Srecko Sostar

Apologize for little late comment about question when Jesus come to be King. WT Society agreed how Jesus became King in 33 AD. And his enthroning took literal manifestation in Jerusalem. Is it possible that Jesus became King without Heavenly approval? Well, could he become King on Earth but not in Heaven too? The disciples fail to see that Jesus’ instructions involve Bible prophecy. Later, however, they grasp the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy. He foretold that God’s promised King would come into Jerusalem “humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a female donkey.”—Zechariah 9:9. - https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/jesus/final-ministry/enters-jerusalem-as-king/ It seems how WT GB also failed in interpretation about when Jesus became King. In 33 or in 1914 AD despite their own published books that supports 33 AD. More than this, and his Kingdom was also existed in 33 AD on Earth. Quote from WT publication said: In a very real sense, then, the Kingdom was in their midst. - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2008012 The King Enters Jerusalem on a Colt When they got close to Jerusalem and arrived at Bethʹpha·ge on the Mount of Olives,a then Jesus sent two disciples,b 2 saying to them: “Go into the village that is within sight, and you will at once find a donkey tied and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If someone says anything to you, you must say, ‘The Lord needs them.’ At that he will immediately send them.”4 This actually took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet, who said: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion: ‘Look! Your king is coming to you,c mild-temperedd and mounted on a donkey, yes, on a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden.’”e6 So the disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them.f 7 They brought the donkey and its colt, and they put their outer garments on them, and he sat on them.g 8 Most of the crowd spread their outer garments on the road,h while others were cutting down branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 Moreover, the crowds going ahead of him and those following him kept shouting: “Save, we pray, the Son of David!i Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah’s name!j Save him, we pray, in the heights above!”* - Matt 21 PICTURE from WT book - https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/jesus/final-ministry/enters-jerusalem-as-king/ In rendering these words of Jesus, a number of careful Bible translations use wording similar to that found in the New World Translation. Some say that the Kingdom is “among you” or “in the midst of you.” How was God’s Kingdom among those people at that time, including the Pharisees? Well, Jesus was the one whom Jehovah God appointed to be the King of the Kingdom. As the King-Designate, Jesus was right in the midst of those people. He taught about the Kingdom of God and even performed miracles, giving them a preview of what that Kingdom would accomplish. In a very real sense, then, the Kingdom was in their midst. - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2008012

According to WTJWorg doctrine, women is not allowed to talk with men in a such manner to be or to look like, how she teach him/them. @Arauna highlighted somehow this detail in her comment. And because of that, how Arauna's comment sounded to me, in my perception, it remind me on WT doctrine about interpretations of some Bible verses on women. In other way of perception, we can say also this way: If women "arguing" (with other male or female) in some specific kind, it could be sounded how she looking for "prominence" for herself, according to WTJWorg. It seems how choice of words, tone and attitude (in live or on paper) could be "judged" by this WT position. As you see, WTJWorg culture have specific (as all groups) rules about inside member's behavior and also how behavior of members to outside individuals or group have to look like. Christian woman (JW member) according to this rules, should not put herself in position to "teach" adult males (only children) inside or outside of JWorg. Your "rebuke" directed to @Witness went by this WT rules about male-female relations. But in the same time you, as female, found no self-ban to doing same sort of "arguing" with @Witness (as woman) or me or some other "men" here. And that i found as funny (ironically), at least. If i am right in perception, according to Bible, God never had an Organization, ....but He had a Nation. People for his name. And Individuals who was faithful and showed faith in His promises. WT Society is not People, is not Nation. It is Corporation. CCJW are not People, are not Nation. It is Legal Entity produced, established by WT Company.

This made old-new perspective on this forum and for this forum. Is it allowed to any female here to go into "deep and deeper discussions" about subjects that arose as topics? Does this mean how we, who are males, are only one who have "privilege" for participation and challenge each other standpoints and thinking? Female person, according to @Arauna in this comment, suggesting how women are not permitted to argue in "important subjects" aka almost all Topics, but only to Preach essential message (perhaps standing with tablet or magazines) and not going into doctrinal dilemmas and instructional, organizational issues. Dear Female Forum Members! Your participation in all sort of discussions is welcome and shows (proves) your need to have more important role in spiritual matters.

Imagine a day, when 1st century GB and 20th, 21st century GB meet each other (or to be as guests at Annual Meeting of Corporation) and start to discuss how congregation have to look and functioning? And of course, Paul come there latter to join them into reasoning. :))

Our need for air, water, food, for example, are "temporary" every single day, And that "temporary" things repeat itself from day to day until we die. And we can't live without this "temporaries". Thank you for your concerns about my everlasting blessings. But i have to take care about my "temporaries", day after day. :))

That is positive side of that, for that young people. To learn some skills and get experience and knowledge. No one has nothing against that. Second part of my response you know .... :)))

I have to agree with this. In positive and negative using of Criticism. One of "trigger" for put critics about these or other WT works in past and now, lies in fact that WTJWorg "exalt" themself above all on Earth. They are: "only true religion, only God's organization, only people that have highest moral standards, only who be saved, .....and similar "the best"". In light of such position and picture that WTJWorg forming for and from many decades, it is not strange when observers find some discrepancy and make the point of that.

Tom, what is with you? How you can compare JW volunteer restoration work in private building, in building that is in possession of Company .... with volunteer work in helping people when houses burning or helping sick people in hospital??

Please Tom. I made normal comment. And ask anyone what would cost be for restoration. Volunteering is no illegal. Spending donation money for Religious Vanity is morally and ethically bad example. Perhaps we all like to see beautiful buildings. But, is it buy, restore and sell something, what have to be interest and occupation for Religious, Charity Organization of JW? 2000+ members and unknown amount of $ versus 2000+ and same amount of money for preaching or helping people in need. What of this two IS CHARITY WORK???

He told illustrations about selling all you have to buy beautiful "pearl" and not Theater. :))) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” Matthew 13

But in 1983, the neglected theater was purchased for $1.8 million by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society from Delaware Corporation...........In 1988, the theater, which is on the NJ Registry of Historic Places, underwent an initial renovation phase, but the latest, completed in a nine-month period from 2012-2013, has restored even more value and splendor to the space.....“We are largely self-financed,” said Robert Warren, media consultant for the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, noting that the project was funded by individual donations from Witnesses across the world. “Whoever wants to build a tower must first count the cost,” he cited biblically, attributing the successful funding to strategic planning. “Rather than start and escalate, we evaluate first.”.....Over two thousand Witness volunteers from across the United States worked together on the large scale project, with work completed through volunteers only with the exception of contractors for only high-risk safety needs.......“We know it is a privilege and we consider it an honor to be here,” Simonsson added.....“We automatically assign a sacredness to the building because of our worship,” said Warren, of Witness Assembly Halls. “Having this space adds to the grandeur of why we are here.”..... 1,8 mill $ for buying. Perhaps value of volunteer working hours and materials is also enormous. Any suggestion?

I believe how secular system for imprisonment of wrongdoers, and trial process working very similar. Court if found guilty take in consideration many details, also is wrongdoer repentant or not, but in many cases separates wrongdoers from society by putting them to jail or a prison. With limited visits of course - but no shunning policy :))) It seems how they were "inspired" by Bible when made such program.

Today's "apostles" were not trained by Jesus. Not in literal way and not in some other way. JW leaders claiming how they not receiving "inspirational training" from Jesus. Reading Bible and thinking/mediate about text and prayers are only "training" they have. Imagine this: If real apostles in 1st century failed in many things after/despite training by Jesus, how much more errors can be expected from people who today claiming how they are (only) "guided by holy spirit"? Saul of Tarsus was highly educated person. Today GB tells (teach) JW members how God and Jesus not need "higher education". Can we assume how Saul was well trained and excellent because of THIS background? And how Jesus had easier task to learned him and not need 3,5 years, because he got more effective mind as highly educated person? Do you suggest how 11 apostles had less desire to serve and learn? It is worrying to hear. In fact, enormously worrying!

In individual perspective, this life we have, in this moment, is all we have. In case of people who believe in continuation of life in the moment of death, prospect is also life but under several outcomes, that is: paradise, hell and purgatory. In case of people who believe in future resurrection, as in case of JW members, outcomes have also few variations: to survive, or, and, to be resurrected and if you be enough good to continue with life until you don't do something what deserve death punishment. Next is, not to be resurrected and in such case, this life today is definitely all you have. Perhaps WT Lawyers forget about congregational rule or they never heard about it: "leave it to God" :))

It is possible to take this stand. But that has consequences too. Good? Or bad? If rain coming through roof of the house, will leaving thing to something or someone in the future bring to better or worst condition. God leave earthly things to be earthly human job. With good and bad outcomes. Bible said something like; When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. This mantra, platitudes - "live it to god", is not proper answer for many things we faced. For some things in life more time is needed, but not in a sense that JW people using this internal proverb with hope how something will be resolved without doing nothing or without interest and efforts for something. Victim need help in a way and quality and quantity that he/she as individual can manage and receive, in time and with time set by these specific individual.

In Croatia, Bethel workers have also pension and health insurance benefits. Obviously also paid from contributions.

I have great respect for you, seriously. And it will stay that way. But need to go in little relaxed tone, atmosphere and say: This examples are possible, of course. But where, when and to who :))) Perhaps angels have more experience and will manage situations in proper way :))

Requires a master's degree. Few elders in JW church have it.

:)))) I am slow in writing and more slower in English writing. My "weapon" and "tactic" is to be short and concise how much is possible. :))) Anna, Arauna, TTH bombing me with responds. And i am alone, sole :))) Your comment helps to redirect their thinking. Now you will be "target". :))

When in preaching service people ask you: "Do you have clergy"? You immediately respond with, "We DON'T have clergy, we have Elders. @TrueTomHarley Everybody knows it. It’s nothing more than common sense. Regardless of what elders are called, they come closest to fitting the role lawmakers have in mind for ‘clergy.’ If every JW knows this why they in preaching service respond with: "NO, we have Elders"????

Perhaps some day WT Society will stop using nomenclature as, GB member, Helper, CO, Elder, MS, Pioneer etc. because one word covers all , Brother (and Sister too :))))) Article you used is going further, speaking about distinction. We are not starting with this subject but with terminology. I suggest we stop on terminology and not talking about inside classes and distinction. Ok? Israel Priesthood also supported bad things. Why i am not surprised how same happened to Christen-dom.

Aspects of meaning or semantics. JW people, or better to say, JW leaders, with time, from past, gave specific meaning to word "clergy". And thus created new culture inside own church. Inside JW circle word "clergy" has bad connotation. Because, as word "Christendom" too, it is always about, those other people, those other churches, those other religions. Merriam Webster explain word clergy: a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church