Posts by Awen

29

Do Ex-JWs have reason to be disgruntled?

by sabastious in

everytime i have ever told an active jw about this forum and described it's designation they all, in essence, say the same thing.. they say that we are nitpickers, that we are all just rubbed the wrong way and can't get out of the state of disgruntlement that we have allowed ourselves to enter.

some throw in supernatural elements some just stick to human imperfection and call it murmurings.. these kind of assertions highly imply that our anger is exaggerated or misguided; that we don't have all facts and are drawing highly speculative conclusions.. as participants on this forum how do you refute such a claim?.

my first thought would be to point out that "murmurings" is what created the watchtower to start with.

Awen

I would ask them "Who runs the organization"?

If they say Jehovah, then I would point them to the various scriptures where it says "to test the inspired expression to see whether it originates with GOD", "Make sure of all things, hold fast to what is fine", "If a person comes to you in my name and utters a prophecy that does not come true, then I did not send them", or remind them of when Paul visited the Bereans and witnessed to them, how they didn't simply take his word at face value, but searched the scriptures carefully to see if what he said was true.....and he commended them for it.

Time and again in the scriptures GOD tells us to search for the truth. To keep knocking and it will be open, to keep searching. This is a lifelong process and doesn't end with the WTS

If the person says the GB runs the organization, then point them towards the Book of Acts where the society tries to use the one instance as the sole authority for their existence. Then point them towards 1st and 2nd Corinthins where that congregation wrote to Paul for advice concerning the man who took his father's wife into his bed. Why didn't they write to the GB (if indeed there was one)? Why didn't Paul in all his missionary journeys ever report to a GB? Why is there no reference to a central body of elders with authority over the 1st century Christians? What about in Revelation where Jesus counsels the seven congregations but makes no mention of a GB? Which had there been one in existence, they would have utterly failed in their duties for the fact that Jesus gave such strong counsel.

IF they insist that there was a GB despite pointing this out, then conclude that if things could get messed up back then, then why not now? Consider also that the Apostles argued amongst themselves while Jesus was alive and still had problems after his death as shown in Acts. Why is this incomprehensible now?

Peace,

Awen

21

THE BETHELITE'S REVELATIONS!

by freskalynn in

this is what is paraphased by an ex-elder who has lots of contacts.. .

updated: johnny the bethelite's revelations!.

what follows is not a verbatim transcript but a now updated summary.

Awen

I would be most interested in finding out from what congregations the anointed were difellowshipped from in Virgibia or South Carolina. I persdonally know a few ones from South Carolina. I know of one in particular in Myrtle Beach, SC (the same congregation I'm from).

It makes me laugh that they were disfellowshipped for having an alternate Bible study, when you consider this is the same exact thing that CT Russell did in the beginning when he was associated with the Seventh Day Adventists. Perhaps the WTS is afraid of the new anointed starting their own cult in opposition to the WTS? I highly doubt it. More than likely they were simply reading the Bible and discussing it without official WT literature, which of course is a big no-no. Disfellowshipping them does nothing to their relationship with God. JW like to assume that disfellowshipping is always for adultery, fornication or one of the "big sins". Many times it's for simply having a difference of opinion. But since the GB or the elders never publish why the person was disfellowshipped (in direct opposition to what is pointed out in 1st and 2nd Corinthinas) everyone just assumes it was for something really bad and subsequently cut off relations with the disfellowshipped ones.

While I feel bad for those ones disfellowshipped, I'm pretty sure they're okay also. Just as long as they do not leat the fear of men get to them and realize that the WTS has no authority whatsoever to affect their relationship with GOD.

Peace,

Awen

4

April 15th 2011 Watchtower

by alanv in

if a brother has been baptized at least one year and to a reasonable degree meets the scriptural qualifications.

for ministerial servants outlined at1 timothy 3:8-13, he can be recommended for appointment.. .

interesting comment in the latest watchtower.

Awen

Looks like they're having to replace all the ones who are leaving, hence why the standards have been lowered. Of course the rank and file JW's won't comprehend this as being the reason. They will simply assume that the preaching work has become more streamlined and people are becoming spiritualy mature much faster than they did in previous times.

Peace,

Awen

45

Only the Governing Body is the FDS

by Listener in

i hadn't noticed this before but the governing body is actually saying that they only are the faithful & discreet slave.. watchtower 2009 6/15 para 18 .

similarly, today a limited number of anointed men have the responsibility of representing the slave class.

they make up the governing body of jehovahs witnesses.

Awen

If I recall correctly the GB has said recently that the JW's are only to listen to them (the GB) and not the rest of the anointed scattered around the world. They are simply consolidating their power base. They do not want individual members of the F&DS class to rock the boat and question their self appointed authority.

They want the rank and file JW to listen to them (The GB) and imply that the rest of the F&DS simply doesn't have all the information that they (The GB) have and therefore have no idea what they are talking about. In fact, this is a lie. While the rest of the anointed may not be privy to the day to day workings of Bethel, they do in fact have God's Spirit and are being actively directed by it, hence why they speak out against the GB and why the GB fears this and have taken steps to neutralize them in a (so far) non-hostile way.

As far as the scripture at Matthew 24:45-47 is concerned, it seems to me that this is a warning to all Christians and especially those in a position of responsibility to behave themselves. Clearly the GB isn't and have totally missed the point of this parable.

In the first century we know there was no GB (despite the WTS claims to the contrary) because of several facts.

The Apostle Paul never reported to a GB, neither did any of the other Christians. The example given in Acts 15: is merely a testimony of the unifying power of God's spirit and nothing more when it came to the circumcision issue. The so-called GB did not continue to direct the work after the issue was settled, nor are there any other references to a GB after the book of Acts. It's especialy noteworthy in the Book of Revelation where Jesus counsels the seven congregations for their misdeeds but does not mention a GB. Obviously if there had been one in effect, he would have had some strong words for them for failing to do their job, yet no mention is made of them. This is because there wasn't one and there wasn't a need for one.

Individual Christians are responsible for their own behavior and the congregation as a whole was to be consulted on matters of discipline of members involved in wrongdoing (as the scripture clearly shows). This being so that everyone was aware of what was occurring and so that the "wrongdoer" could get a fair hearing and not be subjected to back room Judicial Committees in which justice took a back seat to towing the party line.

The scriptures are quite clear on how these matters are to be handled and the "older men" referred to in the scriptures as ones who would "pray over a weak person and anoint their head with oil" are simply just that. Older men. Experienced ones who have dealt with these same trials in their lives and who may be of some help. They aren't in a position of authority to direct the congregation

One last thought. If there was a body of elders and a GB in the 1st century running everything, then why did the Corinthians write to the Apostle Paul asking his advice on how to deal with the man who took his father's wife (his step mother) into his bed?

Wouldn't the local ""elders" have simply handled the matter or written to the GB? Neither of these things occurred. Paul simply took the role of "an older man" and "greased the heads" of the congregation with his spirit-directed insight.

Where were the elders and GB in all this. Stragely missing it seems.

Peace,

Awen

44

Have you answered the knock on your door?

by Inkie in

jw
friends

have you answered the knock on your door?.

[b]e like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.luke 12:36.. .

behold, i stand at the door and [song 5:2 ] knock.

Awen

I too being a son of God (and having been a member here for quite some time) can relate to these experiences. I have heard the knocking on my door and have opened it to not find anyone there and in my sleepiness shrugged it off as a dream. I too say it's not GOD speaking to me, but his Son Yeshua, whom YHWH said we should serve and bend our knees. Even though YHWH is GOD, it is His desire that we serve His Son and by doing so we acknowledge that we are doing GOD's will.

While I feel bad for my brothers and sisters who were mistreated by the organization and can understand their hatred of it, I do not understand the hatred, ridicule and mistreatment of the posters here on this board who are simply sharing their experiences.

If I wanted to be treated like this, I would go back to the WTBTS. I was under the impression that this was a support board. Kinda like when someone twists an ankle and you help them up and support them until they are able to walk again on their own. Surely any loving person would not stomp on an injured person's ankle, but this seems to be the norm here. Such is my reason for not posting much over the years.

Suffice to say, I suspect many have not worked out their anger towards the WTBTS and they are taking that anger out on anyone who identifies themselves as a Christian or speaks about having a relationship with GOD. It seems to me they want this relationship, but are uncertain how to go about getting it. It's very easy.

Confess your sins. Ask for forgiveness. Submit yourself to Christ. Ask for GOD's Holy Spirit to come into your life, clear your mind and to direct you in the way in which GOD wants you to walk. Stay faithful. Never let anyone try to steal your joy.

It's pretty simple, there are no long months of indoctrination and you meet all sorts of wonderful people.

So welcome to the boards Inkie and others who's names I can't recall (my apologies).

May you have peace.

Awen

43

Who or What Helped YOU Get Out Of The Watchtower Mindset?

by minimus in

jw
friends

was there a person, a book, a situation that helped you see that the "truth" was not what it was supposed to be?

?.

Awen

Research, research and more research. Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide me and open my eyes, no matter what that meant. Reaffirming my service to God and his Son even if it meant opposing the WTS.

It took a while and still find myself plagued by WT beliefs, but things are moving along and I feel I'm on track with my lfe.

I do tend to go back during the Memorial, just to annoy the Elders. It's alot of fun for me to refuse to sumbit to their "authority" and they can't do anything about it since I'm no longer an "official" JW.

Kinda like being a feral agent talking to the local cops. You're completely above their authority and they know it. More importantly you know it as well and it empowers you.

21

Question for all you 'smart (witty)' people.

by misguided in

jw
friends

a ny bethelite is in town.

he arrived yesterday.

his dad is not doing well.. he has no idea i was a jw, let alone apostate.

Awen

Question to ask..

Do you follow the God of the Bible or the Watchtower?

If the Bible says one thing and the Watchtower blatantly contradicts it (False Prophets), whom do you listen to and why?

Is salvation dependent upon listening to the words of Jesus Christ and obeying him or to the Watchtower (Jeremiah 10:23)?

44

When Was The Last Time You Said A Prayer?

by minimus in

jw
friends

do you ever pray?.

have you felt, "what the heck?

it's worth a shot"?.

Awen

Personal issues.

443

Generation Teaching - Everyone is speechless?

by Red Piller in

jw
friends

maybe the effect of this change is bigger than realized?

in 1995, it was discussed (positively) by everybody, during the week we studied the wt.

one elder stepped down and was looked down upon.

Awen

Entirely my own opinion here:

Since 1914 has been debunked as the date in which Christ returned, then the "generation" that Jesus mentions would seem to apply to those ones who see the return of Jesus (whenever it eventually occurs) and who would live on until the start of the Great Tribulation. The generation would include all persons, anointed, other sheep and everyone else on the planet who are witness to these occurrences, much like the generation that is mentioned regrading Joseph and his brothers by the original poster. It does no good to try to set dates as the Bible clearly states no one would know the day and the hour in which our Lord is coming, not to mention that Jesus said it would come "as a thief in the night", also putting forth the argument that it would be a complete surpirise to everyone, just as the flood in Noah's day was. But like Noah, his followers would recognize it when it occurred.

Just my opinion.

44

When Was The Last Time You Said A Prayer?

by minimus in

jw
friends

do you ever pray?.

have you felt, "what the heck?

it's worth a shot"?.

Awen

Every night before I go to sleep I say the "Lord's Prayer". Afterwards I "talk" to Jesus and pour out my heart and apologize for not living up to the things I know I am capable of. Like the Apostle Paul :

Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate."