Circuit Assembly with Branch representative - "Not Ashamed of the Good News"

barry

barry

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Yesterday we had our circuit assembly with theme: “Not Ashamed of the Good News”
The timing of this assembly helped to not have to go through the WT this weekend. Since it was the assembly it was just the question/answer format, which went rather quick.

I took some notes.
For those interested here are my notes. It's very condensed but it gives a bit an idea of what the program was about. Interesting fact there were no baptism candidates, so we only had the talk. The morning session had 492 attendees and the afternoon was 486 or so.

We Are “Not Ashamed of the Good News”—Why?
ROM 1:16
1Cor 1:22,23
ROM 11:13 it's an honor

Taking a Stand for the Good News
Matth 10:32 acknowledge
Stand up for the good news
Matth 26:69-75 example of Peter didn't stand up for Jesus
Reflect if we have a situation we didn't step up or say something
ROM 10:9

Be “a Workman With Nothing to Be Ashamed Of”
2 Tim 2:15
Work diligently: be motivated
Love motivates us:
  • Love the source of our message, Ps 9:1,2
  • Love the topic of our message: the kingdom
  • Love our King Jesus. John 15:4,5
  • Love people
Use the Bible in effective manner
  • Don't deviate from Bible
  • Never use Bible to intimidate people
  • Trust in the power of God's word
Jesus example of woman at source
Example of Philip and eunuch


Showing the Spirit of Power, Love, and Soundness of Mind
Persecution can be anywhere, school, work, home to make us feel ashamed
2 Tim 1:7,8 rely on the power of God
What does it mean?
2Tim 1:16,17 - example of On·e·siphʹo·rus
In Rome asking for a Christian in prison
He went and helped out
He found Paul
He showed spirit of love
He often refreshed Paul
Not ashamed of Paul's prison bonds
Showed soundness of mind
Vs 18
Jer 17:7,8
Prov 17:17
Showing love
Love dominates your actions
Be sound of mind
ROM 12:3
How can you show Jehovah’s Spirit is with us?

Baptism talk

Symposium: We Are Not Ashamed of . . .
• God’s Moral Standards
Heb 10:39
We should not be ashamed to represent Jehovah
World views God's standards as outdated, unrealistic
Why can we trust Jehovah's authority to set standards
Jehovah does not change and his standards don't change
What steps can we take
  • Reason on God's standards and understand
  • 1 Pet 3:15 - be ready to make a defense
  • Jehovah will give holy Spirit when needed


• God’s Kingdom
Supporters of God's kingdom vs supporters of world
Dan 7:14 - can we see the superiority of God's Kingdom
We have peace and unity
John 18:36 not part of the world
We are neutral
We speak at every opportunity
Ask Jehovah to ask for help regarding neutrality

• God’s Representatives
Gifts in men
1Thess 5:12,13
These men are imperfect
GB appointed, holy Spirit leading
How can we support
Cooperation with them, submissive
Direction received is based on scriptures, also on areas of personal choice
Leads to peace and unity in congregation



Boast in Jehovah”
Ps 34:1,2
Prov 23:4,5 pursue of wealth doesn't mean happiness
Isa 57:20
We can confidently boast now:
  • About Jehovah: Isa 46:10
    • Creation
    • In everything he has said
  • The kingdom is real
    • Heb 11:10 reality
    • Love is evident among God's people
  • Angels are real, provide personal assistance
  • Promise of everlasting life is real
    • 1Tim 6:19

How does boasting help us?
Challenge
  • Daily challenges
    • Ps 34:1-4
  • Choosing sides
    • Ps 34:7
  • Pressure to adopt declining standards of the world
    • Ps 34:11-14
2 kings 5:3 - girl Naaman .
1Cor 1:31
 
barry said:
… theme: “Not Ashamed of the Good News”
… Interesting fact there were no baptism candidates, so we only had the talk. The morning session had 492 attendees and the afternoon was 486 or so.

…
Not ashamed of Paul's prison bonds
…

• God’s Representatives
Gifts in men
1Thess 5:12,13
These men are imperfect
GB appointed, holy Spirit leading
How can we support
Cooperation with them, submissive
Direction received is based on scriptures, also on areas of personal choice
Leads to peace and unity in congregation

…
    • Love is evident among God's people
  • Angels are real, provide personal assistance
  • …
Click to expand...
Here are a couple of things that I have focused on.

1) NO baptisms?!? Is that unusual for the size of the assembly?

2) We shouldn’t be afraid to assist the anointed ones who will likely find themselves in prison but what if a faux anointed one gets arrested because he has committed a crime, like pushing a dangerous vaccine on people? I guess we will surely need prayer to be discerning because some will repent for their error. The Org seems to love the following scripture right now but when politics takes a turn, which it is certain to do, will they love it then? Thinking about a flipperoo in the superior authorities, is good reason to remain neutral.

Romans 13:3-4: “For those rulers are an object of fear, not to the good deed, but to the bad. Do you want to be free of fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it; for it is God’s minister to you for your good. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear, for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword. It is God’s minister, an avenger to express wrath against the one practicing what is bad.”

3) So, the Elders are appointed by the Governing Body but lead by God’s holy spirit. Didn’t they say previously they were appointed by holy spirit? My memory isn’t what is used to be.

4) Direction received is based on the scriptures in areas of personal choice. I’m not sure what they had to say on matters of personal choice but I know and experienced what they did regarding the personal choice of vaccines? Where in the bible does it say we should submit to another's conscience in areas of personal choice? I think personal choice is an individual conscience matter and should be respected.

4) Love is evident among God’s people. True and false at the same time. It is not loving to coerce people into submitting to one’s own conscience on matters of personal choice. It is not loving to exclude brothers and sisters who have taken a stand on refusing vaccines because of their religious beliefs. It is not loving to shun people who are trying to scriptural correct the so-called gifts in men. Some of the gifts are prank gifts and don’t have Jehovah as the source of the gift.

Revelation 2:1-3: “To the angel of the congregation in Ephʹe·sus write: These are the things that he says who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: ‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have persevered for the sake of my name and have not grown weary.”
 
For the different assemblies I went to, I don't think I have seen one without baptismal candidates, except during Covid.

It's not easy to hear this unwavering trust in the 'slave' all the time, especially since the WT was about the same topic.
 
SusanB said:
Here are a couple of things that I have focused on.

1) NO baptisms?!? Is that unusual for the size of the assembly?

2) We shouldn’t be afraid to assist the anointed ones who will likely find themselves in prison but what if a faux anointed one gets arrested because he has committed a crime, like pushing a dangerous vaccine on people? I guess we will surely need prayer to be discerning because some will repent for their error. The Org seems to love the following scripture right now but when politics takes a turn, which it is certain to do, will they love it then? Thinking about a flipperoo in the superior authorities, is good reason to remain neutral.

Romans 13:3-4: “For those rulers are an object of fear, not to the good deed, but to the bad. Do you want to be free of fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it; for it is God’s minister to you for your good. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear, for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword. It is God’s minister, an avenger to express wrath against the one practicing what is bad.”

3) So, the Elders are appointed by the Governing Body but lead by God’s holy spirit. Didn’t they say previously they were appointed by holy spirit? My memory isn’t what is used to be.

4) Direction received is based on the scriptures in areas of personal choice. I’m not sure what they had to say on matters of personal choice but I know and experienced what they did regarding the personal choice of vaccines? Where in the bible does it say we should submit to another's conscience in areas of personal choice? I think personal choice is an individual conscience matter and should be respected.

4) Love is evident among God’s people. True and false at the same time. It is not loving to coerce people into submitting to one’s own conscience on matters of personal choice. It is not loving to exclude brothers and sisters who have taken a stand on refusing vaccines because of their religious beliefs. It is not loving to shun people who are trying to scriptural correct the so-called gifts in men. Some of the gifts are prank gifts and don’t have Jehovah as the source of the gift.

Revelation 2:1-3: “To the angel of the congregation in Ephʹe·sus write: These are the things that he says who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: ‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have persevered for the sake of my name and have not grown weary.”
Click to expand...
To your 3rd point. I took an elder before a committee for Homosexuality. The circuit overseer said " i hope you know accusing an elder of homosexuality is serious! They are appointed by the holy spirit. My reply was " well it looks like the holy spirit appointed a homosexual then". This elder was disfellowshipped about 2 weeks after that. I got zero response from any of the elder body and was shunned by this elders friends. He later committed suicide. So you were right, they did say that elders were appointed by holy spirit.
 
Neoluna said:
To your 3rd point. I took an elder before a committee for Homosexuality. The circuit overseer said " i hope you know accusing an elder of homosexuality is serious! They are appointed by the holy spirit. My reply was " well it looks like the holy spirit appointed a homosexual then". This elder was disfellowshipped about 2 weeks after that. I got zero response from any of the elder body and was shunned by this elders friends. He later committed suicide. So you were right, they did say that elders were appointed by holy spirit.
Click to expand...
I’m not laughing at the suicide, but I am laughing at you saying the hs must have appointed a homo. It sounds a lot like Elijah at 1 Kings 18:27: “About noon E·liʹjah began to mock them and say: “Call out at the top of your voice! After all, he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought or he has gone to relieve himself. Or maybe he is asleep and someone needs to wake him up!”

Not that either of us is degrading God’s holy spirit but their claim probably does.
 
SusanB said:
So, the Elders are appointed by the Governing Body but lead by God’s holy spirit. Didn’t they say previously they were appointed by holy spirit?
Click to expand...
I remember them saying the elders are appointed by holy spirit. I think the process goes like this. The C.O. visit happens and the elder body makes recommendations upon which the C.O. approves or disapproves. He sends the approval list up the chain of command until wahlah, a newly appointed elder pops out the other side, having been approved by rubber stamp at the higher levels of the org. The rubber stamp is what is acting on the power of the holy spirit LOL. In the spirit of @Nomex, I may be wrong here. @jay, @Jerry&Phyllis ??? What say you guys?
 
SusanB said:
Didn’t they say previously they were appointed by holy spirit? My memory isn’t what is used to be.
Click to expand...
BrooksB said:
I remember them saying the elders are appointed by holy spirit. What say you guys?
Click to expand...
Years ago, it was stated that they elders/MS were appointed by holy spirit. That was later re-worded to the following:
*** od chap. 5 p. 31 par. 4 Overseers to Shepherd the Flock ***
"To make sure that the congregation is cared for properly, men appointed to serve as overseers must meet the requirements set out in God’s Word. Only if they qualify can it be said that they are appointed by holy spirit".
(In other words, if a brother meets the scriptural qualifications, then it can be said that he has been appointed by holy spirit.)


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT
DURING THE CIRCUIT OVERSEER’S REGULAR
VISIT TO A CONGREGATION

15. At least one month before the circuit overseer’s visit, the Congregation
Service Committee should send to the circuit overseer
the full name, date of birth, and date of baptism of any brother
the body of elders will be recommending for appointment as an
elder or a ministerial servant. The Recommendations for Appointment
of Elders and Ministerial Servants (S-62) form should be
used for this purpose.
16. No earlier than a day or two before the start of the visit, perhaps
when other congregation records are provided, the elders
should provide the circuit overseer with any background information
that has a bearing on the qualifications of the brother(s)
being recommended for appointment…….
During the meeting with the elders later in the week, the circuit overseer will
discuss the Scriptural qualifications of each brother recommended....

17. When the circuit overseer decides to appoint a brother, the circuit
overseer and another elder will meet with the brother to inform
him of his appointment. If the brother is (1) being appointed
for the first time as a ministerial servant or (2) being reappointed
as an elder or a ministerial servant for reasons other than
his move from one congregation to another, the circuit overseer
will ask the following questions: “(1) Is there anything from
your past, even before baptism, or in your personal or family life
that disqualifies you or that would prevent you from accepting
this appointment? (2) Is there any reason why your appointment
should not be announced to the congregation? (3) Have you as
an adult ever been involved at any time in the past with child
sexual abuse?” If the brother answers no to the questions, the
circuit overseer will provide the elders with a signed appointment
letter that includes the brother’s name in the list of those appointed
during the visit. The appointment should be announced
to the congregation at the next midweek meeting.
 
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I leave the judging to Jehovah. Though, it's known in the scriptures, that so called men that were seen as holy and were directed by holy spirit fell from grace, even the wise King Solomon that Jehovah assisted him to become King and have responsibility over the temple. He was a good man but later he turned and his heart condition became influenced to serve other God's from his foreign wives influence and probably his children too.

Overall, though, I enjoyed the convention. Though it was disturbing to see some black women wearing face masks all throughout the convention, a few black men too. If anything, they should of learned about false information talk at the convention where an example of a false JW website was made to look like an official statement from the GB when really it was a Soviet Union tactic to trick them. That same situation happened with the Covid scamdemic. Even though Bethel fell for the worldly propaganda. That was an example that they aren't immune to the propaganda. Still, it's very disappointing to see how people are falling for it.

It's not that people are ashamed of the good news, they love it. They are more ashamed about the leadership falling for the Covid hysteria, shutting down in person meetings and outdoor witnessing. That was capitulation towards fear in the face of government and big pharma tyranny. If they never fell for it or kept neutral to it at the very least, then people would feel less ashamed of the leadership.
 
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Jerry&Phyllis said:
Years ago, it was stated that they elders/MS were appointed by holy spirit. That was later re-worded to the following:
*** od chap. 5 p. 31 par. 4 Overseers to Shepherd the Flock ***
"To make sure that the congregation is cared for properly, men appointed to serve as overseers must meet the requirements set out in God’s Word. Only if they qualify can it be said that they are appointed by holy spirit".
(In other words, if a brother meets the scriptural qualifications, then it can be said that he has been appointed by holy spirit.)


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT
DURING THE CIRCUIT OVERSEER’S REGULAR
VISIT TO A CONGREGATION

15. At least one month before the circuit overseer’s visit, the Congregation
Service Committee should send to the circuit overseer
the full name, date of birth, and date of baptism of any brother
the body of elders will be recommending for appointment as an
elder or a ministerial servant…

16. No earlier than a day or two before the start of the visit, perhaps
when other congregation records are provided, the elders
should provide the circuit overseer with any background information
that has a bearing on the qualifications of the brother(s)
being recommended for appointment…….
During the meeting with the elders later in the week, the circuit overseer will
discuss the Scriptural qualifications of each brother recommended....

17. When the circuit overseer decides to appoint a brother, the circuit
overseer and another elder will meet with the brother to inform
him of his appointment. If the brother is (1) being appointed
for the first time as a ministerial servant or (2) being reappointed
as an elder or a ministerial servant for reasons other than
his move from one congregation to another, the circuit overseer
will ask the following questions: “(1) Is there anything from
your past, even before baptism, or in your personal or family life
that disqualifies you or that would prevent you from accepting
this appointment? (2) Is there any reason why your appointment
should not be announced to the congregation? (3) Have you as
an adult ever been involved at any time in the past with child
sexual abuse?” If the brother answers no to the questions, the
circuit overseer will provide the elders with a signed appointment
letter that includes the brother’s name in the list of those appointed
during the visit. The appointment should be announced
to the congregation at the next midweek meeting.
Click to expand...
As for #3, the elders should do some kind of background check to make sure the prospective elder is not a sexual predator.
 
a watcher said:
As for #3, the elders should do some kind of background check to make sure the prospective elder is not a sexual predator.
Click to expand...
That's all fine and good but the straight facts are that most would-be csa perps don't have a criminal background. Not getting caught for long periods of time seems to be one of their perverted superpowers. No doubt they (especially the ones amongst JWs) are backed by the sex-demons from Noah's day.
 
a watcher said:
As for #3, the elders should do some kind of background check to make sure the prospective elder is not a sexual predator.
Click to expand...
I heard that they changed the midweek "Theocratic Ministry School" to "Living as Christians" because of the word "school" which would have meant they'd have to start doing the legal background checks on those participating in the "school" because the kids used to participate in the school too. Makes sense to me..
 
Erik said:
That's all fine and good but the straight facts are that most would-be csa perps don't have a criminal background. Not getting caught for long periods of time seems to be one of their perverted superpowers. No doubt they (especially the ones amongst JWs) are backed by the sex-demons from Noah's day.
Click to expand...
the majority of sexual predators i have encountered in the organization lurk beneath the surface. They have always been super fine apostles. Some were married and all of them had friends that knew what they were. thats right, brothers and sisters that would sit in the congregation and say nothing about these men. These brothers and sisters would go door to door, listen to talks given on the programs and associate with these predators knowing full well what they were. The sheep that knew were just as guilty in my eyes. These predators would also gain and hold positions in the congregations. They would gain your trust and when they eventually were alone with you the demon would introduce itself. If you were strong you could repell the advances but the majority of the time they prey on the weaker ones.
 
BrooksB said:
I remember them saying the elders are appointed by holy spirit. I think the process goes like this. The C.O. visit happens and the elder body makes recommendations upon which the C.O. approves or disapproves. He sends the approval list up the chain of command until wahlah, a newly appointed elder pops out the other side, having been approved by rubber stamp at the higher levels of the org. The rubber stamp is what is acting on the power of the holy spirit LOL. In the spirit of @Nomex, I may be wrong here. @jay, @Jerry&Phyllis ??? What say you guys?
Click to expand...
Hi Bro. Brooks, In the Apostle Pauls day it must have outwardly appeared to the congregation that the superfine, great speakers, false apostles had Jehovah's Holy Spirit and that Paul didn't. If that could happen back then with the apostles still alive what could go on today. Bro. Robert of anyone should have been appointed in his new congregation but for some reason the BODY didn't feel he qualified. Now, in looking back, he sees Jehovah had a much greater work for him to do.
I feel that it was how the scriptures on the qualification for for being an elder was understood. We had a Brother that did not share in any of the mundane tasks around the hall. Did not show any zeal for the ministry and many other things, so was not appointed. He went to the CO and was appointed. Don't get me wrong, I would love to feel that the elders are appointed by Holy Spirit, but by looking at the caliber of the body in my rural congregation it was more of a popularity vote.
 
jay said:
Hi Bro. Brooks, In the Apostle Pauls day it must have outwardly appeared to the congregation that the superfine, great speakers, false apostles had Jehovah's Holy Spirit and that Paul didn't. If that could happen back then with the apostles still alive what could go on today. Bro. Robert of anyone should have been appointed in his new congregation but for some reason the BODY didn't feel he qualified. Now, in looking back, he sees Jehovah had a much greater work for him to do.
I feel that it was how the scriptures on the qualification for for being an elder was understood. We had a Brother that did not share in any of the mundane tasks around the hall. Did not show any zeal for the ministry and many other things, so was not appointed. He went to the CO and was appointed. Don't get me wrong, I would love to feel that the elders are appointed by Holy Spirit, but by looking at the caliber of the body in my rural congregation it was more of a popularity vote.
Click to expand...
Thank you Brother Jay! (Just Jay) ;) side bar note: I asked Jay one time if his name was short for something, like James. He replied, "no, its just Jay". So Just Jay it is LOL. Love you brother!!
 
Neoluna said:
the majority of sexual predators i have encountered in the organization lurk beneath the surface. They have always been super fine apostles. Some were married and all of them had friends that knew what they were. thats right, brothers and sisters that would sit in the congregation and say nothing about these men. These brothers and sisters would go door to door, listen to talks given on the programs and associate with these predators knowing full well what they were. The sheep that knew were just as guilty in my eyes. These predators would also gain and hold positions in the congregations. They would gain your trust and when they eventually were alone with you the demon would introduce itself. If you were strong you could repell the advances but the majority of the time they prey on the weaker ones.
Click to expand...
I suspect that some who keep this info confidential think they are wonderful for the forgiveness they show to the perpetrator. I doubt they even consider the victims.
 
BrooksB said:
I remember them saying the elders are appointed by holy spirit. I think the process goes like this. The C.O. visit happens and the elder body makes recommendations upon which the C.O. approves or disapproves. He sends the approval list up the chain of command until wahlah, a newly appointed elder pops out the other side, having been approved by rubber stamp at the higher levels of the org. The rubber stamp is what is acting on the power of the holy spirit LOL. In the spirit of @Nomex, I may be wrong here. @jay, @Jerry&Phyllis ??? What say you guys?
Click to expand...
WT has always played games with this. I used to think it was Individual elders getting this wrong, but now I realize WT and the GB wanted them to get it wrong.

So here's the truth about this whole thing, "holy spirit appointing elders." Any time WT try's to back up this claim they always use the scripture which tells us what qualifications a person needs to be appointed as an Elder. WT is very well aware, that does NOT mean a person is actually appoint by Holy Spirit, what it actually means is the direction coming from the Bible IS guidance from the Holy Spirirt. Just like one could argue when Jehovah told Cain "disaster was lurking at the door step", that was actual direction from the Holy Spirirt, which of course Cain ignored. So they fail to mention a person can ignore the Holy Spirit, and since WT also knows Stasi were appointed as elders, they know they are full of bunk! In other words they are congenital liars!


They don't actually believe their own lies, they are just desperately trying to maintain control which they are clearly loosing. BTW, the Holy Spirirt is not directing anything when it's all about GB worship.
 
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