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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 22:29:34 GMT -5
They can trace them. This year, an excommunicated worker was listening to convention, and was emailed by overseer and told to stop it. Is it a coincidence that the period of fastest growth for the ministry and fellowship was when they preached openly to the world? Jesus wasn't concerned about his words "getting into the wrong hands". John 18:19 Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them. 20 Jesus replied, “ Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret. 21 Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.” Now see this is where you'd normally be called "atheist/bitter-ex/anti_truth/faithless/lost worldling" by the good pillars to God's True Way... seeing as you are in fact none of those things, it's hard to know how to best attack your person rather than address your point! I had a second generation Mexican-American student who voted for Trump, specifically because he was going to "build a wall". Her family lives/lived on the border, and knows the actual cost of the drugs and gang violence imported from our southern neighbors. I knew I was supposed to call her a "racist anti-American" (virtue signaling in academia), but her parents immigrated legally, she was pro America 100%, and she had darker skin than myself! So, my dear fixit.... what to call you....? Nathan probably has some suggestions, or Review, if he's bored.
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Post by iam on Apr 27, 2020 22:45:45 GMT -5
Do they know who is listening to the phone calls? Can they trace them down? They can trace them. This year, an excommunicated worker was listening to convention, and was emailed by overseer and told to stop it. You gotta be kidding! Then he’s probably better off without.
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Post by ForeverFree on Apr 28, 2020 0:38:08 GMT -5
Is it a coincidence that the period of fastest growth for the ministry and fellowship was when they preached openly to the world? Jesus wasn't concerned about his words "getting into the wrong hands". They have become so exclusive that their numbers in the congregations and on the platform are dwindling fast. Less and less "outsiders" are joining, and they are relying more and more on the procreation of its members to keep the congregation size. Unfortunately for them, this plan is not working to their favour.
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Post by ForeverFree on Apr 28, 2020 0:43:50 GMT -5
Now see this is where you'd normally be called "atheist/bitter-ex/anti_truth/faithless/lost worldling" by the good pillars to God's True Way... seeing as you are in fact none of those things, it's hard to know how to best attack your person rather than address your point! I had a second generation Mexican-American student who voted for Trump, specifically because he was going to "build a wall". Her family lives/lived on the border, and knows the actual cost of the drugs and gang violence imported from our southern neighbors. I knew I was supposed to call her a "racist anti-American" (virtue signaling in academia), but her parents immigrated legally, she was pro America 100%, and she had darker skin than myself! So, my dear fixit.... what to call you....? Nathan probably has some suggestions, or Review, if he's bored. What does racial profiling have to do with any of this?
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Post by Get off of TMB on Apr 28, 2020 7:40:43 GMT -5
Are they afraid some will stop going to meeting and just listen in on meetings? Some put an emphasis on putting forth an effort to do things?
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Post by iam on Apr 28, 2020 8:10:25 GMT -5
Is it a coincidence that the period of fastest growth for the ministry and fellowship was when they preached openly to the world? Jesus wasn't concerned about his words "getting into the wrong hands". They have become so exclusive that their numbers in the congregations and on the platform are dwindling fast. Less and less "outsiders" are joining, and they are relying more and more on the procreation of its members to keep the congregation size. Unfortunately for them, this plan is not working to their favour. There doesn’t seem to be a focus on getting more numbers more than keeping the ones we’ve got and we haven’t been doing a great job of that. Since I was a child, the numbers have increased greatly and I don’t see much of a downturn but I wonder when all the baby boomers disappear what will be left? Yet I see lots of young people coming up. I used to look at how many of us in the 50+ age group are in gospel meetings....definitely the majority. Probably if it was done properly there would be much less of us because we hate to be corrected when we’re off track.
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Post by Get off of TMB on Apr 28, 2020 8:25:36 GMT -5
In the US east of the MS River, south of the Great Lakes down to the Gulf of Mexico, the Truth is dying. Most are raised in the way and some marry into the way. With family size declining, there are fewer children in the meetings anymore. I see so many death notices in places like IL, IN, OH, KY, TN, GA, SC, NC, FL, AL, MS or LA...I am sure there aren't that many people professing.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2020 9:35:57 GMT -5
Now see this is where you'd normally be called "atheist/bitter-ex/anti_truth/faithless/lost worldling" by the good pillars to God's True Way... seeing as you are in fact none of those things, it's hard to know how to best attack your person rather than address your point! I had a second generation Mexican-American student who voted for Trump, specifically because he was going to "build a wall". Her family lives/lived on the border, and knows the actual cost of the drugs and gang violence imported from our southern neighbors. I knew I was supposed to call her a "racist anti-American" (virtue signaling in academia), but her parents immigrated legally, she was pro America 100%, and she had darker skin than myself! So, my dear fixit.... what to call you....? Nathan probably has some suggestions, or Review, if he's bored. What does racial profiling have to do with any of this? just a parallel
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Post by fixit on Apr 28, 2020 14:18:47 GMT -5
Is it a coincidence that the period of fastest growth for the ministry and fellowship was when they preached openly to the world? Jesus wasn't concerned about his words "getting into the wrong hands". John 18:19 Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them. 20 Jesus replied, “ Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret. 21 Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.” Now see this is where you'd normally be called "atheist/bitter-ex/anti_truth/faithless/lost worldling" by the good pillars to God's True Way... seeing as you are in fact none of those things, it's hard to know how to best attack your person rather than address your point! I had a second generation Mexican-American student who voted for Trump, specifically because he was going to "build a wall". Her family lives/lived on the border, and knows the actual cost of the drugs and gang violence imported from our southern neighbors. I knew I was supposed to call her a "racist anti-American" (virtue signaling in academia), but her parents immigrated legally, she was pro America 100%, and she had darker skin than myself! So, my dear fixit.... what to call you....? Nathan probably has some suggestions, or Review, if he's bored. And what to call you, my dear Ipse? Neither does "atheist/bitter-ex/anti_truth/faithless/lost worldling" work for profiling you. Questioning? Check. Disappointed? Check. Abused? Check. Grieving? Check. The challenge with being in the middle of the road is we get beaten up by traffic from both directions.
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Post by fixit on Apr 28, 2020 14:24:55 GMT -5
In the US east of the MS River, south of the Great Lakes down to the Gulf of Mexico, the Truth is dying. Most are raised in the way and some marry into the way. With family size declining, there are fewer children in the meetings anymore. I see so many death notices in places like IL, IN, OH, KY, TN, GA, SC, NC, FL, AL, MS or LA...I am sure there aren't that many people professing. A chat with the excommunicated worker mentioned earlier in this thread would help you understand why it's dying.
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Post by snow on Apr 28, 2020 14:48:42 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2020 15:29:28 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? well as you can see from TMB posts sermons get posted here then picked apart quite frequently, that may be one of many reasons not to share with the general public....i know that isn't a good reason but i'll bet thats part of it...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2020 15:42:02 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? I was told that they don't go from door-to-door because it is too dangerous. Well, here is a chance to see whether it is too dangerous, or whether they don't go from door-to-door to because seeking lost souls is not actually their priority. I think it's pretty obvious which that would be, but I await with believing and unquestioning heart to hear why I'm wrong yet again. That's the thing about leaving the meetings - you're wrong before any conversation can begin. Which makes the rationale of any responses you might get rather amusing! As for me, "bitter" is sometimes correct. It wasn't so when we left, but after reflection, learning, and new experience, bitterness is an occasional emotion. Among some people, an individual who is disappointed, angry, and disillusioned finds a hand reaching out in care, and an ear to listen. In other circles, he/she finds a finger pointed at them in blame, and another finger in the ear to prevent hearing.
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Post by ForeverFree on Apr 28, 2020 17:09:49 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? Afraid of questions about their past and about their beliefs. Afraid to be asked questions that they can't answer. Afraid to be put on the spot by people with theological education. Afraid to be questioned about the lifestyle of their people and their ministry. Afraid to be confronted with the truth. We hate what we fear. And we fear what we don't understand.
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Post by ForeverFree on Apr 28, 2020 17:12:59 GMT -5
That's the thing about leaving the meetings - you're wrong before any conversation can begin. Even if you've never been to meetings, you're wrong before any conversation can begin.
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Post by BobWilliston on Apr 28, 2020 18:35:22 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? well as you can see from TMB posts sermons get posted here then picked apart quite frequently, that may be one of many reasons not to share with the general public....i know that isn't a good reason but i'll bet thats part of it... I think you're right. They seem to have largely abandoned the excuse that they are avoiding detection by Communists.
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Post by fixit on Apr 28, 2020 23:25:54 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? I presume it's because they feel they are the kingdom's gatekeepers. Only those who have gatekeeper approval may attend any meeting other than gospel meetings. If everyone could listen in the workers over a phone system, you would only need two workers for the whole planet.
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Post by matisse on Apr 29, 2020 6:02:23 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? I presume it's because they feel they are the kingdom's gatekeepers. Only those who have gatekeeper approval may attend any meeting other than gospel meetings. If everyone could listen in the workers over a phone system, you would only need two workers for the whole planet. Ha! This past Sunday, one of my family members phoned into a gospel meeting clear across the US from her that was attended in person by one of her brothers and his wife.
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Post by Annan on Apr 29, 2020 6:31:55 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? I remember the uproar one year when a guy taped the meeting and printed it in a magazine called, The Plain Truth.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2020 8:05:50 GMT -5
When you believe what you are saying you don't fear being heard.
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Post by Get off of TMB on Apr 29, 2020 10:38:01 GMT -5
Some defend the workers right to privacy and secrecy. But there is fear of something getting into the wrong hands.
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Post by xna on Apr 29, 2020 11:17:53 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? It would make it easier to document theological differences among workers, which would promote division. Those only just curious but not really called by god to hear the word would be like casting pearls before swine. Would make them look like the worldly churches.
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Post by snow on Apr 29, 2020 12:40:02 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? well as you can see from TMB posts sermons get posted here then picked apart quite frequently, that may be one of many reasons not to share with the general public....i know that isn't a good reason but i'll bet thats part of it... But all preachers aren't afraid of their sermons being picked apart. That's what happens sometimes. If you are going to quit preaching to everyone because you're scared of being challenged, or not agreed with, you probably shouldn't be selling religion in the first place. The 2x2's have become like a little private club.
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Post by snow on Apr 29, 2020 12:54:26 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? I presume it's because they feel they are the kingdom's gatekeepers. Only those who have gatekeeper approval may attend any meeting other than gospel meetings. If everyone could listen in the workers over a phone system, you would only need two workers for the whole planet. So it's really just job protection? Why does God need gate keepers? Why does God need 'brokers' for that matter?
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Post by vanillagorilla on Apr 30, 2020 12:54:41 GMT -5
Just in case workers fear everyone would listen in, and perhaps: criticize, divide workers by identifying differences, find fault, etc... they would be surprised how FEW people would care to listen in. Christianity is a saturated religion, and it's everywhere. I can see the small numbers now... a few jokesters, a guy playing video games in mom's basement, and the pizza delivery guy.
No one else cares
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Post by Get off of TMB on Apr 30, 2020 13:18:20 GMT -5
Yes most people wouldn't care enough to listen to the meetings if they were on you tube. I think they flatter themselves when they think that tons of people are dying to criticize or ridicule their meetings.
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Post by curlywurlysammagee on Apr 30, 2020 13:40:24 GMT -5
I have a question. Does anyone know why the workers don't want what they preach open to the public? What are they afraid of? Aren't they trying to grow the group anymore? I remember workers going door to door at one point and I hated having to do that with my mom. But they quit doing that because they were being confused with JW's. I understood that. But why would they be concerned about convention sermons, gospel meeting sermons etc. being heard by everyone? I presume it's because they feel they are the kingdom's gatekeepers. Only those who have gatekeeper approval may attend any meeting other than gospel meetings. If everyone could listen in the workers over a phone system, you would only need two workers for the whole planet. There would be no need for them to lie about their intentions when visiting countries such as Vietnam.
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Post by ForeverFree on Apr 30, 2020 14:20:48 GMT -5
There would be no need for them to lie about their intentions when visiting countries such as Vietnam. Why is that?
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