Posts by ringo5

64

A recent Awake that said earth's population would fit in T

by AlmostAtheist in

jw
friends

i bumped into a jw at the store the other day.

he doesn't know i'm df'd (apparently) and i didn't decide to enlighten him.

he banged on for a bit about people we both knew, how service was that morning, etc.

ringo5

Awake/Golden Age has also published estimates for the number of people to be resurrected148 billion

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/106252/1.ashx

LOOK OUT TEXAS

9

Get Ready For The Resurrection!

by ringo5 in

to all those that are bitching about how many the witnesses say are going to be bird food in armaggeddon, take heart!

this serves a twofold purpose: .

1- 99.9% of the earths population were all mean people and didn't take the mags when they were offered.

ringo5

LOL...for a moment...then feels grim remembering those snippets of conversation in field service...

~Merry (of the "doesn't know whether to laugh or cry" class)

Yeah Mary, that captures my mood quite well when I think about this sh*t... I also found it interesting they actually gave a such a large number

one hundred and forty-two billions

as their estimate to come back to earth. I remember giving presentations that queried householders about overpopulation concerns.

This would no doubt give them pause for thought...

9

Get Ready For The Resurrection!

by ringo5 in

to all those that are bitching about how many the witnesses say are going to be bird food in armaggeddon, take heart!

this serves a twofold purpose: .

1- 99.9% of the earths population were all mean people and didn't take the mags when they were offered.

To all those that are bitching about how many the witnesses say are going to be bird food in Armaggeddon, Take Heart!

This serves a twofold purpose:

1- 99.9% of the earths population were all mean people and didn't take the mags when they were offered.

2- There's going to be a huge need for real estate once the dead start coming back to life. Please refer to your Golden Age - March 1921

157. What is the estimated number of human beings who have lived on the earth during the past 6,000 years ? And how many of these could reasonably have been saints of God?
It is estimated that about one hundred and forty-three billions of human beings have lived on the earth in the six thousand years since Adam's creation. Of these, the very broadest estimate that could be made with reason would be that less than one billion were saints of God. This broad estimate would leave the immense aggregate of one hundred and forty-two billions (142,000,000,000) who went down into death without faith and hope in the only name given under heaven or among men whereby we must be saved. Indeed, the vast majority of these never knew nor heard of Jesus, and could not believe in Him of whom they had not heard.

175. Briefly, what is the reasonable, beautiful and Scriptural plan of God for the salvation of the world? Since God does not propose to save men on account of ignorance, but "will have all men to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4); and since the masses of mankind have died in ignorance; and since "there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave" (Ecclesiastes 9:10); therefore God has prepared for the awakening of the dead, in order to knowledge, faith and salvation.

There was a good reason why witnesses enjoyed eyeing up their favorite homes while in the ministry. They hoped to move into them quickly after Armageddon (after chucking out the corpses so the birds could get at them). You think the recent run up in real estate demand was something, well you ain't seen nothin' yet!

10

WE WON

by JeffT in

first time ever the seahawks are going to the superbowl.

ringo5

Your sister city in Canada is cheering for you! (Vancouver)

11

Watchtower Answers: "Will Sodom and Gomorrah Be Resurrected?"

by Yizuman in

the following answers are from the watchtower.... .

*** watchtower 1879 july 1 page8 ***.

(men of sodom and gomorrah will be resurrected).

ringo5

*** Kingdom Ministry December 1989 p.7 Announcements ***

• Some adjustments will be made in future printings of the Live Forever book. The only significant change is with regard to the Sodomites, on pages 178 and 179. This change appeared in the Revelation book, page 273, and in The Watchtower of June 1, 1988, pages 30 and 31. You may wish to note it in earlier printings that you have on hand.

Can anyone tell me why this is a significant teaching to the WTS? Does it lead into other Watchtower teachings that have bigger implications than the just the judgement of those buggerers?

6

20/20 tonight - talk about an icebreaker

by Will Power in

jw
friends

they did a piece on that guy who does infomercials about drug companines that don't want you to find out that there are lots of cures using natural stuff that is of course in his $30.

book - trudeau .

turns out he's been in jail twice for scamming, using other methods, and that his quackery book is making him the most money so far!

ringo5

Yeah, hopefully it will be a while before we see that guy's face again. Jon Stewart did a bit on him http://www.thebscorner.com/archives/JSonCrap_wmv.htm

And here's another charlatan Don Lapre You might remember "just one tiny little ad!"

8

Real Reason the Annointed Won't Die Off.

by Woodsman in

w79 11/15 p. 27 benefiting from one mediator between god and men ***.

when the last of these approved spiritual israelites cease to be men because of earthly death and a resurrection to a share in the heavenly kingdom, then the mediatorship of jesus christ will cease also.

w79 11/15 p. 26 benefiting from one mediator between god and men ***.

ringo5

This was a change in the understanding of Matthew 24:34

"This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."

pre 1995 it taught that this was a literal generation, that at least some people who were alive in 1914 would see armegeddon arrive.

*** Awake! 1962 September 22 p.27 'This Generation Will Not Pass' ***
[Scan available]

[...] But what "generation" did Christ have in mind?

Was Jesus using the word "generation" in a symbolic way? No we should not say that the word "generation" here has a symbolic meaning and that it refers, for example, to persons of the spiritual body of Christ exclusively, or only to the true Christian organization itself

The word "generation" at Matthew 24:34 is to be viewed in an ordinary sense, as at Acts 13:36 and Mark 8:12. Acts 13:36 speaks of David's very own generation, a literal generation. The generation of persons living in Jesus' time, person who sought a sign, according to Mark 8:12, was a literal generation. That a symbolic application to a "generation" of wicked persons is not meant at Matthew 24:34 is apparent when we read the preceding verse: "Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors." It is the generation of persons who "see all these things" to whom Jesus refers in verse 34, irrespective of whether such persons are righteous or wicked. Since Jesus was foretelling conditions prevailing now at the world's time of the end, the generation now living is the one to which he pointed forward in his prophecy of the last days.

Bible prophecies indicate that Christ was installed as the King of God's heavenly kingdom in 1914. Without delay, the newly enthroned Potentate waged ware against the Devil and his demons, resulting in their ouster from the heavens. (Rev. 12:7-9) The "generation" of Matthew 24:34 includes persons alive at the time that the war in heaven began in 1914. All who were living or who came on the scene around that time are part of that generation. Members of that generation will see the end of this world.

It should be noted, however, that the world's end does not come after the end of that generation. It comes within that generation. Jesus himself said that the generation would not pass away "until all these things occur." "now learn from the fig tree as an illustration this point: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors." (Matt. 24:32, 33) The happenings that he foretold do not indicate that the end would come in the next generation; they are 'the sign of his presence' and of the impending end of the old world. The generation living in 1914, millions of whom are still alive on earth, will be living when the end comes at Armageddon.

[Emphasis Added]

This was changed in 1995 to indicate something less meaningful-

*** Watchtower 1995 November 1 pp.16-20 A Time to Keep Awake ***
"Keep on the Watch"!

5 After prophesying events leading up to a time of "great tribulation," Jesus added: "Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:3-36; Mark 13:3-32) We do not need to know the exact timing of events. Rather, our focus must be on being watchful, cultivating strong faith, and keeping busy in Jehovah's service—not on calculating a date. Jesus concluded his great prophecy by saying: "Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is. . . . Keep on the watch . . . What I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch." (Mark 13:33-37) Danger lurks in the shadows of today's world. We must keep awake!—Romans 13:11-13.

6 Not only must we pay attention to the inspired prophecies concerning these final days of a wicked system but we must anchor our faith primarily on the precious sacrifice of Christ Jesus and God's marvelous promises based thereon. (Hebrews 6:17-19; 9:14; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 2 Peter 1:16-19) Eager to see the end of this evil system, Jehovah's people have at times speculated about the time when the "great tribulation" would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914. However, we "bring a heart of wisdom in," not by speculating about how many years or days make up a generation, but by thinking about how we "count our days" in bringing joyful praise to Jehovah. (Psalm 90:12) Rather than provide a rule for measuring time, the term "generation" as used by Jesus refers principally to contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying characteristics.

7 In line with the above, professor of history Robert Wohl wrote in his book The Generation of 1914: "A historical generation is not defined by its chronological limits . . . It is not a zone of dates." But he pointed out that World War I created "an overwhelming sense of rupture with the past," and he added: "Those who lived through the war could never rid themselves of the belief that one world had ended and another begun in August 1914." How true that is! It focuses on the crux of the matter. "This generation" of mankind since 1914 has experienced appalling changes. It has seen the earth drenched with the blood of millions. Warfare, genocide, terrorism, crime, and lawlessness have erupted worldwide. Famine, disease, and immorality have stalked our globe. Jesus prophesied: "You also, when you [his disciples] see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, This generation will by no means pass away until all things occur."—Luke 21:31, 32.

8 Yes, the complete triumph of the Messianic Kingdom is at hand! Is anything to be gained, then, by looking for dates or by speculating about the literal lifetime of a "generation"? Far from it! Habakkuk 2:3 clearly states: "The vision is yet for the appointed time, and it keeps panting on to the end, and it will not tell a lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late." Jehovah's day of accounting hastens ever closer.—Jeremiah 25:31-33; Malachi 4:1.

9 When Christ's Kingdom rule began in 1914, Satan was hurled down to earth. This has meant "woe for the earth . . . because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time." (Revelation 12:12) That time is short, indeed, compared with the thousands of years of Satan's rulership. The Kingdom is at hand, and so is Jehovah's day and hour for executing judgment on this wicked generation!—Proverbs 3:25; 10:24, 25.
The "Generation" That Passes Away

10 Let us examine more closely Jesus' statement at Matthew 24:34, 35: "Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away." Jesus' words that follow show that 'nobody knows that day and hour.' Far more important, he shows that we must avoid the snares surrounding us in this generation. Thus Jesus adds: "For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be." (Matthew 24:36-39) Jesus here compared the generation of his day to that of Noah's day.—Genesis 6:5, 9; footnote.

11 This was not the first time that the apostles heard Jesus make this comparison of 'generations,' for some days earlier he had stated concerning himself: "The Son of man . . . must undergo many sufferings and be rejected by this generation. Moreover, just as it occurred in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of man." (Luke 17:24-26) Thus, Matthew chapter 24 and Luke chapter 17 make the same comparison. In Noah's day "all flesh [that] had ruined its way on the earth" and that was destroyed at the Flood was "this generation." In Jesus' day the apostate Jewish people that were rejecting Jesus was "this generation."—Genesis 6:11, 12; 7:1.

12 Therefore, in the final fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy today, "this generation" apparently refers to the peoples of earth who see the sign of Christ's presence but fail to mend their ways. In contrast, we as Jesus' disciples refuse to be molded by the life-style of "this generation." Though in the world, we must be no part of it, "for the appointed time is near." (Revelation 1:3; John 17:16) The apostle Paul admonishes us: "Keep doing all things free from murmurings and arguments, that you may come to be blameless and innocent, children of God without a blemish in among a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you are shining as illuminators in the world." —Philippians 2:14, 15; Colossians 3:5-10; 1 John 2:15-17.

For a more complete understanding of this change try this Generation quotes

23

apostates - all liars - generalizing

by stillajwexelder in

jw
friends

one thing that really pisses me off and stops me "coming out" as an apostate is that, if somebdoy becomes an apostate they are automatically liars in the eyes of jws.

every time apostasy is mentioned in magazines it is always in the context that they are automatically liars.

to my mind, most apostates are evry truthful, but the wtbts/ rank and gfile etc , automatically brand you as a liar when you become an apostate and it really angers me.

ringo5

They don't necessarily disagree with all apostates:

*** sh chap. 1 pp. 7-8 Why Be Interested in Other Religions? ***
10 With so many religions in a world that gets smaller and smaller by virtue of ever faster travel and communication, the impact of various faiths is felt worldwide, whether we like it or not. The outrage that broke out in 1989 over the book The Satanic Verses, written by what some people termed ‘an apostate Muslim,’ is clear evidence of how religious sentiment can manifest itself on a global scale. There were calls from Islamic leaders for the book to be banned and even for the author to be put to death. What makes people react so vehemently in matters of religion?

Ah, they can be so objective when their satanic verses are not being exposed!

5

A Guide Book To a Better Life?

by NiecyMe in

over the years i have studied and studied the bible, reading it through about 5 times so far.

taking books of notes and finding..so, many people are so wrong.

the way the words are twisted, making one scripture contradict the others.

ringo5

Congratulations on being able to read it that many times, Niecy! Even though I was also a witness for 30+ years , I never really forced myself to go all the way through it. You know, being spiritual and stuff takes up a lot of time.(service, meetings, talks, assemblies, blah, blah) OK not that spiritual at all. Since I left, I had no option but to reevaluate what that religion and what all the rest of christianity is based on and like you, see the results of a book written by man.

As for being a guide to a better life, I think we always undersold ourselves and others when we assumed we'd be axe murderers (or something more horrible) if we didn't have the bible to tell us what to do. Personally, I think the bible gave us an excuse to look down on other people which I really try hard not to do anymore.

You might enjoy this look at the bible The Age Of Reason. It takes a logical approach to examining the Bible and it may help clear some things up for you.

ringo

48

Real evangelism powered by the Holy Spirit

by Shining One in

as jws we all were forced to participate in their evangelistic method.

i think that it is based primarily on fear.

here is an article about true, holy spirit powered evangelism.

ringo5

SHINING ONE- AS AN EX DUB, I HAVE YET NOT RULED OUT THE BIBLE AS THE WORD OF GOD. FINDING OUT THE WTS WAS DEALING HOGWASH DIDN'T HELP, NOR DID THEIR HYPOCRISY. BUT IF I'M TO APPRECIATE THE BIBLE AGAIN IT WON'T BE FROM SOMEONE WHO ALSO SEEMS TO SHOW SIGNS OF HYPOCRISY.

HERE IS YOUR COMMENT TO DAN-

Cackle and cavort all that you want, Dan. Your comments here will not be recalled to mind by anyone here in a few days. You will account for them in eternity to your Lord, like it or not.

The issue is before you and my opinion does not count...... Any judging will be done by our creator and not any one or group of us.