Shunning - Who is not to be associated with? (1 Cor.5:11)

My mother is a devout JW.  She believes, and as a “born-in,” raised me and my siblings to believe that God and Jesus have chosen the Watchtower organization to be the religious institution of their choice for their representation and that the “governing body,” the leaders of WT teach “truth.”  My mother’s loyalty to WT and their teachings is firm, despite her knowledge of WT’s association with the United Nations from 1992 to 2001 [official United Nations website confirming their association:  https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/watchtowerletter], and; despite her admittance that the WT organization has significant problems with CSA.  My mother acknowledged listening to governing body member Geoffrey Jackson testify under oath at the Australian Royal Commission public hearing, Case 29, and remains loyal despite hearing Jackson state that it “would seem to be quite presumptuous to say that we are the only spokesperson that God is using” [https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/file-list/Case%20Study%2029%20-%20Transcript%20-%20Jehovahs%20Witnesses%20-%20Day%20155%20-%2014082015.pdf]

A few months ago, my mother accepted a wedding invite to our adult child’s wedding. After her invitation acceptance, I reached out to my mother and offered to buy her a dress, which she was very grateful for, picked out a dress, and I bought it.  The day after, she text me to relay that she is under scriptural obligation not to speak to me.  Another few weeks go by and it is a week before the wedding.  She text my adult child who was getting married and said she is retracting her invite acceptance.  She expressed her fearfulness of potential photos of her being taken with me and put “on the internet.”  She is worried that other JW’s may see she attended the wedding I was hosting and would think she agrees with an “apostate” [she claims is me].  

Is the WT shunning/disfellowshipping policy that JWs practice toward family members and friends who express disagreement with the teachings of the “governing body” leaders of WT, correct according to scripture?  It is quite easy to locate numerous WT publications on the JW website and find which scriptures they have used to formulate their rules on shunning.  One such WT publication is entitled, “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”: How to Treat a Disfellowshipped Person [See: “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love,” p.207-209] Within this publication, the first scripture they reference is 1 Cor.5:11.  This scripture is cited in another WT publication recently studied (9/2023) by JWs to support their shunning policy regarding those they label “apostate”:

“Some people will try to prevent us from serving Jehovah. Who would do such a thing? Some who have left the truth tell lies about God’s organization in order to destroy our faith. They are called apostates. What if someone we know has decided that he no longer wants to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?... That person may force us to choose between him and Jehovah. We must be determined to remain loyal to God above all else. (Matthew 10:37). So we obey Jehovah’s command not to associate with such individuals. —Read 1 Corinthians 5:11. [Enjoy Life Forever! – An Interactive Bible Course, Lesson 58, p.241, para.1].”

The WT uses 1 Cor.5:11 as proof text to support their policy of not associating with (aka, shunning/abolishing) persons who have left the Watchtower organization (they equate WT with “truth”) who they say “tell lies about God’s organization.” So we need to read 1 Cor.5:11 and see what the apostle Paul said in that passage.  “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11).

Those who are or who at one time were JWs will read the word “brother” and automatically associate that word used in scripture with members of the WT organization.  The WT organization is well known for claiming their loyal members, in entirety, are a “worldwide brotherhood.”  What does the word, “brother” in scripture refer to?  We see in scripture that “brother” can describe kindred, persons who share a human parent(s), or figuratively, share a resemblance (Gen.24:29; 14:14; 13:8; Prov.18:9; Joel 2:8). In 1 Corinthians, Paul was writing specifically “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, the “brothers and sisters,” those who do the will of God (1 Cor.1:2-10; Heb.2:10-18; Psalm 22:22-23; Matt.12:48-50). In scripture, we find that brothers and sisters are the household of God, spiritual kindred by the same Spirit God poured in their hearts, the same Spirit of God that lives in them (Exod.19:3-6; 1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; Jer.31:31-34; Rom.2:28-29; 5:5; John 6:63; 2 Cor.1:21-22; 1 Thess.1:4; Heb.3:1; 2:11-17; Psalm 22:22-23; Eph.2:11-22; 1 John 2:27; 1 Cor.3:16; Rom.8:9-11,16; Rev.5:8-10).  The brethren of Spirit are to dwell in harmony, be at peace and submissive to one another, and to speak the truth to one another, edifying one another (Psalm 133:1; 122:1-8; Luke 22:14,22-27; James 4:1-6; 1 Pet.5:5; 1 Thess.5:11-13; Rom.14:19; 1 Cor.14:3-4,12; Eph.2:20-22; 4:14-16; Zech.8:16).  Brothers and sisters of Spirit are “the body of Christ” who individually and together as a body submit to their head, Jesus…they are God’s spiritual temple, holy, blameless, testing and proving what pleases Him, having no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness but rather exposing them (Exod.19:3-6; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 Cor.3:16; 12:12-27; Col.1:15-18; Eph.4:11-16,25; 5:5-7,11; Col.2:8; Phil.2:15; Matt.5:14-16; 1 Pet.1:13-17; Lev.19:2; 11:44; Zech.8:16; 2 Cor.3:1-3,17-18). The anointing by Spirit that is poured in their hearts dwells in them and will teach them truth if they remain attached to Jesus and do not turn away, apostatize, from him (John 14:6; Eph.4:11-16; 2 Cor.1:21-22; Rom.5:5; 1 John 2:27; John 6:63; 4:24; 14:15-21,23-24,26; 15:1-5; 1 Cor.6:15-20; Nahum 2:2; Jer.11:2-3,16-17).  

This scriptural identification of “brothers and sisters” helps us to understand Paul’s words in 1 Cor.5:11.  Divine wisdom, the hidden wisdom of God, is taught by faithful holy ones who do the will of God by the Spirit of God, who produce expressions of spiritual truths perceived by Jesus’ disciples, yet considered foolish by those in the realm of the flesh, human reasoning (1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; John 15:1-5; 1 John 2:27-28; 1 Cor.2:6,9-16; Ezek.12:2; Isa.6:9; Matt.13:11-17; Mark 4:11-12; Luke 8:9-10; Acts 28:23-27; Rom.11:7-10; 8:5-8).  Paul said not to associate or “keep company with” anyone who professes to be a brother, but who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolator, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner (1 Cor.5:11; Heb.3:1; 2:17; 2 Tim.1:9; Mark 3:34-35; Rev.7:11). Were the “deep things of God” revealed by Spirit that Paul was steward concerning warnings against mere physical fleshly acts (1 Cor.4:1-2; 2:1,10; 5:9,11; 2 Thess.3:14; 1 Cor.5:11)?  

Paul wrote to the Corinthian brethren, brothers and sisters, because there were problems within. Their behaviors were showing they were not living by the Spirit but were immature, behaving like men, carnal, using human thoughts and reasoning to interpret God’s word, and so were as children, unskillful in God’s thoughts through the Spirit about divine approval (1 Cor.3:1-6; 14:20; Titus 3:1-7,9-10; Rom.12:3-4; 1 Pet.4:10; John 3:27).  They were not united in mind and thought - they did not have the mind of the Spirit, they had not crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, but their minds were set on the flesh, human reasoning (Matt.15:19; Rom.8:5-8; 6:1-2; Gal.5:24-25,18; 1 Cor.1:10-13; 2:10-16; 2 Tim.3:5-7; Titus 3:1-3; 1:16). Living according to the flesh and not the Spirit, is worldly, thinking human thoughts not spiritual things taught by the Spirit (John 4:24; 14:6,23-26; Prov.3:7,5; 1 Cor.1:20; 3:1; 2:1,4-5,13-14; 3:19; Jude 1:18-19; Col.2:8; Jer.8:9; 2 Pet.1:20).  Paul expounded upon these “works of the flesh,” explaining that those who fulfilled the cravings of flesh and indulged its desires and thoughts were wrongdoers, dead in transgression, sin, but those who walked by the Spirit would yield to the Spirit and not carry out the desires of the flesh, fleshly thinking (Rom.2:28-29; 8:6-10; 1 Cor.3:16; 6:18-20; 1 Cor.2:10-16; Gal.5:16-21; Col.3:5; Eph.2:1-3; Gal.3:1-3).  

 
Let’s see what Paul was speaking about when he said not to keep company with brothers who claim to be holy, anointed by Spirit, doing the will of God but who are sexually immoral, covetous, an idolater, a reviler, a drunkard, or an extortioner (1 Cor.5:11). In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul directed the brethren’s attention to the examples of Israel’s past written down as warnings of God’s displeasure when indulging in carnal desires, human thinking (1 Cor.10:1-12).  These carnal, human thoughts, desires, were an evil thing that came from within the heart of human reasoning and then spoken out of the mouth out of men, human commands…this is what defiles (Mark 7:17-23; Matt.15:9,17-19; Gal.5:19-21; Rom.8:7-8; 7:7; ). We also will expand our learning of the spiritual nature of Paul’s words when we read the written record of Israel’s past (1 Cor.10:11; 4:6; 14:21; 2 Tim.3:16-17; Rom.15:4; 1:17; John 6:45).

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11).

The Greek word “sexually immoral” [G4205] means fornicator, a man who prostitutes himself, whoremonger, a word akin to G4204, which means a prostitute, or metaphorically, an idolatrous community (1 Cor.5:11).  Were God’s people ever sexually immoral, acting like a prostitute, figurative of an idolatrous community?  Yes.  Their unfaithfulness to God is likened to prostitution, adultery  (Lev.19:29; Exod.34:14-17; Jer.3:20,6-10; Hos.2:2; 1:2; 4:1,10-12; Isa.1:21,8; 42:8; Psalm 96:5; Jer.10:8; Ezek.16:2,15; 28:7; Isa.2:6-8; Ezek.14:1-8; 23:7; 1 Sam.15:23; Zech.10:2). Israel was God’s nation and  congregation, the house of God, and the spiritual descendants of Israel are the spiritual temple, the “congregation.,” the dwelling of God in Spirit (Lev.19:2; Psalm 74:2; 132:12-14; 68:16-17; Dan.7:9-10,27; Rev.5:6-14; 1:4-7; Rev.22:1-5; Heb.12:18-24; 1 Pet.2:5,9-10; 1 Cor.3:16; Eph.2:20-22; Rev.7:3-4; 14:1).  The physical nation of Israel and their behavior is an example, recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures, and as a warning for spiritual Israel - a warning to spiritual Israel, God’s people set apart as sacred who are to keep God’s commandments; to look to physical Israel’s example and beware of hardening their hearts in rebellion (Lev.18:1-5; Psalm 78:1-8; Neh.9:16; Prov.16:18; Ezek.14:3; 20:21; Hos.7:10,13; Rom.10:1-3; 2 Pet.3:17; Heb.3:1-19).  God has not changed His law regarding His people, those set apart as sacred are to be holy, to obey and teach His commandments - the commandments given by Jesus, the Word (Exod.19:5-6; Lev.19:2; 1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; John 1:1,14; 14:6,15; 9:31; 1 Pet.1:15-16; Rev.1:5-6; 5:8-10). God has yoked those whom He has chosen, anointed with the Spirit poured in their hearts, with His son, Jesus and each and all anointed by Spirit are to be united in the Spirit and one with their head and “husband,” Jesus (1 Cor.1:9-10; Eph.5:25-27,32; John 17:22-23;  Heb.13:4; 1 Cor.12:12-14; 2 Tim.1:8-9; Rom.12:5; Eph.4:3-6,13,25; 1 Cor.6:15-16,18; Mark 10:7-9; Rom.8:9; 5:5; 1 Cor.3:16; 2 Cor.1:21-22; Mark 10:7-9; Rom.8:9; 5:5; 1 Cor.3:16; 2 Cor.1:21-22; Eph.4:15-16).  The body members of Christ are not to join themselves with anyone who is sexually immoral, a prostitute, figuratively, an idolator (John 17:20-23; 1 Cor.12:12-14; Rom.12:5; Eph.4:3-6,13,25; 1 Cor.6:15-16,18).  The body of Christ in love and faithfulness obey Jesus’ commandments and teachings, which are God’s thoughts by the Spirit (Ezek.19:10; Hos.10:1; 2 Kings 23:27; Gal.4:26; Rev.3:7-12; 19:7-8; 21:2; John 14:15,21,23; 8:28-31; 12:49-50; 5:19).  They teach spiritual things by means of the Spirit, not teaching Jesus’ words according to their own human reasoning, thinking (1 Cor.2:10-16). Spiritual Israel must heed the warning examples of Israel’s past and avoid a spirit of harlotry, becoming rebellious and hard-headed - idolatrous – falling away by worshiping what they have created, human ideas, teaching as doctrine human commands (Hos.5:4; 4:12; Jer.13:27; Matt.15:9; Judges 10:13-14; Acts 4:11-12; Jer.2:1-8,11-14; 17:13; John 4:14; Psalm 36:9). If a self-professed brother is sexually immoral, the brethren are not to associate with them, and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11). 

Is the divine wisdom warning against covetousness speaking about desiring another person’s physical tangible belongings?  The Greek word, covetous means eager for gain, a defrauder, unjust gain (1 Cor.5:11; 6:10; Eph.5:5). We find additional understanding on what covetousness/greed means in the Hebrew Scriptures. Notice in the Hebrew Scriptures, “greedy for gain” is a practice of deceit, lies, which was an act of subversion by the prophet and priest of God’s people by their making crooked the ordinances of God (Psalm 119:33-36; Prov.1:8-19; Isa.57:17,10-13; Jer.18:12; 6:6-7,13-15; 8:10; Psalm 31:18; 101:7; 119:1-4,78-80; Lev.20:22; 26:14-15,38-39). No covetous/greedy man has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God - a covetous person is an idolater (Eph.5:5; 1 Cor.6:9-10; Rev.22:15). An idolater is a worshipper of false gods, a server/worshipper of an image, an idol (1 Cor.5:11; Eph.5:5; Exod.20:3-6; 1 John 5:21; Isa.44:9-11; 45:20; Judges 10:10-14; Psalm 135:15-18; Col.3:5; Acts 7:41,48; Isa.2:6-8,18,22; Jer.10:11,8; Matt.15:9). As clay is molded by the Father, the “Potter’s hand,” faithful spiritual priests are spiritually transformed, their hearts and minds renewed and molded into the image of Jesus, who is the firstborn, the preeminent, of many brothers (Isa.64:8; Jer.18:6; 1 Pet.3:18-22; John 10:29; 1:1-4; Heb.1:3; Rom.8:34; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 John 2:27; 1 Cor.3:16; Rom.5:5; 8:29; Eph.4:17-24; 2 Cor.3:3,18; Col.1:15; 3:9-11; Rom.12:2). The “brothers” are to be in his image as shepherds, instructing in truth, Jesus’ commands, and are to be examples to the flock who do not control others, but are to care for them (1 Pet.5:2-3; Matt.20:21-28; Mark 10:42-45; John 14:6; 1 Pet.5:1-6; Titus 2:11-15).  Using the example of the forefathers, Paul reminded the brothers, “And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (1 Cor.10:1-7). Paul was referencing when the Hebrews corrupted themselves in their idolatrous worship of an emblem they used to worship God (Exodus 20:1-3; 32:1-9). The spiritual congregation, the brethren were to pay close attention to these warning examples because they must be holy and unblemished instructing in the knowledge of God; this is their acceptable sacrifice they are consecrated to offer (Mark 3:35; Matt.12:50; 7:21; Rom.8:28-30; 1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; Heb.13:15; Rom.12:1). They must worship in Spirit and truth, speaking Jesus’ words of truth - “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63; 4:24; 14:6; 15:1-5,16-17; 14:15-17; 13:34-35; 1 Cor.8:4-6; Eph.4:14-16,25; 5:1-3; 1 Pet.1:3-25).  It is evil, wickedness, and an abomination to exchange the truth for a lie, to depart from Jesus (he is the truth and head of the body) and become a mouthpiece for Satan teaching lies (Prov.12:22; Rev.22:15; Matt.24:11,24; Rom.1:25-26; 2 Pet.2:1-3; 2 Cor.11:13-15; John 8:44; Jer.6:9,13-15; Deut.7:25-26).  A teacher of lies is lifeless internally, dead, because God’s Spirit does not dwell within their hearts, and so they are not in the assembly of God’s people because they are “dead,” without Spirit, because of their unfaithfulness, instructing according to their own spirit, mere human ideas, a worthless doctrine (Prov.8:12-21; Psalm 119:162-163; John 1:1,14; 14:6; 135:15; Rev.19:13; 3:14; 1:5; 3:18-21; Col.1:3,9-18; Eph.2:20-22; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 Cor.3:16; 6:15-20; 2 Cor.6:14-16; 1 John 4:12-13; Hab.2:18-19; Jer.10:8; Deut.7:25-26; 2 Pet.2:1-3; Ezek.13:9-11; Num.15:30-31). 

God’s chosen people, his holy nation of spiritual priests are to guard themselves against idols because there is no agreement, no alliance in company, between teachers of lies and the “living stones,” the faithful Spirit-anointed who are the temple of God who are to instruct in truth (Prov.8:12-21; Psalm 119:162-163; John 1:1,14; 14:6; 135:15; Rev.19:13; 3:14; 1:5; 3:18-21; Col.1:3,9-18; Eph.2:20-22; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 Cor.3:16; 6:15-20; 2 Cor.6:6,19; Hab.2:18-19; ).  If a person professes to be a brother but is covetous and an idolator, then the Spirit-anointed brethren are not to associate with them and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).
 
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11). 

What is a reviler (1 Cor.5:11; 6:10)? The word “reviler,” according to scripture, means an abuser, injuring another person’s reputation through denigration, abusive insults. We see Paul was reviled, or railed at, and so was the man who expressed belief in Jesus (Acts 13:45; 1 Cor.4:12-13; John 9:24-30). In scripture, reviling is speaking evil, defaming, blaspheming, slandering or vilifying sacred things. We see Jesus, the Son of God, was reviled (Matt.9:1-4; 26:63-65; 27:37-42; Luke 23:39). Abusive speech is not loving or kind, but forgivable, however those who slander, defame, treat lightly, or disparage teachings of Holy Spirit will not be forgiven (1 Cor.13:4; Eph.4:29-32; 1 Sam.2:25; John 6:63; Matt.12:31-32; Luke 12:10; Heb.6:4-6; Jer.7:16). If a person who professes to be a brother reviles Spirit-anointed brethren who are giving correction on false teachings, then the Spirit-anointed brethren are not to associate with them and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11). 
 
Naturally, when you read the word “drunkard,” the association is made with a person who is intoxicated with liquor/alcohol (1 Cor.5:11; 6:10).  When looking in the Hebrew, we find scriptures that use a simile for liquor (“drink”).
Hos.4:18, “Their drink (H5435, liquor) is rebellion (H5493, to turn aside, behead, depart), They commit harlotry (H2181, to commit fornication, play the harlot, unfaithful to God) continually. Her rulers dearly love dishonor.” [Hos.4:1,6-12]
The spirit of harlotry causes God’s people to stagger, wander, err, go astray. 
Hos.4:12, “My people ask counsel from their wooden idols,
And their staff informs them.
For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray [H8582, stagger, err]
And they have played the harlot against their God.”
Take heed that God can blind the eyes of the disobedient so that they cannot perceive or understand His words and so they will figuratively grope in the dark without light, stagger as a drunkard (Job 12:24-25; Isa.29:13-16,9-10; Matt.15:7-20; Psalm 107:10-11,40; Zeph.1:14-17).  If a person who professes to be a brother is a drunkard then the Spirit-anointed brethren are not to associate with them and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11). 

What is an extortioner/swindler (1 Cor.5:11)? The Greek word, extortioner means ravenous.  Jesus described the Pharisees as being inside full of extortion (Luke 18:11; Matt.23:25; 1 Cor.5:11; 6:10). An extortioner is a robber, ravenous, and extortion is oppression and robbery - fraud (Lev.19:11; 25:17; Psalm 52:5-12; Isa.61:1-8; Ezek.22:6,12). Matt.7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”  The written record of the nation of Israel is filled with metaphors that help develop spiritual understanding.  Notice how the princes (spokesmen) of Israel were described as young lions, their law-givers were wolves, the prophets reckless and the priests defiled the sanctuary…they stole treasures - salvation, wisdom, and knowledge - and precious things, lips of knowledge (Mal.2:7; Zeph.3:1-4; Ezek.22:18,25; Isa.33:6; Prov.20:15; Zech.11:13; Matt.27:3-10; 24:10; Psalm 62:1-10).  Robbery is injustice, a refusal to do what is right, not walking in the statutes of life (Prov.21:7; Ezek.33:14-19; Psalm 62:1-10). Oppression led by those lacking judgment (Isa.3:4-6,12; Eccl.10:16-17; Prov.20:11; Matt.7:15-20; Psalm 1:1-6). The judgments, opinions, intercessions, prayers… lying words - fraudulent (Psalm 17:1-15; Psalm 55:1-3,11-12,21,16-19; Isa.56:7; Matt.21:13; Jer.7:2-11; Prov.20:17).  Micah 2:1, “Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. 2 They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.”  Those who listen to lying lips will eat the fruit it produces, death, and so be robbed of their inheritance (Prov.18:20-21; Matt.7:15-20; Psalm 135:4,12; 2 Sam.7:10; Exod.15:17; Psalm 2:6; Rev.14:1; Psalm 43:1-3; 3:3-8; Job 5:13-15; Prov.30:14; Matt.12:37; 1 Pet.1:3-5,22-25).  If a person who professes to be a brother is an extortioner then the Spirit-anointed brethren are not to associate with them and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).

If you were going to be exploited by false words, deceptive teachings that would appear as “light,” how will you distinguish between truth/light and lies/darkness (John 8:12; 14:6; 1 Tim.4:1; 2 Cor.11:13-15; Rom.1:25-26; John 8:44; Eph.5:5-10)?  By using the word, Jesus' recorded words - he is the Word, he is light, his word is a lamp (John 7:16; 8:12; 1:1-5,14; Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:5-6).  Use the Word to test all things - ensure the "brethren" whom you associate with and eat their "food," are not walking in darkness teaching human rules, producing bad fruit, teachings that come from demons but appear as light (1 Thess.5:21; 5:5; Eph.5:10-11,6-9,15-17; Matt.15:9; John 15:1-5; 1 Cor.2:10-16; 2 Cor.11:13-15).  
God is light, His son, Jesus is light, and the brethren are to be light (1 John 1:5; John 7:16; 8:12; Matt.5:14-16; 1 Thess.5:4-5). Satan masquerades as a messenger of light and his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness (Matt.6:23; Eph.5:6-11; Rom.12:1-2: 1 Pet.2:5; a Cor.2:10-17; 1 Tim.4:1; 1 John 4:1; 2 Cor.11:13-15). Many will be deceived, deceived by empty words, deceitful teachings (Matt.24:11; Acts 20:29-30; Col.2:8; Matt.15:9).  Not all anointed who claim to be faithful and discreet, are faithful and discreet (Matt.24:45-51; 1 John 4:1). By their fruit you will recognize those who are in darkness, who are unfaithful, whose company we are not to keep, whose "food" we are not to eat (Matt.7:15-20; 1 Thess.5:21; Heb.4:12; 1 John 4:1; 2 Pet.2:1-3; 2 Cor.11:13-15).  Separate yourselves and do not be joint partakers with the worthless servant who is cast into the outer darkness, the dominion of Satan, never to see the light, to perceive and understand the words Jesus spoke (1 John 1:1-8; 2 Cor.6:17; John 8:12; Psalm 97:11; 37:6; 27:1; 112:4-10; 1 Sam.2:9; Matt.25:30; 8:12; 7:21-23).  

If you are a JW, or once were a JW, you know very well that the JW anointed leadership consider it impossible for them to be unfaithful, stubborn, rebellious  (Deut.9:24; Exod.32:9; Deut.31:27; Jer.2:14-15,19,23,26; 2 Thess.2:3; Psalm 78:1,8,10; Hos.14:1; Jer.51:57).  Yet, these professed brothers in Christ are not attached to the vine, Jesus, and have deceived many into eating of their bad fruit, teachings that do not offer life (John 15:1-5; Luke 6:43-45; Mark 13:5-6; Matt.24:4-5; 7:15-20; 1 Tim.4:1; Rom.16:17-18; Prov.18:20-21).  They are stubborn and rebellious, sexually immoral...not by acts of physical copulation, but by spiritual apostasy, unfaithfulness to Jesus (John 15:5; 2 Thess.2:3; Jer.8:5; 1 Cor.5:10-11). 

"Come out of her my people!" - Rev.18:4.

https://inthenightaflyingscroll.blogspot.com/2021/10/apostasywhat-is-it-and-who-are.html?m=0

https://inthenightaflyingscroll.blogspot.com/2023/05/does-generation-require-pointer-stick.html?m=0

You may also find this post (by an anointed partner of mine) helpful in understanding the great tribulation:
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-greatest-tribulation-why.html?m=0

Destruction of ungodly men

A question from reader regarding “destruction” under the blog post, “Just Imperfect men.” A perfect excuse?” 

You don’t believe that Armageddon is literal” then how are we to understand 2 Peter 3:7 when it talks of the “destruction of the ungodly men”? - Daniel

My response:

Hi, Daniel, thank you for your question, it is an excellent one.  Before I address your question, this is foremost:  Please, please, do not overlook reading the scriptures referenced.  Neither skim, rushing through the scriptures.  I completely understand you may initially be overwhelmed seeing so many scriptures referenced, and may consider it daunting to read more than one or two - the experience in WT has left many with a distaste of scripture.  WT cherry-picks scriptures in a weak attempt to support their doctrine, which has left many feeling confused when reading scripture.  This is evident when JWs are shown scriptures that contradict their beliefs.  JWs will close short the conversation with the excuse that they “do not argue.”  JWs are afraid.  They are afraid to test all things because WT has stressed to “listen and obey” them, equating themselves to “truth,” to God Himself and to Jesus (but, Jesus is the truth; John 14:6).  The leaders of WT have orchestrated a masterful plan of enslavement, obedience to them, not God, through use of guilt and the fear of being physically annihilated at Armageddon, that is, WT’s man-made idea of Armageddon.  Their interpretation of Armageddon as a physical sensory event of annihilation appeals to the sensory aspect of humans and their understanding of their physical environment and experience.  WT’s doctrine is weighted and crafted in literal interpretation of spiritual words, because they are without Spirit and are not taught spiritual things, the wisdom of God, but are a natural man and teach according to human ideas, human wisdom (1 Cor.2:10-14).  So please, in prayer ask for Spirit of truth granting spiritual discernment and test all things, reject what is evil, wicked (John 1:1,14; Eph.6:17; 1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Thess.5:21-22; Heb.3:12; 2 Thess.3:2; Matt.13:38). 

It is important to remember that Jesus’ manner of teaching was through use of parables containing analogies, metaphors, and similes to describe spiritual things using elements of the natural world and experiences common to humans (Psalm 78:2-3; 49:4; Prov.1:2-6; Psalm 77:16; Ezek.17:2,12; 24:3-14; Matt.13:10,13,31-35,44-45,47).  Why did Jesus teach in this way? Jesus told his disciples, "Because the knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand’” (Luke 8:9-10; Matt.13:10-11,14-15; John 12:39-41; Isa.6:9-10).  Mysteries of the Spirit will be revealed to those whom God has chosen to anoint with His Spirit, the Spirit He has poured in their hearts, hearts that have not hardened in rebellion from Jesus’ commandments (Luke 4:18; 1 John 2:20,27; John 12:49-50; 6:63; 4:24; 15:16,1,5,4,7-8,10; 1 Pet.2:5,9; Heb.13:15; Mal.2:7; 1 Cor.3:16; 6:19; Rom.5:5; 8:9; John 14:26; 1 Cor.2:6-7,10-16; Rom.16:25-26).  By the Spirit, faithful Spirit-anointed will “see and hear,” have spiritual discernment and be stewards of the spiritual mysteries Jesus spoke through the apostles teachings and in the past by the holy prophets (John 1:1,14; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 John 2:27; John 4:24; 14:26; 15:1,4,16; Heb.13:15; Mal.2:7; Luke 8:10; 1 Cor.4:1-5; Rom.16:25-27; Eph.3:1,7-11; 1 Peter 4:10; Luke 12:42; 2 Pet.3:1-2). 

So let’s look at your reference to 2 Peter 3:7. 

“But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” [ESV]

In 1 Peter 4:17 we see that judgment begins first, with the “dwelling of God” (1 Pet.4:17; 1 Cor.12:20,27-28). The dwelling of God is a spiritual house, a dwelling place of God in Spirit in the hearts of anointed He has poured His Spirit (John 6:63; Matt.22:14; 1 Pet.2:5; Heb.3:6; 8:10; Rom.5:5; 1 Cor.3:16; 1 John 2:27).  Each spiritual priest is a “living stone” that grows into a holy temple (1 Pet.2:5,9; Eph.2:19-22).  Just as the Testimony was written on stone tablets for Jews manifest through physical circumcision, God’s commandments are written on living stones, the hearts of spiritual Jews by the Spirit who are entrusted with the very words of God (Exod.31:17-18; 32:15-16; Deut.5:22; 4:13; Prov.3:1-5; John 1:1,14; 14:1,15-17; 1 John 2:20,27; Rom.5:5; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 Cor.3:16; Psalm 40:8; 19:8; Prov.11:3; Rom.8:16; Gal.4:6; 6:15; Rom.2:28-29; 3:1-2).  God’s commandments are upright, righteous, and pure, clean and they, spiritual priests, while physically alive in the flesh, are created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, speaking truthfully (Psalm 19:8; Eph.4:24-25; John 14:6,10,15-17,22-24; 17:17; 1:1,14).  Putting faith in God and in Jesus, they do not lean upon their own understanding their own thoughts and ideas on what God’s words mean (Heb.11:1-3,6,10,13-16; John 14:11; Cor.2:10-16; Prov.2:1-15; 3:5-6).  All Jesus spoke and taught was from the Father, and those in the “body of Christ,” Spirit-anointed priests, must be taught by the Holy Spirit the meaning of Jesus’ words (John 14:6,23-26; 1 John 2:27; 1 Cor.12:12,27; 1 Pet.2:5,9).  They must speak the truth to each other, ridding themselves of falsehood (Psalm 19:8; 1 Pet.2:1; James 1:21; Eph.4:15,25; Col.3:8-10,12-15).  Their duty as messengers of God is to instruct in the knowledge of God, a duty  not to be treated lightly, as if they can say anything they want as long as they wear a suit and tie, keep their hair neat, have no facial hair, and wear modest physical clothing (1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; 1 Sam.16:7; John 7:24; 1 Pet.3:4; Jer.17:10; Luke 16:15; Isa.55:8-9).  How silly to think God is interested in the outward appearance (John 7:24; 1 Pet.3:4; Jer.17:10; Luke 16:15; Isa.55:8-9).  As members of the body of Christ, together the spiritual priesthood is to grow into a perfect man by unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, the fullness of Christ speaking the truth in love (Eph.4:3-6,11-16; John 17:2). If the spiritual priests (“living stones,” members of the body of Christ) come together and “build” the spiritual temple teaching the commandments of Jesus based on human wisdom and not according to the Spirit, the temple, of which they are, is not holy but defiled, impure (1 Pet.2:5,9; Eph.5:25-26; 4:11-16; Rev.21:22,27; 22:14-15).  Defiled, they worship God in vain teaching commandments of men…building a temple made by human hands of which God does not dwell (Acts 7:48-51; Isa.66:1).  “Not by human hands” means not by human construction, not of human handiwork, not of human ideas which is futility, but of the new creation, humans anointed by Spirit, taught by Spirit, and teaching according to Spirit (Acts 7:48; 17:24; Heb.9:11; 1 John 2:27; 1 Cor.2:10-16; Jer.14:14; Hab.2:18; Prov.28:26). 

The judgment begins with the household of God, the spiritual priesthood and what they teach because they are entrusted with God’s words and they must speak truth because God does not lie and no lie comes from truth (1 Pet.4:17; 2:5,9; 1 Cor.3:16; Eph.2:20-22; John 14:6; 1 John 2:20-21; Heb.6:18). They are judged by the words they speak, whether their words, their teachings are true or false (Matt.12:36-37; Rev.20:11-15). 

The word of God is alive and active, profitable for teaching (1 Tim.3:16). On the day of judgment, every inactive, unprofitable words spoken by men will be reckoned - their reward will be according to their deeds (1 Tim.3:16; Matt.12:36-37; 16:27; Rev.22:10-16; 1 Cor.3:5-17). The rewards for deeds - life or death - and that is in the power of the tongue (Prov.18:21; Matt.25:31-34,41-46). Words are powerful because they enter the heart, shape your innermost being (Prov.4:23-24; Luke 6:43-45). From what is in the heart the mouth speaks, and so the anointed who are to be entrusted with God’s word, give a testimony of what is in their heart by what they instruct (Prov.4:20-24; Matt.12:33-37; Luke 6:43-45; 1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7).  If they sow to the Spirit, they will testify to truth and declare righteousness, produce fruitful speech that offers life to those that choose to eat the fruit of the their lips (1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; Heb.13:15; John 15:1-5; Prov.18:21; 14:25; 12:17-22; John 6:63,27; 11:26; 3:11; 5:24). Faithful Spirit-anointed who live according to the Spirit, obeying Jesus’ commands, are a dwelling place of Spirit and now, have crossed over from death to life - the law of the Spirit of life, grace and peace, has set them free from the law of sin and death (John 15:1-6; 5:24; Rom.8:1-5; 2 Cor.3:14,16-18; Rom.6:14; Eph.2:4-10,14-18).  They live and walk according to the Spirit, setting their minds not on flesh, human thinking, but conform to Jesus’ image and are slaves of righteousness - they are sons of God, children of God (Rom.6:18; 8:5-6,10-11,14-15). While in the flesh, faithful Spirit-anointed priests engage in a spiritual warfare destroying lies with spiritual weapons that have divine power by the Spirit of holiness, the Spirit of the Father speaking through them (2 Cor.10:3-5; Eph.6:10-17; 2 Cor.6:7; John 1:1,14; 2 Cor.13:3-4; 2:17; 1 Thess.2:13,3; 2 Cor.7:1; Matt.10:20; 1 Cor.5:7-8). 

The ungodly one are, all together, deceitful workers, posing as ministers of righteousness but have no light and walk in darkness, their words are empty, worthless, a false doctrine - they have no regard for what is sacred and mock God by saying “all things continue the same,” thinking God will do nothing about their unfruitful works of darkness (Jude 1:17-19; 2 Pet.3:3-4; Rom.2:28; 9:6; 2 Cor.11:13-15; Acts 13:10; 2 Pet.2:1-3,12-15,17; Eph.5:6-14; John 8:12; 14:6; 1 John 2:21; John 15:5; 5:38-40; 3:19-21; 2 Cor.6:14-18; Jer.10:8).  They are fruitless trees, clouds without water, they are a perverse and crooked generation (Jude 1:17-19,12; Matt.15:13; Prov.25:14; Deut.32:1-9; Psalm 1:1-6).  Mockers/scoffers are “worldly” - natural, animalistic, unspiritual, earthly, ungodly, and without the Spirit (Jude 1:17-19; James 3:15; 1 Cor.2:14; 15:44,46; James 3:15; John 6:63; 2 Pet.2:5).  Without Spirit, they wage war according to the flesh, they use the word of God but teach human rules, the weapons they fight with are weapons of the world (deceptive teaching, malice, wickedness) that are unable to destroy the knowledge of God (2 Cor.10:3-5; Jude 1:10,17-19; 1 Cor.2:12-16; Prov.28:5; Matt.16:6; Mark 8:15; Matt.16:11-12; Mark 7:5-8; Mark 7:13).

Scripture tells us that hate is murder and a lying tongue hates its victims, those who eat of their fruit of lies (Prov.18:21; 26:28; 1 John 3:15; John 5:24).  Eternal life does not reside in a murderer, a lying tongue (1 John 3:15; John 5:24).  A false witness speaks lies and a false witness and those who love to eat of the fruit of lies share the same reward, they are not in the Book of Life (Prov.18:21; 14:5; 19:9; Psalm 101:7; John 8:44; Hos.10:13; Rev.21:22-27).

You think deceptive teachings will be easy to detect?  They will not and many will be deceived, even the elect (Matt.24:11,24). How can that be?  Won’t it be immediately evident they are evil?  It will not because they will appear as messengers of light, as sheep (2 Cor.11:13-15; Acts 20:30; Matt.7:15; 1 Pet.4:1). Teaching as doctrine commandments of men is unacceptable to God, vain worship, because such teachings are not of the mind of Christ, not of Spirit, but human regulations (Matt.15:7-9; Titus 1:16; Col.2:18-22).  The ungodly are not a dwelling of God in Spirit because they teach lies and they themselves are dead, without Spirit - it is the  Spirit that gives life and their teachings are not of Spirit because the Spirit is not in their hearts (Matt.15:7-9; Eph.5:8-14,17; 1 Cor.2.12-16; John 4:24; 14:6; 6:63-64; 1 John 4:8; Rom.5:5). Evil is in their hearts and from their heart they bring forth evil, their words have the power of death yet they speak words smooth as butter, softer than oil, yet are drawn swords (Prov.18:21; Psalm 28:3; 57:4; Psalm 55:21,23; Luke 6:43-45; Psalm 50:15-23).  

Life is not defined by our physical existence as if cessation of breathing physical air is the line between being alive and being dead - the Spirit gives life and if we walk in the way of the ungodly, teachings of men who are without Spirit, we are dead in trespasses, transgression - perverting Jesus’ words is transgression, sin (Psalm 1:1,6; 2 Tim.4:3-4; Rev.3:1; Eph.2:1-2; John 6:63-64; 14:6).  Their minds and hearts are closed, hardened, they are not qualified ministers but blinded spiritually and refuse to attach themselves to Jesus, the vine, the only one who can give life, spiritual perception - destruction is when he withholds spiritual perception and keeps them in spiritual darkness - it is the Spirit that gives life (John 15:1-5; Matt.7:21-23; Mark 8:17-18; 6:52; 2 Cor.3:1-6,14-18; Isa.55:6-11; Deut.29:14-29; 2 Pet.3:3-10; Eph.4:17-18; Amos 5:18; 8:11-14; Matt.12:36-37; 2 Thess.2:2-3,8-11; 2 Pet.3:12-17; John 6:63-65; Psalm 143:1-3; Prov.1:22-33; 10:7-8).

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:11-13; John 14:6).

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).

Please let me know if this has been of help to understand the meaning of destruction.  There is much more to say, even on the chapter of 2 Peter 3, but the understanding of judgment and destruction is foundational for additional teachings. ❤️ Rachel

“I can worship my God the way I want…” - text exchange with JW parent

Below, a text exchange with my JW mother. I’ve added only a few scriptures post exchange for additional clarity for the reader. 

Mom:  I’ve been told I was different [referring to her personality] - by people in the truth. 

Me:  In the truth?

Mom: Yes. 

Me: Oh wait. In the Watchtower organization. Gotcha. 

Mom: Not nice, Rachel- 

Anyway I have to make dinner- nice talking to you. 

Me: I associate truth with Jesus (John 14:6). His teachings. Only his do not change (Isa.40:8; Heb.6:18; Psalm 33:11). Changes in “truths” are lies (Rom.1:25; John 8:44). 

Mom: God is love and those who want to imitate him develop a strong love for God and, and for their fellow humans. It doesn’t make you look like a good question (sic) when you try to cut other people’s beliefs down.

Me: What I say to you is not to cut you down, but to point you to true faith. Faith in Jesus, the truth is in Jesus (Eph.4:21; Heb.11:1; John 17:3; 1 Thess.5:8; Rom.8:18-25; 2 Cor.5:7; Titus 3:7). 

Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”  John 4:24, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:3-5). 

We were warned that there would arise false Christs [Christ means anointed] in the last days that would lead many astray (Matt.24:11,23-25). These appear as sheep, but inside are ravenous wolves (Matt.7:15). 

Matt.24:23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.”

False Christs deceive by their teachings, teachings that sound good to the natural man, but are “bad fruit,” man-made interpretations that rot, expire over time because those teachings were not of Holy Spirit, not of truth in love, but of their own human reasoning (Jer.23:16; Matt.7:15-20; 2 Tim.4:3-4; 2 Pet.2:1-3; Eph.4:14-15,25). 

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds” (2 Cor.13:11-15). 

We can love God all we want and believe we are serving Him, but if we do not serve Him in truth (John 14:6), but spread deceptive lies we insist are truth but are not, then our worship is not accepted no matter how good our intentions. This is dangerous (Matt.15:9; Mark 7:7; Prov.19:5; 12:22; 18:21). 

Matt.7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Perhaps if you read this, it will help you understand that the excuse of their being imperfect men, is not an acceptable excuse to God.

Mom:  You appear to be very controlling- I can worship my God the way I want without interference or coercion.  Your religious devotion seems to interface strongly with dictatorship (you must succumb).  

Did you ever hear the saying- I don’t remember what she said, but I remember how she made me feel?

I remember why I shouldn’t talk to you. 

Your way of worship is not Christian.  

Me: Jesus’ commands given him by the Father are not burdensome and we willingly submit to (Jesus) as our head (Col.1:1,15-18; Eph.2:17,20-23).  Can we worship God the way we want? Yes, of course, that is free will. Everyone has always been given a choice, even to today, to choose for ourselves what path we take, whether the path of life, or death (Deut.30:11,15-16).  

Not all worship is acceptable… there is worship done in vain, because they worship based on teachings that are merely human rules not of Spirit and truth (Matt.15:8-9; Mark 7:7; Isa.29:13; John 4:24). 

You perceive the words of Jesus shared with you as controlling, stern? Jesus’ words of correction, discipline, will sound harsh to those who leave the path, but those who hate his correction will die. That is their free will choice.  “Discipline seems bad to one forsaking the way, But whoever hates reproof will die” (Prov.15:10).  

Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1). Everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life (John 3:15-16; 20:31; 1 John 2:25; 5:9-13). If I do not warn you that you are worshipping God in vain, that you have been deceived by a false prophet, and are teaching as doctrine commandments of men, not truth, then that would be most unloving, and I love and care about you (1 John 4:1: 1 Tim.4:1-2; 2 Peter 2:1; 2 John 1:7; 1 Thess.5:21). Do not despise the Father’s discipline, for He disciplines those He loves (Prov.3:11,1,5-7). “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is near” (Matt.4:17). ❤️

Mom: If someone is not interested in what you believe- you should refrain from pushing it on them.  

Me: To remain silent when you refer to the Watchtower organization as “truth” would be as if I agree. Silence is consent. If you refrain from passive comments to me that push your belief that the Watchtower organization is truth, I will then not show you, as you request, what scripture says regarding that error (1 John 4:6). 

Mom: I was not trying to prompt you to accept my truth in any way, I’m sorry you took it that way.  If I knew you were going to seek out an avenue to talk about the Bible and your interpretation of it, I would not have permitted myself to engage in conversation with you. I just thought you were enjoying a passive exchange of life- and interesting thoughts.  Not seeking a conduit to push your religious beliefs which you know I accept as apostasy 

Me: My point is just that if you use coded language WT has cognitively influenced their people to associate with them - it’s very automatic for you, I understand you’re not thinking about it too deeply - I’ll have to respond.  

I was very much enjoying our conversation :) 

You will find it most interesting, and cognitively stimulating to look up the word “apostasy” in the Greek interlinear [G646; 2 Thess.2:3]. When you read the word “Backsliding” [H4878 and H7726; Jer.3:22] in the Hebrew Scriptures, you’ll see in the Hebrew interlinear that means apostasy.  But study those words and read other accounts in scripture regarding who was accused of apostasy and it was God’s own faithless people - Israel. 

Mom: You should remember that you appear in all your conduct to be an apostate - therefore I should not have association with you- surely if you weren’t formally disfellowshipped- you have disfellowshipped yourself- and who am I that I should fellowship with one who is so opposed to the truth so as to berate it at every opportunity.   You should know how I am to respond to you on that account- as it is plainly stated in the Bible.  I would be accountable for communing with someone who is a hater of the Truth. 

In response to your words - I say EXACTLY!

Please- let’s stop talking to each other 

Me: You will find this writing helpful to understand what Spirit shows regarding who is the apostate. 

Apostasy. What is it and who are the apostates?

Mom: It’s funny- not really- that you should expend so much time hating on the Truth as you do.  Do you know you appear to me to be like Donald Trump- he viciously verbalizes his vitriol against all his opponents - tearing them down to make himself feel better.   

JWs don’t bother doing that- they know they have the truth- 

Me: I don’t hate the truth - the truth is Jesus - John 14:6.  He is who I defend. I hate what he hates and that is I hate the lie, which is what Watchtower spews out of its mouth, defaming my Father and His son, Jesus, my head [see above scriptures] (Rom.1:25; Rev.16:13-14; Prov.8:13; 13:5). 

Mom: Stop. I’m done

Me: I will talk scripture all day if you continue. Your choice.  

Mom: You actually make me feel so much confidence in what I believe because you’ve made me examine even harder what I believe.

Me: So be it to you (Rev.22:11).