At our service meeting it was announced that there is a change in the manner in which magazines are now to be delivered to the congregations.
Up until now, magazines were sent to each Kingdom Hall via UPS. In years past magazines were sent to each congregation PO's home address via UPS.
Going forward, magazines will be sent only as far as the Assembly Hall. It is the responsibility of each Kingdom Hall to send brother(s) twice a month to drive out there, pick up the magazines, and return.
This of course saves a little bit of money for the Society - shipping larger packages to fewer addresses will cost less.
However, what about the expense to the local congregations?
A typical Assembly Hall probably has 20-25 circuits assigned to it. Each of those circuits has 20-25 congregations.
That's 400-600 congregations, maybe 200 or 250 Kingdom Halls shared among them. Each of those Kingdom Halls now has to send, twice a month, a van or truck to the assembly hall to pick up the magazines.
Our Kingdom Hall is only about 40 or so miles from the Assembly Hall - but what about congregations out in the sticks? Maybe they are 150, 200, 300 miles away from their assembly hall. Think of the expense - the gasoline alone could run into the hundreds of dollars per month. Multiply that by the hundreds of Kingdom Halls assigned to each assembly hall, then think of the dozens of assembly halls in use in the USA.
Didnt they discontinue the bookstudy "because of the cost of gas" to the "friends"?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Jehovah's Witnessesay That Everything They Teach Is From, The Bible, but.........
Is there any Jehovah's Witness who can answer these questions about 1914?Can you demonstrate, using the Holy Scriptures, that the Messianic Kingdom was established in 1914, that Jesus got the Full Legal Right to become King that year, and that Jesus returned invisibly in 1914, and that the "Last Days" began that year?
1:) No encyclopedia, no history book, and no archaeology book that I have ever seen have EVER said that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in the year 607 BCE. All of the encyclopedias, history books, and archaeological books that I have ever seen say that it happened in 586/587 BCE. What evidence or proof do you have that it happened in 607 BCE?
2:) If ALL of the historians and archaeologists are WRONG about 607 BCE, then how do we know that they are right about ANY other date that the Watchtower Society makes use of in their Publications, such as the year that Cyrus rescued the Jews?
3:) WHY should we START counting when Jerusalem was destroyed? Where does Daniel Chapter 4 say that the prophecy of the Great Tree begins when Jerusalem was destroyed?
4:) WHY should we interpret each "day" as being a "year" ONLY IN THIS CHAPTER OF DANIEL? If the "Day for a Year" is truly a Bible Prophecy Rule, then why shouldn't we apply it to ALL of the prophecies of Daniel? Or ALL of the prophecies in the entire Bible?
5:) Do Jehovah's Witenesses apply the "Day for a Year" Rule to the "42 months", the "1,335 days", or to any other prophecies in the Bible?
6:) Daniel Chapter 4 is about King Nebuchadnezzar (The Great Tree) being "chopped down" (going insane) for 7 LITERAL YEARS. Then being restored as King. That is the ONLY fulfillment that the Bible speaks of. Can you show me using the Scriptures what the evidence or proof is that there was ANOTHER fulfillment?
7:) Where does the Bible say that Jerusalem in Luke 21:24 represents the "typical kingdom of God through its theocratic rulership on earth"? Why couldn't Jerusalem in Luke 21:24 simply mean the city of Jerusalem, the actual CITY?
8:) How do Jehovah's Witnesses jump from Nebuchadnezzar being insane for 7 years to Jesus becoming King in 1914? That is the biggest question of all for all Jehovah's Witnesses. Their entire religious organization and its teachings are based on this!
9:) Where does the Bible say that Jesus would have the legal right to rule ONLY when the appointed times of the nations were fulfilled?
10:) How did Jesus NOT have the legal right already, since He was the Legal and Rightful Heir to King David?
11:) Also, after His Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, the New Testament describes Jesus as already being KING and Jesus Himself said "ALL AUTHORITY in Heaven and on Earth HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME." So, if ALL AUTHORITY had already been given to Jesus in the year 33 CE, then how could MORE authority be given to him in 1914 CE?
12:) Also, are you aware that Charles Taze Russell used the Pyramids in Egypt to help calculate and confirm the year 1914?
13:) And are you aware that in the 1800's Russell and his associates were preaching that they were all going to be raptured to Heaven in 1914 and that Armageddon would probably happen right after that?
14:) Are you aware that n the 1800's Russell and his associates were teaching that Jesus had ALREADY invisibly returned in 1874!
1:) No encyclopedia, no history book, and no archaeology book that I have ever seen have EVER said that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in the year 607 BCE. All of the encyclopedias, history books, and archaeological books that I have ever seen say that it happened in 586/587 BCE. What evidence or proof do you have that it happened in 607 BCE?
2:) If ALL of the historians and archaeologists are WRONG about 607 BCE, then how do we know that they are right about ANY other date that the Watchtower Society makes use of in their Publications, such as the year that Cyrus rescued the Jews?
3:) WHY should we START counting when Jerusalem was destroyed? Where does Daniel Chapter 4 say that the prophecy of the Great Tree begins when Jerusalem was destroyed?
4:) WHY should we interpret each "day" as being a "year" ONLY IN THIS CHAPTER OF DANIEL? If the "Day for a Year" is truly a Bible Prophecy Rule, then why shouldn't we apply it to ALL of the prophecies of Daniel? Or ALL of the prophecies in the entire Bible?
5:) Do Jehovah's Witenesses apply the "Day for a Year" Rule to the "42 months", the "1,335 days", or to any other prophecies in the Bible?
6:) Daniel Chapter 4 is about King Nebuchadnezzar (The Great Tree) being "chopped down" (going insane) for 7 LITERAL YEARS. Then being restored as King. That is the ONLY fulfillment that the Bible speaks of. Can you show me using the Scriptures what the evidence or proof is that there was ANOTHER fulfillment?
7:) Where does the Bible say that Jerusalem in Luke 21:24 represents the "typical kingdom of God through its theocratic rulership on earth"? Why couldn't Jerusalem in Luke 21:24 simply mean the city of Jerusalem, the actual CITY?
8:) How do Jehovah's Witnesses jump from Nebuchadnezzar being insane for 7 years to Jesus becoming King in 1914? That is the biggest question of all for all Jehovah's Witnesses. Their entire religious organization and its teachings are based on this!
9:) Where does the Bible say that Jesus would have the legal right to rule ONLY when the appointed times of the nations were fulfilled?
10:) How did Jesus NOT have the legal right already, since He was the Legal and Rightful Heir to King David?
11:) Also, after His Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, the New Testament describes Jesus as already being KING and Jesus Himself said "ALL AUTHORITY in Heaven and on Earth HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME." So, if ALL AUTHORITY had already been given to Jesus in the year 33 CE, then how could MORE authority be given to him in 1914 CE?
12:) Also, are you aware that Charles Taze Russell used the Pyramids in Egypt to help calculate and confirm the year 1914?
13:) And are you aware that in the 1800's Russell and his associates were preaching that they were all going to be raptured to Heaven in 1914 and that Armageddon would probably happen right after that?
14:) Are you aware that n the 1800's Russell and his associates were teaching that Jesus had ALREADY invisibly returned in 1874!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Does Every Religion Believe They Have The Truth?
Criticizing any church provokes some very human defensive responses and these are almost identical from church to church. Below is some of the correspondence that that someone received when they left the Mormon Church. Does any of it sound familiar?
"Criticism of this religion is criticism of God"
Are you not afraid of the consequences of what you are doing? Its APOSTASY that you are doing. It could have been better for you if you have not known the truth and then deny it.The church is true, i know it with all my heart. Pls stop destroying it. Remember what happened to Korihor? To Zezrom? We will be judge someday for everything that we do,.Pls stop doing this, if you have fallen away from the church then do not try to pull others down. I pity you for being doing this.
"You're just mean"
I think you are a cruel woman. Why must you attack the morman church? Why do you care if people believe in this? What have mormons done to you? Mormons are honest, hardworking people of faith. They serve their God and try to be good people. Yes, some make mistakes but who are you to say how evil they are? Are you God? I didn't think so. I think you are terribly disturbed and you need help.
"You left because of your own moral flaws"
I feel a true sorrow for those that have strayed from God's true church. If you can't live the commandments, please don't justify your lack of self control by trying to tear down The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It will do no good. Read the Book of Mormon, pray for help, and PLEASE, seek for forgiviness and come back to what you know to be true.
"You're bitter and sad"
Your so sad, and lost. If a word can describe the site that you associate with, it would be Lightminded with no factual basis for existence in the search for real truth. You offer nothing but disgruntled bitterness. Sad so Sad. Your loving brother, Rex. "He lives and his love is real", "he never forgets those who see there mistake and return to his fold".
"God is gonna get you for this"
The to of you are like the whoremongers of old, you whore out yourselves for money as you fight against the Lamb's Church and his innocent people. the spiritual blood of any who aposticize due to your lies and disgusting practices of money-changing-will be upon your heads at the last day of judgement-make no mistake, you will be in front of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who will declare to you..."depart from me, sandra and jerald tanner, you who would to wickedness in my name, ye who do evil continually, depart and go to the buring lakes of brimestone prepared for all anti-christs before the foundation of the world.
I just wanna say that i hope you have fun talking with our heavenly father in the afterlife. It's people like you that have nothing better to do then to stir up crap. Leave your opinions to yourself. Why do you have to put anti anything up on the internet. I have been a member of the LDS church for thirty years and can honestly say that after reading your crap I am glad to know that I am in the lords true church. I find it funny that the church has grown as much as it has and is one of the welthiest churches in the world if not the most I wonder why Because its true and the members know it and follow the teachings of our prophet and general authorities. Talk about ripping off people for money your books are a joke only losers with no time on their hand have bought your books.
"You can't let go"
Why do people spend so much time thinking about the mormon church, must have nothing else better to do.
"The Church is true because it's true"
I am a member of the Church. I have been for 7 years. I know with all my heart that it is true. Even if the whole world denounced the church and I was the only member left, that knowledge cannot go away. I feel great sadness when I read Tanner's (and others') garbage.
"You're willing servants of Satan"
First of all, because they so blatantly deny the truth and make mockery of the things which are sacred and thus bring upon themselves some very serious consequences. And that makes me sad because they are, like me, sones and daughters of God and thus, my brothers and sisters. Second reason I am sad is because there are others who are lead away by these "anti-Mormons". I feel like Satan is laughing. But he will not support his followers and the last day, neither will he be laughing forever.
"Hummph! I'm not misled"
Dear Sister, I am a new convert to the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints. I can tell you for sure that I have not been brained washed by the church or the authorities. I love the church and know that it is true. I have a testimony that it is true. Also I know for a fact that we lived with Heavenly Father before this life. He wants us all to return to him. I will be receiving my endowments in September.
"God uses the church despite the imperfections of its people"
I find this all so disturbing. Why would anyone make it their lives work to break down other people's faith or keep people from the truth. I have only been attending the church for 8 years but it has been an incredible 8 years. I have met some great people and have been taken care of by my church family. It is difficult at times to keep all of the commandments and do what is expected of me but the blessing flow my way when I do. I love my church. I love the members and I can't imagine anyone being hurt by this church. Yes, there are some problems but we are all human. There are problems in every church. I think you can see Jesus in the hearts of the members that I know. I have never met a member I didn't love! This is the true church and I only wish I could bottle what I have felt every day since I became a member. Last Saturday I attended the baptism of a 15 year old boy who has a tough family life. The church has changed his life and his testimony is amazing for such a young boy. I don't know what happened to you but it is clear that Satan is at the helm. I will pray for you!
Active Witnesses should have no trouble seeing that every single one of these responses is predicated upon the acceptance of doctrines and precepts unique to the Mormon church. None of these responses have any validity unless and until those assumptions are proven.
"Criticism of this religion is criticism of God"
Are you not afraid of the consequences of what you are doing? Its APOSTASY that you are doing. It could have been better for you if you have not known the truth and then deny it.The church is true, i know it with all my heart. Pls stop destroying it. Remember what happened to Korihor? To Zezrom? We will be judge someday for everything that we do,.Pls stop doing this, if you have fallen away from the church then do not try to pull others down. I pity you for being doing this.
"You're just mean"
I think you are a cruel woman. Why must you attack the morman church? Why do you care if people believe in this? What have mormons done to you? Mormons are honest, hardworking people of faith. They serve their God and try to be good people. Yes, some make mistakes but who are you to say how evil they are? Are you God? I didn't think so. I think you are terribly disturbed and you need help.
"You left because of your own moral flaws"
I feel a true sorrow for those that have strayed from God's true church. If you can't live the commandments, please don't justify your lack of self control by trying to tear down The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It will do no good. Read the Book of Mormon, pray for help, and PLEASE, seek for forgiviness and come back to what you know to be true.
"You're bitter and sad"
Your so sad, and lost. If a word can describe the site that you associate with, it would be Lightminded with no factual basis for existence in the search for real truth. You offer nothing but disgruntled bitterness. Sad so Sad. Your loving brother, Rex. "He lives and his love is real", "he never forgets those who see there mistake and return to his fold".
"God is gonna get you for this"
The to of you are like the whoremongers of old, you whore out yourselves for money as you fight against the Lamb's Church and his innocent people. the spiritual blood of any who aposticize due to your lies and disgusting practices of money-changing-will be upon your heads at the last day of judgement-make no mistake, you will be in front of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who will declare to you..."depart from me, sandra and jerald tanner, you who would to wickedness in my name, ye who do evil continually, depart and go to the buring lakes of brimestone prepared for all anti-christs before the foundation of the world.
I just wanna say that i hope you have fun talking with our heavenly father in the afterlife. It's people like you that have nothing better to do then to stir up crap. Leave your opinions to yourself. Why do you have to put anti anything up on the internet. I have been a member of the LDS church for thirty years and can honestly say that after reading your crap I am glad to know that I am in the lords true church. I find it funny that the church has grown as much as it has and is one of the welthiest churches in the world if not the most I wonder why Because its true and the members know it and follow the teachings of our prophet and general authorities. Talk about ripping off people for money your books are a joke only losers with no time on their hand have bought your books.
"You can't let go"
Why do people spend so much time thinking about the mormon church, must have nothing else better to do.
"The Church is true because it's true"
I am a member of the Church. I have been for 7 years. I know with all my heart that it is true. Even if the whole world denounced the church and I was the only member left, that knowledge cannot go away. I feel great sadness when I read Tanner's (and others') garbage.
"You're willing servants of Satan"
First of all, because they so blatantly deny the truth and make mockery of the things which are sacred and thus bring upon themselves some very serious consequences. And that makes me sad because they are, like me, sones and daughters of God and thus, my brothers and sisters. Second reason I am sad is because there are others who are lead away by these "anti-Mormons". I feel like Satan is laughing. But he will not support his followers and the last day, neither will he be laughing forever.
"Hummph! I'm not misled"
Dear Sister, I am a new convert to the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints. I can tell you for sure that I have not been brained washed by the church or the authorities. I love the church and know that it is true. I have a testimony that it is true. Also I know for a fact that we lived with Heavenly Father before this life. He wants us all to return to him. I will be receiving my endowments in September.
"God uses the church despite the imperfections of its people"
I find this all so disturbing. Why would anyone make it their lives work to break down other people's faith or keep people from the truth. I have only been attending the church for 8 years but it has been an incredible 8 years. I have met some great people and have been taken care of by my church family. It is difficult at times to keep all of the commandments and do what is expected of me but the blessing flow my way when I do. I love my church. I love the members and I can't imagine anyone being hurt by this church. Yes, there are some problems but we are all human. There are problems in every church. I think you can see Jesus in the hearts of the members that I know. I have never met a member I didn't love! This is the true church and I only wish I could bottle what I have felt every day since I became a member. Last Saturday I attended the baptism of a 15 year old boy who has a tough family life. The church has changed his life and his testimony is amazing for such a young boy. I don't know what happened to you but it is clear that Satan is at the helm. I will pray for you!
Active Witnesses should have no trouble seeing that every single one of these responses is predicated upon the acceptance of doctrines and precepts unique to the Mormon church. None of these responses have any validity unless and until those assumptions are proven.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Is It Really Evident?
In the new DVD governing body member David Splane discusses the fact that the Bible Students did not simply disappear after Russell died in 1916. He says this is because Jehovah had already chosen the organization to do his work:
"This is not a work of man, this is a work of Jehovah God. It's evident that Jehovah had already chosen this organization, because of the faithfulness and the sincerity of the men behind it. It's obvious that Jehovah had already chosen this organization to get his work done. There were enough honest hearted men, hungering for the truth, desirous of doing the will of God, to prevent the organization from collapsing."
How does that square with the teaching about the inspection of the temple and the selection of the organization in 1919? Is this a change in teaching, a slip of the tongue, or simply an indication they don't care about being consistent in their statements? For decades the selection of the Watchtower organization in 1919 has been a pretty bid deal, and for a governing body member to apparently undermine it with this incidental comment strikes a pretty discordant note.
In a certain sense I suppose Splane is only stating what on some level must be obvious in the Witnesses' presentation of their history. Although they formally teach that Jehovah only chose the organization in 1919, they seem to believe that Jehovah already approved and directed the Bible Students well before that date. His use of language in saying that Jehovah already chose the organization before 1916 is clumsy however, and draws a attention to a tension between the somewhat contradictory messages that Jehovah had been using the Bible Students right from the start, and that the organization was specifically selected as God's chosen organization in 1919.
Note the phrase, "it's evident." The organization uses this phrase when they are guessing or when they just don't know what they are talking about. For example, go back and read some of the old explanations on the meaning of "generation" and see how many times "it is evident" comes up.
"This is not a work of man, this is a work of Jehovah God. It's evident that Jehovah had already chosen this organization, because of the faithfulness and the sincerity of the men behind it. It's obvious that Jehovah had already chosen this organization to get his work done. There were enough honest hearted men, hungering for the truth, desirous of doing the will of God, to prevent the organization from collapsing."
How does that square with the teaching about the inspection of the temple and the selection of the organization in 1919? Is this a change in teaching, a slip of the tongue, or simply an indication they don't care about being consistent in their statements? For decades the selection of the Watchtower organization in 1919 has been a pretty bid deal, and for a governing body member to apparently undermine it with this incidental comment strikes a pretty discordant note.
In a certain sense I suppose Splane is only stating what on some level must be obvious in the Witnesses' presentation of their history. Although they formally teach that Jehovah only chose the organization in 1919, they seem to believe that Jehovah already approved and directed the Bible Students well before that date. His use of language in saying that Jehovah already chose the organization before 1916 is clumsy however, and draws a attention to a tension between the somewhat contradictory messages that Jehovah had been using the Bible Students right from the start, and that the organization was specifically selected as God's chosen organization in 1919.
Note the phrase, "it's evident." The organization uses this phrase when they are guessing or when they just don't know what they are talking about. For example, go back and read some of the old explanations on the meaning of "generation" and see how many times "it is evident" comes up.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Perverts At The Kingdom Hall
by Marvin Hurst / KENS 5
kens5.com
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 8:44 AM
Updated yesterday at 8:44 AM
Ramon Sanchez has asked God to forgive him following an admission he made to San Antonio police, according to the arrest warrant .
Police said the 73-year-old man confessed to molesting a 12-year-old girl at church and lured her with money.
The arrest document explains the alleged incident happened on Jan. 10. The victim alleges Sanchez started giving her money at Kingdom Hall in the 300 block of Price to befriend her. Police said the elderly suspect told the girl she could get money from him when he went to the restroom during church services.
According to the warrant, the young girl followed his instructions that day. Investigators said Sanchez hugged her, kissed her, touched the girl inappropriately and gave her $20 in the restroom area, then returned to church service.
Police said after the crime was reported, Sanchez confessed his actions. He reportedly said it was a moment of weakness. According to the arrest warrant, he claimed he usually prayed to God to help keep thoughts of young girls from reaching his heart. However, this time he did not have time to pray.
He was arrested Tuesday on a charge of indecency with a child-contact. His bond is set at $75,000.
kens5.com
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 8:44 AM
Updated yesterday at 8:44 AM
Ramon Sanchez has asked God to forgive him following an admission he made to San Antonio police, according to the arrest warrant .
Police said the 73-year-old man confessed to molesting a 12-year-old girl at church and lured her with money.
The arrest document explains the alleged incident happened on Jan. 10. The victim alleges Sanchez started giving her money at Kingdom Hall in the 300 block of Price to befriend her. Police said the elderly suspect told the girl she could get money from him when he went to the restroom during church services.
According to the warrant, the young girl followed his instructions that day. Investigators said Sanchez hugged her, kissed her, touched the girl inappropriately and gave her $20 in the restroom area, then returned to church service.
Police said after the crime was reported, Sanchez confessed his actions. He reportedly said it was a moment of weakness. According to the arrest warrant, he claimed he usually prayed to God to help keep thoughts of young girls from reaching his heart. However, this time he did not have time to pray.
He was arrested Tuesday on a charge of indecency with a child-contact. His bond is set at $75,000.
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