Posts by LUKEWARM

*** lv chap. 10 pp. 110-120 Marriage-A Gift From a Loving God ***

WHO WOULD MAKE A GOOD MARRIAGE MATE?

Q9, 10. (a) How did Paul illustrate the danger of forming close bonds with unbelievers? (b) What often results from ignoring God's counsel not to marry an unbeliever?9 Paul was inspired to write down a vital principle that should be applied when choosing a marriage mate: "Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers." (2 Corinthians 6:14) His illustration was based on a fact of agricultural life. If two animals that differ greatly in size or strength are yoked together, both will suffer. Similarly, yoked together by marriage, a believer and an unbeliever will undoubtedly face friction and strains. If one mate wants to remain in Jehovah's love and the other cares little or nothing about that, their priorities in life will not match, and much discomfort is likely to result. Paul thus urged Christians to marry "only in the Lord."-1 Corinthians 7:39.

When Paul referred to "unbelievers' was he talking about non JW's or people who did not believe in the Christ?

Why are they not specific as to what a "believer" is? Is this another instance of twisting the scriptures - making the application mean a member of the Jehovah's Witness religion?

"If one mate wants to remain in Jehovah's love..." means if one party accepts that the WTS has the correct interpretation of the Bible and are willing to live and die in accordance with these directives and advance that to others as the "truth".

"...priorities in life will not match, and much discomfort is likely to result." - Imagine the discomfort if one marriage mate believed that the generation born in 1914 would see the end only to have this life changing "truth" deleted by the WTS in one sentence in 1996 without even apologizing for another false prophecy!

10 In some cases, single Christians have come to the conclusion that an uneven yoking would be better than the loneliness they currently feel. Some decide to ignore Bible counsel, and they marry a person who does not serve Jehovah. Again and again, the outcome is sad. Such ones find themselves married to a person with whom they cannot share the most important things in life. The loneliness that results may be far greater than any that they experienced before they married. Happily, there are many thousands of single Christians who trust in and loyally adhere to divine counsel in this regard. (Psalm 32:8) Though hoping to marry someday, they remain single until they find a mate among those who worship Jehovah God.

"Some decide to ignore Bible counsel" should be rephrased to WTS counsel since the Bible clearly talks about people believing in the Christ, not people belonging to a certain Christian denomination.

"...person who does not serve Jehovah" are non JW's - some 6,500,000,000 individuals who will be destroyed according to the WTS teaching.

"...trust in and loyally adhere to divine counsel in this regard." What divine counsel? The WTS is again going "beyond the things written" and requiring others draw the same conclusion
Q11. What can help you to choose a marriage mate wisely? (See also the box on page 114.)11 Of course, not every servant of Jehovah is automatically a suitable marriage mate. If you are considering marriage, look for someone whose personality, spiritual goals, and love for God are compatible with your own. The faithful slave class has provided much food for thought on this subject, and you would do well to consider such Scriptural counsel prayerfully, letting it guide you in making this important decision.-Psalm 119:105.

What are "spiritual goals"? Are they full time pioneering, serving where the need is greater, bethel service, missionary service?

Do all the 9980 anointed ones compose "The faithful slave class" and are they collectively consulted in what food needs to be disseminated?http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/174833/1/6-15-WT-GB-More-Powerful-than-Worldwide-Anointed-Dont-Judge-Partaking

"...consider such Scriptural counsel prayerfully, letting it guide you in making this important decision" - how many were guided by the below ruling?
"While both homosexuality and bestiality are disgusting perversions, in the case of neither one is the marriage tie broken. It is broken only by acts that make an individual "one flesh" with a person of the opposite sex other than his or her legal marriage mate." W72 01/01 pp.31-2

[Box/Pictures on page 114] WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR IN A MATE?
Principle: "The two will be one flesh.-Matthew 19:5.
Some questions to ask yourself
- Why is it important to be "past the bloom of youth" before marrying?-1 Corinthians 7:36; 13:11; Matthew 19:4, 5.
- Although I am old enough to marry, how can I benefit from staying single for a period of time?-1 Corinthians 7:32-34, 37, 38.
- If I choose to marry, why is it important that my prospective mate have a record of faithful service to Jehovah?-1 Corinthians 7:39.
- How can the following scriptures help a sister to identify the qualities needed in a mate?-Psalm 119:97; 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
- How could Proverbs 31:10-31 help a brother choose a marriage mate wisely?

Q12. What custom regarding marriage prevails in many lands, and what Bible example offers some guidance?12 In many lands, it is customary for parents to choose a mate for their child. It is widely agreed in those cultures that parents have the greater wisdom and experience needed to make such an important choice. Arranged marriages often work out well, as they did in Bible times. The example of Abraham sending his servant to find a wife for Isaac is instructive to parents who may be in a similar position today. Money and social standing were not Abraham's concern. Rather, he went to great lengths to find a wife for Isaac among people who worshipped Jehovah.-Genesis 24:3, 67.

"...went to great lengths to find a wife for Isaac among people who worshipped Jehovah" What about Moses, Joseph, Esther and Ruth's husband etc who were married to unbelievers?

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE?

Q13-15. (a) How can the principle found at Proverbs 24:27 help a young man who is thinking about marriage? (b) What can a young woman do to prepare for marriage?13 If you are thinking seriously about marriage, you would do well to ask yourself, 'Am I really ready?' The answer does not simply lie in your feelings about love, sex, companionship, or child rearing. Rather, there are specific goals that each prospective husband or wife should think about.

14 A young man who seeks a wife should think carefully about this principle: "Prepare your work out of doors, and make it ready for yourself in the field. Afterward you must also build up your household." (Proverbs 24:27) What is the point? In those days, if a man wanted to "build up [his] household," or establish a family by getting married, he needed to ask himself, 'Am I ready to care for and support a wife and any children who might come along?' He had to work first, caring for his fields, or crops. The same principle applies today. A man who wants to marry needs to prepare for the responsibility. As long as he is physically able, he will have to work. God's Word indicates that a man who does not care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of his family is worse than one without faith!-1 Timothy 5:8.

"Am I ready to care for and support a wife and any children who might come along?" - Disgusting how the WTS feels no guilt or shame knowing that by discouraging higher education, the young man will end up with a lower paying menial job and will need to work so much harder and longer to support his family

"God's Word indicates that a man who does not care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of his family is worse than one without faith!" As usual, no apologies from the WTS for the way they have directly contributed to the husband load encouraging the minimum standard of education; rather they resemble the Pharisees in quickly heaping the guilt back on the individual.

15 A woman who decides to marry is likewise agreeing to shoulder a number of weighty responsibilities. The Bible praises some of the skills and qualities that a wife may need as she helps her husband and cares for her household. (Proverbs 31:10-31) Men and women who rush into marriage without preparing to take on the responsibilities involved are really being selfish, failing to think of what they can offer a potential mate. Most of all, though, those contemplating marriage need to be prepared spiritually.

6

Congregation "Bible Study" Comments - Week Commencing 14 September 2009

by LUKEWARM in

jw
friends

*** lv chap.

10 pp.

110-120 marriage-a gift from a loving god ***.

LUKEWARM

*** lv chap. 10 pp. 110-120 Marriage-A Gift From a Loving God ***

"A threefold cord cannot quickly be torn."-ECCLESIASTES 4:12.

Q1, 2. (a) Regarding new marriages, what may we at times wonder, and why? (b) What questions will we discuss in this chapter?Do you enjoy going to weddings? Many do, for such occasions can be very pleasant. You see the couple looking their best. Better yet, there is such joy on their faces! On this day, they are all smiles, and their future seems full of hope and promise.

Is the wedding ring a pagan practice? If so why is the WTS inconsistent when it says that wearing a wedding ring is ok but confetti can not be thrown at a wedding because it is "pagan"?

2 Still, it must be admitted that in many respects the institution of marriage is in a shambles today. While we hope for the best for newly married couples, we may at times wonder: 'Will this marriage be happy? Will it last?' The answers to those questions will depend on whether husband and wife trust and apply God's counsel on marriage. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) They need to do so in order to remain in God's love. Let us now focus on the Bible's answer to these four questions: Why get married? If you marry, whom should you choose for a mate? How can you prepare for marriage? And what can help a couple to remain happily married?

"...marriage is in a shambles today..." Are JW marriages more successful than non JW marriages?

http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/divorce.php

WHY GET MARRIED?

Q3. Why would it be unwise to marry for trivial reasons?3 Some believe that marriage is essential to happiness-that you cannot find fulfillment or joy in life unless you find a mate. That is simply untrue! Jesus, a single man, spoke of singleness as a gift and urged those who could to make room for it. (Matthew 19:11, 12) The apostle Paul too discussed the advantages of singleness. (1 Corinthians 7:32-38) Neither Jesus nor Paul made a rule in this regard; in fact, "forbidding to marry" is listed among "teachings of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1-3) Still, singleness has much to offer those who want to serve Jehovah without distraction. It would not be wise, then, to marry for trivial reasons, such as peer pressure.

"...singleness as a gift..." & "It would not be wise, then, to marry for trivial reasons, such as peer pressure" - Are they directing this at the many single sisters who seem desperate to get hitched?

"...serve Jehovah..." or the WTS or is that the same thing? Why no mention of Jesus?

Q4. A good marriage provides what foundation for child-rearing?4 On the other hand, are there valid reasons to get married? Yes. Marriage too is a gift from our loving God. (Genesis 2:18) So it has certain advantages and the potential for bringing blessings. For instance, a good marriage is the best foundation for family life. Children need a stable environment with parents to raise them, providing love, discipline, and guidance. (Psalm 127:3; Ephesians 6:1-4) However, child-rearing is not the only reason for marriage.

"Children need a stable environment with parents to raise them" - Is the WTS now encouraging child raring?

W00 1/08 p.21 Why Do They Have No Children?
"Although Noah's three sons were all married, none fathered children until after the Deluge. ... While this does not imply that it is wrong to have children today, many Christian couples decline to have children so as to become more fully involved in the urgent work that Jehovah has given his people to do. Some couples have waited for a time before having children; others have decided to remain childless and consider the possibility of bearing children in Jehovah's righteous new world."Q5, 6. (a) According to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are some of the practical benefits of a close friendship? (b) How can a marriage be like a threefold cord?5 Consider the theme scripture for this chapter along with its context: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them should fall, the other one can raise his partner up. But how will it be with just the one who falls when there is not another to raise him up? Moreover, if two lie down together, they also will certainly get warm; but how can just one keep warm? And if somebody could overpower one alone, two together could make a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn in two."-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

6 Primarily, this passage is about the value of friendship. Marriage, of course, involves the closest of friendships. As this scripture shows, such a union can provide assistance, comfort, and protection. A marriage is especially strong if it is more than a bond between just two people. A twofold cord, as this verse implies, might be torn apart. But three strands woven or braided together would be much harder to tear apart. When pleasing Jehovah is the prime concern of both husband and wife, their marriage is like that threefold cord. Jehovah is a real part of the marriage, so the union is very strong indeed.

"Primarily, this passage is about the value of friendship" - so they admit this passage doesn't directly apply to marriage but they are applying it talking about marriage!

What kind of an example to JW is King Solomon considering he had 1,000 wives and "left Jehovah" because of them. Is the WTS saying he believed in marriage between 2 people because it seems that marriage to him was a thousandfold cord!

What does "...pleasing Jehovah is the prime concern of both husband and wife..."mean? Is it attending meetings, field service 8 hours a month not preaching the gospel of the Bible, personal study of WTS publications, and family study of WTS publications?

Q7, 8. (a) What counsel did Paul pen for single Christians who struggle with sexual desires? (b) The Bible gives us what realistic view of marriage?7 Marriage is also the only context in which sexual desires can be properly satisfied. In this setting, the sexual union is rightly viewed as a source of delight. (Proverbs 5:18) When a single person is past what the Bible calls "the bloom of youth"-that time when sexual urges first become strong-he or she may still struggle with sexual desires. Uncontrolled, such desires could lead to unclean or improper conduct. Paul was inspired to pen this counsel for single people: "If they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to be inflamed with passion."-1 Corinthians 7:9, 36; James 1:15.

"Uncontrolled, such desires could lead to unclean or improper conduct." - Please don't talk about the M word with children in the hall...

"If they do not have self-control, let them marry..." - This is a recipe for disaster - the old marry in haste and repent at leisure...
8 Whatever reasons motivate a person to marry, it is good to be realistic. As Paul put it, those who marry "will have tribulation in their flesh." (1 Corinthians 7:28) Married people face challenges that single people will not face. If you choose to marry, though, how can you minimize the challenges and maximize the blessings? One way is to choose a mate wisely.

"...good to be realistic..." - Does the WTS practice what it preaches to others?

41

god im angry

by creativhoney in

jw
friends

ive been angry angry posting :( and im not a horrible person.

.

LUKEWARM

Black Sheep said: An apostate Elder, in good standing, is the WTs worst nightmare.

He is in the best position to drop seeds of doubt while still being listened to.

If you want to help your family and friends to escape from the cult, your best chance is by being the last one out

Open Mind said: If you really want to give your immediate family the best shot at waking up and smelling reality, you've got to stay in and play it day by day until they're finally awakened.

I agree with both statements and believe them to be true based on my observations over the last 20+ years.

Once you leave, it is very hard if not impossible to extract family and friends as they are conditioned to view you differently - hence why I'm still on the inside...

The more liberal/apostate elders on the WTS books the better due to their position to influence more balanced outcomes.

Can you imagine the powerful force for good that somebody in that position can achieve whilst working withing the system to extract his own family and friends? eg

- watering down parts and holding non extreme views
- not reporting people for judicial matters
- helping people to think logically
- talk to disfellowshipped people and work for their reinstatement
- influence others not to disfellowship if part of judicial committee
- helping the friends to look after themselves and their families more than to focus on field service and meetings at the expense of all else
- recommend to others to keep engaged with relatives and not to be too self righteous and condem others who hold to a different belief - to even attend some festivities during Christmas Easter etc
- encourage young ones not to look down on education but pursue it
- get them thinking about charity work and assisting the poor in practical ways
- show understanding and compassion toward people and not apply cold WTS judgementalism etc etc etc

Whilst being mentally disconnected from the WTS pharisaic rules these individuals can truly make a difference - a short term one at best - but nevertheless a difference for the better...

41

Cantleave went to the meeting last night

by cantleave in

jw
friends

i have attended just a handful of meetings over the 2 months.

i went yesterday, because i had an assignment and i really wanted to see my mate talk about masturbation from the platform, knowing he would be very uncomfortable about it!!!!.

anyway after the meeting i was approached by the cobe.

LUKEWARM

Flipper I won't let them grind me down, I am determined to enjoy my Fade, and get as many of them as possible to start doubting in the process.

Do you mean you are going to help some of the friends see the real "truth"?

90

So who's been out the longest??

by angel eyes in

well some of you arent in the truth anymore,either left,df or da....so who's been out the longest???

and how many had the priviledge of going pio school?.

.

LUKEWARM

Angel eyes

I'm unsure if you are just spouting traditional Jehovah's Witness dogma despite being aware of the way the WTS has deviated from the scriptures or are incredibly ignorant about the serious doctrinal issues involved.

Can I suggest you purchase and read "Crisis of Conscience" and "In Search of Christian Freedom" (can be downloaded as PDF documents for privacy) both written by a former member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses and available here http://www.commentarypress.com/Publication/English.html

Are you sincere enough to do the necessary research outside WTS publications to challenge your current beliefs and prove to yourself that your views are well founded and accurate?

After you do so, please come back here and post your arguments as to why the Jehovah's Witness religion is the "truth"

48

Oct.15th WT GB Tells JW Rank & File-You are Our Belongings Stay Humble

by flipper in

jw
friends

the mind control in this latest oct.15th is amazing.

our lurking jw friend sent us this and it basically tellls witnesses that their opinions don't matter and only god is good .

it belittles independent thinking and explains that each rank and file jw is owned by the alleged " faithful and discreet slave " .

LUKEWARM

paragraph 10, " Today, the other sheep are part of " all things " placed by Jehovah under the headship of his son. They are also among the " belongings " that Christ has entrusted to his " FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE " . Those with an earthly hope SHOULD THEREFORE , recognize Christ as their head and BE SUBMISSIVE to the FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE and it's GOVERNING BODY and to the MEN APPOINTED as OVERSEERS in the congregation. "

Looks like many are showing themselves not submissive to these goons....

Why dosen't the Bible say "The head of every man is the faithful and discreet slave"??

41

Who Has the most beautiful Name on this board?

by hamsterbait in

i have my own preference, but dont want to influence the vote.. as you register your vote please add 1 to the running total.. hamsterbait -1. shall we close the vote next week?.

any betters here?.

hb.

LUKEWARM

My vote is 4 Blondie

41

Cantleave went to the meeting last night

by cantleave in

jw
friends

i have attended just a handful of meetings over the 2 months.

i went yesterday, because i had an assignment and i really wanted to see my mate talk about masturbation from the platform, knowing he would be very uncomfortable about it!!!!.

anyway after the meeting i was approached by the cobe.

LUKEWARM

Good on you cantleave - the depression/burnout card is one they will not know how to deal with when it comes!

Is Mrs cantleave supportive of your fade?

Reading your post (exiting on your terms) reminded me of this one posted by JT...

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/5574/1/How-to-Leave-WT-and-Intact