Evacuated

How was this known?

I always knew I wasn't an average Witness. And neither are any of those I know from that time. I must be living on a different planet from whoever makes these quotes....... really! All I can say about any future speculative dates like these is: if they are false alarms...I'll see you after. But if one should not be a false alarm,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The cross is not tied to Christians.

If this is a question, then No.

Lets discuss "Think Before You Ink" https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/family/teenagers/worksheets/tattoo-think-before-you-ink/ https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/family/teenagers/ask/should-i-get-a-tattoo/

That's just it. EVERYONE has been wrong at some time in their past! And I don't think that will ever change in the future. It's all about how you handle it. "If errors were what you watch, O Jah, Then who, O Jehovah, could stand?" Ps.130:3.

Hi @Jesus.defender It is strange. People have been showing me these statements for decades now. And strangely, although presented as a kind of revelation of conspiracy, the material is as widely distributed as some common, free newspaper. For some reason, these statements appear to provoke a virulent and (for me) disproportionate reaction in some people, but I find they do not trouble me at all when I read them. Maybe amusement at some of the more sensational aspects like the 1903 astrology-based quote from a readers letter. I suppose I was well prepared early on when the person that first witnessed to me said that the society can sometimes say some weird stuff that gets changed in time. Interestingly, that person never became a witness up until their death. But I liked the sound of the life strategy offered by the Bible and decided I could give it a go although my friend never did. True, I have indeed heard some weird stuff over the years, but nothing has got me overly concerned . And certainly nothing that I was not able to keep my own counsel about, in harmony with Ps 4:4. Thanks for your list. Useful bit of research there! Probably this quote is my favorite at first glance from your collection, and more or less sums up my own experience and sentiments. Best wishes.

How was this known?

Same credibility as those mentioned at Luke 19:11: "While they were listening to these things, he told another illustration, because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God was going to appear instantly."

There is a difference between expecting something and "prophesying" something. People have left off serving Jehovah for many reasons at many times: e.g John 6:66. This scripture gives a reason and it is not so much about what Jesus taught. What I have not seen is a figure relating to how many came back to serving Jehovah after they had slackened off due to unfulfilled expectations in 1975. Or relating to other reasons for that matter.

No Only you can answer that Rev 14:7 "...144000 who.have been bought from the earth." Apart from those who eat and drink mistakenly or "unworthily", I would expect the anointed to be representative of all where the good news is preached. The expansion of the good news will by default expand their numbers. But the principle must apply even if the direct application does not: "...Many invited, but few chosen." Mat.22:14 No. Because I am not a party to the New Covenant. as one of the Israel of God (Gal.6:16) If you mean to myself, I need to excercise faith in Jehovah God's ransom provision through His son Jesus Christ. How do you apply this Scripture? 1 Jo. 2:27 And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but the anointing from him is teaching you about all things and is true and is no lie. Just as it has taught you, remain in union with him.

Reading the chapters through Rev. 16:12- 19:21 shows how the same general sequence of events is repeated 3 times with different features, rather than a chronological shopping list. I see it rather like a procession of tableaux, each exceeding the previous in detail and scope. Rev 16:12. Drying up of Babylon the Great's defenses in preparation for her destruction. Rev 16:13-16. Gathering nations to prepare for confrontation at Armageddon. (Neither events are actually executed in these descriptions). Rev. 16:17-21. Features of Babylon the Great's destruction and accompanying events described in brief summary. Rev. 17. Far more detailed account of Babylon the Great's fate and the reasons for destruction.(Governments instrumental, so back a step chronologically and prior to Armageddon). Armageddon briefly touched on in v14. Rev 18. Back onto Babylon the Great with more detail of her disgusting practices and reasons for destruction. Interesting detail on reactions of governmental and commercial entities on loss of their collaborator, indicating Armageddon not yet occurred in this scenario. Rev 19:1-10. Interlude, looking at heavenly rejoicing over Babylon the Great's destruction, focusing a little on the Lamb's marriage or reuniting with his bride, the Christian congregation. Rev 19:11-21. A much fuller description of the war of Armageddon and it's results

Posted 22 March · REINSTATEMENT No 4 If someone was disfellowshipped in the past for something now viewed as a matter of conscience, what is their current status; and what procedure should be followed if they wish to re-associate? No answers yet for this question posted earlier.

Fascinating stuff @JW Insider. But you don't mention Dr Ivan Panin?...

Can I substitute this for my last post? I got timed out editing! Sorry for the repeat. Agreed, but the reversal of the desolation was still to occur: v17 "cause your face to shine upon your sanctuary that is desolate" I'm not convinced that the removal of the Babylonian ruler has to sync exactly with the end of the sanctuary's desolation. This appears to be a key element if the 537 BCE date is to be discarded. Even today when a ruler is gone, the effects of their dominance can take time to dissipate. Is this a fact or a suggestion?

Agreed, but the reversal of the desolation is still to occur: v17 "cause your face to shine upon your sanctuary that is desolate" I'm not convinced that the removal of Babylonian dominance has to sync exactly with the end of the sanctuary's desolation which appears to be a key element if the 537 BCE view is to be discarded. Is this a fact or a suggestion?

WT 2012 15 April p 23 para 5 The Bible tells us that Jehovah issued a decree in heaven. According to Genesis 6:3, he said: “My spirit shall not act toward man indefinitely in that he is also flesh. Accordingly his days shall amount to a hundred and twenty years.” This was not a statement regarding the average human lifespan. It was a judicial decree in which Jehovah declared when he would act to cleanse the earth of ungodliness. Since the Flood began in 2370 B.C.E., we infer that God made this pronouncement in 2490 B.C.E. At that time, Noah was 480 years old. (Gen. 7:6) Some 20 years later, in the year 2470 B.C.E., Noah’s sons began to be born. (Gen. 5:32) About one hundred years remained before the Flood was to begin

People are still naming animals today aren't they? Doubt there is a definitive answer to this unless we have multilingual resurrected ones.

Is it that clear? Or really did the 70 years end when the event noted in Ezra 3:1,6 took place? This only would be relevant if the conquering of Babylon marked the end of the 70 years and not the physical return of the Jews to the land. Seems to me that, given 539 BCE as the agreed date of the capture of Babylon, we need to fit the following into a time line of some sort: Darius 1st year. Dan. 9:1-2,18. Daniel saw the need to pray for Jehovah to restore his land as the end of the 70 yr desolation had approached. Obviously although imminent, still a future event. Cyrus 1st year. Ez. 1:1,3. When did this proclamation occur? Preparation of returnees. Ez. 1:5-2:67. Length of return journey. Ez.7:9. How long, given Ezra's later experience? When did the restoration of sacrifices occur? Ez. 3:1,6. Any suggestions?

Most Witnesses thank Jehovah at least once a day for putting food on their table. That is regardless of the fact that it may have a Walmart wrapper on it. Matt.5:45; 7:11; Col.3:15. Nevertheless, "Satan has demanded to have all of you to sift you as wheat. Lu.22:31. which means that "We must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations." Acts 14:22. Job had wrong perceptions of many things in his trials, but nevertheless he is known as an integrity keeper despite his errors. Jehovah can and does intervene in events to further His purpose. That is why we have the Bible record of these very interventions. He will soon "intervene" in Satan's scheme to destroy all humans, not only by bringing this system to an end, but by performing billions of resurrections, including the 230,000 @Jay Witness has concern for. Jehovah knows that He has equipped His faithful servants 1 Tim 3:16-17. They can uphold His sovereignty through all manner of trials brought by Satan, and He alone determines when the issue of our integrity has been settled sufficiently before He "intervenes" in our personal situation. 1Pet.5:10. He will certainly let nothing stop His intention to extend the opportunity to become Integrity Keepers to the maximum number of humans before He brings this wicked system to its end. Meanwhile, we can thank Jehovah for every good thing in our lives because directly or indirectly, weather permitting or not, all good things come from Him. Jas 1:17.

Vine's Expository Dictionary states this: 'PROSKUNEO, to make obeisance, do reverence to (from pros, towards, and kuneo, to kiss), is the most frequent word rendered to worship. It is used of an act of homage or reverence'. Surely context must determine the way this word proskuneo or pro·sky·neʹo is translated, rather than a consistency of English expression. If the word were rendered as "worship" in every case for consistency as suggested, then Rev 3:9 would have the 1st Century Christians receiving worship from those Jews in Philadelphia who come to recognize Jehovah's new arrangement involving the Christian congregation. The related word here is rendered as "bow" in the 2013 NWT, footnote "do obeisance". The word worship in English can mean to "regard with great respect, honor, or devotion", and, in Britain, "Your Worship" is used in addressing or referring to an important or high-ranking person, especially a magistrate or mayor. However, in my experience, the word is far more likely to be understood in it's other guise of "reverence offered to a divine or supernatural being" especially when used in a Biblical context. (Webster's definitions). Jesus simple statement at Matt 4:8-10 helps me to see the need for this consideration of context. He told Satan: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship [form of pro·sky·neʹo], and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” So using "obeisance" when this word is applied to created beings, rather than "worship", seems consistent with it's meaning. Most importantly, a consideration of the context of it's use in scripture, should relate particularly the example of Jesus Christ who "gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God" (Ph.2:6). This makes it clear that Jesus, unlike Satan, would never misappropriate or embezzle "worship". Worship belongs only to Jehovah God. The 1954 Watchtower 1 January 30-31 has a Question from Readers article for further reasoning on this subject.

I don't think our view on this has changed in the last 30 years. (Italics mine) Watchtower 2004 1 November 30-31 compared gluttony and drunkenness and made this statement: "As with the other “works of the flesh,” a Christian who is widely known for his gluttony and who stubbornly refuses to change his greedy behavior ought to be removed from the congregation.—1 Corinthians 5:11, 13." Also, this article seems to address the question raised specifically: Questions From Readers (Watchtower 1 May 1986) ▪ Are Jehovah’s Witnesses as firm about gluttony among their members as they are about the harmful tobacco habit? Jehovah’s Witnesses take a Bible-based stand against tobacco, and they equally accept the Scriptural condemnation of gluttony. They believe that smoking violates Bible principles. Smoking involves a nicotine addiction. Further, it is unnatural to inhale smoke. Smoking defiles the body, causes health problems, and has shortened lives that should have been used to God’s praise. Smoking also dangerously pollutes air that others breathe; certainly, that is not neighbor love.—2 Corinthians 7:1; Romans 12:1; Mark 12:33. What, though, about gluttonous overeating? Frankly, the Bible condemns gluttony, which is greedy excess in eating, or voracious overeating. An Israelite son who was unrepentantly “a glutton and a drunkard” was to be executed. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) Proverbs warns against “having companionship with gluttons.” (Proverbs 28:7; 23:20, 21) Gluttony is also wrong since we are told that “greedy persons” will not inherit God’s Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; compare 1 Peter 4:3; Philippians 3:18, 19.) Christian overseers are to be “self-controlled,” not “unemployed gluttons.” (Titus 1:8, 12) This is so serious that some overseers have been removed because of their uncontrolled eating. It must be recognized, however, that determining when gluttony exists is not easy. Eating (in contrast with inhaling tobacco smoke) is natural and proper. Nor is being fat the sole criterion of gluttony; a very thin person might be a glutton. It is not being overweight that the Bible censures but, rather, overeating, which may or may not result in obesity. Some people are overweight because of glandular disorders or disease, though Professor Judith Rodin holds that only “5 percent of all cases of obesity are caused primarily by medical problems.” Heredity may incline a person to stockiness. Dr. William Bennett comments: “Lots of fat people maintain their weight by eating about what an average-weight person does . . . They are metabolically different.” Certain scientists even feel that if a fat person eats less, his body lowers its metabolic rate so that he burns calories more slowly. But even if a fat person is not a glutton in the sense of being a voracious eater, he (or she) may need to apply more seriously God’s counsel. For example, Christians should cultivate self-control, which applies to eating too. (Galatians 5:22, 23; 2 Peter 1:5-8) The apostle Paul urged the Christian to be like a runner who “exercises self-control in all things.” Paul ‘pummeled his body and led it as a slave that he should not become disapproved.’ (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) A stout person may have reason to ‘pummel his body’ as to how much, what, when, and how he eats. Being fat can be dangerous. Reports show that obesity can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, adult-onset diabetes, several types of cancer, heart and gallbladder disease, arthritis, and respiratory problems. “A person who is 20 percent overweight faces a death rate one-third higher than average; for those 30 and 50 percent overweight, the rates are 50 and 100 percent higher, respectively.” (The New York Times, February 27, 1985) Similar reports of health problems come from England, Germany, and Italy. A Christian truly wants to ‘love Jehovah with his whole heart, soul [or, life], mind, and strength.’ (Mark 12:30) Many, upon studying Christianity, quit smoking to preserve their health and life. Should not Christians be just as concerned that being overweight because of overindulgence might undermine their health and their life that is dedicated to Jehovah? Some people eat more when they are sad, frustrated, lonely, or angry. While being a Christian does not wholly prevent such feelings, rather than finding relief in unnecessary eating, the Christian can turn to God and to his brothers. In this regard read Philippians 4:6, 7, 11-13. Even scientists who hold that a person has a natural inclination toward a certain weight admit that this can be changed. They stress cutting down on high-fat food and increasing physical activity. Interestingly, in many areas a Christian who shares regularly in the door-to-door ministry does much healthful walking and climbing. Paul, too, ‘labored and toiled’ in the ministry.—2 Corinthians 11:26, 27. Thus, Jehovah’s Witnesses disapprove of gluttony because of what the Bible says. Whatever their weight, they strive to ‘exercise self-control in all things,’ including eating. This is not primarily because of a cultural judgment about fashion but because they want to live by Bible principles and be active Christians having God’s approval.

There was no lack of effort on the part of Jezebel and King Ahab in their attempts to kill Elijah. Likely egged on by the wicked Jezebel, Ahab, the king of Israel and her husband, scoured the land unsuccessfully for Elijah during Jezebel's pogrom which took the lives of many of Jehovah's prophets. 1Ki. 18:10. However, the hatred of Jehovah's worshipers was by no means universal at this time. Obadiah, one of the high court officials, protected 100 prophets from the slaughter. 1Ki.18:4. Later, Jehovah informed Elijah that 7000 were still faithfully serving him in Israel. 1Ki.19:18. And during the spectacular showdown between Elijah and the priests of Baal, after Jehovah's terrifying display of power indicating his full backing for Elijah as a prophet, there was no shortage of supporters to carry out Elijah's command to slaughter hundreds of the prophets of Baal. 1Ki.18:40. Given the unmistakable evidence of supernatural backing for Elijah, (remember, these people did not necessarily doubt the existence of Jehovah, they just saw him as another god like their own), his own display of courage in carrying out his duties as a prophet, and the uncertainty of support from Israelites, I would have expected Jezebel to tread very carefully and with cunning in her scheme to trap Elijah. This she did in sending a messenger with a chilling threat. 1Ki.19:2. Who knows what intent she had here (maybe to panic Elijah into a more vulnerable situation), or what influence Jehovah had in the matter to protect Elijah who became very low spiritually in the face of this opposition. Anyway, her threat was baseless as Elijah was still alive and on the run in the wilderness well after the expiry of her one day execution deadline. The situation and her crafty cunning reminds me of the evil strategy of the chief priests in connection with their trapping of Jesus. Lu.22:2-6.

Thank you for your good wishes. Did you know that I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses?

Simple answer to the original question is : choice of a medical care provider is entirely a matter of personal decision and conscience. Separation from Babylon the Great means separating from it's spiritual corruption and false religious teachings. The fact that religious organisations such as those mentioned have sought to direct their efforts into social works rather than the preaching the good news of the kingdom is a matter for their accountability of their actions to God. I can accept that a person may feel uneasy about participating in something that might be viewed as a propaganda exercise for false religion, perhaps included in the "powerful works" described at Matt 7:22. They might feel that paying for medical services would be an indirect way of supporting a false religious organisation. That person might feel better about medical care provided by a completely secular organisation. They are at liberty to choose and should not be criticized. However, would they then seek to vet the religious persuasion of individual medical practitioners before accepting care from them? That might be viewed by some as unreasonable. For me, Jesus words at John 17:15-16 come to mind. We do have a role in this world ruled by the "wicked one" which is why we can be in it, but no part of it at the same time. We pay our taxes for social services rendered by governmental agencies despite the fact they are soon to be replaced by Jehovah's kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus. This does not mean we support them or become a part of them by doing so. The current structure of things, which includes medical services provided by "religious" organisations permitted, and regulated, by current governmental agencies, for me constitutes a part of the "arrangement of God" (Rom.13:2) and serves as God's minister to me for my good. (Rom 13:4). So, my conscience would not be offended by getting medical care from one of the listed agencies as long as they respected my position as one of Jehovah's Witnesses with regard to non-blood medical management and freedom of speech. Neither would I view it as as hypocritical or contradictory if another one of Jehovah's Witnesses did so. But then, that's me..................