lentaylor71

(Leviticus 19:28) “‘You must not make cuts in your flesh for a dead person, and you must not make tattoo markings on yourselves. I am Jehovah.
(Deuteronomy 18:10-12) There should not be found in you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, anyone who employs divination, anyone practicing magic, anyone who looks for omens, a sorcerer, 11 anyone binding others with a spell, anyone who consults a spirit medium or a fortune-teller, or anyone who inquires of the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is detestable to Jehovah, and on account of these detestable practices Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you.
(Proverbs 6:16-19) 16 There are six things that Jehovah hates; Yes, seven things that he detests: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart plotting wicked schemes, and feet that run quickly to evil, 19 A false witness who lies with every breath, And anyone sowing contentions among brothers.
(Revelation 22:15) 15 Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie.’
(Malachi 3:6) “For I am Jehovah; I do not change. And you are sons of Jacob; you have not yet come to your finish.
(James 1:16, 17) 16 Do not be misled, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, coming down from the Father of the celestial lights, who does not vary or change like the shifting shadows. . .
(John 17:3) This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
We have to be consistent. Above is a sample of some of the things Jehovah hates.  When we know Jehovah's personality we know his likes and dislikes. We are privileged to have this knowledge as shown in the scriptures above, revealed by Him himself.  Jehovah does not change.    All these scriptures apply to us.

In addition to the comments above, these scriptures clearly show that Jesus will perform the resurrection with full power and authority from his Father.
(John 5:25-30) . . .the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. 30 I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
 
*** w79 6/15 p. 20 par. 18 Resurrected—“Each In His Own Proper Place” ***
18 Jesus Christ releases mankind only from the Adamic death and our common grave, Haʹdes. He assured us of this when he said: “I am the First and the Last, and the living one; . . . and I have the keys of death and of Haʹdes.” (Rev. 1:17, 18) So, with good reason, Jesus said to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life.”—John 11:25.
 
*** w76 4/15 p. 244 par. 18 Why We Need the Kingdom of Jesus Christ ***
In heaven the glorified Jesus Christ can still say: “I am the resurrection and the life.” That he is authorized by God his Father to raise the dead, he assures us by his words in the Revelation vision to John: “I became dead, but, look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.”—Rev. 1:18.
 
(Bold text - mine)

WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?
Old Outline: PB_002-E.pdf
New Outline: PB002-E.pdf

MOVE AHEAD WITH JEHOVAH’S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION
New Outline: PB003-E.pdf
Old Outline:  PB_003-E.pdf
 
 
SERVING WITH JEHOVAH’S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION
No. 3-E 9/07 is now:
MOVE AHEAD WITH JEHOVAH’S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION
No. 3-E 9/15

The Watchtower teaches that the Great tribulation begins with the fall of Babylon the Great.
But while reading Revelation chapter 16:12, we learn that the sixth angel pour out his bowl on the Euphrates and then verse 16 says "And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Armageddon."
And verses 17 to 21 are talking about Babylon the Great. Verse 19 says that "Babylon the Great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath".
It seems that the fall of Babylon the Great comes after Armageddon.
How do you explain that?

Also, some of these private institutions also get subventions from government which come from tax payers.
 
In any case, we should not be too quick to judge. Life is complicated and things are not as straightforward as they seem.
 
 

If he was on earth and a perfect human, why didn't he write a text himself that outlined everything perfectly, that way it couldn't get muddled by human interpretation. Everything would be more direct and clear and there would be so much less confusion.

Didn't God nullify all of Adam's work when he confused the languages at the Tower of Babel?
and who named all the animals AFTER the Flood of Noah's Day?
 
 

Regular PDF
w_E_201602.pdf
Large Print
w_f-lp-1_E_201602.pdf
w_f-lp-2_E_201602.pdf
Audio
w_E_201602.mp3.zip

In the NWT, every time the Greek word "proskuneo" is used in reference to God, it is translated as "worship" (Rev 5:14, 7:11, 11:16, 19:4, Jn 4:20, etc.). Every time "proskuneo" is used in reference to Jesus, it is translated as "obeisance" (Mt 14:33, 28:9, 28:17, Lk 24:52, Heb 1:6, etc.), even though it is the same word in the Greek (see Gr-Engl Interlinear).
Especially compare the Greek word "prosekunhsan" used with reference to God in Rev 5:14, 7:11, 11:16, and 19:4 and used with reference to Christ in Mt 14:33, 28:9, and 28:17. What is the reason for this inconsistency? If the NWT was consistent in translating "proskuneo" as "worship", how would the verses above referring to Christ read?

See also:
 

recently changed to:
 

Probably for @Jay Witness to respond on this perceived anomaly.
However, April 1 1984 Watchtower discussed this question on pages 30-31:
▪ What is the difference between immortality and everlasting life?
Endless life will be enjoyed both by anointed ones receiving spirit life in heaven and by humans whom God declares righteous for life on the Paradise earth. So if you think about the outcome, immortality in heaven and everlasting life on earth result in basically the same thing—living forever. There are, though, some comments about immortality that can be made.
The Greek word translated “immortality” (athanasia) is formed from the negative a and from thanatos, meaning “death.” Immortality thus has the basic sense of ‘without death,’ or deathlessness. Understandably, Jehovah is the absolute source of all life and is immortal. (Psalm 36:9; 90:1, 2) This is confirmed by the fact that his glorified Son, who now “is the reflection of [God’s] glory and the exact representation of his very being,” is described as “the King of those [men] who rule as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, the one alone having immortality.” (Hebrews 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:15, 16) No creature can take Jesus’ life as an immortal, which makes him different from humans or spirits that can die. Further, we read: “Now that [Christ] has been raised up from the dead, [he] dies no more; death is master over him no more.”—Romans 6:9.
Though immortality is, in a sense, everlasting life, immortality apparently implies more than that its possessor will live forever. It seems to indicate a particular quality of life, and it is linked with incorruption. The Bible says about spirit-anointed Christians who receive the heavenly reward: “This which is corruptible [in its human body] must put on incorruption, and this which is mortal must put on immortality. But when this which is corruptible puts on incorruption and this which is mortal puts on immortality, then the saying will take place that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up forever.’”—1 Corinthians 15:53, 54.
Still, the Bible does not provide much detail about the quality of life termed immortality. We do know that mortal humans—even perfect humans having the prospect of endless life on earth—must eat and drink to maintain life, or they die and their bodies experience corruption. (Genesis 2:9, 15, 16) No doubt immortality involves a quality of life that does not need to be sustained like that. Thus it could be said that all who become immortal are not subject to death or that ‘death is master over them no more.’ That would harmonize, too, with their receiving incorruptibility, indicating that their spirit body or organism is inherently beyond decay, ruin or corruption. (Compare 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 20:6.) In these ways a difference might be seen between immortality and everlasting human life.
Jehovah God is the perfect Judge who rewards anointed ones with immortality. When he in his boundless wisdom and insight determines such ones to be completely tested and unquestionably qualified for immortality, we can trust that they will forever be faithful. All whom Jehovah judges worthy of endless life, whether as immortal spirits or as perfect humans, will be able to worship him forever. Thus, in the final analysis, both everlasting human life and immortality in heaven result in endless life.—John 17:3.
 

S-335-16-E.pdf

Circuit Overseer Guidelines (tg-E) October 2015.pdf

S-317-E.pdf

Continuing from above.
*** w09 3/15 pp. 24-25 par. 3 Righteous Ones Will Praise God Forever ***
3 Jehovah rewarded Jesus with something that his Son did not have in his prehuman existence—indestructible life in heaven. (Heb. 7:15-17, 28) Jehovah was pleased to do this because Jesus had kept perfect integrity under severe tests. Jesus thereby provided his Father with the best, yes the complete, answer to Satan’s lie that humans serve God with selfish motives and not out of unbreakable love.—Prov. 27:11.
Jesus had a right to eternal life before he came to earth; and that is why he could ransom the human race and buy back life for us. (Isa 9:6 Eternal Father) However as the article and the scripture shows he was rewarded with an indestructible life - which he never had before.
*Bold text inserted by M Mills

You have to consider also why the "second death" will be kept on the books.  "Adamic" death will be gone forever;  however, the second death will be reserved just in case someone "gets ideas" in the future.  The precedents will have been set and there will be no delay in using the second death to rid the earth of any possible future willful sin/rebellion, although that will be unlikely after the final test.
Just imagine if immortality and everlasting life were the same.  What would Jehovah be able to do to Satan after he had sinned?  The effect is similar, but one (everlasting life) depends on continuing to obey Jehovah out of love and respecting all the laws of nature; whereas one (immortality) cannot be touched by death at all.
Jehovah's wisdom is past tracing out - nothing can pass him; he is always prepared.(Romans 11:33) O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!
(Revelation 20:6) . . .Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and they will rule as kings with him for the 1,000 years.
(Hebrews 7:15-17) 15 And this becomes even clearer when another priest arises who is like Mel·chizʹe·dek, 16 who has become such, not by the legal requirement that depends on fleshly descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is said in witness of him: “You are a priest forever in the manner of Mel·chizʹe·dek.”
(Revelation 20:14, 15) 14 And death and the Grave were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. 15 Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.
(Revelation 20:9, 10) 9 And they advanced over the whole earth and encircled the camp of the holy ones and the beloved city. But fire came down out of heaven and consumed them. 10 And the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulfur, where both the wild beast and the false prophet already were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Satan therefore has a destructible life (as well as other heavenly creatures). It goes without saying that Jehovah is the Source of Life - no point discussing the quality of his life.  However, Jesus' faithfulness has been proven in heaven and on earth. He has been rewarded with an indestructible life (see Hebrews 7 above). The 144,000 are rewarded with an indestructible life for their faithfulness on earth. At their final sealing Jehovah will be certain about that. Their faithfulness will continue in their heavenly station as the following scripture shows.   (Revelation 14:13) 13 And I heard a voice out of heaven say, “Write: Happy are the dead who die in union with the Lord from this time onward. Yes, says the spirit, let them rest from their labors, for the things they did go right with them.”
 

Jesus's quote "You know a tree by it's fruit"

*** w15 9/15 p. 4 par. 6 Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ? ***
6 We understand, though, that love is just one aspect of the fruitage of the spirit that a mature Christian displays. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Other aspects—such as mildness, self-control, and patience—are important too. They can help him to handle difficult situations without becoming irritated and to endure heartbreaking disappointments without losing hope. In his program of personal study, he continually searches for Scriptural principles that can help him to distinguish right from wrong. Thereafter, when he makes decisions, he gives evidence of spiritual maturity. For instance, he listens to his Bible-trained conscience. The mature Christian shows humility in that he recognizes that Jehovah’s ways and standards are always better than his own. He zealously preaches the good news and contributes to the unity of the congregation.

Last I heard on it was that we should say fruitage.  Just check the CD for the last discussion on it.

Growing up as a perfect boy
“Jesus’ parents also recognized their responsibility as regards discipline. True, during his prehuman existence, Jesus had always been obedient. But while on earth, he learned to be obedient under entirely new circumstances. For one thing, he had to obey imperfect parents because even a perfect child needs discipline in the form of instruction and education. This his parents provided. Discipline in the form of punishment, on the other hand, was unnecessary. Jesus always obeyed; he never had to be told twice. We read: “Then he went home with them [his parents] to Nazareth and was obedient to them.”—Luke 2:51, Phillips.”*** w92 10/1 p. 27 Learn Obedience by Accepting Discipline ***
 
Luke 2:51) Then he went down with them and returned to Nazʹa·reth, and he continued subject to them. Also, his mother carefully kept all these sayings in her heart.
 
The Carpenter’s son
"It seems likely that Mary’s husband, Joseph, had already died. If so, Mary was no stranger to loss. Jesus was now called not only “the carpenter’s son” but also “the carpenter.” Evidently, Jesus had taken over his father’s business and had assumed the role of provider for the family, which included at least six children who were born after him. (Matthew 13:55, 56; Mark 6:3) Even if Jesus had been training James—likely the next oldest son—to carry on the trade, the departure of the eldest would not be easy for the family. Mary already bore a heavy load; did she dread this transition? We can only guess. But here is a more important question: How would she respond when Jesus of Nazareth became Jesus Christ, the long-promised Messiah? One Bible account reveals something in that regard.—John 2:1-12"
*** w14 5/1 p. 12 She Survived the Sword of Grief ***
 
 
What else transpired is not necessary to know
 
 (John 21:25) There are also, in fact, many other things that Jesus did, which if ever they were written in full detail, I suppose the world itself could not contain the scrolls written.
 
(1 Corinthians 4:6) 6 Now, brothers, these things I have applied to myself and A·polʹlos for your good, that through us you may learn the rule: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” so that you may not be puffed up with pride, favoring one against the other.
 
(2 Timothy 3:16, 17) All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.
 

30 years is a long time in the life of a human yet little is written about this time frame,l wonder why?
 

Yes, immortality is different from everlasting life.
But the anointed will have immortality in the heavens.  The faithful angels are benefiting from  everlasting life but  the anointed will have immortality, like Jesus. They will not/cannot ever die.
(John 17:17) Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth.
 
 (Romans 15:4) For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.
 
(1 Corinthians 15:50-54) 50 But I tell you this, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit God’s Kingdom, nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Look! I tell you a sacred secret: We will not all fall asleep in death, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the blink of an eye, during the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised up incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53 For this which is corruptible must put on incorruption, and this which is mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this which is corruptible puts on incorruption and this which is mortal puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: “Death is swallowed up forever.. . .

http://nydn.us/1RXqHzB