality the light that is in you is darkness, how great that darkness is! Also Matthew 19:30 says the “First will be last, and the last, First.”

There are many that have fallen away from the path of J.W.s, most of whom, in reality are more loved than these self-righteous ones. I was always skirting the perimeter of the congregation to assist the scattered and hungry Sheep on the outside. (Interestingly, I have noticed ones from other congregations doing something similar).

After some years an Elder said to me, after I was distressed, over one wounded sheep.

With a puzzled look on his face approached and said; “you are always fighting for the underdog”, I replied “yes, that’s right”. I’m not sure why he was surprised. Isn’t that what we are supposed to be doing?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not patting myself on the back. Should an adult be congratulated for wiping his bottom? IF we “know how to do what’s right”, should we not do it? Without reward or a high five as in some cultures?

James 4:17, “Therefore, if one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.” Jesus also said “The healthy do not need a physician, the ailing do”.

Appointed

One circuit overseer noticed this attitude in me and appointed me to assist with any inactive ones.

(An “inactive” person, according to the organisation is one who once was an active member of a congregation but now is not. Who a ceased preaching the word, in particular).

These ones had occasionally Sinned themselves or were stumbled out of the Truth and couldn't pick themselves up or didn't receive the help to do so. Or were pushed out, among other reasons.

He instructed the elders to assist me in my assignment. I asked one, “how many inactive do we have in our area”? “Six”. I was shocked. Surely there are more than six. I personally met ones who were not on the list of inactive ones and informed the Brothers, I don't think they were ever added.

I used the Bible to figure out who should count as an inactive or approved one according to how our God views them.

For example the scriptures say that anyone who is married to an unbeliever and that mate was not apposed, then they and the children of the family are sanctified, 1 Corinthians 7:14. For example. 1st children of faithful ones, 2nd unbelieving mates. 3rd those mentally or physically unable to progress 4th those who have attended meeting and studied and were not yet baptised, but didn’t get the help they required.

I got out a paper and pen; I knew there were about 18-20 young ones who were attending meeting when I first arrived. Almost all gone, most children and husbands of sisters etc. So, I tallied; children, mates disabled etc,107, Within a few short hours and without even asking around. All gone or not welcome.

Of course that’s not to say “all, would have stayed, even if cared for tenderly”.

They, the Elders, I’m sure will say, “we only count those who were recently putting in a time sheet for the preaching work and no longer do so.”

I became unable to fulfil my assignment so asked, “Can I at least have the names of the six, so I can pray for them”? He replied; “That’s not how it works”!

Are you kidding me, if we can’t pray for each other and they are not willing to help them, then what’s the point? For they would (try) to call on inactive ones every few months, if at all. I know that wasn't the number of times per year they were calling on one sister at least.

That’s only four times a year. (Not to say that’s how all congregations went about the task)

I would now be classed as inactive, and I was a ministerial servant. Do you know how many times the brothers have called in on me? Zero.

The only ones who kept in touch at all were two sisters for a couple of months and visits and a man who has disabilities I’m glad to say I still call friend. A few calls from members of another congregation to drop in literature and 2 men I used to conduct Bible studies with, not baptised good friends.

All who were supposed to love me, care about me, even ones considered my friends, gone. “Too bad, for me”. I’m not bitter or hold any accountable, at present this is just reality, Satan’s world.

In the future however, we can do better.

But for the Elders, they just right them off, if there is no record they existed, then they are not their problem, a burden. Certainly not the attitude of the living God or The Christ, who died for the whole world.

So the assistance requested from the Circuit Overseer was ignored. They refused to let me help with my assignment. And as regards to the lost and scattered sheep, “they took no note.”

Jehovah’s view

We had a comment from the faithful slave, (The Governing Body). “All those who enter a Kingdom Hall are there because Jehovah wants them to have every opportunity to gain everlasting life.”

Quoting a section of scripture from the prophet Isaiah 42:1- 43:13. “I will bring them back” says Jehovah. All those “plundered” in a “hole” trapped in detention. All his “Sons and Daughters”, he knows you, he remembers your love. He needs you in his life. this would apply to other faiths as well.

Listen “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasturage! Is the utterance of Jehovah. Therefore this is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said against the shepherds who are shepherding my people: “You yourselves have scattered my sheep; and you kept dispersing them, and you have not turned your attention to them.” “Here I am turning my attention upon you for the badness of your dealings,” is the utterance of Jehovah. And I myself shall collect the remnant of my sheep out of all the lands to which I had dispersed them, and I will bring them back to their pasture ground, and they will certainly be fruitful and become many. And I will raise up shepherds who will actually shepherd them; and they will be afraid no more, neither will they be struck with any terror, NONE will be missing” is the utterance of Jehovah."

The next section will look at personal failings that let the sheep down.

man in expectation :)

The mash-up! "You must love Jehovah your God, with your whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength and keep His Commandments. If you do, you will be wise enough to bypass any trial with ease, and have an indefinitely lasting name with The Living One. Those who fail to take these things to heart, will suffer shame and fall short in a large way, all that is his, will be destroyed and cease to exist.

You who love Him, however, will flourish with joy, under the tent cloths of Jehovah, always." Ecc 12:13, Mark 12:30 and Ps 37:18-20.