View Full Version : How Privileged We Are
DoubtingThomas
05-29-2007, 07:21 AM
Of the billions of persons living on this planet, only a relatively small number have ever become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. What a privilege it is that Jehovah saw something in us to draw us toward Him. I am not saying that only Jehovah's Witnesses have a patent on "The Truth" and are the only ones that will be saved. God is the final Judge. But we are by far the largest and best organized religion for preaching and teaching mankind the truth's from God's Word regarding who Jehovah is, and other basic bible truths on matters such as hell fire, the trinity, immortality of the soul, etc. before the end of this system.
Personally I am very grateful to my God that he saw something in me to draw me to His organization. But then to take this matter just one step further …
Of the millions of Jehovah's Witnesses, only a relatively small number have ever come to a clear understanding of Bible prophecy on matters such as 1914, and the judgments of God's people (Israel and Jerusalem) as not applying to Christendom, but to Jehovah's Witnesses. This too is a rare privilege that Jehovah God has allowed those of us here to come to an accurate understanding of.
Now I am not saying that only those of us here as registered members of this DB have this accurate understanding. There are others out there in cyberspace with similar teachings as Brother King. I believe that Jehovah is using more than one such individual as Robert. But I am sure that many of Jehovah's Witnesses have read Roberts essays and visited this site, but are just not ready, willing or able to be a registered member at this time. And that is all right too. At least they are reading the information, and when the whitewashed walls of the Watchtower come crumbling down they will likely remember the things they read and were taught here. This will help them to help others at that time.
But I believe that many more will be saved than most of us realize when this system finally does come crashing down. At that time, many will likely start listening and turning to God. This is especially so when the two witnesses of Revelation begin their work. At that time many will come streaming to the House and Mountain of Jehovah. How privileged we are to have an advance head start in our understanding of these matters! Thank you Robert for the unselfish sharing of your time, energy and resources (including this web site and DB) in helping others to understand some of these deeper things of God's Word.
DT
Candace
05-29-2007, 08:01 AM
Indeed it is a privilege. And a responsibility. I feel Jehovah is preparing us for future assignments, and even current assignments, such as being awake and alert to current events or what's currently going on with the GB's teachings. We can help each other to sift through the teachings from the weeds, and focus on the truth from the wheat.
We need to stay faithful to the end, and never entertain thoughts of giving up. We are too close for that!
Nambo
05-29-2007, 10:29 AM
Hopefully yes, but the thought occurs to me that Satan will have a religion to mislead everyone, depending on your level of spiritual inteligence.
Ie, those whose Spiritual need calls them to read the Bible, and finds the teaching of the Catholic Church to be plainly crooked, he sets up another religion, nearer the truth, but still off the path that leads to ever-lasting life.
So, some in this revised religion, lets call it Protestantism, look even further or have a heart even more inclined to truth, and realise the Trinity is false and that the Bible plainly states that Gods Kingdom is coming.
I wonder if Satan would then set up a religion that would cater for even these most Spiritualy furvant of worshippers?, in order to mislead even the Holy Ones?
Or does he set up religions or just take them over?, what would be the differance?
In view of Jesus words about the time of the end where many would profess the powerfull works performed in his name, and who are performing more powerfull works than Jehovahs Witnesses?, and he said he never knew them, we must be very carefull to ensure our relationship is directly with Jehovah through Jesus Christ, and not via a fourth party, and keep an eye on the identifying fruits that Jesus said you would know his disiples by.
Fruits that do not seem to be so evident these days from the Governing body?
Kenneth
05-29-2007, 10:51 AM
Out of billions of people we are very privilege to know the truth, for us however it goes one step further as we how come to understand what the operation of error means. I often ask myself why me, why am my one of Jehovah's Witnesses out of billions, its something I have fail to answer to my own satisfaction. Then I ask why me out of six million JWs, why do I have this special knowledge that at times I'd wish I never had as it all become too much.
Charles Taze Russell was correct when he stated that religion is a snare and a racket. Religion has done nothing but blind people to God and even though the Watchtower has proved far more insightful than any other religion in modern times it still has to face 'Jehovah's future judgements'. It's my firm belief that in the end the whole of mankind will be in the same position as the three Hebrew on the plains of Dura. Either individuals will bow to the idol or they will take a stand for the truth. There will be no excuses, no erstwhile religion other than the one that's evident at the time, just a clear distinction between Jehovah and the Devils organization. Either you receive the mark of the beast or you don't, either you are a sheep or a goat the choice will be down and solely down to the individual. It's out of that group that this great crowd appears that no man will be able to number out all the tribes of the earth.
Its interesting that Daniel was not present on the plain of Dura. Does this depict that fact that the anointed have all ready been kill and resurrected and that the three Hebrew represent the great crowd who now have to make their stand for Jehovah alone some how, only time will tell.(Even though Daniel was still alive at the time)
eyes&ears
05-29-2007, 11:40 AM
Indeed it is a privilege. And a responsibility. I feel Jehovah is preparing us for future assignments, and even current assignments, such as being awake and alert to current events or what's currently going on with the GB's teachings. We can help each other to sift through the teachings from the weeds, and focus on the truth from the wheat.
We need to stay faithful to the end, and never entertain thoughts of giving up. We are too close for that![/b]
I echo every single word Candace said. I also ask myself at times why me (smile).
Then I think, OKEY DOKEY I did say I will do whatever you asked Jehovah so use me anyway you see fit.
So perhaps Jehovah for now wants me to just be a source of encouragement until he gives me further direction. We all will surely be notified by our loving Father when he finishes refining us hmmmmmmmmmm. I will just continue to be thankful and humble and do whatever Jehovah says to do.
CAN WE HANDLE ALL OF THIS, I GUESS WE CAN SINCE JEHOVAH HAS OPENED OUR EYES. JEHOVAH knows what he is doing. He enlightens those whom he wanted to enlighten. Did ya notice most of our backgrounds here hmmmmm. We all have experienced some type of pain and we are trying ever so hard to keep holding on to our Father.
We all are full of questions, and we are lovers of truth. We want to serve Jehovah and we are still struggling to do so. Jehovah did not say he was going to use those who are so arrogant, think they know everything and are not humble and just go along with the flow not making sure of what they are doing. There are some folks who think everything is just honky dorey, peachy keen as the old sayings go.
Jehovah's uses all sorts of people with all sorts of backgrounds hmmmmm. He knows hearts. We just have to understand when his voice speaks to us and directs us. (IMO)
Do we think that Jehovah would give us all this, and then just leave us hanging hmmm. (NOT). Is this a coincidence hmmmm. I don't know but it is interesting doncha think? Did we get to this forum by ourselves hmmmmmm. I don't know but it is interesting doncha think? (smiling)
I also, as many of you do not agree with everything here that I read as well as I do not believe or agree with everything that comes from the org. However that does not mean the org is not Jehvovah's org because I don't agree with some stuff. Nevertheless there is still, I believe, a reason for us being here doncha think? Well I guess we will see hmmmmm.
In the meantime I am enjoying all of us being a source of encouragement and love to one another and to any visitors.
As Candace encourages us STAY ALERT, REMAIN FAITHFUL, AND DO NOT ENTERTAIN THOUGHTS OF GIVING UP. THANKS CANDACE, and thanks DT for your post.
WE GOTTA KEEP HOLDING ON TIGHT AND NOT LET JEHOVAH DOWN. WE HAVE THIS INFO FOR A REASON. LET US LET JEHOVAH DIRECT US, AND HE WILL, BUT WE GOTTA KEEP ACTIVELY WAITING ON JEHOVAH AND WE GOTTA KEEP HOLDING ON TIGHT.
Sisterly Love
E & E
Jeshurun
05-29-2007, 01:29 PM
Thanks for posting this DT.
It gives me an opportunity to express how difficult it is for me sometimes, having this inside information and trying to remain upbeat and happy in a world that appears so sublime. Every day is like a dream. Could this really be so? Could all this be coming upon the world, and in my opinion easy to find if one would just look diligently?
Jesus said: "Keep on knocking, keep on asking, keep on seeking, and it will be given to you." Why do SO FEW search for the answers? It boggles my mind.
It is always a blessing but at times seems like a curse. But no matter how much I learn, I always look for more. By no means do I feel secure, like I have some kind of salvation ticket. But finding e-Watchman, I have found that I do NOT have a one-way ticket to the LAKE, as I was led to believe.
My goal is to always be loyal to Jehovah and Jesus, and spend every minute that I can spreading the good news. It keep me out of trouble and is the only thing that gives me a feeling of purpose.
Maybe once this system is out of here I can learn to enjoy life as Jehovah really intended it, but in Satan's world, it has been nothing but survival and perseverence.
I too am very thankful for this little oasis in the vast desert.
Louo
Reader
05-29-2007, 04:19 PM
I feel the same way as you do, Kenneth. Perhaps one day the confusion will subside and the questions will be answered for us.
May that day come soon.
Regards
Reader
stayawake
05-29-2007, 05:16 PM
[[quote]
But I believe that many more will be saved than most of us realize when this system finally does come crashing down. At that time, many will likely start listening and turning to God. This is especially so when the two witnesses of Revelation begin their work. At that time many will come streaming to the House and Mountain of Jehovah. How privileged we are to have an advance head start in our understanding of these matters! Thank you Robert for the unselfish sharing of your time, energy and resources (including this web site and DB) in helping others to understand some of these deeper things of God's Word.[quote]DT
Yes, Robert
thank you much for your time and energy,and all your spiritual insight.also the dear ones behind the scene with the keeping up of this DB. All is deeply appreciated.
IMHO
I feel as you do DT. JOB was not of the Nation of God , nor was he a Jew
JOB no doubt had heard about Jehovah God and the flight out of Egypt ,and put his faith in Him.
Our all knowing God
Jehovah who is the hearer of Prayers had already examined Jobs heart. Thats why he was able to ask with confidence to Satan "Have you tested MY SERVENT JOB"?
Jobs desire would have been the same as the faithfull men of old.
To live here on earth forever
I often wonder if he may picture the Great Crowd. He did lose ten children and was given back ten more . The number TEN does picture earthly completeness.
Keep in mind I only speak for myself
love stayawake
Gabriel
05-30-2007, 01:52 AM
Yes. Why me?!?
Im not anyone special. My life has been nothing more than one big disapointment to Jehovah. The only thing that keeps me smiling is that I refuse to go down quietly into the dark. I love Jehovah so very much, but when I think about the information that I've been shown, I wonder why Jehovah didnt choose brother "faithful" and sister "Pioneer ".
So many of my brothers and sister are so much more faithful and loyal than I, so It becomes very overwelming when I give this some serious thought. But until Jehovah lets me know what Im supposed to do with all of this Ill just wait patiently on him and continue to do the best I can with what I have. Im also very thankful for this site and Robets hard work. That alone is an encouragement in itself. Here is a man thats been branded an APOSTATE and yet he continues to serve Jehovah regardless of the circumstances. Wow. What a powerful witness!
By that Alone I know that Jehovah expects me to do my part...regardless of my circumstances, seeing full well that there are others who suffer without cause and yet continue to maintain their integrety. Although many of my problems are self imposed, I will continue to fight till the end.
watchman
05-30-2007, 02:08 AM
Honestly, I think if I could go back and choose a different fork in the road, I would. Life is so much easier not knowing certain things. I think I was happier in my ignorance. Like Solomon said: "For in the abundance of wisdom there is an abundance of vexation, so that he that increases knowledge increases pain."
Dorcas
05-30-2007, 03:43 AM
Dear all on the thread,
Even though we don't have all the answers at this time, if those of us who came from Christendom think back to the total lack of information we had then, we have reason to thank Robert and all contributors to the DB.
Blessings to all who are searching the scriptures for truths.
Your sister, Dorcas http://e-jehovahs-witnesses.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/MSN%20Vlinder.gif
eyes&ears
05-30-2007, 11:13 AM
Dear all on the thread,
Even though we don't have all the answers at this time, if those of us who came from Christendom think back to the total lack of information we had then, we have reason to thank Robert and all contributors to the DB.
Blessings to all who are searching the scriptures for truths.
Your sister, Dorcas http://e-jehovahs-witnesses.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/MSN%20Vlinder.gif[/b]
:wave: GOOD MORNING ALL,
Yes, I remember Christendom very well, and I thank Jehovah all the time for giving me direction as to where I needed to be, and Christendom was not it.
I thank Jehovah for all those he enlightens/uses to help us understand his purpose, they are certainly picking up their torture stakes and following the footsteps of his Son, as well as being faithful and disceet. It is not easy and they know it, but they also know Jehovah is backing them up.
May we all continue to Praise Jehovah and his Son and continue to pray for and encourage those who are doing what Jehovah says to do inspite of the persecution they are receiving now and that which is to come.
I am also thankful for all of us here as we HOLD ON TIGHT and encourage one another and very grateful for this site as well as all the hard work and expense it must take to keep it up and running by all those involved.
Thank you very much.
Sisterly love to you all as we suit up, stay awake while keeping watch and STANDING FIRM.
E & E
Molly
05-30-2007, 12:46 PM
Yes. Why me?!?
Im not anyone special. My life has been nothing more than one big disapointment to Jehovah. The only thing that keeps me smiling is that I refuse to go down quietly into the dark. I love Jehovah so very much, but when I think about the information that I've been shown, I wonder why Jehovah didnt choose brother "faithful" and sister "Pioneer ".
So many of my brothers and sister are so much more faithful and loyal than I, so It becomes very overwelming when I give this some serious thought. But until Jehovah lets me know what Im supposed to do with all of this Ill just wait patiently on him and continue to do the best I can with what I have. Im also very thankful for this site and Robets hard work. That alone is an encouragement in itself. Here is a man thats been branded an APOSTATE and yet he continues to serve Jehovah regardless of the circumstances. Wow. What a powerful witness!
By that Alone I know that Jehovah expects me to do my part...regardless of my circumstances, seeing full well that there are others who suffer without cause and yet continue to maintain their integrety. Although many of my problems are self imposed, I will continue to fight till the end.[/b]
Dear Gabriel-
I am not special either. So, when I think about the information that I have received from e-Watchman and from others here, it puzzles me also. The thing that puzzles is not that I learned this information because it all makes so much sense. It's that I was not so daunted by the threat of the "apostate" that I allowed myself to start reading and eventually consumed as much as I could.
We all ignored the WT's heavy handed mind control to learn more about what Robert had to tell us. Even those who just lurked were at least curious, mostly because it did make sense. In fact, I'll bet for most of us it bolstered and helped to confirm our faith in Jehovah and the Bible. Perhaps it was our desire to understand more fully what the Scriptures actually meant that intrigued us, or maybe it was our dissatisfaction with the ever changing "new light" of the WTS that brought us here.
Perhaps its just that we really want to know Jehovah and others just want to sit back and coast along. In any case, my appreciation goes out to Robert for all his efforts.
Molly
Jeshurun
05-30-2007, 12:56 PM
While we're on the subject I though I would share my little Christendom story.
Everyone in my family was born into Catholicism, but only my mother and I seemed to need answers for the deeper questions about life and this world.
I attended public school but also went to "religious instruction" on Wednesday afternoons. I was not the teacher's pet there, as I always seemed to come up with questions she couldn't answer, therefore I had difficulty being called on.
One day when I was 8 years old, only a week after reviewing the story of the flood, to start the class the teacher pulled a chart down in front of the blackboard showing man's "progress" from monkey to homo erectus. Needless to say I was quite upset. After raising my hand for ten minutes, I finally asked the teacher: "Last week we learned about Noah, and the week before that, Adam and Eve. How could it be that the Church is teaching evolution?"
Teacher's response was: "Well, the government says we are required to teach this".
Me: "Since when does the State dictate to the Church what to teach?" No answer.
After raising hand for 10 minutes: "YESSS, LOUIS, WHAT NOW?"
"If we came from apes, then why is it that there are apes in the Bronx zoo and they're not turning into people?"
Teacher: (After a few seconds of utter contempt) "Well, GOD LEFT SOME!"
Hand goes up again. 10 minutes later: "WHAT IS IT NOW LOUIS?"
"I think you need to call my mother."
Somehow, which I still haven't figured out, they managed to yank my father away from the daily double window at Aqueduct Race Track. No cellphones in those days. Next thing I know, I see my father and mother in the hallway getting involved in a melee with the deacon. They took it into the deacon's office. After what seemed like an eternity, my father shows up at the door, looks at me, and with that authoritative motion of the index finger, calls me out of the room. He says" "We're outta here, let's go."
That was the end of Catholicism for my family.
Kenneth
05-30-2007, 01:24 PM
Honestly, I think if I could go back and choose a different fork in the road, I would. Life is so much easier not knowing certain things. I think I was happier in my ignorance. Like Solomon said: "For in the abundance of wisdom there is an abundance of vexation, so that he that increases knowledge increases pain."[/b]
When I first discovered e-watchman in 2004 it was the day my life changed and even though I was excited to read the many essays and commentaries it has caused me a great deal of pain ever since. I never really throught of the above scripture applying to my our knowledge but the pain that we suffer in this regard is immense. I have been through much in my half century of life but nothing quit on this scale at least psychologically. It's only through Jehovah's strength and relying on prayer and study of his word that will get us through this dark period.
Just imagine though the joy when it all come to light when the confusion sets in on the brothers as to why their prophets were false, and explaining that in actual fact the scripture never apply to Christendom but to us as Gods people. (Ezekiel 13) Not that we wish for our brothers to suffer as we just want to be there for them, I believe that's the noblest thing we can do. I showed a sister where Jeremiah refers to 'My people' she replied by saying "I've never seen that before" yet she'd just read through the bible reading. (Isaiah 42:19) So being there for them will prove important.
So my dear brothers and sister out there in cyber space we're not just privilege to have the truth, but to have the truth about the truth here at the DB. My advice to all whether on the DB or not is to maintain you course, stand by your posts and act like men being afraid of nothing.
(2 Chronicles 15: 7) "And YOU, be courageous and do not let YOUR hands drop down, because there exists a reward for YOUR activity"
(Ruth 2:12) May Jehovah reward the way you act, and may there come to be a perfect wage for you from Jehovah the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge."
(Colossians 3:24) for YOU know that it is from Jehovah YOU will receive the due reward of the inheritance. SLAVE for the Master, Christ.
(Hebrews 11:6) Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [him] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.
billy
05-30-2007, 02:11 PM
I would like to start by saying thank you to everyone here - this site has saved my mental health - I was in such despair and mental anguish - there were so many things that bothered me about the the society - from reading all your comments has helped me see that there are others out there who think and feel similar to myself - and doing so with deep respect for others and Jehovah - I am so glad i pushed through the fear and mind control tactics from the society
I just finished reading Robert's book "Jehovah Has Become King" and so often many prophecies and scriptures fell into place - it truely is enlightening and upbuilding - so I thank you too Robert for your time - effort - discernment
I do agree with all of you here in regards to learning many bright truths from the society and I feel thankful and grateful to them for sharing their insights into bible interpretation but it does feel they have gotten stuck somewhere - reading a coment about the difference with Russell and Rutherford geled something for me - and the statement was to the effect that Russell was more focused on developing the inner person whereas Rutherford went in a different direction by creating an organization - I really believe it has to start inside ourselves - then if everyone is working on themselves to follow Christ you should naturally form into a unified group of people - but the society seems to have it the other way around -
love to you all sis Billy
Do not put YOUR trust in nobles,
Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs
barry
05-30-2007, 02:39 PM
Hi Billy,
Welcome to the forum
regards,
Barry
billy
05-30-2007, 03:01 PM
Thank you Barry for your welcome
it so good to be able to talk with like minded people who love Jehovah
i actually feel very excited
it kind of feels like ive been wandering around in the wilderness and havent seen anyone for along time and then come across other wanderers :ban_dance01:
watchman
05-30-2007, 03:33 PM
Welcome to the asylum Sister Billy, uh, I mean refuge.
And thank you all for your appreciative comments. I do need to hear a few kind words of appreciation now and then. I get lots of nasty emails from JW's that don't quite get the sense of it. They might read an article or two and shoot off an invective denouncing me as an apostate, blah, blah.
One especially uninformed JW just emailed me to say I didn't know what I was talking about when I wrote that the WT teaches that Jehovah became king in 1914. He even claimed to have been a JW for 25 years. So, I cut and pasted three quotes from the Watchtower's CD ROM to show him the Society does indeed teach that Jehovah became king in 1914. The Isaiah commentary goes one further and says that Jehovah became king in 1914 and again in 1919 and is scheduled to become king again in the future. I suppose it is sort of like the six comings of Christ thing...The three becomings of Jehovah's kingship. Uh, that don't sound good. :icon_rolleyes:
eyes&ears
05-30-2007, 07:19 PM
JESH,
:ban_dance01: :applaudit: :186: I LOVED IT, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. OH MY GOODNESS YOU SOUND LIKE ME, WHEN I WAS A KID, AND I WON'T EVEN BEGIN.
ALL I WILL SAY IS I DROVE MY MOM NUTS. WHEN I WAS AROUND 6, I CAN REMEMBER HER JUMPING UP AND DOWN (I AM NOT EXAGGERATING OR MAKING THIS UP) AND PULLING AT HER HAIR AND SCREAMING, WHY, WHY, WHY. WHY DO YOU HAVE TO ASK WHY JUST DO IT. (SHE ASKED ME TO PICK UP MY TOYS AND CLEAN MY ROOM OR ELSE SANTA CLAUS WOULD NOT COME) ALL I WANTED TO KNOW WAS WHY. :200: :203:
ONE THING IS FOR SURE JESH. I ASKED SO MANY QUESTIONS, SHE GOT TIRED AND STOPPED SENDING ME TO CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL. ESPECIALLY WHEN I ASKED HER HOW COME SHE SENT ME, BUT SHE NEVER WENT? THAT DID NOT GO OVER TOO WELL
I NEVER PUT THE MONEY IN THE TRAY ANYWAYS, I WOULD GO TO THE
CORNER STORE AND AND BUY TOOTSIE ROLLS!!!
(BAD E & E, BAD BAD BAD)
E & E
eyes&ears
05-30-2007, 07:28 PM
Hi Billy,
We are glad you pushed through your fear also Billy. You will not be sorry. You will be amazed at how fast you continue to grow as Jehovah's direction and Holy Spirit open your spiritual eyes and ears of understanding.
You keep growig and growing and HOLD N ON TIGHT NOW YA HEAR BILLY.
WELCUM ABOARD AGAIN.
E & E
eyes&ears
05-30-2007, 08:11 PM
Kenneth,
Thanks you so much for those encouragaing scriptural reminders.
IMO I believe that what we are taking in now scripturally will
help us HOLD ON TIGHT, when we really go through the ROUGH TIMES. I'M
TALKING ABOUT THE REAL ROUGH TIMES. THE TIMES JEHOVAH ALREADY
HAD RECORDED FOR US THAT WILL BE SO UGLY UNLESS THOSE DAYS WERE CUT
SHORT ...............
WE BETTER EAT UP AS MUCH OF JEHOVAH'S WORD AS WE CAN NOW, AND
REALLY AND TRULY BELIEVE IT.
Thanks again Kenneth.
E & E
Eli's Foe
05-30-2007, 08:34 PM
A few words of encouragement go a long way. In my short life span on this planet, one thing I have learned through personal experience and observing others is that everyone needs to feel they have some worth.
Knowing you are right about something is all very well, that can give you the strength to persevere but someone acknowledging that you're right has a value. No man is an island so the saying goes, and how true. Our lives and experiences, our reaching out to others is what gives worth to the one giving and the one receiving. Even Jehovah needs to be vindicated (though he knows without a shadow of doubt he is right) because of the impact of that vindication on others as well as himself.
So I'd like to say, that no matter what the effect of coming to know the greater truths has been on me and my family (like Kenneth things have not been easy and continue to be difficult) I can never regret knowing. Frankly I used to say that I wished I'd never listened to Jehovah's Witnesses in the first place, life was much easier as a worldly person, but that was partly because the truth I learned was flawed, and I could see many of the cracks from day one. Of course I was carried along regardless of my private misgivings, but often unhappy, often in dispute, often at odds with elders. Now I can see more clearly, it makes sense. It has been a rocky road, but Watchman, I can never regret finding your site and I for one hope you never feel discouraged. As one of the annointed you have a special reason for warning the GB, but I suspect that as time passes you will need the support of others more because you are still human (thank goodness).
I too want to welcome Billy, and hope to read many more contributions on this board, none of us has a monopoly in wisdom, so thankyou for joining us, we need you and many more here.
Christian love to all,
EF :bisou:
Candace
05-31-2007, 08:16 AM
Welcome to the forum/asylum/refuge Billy! I think all of us here have a lot in common, and we are so appreciative that Jehovah has provided a way for us to reclaim our sanity. Many thanks to Robert and co. for taking on this assignment, even though it's a difficult one.
Jehovah has an assignment for all of us. He takes only willing volunteers. So, even though it ain't easy, we have the opportunity to share in spreading the real good news.
Thanks to everyone for the encouraging words and scriptures, and personal experiences. I remember in 8th grade (Catholic school), after taking a test in religion class the nun who was the teacher of the class called me a heretic in front of everybody. Why? Because on the test I stated that the bread represented Christ's body and the wine represented Christ's blood.
I did not understand why she was calling me a heretic (or what a heretic even was) until years later when the Witnesses started a Bible study with me. And that's when I learned that the Catholics believe the bread actually IS his body and the wine actually IS his blood. They call that transubstantiation (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05573a.htm#3).
Where would we be if we did not come to know Jehovah? I would probably be dead and buried somewhere by now, considering the reckless life I was leading. Knowing Jehovah has brought many blessings, but also many difficulties. He promises to help us get through the tough times (1 Cor. 10:13). So, hang in there, just a little while longer and we will have succeeded in helping to prove Satan a liar.
billy
05-31-2007, 02:07 PM
Thank you for your lovely welcomes Watchman, Eyes & EArs, Eli's Foe and Candace
theres a very nice spirit here -
sanity yes!
peace love joy to all
shira
02-23-2009, 06:28 PM
Honestly, I think if I could go back and choose a different fork in the road, I would. Life is so much easier not knowing certain things. I think I was happier in my ignorance. Like Solomon said: "For in the abundance of wisdom there is an abundance of vexation, so that he that increases knowledge increases pain."[/b]
Never, never! I too am very thankful for the things you have done on the web and everything. I was happier in my ignorance too but I would not want it back for a second at cost of Jehovah's truth. Thank you for your obedience.
tortas
02-23-2009, 07:01 PM
i must also give my thanks to watchman
thanks for scaring the wits out of me , lol
yes, ignorance was bliss
shikinah
02-23-2009, 07:35 PM
Ignorance is bliss,
but we will all meet our maker one day :187:
Elizabeth
Tsaphah
02-23-2009, 09:43 PM
<div class='quotemain'>Honestly, I think if I could go back and choose a different fork in the road, I would. Life is so much easier not knowing certain things. I think I was happier in my ignorance. Like Solomon said: "What was said about knowledge and responsibility reminded me of an article from the Society. How true this is, but WE have to take on that responsibility. It kind of goes along with what a long time friend said in one of the meetings. “It’s hard to be good. It’s easier to do what’s bad in God’s eyes.”
Here is a portion of the information by the WTB&TS
( Knowledge and the unforgivable sin )
Thus knowledge brings greater responsibility. Pilate’s sin was not as great as that of the Jewish religious leaders who turned Jesus over to the governor, nor that of Judas, who betrayed his Lord. (John 19: 11; 17:12) Jesus told Pharisees of his day that if they were blind, they would have no sin, evidently meaning that their sins could be forgiven by God on the basis of their ignorance; however, because they denied being in ignorance ‘their sin remained: (John 9:39-41) They and others had “no excuse for their sin,” because they were witnesses of the powerful words and works proceeding from Jesus as the result of God’s spirit on him. (John 15:22-24; Luke 4:18) Those who (either in word or by their course of action) willfully and knowingly blasphemed God’s spirit thus manifested would be “guilty of everlasting sin,” with no forgiveness possible. (Matt. 12:31, 32; Mark 3:28-30; compare John 15:26; 16: 7, 8.) This could be the case with some who came to be Christians and then deliberately turned from God’s pure worship. Hebrews 10:26, 27 states that “if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, but there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and there is a fiery jealousy that is going to consume those in opposition.”
At 1 John 5:16, 17, John evidently refers to willful, knowing sin in speaking of a “sin that does incur death” as contrasted with one that does not. (Compare Numbers 15:30.) Where the evidence indicates such willful, knowing sin, the Christian would not pray for the one so offending. God, of course, is the final Judge as to the heart attitude of the sinner, but in such cases the Christian does not risk having his prayer be in vain or be displeasing to God.-Compare Jeremiah 7:16; Matthew 5:44; Acts 7:60.)
All of us who have been given the opportunity to gain the knowledge of Jehovah and Jesus have an obligation to preach the good news of the kingdom. (Lk 4:18) (Mt 24:14) (Mr 16:15) (Ro 10:15) (Ro 15:20)
May mercy and peace and love be increased to YOU. (Jude 1:2)
Tsaphah
Eyes & Ears
02-23-2009, 10:13 PM
IT SURE AIN'T EASY TSAPHAH, BUT I AM TRYING WITH EVERY OUNCE OF ALL JEHOVAH GAVE ME, I AM TRYING TO PREACH THIS KINGDOM MESSAGE.
Enjoyed the expressions T.
E & E
Mt 24:13
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