Melinda Mills

The point the critics are missing is that the superior authorities have the right to demand taxes as well as to waive taxes. If you say they have to demand taxes on every occasion you are saying they can't use their discretion. It is like saying a pensioner should pay taxes although the government prescribes the income bands wherein a pensioner can be tax free. What pensioner would go tell the government that they don't appreciate that reprieve from paying taxes on a small income. It would be tantamount to showing lack of appreciation for the government's consideration and sympathy for the person now earning one-third to one-fifth of what they used to work for. Governments are not run by robots that can only think one way. Decisions are made by people who are themselves workers and would look forward to that same treatment when they can no longer receive full salary. It is the same with religious organizations. These organizations did not ask the government for this consideration. It was a gift or a concession to them because of the nature of their work. All religious organizations avail themselves of that right, and are viewed equally, just like all pensioners have the privilege of being tax-free where their income fall below a certain threshold. So saying that they must still pay taxes is showing lack of appreciation for this concession and is also saying that the government is a one-way thinking robot and cannot use discretion. It is simple-mindedness. Jesus once said that the "sons are really tax-free" and that taxes should really be collected from foreigners * But he said because of conscience we should be willing and ready to pay. JWs would be willing and ready to pay if the government changed its mind and started to tax all religious organizations - but if it told JWs that only they had to pay, they would fight it for sure, as that would not be fair. There are secular organizations where their employees and premises and income are tax-exempt - because the governments say they do not want them to pay taxes for various reasons, especially international organizations with employees from various countries. People should educate themselves on these matters. Any person or entity can demand payment or can waive payment for various reasons. It is like saying that if a business decides to give a customer a free product, the customer has to give it back or insist that he pays for it. The government needs taxes, but the government can decide to forego payment in areas where it wishes to do so. ______________ *(Matthew 17:24-27) 24 After they arrived in Ca·perʹna·um, the men collecting the two drachmas tax approached Peter and said: “Does your teacher not pay the two drachmas tax?” 25 He said: “Yes.” However, when he entered the house, Jesus spoke to him first and said: “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive duties or head tax? From their sons or from the strangers?” 26 When he said: “From the strangers,” Jesus said to him: “Really, then, the sons are tax-free. 27 But that we do not cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a fishhook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a silver coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you.”

Funny! My eldest brother and I are taller than our parents and the other children. Got cod liver oil and shark oil regularly (with orange or lemon juice). If it's a fish, can't say which fish did it.

The language is probably too violent to be of use to anyone. Maybe they are locked forever. Quoting 2 Timothy 2:24 while doing what it doesn't recommend? It is useless.

Hope ye three meet up.

Shows these dogs can communicate well with each other.

Nipples and navels - we had a lot of discussion on that in the past. Are they trying to say God did not make Adam with nipples?

Haven't seen any sisters in trousers either in the Kingdom Hall in my country. Saw sisters in elegant Punjabi dresses with trousers under them at an international convention in 2009 - not in my country. The country hosting the international convention has people of East Indian descent, so that is normal in that country.

Always remember the 1961 and 1967 Yeartexts for some reason. The yeartexts also help you to remember the scriptures where they are taken from.

Haven't seen a sister in a mini skirt for a long time.

I see that word "allowed" again. They seem to be all small children.

You too have to revisit the whole thing if you are interested in Daniel prophecy. See who is King of the south. The king of the north and the king of the south will engage in pushing which is on-going.

It will be like nothing any human has ever experienced. So a lot of the planning will be futile. It will be not what we have that will save us, but what we are. (Matthew 24:21) for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. It will only end when God ends it, so people may be saved. (Matthew 24:22) In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved. People who God approves will be able to survive with God's help. (1 John 2:17) “The world is passing away . . . , but the one who does the will of God remains forever.”— (Zephaniah 2:3) Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, Who observe his righteous decrees. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you will be concealed on the day of Jehovah’s anger. (2 Peter 3:10-16) But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed. 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12 as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! 13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. 14 Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace. 15 Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you according to the wisdom given him, ..." We should not complain about how long Armageddon is taking but as the apostle Paul said in the verse 15, we should use the time (he patience of our Lord) to gain God's approval (grow in love for Jehovah and Christ Jesus, do Jehovah's will as exemplified by Christ, be spotless from the world and be peaceful with our brothers).

Question asked by Josue2. The early Christians cast lots to make decisions, after Pentecost they were assisted by the holy spirit. *** it-1 p. 129 Apostle *** At that particular time before Pentecost, however, there were men meeting these requirements, and two were put forth as suitable for replacing unfaithful Judas. Doubtless having in mind Proverbs 16:33, lots were cast, and Matthias was selected and was thereafter “reckoned along with the eleven apostles.” (Ac 1:23-26) (Proverbs 16:33) The lot is cast into the lap, But every decision by it is from Jehovah. After a lively discussion and a summary by James, the chairman, they came to this decision aided by holy spirit. (Acts 15:28, 29) For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things: 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!”

So does the GB disfellowship itself when it understands better something it said in the past and changes it? For example, the superior authorities are Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, now it is the governmental authorities. They are brothers who understood what this meant before the GB. That is why all this inquisition should stop. People can believe what they wish to. They don't have to spread everything to cause disorder.

Do Jehovah's Witnesses vote? This is correct They vote at Christian meetings and at their place of work when decision-making takes preference into consideration. Do Jehovah's Witnesses vote in political elections? Each one decides in accordance with his Bible-trained conscience. *** w99 11/1 pp. 28-29 Questions From Readers *** How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view voting? There are clear principles set out in the Bible that enable servants of God to take a proper view of this matter. However, there appears to be no principle against the practice of voting itself. For example, there is no reason why a board of directors should not take a vote in order to arrive at decisions affecting their corporation. Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses often make decisions about meeting times and the use of congregation funds by voting with a show of hands. What, though, of voting in political elections? Of course, in some democratic lands, as many as 50 percent of the population do not turn out to vote on election day. As for Jehovah’s Witnesses, they do not interfere with the right of others to vote; neither do they in any way campaign against political elections. They respect and cooperate with the authorities who are duly elected in such elections. (Romans 13:1-7) As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) In making this personal decision, the Witnesses consider a number of factors. .... Bold text - mine The whole article is quoted in a comment above by Mr. Jack Ryan

Must stop using the word "allowed" and at the same time saying it is a personal decision or a matter of conscience. "Allowed" has the connotation that someone is making the decision for you and you don't need to study the Bible and come to a conclusion. Using the word "allowed" shows that persons don't understand Christian freedom and that one has to have knowledge and based on that knowledge make their own decision. Everyone uses his Christian freedom based on the understanding gained from Romans chapter 13. Christians put Jehovah God first and also respect the superior authorities which were allowed to rule by God to keep order in the earth until his Kingdom arrives. How each Christian does it is for him to decide.

Yes, I can see Joseph being appointed a prince in the new system. Ps 45: 16. (Psalm 45:16) Your sons will take the place of your forefathers. You will appoint them as princes in all the earth.

Appearances again! Policeman holding beer and arresting a suspect of DIU. Somebody takes his picture - no end of trouble. "Policeman arrests an innocent man while under the influence." - headline. Goes both ways. (Rook would write it like this.)

True, some people have integrity and good parental training and example but the Bible still warns us about trusting in our own heart. Good parents teach their children etiquette. This helps them to avoid what the scripture below is speaking about: I did not find the wording that I used to hear as a youth. “Shun the very appearance of evil”. But this scripture appears to be saying the same thing. 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24 King James Version (KJV) 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (Proverbs 4:14, 15) Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil men. 15 Shun it, do not take it; Turn away from it, and pass it by. Every law has principles to help you to apply the law. That is where etiquette comes in. From what I see being done today I wonder whether people still instill these principles in their children, so they can avoid poor decisions that will lead into sinful conduct.

What about Hebrews 11:22.

And we still go knocking at 9.00 a.m. although we know that. We find a few home, but we should call when people are home, though it might inconvenience us. Yesterdays' Watchtower contained a picture of the neighbourly Good Samaritan returning at night to see that the man that fell victim to the robbers. What did we learn from that? He inconvenienced himself to call back at that late hour. He did not say I did enough already. Some congregations have evening Witnessing, or even groups that go to specific places at night to meet people (on ships, etc.) So we don't wish to be just calling on houses and feeling smart about what we did. We want the people to actually see us calling on them, even if they don't come to the doors. The Samaritan did his caring with love and thoroughness. So we should also be willing to inconvenience ourselves to call on people to warn them and also to follow up interest. Another thing, we should make equal effort to call on the lowly and the well off and not be prejudiced. Poor people can be materialistic as well as rich people. Jesus said it would be difficult for rich people to get into the Kingdom but he did not say it was impossible. Jehovah views the rich and poor the same way; he is not prejudiced; and he allowed his Son to die for both classes.

Somebody can't understand their English Bible?

Answer for Shiwii Rev 20:7  Now as soon as the 1,000 years have ended, Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and he will go out to mislead those nations in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Maʹgog, to gather them together for the war. The number of these is as the sand of the sea. 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. Restored mankind will not be fighting each other, though. They will not be learning war in the 1000-year reign. But as the final test is placed on all perfected humans, some rebels will come forth. The true nature of their hearts will be revealed and they will show their true colours. They will attack the ones who are loyal to the kingdom. The warriors/rebels will be in effect be fighting against God, like at Armageddon. The warriors will be on one side, and Jehovah will fight for them the other side, his restored faithful people, who will be granted everlasting life after the final test. Fire will come down from heaven and eat up these rebels. (See quotes below) *** g91 12/8 p. 11 When Old Wounds Are Healed *** Unlike all the wars that have been waged by humans, the standard of justice that will prevail in that coming war of God is absolute. It is the standard of the Creator of mankind, who has the best interests of humanity at heart. Unlike political leaders who pressure their people into war, Jehovah, our Creator, will tell his people just as he told his nation of Israel in the days of Jehoshaphat of Judah in the tenth century B.C.E.: “You will not need to fight in this instance. Take your position, stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah in your behalf.”—2 Chronicles 20:17. With the dark clouds of influence by Satan blown away, individuals from all nations will enjoy true peace and security earth wide. Then the following conditions foretold by Isaiah will have become a reality. “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. Former things shall no more be remembered nor shall they be called to mind.”—Isaiah 65:17, The New English Bible. Thus, what took place at Pearl Harbor will no more be remembered in a painful way, nor will the victims of the atom bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki cry out “No More Hiroshimas!” Why? Because the following words of Isaiah’s prophecy will also be true of every person on earth: “He [God] will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.”—Isaiah 2:4. END QUOTE *** ws15 5/15 p. 28 pars. 3-4 Questions From Readers *** But who is “Gog and Magog” mentioned at Revelation 20:8? This name refers to all those who rebel against Jehovah and attack his people during the final test at the end of the 1,000 years. They will have the same hateful attitude as Gog of Magog, the nations that attack God’s people at the end of the great tribulation. And just like those nations that will be destroyed at Armageddon, Gog and Magog will also be destroyed. (Revelation 19:20, 21; 20:9) It seems appropriate, then, that all who rebel at the end of the 1,000 years be called “Gog and Magog.” As serious students of the Bible, we are eager to find out who will become “the king of the north” in the near future. But no matter who leads the nations against God’s people, we are confident of two things: (1) Gog of Magog and his armies will be defeated and destroyed. (2) Our King, Jesus Christ, will save God’s people and bring them into a new world of peace and true security.—Revelation 7:14-17. END QUOTE ====== *** Bible Citations *** (Revelation 20:9) 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. I think you read that wrong. If someone encircled your home to draw you out into a fight or brawl, you don't necessarily have to come out. You might simply wait for the Police to come or your security people. The scriptures show that fire will come down from heaven and consume them. Means the heavenly forces will act again for the loyal ones, as in Jehoshaphat's time and as at Armageddon. Bold, underscoring and italics - mine

Don't know that one, unless it is one of the revised ones I did not see.