Fantastic! Thanks for posting this!!
LUKEWARM
JoinedPosts by LUKEWARM
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Ex-Circuit Overseers Write Books about Jehovah's Witnesses
by cabasilas insome of our new members may find these online books of interest.
two former circuit overseers (both of whom "served" in the uk) have published books about jehovah's witnesses.. the first was a circuit overseer in the early 1960s by the name of william stevenson.
he published his book shortly after the watchtower society started promoting 1975 as the date for the end of 6,000 years of mankind's existence.
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Congregation "Bible Study" Comments - Week Commencing 25 May 2009
by LUKEWARM in.. resisting the spirit of the world.
what is the spirit of the world, and how does that spirit operate in a person?.
7 another way that christians keep separate from the world is by resisting its evil spirit.
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LUKEWARM
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RESISTING “THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD”
Q7,8. What is “the spirit of the world,” and how does that spirit “operate” in a person?
7 Another way that Christians keep separate from the world is by resisting its evil spirit. “We received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God,” wrote Paul. (1 Corinthians 2:12) To the Ephesians, he said: “You at one time walked according to ...this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience.”—Ephesians 2:2, 3.
Are the “Christians” spoken of here only JW’s?
Can sincere “Christians” who are keeping separate from the world be found outside the JW religion?
8 The world’s “air,” or spirit, is an invisible, impelling force that incites disobedience to God and fosters “the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes.” (1 John 2:16; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10) The “authority” of this spirit lies in its appeal to the sinful flesh, its subtlety, its relentlessness and, like air, its pervasiveness. Moreover, it “operates” in a person by gradually nurturing in him ungodly traits, such as selfishness, haughtiness, greedy ambition, and the spirit of moral independence and rebellion. Simply put, the spirit of the world progressively causes the traits of the Devil to grow in the heart of a man.—John 8:44; Acts 13:10; 1 John 3:8, 10.
Does “disobedience to God” and “rebellion” involve legitimate questioning of the WTS and its interpretations and/or the withdrawal from the JW congregation?
Q9. In what ways can the world’s spirit enter our mind and heart?
9 Can the spirit of the world take root in your mind and heart? Yes, but only if you let it do so by lowering your guard. (Proverbs 4:23) Its influence often begins subtly, perhaps by way of associates who may appear to be good people but, in fact, have no love for Jehovah. (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33) You can also absorb that evil spirit through objectionable literature, pornographic or apostate Internet sites, unwholesome entertainment, and highly competitive sports—really, through anyone or anything that conveys the thinking of Satan or his system.
What exactly do they mean with the expression “no love for Jehovah”? Is it everyone who is not active in the JW religion?
What is “objectionable literature”?
Could it be that “apostate Internet sites” get a mention because they are the greatest threat to the authority of the boys in Brooklyn and the future growth of the religion? How many JW’s and interested parties can now examine evidence about the real truth about the “truth” in the privacy of their homes which is resulting in a greater attrition rate and 0% growth in many countries?
Why do they not qualify what “highly competitive sports” are! Is this another case of going ‘beyond the things written’ and burdening the membership with ‘traditions of men’?
Q10. How can we resist the spirit of the world?
10 How can we resist the insidious spirit of the world and keep ourselves in God’s love? Only by taking full advantage of Jehovah’s spiritual provisions and by praying constantly for holy spirit. Jehovah is far greater than the Devil or the wicked world under satanic control. (1 John 4:4) How important, then, that we stay close to Jehovah in prayer!
Does “Only by taking full advantage of Jehovah’s spiritual provisions…” mean being part of and active in the JW religion?
Why don’t they mention Jesus and what he taught Christians to do?
BEING MODEST IN OUR DRESS AND GROOMING
Q11. How has the world’s spirit influenced standards of dress?
11 An outward indication of the spirit that impels a person is his dress, grooming, and hygiene. In many lands, standards of dress have fallen so low that one television commentator suggested that soon there will be nothing left for prostitutes to wear. Even girls not yet in their teens have been caught up in this trend—“long on skin, short on modesty,” said one newspaper report . Another trend is to dress in a slovenly manner that reflects a spirit of rebellion as well as a lack of dignity and self-respect.
“…one television commentator…”. What commentator and where?
“…one newspaper report…” What report and where?
Why do they always list the extremes anyway?
Q12,13. What principles should govern our dress and grooming?
12 As servants of Jehovah, we rightly want to look our best, which means dressing in a way that is neat, clean, in good taste, and appropriate for the occasion. At all times, our appearance ought to reflect “modesty and soundness of mind,” which along with “good works” is fitting for anyone—male or female—“professing to reverence God.” Of course, our main concern is, not to draw attention to ourselves, but to “keep [ourselves] in God’s love.” (1 Timothy 2:9, 10; Jude 21) Yes, we want our most beautiful adornment to be “the secret person of the heart…, which is of great value in the eyes of God.”—1 Peter 3:3, 4.
“ought to”? Where is the appeal to the Christians conscience?
[ourselves] – adding to the Bible again!
13 Keep in mind, too, that our clothing styles and grooming can influence how others view true worship. The Greek word rendered “modesty,” when used in a moral sense, expresses the thought of reverence, awe, and respect for the feelings or opinion of others. Our goal, therefore, should be to subordinate our presumed rights to the consciences of others. Above all, we want to bring honor to Jehovah and his people and to recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, doing “all things for God’s glory.”—1 Corinthians 4:9; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4; 7:1.
Are JW’s the only ones practicing “true worship”?
Are “his people” only JW’s?
Why does the WTS not practice what it preaches here and “…subordinate [its] presumed rights” when shown from the Bible that it is wrong on a matter?
Q14. In regard to our appearance and hygiene, what questions should we ask ourselves?
14 Our dress, grooming, and cleanliness are even more important when we are engaging in the field ministry or attending a Christian meeting. Ask yourself: ‘Do my appearance and personal hygiene draw undue attention to me? Do they embarrass others? Do I consider my rights in these areas to be more important than qualifying for service privileges in the congregation?’—Psalm 68:6; Philippians 4:5; 1 Peter 5:6.
When they say “Do I consider my rights in these areas to be more important than qualifying for service privileges in the congregation” are they talking about polyester suits and beards?
Q15. Why does God’s Word not set out a list of rules on dress, grooming, and hygiene?
15 The Bible does not set out for Christians a list of rules on dress, grooming, and hygiene. Jehovah has no desire to deny us our freedom of choice or the use of our thinking faculties. Rather, he wants us to become mature people who reason on Bible principles and who “through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:14) Above all, he wants us to be governed by love—love for God and neighbor. (Mark 12:30, 31) Within those boundaries, there is the potential for great variety in dress and grooming. Evidence of this can be seen in the colorfully dressed, joyful throngs of Jehovah’s people no matter where on earth they are gathered.
So if “Bible does not set out for Christians a list of rules on dress, grooming, and hygiene” and Christians have “freedom of choice” then why does the hierarchy impose rules and display a spirit of ‘lording it over’ the flock?
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Defending the WT despite doubts
by kj ini just wanted to ask some of you a question.
i have been meeting with a jw woman for 4 months now.
i've asked her several difficult questions, and shown her a few things about the wt and their lies- including the letter from the un's website that confirmed they were an ngo for 9 years.
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LUKEWARM
Excellent post hooberus!
Valuable insights and questions to help separate the witnesses "Loyalty to God" from "Loyalty to the Organization"...
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Can't believe I am doing this
by rockmehardplace ini am shocked i am even writing this.
for about a year or so, i have hid in the darkness peeking at this site and following everyone else's story.
i have learned more than i expected from so many.
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LUKEWARM
Welcome rockmehardplace!
Loved your comment:
“…as I break free I can only hope my wife will eventually too. Yes, I still believe in God and have a spiritual need. That need I have found is not satisfied or can be manipulated by the board room in NY. I know that there will be a breaking point for me, I just have to get to that point and I know it is building up to it. Eventually I will need to make the decision.I am in a similar position in that Mrs Lukewarm and I are reaching our own cross roads. We are currently trying to help our friends get to know the real truth while we are still around…
What has really helped us see the serious flaws the organization faces is answer the question: “where else to go” was reading “Crisis of Conscience” and “In Search of Christian Freedom” both written by a former governing body member Raymond Franz.
Some background info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Franz
Purchase books here: http://www.commentarypress.com/Publication/English.html
They are a must for you and you wife…
Related to your point winstonchurchill:
“I know that down the road I'll be put in a situation were I won't be able to hide my real beliefs. I'll cross that bridge when I reach that river.”
I am in a similar position – plan for it and don’t play by their rules. This link may be of help to you
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/34518/1/On-The-Art-Of-Fading
Wishing it turns out the way you want it to!
Best wishesLukewarm
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SLEEP DEPRIVATION and this board.
by hamsterbait ini could not stop reading, and searching for nuggets.
i would end up going to bed at four then crawl into work feeling like something the cat dragged home.. then i started rationing myself to only so long before i exited.
it kind of worked, i usually only spent two hours more than i intended.. with old age comes wisdom.
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LUKEWARM
Yep, started reading at the start over 12 months ago and currently up to page 2435 (friends section) 12 months later…
Many sleep deprived nights spent reading here...
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Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-24-09 WT Study (UNITED PRAISE)
by blondie incomments you will not hear at the 05-24-09 wt study (march 15, 2009, pages 20-24)(united praise).
review comments will be in red.
"praise jah, you people!"--ps.
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LUKEWARM
Thanks for this Blondie – This commentary is an essential part of my spiritual diet each week!
14. Some five centuries later, Jehovah used his power in an even greater way by delivering repentant humans from slavery to sin and death. (Rom. 5:12) One result was that the way was opened for 144,000 humans to become spirit-anointed followers of Christ. In 1919, Jehovah used his power to deliver a small remnant of these anointed ones from captivity to false religion. Their accomplishments during this time of the end can only be attributed to God's power. Upon proving faithful to death, they will share with Jesus Christ in ruling from heaven over the earth for the benefit of repentant humans. (Rev. 2: 26, 27; 5:9, 10) They will inherit the earth in a far grander way than did ancient Israel. --Matt. 5:5.
Why are they not honest about what happened in 1919 and that Rutherford was the real reason they were in prison?
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/scandals/154392/1/New-York-Times-June-22-1918
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/22246/1/WT-publications-re-Rutherfords-imprisonment
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Where is all the money going?????
by tiffy0212 ini need to know if anyone out there knows how much the society has.
i was wondering if they are listed on fortune 500. do they have stock in any companies?
real estate holdings?
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LUKEWARM
Try this to start with...
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/scandals/171689/1/What-is-the-WTS-financial-position
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Blood Fraction or Blood Transfusion- Are they same?
by Scott77 inwhen the bible states to 'obstain from blood', does it indicates a whole blood product or just part of blood as blood fraction?
please, how are we going to interpret this contradiction on the part of the watchtower bilble and tract society of new york?
another related questions: when the bilble commands us to obtain from blood, is this for a religious reason as opposed to medical need?
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LUKEWARM
Not sure if you noticed the excerpt from In Search of Christian Freedom, Chapter 9, published by Commentary Press. on the above link. Its a true gem!
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Advice please: Would you loan your copy of Crisis of Conscience to your JW friends or create awareness/curiosity about its existence?
by LUKEWARM inabout 12 months ago i ordered the book.
i thought i was sinning against god - showing a lack of faith in him and in his organization.
i prayed to jah to forgive me but i was curious as to why a person, who spent over 50 years in full time service, was of the anointed and served on the governing body left "gods organization".
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LUKEWARM
undercoverThanks for the advice - the people I have in mind are 3 families we are close with but the risk is always there that it is leaked to the elders...
MikeMustoHahaaaaaa - Bet they done expect that one! Perhaps I should use that one too...
leavingwtIn my case I was not aware of the history of the WTS and its failed prophecies - after spending time here and reading both of Rays books, it struck me immediately that they are not "directed".
However, we are all different and I have heard so much about Hassan so I will definitely purchase both of his books as I seek the best way to get my friends to see the real truth
Looking forward to, as you put it, exploring an entire field of knowledge I am unaware of.
Thanks for your assistance and advice -
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Excuse me, but this is sickening (DA Contributions)
by winstonchurchill ina letter from the wts was just read to our congregation: during upcoming district assemblies, there will be credit card terminal available so people can donate using their credit/debit cards.. maybe it's old news, but i just found out last monday, and i find it terribly disturbing.
the wts/jw's is becoming more and more mainstream, not different at all form those churches that are only after your money... oh, wait!
maybe tey are only after our money.. .
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LUKEWARM
Unbelievable winstonchurchill – was the letter posted on the notice board and can you post more of its contents?
Cash is king!