Posts by ezekiel3

6

recent custody update

by coppersgirl67 in

jw
friends

i am unsure of how to feel right now.

all testimony was finally given and the closing arguements have been read but we have to go back once again in two weeks to get the judges actual decision.

i am amazed at how stupid their testimony was.

ezekiel3

(((((())))))

No worries Sunspot, Coppers posted twice. You original post is here: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/92393/1.ashx

18

this question is aimed more at watchtower scholars who have impressed me with their ability to unearth amazing stuff from the distant and more recent past on statements made in watchtower publications:

1. has the watchtower ever directly critcised the islamic faith or its sacred text, the koran?

if so, what are some specific examples.

ezekiel3

Actually there are plenty of references. Search "Islam" in the WT CD and you get these:

ISLAM

(See also Koran; Muhammad)

Allah: sh 284-5

attitude toward Trinity: sh 296-7; ti 4

beliefs: sh 295-7, 299-303; rs 23-4

Abraham: w86 4/15 6

Adam: gu 8

Bible: gu 4, 30-1; sh 286

condition of the dead: sh 297, 299-300

death: g88 7/8 8

fasting: w96 11/15 4

fate (Kismet): w90 8/15 3, 6

Five Pillars of Islam: sh 303; g89 7/22 22

holy war: g89 7/22 22

influence of ancient Greece: ie 16

Jesus Christ: ol 9; gu 20-1; ct 145; sh 295-6

judgment day: w01 7/15 3

Mahdi (rightly guided one): w92 10/1 6

monotheism (no Trinity): sh 296-7

name of God: gu 10; w93 11/1 3-4

Paradise: sh 300

resurrection: sh 297

Six Pillars of Belief: sh 296

soul: w99 4/1 13-14; ie 16; w90 5/1 18; sh 297, 299-300; g88 7/8 8

sources: g89 7/22 22

Sufism (mysticism): g89 7/22 24

dating system (calendar): sh 292; it-1 447

discussion: g91 1/8 17-18; sh 284-303; g89 7/22 21-4

empire: g89 7/22 22-3

map: g89 7/22 23

experiences:

appreciation for Awake! series: g94 12/8 30

Black Muslims: w01 9/15 4, 6; g90 3/22 21-4

Muslims accept truth: yb99 74, 76; km 2/98 4; yb90 235; w88 6/1 21; w86 4/15 23

prays for truth: w98 4/15 27

professor intrigued by Bible questions: w92 12/15 28

visitor to Germany branch office: g03 3/8 24

former Soviet republics:

agreement with Russian Orthodox leaders to stop Witnesses and others: g96 5/22 28

Imam a chaplain in U.S. army: g94 6/8 28

Iran:

Khomeini’s objectives: g87 1/8 8; g87 4/22 4

Shiite objectives: g87 1/8 8

Kaaba: g94 3/8 24; g91 1/8 17-18; sh 287, 289, 292

marriage: sh 300-1

meaning of terms:

A.H.: sh 292

Allah: g89 7/22 21

Barzakh: ie 16; sh 299

hegira (hijrah): sh 292; g89 7/22 21

imam: sh 293

Islam: sh 285; g89 7/22 21

Koran: sh 284; g89 7/22 21

Muslim: sh 285; g89 7/22 21

muta: sh 300-1

shahadah: sh 296, 303

sura: sh 284

more than just a religion: g89 7/22 22

mosques: sh 301-2

Casablanca, Morocco: g89 5/8 29

Córdoba, Spain: sh 302-3; g88 11/8 25

Jerusalem, Israel: it-2 48

photos: sh 298

Rome, Italy: g90 1/22 29

number of Muslims: sh 284-5

percentage of world population: w89 7/1 3

prayer: sh 284, 301

propagation of beliefs: g88 11/8 24

sword used in response to Crusades: g89 8/8 22

sacred places:

Jerusalem: sh 286, 298; g89 7/22 22

Mecca: g94 3/8 23-4; sh 4, 286-7, 289, 303; g89 7/22 22

Medina: sh 292; g89 7/22 22

sacred writings:

Hadith (Sunna): sh 290-1

Koran: sh 17, 284-6, 288, 290-1

Shari‘a: sh 290-1

Saudi Arabia:

pilgrims die in stampede: g90 10/8 28-9

sects: g89 7/22 23-4

Khariji: sh 294; g89 7/22 22

Shiah: sh 293-5, 301; g89 7/22 23-4

Sunni: sh 293-5, 301; g89 7/22 23

Spain: sh 302; g89 8/8 22; g88 11/8 23-7

spread: g89 8/8 22-3

after death of Muhammad: sh 292

after sixth century C.E.: sh 302

successors to Muhammad: sh 293-5

‘transmission belt for technology’: g88 11/8 26-7

United States: g01 12/22 29

war:

former Yugoslavia: g94 10/22 4

witnessing to Muslims: km 11/99 8; km 2/98 6; w94 6/15 27; km 1/91 7; km 8/91 1; km 12/90 1; rs 23-4; w87 2/15 28

articles "Is Our Future Written in Advance?" and "What Will Your Future Be?": w98 4/15 3-8

Bible authenticity: gu 29-31

brochure The Guidance of God—Our Way to Paradise: gu 1-32; km 11/99 8; km 12/98 7

Jesus as God’s Son: ol 9; gu 20; ct 145

tract How to Find the Road to Paradise: km 11/90 7

175

The facts on crucifixion, stauros, and the "torture stake"

by Leolaia in

finally, i will look at biblical and patristic evidence bearing on the crucifixion of jesus in particular.

we need to examine the earliest known descriptions of the kind of crucifixion adopted by the romans and the specific terms they used to refer to it.

apparently the society believes that crux still meant "stake" in the second century a.d., when tacitus composed his annals.

ezekiel3

I vote for induction of this topic into "Best Of..."

Great work!

1

District Convention

by dothemath in

.

does anyone have information about what's being released this year?

i always like to have a little advance knowledge.. or any other interesting facts about the program.. from the title "godly obedience".......i'm assuming it's all about obeying the society, with warnings every 1/2 hour about apostates, etc.

ezekiel3

A tract is released on Friday, something about "Why Does God Permit Suffering?"

A book is released Saturday, allegedly "What Does the Bible Really Teach?"

And a whole host of alternate currency: More District Convention ApostaKits

5

Keep On the Watch - Week of June 13

by ezekiel3 in

"that you may not enter into temptation".

"keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation.

16-17), and "draw close to god" (pars.

ezekiel3

Well friends we enter the distinctive second section of the KOTW brochure. Here the format includes paragraph numbers and questions for each section. This is definitely the "JW" section as apposed to the dumbed down "doctrine 101" of previous pages.

While it reads like a standard Watchtower article, keep on the watch for acknowledgement of the modern slump most JWs exist in. Why wouldn't they be in slump? The core of the org came in previous to 1975 and are still waiting for Adam to quit naming the fauna.

My comments in red.

Week of June 13

Page 24-7

"THAT YOU MAY NOT ENTER INTO TEMPTATION"

"Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation."-MATTHEW 26:41.

THE pressure was intense--unlike any he had experienced before. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was near the end of his earthly life. Jesus realized that soon he would be arrested, condemned to death, and impaled on a torture stake. He knew that his every decision and action would reflect on his Father's name. Jesus also knew that the future life prospects of mankind hung in the balance. Faced with all this pressure, what did he do?

2 Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane with his disciples. It was a favorite spot with Jesus. There he withdrew a short distance from his disciples. When alone, he turned to his heavenly Father for strength, pouring out his heart in fervent prayer--not just once but three times. Though perfect, Jesus did not feel that he could face the pressure on his own.-Matthew 26:36-44.

3 Today, we too are under pressure. Earlier in this brochure, we considered evidence (haha) that we are living in the final days of this wicked system. The temptations and stresses of Satan's world are intensifying. The decisions and actions of any of us who profess to serve the true God reflect on his name and have a profound effect on our individual prospects for life in his new world. We love Jehovah. We want to 'endure to the end'—the end of our life or the end of this system, whichever comes first. (Matthew 24:13) But how can we maintain our sense of urgency and keep on the watch?

OK notice this to the "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" bravado to Rutherfords day. Yes, more and more JWs are expecting to die never to see the end of this system.

4 Knowing that his disciples--both back then and today--would also be under pressure, Jesus urged: "Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation." (Matthew 26:41) What do those words mean for us today? What temptation do you face? And how can you "keep on the watch"?

Questions pars 1-4: What did Jesus do when under extreme pressure near the end of his life, and what did he urge his disciples to do?

Think about with the 80-year-old widow thinks when she reads this question?

Temptation to Do What?

5 All of us daily face the temptation to give in to "the snare of the Devil." (2 Timothy 2:26) The Bible warns us that Satan has especially targeted Jehovah's worshipers. (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:12,17) For what purpose? It is not necessarily to take our life. It is no victory for Satan if we die faithful to God. Satan is aware that Jehovah, in His due time, will undo death by means of the resurrection.-Luke 20:37, 38.

Next reference to resurrection, albiet in light of persecution. Consider that simultaneously JWs are in the midst of a 3-series Watchtower study on the Resurrection.

6 Satan wants to destroy something even more valuable than our present life--our integrity to God. Satan is desperate to prove that he can turn us away from Jehovah. Hence, if we can be induced to be unfaithful--to quit preaching the good news or to abandon Christian standards--that would be a victory for Satan! (Ephesians 6: 11-13) So "the Tempter" places before us temptations.-Matthew 4:3.

So anything that opposes JWs ultimately comes from Satan, critical point in the programming.

7 Satan's "deceptive tactics" are varied. (Ephesians 6:11, Jewish New Testament) He may tempt us with materialism, fear, doubt, or pleasure-seeking. But one of his most effective methods involves discouragement. A sly opportunist, he knows that despondency can weaken us, making us vulnerable. (Proverbs 24:10) So especially when we "become crushed" emotionally, he tempts us to give up.--Psalm 38:8.

Check out the parking lots of Assembly sites, filled with new cars and young children. "Faithful" JWs talking about the equity in their homes and IRA's.

WTS takes no blame for "crushing" the spirit of their followers by retracting all the promises that motivated urgency and huge growth in the pre-1975 and pre-1995 eras.

8 As we get deeper into the last days, it seems that causes for discouragement increase, and we are not immune to them. (See the box "Some Factors That Cause Discouragement.") Whatever the cause, discouragement can sap our strength. "Buying out the opportune time" for spiritual obligations--including studying the Bible, attending Christian meetings, and sharing in the ministry--can be a challenge if you are exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally. (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Remember that the Tempter wants you to quit. But this is no time to slow down or to lose your sense of urgency regarding the times in which we live! (Luke 21:34-36) How can you resist temptation and keep on the watch? Consider four suggestions that can help.

Or shall we say ""Buying out the opportune time" for spiritual obligations--including studying the Bible, attending Christian meetings, and sharing in the ministry--can sap us to the point making us exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally. I'm sorry but the meetings are nothing but "study the Bible, go to meetings" - it's all a circle.

Box on page 25: Some Factors That Cause Discouragement
Health/age. If we suffer from a chronic illness or if advancing age imposes limitations, we may get depressed because we are not able to do more in serving God. -Hebrews 6:10.
Really its the thought that you are going to die and you never thought you would get old because the WTS said so.
Disappointment. We may become disheartened if we see little response to our efforts in preaching God's Word.-Proverbs 13:12.
Damn that internet, you find out the householder knows more about JWs than you do.
Feelings of worthlessness. Because of years of ill-treatment, a person may become convinced that he or she is unloved, even by Jehovah.-1 John 3:19,20.
Hmmm, I would get that impression from that lack of reality coming from the WTS these days.
Hurt feelings. If someone has been deeply offended by a fellow believer, he may get so distraught that he is tempted to stop attending Christian meetings or sharing in the field ministry.-Luke 17:1.
Ha! You suckers, these people are FADING, and when your elders come by they are just too "distraught" to talk.
Persecution. Others who do not share your faith may oppose, persecute, or ridicule you.-2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
Here persecution = reasoning with apostates.

Questions pars 5-8: Why has Satan targeted Jehovah's worshipers, and in what ways does he tempt us?

"Pray Continually"

9 Rely on Jehovah through prayer. Recall Jesus' example in the garden of Gethsemane. Under intense emotional stress, what did he do? He turned to Jehovah for help, praying so fervently that "his sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground." (Luke 22:44) Think about it. Jesus knew Satan well. Jesus had observed from heaven all the temptations that Satan uses in his efforts to ensnare God's servants. Yet, Jesus did not feel that he could easily handle whatever the Tempter might place before him. If the perfect Son of God felt the need to pray for divine help and strength, how much more so should we!-1 Peter 2:21.

10 Remember, too, that after urging his disciples to "pray continually," Jesus said: "The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) Whose flesh was Jesus referring to? Surely not his own; there was nothing weak in his perfect human flesh. (1 Peter 2:22) But it was different with his disciples. Because of inherited imperfection and sinful tendencies, they would especially need help to resist temptation. (Romans 7:21-24) That is why he urged them--and all true Christians after them--to pray for help in facing temptation. (Matthew 6:13) Jehovah answers such prayers. (Psalm 65:2) How? In at least two ways.

11 First, God helps us to recognize temptations. Satan's temptations are like snares strewn across a dark path. If you do not see them, you may be entrapped. By means of the Bible and Bible-based publications, Jehovah throws light on Satan's snares, thus enabling us to avoid giving into temptation. Over the years, printed literature and convention and assembly programs have repeatedly alerted us to such dangers as fear of man, sexual immorality, materialism, and other satanic temptations. (Proverbs 29:25; 1 Corinthians 10:8-11; 1 Timothy 6: 9, 10) Are you not grateful to Jehovah for alerting us to Satan's designs? (2 Corinthians 2:11) All such warnings are an answer to your prayers for help in resisting temptation.

Another way the WTS claims to be a channel for God's voice.

12 Second, Jehovah answers our prayers by giving us the strength to endure temptation. His Word says: "God . . . will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out." (1 Corinthians 10:13) God will never allow a temptation to become so overwhelming that we would lack the spiritual strength to resist--if we continue to rely upon him. How does he "make the way out" for us? He 'gives holy spirit to those asking him.' (Luke 11:13) That spirit may help us to recall Bible principles that can reinforce our resolve to do what is right and help us to make wise decisions. (John 14:26; James 1:5, 6) It can help us to display the very qualities we need in order to conquer wrong tendencies. (Gala-tians 5:22, 23) God's spirit may even move fellow believers to 'become a strengthening aid to us.' (Colossians 4:11) Are you not thankful that Jehovah responds in such loving ways to your prayers for help?

Meanwhile who are all these people really praying to?

Blurb on page 26: Jesus urged us to "pray continually" for help in fighting temptation

Be Realistic in Your Expectations

13 To keep on the watch, we need to be realistic in our expectations. Because of the pressures of life, we all grow weary at times. But we must remember that God never promised that we would have a problem-free life in this old system. Even in Bible times, God's servants faced adversities, including persecution, poverty, depression, and sickness.-Acts 8:1; 2 Corinthians 8:1,2; 1 Thes-salonians 5:14; 1 Timothy 5:23.

14 Today, we too have our share of problems. We may face persecution, experience financial anxieties, struggle with depression, get sick, and suffer in other ways. If Jehovah were to protect us miraculously from all harm, would that not provide a basis for Satan to taunt Jehovah? (Proverbs 27: 11) Jehovah does allow his servants to be tempted and tested, in some cases even to the point of premature death at the hands of opposers.-John 16:2.

Ah, yes Jehovah the insecure God.

15 What, then, has Jehovah promised? As we have previously noted, he has promised that he will make us equal to any temptation we may encounter, provided that we fully trust in him. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) Through his Word, his spirit, and his organization, he protects us spiritually, helping us to safeguard our relationship with him. With that relationship intact, even if we die, we win. Nothing--not even death--can prevent God from rewarding his faithful servants. (Hebrews 11:6) And in the new world now near at hand, Jehovah will not fail to fulfill all the rest of his marvelous promises of blessings for those who love him.-Psalm 145:16.

Resurrection point #3, the opening to the eventual idea soon to be heard that it will be common to die in the system.

Remember the Issues

16 To endure to the end, we must remember the vital issues involved in God's permission of wickedness. If at times our own problems seem overwhelming and we are tempted to quit, we do well to remind ourselves that Satan has challenged the rightfulness of Jehovah's sovereignty. The Deceiver has also questioned the devotion and integrity of God's worshipers. (Job 1:8-11; 2:3, 4) Those issues and the way that Jehovah has chosen to resolve them are bigger than any of us as individuals. How so?

17 God's temporary permission of hardship has allowed time for others to embrace the truth. Think about this: Jesus suffered so that we might have life. (John 3:16) Are we not grateful for that? But are we willing to put up with hardship for a little while longer so that still others might gain life? To endure to the end, we must recognize that Jehovah's wisdom is far greater than ours. (Isaiah 55:9) He will end wickedness at the time that is best for the settling of the issues forever and for our own eternal good. Really, how could it be otherwise? There is no injustice with God! -Romans 9:14-24.

What a bogus point. The world's population is growing expidentially, any of the few that are saved are greatly outweighed by the billions more born that will have to the executed! Ridiculous.

"Draw Close to God"

18 To maintain our sense of urgency, we need to stay close to Jehovah. Never forget that Satan is doing all in his power to destroy our good relationship with Jehovah. Satan would have us believe that the end will never come and that there is no point in preaching the good news or living by Bible standards. But he "is a liar and the father of the lie." (John 8:44) We must be determined to "oppose the Devil." Our relationship with Jehovah is something that we should never take for granted. The Bible lovingly urges us: "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." (James 4:7, 8) How can you draw closer to Jehovah?

Translation: stay close to the WTS and keep preaching, we need some growth people!

19 Prayerful meditation is vital. When life's pressures seem overwhelming, pour out your heart to Jehovah. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to see his answer to your requests. The answer may not always be exactly what you had in mind, but if your desire is to honor him and to maintain integrity, he will provide the help you need so that you can endure successfully. (1 John 5:14) As you see his direction in your life, you will draw closer to him. Reading about and reflecting on Jehovah's qualities and ways, as revealed in the Bible, are also essential. Such meditation helps you to know him better; it stirs your heart and deepens your love for him. (Psalm 19:14) And that love, more than anything else, will help you to resist temptation and keep on the watch.-1 John 5:3.

Prayerful meditation = self hypotism, check it out.

20 To keep close to Jehovah, it is also important that we stay close to our fellow believers. This will be discussed in the final section of this brochure.

Questions: To resist temptation, why must we pray continually (Pars. 9-12), be realistic in our expectations (Pars. 13-15), remember the issues (Pars. 16-17), and "draw close to God" (Pars. 18-20)?

It's laughable that this rag will do anything to stop the bleeding wound cut deep in the souls of hapless JWs still strung out on expired promises. Next week is the last study in KOTW, our last analysis in pharisaical consolation.

56

dropped wife off at convention this morn...

by tetrapod.sapien in

i just got back home from dropping my wife off at the convention this morning.

i took the day off of work so i could celebrate the occasion of freedom from mass-delusional-cult-think-programming.

out on the porch, sun shinning, birds chirping, scotch in one hand, demon haunted world in the other.. as i was driving my wife to the convention grounds, she thanked me for all the help i had provided her in getting ready for the convention, and for driving her.

ezekiel3

Tetra, it is so good to hear your peace.

Although I am compelled to post this in case others want to avoid the "Watchers" (as they are officially called).

2005 DC Badge here: http://tinypic.com/5pqsqt

58

We touch each other...

by MerryMagdalene in

jw
friends

.

...in so many ways, some known to us, others remaining unknown and unrecognised, sometimes for years, sometimes forever.. so, my question is: would you rather know of the ways in which your presence effects others or would you prefer such things not be drawn to your attention?

recognition or anonymity?.

ezekiel3

The wise yogi would say that touching you is only a deception of the senses.

I am only touching myself.

30

More District Convention ApostaKits

by ezekiel3 in

let your voice be heard!.

the primary goal is to wake the wts up to the fact that both active and ex-jws know the truth about the truth.

internet links and brief statements are printed on each check in the chance that someone may take interest as well.. .

ezekiel3

Kudos Rebel8 and 666ty9

Alternate blood check (hope you enjoy the wit)

Alternate UN check with PDF link

30

More District Convention ApostaKits

by ezekiel3 in

let your voice be heard!.

the primary goal is to wake the wts up to the fact that both active and ex-jws know the truth about the truth.

internet links and brief statements are printed on each check in the chance that someone may take interest as well.. .

ezekiel3

The reason for making the ZO the contact is to move the check out of the District Convention itself.

Otherwise many checks would be dismissed right there at the site. Who knows if this will actually happen, but at least the information will filter up. If this goes worldwide, a ZO contact will help expose the protest at each respective branch.

For those of you would don't know what a ZO does:

Organized to Do Jehovah's Will page 52, 53

ZONE OVERSEER

Periodically, arrangements are made by the Governing Body to have qualified brothers visit each of the branches throughout the earth. Brothers serving in this capacity are known as zone overseers.

Their primary work is to help the Branch Committee with problems or questions they may have in carrying on the preaching and disciple-making work. Wherever practical, the zone overseer also meets with the missionaries who work under the branches he visits. He talks with them about their problems and needs, giving necessary encouragement regarding their most important activity, Kingdom preaching and disciple making.

The zone overseer also examines the various records that are kept for operating a branch office. He is especially interested in what is being accomplished in the field as far as the Kingdom preaching and other congregation activities are concerned. If there is a printery, farm, or other facility, he inspects each of these operations. When the zone overseer visits branches, he also shares to the extent possible in the Kingdom-preaching work.

44

Hello world, this is my first post ever...

by zagor in

jw
friends

just wanted to tell everyone how much i love this forum but never had balls to join in.

now that i'm officially dfd i can do whatever i like.

how about that?

ezekiel3

Welcome!