xjwsforChrist

May you all have peace!


I shared some of my experience at the Memorial on Friday, but I did not go into detail, but more has happened so I will share all of that with you now.


The place where I have gone the past two years to partake of my Lord's body and blood, has been made up of 3 or 4 jw congregations. This year, they were not using that venue, and the various jw congregations were doing the memorial separately. My Lord directed me to go to the place where I originally went (to one memorial) with people who had studied and witnessed about the jws to me. So the venue was much smaller, with just one hall of people.


Some of them remembered me from the previous two years at the Memorial, and some from years back during the time I did the bible study. I partook at the time my Lord's body and blood were passed around. At the end of the Memorial, I was also able to speak to a few people, and explain why I eat and drink. I also did not want my witness to Christ to be dismissed as if I must be someone from perhaps another religion who just does not know better, and so I made sure to state that I am not part of any religion... I even was able to share that there is no true religion, there is only Truth, who is Christ. That it is He that God gave us to listen TO.

I was basically able to share all that my Lord taught me from this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2519

I was also able to share with a couple about what my Lord said here: "unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you." I explained how I can see that they do all these things in appreciation - the songs, the talk, the memorial, the prayers - but not one of them does the one thing Christ SAID to do, which is of course to take the bread that is His body, and eat. To take the wine that is His blood, and drink. Rather that everyone says no to His body and His blood.


I was asked by one woman if I liked the talk. I hesitated (how do I answer this, Lord, truthfully, lol), and then I simply said "no". She was taken aback for a moment, but that then led into all of the above discussion. Because shortly into our talk, her husband came over and listened, and then we talked a bit too.

I had been asked by a few people, to come back to the next meeting, to not wait a whole year (because I had said that I would not be back until the following memorial, to do what it is my Lord said to keep doing... which is to eat and drink of Him), and this was from people who knew that I had partaken, and also my reasoning. But I had no intention of returning.


***
(Oh, I must tell you one thing more. The couple I had spoken to, the husband... I have always seen him smiling, happy, etc... and this year when I asked how he was, he was down. Hard times with something. I am not using his words, just paraphrasing. I had told him before i left that I hoped things get better for him. Well, my Lord asked me as i was driving home,

"Have I taught that you should just tell someone that you hope things will be better... or have I taught you to DO something to help them?"


And he was right. Of COURSE!

So I knew that night that i should return to at least do this... and on top of that, I wondered if, as long as people were willing to talk about Christ and what He said, should I really be telling them no? I had thought also that one of the elders said they were going to be discussing the points of the Memorial talk today, and I thought I would have the opportunity to discuss that further, especially considering the simple truth Shelby shared as she was given from Christ, and also with what my Lord had taught me during the man's talk.

Regardless of all of that, by this morning, I had talked myself out of returning, and yet... I got up and followed as I heard from my Lord at first, even though I was not sure what would come)

***

So I returned this morning... to the talk that was NOT about what I thought it would be about, lol. Still, at the end of today's meeting I first did as my Lord told me regarding the man and his wife from the memorial talk. The man also suggested that we could get together (not as a study because I had refused that), but just to talk about the things from the memorial talk, their belief in two hope, not partaking, etc.

A short while later, he saw me standing and waiting to speak to the speaker who had given the memorial talk. Well, apparently, the speaker is his brother in law! So he pulled the speaker away from the others, lol, and introduced us. I asked the speaker if he had a few moments to spare, and he said yes. I told him I had a few questions about his talk, and about these two hopes that they believe in, because I have learned otherwise from Christ. Well, we talked for some time. I don't know if I can remember everything, and some of it comes back to me as I write, but I will try and share it all - although it is may not be in the right order.

I did point out the scripture about the holy mountain and Mount Zion being the same, including the one scripture that my Lord led me to find this morning just before I left, from Psalm 2:6, stating clearly that Mount Zion IS Jah's holy mountain. He of course spoke then about the animals being on the holy mountain, and does that seem possible... and so we spoke a bit about that.... such as the animals being on Noah's ark, and also the animals having been brought into the Garden of Eden at one point as well.

I shared how there is one hope for all Christians (as Paul also said... one hope)... not two hopes for Christians. My Lord reminded me to share with him about the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven, so that this city and so this Kingdom is on earth, and how the dwelling of God is then with men. (because this man's struggle seemed to be most about who would be on the earth, if all were in heaven)


My Lord then also led me to share as He has taught me about those who are not Christians... but who do have the law (of love) written upon their hearts. I reminded the speaker of how Paul spoke of the gentiles who had the law (of love) written upon their hearts, and did the requirements of that law (of love) NATURALLY, so that they were a law unto themselves.

I mentioned that some of those who might not believe in Christ and God do not believe (or may have lost their faith) because of some of the lies that religion - "christianity" - teach about God, but these may still have the law (of love) upon their hearts, and do the requirements of that law... and I quoted how 'love covers over a multitude of sins'.

I then spoke of the mercy of God, how much greater that mercy is than we have conceived, and how God may have mercy upon whomever He chooses. The speaker agreed with me on this.

I shared also who the sheep were in the sheep and the goats parable. That the sheep here had done good to Christ (by doing good to even the least of His brothers). But that these were not Christians. Christ has already gathered all of those who belong to Him. And also these sheep did NOT know Christ, and they did not know that they had done good to Him (by doing good to even the least of his brothers).

But all Christians DO know Christ.

I then waved around the room, meaning to indicate those that the wts says ARE these sheep. I said nothing more on that, but the wts TELLS their members to do good to those that they say are Christ's brothers... and they also tell their members HOW to do that good (by supporting the anointed remnant in the preaching work, doing as the GB says, respecting elders, etc.) So how then can they be the sheep from the parable who did not know that they were doing good to Christ by doing good to His brothers?



I shared that it is true, that they were correct in teaching that those Christ gathers to Him (his brothers) rule as kings and priests with Him. But that these are both the 144000 and the Great Crowd. But that the subjects of that Kingdom are sheep from the sheep and goats parable. (and I did mention that this doctrine of two hopes is AN obstacle stopping people from obeying Christ, and partaking, because the focus is on this two hope doctrine instead of on simply listening to Christ).



By the end, he said that these were deep things that we were getting into, and would require some research (and more time than he had at the moment). But he would like it if I could show him the scriptures to back up all that I had said, regarding the 144 000, and great crowd, etc.


I nodded, and said I understood that he needed to do some research, and suggested also that he should ask Christ for understanding and for what is true. I emphasized that he did not need to take my word for anything (and should not), but that he should listen to Christ, the One God gave us TO listen to. (somewhere in here I quoted my Lord as saying, "If anyone loves me, they will obey my teaching. My father will love them, and we will come and make our home with them.)


He agreed again, of course we are to listen to Christ, and we shook hands once more.


That is everything that I remember at the moment...

Oh... I remember one thing more. I don't remember how he phrased it, but he had said that shouldn't I/we/christians have brothers and sisters also, to associate with. I agreed, and said that I do have brothers and sisters in Christ. But first I had to be in Christ and follow Him. Then HE led ME to those who are my brothers/sisters... and/or led them to me.


So that is all I can recall.

However... the talk about the memorial points is apparently NEXT week as a special talk. (Leaving can perhaps confirm that?) So perhaps that is another opportunity.


I hope you all got through that okay, lol, I know it is long. I have been so full of energy and joy in my Lord today... but I tried not to leave anything out that the Spirit led me share with this man, and others. (I could never have done this, myself. I know ME.) It was not me, but my Lord, who told me to go to that hall with these people, and my Lord who told me what I should do for that man and his wife (so that I could return today), and my Lord who led this every step of the way, even when I did not know what would happen (even when I had decided I was not going to go back).


I - WE - just have to follow Him, listen to Him, obey Him. Put our faith in HIM. HE will do the rest.


May you all have peace!
your sister and servant, and fellow slave of Christ,
tammy


** edited for clarity, hopefully, lol...

Wow Tammy! How wonderful the way our Lord led you and gave you the words needed, and you followed with such trust. Not an easy task. So encouraging for us all. Thank you for sharing.

Loz x

_________________
"This is my son. LISTEN to Him!"

Good for you Tammy that took courage. I am amazed that they listened to you.

Very nice, Tammy!


The special talk is something about having a happy family. Can't recall the title.

I shared also who the sheep were in the sheep and the goats parable. That the sheep here had done good to Christ (by doing good to even the least of His brothers). But that these were not Christians. Christ has already gathered all of those who belong to Him. And also these sheep did NOT know Christ, and they did not know that they had done good to Him (by doing good to even the least of his brothers).

But all Christians DO know Christ.

I then waved around the room, meaning to indicate those that the wts says ARE these sheep. I said nothing more on that, but the wts TELLS their members to do good to those that they say are Christ's brothers... and they also tell their members HOW to do that good (by supporting the anointed remnant in the preaching work, doing as the GB says, respecting elders, etc.) So how then can they be the sheep from the parable who did not know that they were doing good to Christ by doing good to His brothers?


Omgoodness!

Tammy, have known this and shared these verses for almost 50 years LOL and.....

Never saw this explanation this way. They have always applied this parable to THEM as the great crowd AND as Christians.

And tell them HOW to continually do good ( to Christs brothers) by supporting the governing body and etc...

Yet the sheep in the parable did NOT KNOW who Christs brothers were they were doing good to, Therefore NOT knowing CHRIST.


And yet all of Jehovah's Witnesses call themselves CHRISTians.

Can't apply to them!

So many wonderful truths shared from our Lord. So glad you were able to be used to talk to so many Tammy.

May Jahs spirit continue upon you and continue to give you His courage and strength to share from our Lord!

Love and peace upon you and your entire household, your sister and fellow space of our Lord, Kim

I`m enjoying the Stories..

The one thing consistent with all JWs is they have no idea what or why they believe..
It`s the Religion of DUH!..


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_________________

THANK you for sharing that, dear Tams (peace to you, my dear, dear sister!). As I shared with you and dear hubby, I am wondering i perhaps I should attend this year's "special talk." Perhaps speak to another speaker. It seems as if they (speakers... elders?), well, some of them, are much more open than has been in the past. Who knows whose heart among them is questioning, now that 2014 has come and gone? Now that they CAN peruse the Internet? Now that they seemed to have backed off from being defensive when others have questions, but perhaps even having questions of their own?

Maybe... and this could be a stretch... the "new" WTBTS is allowing more openness. If so, it might be an "opportune time" for seed planting. Not attacking their beliefs, or publicly ridiculing them, etc., but maybe just some kind... and rational... propounding of questions even THEY have.

I will keep it in my mind and heart and if our dear Lord sends me, I will certainly go. Don't want to, I must be truthful. Having just the one event was quite enough for me. But it's not my work. So, we'll see. I certainly don't want to turn my back if there are some who ARE open to discussing, even entertaining questions/bible review. Especially if they are elders. Imagine, being able to help a "wolf" actually become a "sheep"!

I have NO doubt there are Nicodemuses among them. I knew some when I was there. Sadly, their fear... or their thirst for (some level of) power... or perhaps their pride... stood in the way. Yet, I know some have left. Sadly, not for Christ, but, well, who of us knows upon whom JAH will show mercy? There is ALWAYS hope!

You have greatly encouraged me, dear, dear sister. May that encouragement continue to foment courage - LOL!

Again, THANK you for sharing that! And, as always, peace to you... and to your dear, dear household!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shel

Peace to you all!

Sorry I didn't get back to you all sooner. I had a busy couple of days with family.


If anyone found encouragement from any of this, I am thankful to have been able (and to have been encouraged, thank you!) to share. So glad also that what my Lord gave me to understand, helped you too Justmom, regarding the sheep and goats! May this help with the work given you, in sharing with those you have been sent to. (Just as what Shelby shared as she received from our Lord, helped me also!) That is all pretty awesome, isn't it? And so OBVIOUS, now that He has shown it to us!




Hmm, lol. I keep getting told that the points in the memorial (not all of them, but some of them) are going to come up at the next meeting... but perhaps the one who told me just doesn't know. Regardless, because I had thought that, I was able to say so, leading into being able to continue to share with regard to that.


**

My Lord taught me something else from this experience, that I will share in another thread. Or maybe here, whatever He directs. Just need to write it out first.


Love and peace to all of you, as my Lord gives these things, and may you all find strength and courage in Him, listening to His voice and going wherever He leads you!

And may any who wish them be given ears to hear, and also to hear as the Spirit and Bride say to you,

"Come! Take the free gift of the water of Life!" May those who hear SAY, "Come!" And may all who seek and all who thirst, "Come!"


Your sister and servant, and fellow slave of Christ,
tammy

Just an fyi, and I don't know if it may mean anything or not (to anyone). But they are studying the sheep and the goats parable in May, applying the sheep to themselves of course, from the article in the wt study edition. Might be an opening there to speak as to who the sheep are, if one has that opportunity. If our Lord directs any of us to do so, of course, according to His knowledge and wisdom.



Peace to you!
your sister and servant, and fellow slave of Christ,
tammy