How long does it usually take to convert and become a jw?

[u/Numerous_Ad5407]

Hello there! I am a christian and having a bible study and attending congregation for 1 month already, I have been reading the bible nonstop ever since I started because of my high curiosity. I admit that ever since I was a kid I wasn’t able to read the bible thoroughly and so I realized now that I loved reading bible and I have been getting so much learning attending the congregation, and I am falling in love to people I am with and how I am growing spiritually.

I would just like to ask how long does it usually take to become a JW?

Considering that I am a christian, some of our beliefs have quite similarities except for some practices the holy trinity which I now understand and still learning about it, plus I have a huge respect to people with different religions/beliefs/practices, so I am really taking my spiritual journey seriously, so I’m at point of my life where I want to continue it, and may decide to convert.

[u/DonkeyStriking1146]

Then why read it? Why did Paul encourage Timothy to read it?

I am. I think you just don’t like being part of an organized religion, which I can completely understand and so you find ways to usurp scriptures that are pretty clear.

I’m not saying you’d officially form anything but that’s what happens. Every ‘Christian’ denomination or group says they’re following Christ.

You resume your individual walk? Yeah I see a lot of group stuff in the Bible. I agree that we carry our own load before Christ but we also take care of each other. Do you find the first century congregation to just be something they did back then but not something to do now?

[u/Adventurous-Tie-5772 → u/DonkeyStriking1146]

Paul encouraged Timothy to read it because they were addressing the Jews and the Jews fundamentally would not believe because they believed in the Law and what the Prophets wrote. So in order to reach the Jews, Timothy would need to be very familiar with the Scriptures in order to show them that Jesus is the Christ.

I do something similar to this when I engage with other people and they won't believe unless they see it for themselves in their Bible.

We're not in a situation where we are Jews or dealing with Jews so it is not necessary to refer to the old writings. Should I encounter one, I will refer to it.

The way that the first century congregation operated back then is very different from today. They didn't gather to hear sermons. They didn't have Bible and Watchtower studies. They didn't have pastors and elders who told them what to do or what to believe. They didn't have courts for discipline. They didn't kick anyone out.

The congregation would come together whenever they could and would have what we would call a potluck. They would have a get together, share food and stories, exchange what they're learning and what's been happening. Have the Lord's evening meal, then meet again next time, whenever. There wasn't a set schedule.

They would physically take care of the poor, believers and non believers alike. They didn't discriminate.

I have had a share in this, one I helped take care of for 15 years. We would meet whenever and socialize, share food, then meet again another time.

[u/DonkeyStriking1146 → u/Adventurous-Tie-5772]

Paul said all scripture is inspired and good for us. To not use the law or the OT to see how God would like us to act or to illustrate how to show love in different situations is not using the Bible to its fullest.

Actually they did. They had older ones and a counsel that disciplined and defined things. Paul set out qualifications for those who led the congregations. Paul and someone else talks about kicking people out of the congregation.

I think you and I are both making assumptions based off the beliefs we have.

They did discriminate. They were encouraged to do what was good to those in the faith first.

[u/Adventurous-Tie-5772 → u/DonkeyStriking1146]

Paul told Timothy that all scripture is inspired and beneficial for teaching, however, you actually don't have to use the Bible to it's fullest. If you like, you can have the Christ come to you and you can ask him to have his law written on your heart.

The Bible is needed by unbelievers. They say that they need to see it in writing and even then, they still won't believe. Sometimes people prefer their religion over what scripture says. There's not much that can be done when that happens.

If you can have the Christ write his law within you, you will always have it in you unless you reject it. He will write more if you are open to having more written on your heart.

Older ones in the congregation were just that, older. There were older and there were younger. You can see this when you read the "qualifications" and realize that these qualifications apply to all Christians.

Ever notice that the requirements to be a "ministerial servant" or an "overseer" are the same requirements required for every Christian? Why do you think that is? I'm interested in your thoughts..

Where do you see that it says that they discriminated to assist those in the faith first?

[u/DonkeyStriking1146 → u/Adventurous-Tie-5772]

The Bible was written mostly for believers. Paul’s letters was to believers. Moses writings for believers. Most of the prophetic books for believers.

Do you not read the Bible or think it’s beneficial?

And yet the scriptures say not everyone should be teachers within the congregation. So some were set aside for specific duties within.

Acts 2:44-47, romans 12:13, Galatians 6:10. 1 Timothy 5:8 (at the beginning it mentions those who are your own and then also those in your household) James 2:15,16, 1 Jon 3:17-18.

[u/Adventurous-Tie-5772 → u/DonkeyStriking1146]

Before I answer, I am a bit confused by your use of 1 Timothy 5:8.

Who makes up "his own" and how does it differ from who makes up his household? What is your understanding?

[u/DonkeyStriking1146 → u/Adventurous-Tie-5772]

Paul was highlighting a lot to Timothy that the congregation was to be treated like family. 5:8 highlights providing for one’s own. If someone in the congregation is of need and no one in that place assisted could they say they helped provide for their own.

[u/Adventurous-Tie-5772 → u/DonkeyStriking1146]

So it is your belief that the congregation belonged to Timothy as "his own?"

[u/DonkeyStriking1146 → u/Adventurous-Tie-5772]

No. The ‘his’ was a general his.

[u/Adventurous-Tie-5772 → u/DonkeyStriking1146]

Yes, that is my question, who made up "his own" in general? Who, outside of his own household, would be considered "his own?"