REGIONAL/DISTRICT CONVENTION – “IMITATE JESUSâ€
​

FRIDAY



"CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS: IMITATE JESUS - WHY AND HOW?"


Luke 6:40. Why should we imitate Jesus?

- By imitating Jesus, we are imitating Jehovah’s qualities. John 14:7-10. John 6:46. Jesus reflected Jehovah’s qualities.

- We are safeguarded spiritually in Satan’s system. John 16:33. Hebrews 5:7, 8.

- This results in more joy and happiness in life. John 15:11. Focus on positive aspects. Luke 6:23. Develop a close relationship with Jehovah. Jehovah and Jesus see our circumstances and can see the situations that we have to deal with in life. Don’t let bitterness consume us.

- Attracts people to the Bible message. Matthew 5:16. Our conduct also reflects on Jehovah’s name. Malachi 3:18.

- Means of gaining everlasting life. Matthew 19:16-21. We shouldn’t allow anyone or anything to come between us and Jesus. Hebrews 12:2. “To look intently†means to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus. John 1:46. John 7:41, 42.

 

“SYMPOSIUM: LESSONS FROM JESUS’ WORD PICTURESâ€


- Observe The Birds And The Lilies – Matthew 6:25-30. Luke 12:24. “To take a lesson†means to observe. Dealing with financial challenges in life. The speaker made a point of saying that the talk outline specified that a brother/sister should be interviewed, who had been in the situation where they worked through their financial problems without the assistance of a miracle.


- Have Salt In Yourselves – Mark 9:50. Literal salt was used as a taste enhancer and also for medicinal purposes. James 2:3. Mark 9:33-42. Humility is a necessary quality. Colossians 4:6. Proverbs 11:12. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. We need to be peaceable towards those we meet in the ministry and to those in the congregation – need to be considerate and tactful in our dealings with others.


- Build Your House On The Rock – Matthew 7:24-27. What is the foundation of our faith? We need to apply what we learn from God’s Word. Parents can build their children’s faith by setting the right example themselves. Luke 6:46-49. Importance of studying the Bible, meditate on Bible principles and apply Bible principles in our lives.

 

“FOLLOW JESUS’ PATTERN – KEEP ON ASKING, SEEKING AND KNOCKINGâ€

Luke 11:9-13. Continuous action. Matthew 26:39-44. We need to be persistent in prayer.

Types of prayers:

Petitions - requests. We can pray for wisdom and thinking ability.
Supplication – intense prayer. Luke 22:41-44. Hebrews 5:7
Prayers of thanks and appreciation.
Praise – Revelation 4:11

Jesus spent an entire night in prayer, choosing the apostles.
Brothers giving a public prayer should keep it brief and to the point.




“KEYNOTE ADDRESS: CONCEALED IN HIM ARE ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOMâ€

Colossians 2:2,3 – wisdom and knowledge. Matthew 5:3, 17-20. Jesus kept the terms of the Law and he fulfilled all of its aspects. He taught people principles rather than “smother†or burden them with the Law. Matthew 5:21, 22 – hatred and murder. Matthew 5:27, 28 – adultery and having a “wandering eye.â€

Pharisees treated people as if they were children. The Law made them that way – they were taught not to think, but to follow rules.

Following Bible principles helps us to resist temptation. John 13:17. Matthew 5:43-48.

 

“SING PRAISES IN IMITATION OF JESUSâ€

Exodus 15:1,2. Matthew 26:30. Acts 16:25. Exodus 15:21. James 3:2. 2 Corinthians 8:12. Psalms 28:7.




“SYMPOSIUM: IMITATE JEHOVAH BY IMITATING JESUSâ€


- “Take These Things Away From Here!" – John 14:9. Zechariah 8:1-3. John 2:13-17. Money changers at the temple. We should not use the Hall for commercial activities. The speaker also made this statement: “We won’t tolerate anything that brings reproach on Jehovah’s name.â€

- “He “Started To Wash The Feet Of The Disciples†– Jehovah stoops, or lowers Himself, to help us. Jesus was lowly in heart, free of arrogance and pride. John 13:3-5. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Am I willing to work at menial tasks? Do I “look down†on these tasks? Philippians 2:3. Do we feel that we are entitled to things? Romans 6:23. The brother asked this question: “Might we feel that we are entitled to something because we have suffered?†(That sounded like “guilting†language to me.) James 4:6.

- “Go Away, Satan!†– The speaker said that “Satan†is a label only. Other names are the “Devil†and “Belial.†But “Satan†is not the Devil’s real name. (I know that the name “Devil†means “resister and slanderer.†Correct me if I am wrong on any of this. Is this information right and where is the WT drawing this from?) Matthew 4:8-11. Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations. We have to resist temptations, also.

- “It Has Been Accomplished!†– Isaiah 55:10,11. Jehovah accomplishes what He sets out to do. Romans 5:5. Jesus was aware of what his baptism and his ministry would lead to. John 19:30. Job 2:4. Fulfilling our baptism vows – Mark 8:34. 1 Peter 5:10.

- “Happy Are The Peacemakers†– Disputes between brothers/sisters. Colossians 1:19,20. Jehovah created the opportunity for restoration by providing the ransom. Luke 24:34. Jesus forgave Peter, after Peter denied knowing him. Jesus gave the assignment of “feeding the sheep†to Peter. Matthew 5:9. The importance of resolving differences with our brothers/sisters. Matthew 5:23,24. The brother made a statement that the “Native Americans indicated that they had resolved a difference by literally burying a hatchet in the ground.†(Is that information correct?) Are we willing to take the first step in making peace with others?

- Pay Back “God’s Things To God†– Exodus 34:12-14. Jehovah does not tolerate any rivalry. Philippians 2:5-9. Jesus willingly gave up his position in heaven so as to be born on earth as a human. He never considered himself to be equal to Jehovah. Matthew 22:15-22. We should be obedient to laws regarding paying taxes, road rules and other laws of the government, provided they don’t conflict with God’s laws.




DRAMA: “FOR A CERTAINTY GOD MADE HIM LORD AND CHRIST†– PART I

The video traces the events of Jesus’ life and ministry. Overall, I enjoyed the video and thought that it was done well.

The narrator of the story is a character named “Mesipah†(or “Mesapahâ€) or something along those lines. I am probably not spelling the name correctly and am spelling it as it sounds phonetically. According to the setting of the story, he plays the part of one of the shepherds who heard the angels announce the birth of Jesus. He also says that he later becomes one of the overseers of the congregation but then starts having doubts.

Some questions come to mind:

Where is the scriptural support for this?

How do we know that he became an overseer in the congregation, later in life?

Why is the narrator played by one of the shepherds who heard the angels announce Jesus’ birth?

Why isn’t the narrator played by a “John Doe†brother who attends the local Jewish synagogue and happens to be present at the time that Simon or Anna recognize the infant Jesus? (when Joseph and Mary come to the temple to offer the purification sacrifice.)

 

Yeah I researched that wallflower...and there isn't any scriptural support for it....it's called 'padding '.......we all wondered the same things you did....it was the topic of conversation in the car after the day travelling home.....

 

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bury-the-hatchet.html

I had forgotten the names Lucifer and Abbaddon. To me, the name "Satan" is just as valid as any of the other names. I think that phrases like "ruler of the word" or "father of the life" are titles.

The brother made a big deal over this point. He said that "Satan" is a label only and that it wasn't the Devil's real name - but then didn't give any reasons as to why that was so.

http://www.markbeast.com/satan/names-of-satan.htm

 

“HE WAS FAVOURABLY HEARD FOR HIS GODLY FEARâ€

Jesus had a healthy fear of displeasing his Father. He was willing to ask Jehovah for assistance and he was strengthened by the angels. Hebrews 5:7. Fear of opposers might cause us to stop going in the ministry. Matthew 10:27-31. 1 Peter 3:14. Satan will exploit fear and use this as a tactic to intimidate people.

Fear of death.

Fear of ridicule – Don’t be afraid of what opposers say.

Fear of failure – Some may be afraid to get baptized because they fear that they won’t be able to measure up to the expectations. Isaiah 41:10.

The speaker said that “young people should not be afraid to get baptized. They should not be afraid to get baptized because they worry that they may make a mistake in the future. Do young people hesitate to have driving lessons and apply for their driving licence because they are afraid that they will have an accident in the future?â€

In my opinion, the difference between these 2 scenarios, is that if I have an accident on the road, I will not be shunned by everyone else because of that incident.

If I commit a sin, I can be disfellowshipped for that.

Jesus was baptized at the age of 30.



“JESUS CAME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE WHAT IS LOSTâ€

This is the talk where the new publication about Jesus was released.

Ezekiel 34:16. Matthew 11:29. Luke 15:4-10. Psalms 51:17. Malachi 3:7. Deuteronomy 33:27. Psalms 119:176. Isaiah 35:3,4. Galatians 6:1. Ezekiel 34:11.

 

SATURDAY



“SYMPOSIUM: IMITATE JESUS, NOT SATANâ€

- Be Generous – John 2:1-8. Miracle of turning water to wine. Satan wanted what he could not have. Luke 14:13,14. What are the needs of those in the congregation? How can we help the brothers and sisters?

Next there was a video featuring the character Sofia. Sofia has some pocket money and she is thinking about buying an ice-cream, as it is a hot day. Then she decides that she will put her pocket money into the contribution box at the Hall. I had to ask myself: “Why does the GB need a child’s ice-cream money?â€

I believe that generosity needs to be taught and also the importance of being mindful of the needs of others. The GB have a retirement retreat being built at Warwick, so they don’t appear to be wanting for anything.

For example, why isn’t Sofia portrayed as buying an ice cream and giving it to her brother Caleb? Or giving it to one of her friends? Sofia could also have been portrayed as visiting a sick friend or helping make a meal to take to the sick friend. Another scenario is that Sofia could have contributed her pocket money towards her family buying groceries for a single parent family or a family where the breadwinner had lost their job. There are other ways to have conveyed the lesson about being generous to others.



- Being Appreciative – Malachi 3:16. Luke 21:1-4. The widow’s mite. Luke 7:36-50. Woman who poured oil on Jesus’ feet. What are our prayers like? Philippians 4:6,7. John 11:41. Jesus gave thanks publicly to Jehovah for the fact that He supplied holy spirit to perform miracles. Jesus gave credit to Jehovah for this power.



- Being Truthful - Jesus came to the earth to bear witness to the truth. Satan is “the father of the lie.†Matthew 5:37. The need to be honest with ourselves, with Jehovah, with Jesus and with others. There is no room for blunt speech.

The speaker made the following statements: “Jesus didn’t give information to others who were not entitled to it. Information should not be given to authorities who can use this information to hurt others.†(I can see how this would apply in times of persecution -where brothers and sisters are persecuted for preaching the message. But how would it apply when speaking before the Australian Royal Commission into Child Abuse?)

“We should tell the elders the truth about situations in the congregation.â€



- “BEING LOYAL†– Exodus 34:6,7. Jehovah’s quality of loyalty. John 13:1. Jesus’ quality of loyalty. Ephesians 4:24. Micah 6:8. Proverbs 4:23. Fidelity within the marriage arrangement.

 

“SYMPOSIUM: IMITATE JESUS, NOT THE PHARISEESâ€


- Be Reasonable – Matthew 6:2. Luke 12:1. John 8:44. Jehovah did not insist on the letter of the law. Psalms 103:14. Compassion is born of reasonableness. The account about the woman who had the flow of blood – she was healed when she touched the fringe of Jesus’ garment. According to the Mosaic Law, she was unclean, as she had a discharge and wasn’t supposed to be among the crowd. Matthew 23:23,24. The Pharisees followed the technical aspects of the Law but missed the principles of the Law. Philippians 4:5. Elders should be reasonable. They should not impose arbitrary rules on others. We should not be judgmental of others and should not impose our expectations on to others.

- Be Forgiving – Peter denied knowing Jesus 3 times. After his resurrection, Jesus approached Peter and gave him the assignment to “feed the sheep.†John 21:15-17. Matthew 18:22. 1 Corinthians 13:5. Colossians 3:13. We should not use shame to motivate others. Instead, we should motivate others in the spirit of love.

- Be Impartial – Acts 10:34,35. Jesus dealt with people in an impartial manner. The Pharisees looked down on the common people and acted in a condescending manner towards them. Mark 10:13-16. There is no room for racial prejudice within the congregation. Unity is not uniformity.

- Be Refreshing - Luke 7:36-50. Jesus attended lunch at Simon’s house. (It was a custom that poor people could also attend these lunches and glean food.) Matthew 11:28-30. The Pharisees were haughty, arrogant and self-righteous. They imposed many traditions upon the common people and looked for flaws in others. Do we give encouragement and commendation to brothers/sisters? What sort of reception do we give to inactive ones who return back to the congregation?

 

boiling it down to....

Thanks, Wallflower for the synapsis of the book, no doubt about Christ via the Assembly part.
I think there is more than enough info here to show that, yet again, and always will be, a curve-ball has been thrown about what Jesus really emphasized as the gospel. It is as you say in your theme statement

"Don't worry about it darlin' we're not going to break the rules, we're just going to bend them a little bit." - Don Ready
Fair dinkum, mate



​

There is a whole 'bending of the rules' going on in my (and most all my family's) former religion. But unlike the quote here, 'bending' is not fair to say.

Murder

better describes what is going on in the religion. For it is one thing to talk about a man's character, qualities, and experiences,...and quite another to tell what was his life-long passion as a teacher, as far as what he wished his students to know after he was dead and gone.

The sleight-of-hand being played out upon ignorant persons in the world who know next to nothing about the Bible, as third-world converts and children goes, mostly, has been successful; but not universally acknowledged as true, just, and/or accurate reporting. Actually, to those in Christian religions worldwide who are very familiar with their Bibles, and especially what Jesus taught about the gospel of the spirit and truth, the things JW's teach couldn't be said to be anything but a horrible, death-dealing lie.

 

The Gospel of Christ

This is the real issue I discovered as a JW for 45 years. The lie I will explain in another post.

 

Hi John S

I wish that the GB would make more programs like the "Imitate Jesus" program. If they would just keep to the scriptures and follow the example of Jesus. It is difficult to go wrong, using an approach like that.

I liked it when they analysed Jesus' qualities and explained how we could imitate that quality in our own lives.

There used to be a sister who lived in my area. For some reason she had been disfellowshipped. I don't know why but I do remember that she was struggling. Brothers/sisters had shown her a lot of attention while she was studying. That all stopped when she got baptized.

I used to bump into her while I was at the shops. On one occasion, she had stopped to buy a coffee. I had been shopping and stopped to do the same. I spotted her and asked if I could sit at her table. She looked shocked that I would even suggest that.

"WF, do you know that I'm disfellowshipped?"

With a dismissive wave of the hand, I said: "Yeah.......I know.......I don't worry about that sorta stuff." I pulled up a chair.

I could see by the look on her face that she was still trying to process what was happening and blinked a few times.

Then I asked her: "How ya been goin'?"

The conversation went from there - I won't disclose the details. I saw her on a few more occasions after that but haven't seen her in some years so I am not sure where she is now.

When people are feeling "down and out," then that is the time that they need support and encouragement. Treating them as if they are an "outcast" is not going to accomplish that.

Please forgive me if I sound as if I'm bragging here.

 

The Spirit, and Jesus way of teaching us

I say "Amen!", to that.

The "bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying"....the Bible says.

You are right on the mark , here. No brag, just the facts....don't ever condemn yourself for pointing out God's truth. The very personification of God himself Jesus is, and he pointed this out repeatedly during his ministry.

"He who has seen me has seen the Father."


Our mates in the JW religion are constantly being shortchanged, as the WT 'shepherd' is not motivated to encourage others to reach out with faithful hearts to receive holy spirit. Actually, quite to the contrary, for some years they have body-slammed newly anointed (younger especially) with assailing doubts and innuendo toward insanity, demons, and 'lack of respect for authority'...particularly theirs...as the only source of truth, not the holy spirit, or the scriptures, even.

As I said before, once I started re-reading the scriptures, praying and meditating on the whole theme-text of the Gospel of Christ, the Apostles, and the Revelation, I began to see so clearly the subterfuge. My religion was playing false to Jesus' instructions, and steering the sheep away from receiving the spirit adoption.

I had a copy of the original Greek text by Wescott and Hort that the Society published for some years. There I saw with my own eyes that Franz, the only 'translator', (if you really call it that), of the NWT committee that knew ANY Greek, had altered the rendering W & H gave for the intimacy described by Jesus between those born of the holy spirit, and God and his Son. Other men , too, have taken issue with this, and you can look up NWT, on the web, and see what they say, too. I found out first hand.

The scriptures, like John 17:1-5, and John 15, in virtually every other translation I read, say God, and Christ dwell inside those who are anointed. This is so easy to see, because if you have God's spirit in you, then God IS in you, wouldn't you agree?

Now if God is in you....then you also are in God at that time, by association. That is the message repeatedly put forth by Christ, the apostles, and Paul...repeatedly. Once we walk with the spirit inside us, miraculous changes, knowledge, and emotional feelings will flow, as you surely know, from being Jah's worshiper for years....only now it is greatly accelerated, because the spirit opens up the scriptures to you. Not all, of course, but gradually, and sips at a time.

But, as you keep up the daily walk with God, and Christ, and beg for the spirit each day, you will see a wonderful change in who and what you are. The intimacy with God becomes, Fatherly...not on a name-basis ever again.

I rarely say 'Jehovah' in my prayers, as it seems distant, now. That is the first thing I noticed years ago. Like Paul says in Romans...it becomes a real son/daughter relationship..."Abba"...which means, 'Papa', actually...not just 'Father'. Intimate,close,...family.

Jesus , also, becomes , 'Lord' in a more real way, than when we were merely 'Great Crowd' (ers)....because you now know him intimately...fully hanging on his every word of instruction. And you see that the scriptures focus all attention on this one thought;

" ...Furthermore this sharing of ours is with the Father and with his Sn Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:3

Shamefully, WT has pulled a criminal switcheroo in our trip through life, stealing the understanding of the real position the holy spirit plays in our guidance, education, and encouragement.

They NEVER quote this scripture (that I ever knew, anyway)

"These things I write you about those who are trying to mislead you. And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you (not 'in union with you'...but in you) , and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but as the anointing from him is teaching you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in union (here, again, a switch from original flavor of the text, which more correctly says, 'in') with him. 1 John 2:26,27

Allow me one more scripture on this point; that we are to be taught by the word of God, and the holy spirit, not men only,...a FDS 'class'...

Here your Lord's instructions for learning; at John 16:12-15.

"I have much more to tell you, but now it would be too much for you to bear. When, however, the Spirit comes, who reveals the truth about God, he will lead you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own authority, but he will speak of what he hears and will tell you of things to come. He will give me glory, because he will take what I say and tell it to you. All that my Father has is mine; that is why I said that the Spirit will take what I give him and tell it to you."

When I was reading on my own, with a totally blank mental page, starting all over...even with the NWT...no other Bible, I saw a huge difference between what WT was saying and doing, and what Jesus said to do, and become. Two years I studied the word over and again, thinking seriously about the writings of the NT, and saw clearly why the organization was having such problems. It was clear as a bell to me, we were not receiving Jesus' 'water of life'...but a doctored, diluted, and actually poisoned version of Jesus' and the apostles' teaching.

Then two years into my private and personal, and prayerful honest study, I had a message from Christ and the Spirit, and I was anointed with the spirit out behind my house as I walked the dogs. I have stated this on this site and others, too. I am not ashamed of it. If I had not had a personal visit from Them, I would have never believed I was anointed, chosen, and so very forgiven.

It was after this, I started witnessing to my brother and sister Witnesses. That was when the alienation began, disbelief, antagonism, and even vilification began. But I have never been intimidated after the spirit came to me...never. It is inside me (most the time, I hope), and no man, or woman can tell me yeah, or nay.

Anyway, this is my favorite subject, and I hope all here can begin to search as I did the basic beliefs I have cited, which all here know, anyway, but maybe some have never felt, 'worthy' , so never aspired to the anointing. But as Christ told me when I objected to his invitation,..."we want you to come up here.."saying "not me ,Lord, I am so sinful"....

"It's not about that!", he said immediately. In other words, no one merits, or earns the upward call. It has been paid for by his precious loving gift, his blood, and flesh, in sacrifice.

Then, the spirit came toward, and through me, there, on the road...and I felt their feelings of love, and forgiveness, no....more than that...an appreciation and knowledgeable love for me, personally, and the feeling they really loved ME and knew Me, deep inside, and what I was trying to be.

Then....after being changed, in tears, I replied, " Yes!...I'll come...let's do this thing!"

I wanted to join in the kingdom promises to restore, and resurrect, and help mankind back to world-perfection, Paradise, and everlasting life. What a hope! And if they felt that way about me...then I felt altogether ready to start all over again, but with a new attitude.

We don't earn our way into the kingdom, by many hours of recorded preaching, and hanging on every word WY says. I was freed to start learning from the Spirit, and believing a new hope. I fully knew from God, Christ, and the Spirit where I was going, and what to believe and teach.

"If, now, the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his spirit that resides in you." Romans 8:11

So, since my anointing, I feel really alive, positive, forgiven, at peace, and ever since on fire to preach the truth that was hidden from us by our former 'shepherds'. (John 10:1-10)

 

You Have decided to leave the org for many reasons...I respect your decision to do that..and I have no intentions to try to persuade you to return or rethink your stance. I also acknowledge some or even many on this forum may not like what I have to say here or even agree with it.
I will not quote scripture as we both know it will be a waste of time.
I now have little tolerance for ones like you that Try to drag of Jehovah's loyal hurting sheep.

Are you blind?..have you lost your sense of reasoning powers....why do you not listen to the warnings your father has written down so many times in his book.....
The prophets of old warned us what it would be like in the last days.
that the shepards would be blind ..and rule us with an iron fist..lord it over us..crush the lowly one...that his sheep would hurt badly under their rule.
Do you expect such ones to teach us correctly on everything..when we are warned so clearly that they simply won't be able to.....are there not still wheat in there amongst the weeds....do you dare to remove yourself from such approved ones ..just because of the weeds.
Do you dare to try to persuade others to follow you!

Paul warned us there would be super fine apostles amongst us...wolves in sheeps clothing Wanting to devour us...the man of lawlessness was already at it in his day.
did you think it would be a walk in the park?

Revelation clearly shows out of 7 congs only two would remain loyal and a few in Sardis.
why are you stepping ahead of IPETER 4
he clearly says the judgment will start with his house.
you are showing great disrespect to your God Jehovah in running ahead of his plans.....he has an appointed time for these things.

I have been called wishy washy and a robot for staying with in Gods House....yet we prove time and time again that we have the guts and backbone to endure these times foretold by the prophets and apostles.

you say you have had an experience with the Holy Spirit ...( as if to confirm your actions) ...so what!.....so have I....and probably many others here.....you do not have to be of the annoited to feel the aid and wonder of the helper....I know I certainly am not.
those that stay within the Org...still see it as Gods house awaiting discipline ...we are like that little band of Christians that Jesus left behind...surviving amongst the Sanhedrin and with in the temple..they did that until Jesus and Jehovah removed it.
Thus we remain loyal to his plans...to his appointed time..under incredibly harsh conditions ......we are soldiers of Christ ....we abide by his timeline .
.
personally and I speak for myself here..I wish ones like you stayed away from this forum.....you are dangerous to the hurting sheep....

MALACHI 3:15,16
Also those that practice wickedness are successful.They dare to put God to the test and get away with it.
At that time those who fear Jehovah spoke with one another, each one to his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening . And a book of remember ance was written before him for those fearing Jehovah and those remembering him.

thinking

 

QUOTE=Thinking;15801]You Have decided to leave the org for many reasons...I respect your decision to do that..and I have no intentions to try to persuade you to return or rethink your stance. I also acknowledge some or even many on this forum may not like what I have to say here or even agree with it.
I will not quote scripture as we both know it will be a waste of time.
I now have little tolerance for ones like you that Try to drag of Jehovah's loyal hurting sheep.

Are you blind?..have you lost your sense of reasoning powers....why do you not listen to the warnings your father has written down so many times in his book.....
The prophets of old warned us what it would be like in the last days.
that the shepards would be blind ..and rule us with an iron fist..lord it over us..crush the lowly one...that his sheep would hurt badly under their rule.
Do you expect such ones to teach us correctly on everything..when we are warned so clearly that they simply won't be able to.....are there not still wheat in there amongst the weeds....do you dare to remove yourself from such approved ones ..just because of the weeds.
Do you dare to try to persuade others to follow you!

Paul warned us there would be super fine apostles amongst us...wolves in sheeps clothing Wanting to devour us...the man of lawlessness was already at it in his day.
did you think it would be a walk in the park?

Revelation clearly shows out of 7 congs only two would remain loyal and a few in Sardis.
why are you stepping ahead of IPETER 4
he clearly says the judgment will start with his house.
you are showing great disrespect to your God Jehovah in running ahead of his plans.....he has an appointed time for these things.

I have been called wishy washy and a robot for staying with in Gods House....yet we prove time and time again that we have the guts and backbone to endure these times foretold by the prophets and apostles.

you say you have had an experience with the Holy Spirit ...( as if to confirm your actions) ...so what!.....so have I....and probably many others here.....you do not have to be of the annoited to feel the aid and wonder of the helper....I know I certainly am not.
those that stay within the Org...still see it as Gods house awaiting discipline ...we are like that little band of Christians that Jesus left behind...surviving amongst the Sanhedrin and with in the temple..they did that until Jesus and Jehovah removed it.
Thus we remain loyal to his plans...to his appointed time..under incredibly harsh conditions ......we are soldiers of Christ ....we abide by his timeline .
.
personally and I speak for myself here..I wish ones like you stayed away from this forum.....you are dangerous to the hurting sheep....

MALACHI 3:15,16
Also those that practice wickedness are successful.They dare to put God to the test and get away with it.
At that time those who fear Jehovah spoke with one another, each one to his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening . And a book of remember ance was written before him for those fearing Jehovah and those remembering him.

thinking[/QUOTE]

I will reply briefly to your deeply felt (personally by me) and quite brave stand;

Thank You!

Who doesn't respect freedom of speech? And my sincerity in writing what I did is like yours, deeply fought , thought out, and cherished, such as you do your understanding of the truth.

You agree with my essay, at least in part, as you explained you, too, and others (many, as we all know), are experiencing unloving, and hurtful actions from within the 'org'. It is also apparent, from reading on this site for several months, now, that much stated as 'the truth' by WT is just not right scripturally.

I, too, 'waited on Jehovah', to correct matters within the org...an additional nine years after praying with 'strong outcries and tears', for him to change this org's ways and teachings, but nothing came of it.

If you are anointed, and are they happy for you? Or are you secretly being 'marked' as a wierdo, apostate, or even demonized?

What makes you, and one other friend here, think I want you guys to follow me? That is furthest from my mind! I wish you all to aspire to the oneness of the sonship of God the entire New Testament teaches, and experience the real spirit of truth ..personally....not be satisfied at all with the puny crumbs ....stale as they are...in WT house.

Why pay money for what is not bread? The scriptures say.

I am totally on your side here, and relaying a message to you from your own Bible; not my thoughts at all. I have also been where you are, years ago...and know exactly where you are coming from. I feel your thoughts, and feelings ....knowing why you say them, and at one time thought them of others. That is why it took a visit from Christ and Jehovah's spirit to convince me that I was on the right path of discerning the full and real truth when I made my personal research, regardless, and apart from WT warnings not to do 'independent study' (what is that supposed to mean, but studying the scriptures apart from their doctrine, as if they are beyond answering sincere questions ?)

Your reply?

 

Additionally,

I understand why many chose to stay in WT. That's between you and Christ, not mine to criticize at all. Yes, all Christian houses of worship will be weighed in the balance, just as all Christians will undergo the tests of faith now and when what Jesus described as the 'test coming upon the whole earth', occurs pretty soon now, perhaps.

It took courage for me to separate myself, as all my friends and family, wife-included, who finally kicked me out of her heart for my new stand for the deep things of the spirit. We broke apart, and I lost her, as she felt I was doomed to Gehenna, and said that to my face with anger. How could we go on?

I am remarried now, to a fine sister...she herself, and her whole family took a stand for their new gifts from the anointing in another state and time years ago. They all, still like me, worship Father Jehovah, but have additionally acquired a much deeper relationship with Christ, as all anointed will.

This, among all things the anointed acquire, is little understood by WT followers, as I was, too, because the anointing is not promoted, as Jesus specified, but downgraded by WT as a thing of the past, isn't it?

But, don't worry, God knows his sheep, and Jesus knows who you, and they, and we here in my house are. He will take good care of us,,,especially if we listen to his son's voice....primarily, not just someone else's opinions of what he says. (John 10)

Stay as you are, if that is what you wish. You are not alone. No pressure here, only my letter was for those who see the need to get up and do something about their unhappy state, and get relief...and I mean immediate relief from the 'Comforter'. (John 13,16)

Now...this minute....while in front of your PC, at your desk.

Through prayer, and then listen for His reply. You will hear a voice in your mind , if you ask, then listen, and don't rush things.

 

letter; essay, whatever

I'm sorry for the apparent 'airs' it seems I am putting on. I don't claim to have an 'inspired expression ' here to give to this 'congregation', sorry that my style of testifying implied that.

Remember the book of Acts tells several times that 'The spirit told us to move on", to some other area to preach specifically.

At times, many who are full of holy spirit, will hear a voice in their mind, not audible after deep heartfelt prayer. Or, a scripture will pop up to answer their question.

This is not a demonic 'revelation', but merely a helper inside us, the spirit, Jesus says "That one will bring back to your mind " something he taught, said, or some new direction he wants us to take.

Remember, Christ said, "Go therefore, and preach....and I will be with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things." So, some of us, who have received the intimacy with Father and Christ, are experiencing this 'gift', and it really does help us with issues, problems, etc.

I was suggesting this sheep , afflicted with trauma over the tough situation they are in, try this. It works for me sometimes, wife too...and others I have written to on the web.

No, I am no new great prophet. Just another brother seeking to help others who are extremely burnt over the situation WT has left them in.

It really is much worse when children are involved, and I hope those responding to what I said don't have that additional grief. I saw many families destroyed by the 'theocratic policies', and DF'ing of mixed up children, etc.