NOT feeding the poor????

childofthelight · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2003 10:32 pm Post subject: NOT feeding the poor????

Why is it that Jws don't do charity? I have seen that they watch I mean help each other, and pick at Christianity from the Watchtower, but they don't give out anything except Awake! propaganda. Why is that?
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"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. " Daniel 12:3

rondoggy · Ferret Joined: 12 Mar 2003 Posts: 124

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

The best way to alleviate poverty and suffering is to apply the Bible's principles in your life. Do you know why a fifth of the world's population goes hungry daily when the US alone could supply fool to feed them all? Greed, the catalyst for capitalism, is an ungodly trait. It causes people to sell and build homes in flood planes, hurricane zones. The point - many disasters are man-made. The best advice now - Proverbs 22:3. The real solution - God's Kingdom by Christ.

God loves a cheerful giving. Maybe if you weren't forced to tithe you would not judge others who choose to use their hard-earned money to do the work that Jesus did - teaching the good news, and as Paul said, "the real life." This good news will be preached before the end comes, and its God's will that all sorts of men be saved through accurate knowedge. (Matt 24:14; 1 Tim 2:4) Jesus has some sobering words for those who do the wrong works. (Matt 7:21-23)

However well-intentioned and "powerful," if our actions are not in harmony with God's will, they amount to lawlessness.

Ouch!

MoJo · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:06 am Post subject:

franksinatra wrote:

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

I'm sure there's many rumors floating about this "secret cult," but this one is categorically false. In fact, there are no collections taken period. All donations are voluntary and confidential. Just as the magazines are distributed for free to the public, Witnesses are not charged.

This rumor may be a result of past arrangements, whereby publishers of the good news would purchase the magazines for placement in the ministry at cost (we're talking a nickel to fifty cents per mag or book) and were subsequently reimbursed by those accepting the literature.

Personally, I find the method by which the organization is funded quite refreshing, especially compared to that of my "birth" religion.

Thanks for getting the facts from "the horse's mouth."

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7003 Location: USA

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

"But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, that your gifts of mercy may be in secret; then your Father who is looking on in secret will repay you." (Matt 6:3,4)

Please take up your argument with the author of this statement, who has the power to judge. Salvation depends on obeying this one. (John 3:36; Heb 5:9)

Witnesses are famous for taking the simple statements of Jesus and others inspired to speak God's thoughts as recorded in the Scriptures and making practical application. In my experience, to do otherwise is folly. In speaking and listening to numerous professed Christians, especially those in positions of influence, I am saddened by man's ability to rationize his way out doing things His way, thus betraying a lack of faith. Perhaps this is why Jesus even questioned: "When the Son of man arrives, will he really find the faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7003 Location: USA

Firstly, did you respond to anything posted or answer any of our questions? If you did I must've missed it.

Secondly,

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7003 Location: USA

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

Answer me: Are you aware of the pagan origins of Christmas, Easter and birthdays? Do you care if you incite God to jealousy? Did the Israelites, Jesus, the early Christians celebrate such holy days? Before I make decisions, I feel the need to see how it might affect my relationship with my Creator, do you?

Are you married? Do you keep photos of old girlfriends on your bedroom dresser? Do you tell your wife: "Oh, she doesn't mean anything to me now, I just thought she was kinda cute and her picture would kinda spruce up the decor?"

When God commands not to make a "carved" image, do you reason that casting a mold would not violate his word? When he says not to use wood, stone or metal, do you reason that plastic idols will be acceptable?

You will answer for your choices as will I and everyone else. I only advocate that people use their God-given power of reason to make informed decisions based solidly on God's word. While I suggest making sure of all things, especially the more important, wouldn't you agree that if you even suspect you could be wrong, error on the side of caution, if not for the sake of your conscience for that of another's?

I'm done defending the Scriptures to you, but if you want to offer verses to support your use of blood or any other practice for the consideration of someone else, feel free.

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7003 Location: USA

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

rev·er·end
1 : worthy of reverence : REVERED
2 a : of or relating to the clergy b : being a member of the clergy Main

rev·er·ence

1 : honor or respect felt or shown : DEFERENCE; especially : profound adoring awed respect

Humility must precede knowledge. I hope my statement doesn't sound judgmental, but without humility, I might as well be putting precious truths to a swine.

Now you're gonna ask: Where does the bible say you can't be called "reverend?" I thought that was the clergy's job?

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7003 Location: USA

Personal attacks? No answers to my questions? Why does that not surprise me.

Let me refresh your memory a bit:

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

Your attempt to question all the practical ways that Witnesses apply godly principles in their lives at one time is a smoke screen. People rarely put forth effort or make sacrifices unless they are convinced that doing such will be worthwhile. By listing all the things I do or do not do(because I've been convinced through extended, objective study of God's word along with secular material; I had to be convinced the Bible was God's word first), you wish to dissuade others from even considering the truth about such fundamental questions as: Why God created us and the earth? Why do we grow old and die? What is the Kingdom and what will it accomplish? Etc, etc. When people learn the truth, all that God requires seems absolutely right and beneficial. And I can't even tell you the peace that results from a clean conscience. But if I seem to be boasting, it is only of Jehovah that I boast.

I recently posted on the meaning of soul. I hope anyone reading this will read it and all my postings.

In conclusion, to someone sincerely wanting to know the answer to any of your questions, I will respond. But it is evident that to respond to you further on such matters at this time would bring into question my obedience to Jesus.