xjwsforChrist

Villagegirl, to my knowledge, the body members here do not believe the Lord Jaheshua is speaking exclusively to them; rather that He speaks to everyone.

I prolly should ignore this post, dear VG (peace to you!), but you raise some legitimate issues that perhaps others are curious about. To leave it as you're IMPLYING (as to here, though I don't know why, if what you say is CORRECT, you feel you need to be all... ummmmm... covert and indirect about it. Could be that rafter, but, well... only you know that), though, isn't fair to others who might read it and have such curiosity. So, let's review it, from the perspective of THIS forum and those who post HERE, shall we? Because I think you are making assumptions based on not TRULY understanding where you are and among whom (yeah, I know - sounds "superior", doesn't it? Only if you take it that way, though...):



If you are directing that to THIS forum and those who post HERE, you are mistaken: most of us don't believe in religion of ANY kind... or that religion of ANY kind is acceptable to God. Most of us know that the ONLY religion ever SANCTIONED by God was the one HE formed: the institution He set up through Moses, that started with a tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai and culminated with a temple in Jerusalem... which temple was destroyed... twice... both times with God's permission... and the second time after He utterly REJECTED it... as well as the FORM OF RELIGION practiced IN it... when He removed His SPIRIT from it... and put that spirit in His SON... who then put(s) that spirit in OTHERS... making THEM the "temple" of God. As a result, there is NO "religion" on EARTH that worships God... because not only does He not dwell in handmade temples, but in His PEOPLE... but those who DO worship Him must DO so:

1. In SPIRIT;
2. In TRUTH;
3. THROUGH Christ.

And by "through" Christ, I don't mean "in the name of 'Jesus'" but by literally going THROUGH Christ so as to even come BEFORE God. Those who simply utter prayers "in the name of 'Jesus'" overlook two (2) very important TRUTHS:

1. There is no "Jesus" (that is NOT the name of the Son of God), so praying in THAT name is not what gets one IN... or one's prayers HEARD; and

2. Just because one utters the name of "Jesus" does NOT mean one has actually gotten IN, indeed, one has NOT if they have not gone TO him and ASKED to be given ACCESS... and so such one is like the Pharisee... who merely prayed "to himself."

Now, everything I just shared with you I received from my dear Lord, the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... BUT... it is included in the Bible. Every bit of it. So, if you doubt ME... or even doubt HIM (because HE could tell you, if you only had faith so as to HEAR him)... you can READ about it, for yourself. Please let me know if you need to know the specific scriptures and verses; otherwise, I am going to assume you already know them.

Now, do we... some of us... believe what we know and understand is the only TRUTH? Some of us do. I do. But that isn't because I received it from some man (or woman)... or thought of it myself. It is because I received it FROM the [One Who is] the Truth.



I can only speak for myself but MY basis for understanding this isn't because of what I "think." It's because of what I've been TOLD... by the One... the ONLY One... who SAYS who is "in" him. Since HE's the TRUTH... then I have to take HIS word for it. I mean, he should KNOW... yes? And so if HE says to me that HE doesn't know (as in "yada"... and in intimately... as in he in they and they in him) ones... then who am I to dispute that with HIM?



I hate to be the one to tell you, but I think that, by your comment, YOU are doing the very thing you are accusing others of. Because you DO believe YOU are right... and have the "real thing" yes... and "we" are wrong/do not? On what, though, do you base your position? Your OWN thinking? The thinking given you by other humans? Or what you've heard from Christ himself? Since the only truly RELIABLE source would be Christ himself... you, too, must hear him, then... yes? And if so, how do you take issue with any HERE who make that claim?

And please don't think that after making such a statement, refusing to answer my questions to YOU will suffice to show you as "right." It won't. It will only show that you DON'T KNOW of what you're speaking and accusing others of... but which to APPEAR "knowledgeable." Unless you can ANSWER as to what is propounded to YOU, however... I have no choice but to assume YOU the ignorant one.



This comment TOTALLY confuses me. I mean, you claim to be a "christian," yes? Yet, did not CHRIST correct others thinking... so as to align them with his??? And did he not tell his DISCIPLES:

"Go... and make disciples of people of ALL nations... teaching them to OBEY/OBSERVE... ALL the things I've commanded YOU"??

How does one fulfill that COMMAND, if one doesn't do what HE did... and told THEM to do??? And how does one claim to be a CHRISTIAN... if one DOESN'T do what Christ SAID to do?? Oh, wait... that's right: you're of that "all they need do is believe in him and call him 'Lord' thinking." SAY they belong to/know him. I don't think HE sees it that way, though. At least, he SAID he didn't.



God? I don't think anyone here thinks that. I certainly don't. Most HERE knows that He only deals "exclusively" with Christ, His Son. Christ, on the other hand, deals both exclusively AND as a group with those who the Father has GIVEN him, yes. Surely, you know THAT... yes? I can give you a PLETHORA of examples. Individually, first, then perhaps as part of a group. But individually even so. For example, Philip. Saul of Tarsus. Peter. John. Lazarus. Stephen. The Samaritan woman. Mary the Magdalene. ALL were dealt with exclusively by my dear Lord. AND as part of a group. Sometimes not even the SAME group (Saul of Tarsus aka Paul was not one of the "12" nor was he always dealt with as part of that group and those who went with them - but you know that, yes?).

As for speaking to them, God has ALWAYS spoken to His people. Heck, He even spoke to Cain. And just as he said he did whatever the Father did... and taught HIM... Christ speaks to HIS people. Surely, you've read in your Bible where he tells us THAT... yes? And where Lazarus reiterates it?



Again, I'm confused. You cannot mean us, here. Because NO ONE... HERE... is intolerant of these. Well, okay, we have one or two who have expressed some intolerance. But one does not claim to be of Christ's Body at all and while the other professes to be a christian, we have spoken with him on his intolerance and he understands he needs to keep his opinions on such levels to himself and off THIS board. Otherwise, no one here is intolerant of ANYONE. Not even practicing JWs. Or practicing Catholics. Indeed, until recently, one of our dear moderators was a Catholic. Had been since this place started (and elsewhere before). Another of our moderators is agnostic. We even "tolerate" atheists... something YOU seem to have a problem with. I'm not sure what you THINK you "know" about "us"... but if you are referring to US... you are very much in error.



As to such religions being illegitimate, yes. You are correct; we... some of us... and certainly me... know them to be illegitimate. But that doesn't make them lesser than or unacceptable to God - only makes them not part of the Body of Christ. But although Abraham loved Isaac and made him heir... because of the status of his MOTHER, Abraham's FREE wife, Sarah... Abraham STILL loved Ishmael... his illegitimate son by the slave girl, Hagar. And while Ishmael didn't share in the inheritance reserved for Isaac, Abraham STILL provided... and very well... for him.

In the same way, while we... I... understand that there are "sheep" who are of Christ's BODY... and so not only attain everlasting life by means of him, but RULE with him in his kingdom... "Isaac"... there are also "sheep" who also receive that life by doing GOOD to his brothers. "Ishmael." BOTH are well-care for, luv.

But it is NOT us who constitute some as "goats." Such ones do that themselves. By their own mouths... and lack of love and faith... they judge themselves.



Well, then, you CERTAINLY cannot mean anyone HERE. Because NO ONE... HERE... believes they are special... or have special knowledge. If THAT were the case we (1) would not SHARE it but keep it TO ourselves, perhaps only allowing an "exclusive" few access to it... yet, here YOU are... and you didn't have to jump through any hoops to get here; and (2) not profess ourselves to be SERVANTS of others, and put ourselves IN service to other... but require that others serve US. Yet, you will not find ANY such request HERE.



It's not an idea, luv. It's the truth. EVERYONE in union with Christ will... should... "know things", including God's will. Yes? Else, how can one DO God's will? Now, if logic serves, you, TOO, must think you "know things" that others do not... just by your commentary HERE. AND... by your (repeatedly stated) education. AND by the fact that you've chosen one (particular) religion (christianity) over another (say, Islam). Surely, you believe YOU know things that those in Islam DON'T... yes? And YOU understand "God's will" while those folks "do not." Yes? Your position as to what's occurring in GAZA says THAT, dear one. Else, you would CONDESCEND to consider that PERHAPS... YOU... are WRONG... on that matter. But... you do not (condescend) to consider it. Which means you believe THEY are wrong... that YOU know and "understand God's will" as to THIS matter... and THEY "do not."

Well, I have to tell you, dear, dear VG... you are wrong. About a lot of things. Especially your assumptions regarding this site, the people here, and our faith. Had you taken a moment and maybe just chilled and OBSERVED... you might not have led yourself to look as foolish as you do, right now. You came here, though, upset and angry over what had occurred with you on ANOTHER site. Rather than move on from there in PEACE... you came HERE... and attacked US. Came here and tried to do to US the same as was done to YOU... THERE.

We, however, received you (again, I immediately called out one who I thought was VERY rude to you and requested an apology! Rather than acknowledge that, you turned on ME! NOT because of my SPIRITUAL position, but my POLITICAL position. Which you, obviously, cannot separate. I, though, was like, "What the...???" It would be like me taking issue with anyone who spoke against Baptists cause my PEOPLE are Baptists. Yet, YOU posted very accurately as to how BAPTISTS conducted themselves during U.S. slavery - to this day, I can't fathom why anyone Black would want to BE a Baptist... or a Democrat... well, or a Republican... but that's just ME. I digress.).

Now, you want to take what we are sharing among ourselves as a personal attack on YOU... when, for the most part, no one has really addressed your "religion." I'm not even sure what it IS... other than you stating it as "christian." You take issue because I have a different opinion than you are to the various "denominations"... yet, YOU apparently have a problem with at least one NON-christian religion. To ME... and I don't think I'm alone... religion... is religion. Whether it calls itself "christian," or "Islam" or "Hindu" or "Buddhism" or "Anglican" or "Catholic" or "Roman Catholic" or "Baptist" or "Southern Baptist"... or "Bible Students"... or "Jehovah's Witnesses"... or "JWs." It is ALL... RELIGION.

And, for the most part, we here... don't do... religion. We do... Christ. Who condemned the only religion established by God... and NEVER REPLACED IT (with religion). He replaced it, if you KNEW him (and you can read about him so as to at least know this one FACT)... with ANTI-religion.

Because it is religion, dear one, that MOST exhibits itself as anti-CHRIST.



Actually, it is you who is still exhibiting that "mark." You did so when came here, into OUR "house"... ridiculed OUR "way" and proferred YOURS... then insulted US for not accepting it. As we ALL know JWs do! You, dear one, learned well. That you think you've "left" them and are doing something DIFFERENT... in only a lie you are telling yourself. And, right now, only you believe it.

Put ASIDE your anger, though, your need to judge, and YOUR intolerance... step BACK... take a moment to SEE... and perhaps not only will you SEE that that has been YOUR "mentality" here, but also what we are TRULY about... versus what you THINK we are.

Alternatively, you can consider that perhaps this is NOT the site YOU need (it to be) and will consider returning to the one you were on previously (although, you may have to apologize and show some contrition, which I don't perceive is something easy for you to do)... or moving on to another.

If you choose to stay HERE, though, I have to tell you: you continually raise up the fact that you are "educated," while putting others here down. Please know... you are not the only one HERE with a degree. Not even. However, since you have such store IN your education, I have asked that YOU be held to a HIGHER standard of conduct... one YOUR "education" should have trained you for... than perhaps the rest of us "uneducated dummies". So, please take heed. If you want us to treat YOU like YOUR "special"... because you have an education... then expect to be treated LIKE someone "special"... educated.

In that light, check your puerile, whiney melarkey at the door... and enter with your "educated" intelligence... or risk being escorted right back out. Which I believe you're not a stranger to.

Peace to you. Truly. If you can receive it. If not... then it will come back to rest on me, and I readily receive it.

YOUR servant, as I am servant to ALL those of the Household of God, Israel, and those who go with, and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar, who isn't any more intimidated by "educated" people... than I was by the uneducated folks of the WTBTS...

I just noticed this thread now, I stopped reading stuff posted by Focus or John Foster because he seemed to be very sarcastic and angry over on the other forum. Kind of inciting people to get angry at him.

OMG I can't believe he is talking to Shelby like that!! Its her forum so if he doesn't like what she says or believes then why is he here. This gives EXJW's a bad name being so full of hate and intolerance and compassion.

I'm sure our dear Admin and Mod hear you, dear, dear Zoe (peace to you, all!)... and are working on it. Of course, it will come down to what they decide, but I have asked them to be patient for a bit and give our new members the benefit of the doubt (as perhaps they don't quite understand what forum this IS and what forum it is NOT). Hopefully, such dear folks will catch on. Of course, they might not and so further patience might not be possible, but we can try. I am sure our Admin and Mod will NOT let this become an unsafe place for members, though. I think you know that, as well.

My personal apologies, though, for what is currently occurring, since I am the one engaged/engaging. I could have ignored some stuff... but, well, I didn't think it best. We should expect some... ummmm... "excitement"... from time to time. There are those who can't have it any other way. But it will be short-lived, I'm sure.

Peace to you, and again, my sincere apologies!

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

Shel

Oh, wait... is THAT what she meant, dear At (peace to you, dear lady!)? Exclusive as in "only to"? Then, I misunderstood - I thought that by "exclusively" she meant "individually"!

My apologies for misunderstanding, dear VG (peace to you!). I think my response clarified what I thought you meant, though, and addressed what is true.

Peace to you, both!

Your servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

We are NOT your enemy here. Most of us understand each other and where we've come from and realize what that organization is and was capable of. It's just some us have tried to maintain some faith and not blame Jah for the time spent inside of her. We have or are trying to shed the anger and damage done to us by letting CHRIST heal us and now lead us into all truth. Isn't that what he said he would do in John 16:13? So HE is the only one who has ALL truth right? As he IS the truth,

May you be granted the peace of our Lord, Kim

GOODNESS, I love it when you dear, dear ladies... sisters... share truth so CONCISELY (peace to you, dear 'Mom and dear 'At!). I can't do it, as you well, know... but I TOTALLY love when YOU do! Please do NOT stop!

THANK you!

And peace to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shel

From just viewing comments on this and other forums it sometimes seems
people polarize to several camps, that I have observed in posts.

(1) The Atheists who seem angry at believers of any kind. for what reason I do not know.
Theses Atheists believe themselves to be modernist and scientific.

(2) Extreme fundamentalists of exclusively American Evangelical Christianity, of the "Praise the Lord"
evangelical belief and seem to believe Christianity is about preaching. ( much like the JW's do )

(3) Generalists, who are skeptical of all religions but retain a general belief in God.

(4) A Hybrid mix of ex-JW who does not accept the Trinity and believes in the "two classes"
earthly class and heavenly class and has some semi-JW set of beliefs that still depends on
much of what they learned as a JW but who now accepts Christ and believes they are born again
but may or may not be going to heaven. ( again do not understand this, but I can see how it could happen)

(5) Liberal humanists, who accept Christ and Buddha and all religions equally and are inclusive of all
belief systems and social life styles including homosexuality. They are scrupulously politically correct.

(6) Christian Humanists who take Matthew 25:35 as a direct set of instructions and go out and do
good deeds and feed the hungry, clothe the naked and heal the sick and help the oppressed.
( personally I like those people )

(7) Those who leave the WT, wipe their feet and go forward into other churches that are accepting
inexact and allow spiritual growth and great variations of understanding. These churches are hard
to find and tend to actually be old established churches with mellow non judgmental people in them.

I went to a Quaker meeting one Sunday and you know what they did ? They all sat in a circle in complete
silence, for one hour. Then we all had lunch. It was strangely peaceful.

I went to a Seventh Day Adventist Meeting and found their doctrines extremely familiar except for
the vegetarianism and observing the Jewish Sabbath. After that meeting they washed each other's feet.
A very profound experience. I went many times to their meetings and found nothing objectionable.
Lunch is always served in SDA churches and its a great practice. They also build hospitals and help
people all over the world.

I met some Nuns in a remote area I once lived in and went to Mass with them.
I spent Christmas Eve with them and went to Midnight Mass, it was beautiful.

I attended a Mennonite evangelical church, a small one and later in the city,
a large one with a congregation of thousands.

The Body of Christ is scattered everywhere and no one knows who or where
they are or in what church, or perhaps not in any church, because its all a mystery,
and every scripture has another scripture that will give a different understanding.
Its also personal.

When anyone needs to demand you say the words they want to hear
is more about the will of that person, than the will of God.

They can, dear VG (peace to you!), but we have no problem with ANY of the folks you mention, per se. Speaking for myself, only, I don't necessarily agree with some of the doctrines of those you mentioned, but I've got NOTHING against the people, individually.



That's not entirely true, luv. ISRAEL is scattered everywhere, yes. It is those who hear the voice of the Fine Shepherd... and come OUT of those churches... to BECOME the church... the Bride of Christ, Congregation of the Firstborn, Temple of God... who make up the Body of Christ. While they're still IN them... they are not sons and daughters. Can't be. They have to QUIT touching the unclean thing... THEN they are taken in as such. Even so, many are called... TO come out; FEW, however, are CHOSEN... because only a few HEED the call.

These then, because of their initial scattering are dispersed everywhere, yes. But they're no in any church - they ARE the church, luv.



May I ask what you base that assertion on? Please, you must show me where you get that bit of information. Especially since MY life might depend on knowing it.



Which is WHY it is IMPERATIVE to rely on CHRIST to explain them... as he did for his disciples:

"... beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, HE explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

"Then HE opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:32

... and as John wrote his (Christ's) holy spirit would continue to do:

"I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him." 1 John 2:26-27

Now, of course, I know you KNOW these truths. I'm just confused as to why you're acting like you don't... or that they are NOT truths.



To some extent. But how can it be ENTIRELY personal... if it is a BODY? The very word indicates MORE than one, luv. MANY members. What is personal is the gifts of the Spirit received by one (for me, hearing spirits and interpreting tongues/dreams, which gifts I SHARE with you here... and do NOT hide "under a basket")... because only God chooses assigns such gifts... and one's "place" in the Body, which God also chooses... not the one... and not others. Other than THAT, though, there is NOTHING ENTIRELY "personal" about this then. To make it "personal" is to make it about SELF. And it is not about self, at ALL. It is about Christ... and the OTHER members of his Body... as well as every OTHER "person."



Except... when that person is the CHRIST, the SON of God... right? In which case... what? I mean, he did say the one that does HIS will... DOES God's will... yes? So, what about these words:

“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’" Luke 10:5

Did he mean for US to day them? Well, as I shared before, he told his disciples to teach others ALL the things HE commanded THEM. And here, he SAID, "When you enter a house (first) SAY..." yes? Did HE do that? Seems so:

"'On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, [Jesus] came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

"Again [Jesus] said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive holy spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

...

"A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, [Jesus] came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19-26


Now, you don't have to take MY word as to what he MEANT, dear one - you can simply ask him for yourself:

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

"... but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:1-27

And what about:

"YOU have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[c] 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

"YOU have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to [Jesus] the mediator of a new covenant, and [u]to the sprinkled blood that speaksa better word than the blood of Abel.

"See that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain." Hebrews 12:18-27


So, now, if listening to THESE things is WRONG, dear lady... if our... my... faith in them... understanding of them... DOING them... is WRONG... by all means, PLEASE... help us... ME... "SEE" that. Don't just come here and judge us, throw out YOUR "thoughts" and "beliefs" based on... what... what YOU say/believe? Others have told you to say/believe? Please... give us some way to "test" what you say, to "test" the "inspired expression" YOU believe YOU have... and think WE should have. By all means... SHARE. Just make sure to include your SOURCE, again, so that we can "test" what YOU say.

Or... you can consider joining us in listening to Christ... and learning... from HIM. Your choice, dear, dear lady. Always.

Peace to you!

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

But he doesn't speak to me!

I would blow my brains if I was forced to sit in complete silence even for 15 minutes! How many crazy people are 'around'!

If as the scripture says , I don't need anyone to teach me, then why are you correcting me and trying to teach me ? I am already joined to the body of Christ so why speak to me as if I am an outsider ? Or not joined ? I left the JW's had a personal experience with being born again and was baptized in a Lake, by full immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And yet you AGuest speak to me like you are a "superfine Apostle" and I don't qualify or understand. It is you who do not understand.
1 Corinthians 12:
18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
1 Corinthians 13 :
11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man,(woman ) I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

And again AGuest - no one needs you to tell us what this means, as you are not
the authority or interpreter and we have no need of being corrected since Jesus and Holy Spirit is available to us all and we all can sort it our for ourselves,
without your constant 'correction' or interpretations, presented as "truth".
You do not know where or who the Body of Christ is because your not Jesus and your not in charge or making those decisions or judgements, no human is and to do so is treading where Angels dare not go. You cannot decide what and who is acceptable to God because you do not have those powers or that authority. Its not your responsibility.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov4epAJRPMw
I've Been Every(dang)where

Because I did not want to lean on my OWN understanding as to who you are, what you "know", "who" you follow, and "who"is teaching YOU, dear VG (good morning and peace to you! )... I had to take this matter to my dear Lord, the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH ( MischaJah ) so as to know how to reply, indeed if even to do so. And he showed me some things and said I could absolutely respond to you, if I WISH ED to. I do and so I shall. Note though, please, that since it is ME that you take issue with, not him (yet)... it is I who am responding and MY words that I respond with. Because I am capable of defending MY faith and standing on MY integrity BECAUSE of my faith IN him... AND in the gifts he has given ME.

So then:

You are absolutely right... I should NOT be teaching you... and will absolutely cease after this point so that (1) you can be led by the spirit YOU claim and (2) so as to not waste another pearl. Since LOVE... HOPES all things, though, BEFORE ceasing I will share the FOLLOWING pearls, in the HOPE that the spirit YOU follow will grant you to see their values. Starting with the fact (and first pearl) that YOU now presuming to teach ME is part of that hypocrisy I mentioned earlier.

Next pearl:

I have not missed that you did not answer my questions. I know you THINK you've left your WTBTS baggage behind, but perhaps not. Because circumventing questions by changing the subject. .. and/or attacking your audience... are classic WTBTS tactics. Since you are educated... as you seem to keep needing to remind us... you SHOULD be able to respond directly to my questions... EVEN if you want to attack me/my arguments/the information I share/my reasons for sharing it. That you didn't tells me you have no answers. As I stated would be the case.

Next pearl:

Perhaps what you miss is (1) I'm not here to teach anyone anything, but solely in obedience to MY dear Lord. As HIS servant... and so YOUR servant... as I am servant to Israel, which "house" you profess to be a part of, in flesh AND spirit. In that light, as MEMBERS of the same BODY, I OWE it to YOU to share what he gives to ME... just as YOU owe it to ME to share what YOU receive (from him). As you allude to in your quote above, one part can't tell the other part it has NO NEED of the other. I, though, have not said at ANY time, that I am in no need of YOU. Indeed, I have invited you MORE THAN ONCE to share what YOU have received. Which, for some reason, you have not done. Contrastly, YOU are the one saying YOU have no need of ME... and MY "offering."

Which is totally fine, your choice, but I did not come where YOU were, luv - YOU came HERE. To bring WHAT? So far, I see no offering of even peace... but a HUGE "chip," low self esteem, and a lot of WTBTS baggage. Including ASSUMED that you're the only exJW who got an education. Oh, and considering an "enemy" anyone who doesn't agree with your religion... or politics.

Next pearl:

The One I slave for FIRST is the same One Who directed his servant Philip to join himself to the Eunuch's chariot, his future servant Saul to seek out Ananais and his servant Ananais to receive Saul... his servant Peter to seek out Cornelius and that future servant to ask for Peter... compelled his servants Priscilla and Aquilla to assist his servant Apollos... guided his servants, jamrs, the Apostles, and others as to the matters of circumcision for the nations, consuming blood, strangled food, etc., and directed John to write the Revelation: for those who have NOT yet received that holy spirit... those who do NOT hear... those who REFUSE to listen to HIM... and those who are STILL a part of the HARD-headed, hard-HEARTED, and STIFF-necked faction of Israel. So my work is PURELY in obedience to him... whether others listen... or refrain.

Now, I COULD say to him, "Wait, Lord, why don't YOU just tell them?" Or "Why should I care if they learn the truth about you; obviously they don't WANT to!"

But a slave... a good slave... even a good for NOTHING slave... which is what I am... (1) isn't greater than his/her master; (2) doesn't question his/her master; but (3) LISTENS to his/her master;... and so (4) does the works OF his/her master. ESPECIALLY after that master has proven HIMSELF to be true time and time again.

So, unlike me... and perhaps you... there STILL those to be invited as well as those who DESERVE to have the Way of God... which way IS Christ... expounded more ACCURATELY to them. Which is one of the works I am called to do. Because we have NOT yet reached the day of the FULL fulfillment of the prophesy as TO Israel, which was:

“The days are coming,” declares JaHVeH,
    “when I will make a NEW covenant
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.
It will NOT be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
    though I was a husband to them, ”
declares JaHVeH.

THIS is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
    after that time,” declares JaHVeH.
“I will put MY law in their MINDS
    and write it on their HEARTS.
I will be THEIR God,
    and they will be MY people.
No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know JaHVeH,’
because they will ALL know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares JaHVeH.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.”


We haven't gotten THERE yet, dear VG... but we HAVE gotten to the place where, as part of the Bride we can say "Come!" so as to help those wishing, thirsting... SEEKING... know WHO it is they are to "come" TO... so as to be WASHED... and have their's hearts SOFTENED... so that such "law" can BE written on them.

But how will they know WHO that One IS? Religion certainly isn't telling them... because THEY don't know. And what if they're not LISTENING to the call from he himself? Or hear it... but ignore it?

You have read, have you not, that "COMELY" are the feet of those bearing GOOD news, yes? What, though, is that "news" ABOUT? I am sure you ALSO know....it is NOT about a "what", at ALL, or about a "where"... but about a WHOM.

Which WHOM I declare to YOU... and ALL those here.

Next pearl:

Had you taken a moment to see what occurs on THIS site, rather than simply running here as a place from which to launch attacks against the city you were expelled from, and so brought anger as to THERE with you HERE... came with perhaps a more THANKFUL attitude that you HAD some place to run TO... rather than coming here and ASSUMING it was a right place for YOU (although I don't think you cared one way or another... had NO regard for US or OUR board but just ASSUMED... in pure JW style... that you had some "Jehovah-given" RIGHT to be here... as they assume such right to go to others' houses... because you BELIEVE this is a PUBLICLY board... but it is NOT)... you would have learned that its purpose is to GLORIFY Christ. NOT bash the WTBTS (which is why YOU and some chose this site to come TO... although in YOUR case, isn't that more of that hypocrisy - that YOU can take issue with a religion... but I/WE can't... )

NOT bash religion... NOT bash those who have their faith IN religion... and certainly not to start or foment yet ANOTHER religion. Unfortunately, though, in glorifying CHRIST... the WTBTS... AND RELIGION... will get bashed. Because speaking the TRUTH about both exposes them... which some turn into "bashing." WE have ALLOWED almost ALL topics to be discussed here, however, and since not EVERYONE attempts to adhere to CHRIST's ways... it can even go beyond bashing. We don't agree with that, though, and curtail it stringently.

Next pearl:

In allowing ALL types to be here... believers, unbelievers, religionists, agnostics, atheists... exJWS... JWs... Catholics... Jews (you)... there are GOING to be disagreements. Can't be helped. The only way for there to be NONE... is for us to close the board to non - Body members. Even then... we have record that even the Apostles disagreed (another pearl... to remind you). And Paul certainly disagreed with them on SEVERAL matters. Some caused him to snarkily call some of them "superfine" apostles. Yet, He was the one in the wrong on the matter and so had to recant HIS position, which position ALMOST destroyed the Corinthian congregation (yet another pearl, as you seem to not know the background, though you use the term).

And so a final pearl:

You are MORE than welcome to stay and associate with us... or leave. Entirely your choice. You are welcome to challenge me as to my beliefs... or anyone else as to theirs. Take heed, though, that YOUR beliefs... and politics... may be challenged, as well, and simply saying "Well, it's true because I BELIEVE it's true!" may... or may not... go over well. When it does NOT... and you have chosen to STAY... and even REBUT... then you should consider using some of that education you received to address the ARGUMENT, if you can't use/don't have (enough) holy spirit to do so... and refrain from having infantile temper tantrums, puerile meltdowns, and running to the "principal" to whiningly "tell on" folks.

Because such displays tend to belie BOTH your "good" education... AND your claim of holy spirit. As that Spirit SAYS:

"Do NOT hurry yourself in your spirit to be angry/take offense, for anger/the taking of offense is what lies in the heart of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9

I am sure you don't want me... or anyone... to think you foolish, especially given your expensive education, so you might want to hold on REAL TIGHT to that last pearl.

I bid you peace, truly, and the kind Christ gives so that rather than taking offense when someone challenges YOUR faith you can see CLEARLY... meaning around the rafter and through the veil... so as to answer with something more than "Well, it's so because I BELIEVE it's so!... a la most religions and particularly the WTBTS.

YOUR servant, as I am servant to ALL those of the Household of God, Israel, and all those who go with, and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

Aguest -
Heres a PEARL right back at you -

You are arguing with yourself.
You are up in arms against me and "casting pearls" ??
That is an obvious reference to "casting pearls before swine"
and implying I am swine. ? Nice real nice.
While pretending your doing something else ?
Your preaching, and being condescending
and claiming you are under attack
while you are the attacker.
You are nasty in your last pearl ridden post referring to
my "expensive education" and implying I am seen as a fool ?
A fool and a swine ? Really ? Shellamar, where did all your "Luv"
and "Peace be with you " go ?

All I am saying is this mysterious "One Way" you refer to, does not exist.

I am able to hear truth as well as you are. And so are 2.2 billion Christians
from all faiths all over this planet who are acceptable to Jesus whether you
like it or not. Because its not your agenda.

Your words are not "pearls" they are just opinions and you don't like to be disagreed with.
So you sling scripture like its a weapon to put down people.

Quakers are Christians and part of the Body of Christ.

Seventh Day Adventists are Christians and part of the Body of Christ.

Millions and millions and millions of members of the Catholic Church,
are part of the Body of Christ. And millions more of all denominations.

Because of THIS.
Romans 5:5 By faith we have been made acceptable to God.
And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God.

Here is a whole string of "pearls" for you.

John 3:16 The Voice (VOICE)
16 For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son
so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction,
but will have everlasting life.

Romans 11:

33 We cannot wrap our minds around God’s wisdom and knowledge!
Its depths can never be measured! We cannot understand His judgments
or explain the mysterious ways that He works!

34 Who can fathom the mind of the Lord?
Or who can claim to be His advisor?

Romans 11:6 6 Grace is central in God’s action here, and it has
nothing to do with deeds prescribed by the law.
If it did, grace would not be grace.

Romans 11: 26 This is the way that all of Israel will be saved.
As it was written, so it also stands:
The Deliverer will come from Zion;

And as a footnote: I WAS INVITED HERE. May be, I am the Janitor
come to open the windows, raise the blinds, and let in some fresh air.

I think that you are doing that thing... rushing to take offense. And at something that was NOT meant in offense at all. Because Villagegirl... our Lord told us "Do NOT cast your pearls before swine."

So if Shelby was calling you swine, she would not have cast any pearls before you... in obedience to Christ.

Why did you not see the truth in that?

Why did you not read the truth about the reason that SHE stated she was sharing with you:




LOVE... for Christ and for YOU... hopes all things. LOVE motivates the sharing of pearls... IN HOPE that you my be granted to see their value. For YOUR benefit.



The only one here who is up in arms, Villagegirl, is you.. and because you are up in arms, you are not SEEING the truth, you are NOT listening and so you are not hearing truth... you are seeing and hearing what you want to see and hear, and what you assume to be here.


I said to you previously that you are running on assumptions about us. Because I have seen only false accusations and assumptions, despite repeated suggestions that you take a look around and find out a little more about us. Your words reveal that you have not done so.




This is untrue again. You came here and told us that our faith is WRONG. No one here sought you out to tell you that your faith is wrong.

I DID invite you here many months ago, yes. I did not do so in the hope that you would attack the faith of this forum (though discussion and debate is not a problem because truth WILL stand), but out of love and in the hope that you would find some rest from your "battles", and perhaps be able to find fellowship with us... if you so CHOSE. But I did not hide and we do not hide what our faith IS. You chose to join, knowing that... and I'm not sure you can claim that you did not know this just from what you would have read ON that other forum.

But you came and attacked the faith of the people here instead. First, you did not like the politics of some here - no problem, that is what discussion is FOR; and second you did not like the faith that this forum is about, and you attacked that from the start, beginning (I think) with my own faith.

YOU did this and now claim that YOU are under attack. What is up with THAT?




Um... perhaps I am misunderstanding the context of your comment, but there IS only ONE way. Christ.

"I am the WAY, the TRUTH, the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through ME."

He did not say that there are other ways. Man says that. Man teaches that. But Christ did not say or teach that.

Again, if I have misunderstood your context, then I apologize.



Did you not say earlier that no one has the ability to say who is or is not acceptable to Christ?

As for 2.2 billion people claiming to be Christians (not all who make the claim ARE... and that is not a judgment, but simply faith in my Lord when HE said, "many will come to me on that day and say, Lord did we not perform miracles in your name, and drive out demons in your name, and prophecy in your name," and I will say to them, "I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!)... they are not all listening to Christ, else they would all hear the SAME truth.

But many don't even make that claim... that they are hearing truth from Christ, the Living and Speaking Spirit. Instead, they are listening to their religious leaders have said and passed down, thereby putting their faith in MEN.

When God said:

"This is my Son. Listen to HIM."

When Christ said:

"Come to ME."





No. We refer to what is written so that some who need to may SEE what CHRIST has TAUGHT on any matter. HIS truth. HIS words. HIS reasoning. HIS teaching.

You FEEL put down because you cannot counter what has been said. If you could, you would... and you would be able to do so from CHRIST, at the very least from what He has been written of having said and done. Because Truth STANDS. Truth defeats LIES... not the other way around.

So by all means... DO THAT... if you think something that has been shared is false. Speak as to what is FALSE. WE (or at least I know that I and some others) have no problem with disagreement AT ALL, especially when it leads to an understanding or witnessing to the Truth.



Again, by your own words, this is not your call to make... and I note that you do not include jws in your list. But even if it were your call to make, what about Christ's words regarding all those who would call Him Lord (calling themselves Christian, then), but He will say that He never knew them?

What about this also:

"MANY are called; few are chosen."

CAn you explain to me why some who claim to belong to Him... do NOT believe Him when He says something?





Yes. Faith in CHRIST. Not faith in religion, or traditions, or men.





Yes. But there is no one here objecting to this at all.

Of course if you believe in someone... do you not also DO what THEY tell you to DO and believe ALL that they say?





Without going into the context... do you also believe what CHRIST said:

"If you REALLY know me, you know my father also."

Certainly we cannot claim to be His advisor or understand all about Him (at least not yet)... but we CAN know Him, by knowing Christ. See Christ, see God. Know Christ, know God.




You know that this is speaking of the remnant of Israel that God has reserved for Himself?

But yes, being 'saved' does not have anything to do with the law. No one is saved by the law, but by Christ. Because CHRIST saves all who have faith in HIM.






Yes, all Israel will be saved. We have stated this repeatedly throughout this forum, because it is true. You might know this if you had perused the forum... or if you had READ what has been shared with you on even the political threads, because I believe this was also stated THERE.

But thank you for sharing this pearl that we also received that from our Lord when HE gave it to us.

The deliverer is of course Christ.


But by all means... you do not have to take our word for anything that has been shared. Go to Christ and ask Him. At the very least look at what he is written to have taught and done, so that you may test what has been shared against HIM. Because HE is the Truth, and the Word of God.


Peace again to you, Villagegirl,

your servant, and a slave of Christ,
tammy