Posts by kes152

25

wanting to leave jw org

by min79 in

jw
friends

.

i am a baptised jw and am wanting to disassociate myself.

i am looking to find someone who has left this org to give me some idea on the letter to write and how they dealt with their friends who shunned them

Greetings min, May you have peace. I understand that you desire to leave the jw organizaton. If I may ask, why is it that "you" desire to leave? What is your intent that has motivated you to leave? One's intentions in a matter does determine what they will do in the future. If it is your desire to 'find something else' it is important that you are at least willing to admit it to yourself. What is it that you are truly seeking. You can leave the organization of Jehovah's witnesses.. for if your fear is that you may be displeasing God... know that you do not need any organization to serve God. May you have the greatest of peace my friend.

53

Is Michael the Angel of the Lord?

by tracysdad in

joshua 5:13-15. exactly who is this "commander of the lord's army?

" rev.

12:7 michael & his angels throw satan out of heaven.

kes152

This is off topic but i noticed a post I made in this thread (years ago) on page 2 in a reply to Franciose in which I said:

Francoise,

hehe. Angels ARE spirits. They don't need to be led by God's spirit because they ARE God's spirits. We are not God's spirits. Thus, those of us who are 'led by God's spirit' are God's sons.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I greatly apologize for this error because this is incorrect. In reponse to the statement about if all who are led by God's spirit being God's sons, as spoken of in Romans 8:14-17, I desire to make correction for my error, although it was years ago.

Angels ARE led by God's spirit as are those who are "children of God." However, being led by God's spirit does not necessarily make one a 'son' of God. According to the context in Romans 8:14-17, our brother Paul was speaking in terms of man.. those who have God's spirit and those who do not. According to this context, all those who are LED by God's spirit are God's sons. The reason this is so is because we who receive the spirit of God in our hearts also receive "adoption" as sons by God. No one is ever a "son" of God unless the spirit declares him such.

God has never said to an angel at anytime, "You are my son, this day I have begotten you" or again, "I shall be a father to him and he shall become a son to me." But, when he sends again his firstborn into the inhabited, he says "And let all the angels of God worship him." God has declared by his spirit that the Christ is "his Son." This is why he is a Son. When we receive the spirit.. we too are declared sons.. by adoption. Angels who are also led by God's spirits are not declared sons.. but rather.. messengers of the Most High (for angel when translated, means messenger). They are 'servants' in the household while the Christ.. being a son.. is the heir.

22

Who are "God's" enemies? Really...

by upside/down in

so much talk of destruction, adverse judgement and the biga etc.... .

but the bible clearly talks of destruction of "god's" enemies right?

it can't be that many.

kes152

Greetings to you all,

God's enemies, truly, are those who desire to make themselves his enemies. Anyone can do this. It is difficult for anyone to truthfully say someone or some "class" of people are God's enemies because the ones whom God considers his enemies are ones who have "made themselves" his enemies in their hearts. Since we cannot examine the hearts or the spirits of men, unless such gift has been granted to us, it is very difficult to honestly say "who" is and "who" is not his enemies.

God loves people whether they are his enemies or not. God does not "hate" anyone for being his enemy.. including the Adversary. He does not even take pleasure in the death of anyone wicked. Those who make themselves God's enemies are his enemies because they hate him.. not because God hated them. Therefore, when someone makes themselves God's enemy, they are only hurting themselves because in their relationship with God.. they are angry but God is at 'peace' with them. They are the ones hurting and angry and grinding their teeth, but God is still loving them and seeing how he may help them. Now, there are many people who profess to be God's enemies.. but God knows their hearts. He knows if they really are an enemy, or if they are really just hurting and lacking understanding. He knows why ones have made thesmeves his enemies and why ones have called themselves his enemies. He even knows if ones have TRULY in their hearts made themselves his enemies and who haven't although they think they have. So truthfully, God only knows. No one can "classify" who is an enemy of God, only God knows who individually is, and who individually isn't.

61

How does God communicate with us?

by JH in

in the past, god spoke to humans through angels, prophets, and jesus.

today, there are no prophets, angels don't show up anymore, and jesus isn't there to speak to us.. we can talk to god through prayer, but how does god talk to us?.

so, other than the bible which is pretty outdated, how can god communicate with humans?

kes152

Dear Frankie,

Not everyone wants to hear from God. It is not meant to be judgmental when it is said that mankind, as a whole, does not want to hear God. It is the truth. Man doesn't wish to hear him. It is for this reason and others, that God who respects their "wish" does not speak to them. however, to any who do want to hear, he speaks to them.

Mankind as a whole likes to be left alone to do what they want to do.. this is why they do not want to hear God. If you find this offensive or judgmental, rather than allowing yourself to get offended.. ask mankind for yourself. Ask people what it is they want in life.. why are they doing what they are doing. Ask them why is it that although they know the "right" thing to do.. they prefer to do what feels good. Ask them, and they will tell you. And for the reasons they give you, are also the reasons they do not wish to hear from God. Everyone has their reasons and if you listen to what people say and see what they do, you can begin to "see" what some of those reasons are. God understands this and he loves them, and so for this reason.. and others.. he doesn't speak to them.

61

How does God communicate with us?

by JH in

in the past, god spoke to humans through angels, prophets, and jesus.

today, there are no prophets, angels don't show up anymore, and jesus isn't there to speak to us.. we can talk to god through prayer, but how does god talk to us?.

so, other than the bible which is pretty outdated, how can god communicate with humans?

kes152

God communicates with us in the way that we "want" him to. One thing that mankind does not understand and has a hard time understanding mostly because mankind generally does not "wish" to understand is, "there are many things from God that we do not want to hear."

It is for this reason that mankind does not, as a whole, hear God nor do they desire to. Unfortunately, because many keep on telling themselves and many keep on saying that they DO want to hear from God and that if he DID speak to them that they would listen.. they continue not hearing.. not knowing.. not understanding. They keep trying to convince themselves that they do want to hear when in truth.. they do not.. and it is because of the fact that their hearts really don't want to "hear" .. that when they DO hear.. their hearts reject it. If ones are honest enough to admit this to themselves that they don't want to hear and actually see "why" they don't want to hear (for many people have various reasons.. you have to see what is 'true' for 'you).. it is then that they can 'admit' this truth to themselves... and to him.. and if they desire to hear... they can ask.. and they will hear. Each one will hear only as much as they want to hear.. because God will not 'force' anyone to hear what they do not wish to hear. He gives to each one as much as they are asking for. If ones truly 'desire' to communicate "with" (2-way) him, they can have it. And if ones do not desire that kind of relationship, they do not have it. To each his own.

Peace to all of you... and blessings.

21

What does God expect us to ask for in prayer?

by JH in

jesus said to pray continuously.

i don' pray anymore because nothing happens no matter what i ask.

ask for money, you won't get it because everyone wants money and it displeases god.. .

kes152

Greetings JH,

I can understand what you are feeling when you post this. If I may share this, perhaps this could be of some help to you. You initially ask:

"What does God expect us to ask for in prayer?"

The truth is, contrary to what others have said, God wants us to be honest. He doesn't 'expect' anything from us, but he does desire us to be as honest as we can when we do pray to him. You see, when one comes to the Father by means of his Son, the Father and the Son already knows what it is you want and even why it is you are coming to them. They know what you are expecting and they know why it is you ask for what you are asking for. So, since they already know all of this, and nothing is ever hidden from their eyes.. it is for your own good that when you do come to them, you are honest about what it is you really want to say.

You mentioned you feel that nothing happens when you pray. This could be because of a number of reasons. First, God does not get offended by the things you ask of him. In a case like this he does not get offended even when you are dishonest about what it is you really want. When you come to him and are dishonest about what it is you really want.. you are really only hurting yourself because you don't ask for what it is you really want and because you were dishonest about what you really want, whatever it is that you did ask for will not satisfy you because that is not what you really want. In fact, it is very possible that the thing you asked for could be more troublesome for you than it is worth. So it is best to be honest.

JH, you can ask for money, health, material things, the truth about the Bible, and wisdom; but what you must understand is.. why is it you are asking for these things? For example, if you ask for money, why is it you are asking for money? Are you asking for money because you want to pay bills, be rich, have peace of mind? If it is to pay bills, why is it that you want so much to pay bills? These bills that you have, why did you put yourself in a situation where you would need to pay these bills? It is important to ask this because if you are in a position where you are unable to pay these bills, did you honestly learn your lesson in misjudgment so that you do not put yourself in that position again? What have you done to have better judgment? These are questions you want to ask yourself because.. IF one is praying for money to pay their bills.. many times they do not realize that what they are really asking for is to have better judgment when making decisions, and that the paying of the bills was just one of the reasons why they desire better judgment.

Concerning wisdom, the Father is ALWAYS at all times HAPPY to give wisdom to anyone asking... always. If you have asked for wisdom, it is very possible that wisdom for some time has been "coming to you" but you have been 'casting it away' from you not realizing what you were doing. Something that has always been true for all people is this, "If you want something, you must give something up." To have wisdom involves having better judgment. One of the things that cause bad judgment is our desires. When something is offered to us and it "stimulates" us.. many times we jump for it and later REGRET it. This happens when people buy a car or a house and later realize that it is "not exactly" what they were looking for. Perhaps they wanted something less expensive or more detailed. Possessing wisdom requires one to give up their desire to do what they want to do or "like to do" and do what is best. For example, if one were a child and he decided he wanted to be wise, he would have to give up many traits of being a child. This includes getting angry when they don't get what they want, learning to have good priorities even when it seems to impede on their freedom, when something exciting comes along instead of jumping at the first thing that excites them they must learn to discern and be careful with their choices. It is the same for adults. If an adult wishes to have wisdom, they must learn to "deny their flesh" and start looking at things for what they are and not for what they want them to be. They must do this if they want to be wise with money, housing, business, employment, relationships, etc. They must learn patience, understanding, honesty, and care. These things.. and others.. are necessary in order to have good judgment. YET.. one cannto have any of these things unless they look inside themselves and see in their own selves what desires and traits and reasons for these traits they have in themselves that are causing them not to have patience, understanding, honesty, etc. One must admit they don't have it first.. before they can see why. Once they see they are lacking.. they must search out in themselves honestly why they are "the way they are." When one understands why they are "the way they are".. it is then that they can change and become something better.. by denying and giving up the things IN them that made them the way they were.

If you are honest with yourself, this process will be easier for you. If you are the type of person that likes to hide and think you are a 'good' person competent in many things.. it will be HARDER for you to see yourself for who you really are and even HARDER to improve yourself to become something better.

These things will help you get an understanding about yourself and then when you come to God in prayer, it will be easier for you to 'hear' his responses to you as to the things that are 'best' for you.

61

How does God communicate with us?

by JH in

in the past, god spoke to humans through angels, prophets, and jesus.

today, there are no prophets, angels don't show up anymore, and jesus isn't there to speak to us.. we can talk to god through prayer, but how does god talk to us?.

so, other than the bible which is pretty outdated, how can god communicate with humans?

kes152

JH,

God speaks to us by means of a Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things and through whom he has made the orders of things. In the past God spoke to us by means of the prophets and also by means of his Son. Today he has chosen to continue to speak by means of his Son who resides in the heavens and he has even made him High Priest and given him all authority in heaven and on earth. He has given to all mankind the capacity and the ability to HEAR the voice of his Son who speaks to us from the heavens.. but it is up to us if we wish to hear it.

If you "want" the Father to communicate with you, you may have it so if you come to him and ask it of him. He will send forth his Son who will open your ears that you may hear the voice of One calling to you, and anything you should ask of him he will tell you. Everything that the Father tells you by means of his Son will be things that are for your true benefit. If you desire it so, he will give you discipline and instruction that you may be able to "hear better" and understand more. The more you understand, the more you grow.. and the stronger your spirit will become. He has offered this 'gift' .. and others.. to all mankind since the days of Adam up to now. If you desire this 'gift'.. and others.. you may have them by asking and going to the One to whom the Father has given all authority in heaven and on earth, his Son. call out to him and he will answer you.

May you have the abundance of peace, both to you and your ENTIRE household.

9

The apostle Paul

by vitty in

im not a bible scholar, even though i was in the troof for 20 years, but i really feel the apostle paul has got a lot to answer for.. i mean its because of his letters we have all this turmoil about the blood issue, shunning and judging each other, homosexuality.

he is not slow in saying how righteous he is , how humble he is and telling the christians off for critisizing him (um reminds me of some people).

now the gospels on the other hand are so simple, jesus was humble, told us never to judge a person, he never shunned anyone not even the pharises and ate with sinners (of his religion) and told us we only had two rules .

kes152

Dear vitt, Much peace to you. I can definitely understand why you feel this way, you are not alone. If I may, I would like to share with you what I have come to understand concerning this issue. The truth is, this is very much "our" fault. None of the apostles of the Christ (the twelve) neither our Lord or his Father told us to "follow Paul." Paul told those to become imitators of himself AS he imitates the Christ. What this means is that everything Paul said and did that was "in union with the Christ".. we are to do and observe. However, every other thing that he spoke and did that was not of the Christ.. it was our job.. our "responsibility" to know better and not imitate. Paul, although an apostle was also a disciple. A disciple is a 'disciplined [one].' Paul was LEARNING because he.. being a disciple was disciplined on many matters. Therefore we would not follow Paul because he was a disciple just as the rest of us were. We all have but 'one Teacher' and all of us are brothers. Therefore it would be to our own detriment to follow Paul, Peter, John, Thomas, or any of the other apostles. All were learning just as we are learning and the One who guides us into ALL truth is not the Bible... but the spirit of the TRUTH. He is the one we all are to listen to and follow. As Paul and others by means of the Spirit spoke beforehand, "There will be certain ones who will rise up from among the congregation speaking distorted things and draw away the disciples after themselves." As you know from history, vitt, men LOVE to be led by other men. You see how much "glory" and "honor" the world bestows upon the apostles and Paul? You remember how in the days of Samuel the sons of Israel no longer wanted God to be their king and judge but they wanted to appoint a man to rule them and judge them? Men loved to be ruled by men. They WANT a man to tell them what to do and so when the opportunity presents itself.. men "run" to be enslaved by another. In the days of the apostles certain ones rose up from among them and enticed them to go following them. Today you have countless religions rising up and making idols out of the apostles and disciples and they "run" following them. Truthfully, this is our fault. We are the ones who "made Paul" bigger than he is and we are the ones who glorified him in our hearts and followed in everything he said. It was truly our fault because although the Spirit said, "Do not put your trust in earthling men to whom no salvation belongs," we ran to put faith in Paul.. a man.. and those men who told us to put faith in Paul. All the while ignoring our Lord but being deceived by men into thinking we are serving the Lord doing exactly what he said.

8

Does "Abiding in Christ" = Joining his organization?

by M.J. in

message was to abide in him.

he very clearly says, ?abide in me?

and if you do this you will ?bear fruit?.

kes152

To Frankie,

There are many people who no longer 'believe' or believed in the wrong "Christ" who have been told that "unless you believe the way we do, you have a wicked heart." This is not something my Lord has taught me since the time I have served the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

The truth is that the heart in and of itself, the heart that mankind has now, is in and of itself treacherous and desperate. It lives to serve its desires and it wishes to be enslaved by stimulation of the flesh. People will still have a treacherous heart even when they DO believe and have put faith in the Christ. They are 'declared righteous' by SPIRIT.. although still possessing the filth of the flesh.

Whether one "believes" or not does not change the truth that they as well as the rest of mankind have treacherous hearts. It is indeed treacherous and desperate and there is no man who has come to know his heart fully, nor that of his fellowman. Therefore, although some may believe, we all have badness in our hearts despite what men have told us.

8

Does "Abiding in Christ" = Joining his organization?

by M.J. in

message was to abide in him.

he very clearly says, ?abide in me?

and if you do this you will ?bear fruit?.

kes152

This is how ones may abide in the Christ... the TRUE vine... the ROOT of Jesse.. the BRIGHT morning star.

The Spirit says.. "Come to me.. all you who are toiling and loaded down... and I will REFRESH you.."

"If anyone is thirsty.. let him come to me.. and he that puts faith in me.. let him DRINK, even as the scripture says.. 'Out from his inmost parts streams of living waters will flow."

If you 'believe' and you wish to come to know him who is from the beginning... then search your hearts and come to him IN TRUTH.. and in the deepest of honesty.. and confess before him all your errors and ask of him to receive the water of life that he gives to "anyone asking, anyone seeking, anyone wishing, anyone knocking."

For your own benefit and your own best interests... you must be truly honest with yourself and speak "what is true" whether it is GOOD or BAD. If you lack the faith to hear him.. search your hearts for the REASONS you lack such faith and confess THESE reasons to him and openly.. and honestly.. ask that he 'open your ear' so that you may hear the voice of the Holy One calling out to you.

He forces no one to hear him and no one to understand him... so if you find in your heart that although you "want" to hear him... your heart does NOT wish to hear from him... that you tell him.. and confess to him.. and TELL him WHY your heart wishes NOT to hear from him.

Is your heart 'hiding' something that it wishes not to be "discovered?" Are you 'set' in your ways and in certain things you believe... that were you to actually hear that what you believe is NOT true.. or even erroneous.. that you "could not handle it?" Can you be honest enough to at least... admit it to YOURSELF.. that there are some things you are not ready for? Can you at least admit it to yourself that there are things your heart firmly holds onto.. that you cannot at this time 'let go of?' Are you willing to AT LEAST.. be patient with yourself until you "can" let go.. and you CAN hear with an open heart... that which you could not hear at present?

These things will help you to 'see' what IS in your heart and WHY your heart will not allow you to hear the things you may wish to hear. When you see this.. as horrible as it may look.. when you CONFESS IT.. and EMBRACE IT.. your heart will begin to LET IT GO.. if you really wish to. But.... it is UP TO YOU.

When your heart does let go.. and you then are freely 'hearing' from the Holy One.. as long as you keep and remain in union with his sayings that he gives to you... in YOUR HEART... then you will remain in union WITH YOU.. and you will remain in union.. WITH HIM. And as he speaks to you things hurtful to your flesh... but beneficial to your SPIRIT.. you will begin to bear MORE fruit.. of love... joy... peace.. long-suffering... goodness... kindness... FAITH... self-control... and your FRUIT will remain... and you will bring praise to our Father in the heavens.. for he LOVES the righteous AND the unrighteous.