Arauna

I fail to see what worldly education has to do with understanding the deeper spiritual things of Jehovah. Wisdom comes from applying Jehovah's principles and reading his word regularly.
A mature Christian can see when someone is misapplying, sidestepping or not seeing a point. No degree needed for that.  Just Jehovah's spirit. 

I fail to see what worldly education has to do with understanding the deeper spiritual things of Jehovah. Wisdom comes from applying Jehovah's principles and reading his word regularly.
A mature Christian can see when someone is misapplying, sidestepping or not seeing a point. No degree needed for that.  Just Jehovah's spirit. 

I fail to see what worldly education has to do with understanding the deeper spiritual things of Jehovah. Wisdom comes from applying Jehovah's principles and reading his word regularly.
A mature Christian can see when someone is misapplying, sidestepping or not seeing a point. No degree needed for that.  Just Jehovah's spirit. 

I feel sad when I see these verbal exchanges - almost abusive.  It is exactly the behavior which Paul so often wrote about as unacceptable.  Frankly the forum seems to be an enclosed a tank of sharks where anyone who warns against taking things too far is slaughtered and quartered and are called snowflakes - meaning they are self-righteous........ . Is the bible teaching not that we should try our utmost to be blameless? But in egotism people pull each other apart! .... and challenge each other.
 We are so close to the UN taking power.  The previous attempts failed but the new negotiations are ongoing and we may see the UN take power by end of May... and in September there also the World Summit.  UN (after this event) will be in a position to call peace and security and also to turn against religion; especially after  some religions may not comply with the take over of all finances and the new CBDC system by which no=one will not be able to buy or sell without approval of the image of the beast..
We do not know the day and the hour but we know the "season". We should now be so active in preaching to all - so they have a chance.  Time is running out - it is not the time to be bickering over silly things.

"There would be no way to know what the real motives of the son was after such debauchery led him to the depths of despair."
 
Don't agree -- the repentance was already in his heart if one reads the illustration again. He was eating pig's food.  He told himself that he will go home and be a servant in his own father's house.  He was not expecting to be treated as a privileged son after his debauchery. He said to himself that the servants in his father's house live better than he does. He realized his mistake and longed for the conditions in his fathers house as a servant.  His father was waiting for him to come back in the illustration to show how Jehovah loves us.
The spiritual food Jehovah provides is 100 fold better than any place in the world or any church. A truly repentant one usually realizes this.
There are some here who think they are open-minded or sophisticated - a worldly and self-deceiving way of looking at life. To be worldly wise. While all of us have to work on ourselves, I tend to agree that there is too much tolerance for twisted teachings.
 

While there is some truth to your statement, it is important to address and highlight the gravity of apostasy and false accusations against the Watchtower and Governing Body. These actions transcend mere linguistic abuse. Just as the Apostle warned against improper behavior, he also admonished those who strayed from the path of God's teachings and led His faithful astray.
We need to weigh these facts carefully. Unfortunately, there is one abusive person here who is making it challenging for the rest of the group, which falls under that provision of self-righteousness.
Even when attempting to engage in a civil discussion, we inevitably encounter subtle insults from the opposing side that many prefer to overlook. There is absolutely no excuse or justification to shield certain individuals simply because they identify as JWs, while they hypocritically condemn others who are merely defending themselves.
In the past, individuals were banned from this site for engaging or having personal exchanges with you. While advocating for a peaceful resolution is commendable, it is even more crucial to condemn the recurrent trend of apostate tendencies, and I sincerely hope to welcome a rational mind if there are positive interactions to be made.
It is truly unfortunate that apostasy is tolerated in our community, as it serves as a cover for the apostate actions of those who claim to be Jehovah's Witnesses.
When we empower and align ourselves with those who believe they have the right to criticize the spirituality of the Governing Body or impose their own interpretation of scripture as fact, we must examine our own integrity. By doing so, we may find ourselves complicit and biased in our understanding of the Bible.
Then, criticizing those critics becomes fair game, as they are promoting their opinions in a public forum for everyone to see. This is something that you yourself have embraced in the past.
If this were a judicial committee, those individuals would have been disfellowshipped a long time ago, even though they think it would be me instead. However, a decision must be made, and when one's actions align with scriptural truth while others rely on falsehoods, it becomes evident who should be disregarded.
Therefore, Apostle Paul's mission was also to identify those who were willing to tear down what Christ had established, by exposing and preventing it from happening, as stated in scripture. Paul was also not kind when delivering his message through his letters.
There appears to be some confusion regarding the nature of Christ's love, with some people believing it to be unconditional. However, it was Christ who set the example, while Paul was entrusted with the responsibility of establishing certain conditions for it.
Some of the individuals within the closed club were once upstanding responsible men who have strayed from the path of righteousness. This is inexcusable and should not be condoned by any Jehovah's Witness. Furthermore, there are those who condone this behavior by offering support to a disfellowshipped individual who has yet to show any sign of remorse and is still accountable under secular law for a serious offense. It is disheartening to see so-called Jehovah's Witnesses defending such a person.
Therefore, the statement may seem appropriate, but it lacks the essential correction that a faithful follower of Christ should carry. We are called to ensure that our brothers' spirituality is not influenced by negative influences, in accordance with bible principles.
The most effective solution to your profound sorrow would be to reach out to your close companions within the closed club and kindly request that they refrain from espousing apostate perspectives and disseminating falsehoods. By doing so, they would avoid revealing their true character to the general public. In turn, this would eliminate the need for individuals like myself to bring such behavior to light.
What better representation of God's guiding strength is there than to engage in a noble struggle like Christ? James truly captured this sentiment in James 1:2-4.
That is the main concern, and yes, it is indeed unfortunate but essential. Witnesses cannot, with a clear conscience, overlook the misconduct of apostasy or associate themselves with individuals who advocate for such misguided agendas under the guise of debate, especially when these individuals refuse to acknowledge their own errors. Mark 10:27 / Romans 8:28

I feel sad when I see these verbal exchanges - almost abusive.  It is exactly the behavior which Paul so often wrote about as unacceptable.  Frankly the forum seems to be an enclosed a tank of sharks where anyone who warns against taking things too far is slaughtered and quartered and are called snowflakes - meaning they are self-righteous........ . Is the bible teaching not that we should try our utmost to be blameless? But in egotism people pull each other apart! .... and challenge each other.
 We are so close to the UN taking power.  The previous attempts failed but the new negotiations are ongoing and we may see the UN take power by end of May... and in September there also the World Summit.  UN (after this event) will be in a position to call peace and security and also to turn against religion; especially after  some religions may not comply with the take over of all finances and the new CBDC system by which no=one will not be able to buy or sell without approval of the image of the beast..
We do not know the day and the hour but we know the "season". We should now be so active in preaching to all - so they have a chance.  Time is running out - it is not the time to be bickering over silly things.

I feel sad when I see these verbal exchanges - almost abusive.  It is exactly the behavior which Paul so often wrote about as unacceptable.  Frankly the forum seems to be an enclosed a tank of sharks where anyone who warns against taking things too far is slaughtered and quartered and are called snowflakes - meaning they are self-righteous........ . Is the bible teaching not that we should try our utmost to be blameless? But in egotism people pull each other apart! .... and challenge each other.
 We are so close to the UN taking power.  The previous attempts failed but the new negotiations are ongoing and we may see the UN take power by end of May... and in September there also the World Summit.  UN (after this event) will be in a position to call peace and security and also to turn against religion; especially after  some religions may not comply with the take over of all finances and the new CBDC system by which no=one will not be able to buy or sell without approval of the image of the beast..
We do not know the day and the hour but we know the "season". We should now be so active in preaching to all - so they have a chance.  Time is running out - it is not the time to be bickering over silly things.

Thank you for your writing. I rarely participate here any longer. I do like open minds that can weigh new thoughts or even a little speculation (I do not like dogma or man-made rules), but not to the extent where  "facts" are used in an egotistic way to distort the Kingdom message we received from Jehovah through the slave.    
I firmly believe the slave is guided by Jehovah's spirit which is always loving and kind, even if some procedures and teachings are revised. The core teachings have remained the same for more than 100 years so that sincere people can find the truth. The purpose was to provide food for those looking for the truth and to keep congregations together in the truth as long as possible before Armageddon.  Moses and the 70 elders guided the nation of Israel; they were not perfect.  Jehovah supported Moses every time his guidance was challenged by usurpers. 
There is a tendency on this forum to go back to previous teachings (even if they were a hundred years ago), and highlight their "wrongness"; or nit-pick their being quoted; without regard for the time period and the mindset of people back then.  I truly believe that we all received information that was appropriate for the mindset of each decade or so.  The light kept getting brighter. It progressed and did not deteriorate.... but it was appropriate for the people living at that time.
Since 1914: The name Jehova (Yehovah) has been proven to be absolutely correct by new research by scholar Nehemia Gordon..... and we carry that name!
Since 1914: The 7th head of the beast (Anglo-American world power) appeared on the scene just as the heavenly Kingdom took office and Jehovah's nation was once again visible to other humans here on earth through zealous world-wide preaching work. 
I believe that Jehovah gives us time markers to know where we are in the stream of time as the 'sacred secret" of the kingdom has now been completely unveiled since 1914. For example, the new heavens and new earth and the people who would inhabit them.   
The endless challenging of the Perousia and the start of Jesus' rule by self-styled experts on this forum is not always pleasant to watch as people go on "from bad to worse" and condemn their self-styled faith with their own words. 
The method of answering only parts of the questions while leaving out more important parts of the questions reminds me very much of the scholars who do papers on evolution or the new gender ideologies. Truth does not matter but winning the argument does.
I noticed that many here are not prepared to reason on thoughts that they have pondered through - meditated upon - but will google other thoughts that have not been pondered upon.
This is a few criticisms of my companions here. While one must make allowances for people being different and those who think differently, I do think that there are those who think they are "entitled" to criticize the GB due to familiarity or long service. There are lines which should not be crossed. We do not want to stumble anyone. Anything which is not upbuilding is not worth considering. 
And while I may sound very condemning and super holy - that is not the intention. 

Thank you for your writing. I rarely participate here any longer. I do like open minds that can weigh new thoughts or even a little speculation (I do not like dogma or man-made rules), but not to the extent where  "facts" are used in an egotistic way to distort the Kingdom message we received from Jehovah through the slave.    
I firmly believe the slave is guided by Jehovah's spirit which is always loving and kind, even if some procedures and teachings are revised. The core teachings have remained the same for more than 100 years so that sincere people can find the truth. The purpose was to provide food for those looking for the truth and to keep congregations together in the truth as long as possible before Armageddon.  Moses and the 70 elders guided the nation of Israel; they were not perfect.  Jehovah supported Moses every time his guidance was challenged by usurpers. 
There is a tendency on this forum to go back to previous teachings (even if they were a hundred years ago), and highlight their "wrongness"; or nit-pick their being quoted; without regard for the time period and the mindset of people back then.  I truly believe that we all received information that was appropriate for the mindset of each decade or so.  The light kept getting brighter. It progressed and did not deteriorate.... but it was appropriate for the people living at that time.
Since 1914: The name Jehova (Yehovah) has been proven to be absolutely correct by new research by scholar Nehemia Gordon..... and we carry that name!
Since 1914: The 7th head of the beast (Anglo-American world power) appeared on the scene just as the heavenly Kingdom took office and Jehovah's nation was once again visible to other humans here on earth through zealous world-wide preaching work. 
I believe that Jehovah gives us time markers to know where we are in the stream of time as the 'sacred secret" of the kingdom has now been completely unveiled since 1914. For example, the new heavens and new earth and the people who would inhabit them.   
The endless challenging of the Perousia and the start of Jesus' rule by self-styled experts on this forum is not always pleasant to watch as people go on "from bad to worse" and condemn their self-styled faith with their own words. 
The method of answering only parts of the questions while leaving out more important parts of the questions reminds me very much of the scholars who do papers on evolution or the new gender ideologies. Truth does not matter but winning the argument does.
I noticed that many here are not prepared to reason on thoughts that they have pondered through - meditated upon - but will google other thoughts that have not been pondered upon.
This is a few criticisms of my companions here. While one must make allowances for people being different and those who think differently, I do think that there are those who think they are "entitled" to criticize the GB due to familiarity or long service. There are lines which should not be crossed. We do not want to stumble anyone. Anything which is not upbuilding is not worth considering. 
And while I may sound very condemning and super holy - that is not the intention. 

Arauna!
Glad to hear from you!  Really!
I, too have been thinking about “moving on” and leaving these forums forever.
I was joking with my wife about being on my death bed, and sitting up, looking around, and my last words would be …. “QUICK!, I gotta check my messages!”.

Thank you for your writing. I rarely participate here any longer. I do like open minds that can weigh new thoughts or even a little speculation (I do not like dogma or man-made rules), but not to the extent where  "facts" are used in an egotistic way to distort the Kingdom message we received from Jehovah through the slave.    
I firmly believe the slave is guided by Jehovah's spirit which is always loving and kind, even if some procedures and teachings are revised. The core teachings have remained the same for more than 100 years so that sincere people can find the truth. The purpose was to provide food for those looking for the truth and to keep congregations together in the truth as long as possible before Armageddon.  Moses and the 70 elders guided the nation of Israel; they were not perfect.  Jehovah supported Moses every time his guidance was challenged by usurpers. 
There is a tendency on this forum to go back to previous teachings (even if they were a hundred years ago), and highlight their "wrongness"; or nit-pick their being quoted; without regard for the time period and the mindset of people back then.  I truly believe that we all received information that was appropriate for the mindset of each decade or so.  The light kept getting brighter. It progressed and did not deteriorate.... but it was appropriate for the people living at that time.
Since 1914: The name Jehova (Yehovah) has been proven to be absolutely correct by new research by scholar Nehemia Gordon..... and we carry that name!
Since 1914: The 7th head of the beast (Anglo-American world power) appeared on the scene just as the heavenly Kingdom took office and Jehovah's nation was once again visible to other humans here on earth through zealous world-wide preaching work. 
I believe that Jehovah gives us time markers to know where we are in the stream of time as the 'sacred secret" of the kingdom has now been completely unveiled since 1914. For example, the new heavens and new earth and the people who would inhabit them.   
The endless challenging of the Perousia and the start of Jesus' rule by self-styled experts on this forum is not always pleasant to watch as people go on "from bad to worse" and condemn their self-styled faith with their own words. 
The method of answering only parts of the questions while leaving out more important parts of the questions reminds me very much of the scholars who do papers on evolution or the new gender ideologies. Truth does not matter but winning the argument does.
I noticed that many here are not prepared to reason on thoughts that they have pondered through - meditated upon - but will google other thoughts that have not been pondered upon.
This is a few criticisms of my companions here. While one must make allowances for people being different and those who think differently, I do think that there are those who think they are "entitled" to criticize the GB due to familiarity or long service. There are lines which should not be crossed. We do not want to stumble anyone. Anything which is not upbuilding is not worth considering. 
And while I may sound very condemning and super holy - that is not the intention. 

I read on another site that at least one Bethel insider is saying that the Governing Body is going to start allowing birthdays. They say the Watchtower hired a PR/rebranding firm and has a 10 year plan to roll back doctrine and policies to become more mainstream. They are supposedly 2 years into the 10 year plan. Birthdays next with blood to follow, becoming "conscious matters". 
Has anyone else heard this?

Some pix I snapped earlier today although most of the small babies are hiding until feeding time. There are none in the first picture, but if you look closely at the second picture, you might be able to pick out about six of them.

That is the controversy. Don't you see it? 

*** kc p. 187 Appendix to Chapter 14 ***
Evidently realizing such facts, Professor Edward F. Campbell, Jr., introduced a chart, which included Neo-Babylonian chronology, with the caution: “It goes without saying that these lists are provisional. The more one studies the intricacies of the chronological problems in the ancient Near East, the less he is inclined to think of any presentation as final. For this reason, the term circa [about] could be used even more liberally than it is.”—The Bible and the Ancient Near East (1965 ed.), p. 281.
That statement also got my attention back in 1981. My first thought to myself was, then we cannot depend on our own conclusions as "final" because they are equally based on secular chronology.

This subject is opened up just about every year...    over and over.  I think it is to sow doubt. I will just say this:  There is some "scholarly" deviancy going on here because JWs use 530 BCE to calculate 607 BCE not merely babylonian sources...... which is the impression given above. . 
The only date that is secularly "absolute" is 530 BCE ..... and this is the date JWs base calculations on.   Look in the Insight book.... I saw it there about a year ago. By irrefutable Greek sources, the death of Cyrus the Great was in 530 BCE.
Cyrus ruled for 9 years starting in 539 BCE  DARIUS the MEDE was appointed Satrap of Babylon following the victory.... . ...And the following year,   in the first year when Cyrus became the RULER OF THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH during the 14-day Festival of Akito.... the decree was given for them to return home.  This gave them a year to organize from all corners of the Persian empire - to pack up and trek for 3-4 months back to Jerusalem.  537 BCE.   I hope this bit of information sows  some doubt as to the  "reliability" of stating that the info JWs use for these calculations is babylonian. ...and leaving out the absolutely reliable and proven secular date, namely 530 BCE.  The babylonian source says that he ruled for 9 years. 
 

LOL

Nothing is perfect in this system, so one cannot assume that everything will be perfect in the congregation either.  This is why Jesus said we must forgive and be prepared to be hurt sometimes.... and still forgive.  To give for the sake of giving and expect nothing in return. To give cooperation as far as possible is important because anyone can (at times) abuse their power. 
A child who is difficult at home has power over the entire family and can make life hard.  Similar to a wife who does not cooperate with her husband is abusing the power she has over him. We can go beyond our power in the congregation too and overstep subtle lines we are not supposed to - especially if one  feels entitled for some reason or other.
In a group situation difficult behavior is a bit harder to maintain without censure all around because one will find that people will avoid you, especially if one is subtly critical or offensive. Even though we are supposed to forgive and forget one will find that in practice it is hard for people to deliberately walk into "trouble" if they know that they will not be able to respond to overbearing or critical remarks. Many people are not equipped for this dynamic. 
I can usually deal with this and I like to sound my new ideas off others but there are days when I will avoid someone who is always a sour ass.  There was one woman in my previous group whom had been a diabetic for many years and she was known to everyone to be rude.  We put up with her..... but it was by sheer kindness and a determination to be so.  My heart used to sink when she was assigned to work with me. Most of my encounters with her were not pleasant to say the least and I was so glad when it was over and I had left her presence on a pleasant footing.  Every encounter was a painful time to not say anything she could take up in the wrong way.  She was a kind of a tyrant. So, yea, these are the realities we deal with. I also knew that her disease together with a spoilt/privileged upbringing was the reason for this. She was an unhappy individual and this helped me to feel pity for her at times.
I have met some of the governing body and they are just people - very busy and not pandering to popular appeal - which I think is good!  However, I do not agree with you that they are lovers of power.  I agree with you that one may find an individual in a congregation who may love rules because one can enforce rules and get a sense of power from it. But this is a weakness - not a strength! This type of person will take a guideline and make a rule out of it...... to feel righteous by keeping the rule.  If you fall victim to this - bear with it until Jehovah sorts it out.   I have often seen this type of problem sorted out but it needs trust in Jehovah and not a personal rebellion or intervention.  This is a recipe for disaster to yourself if you do not have patience. 
So one can seal your own lot as a negative person if one does not work hard to put on the "new personality."   To put on the new personality does not mean that we may not think and have a sharp brain regarding philosophy, or other forms of knowledge. It means that we will have wisdom as to when we use this information and how we use it and when and how we express it.
I love to speak to atheists and use most of the knowledge I have accumulated to use in the field. Or I bounce it off those brothers/sisters who can deal with my type of information without a critical view.  Some kinds of people just cannot handle some kinds of information!  They will judge you - so learn to distinguish who to speak to about things.  I have also learnt the skill to present new information in a palatable way - which helps in my work in the field.
By the way - I am not saying here - be like me.  I am just saying we all learn all the time and some of us do not have the most conformist of personalities.  So we have to learn to be adaptable.  You have a critical personality.  I can see from your comments.  Although you like to present yourself as rational - there are times when I think you are out of whack! or downright  severed from reality.  
But if you want to come closer to Jehovah - you have to apply yourself to put on the new personality - as we learn over this weekend in the Watchtower study.  I know it is hard to navigate this world and some of us have non-conformist type of personalities....... but one has to pummel your body to do so.  Those who do not stumble by correction will receive the crown of life.  
By the way - I have a family member who is dis-fellowshipped and has made no effort to come back.   I send him money because he has run into problems.  But I restrict communication with him because it is requested by John (under direction of Holy Spirit) to do so. "Do not greet or eat with anyone who brings these false teachings. "   Hence - it is a matter of being obedient to God or to be your own God to decide what to do.   It is only rebellious people or unrepentant ones who are dis-fellowshipped.  The problem is not with Jehovah's instruction - the problem is with them!   If he shows humility and comes back and shows a spirit to try to improve  - then he will be a good association again. Most who do not come back have a problem with pride! or are self-willed. 

Of course the slave is the one who is providing the " pure language of truth" to the entire earth in 1078 languages. UN has only 6 languages. They teach all the core truths.... such as jehovahs name. 
Jehovah has always used willing imperfect people such as David and Moses. WERE they perfect - NO!  Are MODERNDAY servants imperfect while  doing the will of Jehovah by proclaiming worship of his Him only and his Son as the quarantee of His ultimate purpose of restoring the earth to original purpose? YES. 
That is why the bible (our authority) asks a question in Math 24: 45... and I paraphrase the question..... "Have you identified the slave who gives food at the proper time?"  Have you recognized  that its magazines in 1078 languages is a mouthpiece?... to give food at the proper time.   
A prophet is someone who preaches jehovahs word and brings unpopular messages of judgment.  Soon the modernday slave will act like a prophet and bring the final judgment message to give people the last opportunity to switch from false worship in various religions and worship of government institutions to the only side of protection. Worship of jehovah... the only true God. 
 

Jesus said you must do it in remembrance of him every year (when you are accepting your part of the contract and your life is reflecting a life of sacrifice like Jesus). If you are not in the contract you do not partake.  What is so simple to understand about that?

the first time you partake you are accepting the anointing....  as part of the body of christ.  One remembers this contract every time you partake.

Ah, I have never feel angered if others have something I do not have.  The GB and wives often give up their right to have children and grand children, they give up careers, they give up many things to serve.  They often serve for years in broken down third world countries under very difficult circumstances before being invited back to Bethel...... to serve there......when they are older or needed....  So I detect envy.
Romans: 2 "if you judge; for when you judge another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge practice the same things."  however, for those who are contentious and who disobey the truth but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and anger.j
You just look at the things you do not have.  The master is master over his workers. He is one who gives good things to his servants when they have proven faithful.
I am not saying that one of these cannot develop a bad heart.  Recently a GB member was removed.  He is still an elder - so we cannot speculate was is the reason.....it could even be ill health...   but we can be sure that Jehovah's spirit is everywhere and the cleaning of Jehovah's house is near!....... and this includes all of us! 

Well - we are taught not to but some still do..... which is a human fault for those who do not understand.  One person told me: we have an anointed in our congregation , would you like to know who it is?   I said no -because I like to treat all the same. 

Well - we are taught not to but some still do..... which is a human fault for those who do not understand.  One person told me: we have an anointed in our congregation , would you like to know who it is?   I said no -because I like to treat all the same.