Are JWs in America back on the 'door to door' work now ?

[Srecko Sostar]

2 hours ago, Dmitar said:

Unfortunately, that does not apply to God. 

NIV Luke 4:12

12 Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.
 

So, if a lightening bolt strikes you, you only have yourself to blame. 😉

I thought it (this verse) was about if you wanted to jump from 100 meters and tell God, now save me if you're powerful.

2 hours ago, Dmitar said:

Glad you can distinguish, between good and evil. However, at what point do you believe God applied his spirit to evil? 

It seems to me that this could be related to the idea that "God allows evil". If he allows it to happen everywhere and towards everyone and from everyone then it might be clear to you why caution is in place. 

 

 

[Srecko Sostar]

16 hours ago, Arauna said:

Why do you keep using the medieval English? Is it because it fulfills an alternate purpose?  The saints are today called the anointed. 

Although it was not my intention when using the word "saints" (holy ones), one of Dmitri's comments encouraged me (inspired :))) to comment further now.

“Saints” have come to this status in the past through anointing with/by the Spirit. Today’s “anointed” come to their status as they take symbols of bread and wine.

And some others sort of "anointed" people (elders) in WTJWorg are set/install by GB.

 

[Space Merchant]

9 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Please define what the phrase "reading the Bible" means to you in the context of the name Srećko? In what way do I claim, “I read the Bible”?

Reading is the action or skill of reading written or printed matter silently or aloud, moreover, an occasion at which poetry or other pieces of literature are read aloud to an audience. Something of which the Bible has.

The Bible is clear as seen in the verse below of which is in the Old and New Law

Joshua 1:8 - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

If one adheres to God's Word, we are not only to pray, to preach the gospel, but we must read the Word also. The same way you consume food and water daily, likewise we do the same when it comes to the Holy Book itself. Not only we read, but we meditate of it, observe it, so much so it can be equated to something like that of Shema Yisreal of which Jesus and the Jews adhered to in their youth into adulthood. Some can read one or a few verses, others, a few chapters, some several chapters in the day, etc. Be it a single verse to read, meditate and observe vs several chapters, you take in the daily bread of which the Lord provides. People also make time and or find time to do so, to others before bed and or as soon as they wake up, some even have the alternative of audio, but still, you have to pay attention to observe what you are hearing. Do follow God and apply his examples, likewise with the Christ and his followers, we must do this, and in doing so, we build faith, in doing so, we pave a path for salvation, as is on top of that it is understanding, comprehension, and context.

The Mainstream teaches simply to accept Christ and that is it, suddenly you are saved, but it is more than that.

As for the latter remark, the evidence can be seen in nearly all Biblical discussions, even the ones of which when it is Bible based only, you wanted to bring in the Watchtower constantly, which was the case in the linked debate of which you were involved - The very reason I cited Abraham and Chloe to begin with, even Prophetess Deborah.

You were told this several times actually, to read your Bible.

9 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

I don’t read the Bible every day, or occasionally. When I refer to a biblical passage or report I do so from memory or go to a book or google to see where it is and what it says

Well the Bible is clear on what you must do.

What is stopping you from reading simply one verse, or part of it?

That excuse can work with anyone here, but when you have to answer for that in front of the White Throne, before God himself, during a situation where time has ran out, you can't make excuses against one who is of high Sovereignty.

That being said, I do so from memory as well, but I still read, as is what is written for a follower of God, even Christians, are to do. 

Reading one verse, in the Bible, then mediating on it, even observe it, is not difficult. You can simply pick a verse or two and meditate it for a span of a day or a few days until you understand the context fully.

This is why concerning Abraham, Chloe and Deborah, if you actually read for context, your remarks in regard to them would be extremely different, even in this case, Apostle John.

10 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

So your claim, that I claim to be reading the Bible, is not provable, it is just your opinion.

Unfortunately, the claims are true, in the debates and in the cases made when I told you the following.

 

On 11/3/2018 at 4:46 PM, Space Merchant said:

Read your Bible Srecko because this shows you do not know what that passage entails.

  

On 7/4/2019 at 3:42 PM, Space Merchant said:

That being said, do yourself a favor - Go read your Bible and understand what the term Christian is. Willful ignorance and stupidity will reap you no fruit, despite the fact you have been burned and rinsed on this notion before.

Granted there was a reason as to why this was said, hence claim.

I do not use opinions, so the fact you keep saying that is getting rather old. An opinion can't be verified, but what you said about the mentioned figures in the Bible, can be shown with absolute fact, I already mentioned your remarks of Chloe and Deborah, I can do the same with Abraham.

I leave the below to remind you the difference.

  

On 2/14/2022 at 10:39 AM, Space Merchant said:

There is a difference between The Facts and An Opinion. Some people may think, you included, they are quite similar, but actually, a fact and an opinion are very different ideas, for facts can be verified whereas opinions cannot.

• Facts  - are a statement(s) that can be proven true or false.

 

• Opinions  - are expressions of a person's feelings that cannot be proven. Opinions can attempt to rely on some information deem factual, with inclusion of emotion, however it can be used in a basis based on this notation, which can sometimes be a means to deliberately mislead others. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the whatever it is someone or something is professing, even when it comes to the choice of language and conveyance of said proclamation.

 

If I had to make an opinion, I would simply say, I do not believe you read the Bible, and in that case, I would not really have any evidence against you, but that is simply fiction, granted, you provided ample evidence on why such is said about you, and now, your excuse of not reading God's Word.

[Space Merchant]

10 hours ago, Thinking said:

Off course…but I have a feeling you may be taking this scripture out of context…correct me if I’m wrong ..

He most likely is, granted this verse was used several times in regards to him. This verse is also why it is focused on when it comes to debating misinformation and falsehoods even against paradigms.

The verse that was used against @Srecko Sostar previously as of recent, even now concerning Mainstream ideas, as is his remark of Chloe whereas there was no evidence of Chloe somehow being the head or held leadership of the Church of Corinth. Such things of which can be seen deemed as errors or misinformed ideas, an Exegesis that is not Scripturally sound.

1 John 4:1 is a strong verse, even when use to test and challenge someone, namely who has a false and or lost spirit, as is in regards to those who claim to be of inspiration where the accusation of False Prophet can be cited if such a person is exposed. Apostle John conveyed here that one must test what is taught in Scripture, a ruling of which is good for Christians to adhere to if they understood what the verse means. To an extent, Bible alludes to this as well by means of references, hence 2 Cor. 13:10, 11, as is any verse pertaining to what it means to be Berean like, hence the reflecting words of Acts 17.

If someone's statement and or remarks comes into the realm of what is true and what is false, it is critical to discern what is being conveyed, so one does not accidentally accept something that isn't of core teachings or of God's Laws. Especially if what is being conveyed is not in harmony with God's Word, as is anything pertaining to it, historically even, when it comes to people, places and things, etc.

Therefore, when it comes to things said, be it claims, narratives and or allegations, it is to be called out, if there is something in regard to the Church and of God that is in err of which is not core, it will be called out, more so, it will also reveal the spirit of the very person who conveys such messages. Often times, such with a tainted spirit will commit to slander, insults and accusations upon those who revealed their taint.

[Space Merchant]

13 hours ago, Dmitar said:

When  it comes to the legal system, governments don't recognize scripture. Therefore, it's more complex for the Watchtower, that has to deal with man's law and God's law, together.

That is true, as well as the fact even the government cannot govern themselves. If they had to use God's Word, at times, they'll do so incorrectly. But granted of how man's law is, as is the recent situations mentioned, it is a double-edged sword which can prove to cause more problems for anyone, even concerning CSA. In some instances, a modern influence also plays into this factor too whereas those of some form of status are usually let go Scott-free and or receive a light punishment.

A broken system. This is why the people who are aware must teach and give warning because the dangers are real and serious.

13 hours ago, Dmitar said:

Before, the victim was advised they had every right to call the police themselves, or by any family member. That can be easily proven by the letters to the Elders. When governments started cracking down on those issues in 2013, it was a slow rollout. It wasn't until the U.N. made recommendations because of child trafficking in 2016, it took off. What people here don't seem to understand, back then, some wives or a child didn't pursue secular justice out of FEAR! The Watchtower could not force someone, but at times, they did intervene for the safety of the victims.

However, there are still nations that afford the Clergy Privilege. Therefore, those institutions need to adhere to those privileges since, certain things would not be admissible in a court of law.

The Watchtower, still recommends any victim to pursue legal enforcement.

Exactly, a level of bystander syndrome. This also goes for those of domestic abuse.

Moreover, the culture concerning Police has changed in which people deem them the enemy because of a few bad Individuals, for instance, the case of Daniel Holtzclaw, and his actions in the black community and how it concluded. Then you have groups of the political paradigm that makes the situation with police even worse whereas things like CHAZ was created whereas crime, rape, violence and a list of other things took place, so much so EMTs were afraid to even help a teen who is bleeding out due to those in CHAZ who view the police. Hence a creation of Fear for Law Enforcement whereas it creates problems, even good cops forced to resign and or end up getting killed in action.

14 hours ago, Dmitar said:

Explain that, not just to ExJWs but also, those that claim to be JWs.

I have many times and those who speak of CSA don't take action, but I guess the next time CSA is brought up, I might just update my thread concerning CSA and teaching children. Granted it benefited the visitors before, it is would be a good thing to bring it up again. But as of recent, I am looking for the video and information of what I told @Equivocation, even @Patiently waiting for Truth. If I can find it, or whatever is left of it, I can add that to my update.

[Space Merchant]

10 hours ago, Arauna said:

Very true, unfortunately child services have also become predatory.... because the privatized institutions get funded by the government and are profit driven. (This is another very dark scenario). Calling Police (to the average person) is a frightning prospect because a bad policeman can be the beginning of a frightening nightmare. The FBI is tenfold worse.  Citizens do not know how to hold them legally to order if they break the law themselves. Race may also be an issue. A lot of what goes on is just raw display and use if power. 

We have human laws but they are not enforced in a loving way..... and are not fair to all.  Most JWs also do not know how to act when an elder has overstepped the mark. Bottom line: injustice can happen anywhere and all humans are vulnerable to mild or hardened predators and all degrees of injustice.  One is just fortunate if something really bad has not happened to you. 

Agreed, and concerning child services, they are not too kind to orphaned children also. the culture of police fear results in the good cop being obscure to people, for, if a police shows up, the idea of such culture will get the best of people, and they focus primarily on the bad and never the good. But this is true, race plays a role also, granted in the Black and Latino community, the influence of police fear is massive, and concerning this, the MSM isn't too far behind to manipulate the situation, example, the shooting of Ma'Khia Bryant.

Moreover, other that anything of Mainstream, I deal with Pro-Black groups with their hypocrisy, who ultimately make matters worse by taking things out of context, fueling more hate not only towards police, but towards people who are not black, primarily Asian and White Individuals. A primary example is dealing with followers of a man named Phillip Scott, in which he tried to aid the community, but at the same time, use remarks to cause hate against others - twisting information. Hence the added disdain I have for the Leftist paradigm.

Likewise with the FBI whereas they may be good at statistics, but they are not immune themselves, concerning CSA, they have an issue, which also proves to the case that no one is immune to CSA and things pertaining to it, as is US military and their allies.

This is why it is vital for the household to protect their children by means of teaching them, as is a community of the same mindset because as you said, there are vile people out there. Not only we need to apply these solutions, but even JWs themselves, for bystander syndrome is so great among the general public.

[Pudgy]

 

Of course, that beggars the classic question: 

Can God make a rock so big that even he could not lift it?

[Witness]

11 hours ago, Arauna said:

ok - please tell me in which congregation of Jehovah's witnesses you will find 2 - 3 anointed people today. 

If you believe this organization is "spirit-directed", then the Spirit of God would gather the anointed together under Jesus Christ.  

Since the anointed know "truth", it seems that every effort would be made to look to them as a collective body for spiritual understanding of scriptures, instead of to those who "represent the royal priesthood".   

"But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."  1 John 2:27

 

 

[Witness]

14 hours ago, Dmitar said:

Which bible are you relying on? Why do you find it a need to go against Christ as a widow? You do realize Christ instructed the apostles, don't you.

NIV 1 Peter 3:1-3

3 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

Allen sir,  I cannot be submissive to an earthly husband I no longer have.   Christ only, is my spiritual head, even when my husband was alive.  He never was my spiritual head, only my fleshly head.  But we worked together equally, with equal respect for one another.  "Headship" should be based on love, just as the scriptures in Ephesians 5:22-29 indicate.    

[Dmitar]

8 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

I thought it (this verse) was about if you wanted to jump from 100 meters and tell God, now save me if you're powerful.

You have just said, what Satan told Jesus.

NIV Matt 4:5-7

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:

"'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'

How, can testing God which is what you are doing, testing the spirit of those calling themselves Christians? Those pretending to be Christians are also testing God by interpreting scripture their way.

8 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

“Saints” have come to this status in the past through anointing with/by the Spirit. Today’s “anointed” come to their status as they take symbols of bread and wine.

And by extension the Elders are given that responsibility while the saints concentrate on the matters of that spirit. Therefore, Elders are led by the Holy Spirit. 

Something everyone here confuses.

9 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

It seems to me that this could be related to the idea that "God allows evil". If he allows it to happen everywhere and towards everyone and from everyone then it might be clear to you why caution is in place. 

This can only come from a blind person. How does allowing evil the same as dispensing evil? Are you suggesting, God compelled @Pudgy to do evil?

 

 

[Dmitar]

2 hours ago, Witness said:

Allen sir,  I cannot be submissive to an earthly husband I no longer have.   Christ only, is my spiritual head, even when my husband was alive.

Then you followed scripture to a certain point. You say, you have Christ as your spiritual head, even though he is the Son of Man.  Can you explain this conflict?

2 hours ago, Witness said:

He never was my spiritual head, only my fleshly head.  But we worked together equally, with equal respect for one another.  "Headship" should be based on love, just as the scriptures in

He might not have been a JW, but you acted upon scripture, that's good. It's established in scripture that a husband should honor his wife as an equal, since she is weaker than the husband. 1 Peter 3:7

Therefore, your husband did not have to be your spirit head in order to follow God's commands. Therefore, your refusal to respect those men that are in a responsible position that are led by God's Holy Spirit is contrary to what is written by God's inspired words. Thus making your stance wrong as a Christian.

By the way, my belated condolences on your lose.

[Dmitar]

2 hours ago, Witness said:

If you believe this organization is "spirit-directed", then the Spirit of God would gather the anointed together under Jesus Christ.  

Since the anointed know "truth", it seems that every effort would be made to look to them as a collective body for spiritual understanding of scriptures, instead of to those who "represent the royal priesthood".   

Does this mean Pearl Doxsey has direct conversations with Christ, just like the Pope thinks he does with God in that little darkroom above the Vatican? Can you post proof of this? I thought ExJWs don't believe the anointed have a direct channel to heaven by inspiration. So, what you are saying, Your anointed sees Christ materialize to Pearl like he did with the apostles and Paul. Are you now saying Pearl Doxey is the 14th Apostle, like the Mormons believe Joseph Smith was?