Evacuated

Well........ this is a classic example of why Jehovah has seen to it that real "spiritual food at the proper time" is provided only by "the faithful and discreet slave" in these last days. Matt 24:45.

Probably should be LIVE together in unity???  

Good scripture, one of the best. (And it's our daily text for today: Sunday, 11/27.) But, I can't quite understand the connection to Rachel McAdams (as seen in Mean Girls, Dr. Strange, Sherlock Holmes, The Notebook, The Vow, etc). It seems like it's just another way of indicating that most of us, being human, require something physical to initially attract us to spiritual things. I wonder if this is the best way to express a message about spirituality, though. 
 
Example: http://www.glamour.com/story/see-this-is-why-rachel-mcadams
See, THIS Is Why Rachel McAdams Continues To Be Our Beauty Idol
https://www.etsy.com/listing/481820251/drawing-print-of-rachel-mcadams-doctor?ref=market
 

Seems to me that the word "righteousness" is a bit like the word "perfection". It's meaning has a lot to do with whose standard it is meeting, the purpose for which it is required, and the context in which it is used.
With that in mind, obviously Abraham's place in the outworking of God's purpose is different to that of the "anointed", if by that term you are referring to humans who leave the material realm and go to heaven to become "kings and priests" with Christ in his heavenly kingdom.

How would they take morphine?

Still no relevance to the thread.

Thanks so much. All visible now.

Brother  Eoin,  can you see now the many pictures ?  Kurt has worked on here and put  all  pictures together...  easier  for  looking !  I hope,  you have more success now ;-)

Interesting SH Bookshop find. I'm not sure when published.

Interesting SH Bookshop find. I'm not sure when published.

Interesting SH Bookshop find. I'm not sure when published.

Interesting SH Bookshop find. I'm not sure when published.

Loading time.

Thats not nice...  I am sorry brother Eoin !  I know that problem from different video's I can't see in Germany, bec. GEMA fees :-(  Germany will soon change that, I hope so.  But this problem here seems more a technology error...  I don't know how to help you, sorry.  I will again look for you, if I find any solution !

Yes they did. And they became Christians (Acts 10:1-48) And their equipment provides insight into one of Paul's most valuable pieces of instruction: Eph.6:10-20.

I had a Watchtower prep group at my house right through 70s and 80s but usually no more than 10-12 including my family of 7. As I led it, I suppose it was a bit like a Family study evening now where we might invite some others to share.  It was never discouraged though.
26 in the picture seems quite a large group of predominantly young ones. I suppose some might see issues around suitably qualified ones to lead such groups if they get a bit large and a bit age biased. 
I remember there was a (possibly early 80s?) US Bethel issue with private Bible study groups seen to be going off the rails somehow. Maybe this was connected with the "prohibition" mentioned above?
@JWInsider will surely have some detail as you suggest.
 
 

Ooops! I realized I'd inverted the scripture. (I have number dyslexia ) it's Proverbs 18:13. Oh the imperfection. But the other scripture is good too  

Excellent response, Eoin Joyce. Keep in mind that in the last days - besides what Jesus foretold on the Mt. of Olives, there will be many who would try to subvert the faith of some of us by questioning and doubting spiritual arrangements. Even something as significant as pinpointing the exact date/time of Christ's presence!
"There will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: 'Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning'." - 2 Peter 3: 2, 3 (NWT)
"......in the last days mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts, and saying 'Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation' " - 2 Peter 3:2,3 (ASV)
Classic example of this is the nation of Israel:
The agents Jehovah used to lead His people was Moses with his rod/staff as well as Aaron, Hur, et. al. Imperfect but qualified men. When the Israelites first stepped foot on dry land on the other side of the Red Sea, after singing a song of thanks and praise for their deliverance out of Egypt, they complained about water as if Jehovah couldn't provide any for them and provide it fast enough (Exodus 15:1; 17:2). Even after witnessing Jehovah's presence and the sound of His awesome voice (Exodus 19:18-21), the Israelites continued to rebel by challenging Moses' God-given authority. Moses was apparently taking too long to return from the Mountain so they set up a golden calf and called it their god who led them out of Egypt rather than Jehovah (Exodus 32:1; 4). They complained about food and how they wished they were back in Egypt to eat potted meat (Exodus 16:2-4). They longed for Egypt's leeks, onions, garlic, and cucumbers, etc. (Numbers 11: 4-6). Funny, they didn't remember being whipped by cruel taskmasters and mistreated as slaves back in Egypt. Even after Jehovah provided Manna for them, it wasn't good enough for them and they eventually complained about that, too, calling it contemptable bread (Numbers 21:5). A  group of 250 men, described as "chieftains", "chosen ones of the congregation, prominent men" assembled themselves against Moses and rebelled against Jehovah's appointment of Aaron (Numbers 16:1-3). The Land of Milk and Honey was too far off for the complaining Israelites and so they began to lose faith. Jehovah made them wander in the Wilderness for 40 years until that rebellious generation died off (Numbers 14:26-34). They were not going into the Promised Land with their complaining, doubtful, and rebellious spirit. Jehovah requires exclusive devotion (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24). They failed to give that to Jehovah.
Notice the constant theme? Complaints, complaints, and more complaints against Jehovah and His arrangements.
Likewise, today, many will arise to question Jehovah's appointed agents. They will question theocratic arrangements just like the first century Christians did because "some went out .....and caused .... trouble with what they have said, trying to subvert you, although we did not give them any instructions" (Acts 15: 24)  The apostles and elders chosen by holy spirit had to set things straight respecting the issue of blood, sacrificing to idols, fornication, and eating things strangled (Acts 15:28, 29).
We may not understand everything, but we do unanimously agree that Jehovah is the true God and His loyal son is the Christ/Messiah, Jesus. We know Jehovah's purpose is for us, for the earth, and that He has established a kingdom where His obedient son Jesus will rule and shepherd the nations in the coming new order of things (Psalm 2:1,2; Revelation 1:5). We do know we are sinful and we know why we are sinful, and how Jehovah lovingly paved the way for us to be reconciled to Him by means of His son's precious shed blood (John 3:16, 17). Had it not been for this loving and kind redeeming arrangement, we will still be sacrificing bulls, rams, and sheep in our behalf (Galatians 3:19,20; Hebrews 9:12,13; 10:4). 
It's our imperfect nature that makes us question things we do not understand. Job argued with Jehovah about things he did not understand (Job 9:15-19; 23:2-4). Jehovah eventually and lovingly set Job straight to the point Job humbly acknowledged that he spoke without understanding (Job 38:1-4; 40:2, 7-9; 42:3,4). What is interesting, Jehovah mercifully corrected Job after Job had his say. Isn't that merciful and loving? 
So appointed men may falter from time to time. Does such frailties overshadow all the wonderful truths we learned about the true God Jehovah? No. What it does is reinforce the fact that we are imperfect; we are living in the last days, and yes, Jehovah in due time will clarify things for us. Then again, with the urgency of the times, maybe "now is not the time" to concern ourselves with specific dates (Hebrews 9:5b). There are other important things to concern ourselves with - like our personal relationship with Jehovah, our obedience to Christ's leadership, and keeping without spot from this degrading world under Satan's influence (2 Corinthians 4:4).
So, stay strong in the truth, Eoin Joyce. Let no one make you doubt your loving Creator, Jehovah. That's Satan aim. After all, Satan is the first apostate. That's why he is called the Original serpent; first liar (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9, 12), and he has many disciples, too.

This posting could be taken as offensive and/or immature. I can see from your comments about beards that you are only just getting on your feet again so I'll stick with the latter and overlook it.
Proverbs 12:18 would be a useful addition to your "equipment", as would the prayer at Ps 17:5. 

Well @HollyW, I think that just about rounds it off for me. Your able grasp of the allegory, ability to reassemble it's detail and to imaginatively extend it's application indicates clearly that you have understood every word of my postings.
I will still track the topic in case any others contribute a useful perspective. 

No, not really, there are no ambiguities to remove. In fact even if something is totally black and white, there will always be people who will be contrary. I have already cited scriptures which attest to the fact that only some will see the “truth” and others will not. If we were to apply Jesus' narrow road, we can say that the majority will not see the truth. Also “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will". Now if we could not be sure what the doing of his will was, how could that statement made by Jesus be fair? And not only that, but in talking about ambiguity and the truth, we cannot ignore Satan’s vested interest in the outcome of what people will believe, as he is the father of the lie, he does not want anyone to learn the truth.

After looking at this photograph, I ask the question...........are eyesight problems a real concern among the inhabitants of Ecuador??
Pardon my ignorance, but, it just strikes me as rather unusual to see the photograph of six Sisters all wearing glasses.

Well @HollyW, I think that just about rounds it off for me. Your able grasp of the allegory, ability to reassemble it's detail and to imaginatively extend it's application indicates clearly that you have understood every word of my postings.
I will still track the topic in case any others contribute a useful perspective. 

Well, if you get the point of the analogy and feel it lines up with my posts which focus on Scriptural references.... then job done. This is a public forum remember.
Lifeboats enable an escape from the ship if the perception is that the ship is doomed. However, mutineers have also found them useful (Fletcher Christian comes to mind).
So for the purpose of the illustration, the crew are determined to continue their mission and, regardless of the attempts of the dissuaders, most of the passengers choose to stick with the ship. The dissuaders and those persuaded by their arguments board a number of the ship's lifeboats. The ship sails on into troubled waters to continue it's mission. The lifeboats return to shore. Time will tell who made the wisest choice.
As for the question, I have never suggested that it doesn't matter about the Gentile Times ending in 1914. What is significant however is that if it did not and the suggested domino effecton doctrine takes place, we will all be here to tell the tale. If it it did.... then who will the survivors be?

I have to come back on this one Anna.
It is all food for thought and very interesting indeed to consider the development of understanding over the years on this subject, the generation that will by no means pass away.
 JW Insider's anecdotal expositions are thought-provoking. Allen's wide scattering of commentary references have interest,even if lacking coherence.
However, it is important to keep a balance and not be 'shaken from our reason' on this matter. We need to be 'making sure of more important things' at this time. (comp. 2Thess.2:2; Ph.1:10)
By way of reminder, one important thing is to be sure about who "the faithful and discreet slave" is, and the work assigned to that slave. As Jehovah's Witnesses, we currently recognise that the Governing Body of anointed Christians constitutes the "faithful and discreet slave". The work assigned is to provide "food at the proper time", spiritual food that is.
For me, Bro Splane is a member of the Governing Body. His use and application of the scripture at Ex.1:6 in explaining a perspective on the meaning of Jesus words at Matt.24:34, is an example of the slave providing appropriately timed food. He could have used any of the scriptures using the the term "generation" (over 180 instances in the NWT for example). Some of those scriptures indeed point to 40 year periods. Others, though, have a longer time lapse, such the Gen.15:16 usage. And it may also be "food for thought" when you consider that in the 1656 year period (the Antediluvian generation) from Adam's creation until the flood, there were only 3 "overlapping" generations. (Adam, Lamech, Shem).
So, Bro. Splane was fulfilling his role (representatively), by choosing a particular reference to the word generation, and a particular way of viewing it's application in the face of a number of ways that this could be done (some referenced in the postings here). This constitutes "food at the proper time". Why? Because it is patently obvious that the passage of time has indicated previous explanations to be now inadequate. They may have served a purpose at the time, but are no longer fit for that purpose. 
Once of the principal elements of food at the proper time is to keep Christians alert to the urgency of the times in which we live. There may be "times or seasons that the Father has placed within his own juridiction", but there are those that have been placed within ours. Obviously, our interest in the urgency of the times should not get to the point of eclipsing our need to put on the new personality, or the requirement to demonstrate our love for our families and those related in the faith. Nevertheless, despite the unknown "day and hour" for God's intervention, the limited time element on this system of things is an important factor in our balancing and prioritising our spiritual and secular responsibilities with particular regard to preaching the good news of the kingdom and the attendant disciple making work. The belief that those who saw 1914CE would also see the "great tribulation" may have been inaccurate, but at the time served to heighten awareness of the limited time factor. In the face of Satan's onslaught of persecution, propaganda, and provocations, this awareness was, and still is, essential. 
It is obvious that some would be disturbed by the apparent "by all means has passed away" nature of the 1914 generation as it was understood. To address that issue and to further enlighten those who are not so shaky in their orientation, I see the"overlapping (or 2 group) generation" explanation filling that need in showing how a "generation" is not dependent on the life-span of one group associated with it, but may consist of 2, overlapping, groups of people.
Those who were anointed when witnessing 1914 are the Ist group. Those born after 1914, anointed, and then whose lives  "overlap" with the 1st group, are the 2nd group and are the only additional ones qualified to be seen as part of the "generation". This definition prevents a perpetual chain of overlaps, but more importantly retains the level of urgency. This (redefined) generation "will by no means pass away". And by that definition, those anointed since (probably) the mid 1990s do not qualify as a part of that generation, 1st or 2nd group. There will be no need for a 3rd group.
It is an adjustment, in fact a re-adjustment. But why should this surprise us in the spirit of 2Cor.13:11? For me, it is actually "food at the proper time". And I expect many more readjustments before we get to the end of this system of things. But these readjustments will come via "the faithful and discreet slave" regardless of the many genuinely bright ideas that individual brothers (and sisters) may have themselves.
Problems arise if we cherish old viewpoints, or, worse, if we cherish our own ideas on things and see "adjustments" as justification that we were right all the time and do better to keep our own counsel on matters. Even worse still, if we then try to promote our "own" ideas and effectively undermine confidence in the role of the "faithful and discreet slave", we are just following the pattern of Korah (Nu.16; Jude 11). Or the pattern of any number of armchair, internet apostates. Even if we do not become militant anti-GB activists, we need to remain adaptable in our thinking to prosper spiritually. This puts me in mind of an experience I had.
There was an older man attending my first kingdom hall (1970s). He always sat alone, arrived as the meeting started, left immediately at the end after collecting magazines or literature. Never said anything to anyone. He also attended assemblies. I noticed him because he always wore a heavy overcoat, even in the summer. One day, I got to speak to him as he was leaving. I asked him how long he had been a witness, making conversation. He said that he was a Bible Student and had been coming to the meetings since the early 1920s. However, he did not agree with the Society abandoning the teaching that prophecy indicated a literal restoration for fleshly Israel. Despite this, he had continued attending the meetings, by that time, for some 50 years! Why? Because he felt that the "Society" was the Lord's organisation, and would eventually come to their senses on this matter. He never entered into a conversation with me again and he never integrated into fellowship with the congregation. It was like he had disfellowshipped us. He eventually died, still holding his viewpoint.
So for me, it is important to recognise that we are in "the last days" of this wicked, Satan-ruled, system of things. No man knows the day and hour of Gods intervention, but nevertheless we must be at our (Christian) business urgently, keeping close in mind Jehovah's day. Satan and his propaganda machine will do everything possible to dissuade us from recognising where we are in the stream of time, what action we need to take, and who we need to look to for spritual shepherding.
I am convinced that the Governing Body under the direction of Jehovah and Jesus, is a provision to lead us safely through these last days and on into the new system of things. This perfectly acceptable definition of the generation that will by no means pass away works for me.