David Normand

While this information is encouraging, we need to remember the admonishment from the faithful and discrete slave regarding posting public talks for public consumption. *** km 4/10 p. 3 Question Box *** Question Box ▪ Should Jehovah’s Witnesses circulate recordings or transcripts of talks? We are strengthened and encouraged by Bible discourses. (Acts 15:32) Therefore, it is natural to want to share such encouraging information with those who were not present. With the advent of various recording devices, a talk can be recorded and distributed to others at a moment’s notice. Some have maintained a collection of recorded talks, including talks that were given many years ago, and with good motive they lend these talks or reproduce them for friends. Others have created Web sites and posted talks there for anyone to download. Understandably, there is no objection if we record talks for personal use or for members of our family. In addition, elders may arrange for talks to be recorded for infirm members of the congregation who are unable to attend the meetings. However, there are good reasons for us not to circulate transcripts or recordings of talks. Because talks are often delivered with local needs in mind, we could easily misconstrue points from a circulated recording, since we would not be aware of the setting in which the talk was given. In addition, it would be difficult for us to verify who gave the talk and when, so that we can have confidence that the information presented is up-to-date and accurate. (Luke 1:1-4) Further, circulating transcripts or recordings of talks might tempt some to give or accept undue attention and honor.—1 Cor. 3:5-7. The faithful and discreet slave works hard to provide spiritual food in the right “measure” and at “the proper time.” (Luke 12:42) This includes the arrangement for talks to be given at local congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses and audio recordings that can be downloaded from the official jw.org Web site. We can be confident that the faithful and discreet slave and its Governing Body will provide what we need in order to be made firm in the faith.—Acts 16:4, 5. In addition to the above, unless the talk is a manuscript that is read word-for-word there is the possibility that the information given is incorrect. How so, many brothers add personal examples or may misapply some of the given information due to their own misunderstanding. Imagine the harm that can be caused by misinformation being posted in the name of Jehovah. Just my two cents worth. Cheers my friends.

Well, his shirt is accurate. (1 Timothy 4:8)  For bodily training is beneficial for a little; but godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come. Jogging is beneficial, but even that can only prolong life for so long. Godly devotion last forever and can preserve your life forever.

What it really boils down to is your own conscience and how you believe Jehovah feels about the situation. We each have to carry our own load (Galatians 6:5) in this regard and it is not for us to criticize others for their choice. Some may choose to attend whereas others may not.

*** w07 11/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers *** Questions From Readers Is it proper for one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to attend the wedding of a non-Witness relative or acquaintance? Weddings are joyous occasions, and it is understandable that a Christian would like to share in that joy. Of course, minors invited to attend should defer to their parents or guardians, who have the final say on the matter. (Ephesians 6:1-3) But what if a man who is not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses asks his Christian wife to accompany him to a church wedding? Her conscience might allow her to go merely as an observer determined not to share in any religious acts associated with the occasion. Basically, then, whether to be present at a certain wedding or not is a matter for personal decision. However, each Christian should be aware of his accountability to Jehovah and ought to consider a number of Scriptural principles when making a decision about attending the wedding of a non-Witness. Foremost on a Christian’s mind should be a desire to have God’s approval. Jesus said: “God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) Thus, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not engage in interfaith activities, such as prayers, rituals, or ceremonies that are in conflict with Bible truth.—2 Corinthians 6:14-17. A Christian recognizes that his or her decision could also affect others. If you decide to attend, will your relatives be offended if you do not fully participate in the wedding festivities? The potential effect on fellow believers also needs to be taken into account. (Romans 14:13) Even if you or other members of your household conclude that attending a non-Witness wedding does not pose a problem, could your spiritual brothers and sisters be adversely affected? Could it injure the conscience of some? Wedding ceremonies involving non-Witness relatives can present challenging situations. What if you are asked to be a member of the bridal party? Or what if your mate is not a Witness and wants to participate fully? If the wedding is a civil ceremony conducted by a judge or a secular officer, attending it may involve little more than witnessing a legal proceeding. However, a wedding ceremony held in a religious building or performed by a clergyman raises additional concerns. In order to follow your Bible-trained conscience and avoid compromising your religious convictions or doing something that might prove embarrassing to the wedding party, you may decide to refrain from attending. (Proverbs 22:3) You could spare your family and yourself much stress by explaining your Bible-based convictions beforehand, indicating to what extent you are willing to participate or perhaps suggesting an alternative course of action. After carefully weighing all the factors, some Christians may decide that it would not be improper to attend a non-Witness wedding as a quiet observer. But if a Christian reasons that by being present, he might be tempted to compromise godly principles, he may conclude that the risk outweighs the possible benefits. If he decides not to attend the wedding but to go as an invited guest to the festivities held thereafter, he should be determined to “do all things for God’s glory.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) In making such decisions, “each one will carry his own load” of responsibility. (Galatians 6:5) Whatever you decide, therefore, remember that preserving a good conscience before Jehovah God is vital.

I cannot read what his shirt says, but like so many opposes they are quick to criticize us, yet have nothing uplifting or meaningful to offer as an alternative. He shows by his use of a megaphone that he is not interested in what anybody else has to say, but is only interested in making sure that he is heard.

Surprise that with the ownership of all Kingdom Halls by the society and them going through periodic inspections to make sure the property is up to code and standards that they would allow a homemade piece of junk to be used in an unattended area. They really should have known better.

Not difficult to believe from what I have read. There really is no rule of law as we know it here. Basically what ever the state wants it gets. What worries me is that the new American President thinks Putin is a great guy and he may decide to emulate what they are doing over there if it will get him a few more popularity points.

Michel Vromen, from what I have read there are no actual birth dates of anybody recorded in the Bible. However, we do have two accounts where birthdays were celebrated and in both instances it was only non Israelite who celebrated them and in both instances people were murdered. Granted, today most people do not include human deaths as part of the festivities, but that birthday celebrations were never mentioned in a positive manner could cause one to wonder if is something to get involved with. Also, there is no mention of birthday celebrations among the ancient Hebrews or even the first century Christians. In fact, in the first century the Christians of that era considered birthday celebrations as pagan.

Sadly, most people do not want to hear such things. At one place I worked, one of my coworkers was so upset when the topic came up that she stated that she would punch anybody in the face if they told her young children the truth about christmas and ruined it for them. Some years later I was speaking with a close relative about it and she acknowledged that Jesus was not born on December 25th. Her comment was, "Sonny boy, nobody really believes that Jesus was born on December 25th." I had to tell her that contrary to her belief, I have met many individuals over the years who were adamant the Jesus was born on that day. People with college educations who were supposedly taught to use their reasoning ability were just as easily mislead as anybody else. So is the power of satan in this world where lies are paraded as truth.

Very misleading title for the article. Poor word choice in this day and age. Might be better described as young ones doing their part to help spread the Kingdom message.

(Exodus 21:22-25) 22 “If men should struggle with each other and they hurt a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but no fatality results, the offender must pay the damages imposed on him by the husband of the woman; and he must pay it through the judges. 23 But if a fatality does occur, then you must give life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, blow for blow. Though we are not under the Mosaic law, the law gives us an indication of the high value that Jehovah placed on even the unborn. In so doing, this should direct us to the correct conclusion that unborn children do have value and are precious. To discard an unborn child as a mere inconvenience or embarrassment is an insult to the procreative process that Jehovah has given us and shows a callous disregard for life. There is nothing in the Greek scriptures to show that the view that Jehovah has, that unborn children are valuable and precious, was in any way changed or watered down for Christians.

Very interesting article. Noticed that he stated that children could be baptized once they reached the age of 17. We don't have a minimum age in USA. Also, the article stated that the Watchtower study conductor, "He appends “brother” or “sister” to everyone’s first name. " I have always heard the family name appended with "brother" or "sister".

Also, look at page 7 of the September 16 study issue. Look at the picture of the two brothers assisting that elderly one with her groceries. Notice anything odd about that brother on the left? That looks suspiciously like a chin beard to me. I did mention it to one of the elders at our KH and he promptly dismissed it as a shadow.

September 2016 study issue page 21 paragraph 17. Also, pay attention to Brother Lett's talk in the October broadcast. He speaks about pushing people to a course of action and makes the statement about brothers having the right to wear a beard, but it may not always be advisable.

Sad that the police have nothing better to do. It is the same everywhere to lesser or greater degrees. People complain the police have to respond. Some people are not content to leave people alone, but are determined to make trouble for anybody who thinks differently.

Only works if you have had a birth day in 2016 already. Will not work next year at all.