Paradise Cafe Discussions - A Place For Bible Research And Christian Encouragement

Hello everyone!

Big question: When is the 2007 Memorial, and are we going to do another online gathering this year? :bouncy:

I think it is evening of April 1st /2nd, but will check, and yes, definitely yes, online.

[Big] question? With all respect, that would have to be the silliest question that this forum has had presented to it since it's inception!

Online memorials sound as silly as online muffins and coffee! Have you never thought that such a notion could offend God!!!
Whether you are disfellowshipped, or inactive,or whatever your standing is in the christian congregation what is the problem with visiting your local Kingdom Hall?
Has it now become repugnant to sit beside your brother or sister during this most important occasion?

I find it hard to believe Melancholymuse that your signature scripture reads........

John 2:17 Zeal for your house will consume me.

Its quite obvious that you don't believe that Jehovah's christian congregation is apart of that "house" and that you would rather spend memorialising Christ's death infront of a computer monitor than amongst your fellow bretheren which for that matter may or may not include those whose hope is heavenly.
What gives?

:clap: Hi Bro/Sis Illusion!! :clap:

With Christian respect -- get a grip.

Why dont you join an online memorial before you deem it an offence to God? Actually, its a great question to ask. Are you trying to say that the Kingdom Hall is the only place to worship Jehovah? Don't you think that is offensive to Jehovah to place restrictions on something that actually takes place, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

What is the problem with not going to the Kingdom Hall? Did Jesus say, "Be at your Kingdom hall for every memorial?"

Right, being that this is your first post, I would like to say welcome! I do look forward to your future posts, as I am sure you will bring spice to the forum -- which is good, can't have everyone thinking the same thing -- makes for boring posting!

I know Sis Meloncholymuse can stand up for herself, in much better fashion than I could ever do!

But please do not assume what you have, before you try it. Some people do attend the online and the Kingdom Hall. And don't poke sticks at our sisters.

I speak for myself, when I say that I have made friends here that will last for the remainder of my life -- and Jah willing! -- eternity. They are the type of friends and people who are so very much close to me and important to my life and perspective, and any gathering with them -- including one that is the rememberance of the death of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ -- well, lets just say I'm there.

Does this mean, I hate my brothers and sisters who adhere to Watchtower Religion? Not at all. Am I better than them? I am worthless compared to the least of my brothers. Do I recoil at the thought of fellowship with my bros and sisters? Not at all.

Im 24 years old, got a wreck of a life, with nothing but a mustard grain (which, in Quantum Comparative terms, is the size of the Universe -- but the Universe is the size of the mustard grain!! Hehehe!!). To me, the online memorial is nothing short of a provision from Jehovah. I get to fellowship with people who have helped water and plant in my life, things which have helped to save my life -- and our Father, is the Source of all growth in the positive polarity.

Come along. You might like it. Or do you find it repugnant to have online muffins and coffee with people, who are also wishing to serve their Father, Jehovah God, as best they can?

Anyway -- welcome to the forum matey!! :thumbsup::hug::friends:

May LOVE be with you!!

your bro -- beau! :hibye::hibye::hibye:

Illusion. We had an online memorial last year and I have to say it was the best memorial I have ever attended, and I have attended many, probably more than you. There are some on this board that for various reasons cannot even attend a kingdom hall, and their elders have done nothing to improve their situation.
This for them was a life line.

vicky

Hi Bro Francis!! :hibye:

Are you meaning to knock it brother? If so, would you please state your full opnion on the subject? Thank you. :thinking:


LOVE to ya!

your bro -- beau! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Illusion wrote:

Online memorials sound as silly as online muffins and coffee! Have you never thought that such a notion could offend God!!!
Whether you are disfellowshipped, or inactive,or whatever your standing is in the christian congregation what is the problem with visiting your local Kingdom Hall?
Has it now become repugnant to sit beside your brother or sister during this most important occasion?

(Mark 3:33-35) . . .: “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And having looked about upon those sitting around him in a circle, he said: “See, my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does the will of God, this one is my brother and sister and mother.”

I am sure that when Jesus stated the above words that he was not at the synagogue, rather at an informal gathering of his followers.  He further said:  

(Matthew 18:20) 20 For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.”

Illusion, you are new here and perhaps for a good reason, perhaps not so good.  You are welcome until such time as you display bad intent.  I would like to ask you:

Why do you think most of us are here anyway?  You think we prefer associating with people that we can't see, hear, or touch?

We are here because our choices are very limited.  To a large extent, either the congregations of JW's either do not view us as their 'brothers' or we do not consider them as our brothers.  I would be just as inclined to go to a Catholic or Baptist or independent Church for 'Memorial" as I would go to the KH.  

The 'Brothers' (elders) at the Hall made it very clear to me whom they are serving.  The Governing Body did the same, as well as the Service Desk and the Writing Department.  

There are good people at the Hall, perhaps you are one, but, we have either been rejected or have rejected them as having the "truth" and the only way of worship.

Therefore, we feel comfortable having muffins and coffee on line with Wolfie, and I feel confident that an online Memorial would be an honor to Jesus Christ and his father, as well as a fine opportunity for Christians to gather to share their love and hope, especially in view of the above verse that states where two or three are gathered in my Name, there I am in their midst.

So, as a guest of this Discussion Board, it would behoove you to try to be a little more kindly and respectful toward us.  We will all be happy to accept you as friend.

Brant

Hi Francis--I have never participated in an on-line Memorial and mostly as for some reason my computer won't let me have audio :confused:--this is a stubborn little computer :crybaby: --but those who have engaged in it find it moving and very beautiful and also deeply spiritual. I have absolutely no doubt this is true--and lest we forget--we don't Have to ever be in a certain place to experience Christ--ever---

''Again I truly say to you, If two of you on earth agree concerning anything of importance that they should request, it will take place for them due to my Father in heaven, For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.'' Matthew 18:19-20 (some of the most comforting words known to man (imho) :friends:

well Brant--:love: is it possible that great minds think alike after all? :thinking: I so love that comforting scripture in Matthew 18 and have come to realize how very limited Witnesses are in using it and in saying that realize I include myself in that at one time----they use it for Bible Studies and out in service but that's about it--but then My opinion is that Jesus is with us all the time --24/7 if we want that--the coffee and muffin thingy is an easy cheap shot and has been made before--there are many many things that make a full life--and a full-bodied forum--coffee and muffins--poetry--fun and seriousness-a little laughter and a little bit of serious concern--everything that makes us all real to each other and any and all of you would be welcome in my home at any time--xxxxxxxyou are just all soo great :grouphug:

Hello Illusion... and all  :)

I too sat in on last years 'Online Memorial' .....it is amazing how the spirit of brotherly love and comraderie can transcend the 'air waves' , same as Jah`s spirit does , and did that eve.

This 'provision' proved to be a blessing for me , because I was stuck at work that eve.
You see, my job involves rendering a public service that is an ongoing, 24/7 endeavor , That, along with the constaints of time and distance.....

By means of this 'provision' many of us were able to take part and express our appreciation for the 'ransom sacrifice' .... I myself had to listen in over the phone lines ,butwas touched in my heart by the warm expressions of gratitude and praise for our loving God Jehovah and his dear Son and our redeemer, Christ Jesus.... these came from brothers and sisters around the globe that eve.... think about it .... from around the globe !

.... yes we were all blessed that eve......Praise Jah !... for Jehovah provides !

sincerely....your brother,
```man of dust

Question for the group?
Seeing as I cannot yet openly identify myself as a party to the new Covenant, :cry:(it would be counter productive) do you think it would be acceptable to Jesus and his father to partake is a "spiritual way", in the private secret place in my heart?
I'm sure there are many in my situation. :help:

Thanks for bringing this up Tami.   I'm sure April will be upon us in no time.

I thought it worked well enough last year.   I attended my last memorial at the KH last year as a way of closure and then gathered online with my brothers and sisters later that night.   I know where the spirit was as did all those I spoke to about it.  As for meeting in a religious building - "the hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you people worship the Father. ... the hour is coming and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth."

I know some people enjoyed having a talk but I personally would enjoy allowing some time for multiple people to express their thoughts on Jesus in the spirit of 1 Cor 14:26.  

I thought that the two meetings over the multiple time zones worked well last year and we could probably just do the same unless there are new considerations.

All thoughts will be appreciated.

I know this is a delicate subject so I'll just express my thoughts which my not necessarily be anyone else's and hope I don't cause any bad feelings.    For me to watch the emblems go by and not do anything would feel like I was rejecting and disowning Christ and that would hurt.  Luke 12:8,9 would weigh on my heart.   Regarding the cup 1 Cor 10:16 says it is sharing in the "blood of Christ".   If we are going drink of the cup of the Lord we are saying that we are willing to drink it to the death.   For me a little family or congregation persecution pails in comparison to what our Lord suffered.   But we each have to resolve these things invidually in our own hearts as this is something between you and Heaven.

Hey brother,
When you formally accepted the 'ransom provision' by getting baptised ,  wasnt that a 'spirtual partaking' in your heart then
Does Christ appreciate your expression of thanks and acceptance of him ..... you know it bro ..... he shed his blood for you too

In the end I think it has more to do with what`s in your heart and whose side you prove to be on !

```man of dust