rich5678

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Posts by rich5678

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  1

  Kingdom News 23 - 1976 - Commentary by Sabastious

  by sabastious in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  kingdom news no.

  23. why so much sufferingif god cares?.

  how could a good god allow .

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  rich5678

  If we should accept Jehovah God as our ruler then why we have the governing body, overseers, and a body of elders governing over the congregations?
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  25

  Jehovah Witnesses- True Christians?

  by rich5678 in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  what do you say to people outside the religion that say jehovah witnesses are the only true christians and they are the only group that follow the bible as opposed to other reilgions?

  i see these comments on youtube about videos that addressed the issue with the policy jws follow today.

  i am not bitter but i thought if you think that jehovah witnesses are true christians and follow the bible, why not join the group?

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  rich5678

  Why would someone who is outside of the WTS believe it was 'the only true religion'?

  (Do you mean former JWs who for whatever reason aren't associating but are still being held captive to the myth?)

  If so the answer in harmony with the mind control cult commentary is that these individuals simply don't feel 'worthy' of full membership into the WTS. So their defending is their attempt at doing good. It also creates persecution and as you well know we are all trained to feel better when persecuted for defending/preaching/suffering for the 'troof'.

  Just my two cents, but my thinking might be in error as well......

  i don't know. I was thinking they were former jws but some of them claimed that they were raised in the "truth" but they have jw friends that have good moral standards. I think that they were aiming at...morals
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  25

  Jehovah Witnesses- True Christians?

  by rich5678 in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  what do you say to people outside the religion that say jehovah witnesses are the only true christians and they are the only group that follow the bible as opposed to other reilgions?

  i see these comments on youtube about videos that addressed the issue with the policy jws follow today.

  i am not bitter but i thought if you think that jehovah witnesses are true christians and follow the bible, why not join the group?

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  rich5678

  What do you say to people outside the religion that say Jehovah Witnesses are the only true christians and they are the only group that follow the bible as opposed to other reilgions? I see these comments on youtube about videos that addressed the issue with the policy jws follow today. I am not bitter but I thought if you think that jehovah witnesses are true christians and follow the bible, why not join the group? What is the reason for not joining? I don't know. I may be wrong in my thinking...
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  33

  It's quite simple really...

  by undercover in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i remember when i first started questioning the wts/jws.

  there were so many scandals and teachings and history to explore and research.

  i needed to learn everything i could about every little inconsistency, every mistake, every scandal in order to convince myself that i was on the correct path to freedom from this false religion.

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  rich5678

  1914—The Generation That Will Not Pass Away
  “THIS generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur,” said Jesus. (Matthew 24:34) But what is meant by the word “generation”?
  In his book The Generation of 1914, professor of history Robert Wohl presents an unusual definition when he states: “A historical generation is not defined by its chronological limits or its borders. It is not a zone of dates . . . It is more like a magnetic field at the center of which lies an experience or a series of experiences. . . . What is essential to the formation of a generational consciousness is some common frame of reference that provides a sense of rupture with the past . . . This frame of reference is always derived from great historical events like wars, revolutions, plagues, famines, and economic crises.”
  From that point of view, the Great War of 1914-18 and its aftermath certainly formed a “frame of reference” to mark a generation. As professor Wohl comments: World War I created “an overwhelming sense of rupture with the past. Those who lived through the war could never rid themselves of the belief that one world had ended and another begun in August 1914.”
  Jesus used the word “generation” many times in different settings and with various meanings. But what did he mean when he spoke of a ‘generation that would not pass away’? Some have interpreted “generation” to mean a period of 30, 40, 70 or even 120 years. However, a generation is really related to people and events, rather than to a fixed number of years.
  The Greek word rendered “generation” in the Bible has been defined as, “Those born at the same time . . . Associated with this is the meaning: the body of one’s contemporaries, an age.” (The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology) “The sum total of those born at the same time, expanded to include all those living at a given time generation, contemporaries.” (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament from Walter Bauer’s Fifth Edition, 1958) These definitions embrace both those born around the time of a historic event and all those alive at that time.
  If Jesus used “generation” in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older. And others alive in 1914 are in their 80’s or 90’s, a few even having reached a hundred. There are still many millions of that generation alive. Some of them “will by no means pass away until all things occur.”—Luke 21:32.
  Since 1914 we have already lived through two world wars and many other major conflicts, along with famines, earthquakes, pestilences and the like. (Luke 21:10, 11) Yet Jesus said: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Matthew 24:34) Therefore, you might ask: What other major events remain to be seen by the generation of 1914? And can these actually take place in the time period that remains for that generation?
  What Happens Next?
  Especially since 1919 have Jehovah’s Witnesses been fulfilling on a remarkable scale and against earth-wide opposition Jesus’ prophecy: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Yes, this is the work that has to be completed to Jehovah’s satisfaction before the end comes.
  What other events must take place in the period left for the generation of 1914? The Bible clearly points to certain major developments that will lead into and form a part of the “great tribulation” that culminates in Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 16:14, 16) It is urgent that you know what these developments are and that you take necessary protective action before it is too late.—Zephaniah 2:3.
  One of these developments was prophesied by the apostle Paul when he stated: “You yourselves know quite well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying: ‘Peace and security!’ then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.” This prophecy makes it clear that, just prior to the end of this system of things, “peace and security” will be declared in some exceptional way, whether by the United Nations or independently by political and religious leaders. What will follow that declaration? Paul said: “Then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.”—1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3.
  Does Your Religion Matter?
  Could that destruction affect you? Well, do you belong to one of the world’s many religions? Do you know how God views those religions? What is their future?
  Under the symbol of a “great harlot” named “Babylon the Great,” the inspired apostle John described a system that has benefited for centuries from intimate association with “the kings of the earth” who wield political power. This “harlot” has also benefited from dealings with “the traveling merchants,” that is, the world’s commercial element. What system is this that has also lorded it over the “peoples and crowds and nations and tongues”? It is false religion! Yes, all religions that are false from Jehovah God’s standpoint constitute this “great harlot,” who is actually a world empire. But what does the immediate future hold for her?—Revelation 17:1-8, 15; 18:15-17.
  Revelation 17:16 indicates that radical political elements within the United Nations (the “scarlet-colored wild beast”) will hate the religious harlot and devastate her. Already, powerful atheistic and antireligious elements in the UN have taken steps to stamp out religion within their domain. But more drastic action is expected in the near future when these political elements devastate not only Christendom but also the other great religious systems. Logically, the anti-God forces will also attack Jehovah’s Witnesses who faithfully proclaim God’s Kingdom. This will be tantamount to attacking God himself and will provoke retaliation—God’s war of Armageddon!—Revelation 17:3, 12-16; 16:14-16; Ezekiel 38:10-12, 18-23; Zechariah 2:8.
  Is There Enough Time?
  From a purely human viewpoint, it could appear that these developments could hardly take place before the generation of 1914 disappears from the scene. But fulfillment of all the foretold events affecting the generation of 1914 does not depend on comparatively slow human action. Jehovah’s prophetic word through Christ Jesus is: “This generation [of 1914] will by no means pass away until all things occur.” (Luke 21:32) And Jehovah, who is the source of inspired and unfailing prophecy, will bring about the fulfillment of his Son’s words in a relatively short time.—Isaiah 46:9, 10; 55:10, 11.
  Are there any past examples of Bible prophecies’ being fulfilled in the face of human disbelief and skepticism? Yes, and we can briefly examine one of these. In the year 33 C.E., Jesus foretold regarding Jerusalem and its temple: “As for these things that you are beholding, the days will come in which not a stone upon a stone will be left here and not be thrown down. Furthermore, when you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near.”—Luke 21:6, 20.
  Thirty-three years later, the Roman army, under Cestius Gallus, attacked Jerusalem and was at the point of victory. Inexplicably, however, General Gallus ordered his troops to retreat. As a consequence, some of the Jews must have thought that their sacred city would not suffer destruction. But such a thought was short-lived. Four years later, the Roman armies under Titus came back and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple.
  Thus Jesus’ prophecy came true right down to fine detail. As G. A. Williamson said in his introduction to Josephus’ The Jewish War: “Had we no other sources of information than the gospels we should be tempted to suspect that the warnings of Jesus were couched in hyperbolical [exaggerated] language . . . Was it possible that of that mighty Temple not one stone should be left upon another, that should not be cast down? It was indeed possible; it is historical fact. The destruction was utter and complete . . . The whole tragic story had been foretold with startling accuracy.”
  Just as Jesus’ prophecies regarding Jerusalem were fulfilled within the life span of the generation of the year 33 C.E., so his prophecies regarding “the time of the end” will be fulfilled within the life span of the generation of 1914. (Daniel 12:4) This means that marvelous prospects lie before not only that generation but all those living today. Why? Because Jesus also said regarding the significant events affecting that generation: “When you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near.”—Luke 21:28, 31.
  The nearness of God’s Kingdom today spells the end of the present divisive political, religious and commercial systems. It means the ushering in of a righteous new government for all obedient mankind. You can choose everlasting life under this arrangement of “new heavens and a new earth.” (2 Peter 3:13; John 17:3) Yes, you may live to see this promised New Order, along with survivors of the generation of 1914—the generation that will not pass away.
  [Picture on page 5]
  “One world had ended and another begun in August 1914”
  [Pictures on page 6]
  ‘When they say “Peace and security!” sudden destruction will be upon them’
  [Picture on page 7]
  You, along with survivors of the generation of 1914, may live to see a New Order
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  70

  How many of you were baptised at a young age?

  by lepermessiah in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  one thing this site has made me reflect on the baptism practice in jw land.. many of us were raised in the religion, thus you were given the pressure early on to shoot for baptism as a goal.. i remember feeling bad because i waited until the ripe old age of 14 to take the plunge.. looking back, i realize that when i was 14, i didnt even know what my favorite color was, let alone have enough knowledge to make a life altering decision.

  yet, growing up in that climate, i would say anyone who waited past their early teens to get baptised was viewed with great suspicion and was likely to be viewed as "bad association".

  kids who took the dip at 8-9 years of age were viewed as "wise beyond their years" and the like.. how old were some of you when you were baptised, and what are your feelings on the matter?.

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  rich5678

  You thought you were too young but get this: the youngest person i know of got baptized at age 5... i sat by her too. what does she know about the doctrines anyway? The mom need her behind kicked!!! So as the elders...
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  70

  How many of you were baptised at a young age?

  by lepermessiah in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  one thing this site has made me reflect on the baptism practice in jw land.. many of us were raised in the religion, thus you were given the pressure early on to shoot for baptism as a goal.. i remember feeling bad because i waited until the ripe old age of 14 to take the plunge.. looking back, i realize that when i was 14, i didnt even know what my favorite color was, let alone have enough knowledge to make a life altering decision.

  yet, growing up in that climate, i would say anyone who waited past their early teens to get baptised was viewed with great suspicion and was likely to be viewed as "bad association".

  kids who took the dip at 8-9 years of age were viewed as "wise beyond their years" and the like.. how old were some of you when you were baptised, and what are your feelings on the matter?.

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  rich5678

  i was in a born in. I got baptized at 19. i thought this religion was for me and it was truth ....now i see the bulls#%& in this org at now age 20... i know it is a short period of time in between...
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  13

  Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 04-18-10 (SWORD OF THE SPIRIT)

  by blondie in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  skillfully wield "the sword of the spirit" .

  understand the meaning of a scripture correctly, we should consider background information, such as who wrote the.

  then, explain the meaning of that part of the.

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  rich5678

  "the story about the lady in india has got to be made up. 93 years steeped in that tradition and religion, and just like that, she is changed, notice how in just a few "weeks" she is seein the light. also as blondie alludes, lets also mention how he will have to mention to mommy, that as well as gettin to see some of the dead relatives agin, she will witness many others becomin bird food in the not so distant future."

  You know it!!! I knew it was bulls#@% when i first read it. You got to be a fool to believe this garbage...
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  13

  Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 04-18-10 (SWORD OF THE SPIRIT)

  by blondie in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  skillfully wield "the sword of the spirit" .

  understand the meaning of a scripture correctly, we should consider background information, such as who wrote the.

  then, explain the meaning of that part of the.

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  rich5678

  Alot of jehovah witnesses should stop lying to themselves. These sisters in my car group claim that jws know about the bible alot more than an average worldly person. That is not the case. Memorizing scriptures is alot different than knowing what the scriptures mean...Even the watchtower article today written it....USE THE PUBLICATIONS MORE THAN THE BIBLE. YEAH USE THE BIBLE TOO BUT USE IT ALONG WITH OUR PUBLICATIONS...
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  32

  Did You Ever Want To Tell An Elder To Go "F" Off???

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  there are some very irritating elders that i've known in my years as a jw.

  the ones that are most intolerant are always the biggest jerks!.

  have you ever wanted to tell an elder to eat sh*t and die?.

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  rich5678

  this elder called me and asked have i talked about jehovah to others while my mom was recovering from an open surgery. i wanted to tell him to go to hell...
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  79

  IT'S OFFICIAL - New Elder's Manual by end of 2010

  by sir82 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  per a "top secret, confidential, burn this after you read it" letter to all boes, dated march 2, 2010, but not read in our congregation until this past week:.

  new "kingdom ministry" school for all elders and ministerial servants, to be held (in the us anyway) between november 2010 and january 2011.. 6 hours of jaw dropping tedium instruction for ms, 9 for elders.

  ms session to be held on a sunday, elders on friday and saturday.. the "super secret surprise", for elders only: a new textbook will be released to be studied at this "school".

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  rich5678

  i have a dumb question lol if the elders have to sign a contract to swear they won't tell anyone about the book...what if some other elders found out that this particular elder told others about the content in the book? does this elder get df'd or something?