"apostates can only criticize , tear down and destroy " say the active dubs, "where is their hope of something better?
what is their message to mankind ?
if they have nothing better to offer, how can they attack our faith, which at least offers a hope of a better world?".
It's amazing how an illogical question that deflects the actual debate to something totally unrelated works so well with so many JWs.
Yes - they seem to not have the ability to critically analyse matters - perhaps its because they are taught not to think for themselves as the WBTS has all the answers. If you doubt something the problem is with you not the WTS....So the indoctrination goes until the point where group think prevails and becomes the driver
the july 2009 "our kingdom ministry" contains the following article:.
a circuit assembly to help us safeguard our spirituality.
what is one provision from jehovah to help us fulfil our commission to spread the good news?.
Sorry trebor, dont have PDF...
the july 2009 "our kingdom ministry" contains the following article:.
a circuit assembly to help us safeguard our spirituality.
what is one provision from jehovah to help us fulfil our commission to spread the good news?.
The July 2009 "Our Kingdom Ministry" contains the following article:
A CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY TO HELP US SAFEGUARD OUR SPIRITUALITY
Q1. What is one provision from Jehovah to help us fulfil our commission to spread the good news?1. Jehovah generously provides the information, training, and encouragement we need to share in the divine commission to spread the good news. (Matt 24:14; 2 Tim 4:17) Our annual circuit assembly is one such provision. A new program for the 2010 service year will develop the theme "Safeguard Your Spirituality," based on Romans 8:5 and Jude 17-19. It is scheduled to begin the week of August 31, 2009.
How does Romans and Jude apply to the great crowd when the WBTS say its written for the 144,000?Q2. (a) In what ways will the circuit assembly be beneficial to us? (b) How have past circuit assemblies helped you in the ministry?2. HOW BENEFICIAL: The program will alert us to dangers, such as distractions that threaten to consume our time and divert our attention from what is truly important. We will learn how to counteract the spirit of permissiveness, and we will consider what characterises a spiritual person. The Sunday symposium will show how individuals and family groups can take steps to strengthen their spirituality in the face of increasing pressures and serious tests of faith. The program will help us to safeguard our hearts, maintain our spiritual health, and keep clearly in mind the grand blessings that await those who safeguard their spirituality.
Sounds like a packed 12 hour indoctrination session that serves the purpose to guilt-tripping the friends and making sure they keep their time and energy focused on the "laws of men" - the WBTS treadmill of prescribed theocratic activities!
Q3. When is your next circuit assembly, and what should be your resolve?3. As soon as you learn when and where your next circuit assembly will be held, make plans to be present and attentive for all sessions both days. Be assured, Jehovah blesses the hands of the diligent one. Prov. 21:5
Not only "present" but they want you "attentive for all sessions both days"
Q4. What are we sure to receive at our upcoming circuit assembly?4. Indeed, Jehovah is the Provider of this good gift. The program prepared by the faithful slave class will be just what we need to carry on as Christian ministers. We are grateful to Jehovah for all his loving provisions helping us to "hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering." Heb 10:23-25; Jas 1:17.
Where is "faithful slave class" in the Bible?
Im watching...
*** lv chap.
why is it wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment?.
15 it is also wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment.
*** lv chap. 6 pp. 65-70 pars. 10-15 How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment ***
Q10. What sort of reasoning about entertainment is dangerous, and why?10 Some may feel, though, that indulging in entertainment that graphically portrays immoral behavior is harmless. They reason, 'I may watch it in movies or on TV, but I would never do such things myself.' Such reasoning is deceptive and dangerous. (Jeremiah 17:9) If we find it entertaining to watch what Jehovah condemns, do we really "abhor what is wicked"? Repeatedly exposing ourselves to wicked conduct will dull our senses. (Psalm 119:70; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2) Such a practice could affect what we do or how we view the sinful conduct of others.
Looks like porn is a problem amongst JW's....
Q11. How has Galatians 6:7 proved true in regard to entertainment?11 This has actually happened. Some Christians have committed immoral acts because they were influenced by the entertainment that they habitually watched. They learned the hard way that "whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7) But such a sad outcome can be avoided. If you carefully sow in your mind what is sound, you will happily reap in your life what is wholesome.-See the box "What Entertainment Should I Choose?" on page 67.
[Box/Picture on page 67]WHAT ENTERTAINMENT SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Principle: "Abhor what is wicked, cling to what is good."-Romans 12:9.
Would God be pleased if...
- The lyrics of the music I listen to make it difficult for me to keep my mind on chaste things?-1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.
- I imitate the negative speech and actions of people in the movies I choose to watch?-Luke 6:40.
- I choose to play video games that require me to act the part of a violent or an immoral person?-Psalm 11:5, 7.
- The standards that I preach to others are not the standards that I use to guide me in my choice of entertainment?-Romans 2:21.
Were Christians who "committed immoral acts" forgiven or was the "sad outcome" their forced shunning because of being disfellowshipped, despite showing repentance to a group of 3 imperfect men who sat on a judicial committee and who were not able to discern the condition of the heart
PERSONAL DECISIONS BASED ON BIBLE PRINCIPLES
Q12. How does Galatians 6:5 relate to entertainment, and what guidance do we have for making personal decisions?12 Let us now discuss the second category-entertainment that features activities that are neither directly condemned nor expressly approved in God's Word. When choosing from such entertainment, each Christian needs to make a personal decision as to what he finds wholesome. (Galatians 6:5) However, when faced with this choice, we are not without guidance. The Bible contains principles, or fundamental truths, that enable us to perceive Jehovah's way of thinking. By paying attention to such principles, we will be able to perceive "what the will of Jehovah is" in all things, including our choice of entertainment.-Ephesians 5:17.
Finally some refreshing words from the WBTS - "each Christian needs to make a personal decision as to what he finds wholesome" based on Bible principles.
WBTS - PLEASE print more of these types of comments!
Q13. What will move us to avoid entertainment that could displease Jehovah?13 Understandably, not all Christians have developed their moral perception, or discernment, to the same degree. (Philippians 1:9) Moreover, Christians realize that in the area of entertainment, tastes vary. Therefore, it is not to be expected that all Christians will make exactly the same decisions. Even so, the more we allow godly principles to influence our mind and heart, the more eager we will be to avoid any form of entertainment that could displease Jehovah.-Psalm 119:11, 129; 1 Peter 2:16.
"...not all Christians have developed their moral perception, or discernment, to the same degree." These sorts of comments allow for JW's to make distinctions amongst themselves and label others as "spiritually weak" or "lacking spiritual depth and appreciation".
Q14. (a) What factor should we consider when choosing entertainment? (b) How can we keep Kingdom interests first in life?14 When choosing entertainment, there is another important factor to consider: your time. While the content of your entertainment reveals what you find acceptable, the amount of time you spend on it reveals what you find important. For Christians, of course, spiritual matters are the most important. (Matthew 6:33) What, then, can you do to make sure that Kingdom interests remain first in your life? The apostle Paul stated: "Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves." (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Indeed, setting clear limits on the amount of time you set aside for entertainment will help you to have the needed time available for "the more important things"-activities that contribute to your spiritual well-being.-Philippians 1:10.
Here comes the guilt trip"...the amount of time you spend on it reveals what you find important"
Further statements used to beat witnesses over the head with are "For Christians, of course, spiritual matters are the most important" and "...make sure that Kingdom interests remain first in your life" which of course means obediently follow the program of works the WBTS has defined as theocratic law for its members
Because if the indoctrination, reading Matt 6:33 and Ephesians 5:15, 16 the loyal witness is programmed to associate these to mean the preaching work, serving where the need is greater, attending all the meetings, giving your valuable things to the WBTS, simplifying your life to pioneer etc etc etc
Why are the "activities that contribute to your spiritual well-being" not qualified? Probably because in the mind of a loyal JW, there is no doubt that the WBTS treadmill of activity is what Jah requires them to keep up with and make sacrifices for...
Q15. Why is it wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment?15 It is also wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment. What does that mean? Consider once more the example of the fruit. To avoid inadvertently eating what is rotten, you cut out not just the exact area that is bad but also a margin around it. Similarly, it is wise to apply a safety margin in choosing entertainment. A wise Christian avoids not only entertainment that is clearly in violation of Bible principles but also types that are dubious or that seem to include elements that are spiritually unhealthy. (Proverbs 4:25-27) Sticking close to God's Word will help you to do just that.
"Sticking close to God's Word" or sticking close to the WBTS and its interpretations?
pardon the problems in posting.
comments you will not hear at the 06-21-09 wt study (april 15, 2009, pages 15-19)(jehovah's wisdom).
review comments will be in red.
Thanks for cutting through this mess Blondie and providing some visibility to the ridiculousness!
So now things in nature contain lessons for us to continue going to meetings and field service??
Are they running out of things to write about?
Honestly, today's article requires mental gymnastics to draw the conclusions drawn by the WBTS...
it's safe to say that in most instances, it appears that the catalyst for the final move away from jw's, the real start of a road toward a jw exit, is something that affected you personally, whether that was you or a loved one/family member.
we hit our personal bs level, can't take it anymore,.
then we start to examine the flaws of jw dogma.. i would suggest that most do not start a jw exit because they examine the dogma on a personal study project and find out that something isn't right.
Hate is not what I feel for them. I feel compassion mixed with a certain frustration that comes from helplessness. I'm sure I can't do or say any one thing that would change anyone's mind if they really want that life. I'm sure that compassion would be returned with contempt, but still, I think they are in need of it as much as anyone is.
Well said mindmelda - I feel exactly the same way and only wish somebody took the interest to help me see the issues years ago...
This is why I am seeking opportunities to help the friends see the truth about the "truth"
after several months of searching these forums i finally decided to join.
i have to say i feel both nervous and excited at the same time.
but everything i have looked into so far has helped me come to many realizations about the organization so i'm overall very glad to have joined.
Welcome dig692! - Look forward to reading more of your posts!!
" (this would harmonize with matt 10:9 that tells them not to take any money with them).
" the interpretation of the acts of the apostles, 1961, pp.120-21.
it became evident, however, that further personal training in the house-to-house ministry was needed.
Brilliant analysis Mary and thanks for posting this!!!
It reminded me of what Ray Franz wrote in his book, In search of Christian Freedom, on page 460:
"In actuality, the lack of any formal program and the apparent spontaneity and individual motivation of the first-century Christians are what are most remarkable in the accounts we do find in the Bible. We find only the barest of suggestions of what their meetings were like and no indication of any methodology or systematization in their proclaiming of the good news.
I recall that during the years I served in circuit and district overseer activity, I used to puzzle over this when preparing the "service talks" that were a regular feature of the weekly program when visiting congregations. I wanted to prepare talks that were scriptural, but it seemed so difficult to find scriptures that even faintly reflected the kind of "organised service" urged by the headquarters in its publications. I found it hard to understand how the apostles Peter, Paul and John and the disciples James and Jude, could write entire letters to congregations and never say anything stressing the need for the readers of those letters to get out and go from door to door, nothing about organised witnessing arrangements at scheduled times, about putting in more hours in the "field service" or similar approaches or topics, all things regularly stressed in the Watch Tower Society's publications. The letters of the apostles and disciples seemed deficient according to the viewpoint that had been developed in me.
It eventually became clear, after some decades, that the real problem lay with the viewpoint inculcated in me, a viewpoint that actually perverted the first century record, manipulating it to make it say something it did not actually say. From the broad principle that all Christians should share the good news, deductions are made to support and cover virtually every aspect of the organizations systematised approach to worship and preaching. But those deductions are unjustified, as indicated by the absence of corroborative evidence in the scriptures themselves. The systematised, highly programmed approach to Christianity that has developed bears greater resemblance to that of a large sales organization that to the first-century Christian congregation and its simple, uncomplicated worship and service to God."
apparently the latest circuit overseer service talks are entitled:.
(1) "how much do you appreciate jehovah's provision of the faithful slave".
(2) "directed by god's spirit in our ministry".
Apparently the latest circuit overseer service talks are entitled:
(1) "How much do you appreciate Jehovah's provision of the Faithful Slave"
(2) "Directed by God's Spirit in Our Ministry"Unfortunately, due to family reasons I will be attending these 'faith strenghtening' talks... :(
Anyone heard of these or can shed some light on their contents?
Lukewarm
