Comments You Will Not Hear at the 12-28-08 WT Study (October 15, 2008, pages 21-25)(HONOR)Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
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"In showing honor to one another take the lead."--ROM 12:10
OPENING COMMENTS
How many of us a jw women heard the wedding speaker say that it was hard for the man to show love and hard for the woman to show respect?
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*** w95 7/15 p. 20 par. 19 Christian Women Deserve Honor and Respect ***Whereas a husband should honor his wife by treating her lovingly and with dignity, a wife should honor her husband by being in subjection and
showing deep respect.
I can remember several elders telling me that husbands did not have to show respect to their wives only love which is said by the WTS to be hard for men to do..........yet love is a integral part of the personality of a follower of Christ, supposedly.
Are women appointed? What about regular and special pioneers and missionaries? Or anointed women, are they destined for secondary positions in heaven or to be kings and priests along the men?
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*** w06 3/15 p. 26 New Members of the Governing Body ***
In June 1974, he married Jeanette (Jenny). Shortly thereafter, they were appointed to serve as special pioneers.
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*** w85 6/15 p. 23 ‘Lengthening the Tent Cords’ in Japan ***
Meri Aida was 14 years old when she received her appointment to serve as a regular pioneer. Before that she had shared in auxiliary pioneer service for 41 months since her baptism at age 11. She did so while going to school.
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*** w93 12/1 p. 27 Gilead Training in the Most Holy Faith ***
The morning program concluded with the official appointment of all 46 students as missionaries. The 23 couples received diplomas stating in part that the graduates are “specially qualified to engage in educational work, promoting goodwill and working in behalf of permanent peace and the law of perfect order and righteousness among all peoples.”
What about Deborah or Phoebe?
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(Judges 4:4) Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that particular time.
Notice how the WTS dances around this:
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*** w80 11/1 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
Thus, while Deborah can properly be described as a prophetess, it is only in a general sense that she was doing a measure of judging in Israel; she was not taking the full place of a male judge in Israel. Judges 4:5 says: “She was dwelling under Deborah’s palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the mountainous region of Ephraim; and the sons of Israel would go up to her for judgment.” As for the matter of giving the Israelites Jehovah’s answer to difficult problems that would come up, this she could do because of Jehovah’s spirit being upon her.
So she was taking the "half" place of a male judge?
What about Phoebe, described here as a minister (ministerial servant).
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(Romans 16:1-2) 16 I recommend to YOU Phoebe our sister, who is a minister of the congregation that is in Cenchreae, 2 that YOU may welcome her in [the] Lord in a way worthy of the holy ones, and that YOU may assist her in any matter where she may need YOU, for she herself also proved to be a defender of many, yes, of me myself.
The WTS says she was trusted to transport a letter from Paul to another congregation.
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*** w96 12/15 p. 23 Aquila and Priscilla—An Exemplary Couple ***
Tertius, the secretary to whom Paul dictated his letter to the Romans; and Phoebe, a faithful sister of the nearby congregation of Cenchreae, who probably carried the letter from Corinth to Rome.—Romans 16:1, 22, 23;
Is this an article to improve the treatment of non-jws by jws, of women in the congregation by men, of jws by appointed (by the WTS) men in the congregation?
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. What is no longer common in many parts of the world?
IN SOME parts of the world, it is the custom for young children to honor adults by kneeling respectfully when in their company. In this way, they do not stand taller than those who are older. In these communities, it is also viewed as an act of disrespect for a child to turn his or her back to an adult. Although respect is shown in different ways in various cultures, such displays of respect remind us of the Mosaic Law. This included the command: "Before gray hair you should rise up [in respect], and you must show consideration for the person of an old man." (Lev. 19:32) Sadly, in many places it is no longer common to show honor to others. In fact, disrespect is the order of the day.
So are jw children to be raised this way?
So once again we begin the first paragraph with an OT scripture.
Disrespect is the order of the day, but in jw congregations.
Q 2. God's Word tells us to honor whom?
2. God's Word puts a high value on showing honor. It tells us to honor Jehovah and Jesus. (John 5:23) We are also commanded to show honor to family members and fellow believers as well as to some outside the congregation. (Rom. 12:10; Eph. 6:1, 2; 1 Pet. 2:17) What are some ways in which we show that we honor Jehovah? How do we show honor, or deep respect, to our Christian brothers and sisters? Let us consider these and some related questions.
In the last few articles, has Jesus really been honored or just an impersonal implement of God.
So do jws show honor to their non-jw family members, not just in theory, the non-jw spouse?
To "some" outside the (jw) congregation...so what non-jws are not shown honor?
Honor Jehovah and His Name
Q 3. What is one important way to honor Jehovah?
3. One important way to honor Jehovah is by showing proper respect for his name. After all, we are" a people for his name." (Acts 15:14) It is truly an honor to bear the name of the almighty God, Jehovah. The prophet Micah said: "All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever." (Mic. 4:5) We "walk in the name of Jehovah" by striving to live each day in a way that reflects well on the name we bear. As Paul reminded the Christians in Rome, if we do not live in harmony with the good news we preach, the name of God is "blasphemed," brought into disrepute.-Rom. 2: 21-24.
Do jws show respect for his name. Look at the presentations in the January and February 2009 KMs....do they say "Jehovah" or God in their suggestions?
Does the WTS honor God's name by concealing jw pedophiles and punishing jw victims who speak out?
Did the WTS honor God when it formed a non-governmental association with the UN which required them to support the Charter.
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What are the Criteria for NGOs to become associated with DPI?
The NGO must support and respect the principles of the Charter of the UN and have a clear mission statement that is consistent with those principles;
http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/brochure.htm
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to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and
http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/preamble.shtml
Q 4. How do you view the privilege of bearing witness to Jehovah?
4. We also honor Jehovah by our witnessing work. In the past, Jehovah invited members of the nation of Israel to be his witnesses, but they failed to fulfill that role. (Isa. 43: 1-12) They often turned their backs on Jehovah and "pained even the Holy One of Israel." (Ps. 78:40, 41) Eventually, the nation lost Jehovah's favor completely. We today, though, are grateful for the privilege of bearing witness to Jehovah and making his name known. We do so because we love him and long for his name to be sanctified. How could we refrain from preaching when we know· the truth about our heavenly Father and his purposes? We feel as did the apostle Paul when he said: "Necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!"-1 Cor. 9:16.
So are the jws trained to use "Jehovah" in their presentations?
OT--Israel 43:1-12, talking to Israelites, per the WTS only the 144,000 are "spiritual" Israelties. That means those who aren't part of the anointed, aren't meant in this scripture.
Why not making Jesus known or witnessing for Jesus?
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(Acts 1:
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(1 Corinthians 1:6) 6 even as the witness about the Christ has been rendered firm among YOU,
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(Revelation 1:9) I John, YOUR brother and a sharer with YOU in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in company with Jesus, came to be in the isle that is called Patmos for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus.
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(Revelation 12:17) And the dragon grew wrathful at the woman, and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.
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(Revelation 17:6) And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.. . .
Q 5. How is having faith in Jehovah related to having respect for him?
5. The psalmist David stated: "Those knowing your name will trust in you, for you will certainly not leave those looking for you, O Jehovah." (Ps. 9:10) If we truly know Jehovah and look to his name with respect for what it stands for, we will trust in him just as did his faithful servants of old. Having this trust and faith in Jehovah is yet another way to show him honor. Note how God's Word makes a connection between trusting in Jehovah and respecting him. When ancient Israel failed to trust in Him, Jehovah asked Moses: "How long will this people treat me without respect and how long will they not put faith in me for all the signs that I performed in among them?" (Num. 14:11) The opposite also holds true. By trusting in Jehovah to protect and sustain us even during trials, we show that we respect him.
OT--David (murderer and adulterer, but not executed as the Law required; no other examples of murderers/adulterers that received "mercy")
Trust in God or trust in the WTS/FDS/GB?
OT--Moses
Not physical protection
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*** w04 12/15 p. 13 par. 7 Jehovah Is Our Helper ***
Indeed, the writer of Psalm 121 was confident that the almighty Creator watches over his servants with the gentleness of a caring shepherd and the vigilance of an alert guard. We have every reason to share the psalmist’s confidence, for Jehovah does not change. (Malachi 3:6) Does this mean that we will always receive physical protection? No, but as long as we look to him as our Helper, he will safeguard us against all things that could bring us spiritual harm.
Or maybe so......
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*** w02 10/15 p. 28 Should Christians Be Jealous? ***
Just as a loving father is ever alert to protect his children from harm, Jehovah is alert to protect his servants from physical and spiritual danger.
but only as a group.....
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*** w02 12/15 p. 15 par. 10 “He Will Draw Close to You” ***
His promise of protection does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this system; nor does it mean that he is obligated to work miracles in our behalf. Nevertheless, Jehovah does provide physical protection for his people as a group. After all, he would never allow the Devil to efface true worshipers from the earth!
Q. 6. What moves us to show deep respect for Jehovah?
6. Jesus indicated that respect for Jehovah must come from the inner person. Speaking to those whose worship was not sincere, Jesus quoted Jehovah as saying: "This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me." (Matt. 15:
So how many jws did you know that hid what they were inside? Gossip, shunning jws that don't like personally, defrauding jws.
Those Taking the Lead Show Respect for Others
Q. 7. (a) Why should brothers holding responsible positions· show honor to those under their oversight? (b) How did Paul show respect for fellow believers?
7. The apostle Paul admonished fellow believers: "In showing honor to one another take the lead." (Rom. 12:10) Brothers who hold responsible positions in the congregation should set the example--"take the lead" -in showing honor to those under their oversight. In that regard, ones with weighty responsibilities do well to follow the example set by Paul. (Read 1 Thessalonians 2: 7, 8.) The brothers in the congregations Paul visited knew that he would never ask them to do things that he himself was unwilling to do. Paul showed respect for fellow believers, and in turn he earned their respect. When Paul said: "I entreat you, therefore, become imitators of me," we can be sure that many willingly responded because of his fine example.-1 Cor. 4:16.
Do elders set the example? Did you know that elders were once known as congregation "servants" but now as "OVERseers"? I saw a definite change in the attitude toward the rank and file when that happened. Actually, elders are supposed to be servants of servants.
So are the rank and file "under" the elders, or are we supposed to be all equal before God, sinners needing the ransom sacrifice?
Do elders think they are to "EARN" the respect of the rank and file are their positions to be respected regardless of how they act?
Q. 8. (a) What is one important way in which Jesus showed respect for his disciples? (b) How can overseers today follow Jesus' example?
8. Another way in which a responsible brother shows respect for those under his oversight is by giving them reasons for the requests he makes or the directions he gives. By doing so, he imitates Jesus. For instance, when telling his disciples to pray for more workers to be sent into the harvest, Jesus told them why. He said: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest." (Matt. 9:37, 38) Similarly, when he told his disciples to "keep on the watch," he gave them a reason. He said: 'Because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matt. 24:42) Time and again, Jesus told his disciples not only what they should do but also why they should do it. In that way, he showed them respect and dignified them. What a fine example for Christian overseers to follow!
What is a "responsible" brother? Does that mean that non-elders and women have to responsibilities?
Jesus gave his followers a reason...told them why. So does the WTS but it doesn't have to be based on any scripture except Matthew 24:45-47, the WESAYSO scripture.
And why can jws now accept blood fractions made out of stored blood but not accept whole blood (transfusions are fractionated nowadays) transfusions?
Does the WTS dignify and respect its members?
Respect Jehovah's Congregation and Its Direction
Q. 9. Of what is respect for the worldwide Christian congregation and its representatives a reflection? Explain
9. To honor Jehovah, we also need to honor the worldwide Christian congregation, along with its representatives. When we heed Scriptural counsel from the faithful slave class, we show respect for Jehovah's arrangement. In the first-century Christian congregation, the apostle John saw the need to censure those who showed a lack of respect for appointed ones. (Read 3 John 9-11.) John's words show that there was a lack of respect not only for the individual overseers but also for their teaching and direction. Happily, most Christians were not like that. While the apostles were alive, the brotherhood as a whole evidently showed deep respect for those taking the lead.-Phil. 2:12.
honor God = honor WTS representatives
God's arrangement = WTS
So did Jesus show a lack of respect for the appointed ones (scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees) of his time when he disagreed with them?
So if individual overseers are (and have proven to be) pedophiles, should a person show respect for their teaching and direction?
Most Christians--only jws
"evidently" showed deep respect--aren't they sure?
Q 10, 11. Explain from the Scriptures why it is proper that some have a measure of authority in the Christian congregation.
10. Some have reasoned that since Jesus told his disciples "all you are brothers," there should be no positions of authority in the Christian congregation. (Matt. 23:
direction through human representatives. When the people did not properly honor the appointed individuals, they were disciplined by Jehovah.-2 Ki.1:2-17; 2:19, 23, 24.
"Some" have reasoned--who reasoned?
I wonder what kind of direction David gave on murder and adultery?
How did these people prove they were from God?
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(Deuteronomy 18:20-22) 20 “‘However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. 21 And in case you should say in your heart: “How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?” 22 when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.’
How many prophecies of the WTS have proved not to be true? 1874, 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975, (1984), (1994)
11. In a similar way, first-century Christians acknowledged the authority of the apostles. (Acts 2:42) Paul, for example, gave direction to his brothers. (1 Cor. 16:1; 1 Thess. 4:2) Nevertheless, he also willingly submitted to those who had authority over him. (Acts 15:22; Gal. 2:9, 10) Indeed, Paul had the proper view of authority in the Christian congregation.
Yet Paul, (not one of the original 12 per the WTS), corrected the apostle Peter in front of the congregation.
Was that willingly submitting to those who had authority over him? Was that the proper view of authority in the Christian congregation?
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(Galatians 2:11-14) . . .However, when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him face to face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before the arrival of certain men from James, he used to eat with people of the nations; but when they arrived, he went withdrawing and separating himself, in fear of those of the circumcised class. 13 The rest of the Jews also joined him in putting on this pretense, so that even Barnabas was led along with them in their pretense. 14 But when I saw they were not walking straight according to the truth of the good news, I said to Cephas before them all: “If you, though you are a Jew, live as the nations do, and not as Jews do, how is it that you are compelling people of the nations to live according to Jewish practice?”
Did Paul clear his letters with the Christian men in Jerusalem before mailing them out? Did he clear the above?
Q12. What twofold lesson regarding authority can we learn from Biblical examples?
12. The lesson we learn is twofold. First, it is Scriptural for "the faithful and discreet slave" through its Governing Body to appoint men to positions of responsibility, and some men are appointed to exercise authority over other appointed men. (Matt. 24:45-47; 1 Pet. 5: 1-3) Second, all of us, including appointed men, should honor those who have authority over us. What, then, are some practical ways in which we can honor those who hold positions of oversight in the worldwide Christian congregation?
And now the most quoted scripture in WTS publications: Matthew 24:45-47
The phrase "governing body" never appears in the Bible.
Didn't John caution Christians to check what was taught to them by using the scriptures?
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(1 John 4:1) 4 Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
Showing Respect for Traveling Overseers
Q. 13. How can we show respect for modern-day representatives of the Christian congregation?
13. Paul stated: "We request you, brothers, to have regard for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you; and to give them more than extraordinary consideration in love because of their work. Be peaceable with one another." (1 Thess. 5:12, 13) Traveling overseers are certainly to be counted among "those who are working hard." Therefore, let us give them "more than extraordinary consideration." One way to do so is by responding wholeheartedly to their counsel and encouragement. When such an overseer conveys to us direction from the faithful slave class, the "wisdom from above" will move us to be "ready to obey." -Jas. 3: 17.
The phrase "traveling overseer" does not occur in the Bible.
Peter was a "traveling overseer" yet Paul still found it necessary to correct him.
Do we know it is direction from God just because the WTS/FDS/GB says it? What if even WTS publications contradict the CO?
Q14. How does the congregation give evidence of heartfelt respect for traveling overseers, and what is the result?
14. What, though, if we are directed to do things in a way that is different from what we are used to? Showing respect may at times require that we fight the urge to object, "We don't do things that way here" or, "That may work in other places but not in our congregation." Instead, we strive to comply. Keeping closely in mind that the congregation belongs to Jehovah and that Jesus is its Head will help us to do so. When direction from a traveling overseer is received with joy and is implemented by the congregation, it is evidence of heartfelt respect. The apostle Paul commended the brothers in Corinth for the respectful obedience they showed toward the direction that was given by the visiting elder, Titus. (2 Cor. 7:13-16) Today, we can likewise be sure that the willingness with which we apply the guidance received from traveling overseers
contributes greatly to the joy we experience in our preaching work.-Read 2 Corinthians 13:11.
"way that is different from what we are used to"--are we following humans or God?
All those phrases are things elders would say. Sounds like the elders aren't respecting the WTS/FDS/GB/DOs/COs.
So was Paul obedient in taking Peter's lead in shunning the Gentile Christians?
"Honor Men of All Sorts"
Q 15. What are some ways in which we show respect for fellow believers?
15. Paul wrote: "Do not severely criticize an older man. To the contrary, entreat him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters with all chasteness. Honor widows that are actually widows." (1 Till. 5:1-3) Yes, God's Word admonishes us to honor everyone in the Christian congregation. What, though, if there is a personal difference between you and your brother or sister? Will that hinder you from carrying out your obligation to respect your fellow Christian? Or could you adjust your attitude by recognizing the spiritual qualities of that servant of God? Those with authority especially should maintain a respectful view of their brothers--never "lording it over . . . the flock." (1 Pet. 5:3) Indeed, in the Christian congregation, which is identified by the heartfelt love that exists among its members, we .have numerous opportunities to honor one another.-Read John 13:34, 35.
Paul didn't severely criticize Peter?
Honor everyone?................women are characterized as "weaker" vessels slaves to their menstrual periods.
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*** w80 5/15 p. 8 Why “Be in Subjection”? ***
Because of her vicissitudes or cyclic emotional nature her husband is required to show patience, kindness, consideration.
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*** w65 9/15 p. 555 par. 8 Marriage in the New World Society ***
In his Word, Jehovah has shown consideration for a woman’s limitations, and the Christian husband should do the same. He should not be oblivious to his wife’s cycles and vicissitudes. He should deal with her as with a weaker vessel, dwelling with her according to knowledge. (Lev.18:19; 1 Pet. 3:7)
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*** w52 7/1 p. 406 par. 6 Restrictions of Christian Freedom ***
The man must live with his wife according to knowledge of God’s fundamental laws of nature. The husband takes into consideration the biological constitution of the female, her limitations, her cycles, her vicissitudes, which greatly affect her mental processes, disposition and temperament.
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*** w51 5/1 p. 279 Making a Success of Marriage ***
Consider the biological constitution of the female, her limitations, her cycles, her vicissitudes, which greatly affect her mental processes, disposition and temperament. God does not overlook these feminine restrictions; neither should husbands. (Lev. 18:19; 20:18)
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*** g74 4/22 p. 11 What Husbands Can Do ***
They usually are not as strong physically as men, and emotionally they are generally more delicate and sentimental than men. So God tells husbands to give wives honor as to a weaker vessel, to be respectful of their makeup, limitations and vicissitudes.
Q 16, 17. (a) Why is it important to have respect not only for those to whom we preach but also for opposers? (b) How do we "honor men of all sorts"?
16. Of course, we do not limit our respect to those who are part of the Christian congregation. Paul wrote to Christians in his day: "As long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all." (Gal. 6:10) Granted, applying that principle can be a challenge if a workmate or a schoolmate treats us unkindly. At such moments, we need to remember the words: "Do not show yourself heated up because of the evildoers." (Ps. 37:1) Applying that counsel will help us to respond respectfully even to opposers. Similarly, while we engage in the public ministry, a humble view of ourselves can help us to respond to all with "a mild temper and deep respect." (1 Pet. 3:15) Even our appearance and dress can indicate that we respect those to whom we preach.
17. Indeed, whether we are dealing with our fellow believers or with those outside the congregation, we want to strive to apply the admonition: "Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, have honor for the king." -1 Pet. 2:17.
But earlier the WTS said that only "some" would be shown respect outside the jw congregation.
Actually it is more of a challenge when a so-called fellow jw treats us unkindly.
So why does the WTS pop in the inconsequential topic of appearance/dress? Are they saying that if a brother has a beard, people won't
listen?.......
How Would You Answer?
How can you show proper respect for:
Jehovah?
Congregation elders and traveling overseers?
Each member of the congregation?
Those to whom you preach?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week: What Will You Give to Keep Living?
Definitely shows that what motivates people to become and stay jws is the old carrot of everlasting life on a paradise earth surrounded by resurrected friends and family members.
This week: I guess even the elders aren't being obedient to the FDS. Are they questioning the changes in doctrine and procedures? Privately?
See you next year.
Love, Blondie