Colin Browne
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Posts posted by Colin Browne
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Here are all the facts about the ancient habit of smoking:
*** w14 6/1 What Is God’s View of Smoking? ***
“You are slaves of the one you obey.” (Rom. 6:16)
Can you really obey God if you are enslaved by tobacco addiction?
“You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.” Matt. 22:37
Are you showing love and respect for God if you abuse your God-given body by indulging in a defiling habit?
“You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39
Do you really love your neighbor and family if you expose them to the dangers of secondhand smoke?
*** g86 1/8 p. 21 Is Smoking Really Wrong? ***
Were addictive drugs and herbs common in Bible times? Yes, says Tobacco and Kentucky, citing “the evidence of prehistoric pipes excavated at…the Mediterranean Sea and inland in Asia Minor [used in smoking] …cannabis (marijuana) and other herbs.” In fact, adds the book, “fumigation with, or the inhalation of, the smoke of various substances has been a sacred, healing, or pleasurable practice…since time immemorial… As with cannabis and opium, so with tobacco.”
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12 hours ago, JOHN BUTLER said:
I think it's pretty simple really. He's saying that it makes no difference what the president does, it should not affect the JW / GB decision. Unless you are going by 'traditions of men' of course
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13 hours ago, Anna said:I am not exactly understanding the point you are making in reference to what I was saying. Care to explain please?
If people are willing to talk to us, we should try to pass on a few Bible truths.
For instance, we often ask them whether they know who God’s enemies are.
If they say it’s wicked people, we tell them that Jesus came to call sinners. (Luke 5:30-32)
Should they maintain interest, we tell them that the rulers of this world do not want to yield to God’s Kingdom, then read, Psalm 2
“Why are the nations agitated And the peoples muttering an empty thing?
The kings of the earth take their stand And high officials gather together as one
Against Jehovah and against his anointed one.
They say: “Let us tear off their shackles And throw off their ropes!”
The One enthroned in the heavens will laugh; Jehovah will scoff at them.
At that time he will speak to them in his anger And terrify them in his burning anger,
Saying: “I myself have installed my king On Zion, my holy mountain.”
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41 minutes ago, Anna said:
I wonder if there are restrictions for a US President not to wear a beard. And if one day a US President does wear a beard, I wonder how this will affect US Witnesses.
41 minutes ago, Anna said:I wonder if there are restrictions for a US President not to wear a beard. And if one day a US President does wear a beard, I wonder how this will affect US Witnesses.
41 minutes ago, Anna said:I wonder if there are restrictions for a US President not to wear a beard. And if one day a US President does wear a beard, I wonder how this will affect US Witnesses.
(1 Corinthians 5:12, 13) 12 "For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do you not judge those inside, while God judges those outside?. . .
The kings of the earth will all be gathered at Armageddon.
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1 hour ago, Anna said:
So, what book is that?
The past cannot be changed - only the future.
“But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light That grows brighter and brighter until full daylight.
The way of the wicked is like the darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.” (Prov. 4:18, 19)
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On 7/20/2019 at 7:31 PM, JOHN BUTLER said:
Yes and to think they let congregants smoke tobacco into the 1970's without a problem, even though they knew it was totally wrong in the late 1800's. But no beards, just to prove they were the boss. It's called dictatorship, nothing else.
to quote TTH " Though nowhere forbidden by scripture or Bible principles, no "rule" was applied with more vigor than the "no beard" rule, "
Dictatorship Tom. Domineering at it's best.
They never allowed smoking into the 1970's - that was when it was banned, and one could be disfellowshiped if known to smoke. I was in the Malvern congregation in Gauteng during 1956 and was among the smokers.
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2 minutes ago, Colin Browne said:2 minutes ago, Colin Browne said:2 minutes ago, Colin Browne said:
“Do not be overly righteous, nor show yourself excessively wise. Why should you bring ruin to yourself?” (Eccl. 7:16)
As imperfect humans many set personal standards for righteousness, with little consideration for the needs of others.
There were only two experiences with beards during my 63 years in Jehovah’s service.
The first was during the 70’s when a musician and wife began attending meetings.
The man had short neat beard, and was soon told that he should comply to our society’s standards.
His wife’s tried to explain that the beard was merely to cover the distortion of his face,
but the elders insisted that the beard must go. They stopped attending meetings a short while later.
The second experience began circa 2012 when I became very attached to a new bearded brother
whose wife was already baptised, and we have been sharing in the ministry for the past seven years.
He was later told that he would not be qualify for advancement if continued wearing the beard.
My friend continued wearing the beard, and I had mixed feelings about the matter.
We are since allowed the brothers to wear beards, and my friend recently became a ministerial servant.
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On 3/21/2017 at 5:43 AM, Arauna said:
I love a neat looking beard! Scruffy ones - noooooo. Unfortunately it is very easy to let a beard go wild. It takes constant care it seems..... I have no experience regarding this so I better shut up! - although the menopause stray hairs have started developing and this also takes some care!
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E-Scooters
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1 hour ago, Colin Browne said:E-bikes would be the ideal form of transport for the elderly if it were not that the greater number have lower balance control. An alternative could be a three-wheeler such as the 'Pedago Trike' which also has a back rest and a small boot at the rear.
However, South Africa has no clear laws for the use of these machines. Seems they have to be registered and licensed.
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E-Scooters
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On 6/6/2018 at 8:04 PM, Guest said:E-scooter Startup Lime Is Hot on Bird's Tail
"Hey, watch me pop this super cool wheelie."—E-scooter startup, Lime...probably.
After all, it's got a lot to celebrate after Axios reported it's raising $250 million. That comes at just the right time for Lime, considering its main San Francisco rival, Bird, is planning to raise $200 million at a $1 billion valuation.
But if you're not a hipster urban commuter, here's your primer on the recent e-scooting craze:
Lime claims over 4.2 million rides on its scooters to date, with nearly 8-12 rides per scooter per day.
Is this the future of transportation? Ride-hailers seem to think scooters will play a role, considering Uber and Lyft have both showed interest in the market.
But it's not all smooth sailing
Some careless riders scatter their scooters all over city sidewalks. It's so bad, San Fran's transportation authority proposed a rule that would limit the city to 2,500 e-scooters.
For now though, the company will celebrate with whatever that drink is that goes best with Lime.
E-bikes would be the ideal form of transport for the elderly if it were not that the greater number have lower balance control. An alternative could be a three-wheeler such as the 'Pedago Trike' which also has a back rest and a small boot at the rear.
However, South Africa has no clear laws for the use of these machines. Seems they have to be registered and licensed.
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On 11/21/2018 at 5:52 AM, Health and Medicine said:
Many years ago, when it came to birds, an evolutionist reasoned the only answer is creation. Even God's angels were amazed, and shouted jofully. (Job 38:4-7) Watch the mating dance of the Great Argus:
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On 6/4/2018 at 4:09 AM, Queen Esther said:
THIS LETTER IS ABOUT BEARDS - FROM 16. April 2018
YOU CAN ZOOM IT BIGGER ON TABLET -
OR AT YOUR COMPUTER.... ENJOY !
Hello our sister in Germany. I'm losing out at this website, because of not being familiar with what's going on. Is there a link where one can see the latest topics?
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On 3/3/2018 at 5:07 PM, admin said:
The loss of a loved one.
That is something else that pains me. My beloved wife died in 2014 after hardly any tribulation. 60 years, 7 months and 8 days. See the memorial I made:
- James Thomas Rook Jr. and admin
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11 hours ago, JOHN BUTLER said:
So, should ladies shave their legs if Jehovah created and designed them to have hairy legs ?
"And after that God saw that everything he had made, and look it was very good." Gen. 1:31. A Watchtower once said that the imperfection which came upon humanity after Adam sinned cannot be accurately explained. We must therefore assume that the female was created flawless before that. Transgender and all other imperfections have been our lot since.
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On 5/9/2017 at 4:23 AM, Shon-tee Adabs said:
Here in Nigeria, beards are not allowed, its against our culture to keep beards...at least so it was the last time I checked. I guess it depends on the location and their culture.
There will always be those who introduce fanciful styles. Most of us have noticed the latest, IE: Shaving all hair from 10cm above the ears downwards. IOW, similar to the topnotch canary.
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9 hours ago, Jack Ryan said:
Oh it’s sorta like when you want to grow a beard, but thereÂ’s no Biblical basis for not being able to grow one, but the elders say NO simply because itÂ’s “cultural”. You mean like that?
Beards WorldNewsMedia.docxBeards WorldNewsMedia.docxBeards WorldNewsMedia.docx
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12 hours ago, Jack Ryan said:
Women are allowed. ?
Imagine those who once had beards but had to shave later. Now that it's allowed they again decide to have a beard.
What will the public think when they open the door to a calling person and see what appears to be someone who apparently hasn't shaved for a few days. Especially when the person introduces himself as a Jehovah's Witness. The first one to have a beard.
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On 4/9/2018 at 12:12 PM, Colin Browne said:
The attachment is undeniable proof that the cross has it's roots in paganism.
In fact everything in this world has some or other connection to paganism. For instance, the days of the week and the months of the year are both named after false gods.
Sorry but my Windows 7 cannot download OpenOffice.
The week had seven days since the beginning, but the names of the days were numbers. (Matt. 28:1)
We can be sure that the current pagan names for the days will be done away with. (See attachment)
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On 4/9/2018 at 12:12 PM, Colin Browne said:
The attachment is undeniable proof that the cross has it's roots in paganism.
In fact everything in this world has some or other connection to paganism. For instance, the days of the week and the months of the year are both named after false gods.
Sorry, but Windows 7 on my second hard drive cannot download OpenOffice.
We can be sure that that current pagan months will change or return to the 10 month system. The week had seven days since creation, but the pagan names of the days will come to an end. (See attachment) The new names may just be numbers, (Matt. 28:1) or Jehovah may give them new names.
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1 hour ago, Queen Esther said:
I just read that by an older Brother of us....
THE RESURRECTION back to earth....of  "both the righteous and the unrighteous" is part of Jehovah God's will and purpose for mankind and for the earth. READ Acts 24:15. The number of those receiving this resurrection is unlimited.
NOTICE.... This scripture does not include the "willfully wicked."Â Â And who might be the ones that Jehovah and Jesus would refer to as "willfully wicked?"Â Â We cannot judge anyone, but we can learn Bible principles that would help us reason on the matter.
Also, we learn additional resurrection facts from the words of Christ Jesus recorded for us at John 5:25-29. Notice his words in verse 25, "Those who have paid attention will live."
In addition to this earthly resurrection, The Bible also mentions a "Heavenly resurrection" ....of the "little flock"... termed "the earlier" or "the first" resurrection.... which will include the spirit-anointed Brothers of Jesus. READ Philippians 3:11;  The number of those receiving this heavenly resurrection is a limited number. READ  Revelation 14:1-5.
The heavenly resurrection limited number group will serve in heaven with Christ Jesus, as co-rulers with Christ. They do not practice false religion... no deceit is found in their mouths..... they are without blemish !
( Thank you, Brother R. B. Elder )
We can expect that very many millions will never return to this earth.
“For 40 years I felt a loathing toward that generation, and I said: “They are a people who always go astray in their hearts; They have not come to know my ways. “So I swore in my anger: “They will not enter into my rest.” (Psalm 95:10, 11)Â
If Jehovah condemned the rebellious Israelites for being unfaithful, what hope is there for all the mass murderers since the beginning.
All unrepentant sinners: “For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be pitched into Ge·hen?na. Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to land in Ge·hen?na." (Matthew 5:29, 30)
The Scribes and Pharisees: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you travel over sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him a subject for Ge·hen?na twice as much so as yourselves.” (Matthew 23:15)Â
The inescapable sin: “For this reason I say to you, every sort of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven. For example, whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the holy spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things nor in that to come.” (Matthew 12:31, 32)
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8 hours ago, Queen Esther said:
Thank you my both Brothers @Colin Browne and @Alzasior LutorÂ
  I am so glad when you like my comments, bec. English is not my first language, sorry...
Wish you a sunny Sunday wherever you are
  and Jehovah's blessing
Resurrection of another sort:
The resurrection plant. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection_plant
View the .GIF revival of the plant here: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Rose_of_Jericho.gif/220px-Rose_of_Jericho.gif
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A resurrection plant is any poikilohydric plant that can survive extreme dehydration, even over months or years.The resurrection plant Selaginella lepidophylla reviving within 3 hours after the addition of water.
Examples include:
Anastatica hierochuntica, also known as the Rose of Jericho, a plant species native to deserts of North Africa
Asteriscus (plant)
Boea hygrometrica
Haberlea rhodopensis
Mesembryanthemum, the plant can revive within a short period of time after a drought
Tillandsia
Myrothamnus flabellifolius, a plant species native to Southern Africa
Xerophyta spp., a monocotyledonous genus typically occurring on rock outcrops in Southern African grasslands
Craterostigma spp., members of the Linderniaceae/Scrophulariaceae with snapdragon-like flowers
Ramonda serbica, a species in the Gesneriaceae family
Selaginella lepidophylla, a plant species native to North America, Central and South America, and sold as a novelty
Lichen, a symbiosis that can survive in extreme desiccation,
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Certain resurrection plants have long been sold in their dry, "lifeless" form as curiosities. This custom was noted by many 19th century authors and continues today.Â
In December, 2015, resurrection plants were featured in a TED talk given by Professor Jill Farrant , Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa, who performs targeted genetic modification of crop plants to make them tolerate desiccation by activating genes that are already there but not natively expressed in response to drought. ……………………………………………………
Another Wikipedia link:Selaginella lepidophylla (syn. Lycopodium lepidophyllum) is a species of desert plant in the spikemoss family (Selaginellaceae). S. lepidophylla is noted for its ability to survive almost complete desiccation; during dry weather in its native habitat, its stems curl into a tight ball and uncurl only when exposed to moisture. The outer stems of Selaginella lepidophylla bend into circular rings in a relatively short period of desiccation, whereas inner stems curl slowly into spirals due to the hydro-actuated strain gradient along their length. It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert. Common names for this plant include flower of stone, false rose of Jericho, rose of Jericho, resurrection plant, resurrection moss, dinosaur plant, siempre viva, stone flower, and doradilla.
Selaginella lepidophylla is easily confused with Anastatica: both species are resurrection plants and form tumbleweeds, and they share the common name "rose of Jericho."https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selaginella_lepidophylla
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An article in the Forbes magazine November 2017 says, “In 2050, Africa will be a desert?” (Based on climate change)The magazine also says, “Africa is likely to be the continent most affected by climate change, and consequently drought. One woman’s solution is plants that can be resurrected back to life. How else must we be prepared.” ………………………………….
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On 3/31/2018 at 8:45 AM, Queen Esther said:
What Is the Resurrection ?
The Bible’s answer....
In the Bible, the word translated as “resurrection” comes from the Greek a·na?sta·sis, which means “raising up” or “standing up again.” A person who is resurrected is raised up from death and restored to life as the person he was before.—1 Corinthians 15:12, 13.
Although the word “resurrection” is not in the Hebrew Scriptures, often called the Old Testament, the teaching appears there. Through the prophet Hosea, for example, God promised: “From the power of the Grave I will redeem them; from death I will recover them.”—Hosea 13:14; Job 14:13-15; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2, 13.
http://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/what-is-the-resurrection/
As for the resurrection, "There are more questions than answers". Wedding rings as an example. My wife kept and treasured every ring from our first anniversary until the gold seven months later. I could not keep my wife's after she died so, with a very heavy heart, all these were given to a sister. (Eccl. 2: 17-19)
Is it proper for a Christian to wear a wedding ring? (Greece)
Many sincere Christians have asked this question out of a desire to avoid any custom of which God might disapprove. Some of the questioners know that Catholic prelate John H. Newman wrote: “The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, . . . sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison, are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church.” (An Essay on the Development of the Christian Doctrine, 1878) While the facts prove that many of the current religious practices Newman lists definitely were adopted from pagan worship, is that true of the wedding ring?
Actually there are conflicting ideas as to the origin of the wedding ring. Let us give a few examples: “Originally . . . the ring was a fetter, used to bind the captive bride.” (For Richer, for Poorer) “The ring is a relatively modern substitute for the gold coin or other article of value with which a man literally purchased his wife from her father.” (The Jewish Wedding Book) “The wedding ring is supposed to be of Roman origin, and to have sprung from the ancient custom of using rings in making agreements.” (American Cyclopædia) “Various explanations have been given of the connection of the ring with marriage. It would appear that wedding-rings were worn by the Jews prior to Christian times.”—The International Cyclopaedia.
It is thus seen that the precise origin of the wedding ring is uncertain. Even if it were a fact that pagans first used wedding rings, would that rule such out for Christians? Not necessarily. Many of todayÂ’s articles of clothing and aspects of life originated in pagan lands. The present time divisions of hours, minutes and seconds are based on an early Babylonian system. Yet, there is no objection to a ChristianÂ’s using these time divisions, for oneÂ’s doing so does not involve carrying on false religious practices.
Of course, our concern is greater as regards the use of wedding rings, since this relates, not to minor secular matters, but to the marriage relationship, which the Christian rightly views as sacred before God. Really, the question is not so much whether wedding rings were first used by pagans but whether they were originally used as part of false religious practices and still retain such religious significance. As has been shown, the historical evidence does not allow for any definite conclusion on this. What does the Bible say about the use of rings?
The Bible shows that some of God’s servants in the past wore rings, even ones that had special meaning attached to them. Wearing a signet ring could indicate that one had received authority to act in behalf of the ruler who owned it. (Gen. 41:42; Num. 31:50; Esther 8:2, 8; Job 42:11, 12; Luke 15:22) So, while wedding rings are not mentioned, these true worshipers clearly did not scruple against using rings for more than mere adornment.
Some persons say that a wedding ring represents oneÂ’s unending love and devotion in marriage. The increasing divorce rate in many lands where married persons usually wear a wedding ring proves that this meaning is more imagined than real. Nonetheless, for the majority of persons, including Christians, in lands where wedding rings are common, the ring is an outward indication that the wearer is a married person. In other localities the same point is shown in a different way, such as by a womanÂ’s wearing a certain style of clothing.
Of course, a wedding ring is by no means a Christian requirement. One Christian might decide not to wear a wedding ring, because of conscience, personal taste, cost, local custom, or some other reason. Yet another Christian might decide to indicate his married status by means of a wedding ring. Hence, in the final analysis the decision is a personal one, to be made in accord with the conscientious views one holds. *** w72 1/15 p. 63 Questions From Readers ***
- Alzasior Lutor and Queen Esther
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9 hours ago, Queen Esther said:
Brother @Colin Browne... Did you already watch this video in your South African language Afrikaans ? Â I posted this for you???
I hope you like it ! Â Perhaps you tell me?Â
Yes thanks sister. It kept me wondering for hours how many Afrikaners were in that country. There are some very nice songs about France. My favourite being:
"How would like to be, under the bridges of Paris with me.'
Oh, what I'd give for a moment or two, under the bridges of Paris with you,"
"Darling I'd hold you tight, far from the eyes of night.
"If I just had but a moment with you, I'd make your dreams come true."
Hear it once and you'll never forget it.
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On 4/5/2018 at 11:16 AM, Colin Browne said:
Although we avoid involvement in worldly politics, we are allowed to read or listen to news broadcasts. In some cases, it strengthens our faith in Jehovah’s prophecies:
“And I saw three unclean inspired expressions that looked like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the wild beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and they perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.”
(Psalm 2; 76:12; Isa. 24:21, 22; Revelation 16:13,14; 17:2;19:19)
The website below tells about ‘Necklacing’ which was the cruel method of torturing and killing people by placing petrol-soaked motor car tyres around their necks and setting these alight.
Many of us meet Muslims in our ministry. There have been a few publications drawing attention to Muslims who have made worthwhile contributions to humanity, and after reading them we pass them to the owners of shops owned by Muslims, and we've made a few friends among them.
Perhaps others have heard about the bombing of a supermarket in Worcester, South Africa on December 24, 1996 by a local terrorist named Stefaans Coetzee who was caught and send to Prison. Mr Claude Schroeder, a Muslim for 30 years, and chairman of the Worcester Hope and Reconciliation visited him in prison on December 9th 1996. Please read the attachment. There are indeed many good Muslims.
For those unable to read .DOCX files, here is the link:
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"WATCHTOWER APPEALS TO THE SUPREME COURT"
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