Jesus clearly said He would be in the heart of the Earth for 3 days and 3 nights. Matthew 12:40.
During that time He preached to the Spirits in Hell or prison. He did this so that all before and after His 1st advent on Earth would have the opportunity of following Him. 1 Peter 3:18-19.
He had His symbolic meal, establishing the New Covenant on the 14th of the first month (Abib or Nisan). The meal happened after sunset which is the start of the 14th day.
He prayed, was betrayed, arrested, tried, was beaten, crucified and buried all on the 14th which was Biblically (old testemant) the Passover and preperation day.
At sunset began the 15th; in Jesus' time as is today traditionally called Passover or Unleavend bread, but Biblically Passover was the previous day.
After Babylonian captivity Jews combined the two days and the gospels record as such. Any Jewish calender too confirms that the Jews in Jesus day and today have Passover on the 15th. Exodus 12 confirms the 14th.
At sunset the 15th Jesus was already buried. This was a Sabbath or Holy day but not the 7th day Sabbath. It was a Wednesday night, Thursday day. It was biblically the 1st of Unleavened bread, traditionally then as now Passover as well.
Jesus was in the grave Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights; and Thursday, Friday, Saturday days. Some time on the first day beginning Saturday night at sundown and before dawn on Sunday morning (all the 1st day) Jesus was resurrected. When Mary arrived at sunrise He was already up.
Those 3 days and nights Jesus preached as Peter records to those in the grave. What their condition was or how He did what He did GOD knows, but it is what Holy Spirit records and what was done.
Jesus had to be in the grave 3 days and 3 nights in order to fulfill Scriptural and His own prophecy.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Passover 2012
Biblical Passover.
Old testament...
On the night of the 14th, that is the date for the biblical Passover meal, after
sunset, Exodus 12:6 & 8.
Passover is though not a "Holy day" or a Sabbath though there is a command to
remember and observe.
The following day... the 1st of unleavened bread is the Holy day, a Sabbath.
The "Passover" (14th, starting at sunset to the next sunset) is the day of
preperation.
The Passover was a working day, the day of preperation. The ancient Israelites
had work to do this day and they would be fleeing Egypt on this day.
Again consider... the day of preperation is not a Friday it is the Passover
itself.
The 1st day of unleavened bread (the 15th) was a rest, a Holy day, a Sabbath.
What is recorded in the New Testament deviates from the old regarding Passover.
How so? The Jews some time after returning from Babylon combined Passover with
the 1st day of unleavened bread. Calling it either Passover or Unleavened bread.
Passover was not then in Jesus day nor is it today in Judaism celebrated on the
14th as GOD commanded.
The combination of the two making Passover a Holy day or Sabbath celebrated on
the 15th.
This is how it is recorded in the Gospel accounts.
Today as in Jesus day the observance of the Passover meal is on the 15th (not
the biblically commanded 14th). When Jesus had the Last Supper, it was on the
proper day for the biblical Passover.
Compare Leviticus 23:5 & 6, Exodus 12:6 & 8 with any modern Jewish calender.
Yet Jesus although not having a biblical Passover meal (no lamb...He is the
lamb)... He did celebrate on the correct night. His Jewish brethern then and
today celebrate 1 night late.
Jews then did not then eat the lamb on the 14th as commanded but the 15th see
Exodus 12:6 & 8.
Jesus our Passover (Salvation) was slaughtered the same time as the Passover
lambs. And even though the "traditional" celebration is not entirely biblical
Jesus did fullfil the Scripture as to being slaughtered at the proper time... on
the 14th between the evenings, Exodus 12:6.
This fulfills Jesus Words that He would be in the heart of the Earth 3 days and
3 nights. Day starting at sunset.
(Tuesday) 14th N is the Last Supper (biblical Passover)
(Wednesday) Passover. 14th D, died and buried.
(Wednesday)1st Unleavened bread. 15th N, #1. N
(Thursday) 1st unleavened bread. 15th D, #1. D
(Thursday) 16th N, #2. N
(Friday) 16th D, #2. D
(Friday) 7th day Sabbath 17th N, #3. N
(Saturday)7th day Sabbath 17th D, #3. D
(Saturay) 18th N Resurrected
(Sunday) First fruits 18th D Tomb found empty @ sunrise.
Old testament...
On the night of the 14th, that is the date for the biblical Passover meal, after
sunset, Exodus 12:6 & 8.
Passover is though not a "Holy day" or a Sabbath though there is a command to
remember and observe.
The following day... the 1st of unleavened bread is the Holy day, a Sabbath.
The "Passover" (14th, starting at sunset to the next sunset) is the day of
preperation.
The Passover was a working day, the day of preperation. The ancient Israelites
had work to do this day and they would be fleeing Egypt on this day.
Again consider... the day of preperation is not a Friday it is the Passover
itself.
The 1st day of unleavened bread (the 15th) was a rest, a Holy day, a Sabbath.
What is recorded in the New Testament deviates from the old regarding Passover.
How so? The Jews some time after returning from Babylon combined Passover with
the 1st day of unleavened bread. Calling it either Passover or Unleavened bread.
Passover was not then in Jesus day nor is it today in Judaism celebrated on the
14th as GOD commanded.
The combination of the two making Passover a Holy day or Sabbath celebrated on
the 15th.
This is how it is recorded in the Gospel accounts.
Today as in Jesus day the observance of the Passover meal is on the 15th (not
the biblically commanded 14th). When Jesus had the Last Supper, it was on the
proper day for the biblical Passover.
Compare Leviticus 23:5 & 6, Exodus 12:6 & 8 with any modern Jewish calender.
Yet Jesus although not having a biblical Passover meal (no lamb...He is the
lamb)... He did celebrate on the correct night. His Jewish brethern then and
today celebrate 1 night late.
Jews then did not then eat the lamb on the 14th as commanded but the 15th see
Exodus 12:6 & 8.
Jesus our Passover (Salvation) was slaughtered the same time as the Passover
lambs. And even though the "traditional" celebration is not entirely biblical
Jesus did fullfil the Scripture as to being slaughtered at the proper time... on
the 14th between the evenings, Exodus 12:6.
This fulfills Jesus Words that He would be in the heart of the Earth 3 days and
3 nights. Day starting at sunset.
(Tuesday) 14th N is the Last Supper (biblical Passover)
(Wednesday) Passover. 14th D, died and buried.
(Wednesday)1st Unleavened bread. 15th N, #1. N
(Thursday) 1st unleavened bread. 15th D, #1. D
(Thursday) 16th N, #2. N
(Friday) 16th D, #2. D
(Friday) 7th day Sabbath 17th N, #3. N
(Saturday)7th day Sabbath 17th D, #3. D
(Saturay) 18th N Resurrected
(Sunday) First fruits 18th D Tomb found empty @ sunrise.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Book of Esther
This past Sabbath was near the biblical day of Purim.
Although the LaFleur family believes in Christ and even though we are not Jewish this story has plenty of application inspired for us to learn from.
So for our Family Worship service on Sabbath 3/10/2012 each child took a part in a play telling the Purim Story.
Stevie our oldest daughter was the narrator. Jamie our twelve year old son played the part of King Ashverosh of Persia. Robaer filled in as the evil Haman. And Elizabeth with Mom's help (Kathy) rounded out the cast by playing the part of beautiful Queen Esther.
Each child had a piece in the story that teaches us that.... sadly some of those who we think (at the time) our our friends may very well be in fact enemies...
[ As was the case for the Jewish people in recent history in Poland, Germany, Austria, Romania, etc. etc. Painfully on both personal and national levels.] A modern day fulfillment can be seen again with the Nation of Persia... Iran. The nations that are Israel's "friends" had recently spoken firmly in defense of Israel and condemning the hate filled policy and weapons program in Iran... only to quickly turn around and do a song and dance for the world to see. This will only prolong the conflict for another day as "Persia" builds itself up with weapons of mass destruction intended for Jewish and Christian blood.
...Each child had a part in Purim, a story that GOD recorded for us to remember that... GOD saves His people!
GOD has a plan, He has sent His Son... King Y'shua (Jesus) to save us, you and me. The work has been done, but action IS required. We need to believe, repent and be baptised in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We must be born again, meaning that... GOD's Holy Spirit dwells inside of us to guide us. And to the best of our ability we are to follow the footsteps of our Saviour. This is the only way paved for us to walk unto salvation, life eternal!
Although the LaFleur family believes in Christ and even though we are not Jewish this story has plenty of application inspired for us to learn from.
So for our Family Worship service on Sabbath 3/10/2012 each child took a part in a play telling the Purim Story.
Stevie our oldest daughter was the narrator. Jamie our twelve year old son played the part of King Ashverosh of Persia. Robaer filled in as the evil Haman. And Elizabeth with Mom's help (Kathy) rounded out the cast by playing the part of beautiful Queen Esther.
Each child had a piece in the story that teaches us that.... sadly some of those who we think (at the time) our our friends may very well be in fact enemies...
[ As was the case for the Jewish people in recent history in Poland, Germany, Austria, Romania, etc. etc. Painfully on both personal and national levels.] A modern day fulfillment can be seen again with the Nation of Persia... Iran. The nations that are Israel's "friends" had recently spoken firmly in defense of Israel and condemning the hate filled policy and weapons program in Iran... only to quickly turn around and do a song and dance for the world to see. This will only prolong the conflict for another day as "Persia" builds itself up with weapons of mass destruction intended for Jewish and Christian blood.
...Each child had a part in Purim, a story that GOD recorded for us to remember that... GOD saves His people!
GOD has a plan, He has sent His Son... King Y'shua (Jesus) to save us, you and me. The work has been done, but action IS required. We need to believe, repent and be baptised in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We must be born again, meaning that... GOD's Holy Spirit dwells inside of us to guide us. And to the best of our ability we are to follow the footsteps of our Saviour. This is the only way paved for us to walk unto salvation, life eternal!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Bible Study online with Christian Ex-Witnesses
We will be covering one chapter per week. We will begin with Week 1, chapter 1
and discussion question #1. I will put discussion question #2 in another post.
Feel free to answer at anytime.
1)JOHN 1:1-4 The other gospel books begin with the birth
of Jesus, but John starts his gospel with the words In the beginning.
(1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2)
What other book of the Bible begins the same way?
Why is John drawing this to our attention?
My reply...
The Gospel account from John starts at creation.
John is making us aware that GOD came to Earth as a man who we call Jesus.
Both John 1:1 & Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning..."
Genesis 1:3,6,9... "Then GOD said..." is The Word, Jesus.
Genesis 1:26 Then GOD said (Jesus)... "Let Us make man in Our image..." All agree the Father is GOD. Jesus, the Word too is GOD.
Genesis 1:2 "And the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." Also part of the "Us" and the "Our" of GOD, the Holy Spirit. {1 John 5:7}
John lays it right out on the table for us regarding the Diety of Jesus and what He has done. This is new for me, about 2 years now and every time I look at it I see something more. Looking at it today I can't believe that I couldn't see what was in front of me all this time.
and discussion question #1. I will put discussion question #2 in another post.
Feel free to answer at anytime.
1)JOHN 1:1-4 The other gospel books begin with the birth
of Jesus, but John starts his gospel with the words In the beginning.
(1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2)
What other book of the Bible begins the same way?
Why is John drawing this to our attention?
My reply...
The Gospel account from John starts at creation.
John is making us aware that GOD came to Earth as a man who we call Jesus.
Both John 1:1 & Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning..."
Genesis 1:3,6,9... "Then GOD said..." is The Word, Jesus.
Genesis 1:26 Then GOD said (Jesus)... "Let Us make man in Our image..." All agree the Father is GOD. Jesus, the Word too is GOD.
Genesis 1:2 "And the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." Also part of the "Us" and the "Our" of GOD, the Holy Spirit. {1 John 5:7}
John lays it right out on the table for us regarding the Diety of Jesus and what He has done. This is new for me, about 2 years now and every time I look at it I see something more. Looking at it today I can't believe that I couldn't see what was in front of me all this time.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
GOD's own blood redeemed us!
Reading my faithful and true King James Bible I noticed the passage at Acts 20:28... "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of GOD, which He hath purchased with His own blood."
It is a truly beautiful verse of which I had never before given much attention.
Speaking of His people, the church or the congregation... the fellowship; He, being GOD, purchased us with His blood!!! Jesus!
GOD's own blood redeemed us!
The fact that Jesus is Divine, GOD the Son is an awesome truth.
GOD's own blood was poured for you and I.
Pondering this... I wondered as a (former) Jehovah's Witness how I and so many others missed this gem when we read Acts 20:28.
So I opened my 'New World Translation with references, revised 1984' and it read...
" Pay attention to yourselves and all the flock, amoung which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of GOD, which He purchased with the blood of His own [Son]."
Perhaps at first pass nothing appears strikingly off base.
The inspired verse {KJV} is speaking of GOD, what He did for His people.
GOD the Son with His own blood purchased the congregation (church).
The beliefs of the Witnesses though are that Jesus is not GOD the Son but "a god", more specifically an angel (named Michael). They do not believe that Jesus is GOD as this verse clearly testifies.
What they have done is changed the wording in this verse and added the word [Son] in brackets.
The Watchtower modified Scripture to reflect their view.
In effect then the verse is null and void... according to the Watchtower...GOD Himself did not redeem us with HIS blood. GOD redeemed us with the blood of someone else.
When a word is in brackets in the NWT it indicates that a word has been added (often to suit their theology). Actually...as blasphemous as is this addition to Scripture is... in future printings of the NWT (all still bearing the stamp of the 1984 revision)... brackets were removed so that any thinking individual would not recognise that words have been added to the inspired record by these men.
"...He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him" {John 5:23}
"... If any man shall add unto these things, GOD shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:"
{Revelation 22:18}
GOD the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit I pray that you forgive these men their blasphemies. Forgive them for denying who Jesus is and as GOD, what You have done. I pray that they soon see the errors and bow their knees to You LORD Saviour Jesus our Christ.
It is a truly beautiful verse of which I had never before given much attention.
Speaking of His people, the church or the congregation... the fellowship; He, being GOD, purchased us with His blood!!! Jesus!
GOD's own blood redeemed us!
The fact that Jesus is Divine, GOD the Son is an awesome truth.
GOD's own blood was poured for you and I.
Pondering this... I wondered as a (former) Jehovah's Witness how I and so many others missed this gem when we read Acts 20:28.
So I opened my 'New World Translation with references, revised 1984' and it read...
" Pay attention to yourselves and all the flock, amoung which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of GOD, which He purchased with the blood of His own [Son]."
Perhaps at first pass nothing appears strikingly off base.
The inspired verse {KJV} is speaking of GOD, what He did for His people.
GOD the Son with His own blood purchased the congregation (church).
The beliefs of the Witnesses though are that Jesus is not GOD the Son but "a god", more specifically an angel (named Michael). They do not believe that Jesus is GOD as this verse clearly testifies.
What they have done is changed the wording in this verse and added the word [Son] in brackets.
The Watchtower modified Scripture to reflect their view.
In effect then the verse is null and void... according to the Watchtower...GOD Himself did not redeem us with HIS blood. GOD redeemed us with the blood of someone else.
When a word is in brackets in the NWT it indicates that a word has been added (often to suit their theology). Actually...as blasphemous as is this addition to Scripture is... in future printings of the NWT (all still bearing the stamp of the 1984 revision)... brackets were removed so that any thinking individual would not recognise that words have been added to the inspired record by these men.
"...He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him" {John 5:23}
"... If any man shall add unto these things, GOD shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:"
{Revelation 22:18}
GOD the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit I pray that you forgive these men their blasphemies. Forgive them for denying who Jesus is and as GOD, what You have done. I pray that they soon see the errors and bow their knees to You LORD Saviour Jesus our Christ.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Scripture for the day...
Scripture for the day...November 1, 2011...
"...GOD forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." {Galatians 6:14, NKJV}
"...GOD forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." {Galatians 6:14, NKJV}
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Jehovah's Witnesses
My family and I left the Watchtower, the Jehovah's Witnesses, about two years back.
We are shunned for believing in Christ instead of a organization of men representing Christ.
One of the "proofs" that they alone are in the (exclusive) truth is they claim that " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another." {John 13:35 KJV}
Please be aware... we left for our belief in Christ, we were not removed for unrepentant sin as some are.
The following is presented in no specific order of any kind; many more examples of the WT's lack of Christian love I am sure exist.
There is no love in... blaming readers of the WT for the Societies errors.
In recent times the WT repeatedly promoted 1975 as the end of the world, both in talks, the Watchtower magazine, books and the Kingdom ministry newsletter. Many references to this are available and easily confirmed.
In the WT 7/15/76 pg 441 the Society puts 100% blame on the reader, claiming absolutely no responsibility for what it had taught.
During our time in the organization the WT changed the meaning of "this generation"; the previous teaching of "this generation" refered to those JW's that were born on or around 1914; they being included in the teaching... that they were those spoke of in the "millions living now will never die".
Most born before, during or shortly after 1914 have since died.
(This teaching is not biblical and very difficult to understand; even more difficult to follow as it changes from time to time as it has changed again since our exit.)
This changing error (new light) was not apologized for by our humble leaders nor was a wrong teaching even admitted; 100% blame was put on us, the readers.
You must know that no... absolutely no teaching, understanding or belief comes from the bottom ranks.
That is apostasy and will get you disfellowshipped (shunned) as am I and my family.
The WT 11/1/95 page 17, par 6 states "Jehovah's people (the reader/us) have at times speculated about the time that the great tribulation would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914... We ( Society, writers/ teachers) bring a heart of wisdom in..."
The WT does the calculating. 1874, 1878, 1881, 1910, 1914, 1915, 1918, 1919, 1975 etc. Of course the WT as well defined for us in their publications and "sermons" just what the lifetime of those included in "this generation" was to be. They, the "Slave" write the magazines and books. The speakers get their information and outlines from the "Slave" (the WT; from the top) and pass it down to us sitting in the halls and convention centers. Yes, the WT defines for us the terms, be them ever changing, of what makes up the doctrine of "this generation", the generation of 1914.
Their most important calculation or date is 1914.
This previous generation understanding, the entire teaching of 1914 is entirely and undeniably found within the pages of the WT publications, especially the "reasoning" book which had remained unchanged for the duration of our membership, and may still be used today at door steps around the world. (This book is used to answer questions about doctrine during bible studies with interested ones.)
By no means and by no way are any thoughts, doctrines or beliefs common among JW's, including and especially those that are implied by the WT's quoted above have ever come from the lower ranks. The WT taught these doctrines.
There is no love in... discouraging "independent thinking". Independant thinking is implied by the above quoted WT's towards the ranks. Truthfully, surprisingly this attempt was and is successful in blaming their readership for teaching their errors. It was and is accepted by loyal JW's.
No independent thinking is to be tolerated. This teaching, this doctrine or law of forbidding to think for your self on doctrinal or even biblical matters is easily found within the pages of the WT publications.
"Trust the Slave".
All question and answer periods during publication studies are "parroted" responses, a very efficient method of mind control. Most comments are "in line with the company", no true free discussion or thoughts (that are not in line with WT teaching) would be tolerated for long.
"Marking" is the first step. Witnesses will "somewhat" withdraw from you, though not completely. You will be called upon less for comments during publication (supposedly bible) studies, and eventually not called on at all.
If this behaviour continues eventually you will be confronted by an Elder who will "correct and encourage" you.
If you continue to demonstrate an understanding that is against Witness doctrine you will very likely be completely shunned.
Keep in mind Elders in our congregation did not shun me for rejecting the authority the "Slave", (the WT) as GOD's channel, nor for keeping 7th day Sabbath neither for abstaining from biblically unclean foods.
The issue was the Deity of Christ; Him receiving due worship; and in the end we choose to write a letter of disassociation which is the same as being disfellowshipped; shunned.
Their is no love in... the doubts that one may have over his or her faith in GOD, Christ and the Scriptures after leaving the WT.
Consciencely or unconsciencely the organization represents GOD, therefore when that is removed... a large spiritual void is there or develops, many then doubt the truths of GOD. One may become apathetic or fall into unbelief.
There is no love in... preventing Bible studies in groups without the aid of the "publications". {Psalms 118:8; 146:3; Acts 17:11}
There is no love in... the immense yoke each Witness bears regarding meeting preparation, attendance and door to door activity. Think of those with small children in school, the single mothers. All members preparing (study) for and attending five meetings a week plus ten hours (an unwritten rule) of door to door activity expected. {Matthew 11:30}
There is no love in... not providing a means of fellowship for children. Children that are alienated from their peers at school and are prohibited from sports and scouting. The WT keeps every dollar in its accounts and investments that should provide for fellowship activities and schools both kindergarden through twelf grade as well as colleges, to better provide for our children now and for their futures while being among fellow believers.
The WT does not provide ANYTHING for their children ( sorry "The Greatest Teacher" book arrived a few conventions prior to much applause). Many children are lost to the world of unbelievers, nominal Christians, drugs and immortality.
There is no love in... not identifying to all the congregation why a person is disfellowshipped, to be avoided. It is not Scriptural. {Matthew 18:17}
There is no love in... withholding an honorable way out. Many families, friends are held hostage by the conditional love they receive due to belonging to the Watchtower group known as Jehovah's Witnesses. Many fine Christians that believe in Christ and lead upright lives are shunned because of this totalitarian and evil control held over the membership.
{Luke 6:27, 32}
I do not hate Jehovah's Witnesses (though they are taught to hate me).
When we belonged, I must honestly say, we could not have asked for a better congregation of members and leaders. Though seperated, shunned...we still very much love those trapped inside.
There is no love in... seperating us from our friends, and for others from their families as well, because of Christian beliefs.
We pray each day that some or all have the courage to serve and acknowledge Christ instead of this body of men that claim to be Jehovah's Slave or channel. {2 Thessalonians 3:15}
There is no love in... the hundreds, the thousands that have died because of the lack of needed blood, blood which although Witnesses themselves will not contribute to the supply there of... they may choose to benefit from that supply of donated blood. (They now for years have the choice of accepting "fractions" of blood.)
This does not even mention the deaths due to the former ban on organ transplants, that too with no apology from the humble "Slave" to the surviving family members.
No command of GOD in itself requires a life, ever.
{Leviticus 17:14,15; Jeremiah 32:35; Luke 14:5}
There is no love in... denying "Christians communion which they ought not reject. {John 6:51-53} The WT essentially (very subtly) replaces the Messiahship of Christ and the grace from GOD with obedience to men (the WT or Slave class).
GOD is watching supposed "Faithful and Discreet Slave". {Hebrews 4:13} I fear for you.
We are shunned for believing in Christ instead of a organization of men representing Christ.
One of the "proofs" that they alone are in the (exclusive) truth is they claim that " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another." {John 13:35 KJV}
Please be aware... we left for our belief in Christ, we were not removed for unrepentant sin as some are.
The following is presented in no specific order of any kind; many more examples of the WT's lack of Christian love I am sure exist.
There is no love in... blaming readers of the WT for the Societies errors.
In recent times the WT repeatedly promoted 1975 as the end of the world, both in talks, the Watchtower magazine, books and the Kingdom ministry newsletter. Many references to this are available and easily confirmed.
In the WT 7/15/76 pg 441 the Society puts 100% blame on the reader, claiming absolutely no responsibility for what it had taught.
During our time in the organization the WT changed the meaning of "this generation"; the previous teaching of "this generation" refered to those JW's that were born on or around 1914; they being included in the teaching... that they were those spoke of in the "millions living now will never die".
Most born before, during or shortly after 1914 have since died.
(This teaching is not biblical and very difficult to understand; even more difficult to follow as it changes from time to time as it has changed again since our exit.)
This changing error (new light) was not apologized for by our humble leaders nor was a wrong teaching even admitted; 100% blame was put on us, the readers.
You must know that no... absolutely no teaching, understanding or belief comes from the bottom ranks.
That is apostasy and will get you disfellowshipped (shunned) as am I and my family.
The WT 11/1/95 page 17, par 6 states "Jehovah's people (the reader/us) have at times speculated about the time that the great tribulation would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914... We ( Society, writers/ teachers) bring a heart of wisdom in..."
The WT does the calculating. 1874, 1878, 1881, 1910, 1914, 1915, 1918, 1919, 1975 etc. Of course the WT as well defined for us in their publications and "sermons" just what the lifetime of those included in "this generation" was to be. They, the "Slave" write the magazines and books. The speakers get their information and outlines from the "Slave" (the WT; from the top) and pass it down to us sitting in the halls and convention centers. Yes, the WT defines for us the terms, be them ever changing, of what makes up the doctrine of "this generation", the generation of 1914.
Their most important calculation or date is 1914.
This previous generation understanding, the entire teaching of 1914 is entirely and undeniably found within the pages of the WT publications, especially the "reasoning" book which had remained unchanged for the duration of our membership, and may still be used today at door steps around the world. (This book is used to answer questions about doctrine during bible studies with interested ones.)
By no means and by no way are any thoughts, doctrines or beliefs common among JW's, including and especially those that are implied by the WT's quoted above have ever come from the lower ranks. The WT taught these doctrines.
There is no love in... discouraging "independent thinking". Independant thinking is implied by the above quoted WT's towards the ranks. Truthfully, surprisingly this attempt was and is successful in blaming their readership for teaching their errors. It was and is accepted by loyal JW's.
No independent thinking is to be tolerated. This teaching, this doctrine or law of forbidding to think for your self on doctrinal or even biblical matters is easily found within the pages of the WT publications.
"Trust the Slave".
All question and answer periods during publication studies are "parroted" responses, a very efficient method of mind control. Most comments are "in line with the company", no true free discussion or thoughts (that are not in line with WT teaching) would be tolerated for long.
"Marking" is the first step. Witnesses will "somewhat" withdraw from you, though not completely. You will be called upon less for comments during publication (supposedly bible) studies, and eventually not called on at all.
If this behaviour continues eventually you will be confronted by an Elder who will "correct and encourage" you.
If you continue to demonstrate an understanding that is against Witness doctrine you will very likely be completely shunned.
Keep in mind Elders in our congregation did not shun me for rejecting the authority the "Slave", (the WT) as GOD's channel, nor for keeping 7th day Sabbath neither for abstaining from biblically unclean foods.
The issue was the Deity of Christ; Him receiving due worship; and in the end we choose to write a letter of disassociation which is the same as being disfellowshipped; shunned.
Their is no love in... the doubts that one may have over his or her faith in GOD, Christ and the Scriptures after leaving the WT.
Consciencely or unconsciencely the organization represents GOD, therefore when that is removed... a large spiritual void is there or develops, many then doubt the truths of GOD. One may become apathetic or fall into unbelief.
There is no love in... preventing Bible studies in groups without the aid of the "publications". {Psalms 118:8; 146:3; Acts 17:11}
There is no love in... the immense yoke each Witness bears regarding meeting preparation, attendance and door to door activity. Think of those with small children in school, the single mothers. All members preparing (study) for and attending five meetings a week plus ten hours (an unwritten rule) of door to door activity expected. {Matthew 11:30}
There is no love in... not providing a means of fellowship for children. Children that are alienated from their peers at school and are prohibited from sports and scouting. The WT keeps every dollar in its accounts and investments that should provide for fellowship activities and schools both kindergarden through twelf grade as well as colleges, to better provide for our children now and for their futures while being among fellow believers.
The WT does not provide ANYTHING for their children ( sorry "The Greatest Teacher" book arrived a few conventions prior to much applause). Many children are lost to the world of unbelievers, nominal Christians, drugs and immortality.
There is no love in... not identifying to all the congregation why a person is disfellowshipped, to be avoided. It is not Scriptural. {Matthew 18:17}
There is no love in... withholding an honorable way out. Many families, friends are held hostage by the conditional love they receive due to belonging to the Watchtower group known as Jehovah's Witnesses. Many fine Christians that believe in Christ and lead upright lives are shunned because of this totalitarian and evil control held over the membership.
{Luke 6:27, 32}
I do not hate Jehovah's Witnesses (though they are taught to hate me).
When we belonged, I must honestly say, we could not have asked for a better congregation of members and leaders. Though seperated, shunned...we still very much love those trapped inside.
There is no love in... seperating us from our friends, and for others from their families as well, because of Christian beliefs.
We pray each day that some or all have the courage to serve and acknowledge Christ instead of this body of men that claim to be Jehovah's Slave or channel. {2 Thessalonians 3:15}
There is no love in... the hundreds, the thousands that have died because of the lack of needed blood, blood which although Witnesses themselves will not contribute to the supply there of... they may choose to benefit from that supply of donated blood. (They now for years have the choice of accepting "fractions" of blood.)
This does not even mention the deaths due to the former ban on organ transplants, that too with no apology from the humble "Slave" to the surviving family members.
No command of GOD in itself requires a life, ever.
{Leviticus 17:14,15; Jeremiah 32:35; Luke 14:5}
There is no love in... denying "Christians communion which they ought not reject. {John 6:51-53} The WT essentially (very subtly) replaces the Messiahship of Christ and the grace from GOD with obedience to men (the WT or Slave class).
GOD is watching supposed "Faithful and Discreet Slave". {Hebrews 4:13} I fear for you.
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