Posts by Truthexplorer

12

Governing Body/FDS Question

by Inkie in

jw
friends

jw's say that all the anointed are members of, or make up, the faith and discreet slave ("fds").

and they say that from among them a little group form the governing body.

can you help out here in a bit of understanding?

Truthexplorer

Hi Inkie,

This is an extract of an article from the following link

http://perimeno.ca/God's_Organization.htm

[Many within God's organization are convinced that we need a governing body to organize the preaching work and to provide us with all the many publications, our spiritual food "at the proper time." It is Jehovah's arrangement they feel. But as has already been mentioned, there was no governing body in the first century, neither was there any need for one. The holy spirit, which Jesus had promised as a helper, was very active at that time. (John 14:26) It served as a teacher and helper, enabling the disciples to remember and understand the things they were learning, even the deeper things of God. (1 Cor. 2:10-13) It directed the preaching work, even assigning certain ones their territory. (Acts 13:2-4; 16:6;0) It appointed elders, and also gave the members in the congregations different gifts, so that no one was expected to do the same, or as much, as anyone else; nor was anyone's work compared to someone else's work, thus avoiding any rivalry or reason for boasting. Everyone did just as the spirit enabled them to do. And since a fruitage of the spirit is joy, the brothers experienced much joy in worshiping Jehovah. In fact, the Scriptures have much to say about the joy of all the disciples. Together the congregations functioned as one body, under the same head, Christ Jesus. — 1 Cor. 12:12-18.]

It is well worth a read as it will help you put the whole concept of the GB/FDS into perspective.

TE

20

Are some of the anointed ones now already ressurrected and gone to heaven as the society claim?

by Truthexplorer in

frankly, i am a little bit confused by this teaching.

well when i read 1 thes 4:13-18, it contradicts what the society claim.. paul wrote -.

moreover, brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping [in death]; that you may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope.

Truthexplorer

This is from the March15th 2005 WT

When does the heavenly resurrection take place? “During [Christ’s] presence,” answers 1 Corinthians 15:23. World events since 1914 clearly show that both Christ’s presence and “the conclusion of the system of things” began in that year. (Matthew 24:3-7) So there is reason to conclude that the resurrection of faithful Christians to heaven has already begun, though, of course, unseen by humans. That would mean that the apostles and the early Christians have been raised to heavenly life. What about Christians living now who have the sure, God-given hope of ruling with Christ in heaven? They are raised “in the twinkling of an eye,” or immediately after they die. (1 Corinthians 15:52) Since the resurrection of this small group of 144,000 precedes that of the large number who will be resurrected to life on earth, it is called “the earlier resurrection” and “the first resurrection.”—Philippians 3:11; Revelation 20:6.

So, let me get this right, if the society are saying that the apostles and other early anointed ones ressurrection [to heavenly life] has already begun! how will those who are living, 'together with them', be caught away in the clouds to be with the Lord?

Surely what the scripture is saying is that the anointed who have died will take part in the first ressurrection (ie all at the same time) when Jesus calls them with an archangels voice; and then at that time the anointed who are living 'will, together with them, be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with [the] Lord. 18

This would then make sense of the scripture at Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and be overjoyed, and let us give him the glory,because the marriage of the Lamb has arrived and his wife has prepared herself.

The scriptures appear to point to a specific moment in time (when Jesus calls them with an archangels voice); that the 1st ressurrection happens, and caught up together with those of the anointed still living; whence the marriage of the lamb.

Yet we read in the WT that the 1st ressurrection has been phased in over the past 100 years?

Boy, am I confused?

TE

14

Local needs after d/f or reproof

by jambon1 in

this may be a question for ex-elders.

is it always the case that a talk will be given after a d/f or reproof relating to the persons 'sin'?

after these announcements in our hall we always seemed to have a talk/local needs, which practically told you what the person had done.

Truthexplorer

After I was reproved, A local needs (about two weeks later) was given. It described virtually everything I done without giving my name. Everyone knew the talk was about me. I went home that night and threw my bag at the couch out of disgust at what had just happened that night at the hall. The society should bring out an article on the meaning of the word confidentiality and sort themselves and the elder bodies out!

During the many years I faded away, I felt bitter about the whole way it was handled. It did not even qualify for a public reproof as I wasnt practicing this particular sin, (1Tim 5:20- 20 Reprove before all onlookers persons who practice sin, that the rest also may have fear); it was a one off sin which I was clearly repentant about, particularly as I voluntarily chose to seek help and speak to the elders about my wrong doing.

The so called self proclaimed slave should start reading their bibles and handle things correctly!

TE

20

Are some of the anointed ones now already ressurrected and gone to heaven as the society claim?

by Truthexplorer in

frankly, i am a little bit confused by this teaching.

well when i read 1 thes 4:13-18, it contradicts what the society claim.. paul wrote -.

moreover, brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping [in death]; that you may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope.

Truthexplorer

Frankly, I am a little bit confused by this teaching. Why? Well when I read 1 Thes 4:13-18, it contradicts what the society claim.

Paul wrote -

Moreover, brothers, we do not want YOU to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping [in death]; that YOU may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope. 14 For if our faith is that Jesus died and rose again, so, too, those who have fallen asleep [in death] through Jesus God will bring with him. 15 For this is what we tell YOU by Jehovah’s word, that we the living who survive to the presence of the Lord shall in no way precede those who have fallen asleep [in death]; 16 because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first. 17 Afterward we the living who are surviving will, together with them, be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with [the] Lord. 18 Consequently keep comforting one another with these words.

It appears to be saying that this would all happen at the same time. This would make sense as they are the bride of Christ which one then initiate the 1000 year rulership of Christ.

Why would some start to rule as Kings ahead of time?

http://perimeno.ca/Letters_0110_midst_of_enemies.htm

TE

64

Hello..this is my story..

by Lozhasleft in

jw
friends

i'm pleased to have found this site...i've browsed a little ...read quite a lot and gasped at some stories, giggled at the one liners and nodded in recognition of others' strong opinions and can relate to a great deal.. i'll try and keep my intro as brief as possible for anyone kind enough to listen.. i got involved with the witnesses in the late 70's in the uk.

i was in my early 20s and had had a love and fascination for the bible since my difficult childhood.

i soon brought my life into 'line' although it took a long time for me to pack up the smoking which didnt go down well in those days when 6 months of study should have been enough and if you hadnt cracked it then it was suggested that you were some kind of loser.... i reared my 4 children in the 'truth' as well as i could but i cant claim that we were a 'strong' family in their terms...just muddled along really..my husband at the time was a very difficult and abusive man and home life wasnt easy for any of us with his anger, jealousy and violence.

Truthexplorer

Hi Lozhasleft,

I sent you a PM

TE

80

Was You a Bethelite, Elder,CO, DO, GB, Publisher, Missionary,Ministerial Servant or Pioneer class?????

by Scott77 in

when still in the watchtower, i used to be an assistant ministerial servant.

true, there is no such title but its there unofficially for those one step to being a ministerial servant.

been with it for about three years.

Truthexplorer

Hi Scott77

I am active (though with discretion)

TE

80

Was You a Bethelite, Elder,CO, DO, GB, Publisher, Missionary,Ministerial Servant or Pioneer class?????

by Scott77 in

when still in the watchtower, i used to be an assistant ministerial servant.

true, there is no such title but its there unofficially for those one step to being a ministerial servant.

been with it for about three years.

Truthexplorer

Ministerial servant for 8 years and occasionally auxialiary pioneered (where does pioneer appear in the scriptures?). The elders tried to bamboozle me into becoming an elder, but thankfully realised that it was a pressure that I knew I woud not be able to cope with; I now realise the importance of such a role (James 3:1).

I faded for about 7 years, occasionally trying to make my way back. After much research and reading, I decided to go back to the meetings. I now enjoy being back, as I now have a true genuine relationship with Jehovah. I no longer attend to be a man pleaser. Whats more, I now have a better understanding of truth thanks to perimeno. My relationship with my father in heaven has never been so strong.

I would urge every one reading this to not throw away your relationship with God because of the unfair treatment of men and their pharisaical rules. I would urge you to go back to the meetings and associate with the true genuine spiritual brothers and sisters who show true genuine love. Sadly there are many superfine apostles/brothers/sisters who are within the congregation today who stumble many with their unloving haughty attitude (these ones would need to change their attitude, particulatly since Jehovahs hosuehold is to be inspected soon-1 pet 2:12). If you read the writings and essays of Peimeno, you will put everything into perspective and understand why things are the way they are amongst Gods Household. You will find Jehovah again and feel the love of Christ;as well as the Holy spirit working in your life; that is a guarantee. http://perimeno.ca/Index.htm

My journey has been unbelievable and I can go as far as to say with all my heart that the Holy Spirit has intervened in the sense that I have had a couple of signs, which are beyond coincidence. I urge all of you to look to Jehovah by reading his word each day (a couple of chapters of the old and 1 of the new testament); as well praying sincerely to Jehovah (through Jesus). I guarantee you that the sword of the spirit (along with prayer will lead you into truth, where you will be further enlightened - John 16:13).

Christian love

TE

21

How would you describe your Congregation

by Truthexplorer in

jw
friends

i would describe my congregation on the whole as quite wooden ad robotic.

though there are some genuine sincere and loving brothers/sisters, there is overall something missing in my hall.

i dont feel incited to love and fine works by the brothers.. i find the boe as a whole - to be quite distant.

Truthexplorer

Thanks to all for your comments, particularly your experinces at your KH Yknot.

The reasons why the meetings are so boring is because there is no spontaneity. We have no liberty in Christ, in that we cant express ousrselves freely; we cant talk about the wonderful scriptures we discovered and say how it truly affected us. Rather, we are carefully controlled in what we say and do; and how we express ouseves.

One brother in my hall, who to be honest is a nice guy (an MS) who now gives public talks, but boy he could do with some 'cheer me up' tablets. The guys face is dead pan throughout his talks; his voice is dead pan through his talks; his enthusuiasm is dead pan through out his talks .

One Brother, who I have to say is probably one of the friendliest sincere brothers in my hall, came out with an incredible comment at a WT study recently. He said how wonderful Jesus is (with bucket loads of emotion). He then said 'Jesus is mine, oh yes, he's all mine, such is my love for him'.

I mentioned this to a brother afterwards and said wasnt that a great comment such and such said. He laughed and said, it was brilliant..then said....I was almost expecting him to grab the microphone and break into some soul music.

Yet, this brother simply expressed his true feelings for Gods beloved son..and why not? I wish more brothers were like that. The hall would be buzzing!

Anyway, again thanks for all your comments everyone.

TE

21

How would you describe your Congregation

by Truthexplorer in

jw
friends

i would describe my congregation on the whole as quite wooden ad robotic.

though there are some genuine sincere and loving brothers/sisters, there is overall something missing in my hall.

i dont feel incited to love and fine works by the brothers.. i find the boe as a whole - to be quite distant.

Truthexplorer

Cantleave,

you just made me laugh. Made my day. Thanks

21

How would you describe your Congregation

by Truthexplorer in

jw
friends

i would describe my congregation on the whole as quite wooden ad robotic.

though there are some genuine sincere and loving brothers/sisters, there is overall something missing in my hall.

i dont feel incited to love and fine works by the brothers.. i find the boe as a whole - to be quite distant.

Truthexplorer

Hi all,

I would describe my congregation on the whole as quite wooden ad robotic. Though there are some genuine sincere and loving brothers/sisters, there is overall something missing in my hall. I dont feel incited to love and fine works by the brothers.

I find the BOE as a whole - to be quite distant. They rarely go on shepherding visits and seem to concentrate wholly on Brothers with potential ie MS's who are being molded into future elders.

I know of one Sister, who has been going through a breakup with her husband and often asked the elders for help. She mentioned to another sister that the elders hardly supported her in all the years she was having problems and would have to go up to them directly to seek help-all the time (never them going up to her and asking how she is doing).

The impression I get is that it is a very much a - 'three strikes and you are out, type of hall'. Ie if you mess up a few times, the elders simply view you as a waster...no longer worth the effort. I often imagine what they would be like as prison guards in some back of beyond third world country, and think that I would not like to be locked up in one of their cells.

Apart from one very nice elder who is very sincere and genuine, the body as a whole are a very strange group of men. I cant make them out at all. In fact 1 Cor ch 13 comes to my mind when ever any these ones (apart from the nice elder) gives items or talks.

I sometimes wonder if this perfect little hall where everyone appears to be related to each other, is the reason why they are this way. Its just a theory, but perhaps a reason, is that they dont want their little utopia to be changed too much. What I mean is, because they perhaps have become to comfortable over the years, they are afraid of the boat being rocked by newer ones coming in and then changing their robotic (whats worked till now) ways. Of course there is the man made flock book they also have to stick to which influences the way they go about things.

If this is the case, then they are to a degree fearful, that their little utopia will change and they wont like it. This may be I beleive, why the BOE are very watchful and suspicious of everyone who might appear to be 'different' to those they control...er I mean shepherd and guide, sorry. They dont strike me as the type of men who are very tolerant or long suffering to individuals they perceive to be weak (if going back to what I mentioned earlier about the 3 strike rule);.

Anyway, sorry for droning on a bit.

Would be good to see how you descibe your congregation.

TE