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Printable version (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)OdysseyMiles said: Thanks CeeJay, for helping everyone to appreciate just how busy and dedicated some human beings can be
 . 
2003 Service Year Report - North America Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Central America Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - South America Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Western Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Northern Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Central Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Southern Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Eastern Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Former Soviet Union Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Africa Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Oceania Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized 
2003 Service Year Report - Asia Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized  | |
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these are all encouraging points (for JWs), but what do they have to do with the topic of the thread? | |
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CeeJay said: OdysseyMiles said: Thanks CeeJay, for helping everyone to appreciate just how busy and dedicated some human beings can be
. Who supplied you with this information? Was it the WTBS? Just wondering. GeSmi1 Baby, Baby, Baby...what's it going 2 b? | |
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CeeJay said: OdysseyMiles said: Thanks CeeJay, for helping everyone to appreciate just how busy and dedicated some human beings can be
.
2003 Service Year Report - North America Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Central America Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - South America Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Western Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Northern Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Central Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Southern Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Eastern Europe Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Former Soviet Union Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Africa Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Oceania Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized
2003 Service Year Report - Asia Yearly Change of Average Number of Publishers and Number of Baptized ye shall know the truth, and it will be a bar and line graph. . [This message was edited Wed May 26 7:33:10 2004 by HiinEnkelte] Welcome to the New World Odor and
the Mythmaking Moonbattery of Obamanation. Chains We Can Bereave In LIBERALISM IS A CONSPIRACY THEORY | |
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Distance is to love, as a breeze is to a flame…
…it enkindles the great and extinguishes the small. | |
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couldUB said: 
You're not retired by any chance are you ceejay? Unemployed maybe?  hahahahaha  | |
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Hello erikd, may I ask why you feel JWs are a bit fascist? Do you feel we would recommend fascism? Just curious.
Don't take the word literally in my post. Like I said, I just couldn't come up with a better one. But anyway I'm sorry I used it, because the word 'fascism' has a lot of hate in it and I'm sure that's not wat JWs stand for. After my 'discussions' with JWs on different occasions (where I invited them in my house, hoping to learn more about it) the word 'fascism' came to mind, a word not well defining JWs as a whole of course, but then again the 'fascism' has a lot of different definitions and meanings. 'Intolerance' always being a part of it and they clearly seemed very intolerant for other people's opinions and ways of life, if always in the most polite way thinkable (if JWs are millitant, then politeness and good manners are their guns). I hope that clears up my (ab)use of the word 'fascism' a bit, and again, I shouldn't have used it and didn't mean to offend anyone. And maybe my personal experiences are not representative to the JWs as a whole, but in any case: Just don't come knocking at my door with a watch tower; I won't let you in. "Give a monkey a brain and he'll swear he's the center of the universe" (Fishbone)
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fantasyislander said: couldUB said:
You're not retired by any chance are you ceejay? Unemployed maybe? hahahahaha In the medical profession we do have time off for other activities Deny the graphs above  | |
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erikd said: Hello erikd, may I ask why you feel JWs are a bit fascist? Do you feel we would recommend fascism? Just curious.
Don't take the word literally in my post. Like I said, I just couldn't come up with a better one. But anyway I'm sorry I used it, because the word 'fascism' has a lot of hate in it and I'm sure that's not wat JWs stand for. After my 'discussions' with JWs on different occasions (where I invited them in my house, hoping to learn more about it) the word 'fascism' came to mind, a word not well defining JWs as a whole of course, but then again the 'fascism' has a lot of different definitions and meanings. 'Intolerance' always being a part of it and they clearly seemed very intolerant for other people's opinions and ways of life, if always in the most polite way thinkable (if JWs are millitant, then politeness and good manners are their guns). I hope that clears up my (ab)use of the word 'fascism' a bit, and again, I shouldn't have used it and didn't mean to offend anyone. And maybe my personal experiences are not representative to the JWs as a whole, but in any case: Just don't come knocking at my door with a watch tower; I won't let you in. what do you mean by "intolerance?" how would you define "acceptance?" i think it's knowing those opinions exist without hating another person for possessing them. "intolerance" is not a strongly-felt feeling. neither is "fascism." i guess fascism is equated with the idea of "having a lot of rules." "intolerance" has probably come to mean the rejection of an opposing idea... | |
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CeeJay said: fantasyislander said: hahahahaha In the medical profession we do have time off for other activities Deny the graphs above deny the graphics? what are you talking about????? i swear, no one's posts confuse me so much as yours. i thought the graphics were showing how much work JWs are doing, right? couldUB was asking if you had a lot of time on your hands because it looks like it took you a lot of time to put all those together. was i denying the graphics? did i misunderstand your comment? please explain. are you a doctor? nurse? professor? lab technician? | |
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[quotewhat do you mean by "intolerance?" how would you define "acceptance?" i think it's knowing those opinions exist without hating another person for possessing them.
i guess fascism is equated with the idea of "having a lot of rules."
Hmm yeah well, having a lot of rules seems to be a result of fascism, but not fascism in it self per se. I always think of fascism in the lines of 'anti-liberalism', typically in times of crisis. Often resulting in violence, dictatorship, totalitairism and such. Racism has nothing to do with fascism I think. "Give a monkey a brain and he'll swear he's the center of the universe" (Fishbone)
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fantasyislander said: CeeJay said: In the medical profession we do have time off for other activities Deny the graphs above deny the graphics? what are you talking about????? i swear, no one's posts confuse me so much as yours. i thought the graphics were showing how much work JWs are doing, right? couldUB was asking if you had a lot of time on your hands because it looks like it took you a lot of time to put all those together. was i denying the graphics? did i misunderstand your comment? please explain. are you a doctor? nurse? professor? lab technician? WT 8/1/03 IMITATING THE GOD OF TRUTH "Become imitators of God, as beloved children."---EPHESIANS 5:1. WHAT is truth?" (John 18:38) That question, cynically posed by Pontius Pilate nearly 2,000 years ago, implies that truth is too elusive to be pursued. Many today would agree. The very nature of truth is under attack. You may have heard it said that everyone makes his own truth, or that truth is relative, or that truth is ever changing. Such reasoning is flawed. The very goal of research and education is to learn the facts, the truth, about the world in which we live. Truth is not a matter of personal opinion. For example, either the human soul is immortal or it is not. Either Satan exists or he does not. EIther there is a purpose to life or there is not. In each case, there can be only one correct answer. One is true, and the other is false; both cannot be true. 2 In the precedmg article, we considered that Jehovah is the God of truth. He knows the truth in all things. In striking contrast with his deceitful adversary Satan the Devil, Jehovah is ever truthful. What is more, Jehovah generously reveals the truth to others. The apostle Paul urged fellow Christians: "Become imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1) As Witnesses of Jehovah, how might we imitate him in speaking and living the truth? Why is it important do so? And what assurance do we have that Jehovah approves of those who pursue a course of truthfulness? Let us see. 3 We live in an era in which religious untruth abounds. As foretold by the apostle Paul under divine inspiration, many people in these "last days" have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power. Some resist the truth, being “completely corruped in mind.” Furthermore, “wicked men and impostors…advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.” Though such people are always learning, they never come to "an accurate knowledge of truth."-2 Timothy 3:1, 5, 7,8,13. 4 The apostle Peter was also inspired to write about the last days. Just as he prophesied, people not only reject the truth but also ridicule God's Word and those who proclaim its truth. "According to their wish,” such rid iculers ignore the fact that the world of Noah's day was deluged with water, setting a pattern for a future day of judgment. Their wishful thinking will spell disaster for them when God's time comes to destroy ungodly ones.-2 Peter 3:3-7. Jehovah's Servants Know the Truth 5 In a description of lithe time of the end,", the prophet Daniel foretold quite a different development among God's people-a revival of religious truth. He wrote: "Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant." (Daniel 12:4) Jehovah's people are not confused or blinded by the great Deceiver. Roving through the pages of the Bible, they have come to acquire true knowledge. In the first century, Jesus enlightened his disdples. He "opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45) In our day, Jehovah has acted similarly. Through his Word, his spirit, and his organization, he has enabled millions throughout the earth to understand what he already knows-the truth. 6 As God's people, we understand many things that we could not otherwise have known. We know the answers to questions that worldly-wise men have grappled with for millenniums. For example, we know why suffering exists, why people die, and why humans cannot achieve global peace and unity. We have also been blessed with a vision of what the future holds-the Kingdom of God, a paradise earth, and endless life in perfection. We have come to know Jehovah, the Supreme One. We have learned about his appealing personality along with what we must do to enjoy his blessing. Knowing the truth enables us to recognize what is not true. Ap plying the truth protects us from fruitless pursuits, enables us to get the best out of life, and gives us a marvelous hope for the future. 7 Do you understand Bible truth? If so, you have been richly blessed. When an author writes a book, he or she usually fashions it to appeal to a spedfic group of people. Some books are written for the highly educated, others for children, still others for those in specialized fields. While the Bible is easily available to all, it is meant to be understood and appreciated by a particular group of people. Jehovah crafted it for the humble, the meek ones of the earth. Such people can grasp the sense of the Bible, whatever their education, culture, station in life, or ethnic group. (1 Timothy 2:3,4) On the other hand, an understanding of Bible truth is denied to those not rightly disposed, no matter how intelligent or educated they may be. The haughty, the proud, cannot grasp the precious truths of God'sWord. (MatthewI3:11-15; Luke 10:21; Acts 13:48) Only God could produce such a book. Jehovah's Servants Are Truthful 8 Like Jehovah, his faithful Witnesses are truthful. Jesus Christ, the preeminent Witness of Jehovah, affirmed the truth by the things he taught and by the way he lived and died. He upheld the truth of Jehovah's word and promises. Consequently, Jesus was the very embodiment of the truth, as he himself stated.-John 14:6; Revelation 3:14; 19:10. 9 Jesus was "full of undeserved kindness and truth" and "there was no deception in his mouth." (John 1:14; Isaiah 53:9) True Christians follow the pattern that Jesus set in being truthful with others. Paul counseled fellow believers: "Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another." (Ephesians 4:25) Earlier, the prophet Zechariah wrote, "Speak truthfully with one another." (Zechariah 8: 16) Christians are truthful because they want to please God. Jehovah is truthful and knows the harm that results from false even hood. Therefore, he rightfully expects his servants to tell the truth. 10 To many, lying may seem a convenient tool to obtain certain advantages. People lie to escape punishment, to profit in some way, or to gain the praise of others. Yet, a practice of lying is a vice. What is more, a liar cannot gain God's approval. (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22: 15) When we are known to be truthful, others believe what we say; they trust us. However, if we are caught telling even a single lie, others may doubt the truthfulness of any thing we say in the future. An African proverb states: "One falsehood spoils a thousand truths." Another proverb says: "A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth." 11 Truthfulness means more than merely telling the truth. It is a way of life. It defines who we are. We make the truth known to others not only by what we say but also by what we do. "Do you. . . the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself?" asked the apostle Paul. "You, the one preaching 'Do, not steal,' do you steal? You, the one saying 'Do not commit adultery,' do you commit adultery?" (Romans 2:21, 22) If we are to impart truth to others, we must be truthful in all our ways. Our reputation for truthfulness and honesty will have a powerful impact on how people respond to what we teach. 12 Young ones among Jehovah's servants also understand the importance of being truthful. In a school essay, Jenny, who at the time was 13 years old, wrote: "Honesty is something I truly value. Unfortunately, not many people are completely honest today. I promise myself that I will always maintain honesty in my life. I will also be honest if telling the truth won't immediately benefit me or my friends. I make sure that my friends are those who tell the truth and are honest people." 13 In commenting on this essay, Jenny's teacher noted: "You are very young to have developed such a strong moral and ethical code. I know you will stick with your code because you have strength of character." What was responsible for this schoolgirl's strength? In the introduction to her essay Jenny stated that her religion "sets the standards for [her] life." Seven years have passed since Jenny wrote that essay. As her teacher surmised, Jenny continues to manifest a high moral standard in her life as one of Jehovah's Witnesses Jehovah's Servants Reveal the Truth 14 Of course, others besides Jehovah's Witnesses may tell the truth and try to be honest. However, as servants of God, we have particularly great responsibility to uphold what is true. We have been entrusted with Bible truths-truths that can lead one to everlasting life. Hence, we have an obligation to share that knowledge with others. "Everyone to whom much was given," said Jesus, "much will be demanded of him.” (Luke 12:48) Certainly 'much is demanded' of those who have been blessed with the precious knowledge of God. 15 There is happiness in imparting Bible truth to others. Like Jesus' first-century disciples, we declare the good news-a heartwarming message of hope-to those skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd" and to those blinded and confused by "teachings of demons." (Mat- thew 9:36; 1 Timothy 4:1) The apostle John wrote: "No greater cause for thankfulness do tell I have than these things, that I should be hearing that my children go on walking in the truth." (3 John 4) The faithfulness of John's "children"-perhaps those he introduced to the truth-brought him great joy. It brings joy to us when we see people respond with appreciation to the Word of God. 16 Granted, not all will accept the truth. Jesus spoke the truth about God, even when it was unpopular to do so. To Jewish opposers he said: "Why is it you do not believe me? He that is from God listens to the sayings of God. " This is why you do not listen, because you are not from God."-John 8:46,47. 17 We, like Jesus, do not hold back from telling the precious truth about Jehovah. We do not expect everyone to accept what we tell them, for not all accepted what Jesus said. Nevertheless, we have the joy of knowing that we are doing what is right. Jehovah in his loving-kindness wants the truth to be revealed to humankind. As possessors of truth, Christians become light bearers in a bedarkened world. By letting the light of truth shine through our words and deeds, we can help others to give glory to our heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14, 16) We publicly make known that we reject Satan's counterfeit version of the truth and uphold the pure and unadulterated Word of God. The truth that we know and share can impart true freedom to those who accept it.-John 8:32. Pursue the Course of Truthfulness 18 Jesus loved and spoke the truth. During his ministry on earth, he showed favor to those who were truthful. Concerning Nathanael, Jesus said: "See, an Israelite for a certainty, in whom there is no deceit." (John 1: 47) Subsequently, Nathanael, who was likely also called Bartholomew, was chosen to be one of the 12 apostles. (Matthew 10:2-4) What an honor! 19 An entire chapter in the Bible book of John relates the account of another honest man who was blessed by Jesus. We do not, know his name. What we do know is that the man was a beggar who was blind from birth. People marveled when Jesus restored his sight. The news of this miraculous cure reached the ears of some of the Pharisees, haters of truth, who had agreed among themselves that anyone exercising faith in Jesus was to be expelled from the synagogue. Knowing their scheme, the fearful parents of the once blind man lied to the Pharisees, saying that they did not know how their son could now see or who was responsible. -John 9:1-23. 20 The cured man was again called before the Pharisees. Disregarding any consequences, he boldly told the truth. He explained how he was cured and that it was Jesus who did it. Astounded that these prominent and educated men did not believe that Jesus was from God, the healed man fearlessly urged them to accept the obvious: "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing at all." Having no counterargument, the Pharisees accused the man of insolence and threw him out.-John 9:24-34. 21 When Jesus learned of this, he lovingly took the time to find the man. After doing so, he built on the faith that the once blind man had shown. Jesus openly identified himself as the Messiah. How that man was blessed for telling the truth! Surely divine favor rests upon those who speak the truth.-John 9: 35-37. 22 Practidng truth is a pursuit that we should take seriously. It is fundamental in forging and maintaining good relations with people and with God. To be truthful is to be open, genuine, approachable, and trustworthy, and it wins Jehovah's approval. (Psalm 15:1, 2) To be untruthful is to be deceitful, unreliable, and false, and it incurs Jehovah's disfavor. (Proverbs 6: 16-19) Therefore, be resolved to pursue the course of truthfulness. Indeed, to imitate the God of truth, we must know the truth, speak the truth, and live the truth. How Would You Answer? . Why can we be grateful that we know the truth? . How may we imitate Jehovah in being truthful? . What benefits are there in imparting Bible truth to others? . Why is it important to pursue the course of truthfulness? 1. What do some believe about truth, and why is their reasoning flawed? 2. In what ways is Jehovah the God of truth, and what questions will now be discussed? 3, 4. How did the apostles Paul and Peter describe what was to occur during "the last days"? 5. According to the prophet Daniel, what would happen in "the time of the end," and how has this prophecy been fulfilled? 6. God's people today understand what Bible truths? 7. To whom are Bible truths accessible, and to whom are they not? 8. Why was Jesus the very embodiment of the truth? 9. What do the Scriptures say about speaking the truth? 10. Why do people lie, and with what negative results? 11. In what way is truthfulness more than merely telling the truth? 12, 13. What did one young person write about truthfulness, and what was the reason for her high moral standard? 14. Why do God's servants have a particularly great responsibility to uphold what is true? 15. What happiness do you find in imparting Bible truth to others? 16, 17. (a) Why do not all accept the truth? (b) What joy can you experience as you proclaim Bible truth? 18. Why and how did Jesus favor Nathanael? . 19-21. How was a once blind man blessed for his course of truthfulness? 22. Why should we pursue the course of truthfulness? | |
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CeeJay-
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fantasyislander said: CeeJay-
again i ask you, what is the point of this? what are you trying to say? what in the world do you mean???? you are doing nothing more than confuse the topic. please explain your comments. thankyou. Official + Public viewing, Why two sets? Jesus was "full of undeserved kindness and truth" and "there was no deception in his mouth." (John 1:14; Isaiah 53:9) Research [This message was edited Fri May 28 9:48:14 2004 by CeeJay] | |
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CeeJay, Thank you again for publishing the records.
So...how's everybody doing?  | |
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it seems to be showing that the number of publishers do not have an effect on the number baptized. i think. | |
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CeeJay said: Official + Public viewing, Why two sets? Jesus was "full of undeserved kindness and truth" and "there was no deception in his mouth." (John 1:14; Isaiah 53:9) Research [This message was edited Fri May 28 9:48:14 2004 by CeeJay]  If you've got something to say ceejay, just say it. What on EARTH are you talking about?Distance is to love, as a breeze is to a flame…
…it enkindles the great and extinguishes the small. | |
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CeeJay said: Official + Public viewing, Why two sets?
Jesus was "full of undeserved kindness and truth" and "there was no deception in his mouth." (John 1:14; Isaiah 53:9) Research [This message was edited Fri May 28 9:48:14 2004 by CeeJay] and again i say, what?!?!?!?! | |
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rainbowchild said: How long has he been a witness anyway??
Since I do not feel like reading all 137 posts....I will chime in as late as usual and try to answer your question. 
I believe he has been one of Jehovah's Witnesses since 2000, he and his wife were baptized together as far as I know. Will he ever leave? How are any of us to know? It's entirely up to him but I certainly hope that he doesn't. I hope he continues to serve Jehovah along with his wife for the rest of his life and that could be a mighty long time.
Peace & Love | |
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Who cares? Dylan became a born-again Christian for a while and his fans still followed him. Beck joined the Scientologists, yet Sea Change is a freakin' monumentally beautiful album. Laurie Anderson and David Bowie are two of my favorite artists - both Buddhists - big deal. So Prince is sneaking in religious references these days? I got a newsflash for ya - he's been doing that since DAY ONE. I've never heard anyone grousing about his recital of The Lord's Prayer in the song "Controversy" - Western religion has always been a motif in his music, even when he was deep down 'n' dirty. I don't give a crap what religion he is now, or what direction it takes him...unless he decides to go Amish, because that means he could no longer play an electric guitar and I couldn't get with that at all. But he'd look cute with the beard and the suspenders, I suspect. | |
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Anxiety said: Who cares? Dylan became a born-again Christian for a while and his fans still followed him. Beck joined the Scientologists, yet Sea Change is a freakin' monumentally beautiful album. Laurie Anderson and David Bowie are two of my favorite artists - both Buddhists - big deal. So Prince is sneaking in religious references these days? I got a newsflash for ya - he's been doing that since DAY ONE. I've never heard anyone grousing about his recital of The Lord's Prayer in the song "Controversy" - Western religion has always been a motif in his music, even when he was deep down 'n' dirty. I don't give a crap what religion he is now, or what direction it takes him...unless he decides to go Amish, because that means he could no longer play an electric guitar and I couldn't get with that at all. But he'd look cute with the beard and the suspenders, I suspect.
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What a lengthly discussion. Personally I am just getting into Prince again, and well it has been quite interesting to compare the different genras of Prince's music. I think that Prince has always been a spiritual being, and it is evident in his music but not bound by a certain religious sect. Now he is and it is causing a stir in the Witness community as well with some of his lyrics. Price wants to do his own thing and that is a wonderful thing. I saw him in Illinois and he did not make many religious statements, however some sexual innuendos. I don't think the freakiness is going to lie dormant forever. Just give him time. However I will be the true fan every step of the way, playing the old and new music and loving every minute of it.
U want me to swivel in your love seat, don't
u baby. | |
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Something tells me, if Larry Graham was a Kabbalist, Prince would have been a Kabbalist just because he puts him on a very high pedestal. Prince said in an interview that he never really studied the Bible til him and Larry Graham's group started their studies together. And that's where the problem lies. Jehovah Witnesses love people who don't already know what the Bible says because its easy for them to jump in and say "this is what it says" and put their spins on it without being refuted or challenged.
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jujubeans said: Something tells me, if Larry Graham was a Kabbalist, Prince would have been a Kabbalist just because he puts him on a very high pedestal. Prince said in an interview that he never really studied the Bible til him and Larry Graham's group started their studies together. And that's where the problem lies. Jehovah Witnesses love people who don't already know what the Bible says because its easy for them to jump in and say "this is what it says" and put their spins on it without being refuted or challenged.
I had an open mind to the Jehovah Witnesses when I didn't know what they believed. I read their literature and books but I also read those who disagreed with their teachings and why. I came to realize that though many things they teach are true the foundation is wrong. I know in my heart that Jesus, The Father, and The Spirit are One,and I see how they cut up the bible and twist it to their liking. Ultimately Prince can make his own decisions, I just see his involvement with them as something that will isolate him and cause him to see himself as enlightened and others who are non-Jehovah witnesses as ignorant. I hope he doesnt build walls up to those who are not members of the kingdom hall and show special treatment to those who are. Everytime he talks about "the Truth" I know he really is meaning the Jehovah Witnesses teachings not God, and its sad when anyone makes an idol of their doctrines instead of God Himself. so his happiness takes second place to your concerns? i personally dont give a squat what floats his or anyone else's boat..as long as im allowed my own space to be happy... rock on!!  Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. | |
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Nero
sorry, i guess it must be kind of confusing for some who aren't familiar with our bible-based beliefs. here's a little rundown regarding the 144,000, heaven, and the earth (these are only a few scriptures on these topics. there are more if you want to know them): The bible shows that the righteous will live forever, not in heaven, but here on earth. (there is no limit to this number, in fact John called it a "great crowd which no man was able to number"- Rev 7:9) Psalms 37:11, 29- "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace . . . The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever." The earth will be a paradise, with no more pain, sickness, death, and with all the animals at peace. Isaiah 35:1- "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." Revelation 21:3,4- "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Isaiah 11:6- "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." 144,000 will rule over earth and it's inhabitants with Jesus in heaven as kings and priests. Revelation 7:4- "And I heard the number of them which were sealed; and there were sealed a hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." Rev. 14:1, 3- "And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads . . . And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders; and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth." hope this helps some to understand our beliefs. if you have more questions, let me know. Okay, now that this is totally off the subject, but everytime I see these quotes regarding where the believers will be spending eternity, a single thought always goes through my head, yet I keep my mouth shut about it. But I really would like an answer and I'm sure I'm not the first to ask it or at least thought it, especially since we live in a time of great knowledge...if the believers are suppose to spend eternity on earth, then what happens when our sun (a star) goes super nova (as all stars eventually do)? Will the whole configuration of the universe be changed just for this speck of dust in the scheme of things? Or is eternity a few billion years and then *poof* gone? Or will time cease, which is regulated by the movement of the earth revolving around the sun, which means the earth won't revolve anymore? I have a lot more but I think those are the basics. Personally, I like the theory that all believers go to heaven, which is undefined, and such questions don't exist, especially since I do believe in God when I take in account the whole universe, but at the same time I can't believe that all laws of creation revolve around what happens on this little planet. Didn't Galileo teach us anything? Umm, secondly, what is the point of being a Satanist, if all it's about is being a humanist, since religion is more something the teaches to behave with more than basic humanistic behavior, all I see of the Satanist is to behave like you would without a god, basically, an Atheist, so what's with all the rituals and bibles and signs and stuff. Why not just say I don't believe in a god, and be done with it? Unless...obviously there's more to it. Back on subject...I don't know what the future holds for Prince, except that he will change one way or the other, either he'll become more into his faith and will probably slip from the public eye or he will become disillusion, which may have a devastating affect on him, I hope not, but anything is possible. I'm just going to enjoy him the way he is for as long as I can. Never again, not I. | |
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morningsong said: Okay, now that this is totally off the subject, but everytime I see these quotes regarding where the believers will be spending eternity, a single thought always goes through my head, yet I keep my mouth shut about it. But I really would like an answer and I'm sure I'm not the first to ask it or at least thought it, especially since we live in a time of great knowledge...if the believers are suppose to spend eternity on earth, then what happens when our sun (a star) goes super nova (as all stars eventually do)? Will the whole configuration of the universe be changed just for this speck of dust in the scheme of things? Or is eternity a few billion years and then *poof* gone? Or will time cease, which is regulated by the movement of the earth revolving around the sun, which means the earth won't revolve anymore? I have a lot more but I think those are the basics. Personally, I like the theory that all believers go to heaven, which is undefined, and such questions don't exist, especially since I do believe in God when I take in account the whole universe, but at the same time I can't believe that all laws of creation revolve around what happens on this little planet. Didn't Galileo teach us anything?
Umm, secondly, what is the point of being a Satanist, if all it's about is being a humanist, since religion is more something the teaches to behave with more than basic humanistic behavior, all I see of the Satanist is to behave like you would without a god, basically, an Atheist, so what's with all the rituals and bibles and signs and stuff. Why not just say I don't believe in a god, and be done with it? Unless...obviously there's more to it. Back on subject...I don't know what the future holds for Prince, except that he will change one way or the other, either he'll become more into his faith and will probably slip from the public eye or he will become disillusion, which may have a devastating affect on him, I hope not, but anything is possible. I'm just going to enjoy him the way he is for as long as I can. the bible shows that God won't let anything that completely destroys the earth come to pass. Ecclesiastes 1:4 says "a generation is going, and a generation is coming, but the earth is standing to time indefinite." surely the Almighty God can do whatever is necessary to make sure that the sun doesn't go supernova. after all, He created it, He knows how it works and what it needs to burn forever. | |
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fantasyislander said: the bible shows that God won't let anything that completely destroys the earth come to pass. Ecclesiastes 1:4 says "a generation is going, and a generation is coming, but the earth is standing to time indefinite." surely the Almighty God can do whatever is necessary to make sure that the sun doesn't go supernova. after all, He created it, He knows how it works and what it needs to burn forever. Im reminded of the account in Matthew chapter 14 where Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000 men (not counting the women and children) with 2 little fish and 5 loaves of bread. After all were fed and satisfied they took of the surplus of what was left over and had 12 baskets full. Jehovah has the power to create the universe, surely he can stretch out the life of one single small star for as long as he wants...even eternity. Many Christmas' ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way. | |
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The Only One with the Power to Save Us is Ourselves | |
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emmanuel said: 
Although we may cleave to any one faith, or combinations of them, at the seat of the soul is yourself deciding when and how to believe. Ultimately, one can only strive to interpret religious or spiritual arcs which resonate with you. Oftentimes, we are assisted in life to make these decisions, but we must eventually come to terms with our own belief systems. Regardless of the quality of individuals in your group we cannot have perfectly congruent beliefs: once we realize we are made equally, but not identically, we begin to understand there cannot be "a single way" to live or love god - life is about finding YOUR way. Always has been, always will be. FUCKING ROCK ON!!!! Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. | |
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emmanuel said:
Although we may cleave to any one faith, or combinations of them, at the seat of the soul is yourself deciding when and how to believe. Ultimately, one can only strive to interpret religious or spiritual arcs which resonate with you. Oftentimes, we are assisted in life to make these decisions, but we must eventually come to terms with our own belief systems. Regardless of the quality of individuals in your group we cannot have perfectly congruent beliefs: once we realize we are made equally, but not identically, we begin to understand there cannot be "a single way" to live or love god - life is about finding YOUR way. Always has been, always will be. interesting idea, but i would have to say the bible says otherwise. God has one way He wants to be worshipped, and it's up to each one of us to make sure we are doing things His way, not our way. it is ultimately up to each one of us to decide how and when to believe, it's just that not all decide to worship God. | |
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