I feel ya, whether it's the defunct format it entrapped itself into or just a topic you aren't interested in contemplating. It dawn on me that you must be one of the few around who actually saw the movie and enjoyed it as it made only $8,479,817 in six weeks. I thought the previews were ok, but it's not a type of movie I'd pay theater dollars to see. Take care Sherwood
Sherwood
JoinedPosts by Sherwood
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SAVED!
by Sherwood inall scripture quotes are from the nwt and caps are emphasized for the benefit of this study.
ok, so there is a movie out right now called, ?saved!?
matthew 7:21-23 ?not everyone saying to me, ?lord, lord,?
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SAVED!
by Sherwood inall scripture quotes are from the nwt and caps are emphasized for the benefit of this study.
ok, so there is a movie out right now called, ?saved!?
matthew 7:21-23 ?not everyone saying to me, ?lord, lord,?
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Sherwood
I don't know if it had to do with Mozilla or what, but this is a thread where the original para where done appropriately. Again, sorry. http://pathways-online.com/yabbse/index.php?board=12;action=display;threadid=334 If that doesn't work, then: http://pathways-online.com/yabbse/index.php?board=12
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sOrRy On SaVeD! double bubble.
by Sherwood ini was trying to get the forum to break up the paragraphs, but it didn't twice.
makes for a hard read.
sherwood
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Sherwood
I was trying to get the forum to break up the paragraphs, but it didn't twice. Makes for a hard read. Sherwood
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SAVED!
by Sherwood inall scripture quotes are from the nwt and caps are emphasized for the benefit of this study.
ok, so there is a movie out right now called, ?saved!?
matthew 7:21-23 ?not everyone saying to me, ?lord, lord,?
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Sherwood
All scripture quotes are from the NWT and CAPS are emphasized for the benefit of this study.
Ok, so there is a movie out right now called, ?SAVED!? Did the utterance coming from professed Christians, ?Believe in the Lord, Jesus and be saved? ever bring a gnarly tingle down your spine upon hearing it. It is just to annoying & simplistic to say ?believe in Jesus and be saved.? Acts 16:30-32 -- ?And he brought them outside and said: ?Sirs, what must I do to get SAVED?? 31 They said: ?Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will get SAVED, you and your household.? When Jesus uttered phrases to be Saved, was it from one?s personal encounters with sin only and/or acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and/or was it in connection with God?s Kingdom. Was being Saved only a matter of ?eternal salvation? and/or did it have an immediate connotation to those who hear and obey the Good News of the Kingdom (Gospel). Yes, were the Jews that Jesus preached to pondering upon just their sins only and not even considering ?being Saved? had anything to do with the Kingdom of the God that would come upon the inhabited earth. Daniel 2:35,44, Matthew 5:5, 6:10
Case Study:
This is not a study of ?how? (the ransom, confession of fleshly sins & faith in Jesus), ?why? (underserved kindness, grace, faith, hope, love), ?where? (heaven/earth), but the FOCUS of the SAVING MESSAGE. It appears to me that the ?focus? Jesus gave toward the ?saving message? is upon a persons ?knowledge? ?exercising faith/works? and ?loyalty/obedience? to the principles set upon Jesus gospel message -- which focused upon God?s Kingdom (synonym for Kingdom of the Heavens and adjacent with the good news, gospel and God?s Glory). 1 Timothy 2:3-4 This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, 4 whose will is that all sorts of men should be SAVED and come to an ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH. WHAT TRUTH? John 18:36-37But, as it is, MY KINGDOM is not from this source.? 37 Therefore Pilate said to him: ?Well, then, are you a king?? Jesus answered: ?You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should BEAR WITNESS TO THE TRUTH.
In another words, it becomes apparent to me that you can not be SAVED unless you repent from ?not? accepting the
In light of the above, it becomes evident to me that those not having a ?focus? and ?knowledge? of God?s Kingdom are not going to be saved. These are among the ones Jesus judicially will choose NOT TO KNOW. Matthew 7:21-23 ?Not everyone saying to me, ?Lord, Lord,? will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, ?Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?? 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU!
The following scriptures are part of this ?case study? I?ve been pondering over for quite some time and are printed out for those who do not have a bible handy on the computer or otherwise. You will notice that the Good News of the is associated with Being Saved. Your input or critique would be greatly appreciated.
Matthew 19:23-28
But Jesus said to his disciples: ?Truly I say to YOU that it will be a difficult thing for a rich man to get into the . 24 Again I say to YOU, It is easier for a camel to get through a needle?s eye than for a rich man to get into the .? 25 When the disciples heard that, they expressed very great surprise, saying: ?Who really can be SAVED?? 26 Looking them in the face, Jesus said to them: ?With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.? 27 Then Peter said to him in reply: ?Look! We have left all things and followed you; what actually will there be for us?? 28 Jesus said to them: ?Truly I say to YOU, In the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down upon his GLORIOUS THRONE, YOU who have followed me will also yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of .
John 10:9
9 I am the DOOR; whoever ENTERS through me will be SAVED, and he will go in and out and find PASTURAGE.
Acts 2:17-21
??And IN THE LAST DAYS,? God says, ?I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh, and YOUR sons and YOUR daughters will prophesy and YOUR young men will see visions and YOUR old men will dream dreams; 18 and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 And I will give portents in heaven above and signs on earth below, blood and fire and smoke mist; 20 the sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the GREAT AND ILLUSTRIOUS DAY OF JEHOVAH ARRIVES. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be SAVED.?? Acts 2:40 And with many other words he bore thorough witness and kept exhorting them, saying: ?GET SAVED from this crooked generation.? Acts 2:47 At the same time Jehovah continued to join to them daily those being SAVED.
2 Timothy 1:8-10
9 He SAVED US and called us with a holy calling, not by reason of our works, but by reason of his own purpose and undeserved kindness. This was given us in connection with Christ Jesus before times long lasting, 10 but now it has been made clearly evident through the manifestation of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death but has shed light upon life and incorruption THROUGH THE GOOD NEWS,
1 Peter 4:17-18
For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God. Now if it starts first with us, what will the end be of those who are not obedient to the GOOD NEWS OF GOD? 18 ?And if the righteous [man] is BEING SAVED with difficulty, where will the ungodly [man] and the sinner make a showing??
Acts 28:23-24
And he explained the matter to them by bearing thorough witness concerning the and by using persuasion with them concerning Jesus from both the law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some began to believe the things said; others would not believe. Acts 28:28 Therefore let it be known to YOU that this, THE MEANS BY WHICH GOD SAVES, has been sent out to the nations; they will certainly listen to it.
Luke 8:9-15
9 But his disciples began to ask him what this illustration might mean. 10 He said: ?To YOU it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the , but for the rest it is in illustrations, in order that, though looking, they may look in vain and, though hearing, they may not get the meaning. 11 Now the illustration means this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those alongside the road are the ones that have heard, then the Devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts in order that they may not believe and be SAVED. 13 Those upon the rock-mass are the ones who, when they hear it, receive the word with joy, but these have no root; they believe for a season, but in a season of testing they fall away. 14 As for that which fell among the thorns, these are the ones that have heard, but, by being carried away by anxieties and riches and pleasures of this life, they are completely choked and bring nothing to perfection. 15 As for that on the fine soil, these are the ones that, after hearing the word with a fine and good heart, retain it and bear fruit with endurance.
This case study was inspired by me after reading these two links.
http://www.focusonthekingdom.org/65.htm
http://www.focusonthekingdom.org/66.htm
Sherwood
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Jesus temptatation by Satan...a JW conumdrum
by logansrun insome liberal christians view the charachter of satan as being a symbol for the evil within humans which tempts us all.
the jws will often point to jesus being tempted by satan as being proof that this is an unreasonable explanation since "jesus was perfect and he could not have evil thoughts in him.
" now this raises a conumdrum for a similar, but related matter.. just what can a perfect person do or not do when it comes to "sinful" thoughts?
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Sherwood
Luke 18:18-20 18 And a certain ruler questioned him, saying: "Good Teacher, by doing what shall I inherit everlasting life?" 19 Jesus said to him: "Why do you call me good? Nobody is good, except one, God. 20 You know the commandments, . . . .
Jesus said he was not the Source of what is Good - Perfect, Righteous, but rather is what his Father, Jehovah God.
Sherwood
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God's Name?
by seeking_truth inanother question for everyone.
i have read through some of the threads, posts or whatever and even though there is a sense of disagreement over witnesses and the society, their way of handling the words of the bible.
i was curious to know if anyone does believe jehovah is his name?
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Sherwood
As someone pointed out earlier in the post, around the 12th century translaters substituted a J for the Y as in latin, and a v for a w, and came up with Jehovah.
Sangdigger
*************************Where did you hear that?
Note that Jehovah started with an ' i ' in Latin and the ' i ' in Latin had a ' j ' sound. Ever watch "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" where Indiana steps on a ' j ' instead of an ' i ' in an effort to "walk with God."
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In time, God's name came back into use. In 1278 it appeared in Latin in the work Pugio fidei (Dagger of Faith), by Raymundus Martini, a Spanish monk. Raymundus Martini used the spelling Yohoua.* Soon after, in 1303, Porchetus de Salvaticis completed a work entitled Victoria Porcheti adversus impios Hebraeos (Porchetus' Victory Against the Ungodly Hebrews). In this he, too, mentioned God's name, spelling it variously Iohouah, Iohoua and Ihouah. Then, in 1518, Petrus Galatinus published a work entitled De arcanis catholicae veritatis (Concerning Secrets of the Universal Truth) in which he spells God's name Iehoua.
The name first appeared in an English Bible in 1530, when William Tyndale published a translation of the first five books of the Bible. In this he included the name of God, usually spelled Iehouah, in several verses,# and in a note in this edition he wrote: "Iehovah is God's name . . . Moreover as oft as thou seist LORD in great letters (except there be any error in the printing) it is in Hebrew Iehovah." From this the practice arose of using Jehovah's name in just a few verses and writing "LORD" or "GOD" in most other places where the Tetragrammaton occurs in the Hebrew text.
In 1611 what became the most widely used English translation, the Authorized Version, was published. In this, the name appeared four times in the main text. (Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 12:2; 26:4) "Jah," a poetic abbreviation of the name, appeared in Psalm 68:4. And the name appeared in full in place-names such as "Jehovah-jireh." (Genesis 22:14; Exodus 17:15; Judges 6:24) However, following the example of Tyndale, the translators in most instances substituted "LORD" or "GOD" for God's name. But if God's name could appear in four verses, why could it not appear in all the other thousands of verses that contain it in the original Hebrew?
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Source:
http://www.watchtower.org/library/na/article_05.htm
Sherwood
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Statistics are Confusing--Memorial Attendance 1914-1935
by blondie inwhile the wts is very proud to trot out its stats now, it is like mining for diamonds to find the stats before 1935. here is what i found.. 1914 18,243 attendance.
1917 21,274 attendance.
1935 63,146 attendance (52,456 pubs; 56,153 partakers).
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Sherwood
Excellent read on the subject:
Sherwood
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How many years left to Armageddon
by JH inwith all the emphasis put on armageddon in the org.
can we throw away all the signs that jesus gave, just because we quit being a jw?.
does armageddon scare you as much as when you were a jw?
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Sherwood
Sherwood,
Satan knows what the bible says. Satan is a copy cat (brainwashed from previous patterns of behavior?).
If Satan is a copycat, whom did he copy?
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Sherwood's answer:
Jehovah
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Satan sealed a pattern of which Jehovah is fully aware. Jehovah deals with satan accordingly. Ezekiel 28:11-19
According to this verses Satan was thrown to Earth millenniums before the WT said it did. could the WT be wrong?
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Sherwood's answer:
Study the bible's timeline. See also JOB Chapter 1 & 2 for contrast with Revelation 12:7-12. One should conclude that satan was allowed to roam the earth, as well as, be present in heaven during this time period. This was no longer the case, once Jesus was installed as King in God's Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus gave a sign so his faithful followers would know when this happened. Arguably, I believe it is 1914.
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The truth Jesus gave and the ransom he paid for mankind with his shed blood,
Couldn’t he just have paid with Visa? Who did he pay the ransom to? Since it was Yahweh, the Jewish main god, who impregnated Mary, Jesus was a demigod. Not a true human.
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Sherwood's answer:
Says whom? Did you scientifically observe how Jehovah transferred his only-begotten son's life-force to a embryo in a virgin womb? Do you establish whether spirit creatures are mentally, emotionally, bodily and spiritually that much superior in being obedient to Jehovah God's sovereignty and 'Right to Rule.' While you may have research cloning, I don't believe you have any scientific knowledge of how this can be perfectly done. It doesn't means that there isn't a way to perfectly clone another human. It is not science fiction anymore to speculate how Jehovah may have done this task. It is still a miracle, which is a phenomenon that can not be scientifically explained.
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countered all of satan's mimicking religious philosophies - including apostate christendom. John 14:30, 16:7-11
How could Satan mimic religious philosophies when it was the bible writers themselves who copied its myths from other religions?
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Sherwood's answer:
Look at the Ten Plagues. The Egyptian Priest could COPY the first 6 plagues. The last 4 plagues they could not copy.
Consider the Flood of Noah's Day. Nimrod, building upon the significance of the Tower of Babel, tried to unify mankind so we could all have the same false gods. Jehovah confused their languages and they separated telling different versions of the Global Flood. The unified religious practices also spread with various formulas that were similar. False religious philosophies can only mimic the bible and/or distort its truth by means of artfully contrived stories
Anyway, which one of those ancient religions promoted a monotheistic god?
Deuteronomy 6:4 4 "Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. . . "
Deuteronomy 6:4 (ftn) Or, "Jehovah is our God, Jehovah is one [or, there is one Jehovah]." Lit.,
Isaiah 42:8 "I am Jehovah. That is my name; and to no one else shall I give my own glory . . . ."
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Sherwood
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Gred Stafford Not committed--too afraid of being DFd!
by cyberguy inive just completed the reading of greg staffords latest book, "the three dissertations on the teachings of jehovahs witnesses.
" although i appreciate his point-of-view overall, i find that his writing is often difficult to follow and at worst, not forthright on doctrinal issues.
basically, i find his writings rather anemic, hes just not forthright; he evidently doesnt want to be dfd!
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Sherwood
Well, it appears Greg hasn't given into "hate" to date. That being said, the things I would speculate Greg would say differently is the "stumbling brothers/sisters" viewpoint. He wrote this from the perspective of a JW loyalist. The GB decided the congregations were in a progressively volatile spiritual danger because of the machinations of Internet, including Chat and Bulletin Boards (such as this forum or usenet as well as AIM or ICQ).
This is the only aspect I've gathered where he would 'respond' differently. The people on usenet have the same unified frenziedness in distorting Greg's response in a 'attempt' to destroy his validity. It is as if, the Atheist/Agnostic Cult felt a threat and desired to extinguish the spark which produced a flame (namely the book, Jehovah's Witnesses Defended).
Greg wrote his response in Nov 1999. Note the KM in Nov 1999 which of course is generally released to the congregation publishers on Oct. 1999. So Greg Stafford, always being on top of the latest spiritual news would respond accordingly. Indeed, usenet was milking the lack of freedom for JW's and the 'control mechanism' the GB utilized over the congregations from this KM before Nov 1999. TODAY, I seriously doubt Greg would talk about *stumbling* brothers/sisters on his forum of choice - Bulletin Boards - because his participation in such a forum would confuse his loyalty to Jehovah God's so-called earthly organization.
Sherwood
The following was published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society
Kingdom Ministry 11/99 3-6 Use of the Internet-Be Alert to the Dangers!
Use of the Internet—Be Alert to the Dangers!
1 Jehovah’s people enjoy wholesome association with one another. They enjoy sharing experiences from the field ministry and appreciate hearing about events that occur in connection with Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Kingdom work around the globe. They like to be informed about anything outstanding that may happen to our brothers, such as a crisis or a natural disaster, and they want to know if there is something they can do to help. Such interest shows the unity of the brotherhood, proving that we do indeed love one another.—John 13:34, 35.
2 Today, we hear about world events quickly. Radio and television broadcasts give live coverage of events in full detail to audiences all over the globe. The telephone also makes it possible to communicate immediately with people around the world. In communications a recent phenomenon that is taking the world by storm is the Internet.—See Awake!, July 22, 1997.
3 The invention of the telephone opened the way to fast personal communication worldwide. Although the telephone is very useful, caution is needed in the way it is employed, as it can be a tool for improper association or activities, and overuse of the telephone can be expensive. Television and radio have potential in the field of education. Sadly, though, much of the programming is morally corrupt, and attention to it is a waste of time. Wisdom dictates that we be very selective in the use of television and radio.
4 The Internet enables one to communicate inexpensively with millions of others throughout the world, and it opens the door to vast amounts of information. (Awake!, January 8, 1998) The indiscriminate use of the Internet, however, can expose a person to great spiritual and moral dangers. How is this so?
5 Many are concerned about readily available information that shows how to build weapons, including bombs. Industry complains about the amount of time workers waste using the Internet. Much has been stated in our publications about the obvious spiritual dangers encountered on the Internet. Numerous Web sites present violent and pornographic materials that are entirely unsuitable for Christians. (Ps. 119:37) In addition to these dangers, there is a more insidious danger that Jehovah’s Witnesses in particular need to be on guard against. What is this danger?
6 Would you invite a stranger into your home without first finding out who he is? What if there was no way to find out? Would you allow such a stranger to be alone with your children? This is an indisputable possibility on the Internet.
7 Electronic mail can be sent to and received from people you do not know. The same is true when you converse electronically in a forum or in a chat room. Participants may at times claim to be Jehovah’s Witnesses, but often they are not. Someone may claim to be a youth when he is not. Or a person may even falsely claim to be of a certain gender.
8 Information passed on to you may come in the form of experiences or comments about our beliefs. This information is passed on to others who, in turn, pass it on to still others. The information is generally not verifiable and may be untrue. The comments may be a cover for spreading apostate reasoning.—2 Thess. 2:1-3.
9 With this danger in mind, if you use the Internet, ask yourself: ‘What do I use it for? Is there a possibility that I could be harmed spiritually by how I am using it? Could I be contributing to the spiritual injury of others?’
10 Web Sites of “Jehovah’s Witnesses”:
Consider, for example, some Internet sites set up by individuals who claim to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. They invite you to visit their sites to read experiences posted by others who claim to be Witnesses. You are encouraged to share your thoughts and views about the Society’s literature. Some give recommendations about presentations that could be used in the field ministry. These sites offer chat rooms for individuals to connect to, allowing live communication with others, similar to talking on the telephone. They often point you to other sites where you can have on-line association with Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. But can you tell for certain that these contacts have not been planted by apostates?
11 Having association via the Internet may not be consistent with the recommendation found at Ephesians 5:15-17. The apostle Paul wrote: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked. On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.”
12 The Christian congregation is the theocratic means through which we are fed spiritually by “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) Within God’s organization, we find direction and protection to keep us separate from the world as well as motivation to keep busy in the work of the Lord. (1 Cor. 15:58) The psalmist indicated that he experienced joy and a feeling of security among God’s congregated people. (Ps. 27:4, 5; 55:14; 122:1) The congregation also provides spiritual support and assistance for those associated with it. Therein, you can find a group of loving, concerned, and caring friends—people you personally know who are ready and willing to help and comfort others in times of distress. (2 Cor. 7:5-7) Congregation members are protected by the Scriptural provision for disfellowshipping those who sin unrepentantly or who promote apostate thinking. (1 Cor. 5:9-13; Titus 3:10, 11) Can we expect to find these same loving arrangements when associating with others via the Internet?
13 It has become apparent that the opposite is true. Some Web sites are clearly vehicles for apostate propaganda. Such Web sites may claim otherwise, and those who sponsor a site may give a detailed explanation to affirm that they truly are Jehovah’s Witnesses. They may even request information from you in order to verify that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
14 Jehovah wants you to exercise discernment. Why? Because he knows that it will safeguard you from various dangers. Proverbs 2:10-19 opens by saying: “When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you.” Safeguard you from what? From such things as “the bad way,” those leaving upright paths, and people who are immoral and devious in their general course.
15 When we go to the Kingdom Hall, there is no question that we are with our brothers. We know them. No one requires authentication of this because the brotherly love manifested makes it obvious. We are not personally required to provide credentials to prove that we truly are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is here that we find the true interchange of encouragement that Paul spoke about at Hebrews 10:24, 25. Web sites that encourage on-line association cannot be depended on to provide this. Having in mind the words of Psalm 26:4, 5 can alert us to dangers that could easily be encountered when using Web sites on the Internet.
16 There are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users. Often, children and teenagers are easy targets of crime and exploitation in this environment. Children are trusting, curious, and anxious to explore the relatively new world of cyberspace. Parents therefore need to supervise their children and give them sound Scriptural guidance about using the Internet, just as they would guide them in their choice of music or movies.—1 Cor. 15:33.
17 Sadly, some who were once our brothers and sisters have had to be disfellowshipped because of association that started by meeting worldly individuals in chat rooms on the Internet and eventually led to immorality. In shocked disbelief, elders have written that some had actually left their husbands or wives to pursue a relationship that began on the Internet. (2 Tim. 3:6) Other individuals have disowned the truth because of believing information provided by apostates. (1 Tim. 4:1, 2) Given these very serious dangers, does it not seem reasonable to be cautious about becoming involved in chat sessions on the Internet? Certainly, exercising the wisdom, knowledge, thinking ability, and discernment spoken of at Proverbs 2:10-19 should safeguard us in this.
18 Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these sites are sponsored by indiscreet brothers. Other sites may be sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones. (2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers to create such Web sites, Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1997, page 3, stated: “There is no need for any individual to prepare Internet pages about Jehovah’s Witnesses, our activities, or our beliefs. Our official site [www.watchtower.org] presents accurate information for any who want it.”
19 Study Aids via the Internet?
Some have felt that they are rendering a service to the brothers by posting researched information in connection with various theocratic activities. For example, a person may do research based on a public-talk outline and then post this, thinking that such information will benefit those who need to prepare the same outline. Others will post all the scriptures for an upcoming Watchtower Study or provide source material for the Theocratic Ministry School or the Congregation Book Study. Some may offer suggestions for field ministry presentations. Are such really helpful?
20 The publications provided by Jehovah’s organization stimulate our minds with upbuilding thoughts and train us “to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) Can we say that this is achieved if others do our research for us?
21 The Beroeans were spoken of as “more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica.” Why? Because “they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) Although Paul and Silas preached to them, they could not make the truth their own without becoming personally involved.
22 Using another person’s research for a talk or for other meeting preparation really defeats the purpose of personal study. Is it not your desire to build up your own personal faith in God’s Word? Based on personal conviction, you can then make public expression of your faith—in your talks, in comments at the meetings, and in the field ministry. (Rom. 10:10) Using another person’s research does not fit the description given at Proverbs 2:4, 5 to personally ‘keep seeking and searching for the very knowledge of God as for hid treasures.’
23 For example, when looking up scriptures in your own copy of the Bible, you can briefly review the context of each scripture. You can ‘trace all things with accuracy,’ as did Luke when he wrote his Gospel. (Luke 1:3) The extra effort will also help you to be skillful in looking up scriptures in the ministry and when giving talks. Many have stated that they are impressed with Jehovah’s Witnesses because they know how to use their Bibles. The only way that this can apply to us is if we make it a practice personally to look up scriptures in our own Bibles.
24 Using Our Time Wisely:
Another consideration in this regard has to do with the amount of time spent creating, reading, and responding to information posted on the Internet. Psalm 90:12 encourages us to pray: “Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in.” Paul stated: “The time left is reduced.” (1 Cor. 7:29) And further: “Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.”—Gal. 6:10.
25 Such counsel highlights the need for us to be judicious in the use of our time. How much more profitable it is to spend time reading God’s Word! (Ps. 1:1, 2) That is the best association we can have. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Parents, are you teaching your children the value of using their time wisely in Kingdom pursuits? (Eccl. 12:1) Time spent in personal and family Bible study, meeting attendance, and field ministry far outweighs time spent browsing the Internet, expecting to gain benefits.
26 In this regard, it is the course of wisdom to focus our attention on spiritual matters and on those things relevant and essential to our lives as Christians. This calls for the making of well-considered choices respecting the information that merits our time and thought. As Christians, that which is relevant to our lives was summed up by Christ, who said: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33) Are you not happiest when your life is filled with Kingdom pursuits rather than any other activity?
27 Internet E-Mail:
Although sharing personal experiences or thoughts among family or friends who live far apart is appropriate, is it really loving to pass these on to others who may not know your family or friends? Or should these be posted on a Web page for just anyone to read? Are these personal messages to be copied and sent indiscriminately to people whom you may or may not know? Likewise, if you receive messages from others that were clearly not intended for you, is it loving to pass them on to still others?
28 What if the experience you pass on is not accurate? Would this not be sharing in perpetuating an untruth? (Prov. 12:19; 21:28; 30:8; Col. 3:9) Certainly, keeping “strict watch that how [we] walk is not as unwise but as wise persons” would move us to consider this. (Eph. 5:15) How happy we are that the Yearbook, The Watchtower, and Awake! are filled with verifiable experiences that encourage us and motivate us to keep walking in “the way”!—Isa. 30:20, 21.
29 There is also another danger. The apostle Paul said concerning some: “They also learn to be unoccupied, gadding about to the houses; yes, not only unoccupied, but also gossipers and meddlers in other people’s affairs, talking of things they ought not.” (1 Tim. 5:13) This argues against spending time and effort passing on frivolous information to our brothers.
30 Think, too, of the amount of time that it takes to keep up with a large quantity of E-mail. Interestingly, the book Data Smog stated: “As one spends more and more time online, e-mail quickly changes from being a stimulating novelty to a time-consuming burden, with dozens of messages to read and answer every day from colleagues, friends, family, . . . and unsolicited sales pitches.” Further, it states: “Many electronic glutizens have picked up the very bad habit of forwarding every entertaining nugget they receive—jokes, urban myths, electronic chain letters, and more—to everyone on their electronic address book.”
31 This has been evident in the E-mail circulated among many of the brothers—such items as jokes or humorous stories about the ministry; poetry presumably based on our beliefs; illustrations from various talks heard at assemblies, conventions, or at the Kingdom Hall; experiences from the field ministry; and so forth—things that seem innocent enough. Most routinely forward such E-mail without checking the source, making it difficult to know who really is the originator, which ought to make one wonder if the information is really true.—Prov. 22:20, 21.
32 Such often-frivolous messages are not the kind of healthful words that Paul had in mind when he wrote to Timothy, saying: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 1:13) The “pure language” of Scriptural truth has “the pattern of healthful words” based mainly on the Bible’s theme of the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty by means of the Kingdom. (Zeph. 3:9) We should make every effort to devote all our available time and energy to support this vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty.
33 Since we are deep into the time of the end of this system of things, this is no time to let our guard down. The Bible warns us: “Keep your senses, be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.” (1 Pet. 5:8) It further states: “Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil.”—Eph. 6:11.
34 If misused, the Internet can be a means by which Satan overreaches those who are seduced by its power. Although it may have limited usefulness, there is danger if it is not viewed with caution. Parents especially need to be concerned about their children’s use of the Internet.
35 Keeping a balanced view of the Internet is a protection. We appreciate the timely reminder by Paul: “Let . . . those making use of the world [be] as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing.” (1 Cor. 7:29-31) Having these things in mind will help keep us and our families from becoming distracted by all that the world has to offer, including what is available on the Internet.
36 It is imperative that we stay close to our brothers in the congregation and use the remaining time wisely, thus making ourselves available for the advancing of Kingdom interests. As this system nears its finish, let us “no longer go on walking just as the nations also walk in the unprofitableness of their minds,” but let us “go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.”—Eph. 4:17; 5:17.
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Gred Stafford Not committed--too afraid of being DFd!
by cyberguy inive just completed the reading of greg staffords latest book, "the three dissertations on the teachings of jehovahs witnesses.
" although i appreciate his point-of-view overall, i find that his writing is often difficult to follow and at worst, not forthright on doctrinal issues.
basically, i find his writings rather anemic, hes just not forthright; he evidently doesnt want to be dfd!
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Sherwood
SHERWOOD: you indicate you have read Greg's response to the incident where some believe he was writing posts using two different names... can you locate that response and post it? Thanks!
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Sherwood