Tom Geiger

Late to the party on this one. The verses seem fairly straightforward. Jesus said that Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus day. It appears that the Pharisees confront Jesus by saying that Jesus is not yet 50 years old so how could he know Abraham. Jesus answers simply that before Abraham was and I will be what I will be. In other words, at a previous time, Abraham existed, but Jesus is present now and well be what he was called to be. I am not a Greek scholar, but have read that "I will be what I will be" is a more accurate translation than I am. Just some thoughts on the matter. Also, just because Theodosius said "this is how it will be" as someone suggested, does not mean in any way that Theodosius was correct. Again, just the 2 cents of a former TWI figuring things out.

Thanks for the welcome GarthP. Pastry and coffee are my top two food groups! It has been awhile since I participated on the forums. I did take a few looks now and then :) My take was also that the lawsuit was a bit over the top, but, if the facts are true about Mrs. Olsteen's conduct, the behavior of the defendant was also over the top. Anyway, I had no idea who they were and read some things online, but thought I would tap into the resources here to see if the information was true. Thanks for everyone's input!

Does anyone know of the Osteens? I saw this news article pop-up and I have no knowledge of these guys, although it seems they are well known: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080806/ap_on_..._s_wife_lawsuit

Haven't posted in a while. Just browsing today and thought I would add my 2 cents. In December 1996, the Mrs. left. Simple told the TC that she wasn't going to fellowship anymore due to the amount of control they were trying to have over our life, some issues with some teachings (believe me when I say I don't remember which they were), and our being confronted for not wanting to go on a TWI advance (we took some vacation time together instead). I left ~ January 1997. Of course, I thought it was my fault that my wife left (I musta messed up somewhere, right?). But I had been seeing the same things too. It just took a while more for me to admit that what I had thought I would be involved with my whole life was wroing. I just called the TC and said I wasn't coming to Twig anymore. They did try to get me to stay. I dunno why. I want to believe that the TC had good intentions, but no way to know if it was that or the plummeting ABS or the fact that someone was leaving who was an AC grad, former Twig leader, etc would give others ideas. Anyway, that's it. No big fireworks, just left.

I am sure this must have been discussed elsewhere, but it has been a long time since I have been to the GS Cafe and couldn't find this topic. I now have 2 children who I would like to experience worshipping and fellowshipping outside our family. Sure, my wife and I can teach them the Bible, but they really need to see other Christians/Believers. One is eight yo and the other just about 5 yo. But I am not sure of all the beliefs of all the denominations out there. As far as some of the basic TWI taught doctrines that I still believe are Biblical (besides the Bible being the revealed word of God): 1. Jesus Christ is not God. 2. The dead are not alive now. Number 1 is usually the big sticking point. Any suggestions? Thanks for any help! PS Also, I have recently completed two books regarding Roger Williams. One was a biographical novel, "I, Roger Williams" by Mary Lee Settle, and the other was "Liberty of Conscience: Roger Williams in America" by William Gustaud. Very good reads, very enlightening, and very inspiring. I wish I had half the courage of Roger Williams!

Hi Tumbleweed Kid, I know Bill and Sadie from when they were living in NJ. My wife and I are no longer in TWI and live north of Philly. Could you email me an email address where I might contact Bill and Sadie? We used to be at their home quite often for Limb functions and we really enjoyed their company. I would like to drop a line to them to say hi. Thanks

I know it was last week But my wish just ain't coming true! No no, you probably haven't guessed my wish All I want is some rain dammit! Thanks again for the birthday congrats. Ghiradelli chocolate sure sounds good, and that cake that Kit made lookds great. Its good that birthday goodies don't have calories!

Thanks all for the birthday wishes! This is my last year in the fabulous 30's so I will have to make it count My birthday was great, celebrated quietly with my wife and daughter. Nothing like your nearly 4 year old daughter singing happy birthday to you to make your day! And, I certainly have something to look forward as I approach my next decade on this earth: My wife is expecting our second child. Her due date, if you can believe it, is Dec. 31! Thanks again everyone.