by insearchoftruth 27 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Once upon a time, I did enjoy the ministry...at least sometimes, if I could find someone home and have a pleasant discussion. Then came 1995 and the generation change. I tried to ignore it for a time, but I felt like such a fool out there. I had been telling people for 20 years or so that we could absolutely prove that "this generation" who would not pass away were the people born in 1914. Now we could absolutely prove something else. I didn't feel credible anymore.
Cate
Was listening to the first section that is downloadable from the YNOT post above, he talks about how one accepts dedication to Jehovah at baptism, wonder why he did not state "Jehovah's spirit directed organization" as stated in the baptismal vows........
The baptismal vows are enough to fulfill the legal concerns of the WTS. But here is a recent comment by the WTS.
*** w06 4/1 p. 24 par. 14 ‘Go and Make Disciples, Baptizing Them’ ***The second question also reminds the candidate of his responsibility to work with Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization. We are not alone in serving God, and we need the help, support, and encouragement of "the whole association of brothers." (1 Peter 2:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13) God’s organization plays a vital role in our spiritual growth. It provides a wealth of Bible publications that help us to grow in accurate knowledge, to act wisely when we are faced with problems, and to cultivate a close relationship with God. Like a mother who makes sure that her child is well-fed and cared for, "the faithful and discreet slave" provides an abundance of timely spiritual food for our spiritual advancement.—Matthew 24:45-47; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.
The baptismal vows are enough to fulfill the legal concerns of the WTS. But here is a recent comment by the WTS.
What legal concerns????
Some jws/ex-jws have sued the WTS regarding the validity of their baptism and previous baptism questions. This way the individual has to swear "allegiance" to the WTS as well. Note it is not until 1985 that the organization is mentioned in the questions.
There is significant cause for annulment. When I was baptized at the age of 16 I was not of legal age to make life’s most important decisions, including marriage, consumption of alcohol, voting and joining an army. Jesus himself was not baptized until the age of 30. Therefore I believe the Watchtower Society uses coercion of impressionable minors to build its ranks. I was misled into forming a contract with the Watchtower Society which binds me to the regulations of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Governing Body, under false pretences of it being “god’s spirit directed organization”. Until this year I believed the Watchtower publications to be truthful. The research I have done at the request of ... has resulted in me finding otherwise.
http://jwfacts.com/experiences/grundy.htm
Baptismal questions from the August 1, 1966 Watchtower, p. 465:
(1) Have you recognized yourself before Jehovah God as a sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?
Baptismal questions from the May 15, 1970 Watchtower, p. 309:
(1) Have you recognized yourself as a sinner and needing salvation from Jehovah God? And have you acknowledged that this salvation proceeds from him and through his ransomer, Christ Jesus?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for redemption have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to Jehovah God, to do his will henceforth as that will is revealed to you through Christ Jesus and through God's Word as his holy spirit makes it plain?
Baptismal questions from the May 1, 1973 Watchtower, p. 280:
(1) Have you repented of your sins and turned around, recognizing yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?
The newest baptismal questions, from the June 1, 1985 Watchtower:
(1) On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
(2) Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?
After listening to the parts of the assembly, they sure talk a lot about telephone ministry.......is that a big push this year????
My pioneer group has increased our phone work.
I usually just pull up everyone on a particular street/ territory and divy the numbers. Not only is it super fast/ cheap but it is so easy to fake too!
Work Hard and Ye Shall Receive Spiritual Food At The Proper Time
Do more no matter who you are. Ministry, ministry, ministry. How original. Now I am sad I missed it.
Do what we tell you or God will kill you violently and then buzzards will eat your remains.
