she has got old mags she wants show me...
You should accept them - you never know when the loo-roll is going to run out!
THE GLADIATOR
JoinedPosts by THE GLADIATOR
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10
I met a lovely x JW sister this morning
by KateWild inon my way to work, i saw my neighbour from the next street sitting at the bus stop as usual.
i always offer her a lift and say hello and try to "encourage" her.. the family was in our book study, the kids know i love them to bits.. well did the flood gates open or what, she has got old mags she wants show me, internet websites.
if she is on here she hasn't worked it out yet.
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443
The 1914 generation is still going strong 100 years later - 2014 study article.
by THE GLADIATOR injanuary 2014 watchtower study article.
let your kingdom comebut when?.
this generation will not pass away.
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THE GLADIATOR
Taken from the book - Can Jehovah's Witnesses SURVIVE? by Trevor Willis (formatting not preserved)
Overlapping Generations
The Watchtower Society had always insisted that the 144,000 chosen to rule in heaven with Jesus as kings and priests were chosen by 1935, before the heavenly calling was closed. Yet, in 1995 they repeated this claim:
Logically, the calling of the little flock would draw to a close when the number was nearing completion, and the evidence is that the general gathering of these specially blessed ones ended in 1935. The Watchtower 15 February1995- page 19
This is important because one of the Society’s main teachings was that the end would come during the lifetime of the generation that was alive in 1914 and would include members of the 144,000 heavenly calling, also called, ‘the little flock.’ In 2007 this teaching was significantly altered:
Hence especially after 1966 it was believed that the heavenly calling ceased in 1935. Thereafter, any called to the heavenly hope were believed to be replacements for anointed Christians who had proved unfaithful. Thus it appears that we can not set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends. The Watchtower 1 May 2007- pages 30-31
That generation had now long since passed away and the Society had to paper over the gaps in their prediction. They issued many statements in an attempt to deflect the attention for their failed prophecies away from themselves and onto the membership:
Finally, we might consider what the Society has published in the past on chronology. Some opposers claim that Jehovah's Witnesses are false prophets. These opponents say that dates have been set, but nothing has happened. Again we ask, what is the motive of these critics? Are they encouraging wakefulness on the part of God's people, or are they, rather, trying to justify themselves for falling back into sleepy inactivity? The Watchtower 15 March - page 18
The Society were now saying that 1935 was no longer the cut off date for members of the 144,000. This change paved the way for their planned change in the meaning of a generation. In 2008 the Society continued to explain away more of this cornerstone belief. Until now they had taught that ‘this generation’ referred to wicked unbelieving Jews. They had carried this idea forward and given it a modern-day fulfilment, applying it to ‘the wicked ‘generation of unbelievers’ in our own time who would see the end of the system of things. They explained that the apostles would no doubt have understood that they and their fellow disciples were to be part of the generation that would not pass away until all these things occur. Referring to themselves as ‘the modern-day John class,’ they announced:
On the other hand, Christ's faithful anointed brothers, the modern-day John class, have recognized this sign as if it were a flash of lightning and have understood its true meaning. As a class, these anointed ones make up ‘the modern-day generation’ of contemporaries that will not pass away ‘until all these things occur.’ This suggests that some who are Christ's anointed brothers will still be alive on earth when the foretold great tribulation begins. The Watchtower 15 February2008- pages 23-24
This generation no longer just referred to wicked unbelievers but to anointed believers. In the 2010 further changes were made under the heading, ‘Holy Spirit’s Role in the Outworking of Jehovah’s Purpose:
Third, holy spirit is at work in bringing Bible truths to light. (Prov. 4:18) This magazine has long been used by ’the faithful and discreet slave’ as the primary channel for dispensing increased light. (Matt. 24:45) For example, consider our understanding of those who make up ‘this generation’ mentioned by Jesus. (Read Matthew 24:32-34.) To what generation did Jesus refer? The article ‘Christ’s Presence— What Does It Mean to You?’ explained that Jesus was referring, not to the wicked, but to his disciples, who were soon to be anointed with holy spirit. Jesus’ anointed followers, both in the first century and in our day, would be the ones who would not only see the sign but also discern its meaning —that Jesus ‘is near at the doors. What does this explanation mean to us? Although we cannot measure the exact length of ‘this generation,’ we do well to keep in mind several things about the word ‘generation’: It usually refers to people of varying ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period; it is not excessively long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then, are we to understand Jesus’ words about ‘this generation’? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit. The Watchtower 2010 Apr 15 - page 10
The Society had introduced the idea of an ‘overlapping generations model.’ This is a concept in which if people’s lives overlap into the next generation's lives they can be considered to be one generation. It’s a bit like playing tag! They stated:
We do not know the exact length of ‘this generation,’ but it includes these two groups whose lives overlap. Even though the anointed vary in age, those in the two groups constituting the generation are contemporaries during the part of the last days. How comforting it is to know that the younger anointed contemporaries of those older anointed ones who discerned the sign when it became evident beginning in 1914 will not die off before the great tribulation starts! The Watchtower 15 June2010- page 5
The cornerstone teaching that had, for more than a hundred years, predicted the end of the present world within the lifetime of those who witnessed the 1914 world war, was now obsolete. The generation with the earthly hope had expected to live long enough to enter the new world and cheat death. Those belonging to the ‘little flock’ with a heavenly calling had been promised they would receive their reward within their lifetime. Beaten by the passage of time the Watchtower Society had been forced to move the date for the battle of Armageddon on - indefinitely. Now they were to be comforted by knowing that their younger anointed contemporaries, or the overlapping contemporaries that followed, would enjoy this privilege.
I have done my best to explain these changes clearly and as simply as possible, including as few quotes as possible to accurately show the change that has taken place. If you are confused, then you are not alone. Many members of the Watchtower Society are still trying to make sense of the new flash of light that has moved the goalpost even further away. Instead of Armageddon being ‘just around the corner’ it has been put on hold indefinitely. Rather than take responsibility for the lack of clarity that they as Jehovah’s channel of communication have failed to achieve, the Watchtower Society says that the membership must ‘wait patiently of Jehovah.’ This appears to be an attempt to shift the blame, as author of these for these failings, from themselves onto Jehovah. Are they saying that when Jehovah God is ready he will communicate more clearly? Until then all they can do is guess.
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I think my faith might be returning. Feeling very confused.
by jambon1 ini've been out the organisation for around 8 years.
when i first left, im positive that i suffered from some sort of post traumatic stress.
i was very angry at myself for accepting the really bad parts of the religion that i strongly disagreed with.
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THE GLADIATOR
Lozhasleft There is nothing to recommend organised religions, but everything to recommend having a personal relationship with Christ.
cofty A personal relationship with reality is preferable.
And here is the great divide.
Cofty's statement should be posted on every school and church building.
The world will not move on from the fantasy of imagined support from on high, and the brake it applies to advancement, until reality rules.
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should christains own cats?
by unstopableravens inis it appropriate for a christian to own a cat, in light of their past pagan religious affiliation and the medical information that is now coming to light?
it would be misleading to answer this question with either a simple yes or a no.
the scriptural answer of necessity must be a qualified one, and it is easy to see why.
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THE GLADIATOR
Is it appropriate for a Christian to own a cat?
Well, that depends how big the cats are. Historically Christians have not got on too well with lions and tigers, with the exception of Daniel in the lions den. My advice to Christians, is to run from all cats.
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I think my faith might be returning. Feeling very confused.
by jambon1 ini've been out the organisation for around 8 years.
when i first left, im positive that i suffered from some sort of post traumatic stress.
i was very angry at myself for accepting the really bad parts of the religion that i strongly disagreed with.
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THE GLADIATOR
You must tread very carefully, as having left behind the Jehovah's Witnesses set up you have a gap in your life. Please be careful how you full that gap. There are many people, even on this forum, with their own version of truth, who would have you join them.
Everything that The Searcher described a couple of posts back were real experiences in the physical universe. Reality is magical and natural beauty is awesome, but belief in invisible beings is another matter entirely.
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443
The 1914 generation is still going strong 100 years later - 2014 study article.
by THE GLADIATOR injanuary 2014 watchtower study article.
let your kingdom comebut when?.
this generation will not pass away.
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THE GLADIATOR
Pardon me Fisherman - I just had a strong desire to post a picture and my flesh was weak.
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443
The 1914 generation is still going strong 100 years later - 2014 study article.
by THE GLADIATOR injanuary 2014 watchtower study article.
let your kingdom comebut when?.
this generation will not pass away.
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Did you feel nervous before/while giving talks?
by likeabird inthe subject of feeling nervous came up in sfpw recent thread http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/268270/2/im-curious-when-you-were-asked-to-do-a-demo-for-a-service-meeting-part-how-did-the-request-make-you-feel#.uqgz_0nd13b.
it reminded me of a sister i knew.
you always knew when you got to the meeting if she had a talk that night.
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THE GLADIATOR
Nah! I was raise in the Theocratic Ministry School and nerves were not allowed. Besides Jehovah's spirit guided me as I was borne along by angels.
The only thing that ever makes me nervous, is my wife going shopping.
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THE GLADIATOR
Simon Why do we need a creator at all?
This is rational thinking. If a god can just happen from nothing, then creatures just happening from nothing and then evolving into humans, seems a lot less far-fetched.
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THE GLADIATOR
These 2 clips dwell on the best aspects of life and earth and ignore the horrors of existence. This still takes us back to the fundamental question: Where did a god come from with the power and intelligence to create?
If such a god can pre-exist without a creator of its own, then why can't nature develop over billions of years of trial and error? It's estimated that 96% of all creatures that have lived are now extinct. Those that have survived on this small planet have survived against massive odds; so natural history shows a pattern of mostly failure. If a god is responsible, should we not expect a higher success rate?
Its easy to talk about beautiful flowers and sunsets but that is not the whole reality. The strange assortment of creatures that have survived are a long way from ideal. Take the blind mole, the ostrich that cannot fly, the fish without eyes caused by living in dark caves for millions of years. We have poisonous snakes, insects that eat their prey alive. Then there is the fearsome Komodo dragon, which has a mouth so foul that it bites its prey and then waits for it to die of infection after a few days; the creation of a god-of-love?
Then there is the brutality of human history, including gladiators - lets not even go there! Why stop at one god? Why not have a few hundred as did the Greeks and Romans?
