Posts by AGuest

312

The Stone the Builders Rejected

by sabastious in

in the first post in this series i discussed the identity of the watchtower as per revelation 13. the second post dealt with the identity of the harlot and the scarlet beast.

this post will deal with the third element "the image of the beast", lets read revelation 13:15-17:.

the second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

AGuest

Okay, none of what you just posted makes sense. To me, at least. Indeed, I would prefer you just stop addressing me... indeed, I am asking it. If you want to make general comments, by all means, do so. But don't address them to me because your crafty tactic of responding always leaves the perception that something was stated by another other than what actually was. I know you know this and it's a good strategy and tactic... if you need to do that. But if you're being honest and truthful you shouldn't NEED to use it. And IT'S not honest or truthful at all. Which actually surprises me, given the regard I had for you. I mean, okay, so we don't always agree, but I once considered you a fairly truthful person. At least, as you saw truth. I've watched you go from someone who appeared to be mostly truthful, at the start, however, to someone who doesn't care about truth at all. Gives me some greater insight into your situation. You didn't stand a chance.

Address the board, not me, please. I am asking in all sincerity. Please.

A doulos of Christ,

SA, who intended no insult to anyone. If someone TOOK one, they should most probably ask himself why that was... what was in HIM to cause him to take offense at some truthful and benign statements. Might be that upbringing. No insult, just truth.

76

Review of Memorial Talk

by pixel in

this is my personal review of the memorial talk for this year.

take into account that this is a new "outline".

i put "outline" in quotes because.

AGuest

something of an anti-climax these days

One thing I noticed, dear BB (peace to you!), now that I attend as an "outsider," is the air... and look... of "fatigue" that permeates each year. Even the children seem "tired." As you state, it used to be something of an exciting night. The air was "electric." When you're on the outside looking in, though, the view is different and what I see a few old people trying to look "excited" ("Ooh, this is a SPECIAL night! Don't you younguns KNOW that?!!")... with a whole lot of young(er) people TRYING to look... well, interested, at least... but not really. More as if they wished it was already over, indeed, didn't even have to come (it's the middle of the week, fer gawd's sake, and I had to WORK, THEN get dinner, get the kids dressed up... make sure the baby didn't vomit on his shirt again... AND it's 9 frickin' o'clock at night!!").

I have marvelled over this change over the years and have learned that there is only one explanation: they ARE tired. Tired of waiting for "Armageddon," the "great tribulation," and all the other things they were promised WOULD occur in their lifetimes. Those things have NOT occurred... and so now they HAVE to go to/finish school... find a job... grow old... die... etc. None of which was supposed to happen. For them, they shouldn't even be ATTENDING another dang Memorial (remember, 2000 was supposed to kind of end all of that, or something like that? Then 2008? Who KNEW we'd make it to... wait for it... 2013?!!)

They're tired... and it's showing. Unfortunately, because they didn't listen to perhaps the ONE thing the WTBTS DID get true... and told them to do: stop serving... with a date in mind.

They hear. They just don't do. Including what they're SUPPOSED to do on that night (well, every night, but particularly that one):

"Take... eat! This means my BODY! Take... drink! This means my BLOOD!"

Peace!

A doulos of Christ,

SA

312

The Stone the Builders Rejected

by sabastious in

in the first post in this series i discussed the identity of the watchtower as per revelation 13. the second post dealt with the identity of the harlot and the scarlet beast.

this post will deal with the third element "the image of the beast", lets read revelation 13:15-17:.

the second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

AGuest

Let's see... I'm not a born-in, nor do I have anything to blame the WTBTS for as to MY life. MY life is GREAT and not one sucky part had anything to do with the WTBTS. Tec wasn't a born-in... or even an IN in... nor does SHE have anything to blame the WTBTS for as to HER life. Char wasn't a born in... or even an IN in... nor does SHE have anything to blame the WTBTS for as to HER life. None of us were elders... have/had "believing" mates... uber-JW parents/siblings... or lost ANYTHING by leaving. Nothing of the like.

Now, let's look at who was born-in... as well as who has reason to... and DOES... blame the WTBTS for their lives... and losses.

Oh, wait, no... we can't do that, can we? Too... ummmmmm... close for comfort. What we can do, though, is say, as those who were never born-in, perhaps never in at all... and certainly didn't lose anything by leaving/NOT going in... that born-ins do have VERY similar ways of dealing with others... and expressing their views/chagrins... as the "culture" they came from.

Deny it all you want: you can take the boy/girl out of the WTBTS... but you're very unlikely to get all of the WTBTS out of the boy/girl. Indeed, we're "hanging" around so as to share the truth about God/Christ/the WTBTS to those still in/just coming out. What are "you" hanging around for? Because, it's part of you. It was part of your formidable years and so will always be a part of you. We, though, have lived in both worlds. One of them twice.

The first (and one we live in now)... understands that not everyone will agree with you... nor do they have to. The world YOU know... never allowed for that. Which is why you can't do so, now. You don't know HOW. While you may live there now, you weren't RAISED in "Rome." And how one experiences a city as a CHILD has WAY more impact on them than how they experience it as an adult. We only went back to what we KNEW. Some of you still have problems leaving what you knew.

A doulos of Christ,

SA

312

The Stone the Builders Rejected

by sabastious in

in the first post in this series i discussed the identity of the watchtower as per revelation 13. the second post dealt with the identity of the harlot and the scarlet beast.

this post will deal with the third element "the image of the beast", lets read revelation 13:15-17:.

the second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

AGuest

This thread was started as a real discussion based on a topic of interest to the OP (Sab). Some TRIED to have that discussion. It went OFF topic on the very first page, starting with personal attacks, either direct or implied. Comments were made that had absolutely nothing to do with the OP, but with what a certain poster (me) stated was important to HER. It was absolutely off topic, unnecessary, and out of line. Since no else with any sense addressed it, I did. Because it was as to ME.

I don't care what someone opines as to who engages in vitriol. Unless and until folks are willing to address it when it STARTS... and deal with those who START it... nothing will ever change.

The beat... and bullock pucky... goes on... and on... and on...

A doulos of Christ,

SA, who marvels at what TRULY isn't "seen" here... all the dang time...

312

The Stone the Builders Rejected

by sabastious in

in the first post in this series i discussed the identity of the watchtower as per revelation 13. the second post dealt with the identity of the harlot and the scarlet beast.

this post will deal with the third element "the image of the beast", lets read revelation 13:15-17:.

the second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

AGuest

Which is why the atheists set up camp in the wilderness and wage war with us.

And which only "proves" the WTBTS right: "If you leave us, the atheists are right outside, waiting to get you. Either to their side or to annihilate you."

Sadly, some here are proving them right. Goodness, who wants to be on the side of the proving the WTBTS right?? But... those who are doing so just can't "see" it. Which is why prayers are needed: they really don't know what they do.

Only way to stop them? (1) Deny YOUR faith; (2) speak to them with lies/PRETEND you're not a believer... and/or in ways they can "handle" (although dear tec is proof that this last one isn't all that effective); or (3) wait until you're well into being a senior citizen at which time they will simply patronize you.

A doulos of Christ,

SA

312

The Stone the Builders Rejected

by sabastious in

in the first post in this series i discussed the identity of the watchtower as per revelation 13. the second post dealt with the identity of the harlot and the scarlet beast.

this post will deal with the third element "the image of the beast", lets read revelation 13:15-17:.

the second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

AGuest

"As an ex-christian Sab, Strypes, Shelby, Tammy, Loz and Char view people like Qcmbr and I with the same attitude that JWs view apostates."

I cannot speak for any others, but I can say as to ME, you are absolutely in error. On several grounds:

1. I really don't view you, C. At all. You only come on my radar when you comment. When you don't, or when I'm offboard, "C" doesn't even come into my mind. None of you, save perhaps one, are a part of my life... were ever a part of my life... and so of no real consequence. For the one that... was?... I cannot fathom, because our "differences" were never a part of our relationship. At least, not for me. Again, I can only speak for myself. I have family that do not share my beliefs. My LOVE for them, though, would never allow me to relegate them to a position of... contempt... which is what JWs have for "apostates."

2. "You", on the other hand, not only view US with the same attitude that JWs view apostates... but even worse. You have such "contempt," even before you stated you did. It's apparent... in your words and actions. Indeed, you treat us almost worse than they did/do. Our fear used to be that THEY would seek us out to "kill" us, spiritually, but... goodness... YOU are the only ones doing that! They don't pay us any mind at ALL... while YOU follow us around, chiding, ridiculing, opposing, denying, "challenging," mocking, pounding... all the while crying that we are "torturing" you.

3. JWs view apostates as those who have left THEM. You have never been "with" us, so I could not view you in that way. That you may have lost your faith is not a reason for me to view in the traditional "apostate" manner... because I consider the WTBTS the "apostates." YOU all have a reason for your lack of faith - the lies, deceit, and misleadings OF apostates. Which they will account for. I do not lump you in with them, however, but blame them for your disillusion (which, again, I totally understand). IF Christ himself had not come and spoke to me... I would most probably be where you are. The ONLY reason I am NOT... is the evidence given ME. Which evidence I CANNOT deny... no matter how much "you" challenge and ridicule and oppose. I have stated and explained that many, many... many... times on here, saying that if what has occurred with me occurred with "YOU"... you wouldn't be able to deny it either, but would be doing EXACTLY what I'm doing... regardless of what ANYONE said. That you can't accept that evidence... or receive my testimony as to it... doesn't give me grounds to judge you

It only breaks my heart that the "number" they did on you won't LET you receive it, whether that "number" was done by their leaders, their elder wolves... their members... or even one's own flesh (spouse, parent, sibling, child). I blame them... for teaching and allowing you to BE abused, spiritually. I don't blame you.

That you can't respect ME, though... in spite of my beliefs... regardless of what they are... hypocritically flies in the face of all "YOU" say you are about. I address the Household of God, Israel... a "house" of a God YOU say doesn't exist... yet, every single time you MUST read the message, as if it was to YOU (but YOU say it is not!)... and then comment in opposition. It is telling to ME that YOU apparently feel the message IS to you - but how can that BE, if there is no God... AND "you're" not Israel? And so, you have to posture and keep "face"... just in case. Because you would not be able to bear being wrong... one more time. So, better safe, than sorry.

But at least one of you should know me by my "works" as TO you... which works have NEVER been anything but demonstrations of love. That such one can't... saddens me, greatly. Breaks my heart, actually, but... well, if a man's enemies will be members of his own household (which even you know is true)... and my Lord's own childhood friend is the very one who turned against him (although he didn't have to be involved one way or the other... he had free will and could have just chosen to let my Lord and his opposers deal with their differences)... that helps me see there was never any love on the other side in the first place. Couldn't have been... because love... never... fails. Mine hasn't... and won't. It was real.

So, no, C - you have it backward, actually. Unfortunately, you can't see that - anger has a tendency to do that, though, blind its holder. You know, as JWs often experience... in THEIR anger... as to those who are not like THEM.

A doulos of Christ,

SA

312

The Stone the Builders Rejected

by sabastious in

in the first post in this series i discussed the identity of the watchtower as per revelation 13. the second post dealt with the identity of the harlot and the scarlet beast.

this post will deal with the third element "the image of the beast", lets read revelation 13:15-17:.

the second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

AGuest

Welcome back, dear Stypes, and peace to you! I had typed out a bit to C about how disappointed I was that he is letting folks think you said such a thing to him, when you did nothing of the sort (and some know that but I've learned from my Lord that some DO know what they do... while not knowing what they do). I realized, though, that he won't get it... and neither will they... so why waste my breath/keystrokes.

Unfortunately, I see what you do... and have tried what you have... and, yeah, it's hard with this one. The anger is SO great! Yet, I can understand it, as you say you can... and yes, we both must move past our own distaste toward mercy and forgiveness. Toward doing what we would have others do unto us which, in this case, is pray that we get what we are TRULY hoping for (union with God). I don't believe that that hope has been absolutely abandoned, in spite of all the posturing and pontificating. I've no doubt that it WILL be said, one day, "Blessed is he that comes in the name of JAH" - I only hope that it comes for those of Israel who are here BEFORE the Door (John 10:9) to the Ark (of the Covenant) is shut... and rather than be kings and priests, they find themselves subjects of those of the nations. A dishonor to Israel.

I realize, of course, that the snarks, ridicule, and perhaps even blasphemy will come now, but that's okay - I don't judge any who bring it, as I believe you don't, either, so we'll just have to let their own mouths judge them. Because I don't think they will be able to refrain. There IS a power over them... as you will see shortly... which will drag OUT of them what's truly IN them. Nothing you or I can do about that... except, perhaps, pray for them, as you said. Hard, but we have to do it. So, I will pray for you... and perhaps you will pray for ME... that we find the love in US... TO do it.

As for our differences at this point, I am one who believes Christ's words when he said, "He that is not AGAINST you is FOR you"... and so have no problem with others having different beliefs... except to the extent they try to teach WTBTS doctrine as "truth." While I have absolutely no problem discussing and sharing with ALL of Israel, regardless of which "city" and "pen" they may have been called out from, I have not been SENT to any other than those of Israel who come through the WTBTS. Because that is the "pen" I was called out from... and I know the "laws" of its "hired man"... and the "bite" of its "wolves" very well, attempts having been made to "snatch" and "scatter" me, as well.

Regardless, you have pegged our C quite well. Those who can't see it are to be understood, because they haven't been subjected to it. Things tend to look different when you're on the other side of it. But take heart - as you can see, you're not alone in being on the receiving end of his anger and chagrin. I've no doubt that others would be too if they ever professed faith in God and/or Christ. They don't, so they will never know this other "side" of him, praise JAH - I wouldn't want ANYONE to be subjected to it so I am actually quite glad that these have dodged that bullet, regardless of how and why.

In case you are interested, there is another site that might give you a little reprieve from time to time should you want/need it. Interestingly, many of those here who decry God and Christ... who may even blaspheme... find a need to join/visit there, as well. We cannot, for the life of us, understand why... given their claims of honesty, integrity, and absolutely NO interest in what we believe. Even as to spying (which apparently is a regular occurrence), if they truly believe God and Christ do not exist - as they claim to believe. But apparently, they can't stay away (which doesn't seem rational to ME, but given their definition of various words, maybe "rational" means something different than what most think). Some, we have found, actually camp out for hours, just reading. We find THAT curious, since the site membership is open to anyone who wishes to join. I can only surmise that they ARE interested in what is posted there (indeed, their repeated references to it seem to indicate that)... but don't have the cahones to step out and let others know that. Ah, well... such is the way of the cowards...

Anyway, I will PM you the link, just for your information if you want it.

Again, though, welcome back, peace to you... and heart and chin UP, girl!

YOUR servant, as I am servant to ALL those of the Household of God, Israel, and those who go with, and a doulos of Christ,

SA

76

Review of Memorial Talk

by pixel in

this is my personal review of the memorial talk for this year.

take into account that this is a new "outline".

i put "outline" in quotes because.

AGuest

the whole thing is a death pact so anyone believing they will survive armageddon can't be part of it .

Can you expound on that, dear Heathen (peace to you!)?

Thank you!

A doulos of Christ,

SA

27

LA Times: Many researchers taking a different view of pedophilia

by AndersonsInfo in

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jan/14/local/la-me-pedophiles-20130115/2.

many researchers taking a different view of pedophiliapedophilia once was thought to stem from psychological influences early in life.

now, many experts view it as a deep-rooted predisposition that does not change.january 14, 2013|by alan zarembo, los angeles timesas a young boy, paul christiano loved the world of girls the way they danced, how their spindly bodies tumbled in gymnastics.

AGuest

Children molesting children is a very different situation. An adult is expected to conform to society.

So, let's see... molest, molest, molest (you're only, what 10... 12... 14)... oh, wait, you turn 18 tomorrow: better stop now.

We worry that little kids who torture and kill helpless kittens might grow up to be criminals, even killers... but kids who molest other kids? Nahh, nuthin' wrong with them. That should make the kid who was molested feel better about it. I mean, I don't know if it matters to a victim how old their violater was. Maybe. Maybe not. Probably depends on what the "grown ups" TELL them, right?

Let me share something with you that apparently your education didn't teach you. I once was an Executive staff member of a non-profit that did drug and alcohol counseling for youth. Now, under usual circumstances "youth" denotes kids from about age 11-12 to 18-19. Our clients? The oldest was 23. The youngest... was 6. Yep, six.

Children can be born with all manner of genetic predispositions. Including drug and alcohol addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, sociopathy and psychopathy... and, according to this report... pedophilia. If we would undertake to help a child born addicted to drugs/alchohol... why in the WORLD would we WAIT until adulthood for a child predisposed to pedophilia?

Nevermind. I forgot who I was addressing.

Some of us don't want to see... can't look at... the reality of some of our culture's/society's children. Then we grab our heads and moan "How did this HAPPEN?!" when a kid shoots up a school. He's only a monster AFTER he's do so. Perhaps he wouldn't have DONE so... if...

A doulos of Christ,

SA

42

My questions for YOU

by Terry in

jw
friends

i'm curious about human intelligence and beliefs as a natural phenomenon.. i've long suspected that even the most "normal" and well-educated person harbors "fringe" beliefs.. the purpose of this thread is not to mock beliefs of any kind.

rather it is for all of us to toss in to a pile our own unprovables so .

we can, as a group, evaluate how natural and non-neurotic such thinking might well be.. .

AGuest

1.UFO's.

Yes, of course. Until they're identified.

2. Ancient Astronauts/Alien kidnappings

If by ancient astronauts you mean extraterrestrial visitors I wouldn't presume to think our little tiny existence is all that is in the vast, vast spanse that is the physical universe, and certainly not with regard to the spirit realm. I have also lived only a very short time... as have most of the experts (many of whom say man, etc., has existed for 1,000 times what we have on record). So my response is: could be. Who knows? I don't. And just because "we" don't know of it YET... doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Like the New World - it existed long, long before the triune English/French/Spanish conglomerate "discovered" it. So, I dunno. And when I don't know, I can't say no.

As to alien kidnappings, while I do believe in transportation of the spirit (in spire) because of having experienced it and knowing others who have, as well, I don't know that any vessels (bodies) were kidnapped (taken again their will), per se. Even if we consider Enoch, Moses, and Elijah... whose bodies were taken, no one was taken against their will. I also can't see why anyone would be taken... "probed"... and returned. Why return 'em? Makes no sense to me, so I'm inclined to say no. But again, I don't know - doesn't make sense to ME.

So, I will say "No kidnappings/abductions that I'm aware of so I think not." At least, for now. I and reserve the right to change that should additional information become available.

3. E.S.P. and Psychic powers

I would say yes to that just because I'm a mother and wife and owner of 3 small, VERY smart puppies (how, then, do you THINK we know when you drink the last of the milk, eat the last banana, take the last cookie, hit your brother/sister, wore that short skirt to school anyway... even when we didn't SEE you do it? Do you REALLY think we have eyes in the backs of our heads?? C'mon, now - I've looked and I can assure you, there are no eyes there. And yet... I SEE, even when my back's turned!).

Okay, seriously, in the vein you are asking, I do not know as to E.S.P. (as that phenomenon is described by science), but absolutely yes as to psychic power. Granted, there are fakes, as dear tec (peace!) pointed out... and most who make their living as such are fakes... but there are some bona fide psychic people out there (as that term is defined by... nevermind). Both are recognizable, fakes and the real deal)...

4. Conspiracy theories

Yes and no. Depends on the theory. 9/11? Oh, yeah, but not for the reasons many others put out there.

5. Angels

Yep. Seen/see 'em. And, again, they're not pretty. Nothing like the "waahhhhh" images depicted by man, which most are used to. Quite to the contrary. Almost heart-stoppingly to the contrary.

6. Revelations by God

Well, I know of at least one, so I have to say yes. Beyond that one? Yep. Absolutely. Personally, and I'm not even of the pious (not by a long stretch - I'm actually MUCH more like the street chick in the movie "Stigmata." Well, I was), so... I mean, I COULD lie and say no (so as to not cause anyone to run screaming, weeping and gnashing their teeth, ripping their garments and tossing ashes because they can't this particular truth)... by why? We're among "friends" here... right?

Question: what do you consider "awesome" and "credible", though? And if it's what I think it is... who says a revelation must BE so?

Do you still claim God reveals directly "inside information" to specially chosen ones? I can't. But, Do you?

No. He reveals it to His Son. Even so, it's not really "inside" information. I mean, it's available to all. Now, that all don't WANT it might make it SEEM like "inside" to such ones. But, I mean, if the folks on YOUR street don't want to listen to the 6pm news, is their claim that the announcement about, say, a burglar loose in their 'hood is "inside" information valid? All the announcer can do it put it out there. Up to folks to tune in... and paid heed if they do.

Now, of course, you might say, "If it's from God why isn't it announced to the WORLD?" but that would tell me that you don't know God... because nothing has EVER been announced to the world, at least not at one time.... except the birth of my Lord. Even then, only a few discerned that event (although the star announcing it could be seen from anywhere in the world - unfortunately, only a few folks "tuned in").

Things were often announced to certain nations IN the world, yes, and to Israel in particular, but even then, to only one or a few at a time (and usually in connection with Israel, although not always). But even the GOOD news wasn't announced all at once... nor was it ever said it WOULD be. Nor was it said that it would be announced to EVERY person in EVERY nation at any given time. It wasn't even announced to Israel all at one time... or even all of Israel at one time.

So, not sure where folks are getting that whole "why doesn't He/you announce it to the world?" Other than perhaps they're trying to make God do what THEY think He should... versus what HE would do...

7. Any other belief - What is it and could you describe it?

How about: some things take time... and, unfortunately, some's perception of that... time... is skewed. I mean, what we consider time in the western world (and particularly the U.S. - heck we get tired of waiting more than 2 years, let alone 2,000 - look at the decades-old mess we expected to be "fixed" in less than four years!)... is hilarious to others in the world. Particularly the East, Middle East, Near East, Africa... heck, pretty much the rest of the world. There are "civilizations" that have seen cultures like ours come and go... and come... and go... each one thinking they're more intelligent and more advanced than the one it replaced. Each one bringing cutting edge "technology" and "advanced innovation" for its day. Come... and go... come... and go... while these "backward" and "archaic" cultures have adapted, just trudging on in their "turtle-ish" ways as we run our hare-like races around them...

And no one could tell these other "advanced" civilizations anything either.

TELL US IF YOU FEEL THERE HAS BEEN EVIDENCE OR PROOF to encourage your deep convictions.

I do.

Thanks!

You're quite welcome!

P.S. I don't really want this thread cluttered by nay-sayers and ridicule. Just simple statements of belief. Okay?

Absolutely and okay! Good thing, IMHO, and I tried to comply. My responses are serious and truthful, even the "psychic mom/wife" one.

Peace!

A doulos of Christ,

SA, who really had nothing else to do while hubby finished dinner, so...