GREETINGS TO ALL READERS OF GOOD WILL, I'm Mason Emerson (nicknamed "Joe") and as a yahoo.com group I put the following on some websites there to encourage interested readers (exJWs or others) to go ahead and form independent nonWatchtower groups for Bible fellowship which can meet in homes instead of in kingdom halls. I see myself as a catalyst for action by others, not a founder of groups or a sole leader of them, especially given my current health. Those who model the loving kindness of Christ will flourish with happiness, those who do not will weed themselves out. Christ, not the Watchtower, is our most Faithful and Discreet Slave. I recently had a heart attack requiring 5-bypasses, so pray that in time some extra interested readers will do the things that I cannot, perhaps even years into the future.
The idea of fellowshipping in houses instead of buildings is not any kind of rule but a suggestion given the newness of the fellowship. As to those who may attack the kept concept of resurrection to heaven or earth note that the hope of going to heaven rather than resurrection on earth began with Christ and Christians, the Jewish people always looking to their resurrection being on earth. God can resurrect to either place so the one main hope for Christians is to service in heaven but if He may resurrect some to many on earth is certainly God's own decision. Copy and use the following if it seems good to you:
CHRISTIAN WITNESSES (REFORMED JEHOVAH's WITNESSES AND FRIENDS):
WE BELIEVE IN joyful unity by love and that God wants humans resurrected to enjoy life forever on Earth returned to paradise or else with Christ serving those on earth! (Eccles. 1:4; Mat. 5:5, 6:10)
We need to fellowship with and help the poor, sick, needy. Remember, nobody is perfect. We must put love and mercy above rigid blind interpretations of religious laws.
WE REJOICE that Romans 14 and Colossians 2:15 grant freedom of beliefs regarding holidays, diet, medical treatments etc. Luke 10:7 says don't go to every door canvassing style but Mt 28:19 says do tell others of Christ!
GOING TO other churches is okay but for more fellowship fun invite friendly persons to come read scriptures with yourself, enjoy a simple meal, sing, help other people as Christ did. Pray through Christ to our Father (Mt 6:9) though Lord or Jehovah are also common. (Ps 83:18) Gently encourage those attending to invite friendly newcomers or form more such Bible reading groups.
GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT baptizes new Christians. Symbolic water baptism can be witnessed by others or heaven, or Christians under great tribulation can self-baptize as heaven watches. For a name note you are a joyful "CHRISTIAN," and for faith or church say the one Christian faith, true CHRISTIANITY.
CONSIDER THE New International Version for Bible readings. Tell friendly persons a regular meeting home or place and time. Older reputable adults serving others including at meetings in homes are our servants or elders, not a title but description of their service. (Ro 16:1)
CHRIST as our savior from death is the most Faithful and Discreet Slave or spiritual Leader though any Christian can offer suggestions and help. We put God first, not any spiritual dictator or false men.
FREE TRACTS are at MESSAGES below or devise your own. Have fun!
CONTACT ME AT [email protected] for my phone number. I live in Overland Park, Kansas. For more information eamil me or else click http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BibleStudy11/ or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BibleStudy1 etc