John Houston

But you have to remember that the returnees, or those in exile, were not commanded to return to Jerusalem. That was left up to the individual. This was much different than the release from Egypt, when the Israelites were slaves, held under compulsory service. But as exiles from their homeland, many were given service in the government, some even became wealthy doing business in the territory. So when Babylon fell and the Word came to return, many may have weighed that call against what they had gained. But it was a false assumption, because again they were not putting spiritual things first.
Their return was not for their relief, but to rebuild the temple and Jehovah's named worship center. Not their own relief and homelife, which was what Nehemiah found when the work slacked, but their own homes were decked out. So those whose heart was true to true worship as Isaiah wrote, for righteousness would be on this road, being protected by Jehovah on the trek back home.
So some indeed stayed, but those 'seeking first' spiritual things left to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the wall and gate of the city, which had been burned by fire.

A  nice  video  from  the  International  Convention  in  SIMBABWE,  AFRICA
 

This is so true. Remember Ray Koch? With McDonald's? He did not sell burgers at all, right? He did franchisee, or as we say duplication. That is what I sell. The process. And doing quite well.

the new year book is available online on the official JWORG page,

and if you like to have a look on the annoual report with the year's numbers.
(do you keep statistics of all these numbers? - that could be interesting to have.)

 
here is something interesting I would like to share. thanks

 

While this information is encouraging, we need to remember the admonishment from the faithful and discrete slave regarding posting public talks for public consumption.
 *** km 4/10 p. 3 Question Box ***
Question Box
▪ Should Jehovah’s Witnesses circulate recordings or transcripts of talks?
We are strengthened and encouraged by Bible discourses. (Acts 15:32) Therefore, it is natural to want to share such encouraging information with those who were not present. With the advent of various recording devices, a talk can be recorded and distributed to others at a moment’s notice. Some have maintained a collection of recorded talks, including talks that were given many years ago, and with good motive they lend these talks or reproduce them for friends. Others have created Web sites and posted talks there for anyone to download.
Understandably, there is no objection if we record talks for personal use or for members of our family. In addition, elders may arrange for talks to be recorded for infirm members of the congregation who are unable to attend the meetings. However, there are good reasons for us not to circulate transcripts or recordings of talks.
Because talks are often delivered with local needs in mind, we could easily misconstrue points from a circulated recording, since we would not be aware of the setting in which the talk was given. In addition, it would be difficult for us to verify who gave the talk and when, so that we can have confidence that the information presented is up-to-date and accurate. (Luke 1:1-4) Further, circulating transcripts or recordings of talks might tempt some to give or accept undue attention and honor.—1 Cor. 3:5-7.
The faithful and discreet slave works hard to provide spiritual food in the right “measure” and at “the proper time.” (Luke 12:42) This includes the arrangement for talks to be given at local congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses and audio recordings that can be downloaded from the official jw.org Web site. We can be confident that the faithful and discreet slave and its Governing Body will provide what we need in order to be made firm in the faith.—Acts 16:4, 5.
In addition to the above, unless the talk is a manuscript that is read word-for-word there is the possibility that the information given is incorrect. How so, many brothers add personal examples or may misapply some of the given information due to their own misunderstanding. Imagine the harm that can be caused by misinformation being posted in the name of Jehovah.
Just my two cents worth.
Cheers my friends.
 

The Watchtower (Study) (2016)“Keep On Encouraging One Another Each Day”

AMEN!!!!

Love this!! We too use technology not for the same circumstance. But I care for home bound brother and sister and I put the words to the songs and play all videos for meetings at the same time the Kingdom Hall does so that they feel more a part of the congregation. They absolutely thank Jehovah for the provision. ?

Thank you Nichole I am also thankful for this site to bring more spirituality into their home they only get these 4 walls and with this site I can bring brothers and sisters world wide into there home it's very upbuilding for them too.!!!

You make me look stuff up, I'm getting too old for,this!!

Ann, is that anger I read in your answer? We must follow, not go ahead with how we feel. Too many examples in scripture on the outcome of those who did. Can we speak? Does this include, hugs and kisses? Casual conversation? Plans for dinner?
a child that has been disfellowedshipped,,knows the stigma of what they've done and if repentant want to return to family and friends, and want to do it Jehovah's way, not what they feel,is how it should be done. Can we speak to them? Yes, for as you point out, we empathize with ones, but we do no more than that. Can't act like they are invisible, but they also know what is going on. If their heart is in the right place, as the example given above,,they will return and this exercise of questions will be moot, correct?

I will. Miriam danced. If the beat is there my feet and body will find it as those who sung it did, as I will praise Jehovah, also.

I will. Miriam danced. If the beat is there my feet and body will find it as those who sung it did, as I will praise Jehovah, also.

Then you did not understand my answer. Jehovah did not chose the first come first serve on Christians, when it comes with those who are ones sealed as corulers with Christ. It seems to be everyone's thinking that all Christians who DIED from the death of Jesus were in line for this "gift" , whereas scripture clearly tells us that Jehovah makes the choice of the 144000, who would be with his Son in the heavenly kingdom. His choice, not their deaths, or martyrdom. So no matter how many from after Jesus' death until now Jehovah will only choose 144000. And he has not finished with that yet. That number will not be completed until Jesus gathers those who are alive to heaven. Any who are chosen could not be sealed, so things could change. Dealing with imperfect humans. Any of the 3000 who were baptized were not all faithful until death, correct?  That is why your reasoning is flawed.

I am laughing at your reasoning. What is being read into what I said? If what Paul said about "all things", would that mean the things, the same as the former things upon earth which will be done away with? Wow, how can a sensible person miss this? When Jesus hand back the Kingdom reins, would not it be finish, would not AT THAT MOMENT death be swallowed up? Before Adam rebelled, wasn't death just an idea? The same is true in what Paul is saying. Until Satan is released, until we are retested as perfect humans, under the same conditions as Adam and Eve then we will prove ourselves, then we will set aside those for destruction with Satan. You are twisted in your thinking your reasoning with scripture. That is your right. Ones like you feed off of debate from ones like me, but even Jesus walked away. So am I. 

Agree totally. Be as postmen in your territory. With the people and the Angels. Maybe, just maybe one day someone will have need for what we have on the cart. 

It is also strange that this Son, who was sent, had no power but that was given him by his Father. He came to do his Father's will not his own. The parable he spoke of the king who sent his son, after the many slaves were killed, but even this son was also killed was about his situation with his Father. Yes, we know about his name. It has a place, at his Father's right hand, until he is given the time to rule the kingdom with full authority. And after he has finished this Jesus will give all authority back to his Father and regulate himself, humbly again as he prayed to the glory he had before coming to earth. That is what scripture says. Yes Jesus is the theme person in the NT, but Jesus made his Father's name known, not his own. To do what he left for them at Acts 1:8, all what has been said about Jesus had to occurr. We are not brainwashed, but understand scripture! Agape.

My family found the truth in 1957, I the oldest child was baptized in 67, the date of 75, was never taught to us as nothing more than the end of 6000 yrs. of human existence on earth. We were never looking forward to Armageddon. My father bought a home for my mother and siblings, I went off to college. Just as I had planned. He became an elder in the congregation, which he stayed u til his death. Yes, this organization changes. It is imperfect. Each one that has been used by Jehovah in scripture has done no better. Why is this one set on such a high pedestal of standard? To be part of the Jewish organization there were regulations that would identify one was following after this nations standard of worship. The same is with us as Witnesses. Using the Bible, we do not tolerate what is normal in the mainstream as life choices. And ones who act and think are so removed.
 We we do good to follow after this way, even if we do not understand. Did not Peter do so? The way of everlasting life is here, not anywhere else. Life was onboard the arc, even if the person did not like Noah, he could have been save just by being onboard the ark. That is what we tell people today. Read your Bible for yourself, learn and come be among people of like faith and understanding. All the stumbling that happened in the past, is painful. But it harms that person and any who listens. Jehovah saw all what happened. Any wrongs will be made right. Any who died, will be raised. That is the beauty of this. We forget to see it fro Jehovah's viewpoint, which is what he is telling us to do. We are fighting, arguing among ourselves with all these posts, but in the end Jehovah as all the answers. If Sodom will come back, be there to see. Those you thought done wrong by this organization, be there to see Jehovah happily give them life again. That is what scripture tells us. Be there to see all the promises Jehovah holds out. Love we should have, not this arguing, the hate. That will not be there and any who foster such feelings will neither. Agape, my friends.

Why not? The nation do Israel was so chosen, were they a PERFECT EXAMPLE, of an organization being used by Jehovah God? Were there not lying, adultery, murder, stealing, sexual immorality going within those who had spiritual responsibility over those other tribesmen? Yet time after time Jehovah forgave and saved them when asked in repentance, correct? But today, it is beyond Jehovah to have such and orderly way of doing things, right? It everyone for themselves? Do ones own thing? Yet when the eunuch could not understand, he stated he would need help, fight? Many of us need help. Jehovah and his Son knows this. He has not changed in how he does things. Even with our technology, Jehovah uses imperfect men, to do his perfect will. His purpose, not ours, will be come to a close. Jesus said many would think they were doing what was correct, but he would deny knowing them. Remember? If this organization is such a one it also would be so denied! But that is for Jehovah, not humans. Jesus said we are drawn to the truth by Jehovah, not winning a draw, or lotto. So Jehovah did not give us a chance to learn about this good news, in a failing organization just as much he did not place faulty plans to build a means of survival with Noah in building the ark. Noah did just so, right? Following what was laid out by Jehovah, the ark gave Noah, his family and the animals safety during the deluge. The same holds true in these last days. Instead of fighting, we should be gathering ourselves aboard the only means of surviving these last days. We will not be doing them alone. One path, Jesus said, not many. Going through one door. That destination leading off to eternal life. That is why we still give priority to our ministry. Until Jehovah says, STOP! The doubts, questions are all answered in our daily reading of the Bible, our personal study, our meeting together with ones of like faith, our ministry, to show others. Our personal talk with Jehovah in prayer must not be overlooked. All what I just said is what I do for me and my family. For I have questions and doubt, but I do what I said in my answer. Then my faith, my armor is strong! Agape!

Shiwii, yet verse 28, of Paul's word state that when Jesus finished his reign, he will subject himself back to his Father, as he was in the beginning as it was before Adam sinned. That is what his reign will right. Jehovah will again be all things to everyone, we will all be united again in perfection. Standing as Adam was. Without satanic influence or sin. Then when he is release all mankind will have the opportunity as did Adam and Eve as perfect humans to make that choice to either stand with Jehovah or again side with Satan. And as scripture says some will fall again to sin. But none will have someone else to blame. And all will be destroyed along with Satan and his demons. Evil being destroyed forever! The meek possessing the earth. 
During those 1000 yrs. mankind fallen in death will be able to be healed; also the earth. Having heaven rid of satanic influence with Satan thrown from heaven, earth will be cleansed also. Sin and imperfection will be removed from earth. As the Lord's Prayer state, God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. The dead in Jehovah's memory from Abel until the last one died, will be raised to life, under conditions they have never seen! Physically restored to perfection during Christ reign, taking advantage of the blood of his sacrifice. Fulfilling Isaiah words about him being Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor. Jesus will wear all these caps during his reign. As after that time he will take his position he held at the beginning, as the Word of God, subjecting himself under his Father as he was before. Jehovah being One to all, just as Paul wrote. 
Your beliefs are not based on scripture, all scripture, you have cherry-picked what you want to believe. You have that right. Paul reasoned with ones when he spoke, your statements make no sense. After the 1000 yrs., then the rest of the dead are brought back to life? When then is Satan released? When are we tested finally? When is Satan destroyed? Jehovah is not a God of disorder, right? So there will be order as the Bible reads throughout. He has not changed, correct? My parents will enjoy the 1000 yrs reign, hopefully with me, for I am trying my best to survive through the tribulation. And when the time comes a joyous time this earth will have. And after Satan and those who followed after him are destroyed, this again will be a joyous time. For we will have shown Jehovah God we want to be ruled by him. And what he wanted to show us, before sin happened we will be blown away. The things we will learn. Keep reading your Bible. Agape!

HollyW, the answer is no! During Christ 'presence' which began when after sitting at his Father right hand for a time, he then was given the kingly authority. He first removed all of satanic influence from heaven. Such the war in heaven. Then those who were to be in heaven with him, the apostle's, his mother, those firstfriuts. And then any of the 144,000 dying faithful, would be trans formed in a twinkling of an eye not remaining in the grave. That is the understanding from scripture. Before the outbreak of the great tribulation, the remaining ones of the heavenly class will be called up to heaven, to take part in the removal of wickedness from the earth, being sealed with their brothers; kings and priests with Jesus Christ! 
Having destroyed governments and wicked off the earth, Satan and his demons are abyssed for the 1000 yrs., while Jesus reigns. During this time survivors are healed from sin and imperfection, the earth from the devastating effects of mankind before. Those who succumbed to death and are in Jehovah's memory will hear Jesus' voice as he calls them forth from the common Grave, back to perfect life under much better conditions. Learning from the "opened scrolls" all the earth will be united in the knowledge of Jehovah , as John seen in vision eating from the tree of life, so to speak. Gaining access to the status that Adam and Eve had before our Heavenly Father , before Satan is loosed one last time.

Shiwii, yet verse 28, of Paul's word state that when Jesus finished his reign, he will subject himself back to his Father, as he was in the beginning as it was before Adam sinned. That is what his reign will right. Jehovah will again be all things to everyone, we will all be united again in perfection. Standing as Adam was. Without satanic influence or sin. Then when he is release all mankind will have the opportunity as did Adam and Eve as perfect humans to make that choice to either stand with Jehovah or again side with Satan. And as scripture says some will fall again to sin. But none will have someone else to blame. And all will be destroyed along with Satan and his demons. Evil being destroyed forever! The meek possessing the earth. 
During those 1000 yrs. mankind fallen in death will be able to be healed; also the earth. Having heaven rid of satanic influence with Satan thrown from heaven, earth will be cleansed also. Sin and imperfection will be removed from earth. As the Lord's Prayer state, God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. The dead in Jehovah's memory from Abel until the last one died, will be raised to life, under conditions they have never seen! Physically restored to perfection during Christ reign, taking advantage of the blood of his sacrifice. Fulfilling Isaiah words about him being Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor. Jesus will wear all these caps during his reign. As after that time he will take his position he held at the beginning, as the Word of God, subjecting himself under his Father as he was before. Jehovah being One to all, just as Paul wrote. 
Your beliefs are not based on scripture, all scripture, you have cherry-picked what you want to believe. You have that right. Paul reasoned with ones when he spoke, your statements make no sense. After the 1000 yrs., then the rest of the dead are brought back to life? When then is Satan released? When are we tested finally? When is Satan destroyed? Jehovah is not a God of disorder, right? So there will be order as the Bible reads throughout. He has not changed, correct? My parents will enjoy the 1000 yrs reign, hopefully with me, for I am trying my best to survive through the tribulation. And when the time comes a joyous time this earth will have. And after Satan and those who followed after him are destroyed, this again will be a joyous time. For we will have shown Jehovah God we want to be ruled by him. And what he wanted to show us, before sin happened we will be blown away. The things we will learn. Keep reading your Bible. Agape!

I am laughing at your reasoning. What is being read into what I said? If what Paul said about "all things", would that mean the things, the same as the former things upon earth which will be done away with? Wow, how can a sensible person miss this? When Jesus hand back the Kingdom reins, would not it be finish, would not AT THAT MOMENT death be swallowed up? Before Adam rebelled, wasn't death just an idea? The same is true in what Paul is saying. Until Satan is released, until we are retested as perfect humans, under the same conditions as Adam and Eve then we will prove ourselves, then we will set aside those for destruction with Satan. You are twisted in your thinking your reasoning with scripture. That is your right. Ones like you feed off of debate from ones like me, but even Jesus walked away. So am I. 

Shiwiii, how do you understand Paul's words at 1 Corinthians 15:23-28? There Paul spoke of those being brought back during "his presence". When he hands over the kingdom back to Jehovah at the end of the 1000 yrs, then all would be perfect, death will be swallowed up. All will have been raised from the grave. So how is it the way you reason does not jibe with what Paul is saying here in scripture? We all know that during Christ reign HIS VOICE, will call those from the grave, not his Father's correct? That is what John wrote at John 5:28,29. Jehovah gave his Son, this authority during this time with his corulers, to right things and after things in heaven and on earth is perfect as it was in the beginning, Jesus hands it back to Jehovah all in perfect condition. Humans  perfect, the earth globally perfect, heaven perfect. Now Satan is loosed one final time on us on earth. That is what scripture teaches. That is what you read from scripture, correct? The Bible is united in thought on this matter.

July 2016 OCLAM videos