Posts by marsh

22

An interesting "paranormal" experience, that was actually "normal"

by AlmostAtheist in

jw
friends

so last night i was in the basement.

it was dark, just the light in the crawl space was on.

i happened to see something moving out of the corner of my eye, so i turned.

marsh

Hi,

Age around 12,I awoke and saw a figure of a man with a long white gown on and he had a beard and long hair,a sort of Jesus looking figure.I was so scared I could not yell out.Nothing happened ,no-one spoke.I was sharing a bed with an Aunt so I snuggled up to her kept my eyes shut then told myself it would be go.When I opened my eyes again it was still there.I then fell asleep.Next day I told my Mum but she told me I was dreaming....

Years later one of my brothers worked away from home (We were all RC) he went with someone to a spiritualist church and this shook him up.He came home and when he did he said that he had something to tell me but only when my parents had gone to bed.Then he produced a glass,and yes/no cards,I did not have a clue what he was doing,then he began to ask if there was anyone there and so on,By this time I started to laugh thinking this was a game,he then got annoyed with me,then I saw the glass move on it's own,I didn;t know what to think.

This went on for a few times over a few days the cards spelled out LIVE.then this was re-arranged to EVIL.at this point I ran to the Presbytary to tell the RC Priest.He then came to the house and sprinkled Holy Water all around and prayed.As a Family we also prayed,Mother had us on our knees saying the rosary.a glass of water was spilled onto the rug and my Mother said she saw the shape of the devil.( I didn't) so she took the rug outside and threw it in the coal shed.The whole experience was scary.

My daughter -in-law was asleep and was woken up by a tug on the hair,she looked over at her Baby and he had got himself tangled up with blankets over his face.At the time she was thinking about her Gran.

A JW sister was woken up in the middle of the night,her piano downstairs was playing she said,this happened several times then The Piano was taken outside into the garden and chopped up.

Here is a site to look at and I have met Vince, I have also met ex witches at a convention

www.spotlightministries.org.uk

44

Elder-speak....How do they manipulate us?

by jgnat in

jw
friends

can you help me build a glossary of elder-speak?

you know, those phrases and arguments designed to appease, coerce, or guilt congregation members in to a desired course.

by exposing elder-speak, i hope to reduce the power of the words.

marsh

Forgot to say ,the church where i now worship used to be a mission an old tin hut ,until it was modernised.

44

Elder-speak....How do they manipulate us?

by jgnat in

jw
friends

can you help me build a glossary of elder-speak?

you know, those phrases and arguments designed to appease, coerce, or guilt congregation members in to a desired course.

by exposing elder-speak, i hope to reduce the power of the words.

marsh

Hi,

When I began questioning the teachings of the WT,when I was sent so-called 'apostate' info I wrote to Bethal.I wanted answers....They never replied but sent elders around,so I showed them what I had.I asked one of the Elders "When do you say Jesus came?" he said 1914.I then showed then info about Russell.One of the Elders was loving and kind,the other one strict a bit like police tactics."we love you" and "Our kids grew up together" and " Put it all in the bin" and so on.I even let them pray for me then because they convinced me all 'apostates' were nasty had an axe to grind,and I was confused.I was to be shown mercy.

Later I received some videos ,Ray Franz was on one.Lorri Mac on another,and more info (no computer then).so again I showed Elders.brothers/sisters.The strict elder who called on me before rang me up.He told me he didn't believe everything in the WT either,but where else would you find such loving,clean people to be with.I also heard even if there is nothing at the end of it all this is where we prefer to be.I never joined for that reason,I did not want a kind of 'social club' I joined because I thought I had 'the truth',I said "If only one person has the truth in a tin shed somewhere then this is where I would want to be".

Because I started to ask questions and talking to JWS about it all I received a phone call from a sister who in disgust gave me some 'apostate' scriptures to read.I felt petrified.My mind a muddle.More visits from JWS,and this Elder knew everything,all the things I was finding out he knew,and he agreed with me on some of it.I loved this Brother and his wife.But I could see he was agitated over my questions especialy my Qs on blood as he was a hospital Lliason Elder.I showed him a WT victims memorial tract.I asked him why it was that the Law on blood was given to the Jews yet they did not have aproblem with blood transfusions...Why? His reply was that he didn't know but they argue with God.(BTW I have refused blood ).Orthodox Jews take blood transfusions.Christianised Jews do.

After some time and more research I began to throw away my WT books and Bible I told a sister,she sent me a JB Phillips (paraphrased) NT in modern English for schools,sort of said in disgust 'well read that'.Inside 'Apostate' scriptures were underlined to scare me such as 2 Tim 3 10-14.and 2Tim 2 Hymenaus and Philetus and cancer.2 Tim 1 20-21.2 thess: 15,2 John 10-11,1 John 18-19,1 John 17-18,2 Peter 2 and more.

I WAS PETRIFIED, did not want to be 'apostate' with no hope,no nothing,I prayed about all of it and decided to read this JB Phillips Bible NT.and blessings and Grace were showered on me for this is the one that showed me that helped me the most.

Don't be afraid of the WT it is a man made religion/cult they are just men wielding power and influence over people's lives.

81

Hi guys I'm new here but been outta the JWS for 4 years. Born Again!

by biddie in

jw
friends

i'm kinda looking for other born again christians that were "brainwashed" the way i was with the jw's!.

praise the lord i know the truth now!!!

would like to share with others what i have learned about the wtbts!

marsh

Hi Biddie,welcome,

I am new here too ,I am a Christian ex JW exRC.Baptised in 2,002.

John 3:3 is very clear about being born again,these are Jesus words.many ex JWs are afraid of this but they need not be.Every religion throws up fanatics.false teachings/ers are everywhere.But it's not about a place but a person Jesus Christ....The New Birth is not just for 144,000 WT men.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish ,but have everlasting life"

167

Of Late Many Here Seem To Be Preaching Aethiesm..

by Qcmbr in

jw
friends

when i first came here a while back there was plenty of discussion around and about jw topics and general chit chat but of late i've felt quite a sharp increase in posts that are: .

1/ preaching aethism (as opposed to putting it forward in a respectful way as an alternate viewpoint.

2/ vitriolic attacks on those who dare have another view ('damn those stupid heretical believers') .

marsh

Me again,

The Bible's message changed the blood-drinking 'barbarians' of the UK to decency. It is the basis of English common law,the American Bill of Rights and the constitutions of great democracies .UK.U.S.A.Canada ,Australia, and NZealand any more? The Bible has inspired literature ,Shakespeare.Milton, Kipling Etc: Art.Leonardo Da Vinci,Michaelangelo,Raphael,rembrandt, The Bible has inspired music.Bach,Handel,The Bible transforms,The Gospel has changed cannibals,The Bible does not honor man,but God .The people in the Bible have feet of clay they are shown 'warts and all'God's holiness shines through.Noah,Moses,David,Peter all had their failures recorded .

God is the uncreated (eternal) creator of the universe Amen.IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH Gen:1..............

Psalm 8 The glory of God in creation Proverbs 8 The excellence of wisdom,John 1:1 The Eternal Word.

Brill!!

167

Of Late Many Here Seem To Be Preaching Aethiesm..

by Qcmbr in

jw
friends

when i first came here a while back there was plenty of discussion around and about jw topics and general chit chat but of late i've felt quite a sharp increase in posts that are: .

1/ preaching aethism (as opposed to putting it forward in a respectful way as an alternate viewpoint.

2/ vitriolic attacks on those who dare have another view ('damn those stupid heretical believers') .

marsh

Gumby.

The Bible will give you answers.Revelation 21 still applies,This Scripture I had read out at my Mothers funeral.

Have you heard about the Welsh revivals? how the men left the pubs,the Rugby ,went to chapels instead how there was a great movement of The Holy Spirit.Evan Roberts

Ever heard of Dr: Martin Lloyd Jones ?

I also read the book THE HEAVENLY MAN about Brother Yun,true story.amazing.

Dave ,I am happy and free,no control,though some have tried,I have respect for leaders,preachers but that is all,they do not control me it's not like that where I am.though it can be like that in some churches you will always get those who love to 'lord it over others'.One of the best churches I ever visited was a tiny run down cold,damp,place no one to play the organ or piano,they just had a small cassette player with some music.there were only about 6 there.But what a sermon using just the Bible,and what love.

My church is informal .and they have love among them.they watch out for each other,and also for others outside.If one sheep goes missing they go looking for it and pray about it.because they care.There is some banter and they love to wind me up,The Pastor and his wife have invited me to their home so many times ,we have a good laugh.All the congregation were treated to a restaurant meal in the summer after this some of us went to the beach ,on the way home we stopped of for ice creams and tea.They are lovely people,not perfect who is? not fanatics,but they all love the Lord and people.They also have missionaries in Nepal and Vietnam.they also help those who are non-Christians.

A non Christian man was witnessed to and invited to church he said he would only come if he could bring his dog .So they said 'okay' well he came with his dog and they both sat at the back of the church.they even put a carpet down for the dog as he was getting old.The dog would be silent until just before the children came upstairs from Sunday School.The dog then would get up and walk to the door and wait for the children,Sadly the dog died about 6 weeks ago.then 3 weeks later his owner died,but he died In Christ.instead of flowers all donations were sent to the INF missionary work something he was very fond of.

I have even heard some snoring in the prayer meetings usually from an elderly lady.and have heard some rows over petty things like fish'n'chips.People are great yeh?

have to go .off to visit my elderly Aunt who is not coping since her husband was put into a care home,she has now taken to her 'toddies' falling down water......so we as afamily watch out for her.

John 17:3 "and this is eternal life,that they may KNOW you,the only true God,and Jesus Christ whom You have sent "

167

Of Late Many Here Seem To Be Preaching Aethiesm..

by Qcmbr in

jw
friends

when i first came here a while back there was plenty of discussion around and about jw topics and general chit chat but of late i've felt quite a sharp increase in posts that are: .

1/ preaching aethism (as opposed to putting it forward in a respectful way as an alternate viewpoint.

2/ vitriolic attacks on those who dare have another view ('damn those stupid heretical believers') .

marsh

Dave,

You say you lived with absolute certainty as a JW.me too but we were deceived.We had WT glasses on.It is very hard for us to have all our beliefs shattered.But essentially I have always been a believer in God,Jesus,The Bible.I was raised very strict RC,Nuns priests everywhere.In fact I was going to be a Nun when I was approaching my teens.I wanted to be one of the 144,000 then and be a bride of Christ.

I got married instead and had children.Years later going through a very difficult time in my life I began to look into other things,New Age,Bhuddha,Hindu,pagans finding the god within and all of that.I was friendly with a lady at school but did not know she was a JW,we used to just chat ,she gave me a book to read the 'Truth book'I think it was so that's how I got involved with JWS in 1979.I studied with a super duper headmaster who answered all my questions and turned me right away from RC and everything else.I remember the Ray Franz thing but I was a baby Jw then and it was all covered up.I actually thought it was a privalege to be a JW.

Now I am free and it was the Lord Jesus Christ who set me free ,I fought all the way out of the WT and had to have everything proven to me I even played exjws off against each other.I finally went to an exjw convention and here I met many other jws,Pioneers,POs MS,and rank and file.and I still fought to make it right.Eventually I got the real truth from my own Bible reading starting with the NT.I really prayed about this and fell to my knees then asked for forgiveness.I saw I was a gross sinner in need of a saviour I saw who my saviour was.I gave it all over to the Lord.I was broken,all alone no-one told me,it was just me and the Lord.

Dave I had the most wonderful experience ever and I felt so loved and it was like a huge weight had been lifted .In that moment I knew God and knew that He knew me,It was the most amazing thing and I will never forget it even though I did not know then what was happening to me.I told an ex JW friend and he said to me "you have been born again" I asked him what he meant .He said he also had a similar experience .This poor exJW man at one time was so ill he sat down in the street with a coat over his head his family had rejected him.Now he is a wonderful brother In Christ.

Dave there is a God a loving God who cares for us,we may not have all the answers to everything yet,but at least now we are free to ask the questions.

1 Corinthians 17-31 Christ the Power and Wisdom of God.

God gives us repentance ,a 'change of mind' He is merciful and just Jesus is the Son of God and His death on the cross saves us.He rose again from the dead.Jesus promises he will never leave us or forsake us Hebrews 13: 5 Ephesians 2: 8-9 'for it is by grace you have been saved,through faith-and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God not by works,so that no one can boast'

Someone asked me for articles of faith,here is the church group I belong to

www.fiec.org.uk If anyone wants to ask scientists questions (not on AIG) I can give you e-mail addy I am not a scientist .The AIG info I have been looking into I like the way they support the Bible.

Acts 4:12 and for Nic. I actually have seen child healed by a simple prayer I was amazed but the same Lord who healed all those years ago still heals today.

167

Of Late Many Here Seem To Be Preaching Aethiesm..

by Qcmbr in

jw
friends

when i first came here a while back there was plenty of discussion around and about jw topics and general chit chat but of late i've felt quite a sharp increase in posts that are: .

1/ preaching aethism (as opposed to putting it forward in a respectful way as an alternate viewpoint.

2/ vitriolic attacks on those who dare have another view ('damn those stupid heretical believers') .

marsh

Sorry (hopeless with 'puters')

try SAFETY INVESTIGATION OF NOAH'S ARK IN A SEAWAY

I will look for more when I have time. try.

www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v8/i1/noah.asp

167

Of Late Many Here Seem To Be Preaching Aethiesm..

by Qcmbr in

jw
friends

when i first came here a while back there was plenty of discussion around and about jw topics and general chit chat but of late i've felt quite a sharp increase in posts that are: .

1/ preaching aethism (as opposed to putting it forward in a respectful way as an alternate viewpoint.

2/ vitriolic attacks on those who dare have another view ('damn those stupid heretical believers') .

marsh

Hi Dave,

I will look for more info when I have time,It will not change my mind though as I am a believer .I have listened to the Paul Willis and Dr: Carl Wieland debate.Paul is an atheist and skeptic Carl is a believer, www.answersingenesis.org/docs2004/0323debate.asp?vPrint=1I also found http://www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v8/il/noah.asp SAFETYOF NOAH'S ARK IN A SEAWAYSafety in severe environments structural safety ,overturning stability,seakeaping quality

Genesis 6 :13 The Ark prepared

And God said to Noah .The end of all flesh has come before Me,for the earth is filled with violence through them;and behold I will destroy them with the earth,

14.Make yourself an ark of gopherwood;make rooms in the ark,and cover it inside and outside with pitch

15.And this is how you shall make it :the length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits,it's width fifty cubits,and it's height thirty cubits

16.You shall make a window for the ark,and you shall finish it to a cubit from above;and set the door of the ark in it's side.You shall make it with lower,second,and third decks.

17.And behold I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth,to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life;everything that is on the earth shall die.

22.Thus Noah did,according to all that God commanded him,so he did.

24.And the waters prevailed on the earth one hundred and fifty days.

8.Then God remembered Noah,and every living thing,and all the animals that were with him in the ark,And God made a wind to pass over the earth,and the waters subsided.

The fact of the flood remains, ideas come and go,Genesis testifies to it.Jesus and the apostles confirmed it and there is abundant global evidence for it.2 Peter 2: talks of the doom of false teachers and says about Noah.5.and did not spare the ancient world,but saved Noah,one of eight people,a preacher of righteousness,bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly.

The realisation of the reality of God's judgment by the flood in the past should warn us of the reality of the judgment to come.

Romans 8 34-39

Who is he who condemns ?it is Christ who died,and furthermore is also risen,who is even at the right hand of God,who also makes intercession for us.

35.Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation,or distress,or persecution,or famine.or nakedness.or peril.or sword?

36.as it is written.For your sake we are killed all day long,we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

37.Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us

38 For I am persuaded that neither death,nor life,nor angels nor principalities nor powers ,nor things present nor things to come.

39.nor height nor depth,nor any other created thing,shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Bye for now

Godbless.

167

Of Late Many Here Seem To Be Preaching Aethiesm..

by Qcmbr in

jw
friends

when i first came here a while back there was plenty of discussion around and about jw topics and general chit chat but of late i've felt quite a sharp increase in posts that are: .

1/ preaching aethism (as opposed to putting it forward in a respectful way as an alternate viewpoint.

2/ vitriolic attacks on those who dare have another view ('damn those stupid heretical believers') .

marsh

Hi Almost Atheist,

If you want to look on AIG site --------- 'The bath tub ark' by Ken Ham---------An AIG supporter spent 400 hours building a scale model constructed according to the dimensions given in the Bible.The scale model will show future museum visitors that the Biblical account is reasonable.The Creation Museum of AIG (Near Cincinnati) will feature at least one model of the Ark.

A Patrick Marsh who once did the scenic design for the 'Jaws' and 'King Kong' attractions at Universal Studios in Florida is now a creationist,can read about him on AIG,

(hope this is right) http://answersingenesis.org/us/newsletters/0602au-usa.pdf

What is our Ark of safety today?.........not the Watchtower.............but Jesus Christ John 10:9.

Godbless.