ringo5

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Posts by ringo5

• 
  17

  Tarot readers

  by PrimateDave in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i'm new to tarot.

  i just got a hanson-roberts (similar to rider-waite-smith) tarot deck last week, and i have been getting familiar with the cards.

  i also got a book, the complete tarot by teresa michelsen.

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  ringo5

  I suggest Carl Sagans "A Demon Haunted World". Interesting how many intelligent and influential people put stock in this kind "information".

  Happy random card reading...
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  10

  JW speechless!

  by turbonium in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation%201:8-18;&version=31;

  i showed my jw friend those verses.

  it works with jw altered bible also.

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  ringo5

  Well, WTS is certainly not speechless on the identity of the Alpha and Omega...lol. It would be far easier for them to say, "Look, we just don't know, alright?"
  
  Who is the One who is coming Rev 22:12
  The Finished Mystery 1917….. Jesus
  
  1:8. I am THE Alpha and I AM ALSO THE Omega .— Alpha is the first letter, and Omega the last letter, of the Greek alphabet.The Beginning and the Ending .— "Our Lord's great honor is shown in that He was not only the first of God's creation, but the last. From this we are to understand that the great Jehovah did not directly employ His own power in creating either men or angels; but that He delegated His power to His Only-begotten Son."— Z.'93-115. Saith the Lord GOD .— But not the clergy; they will have none of this doctrine.Which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty .— "It is since His resurrection that the message has gone forth— 'All power in Heaven and in earth is given unto Me.' (Matt. 28:18.) Consequently it is only since then that He could be called
  22:12. [And] behold, I come quickly.— See Rev. 16:15; 22:7, 10, 20. The Lord Himself becomes the speaker.And My reward is with Me, to [give] BE GIVEN every man.— Every man in Christ.According as his work [shall be] IS.— The Church's work is practically finished. The reward is given on the basis of the work already done, in character development and in the natural outgrowth of that development— works.
  22:13. I am Alpha and Omega, THE FIRST AND THE LAST, the Beginning and the End, [the First and the Last].— "Our Lord tells us over and over again (See Rev. 1:8, 11, 17; 2:8; 3:14; 21:6), that He is the Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last, of the creation of God."— Z.'93-115.
  FM337
  22:16. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.— All down the Age the Church has had this Message; all down the Age holy men of God have sought to understand its mysteries; all down the Age it has remained a closed book. But now the Mystery of God is finished; and the object of keeping the book closed is accomplished. God wished the world to know when the time for the complete removal or error and for the establishment of His Kingdom would come; and so He enables the last members of His Church to give the Message.
  
  *** w52 4/15 p. 242 The Field of Bible Prophecy…Jehovah
  
  Jehovah is the great Author and Finisher of his works, and this is so indicated in Revelation 1:8 (NW), where it says: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says Jehovah God, ‘the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.’” Only Jehovah God knows the end from the beginning and therefore can foreknow future events in accord with his purposes. (Isa. 46:9, 10, AS
  
  
  
  Jesus
  
  Jesus associated his return with the rewarding of his followers. Said he: “If I go my way and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you home to myself, that where I am you also may be.” And again: “Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is.” Paul understood it this way, for he wrote: “I have fought the right fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but to all those who have loved his manifestation.”—John 14:3; Rev. 22:12; 2 Tim. 4:7, 8, NW.
  
  w67 11/15 p. 680 Make Up Your Mind Now as to Whom You Will serve..Jehovah
  
  Jehovah God himself next speaks to John, revealing the critical situation, the extreme danger if any one of God’s anointed ones becomes lax in the least way toward righteousness. Jehovah says: “Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is.”—Rev. 22:12.
  
  
  *** w67 11/15 pp. 679-680 Make Up Your Mind Now as to Whom You Will Serve ***
  All these publications have received worldwide distribution and have not been revised or altered to please the religious beliefs nor the customs and practices of different peoples of earth. No, the unadulterated truth of the prophecy has been proclaimed to all.
  
  *** w76 11/15 p. 700 A Revelation—of Jehovah’s Will and Purposes ***Jesus
  
  Again, those observing the words of this prophecy are pronounced “happy.” Then the invitation is given to all who hear to take the water of life free. And those who would add to or take away from the words of this prophecy are warned of the consequences. Upon hearing Jesus promising to come quickly, John replies, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”—Rev. 22:7-21.
  
  *** g78 8/22 p. 28 Who Is “the Alpha and the Omega”? *** Jehovah
  
  Finally, at Revelation 22:12, 13, we read: “Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” This quotation appears among others that are ascribed to an angel and to Jesus Christ. Before these words are quoted in the book of Revelation, the angel who was instrumental in presenting the revelation to the apostle John spoke. (Rev. 22:8, 9) Then, after the quotation that begins with Revelation 22:12 and ends with the words of verse 15, we find the statement: “I, Jesus, sent my angel.” (Rev. 22:16) Since the context does not necessitate our attributing the words of Revelation 22:12, 13 either to the angel or to Jesus, they could have originated with another speaker. Consistent with the rest of the book of Revelation, “the Alpha and the Omega” must be the Almighty God. He is the One who comes in the capacity of a judge to reward and to punish individuals according to their works.
  
  *** w78 10/1 p. 15 “Keep on the Watch” ….Jesus
  6 Also, in his final revelation concerning “the things that must shortly take place,” Jesus again stresses the suddenness with which he comes:
  “I am coming to you quickly . . . I am coming quickly. Keep on holding fast what you have.”—Rev. 2:16; 3:11.
  “Look! I am coming quickly. . . . Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me. . . . Yes; I am coming quickly.” (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20)
  In response to these last expressions of our Master, surely each one of us joins with the apostle John in saying: “Amen! Come, Lord
  Jesus.”
  
  
  *** w88 6/15 p. 20 Detest Utterly the World’s Disgraceful Course …Jehovah
  Listen to how God himself describes, in his last recorded words in the Bible, the outcome for those who serve him and for those who do not: “Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. . . . Happy are those who wash their robes, that the authority to go to the trees of life may be theirs and that they may gain entrance into the city by its gates. Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie.”—Revelation 22:12-15.
  
  1988 Rev Climax
  *** re chap. 44 p. 316 Revelation and You ***Jehovah
  6 Jehovah, the King of eternity, now addresses readers of Revelation for the last time in the prophecy, saying: “Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Happy are those who wash their robes, that the authority to go to the trees of life may be theirs and that they may gain entrance into the city by its gates. Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie.”—Revelation 22:12-15.
  
  *** re chap. 44 p. 319 Revelation and You ***Jesus
  15 Jesus now adds a final word of encouragement: “He that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’” (Revelation 22:20a) Jesus is “the faithful and true witness.” (Revelation 3:14) If he bears witness to the visions of Revelation, they must be true. Both he and Jehovah God himself repeatedly stress the fact that they are coming “quickly,” or soon, Jesus here saying that for the fifth time. (Revelation 2:16; 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20)
  
  
  
  Jehovah
  19 Jehovah himself states: “Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is.” (Revelation 22:12)
  
  
  These last quotes make an interesting epilogue to their constant vacillations...
  
  *** w53 1/1 p. 31 Questions from Readers ***
  So we must be reasonable. When we see an expression that is applied to Jehovah several times in its unlimited sense, and then come across it again but not specifically indicated as applying to Jehovah, we cannot become flighty and switch the expression to Christ Jesus; and especially when we note that it is applied elsewhere, not in its unlimited sense, but only with definite limitation of meaning. Trinitarians try to capitalize on this expression to show it was used indiscriminately for either God or Christ, and in this way show God and Christ are the same. But logic and reason do not allow this, no more than do many other texts in the Bible.
  
  
  *** w76 5/15 297-8 Preaching Christ-Through Envy or Goodwill? ***
  
  
  It is a serious matter to represent God and Christ in one way, then find that our understanding of the major teachings and fundamental doctrines of the Scriptures was in error, and then after that, to go back to the very doctrines that, by years of study, we had thoroughly determined to be in error. Christians cannot be vacillating—‘wishy-washy’—about such fundamental teachings. What confidence can one put in the sincerity or judgment of such persons?
  
  *** re chap. 44 p. 317 Revelation and You ***
  After their death as humans, they gain entrance into New Jerusalem by resurrection. The 12 angels allow them in, while keeping out any who practice lies or uncleanness though claiming to have a heavenly hope
  
  *** w59 10/1 p. 607 Questions from Readers ***
  Questions from Readers
  • Who are the writers of the publications of the Watch Tower Society, and what are their educational qualifications?—M.D., U.S.A.
  The literature published by the Watch Tower Society is published in the name of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Regardless of who may write certain articles, they are checked carefully by members of the governing body before they are published; so they are properly viewed as coming from the Society
  
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  50

  THE GOLLUM SYNDROME; Do YOU Suffer From it?

  by ElderBarry in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  when i left the rub a dub dubs, i was bitter, angry, disillusioned, and fearful of stepping out in faith again.

  i didnt want to get burned.

  i could have stayed that way.

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  ringo5

  * Ringo5 wonders if he dated elderbarry a few years back.... runs for exit...*
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  50

  THE GOLLUM SYNDROME; Do YOU Suffer From it?

  by ElderBarry in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  when i left the rub a dub dubs, i was bitter, angry, disillusioned, and fearful of stepping out in faith again.

  i didnt want to get burned.

  i could have stayed that way.

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  ringo5

  Wow! Are you really the same person as last night?
  
  No, I GOT IT!
  
  Your Gollum/Smeagol!
  
  Yesterday you were Gollum but today your Smeagol!
  
  I likes Smeagol!
  
  Dance with Smeagal!
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  50

  THE GOLLUM SYNDROME; Do YOU Suffer From it?

  by ElderBarry in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  when i left the rub a dub dubs, i was bitter, angry, disillusioned, and fearful of stepping out in faith again.

  i didnt want to get burned.

  i could have stayed that way.

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  ringo5

  Dear Lisa: let me start off by saying I’m sorry your feelings were hurt, but let’s set the record straight on a few points.
  
  

  You don't know me, haven't read my posts in which I introduce myself (or even my very short profile that reveals much), or even discuss this intelligently with me.

  
  
  You asked me if I read your profile. No I hadn’t actually, but I had seen your other posts concerning your Mormon beliefs and your defense for them was that they were only mythological so you knew they weren’t necessarily based in fact, but you liked the way your life was going and that was good enough for you.
  So, since you nicely invited me to review your profile, it pretty much confirmed your other posts.
  
  In your profile you mention that you recognize that religions supply a mythological framework. Seeing that the definition of mythologic is something “based on or told of in traditional stories lacking factual basis or historical validity” (see answers.com), I happen to agree with you. Which is why I’m surprised at your reaction to my post. Since God is a central piece of your mythological framework, why would you get upset when I say he is imaginary?
  
  Either you don’t believe god is mythological, or you’d be upset if I said Zues was imaginary as well. It’s really a curious stance. Judging from the intensity of your emotional outburst ( which by the way, belies your claim of an analytical and logical person), it appears you feel God is real after all, and just perhaps you have started to believe the rest of the mythology as well.
  
  

  Dear Ringo5: Your judgmental nastiness is exactly what I'm talking about. You have the Gollum Syndrome but can't even see it. So many here seem to, judging by their posts.

  
  
  It’s funny you call me judgmental when 2 sentences later show your own judgmental attitude.
  
  

  I don't show my love to God by beaming good vibes God's way. How silly. I show God's love in practical ways by doing practical things for real people. I care for a number of homeless people as well as other indigents around the country through my Church.

  
  
  It’s all good, but wouldn’t it be more “practical” to cut out the mythological middleman, and much more meaningful for those people who are helped knowing that you did it for them, and them alone?
  
  

  Ringo, what ways do YOU show this love of yours?

  
  
  Just yesterday I gave my mailman a hug and a brownie.
  
  

  Are you suddenly going to "go Bible" on me and refuse to sound your own trumpet?

  
  
  Huh?
  
  

  You threw down the gauntlet little mouse.

  
  
  Please don’t disrespect the mouse.
  
  

  You just post your nasty Gollum post.

  
  
  I didn’t really mention anything about Gollum because I didn’t feel it was an apt analogy, but since you mention it again, the Ring really symbolizes power and it’s corrupting influence, pretty much the opposite of what most exjdubs experienced.
  
  

  Your post revealed much. You don't have to continue to be so nasty and Gollum-like. God loves you. I'm not going to insult your intelligence by saying I love you, but I do desire the very best for you

  
  
  It means a lot that your imaginary friend loves me so you don’t have to. Touching.
  
  

  I'm a real person Ringo5.

  
  
  I can see you’re a real person Lisa, so why do you believe in fairy tales?
  
  
  

  -Lisa (Puh-LEEZE read my prpfile before you start spouting any more negative rants and rehetoric.You will make yourslef appear much smarter that way by not sticking your foot in your mouth)

  
  
  You will appear much more Christian if you avoid the preachiness combined with insulting other people intelligence.
  
  (please read some of Littletoe’s posts to get a better idea of that approach, you’ll have more success)
  
  Cheers
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  50

  THE GOLLUM SYNDROME; Do YOU Suffer From it?

  by ElderBarry in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  when i left the rub a dub dubs, i was bitter, angry, disillusioned, and fearful of stepping out in faith again.

  i didnt want to get burned.

  i could have stayed that way.

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  ringo5

  Thanks anyway, but there's people out there that need love shown them in practical ways, far more than your imaginary friend does...
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  36

  Do u believe much of the JW teachings but not Gods Representative on earth?

  by breeze in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  .

  i wonder how many are still drawn to the beliefs but just don't believe the wtbts is jehovah's representative on earth and the only hope for mankind?.

  of course we know some are not correct like 607 bc and 1914 and 1975 etc.. breeze

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  ringo5

  The core beliefs are dis-beliefs. Same with the Witness behaviors. They are non-behaviors. A dead man could be a Witness and believe right and behave right.
  
  A dead man does not believe in hell.
  
  A dead man does not believe in immortality of the soul.
  
  A dead man does not believe in the Trinity.
  
  A dead man does not smoke.
  
  A dead man does not take transfusions.
  
  A dead man does not save seats at conventions.
  
  It's a religion of dis-beliefs and don't do's.
  
  It couldn't function alone on the planet because it wouldn't have any beliefs to dis-believe in. It's a resistance movement and it needs something or some to resist.

  
  
  I just have to say that your take on this and many other topics always strike me in a poignant and funny way!
  
  Glad you're here Gary!
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  43

  What book or movie most resembles the WTS in your opinion? Why?

  by whyizit in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i've seen where some former jws compare the wts to certain movies or books (such as the village and 1984).

  i just wondered what movies or books reminded you of the wts and why?

  did you draw this conclusion before or after you left the organization?

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  ringo5

  The Omega Man, 1970s movie anyone ever seen it?
  

  Creepy movie when I was a kid, but it probably would seem a bit cheesy now with the zombies and whatnot. I never associated it with being in the borg, but I can see it now.
  
  Didn't like the ending, poor chucky!
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  35

  Hi! Any other Latter Day Saints here?

  by ElderBarry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  hi my name is lisa.

  i'm not an elder of course and never have been.

  i was a jw for just a few years and then relocated and left it behind.

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  ringo5

  Q-

  Hi Praise - I did reply honest! Have a look in your inbox. The idea that we can become like our Father (and Mother) in heaven if we so choose (and if we don't we can still have an incredible fulfilling existence that will make us happy) is a beautiful concept. It makes the scriptures take on a whole new aim - rather than just a guide to happy living it becomes a training guide for Eternity.

  
  
  That includes ruling over your own planets too, right?
  
  Sounds like the biggest pyramid scheme ever!
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  4

  Creation

  by nsrn in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  question--did i dream this, or were we taught as witness kids that the creation account really happened in 1000 year increments, and that carbon dating could not possibly be correct?

  the new 'awake' about creation has an article about how kids can defend their faith in school, but as i recall, i was programmed with different answers...

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  ringo5

  I remember being told carbon dating was wrong because the FLOOD messed with the rate of decay used in measuring process!