Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 12-20-09 WT Study (MY FRIENDS)

by blondie 14 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  blondie

  Comments You Will Not Hear at the 12-20-09 WT Study (October 15, 2009, pages 13-17)(MY FRIENDS)

  Review comments will be in red or headed by COMMENTS
  WT material from today's WT will be in black
  Quotes from other sources will headed by QUOTES
  w = Watchtower
  g = Awake
  jv = Proclaimers book

  Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
  WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
  WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
  Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
  United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm

  Also posted on

  http://exjehovahswitnessforum.yuku.com

  www.jehovahs-witness.net

  http://www.jwsupportforum.com/index.php

  http://www.jehovahswitnessrecovery.com/

  " YOU ARE MY FRIENDS"--"You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you."--JOHN 15:14

  SCANS

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  START OF ARTICLE

  Q1. Jesus had friends from a variety of backgrounds. What about your KH? Would jws associate with jws who had

  been drug addicts, adulterers, drunkards, etc.? Had you been pegged as bad association for years with no idea of

  what your sins were? Did all at the KH consider you friends? Were there cliques?

  Q2. APPLY IN PRINCIPLE TO ALL ANOINTED CHRISTIANS = only Bible Students until 1931 and jws from 1931 on.

  BY EXTENSION TO OTHER SHEEP = but only if associated with anointed jws

  For once FRIENDS OF JESUS rather than God but then a segue to FRIENDS OF JAH

  Impossible to draw close to God w/o first drawing close to Christ

  JAH
  JESUS
  Anointed jws/WTS
  Other Sheep

  Q3. The WTS black brushes all nonjws by saying "tendency of imperfect humans to form friendships based on what is

  received not given."

  Can you think of occasions where jws suck up to DOs, COs, elders, rich jws, etc.?

  While Jesus was not swayed by a person's financial or social status, what about jws as they also suck up to anointed

  jws, governing body members, Bethelites, Gilead graduates?

  Jesus not known to be connected to the rich but what about green handshakes of influence to the DOs, COs? Does

  the WTS encourage the rich to sell their belongs and pioneer?

  Q4. Jesus friends were flawed...so did he kick them out and shun them? Do elders "patiently" try to correct the rank

  and file?

  Q5. Do the elders focus on the good intentions and positive qualities or rather constantly judge over the gnat things of

  life?

  While Jesus could judge motives whether good or bad, do the imperfect elders read hearts?

  QUOTES
  *** w97 5/15 p. 26 Beware of Imputing Wrong Motives ***
  Imputing wrong motives to others without just cause is tantamount to judging them. It is as though we are jumping to the

  conclusion that their words or deeds are merely a subterfuge hiding something devious and malicious. Often the real

  problem lies in a mistaken view of matters, as can be seen from the Bible account found in Joshua chapter 22.

  *** w88 10/1 p. 14 par. 19 Appreciation for Our Brothers ***
  We should not suspect our brothers’ motives. All of them love Jehovah; otherwise they would not have dedicated their

  lives to him. And what is it that protects them from going back into the world, following its easygoing ways? It is their

  love for Jehovah, his righteousness, and his Kingdom under Christ. (Matthew 6:33) But they are all, in various ways,

  having to put up a hard fight to remain faithful. Jehovah loves them for this. (Proverbs 27:11) He accepts them as his

  servants in spite of their faults and failings. This being the case, who are we to refuse to take them into our tender

  affections?—Romans 12:9, 10; 14:4.

  Q6. How many jws at the KH did you find only maintained an outward appearance of being your friend? Can elders

  read hearts?

  Friend of the world = all non-jws
  Enemy of God = all non-jws

  Q7. Elders cannot even look past faults such as sideburns 1/8 inch too long let alone Peter betraying Jesus 3 times.

  Do elders (and other jws) look past the "physical" limitations of the rank and file when it comes to illness and not

  attending meetings? How many times were jws compared to others with extreme conditions and expected to measure

  up?

  QUOTES
  *** g 3/06 p. 22 ‘I Want to Serve God Before I Die’ ***
  Eventually, though, more medical facilities began functioning, and Mamie was at long last able to get the bullet

  removed. She had suffered more than two years of unrelenting pain. “After the surgery,” she recalls, “the pain all but

  went away, and breathing became much easier. Although I remained partially paralyzed, I could stand with the aid of a

  walker.”

  Even though her physical limitations made it hard for her to get to the Kingdom Hall, which was located four miles [6 km]

  away from where she lived, Mamie attended all the meetings. On May 14, 2000, she traveled more than 120 miles

  [190 km] to attend a special assembly day and to symbolize her dedication to God by water baptism.

  Q8. Do/did you think or see jws willing to live and die for you? If someone doesn't have a moment to call and

  encourage you, will they be willing to die for you? If someone never has time to even say hi at the KH, will they find

  time to die for you?

  Q9. Are the elders and other jws generous in giving their time, affection and resources? If JC was never too busy, can

  the elders say they are too busy?

  Q10. Did you have elders and other jws jump to wrong conclusions, judge your motives...do they instead see that you

  are "doing your best" like Jesus did with his disciples?

  Q11. When was the last time you were sincerely and specifically commended by an elder? Ever notice how elders

  commend only just before they rake you over the coals?

  QUOTES
  *** w92 4/15 p. 25 ‘Exhorting on the Basis of Love’ ***
  Similarly today, counsel or advice can often be cushioned with sincere, warm commendation.

  COMMENTS
  Jesus forgave them and reassured them of his friendship--he did not place them on a year of restrictions.

  Witnesses of Jesus not God

  Q12. Do jws pour out their hearts and souls? How can they do so with hour goals like the national average?
  Are jws today for the most part unconcerned about dying before the end of the system?

  Q13. Does obeying Jesus = obeying the WTS administration, governing body? Can humans have the mind of God?

  Just the mind of Christ.

  QUOTES
  *** w07 12/15 p. 19 par. 15 “Stand Firm and See the Salvation of Jehovah” ***
  What else can we learn from Israel’s Exodus from Egypt? That we must obey Jehovah no matter what he asks us to

  do. The Israelites were obedient in carrying out the detailed preparations for the Passover. They obediently stayed

  indoors during the night of Nisan 14. When they finally left Egypt, they had to go “in battle formation.” (Exodus 13:18)

  Today, it is so important that we follow the guidance that comes to us through “the faithful and discreet slave”! (Matthew

  24:45)

  *** w04 8/1 p. 11 par. 12 Jehovah Reveals His Glory to Humble Ones ***
  Similarly, we will be blessed if we recognize and obey the prophet greater than Moses, Jesus, as well as “the faithful

  and discreet slave” appointed by him.—Matthew 24:45, 46; Acts 3:22.

  Q14. While first century Christians may have known Jesus personally before or after his resurrection, no jw has done

  so, not even the anointed.

  friends of Christ = friends of the FDS/GB

  Q15. FDS only his brothers--other sheep won't become member of family until end of 1,000 year reign of Christ.

  designated sheep by treatment of FDS (only jws)

  Friends of Jesus = support WTS/FDS/GB with money (the WTS is hurting for money if they have to ask for it; where is

  God's blessing and support?)

  Q16. Support FDS = supporting Jesus

  Is the preaching work going to be worldwide per the WTS?

  QUOTES
  *** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***
  accomplished, which Jesus said would take place just before the end of this system. Jesus stated: “This good news of

  the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”

  (Matthew 24:14) Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecedented scale. True, untouched

  territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah’s due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open.

  (1 Corinthians 16:9)

  Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal

  witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare

  Matthew 10:23.

  COMMENTS
  Notice how non-anointed are reduced to "other sheep companions" not Christ's brothers.

  FDS appreciates = Christ appreciates

  Q17. FINANCIALLY SUPPORT PREACHING = help Christ's brothers--anointed jws

  PROVE OUR FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE by giving money

  Q18. Cooperate with the elders appointed by holy spirit, even the pedophile elders.

  Is the counsel of the elders BIBLE-BASED or based on the elder's manuals?

  If we overlook the faults of the elders, will they overlook our faults?

  Can we JOYFULLY follow their directions when not given in love or based on the Bible?

  Love Christ = love elders?

  Q19. Does Jesus care for us through the elders? Do the congregation members treat us lovingly as family members

  or are they abusive?

  non-jw relatives = automatically considered persecutors and enemies? Did Jesus treat his brothers and sisters that

  way?

  Q20. Do the rank and file know your name? Do they know they know the name of your children, your non-jw spouse?

  Do they know your address so they can send a card?

  CONCLUDING COMMENTS

  Next week, Maintaining Friendships in a Loveless World. So once again all non-jws are non-loving. I can think of many

  times that non-jws helped me financially, helped me move, visited me in the hospital, where not a sight of a jw could be

  found.

  Love, Blondie
• 

  WTWizard

  Friendship? What legitimate friendship requires people to keep up with the "national average" in field circus? How do these same witlesses feel about worldly friendships with the Joneses? They are bashed for trying to keep up with the Joneses--competitiveness in things like getting the biggest house, the best car, the biggest Christmas display.

  Now, I am bashing the witlesses for their "keeping up with the Joneses". How many try to keep up with the Joneses' field circus hours? They are competitive in giving the most compliant answers at the Kingdumb Hell, throwing away everything that has anything to do with the world, doing the most field circus, and going to boasting sessions despite the worst hardships. Not to mention undergoing the greatest opportunity cost so they can do even more--no college, no decent jobs, and no fun. Plus, I have seen people trying to outdo each other when it comes to donating to the Worldwide Pedophile Defense Fund, despite having personal needs.

  If worldly people cannot be friends while trying to get the best toys, I do not see how the witlesses can possibly be friends when they are trying to throw away the most toys and time. Not to mention, hounding everyone who is not playing "keep up with the Joneses" or that are lagging.
• 

  garyneal

  I feel sorry for them and I can only hope and pray that my wife 'gets it.' I'm afraid she won't though, at least not until after she is baptized and finds herself in a tough situation. I just cannot imagine why anyone would feel the need to 'turn in time' for field service and how this is actually used to measure one's 'spirituality.'
• 

  LUKEWARM

  Blondie - another brilliant analysis - your one liners are great!
  
  This is a great example of what is wrong with the doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses.
  
  The presumptuous arrogance of these self appointed religious leaders is so clear throughout that it staggers belief.
  
  Rather than exult themselves, where is their application of the masters instructions:
  
  (Matthew 23:9-12) 9 Moreover, do not call anyone YOUR father on earth, for one is YOUR Father, the heavenly One. 10 Neither be called 'leaders,' for YOUR Leader is one, the Christ. 11 But the greatest one among YOU must be YOUR minister. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
• 

  Sapphy

  It was the final section about 'helping Christ's brothers today' that had me walking out to stare at the notice board.

  How do we help? Preaching, contributions and submissive obedience.

  So basically they want my time, money and independence.
• 

  nugget

  Great to see the comments always look out for them as they are so thought provoking.

  The paragraph about obeying the elders made me cross it seemed to imply that regardless of what they do we should obey them and overlook their faults. Disgraceful. So if an elder had harmed us physically, emotionally or financially we just say no problem. If roles are reversed they can't wait to weild their authority. There was no implication in the paragraph that they should regulate their own conduct or behaviour at all.

  Loved the post look forward to the next one.
• 

  lepermessiah

  Blondie - THANK YOU!

  I was waiting for you to post your comments on this article.

  I was so angry when I read this article - I thought it was absolutely the "poster child" for why many of us on are this board.

  As the old saying goes - With "Friends" like that, who needs enemies?

  And then next week we get more BS------

  Next week, Maintaining Friendships in a Loveless World. So once again all non-jws are non-loving.

  Loved these points:

  Elders cannot even look past faults such as sideburns 1/8 inch too long let alone Peter betraying Jesus 3 times.

  Cooperate with the elders appointed by holy spirit, even the pedophile elders.

  Is the counsel of the elders BIBLE-BASED or based on the elder's manuals?

  non-jw relatives = automatically considered persecutors and enemies? Did Jesus treat his brothers and sisters that

  way?
• 

  Alligator Wisdom

  Blondie, YOU ROCK!

  Thanks for all that you do in contributing to this board.

  Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
• 

  Robert7

  Summary: To be a friend of Jesus:

  1) Recruit more members

  2) Give us money

  3) Listen to what we say

  Sounds like a cult to me!
• 

  Doubting Bro

  I mentioned this on another post but normally I can tune out the dribble coming from the platform. But, not this past Sunday. Paragraphs 15-18 pissed me off beyond belief. If you read the entire chapter, Jesus was constrating those who follow him merely by word and those who follow him by deed. Then he summarizes during the separating what he meant by deeds when he told the "sheep" that because they were willing to take care in a tangible way (providing food, shelter, care) for the least of the people of the earth, then they would be rewarded. He told those that performed religious works in his name but didn't lift a finger to care for the least of the people of the earth that they would be destroyed for their lack of compassion.

  I never thought about this passage before Sunday but clearly if you were to claim to be a follower of Jesus, you would be involved in some sort of charitible works. It doesn't appear to be an option. Although Jesus gave his followers the command to "spread the word", notice that he didn't use that as a measuring stick in Matt 25:41-45. It suddenly hit me that that's one of the biggest reasons that mainstream Christian religions are so involved in charity. They really see it as an integral part of their faith. James 1:27 says the same basic thing that taking care of the less fortunate is the essense of the faith.

  Of course, other individuals both religious and non-religious (I consider myself non-religious) do good deeds and they are genuinly trying to help. But for the WTS to claim to be a Christian organization and do very little to help the less fortunate, the exception being the relief work that sometimes helps out non-JWs, is really contrary to what the philosophy of Jesus.

  If there is a God, I think we would be judged based on how we treat others. Certainly, the WTS would fall into the goat side based on their conduct.