Alexander said: " Some used to be witnesses, grew up in the truth and left it because reading books of apostates, now slandering brothers and sisters". According to YOUR STATEMENT...YOU ARE ACUSING THESE WRITERS OF BEING APOSTATES!Aren't you doing the same by slandering? Do you know the meaning of the word apostate? In Webster's dictionary it states: "renouncer (meaning give up formally)of one's professed faith". How would you know about these writers faith? Have you personally read their material? I'm NOT talking about what JW have told you about these people. The witnesses left because they used their brain...meaning they didn't rely on the belief of one organization and they STUDIED other material outside of JW literature to TRUTHFULLY SEEK THE TRUTH....and they most likely found out the REAL HISTORY of the JW Society. If you will look beyond the Watchtower, Awake, etc....YOU will understand that all the changes...especially date setting by the organization..will get you to open your eyes to the truth. God gave us a free will and he knows if you seek his truth faithfully. Do you think these JW's who left are apostates now simply because they sought truth outside of JW doctrines? God knows the heart and if you think just because they left the organization they will be rejected by God then you are in for a RUDE AWAKENING.
Posts by Lois
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38I think its sad
by Alexander ini wouldn't be here wasn't it for a link on google on the moscow ban that led me here.
i am shocked by the hatred many of you display in your posts.
some claim that we break up marriages, yet some of the happiest couples i know are faithfull brothers and sisters.
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36
Getting divorced from my husband
by Glofishy inwell, we've been having a lot of problems, and we've decided to get divorced.
i hope some of you can help me understand the teachings regarding this issue.
here's my questions:.
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Lois
In my opinion you shouldn't 'confess' to somethng you didn't commit. This is mind control and you'll be branded as the 'evil one' and he'll come out smelling like a rose. RESPECT YOURSELF and not give in to this sort of blackmail!! You have RIGHTS under the laws of this nation and the state you reside in and the JW elders or any other person in the congregation have no say so legally as to how you choose to file on the reasons for your divirce. PLEASE don't allow them to manipulate you into degrading yourself by telling a lie in order to be granted a divorce by the JW standards! Get a good lawyer...one who will be willing to fight tooth and nail for you rights and reputation. If you falsely confess to adultery then THEY (JW) WILL HAVE THE FINAL ULTIMATE CONTROL OVER YOU!
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65
Hard Evidence of Life After Death, is there any?
by Blueblades in.
are you a blind believer or do you have evidence of a continued existence beyond physical death either personal in nature or from scientifically valid sources?.
blueblades
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Lois
As for 'scientific' proof...all I can relate is a story about the death of my father. I was very emotional at his passing and the night after his death I was trying to sleep but was so upset I couldn't even begin to close my red swollen eyes. Then I had what I would define as a 'vision'. It was like flashes of scenes so vivid I couldn't believe what I was viewing.I saw a field with a curved wall made of every precious stone imagened. Beyond the wall was a castle glittering in solid gold...so bright yet it didn't hurt the eyes to look upon it brillence. Beyond the castle was a valley with a city of gold, although not quite as illuninated as the castle, yet had it's own splendid light. Then I saw what appeared to be a layered road...also made of multi-colered precious stones...each layer a different color. Then I saw a vision of my father. When he died he was 71 years old, however in the vision he appeared to be in his early 30's. He was sitting on an old wooden chair leaned over with his right elbow on his knee and his right hand under his chin. This is significiant because my dad was a triple amputee as a result of diabetes...lost his right arm to the elbow and both legs to the knee. He was wearing a brown garment...later I realized it was sackcloth. I couldn't understand why he was wearing this garment until I researched the meaning. Sackcloth is a rough garment worn as a sign of penitence (feeling sorrow for sins or offences). Then the vision changed and he was wearing a pleated white gown. It appeared as though he had shoulder pads beneath the white garment...like football or armour protection. He was standing to the right of a white chair....like a throne. I couldn't see anyone sitting on the throne, but sensed their presence. On the backrest of this throne was something carved...chisled all the way through...it was some form of wording I didn't understand...I somehow sensed it was perhaps Hebrew. Then the vision ended. I was completely amazed at this vision. I began placing all these flashes of the vision together and I truely believe I know what the Lord was telling me. He was telling me my dad had repented through the vision of the sackcloth, he was telling me dad had put on the armour of God (Ephesians 5:11)by the 'padded' garment. He gave me symbols/illistrations to guide me through and gave me peace. In the following weeks I was really high spirited and then one day I was down in spirit and was driving back home from visiting my mother. I started thinking about my dad...how he left this earth in such terrible physical state...tripple amputee , blind and had been bedridden for 10 years before his death. Tears were rolling down my face thinking about his suffering...how my mom was such a wonderful caregiver for him through all the hardships in life. etc. Then out of the clear blue, as I turned a corner,....there before my eyes was the most beautiful rainbow I'd ever seen in my life. It literally drew my breath away! I said ,"Thank you Jesus...I needed this". The rainbow was the most comforting and awe-inspiring scene you could possibly imagine. In my belief the Lord was telling me..."I'm still here...I'll never leave you...I understand".
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65
Hard Evidence of Life After Death, is there any?
by Blueblades in.
are you a blind believer or do you have evidence of a continued existence beyond physical death either personal in nature or from scientifically valid sources?.
blueblades
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Lois
Is there life after life? ABSOLUTELY! I believe Jesus had a bodily resurection and he raised others from the dead. 2 Corinthians:5:(6)Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. (7). For we walk by faith, not by sight. (8). We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Also check out 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 In Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are numbered 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. We are so precious to our Lord that even the number of hairs on our head are known. He also knows our heart and its desires. He's aware of our weaknesses and victories, our tears and laughter, our pain and joy. With all these attributes stored in his knowledge...why wouldn't he provide a safe haven for us after our physical bodies die? What would be the purpose of knowing these things if he didn't have a plan for each and every one of us? Ephesians 2:(8) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God". (9) Not of works, lest any man boast. Jesus also states in John 14:(2)"In my Father's house are many mansions:if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you".
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Open Letter To Jehovah's Witnesses
by Outaservice inyou may not remember, but i know you very well.
i met you a long time ago when you came to my house with your smiling faces, your neat clothes, and your soft voices, and a bible tucked neatly under your arm.
you told me many beautiful stories of a "paradise earth," and a "righteous new system" which would be established shortly.
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Lois
You have opened the gates of freedom for so many by speaking the truth that so many couldn't put into words. Your letter very well could free the chains of bondage which so many have become victims. The words you speak are of sorrow and had you actually received the truth by Jehovah Witnesses then you wouldn't have been in the pain you're experiencing, but now you can go on and experience joy because now you have the opportunity to show the truth to Jehovah Witnesses. If they refuse to listen it is because their hearts are hardened just as they have spoken of about those outside their fold. REJOYCE AND LIVE ACCORDING TO WHAT THE LORD HAS PREPARED FOR YOU IN YOUR FUTURE.
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40
Current disfellowshipping practices- please help.
by amarantha inhi, my name is amarantha.
i'm new to the board.
can anyone please tell me what the current disfellowshipping standards are?
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Lois
These elders who decide who can or can't be disfellowshipped are skating on thin ice. They may have the 'power' to boot you out of their organization, however they don't have the power to keep you from the kingdom of God. Why should you fear these leaders? It is not them which brings you salvation, neither can they judge your heart....only the Lord has this decision. These elders take it upon themselves to be your judge...how patronizing (condescending) is that for a 'teacher' of scripture? To exalt themselves by this manner is placing their own salvation in danger from the wrath of God. They sincerely believe they have the truth, but the truth lies not with the word of man, but in the power of the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart.
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Graduation is okay?
by Oxnard Hamster inas you all know, jws avoid celebrating all major holidays because they are "worldly" and "worldly" things displease jehovah.
however, i remember some jws talking about celebrating certain kids' high school graduations.
so it's not okay to celebrate christmas, thanksgiving, easter, birthdays, etc, but it is okay to celebrate someone's graduation?
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Lois
The Wise Men spies? This has to be one of the most ridiculous assumptions I have ever heard in my life!! When did JW's decide on this interpretation? They have to be the most paranoid 'teachers' of scripture to have come to this conclusion.It just like in their version of the Bible where words are taken out or added to scripture...they'll do or say what fits in their warped sense of direction.
Revelation22:18-19
http://www.europa.com/~lynnlund/translate_is_nwt_better.htm
In John:1:1 it says: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In the New World Translation it states..."and the Word was a God". Am I correct on this? There is only one God so how could this statement be true?
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48
Is it better to just LEAVE or FIGHT?
by ljwtiamb inalthough, i have not been victim to the same level of damage from the wts as many of you on this site, i have noticed that it is very difficult to fight such a large entity with deep pockets and passionate (though misled) supporters.. .
since i am still in the very early stages of leaving/fading, i wonder:.
i have already spent the vast majority of my life sacrificially serving the interests of this org.
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Lois
ljwtiamb Is it better to just LEAVE or FIGHT? May 23, 2005 Which will give you the most satisfaction? How much more damage will we (you and/or I) endure, if the chosen path is in vain? Just thinking! (maybe too much!) Thinking on your own is the road to recovery. The J.W. organization is fearful of you or any member that dares to use their own resources because they know you'll find out the deception of their teachings. -
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Graduation is okay?
by Oxnard Hamster inas you all know, jws avoid celebrating all major holidays because they are "worldly" and "worldly" things displease jehovah.
however, i remember some jws talking about celebrating certain kids' high school graduations.
so it's not okay to celebrate christmas, thanksgiving, easter, birthdays, etc, but it is okay to celebrate someone's graduation?
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Lois
My sister was a J.W. She is deceased now. She gave our mom a 'present' after her birthday passed. Mother told her it wasn't her birthday and was very upset because my sister wouldn't recognize it 'officially'. It's not that she thought she was owed this recognition on her birthday, but rather that my sister was doing this to stay in good graces I suppose and not because she was actually celebrating . It goes way beyond this...mother was mad because my sister wouldn't recognize any 'worldly' celebration which kept her away from family for years. Yea...she visited, but that was it...no participation in Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, etc.
Didn't the wise men offer gifts to Christ upon his birth? People in general don't put themselves above or on the same leval as Jesus. The celebration of a birthday is to delight in ones existance...a gift from God. Yes...there are those who feel they're owed something just because it's their birthday, but it's these individuals who fail to recognize the precious gift of life...they're only thinking is whether or not they will receive a gift.
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Is it better to just LEAVE or FIGHT?
by ljwtiamb inalthough, i have not been victim to the same level of damage from the wts as many of you on this site, i have noticed that it is very difficult to fight such a large entity with deep pockets and passionate (though misled) supporters.. .
since i am still in the very early stages of leaving/fading, i wonder:.
i have already spent the vast majority of my life sacrificially serving the interests of this org.
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Lois
The longer you stay in the harder it will be to leave. You don't owe them an explaination or apology for any decision you make. You owe it to yourself to find your own happiness and truth. If they question you abouut leaving you can simply say this is a matter between you and Jesus and for them to butt out of your private life. If they persist in you giving them answers...tell them to leave you alone or you'll file charges for harassment...end of discussion.
One thing you'll need to do is be your own person, have your own thoughts, make your own decisions, be firm in standing up for yourself, have a personal relationship with Jesus...not one dictated to you. Remember...His love is unconditional...don't allow anyone to tell you otherwise. He knows your heart better than you and I have no doubt He knows you are seeking freedom to love him in your own way. I have faith you will find Jesus in a way that will deliver you from the restraints of those who want to keep you from truely KNOWING WHAT A LOVING BEING HE IS and the key is freedom to seek all avenues to gain knowledge of His word.