Melinda Mills

I  am  sure  he  can...  bec. all  spiritual  persons  more  clever  than  humans !  The  Devil  knows  us  perfectly.  Lets  try  be  clever  and  wise  and  not  go  into  his  mean  traps. We  can  work  alot !

"Our making changes and progressing to the point of qualifying for baptism, though, is only a beginning. When presenting ourselves for water immersion, we are much like a piece of wood that has been carved into a basic shape. The object is identifiable, but much work remains to be done. The carver still needs to add the finer details in order to make the object beautiful. At the time of baptism, we have the basic qualities required to be a servant of God. However, our new personality is still in its early stage. We must continue to enhance it by making adjustments". Taken from w08 11/15 p. 3 What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be? ***
Walking with Jehovah forever in loving service is our ultimate goal.

Probably because "Concerning that day and hour nobody knows" Matt.24:36.

"Our making changes and progressing to the point of qualifying for baptism, though, is only a beginning. When presenting ourselves for water immersion, we are much like a piece of wood that has been carved into a basic shape. The object is identifiable, but much work remains to be done. The carver still needs to add the finer details in order to make the object beautiful. At the time of baptism, we have the basic qualities required to be a servant of God. However, our new personality is still in its early stage. We must continue to enhance it by making adjustments". Taken from w08 11/15 p. 3 What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be? ***
Walking with Jehovah forever in loving service is our ultimate goal.

I'm going to write this down and give this to someone who's not a witness. She is going through trials. This encourages me, it will encourage her. 
Im also going to put this on my refrigerator. Thanks for posting it.

We should stop worrying about celebrities just because they are celebrities. If their conduct is not up to standard, stop letting others know they are JWs and stop associating Jehovah's name with them unnecessarily. Try to help people we know of in our own congregation and families. If everyone does that the celebrities will also be covered if they are accessible.  We love them but we don't have to look up to them or give them special treatment because they are celebrities. To Jehovah everyone has the same value.

I am responding to this one as I have been quoted, but only for this one posting.
It is a reasonable question, but, like beards or not for male Jehovah's Witnesses, seems to trigger endless debate.
Routine choice of clothing of those outside of the Jehovah's Witness community is not the final arbiter of their dress code for formal activities.
Whilst the scriptures provide guidance, for example at 1Tim. 2:9-10, the practical application of this guidance to a dress code for formal activity in modern times is influenced more strongly by what is felt acceptable overall by the Witness community than by popular culture. Most Witnesses are happy to go along with the standard encouraged by those taking the lead in that formal activity. Of course in determining that standard, some consideration is given to the cultural setting, particularly in what would be generally expected by the public as a form of dress appropriate to the work that Jehovah's Witnesses do, and the life-style that they promote. 
That given, there may well be numerous styles of dress and forms of clothing that no longer generate the controversy or even offence they have done in previous years.These changes in style may well be reflected quite acceptably in the informal attire of Jehovah's Witnesses where there is no violation of Christian standards of modesty.
The dress code adopted by Jehovah's Witnesses for formal activity does not violate standards of modesty either inside or outside of the congregation, and leaves plenty of room for the expression of personal taste. It seems to be adequately fit for purpose at present, and allows for focus on more important matters as advised by the apostle Paul: Ph.1:9-11.

I am not very articulate but I will try to answer this question.  When the people called on the name of Jehovah in Genesis, they did not know him or the meaning of his name.  Notice when he said his name to Moses, he also stated the meaning of his name.  So Abraham, Jacob and the servants that came before Moses knew his name but not the meaning of his name.

When it quotes from Joel 2:32:"Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved." 
at Acts 2:21: "And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved"
and Rom 10:13: "For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”"

Agree with this. We don't even know them in the majority of cases although the media influence makes us think we do. Look at all the grief over the death of a celebrity when every death is a tragedy!
Media portrayal is just a myth at best.

We should stop worrying about celebrities just because they are celebrities. If their conduct is not up to standard, stop letting others know they are JWs and stop associating Jehovah's name with them unnecessarily. Try to help people we know of in our own congregation and families. If everyone does that the celebrities will also be covered if they are accessible.  We love them but we don't have to look up to them or give them special treatment because they are celebrities. To Jehovah everyone has the same value.

We should stop worrying about celebrities just because they are celebrities. If their conduct is not up to standard, stop letting others know they are JWs and stop associating Jehovah's name with them unnecessarily. Try to help people we know of in our own congregation and families. If everyone does that the celebrities will also be covered if they are accessible.  We love them but we don't have to look up to them or give them special treatment because they are celebrities. To Jehovah everyone has the same value.

We should stop worrying about celebrities just because they are celebrities. If their conduct is not up to standard, stop letting others know they are JWs and stop associating Jehovah's name with them unnecessarily. Try to help people we know of in our own congregation and families. If everyone does that the celebrities will also be covered if they are accessible.  We love them but we don't have to look up to them or give them special treatment because they are celebrities. To Jehovah everyone has the same value.

Thank you! For a clear explanation. I knew I read this some time back but could not remember when. Iv been going over all the new information trying to get a clear understanding. And also to remember it as well. And yes I do really enjoy the work since I quit my secular work warehousing inventory and organization, for 8 years to work for an inferm brother and his elderly mother.  I have found great joy in helping the brother and sister stay spiritually strong they help me by the way too. And because I only work 2-1/2days I can reg auxiliary pioneer.    I used to hate and dread going in service but because I'm regular those fears have disappeared and I have found that my happiest moments are in service. The joy of finding right hearted ones and working with the brothers and sisters that often has really changed my serving Jehovah from groaning to absolute JOY!!!??

Jehovah and Jesus just are not the same. Compare Job 34:12-13 and Matt. 28:18.

You appear to expect me to answer your questions, but are not prepared to address any of my replies.
Jesus and the Jews were well aware of the prophecy that God would have a Son - he would be a descendant of David - the fruit of his loins.   Not a divine being.
2 Sam 7:12-16  When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.   I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.  And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.   (ASV)
Peter pick this up in Acts 2.
Acts 2:29  Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day.   Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne; he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 
 
Scripture is clear that by the term "Son of God" in the sense Jesus uses it, means a specific human descendant of David.
You have no evidence that "Son of God" meant "God Himself." other than quoting the opposers of Jesus and trinitarian dogma.
 
You have also given IMHO no satisfactory explanation as to why, when accused of claiming to be God, Jesus' should immediately point out that
a) humans could be called gods without it meaning they were claiming to be the true God, and
b) he was claiming to be the Son of God (not God Himself).
In John 5 the Jewish leaders claimed that Jesus 
a) broke the Sabbath, and
b) made himself equal with God by calling him "his own Father".
Both these statements are untrue.   Jesus used the phrase "My Father" dozens of times and nobody took exception.  Jesus did not say "My own Father" but simply "My Father".  The Jewish leaders misquoted him, in order to set the people against him.  
I didn't address your question as to whether Satan was a false god, as the point is was making is that there is a third use of "god" in scripture - you only allowed two - a false dichotomy.   Satan is not in the category which allows for representatives of God to be called gods.  He would be a false god.
D

I preach amongst the Muslim community (Arabic) and one of the first verses I show them is Ex 3:15.  I also show them the scriptures where Abraham built an altar to 'Jehovah' before he went to Egypt and when he came back he offered up a sacrifice again to 'Jehovah'.  Moses speaks of not knowing Jehovah in its causative context. They knew Jehovah's name but they had not seen him in physical action.  It was during the 10 plagues that they really came to see the power of Jehovah and physical evidence that he existed.  The fire cloud at night and a cloud by day that lifted when they had to move camp. During this time they received so much evidence of him being a "reality" and consequently were forged into one dedicated nation for his Name.  Even though some individuals did see the miracles they still did not show faith.    
Jesus predicted that false religion would become powerful when he gave them the parable about the weeds that would be sown in the night by the enemy (Satan) in the good field that was prepared by Jesus... the parable goes on to show that only at the end of time the "harvest time" would identify the true and false Christians.  False religion has tried to eradicate the bible and Jehovah's name.  They did not manage to eradicate the Bible or Jehovah's name.  In Daniel 12 it talks about those in the time of the end who would "search" and 'understand'... and it is referring to our time.  We are now living in the time when Jehovah's purpose and his name is very clear to all who listen to our message.  Soon Jehovah shall "prove to be" - the causative form of "I am".  All nations will have to acknowledge that he is the true God by name as Ezekiel 38: last verse indicates.

In a letter to all congregations dated April 27, 2015 the Central American Branch (Mexico) has ended the use of S-8-S and S-43-S.
 
Bad translation but you get the idea:

We inform you that we are discontinuing in the territory of the branch using the Registration forms from house to house (S-8) and person who showed interest (S-43), in order to avoid giving the erroneous impression that the branch or congregation are collecting personal information to make preaching, without the knowledge or consent of the people.
Some publishers have decided to make personal notes, perhaps taking advantage of a notebook, notepad or device Personal mail, when they are unable to contact people (not at home) or talk with someone who shows interest in the Bible (od p. 91 para. 33). If someone finds a publisher who speaks another language, you can take the initiative to locate another publisher to serve a congregation or group of foreign-language and is trained to give assistance; or he can encourage the person to write down their contact details on jw.org, if you want the visit (od pp. 93-94 paras. 38-40). So without these forms will have no negative effect on make return visits and conduct Bible classes if every publisher conducts its records using discretion and good Judgement.

Source

You wish.......

We used to draw them very, very white. I remember when a very handsome white brother with "Christopher Reeves" (Superman) like features came to Bethel in 1977, and the head of the Art Dept asked if we thought we could get him to be the new "model" for Jesus. I admit that it never occurred to me that he would be wrong for the part. A previous white brother who had been used as the model had been from our home congregation back in the mid 1960's, up until about 1968. He's on the Mount of Olives teaching the disciples on a calendar, and appeared in another calendar and a couple of Watchtower covers. 
The brother who had been the "Superman" model was changed to someone who actually has some slightly mideastern features, but it is definitely a compromise. (The "Be My Follower" cover.) If you looked without knowing the changes over the years, you'd say he was still white, perhaps Italian. But if you were even more used to the older models, you'd notice that there has been a purposeful transition.

Will Jesus teach to groups of people the same that he did while he was preaching on the earth, again in the paradise? Or should we expect not to talk to Jesus personally?
====
It is my personal belief that when we are restored to perfection we will receive communication directly from Jehovah God as did Adam and Eve when they were perfect. See scripture quoted.
"(Genesis 3:8, 9) Later they heard the voice of Jehovah God as he was walking in the garden about the breezy part of the day, and the man and his wife hid from the face of Jehovah God among the trees of the garden. 9 And Jehovah God kept calling to the man and saying to him: “Where are you?”
Right now we talk to Jehovah God through his Son, the Mediator between God and mankind, Jesus Christ. It is also reasonable that we would hear from Jesus, our Eternal Father, who has always loved mankind (Proverbs 8: 31), who loves us very much now and will continue to do so in the future. (Hebrews 13:8). However, as to seeing Jehovah, it is not possible to do so and live. (Exodus 33:20) But he added: “You cannot see my face, for no man can see me and live.” 
As for Jesus, after his return to heaven he was given a higher name, immortal life and is now living in unapproachable light. He won't be returning to the earth, but that won't stop him from paying attention to us.  He is doing so even now, but will do it more fully in the new system, and will be ably assisted by the 144,000 who have been taken from the earth. The little flock of 144,000 will see him and his Father  in person but those on earth will not, but they will feel the effects of the loving rule, as we are now feeling his guidance in the Christian congregation and his presence with us in the preaching work. He promised to be with us until the conclusion of the system of things. (Matt 28:19,20) 
" (John 14:19) 19 In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me, because I live and you will live."  (They will be resurrected to heavenly life)
See commentary on John 14:19 from Insight on Scriptures.
*** it-1 p. 790 Eye ***
So, too, in view of the fact that Jesus said ‘the world would behold him no more’ (Joh 14:19), the statement at Revelation 1:7: “Every eye will see him [Jesus Christ],” must have reference, not to the literal eye, but, rather, to the effect upon the mind of human observers of the evidences that they can see with their literal eyes when he goes forth to destroy his enemies. The Bible plainly indicates, however, that those whom God calls to heavenly life with Christ will literally see God, which requires for them resurrection in a heavenly spiritual body.—1Pe 1:4; 1Co 15:50-54; compare 1Pe 3:18.  End quote.
Jesus converted Saul personally although he had given the work to Christians to do. The effect on Saul is that he was blinded by the bright light after Jesus spoke to him.
"(Acts 9:3-9) 3 Now as he was traveling and getting near Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 He asked: “Who are you, Lord?” He said: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 Now the men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing, indeed, the sound of a voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul then got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he did not see anything, and he neither ate nor drank."
The following scripture speaks of Jesus dwelling in unapproachable light since his resurrection.
(1 Timothy 6:15, 16)... which the happy and only Potentate will show in its own appointed times. He is the King of those who rule as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, 16 the one alone having immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal might. Amen."    (This scripture refers to Jesus and not Jehovah.  It says clearly he is King of those who rule as kings (it compares him to earthly kings compared to whom he is vastly superior.)
It is clear that Jehovah God, the Almighty and Jesus Christ, the Messianic King, have no problem communicating with human creatures here on earth. Jehovah also spoke to Abraham, Moses, Job, and many other faithful servants extensively and intimately as recorded in his Word.  So we know His capability already,  but his attention will be turned to his people fully in the new system as Revelation 21:3-5 shows.
. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” 5 And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
He doesn't have to come down here to be with his people.  (2 Chronicles 2:6) . .  For the heaven of the heavens cannot contain him, . .."    far less the earth.  He will be with his people in spirit and paying attention to their needs and requests and their prayers will be answered even before they say them.
(Isaiah 65:17) For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.
(Isaiah 65:24) Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear.
 

Thanks for your interest.  Don't you pray?
(John 14:6) Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(1 Timothy 2:1-7) . . .First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made concerning all sorts of men, 2 concerning kings and all those who are in high positions, so that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with complete godly devotion and seriousness. 3 This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, 4 whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all—this is what is to be witnessed to in its own due time. 7 For the purpose of this witness I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—a teacher of nations in the matter of faith and truth.
*** w83 4/1 p. 19 An Apostle’s Stand Against Apostasy ***
If sin and apostasy are the dark thread running through John’s letter, genuine love is a string of pearls that covers it. Even though his letter carries a somber warning, it is nevertheless clearly illuminated by three recurring themes—love, light and life. John is saying, ‘Avoid the liars, the antichrists, the brothers. Cast off darkness, walk in the light. Reject hatred and practice love. Resist sin, knowing that if you do commit a sin you have a helper or advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ.’ Yes, “this is the witness given, that God gave us everlasting life, and this life is in his Son.”—1 John 5:11; 2:1, 2.
We talk to God in prayer; we have a helper or an advocate with the Father, Christ.
Before the new covenant was established, God's servants talked to him in prayer, e.g. Abraham, Moses, David, Job, and all the rest. Their sins were forgiven through the ransom even though it was not paid as yet.
(Romans 3:23-26) 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as an offering for propitiation through faith in his blood. This was to demonstrate his own righteousness, because God in his forbearance was forgiving the sins that occurred in the past. 26 This was to demonstrate his own righteousness in this present season, so that he might be righteous even when declaring righteous the man who has faith in Jesus.
Hope this helps.

I loved reading this thank you for the time you took to explain your opinion on the subject. ?

Will Jesus teach to groups of people the same that he did while he was preaching on the earth, again in the paradise? Or should we expect not to talk to Jesus personally?
====
It is my personal belief that when we are restored to perfection we will receive communication directly from Jehovah God as did Adam and Eve when they were perfect. See scripture quoted.
"(Genesis 3:8, 9) Later they heard the voice of Jehovah God as he was walking in the garden about the breezy part of the day, and the man and his wife hid from the face of Jehovah God among the trees of the garden. 9 And Jehovah God kept calling to the man and saying to him: “Where are you?”
Right now we talk to Jehovah God through his Son, the Mediator between God and mankind, Jesus Christ. It is also reasonable that we would hear from Jesus, our Eternal Father, who has always loved mankind (Proverbs 8: 31), who loves us very much now and will continue to do so in the future. (Hebrews 13:8). However, as to seeing Jehovah, it is not possible to do so and live. (Exodus 33:20) But he added: “You cannot see my face, for no man can see me and live.” 
As for Jesus, after his return to heaven he was given a higher name, immortal life and is now living in unapproachable light. He won't be returning to the earth, but that won't stop him from paying attention to us.  He is doing so even now, but will do it more fully in the new system, and will be ably assisted by the 144,000 who have been taken from the earth. The little flock of 144,000 will see him and his Father  in person but those on earth will not, but they will feel the effects of the loving rule, as we are now feeling his guidance in the Christian congregation and his presence with us in the preaching work. He promised to be with us until the conclusion of the system of things. (Matt 28:19,20) 
" (John 14:19) 19 In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me, because I live and you will live."  (They will be resurrected to heavenly life)
See commentary on John 14:19 from Insight on Scriptures.
*** it-1 p. 790 Eye ***
So, too, in view of the fact that Jesus said ‘the world would behold him no more’ (Joh 14:19), the statement at Revelation 1:7: “Every eye will see him [Jesus Christ],” must have reference, not to the literal eye, but, rather, to the effect upon the mind of human observers of the evidences that they can see with their literal eyes when he goes forth to destroy his enemies. The Bible plainly indicates, however, that those whom God calls to heavenly life with Christ will literally see God, which requires for them resurrection in a heavenly spiritual body.—1Pe 1:4; 1Co 15:50-54; compare 1Pe 3:18.  End quote.
Jesus converted Saul personally although he had given the work to Christians to do. The effect on Saul is that he was blinded by the bright light after Jesus spoke to him.
"(Acts 9:3-9) 3 Now as he was traveling and getting near Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 He asked: “Who are you, Lord?” He said: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 Now the men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing, indeed, the sound of a voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul then got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he did not see anything, and he neither ate nor drank."
The following scripture speaks of Jesus dwelling in unapproachable light since his resurrection.
(1 Timothy 6:15, 16)... which the happy and only Potentate will show in its own appointed times. He is the King of those who rule as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, 16 the one alone having immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal might. Amen."    (This scripture refers to Jesus and not Jehovah.  It says clearly he is King of those who rule as kings (it compares him to earthly kings compared to whom he is vastly superior.)
It is clear that Jehovah God, the Almighty and Jesus Christ, the Messianic King, have no problem communicating with human creatures here on earth. Jehovah also spoke to Abraham, Moses, Job, and many other faithful servants extensively and intimately as recorded in his Word.  So we know His capability already,  but his attention will be turned to his people fully in the new system as Revelation 21:3-5 shows.
. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” 5 And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
He doesn't have to come down here to be with his people.  (2 Chronicles 2:6) . .  For the heaven of the heavens cannot contain him, . .."    far less the earth.  He will be with his people in spirit and paying attention to their needs and requests and their prayers will be answered even before they say them.
(Isaiah 65:17) For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.
(Isaiah 65:24) Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear.