Evacuated

Depends on how you define prophecy a bit. But if the general meaning is used, here's one: The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a "purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven," which is experienced by those "who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified" (Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1030). It notes that "this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned" (CCC 1031). The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27) and, while we may die with our mortal sins forgiven, there can still be many impurities in us, specifically venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven.

Just an information packaging/distribution issue really. As long as the information (which itself is not charged for) is available by the cheapest, most accessible means, the cost of distribution should be spread as far as possible down the chain to the end user, within the bounds of economic reasonableness. In those parts of the world where technology is widespread and cheap, many are able to produce dvds for the equivalent of a few cents each. Distribution is much more effectively done, with no production, packaging or distribution costs or time involved. A production could be released and in the hands of the consumer in minutes. Really, there is no hardship, in technically developed areas, for a congregation to ensure all members have access to dvds, individually, if the playback equipment is available, if not, then as a group, if equipment is shared. Not currently the case with printed material however, as personal printing is not currently economic. How much would it cost to print and bind a magazine or book personally, with current technology? I can't see digitalisation ever replacing the printed page for theocratic material in this economically divided world, but the immediate and universal access this method of communication allows us is nothing short of revolutionary.

This publication is mentioned in the Proclaimers Book Ch.16, p.245, and again in God's Kingdom Rules Ch.11, p.115, para. 25. We have it listed in the Archive of Publications but not linked. So here is copy of this rather fascinating item. 1920 - Golden Age ABC .pdf

2 Pet 1:1 "Simon Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have acquired a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and the Savior Jesus Christ:" 2 Pet 1:11 "In fact, in this way you will be richly granted entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Acts 5:31 "God exalted this one as Chief Agent and Savior to his right hand, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins."

As Peter counseled: "await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah" 2 Pet 3:12a

Hopefully this will work for you @Christine Collins. Just click the file. Jehovah's Witnesses No Blood Transfusions Fatalities.mp4

Just time and place Just does. Not a problem for me as it makes sense. I don't expect everyone else to see it. I like the clarity of your logic and understand what you are saying. But your analogy relies on the statement "I'm in bed asleep". The dream you describe could be experienced anywhere, even on a bench at New York Aquarium! Dreams can be made up from internal and external cues. I have had dreams incorporating imaginary and real life situations where an incident or event taking place in my environment literally is incorporated in a dream sequence and I could just as easily use that analogy to illustrate my understanding. It remains for me that being before God's throne does not require this literally. e.g. Standing before God or Christ can denote having their approval regardless of location (Comp Lu. 21:36; Ps.5:5,7). Even Jehovah can stand by his servants without literally coming to the earth. Ps.109:31. I don't expect you to follow. But what I understand is that the "great crowd" described at Rev 7:14 as surviving "the great tribulation", do so here on planet earth and their experience of "no tears" is similar to that described at Rev.21:3-4 as occurring amongst "mankind" who are, very much, creatures of planet earth. . I simply have no problem with a the idea of a dual destiny for humans in God's purpose. A limited number leaving the earth to be be re-created as a new life form to rule with Christ in heaven and an unlimited number to live on earth freed from sin and imperfection, enjoying Edenic conditions as originally purposed, for me, fits everything I read in the Bible. Even before I became aware of Jehovah's Witnesses, my Bible reading told me that heaven was no place for me. And since becoming one, I am even more convinced, as sure about it as the anointed are regarding their future. The idea that a group of humans would respond to the good news during the last days, and that they could survive the end of that period to live on earth makes perfect sense to me and harmonizes with the scriptures as I read them. And my experience over the years is that, discounting those I meet with no spiritual interest at all, there are two kinds of reactions to this concept regarding a great crowd with an earthly hope. It is either welcomed gladly, or rejected as either impossible or not scriptural. I expect nothing less on this forum.

@JW Insider Thanks for the detail. Confirms my feeling on the flexible nature of what the term references.

Who decides?

Good to know!

2Thess.11-12

As a postscript to this, I know where I am with the jw.org logo. The cross...well it's never too clear what it represents these days.

In whose eyes? Job 32:12

We will know it when it comes. Thank you! We are a pretty amazing bunch I must agree!

They did not have the Watchtower then. 1st C? I think not!

@Joe Smith Thanks for sharing your opinion. This forum gives a valuable insight into views that I feel would be inaccessible in a face to face context. Most useful.

I am not sure why you are repeating these observations? Sorry if I miss your point.

Opinion on whether I am right or wrong is not the issue for me. Again, matter of your opinion at this point in time, but very wise of you to stay clear of anything you feel that that misdirects your worship. It's just that I am unconvinced by the statements you have made, although I thank you for expressing your opinion. Best wishes

Fascinating collection of photos from the '60s found on youtube

I presume his association with Jehovah's Witnesses was subsequent to these incidents...or not? There needs to be a little more context to these kind of reports in my opinion.

As for this portion of your comment, my response to the question is quite simply No! I see many wearing crosses today either as jewelry or body art who see it purely as a decorative item. Some of them are professed atheists. I myself wore a cross as a piece of jewelry long before I became a Christian. Worship of it was the furthest thing from my mind at that time. Incidentally whilst visiting a capital city in Europe recently, I witnessed a street fight over an automobile incident. One man was attempting to beat another with a large golden crucifix on a chain that he had been wearing at the time. I had no assumption that he was worshipping that item.

Even jw.org tattoos have been suggested! Certainly crosses feature quite prominently in body art. The same book you quote, same page, shows that over the years, the realization of the unchristian origins and use of the cross symbol made it not just unnecessary but objectionable, so these pins are no longer used. So the issue was not over the use of a badge or pin, but more about the cross symbol incorporated in it's design. With regard to the jw.org logo, I do note the proliferation of cottage industry including the logo in various paraphernalia offered for sale. Possibly a distasteful development for some. Maybe a copyright infringement, others assert, but I would leave that evaluation to more qualified legal minds. However, I have yet to see any evidence presented to equate it with false religious idols from ancient times. So for me, apart from the obvious use of the logo for branding of media and property belonging to the official organisational entities of Jehovah's Witnesses, all these other private uses of it remain for now, simply a matter of personal choice, governed by good taste and conscience.

The two bible accounts describing executions carried out coincidentally with the birthday celebrations of non-worshipers of Jehovah are not the measuring stick for the appropriateness of such celebrations by true Christians in modern times. So the conclusion drawn that a seemingly harmless activity (Ish-bosheth's nap), accompanied by an evil event (Ish-bosheth's murder), renders that harmless activity evil by association is invalid. Ish-bosheth was murdered because he was Saul's son, not because he was asleep.

Makes no difference. They will still make mistakes, as did prophets of old.