Posts by AGuest

59

FOR ACTIVE WITNESSES ONLY - PLEASE!!

by The Searcher in

this is a sincere request to any brothers or sisters who are fearful of websites such as this; .

please imitate the beroeans who carefully examined the scriptures to see if what the apostle paul said was the truth.

they were described as being "noble minded" for doing so!!.

AGuest

Unfortunately, the WTBTS is right about one thing, dear ones (peace to you!): there are those who WILL do whatever they can to help shipwreck your faith. And so the Internet can be scary, yes. But separating oneself from them does NOT have to mean separating oneself from God. Nor does it mean you have to join another religion to worship/know God. Really, there is no ONE to go away to; only a WHOM.

The wonderful thing about this site is that, unlike the WTBTS/religions, in general... or, at the opposite pole, atheism... and the many, many sites dedicated to both... there are many POVs here... and you have a CHOICE. Some talk about God here... some talk against Him. Regardless, NO ONE here can tell you what or what not to believe (and given most's stint in the WTBTS... no one should); but simply let you read, weigh the evidence, and decide for yourself. Unfortunately, many TRY, as you may have just read... because they don't think you are capable of thinking for yourselves.

You are, though. And right here on this very sight YOU can examine a plethora of beliefs or disbeliefs, teachings, opinions, positions, POVs, doctrines... whether secular, religious, both, neither, spiritual, gnostic, agnostic, scientific, theologicial, deist, theist... you name it... for yourself. And you can ask questions... even those of a bibilical, religious, or "spiritual" nature (as above)... and NO ONE here will take you to task for it. Well, no one should... and if they do, you can report it to a moderator.

I, for one, am grateful for that. Having spent almost a score being told WHAT to believe... and what to READ so as to believe... I am no longer bound by such manipulations. You don't have to be, either. If you still are, I hope your use of this place will help you get past that.

Again, peace to you!

A slave of Christ (but no religion),

SA

301

If Jehovah Can Read Hearts Then WHY

by BlindersOff1 in

if jehovah can read hearts then why did he test abraham by ordering him to kill his son ?.

AGuest

HUGE smile at dear tec (the greatest of love and peace to you, dear one!). It wasn't a test - God does not "try" us with evil. It was about faith, as you say... AND "reading" hearts, particularly Abraham's... and what that heart said about love for... the MOST Holy One of Israel, JAH of Armies. Abraham could have hidden how he TRULY felt about the matter from another human, but he could not have hidden what was in his heart from JAH. His heart was opened and exposed to that One throughout the entire ordeal... and not once... not ONCE... did his halt falter. His love... for JAH... did not fail. As a result, JAH's love for HIM... did not fail... and still has not failed. To show HIS love for Abraham, God granted the latter the privilege of becoming the father of Israel... through whom God's His own Son... would come into this world.

It was also much about ISAAC'S faith... and love, too: in and for HIS father... Abraham. Isaac could have begged off and said, "No way!". But... he had faith in his father, Abraham, that that one knew what was best, that that one's faith in God was RIGHT... and he loved his FATHER... so much so that he would have given his life if he father called for it. Remember, Isaac got up on the altar, without fighting, without protest. He went WILLINGLY... because of his love for his father.

Which is what Christ did. Yes, he gave his life because he loved us... but that was not the primary reason. The primary reason... was because he loved his FATHER... and wanted to do HIS will. That's why he said, "Father, if possible, REMOVE this cup from me. Yet, not what I will, but what YOU will."

Christ loved and loves us... and gave his life because of that love. But GOD loved us even before our Lord. HE loved us SO much that HE gave His Son. We might think it was hard for Christ - I promise you... as a parent... it was harder for JAH. Ask any parent whose child willing joins the military... who is willing to give their life for their convictions. Going to battle may be hard for that child. LETTING him/her go... another thing, entirely.

Again, peace to you, dear one... and may JAH bless!

YSSFS of Christ,

SA

59

FOR ACTIVE WITNESSES ONLY - PLEASE!!

by The Searcher in

this is a sincere request to any brothers or sisters who are fearful of websites such as this; .

please imitate the beroeans who carefully examined the scriptures to see if what the apostle paul said was the truth.

they were described as being "noble minded" for doing so!!.

AGuest

if all of the mixed multitude came into the law covenant, then the 12 tribes of the ISRAEL of GOD in Rev.7 , that are in the NEW COVENANT could be of all nations too?

Greetings dear Prologos and peace to you! This is not accurate. Israel is represented in verses 4-8. The nations are represented in verse 9. However, these are ONE flock, ONE shepherd (Israel is the "little" flock, not just the Jews - and the nations are the "other sheep" - John 10:1-17). The "great crowd" from EVERY nation, tribe, tongue, and people are included WITH Israel in the kingship and royal priesthood. That kingship/priesthood includes people from EVERY nation, tribe, and tongue... INCLUDING Israel. (Revelation 5:9, 10) That's why they, too, are standing BEFORE the throne... and "rendering SACRED service IN GOD'S TEMPLE." Only priests can render sacred service, dear one. (Revelation 7:9-17)

The reason Israel is numbered is so that God's promise to Abraham can not be thwarted. Israel was supposed to be a royal nation, "a people for a special possession." NOT because they were special in and of themselves, but because of the promise made to Abraham. Because of his brothers' treatment of Joseph, Joseph was sent ahead into Egypt where Israel ended up (due to the famine that occurred while Joseph was second in command). They stayed there and for about 400 years enjoyed peace with the Egyptians. And then a new Pharaoh took office. By that time, Israel had greatly multiplied... and Pharaoh was convinced they were to be feared. So, he began to severely oppress them, which caused them to cry out.

And so God delivered them from Egypt. But no more than 3 days out they began to complain about BEING delivered... as well as oppress one another. And this tendency of Israel... to carryon with outcry when their enemies oppressed them... beg God to intervene... have Him intervene... only to have them turn around and oppress their fellow man... continued for millenia. Until, while being oppressed by Rome (and not even as bad as many of their previous oppressors)... called for the death of the One sent to release them from ALL oppression... once and for all, and forever: the Son of God.

With that event, God turned His attention to the nations... to take out of THEM "a people for His name"... to replace Israel as His "chosen race and people for special possession." Thus, a kingdom that WOULD have solely gone to Israel was now offered to the nations. BUT... God made a vow to Abraham that He would not break. And so, 144,000 "slots" were reserved for 12,000 from each tribe (except Dan) "from among the sons of Israel", Abraham's grandson by Isaac ("Israel" was the name given to Jacob, Isaac's youngest son). To ensure this number, those who belong to it... who are literally from among the sons of Israel ("Judah", made up of the 2-tribe kingdom of Judah/Benjamin, and "Israel", made up of other 10 tribes)... such ones are SEALED. They are the only ones who receive a sealing... because they ensure that the promise (to Abraham, that by means of HIS seed, Isaac, the nations would bless themselves... and these are Isaac's seed... through his son, Jacob aka Israel)... IS fulfilled.

The others, of the nations... although also "anointed" (and thus chosen to be kings and priests)... are NOT "sealed." Because they are not part of the promise to Abraham - there is no need to "seal" them because there was no promise made as TO them, not as made to Abraham. This does not make those "from among the sons of Israel" any BETTER, however, than those of the nations. The only difference between the two is that one group is solely from among the sons of Israel... and sealed to ensure the promise to Abraham is fulfilled... and the others are out of EVERY nation (INCLUDING Israel, but in addition to those who are sealed), tribe (including the tribes of Israel), tongue... and people.

These make up ONE flock... and in the KINGDOM... there is no difference ("there is neither Jew nor Greek"). Nor is there any now. One is not greater or lesser than the other. They are only different in that some make up the group to ensure the promise to Abraham is fulfilled.

Those of the nations are chosen because they SHOW themselves to "be Israel"... NOT on the outside, but on the INSIDE: based on having the NEW Law written on their hearts. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) They may or may not be Israel BY BLOOD. Regardless, these are those who SOFTEN their hearts so that God can write His law there. They are not numbered (and no man can number them)... because the number's fulfillment is based on time: however many get IN the "Ark" (of the [NEW] Covenant)... before God closes the Door. That Door... is Christ (John 10:9).

For now, that Door still stands open. Indeed, he... the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:16)... and his Bride... KEEP saying, even until now:

"Come! Take 'life's water'... the holy spirit of God, which that One pours out from his innermost parts... upon any who are wishing and thirsting... FREE!"

Again, peace to you!

A slave of Christ,

SA

59

FOR ACTIVE WITNESSES ONLY - PLEASE!!

by The Searcher in

this is a sincere request to any brothers or sisters who are fearful of websites such as this; .

please imitate the beroeans who carefully examined the scriptures to see if what the apostle paul said was the truth.

they were described as being "noble minded" for doing so!!.

AGuest

I realize the thread is to active witnesses only, dear Searcher (peace to you!), so please pardon the intrusion. I just want to respond to your second question:

If "all Scripture is inspired by God", why does the Insight Book 2 p. 130 state "Luke’s presentation of this incident evidently is not in strict chronological order" - thereby discrediting Luke's inspired opening statement at Luke 1:1-4, where he states that although many had compiled facts about Jesus and his ministry, he (Luke) had done so with accuracy, and in logical order!

The original Greek does not have Luke saying he wrote in "logical" order but in "chronological" (successive) order. The Greek states:

"... to write to you in order..."

The Greek word here is "kathexes", which means:

"one after another, successively, in order".

That the account WAS written in successive (and thus chronological) order is important because Luke most clearly sets out that Judas was present at the last meal. He had to be, of course, in order for the covenant to be made with all 12 tribes... and not just 11. Based on the WTBTS' teachings, however, Judas left before that event. That is not true, though - he was indeed present; his morsel, however, was "polluted"... dipped in the sop... to symbolize HIS "pollution".

The account, as explained the Aid to Understanding Book (from which the Insight Book takes largely) is correct; the New World Translation (as to "logical") is not. However, the Aid and Insight Books contradict the themselves... and the account... when they go on to deny that Judas was present.

I hope this helps.

Again, peace to you and my apologies for the intrusion.

A slave of Christ,

SA

9

Psychopath Ratings

by metatron in

jw
friends

http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/11/professions-most-fewest-psychopaths/.

rate c.o.

's and the gb.

AGuest

Shoot, I thought you were gonna put up a pic of Gordon Ramsey, dear OUTLAW! LOLOLOL!

HAPPY NEW YEAR... and the greatest of love and peace to you, dear friend! I hope 2013 turns out to be ALL that you hope and need it to be!

YSFS of Christ... to time indefinite,

SA

9

Psychopath Ratings

by metatron in

jw
friends

http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/11/professions-most-fewest-psychopaths/.

rate c.o.

's and the gb.

AGuest

Well, doo-dah, dear Metatron (peace and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours!): I KNEW there was a reason I was dragging my feet about becoming a lawyer! Given the attorneys I know (including some I've come to know [of] recently, particularly in various Internet communities)... and I know quite a few, given my employment background and education... coupled with the folks I went to law school with... I just haven't been able to bring myself to pursue it as some would like me to/think I should.

Not that there's anything "wrong" with such folks (well, that does depend on who you ask) - for me, it's just the level of a lack of "tender compassion" required to BE an attorney just doesn't appeal to me (yeah, I know: some call it "objectivity", which I am highly able to exercise, hence, the jobs I normally have, but goodness, not to the nth degree!). As an attorney, I would almost HAVE to agree with the position of my client... and for me, I KNOW that would not always be possible. And no, not because the law requires you to do so (the word is that ethics are supposed to keep you from doing so if you can't/shouldn't. Yeah, right - how many of YOU know of an ethical lawyer? Okay, so you know, what, one? Maybe two? I'm sure it's less than five).

No, the reason is that you don't get to be a very successful attorney not "winning" for your client. So, you do what you have to do... including looking for/using... even creating... "loopholes"... to benefit your client. Why? Because imagine what you business would look like if word got out that you WEREN'T a "winning" attorney? (Theme to "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" plays in background... as tumbleweed rolls past...). And that's not just in criminal law (I recently came to know of a very high-powered... as in $850/hour... estate planning attorney who created a "defective" trust because that's what his high-paying client WANTED. You think he was going to turn away creating a trust, which, in this case, takes WEEKS of hours... given the value of the assets to be "protected"... at $850 an hour?? Given the number of attorneys... and therefore competition... in California?? Yeah, you go on thinking that...

On top of that, the bottom line in some states (California among them) is that you MUST protect the RIGHTS of your client... even if you think your client is wrong (in some states, California among them, you can be disbarred for revealing that your client IS guilty, DID commit that murder, once you've taken them on as a client! In that capacity, YOUR job is to protect THEIR rights... and until they're convicted, they have rights. So, you either have to make up stuff to protect your client (okay, his/her rights, yeah)... or come up with some kind of strategy to extract yourself from the case without being sanctioned by the court. Who has TIME for that?

No doubt, one (or more) of our few resident attorneys are probably going to disagree with me. Okay, feel free. But I would offer to those who are NOT attorneys: why would a successfully practicing attorney even bother with such a website (when would they have the TIME?? You don't have to be ambulatory to practice law)... and why do SO many absolutely and utterly HATE attorneys? Trust me, it's NOT jealousy.

There is a reason they wait until the second half of your third year of law school to teach "Professional Responsibility": you're now committed. You've now paid a gazillion dollars. To quit then... and not recoup SOME of your money (which being an attorney might allow you do do)... is considered ludicrous.

Again, not trying to put down attorneys, per se. Just trying to give folks who might not know (because they didn't attend law school)... and bit of an "inside" scoop. There is a reason why lawyering is not only perhaps a haven for psychopaths... but one of if not THE most hated (by non-lawyers) professions in THIS country.

Now, I haven't absolutely written such a career off entirely. I may use it in my old age - do a simply will/trust, here or there... file some UD actions/answers... some (better) paid mediation. But nothing big. I sure ain't in no rush to join the ranks just yet, though. 'Cause I still have a LITTLE bit of compassion in me. Most attorneys do not (and I said most... before house counsel starts whining). They can't. The profession really doesn't allow for it.

Just my $0.02... and thanks. I think I needed to get that out.

Peace!

A slave of Christ,

SA, just keepin' it real...

125

Music of the 60's ... Peace Love and Understanding

by Finkelstein in

retrospectively looking back at some the music that was being produced during .

the 60's, 70's and even in the 1950's there really was a lot of good music without the.

entailing commercial visual hype that so apparent in popular music today.. this was of course pre music videos, the music had to stand on its own to create its own public appeal.. whats some of the music that you fondly remember all you baby boomers ?

AGuest

Ain't doin' so bad, yer own self, dear Fink! Peace... love... and SOUUULLLLL!

SA, on her own...

135

I Think My Marriage Is Over...

by cognac in

jw
friends

i know exactly what happened... he thinks i'm going to die at the big a and wants to be with someone he can live forever with.... we have two girls, ages 3 and 1... i really thought we'd make it despite the religion, now i really don't think so... not sure what to do... .

AGuest

Maybe it's my not arguing that worries him...

Yep! When you do your "usual" (argue, etc.), dear Cogn (peace, chile'!) then he knows what's up... 'cause he knows what you're up to, how you feel, what to react TO, as well as HOW to react. You change up, though... and he has a brain fart (kind of typical for guys, though - most really do need a set routine. Not a put down, just an observation).

Now, he can't see straight... so as to do HIS "usual." Given what you say HE's been doing... and how you might NORMALLY react... he don't know which side is up and which is down, right now.

Go with that, girl. Remain calm. No matter what (though, you don't wanna remain SO calm that you find yourself hurling a pot o' hot grits at him or something - if you need to vent... vent... so no one gets hurt - LOLOLOL!). Otherwise... never let him see you sweat!

Peace!

A slave of Christ,

SA, gives a wink to dear "Cool As a Cogna... ummmm... Cucumber"...

125

Music of the 60's ... Peace Love and Understanding

by Finkelstein in

retrospectively looking back at some the music that was being produced during .

the 60's, 70's and even in the 1950's there really was a lot of good music without the.

entailing commercial visual hype that so apparent in popular music today.. this was of course pre music videos, the music had to stand on its own to create its own public appeal.. whats some of the music that you fondly remember all you baby boomers ?

AGuest

Okay, okay... let's really hear some music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbX66Ddxtow

And how about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kct3QWbca-E

And this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpQWbvYbeZE

Oh, wait... this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ1R5isMXxk

And THIS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY4Eoms5d7A

LOVING this thread, dear LRG (peace to you!), and yeah, I can see you love the 60's! Can you see that I do, too!

Peace!

SA, on her own...

139

What evidence is there for Jesus (NOT USING THE BIBLE)?

by punkofnice in

i have often wondered if there is any actual archealogical evidence that jesus existed other than the claims of the bible.. i don't want to go down the route of 'you can't prove he didn't exist' as this is tiresome.

or 'well pontius pilate existed we found a stone with his name on so it follows jesus existed!

' that won't cut it.

AGuest

I guarantee Jesus will not be what we expect.

Now THAT I can agree with. As to both "Jesus"... and what man expects regarding the Holy One of Israel, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... who is called Christ and is the Son of the MOST Holy One of Israel, JAH of Armies... who many call "God."

Isaiah 52:14, 15

A slave of Christ,

SA