Are You Ready For The Finish Line? [Archive] - e-Jehovah's Witnesses: A Place for Jehovah's Witnesses and Interested Ones

Anthony

04-01-2009, 04:38 AM

It is just as if a runner who has trained for years for a race, he’s not going to all of the sudden on the day of the race change his style, it’s too late for that! And chances are if he tried to change during the course of the race, he’d lose anyway because it would cause too much confusion.

Let’s take a look at the first marker, go back to the 24th chapter of Matthew and look at verse 21. “For then there will be great tribulation” The first marker opens up with the destruction of Babylon the Great. That is when everything kicks off. Immediately with this destruction of Babylon the Great you and I are in for the race of a lifetime.
Open your bibles to Revelation now and you’ll get an idea as to some of the things that will occur once the tribulation begins. It will start with the fall of Babylon the Great. Turn to Revelation 17 and here you will see a very exciting thing occur. Beginning with verse 2, start in part of verse 1, it says, “Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters, (verse 2) with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
Well cast your eyes down to verse 10, “And there are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet arrived, but when he does arrive he must remain a short while (verse 11) And the wild beast that was but is not, it is also itself an eighth king, but springs from the seventh, and it goes off into destruction.” Rev 17: 10 -11
And then in verse 13, “These have one thought, and so they give their power and authority to the wild beast.”
And what do they do with this new found power, this singular thought? Verse 16, “And the ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire. Verse 17 For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought; even to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast.”
In other words Jehovah God is going to cause some sort of madness, some kind of crazed madness to come over the world powers in the near future, and they will attack Babylon, and they will rip and tear at her for all she’s worth.
If you pay real close attention the stage is already being set for that. Already they have no compulsion whatsoever about putting the religious clergy in jail. They have no sanctity or feeling toward the religious clergy; they are cutting and slashing them in the face in New York. Thieves are breaking into the convents and churches and robbing them, nuns are being raped. They’re even breaking into churches and robbing them, they’re robbing preachers on the streets. So the appetite to attack Babylon is already there. Jehovah is going to simply open their mouths wide and they will chew her all to pieces and burn what’s left. It will be a most frightening time brothers when that marker shows up. Even the world will be terrified at what they see actually happening to the churches.

Look at what it says Rev 18: 9 “And the Kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her…” when they look at the smoke from the burning of her (verse 10) while they stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and say “Too bad, too bad, you great city Babylon you strong city because…” we don’t have any more Christmas, no more Easter, and we can’t have any more political elections in your churches.
And Babylon will be destroyed. This will not be a funny matter with us either; because once you see it happen the religious clergy will be cut down and the political leaders will obviously know that they are next. They stand back because they see that this must be the hand of God, they will know that something is terribly different here when they see the religious parties and other things being destroyed.

Anthony

04-01-2009, 04:40 AM

- by dancing like them

- by speaking like them

Anthony

04-01-2009, 04:41 AM

Let me share something interesting from the bible; go back to Eph. 4: 20 – Speaking about Christ it says; “But you did not learn the Christ to be so…” As I have traveled around the circuit I can tell and it is very obvious to me that honestly many of us are not training the way we think Armageddon is going to be. Some of us are too close to the world. Some of us are not running hard like we should. Remember what you learn here in the Kingdom Hall, what you studied in the books, everything you learned in the bible, you did not learn Christ to be that way – the way you see the world. Christ was not anywhere near the world; if Christ were here today do you imagine that he would be walking around in baggy pants or with earrings in his ear? You never read anything in the bible that gave any hint or suggestion that Christ would look like that.
If he were here today do you imagine that he would be dressed up and looking as much like the radical elements the world today? He would never do a thing like that.
The world has the habit of saying, “look at me” When I went to the grocery store the other day, to show you the way things are, here’s a woman she’s being paid I don’t know how much an hour, and you know the world pays much attention to efficiency. They want people to be efficient, so what is she doing? She is trying to wait on me and she’s picking up the money but she can’t even use her hands with her fingernails!
Now if Christ were here, would he have even resembled or hinted or suggested in any way that the sisters or the brothers go to any extremes. Did you ever read anything in the bible that gave you the idea that Christ Jesus would have been like that or approved of that?

And this is the point that we have to appreciate brothers Armageddon will be the biggest thing that you and I will ever experience. The firmer we are trained to serve Jehovah the better we are going to be when the time comes. But believe me when that time hits you will never be able to reach back and try to grab something that you never trained yourself to be. Give it some serious thought.
Your heart, spiritual lungs, and limbs must be flailing away at trying to be as close as we possibly can to Jesus Christ and the way he trained himself to be, because that’s the only way that we are going to be able to win this race.
Now immediately, shortly thereafter, once Jesus does this separating work of the sheep and the goats something very interesting is going to happen. He (Jesus) is going to gather… Let’s go to Matt 24: 31- for a minute because these things are going to be happening quite rapidly- otherwise as Jesus said, no flesh would be saved – NO flesh would be saved if it didn’t happen in this fast fashion.
Matt 24: 31- “And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet sound and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to the other extremity.”
At that time there will be no question as to who the anointed are. Who are the true anointed ones? Sometimes we see people who are just barely in the truth partaking of the emblems. We don’t have to judge them, it’s not our business, but we will know who they are because once they have been sealed, no doubt many will be gathered at that particular time, you will know for a certainty who those truly are; those who are anointed and those who are fakes.
Sometimes in traveling about, and I am not trying to make any judgments, but sometimes I see those who claim to be of the anointed not representing anything that I’ve seen of the anointed. Sometimes they’re the biggest troublemakers in the congregation. Sometimes they cause more fights, literally fighting I’ve actually seen that. Difficulty and trouble that they cause within the congregation; I went on a bible study and this person wasn’t baptized and they were sitting there figuring out whether or not they were of the anointed.
Well, when Jesus gathers his anointed ones you know it might prove to be a bigger test on you than you think. If you and I have the habit of not listening now, when most of the anointed ones are gone off the earth and there is nothing left hardly but those of the great crowd, will you listen then?
Will you say, “Well you know you’re not of the spiritual anointed. They’ve all gone to heaven. Who are you to be telling me? I didn’t turn my time in back then when they were here on the earth and I’m turning it in now to you?”
You see brothers that wrongheaded spirit, or lack of cooperation can get you in serious trouble and can create an attitude problem in you. Jesus said “he who is faithful in what is least will also be faithful in what is much.” It’s all part of our training.
And then something else will happen, don’t imagine that Satan the Devil, who looks around and sees his false religion devastated; he sees economic system that he put together in a shambles, he sees the whole political world he carved and woven all torn apart, don’t imagine that he isn’t going to come for you! Don’t imagine that he’s not going to try and get Jehovah back in some way, or that he’s not going to strike a blow at the very heart of Jesus Christ himself. Don’t imagine that he’s going to let it go like that. That he’s just going to walk away and get off the field and say that the fight is over. Although he knows its over, don’t imagine that he’s going to give up like that; because he won’t.
And then will come the attack of Gog of Magog. The only way Satan can get at Jesus and Jehovah is to get at YOU!
And who are you? What are you? If you have been hiding it you won’t be able to hide it then. Because only those who have absolute faith in Jehovah, and who absolutely put their confidence in Him, and there can be no question in their minds as to whether God will protect us. If you have any questions in your minds, you simply will not make it. If you have any doubts Satan will gobble you up. You will run out in fear and you will be strangled or caught or killed like some young animal in the hands or the paw of some attacking lion.

Anthony

04-01-2009, 04:41 AM

So, are you ready for the finish line?

Are you training yourselves? If the tribulation were to break out tomorrow, can you guarantee that you look enough like Christ Jesus that could get you through? Are you assured that you have proven irrevocably and unconditionally that you are sure that you are devoted to Jehovah whole-soled? Aren’t you glad that we have a few more minutes yet before the end comes? And that perhaps, where there is some weakness in our running style, perhaps you have just a little bit more time to finish off that kick, to get your stride together, to learn how to be obedient. Obedience is a wonderful thing.
Let me tell you one little experience before I close, it’s an experience that affected me, and I never forgot. For this reason, it taught a lesson; I recall being in a literal race, it was at school. And lined up were some of the boys; and in my mind I could beat them ten ways to Sunday. I knew I could beat them. When the teacher gave the gun to go, I took off! And sure enough I beat them!
The teacher told me that I got a zero. I couldn’t believe me ears, I thought “What? I didn’t win?” I not only hadn’t won but I got a zero. I was stunned. Well you see, in a race there are these things called lanes, and they have rules, and the rule is that you have to run in your lane, you can’t run in the other man’s lane.
Well I was all over those lanes, and when I got down to the end of that race, I had lost.
Now, you might laugh, but here’s the point, Jesus not only requires that you run the race with good flare but he also requires that you run according to the rules. Your can run as hard as you want, but when you get down to that point where he sits on his judgment throne and he sees that zigzag, you cut all across the lanes, he may well say that you’re a goat and not a sheep, much to your surprise. We don’t want that brothers.
Learn to run with endurance; learn to run with obedience; learn to run hard; learn to train yourself because once we get to the marker of the great tribulation you will not be someone that your are not. Your will not prove yourself to be something that you haven’t trained yourself to be all along. And I hope we get the message clear – NOW is the time to get ready before the battle of Armageddon occurs, and only then, by such vigorous training will we prove ourselves winners and come across the finish line to our everlasting life and Jehovah’s glory.

TWINKLE

04-01-2009, 10:52 AM

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!

That talk was really harsh. To say that if you are dfed you won't be saved, Jesus will in effect turn his back on you, that's a terrible thing to say! I can't find anything in the bible to back his information up. The great tribulation is where every knee will bend to Jehovah, voluntary or involuntary!

There are many deeply spiritual people involved in christendom, they have been blinded by satan. To condem people in this manner is not loving. Did not Jesus eat with prostitutes and tax collectors? He loved every one, he died for everyone! He did'nt die just for the 6 million jw's on this earth!

What have long fingernails and baggy trousers have to do with our salvation? I'm a little confused, what does that have to do with our salvation!

It does'nt matter if we run in the lanes or not, the majority of us probably run round in circles! During that time Jesus will be pulling us through, Jehovah want's no one to lose there life, if he did why did he sacrifice his son? Our salvation does not depend on whether we obey the Elders, attend every meeting, pioneer, wear long nails, baggy trousers, if we are dfed or not. Our salvation depends on submitting to Christ!!!!!!!!!

gertie

04-01-2009, 11:37 AM

THE ONE POSITIVE REMARK I CAN MAKE ON THIS TALK IS THAT HE IS RIGHT ABOUT ARMAGEDDON IT IS COMING, BUT ME THINKS NOT IN THE WAY HE THINKS. THE REST OF IT IS SO CRUEL AND JUDGEMENTAL IT BEGGERS BELIEF. WHAT AN INSULT TO OUR LOVING GOD AND HIS SON. I'LL BE BACK
LOL GERTIE

James

04-01-2009, 11:41 AM

<span style="font-family:Times New Roman"> </span>

[color="#0000ff"][/b]

Why, do you think Brother Herd might be listening?

watchman

04-01-2009, 12:47 PM

Imagine the shock the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses are going to experience when the Watchtower goes down in silence! It won't matter if one wears baggy pants or no pants at all! That will a test like no other. And the fact that they cannot see it coming simply underscores what Jehovah said through Isaiah: "Who is blind as the servant of Jehovah? Who is deaf as the messenger whom I send? Who is blind as the one rewarded?" Obviously, no one is as blind as Jehovah's Witnesses, especially their so-called Governing Body.

watchman

Molly

04-01-2009, 03:19 PM

<span style="font-family:Times New Roman"></span>

[color="#0000ff"]It is pretty long ,so I will have to break it up a bit.

Sorry![/b]

Hi Anthony-

If I were to comment as I would if I were in the KH, I couldn't comment at all. Maybe just clap and gawk in awe at the honor bestowed on me to be at a talk given by one of the GB. So, what I will do instead is to give my real opinion.

Since I disassociated myself from the organization about 2 years ago, I have forgotten just how overbearing and in your face they are about their own perspective on the last days. Aaah, sigh! It's all so sad. They have no idea what is coming and that they as JWs just might be first on the list to go. When they see their world go upside down, they will be completely lost. It is all so silly that they are worried about time sheets and baggy pants and fingernails. Can you imagine Jesus getting upset over an earring? It's so silly, when there are real issues at stake here and they don't get it. They are worried about the petty nonsense.

Imagine how shocked they will be to find that many of the disfellowshipped ones they point their fingers at in disgust, or the ones that partook even though they had only been baptised for a couple years (they don't want to be judgmental, of course), are the very ones that turn out to be the anointed. (The brothers are so good at reading hearts,you know.) I want to see how obedient they will be then to those they formerly hated and tried to figuratively put to death.

They just don't get it and refuse to even consider alternative scenerios. It will be quite a shock for them. How fortunate for them that after it all goes topsy turvy there will be a final opportunity to humbly learn from the 2 witnesses and take God's side.

Molly

Jinnvisible

04-01-2009, 04:32 PM

This is an interesting examination. The talk is somewhat effective to its purpose. There are a few key areas where it is completely wrong in its factual content yet remains good in its intention. I`d like to examine this more closely if I get the oppurtunity.

Desert Blossom

04-01-2009, 05:36 PM

Did anyone feel the undercurrent of fear running through this talk?

The Governing Body seems to have a lot of fear.

Fear of losing control.

Fear of newly anointed ones.

Fear for their dwindling bank account.

How sad that Sam Herd thinks that it's appearances that will count during Judgment day. He and all those who follow the GB are going to be in for the shock of their life when they find out that Jesus cares about what's in your heart, not how you're dressed.

That cashier with the long fingernails probably has a better chance of surviving Armageddon, along with the guys in baggy pants and sporting an earring, than any self-righteous ones who wash the outside of the cup, but inside are full of wickedness.

(Luke 11:37-44) .*.*.When he had spoken this, a Pharisee requested him to dine with him. So he went in and reclined at the table. 38*However, the Pharisee was surprised at seeing that he did not first wash before the dinner. 39*But the Lord said to him: “Now YOU Pharisees, YOU cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but the inside of YOU is full of plunder and wickedness. 40*Unreasonable persons! He that made the outside made also the inside, did he not? 41*Nevertheless, give as gifts of mercy the things that are inside, and, look! all [other] things are clean about YOU. 42*But woe to YOU Pharisees, because YOU give the tenth of the mint and the rue and of every [other] vegetable, but YOU pass by the justice and the love of God! These things YOU were under obligation to do, but those other things not to omit. 43*Woe to YOU Pharisees, because YOU love the front seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces! 44*Woe to YOU, because YOU are as those memorial tombs which are not in evidence, so that men walk upon them and do not know [it]!”

I hope and pray that anyone listening to or reading that talk will make the choice to listen to Jesus' voice, and follow the lamb, not the GB.

Eyes & Ears

04-02-2009, 01:27 AM

Oh my, my, my!!! :n:

I had to print this out in word, break it up, so I could really read it. I read it
several times.

Yes, times will be terrible indeed we all are aware of that.

This reminded me of the HELLFIRE SCARE TACTIC SERMONS GIVEN IN CHURCH BEFORE I BECAME ONE OF Jehovah's Witnesses.

I'm very sorry to have to say this negative thing, but that was one of the most
disgusting talks I have read. I am sorry if anyone is offended. I am very sorry OK.

It seems as though they take a little truth and mix it up with scriptures and just throw it out there. The sad part of this is that it will have an affect on those who have no idea what time it is.

Reading this also shows me the importance of staying close to Jehovah and his Word and following the example of Jesus Christ as best that I can.

I am totally disgusted.

KEEP HOLD N ON TIGHT TO JEHOVAH AND HIS SON OKEY DOKEY. If this is any indication of what will be coming down from the GB in the form of talks, and also printed information, we all better pray hard for our loved ones to wake up that are inside and just trudging along grinning and smiling and just skipping along taking directions and eating up everything without checking. It breaks my heart into pieces.

I now understand the importance of John 4:23 and 24.

I'm gonna close now because this is just too much. That is all I can say.

2 Thess 2:1-12

1 Peter 4:17. I guess this scripture is invisible.

Sisterly Love to all on board,

E & E

shikinah

04-02-2009, 08:54 AM

Hey,
I had some sisters play this to me on a tape, while trying to encourage me back. And i thought what pompus arrogance, and very little talk of love in general. And this is by a member of the governing body, hmmm im lost for words.

Elizabeth

Survivor

04-02-2009, 10:08 AM

These markers are going to come clipping along as we move to the conclusion of this system of things.[/b]

Interesting choice of words here, "....as we move to the conclusion...." Hasn't the Society been teaching from the mid-1920's and early '30's that we've been in the conclusion of this system of things since 1914?

Is this another one of those talks meant to smooth in new teachings of what JW's believe?

Prior to Rutherford teaching his new 1914 doctrine, all the Bible Students believed that Jesus returned invisibly in 1874. Prior to that the teaching was 1799!

The speaker should ask himself, why have all these "markers" not occurred yet if Satan was cast from heaven in 1914 and Jesus began ruling as king at that time.

Now this is very important, because once that time hits, what will you and I need? What will we need when we see this system coming to the conclusion?[/b]

I consider this a very insincere question, considering that Herd has all of his needs taken care of for him, at the expense of the brotherhood. Does he show any concern or empathy for the brothers and sisters who are having problems with sustenance and covering? While Bethel worries about how to protect their millions of dollars there are brothers and sisters in need. How many of those brothers and sisters are being taken care of or given assistance?

The truth is, there are many brothers and sisters in need that have been abandoned by the congregation. Yet they are not abandoned by their heavenly father, Jehovah, and his son, Jesus Christ.

If you and I have worked hard, if we have exerted ourselves, if we have cooperated then you can say to yourself, “You know I’m glad I used all my money to pay for the Kingdom Hall, and I sat down in there and I got the education. I was sitting in that Armageddon survival class that they had at that Kingdom Hall. They had classes Tuesday, and Thursday, they had class on Sunday, and I was at every last one of them. And now I’m getting ready to go through Armageddon and I’m confident that I have been properly educated, and I’ve trained myself to run, and I’m ready for Armageddon, because I used everything I had to support the Kingdom; I used my funds, I didn’t try to hold back anything knowing that the money was not going to be any good.[/b]

Is this what Jesus taught, that if you work hard as a WT slave and give all your money to the organization that you will guarantee your survival through Armageddon?

Can you imagine the confusion of the people who put all their stock and faith in the religious clergy only to see them destroyed at the opening of the great tribulation? Can you imagine people walking around the streets looking for whoever might be left of the religious clergy?[/b]

Can you imagine the confusion of the people who put all their stock and faith in the Governing Body only to see them destroyed at the opening of the great tribulation? Can you imagine people walking around the streets looking for whoever might be left of Jehovah's Witnesses?

I don't know when the man of lawlessness will be done away with, so I won't say for sure it's going to happen at the beginning of the GT, but at some point it's going to happen, and then what will the majority of JW's be doing? I can imagine how they will be walking around confused and hopeless. Perhaps this will open their eyes and ears to the two witnesses that preach for 42 months? Hopefully they will open up their minds and hearts to worshiping in spirit and truth.

Once that sign of the Son of Man appears in the heavens, where Jesus sits down on his glorious throne, He (Jesus) will judge you and I at that point in history as to whether or not you are actually a sheep or a goat. You and I will not be able to adjust or modify or rearrange the outcome of that judgment at that particular time.
You will not be able to say to Jesus, “Oh Jesus just wait a minute, I’m disfellowshipped; but let me get reinstated,” Oh no, Oh no! You see all the evidence will have been brought into the court as to who you are and what you are as a person. And once he sits down, you will not be able to change your record, not one iota!
So you can say, “Well Jesus you know I was an irregular publisher, give me a little time, let me…” NO! “I meant to turn my…” NO! Because everything at that point, once it hits, everything that you were from here back will be dragged into that courtroom and Jesus will judge it right then and right there, and you and I will not be able to alter that situation. Not one iota! It will be finished! The judgment will be rendered; it will be cut and dry. You will either be a sheep or a goat. You will not be able to make any adjustment to the judgment. Serious business!

Are you ready for that?[/b]

These words may come back to haunt Sam in a way he never imagined.

Survivor

04-02-2009, 10:09 AM

What are you training yourself to be now? What kind of person are you now? Are you trying to get as close to the world as you possibly can?

- by looking like them

- by dressing like them

- by acting like them

- by dancing like them

- by speaking like them[/b]

These words reminded me of the changes made in the recent past. Shortening the public talk to 30 minutes, eliminating the congregation bookstudy on Tuesday nights, and partnering with the UN (which is still being done outside the US). It looks to me like the WTS is trying to walk and talk like a mainstream religion.

In fact, it's hard to differentiate the current organization from Catholicism, the way a hierarchy has developed, and all the rules and regulations have been formed over the years. It's become a form of worship, proving false to its power.

Think about it! How long does it take for a person to come into the truth now?
Doesn’t it take a minimum, a very minimum of 19 weeks? (about 6 months) and then they have to go out in the field ministry, so don’t imagine that all of a sudden you’re going to see Babylon fall and you’re going to change your whole record, your whole outlook! NO![/b]

Compare this to first century Christianity. Were they conducting 6 month Bible study courses, then putting the person through a review session with three elders, then making the decision that the person would be allowed to be baptized? No! All who professed faith in Jesus were allowed to be baptized! Perhaps that will be what we will see during the 42 months of the witnessing work by the two witnesses.

Christ was not anywhere near the world;[/b]

Oh really?

(Matthew 21:31) . . .Jesus said to them: “Truly I say to YOU that the tax collectors and the harlots are going ahead of YOU into the kingdom of God.

(Matthew 9:10-13) . . .Later, while he was reclining at the table in the house, look! many tax collectors and sinners came and began reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 But on seeing this the Pharisees began to say to his disciples: “Why is it that YOUR teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 Hearing [them], he said: “Persons in health do not need a physician, but the ailing do. 13 Go, then, and learn what this means, ‘I want mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.”

...if Christ were here today do you imagine that he would be walking around in baggy pants or with earrings in his ear? You never read anything in the bible that gave any hint or suggestion that Christ would look like that.
If he were here today do you imagine that he would be dressed up and looking as much like the radical elements the world today? He would never do a thing like that.[/b]

Christ never focused on what people were wearing. He focused on what was in a person's heart. The Bible doesn't even focus on what Jesus looked like, or how he dressed, or what kind of music he listened to.

Too bad Herd thinks that outward appearances are what counts.

Contradiction? Read these two quotes:

Will you say, “Well you know you’re not of the spiritual anointed. They’ve all gone to heaven. Who are you to be telling me? I didn’t turn my time in back then when they were here on the earth and I’m turning it in now to you?”
You see brothers that wrongheaded spirit, or lack of cooperation can get you in serious trouble and can create an attitude problem in you. Jesus said “he who is faithful in what is least will also be faithful in what is much.” It’s all part of our training.[/b]

Any dark secrets, any lack of faith, any bad motives, regrets, misgivings, once the Gog of Magog makes his attack, and you don’t have the absolute confidence that you have done all you can… well…
See here’s now where the question of whether or not we’ve been serving Jehovah whole souled will be answered. It will not be answered by a time sheet or by an elder. It will be answered right then and there.[/b]

Either that time sheet is important.....or it's not. :huh:

Well I was all over those lanes, and when I got down to the end of that race, I had lost.[/b]

If he had been "all over those lanes" he would not have won. There is no runner who goes "all over the lanes" that wins. He knows that. He put a little twist in the story to fit his talk, but it comes across as being disingenuous. What most likely happened is that he won the race by going to the innermost lane, and that's why he got a zero....for not staying in his own lane. Basically, he cheated. It wasn't just a matter of not following the rules.

The point can be made that one needs to know the rules so they can run the race without being disqualified. I give Herd a zero when it comes to teaching the brothers and sisters the truth about the conclusion of the system of things and maybe 5 points for mentioning Jesus and Jehovah in his talk. He lost a lot of points for going beyond the scriptures and for focusing on Pharisee-like teachings.

At this point, all we can do is pray that Herd and the rest of the GB will give an ear to what the spirit is saying to the congregation, so that they can be found doing Jehovah's will, and not that of Satan the Devil.

panda

04-02-2009, 11:01 AM

In other words Jehovah God is going to cause some sort of madness, some kind of crazed madness to come over the world powers in the near future, and they will attack Babylon, and they will rip and tear at her for all she's worth.
If you pay real close attention the stage is already being set for that. Already they have no compulsion whatsoever about putting the religious clergy in jail. They have no sanctity or feeling toward the religious clergy; they are cutting and slashing them in the face in New York. Thieves are breaking into the convents and churches and robbing them, nuns are being raped. They're even breaking into churches and robbing them, they're robbing preachers on the streets. So the appetite to attack Babylon is already there. Jehovah is going to simply open their mouths wide and they will chew her all to pieces and burn what's left. It will be a most frightening time brothers when that marker shows up. Even the world will be terrified at what they see actually happening to the churches.

its worse than days of our lives.

Eyes & Ears

04-02-2009, 12:12 PM

Survivor,

I appreciated your comments. Especially about Herds insincere question and his needs being cared for, etc.

I also had similar thoughts as those you expressed race through my mind in reaction to Herd's statement here:

HERD "Can you imagine the confusion of the people who put all their stock and faith in the religious clergy only to see them destroyed at the opening of the great tribulation? Can you imagine people walking around the streets looking for whoever might be left of the religious clergy"

SURVIVOR:

"Can you imagine the confusion of the people who put all their stock and faith in the Governing Body only to see them destroyed at the opening of the great tribulation? Can you imagine people walking around the streets looking for whoever might be left of Jehovah's Witnesses?"

"I don't know when the man of lawlessness will be done away with, so I won't say for sure it's going to happen at the beginning of the GT, but at some point it's going to happen, and then what will the majority of JW's be doing? I can imagine how they will be walking around confused and hopeless. Perhaps this will open their eyes and ears to the two witnesses that preach for 42 months? Hopefully they will open up their minds and hearts to worshiping in spirit and truth."

E & E: I sometimes wonder, well actually I often wonder if those who have been in Bethel most of their lives have any idea of the reality of functioning in this system of things on a day to day basis. Especially in regards to making a living and trying to cope with raising a family, taking care of elderly parents or a very ill family member PLUS the requirements they hand down to the congregations that they want us to believe we must do in order to be approved by Jehovah for salvation. Sometimes it seems like they are living in fantasy land/dream world. It is amazing.

However, what helps me to hold on are the scriptures Jehovah has allowed me to understand from praying, seeking and knocking, not giving up and from my association on this site. I have learned so much from every member on this board, and thank goodness for Watchman's writings, that have given me another way to look at what the society teaches.

[b]
Thanks for sharing this Anthony.

E & E

1 TIMOTHY 6:20,21

O TIMOTHY, GUARD WHAT IS LAID UP IN TRUST WITH YOU, TURNING AWAY FROM THE EMPTY SPEECHES THAT VIOLATE WHAT IS HOLY AND FROM THE CONTRADICTIONS OF THE FALSELY CALLED "KNOWLEDGE."

FOR MAKING A SHOW OF SUCH [KNOWLEDGE] SOME HAVE DEVIATED FROM THE FAITH.

MAY THE UNDESERVED KINDNESS BE WITH YOU PEOPLE.

shikinah

04-02-2009, 12:32 PM

E & E you hit the nail right on the head, when you mentioned the Bethelites lol. Was Jesus deciples/apostles sheltered from the realities of the world? or were they in the midst of what was happening. Its going to be a real wake up call for many.

Eyes & Ears

04-02-2009, 12:52 PM

A WAKE UP CALL IS RIGHT SHIKINAH. THEY WILL CERTAINLY BE IN FOR A REALITY CHECK WON' THEY? We all need prayer so very much in these challenging times.

E & E

Jinnvisible

04-02-2009, 05:25 PM

Dear bro Herd,

I enjoyed your talk. I made some notes for you.

<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE(bro Herd @ Apr 1 2009, 04:38 AM) 29064</div><div class=\'quotemain\'>Are you ready for the Finish line?

March 7, 2009 — JWN

By Bro. Samuel Herd, a member of the Governing Body

The smart and determined runner trains hard for the finish line. Every nerve, every muscle, every sinew must be strained. His lungs must bellow if he wants to win. And he knows that the worst thing that can happen to him is to start out with a burst of speed only to have his legs give out and his lungs fail as he reaches his goal. So what does he do? Long before the event, he trains. He trains hard to acquire the strength, endurance, proper technique to learn obedience to the rules, because only in this way can he make his dash to the finish a winning success.[/b][/quote]

I thought the opening was good and continued quite well for some extent.

<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE(bro Herd @ Apr 1 2009, 04:38 AM) 29064</div><div class=\'quotemain\'>It is just as if a runner who has trained for years for a race, he's not going to all of the sudden on the day of the race change his style, it's too late for that! And chances are if he tried to change during the course of the race, he'd lose anyway because it would cause too much confusion.[/b][/quote]

So much for `never too late to change`.

I realize that you are addressing a convention or assembly. Yet what if an interested person was in attendance, who was mature in years and questioning whether it might be to late for them to make a serious commitment to God?

This is actually very much `out of the running lane` with regard to Jesus' human behavior. We remember the last human act of Jesus was to promise a man who had been running the race in the wrong fashion. One of the criminals killed on Golgotha.

As this talk is about the finishing line (in regard to Paul's statement running the race in a fine fashion) it would be better for you bro Herd, to focus on illustrations about how those who have already got in `the correct running lane` stay in it. Or give positives about getting in it and staying in it.

Its not worth basically telling people that `if their not in the lane by now there's no point` at the risk of stealing hope from latecomers, just to get some contrasting perspectives in the talk.

<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE(bro Herd @ Apr 1 2009, 04:40 AM) 29065</div><div class=\'quotemain\'>Now this is very important, because once that time hits, what will you and I need? What will we need when we see this system coming to the conclusion?

• A new car?
• A new house?
• A new pair of shoes?
• A new coat?
• A new bottle of perfume?
• Fashionable clothes?
• Money for the education of our children?[/b][/quote]

Interesting that food isn't mentioned.

<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE(bro Herd @ Apr 1 2009, 04:38 AM) 29064</div><div class=\'quotemain\'>Will you have the courage to go out and speak whatever message God will dictate for that particular time and situation if we tremble now, and find it difficult to have a share in the preaching of the good news under these circumstances, if this is our training at this point, Please don't imagine that you're going to find some new found courage to get up and to speak when they are busting Babylon all to pieces and anyone who dares to come up and say anything religious whatsoever. Don't imagine that you're going to find some new found courage to tell the truth or to speak the truth if you can't do it now.[/b][/quote]

Again although we can see the sense in what you are saying its better to concentrate on the positives of preparation.

The fact is some people actually do rise to the occasion and find previously unmined reserves of courage in the face of adversity. It is a well know constant of adversity that there will always be people that this does happen to.

We can see the sense of what you are saying brother, yet you would be better to emphasize preparation, that to emphatically suggest no one will find new courage. Especially when we know Jehovah will pour out his spirit at some point and this will do exactly that. Although perhaps not straight at the beginning of these events.

<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE(bro Herd @ Apr 1 2009, 04:38 AM) 29064</div><div class=\'quotemain\'>Can you imagine the confusion of the people who put all their stock and faith in the religious clergy only to see them destroyed at the opening of the great tribulation? Can you imagine people walking around the streets looking for whoever might be left of the religious clergy? Looking for them yes![/b][/quote]

Well they will probably just go back home and see what is on TV, like every other night of the week.

I don't think to a large degree they put faith in it its more to do with tradition and routine. Some of the smaller sect might. And a few die hard Catholics

As the WTBTS interpretation of Babylon the Great stands it is more likely to have an effect on the dedicated Islamists than on the Churches of Christendom.

<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE(bro Herd @ Apr 1 2009, 04:38 AM) 29064</div><div class=\'quotemain\'>"When the Son of Man arrives in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne and all the nations will be gathered before him (including Jehovah's Witnesses) and He will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."[/b][/quote]

I though it interesting that Jehovah's witnesses were included here. Although the brackets suggest that it may have only been implied or perhaps you were considering not drawing attention to it, or someone else put it in. Taken at face value it looks good.

<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE(bro Herd @ Apr 1 2009, 04:38 AM) 29064</div><div class=\'quotemain\'>You and I will not be able to adjust or modify or rearrange the outcome of that judgment at that particular time.
You will not be able to say to Jesus, "Oh Jesus just wait a minute, I'm disfellowshipped; but let me get reinstated," Oh no, Oh no!
Are you ready for that?[/b][/quote]

Yes err but wasn't Jesus disfellowshiped and shunned before his great tribulation? Wonderful expressions that give the impression Christ reads field reports as they are filed. To suggest this is almost like suggesting that a person studying to be baptized will be executed by God if they didn't make it in time.

It reminds me of one of the old BBC `Poor Charlie` warning films. Poor Charlie was only three days away from his baptism but he didn't make it in time. Christ came before the convention started, poor Charlie.

Poor Charlie he was hoping to begin meeting attendance even though he didn't agree with all WT prophecy interpretation but Christ came on Saturday before the Sunday meeting.

Its vital to encourage not putting off spiritual matters, perhaps not in a small minded inclination.

Jinnvisible

04-02-2009, 05:30 PM

<div class='quotemain'>[b]With regard to morality a sound statement.
</span>

Jinnvisible

04-02-2009, 05:32 PM

<div class='quotemain'>Brother Herd. This kind of thing has a tendency to play upon stereotypes with insincere piety. The worst radical elements in the world today ware suits and ties or military uniforms. Financiers, Oligarchs, Military industrialists and tinpot dictators.

If Jesus were here today warring what he wore as a human he would get stopped at airports in the west. However it may be a fair suggestion that if he were alive no he wouldn't dress as he did then. Yet even saying this he certainly did spend time with radical looking men. He was baptized by one. There is nothing to suggest that the Baptizer John would not modernly dress like a radical as he did at the time.
</span>

Jinnvisible

04-02-2009, 05:33 PM

Utuna

04-02-2009, 07:04 PM

Juan23

04-03-2009, 02:50 AM

Sad sad. Remind me of Jesus' words in MATT 23:23.

(Matthew 23:23) “Woe to YOU, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because YOU give the tenth of the mint and the dill and the cumin, but YOU have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness. These things it was binding to do, yet not to disregard the other things.

panda

04-03-2009, 12:51 PM

Anthony

04-03-2009, 05:11 PM

quote BRO HERD
However, it may have seemed to some as though that path has not always gone straight forward. At times explanations given by Jehovah's visible organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case. This might be compared to what is known in navigational circles as <span style="color:#0000ff">"tacking." By maneuvering the sails the sailors can cause a ship to go from right to left, back and forth, but all the time making progress toward their destination in spite of contrary winds. And that goal in view for Jehovah's servants is the "new heavens and a new earth" of God's promise.—2 Pet. 3:13.

Jinnvisible

04-03-2009, 07:20 PM

<div class='quotemain'>quote BRO HERD
Its is interesting. When you consider that all of the members of the congregation addressed in the epistles are considered to be annointed. This means that anytime you read about a problem such as squabbles, fights, even the man who was sleeping with his fathers wife in Corinthians was of the annointed congergation and is considered so by the WTBTS.

Its like this is not taken into account sometimes.

There is also the fact that if you put unity and agreement without conscienciousness in one end, eventually pure Baloney comes out the other end of the truth machine pipe.

Desert Blossom

04-04-2009, 11:23 AM

Well, when Jesus gathers his anointed ones you know it might prove to be a bigger test on you than you think. If you and I have the habit of not listening now, when most of the anointed ones are gone off the earth and there is nothing left hardly but those of the great crowd, will you listen then?
Will you say, "Well you know you're not of the spiritual anointed. They've all gone to heaven.[/b]I cannot believe this, I don't understand it, will someone please explain what he is trying to say here? maybe I'm daft, but I don't get this.
[/b]

First of all, I think he's under the misconception that some of the anointed will be left on the earth after the 7th trumpet has sounded and the first resurrection takes place.

I think he's trying to say, once the first resurrection takes place, if you are not in the habit of listening and being obedient to the FDS now, what makes you think you are going to listen and be obedient after most of them have been resurrected to heaven? If a brother who is not of the anointed asks you to turn in your field service time, are you going to say to him, "You're not one of the anointed, why should I have to listen to you?"

I think it's a convoluted way of saying, "You better listen to the FDS and be obedient now, because your future life depends on it."

I could be wrong, maybe someone else has a different assessment.

TWINKLE

04-04-2009, 12:53 PM

Totally agree with what your saying Desert Blossom, it's like their threatening ones who ask questions. 'IF YOU DON'T LISTEN TO US, YOU WILL DIE' statement.

I always thought it was Christ we followed not man!

gertie

04-04-2009, 01:30 PM

DO THEY ACTUALLY BELIEVE WE WILL BE TURNING TIME SHEETS IN?
DOES JEHOVAH ACTUALLY TAKE ANY NOTICE OF THE TIME SHEETS WE TURN IN NOW???? OVER A BILLION HOURS PREACHED LAST YEAR..... DON'T THEY THINK THE INCREASE SHOULD BE FAR GREATER THEN IT IS? HOW MANY OF THAT INCREASE ARE ALREADY ASSOCIATED I.E. CHILDREN.
I RECENTLY PUT A TIME SHEET IN AND I HADN'T SPOKEN TO ANYONE ALL MONTH SO THE HOURS I WAS COUNTING REALLY HAD NO BEARING ON THE GOOD NEWS BEING PREACHED. I FELT LIKE A TOTAL FRAUD BUT HAD TO SUBMIT ONE OTHERWISE I WOULD BE COUNTED AS 'INACTIVE'.
IT'S ALL SO FLESHLY, TIME SHEETS, FIELD MINISTRY, EMPTY HOUSE AFTER EMPTY HOUSE, BLAH BLAH.
WHAT JEHOVAH WANTS IS PEOPLE BEING TAUGHT THE GOOD NEWS, COMING TO REALISE THAT HE GAVE HIS SON AS A RANSOME SACRIFICE SO WE CAN THEN SUBMIT TO HIM. I'M CHANGING MY WHOLE WAY OF PREACHING, IT'S GOING TO BE ABOUT SPEAKING TO PEOPLE, NOT BY KNOCKING DOORS ON EMPTY HOUSES, OR WORSE PEOPLE NOT COMING TO THE DOOR BECAUSE THEY KNOW WHO I AM.
I'M NOT USING THE WT LITERATURE EITHER...... WHAT I'LL BE USING IS MY BIBLE AND BIBLE ONLY.
ACTS 20:20 "YET I NEVER SHRANK FROM TELLING YOU THE TRUTH, EITHER PUBLICLY OR IN YOUR HOMES" (LIVING BIBLE). AFTER SPEAKING PUBLICLY THEY WOULD BE INVITED BACK TO PEOPLES HOMES, THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE.
WE CAN SPEAK TO PEOPLE EVERY DAY ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. SINCE MAKING MY PRAYERFUL DECISION TO CHANGE MY WAY OF PREACHING I HAVEN'T STOPPED, I GET TO TALK ABOUT THE GOOD NEWS VIRTUALLY EVERY DAY.
JEHOVAH SAYS THAT IF NO ONE PREACHES THE GOOD NEWS HE WILL MAKE THE VERY STONES CRY OUT (LUKE 10:40).

XXXX

panda

04-07-2009, 01:58 AM

This talk is all fear, fear upon fear, they sound desperate. There is no love, no concern for those stumbled, just put down after put down. I find it repulsive, I can't even imagine what Jehovah and Christ think.

I have printed this out, and every now again I read parts of it and it reminds just how far away from Jehovah's ways and thinking they have become.

So many young ones that have been born in the truth are leaving, lately they add things to talks about the advantages of the young ones pioneering and reaching out for privileges. I do agree that putting kingdom interests first can safeguard young ones. And I would like to think that they are thinking of their spirituality.

Love pushes away fear, I cant see how this talk could really motivate anyone to serve Jehovah out of love. I thought it was a shocker.

shikinah

04-07-2009, 05:26 AM

TWINKLE

04-07-2009, 09:38 AM

They almost make baptism an oxford degree, i was told last night by a sister, you have to be giving in reports now before baptism, and i said i know its been this way some time now, and she said no its harder now. But why?

In what way is it harder? Do you have to be doing a specific number of hour's in the ministry? Answering up at all the meetings?

I remember how nerve racking it was when i got baptised, question after question, it felt more like they were trying to catch me out. Then they had to get together with the body of elders to see if i was eligible for baptism! Like man can decide whether you can dedicate your life to Jehovah or not! That was 14 years ago, how much worse can it get?

Jahsdisciple

04-07-2009, 10:43 AM

Eyes & Ears

04-07-2009, 12:45 PM

Whats sad is that he thinks this is all very significant...but really its a reflection of him being locked away in his glass castle and not having to work in the world to earn a living for the last 50 years.

How disconnected from the reality that all of us face. its easy to judge when you have everything done for you and all you have to do is prepare talks..or whatever they do there.

they have the best intentions,but really,get real. People have to live in a system where they have to slave for a living and deal with all manner of problems that he thinks are the same as 1950.

Thankfully Jesus is who i look at and he never judged and acted gracefully knowing how people felt. If someone gave a denari,that was enough for him. They all must blush up there at the ignorance of these people. Thankfully we know better !!![/b]

This is so true, especially regarding the directives the GB send in the form of talks, letters, publications, etc. regarding how we are not only to conduct ourselves in the ministry, etc. BUT ALSO OUR DAILY PERSONAL LIVES. All this from folks who have their every need taken care of from health insurance, being supplied with cars and taking trips all over the place. (not being sarcastic, just expressing my feelings in a little rant)

Just a small example:

I just attended our "SPECIAL DAY ASSEMBLY" The CO and his wife were on stage being interviewed regarding their background, etc. The CO was so very proud to say that " BROTHER I HAVE NEVER EVEN OWNED A BED. He went on to show how he and his wife have been taken care of. After the interview the brother doing the interview, laughed and commented, brother CO, I HAVE NEVER OWNED A BED EITHER. The audience just thought that was so deep. CLAP CLAP CLAP THEY ALL WENT. Frankly, I felt it was ridiculous. But who am I?

I understand what the experience was trying to do. They were trying to enourage us to put Kingdom interests first and all other things would be supplied by Jehovah regarding material possessions, food, etc. I also do believe that.

However, I find it a tad exhausting when these types of people who have not had to work for a living in this day and age are giving talks, or work at Bethel in the Writing or Service Department. They are not living in the here and now regarding finances, raising children, education, etc. This is not the time of the Cleavers, Ozzie & Harriet or The Donna Reed Show.

Now again, I do appreciate the fact that they are doing what they do as far as reaching out. But they do need to remember the rest of us are out in this world struggling to endure while striving to make ends meet as well as keep our spiritual lives together with Jehovah's help. We have to MULTI-TASK, with no material help $$$ from them.

Yes, THANKFULLY NOW WE KNOW BETTER, AND WE BETTER CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE SO WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING.

Enjoyed your expressions JD, as well as all the others.

Have a wonderful day everyone as we stay on the watch and kEEP HOLD N ON TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

E & E

Utuna

04-07-2009, 01:27 PM

Molly

04-07-2009, 01:45 PM

It should be pure and simple, the way Jesus preached.. he would say "believe in me and the one who sent me, go and sin no more" whats wrong with that?
No becaue this way people wouldnt rely on the wts they wouldnt be able to think for themselves. They almost make baptism an oxford degree, i was told last night by a sister, you have to be giving in reports now before baptism, and i said i know its been this way some time now, and she said no its harder now. But why?

Elizabeth[/b]

Hi Elizabeth-

You are exactly right about getting baptised should be simple. If you have faith in Jesus, find a pool and get dunked. That's all that is scripturally required to become a Christian. Period. Nothing else is required. No extended educational program, nothing. And, you certainly don't have to become one of JWs to qualify for baptism.

Now to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses, that is a different matter altogether, because it is a religion which can bar people from becoming a member just as a club can. Therefore, they have the right to set requirements for joining. And that is just what they do. Joining a religion is not the same thing as becoming a disciple of Jesus. And I don't believe it is necessary to join any religion in order to please our Father and His Son, especially this late in the system. The only reason to join is to associate with others of like faith, but you can associate without joining.

My husband and I had a Bible study with a man for 4 years, but he refused to get baptised because he had already had an immersion baptism as a Baptist when he was younger. I used to laugh to myself and say "Good for you!" I couldn't say it out loud though because it wouldn't sit too well with other JWs. An immersion baptism is a baptism even if his understanding of the scriptures at the time was inaccurate. A baptism does not depend on our depth of knowledge. It's an expression of our faith that Jesus is the Messiah. We should, however, keep on asking, knocking and seeking if we wish to please our Heavenly Father and his Son. We all know that JWs are completely wrong in their understanding of much of the Bible, so they are only slightly better than other religions in that respect despite the Bible truths they do have. And in many other ways they have become worse than many other religions.

At this point in time, I believe that all religions are filthy and offensive to God, each in their own way. Jehovah's Witnesses have become as disgusting as any other religion in existence. That is why they will have to be reproved.

Molly

Utuna

04-07-2009, 02:06 PM

panda

04-07-2009, 02:17 PM

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J'ai pétri de la boue et j'en ai fait de l'or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S'il m'a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c'est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton
[/b] Yes there was not love there in this talk, it is like a desperate attempt to create fear in us, but those that love Jehovah and are serving him out of love have their reward now, and the prospect of having a complete relationship with Jehovah once we attain perfection thanks to Christ sacrifice and the faith we have in that.

Of course we are expected to do Gods will, but with joy, this talk creates fear not a healthy fear of displeasing Jehovah but a fear of armageddon because we are not doing enough or we are to worldly. They are so out of touch and have no idea how b/s have to cope from day to day.

Jehovahs sheep need encouragment and understanding not being told time and time again that we are not going to make it because we cannot possibly be pleasing to Jehovah because our jeans are to tight.

Eyes & Ears

04-07-2009, 08:46 PM

Why you little Panda Bear :y: :D You have made my day!!!!!

"Jehovahs sheep need encouragment and understanding not being told time and time again that we are not going to make it because we cannot possibly be pleasing to because our jeans are to tight</span>. :ban_dance01: :applaudit: :rofl:

[/u][/i][/b]Lots of love to you Panda Bear

E & E

shikinah

04-07-2009, 08:59 PM

"Because your jeans are too tight" E & E you crack me up, you should have your own comedy show, you little joker you. :186: :applaudit:

Mwahh
Elizabeth

Jahsdisciple

04-07-2009, 10:02 PM

Just a small example:

I just attended our "SPECIAL DAY ASSEMBLY" The CO and his wife were on stage being interviewed regarding their background, etc. The CO was so very proud to say that " BROTHER I HAVE NEVER EVEN OWNED A BED. He went on to show how he and his wife have been taken care of. After the interview the brother doing the interview, laughed and commented, brother CO, I HAVE NEVER OWNED A BED EITHER. The audience just thought that was so deep. CLAP CLAP CLAP THEY ALL WENT. Frankly, I felt it was ridiculous. But who am I?

I understand what the experience was trying to do. They were trying to enourage us to put Kingdom interests first and all other things would be supplied by Jehovah regarding material possessions, food, etc. I also do believe that.

E & E[/b]

E&E,
This kind of indoctrinated self denial is what i cant stand. He says he has never owned a bed,but where does he get lifes needs from...other people who have to work for it.

This kind of self denialist martyrdom is a badge of honor,its like "im a martyr,i dont deserve anything and this is the goal you should have"..it literally makes me feel ill !

Its in the same class as the disgusting expression "undeserved kindness"...the same perpetuation of how people feel when they were in the world and didnt know Jah. Its used as a form of motivation. "Do more and you will be deserving"...it makes me want to vomit !!! Whats it got to with love and knowing our value ? Nothing..because they dont know.

As Panda said its about fear..and fear has nothng to do with love. IF you dont know about love in the context of our value,then you use fear...and its not healthy.

People are then always in doubt about their value..riddled with doubt and fear. We need to be reassured that we are valuable and thus lovable. This is from Jah...not all this fear.

"There is NO FEAR in love...because fear acts as a restraint." when we have doubts and fear about ourselves,then it acts as a restraint on who we are,what we can become...what we REALLY are. It stops us from being us. Fear is very distructive because it comes from not knowing about our lovablness. JD

Eyes & Ears

04-07-2009, 10:09 PM

"Because your jeans are too tight" E & E you crack me up, you should have your own comedy show, you little joker you. :186: :applaudit:

Mwahh
Elizabeth[/b]

HEY ELIZABETH,

You have to give credit to the Lil Panda Bear for that. I was quoting her. Letting her know she made my day from what she said in her post. She very seldom goes there and it was just so funny coming from Panda. I could just visualize her saying that from my imagination.

Love ya

E & E

Eyes & Ears

04-07-2009, 10:12 PM

<div class='quotemain'>Just a small example:

I just attended our "SPECIAL DAY ASSEMBLY" The CO and his wife were on stage being interviewed regarding their background, etc. The CO was so very proud to say that " BROTHER I HAVE NEVER EVEN OWNED A BED. He went on to show how he and his wife have been taken care of. After the interview the brother doing the interview, laughed and commented, brother CO, I HAVE NEVER OWNED A BED EITHER. The audience just thought that was so deep. CLAP CLAP CLAP THEY ALL WENT. Frankly, I felt it was ridiculous. But who am I?

I understand what the experience was trying to do. They were trying to enourage us to put Kingdom interests first and all other things would be supplied by Jehovah regarding material possessions, food, etc. I also do believe that.

E & E[/b]

E&E,
This kind of indoctrinated self denial is what i cant stand. He says he has never owned a bed,but where does he get lifes needs from...other people who have to work for it.

This kind of self denialist martyrdom is a badge of honor,its like "im a martyr,i dont deserve anything and this is the goal you should have"..it literally makes me feel ill !

Its in the same class as the disgusting expression "undeserved kindness"...the same perpetuation of how people feel when they were in the world and didnt know Jah. Its used as a form of motivation. "Do more and you will be deserving"...it makes me want to vomit !!! Whats it got to with love and knowing our value ? Nothing..because they dont know.

As Panda said its about fear..and fear has nothng to do with love. IF you dont know about love in the context of our value,then you use fear...and its not healthy.

People are then always in doubt about their value..riddled with doubt and fear. We need to be reassured that we are valuable and thus lovable. This is from Jah...not all this fear.

"There is NO FEAR in love...because fear acts as a restraint." when we have doubts and fear about ourselves,then it acts as a restraint on who we are,what we can become...what we REALLY are. It stops us from being us. Fear is very distructive because it comes from not knowing about our lovablness. JD
[/b][/quote]

I totally agree with you JD absolutely. I was not impressed by that statement at all. I do appreciate what they do to some degree, but I am not impressed with statements drawing that type of attention to themselves.

Jesus was not like that PERIOD.

Sisterly Love,

E & E

Peter

04-08-2009, 09:42 AM

You can listen to the talk here

Are you ready for the Finnish Line? (http://www.jwbrothers.org/play_audio.php?audio=633)

shikinah

04-08-2009, 10:48 AM

<div class='quotemain'>"Because your jeans are too tight" E & E you crack me up, you should have your own comedy show, you little joker you. :186: :applaudit:

Mwahh
Elizabeth[/b]

HEY ELIZABETH,

You have to give credit to the Lil Panda Bear for that. I was quoting her. Letting her know she made my day from what she said in her post. She very seldom goes there and it was just so funny coming from Panda. I could just visualize her saying that from my imagination.

Love ya

E & E
[/b][/quote]

Hey well if thats the case you should be a double act :ban_dance01: :ban_dance02:

Luv
Elizabeth

diamondiiz

04-09-2009, 09:21 PM

Good to see how people can read between the lines of the talk :)

Also Panda when you mentioned:
"Will you say, “Well you know you’re not of the spiritual anointed. They’ve all gone to heaven."
I also though of that as an odd comment, but could they be starting to point that maybe "anointed" will be gone and Armageddon won't have yet arrived? May be a new twist that the only "true" anointed are in Brooklyn or in Bethals around the world and once they're dead, all that will be be left will be just of the "other sheep" after all the number of so called "anointed" has been increasing over the last several years so will the old ones need to somehow discredit the so called newly anointed??? Is there enough of the old so called "anointed" in bethals to continue taking over as GB members die off?

Will a number of partakers increase this year to over10,000 as it's trending higher? ;)

panda

04-10-2009, 12:42 AM

Good to see how people can read between the lines of the talk :)

Also Panda when you mentioned:
"Will you say, "Well you know you're not of the spiritual anointed. They've all gone to heaven."
I also though of that as an odd comment, but could they be starting to point that maybe "anointed" will be gone and Armageddon won't have yet arrived? May be a new twist that the only "true" anointed are in Brooklyn or in Bethals around the world and once they're dead, all that will be be left will be just of the "other sheep" after all the number of so called "anointed" has been increasing over the last several years so will the old ones need to somehow discredit the so called newly anointed??? Is there enough of the old so called "anointed" in bethals to continue taking over as GB members die off?

Will a number of partakers increase this year to over10,000 as it's trending higher? ;)[/b]I think they are simply bringing glory to themselves, saying that we follow them and if they died of what will we do? the whole talk was as cold as ice.

We don't even know if any in the writing department are of the anointed, aren't the FDS suppose to be giving the food at the proper time, the GB that represents all the anointed as the FDS don't' write much if anything, they only approve talks don't' they?

Its all seems so phony.

I get the picture that they are saying don't trust any on those that say they are of the anointed, we oldies in bethel are the true ones, as he said we would know the true anointed when the time comes, its as if the stage is being set now for a great deception as splitting, the two witnesses coming on the scene, preaching all the glorious things we have been hungering for for decades, are we to believe these ones or those in bethel (GB) its going to be a real battle I believe.

We need to keep awake and keep praying to Jehovah for wisdom, and stick closely to his word. Need to help one another and pray, pray pray.

Eyes & Ears

04-10-2009, 01:02 PM

:y:

You are so right on the mark with what you say here Panda:

[size=3]We need to keep awake and keep praying to Jehovah for wisdom, and stick closely to his word. Need to help one another and pray, pray pray.

Brings to mind that very familiar scripture Psalms 146:3.

************************************************** ***

Also now, I just try very hard (as most of us here are doing) to keep in mind that Jehovah is allowing these things before he takes action.

If I lose sight of that, I lose focus and will get all mixed up and confused. What will happen then (imo) is that I will become PREOCCUPIED WITH TRIVIAL SPIRITUAL MATTERS, AND WON'T BE ABLE TO SEE WITH EYES OF UNDERSTANDING WHAT JEHOVAH IS REVEALING TO ME BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT. I cannot allow the Evil One to do that to me.

KEEP HOLD N ON TO JEHOVAH AS TIGHT AS WE CAN. NOPE IT AIN'T EASY, BUT JEHOVAH WILL HELP US ALL. ISAIAH 41:13

These are very exciting, challenging and dangerous times we are living in. Just my little rambling thoughts.

Love to all,

E & E

Nambo

04-11-2009, 02:03 AM

Didnt Jesus give a parable about 11th hour workers recieving the same wage?
You can tell who might be the ones too complain about this.

And whats this about Gog and Magog, very frightening words to fighten the current flock with, but my Bible says, "7 (http://) Now as soon as the thousand years have been ended, Satan will be let loose out of his prison, 8 (http://) and he will go out to mislead those nations in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Ma´gog, to gather them together for the war."

That reads to me that Gog and Magog are still at least a 1000 years away?

As for the fall of Babylon the Great, and he says about Churches being broken into and Nuns being raped, yes indeed the decline of Christendom has been going on for quite some time, in fact if God doesnt act soon, it will fizzle out, hardly in line with what the scriptures say about BTG

‘Too bad, too bad, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because in one hour your judgment has arrived!’

Yes, in one hour, and prior to this hour Babylon the Great considers herself to be:- " For in her heart she keeps saying, ‘I sit a queen, and I am no widow, and I shall never see mourning.’ "
A Scripture I seem to recall from the Old Testament being applied to Jerusalem.

Whatever, but Babylon the Greats fall will come as a sudden and unexpected shock, because it will be God who puts it into the heart of the Beast to turn on her, such a shock that the Kings of the Earth who are and have been for a while turning on religion, but in regard to BTG it says, " 9 (http://) “And the kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her".

Something doesnt add up here if governments are allready turning on religion but then weep and beat themselves over the destruction of Babylon the Great.

Babylon the Great, from the people who brought you 1914 and 1919.

Did you ever hear the Jewish legend of the Golim?

Jinnvisible

04-11-2009, 08:53 AM

Didn't Jesus give a parable about 11th hour workers receiving the same wage?

You can tell who might be the ones too complain about this.[/b]

Didn't he attack Frodo ?

Gilligan

04-11-2009, 05:16 PM

Did you ever hear the Jewish legend of the Golim?[/quote]

Didn't he attack Frodo ?
[/quote]

My Precious, Jinn,

Historians tend to agree that the correct spelling is Gollum (a.k.a. Smeagol), not to be confused with Golem or Golim.
This will all be further explained in the new prequel, a 6-hour movie called "Bored of the Rings".

stayawake

04-11-2009, 07:33 PM

Hi all
All I have to say here is that I followed nambos post with out a problem. Revelation does mention all theses happenings s with BTG.
Her sitting on waters and the waters running dry
The waters picturing people , that's happening now she's losing her hold or support.
The catholic church is ready for split because the President took issues against some of her teachings,

The WT & BS are going thru a spiritual clean up or inspection at present. Only those who understand the Household of God can see this.

Those inside yet in the dark have no idea that Jehovah is separating the slaves and Jah is going to let us all be taken in captivity along with BTG in the NWO.
this will be disciplinary action on Jehovah's part.
Why are we even here, because we see the sins of the slave and fled into the wilderness
we are here until the beast puts that so called umbrella up to gather us to him that's when we are right in there with BTG. that is our punishment. freedom of religion will be gone this board will be gone, so get addresses of your friends but then there no guarantee that we will be able to keep close.

This is why Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well , that His Father was looking for those who would worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-4 . If one is going to be dependent on man, one will never make it,
now's the time to drawi close to Gods word get to know what Jesus would so in certain situations, He Jesus was a model which we were to follow, not man

Yes it will take place , and then , it will certainly be that umbrella effect Jinn that you mentioned would have to take place, in order for Nambo to be right.

Yes nambo was repeating scripture that deals with our day (now). The NWO is going to have a effect on all BTG once they put us all together under that one umbrella.

We will be allowed to mention the word God and that's how he will be mentioned "GOD " a title only.( no names this will apply to all religions.

Never happen you say, don't kid yourself. didn't the wall come down over night.
Hey this NWO is in the making for centuries this will be Satan last attempt to mimic Gods prophecy's. " a one world government"" all his. ( Kingdom )
The Theme of this new world government will be, " Peace & love . The movement will be to cleanse the earth into parasitic conditions, another attempt to mimic Gods purpose/

The only difference in God to all of BTG is they themselves will only know who our/ their God is.
It will be personal, and each religion will not be permitted to witness to one another as to who their God is. Talking and preaching, meeting, in forms of worship will be forbidden. Too Bad ,too bad for the merchants
The wealth of religions will belong to the beast.

If you listen very carefully to the news, I am talking about every day national news. religion is going down the drain, the NWO is seeing it happen, as they have a part in making this happen all religion will be one under the NWO.

That's why for the Divine protection for Gods final witnessing , as it certainly wont be easy, when personal worship as we have now openly will be forbidden by the beast. Its the hearts, the dedication , the worship that the beast will want from BTG.
That's why the call in Rev 18:4 goes out to the people under the new umbrella of all religions being one in silence. To separate them self from the beast and the one world religion.

What are those inside the WT or BS that are still holding fast to the Lie going to do ? I picture them holding fast to Acts 5:29 and losing their lives because they held on to the Lie and refused to accept the Two witnesses as being the true sons of God.

It certainly is not going to be a joy ride for those who know the true God. Romans the 13 th chapter will be our protection, until it comes to compromising

Then the decision for all of mankind comes into play "as to whom do I belong"

".This is how I picture it , my personal thoughts/
stayawake

Nambo

04-12-2009, 02:53 AM

Me
Didn't Jesus give a parable about 11th hour workers receiving the same wage?
You can tell who might be the ones too complain about this.

Jinnvisible
a harlot. So you've got leverage.

Me
Next time I read it, I will try to remember to point it out to you.
Jesus also called Jerusalem a stoner of the prophets, but my main point of contention about who BTG is is that, unlike in the dark ages, Christendom no longer has a Kingdom over the Kings of the Earth, the International Zionist bankers call the shots these days.

Sorry, I cannot work out who these wrap in quote tags work.

Desert Blossom

04-12-2009, 06:47 AM

(Revelation 18:7) .*.*.To the extent that she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury, to that extent give her torment and mourning. For in her heart she keeps saying, ‘I sit a queen, and I am no widow, and I shall never see mourning.’.*.*.

(Isaiah 47:8) .*.*.And now hear this, you pleasure-given [woman], the one sitting in security, the one saying in her heart: “I am, and there is nobody else. I shall not sit as a widow, and I shall not know the loss of children.”

Utuna

04-12-2009, 10:04 AM

Jinnvisible

04-12-2009, 03:25 PM

I can`t see that Jehovah would have symbolisms for specifically Jewish finance in his prophesy. International finance, usury is obviously a massive, prime component in world events leading to a New World Order. The finance side posibly. I just cannot see Jehovah getting so poetic about elitist Jews that he is lamenting thier unfaithfullness as being whorish. He's was done with them along time ago. Of course I could be wrong. I only have a very limited understanding of Jehovah god.

FaithfulJW

04-17-2009, 12:17 AM

Of course I could be wrong. I only have a very limited understanding of Jehovah god.[/b]

You slay me Jinn. :rofl: :applaudit: :186:

Jinnvisible

04-17-2009, 01:27 AM

</span>
Just great.

A slayer of faithfull Jehovah`s witnesses. Not exactly what I was aiming for.</span>

scrappyd

04-19-2009, 06:51 PM

It is just as if a runner who has trained for years for a race, he's not going to all of the sudden on the day of the race change his style, it's too late for that! And chances are if he tried to change during the course of the race, he'd lose anyway because it would cause too much confusion.

Let's take a look at the first marker, go back to the 24th chapter of Matthew and look at verse 21. "For then there will be great tribulation" The first marker opens up with the destruction of Babylon the Great. That is when everything kicks off. Immediately with this destruction of Babylon the Great you and I are in for the race of a lifetime.
Open your bibles to Revelation now and you'll get an idea as to some of the things that will occur once the tribulation begins. It will start with the fall of Babylon the Great. Turn to Revelation 17 and here you will see a very exciting thing occur. Beginning with verse 2, start in part of verse 1, it says, "Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters, (verse 2) with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
Well cast your eyes down to verse 10, "And there are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet arrived, but when he does arrive he must remain a short while (verse 11) And the wild beast that was but is not, it is also itself an eighth king, but springs from the seventh, and it goes off into destruction." Rev 17: 10 -11
And then in verse 13, "These have one thought, and so they give their power and authority to the wild beast."
And what do they do with this new found power, this singular thought? Verse 16, "And the ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire. Verse 17 For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought; even to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast."
In other words Jehovah God is going to cause some sort of madness, some kind of crazed madness to come over the world powers in the near future, and they will attack Babylon, and they will rip and tear at her for all she's worth.
If you pay real close attention the stage is already being set for that. Already they have no compulsion whatsoever about putting the religious clergy in jail. They have no sanctity or feeling toward the religious clergy; they are cutting and slashing them in the face in New York. Thieves are breaking into the convents and churches and robbing them, nuns are being raped. They're even breaking into churches and robbing them, they're robbing preachers on the streets. So the appetite to attack Babylon is already there. Jehovah is going to simply open their mouths wide and they will chew her all to pieces and burn what's left. It will be a most frightening time brothers when that marker shows up. Even the world will be terrified at what they see actually happening to the churches.

Look at what it says Rev 18: 9 "And the Kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her…" when they look at the smoke from the burning of her (verse 10) while they stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and say "Too bad, too bad, you great city Babylon you strong city because…" we don't have any more Christmas, no more Easter, and we can't have any more political elections in your churches.
And Babylon will be destroyed. This will not be a funny matter with us either; because once you see it happen the religious clergy will be cut down and the political leaders will obviously know that they are next. They stand back because they see that this must be the hand of God, they will know that something is terribly different here when they see the religious parties and other things being destroyed.[/b]

I have the audio mp3 of this talk given by another brother from the gov body. If anyone wants it, I will try and post it on my web site a little later for download. Very powerful talk.

Scrappyd