Posts by Greybeard

24

Why do we care?

by fade_away in

jw
friends

ok this thread might get my ass kicked by some of you in here, but don't take it the wrong way...i'm just curious, why do we care so much about the wt calling us "mentally diseased"?

i mean haven't we said far worse things about the wt and gb in this forum?

(i include myself)...i know many of us got all bent out of shape because of those two words they used on us and some of us are trying to get the law on our side, but if we could file lawsuits against them, then i'm sure they can just as easily get their money back by accusing us of "hate speech" and having this website shut down.

Greybeard

I see a HUGE difference between what we do and what they do. Their intent is to judge us as worthy of everlasting destruction and then preach that to our families. They demand that our loved ones hate us. They condemn us to spiritual death and if they could, literal death. This is also a violation of our religious freedom. I have not found anyone on here doing that to them, have you? If so, I would think it is a minority. However, the majority of us still love our JW families and would never condemn them to death.

It is one thing to call someone a bad name. It is another to incite others to wish a person dead or judge them worthy of death.

They also violate Jesus words here:

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ warned his followers: “I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; but whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, ‘You despicable fool!’ will be liable to the fiery Gehenna.”— Matthew 5:22 .

How do they violate Jesus words at Matthew 5:22? The Watchtower itself explains this in 2006, 2/15 “Questions From Readers” article asks this: What three dangers was Jesus warning against at Matthew 5:22 ?

"What, then, did the expression “despicable fool” signify? The word used here sounded similar to a Hebrew term that means “rebellious,” or “mutinous.” It designates a person as morally worthless, an apostate and a rebel against God. So the person addressing his fellow as a “despicable fool” is as much as saying that his brother should receive a punishment fit for a rebel against God, everlasting destruction. From God’s standpoint, the one uttering such a condemnation against another could merit that severe sentence—everlasting destruction—himself.— Deuteronomy 19:17-19 ."

So you see, calling someone an "apostate" is the same as calling them a "rebel" or "despicable fool" that is worthy of everlasting destruction/death. The Watchtower judges us this way. The majority here on this forum do not do that to their JW families. Can you see the difference now? I hope you can.

Your brother in Christ,

Greybeard

118

What does your user name mean????

by karter in

jw
friends

anything ???.

.

karter ...i race go-karts.

Greybeard

I have always hated the fact that beards were not allowed. Now my beard has turned grey. Thus the name. Is it Grey or Gray? http://www.greyorgray.com/

14

A question regarding SEX ???

by Greybeard in

jw
friends

well, sorta about sex .

myself and two other male jw friends of mine have been fading from jw's in the last year plus or so.

all of our wives are devoted and active jw's.

Greybeard

Well, sorta about sex

Myself and two other male JW friends of mine have been fading from JW's in the last year plus or so. All of our wives are devoted and active JW's. Even though threats at times have been made to turn us in to the elders, not one of them have. I feel really good about this! I have a few questions for you:

Are all JW "sisters" like this? More Loyal to their husbands than the "elders"? Did your wife turn you in? If you were a "sister", did your husband turn you in or threaten you? Who discovered "The Truth About The Truth" (TTATT) first? The husband or the wife? I'm just wondering what the statistics are...

If you were able to teach your mate TTATT, what worked for you? Many of us are still struggling with this.

10

Home Memorial Commemoration

by irondork in

we're a few months out but i want to start getting some ideas.. .

for those of you who commemorate the memorial at home, would you please share the format you use.

i don't intend to return to a jw-hosted event again.

Greybeard

@ N.drew

I am not sure what you mean. If you mean we don't literally eat Jesus flesh and blood, of corse that is correct. These emblems are symbolic of his flesh and blood. Jesus explained that here at Matthew 26: 26-28, " As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf and, after saying a blessing, he broke it and, giving it to the disciples, he said: “T AKE , eat. This means my body.” Also, he took a cup and, having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying: “Drink out of it, all of YOU ; for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins." I do believe that all who profess to be Christians that follow Christ are commanded to do this.

10

Home Memorial Commemoration

by irondork in

we're a few months out but i want to start getting some ideas.. .

for those of you who commemorate the memorial at home, would you please share the format you use.

i don't intend to return to a jw-hosted event again.

Greybeard

It seams to me that Christ was very clear about this at John 6:53-56, "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day; for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in union with me, and I in union with him."

For those who like myself, will not drink alcohol this site might be of interest: http://www.yrm.org/wine_or_grape_juice.htm

The unleavened bread is simple. Mix water and flower and role it out thin and bake. You might find other instructions online. I believe there is a recipe on the WT Library CD too.

My opinion is, this isn't a spectator sport like the JW's think it is. This is between those who except Christ as their personal savior/mediator and Jesus. Jesus was very clear about those who do not partake.

If you do not mind drinking alcohol then there is nothing wrong with going to the Hall to partake. I think it would set a good example.

7

Finding Serenity and Enduring in Our Struggle After Learning The Truth About The Truth (TTATT)

by Greybeard in

there is a prayer often recited by people in various types of recovery programs called the serenity prayer.

here the short version:.

god grant me the serenity .

Greybeard

@startingover, as if you never fantasize... This song is for you brother

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhJg1finpyU&feature=related

7

Finding Serenity and Enduring in Our Struggle After Learning The Truth About The Truth (TTATT)

by Greybeard in

there is a prayer often recited by people in various types of recovery programs called the serenity prayer.

here the short version:.

god grant me the serenity .

Greybeard

There is a prayer often recited by people in various types of recovery programs called the Serenity Prayer. Here the short version:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

I have recited this prayer myself many times but I often fail to grasp the meaning of it. Why? Because at times I still try to change the things I cannot change. I have spent countless hours worrying about my family that are still Jehovah’s Witnesses. Wondering “how can I open their eyes to the truth about the truth”? I believe this is a natural phase we all go through. This has been a very difficult time for me and I have not had much serenity ever sense I learned “TTATT”. There is another very popular saying among recovery groups and it is, “Let go, Let God”. That one has always hit me hard because I know it is bases on scripture… one of my favorites here at Phiippians 4: 6-7, “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let YOUR petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard YOUR hearts and YOUR mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”

That sounds great doesn’t it? “The peace of God that excels all thought” sounds to me like perfect serenity. In my case, this is easier said than done. To not be “anxious over anything” is almost an impossibility for me! I can pray and let my petitions be known to God but I sure have a hard time not being anxious. Why is that? Could it be I fail to let go? Like the popular saying goes, “Let go, let God”. I honestly think that is what my biggest problem is. Even though I hand my problems over to God, I don’t fully let go.

So how do we let go? I believe the entire Serenity Prayer might shed some light on this:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

If one could actually live by these words he would no doubt find serentity. If we are not finding serenity then we must be doing something wrong. I know I have been. I do try to live “one day at a time” and when I truly apply that, I do worry less. “Enjoying one moment at a time” is difficult for me. It helps if I get out of the house and go for a walk outside. When I am at home I tend to check my e-mail often and hang out on X-JW forums and web sites most of the time. I hope this is just a phase that I can grow out of because it is not helping my serenity. What it does do is make me more and more upset with the GB/Borg/Watchtower and I tend to hold a huge resentment. I need to realize that Christ is going to take care of them in his due time and “let go, let God”. Give it over to him and get out of the way. Not that I won’t write anymore articles about the Watchtower. I feel a need to contribute any truth I find about the “truth”. What I mean is I need to not be so absorbed in it all the time. Reading the Bible and meditating on Gods word is far more productive than talking trash about the “borg” online. IMO

I would like to ask you a question, have you found serenity? If so, how? What do you do? Any suggestions would be helpful to all of us. I welcome your comments.

Your brother in Christ,

Greybeard

Posted on jwstruggle.com

25

WBT$ = They are watching us!

by punkofnice in

are the wbt$ spies watching us?

i like to think we are guiding them although they hate us so much they are even suggesting we should be killed!

they have already called us 'mentally diseased'.. on the forums and elsewhere we've seen this quote many times =.

Greybeard

Luke 6: 32-37, “ And if YOU love those loving YOU , of what credit is it to YOU ? For even the sinners love those loving them . And if YOU do good to those doing good to YOU , really of what credit is it to YOU ? Even the sinners do the same . Also, if YOU lend [without interest] to those from whom YOU hope to receive, of what credit is it to YOU ? Even sinners lend [without interest] to sinners that they may get back as much. To the contrary, continue to love YOUR enemies and to do good and to lend [without interest], not hoping for anything back; and YOUR reward will be great, and YOU will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked . Continue becoming merciful, just as YOUR Father is merciful. “Moreover, stop judging, and YOU will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and YOU will by no means be condemned. Keep on releasing, and YOU will be released."

35

Why have you remained theists?

by Silent_Scream in

i realize many on this forum are atheist, and theres many threads to show why.

some believe creationist lack knowledge or understanding and that we are too ignorant to realize there isn't a creator.. i have studied (not in depth) first year college science, and am studying medical/health currently.

i am also very interested in astronomy, and have learned a little in that area.

Greybeard

1 Corinthians 8: 2-3, " If anyone thinks he has acquired knowledge of something, he does not yet know it just as he ought to know it. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by him."

35

Why have you remained theists?

by Silent_Scream in

i realize many on this forum are atheist, and theres many threads to show why.

some believe creationist lack knowledge or understanding and that we are too ignorant to realize there isn't a creator.. i have studied (not in depth) first year college science, and am studying medical/health currently.

i am also very interested in astronomy, and have learned a little in that area.

Greybeard

@ startingover,

What insults? Don't pretend this is our first go around partner. You know what insults. Now how about you hop back up on your horse and mosey along. There ain't anyone here trying to make your day. Happy trails to you!