Evacuated

Media confirmation: http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2017/apr/28/blog-posting/reports-trump-offered-asylum-russian-jehovahs-witn/

predict: "say or estimate that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something." However, although the word "prophesy" is offered as a synonym for the word "predict", I would see this definition as inadequate when relating to the word prophesy as it is used in connection with Jehovah God (Is.46:10), or anyone to whom the words at 2Pet 1:21 correctly apply. I submit that the words of 2Pet 1:21 actually cannot apply to any of the so-called "modern day" Jehovah's Witnesses, in fact, specifically, no one since the apostle John (although it is conceivable that a Christian with the spiritual gift of prophecy may have outlived him for a short time). So, with that out of the way, and on the basis of the definition provided above, I would say in answer to the question originally posted (which is hopelessly general), quite simply "Yes. As able as anyone else is." Now this opens up the question and may actually need it's own thread. Take care to phrase it specifically!

1946 Quebecs Burning Hate.pdf

Interesting statement from Simon Shuster's 21/04/2017 report on Time.com is a clear update to this: "In an astounding victory for the Orthodox Church, Russia’s highest court ordered the “liquidation” of the local branch of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, whose missionary work the government had deemed “extremist,” in no small part because it posed a challenge to the teachings of the Orthodox clergy". Source: http://time.com/4750396/vladimir-putin-orthodox-jehovah-witness-lenin-corpse/

Misleading question really. Define predict.

Illuminating @bruceq More illuminating @bruceq

Risking accusations of semantic quibbling, I have to say that disassociation is just not the same as non-association (or formerly associated). The term disassociate, or more commonly, dissociate, when applied to one's former affiliation to a group, seems to imply a formal separating or severing of a relationship formerly held, rather like a divorce. This might include publicly severing one's former connection with that group, perhaps going as far as formally renouncing aims and objectives once held in common. Or, perhaps, engaging in a practice so diametrically opposed to those aims and objectives as to indicate what may not have been verbally stated. To drift away from association with a group, for whatever reason, be it cooling of common interest, personal preference, time contraints, or a particular unresolved grievance involving other group members, carries a far less antagonistic stance toward the group as a whole. In any event, the former action, that of disassociation, whilst possibly preceded by the latter action, drifting away, has far more consideration and deliberation involved, a rejection of fundemental tenets perhaps once held dear, perhaps a militant stand against activity once zealously engaged in, an awareness of the dramatic change in relationship to the group subject to this action, and a recognition of consequences effecting the relationship the disassociatee might have formely enjoyed with those who choose to remain group members. The latter, drifting away, is more focussed on one's personal preferences or activity schedule, and whilst there may be personality issues involved, the group as a whole is not "tarred with the same brush" as it were. Also, a denial of the groups validity does not take place. In fact, there may sometimes be expressions like " It just wasn't for me, I couldn't keep up with such and such (requirement or activity)", or "I know it is a good organisation on the whole but I just couldn't accept this or that (practice or person or experience)" Thus it can be seen that the deliberate action of "disassociation" carries far more weighty and considered commitment than the shifting of goals and interests accompanying the process of "drifting away". Although both result in state of separation from former associates, the relationship resulting from either is entirely dissimilar.

This is a rather old list isn't it. Being faithful is far more important than being famous.

You know, this is because they can't arrest our Leader can they? So they have to attack the organisation. I don't think they realise the significance of what they are doing at all. "So the dragon became enraged at the woman and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her offspring, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness concerning Jesus" Rev 12:17

Well, we're not the only ones are we? But we do need to distance ourselves to remain "no part of the world". John 7:14

Yes it is a challenge. BUT..... if we're gonna use this medium.... then....we all need to up our game don't we? I mean, there's no lock that a man can make that a man can't pick......is there???

Great Even better with the link http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20170421-the-eerie-historical-visions-that-predict-the-apocalypse https://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/classics/all/03107/facts.the_book_of_miracles.htm

@bruceq "Has this been flagged as fake news?" Remember my comment soon after the original post was made? You acted very quickly to affirm this and well done to you. I for one found all your press postings re background on the Russian trial of our brothers very useful and informative, especially those about Alexander Dvorkin's activity. Such an emotive and contraversial a subject as that regarding the treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia is bound to draw all sorts of attention from friend and foe alike. This will of course include that of the fake news mongers, who exploit the heightened interest in a sort of duping excercise that ranges in level from that of schoolboy prank to downright slanderous lies. Here's an example of a photo used in fake news that duped many to believe it was a picture of our 2017 Russian mail campaign letters, when in fact it pictures a completely unrelated and much earlier mail out as the context reveals! Don't let a few misunderstood remarks cause you to take offence and withdraw your contribution to the Forum!

Even Miles Coverdale has the expression "eternall purpose" at Eph.3:11 along with many other English translations since, so perhaps longer? This shouldn't really be a surprise. Didn't Jesus say of his disciples (as Miles puts it) "O ye fooles and slowe of hert to beleve all that the prophetes have spoke" Luke 24:25 (Principle of, of course).

Interesting discussion, despite meandering off the original post. I suppose for me (in English), Jehovah doesn't need to plan. He has a purpose and it will be accomplished, regardless of any obstacle. That's what His name is all about. He does provide frameworks to his intelligent servants on earth in order for them to work and share in acheiving His purpose. The population mandate, the plans for tabernacle and temple, the Law Covenant, the Christian mission, are just some examples, but He is not dependent on their success to acheive His own. Men do need to plan in the sense of mapping a route to achieve an objective, which includes consideration and contingency. Even then, human purpose may still continue to be interrupted due to inadequacy, or unforseen circumstance, or even opposition. When these things occur, men can re-route, and/or even adjust their goal, but with no complete guarantee their (revised) plan will succeed in achieving that goal. Also, purpose unfulfilled could be not always because men plan to fail, but simply because they fail to plan. Jehovah is not subject to any of these limitations. That is why He can say: "So my word that goes out of my mouth will be. It will not return to me without results, But it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight, And it will have sure success in what I send it to do." Isaiah 55:11

This confuses me. This cannot be the appeal against the Supreme Courts ruling issued on April 20 2017. Surely with one month to submit, the Society's legal team would spend more time on the submission. And submit to The Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow? Clarity requested please.

Has this been flagged as fake news?

Did he have more than a six-day visa??? If yes, how so???

Jehovah's people have been under attack since Cain slew Abel (1Jo.3:12). This is more of the same, so nothing has changed. As for the positioning of principal characters on the world stage (1Co.4:9; 7:31), that's a matter for Jehovah to reveal in His due time. Like premier league soccer in Britain, there are as many pundits as there are players on the prophetic field at present, and no shortage of them on this forum either. As JTR laments above, prophecy has it's many interpreters, but no there is no truer statement than that found in our Insight Vol 2 p.1141: "full discernment of the prophecy’s application may have to await God’s due time for its being carried out." This is in complete harmony with Jehovah's own word at 2Pet.1:20: "For you know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation." So the posturing of Russian authorities in relation to Jehovah's people may........or may not have particular significance relating to our understanding of Daniel Chap 11:40-45. One thing for sure is that any interpretation of this matter rests with the God who stated: "For the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets" Amos 3:7 Now, we are well aware that the function of the "faithful and discreet slave" today differs from the role of the prophets of old in that there is no claim to inspiration attached to their office. However, as those commisioned with oversight, particularly in the provision of [spritual] food to God's people in modern times, we can be sure that any application of prophecy with affect or effect on our "current belief" will be made known to us via that same "faithful and discreet slave" and through whatever relevant channel of communication is available to them at the time.

We do not need anything material to carry out our obligation to Jehovah. All we need is in our hearts and minds already prepared. Just be "cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves" as our master has instructed. (Mt 10:16). And keep in mind "the entire association of brothers in the world" (1Pet.5:9) who are doing the same.

what date was this issued?

The existence of true Christianity demonstrates the futility of opposition.

Treacherous snake. This is why we need Jehovah on our side. We cannot win against against such devious enemies. They have no principles. We cannot fight a war on their terms. As our Brother Stephen Lett reminded us: Happy is the man who fears Jehovah........He will not fear bad news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Jehovah.  His heart is unshakable; he is not afraid; In the end he will look in triumph on his adversaries. Ps 112 :1; 7-8. Keep digging brother......

Let's emphasize that this brave man was 73 years of age! I hope I get to study with him in the resurrection.

Arbitrary deletion perhaps, as I have experienced. I found my deleted posts under my profile. They seem to still remain there. I was miffed because I had received reputation as well It felt like the Russians had got me!