*** lv chap. 9 pp. 97-109 "Flee From Fornication" ***
ACCEPT HELP FROM THE GOD OF MERCY
Q22, 23. (a) If a Christian commits a serious sin, why is his situation not hopeless? (b) What help is available to a wrongdoer?22 Being imperfect, we all struggle to subdue fleshly desires and do what is right in God's eyes. (Romans 7:21-25) Jehovah is aware of this, "remembering that we are dust." (Psalm 103:14) Sometimes, though, a Christian may commit a serious sin. Is his situation hopeless? By no means! Granted, the wrongdoer may reap bitter fruitage, as did King David. Nevertheless, God is always "ready to forgive" those who are contrite and "openly confess" their sins.-Psalm 86:5; James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13.
"...openly confess" their sins" to God or the elders or both
23 In addition, God has kindly provided the Christian congregation with "gifts in men"-mature spiritual shepherds who are both qualified and eager to render help. (Ephesians 4:8, 12; James 5:14, 15) Their goal is to assist a wrongdoer in restoring his relationship with God and, in the words of the wise man, in "acquiring heart" so that he does not repeat the sin.-Proverbs 15:32.
"...mature spiritual shepherds who are both qualified..." - How does that compare with repeated statements by J.R. Brown, public affairs director, that the elders are UNTRAINED VOLUNTEERS. So you have untrained volunteers judging the hearts of people. Now how good does that sound?
'ACQUIRE HEART'
Q24, 25. (a) How did the young man described at Proverbs 7:6-23 show that he was "in want of heart"? (b) How can we 'acquire heart'?24 The Bible speaks of people "in want of heart" and of those "acquiring heart." (Proverbs 7:7) Because of spiritual immaturity and inexperience in God's service, someone "in want of heart" may lack discernment and good judgment. Like the young man described at Proverbs 7:6-23, he may more readily fall victim to serious sin. However, "he that is acquiring heart" gives serious attention to the inner person by means of regular, prayerful study of God's Word. And to the extent possible in his imperfect state, he harmonizes his thoughts, desires, emotions, and goals in life with what God approves. Thus he is "loving his own soul," or blessing himself, and "is going to find good."-Proverbs 19:8.
"...inexperience in God's service..." - What exactly is "Gods service"? Is it following WTS theocratic procedure?
"...harmonizes his thoughts, desires, emotions, and goals in life with what God approves..." so can the individual make these determinations or does the WTS policy and established body of theocratic law dictate the terms?
25 Ask yourself: 'Am I fully convinced that God's standards are right? Do I firmly believe that adherence to them results in the greatest happiness?' (Psalm 19:7-10; Isaiah 48:17, 18) If you have even a tiny doubt, address the situation. Meditate on the consequences of ignoring God's laws. In addition, "taste and see that Jehovah is good" by living the truth and by filling your mind with wholesome thoughts-things that are true, righteous, chaste, lovable, and virtuous. (Psalm 34:8; Philippians 4:8, 9) You can be sure, the more you do so, the more you grow to love God, to love what he loves, and to hate what he hates. Joseph was no superman. Yet, he was able to "flee from fornication" because, to give him heart. May the same be true of you.-Isaiah 64:8.
"...living the truth..." means 2 meetings a week, field service, family study of WTS publications, personal study of WTS publications, preparation for meetings etc
"...he allowed Jehovah to mold him over many years..." Who moulds JW's? Their own interpretation of Christian principles or the conscience of the WTS?
Q26. What important topic will be considered next?26 Our Creator formed our reproductive organs, not to be toys for mere thrills, but to enable us to reproduce and to enjoy intimacy within marriage. (Proverbs 5:18) God's view of marriage will be discussed in the following two chapters.
"...enable us to reproduce..." - So why does the WTS encourage singleness and childlessness?
*** lv pp. 218-219 APPENDIX - Gain the Victory Over Masturbation ***A spiritually unhealthy habit, masturbation instills attitudes that foster self-centeredness and corrupt the mind. A masturbator may also grow to view others as mere sex objects-tools for sexual satisfaction. Sex becomes separated from love and is relegated to a reflex that gives momentary pleasure and relieves sexual tension. But that relief is only temporary. In reality, instead of deadening the body's members "as respects fornication, uncleanness, [and improper] sexual appetite," masturbation arouses them.-Colossians 3:5.
[Footnote]
Masturbation is the stroking or rubbing of the genital organs, commonly resulting in orgasm.
The apostle Paul wrote: "Beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God's fear." (2 Corinthians 7:1) If you are struggling to heed these words, do not give in to despair. Jehovah is always "ready to forgive" and to help. (Psalm 86:5; Luke 11:9-13) Indeed, your self-condemning heart and your efforts to give up the habit-despite occasional relapses-indicate a good attitude. Keep in mind, too, that "God is greater than our hearts and knows all things." (1 John 3:20) God sees more than our sins; he sees the whole person. This knowledge enables him to hear with sympathy our earnest pleas for mercy. So never weary of turning to God in humble and earnest prayer, like a child who goes to his father when in trouble. Jehovah will bless you with a cleansed conscience. (Psalm 51:1-12, 17; Isaiah 1:18) Of course, you need to take positive steps in harmony with your prayers. For example, you would strive to avoid all forms of pornography as well as bad associates.
[Footnote]
As a practical step in controlling the use of a home computer, many families keep it in a public area. Additionally, some households purchase software that filters out undesirable material. No system, though, is completely reliable.
If your problem with masturbation persists, please speak about the matter with a Christian parent or a spiritually mature and caring friend.-Proverbs 1:8, 9; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Titus 2:3-5.
[Footnote]
For practical suggestions on how to overcome masturbation, see the article "Young People Ask . . . How Can I Conquer This Habit?" in the November 2006 issue of Awake!, and pages 205-11 of the book Questions Young People Ask-Answers That Work, Volume 1.
LUKEWARM
JoinedPosts by LUKEWARM
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Congregation "Bible Study" Comments - Week Commencing 7 September 2009
by LUKEWARM in*** lv chap.
9 pp.
97-109 "flee from fornication" ***.
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LUKEWARM
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Where I can find information on South Australia court case, where a JW sued his KH and the WTS after breaking his leg in field service?
by LUKEWARM in.
from memory a newspaper article reported on this some years ago - it involved the jw trespassing on private property, being knocked over by a goat, the homeowner being sued and having to pay damages to the jw.. initially as the jw sued his congregation, the wts defended the kh and itself with the statement that jw's are not required to go out in field service and that the ministry work is purely voluntary.... can anyone point me to a link?.
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LUKEWARM
That was just the article I was looking for
Thanks all!
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Jehovahs Witnesses: the only organization preaching the good news
by JWMediaFilms inclick on the video.... it's uploaded in high def.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hisblir_2sw.
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LUKEWARM
Brilliant - Thank you for posting!
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Where I can find information on South Australia court case, where a JW sued his KH and the WTS after breaking his leg in field service?
by LUKEWARM in.
from memory a newspaper article reported on this some years ago - it involved the jw trespassing on private property, being knocked over by a goat, the homeowner being sued and having to pay damages to the jw.. initially as the jw sued his congregation, the wts defended the kh and itself with the statement that jw's are not required to go out in field service and that the ministry work is purely voluntary.... can anyone point me to a link?.
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LUKEWARM
From memory a newspaper article reported on this some years ago - it involved the JW trespassing on private property, being knocked over by a goat, the homeowner being sued and having to pay damages to the JW.
Initially as the JW sued his congregation, the WTS defended the KH and itself with the statement that JW's are NOT required to go out in field service and that the ministry work is purely voluntary...
Can anyone point me to a link?
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Roll call - How many here fake being a "good Jehovah's Witness"....like me!
by Witness 007 inthere is no truth...i know that.
to please my mum while she's alive and wife i go to meetings and the 3 day convention coming up.
i would rather go to the dentist.
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LUKEWARM
Yes, Mrs Lukewarm and I are f a k e r s. We feel that the best way to help our families and friends discern the issues is to be on the inside.
Although we have slowed down, it's hard to continue with the activities knowing they have more to do with following the GB direction than actually pleasing God...
Have given 2 of our friend's "Crisis of conscience" - presently working on the 3 rd one. One side of the family has read "Crisis" and is going through "Christian freedom" (both can be ordered here http://www.commentarypress.com/Publication/English.html)Spoke to another friend (elder) in a different cong recently about discovering Ray Franz - that I ordered his book and was left with much to think about. Was surprised when he admitted to me reading "crisis" some time ago but said: "where is one to go" and that he felt there was enough truth to keep it all together. Turns out he was not aware of Ray's second book which he wanted to order for himself after our conversation of the way it highlights our organizations deviation from scripture - offered to give him my copy next time I see him...
Slowly chipping away and using every opportunity to get the friends to think for themselves...
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Congregation "Bible Study" Comments - Week Commencing 31 August 2009
by LUKEWARM in*** lv chap.
9 pp.
97-109 "flee from fornication" ***.
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LUKEWARM
*** lv chap. 9 pp. 97-109 "Flee From Fornication" ***
DINAH'S UNWISE CHOICE
Q13. Who was Dinah, and why was her choice of friends unwise?13 As we saw in Chapter 3, our friends can exert a powerful influence on us for good or for bad. (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33) Consider the example of Dinah, a daughter of the patriarch Jacob. (Genesis 34:1) Despite her good upbringing, Dinah unwisely made friends with Canaanite girls. Like the Moabites, the Canaanites were notoriously immoral. (Leviticus 18:6-25) In the eyes of Canaanite men, including Shechem-"the most honorable" of his father's household-Dinah seemed to be legitimate prey.-Genesis 34:18, 19.
"...our friends can exert a powerful influence on us for good or for bad." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herd_mentalityQ14. How did Dinah's choice of friends lead to tragedy?14 Dinah probably did not have sexual relations in mind when she saw Shechem. He, though, did what most Canaanites would have considered natural when sexually aroused. Any last-minute resistance on Dinah's part meant little, for he "took her" and "violated her." It seems that Shechem later "fell in love" with Dinah, but that did not change what he had done to her. (Genesis 34:1-4) And Dinah was not the only one to suffer as a result. Her choice of associates triggered events that brought disgrace and reproach on her whole family.-Genesis 34:7, 25-31; Galatians 6:7, 8.
Why "probably" and "it seems"?
Q15, 16. How can we gain true wisdom? (See also the box on page 109.)15 If Dinah learned an important lesson, she learned it the hard way. Those who love and obey Jehovah do not have to learn life's lessons the hard way. Because they listen to God, they choose to 'walk with wise persons.' (Proverbs 13:20a) Thus they come to understand "the entire course of what is good" and avoid needless problems and pains.-Proverbs 2:6-9; Psalm 1:1-3.
Who are 'wise persons'? Only JW's?
"...obey Jehovah" or the WTS interpretation of a matter?
"...entire course of what is good" - Is that learning the principles Jesus taught and exercising individual conscience or adopting the whole body of theocratic "truth" as determined by the WTS?
16 Godly wisdom is available to all who yearn for it and who act on that yearning by persisting in prayer and by regularly studying God's Word and the material provided by the faithful slave class. (Matthew 24:45; James 1:5) Also important is humility, which is reflected in a willingness to heed Scriptural counsel. (2 Kings 22:18, 19) For example, a Christian may accept in principle that his heart can be treacherous and desperate. (Jeremiah 17:9) But when the situation calls for it, is he humble enough to accept specific, loving counsel and help?
"...material provided by the faithful slave class" - in other words, the anointed as a body have no say regarding doctrine, this is what the 10 or so members of the GB have determined doctrine is
"Also important is humility..." - Where is the humility in the GB elevating themselves above all other anointed ones and arrogantly disregarding alternative views?
[Box on page 109] SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION
"O you lovers of Jehovah, hate what is bad."-Psalm 97:10.
"Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."-Matthew 5:28.
"He that practices fornication is sinning against his own body."-1 Corinthians 6:18.
"I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow."-1 Corinthians 9:27.
"Whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit."-Galatians 6:7, 8.
"Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite."-Colossians 3:5.
"Each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in covetous sexual appetite."-1 Thessalonians 4:4, 5.
Q17. Describe a situation that may arise within a family, and show how a father might reason with his daughter.17 Imagine this situation. A father does not allow his daughter and a young Christian man to go out unchaperoned. The girl responds: "But Dad, don't you trust me? We won't do anything wrong!" She may love Jehovah and have the best of intentions, yet is she "walking in [godly] wisdom"? Is she 'fleeing from fornication'? Or is she foolishly "trusting in [her] own heart"? (Proverbs 28:26) Perhaps you can think of additional principles that would assist such a father and his daughter in reasoning on the matter.-See Proverbs 22:3; Matthew 6:13; 26:41.
Where is the wife in this example? The WTS expects parents to "reason" with their children but when it comes to people reasoning with them on differing viewpoints, they are totally dismissive and arrogant
JOSEPH FLED FROM FORNICATION
Q18, 19. What temptation arose in Joseph's life, and how did he deal with it?18 A fine young person who loved God and fled from fornication was Joseph, Dinah's half brother. (Genesis 30:20-24) As a child, Joseph saw firsthand the fruits of his sister's folly. No doubt these memories, as well as Joseph's desire to remain in God's love, protected him years later in Egypt when his master's wife tried to seduce him "day after day." Of course, as a slave Joseph could not simply hand in his resignation and leave! He had to deal with the situation wisely and courageously. This he did by repeatedly saying no to Potiphar's wife and, in the end, by fleeing from her.-Genesis 39:7-12.
19 Consider: If Joseph had fantasized about the woman or had habitually daydreamed about sex, would he have been able to keep his integrity? Most likely not. Instead of entertaining sinful thoughts, Joseph prized his relationship with Jehovah, which was evident in his words to Potiphar's wife. "My master," he would say, "has not withheld from me anything at all except you, because you are his wife. So how could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?"-Genesis 39:8, 9.
Q20. How did Jehovah maneuver matters in the case of Joseph?20 Imagine the joy that Jehovah must have felt as he observed young Joseph, far from his family, maintaining his integrity day after day. (Proverbs 27:11) Later, Jehovah maneuvered matters so that Joseph was not only released from prison but also made Egypt's prime minister and food administrator! (Genesis 41:39-49) How true the words of Psalm 97:10: "O you lovers of Jehovah, hate what is bad. He is guarding the souls of his loyal ones; out of the hand of the wicked ones he delivers them"!
Considering Joseph became "...Egypt's prime minister and food administrator!" why did so many spend time in prison because the WTS said they could not do civilian service?
Q21. How did a young brother in an African land show moral courage?21 Likewise today, many servants of God demonstrate that they "hate what is bad, and love what is good." (Amos 5:15) A young brother in an African land recalls that a female classmate boldly offered him sex in exchange for his help during a mathematics test. "I immediately rejected her offer," he says. "By maintaining integrity, I have kept my dignity and self-respect, which are far more valuable than gold and silver." True, sin may give "temporary enjoyment," but such cheap thrills often bring much pain. (Hebrews 11:25) Moreover, they pale into insignificance when compared with the lasting happiness that results from obedience to Jehovah.-Proverbs 10:22.
"...obedience to Jehovah" or the WTS - or is that the same? -
31
Hey...no more lurking...
by pmgirl inhey,.
this is my first post on this forum after months of reading and lurking on here.
i'm glad to be able to say that my husband and i finally sent our letter saying we want out and are wait to hear back for a potential jc meeting--that we won't be attending.. we had so many doubts it was impossible for us to continue living the lie.
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LUKEWARM
Welcome pmgirl and SuspiciousMinds!
Do keep us updated
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If your happy leaving the truth why continue.............
by angel eyes injust want to know why some of you,not all,please dont think im meaning all of you because that truly isnt the case,claim to be happy for leaving the truth,being df etc yet you continue to speak about jehovah or attack him or the organisation??
even for many years after.. this would show that your hurt by them df you.
when someone we love hurts us its natural to want to hurt them back because we have feelings for them.so im thinking that many have love for jehovah still??
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LUKEWARM
Welcome to the forum angel eyes!
The WTS never elaborates on what exactly people that leave disagree with; they actively discourage independent investigation and demonise any alternative views.
I never gave this much thought - was raised a witness and it seemed to me that there was enough "truth" there to keep it all together. Always wondered though, why the WTS was so paranoid about apostates - after all if we have the "truth," it should be able to stand up to anything that opposes throw up against it.
Over 12 months ago I discovered this board, and read some of the opposing views which immediately made sense to me. The more I read here the more aware I became of the legitimate issues the WTS needs to facehttp://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/medical/150613/1/WT-SOCIETY-IS-WRONG-ON-BLOOD
It wasn't long before I became aware of Ray Franz and reading his 2 books (Crisis of Conscience and In Search of Christian Freedom) had a profound impact on me. Both can be found purchased in book form or downloadable as PDF's (for privacy) here:
http://www.commentarypress.com/Publication/English.htmlHe was a Governing Body member of Jehovah's Witnesses for over nine years - a very sincere and humble man as well as a devout Christian today. His insights are simply invaluable for anybody wanting to examine the JW religion in an honest and complete light.
Please continue to keep an open mind and I look forward to more of your posts.
Best wishes
Lukewarm -
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Congregation "Bible Study" Comments - Week Commencing 24 August 2009
by LUKEWARM in*** lv chap.
9 pp.
97-109 "flee from fornication" ***.
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LUKEWARM
*** lv chap. 9 pp. 97-109 "Flee From Fornication" ***
"Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."-COLOSSIANS 3:5.
Q1, 2. How did Balaam scheme to cause harm to Jehovah's people?THE fisherman goes down to his favorite spot. He has a particular kind of fish in mind. He selects a lure and casts his line into the water. Moments later, the line goes taut, the rod bends, and he reels in his catch. Smiling, he knows he has chosen the right lure.
"Smiling, he knows he has chosen the right lure."- I wonder if the leaders of the WTS are doing the same with this religion or are they truly ignorant of their errors?
2 In the year 1473 B.C.E., a man named Balaam gave much thought to a lure. His intended prey, though, were God's people, who were camped on the Plains of Moab, at the border of the Promised Land. Balaam professed to be a prophet of Jehovah, but he was really just a greedy man hired to curse Israel. However, through Jehovah's intervention, Balaam was only able to bless Israel. Set on earning his reward, Balaam reasoned that perhaps he could induce God to curse his own people, if only they could be tempted to commit gross sin. With that goal in mind, Balaam cast the lure-the seductive young women of Moab.-Numbers 22:1-7; 31:15, 16; Revelation 2:14.
Q3. To what extent did Balaam's scheme succeed?3 Did this strategy work? To an extent, yes. Tens of thousands of Israelite men took the lure by having "immoral relations with the daughters of Moab." They even began to worship Moabite gods, including the disgusting Baal of Peor, a god of fertility, or sex. As a result, 24,000 Israelites perished right at the border of the Promised Land. What a monumental tragedy that was!-Numbers 25:1-9.
Was the idolatry of the "...worship Moabite gods..." as erroneous as the worship of the WTS by its members today?
Q4. Why did thousands of Israelites fall prey to immorality?4 What paved the way for this calamity? Many of the people had developed a wicked heart by drawing away from Jehovah, the very God who had delivered them from Egypt, fed them in the wilderness, and led them safely to the land of promise. (Hebrews 3:12) Reflecting on the matter, the apostle Paul wrote: "Neither let us practice fornication, as some of them committed fornication, only to fall, twenty-three thousand of them in one day."-1 Corinthians 10:8.
"...developed a wicked heart by drawing away from Jehovah" is the equivalent of wanting nothing to do with the WTS
Q5, 6. Why is the account about Israel's sin on the Plains of Moab valuable to us today?5 The account in Numbers has many important lessons for God's people today, who stand at the threshold of a far greater promised land. (1 Corinthians 10:11) For example, the world's obsession with sex reflects that of the ancient Moabites but on a larger scale. Moreover, each year thousands of Christians fall prey to immorality-the same basic lure that caught the Israelites. (2 Corinthians 2:11) And in imitation of Zimri, who boldly paraded a Midianite woman right into the Israelite camp to his own tent, some who associate with God's people today have become a corrupting influence within the Christian congregation.-Numbers 25:6, 14; Jude 4.
[Footnote]
The figure given in Numbers evidently included "the head ones of the people" executed by the judges, which may have amounted to 1,000 men, and those executed directly by Jehovah.-Numbers 25:4, 5.
"...stand at the threshold of a far greater promised land" - One has to wonder how they have any special insight as the words soon, near, last days, the final part of the days, on the brink have been used repeatedly for the last 130 years
"...each year thousands of Christians fall prey to immorality" - how many are disfellowshipped despite being repentant?
"...some who associate with God's people today have become a corrupting influence within the Christian congregation" - How? Any why no elaboration? Are they saying these are leading witnesses into apostasy?
6 Do you see yourself on the modern-day Plains of Moab? Can you see your prize-the long-awaited new world-on the horizon? If so, then do everything in your power to remain in God's love by heeding the command: "Flee from fornication."-1 Corinthians 6:18.
"...the long-awaited new world" and their 130 history of false prophecy http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/1800s.php"...everything in your power to remain in God's love..." means keeping up with the WTS program of 2 meetings a week, family and personal study, field service, preparation for meetings etc
WHAT IS FORNICATION?
Q7, 8. What is "fornication," and how do those who practice it reap what they sow?7 As used in the Bible, "fornication" (Greek, por·nei′a) applies to illicit sexual relations outside of Scriptural marriage. It includes adultery, prostitution, and sex relations between unmarried individuals, as well as oral and anal sex and the sexual manipulation of the genitals of an individual to whom one is not married. It also includes such acts between individuals of the same sex as well as bestiality.
[Footnote]
For a discussion of the meaning of uncleanness and loose conduct, see "Questions From Readers" in The Watchtower of July 15, 2006, published by Jehovah's Witnesses.
"As used in the Bible, "fornication" (Greek, por·nei′a) applies to..." where is the proof - is it in the footnoted reference?
8 The Scriptures are very clear: Those who practice fornication cannot remain in the Christian congregation and will not receive everlasting life. (1 Corinthians 6:9; Revelation 22:15) What is more, even now they bring much harm to themselves in the form of a loss of trust and self-respect, marital discord, a guilty conscience, unwanted pregnancies, disease, and even death. (Galatians 6:7, 8) Why start down a path that is littered with so much misery? Sadly, many do not think that far ahead when they take the first wrong step-which quite often involves pornography.
Those who practice fornication = so why are so many disfellowshipped when its clear they are not repeat offenders
"...the first wrong step-which quite often involves pornography." Is this another unqualified statement or do they have data to back this up?
PORNOGRAPHY-A FIRST STEP
Q9. Is pornography harmless, as some claim? Explain.9 In many lands, pornography is featured on newsstands, in music, and on television, and it virtually saturates the Internet. Is it harmless, as some claim? Absolutely not! Those who view pornography may become habitual masturbators and nurture "disgraceful sexual appetites," which may result in an addiction to sex, perverted desires, serious marital disharmony, and even divorce. (Romans 1:24-27; Ephesians 4:19) A researcher likens sex addiction to cancer. "It keeps growing and spreading," he says. "It rarely ever reverses itself, and it is also very difficult to treat and heal."
[Footnote]
Masturbation is discussed in the Appendix, pages 218-19.
[Footnote]
"Pornography," as used here, refers to the depiction in pictures, in writing, or by voice of erotic material that is intended to cause sexual excitement. Pornography may range from a picture of a person in an erotic pose to depictions of sexual acts of the most sordid kind between two or more individuals.
"A researcher likens sex addiction to cancer..." Which researcher and where - how are we sure the WTS has not quoted him out of context?
Q10. In what ways can we apply the principle found at James 1:14, 15? (See also the box on page 101.)10 Consider the words recorded at James 1:14, 15, which reads: "Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death." So if a bad desire enters your mind, take immediate action to get rid of it! For example, if you inadvertently see erotic images, quickly look away, or turn off the computer, or change the TV channel. Do whatever is necessary to avoid succumbing to immoral desire before it races out of control and overcomes you!-Matthew 5:29, 30.
[Box on page 101]
FINDING THE STRENGTH TO BE MORALLY CLEAN
"While in my teens, I became trapped in a cycle of viewing pornography and masturbating," says a young man. "My peers at school considered such conduct a normal part of adolescence. But it damaged my conscience, and I was drawn into a life of immorality. I eventually realized that I was just a slave to my desires. However, I was able to overcome my unclean habits with help from Jehovah and the congregation. Now I am careful about whom I associate with, since I know that others can have a big influence on me. I have found that regular prayer and personal Bible study are essential to keep me from falling back into bad habits. Instead of being a slave to fleshly desires, I now have the privilege of serving as a regular pioneer."
So association with the spiritual elite in the congregation and keeping up with the WTS treadmill of worship is being encouraged here together with the "privilege of serving as a regular pioneer"?
Q11. When fighting wrong desires, how can we demonstrate our trust in Jehovah?11 For good reason, the One who knows us better than we know ourselves exhorts: "Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5) True, doing so may be a challenge. But remember, we have a loving and patient heavenly Father to call upon. (Psalm 68:19) So turn quickly to him when wrong thoughts enter your mind. Pray for "power beyond what is normal," and force your mind to focus on other matters.-2 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:27; see the box "How Can I Break a Bad Habit?" on page 104.
"...heavenly Father" used here but the WTS has repeatedly stated in print that the great crowd are friends of God not sons
[Box/Picture on page 104]
HOW CAN I BREAK A BAD HABIT?Principle: "O you lovers of Jehovah, hate what is bad."-Psalm 97:10.
Some questions to ask yourself
? Am I avoiding situations that might stimulate wrong desires?-Matthew 5:27, 28.
? Do I meditate on the consequences of acting on wrong desires?-Proverbs 22:3.
? What type of decisive action am I willing to take to overcome my bad habit?-Matthew 5:29, 30.
? Am I prepared to talk to a parent or a spiritually mature friend about my problem?-Proverbs 1:8, 9; Galatians 6:1, 2.
? How can I demonstrate that I rely on Jehovah's strength and wisdom to gain the victory?-Proverbs 3:5, 6; James 1:5.
Q12. What is our "heart," and why must we safeguard it?12 The wise man Solomon wrote: "More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Our "heart" is our inner self, what we really are as a person in God's eyes. Moreover, it is God's estimation of our "heart"-not what we may appear to be in the eyes of others-that determines whether we receive everlasting life or not. It is that simple. It is also that serious. So that he would not look indecently at a woman, faithful Job made a covenant, or formal agreement, with his eyes. (Job 31:1) What a fine example for us! Showing the same mind, a psalmist prayed: "Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless."-Psalm 119:37.
"Our "heart" is our inner self, what we really are as a person in God's eyes." The Watchtower's Incredible Ignorance About the Human Body http://corior.blogspot.com/2006/02/watchtowers-incredible-ignorance-about.html -
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Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 8-23-09 WT Study (SPEAK TRUTH)
by blondie incomments you will not hear at the 08-23-09 wt study (june 15, 2009 pages 11-20)(speak truth).
review comments will be in red or comments heading.
wt material from today's wt will be in black.
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LUKEWARM
Thank you Blondie!
6. Does being truthful with others mean that we must disclose every detail to whoever asks us a question? Not necessarily. While on earth, Jesus demonstrated that some people are undeserving or a direct answer of certain information. When hypocritical religious leaders asked him by what power or authority he performed signs and miracles, Jesus said: "I will ask you one question. You answer me, and I will also tell you by what authority I do these things."(Mark 11:27-33)He did not feel obligated to answer the question in view of their corrupt practices and faithless example. (Matt. 12:10-13; 23:27,28) Similarly today, Jehovah's people need to be on guard against apostates and other wicked men who use trickery or cunning for selfish purposes.--Matt. 10:16; Eph. 4:14.
Shame on the WTS as it encourages hate and paranoia in the congregations and presumptuously sits in the judgement seat of God himself, labelling and pronouncing apostates as "wicked".
Why should JW's "be on guard against apostates" and why do they never elaborate as to what "apostates" disagree with? How exactly are they using "trickery or cunning for selfish purposes"?
"Truth" should be able to stand up to anything thrown up against it.
Rather than display genuine humility and discuss the issues, the WTS resembles the arrogance and the judgemental attitude of the Pharisees.
How are they following Jesus counsel at Matt 5:43-48?
"YOU heard that it was said, You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. However, I say to YOU: Continue to love YOUR enemies and to pray for those persecuting YOU; that YOU may prove yourselves sons of YOUR Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous. For if YOU love those loving YOU, what reward do YOU have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? And if YOU greet YOUR brothers only, what extraordinary thing are YOUdoing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? YOU must accordingly be perfect, as YOUR heavenly Father is perfect.