Melinda Mills

Don't forget that the apostle Paul also did great work in "legally" establishing the good news (the right to call on others and share faith). Also don't forget that most of the freedoms now established in USA were spearheaded by humble Jehovah's Witnesses, who took the cases to court, tested the cases in court, and won these cases, thereby establishing rights for all including themselves. This fact has been established and acknowledged by many scholars, historians and jurists. Things were pretty wild in the USA at one time as well. No wonder people are accustomed to having lots of guns even now. Let Rook and other USA brothers talk about this. I am from a small island that used to be British. Most human rights were recently established in the last 100 years or so.

1/ Nations and individuals are humans 2/*** it-1 p. 169 Arms, Armor *** The fact that two swords were available among the disciples on the night of Jesus’ betrayal was not unusual for those times (Lu 22:38), and there is evidence that for Galileans in particular it was not uncommon to carry arms. (See The Jewish War, by F. Josephus, III, 42 [iii, 2].) Jesus’ words at Luke 22:36, “Let the one having no sword sell his outer garment and buy one,” would not indicate that his disciples were about to enter into a hazardous life. Rather, he desired to have a sword available among his followers on that night in order to demonstrate clearly that, though they would come into circumstances that could easily provoke armed resistance, he did not intend to resort to the sword but would give himself up voluntarily in harmony with God’s will. Thus, when Peter did react and try to put up armed resistance, lopping off the ear of Malchus, Jesus ordered him: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Mt 26:52; Joh 18:10, 11) Certainly, Peter’s sword and the other one at hand would have availed little against such a large group of armed men, and by trying to use them, they would undoubtedly have ‘perished by the sword.’ (Mt 26:47) More important, such attempted delivery of Jesus would have failed, being completely contrary to Jehovah God’s purpose. (Mt 26:53, 54) As it was, later that day Jesus could plainly state to Pilate: “If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.”—Joh 18:36. Take it or leave it.

HERE IS A START Wars were justified under theocracy when the Israelites were told to conquer the Canaanites and take the land he gave their forefathers. (Hebrews 11:32-34) 32 And what more will I say? For time will fail me if I go on to relate about Gidʹe·on, Baʹrak, Samson, Jephʹthah, David, as well as Samuel and the other prophets. 33 Through faith they defeated kingdoms, brought about righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the force of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from a weak state were made powerful, became mighty in war, routed invading armies. War was justified to oust a powerful wicked angel from heaven (Revelation 12:7-17) 7 And war broke out in heaven: Miʹcha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them any longer in heaven. 9 So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. 10 I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! 11 And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death. 12 On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.” 13 Now when the dragon saw that it had been hurled down to the earth, it persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is to be fed for a time and times and half a time away from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent spewed out water like a river from its mouth after the woman, to cause her to be drowned by the river. 16 But the earth came to the woman’s help, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river that the dragon spewed out from its mouth. 17 So the dragon became enraged at the woman and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her offspring, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness concerning Jesus. After Christ came there is no justified war on earth among humans Christ made peace (Luke 2:13, 14) . . .Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: 14 “Glory in the heights above to God, and on earth peace among men of goodwill.” (Ephesians 2:11-22) 11 Therefore, remember that at one time you, people of the nations by fleshly descent, were the ones called “uncircumcision” by those called “circumcision,” which is made in the flesh by human hands. 12 At that time you were without Christ, alienated from the state of Israel, strangers to the covenants of the promise; you had no hope and were without God in the world. 13 But now in union with Christ Jesus, you who were once far off have come to be near by the blood of the Christ. 14 For he is our peace, the one who made the two groups one and destroyed the wall in between that fenced them off. 15 By means of his flesh he abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments consisting in decrees, in order to make the two groups in union with himself into one new man and to make peace, 16 and to reconcile fully both peoples in one body to God through the torture stake, because he had killed off the enmity by means of himself. 17 And he came and declared the good news of peace to you who were far off, and peace to those near, 18 because through him we, both peoples, have free access to the Father by one spirit. 19 So you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens of the holy ones and are members of the household of God, 20 and you have been built up on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, while Christ Jesus himself is the foundation cornerstone. 21 In union with him the whole building, being harmoniously joined together, is growing into a holy temple for Jehovah. 22 In union with him you too are being built up together into a place for God to inhabit by spirit. (1 John 4:8) Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. (1 John 3:10-12) 10 The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Whoever does not practice righteousness does not originate with God, nor does the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 not like Cain, who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother. And for what reason did he slaughter him? Because his own works were wicked, but those of his brother were righteous. True Christians do not in engage in physical warfare, but spiritual warfare 2 Cor 10:3 -6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things. 5 For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ; 6 and we are prepared to inflict punishment for every disobedience, as soon as your own obedience is complete. (Ephesians 6:14-18) . . .Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. 16 Besides all of this, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows. 17 Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, 18 while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end stay awake, constantly making supplication in behalf of all the holy ones. Christians look forward to the spiritual and literal fulfilment of prophecies about the end of all wars (Psalm 46:9) 9 He is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the military wagons with fire. (Psalm 72:7)  In his days the righteous will flourish, And peace will abound until the moon is no more. (Micah 4:1-3) 4 In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, And it will be raised up above the hills, And to it peoples will stream. 2 And many nations will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah And to the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.” For law will go out of Zion, And the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. 3 He will render judgment among many peoples And set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. They will beat their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning shears.. . . Source of wars - world ruled by Satan (John 18:36) Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.” (James 4:1-3) 4 What is the source of the wars and fights among you? Do they not originate from your fleshly desires that carry on a conflict within you? 2 You desire, and yet you do not have. You go on murdering and coveting, and yet you are not able to obtain. You go on fighting and waging war. You do not have because of your not asking. 3 When you do ask, you do not receive because you are asking for a wrong purpose, so that you may spend it on your fleshly desires. False religion blood guilty - have not taught God's will (Revelation 18:21-24) . . .Thus with a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again. 22 And the sound of singers who accompany themselves on the harp, of musicians, of flutists, and of trumpeters will never be heard in you again. And no craftsman who practices any trade will ever be found in you again, and no sound of a millstone will ever be heard in you again. 23 No light of a lamp will ever shine in you again, and no voice of a bridegroom and of a bride will ever be heard in you again; for your merchants were the top-ranking men of the earth, and by your spiritistic practices all the nations were misled. 24 Yes, in her was found the blood of prophets and of holy ones and of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth.”

Re making interest by way of bank or stock market: (Matthew 25:24-27) 24 “Finally the slave who had received the one talent came forward and said: ‘Master, I knew you to be a demanding man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not winnow. 25 So I grew afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 In reply his master said to him: ‘Wicked and sluggish slave, you knew, did you, that I reaped where I did not sow and gathered where I did not winnow? 27 Well, then, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my coming I would have received it back with interest. Jesus acknowledged the bankers' work (and the methods they use to get interest). If the bankers gamble with your money (in the stock market - every single bank [international development bank and commercial bank] has a department that invests in stocks) and make interest you don't usually complain and ask how the interest was made and wherein they invested your money. You put out your hand and take the interest. It is like what Paul said: (1 Corinthians 10:25, 26)" 25 Eat whatever is sold in a meat market, making no inquiry because of your conscience, 26 for “to Jehovah belong the earth and everything in it.”

Well, both of you are writers. Lots of information and emotion there. So start writing. Even pictures. Something about that elegant picture reminds me of James Bond.

Wouldn't happen - too much would have to be referred to the Service Desk and the lawyers. Forget it.

Truly disappointing, but maybe he (the elder) is normally very good, but was trying very hard to not make (you or whoever it was) intimidated or feel uncomfortable because of his status. You never know. The person should work with him another time and see what happens. It is best not to form an opinion on the first instance. The organization has always said that if your presentation works for you, continue it. There are so many suggested presentations that it is hard to remember them all. But I always endeavour to try them. Most are practical and well thought out. But I like my presentations the best. When the presentation is truly you own, it comes alive. When one has enthusiasm and uses practical illustrations and one speaks from the heart the person is spellbound and listens well. Last Wednesday I found myself saying to a sister, who just joined our congregation, on approaching an elderly lady: "No don't offer the new copy, offer this one (the one on "Will we Ever Feel Safe?"), the old lady's face lit up when she saw the magazine. (We were offering it for two months and she did not get a copy) Then again I got the urge to tell the sister, no don't use that scripture, use this. Micah 4:3,4. The lady's face lit up again. (The sister is a very good reader, you should have heard her read it.) I don't know why I did it, I don't usually do it. But it worked. We had a good chat and the lady sent love to another Witness who is known to her. I plan to remind the sister to go back to the lady and will go with her if she wants. We have all ammunition in our bags, magazines of all subjects, tracts, videos, etc. But I think we are the ones that make the presentations successful, because we can light up the day for people by our zeal and conviction, enthusiasm, our loving interest, etc. Imagine Jesus giving the sermon on the Mount. He was not dead pan or robot--like.

It is easy to call on mornings, then go home eat our lunch, take a sleep, then do something else for ourselves like entertainment, watching TV, etc. We feel smug that we went out, but did we reach all sorts of persons as 1 Timothy 2:3,4 talked about? We met a few persons who were at home after the majority went to work, but we need to call at different times to meet the others. We have to inconvenience ourselves at times to reach the others. All sorts of people - morning persons, evening persons, midnight persons, beach vendors, fishermen, etc. See picture in last weekend's Watchtower. Thoroughness is the key; not just regularity. If those taking the lead do not see it so, the status quo will continue.

They know that many people would not be looking it up. They know who he is. Or it was just overlooked.

I won't watch the present nor the previous nine. I agree there is nothing here.

Whose faith?

Looks like Jack never knew the Bible or what he is about.

What is the board?

Quite a nice letter.

He did not protect Job either.

Another scripture to add: *** Bible Citations *** (Matthew 25:41) “Then he will say to those on his left: ‘Go away from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.

Who is living in May 12, 2019 already? Snopes?

(Replying to Outta Here.) Thanks for the observation. It is being used loosely. Yes, agree it is not about the value of money per se. However, readers of the Bible will still recall the statement "They will throw their silver into the streets..." and if and when this happens, they will say that they read it in the Bible. We can't deny that the Bible said that. As BillyThe Kid reminisced, "What was fascinating to me, My mother pointed it out to me in the '60s as a devout JW that would happen, and it sure the hell did. There is no photoshop on that. It's not a tale." My mother used to quote it a lot as well. For other students who look deep into the Bible for guidance and more insight, they will understand it more fully. *** rr chap. 6 p. 70 par. 18 “The End Is Now Upon You” *** Do you discern a lesson for us in this part of Ezekiel’s prophecy? It is about the need to set the right priorities. Consider this: Only after the inhabitants of Jerusalem understood that the end of their city and their life was upon them and that material goods could not save them, only after that did they drastically change their priorities. They threw their possessions away and began to “seek a vision from a prophet”—but their change came too late. (Ezek. 7:26) In contrast, we are already fully aware that the end of this wicked world is upon us. Therefore, our faith in God’s promises has moved us to set the right priorities in life. As a result, we are busy pursuing spiritual riches, which have lasting value and will never be thrown “into the streets.”—Read Matthew 6:19-21, 24 Material goods is money's worth, so it has a connection still. Some people have money in the bank, some have it in land and other possessions. All can be changed into money. *** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 14 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 14 Jehovah and his executional forces cannot be bribed. (Read Ezekiel 7:19.) Bribery could not save the “concealed place,” the Most Holy, from being profaned as Chaldean “robbers” seized sacred utensils and left the temple in ruins. Jehovah ‘caused the pride of the strong ones to cease’ when King Zedekiah was captured and chief ones of the Levitical priesthood were killed. (2 Kings 25:4-7, 18-21) No, sinners in besieged Jerusalem could not escape adversity by bribery when God ‘judged them’ as covenant breakers. Similarly, during the imminent desecration of things Christendom holds sacred, she will not be able to bribe her way out of the execution of divine judgment upon her. It will then be too late to listen to Jehovah’s “watchman.”—Ezekiel 7:20-27. This is a more direct and valid application. Good speech writers and politicians use Jesus' parables loosely in their speeches every day. But we don't think they are trying to get close to God or really seeking to do his will.

Valenzuela is a popular surname in South America but note the name of the country is Venezuela.

Those of you who don't like to read and study, and are only asking questions, please note. *** w09 5/15 p. 9 Press On to Maturity—“The Great Day of Jehovah Is Near” *** Press On to Maturity—“The Great Day of Jehovah Is Near” “Let us press on to maturity.”—HEB. 6:1. WHEN Jesus was on earth, his disciples approached him and asked: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” The initial fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus gave them in answer to their question took place in the first century. Jesus spoke of an unusual development that would signal that the end was imminent. Upon observing that development, “those in Judea [were to] begin fleeing to the mountains.” (Matt. 24:1-3, 15-22) Would Jesus’ disciples recognize the sign and act on his instructions? 2 Nearly three decades later, in 61 C.E., the apostle Paul penned a strong, sobering message to Hebrew Christians living in Jerusalem and its surroundings. Unknown to both Paul and his fellow believers, the signal marking the opening stage of a “great tribulation” was only about five years away. (Matt. 24:21) In 66 C.E., Cestius Gallus led Roman troops in a nearly successful attack on Jerusalem. But then he suddenly withdrew, leaving open a window of opportunity for endangered ones to escape to safety. 3 Those Christians needed keen discernment and spiritual perception to recognize the turn of events and flee. However, some had become “dull in [their] hearing.” They were like spiritual babes needing “milk.” (Read Hebrews 5:11-13.) Even some of those who had walked in the way of the truth for decades were showing signs of “drawing away from the living God.” (Heb. 3:12) Some had “the custom” of missing Christian meetings at a time when this calamitous “day [was] drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) Paul gave them timely exhortation, saying: “Now that we have left the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity.”—Heb. 6:1. 4 We are living during the time of the final fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy. “The great day of Jehovah”—the day that will bring the end of Satan’s entire system—“is near.” (Zeph. 1:14) As never before, we must remain spiritually keen and alert. (1 Pet. 5:8) Are we really doing that? Christian maturity will help us to stay focused on where we are in the stream of time. End Quote Babes cannot tolerate solid food, they need milk. We need to study and digest spiritual food, not ask others to digest it for us.

*** w08 9/15 p. 31 Highlights From the Letters to the Thessalonians and to Timothy *** 1 Tim 6:15, 16—Do these words apply to Jehovah God or to Jesus Christ? These words apply to the one whose manifestation they describe, namely, Jesus Christ. (1 Tim. 6:14) In comparison with humans who rule as kings and as lords, Jesus is the “only Potentate,” and he alone has immortality. (Dan. 7:14; Rom. 6:9) Since his ascension to the invisible heavens, no man on earth “can see” him with literal eyes. To Shiwiii and Witness, we had all these discussions already. Everyone is free to believe what he wants.

Here is a picture of it:

I think this scripture gives insight on that. (Acts 17:26-28) 26 And he made out of one man every nation of men to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he decreed the appointed times and the set limits of where men would dwell, 27 so that they would seek God, if they might grope for him and really find him, although, in fact, he is not far off from each one of us. 2. . . We don't have to worry about all the things men dream up. We have God's Word the Bible which gives us answers and insight. ---------- 2 Peter 1:20; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:4.

I think I answered more of what Srecko Sostar asked and included some additional points. For you I would say that Jesus is ruling in the midst of his enemies, but since he is dwelling in unapproachable light not one of men has seen or can see him since he returned to glory. (1 Timothy 6:16) However his coming is going to be different. He is going to use supernatural power that would force ignorers to recognize him, as the destruction and display of power could only come from a heavenly source. "Every eye will then see him" Discernment used. Those who pierced him are long dead. Seeing him is not literal nor possible (1 Timothy 6:16). From his enthronement until now he has kept working, like his Father (John 5:17). See the following article for the things he has been doing. As far as I am told, you also have a share in that work. When that work is done to God's satisfaction, God will tell Jesus to put the wheat into his storehouse, and the weeds would be got rid off. Jesus will "come" to do that. That is when the "wheat" will be taken up with him and the Memorial observation will cease. They will drink (wine) new with him in the heavenly Kingdom. "(Matthew 26:29) 29 But I say to you: I will by no means drink again any of this product of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in the Kingdom of my Father.” When a storm is predicted we hear a lot about it; what it did here and there, but when it actually approaches our area, we say "That is really Hurricane So and So out there now; especially when we hear the wind howling and trying to rip out the windows and rip off the roof of our hiding place. There is no longer time for talk. I will stop talking now. We cannot precis every thing, as there is width, length and height and depth. We have to read and study. Sometimes a lot of words is necessary. (Ephesians 3:17-19) . . .May you be rooted and established on the foundation, 18 in order that with all the holy ones you may be thoroughly able to comprehend fully what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of the Christ, which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness that God gives. As you have the same tools for research as I have, refer you to this article and implore you to do some more research. *** tp chap. 6 pp. 55-68 What Has God Been Doing? *** Chapter 6 What Has God Been Doing?

His coming means destruction of disobedient ones (small and great) , scoffers, worldly political entities (wild beast and false prophet), all wicked ones - small and great (Rev 19:18). The remaining holy ones (anointed for heavenly life) will be taken to heaven to join him in his ride to take vengeance on those who disobeyed him and his Father. (Rev 2:26-28) They will be in heaven before Armageddon starts so they can join him. (Rev 1:7) 7 Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him. They will be forced to recognize him, as the destruction will be coming from a heavenly source. Read again and discern. Those who pierced him are long dead. It is not literal seeing. They will be forced to recognized that the supernatural things that will happen are as a result of Jesus' coming for retribution to all those who disobeyed him, and at the same time give a reward to the faithful ones. (Rev 11:18) He will take his chosen anointed ones with him to heaven sometime before that as they will ride the cause of righteousness with him. (Ps 45:4) (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8) This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you. 7 But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. (Revelation 11:18) But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” The remaining ones of the little flock will be taken to heaven to JOIN in carrying out judicial punishment on disobedient ones (great and small). See the following scriptures: (Revelation 2:26-28) And to the one who conquers and observes my deeds down to the end, I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will shepherd the people with an iron rod so that they will be broken to pieces like clay vessels, just as I have received from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. (Revelation 17:14) These will battle with the Lamb, but because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those with him who are called and chosen and faithful will do so.” (Revelation 19:14) Also, the armies in heaven were following him on white horses, and they were clothed in white, clean, fine linen. (Psalm 45:4) And in your splendor go on to victory; Ride in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness, And your right hand will accomplish awe-inspiring things. (Matthew 25:41) “Then he will say to those on his left: ‘Go away from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. Satan will be abyssed (Rev 20:3) (that includes his angels who were hurled down to the earth with him [third of stars in his tail (Rev 12:4,9}) After abyssing Satan and his angels for the thousand years, Christ and the 144,000 will crush him and his angels (demons) FOREVER. (Romans 16:20) For his part, the God who gives peace will crush Satan under YOUR feet shortly. May the undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus be with you. (He was speaking to Roman Christians who are part of the 144000 anointed ones destined for heavenly life) (Rev 20:10) 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;... (Matthew 25:41) “Then he will say to those on his left: ‘Go away from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and HIS ANGELS.