NewChapter... Wow! Sounds like you went to my congregation!
Darth Rutherford
JoinedPosts by Darth Rutherford
-
23
Animosity Toward Inactive Ones
by EmptyInside ini don't understand why many witnesses are cold toward inactive ones.
aren't they supposed to want to help them and encourage them?.
i know of a young woman,i've known forever,who married a non-witness,and hasn't been to the meetings for awhile.
-
-
-
30
Jehovahs Witnesses and the Memorial of Christs Death
by Greybeard inhave you ever been invited to someones home for dinner, but not eaten any of the food?
only sat there and watched them eat?
what purpose would that serve?
-
-
Darth Rutherford
Greybeard, thank you for that article. I appreciate it very much.
The other day, I was trying to reason John 6 with a couple of Witness friends over dinner. I asked them if they want everlasting life. Of course, they said yes. I then explained that Jesus was speaking about just that: "everlasting life" - life in general regardless of whether it will be in heaven or on earth. We must eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to have that everlasting life. If we don't partake, we have no everlasting life.
However, they responded that this only applies to the anointed.
I then explained, if what they say is true, then Jesus words at John 17:3 must also only apply to the anointed, since he was speaking of "everlasting life" there as well. If what they say is true, then only the anointed must gain accurate knowledge; and for those not anointed, it must not be necessary.
They had no response.
It's not about whether one is going to heaven or not. Those are anxieties that the Witnesses have created for themselves. Jesus compared himself to the manna that was sent by God from heaven. Everyone ate of the manna; therefore, everyone must eat the bread of his flesh to live forever.
Now, let's say they are right, and I'm not supposed to partake; but, I do. If I do so with a clean conscience out of obedience to Jesus, then partaking may not credit me, but my obedience won't condemn me either. If I am not chosen to partake, then there's no amount of bread eaten that can change that; however, I trust that my Lord will mercifully understand that I was trying to follow his direction.
However, if I am supposed to partake, yet I do not; how will my Lord feel when I explain I did not obey his words because men told me it was wrong. Men told me that I could gain everlating life and not eat his flesh and drink his blood. I reckon my Lord will probably remind me that I should not have put my trust in nobles. (Ps. 146:3) There will be no excuse for not obeying his clear command at John 6.
-
45
Pros about being a jehovah's witness
by raxxxx incan you personally think of any pros of being a jws?
anything that you have experienced that was and still is beneficial to you now from when u were a jw?.
-
-
Darth Rutherford
Aside from learning to speak to an audience, debating one-on-one, living a disciplined life, enduring peer pressure, and avoiding lifestyles that could have been detrimental to my health, I have to admit they also taught me a basic understanding of the Bible.
Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely disagree with much of their doctrine. Nevertheless, they taught me the basic importance of the Bible. The problem for them is that I used my respect and love for the Bible as a standard to which the WT itself does not adhere. How can they call the meeting "Bible Study" when they rarely use the Bible in it? It was actually reading the Bible that opened my eyes to the WT doctrine.
-
8
Happy Are the Merciless
by Darth Rutherford inrecently the local kingdom hall had a local needs talk in which they expressed how too many people were listening to the meeting via the telephone connection.
as a result, they've changed the code necessary to listen to the meeting.
only qualified individuals (homebound, bedfast, etc) will be allowed to call in and listen to a meeting.
-
-
Darth Rutherford
Totally agree with all of you. Pontoon... you may have hit the nail on the head. I never thought about that. Great point!
You know how the WT constantly likens itself to the Israelites. Well, isn't the phone hookup similiar to the Israelite provision of "gleaning"? Gleaning was the process of gathering the portion of the crop that was left behind by the harvesters. According to God's law, harvesters weren't to reap the edges of the fields, thus making a provision for the poor and afflicted of the land. These less fortunate ones could come and harvest from the crops left behind. Gleaning was a provision to ensure all had food on the table.
People calling and listening via the phones are "gleaning" from the meeting. Due to circumstances undefined they aren't getting to partake of the bulk of the meeting-harvest, but the phone allows them to still get a portion of it. Nevertheless, the self-righteous pharisees have stopped the gleaning process so that the spiritually weak go hungry.
The funny thing is that I've been saying for months how there is a lack of genuine love at the Hall. Of course, the majority obediently scoff at the statement. Then the elders turn around and do this?! Wow! How much more obvious does it have to be?
You know... if a significant portion of the congregation is listening instead of actually attending, you would think the elders would take a step back and ask themselves if it's something THEY are - or are not - doing! But, as always, the threatened make an accusation that there's a witch among them, then they sit back, smile, and watch the congregation burn him or her at the stake. Ta da! No more threat!
Baltar (by the way... love BSG), you're right - it's slowly tearing apart. How much more obvious when we're standing outside. I still feel sorry for those disillusioned on the inside. How they are grasping to hold onto anything in the darkness. But, on the positive side, it could very well be the catalyst that points them in our direction!
-
8
Happy Are the Merciless
by Darth Rutherford inrecently the local kingdom hall had a local needs talk in which they expressed how too many people were listening to the meeting via the telephone connection.
as a result, they've changed the code necessary to listen to the meeting.
only qualified individuals (homebound, bedfast, etc) will be allowed to call in and listen to a meeting.
-
-
Darth Rutherford
Recently the local Kingdom Hall had a Local Needs Talk in which they expressed how too many people were listening to the meeting via the telephone connection. As a result, they've changed the code necessary to listen to the meeting. Only qualified individuals (homebound, bedfast, etc) will be allowed to call in and listen to a meeting. I tested this out last week, and indeed the code has been changed.
I wasn't at the meeting to hear this announcement, nor was I listening via the telephone. Some friends told me about the talk the other night. Needless to say, my jaw hit the floor. I, of course, don't believe in their "truth", nor can I take their meetings seriously; however, the individuals still at the Kingdom Hall do. To them, the meetings and the information presented are essential for everlasting life. That being said, if these meetings are so vital to one's eternal well-being, why in the world would they prevent fellow Christians from listening to the meeting?
The telephone hookup is a provision to help people get something from the meeting who normally wouldn't because of their absence. If you truly believe the meeting is that important for life, why would you deprive people from that provision? Isn't listening to the talk over the phone better than nothing at all? The phone hookup is a merciful provision to help people - and they took it away!
I asked the brother who told me the news: Why would they do that? Isn't a small piece of pie better than no pie?
He replied: Yeah, but you're supposed to go to the meetings to incite others to love and fine works. And if they're not at the meetings, they're not following the command to incite others to love.
I then replied: So, your love IS conditional. Unless I love you, you won't love me, right? And, who on the body of elders is qualified to determine an illness? Who defines "sick"? Some sicknesses aren't obvious. For example, what of those with emotional and mental illness?
The brother just sat there quietly - no reply. After a brief moment he changed the subject. I didn't pursue it any further since it was obvious my point was made.
No, I don't believe in this organization anymore; nevertheless, those calling to listen to the meetings do believe it. Instead of shepherding these individuals and actualling encouraging them to return (if they are able), the elders took away the provision after inferring that they were abusing it. They now forbid the majority of these callers from listening to the meetings from home. Personally, I believe they did those individuals a favor, but it still breaks my heart to see such flagrant merciless behavior by those charged with shepherding the flock.
Jesus said, "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7) How, then, will Jesus, who treats people so tenderly that "no smoldering flaxen wick will he extinguish," regard those pharisaical elders who ignore the weak and extinguish the smoldering spark of those still believing? Is this not additional proof of an evil slave who beats his fellow slaves instead of following the example of the Master? - Matthew 12:20; 24:28.
-
48
looky what they make the latest watchtower (public) say
by therevealer inthrough the new covenant, jehovah makes blessings.
available to many by means of a few.
the covenant are few, a mere 144,000. through.
-
-
Darth Rutherford
I guess when Jesus told his apostles, "I am the way and the truth and the life," he actually meant "We are the way..." (John 14:6).
-
-
-
Darth Rutherford
This letter was written in February 2001. So while they are commenting on the "trustworthiness of Jehovah's organization" they were also in bed with the UN at this same time. Ironic, isn't it.
So, they say "Jehovah has not allowed his people to make ruinous mistakes"... but He evidently and obviously allowed them to ally themselves and redisseminate information for the UN for nearly a decade. By WT definition, that is an "apostasy." They have had another decade to address this situation, but instead covered it up, which in turn has lead to the stumbling of countless Witnesses who uncovered the truth of the matter.
Hypocrites!
-
83
What was your most DISTURBING event as an elder ? (Per T.O.S. no full names please).
by Balaamsass ini'll start the ball rolling.
dealing with kids in any type of judicial manner.
i would do everything i could to get parents to "deal with it-kindly" at home.
-
-
Darth Rutherford
Welcome glueman!
My first JC was a shocker. During the official "investigation", the three of us (who would form the JC) was sitting in the back room after the Service Meeting awaiting the brother to come in. I was a new elder and was a little nervous. I finally asked: What did he do? They replied: Bestiality with a cat. At that very moment the brother walked in the room. I honestly tried to keep a good poker face, but I didn't know whether to laugh or puke.
There are about 10 years of my life I wish I could just forget...
All I can say from experience is that judicial committees are horrible. They do not help the victim (I know this because I once sat on the other side of the table)... and for elders who truly do care... they are gut wrenching. I've cried like a baby after some committees. Those who serve on them are so unqualified... and I shamefully admit I shouldn't have been on them. Men sit as judges who have no understanding of psychology, human-social behavior, and the realities of mental and emotional trauma. Committees only serve the interests of the power-hungry and sex obsessed among the elders. It's a modern-day "star chamber" that is used by the organization as a weapon to keep the rank and file in check. It doesn't strengthen the congregation... it keeps it scared.
-
27
Apocalypse-porn now available at jw.org!
by serenitynow! inoy.
the february 15, 2012 wt is out.
it has a huge mushroom cloud of fire on the cover.
-
-
Darth Rutherford
Hmmm... according to the picture of the survivors on page 7, it appears that only men in dress pants and women in skirts will survive.
-
100
In the LAST DAYS (mockers, scoffers) ridiculers will come saying:
by Terry in(2 peter 3:1-13) ... niv....."in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.they will say, where is this coming he promised?
ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.
waaaaay back when these words were written an embarassing awareness of delay was in the air among christians.. shortly after jesus was executed the story was circulated that he arose from the dead and was witnessed by a great many people.. but, jesus (it was said) went up to his father in heaven and would soon return.. time passed.. more time passed.. ....and still more time passed without jesus coming back.. the idea that deliverance was "near" began to make believers squirm with discomfort.. instead of standing around waiting, enduring persecution and praying constantly for reward....a new task emerged for christians to take.
-
-
Darth Rutherford
When Jesus walked the earth, his ministry included telling people that the "Kingdom has drawn near." (Matthew 4:17) It was near. Jesus, who would be made king of that Kingdom, was with them - and soon would die and be given all authority in heaven and on earth. -Matthew 28:18.
Soon after his death and resurrection, during Pentecost, Holy Spirit was poured upon his disciples. It was at the moment that Peter declared that Joel's prophecy regarding the Last Days were fulfilled. Christians were certainly now living in the Last Days (in the first century). -Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28, 29.
Evangelism did not begin decades after Jesus' death, but during Jesus' ministry. After his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples to continue evangelizing. -Matthew 28:19.
However, if you look carefully, the apostles and disciples never preached that "the Kingdom was near." They preached about the "good news of the kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ". They never declared that the Kingdom was "near" - or "coming soon". (Acts 8:12) They knew it was already established in the heavens. In fact, Jesus warned his disciples not to follow anyone saying that the "due time has approached", or at hand. -Luke 21:8.
Sure, as the decades moved along, the early Christians were becoming disheartened. They were hoping the Last Days would be a short period of time. Thus, Peter once again revealed a truth about the Last Days - which you refer to at 2 Peter 3:1-13.
Peter reassures everyone (and us) that God will certainly bring an end to the world of mankind just as he did in the days of Noah. (2 Pe 3:5-7) Then he helps us see that "one days is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." (vs. 8) In saying that, he reveals that the Last "Days" (days=plural) would stretch out for alot longer than what they originally anticipated - possibly millenia. Nevertheless, it will come.
Peter told the Christians that this was "advance knowledge". (vs. 17) He focused their attention back on living a Christian life. (vs. 14) Christians were not to concern themselves with "when" it would happen, only that it would eventually happen. Until that day arrives, Christians are supposed to live a life that imitates their master, Jesus. In fact, doesn't Jesus reminds us that "It does not belong to YOU to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction." -Acts 1:7.
Truth is that we are still in the Last Days. Until he comes, the weeds and the wheat will continue to grow together. Only when Jesus returns will they be separated. Jehovah's Witnesses are focused on the "when' - and forget the "why". This is initially where they went wrong - trying to predict when the end was coming. Other denominations have done similarly.
We are still in the Last Days. These have been going on for nearly 2,000 years, but that's just what Peter said would happen. The end could come today, tomorrow, next year, decade, century, or millenium. It doesn't matter. It doesn't belong to us to have that insight. We don't serve Christ for a time period - but for eternity. It's a life choice we each must make.