Check Jehovah Witness Memes after the article…
Billy says, “My dear ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits – whether they are from God because many false prophets came into the world. By this, you know the Spirit of God: from God is every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and now is in the world. ” 1. Jovanova. 4: 1-3.
“And the Spirit speaketh plainly, that in the last days some of the faith shall depart from hearing false spirits, and doctrines of the devil.” (1 Tim. 4: 1).
The Jehovah’s Witnesses movement has had several major crises in its history. They had the last one in 1975. Witnesses were then given the belief that the final battle of Armageddon would take place in October 1975. Their reputation was tarnished and their zeal in spreading the “new truth” was shaken. The membership, which grew rapidly before the “Armageddon prophecy” was given, has now collapsed. Many followers of Jehovah’s Witnesses left their jobs and sold their homes to better prepare for the day. However, as that day came and nothing happened, they had to face the bitter fact that they had been seduced – manipulated. Many members left the movement after many years of membership. Recently, the number of followers of this organization has stabilized and started to grow again. The biggest reason for that is that they are devoted to their movement with fanatical zeal – which is everything to them. However, despite their great zeal and organization, to an outside observer, they look like a subjugated society without any joy or life.
I. ORIGIN – DEVELOPMENT
Four of their leaders are responsible for establishing the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
1) C. T. Russell (Charles Russell, 1852-1916), a Presbyterian, led a group of people in Bible study. Under the influence of the Seventh-day Adventist, he prophesied the second coming of Christ in 1874. When the prophecy was not fulfilled, he claimed that Christ had returned invisibly, thus marking the beginning of Armageddon and the establishment of the kingdom of God in heaven. In 1884, Russell founded the Watchtower Tower and Brooklyn-based tract society. In 1909, he said that Armageddon would begin in October 1914. Russell’s unfulfilled prediction that the pagan rule over the world would end in 1914 destroyed his reputation. He died in 1916. Jehovah’s Witnesses soon severed all ties with Russell’s teachings and prophecies.
2) J. F. Rutherford (Rutherford, 1869-1942), called “Judge Rutherford” because it was by profession, delivered in 1918 his famous sermon “Millions living now will not see death.” In that sermon, he corrected the date of Christ’s return from 1874 to 1914. The coming of Christ will end the age of the Gentiles and begin the millennial kingdom and judgment of Satan. The devil was removed from heaven and condemned to rule over the nations on earth. Rutherford was a great administrator. He transformed society into a well and strictly disciplined organization. He propagated strong enmity against Christianity and all churches. He prophesied that in 1925, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would return to earth. He built a house for them in California. Since 1931, they have been called “Jehovah’s Witnesses” according to Isaiah 43:10.
3) N. H. Knorr (1905-1977) progressed in the organization as a printer. He compiled a translation of the Watchtower Bible: A New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. He was a capable preacher and administrator. At the time when he was the leader, there was progress and growth of the organization. He also prophesied the second coming of Christ and the end of the world, but for 1975. It was one of many misconceptions that greatly diminished the morale of the movement. Since then, many followers have left the movement.
4) D. W. Franz (1893-?). He tried to overcome low morale and mood due to an unfulfilled prediction (1975). The leadership consists of a governing body. There is a strong bureaucracy. The movement experienced many controversies and many persecutions.
