Equivocation

Let's hope no congregation raids again (for Peter's sake, since he was verbally attacked), there is already a phenomenon of raiding and disrupting gatherings taking place. Not to mention all the crazy stuff happening around it.

So why the assumption vs the article? 🤔.
This isn't the first time someone brought this up, I remember this being done in the past on here.

@Space Merchant I don't know if she answered it but it is obvious why many faiths even us JWs exist and why only a few actually try to figure out what is true or not. We believe we have the truth in what you state as core teachings. For example, the biggest one being why we do not follow the Trinity, as well as not follow Binitarianism. Jesus made it clear, as his followers, that he is the som of the Living God. Paul was right on where Christianity was going and we see that in history, eventually leading up to other faiths rising up knowing some crumb of truth. A lot of people like to bash Bible Students not realizing that in that era they, among many, were still learning about the Bible and prophecy, so when a mistake is made, more study is done. Even Christians around that time were very very eager of the second coming of Christ so can't really blame them from learning and applying afterwards.
Today, more and more people are learning what is the truth about God, so that is definitely a good thing. This goes hand in hand with some traditions, now abandon by some people when they realize the history.
When we Jehovah’s Witnesses go out and preach there are legitimately a lot of people who wants to hear about what the Bible teaches or even expand on what they want to know.

@AudreyAnnaNana I mean, highlighted words is one thing to convey what you assume, but reading what the article(s) says for context is ANOTHER thing. For instance, even if you factor out faiths today, Jehovah God did have people, even a mediator that cares for the others in a spiritual sense, even provide if need be. Anyone of that level do not consider themselves as a God above or equal to Jehovah himself, likewise with the early Christians who provided for the Congregation, namely Paul, who would never ponder on something like that, so much so said the same thing concerning Jesus in comparison to God. Christians do however honor people taking the lead, as seen by early Christians and present day, but never do they religiously worship someone.
This is why it is important to read for context, read what is said and the verses used instead of adding what you assume. I can read an article about talking animals in the modern day, but the context of the article doesn't even suggest literal talking. And speaking on this, even my professors have stated that there are some people who only read titles or look for keywords to make an assumption on something without knowing what a story or an article is about.
Just be careful next time.

Of course the slave is the one who is providing the " pure language of truth" to the entire earth in 1078 languages. UN has only 6 languages. They teach all the core truths.... such as jehovahs name. 
Jehovah has always used willing imperfect people such as David and Moses. WERE they perfect - NO!  Are MODERNDAY servants imperfect while  doing the will of Jehovah by proclaiming worship of his Him only and his Son as the quarantee of His ultimate purpose of restoring the earth to original purpose? YES. 
That is why the bible (our authority) asks a question in Math 24: 45... and I paraphrase the question..... "Have you identified the slave who gives food at the proper time?"  Have you recognized  that its magazines in 1078 languages is a mouthpiece?... to give food at the proper time.   
A prophet is someone who preaches jehovahs word and brings unpopular messages of judgment.  Soon the modernday slave will act like a prophet and bring the final judgment message to give people the last opportunity to switch from false worship in various religions and worship of government institutions to the only side of protection. Worship of jehovah... the only true God. 
 

It isn't about agreeing or disagreeing, what was said is legitimately, and 100% revolving around Core Teachings concerning the New Covenant (it's main notion being the promise that God will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned toward Him), this is something those in Christendom who understand what the Bible conveys, specifically, in regards to what Jesus taught, what he commanded and what transpired after his death, recognize. This was something before the Church itself began, before the chosen ones of Pentecost 33AD sent out to convert people into the faith, thus being called Christians later on.
I mean, you told me a while back you read your Bible, how did this go passed your eyes and mind?
An example of Core Teaching vs Non Core Teaching concerning, let's go with Miraculous Gifts. This for, granted we have the Bible today, after John died, the gifts itself ceased with him, legitimate Christians understand that this to be the case, then you have those who do not follow Core Teachings, and attribute to the idea, that such gifts can be performed by imperfect non inspired man today, i.e. having the ability to see Heaven and Hell (various visions), to speak on tongues, etc. Using what is said in the Bible to destroy, and not uplift concerning the Messianic Age, New Age Theology that humans are equal to angels, and or to God, the list goes on.
Anyone can be a spokesman of God, this goes back to what I said about Prophets Inspired vs Prophets Non-Inspired, therefore, there are the legitimate types and the false types, in that regard. This is also beyond Jehovah's Witnesses, for, they didn't command the Commission, nor did it originate with them; they saw what was written, and took steps into doing what was said in the Bible, New Testament specifically. True Christians, knowing they are imperfect, knowing they are not part of the world, act as spokesman of God in regards to conveying the Gospel, The Good News Gospel, granted, Jesus was the one to even give the Commission in the first place, hence the actions of the Christians in the 1st Century - Matthew 28:16-20.
The Great Commission
 
[16] Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. [17] And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In addiction to that, they speak of the coming of the Christ, his second coming, which is in the Bible, as is the Messianic Kingdom, and what God himself will do with mankind and the earth by means of his Son, the chosen Christ. Going with what @Arauna and @Matthew9969 brought up, there will be Firstfruits that will be coming with the Christ, it should be noted too the first of the Firstfruits is Jesus himself. To add on to that, Christians who do follow their Bible prophesy to promote true worship in harmony with God's Will, as is advocate righteousness, mainly when dealing with morals.
As for your last point, even the followers of Jesus messed up a few times, it did not deter them from continuing what they have been doing concerning the faith, due to their imperfections, even in face of harm itself, and or apostate Christians who cause problems for the church.
That being said, at least take time to realize what is in the Bible, understand it, then convey it. Because, if I recall, the Bible along can easily be your own undoing at times.

Jesus said you must do it in remembrance of him every year (when you are accepting your part of the contract and your life is reflecting a life of sacrifice like Jesus). If you are not in the contract you do not partake.  What is so simple to understand about that?

the first time you partake you are accepting the anointing....  as part of the body of christ.  One remembers this contract every time you partake.

@AudreyAnnaNana I mean, highlighted words is one thing to convey what you assume, but reading what the article(s) says for context is ANOTHER thing. For instance, even if you factor out faiths today, Jehovah God did have people, even a mediator that cares for the others in a spiritual sense, even provide if need be. Anyone of that level do not consider themselves as a God above or equal to Jehovah himself, likewise with the early Christians who provided for the Congregation, namely Paul, who would never ponder on something like that, so much so said the same thing concerning Jesus in comparison to God. Christians do however honor people taking the lead, as seen by early Christians and present day, but never do they religiously worship someone.
This is why it is important to read for context, read what is said and the verses used instead of adding what you assume. I can read an article about talking animals in the modern day, but the context of the article doesn't even suggest literal talking. And speaking on this, even my professors have stated that there are some people who only read titles or look for keywords to make an assumption on something without knowing what a story or an article is about.
Just be careful next time.

Especially now with all the A.I. stuff going on lol 😆 
To find anyone who gives regular information that is unbias is like finding pieces of silver in tall grass. 

@Space Merchant Those images. The person in the picture, who at the time was 14, is Troy "Puppeh" Wells (now 21), the person sitting behind him, also walking out with him, is 24 at the time Cinnamon "Cinnapie" Dunson (now 31), let's just say a lot of disturbing stuff and a weird love drama stuff involving others who later found out about the grooming. It isn't a surprise if there were people defending her, even a former JW because there was a lot of dudes who were attracted to her and blame people for hating women. I remember that because one of my cousins use to partake in those competitions a while back he kept texting me about this when the Nintendo company took action against those events. Time flies too, this was a while back too. But a good comparable example. 

But yeah, often times some people can be hypocritical. They also play favorites, like with something bad happens in one group, they hate and attack, but for their's, they're silent. Problems in general, people should be trying to tackle issues instead of making it worse for some people. But it is good to see some people out there who are applying things the right way.
 
@Moise Racette  Agreed, but if you think about it, some people don't really listen when others do. If you tell a crowd of a hundred people to do something very critical and you give warning, 50 will do it, the other 50 will not, anything the people who fail to listen do in a negative way causes problems. I dunno why some people firmly believe some institutions do not have warnings for some things when they do, even going as far as to take things out of context. 🤷🏾‍♂️

SM and the GB? 🤔 🤣 I don't think any of the governing body members are debate oriented, confrontational millennials who takes issue with Christianity today to a high degree because of the Romans nor any of them focused heavy on fighting misinformation/lies let alone has some knowledge of the Quran/Islam lol 🤭

Anyways, in the Bible it tells us that Jesus was the very first creation by Jehovah God, reasons why God is mentioned as The Father, of which everyone is aware of.

Jesus being first and direct creation by Jehovah makes Jesus the firstborn of all creation as mentioned in Colossians 1:15, and the beginning of the creation of God and lastly the only-begotten Son of God.

Furthermore, Jehovah God continued to make all the rest of creation through Jesus, his firstborn Son who is the Master Worker. Some also believe Jesus is The Angel of the Lord (Angel of Jehovah God mentioned in the OT).
I see other people put up more references from the Bible about it.

It has to do with the loving personality of Jehovah.  Love is sharing - Jehovah is so high and even though we are imperfect, he stoops down to listen to us- like we listen to toddlers.  Jehovah is a giver, not a taker.  Do your find pleasure is seeing young kids develop and grow and learn new things?
It does not have anything to do with ability or power.  Jehovah has power but unlike imperfect men - he has shared positions with Jesus, the 144,000 and even gives the angels opportunity in heaven to give their ideas and carry them out. 
Jehovah was not lonely - so did not create out of loneliness or because he wanted subjects.  His motivations are about joy and pleasure for all his creatures (within  moral boundaries).   It was humans who rejected the order Jehovah had instituted for society to work in a perfect way.  Jehovah equipped us with everything we need to function optimally and enjoy life.
 

These are indeed some wild and trying times 😁. Hopefully no one's daughter ends up like Lil Tay, that situation was a complex can of worms of social media and popularity addiction. 

There's also the whole mental breakdown factor. Mental Illness being on the rise has caused a lot of people to ultimately take some kind of action on others even groups before they target themselves. Either that or it is mixed in with some sort of online influence that's for sure. 

The Propaganda is getting insane by the day. I'm on break now but this semester, the mentality for most concerning Ukraine is absolute bonkers, so much so people who say other would refer to these people as radicalized. One of my professors dyed his hair blue/yellow to support Ukraine.
But so far I have been looking more into the history, and I saw that this all traces back, well most of it, to former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych, and the Euro Madian riots of 2014, and the Donbas War.
What makes this even more concerning, I did see some Ukrainian (and Ukrainian Americans) sport the Azov Battalion insignia on a part of their clothing or bag. Then there is the unnecessary hate for Russians because of Putin.
Arauna and SM mentioned Russia's allies and it looks like they are making moves too it seems.
What I find interesting is I had seen others who are not one of JWs refering to Russia (since they are friends with Syria) as the King of the North.
Even tho you can ignore all this stuff, it still has an effect indirectly and it's big time. My cousin was angry because of gas prices, just to fill up he pays close to $100+ now which is crazy. Thank goodness I rarely use my car lol 😆 

The Propaganda is getting insane by the day. I'm on break now but this semester, the mentality for most concerning Ukraine is absolute bonkers, so much so people who say other would refer to these people as radicalized. One of my professors dyed his hair blue/yellow to support Ukraine.
But so far I have been looking more into the history, and I saw that this all traces back, well most of it, to former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych, and the Euro Madian riots of 2014, and the Donbas War.
What makes this even more concerning, I did see some Ukrainian (and Ukrainian Americans) sport the Azov Battalion insignia on a part of their clothing or bag. Then there is the unnecessary hate for Russians because of Putin.
Arauna and SM mentioned Russia's allies and it looks like they are making moves too it seems.
What I find interesting is I had seen others who are not one of JWs refering to Russia (since they are friends with Syria) as the King of the North.
Even tho you can ignore all this stuff, it still has an effect indirectly and it's big time. My cousin was angry because of gas prices, just to fill up he pays close to $100+ now which is crazy. Thank goodness I rarely use my car lol 😆 

The Propaganda is getting insane by the day. I'm on break now but this semester, the mentality for most concerning Ukraine is absolute bonkers, so much so people who say other would refer to these people as radicalized. One of my professors dyed his hair blue/yellow to support Ukraine.
But so far I have been looking more into the history, and I saw that this all traces back, well most of it, to former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych, and the Euro Madian riots of 2014, and the Donbas War.
What makes this even more concerning, I did see some Ukrainian (and Ukrainian Americans) sport the Azov Battalion insignia on a part of their clothing or bag. Then there is the unnecessary hate for Russians because of Putin.
Arauna and SM mentioned Russia's allies and it looks like they are making moves too it seems.
What I find interesting is I had seen others who are not one of JWs refering to Russia (since they are friends with Syria) as the King of the North.
Even tho you can ignore all this stuff, it still has an effect indirectly and it's big time. My cousin was angry because of gas prices, just to fill up he pays close to $100+ now which is crazy. Thank goodness I rarely use my car lol 😆 

Our congregation has hybrid meetings — both in person and zoom, plus we have KHCONF where you can listen audibly.  We elderly ones are not “forced” to attend in person but can take our pick on how to participate.  Presently 1/3 are attending in person and about 2/3 are on zoom and I might say are quite proficient in muting, unmuting, raising and lowering our hand for commenting. 

A few scriptures:  James 1:13-14, 1 John 5:19,
Ps. 37:10-11, Prov. 2:22  1 Peter 5:7, Rev. 21:3-4, Acts 24:15 Jer. 29:11, 2 Cor. 1:3
The above are just a few scriptures explaining the cause of such evil and the comfort available from the Bible.  
You might like to read lesson 26 in the interactive publication, Enjoy Life Forever, —Why Do Evil and Suffering Exist.  It is available on JW.org or your mother will be happy to share the info with you. 

All schools in the United States are “no gun zones“, and that’s why responsible people are not allowed to defend themselves when some crazy comes to school and starts shooting the place up.
 
I would comfort the parents by saying it Is not God that is responsible for the evil in the world, but locally it’s the insane legislature that has no concept of reality, and the insane Shooters.

Thanks for that information. There have been reports here on the forum from a Witness in Poland. Some activity on Twitter also relates to Witnesses leaving Ukraine. Also, the latest reports on jw.org have more information about relief efforts and Ukrainian Witnesses who have fled their homes, and the country.
UPDATE #7 | Brotherly Love Prevails Amid Ongoing Crisis in Ukraine
Brothers Courageously Deliver Aid, Rescue Others in Ukrainian War Zone

Persecution, from Jewish religious leaders at first, and Romans soon after, can also act as a unifying force, and creates a lot of publicity and concern over who these people are and exactly what is the claim against them.
There were a lot of prejudices, I think, in the Roman empire against Jews in some circles (and many of the Christians were treated as if the same as Jews). But Romans also put up with a lot of religious variety, including some "novel" ones, and many found the Jewish religion very appealing too. (Probably due to its sense of historical purpose, and better-documented claims of ancient origins, and a more rational story of creation than the Greek/Roman pantheons.)
Also, I think that the Christian variety of Judaism was one that some Roman political leaders did have a use for. It taught peace and cooperation with the political rulers, right up to the point where they wanted to force the worship of pagan gods or forbid the Christians their preaching ministry. If the Romans would learn not to push them too far, they were ideal citizens. 
Maybe not most, but the Greek mindset of the elites often found the idea of listening to new ideas (seedpickers) appealing.
I'd have to agree. This must have been a big thing in the first century. Although Christianity began reporting huge numbers in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, when we assume that these gifts had already faded to near non-existence.
It's possible, like some scholars claim, that the quick growth of Christianity outside "Palestine" was based on the appeal to wealthier Greek/Roman proselytes to Judaism. A lot of the synagogue funds for the Jewish diaspora had been coming from these families who had found Judaism appealing. But now a new version of Judaism had developed that had all the appeal of Judaism, but with a more urgent purpose, vibrant "living" beliefs, a much more appealing "Lord" and an imminent solution to political problems and injustices. And no pressure to circumcise!!!
The movie "Agora" (2009) doesn't claim to explain Christianity's rise in the early centuries, but it's historically sound enough to give us a good idea that the appeal for many adherents was more economic than spiritual. Christianity, to them, was a socialist revolution, with enough wealthy adherents to cover the needs of the poorest, through re-distribution.
(This probably doesn't belong to the Rutherford topic either, but ...)

Better to zoom out. Sometimes the news can't really be verified so its a slippery slope. Some of them actually want war. It caused a cousin of mine to actually prep for violence. 

Yeah, that is why a family bond needs to be strong. Some family members have differences but at the end of the day the bond needs to be there so there needs to be a compromise.