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Post by hoodoo on Jul 25, 2007 21:22:58 GMT -5
If people don't want to attend a bible study, why do the workers always complain about it? Maybe they need to ask themselves WHY this is happening. It is going to be the fault of the people and NEVER the fault of the ministers or the method the ministers claim is the true way.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2007 21:27:21 GMT -5
What do you suggest, dancing girls?
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Post by jh62 on Jul 25, 2007 21:28:51 GMT -5
I would suggest maybe an actual bible STUDY, instead of people giving another testimony just like they do on Sunday morning.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2007 21:53:03 GMT -5
Well, our study is Paul's epistles. Lots of nice thoughts there. You really learn your bible when you can have as a subject these books, one chapter at a time.
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Post by once again on Jul 25, 2007 22:08:24 GMT -5
What do you suggest, dancing girls? Once again, bert offers up an extreme example without a shred of substance. Nice going, bert. ....ho hum...
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Post by freespirit on Jul 25, 2007 22:18:58 GMT -5
"Mandatory" brings on connotations to me of some sort of top secret file full of red ink being kept in some government building somewhere. Or maybe being hogtied and dragged to be at a certain spot. Since I've never witnessed either of those things with any religion--at least not any here in the USA, the word "mandatory" sounds really funny to me. ;D I'm thinking that most ministers try to promote people to attend worship services--pretty much like most leaders try to promote people to show up at whatever meetings they have be it the company picnic or the swim team practice. If you aren't enjoying or wanting to go to the Wednesday night service--at this church or at some other church, maybe you should ask yourself why... are you just too tired? Do you need a break? Are you distracted? Don't like the people? Need something more physical (like a walk alone or a yoga class) or something more interactive? Haven't read your bible enough and feel unprepared? Feel frustrated with the system? Are you getting enough rest? Do you have enough meditation and prayer time outside of the time with other people? Then, once you figure out what need it is that isn't being met, maybe go to God and ask Him what He thinks you ought to do about it. Or maybe go to God first and ask him about what the need is or why you don't want to go. God is fantastic about answering prayers. He can give us guidance about the whats and whys about getting along with people and can give us strength and help for individual and specific needs. Maybe he'll tell you that right now isn't the season for you to go to Wednesday night worship and to ignore people's opinions or maybe he'll tell you that you just need more rest. God is a good God. He wants what is best for us and only He knows the best thing for you and your unique situation. This is mostly ramblings. I'm not really even sure if that was a real question or not. But, anyhow, there's my brain drain. peace to all, freespirit
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Post by Calvin on Jul 25, 2007 22:41:51 GMT -5
I would suggest maybe an actual bible STUDY, instead of people giving another testimony just like they do on Sunday morning. I haven't been to a Wednesday night meeting since I lived with my parents, but I do remember that they were the meeting that I actually kind of liked some times. Even though I spent most time in meetings daydreaming, I did learn a few things because the Wednesday study was limited to a specific chapter. Sometimes I'd even read the Chapter ahead of time. I usually didn't understand much when I read it by myself, but then I'd get some understanding by listening to some of the other people who understood it so much better and explained it well. Calvin
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Post by _ on Jul 25, 2007 22:43:29 GMT -5
What do you suggest, dancing girls? No.... homework for kids... late home from working 12 hours... very tired... have to prepare dinner... have to do a few loads of laundry... have to give kids a bath... need I go on?
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Post by Brad Lewis on Jul 25, 2007 23:18:23 GMT -5
Bible studies were such a bore. THe people are so brainwashed, all they can do is recant the same lines or repeat the worker that just "happened" to speak on it the previous meeting so people would have something to say. I loooooooooooooooove Bible studies now. We really get into it. I mean we talk about stuff that affects our "natural) (ooh, burn baby burn) stuff that actually (happesn) in REAL ,yep you heard right, Real life. And wow, God actually wrote things that we are supposed to do and believe and , like really pertains to real life. Wowsee. I praise God for the book of proverbs. I made more today that I used to make in a week working for someone else. Praise God that the things taught in Proverbs (and other parts of Bible too, mind you) really work and are trueeee, yeeehaaaa Free from 2x2 brainwashing and lovin every minute of it. No more cult for me. I remember sitting next to one woman in BS. She was cute. But she was a 2x2 and looked like trouble, big time down the road. Sure nough. Her and her hubby had a huge bicker, nasty divorce. Beautiful advertisement for the cult. Yep, sure nough. Love God if you want to live, join the cult to die inside and out. Praise God for Jesus Christ! love, Brad
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Post by Guest today on Jul 29, 2007 9:51:40 GMT -5
Truly if they were studies...people would be able to converse with one another during the "Studies" and not just give their testimonies.....
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be there or lose out
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Post by be there or lose out on Jul 29, 2007 10:00:45 GMT -5
Attendance can be construed as a outward sign of the Spirit working within. If you don't attend, it can be assumed that you have a bad spirit, manifested by your lack of spiritual appitite. Therefore, to keep up appearances, an effort should be made to attend, whether you want to or not. Otherwise, tongues will wag behind your back, and we all know how painful that can be!
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Post by Dont Believe It on Jul 29, 2007 13:12:34 GMT -5
Where does the mandatory come in? Myself, in over 60 years of meetings have never heard that. I know many many who have never been to a Wed. study in their life and noone has said anything to them. It is an extra and since workers have lots of time on their hands usually are there and therefore think others are like them but not so. And I also agree that it is another testimony meeting and usually almost everyone picks the same verse or little subject phrase. Not much of a study.
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Post by janet on Jul 29, 2007 13:40:39 GMT -5
What do you suggest, dancing girls? One linersYes I happy for what brother bert shared with us. You know the dancing girls in Paul's epistles? I never had studied that before but then again we only get to use one liners in Paul's epistles. It is good to ---- hummm Hello is anybody there? Hellooo, Hellooo? Boy that hole is sure deep. I don't think those in the bottom can see nor hear anyone. Oh well. I guess we will have to wait until they find a WAY to the top like the rest before they can see the light.
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Jul 29, 2007 14:00:34 GMT -5
I really didn't care for the formality of bible studies in meetings. I love that the bible studies we attend now are a DISCUSSION, which is what a bible study SHOULD be.
Instead, in meetings, people would basically repeat bits and pieces over and over again, which was much like hearing the same "testimony" time after time. Then, the elder would go over nearly every verse, emphasizing every point which had already been made (repeatedly) by others. I left feeling very empty.
In a different meeting I attended, sometimes we'd have a small discussion after the meeting "closed" (after the last hymn), but I always felt that Wednesday night meetings needed to be more relaxed, open, and actually a discussion, rather than each person giving his or her piece and leaving it at that. I think people learn a lot more during discussions and, often, after one person says something, you realize something else you'd like to share.
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Post by janet on Jul 29, 2007 14:11:58 GMT -5
I really didn't care for the formality of bible studies in meetings. I love that the bible studies we attend now are a DISCUSSION, which is what a bible study SHOULD be. Instead, in meetings, people would basically repeat bits and pieces over and over again, which was much like hearing the same "testimony" time after time. Then, the elder would go over nearly every verse, emphasizing every point which had already been made (repeatedly) by others. I left feeling very empty. In a different meeting I attended, sometimes we'd have a small discussion after the meeting "closed" (after the last hymn), but I always felt that Wednesday night meetings needed to be more relaxed, open, and actually a discussion, rather than each person giving his or her piece and leaving it at that. I think people learn a lot more during discussions and, often, after one person says something, you realize something else you'd like to share. OK, In the Spirit of the Post. I read "The Gate Seldom Found". In it the author uses example of questions which were suppose to lead to the Way the F&W's do things. However, In these examples, Scriptural questions, there was discussion back and forth. I do not nor have I ever seen a bible study like this in meetings. I would like to see questions like: Is the Trinity false teach or true? Is Jesus really the Second Person of the Godhead? Are we (Those in the F&W's church) the only ones saved? I think these questions debated in depth by members of the Church at all levels will reveal much. There I smiled
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Post by Westsask on Jul 29, 2007 19:00:10 GMT -5
Just a quick note about ourselves and wednesday night meeting, I doubt that anyone else is in this situation! Three years ago, our family quit going to meeting, but we had/ have a wednesday night meeting in our home twice a month. When we quit, no one said anything about the meeting and we have continued to have it ever since! After a few weeks, everyone except my parents, stopped attending. My mom and dad still faithfully attend most of the time. The format of the meeting has changed to a bible discussion on the chapter that is on the list. No workers or anyone else ( other than the seven of us) ever attends. I think that the workers haven't assigned my parents elsewhere is because they would have to explain why they shouldn't come here any more. That's just my guess! Does anyone here have any idea why the workers refuse to adress this situation?
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Post by you address it on Jul 29, 2007 19:07:42 GMT -5
Does anyone here have any idea why the workers refuse to adress this situation? Why don't you ask them?
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Post by Peacemaker on Jul 29, 2007 19:19:27 GMT -5
If people don't want to attend a bible study, why do the workers always complain about it? Maybe they need to ask themselves WHY this is happening. It is going to be the fault of the people and NEVER the fault of the ministers or the method the ministers claim is the true way. Are you sure that they always complain. I am sure that they are various valid reasons why people are unable to attend meetings including Wednesday night meetings.
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Jul 30, 2007 11:46:08 GMT -5
Westsacks.... that's.. amazing! I think it's wonderful that your family still attends, even though others have left.
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Jul 30, 2007 11:46:33 GMT -5
Okay, can't spell, Westsask
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Post by Peacemaker on Jul 30, 2007 13:18:42 GMT -5
Westsacks.... that's.. amazing! I think it's wonderful that your family still attends, even though others have left. You should not be amazed, obviously the family are a faithful group; they gather in the name of Jesus and I believe that He is there with them. I say to them, "keep on keeping on." God be with you.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2007 13:34:54 GMT -5
Just a quick note about ourselves and wednesday night meeting, I doubt that anyone else is in this situation! Three years ago, our family quit going to meeting, but we had/ have a wednesday night meeting in our home twice a month. When we quit, no one said anything about the meeting and we have continued to have it ever since! After a few weeks, everyone except my parents, stopped attending. My mom and dad still faithfully attend most of the time. The format of the meeting has changed to a bible discussion on the chapter that is on the list. No workers or anyone else ( other than the seven of us) ever attends. I think that the workers haven't assigned my parents elsewhere is because they would have to explain why they shouldn't come here any more. That's just my guess! Does anyone here have any idea why the workers refuse to adress this situation? They don't address it because they don't know what to do. What they fear the most is upsetting your parents who are probably elderly and have a large family circle of influence. If they lowered the boom on your folks, they would be seen as cruel and heartless and would create far more problems than they would solve. Sooo, they do nothing, cross their fingers, and hope that the applecart doesn't get upset. I admire your parents, they sound like very cool people.
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Post by Westsask on Jul 30, 2007 14:10:05 GMT -5
Thanks for your input everyone! One other thing that has not changed, is the meeting list or the freinds list, in our area for three years. This is not normal as the lists are usually updated every year. Clearday- I think you are absolutely correct in your observation!
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Jul 30, 2007 14:16:02 GMT -5
Westsacks.... that's.. amazing! I think it's wonderful that your family still attends, even though others have left. You should not be amazed, obviously the family are a faithful group; they gather in the name of Jesus and I believe that He is there with them. I say to them, "keep on keeping on." God be with you. No, I shouldn't be amazed, but since things don't usually work that way... I am.
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Post by conspiracy on Jul 30, 2007 17:28:25 GMT -5
Thanks for your input everyone! One other thing that has not changed, is the meeting list or the freinds list, in our area for three years. This is not normal as the lists are usually updated every year. Clearday- I think you are absolutely correct in your observation! This is obviously a conspiracy of sorts. What is hoped is that you will take this as "the bridges haven't been burned yet". If you decided to "come back to the fold" you likely could just start going to Sunday morning meetings again seamlessly as if nothing ever happened. Seems pretty nice that they are giving you this benefit. Not everyone gets such royal treatment.
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Post by janet on Jul 30, 2007 17:34:07 GMT -5
List--Humm-- I was told that workers don't want lists of friends given out because they are afraid that someone will send them letters about William Irvine. LoL ;D
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Post by freespirit on Jul 30, 2007 21:21:30 GMT -5
Westsask--Like Clearday, I'm thinking they don't address it because they don't know what to do. IMO, not knowing what to do isn't necessarily a bad thing at all. There is lots of stuff in life that most of us just don't have figured out yet. (And, I'm NOT just talking about religious stuff--just life stuff.) Sometimes we just live with the questions and trust God to show up with the answers in His own good time. In the meantime, hooray that you are enjoying a blessing! Or...maybe they have addressed it and God said, "leave it alone. It's doing just fine." peace to all, freespirit
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