Charles Taze Russell on donations and downsizing - Cedars' vlog no. 107

[@Freejw]

Watchtower Feb 1888, P3 RE: New Light. Watchtower Society Charles T Russell, Founder. “If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one, two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now: But with God there is no variableness neither shadow of turning and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. New light never extinguishes older light but adds to it. If you were lighting up a building containing seven gas jets you would not extinguish one every time you lighted another, but would add one light to another and they would be in harmony and thus give increase of light: So is it with the light of truth; the true increase is by adding to, not by substituting one for another.” In 1888 if we had told Russell that the world would still be here 130+ years later, I am guessing he would have understood that he was not being given info by God but rather their own ideas. The reason I think this is because Russell did not agree with the New Light Theory taught today. He taught the opposite

[@bopzippity830]

That's unbelievable. As a born in ex JW I never knew he said this. That is almost "prophetic"... Nice work Lloyd... Looking forward to your book..

[@robertpiper9324]

So, what hope do you now have while floating around out there in the world? The maker of this flick is a wolf is wolf's clothing, only. A trader that has no hope, and does not have the courage to admit as much.

[@robertpiper9324]

So, if you are an ex-true worshipper, and are now out there in the world tossing about, what viable hope do you have?

[@yvonnerahui8729]

​@@robertpiper9324..Jesus Christ our hope of Glory! We know that every knee will bow to Christ & every voice will declare that He is Lord. The Holy Spirit confirms our trust in Christ as Saviour.

[@robertpiper9324]

@@yvonnerahui8729 and so, you're of the anointed glass?

[@kennethjamesfinch6997]

Gman has a valid point regarding JW history. Followers have been conditioned to believe that the past is not relevant to current beliefs. It's an ingenius idea, and one that's very very difficult to overcome. In fact, most followers know almost nothing about their actual history, or religious history. For what it's worth, I recommend two questions to get a JW to start thinking about their religious history. 1. Do you believe in in Fallability? If no, then the discussion is over, as the person admits to being dishonest. 2. Do you believe Jehovah ever used Christendom to accomplish his work? If not, then why are they responsible for choosing the books we call "the Bible?" You cannot engage these people in a question of their beliefs, they are so well conditioned to disbelieve any statements against them. But if you attack the very foundations, you may have a chance.

[@robertpiper9324]

Until you have the courage to attend a JW meeting and see what it is all about, don't knock it. And if you do attend, and do not like what you heard, you do not like hearing the truth.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

​@@robertpiper9324..Jesus said: 'I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me '. John 14:6..NOT the watch tower society..not Charles Taze Rusells foundational beliefs. Remember..satan appears as an angel of light.

[@robertpiper9324]

Sooo, what is your hope? Heaven? Earth? Or no hope at all, mate?

[@leopoldtheseconed8526]

As a active witness at this point. Although with huge stress I am done. Even in the last month in my small congregation we have had some fireworks talk on our responsibility to provide financially. At the same time our Kingdom Hall which was recently renovated is on the chopping block all for our spiritual benefit.

[@robertpiper9324]

So, what hope does one have when they leave the "truth"? Can I ask? Do you care?

[@seansrecords]

@@robertpiper9324 what hope do you need ? you are here ...

[@robertpiper9324]

My hope is that you return to Jah. Hurt and frustration make us feel inadequate, but we must never leave are one true friend whom we cannot see1

[@BeyondTheMind007]

@@robertpiper9324 I will never leave jehovah, he is my god and my creator, but I am against man made systems that pretend to act for Jehovah.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

​@@robertpiper9324..Jesus Christ is the Truth..not a society. He is the hope of Glory!

[@Fibonaccifan]

Having grown up in the Bible Students movement I knew much about Russell and am familiar with this statement. Bible Students were keen on the winding down of the witness work as being a sign that the Kingdom was soon to begin. They looked forward to the dark day in which " no man can work" as the time Armaggedon begins and the end of this evil system under Satan. Russell, hence Bible Students looked for a resurgence and regaining of secular power of the pope. Every mans hand would be against his neighbor and the world would fall into utter chaos. God would then bring down all systems of government and false Christianity (dubbed Christendom) and then establish his 1000 year Kingdom under Christ and the 144,000 "Church Class." By begging for and getting the money they need to continue their work simply prolongs Jehovah's hand in accomplishing his great work!!! I'm certain if the GB knew they were working against God's plan they'd stop asking for money! Heh heh heh

[@JuanReyes-yi6zl]

Haha looks like they were right all along look around you people are starting to lose their jobs and everyday people get crazier

[@robertpiper9324]

So, you belonged to the defunct Bible Students... you surely meant Jehovah's Witnesses? So, at this point in your life, what did you replace the hope of ever-lasting life with? Cars? Homes? Money? Station in life? If so, do you actually believe that you have a promising hope? Frankly speaking, what is your hope?

[@yvonnerahui8729]

​@@robertpiper9324..Jesus Christ the hope of Glory.

[@robertpiper9324]

@@yvonnerahui8729 so do you believe in the Trinity doctrine? Just wanna be sure first.

[@robertpiper9324]

So, tell me, what hope do you have? One thing is for certain, unless you are in unreality: the world is advancing from bad to worse--ultimately wicked. The one constant: we live and then we die. And you must be joking--the Governing Body asking for money. You well know that contributions are given voluntarily. Convince me of your hope and I will join you! Can't see that happening. Heh. Heh. Heh.

[@Damien-qk7in]

I suppose the light got brighter, now it's appropriate to ask in everyway possible with out passing around a basket.

[@peterforrest3424]

Wish I could get my hands on his old books

[@vonhimblefritz3249]

Great find. What a huge contradiction to their madness today. I'm glad they're publicly begging as it will certainly aid in their own demise.

[@robertpiper9324]

What hope do you have? Heaven? Earth>?

[@slicedyougiveloveabadname5599]

Another great video.

[@suejoyful5576]

I have a few JW acquaintances and they say they do not look at the past. Only their new light. So I cannot get tru to them. but thanks for this info.

[@Cuckoo4thetruth]

+king77703 I think on the surface it's dismissed but it lies festering within. Never give up.

[@robertpiper9324]

4get them, what hope do you have? Is this like all there is?

[@amb163]

That's fantastic -- wish all JWs could read/hear this.

[@mgreen4753]

Sad truth is that they will not, because they are mind controlled and told to not read any published materials not published by them

[@RitaMalikfour]

I say if we have to pray for our daily needs. Jehovah will take care of us so do nit fret about the next day, why not apply this to the org? And they shouldn’t be living in opulence but we also shouldn’t worry about the imperfections of these men and only worship God

[@guerraepazpazeguerra5535]

I agree with Russell.

[@CDT00016]

I am studying the Bible..with a baptised witness.. I didn't hear a begging as much or did I hear a begging to be a subscriber to your KZbin channel...I heard a mutual asking.. nothing to get hung about

[@yvonnerahui8729]

Study with a KJV not a JW one that's been changed mant times...& ask about all the false predictions. Jesus Christ is the foundation corner stone..not Charle Taze Russell their false prophet founder. I say..run! You will end up trying to work your way into the Kingdom..through Christ it's believe. It's His blood that makes us right with God..He who was very perfect sinless man yet God with man.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

And..no such thing as new light. If there has been false prophets you run from it. They are an abomination to God.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

And..don't let their fear based teachings get to you! I pray In Jesus name for you not be deceived..amen. I suggest you listen to this amazing teacher..Les Frldick but I wouldn't tell them they will have some reason why you mustn't. I know the Lord is alive & truely the Lord of lords & King of kings. He alone is our hope of Glory. Follow Paul's gospel to the Gentiles starting in Ephesians then Corinthians. Ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you..He did to Paul in a mighty way..called to be an Apostle of the Gentiles!

[@outsidethebox704]

The book :Jehovah’s Witnesses-Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom" on the p. 342 says: But today the WT has different approach and different attitude to such matters. :)

[@robertpiper9324]

What modern day different approach does the WT have? Glad you adore Russell, but that was then and this is now. Look around you at the condition of the world and the depravity! You cannot be happy? Do you have the courage to ask of JWs and what they believe?

[@yvonnerahui8729]

​@@robertpiper9324..'that was then but this is now'. We are talking about Holy matters! As in the Bible the light does not change..but we grow & become more knowledgeable and our foundation is still pure..unmoving. The sane yesterday, today & tomorrow..the One who was & Is & Is to come!

[@gman25123]

Here's the thing, my JW wife is not phased by anything having to do with WT past. She claims she is focused on what they are teaching now. How do we show the past teachings are just as important as the current Watchtower teachings?

[@LloydEvans]

+gman25123 I would say that ignoring a religion's past is very convenient if there are things in that religion's past that need to be ignored. If she called on a catholic and was trying to persuade him that she had a truth, would she accept "the past of our religion doesn't matter" as an argument?

[@gman25123]

+John Cedars She gave me a response regarding Russells teachings. She claims thw WT never taught Jesus was to be worshipped or he was God. She states Russell taught about the "various religious sects that split bible truths. He was trying to bring all these truths together and present them free of the God dishonoring pagan practices which had become entrenched in the churches as a result of the great apostasy Jesus foretold". They were merely seeking truth as bible students and never claimed to have the truth, they were only seeking it........

[@LloydEvans]

+gman25123 She sounds like she knows very little about Russell and what he taught. Russell said the end would come in 1914, and said concerning this in the July 15, 1894 Watchtower: "We see no reason for changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours." Russell also taught that the skin of an Ethiopian would turn white in God's new kingdom, and that the inches within the pyramid of Giza corresponded with years of bible prophecy. I'm sure he would say he was seeking truth, but he was some way short - and it was on the basis of his fanciful ideas and failed predictions that the religion we know today as Jehovah's Witnesses was built.

[@LloydEvans]

+gman25123 Ask your wife what she thinks of Deuteronomy 18:22 in the context of her claim that it doesn't matter what her religion taught in the past.

[@gman25123]

+John Cedars I've used so many scriptures. She's right, I'm wrong. They aren't prophets and they never claimed to be. Blah blah.... Her head is in the sand and I'm beating my head against a brick wall.... She states the Governing Body is comprised of imperfect men, they can be wrong as well because they also inherited Adam's seed. She tells me, "What does the Bible say? Keep seeking god's Kingdom!!!! Essentially, stay focused and avoid being side tracked with the enormous amounts of contradictory actions and bs this organization and their leaders continuously feed to their followers. Disregard the sex abuse, "Jehovah will make it right".... Sorry but the majority of what they teach and the policies they follow, definitely fail to meet the criteria for God's standards of righteousness in the Bible. They have historically been wrong more than they have been right.

[@tonidebolt270]

Back in the day I asked for a quarter for the magz so don't think that the org didn't solicit funds! I did it and am now ashamed of it.I was actually a salesperson! WOW

[@robertpiper9324]

So, really, what hope do you now have? You gave up on the hope of everlasting life as much as you gave up on yourself. Make the truth your own. You can do it! You can!

[@yvonnerahui8729]

I'm popping in to say: you have been shown the truth. Thank the Lord Jesus who said: 'I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me '. John 14:6. It's not the Watch Tower Society that is 'full of dead men's bones' like the Mormon society. It's Jesus who died for the sin of the world..to redeem mankind back to the Father! And..its Jesus who is your hope of Glory. We turn to Him alone, by faith..like Abraham..its faith that pleases Him not works. He did it all..finished!

[@chapeau62]

Charles Taze Russel SMOKED!

[@mgreen4753]

His wife during their divorce also stated he was committing adultery

[@robertpiper9324]

Did you see him smoking?

[@robertpiper9324]

And you can verify that? Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.

[@danial6109]

Cedars' vlog no. 107 . 1916 + 100 = 2016 . 1916 , date of significance . 1916 + 107 = date of significance --? He was the face of the significant date of 1914 .

[@RainMakersGroup]

I kinda like brother Russell. I read the Piazza Smithe book (probably spelled it wrong, been drinking whiskey tonight). I like the fact that he had an open mind. However, an open mind coupled with a narcissistic personality can lead to one thinking that they have some special revelations. My father was much like this. I still love my father knowing this about him. I learned allot in the organization. when I was a babe ...now that I am a man... you know the rest. I've moved on and you can too.

[@isusjeputiistinaizivototkr6134]

Hi John. I wonder if I can translate articles from your jwsurvey sight to Serbo-croatian and put it on my blog. I will of course provide a link back to your articles and make sure that readers know where to look up for original. It will help greatly x jw community and many others from former Yugoslavia. That is The ONLY reason why I sak for it. Nothing else.

[@SeraHeik]

This is a question for anyone who might know the answer: can an apostasy trial be held for someone who isn't baptized but has been an active member for years? I've been having bible studying so for almost a decade from the time I was around ten years old but never got baptized because I never really completely agreed with or could accept everything I was taught. (My mom is exJW, my grandma is still in. She's the one who started the bible studies) I haven't gone to meetings or had bible studies for over six months and today I got a call from an elder basically telling me he is just gunna come by one day even though I said I have a very busy schedule at the moment. I'm wondering what I should expect from the visit and how straight forward I should be with him about not believing anymore and what the consequences of that would be.

[@robertpiper9324]

I certainly hope that this elder did not show up at your house by himself. If so, he is not going by the arrangement and should not be allowed inside your home. I am very sorry that you have suffered so much. To answer your question: Absolutely not! Possibly, if you were given the privilege of being an unbaptized publisher, meaning you were permitted to become one of Christ's evangelizer's in the door to door work because of wanting to, not only help you to put on a new personality, but "help" others, the elders would lovely monitor your progress and assist in any way they can. Internal friction within the congregation is to be expected! As it was expected during the end of the Jewish System of things in 70 CE. A great apostacy happened afterward.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

​@@robertpiper9324..well it didn't happen with my neice who was honest. You know JWs don't Ike to be crossed & will shun family..as has happened to her. I don't know about anything else you've said but I hear the voice.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

Be straight forward. My neice was & then ended up being shunned. For 20 years now..the mother can stand next to her grandsons yet not even speak to them even though she's not seen them for years. It's such a self righteous society..thinking they are in the truth alone. Only Christ Jesus the Lord is truth & the Way & the Life as per John 14:6. The Alpha & Omega. .the One who was & Is & Is to come..Revelation 1.

[@thuggie1]

its good reverse psychology on Russell's part there.... i am surprised they have not started a go fund me page or something

[@hippopin9447]

Funny they don’t pass a plate but they sure do ask smh

[@robertpiper9324]

How do you know that? More importantly, what hope do you have my friend? The world is falling apart, people are losing their monies, and religion and politics are one of the same.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

​@@robertpiper9324..again I say: Jesus Christ our hope of Glory..our Ark of Salvation. His blood shed for our Atonement & Redemption..no other way! No other truth! No other Life! John 14:6

[@yvonnerahui8729]

Can I ask you to read my comment to Robert above. He is on everyone who says they've seen things about JW org comments & I feel uses fear to keep them in the JW organization, saying:'what hope do you have my friend' or the likes. I know the JW organization & how they've worked over the years..how they study people's comments when they go door knocking & over time have incorporated Jesus abit more significantly but in reality they believe there's 2 God's..a big one & a little one..virtually..as per their changed John 1:1 verse. Jesus is appearing for His church..His Body soon..all prophecies are up to date. He is our Ark of Salvation..the hope of Glory..Him alone. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 & 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7. The Holy Spirit filled church is restraining the fullness of lawlessness but when it's removed the world will fill with darkness. The false church(under Popes fraternity) will usher in the anti-Christ the one world leader with all lying signs & wonders. The Messianic Jews left, will think he is their Messiah..they will sign a 7 year peace treaty with him which gets broken half way through when he sets himself up as God in the temple(which he gives the go ahead to build)after his swelling words of peace & safety. Anyway..lots to the story..yet Jesus is Lord of all.

[@argentaristee3352]

😎😎.

[@michaelashworth4391]

Yes Bares Witness, They Can just dismiss All This as Olde Light. ...Just Like 1914 !!!! Lol!

[@robertpiper9324]

And what hope do have? Heaven? Hell? If heaven, what will you do there? Will you be given a free pass for living a worldly life thinking you are entitled. Be real about it. You have no help!

[@90dayscrosscountry80]

Didn't Lett also ask for money in the Spring of 2016? I saw him slip into his schtic.... dropping pointed, instructional hints on how to leave your property ex: home, stocks bonds & Insurance Policies to the Org but remain living in the home until your death? I remember thinking how upset the heirs would be in that event...I was still attending meetings but had one foot inching it's way toward the side door. When I heard. this one, it really bothered me but I soon began to understand that I was being "shown" the Front Door instead.... When was this particular Stephen Lett "Live @ the Org" performance broadcast? I would really like to save thi link for my scrap book...

[@robertpiper9324]

You are a liar who gave up on hoping for a better world because you failed in making the truth your own.

[@roidroid]

Good grief. I'd say $1000 in pre-1913 dollars is the equivalent of $18,000 - $30,000 in 2015 dollars. (it depends on what year he was given the money) it was some quick calculations, it could certainly be more accurate if anyone else wants to have a go.

[@robertpiper9324]

Lloyd Evans: I like your parents JW library in back of you. Certainly the books cannot be yours? Oh, I asked you a while ago... what hope do you have? Once you determine your hope... can you proof it to me?

[@happylarry955]

Steven is such a strange fellow

[@argentaristee3352]

@

[@samrizzardi2213]

So jws don't view russell in the same way muslims do muhammed or mormons joseph smith?

[@BigMikePlays]

+sam rizzardi I knew very little about russel growing up. In my teens I saw a brief history that was white washed... in my adulthood I learned the ugly crazy truth. -_- I didn't really know much about any governing body members until they started the broadcasts. It's only now that they are making members public figures in the community. Most of the new literature doesn't focus on organizational history in detail for good reason... most people that would hear about it would think it's bullocks.

[@justjava22]

+sam rizzardi no back in the day he was respected as part of the faithful and discreet slave but recent events write him out completely apparently he never belonged to the faithful and discreet slave .. they are trying to whitewash him from the history books

[@superman1972us]

Michael Knives So true. When I was growing up we didn’t even know who was in the governing body.

[@argentaristee3352]

Pierce brossnan 007

[@naijamusic9150]

Apostasy.. you guys know nothing about Jehovah witness

[@robertpiper9324]

It is very easy to refute opposers. First, ask them what their hope is? Do they have a hope? Or, are things going so good in their life that they forget about reality in its truest form? I hope you are striving to be a good witness of Jehovah!

[@richardnorman8626]

Any one who talks bad about JEHOVAH shal suffer with the devil.......

[@JemyjoanBraidsBeauty]

Idiot but you can talk bad about other religions.

[@OrmondRendering]

All burn Books at past, except Bible NWT .

[@tessvestal.r3930]

Je ne parle que le français !