Bible Speaks

You are obviously a FALSE PROPHET!!!
THERE IS ONLY  ONE JAMES THOMAS ROOK!!!    His is a PERSONALITY IMPOSSIBLE TO INVENT!!!!

We had the blessing of being tied into the Toronto Special Convention and hear Brother Herd give the talk "Keep in Expectation . . . It Will Not Be Late!” Based on Habakkuk 2:3 on day 3! From the Moncton Colosseum in New Brunswick, Canada! ???

Government being Urged to Dissolve Jehovah’s Witnesses in Indonesia – Its teachings contravene the state ideology Pancasila and the group’s followers do not respect the Indonesian national flag.  Indonesia ?? Jakarta, GIVnews.com –
A Catholic political observer has urged the government to dissolve Jehovah’s Witnesses in Indonesia, claiming that the Christian denomination’s teachings contravene state ideology Pancasila like the recently dissolved Muslim group Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI). Boni Hargens said the nationalism spirit of Jehovah’s followers is doubtful. They do not respect Indonesia’s ‘Red-and-White’ national flag, he said in a written statement received by the media on Tuesday (25/7) as reported by Antaranews.com. “They hold that respecting the national flag is prohibited by their holy book,” said Boni Hargens, who teaches political science at Universitas Indonesia in Depok and took an active part in public protests.
The outspoken Boni Hargens had previously aired a similar demand to the authorities shortly after President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo signed a week ago a Regulation in a Lieu of Law (Perppu) No. 2 Year 2017, which effectively dissolved HTI. Widely known as a radical organization and a part of the international Hizbut Tahir, HTI aims to turn Indonesia into an Islamic caliphate.
In Indonesia, the Jehovah’s Witnesses are known through its followers who fearlessly and aggressively proselytize at public places. Muslims and the majority of Christians in Indonesia were said to dislike Jehovah’s Witnesses, calling it an ‘aberrant’ Christian denomination.
Perppu No. 1 Year 2017 is aimed to crush radical mass organizations in the predominantly Muslim Indonesia. The issuing of the law amid widespread fear of radical terrorism.
http://www.globalindonesianvoices.com/30821/government-being-urged-to-dissolve-jehovahs-witnesses-in-indonesia/

My XFriend, an Elder, Pioneer and well liked in the Congregation showed this attitude to me. As a Health Counselor and Bible Student for over 60 years I tried my best to see his wrong attitudes. I saved his life once unknowingly. Yet, as you see many will manifest more so in this time of the end. Sadly, he left Jehovah was expelled. Knew the Truth over 24 years yet his attitude towards those in authority was very wrong for he said he "knew to much." Who is perfect? Yet, Jehovah is using imperfect men to fulfill his will and purpose. We live for Jehovah or we die for Jehovah. Many will come and go especially now so close to the end. Hear news? Disregard it if not Up building as we KNOW this may get worse. Let Jehovah expose those wicked as he did this man. As Christ is the Head of the Congregation we need not worry but let go, have patience and matters will be discovered and dealt with. Trust in Jehovah the God of Tender Mercies and Christ the Exemplar of our faith. Times will get worse, take your stand now! Yes, it was very hard for me with this ExFriend and ExElder. 
Jehovah rewards the faithful. If they repent and turn back Jehovah will wait. If not read the rest of 2 Peter 2. My favorite Moto is; "Have no fear, Jehovah is near." May you have Peace and Blessings from Jehovah! 
 
The Second of Peter 2:1-3, 8-22.
2 However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you.These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2  Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively.     3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping."
 
 8 for day after day that righteous man was tormenting his righteous soul over the lawless deeds that he saw and heard while dwelling among them. 9 So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment, 10 especially those who seek to defile the flesh of others and who despise authority. Daring and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak abusively of glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, out of respect for Jehovah. 12 But these men, like unreasoning animals that act on instinct and are born to be caught and destroyed, speak abusively about things of which they are ignorant. They will suffer destruction brought on by their own destructive course, 13  suffering harm as their reward for their own harmful course. They consider it pleasurable to indulge in luxurious living, even in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes who revel in their deceptive teachings while feasting together with you. 14 Their eyes are full of adultery and are unable to desist from sin, and they entice unstable ones.They have a heart trained in greed. They are accursed children. 15  Abandoning the straight path, they have been led astray. They have followed the path of Baʹlaam the son of Beʹor, who loved the reward of wrongdoing, 16  but was reproved for his own violation of what was right. A voiceless beast of burden speaking with a human voice hindered the prophet’s mad course. 17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a violent storm, and the blackest darkness has been reserved for them.18 They make high-sounding statements that are empty. By appealing to the desires of the flesh and with acts of brazen conduct, they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for if anyone is overcome by someone, he is his slave. 20 Certainly if after escaping from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, their final state has become worse for them than the first. 21 It would have been better for them not to have accurately known the path of righteousness than after knowing it to turn away from the holy commandment they had received. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire.”
How the Voice of Strangers Is Heard Today
Deceptive reasonings. The apostle Paul states: “Do not be carried away with various and strange teachings.” (Hebrews 13:9) What sort of teachings? Since they can ‘carry us away,’ it is clear that Paul refers to teachings that undermine our spiritual balance. Who are voicing such strange teachings? Paul told a group of Christian elders: “From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:30) Indeed, today as in Paul’s day, some individuals who were once part of the Christian congregation now attempt to mislead the sheep by speaking “twistedthings”—half-truths and outright lies. As the apostle Peter puts it, they use “counterfeit words”—words that resemble truth but that are actually as worthless as counterfeit money.—2 Peter 2:3.
Peter further exposes the methods of apostates by stating that they “will quietly bring in destructive sects.” (2 Peter 2:1, 3) Just as the thief in Jesus’ illustration of the sheepfold does not enter “through the door but climbs up some other place,” so apostates approach us in stealthy ways. (Galatians 2:4; Jude 4) What is their aim? Peter adds: “They will exploit you.” Indeed, no matter what apostates may say to the contrary, the real aim of intruders is “to steal and slay and destroy.” (John 10:10) Beware of such strangers!
 

Government being Urged to Dissolve Jehovah’s Witnesses in Indonesia – Its teachings contravene the state ideology Pancasila and the group’s followers do not respect the Indonesian national flag.  Indonesia ?? Jakarta, GIVnews.com –
A Catholic political observer has urged the government to dissolve Jehovah’s Witnesses in Indonesia, claiming that the Christian denomination’s teachings contravene state ideology Pancasila like the recently dissolved Muslim group Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI). Boni Hargens said the nationalism spirit of Jehovah’s followers is doubtful. They do not respect Indonesia’s ‘Red-and-White’ national flag, he said in a written statement received by the media on Tuesday (25/7) as reported by Antaranews.com. “They hold that respecting the national flag is prohibited by their holy book,” said Boni Hargens, who teaches political science at Universitas Indonesia in Depok and took an active part in public protests.
The outspoken Boni Hargens had previously aired a similar demand to the authorities shortly after President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo signed a week ago a Regulation in a Lieu of Law (Perppu) No. 2 Year 2017, which effectively dissolved HTI. Widely known as a radical organization and a part of the international Hizbut Tahir, HTI aims to turn Indonesia into an Islamic caliphate.
In Indonesia, the Jehovah’s Witnesses are known through its followers who fearlessly and aggressively proselytize at public places. Muslims and the majority of Christians in Indonesia were said to dislike Jehovah’s Witnesses, calling it an ‘aberrant’ Christian denomination.
Perppu No. 1 Year 2017 is aimed to crush radical mass organizations in the predominantly Muslim Indonesia. The issuing of the law amid widespread fear of radical terrorism.
http://www.globalindonesianvoices.com/30821/government-being-urged-to-dissolve-jehovahs-witnesses-in-indonesia/

@Arauna 
Jehovah will save the earth and its lions as well as all living creatures. Our only hope! Man destroys everything and shows they love for their father Satan the devil. As Nimrod was a mighty hunter is he not still worshipped? Joy will be the day all is gone! Beautiful animals a glory to Our Creator Jehovah God! Thank you for your support. May you find peace in Jehovah's arms. ??????
Agape,
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When I read about the ancient history of Mesopotamia (Sumer) one realizes the bible is absolutely accurate when it calls Nimrod a "hunter".  Nimrod hunted lions - he was a leader if groups of men to go and hunt lion with spear and arrow.  It was a dangerous job and men could be killed or injured. Even with a gun today it is dangerous (this is why they call lions being shot in enclosed reserves in Africa "canned lions") because they are so dangerous. They are an easy target with a gun in a small area.  A lion lives in a pride.  Lions  together are an unpredictable foe bEcause they stallk and go for one weak target. In Nimrod's time they could have attacked sheep, cattle or even people and this would happen often.  Nimrod was elevated to a very high status like a ruler because of this and later became ruler over several cities which was built for safety from man and animal after he started killing people to enlarge his empire. War and cities s synonymous. . His boastfulness led to the monuments built to honor him and the false gods and spiritism he instituted against Jehovah.  Later, tHe kings of Chaldea and assYria  followed this tradition and participated in lion hunts to show ther manliness and power (legacy from Nimrod). There are Assyrian reliefs that show the king in ceremony with man driving his chariot and the king shooting off arrows into a lioness.  It s one of the most saddest but also most accurate and beautiful art works of this period because the lioness is perfectly depicted in her anguish.  I also read that they later bred lions and kept them in royal gardens for ths ceremonial hunting purpose.  Later rulers used lions in a pit to get rid of foes. (Darius the Mede).
Mankind has really ruined the earth.  Will lions be like the dinosaurs? They find the bones and wonder what they looked like or sounded like?  Thank goodness we know that it is not going to be that much longer for good people and animals alike to suffer under unrighteus human rule which is unjust and without Jehovah's protection!
 
 
 
 

Day 3 - Don't Give Up Convention 2017
Dortmund, Germany 

Money ? Does Not Buy Happiness!
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This story is about a beautiful, expensively dressed lady who complained to her psychiatrist that she felt that her whole life was empty, it had no meaning:So, the lady went to visit a counselor to seek out happiness.
The counselor called over the old lady who cleaned the office floors and then said to the rich lady "I am going to ask Mary here to tell you how she found happiness. All I want you to do is listen to her."
So the old lady put down her broom, sat on a chair and told her story:
"Well, my husband died of malaria and three months later my only son was killed by a car. I had nobody - I had nothing left. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, I never smiled at anyone, I even thought of taking my own life.
Then one evening a little kitten followed me home from work. Somehow I felt sorry for that kitten. It was cold outside, so I decided to let the kitten in. I got it some milk, and the kitten licked the plate clean. Then it purred and rubbed against my leg and, for the first time in months, I smiled.
Then I stopped to think, if helping a little kitten could make me smile, maybe doing something for people could make me happy.
So the next day I baked some biscuits and took them to a neighbor who was sick in bed.
Every day I tried to do something nice for someone. It made me so happy to see them happy.
Today, I don't know of anybody who sleeps and eats better than I do. I've found happiness, by giving it to others."
When she heard that,the rich lady cried. She had everything that money could buy, but she had lost the things which money cannot buy.
The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are; but on how happy others can be because of you.
?Happiness is not a destination, it's a journey.
?Happiness is not tomorrow, it is now.
?Happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision.
?Happiness is what you are, not what you have! 
 ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”
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(Acts 20:35)
   

Hello from Milan, Italy! ???

1 Video – 2017 Convention at the Moncton Colosseum, New Brunswick, Canada! We had a nation wide tie in total attendance to the Toronto Special Convention of 98,555k people!!
Two photos and one Video! – Enjpy! 
2. Photo We had the blessing of being tied into the Toronto Special Convention and hear Brother Herd give the talk "Keep in Expectation . . . It Will Not Be Late!” Based on Habakkuk 2:3 on day 3! From the Moncton Colosseum in New Brunswick, Canada!
Photo 3 – from Toronto Canada 
What a wonderful blessing to be with brothers and sisters, tied into the Toronto Special Convention!! ?
 
IMG_1420.MP4
 
 
 

Don't Give Up Convention! Rome, Italy
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3 "He unleashes it under the entire heavens, And sends his lightning to the ends of the earth." (Job 37:3).
What Is Lightening?  
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LIGHTNING 
The brilliant flashes of light resulting from the discharge of atmospheric electricity between clouds or between the clouds and the earth. This phenomenon accompanying a thunderstorm is common in Israel during the rainy periods of spring and fall, especially reaching a peak in the cool months of November or December.
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As Creator of the elements necessary for producing lightning, Jehovah is its source. (Job 37:3, 11) He can also control it and apparently has used lightning and means comparable to it to deliver his servants from their enemies as well as to execute his judgments. (2Sa 22:1, 15; Ps 18:14; 77:16-20; Zec 9:14; compare Job 36:32; Ps 97:4; 144:6.) Appropriately, therefore, lightnings are associated with God’s throne (Re 4:5; compare Re 11:19) as well as with expressions of divine anger (Re 8:5; 16:18) and are figuratively represented as reporting the accomplishment of their task. (Job 38:35) At Mount Sinai, lightning flashes accompanied awesome physical manifestations of God’s presence.—Ex 19:16; 20:18.
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Lightning (Heb., ba·raqʹ) is used figuratively to represent the glittering of polished metal. (De 32:41, ftn; Eze 21:10, ftn; Na 3:3; Hab 3:11) At Nahum 2:4 either the glitter or the great speed of the enemy chariots on Nineveh’s streets is meant by the words, “Like the lightnings they keep running.” And the radiant faces or appearance of angelic creatures is compared to lightning.—Da 10:5, 6; Mt 28:2, 3; see also Eze 1:14.
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Christ Jesus showed that his presence would not be kept secret, even as it is impossible to conceal lightning that “comes out of eastern parts and shines over to western parts.” (Mt 24:23-27; Lu 17:20-24) Earlier, when the 70 disciples he had sent out returned with the report that even the demons were subject to them by the use of his name, Jesus alluded to the future ouster of Satan from heaven as a certainty, saying: “I began to behold Satan already fallen like lightning from heaven.”—Lu 10:1, 17, 18.
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In Luke 11:36 the Greek word for lightning (a·stra·peʹ) refers to the light or flash.
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002743?q=lightning&p=par
Tap on link for Video – Enjoy!
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IMG_1410.MP4

Don't Give Up Convention!  2017 – Milan, Italy ???
Tap Link for Video 
IMG_1408.MP4

Gulfport man gets prison after crashing with 5 drugs in his system, injuring woman
Sun Herald
18 years in jail
An American man has been sentenced to 18 years in jail for causing an accident under the drug effect, in which a 27-Year-old sister suffered terrible damage.
The sister is on the left of the photo in an assembly with her mother and her brother.
The sister had to be rescued from her car after the frontal accident. "his injuries threatened life and included a fracture of the right leg and ankle, multiple facial fractures with several teeth removed and deep bruising to the chest", said Beth Mcfadyen Moore, Senior District Attorney, who processed the case.
They took her to a mobile hospital for emergency surgery and suffered a stroke. She's had multiple brain surgeries in the last two years, she hasn't had her left arm and suffers from seizures.
The Mississippi crime lab determined that the driver had methamphetamine, hydrocodone, oxydcodone, trazodone and marijuana in his system at the time of the accident.
 
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/crime/article164033817.html#storylink=cpy
 
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/crime/article164033817.html
 
Bethanie Jones, left, with her mother, Bettye Jones, and brother Collin Jones at a Jehovah’s Witness Convention at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi. Collin Jones spoke about how a 2015 crash has affected his sister, Bethanie. Photo courtesy Amber Weems
 

Money ? Does Not Buy Happiness!
???
This story is about a beautiful, expensively dressed lady who complained to her psychiatrist that she felt that her whole life was empty, it had no meaning:So, the lady went to visit a counselor to seek out happiness.
The counselor called over the old lady who cleaned the office floors and then said to the rich lady "I am going to ask Mary here to tell you how she found happiness. All I want you to do is listen to her."
So the old lady put down her broom, sat on a chair and told her story:
"Well, my husband died of malaria and three months later my only son was killed by a car. I had nobody - I had nothing left. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, I never smiled at anyone, I even thought of taking my own life.
Then one evening a little kitten followed me home from work. Somehow I felt sorry for that kitten. It was cold outside, so I decided to let the kitten in. I got it some milk, and the kitten licked the plate clean. Then it purred and rubbed against my leg and, for the first time in months, I smiled.
Then I stopped to think, if helping a little kitten could make me smile, maybe doing something for people could make me happy.
So the next day I baked some biscuits and took them to a neighbor who was sick in bed.
Every day I tried to do something nice for someone. It made me so happy to see them happy.
Today, I don't know of anybody who sleeps and eats better than I do. I've found happiness, by giving it to others."
When she heard that,the rich lady cried. She had everything that money could buy, but she had lost the things which money cannot buy.
The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are; but on how happy others can be because of you.
?Happiness is not a destination, it's a journey.
?Happiness is not tomorrow, it is now.
?Happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision.
?Happiness is what you are, not what you have! 
 ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”
???
(Acts 20:35)
   

@James Thomas Rook Jr. 
Yes! Silence is Golden! Many people need to learn "Silence"! ?

Will the Earth Come to an End? - He is taking an Accounting of all the Earth right Now! ~
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(Romans 9:28) For Jehovah will make an accounting on the earth, concluding it and cutting it short.”
(Isaiah 10:23) . . .because an exterminating and a strict decision the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah of armies, will be executing in the midst of the whole land."
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Will the Earth Come to an End?
“THE end of the world never goes out of style, at least as far as film is concerned.” So stated columnist John Scalzi. Why are audiences captivated by movies depicting the end of the world? “Because they speak to our fears,” reasoned Scalzi. Would you agree? Do we have legitimate reasons to be fearful about how and when the earth—and all life upon it—might come to an end?
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Almost daily, we hear of natural disasters wreaking havoc around the globe. Terrifying footage of such destruction is replayed over and over on TV and on the Internet. When we are bombarded with images of real people and real places being destroyed, it is easy to view the end of the world as an actual threat and not just the stuff of movies.
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Fueling such fears, scientists theorize about how the earth might end. Some even predict what might be called earth’s expiration date. In March 2008, the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society reported that a pair of astronomers forecast that in approximately 7.59 billion years, the sun will engulf and vaporize our planet.
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Will the earth really expire someday? ??☄️?
Does Our Planet Have an Expiration Date?
The Bible assures us: “Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4, New International Version) Jehovah God securely “founded the earth upon its established places” and designed it to last “to time indefinite, or forever.” (Psalm 104:5) 
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Do these inspired words of God sound too good to be true? Why should you believe that our earth will not expire, when some scientists claim otherwise?
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Well, think for a moment about products on the shelf at a store. Some are labeled with an expiration date. Who set that date? Was it just an educated guess by the store manager? Of course not! The manufacturer determined the expiration date. We trust that date because the manufacturer knows his products better than anyone else. How much more so should we trust the Maker of our planet! His Word clearly states that he “solidly fixed the earth” to last forever. There is no expiration date—ever!—Psalm 119:90
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Is it possible, though, that irresponsible humans might spoil the planet beyond recovery? Absolutely not! Unlike human manufacturers, Jehovah is “able to do all things.” (Job 42:2) 
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That is why he can confidently guarantee: “My word that goes forth from my mouth will . . . have certain success.” (Isaiah 55:11) We can be sure that “our Maker” will not allow anything to stop him from carrying out his purpose for the earth. (Psalm 95:6) What is that purpose, and how will God fulfill it?
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God’s Kingdom Will Carry Out His Purpose
In addition to guaranteeing that the earth will never expire, God’s Word also tells us that he “formed it even to be inhabited.” (Isaiah 45:18) Although our earth has been inhabited for thousands of years, that in itself has not fulfilled God’s purpose.
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Jehovah is a “happy God” and “a lover of justice.” (1 Timothy 1:11) (Psalm 37:28) 
His purpose is for all humans to live happily and free from injustice. In order to carry out his purpose, God foretold that he would set up one Kingdom in the heavens that will rule over the entire earth. (Daniel 2:44) 
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While on earth, Jesus regularly spoke about God’s Kingdom government. He encouraged his disciples to pray for it because he knew of all the blessings that were in store for the earth under the reign of that Kingdom. (Matthew 6:9, 10; 24:14) 
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What are some of those blessings?
▪ Peace and security will prevail because God promises to end all wars.—Psalm 46:9.
▪ There will be ample food for all.—Psalm 72:16.
▪ Health care will not be an issue because “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”—Isaiah 33:24.
▪ Grieving will not be necessary, for “death will be no more.”—Revelation 21:4.
▪ God promises that his people will build their own houses, live in security, and “be joyful forever.”—Isaiah 65:17-24.
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No doubt you long to enjoy conditions like those outlined above. Jehovah has a fiery zeal—a burning desire—to carry out all that he has foretold. (Isaiah 9:6, 7) 
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Yet, you may wonder: ‘It has been thousands of years since God’s promises were recorded in the Bible. Why have they not yet been fulfilled?’
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God’s Patience Leads to Our Salvation
Rest assured that “Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise.” The Bible explains that God has been lovingly demonstrating patience with us. Thus, we are encouraged to “consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.” (2 Peter 3:9, 15) 
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But why has God’s patience been necessary for salvation?
First of all, God knows that before he can provide righteous humans with a secure and prosperous home, he will have to “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) 
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However, because he loves humans, Jehovah “does not desire any to be destroyed.” Consequently, our heavenly Father has been patiently trying “to warn the wicked one from his wicked way.” To that end, Jehovah is having the message about his Kingdom preached worldwide. (Ezekiel 3:17, 18) 
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All who respond favorably to God’s warning and bring their life into harmony with his righteous principles will be granted salvation and enjoy everlasting life on a paradise earth.
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Turn to God and Be Saved
For a certainty, the Bible has “good news” for us. (Matthew 24:14) It gives us God’s unfailing word that our earth will never come to an end! Moreover, according to Bible prophecies, we can have faith that “just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more.” Soon, only those righteous in God’s eyes “will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:9-11, 29; Matthew 5:5; Revelation 21:3, 4) 
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Until then, God will continue to call out patiently: “Turn to me and be saved, all you at the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 45:22) How will you respond?
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Why not make it your determination to turn to God? Psalm 37:34 exhorts us: “Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth.” Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to assist you in learning more about God’s eternal purpose for the earth and how you can live to see that purpose become a reality.
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"*** w10 1/1 pp. 22-23 Will the Earth Come to an End? ***
 

It is one thing to speak frankly and honestly (rather than live in "pretend world") while also contributing to the spiritual welfare of our brothers and sisters. Some of our brothers and sisters in fact do experience some pretty bad stuff and they need validation and understanding. They won't be helped to cope by pretending it doesn't exist or a lack of transparency or even punishing them for exposing things that are clearly bad. On the other hand, it's another thing to have an agenda. An agenda to only tear down and direct people away from Jehovah's organization. That paints with too wide a brush and denies all the good that is done and can yet be done.
One conspicuous omission I see from all these cowardly nay-sayers, sniping from behind the safety of a computer screen, is: What are you offering that is better? What religion are you in that is so much better? Let's examine your beliefs publicly and see if it stands the same level of scrutiny you hold us to. While we are obedient to Christ's command to preach the good news world wide, what are you offering? Let me guess: Bingo, bake sales and bazaars...?

This system of things has failed its young people in countless ways, with the predictable result that they are committing suicide in record numbers. Suicide rate of that age group has tripled since the 1950's. One Millennial site puts it: "Every generation uses the ceiling of the generation before them to become their floor to build off of. Instead, it feels like our generation is dodging the crumbling remains of the ceiling exploding above us." (allgroanup.com) Exactly.
That being the case, it is misguided to try to impede the one organization proclaiming the solution from the Bible. If they ceased doing it, there is no one else to take over.  So plain does this seem to me that I have sometimes crossed a line and asserted it is done for exactly that reason: to prevent the proclaiming of God's kingdom - remarks that have not gone down well in all quarters. But it seems either that or a cutting off of one's nose to spite one's face. it seems either that or the 'unreasoning animals' of Peter's description who act contrary to their own interests. 
I used to love giving the talk: 'Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom.' I led off with the by-now-trite illustration I've heard of how treasure-seekers dig through the dirt to find the tiniest bit of diamond, and how foolish it would be to reverse it - dig through the diamonds to find the tiniest bit of dirt. I then stated that, nonetheless, we would be doing exactly that for the next 45 minutes, since, with any time in the faith, you are going to come across some dirt,, and if you are not prepared, you will be floored, for it is the one place you do not expect to find any.
Then I reveled in tearing things apart for 45 minutes, both in the Hebrew and Greek scriptures. I hit my stride with Revelation 2 and 3, considering absolute basket cases of congregations, guilty of every horrible thing, and yet they were still congregations. The idea was to encourage the audience to have a realistic outlook on what they will always eventually encounter anywhere there are people.
Arguably, mature ones here who sometimes veer into discussing organizational flaws are not impeding anything, but by 'shining the bright light of journalistic truth' are encouraging everyone to shape up. Though that sometimes works, as often it is as when you shine a bright light upon cockroaches. They don't stop being cockroaches when you do that. They just go somewhere else.
Arguably, everyone is doing just fine here, and it may even benefit some opposers to hear frank admissions of faults by persons of good motive. However, it is another thing entirely to 'smuggle' confidential stuff, whatever that may be, so that Jay can put it on his website. He has pretty well demonstrated where his interests lie.
JTR, the strangest of all birds to me, regales us tirelessly with war scenarios about the boldness and courage and glory of men who SACRIFICED THEIR ALL in the greatest theater of existence. He would be shot in a heartbeat as a traitor if he carried on there as he does here. Does he think the military generals that sent thousands into battle were above the petty miscues that he lambastes others for here?
All this is not to be unkind to the young woman in question, who I did not know. She is caught up in the spirit of the age, most likely, that holds that revealing faults is somehow a sacred quest - that only good can come of it. Even Jay's breathless banner conveys his enthusiasm for tearing down: it is a SPECIAL REPORT! Just like the banning of the entire religion merited a SPECIAL REPORT on the broadcast site. It is not hard to see whose interests he serves.
It's regrettable, of course, but hardly a special report, as though  she was a freedom fighter lost in the most noble of causes. Otherwise, every downed soldier would also merit a special report, every millennial suicide would also merit a special report, and whoever they last engaged with would merit special attention as the villain of our age.
Can they get insular at Bethel? Can there be intrigues? Of course. It is the common bane of people. But I am loath to offer counsel because A.) I'm not qualified, B.) I don't have 5% of the information they do, C.) it's not my place, D.) Even when I identify a problem, that does not mean I have any idea how to fix it. The world's obsession with firing people for miscues results only in inexperienced clods running show - Jesus fired only Judas, E.) I don't think such matters are fixed though the democratic means of public journalism. It hasn't worked that way in the general world; drawbacks are as numerous as successes, and on balance, it is no better than hoping you get a nice king and not a mean one. F.) I tend to think these matters are self-correcting. If it truly is something from God, as I conclude it is based upon the proclamation of truth that they alone spearhead, then entities other than me will take care of troubles. 
 

Unfortunately, that wasn't just true back in the '80's. I have seen the same thing and so have others - and it's not just true of NY Bethel. The trick for those of us who have lived through and seen these lying machinations is not only to stay faithful to our dedication and respect for the authority of our organization (while being more than aware of things that might destroy the faith of our brothers and sisters), but to help them to stay grounded despite the faith-testing/destroying machinations of men who have something to hide, and who will lie, plot and scheme to protect themselves. To try to help our friends have faith that overall, we are a spiritual organization, not just the political entity proud ambitious men would turn it into.We expect this behaviour in the world, but when men in authority ("angels in Jesus' right hand") act as if they are in Satan's right hand, then most would have a hard time to rationalize what they may see or even experience within the context of their faith - it's just too "out there." But prophetic warnings in Gods Word make clear that this type of stuff will happen - (not just could happen).. It's just that people think it's "negative talk" or something that "allegedly" happens to someone else until it happens to them.  
I have a lot of respect for mature, battle-hardened/wisened Christians who in a spiritual sense, are like the valiant mighty men of old who faced dangers from outside and within in defence of pure worship. Although I love also my "weaker" in faith brothers and sisters who would rather act as if these things can't/don't exist or even acknowledge it, I wouldn't want to be like that - in "pretend world." I have always wanted to know the "truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" - even when it is uncomfortable - at least it's real and I know who/what I am dealing with. We can easily accept there will be wickedness from Satans system. Not so easy when it's from within "Jehovah's organization." But those who have this "tested quality of our faith" are a living testimony that these things are survivable, doable, and they can even maintain their joy in serving Jehovah stronger and wiser than before. 

I was trying to say similar, but I think you have expressed it better. 2 Corinthians 1:4 applies here. But those who need comfort won't get it if everyone pretends it doesn't exist - and it really doesn't for most people. Who in the congregation would even believe you, or even want to? The answer is: nobody - unless they have seen and been through it themselves. Fortunately for me, I knew very strong and zealous brothers of many years who shared their experiences with me which was of great encouragement because as you correctly stated it provided "relief I wasn't going crazy."  But they wouldn't go talking about these things just to anybody in the congregation. It's too outside the realm of experience for most. We are encouraged to overlook the "imperfections" of others, which is scripturally loving and appropriate. But what we are alluding to is much more than some garden variety imperfection. These are often disfellowshipping offences and other forms of badness. 
I wouldn't think everyone reading this would believe/agree with this thread. But for those of us who have had to come to terms with some pretty hairy stuff, your expressions above ring true - spot on in fact. 

So true. It's hard to imagine what kind of "spirituality" can live alongside certain kinds of sin and certain kinds of personalities.
Most people go into the various Bethel branches, at about age 19 and 20, rather naively, and usually just a few short years after their baptism and with an average of more than a year of pioneering.  The statistics favored those who were 'raised in the truth' rather than recent converts. One of the first things we were told, jokingly by Brother Couch and Brother Sydlik in the "welcome speech' is that Bethelites were divided into two groups, "Newbies" and "BAs" (those with a "Bad Attitude). Then we were reminded that this wasn't a joke by Bethelites who had already been there a year or two. The direct implication was that it didn't take long before we would all become jaded.
I went in on the cusp of a changeover from a 4-year commitment to just a 1-year commitment. Those who were serving out the last year or so of a 4-year commitment were supposed to be the worst BAs (although with the changeover, there was no stigma to a 2 or 3 year Bethelite leaving early, as there had been previously). If you went home early prior to that, it was considered the same as a dishonorable discharge from the army. And worse than that, there had just been a dismissal of 50 or more (all at one time) who had been accused of homosexuality. It was right after that that the 1-year commitment was offered, but no one wanted to leave early in the midst of that, for fear of what the congregation back home might think.
On the first day I got to Bethel, my temporary roommate stole a couple hundred dollars from me, as he was just going back home after 4 years. On my last day of Bethel, I discovered that my storage locker, unused for several years, had been broken into and my valuables had been stolen. I never thought to check my storage locker even though Brother Knorr made at least a weekly announcement of Bethelites dismissed for theft over a period of several months.
But all this was very easy to ignore, by just putting your nose to the grindstone and staying busy. As TTH reminds us, it's dirt among diamonds. I found diamonds by the dozen, and would have never focused on the dirt. And of course every diamond itself has imperfections, too. I could not have asked for better assignments at Bethel. I didn't deserve any of them, and I loved it every single day. Even those dark days of 1980 that seemed surreal, didn't change my resolve to continue to just try to be the kind of person who was like those whom I liked to be around. 
As I got a little older I realized that part of helping others stay grounded is to stop keeping everything to myself, and just admit the faults we've lived through. And I think that we can help others even by admitting the specifics (up to a point). The reason is that others who have gone through something unexpected might never guess that others have gone through something similar. It might give them a bit of relief that they are not going crazy or being singled out for mistreatment or just to know that others really can sympathize.
There is always an element of concern over the fact that some are stumbled by dirty laundry, but that's why I've mentioned before that a semi-anonymous discussion forum (for me) is a much better choice than trying to sympathize in the congregation setting. Many of those who are hurt by mistreatment from those they trusted have clearly turned to discussion forums like this one. (Actually, I saw several of that sort on a bigger discussion forum and was terrified for them that they were being eaten alive by a a lot of unruly ex-JWs, proud to call themselves "apostates.")
Rather than fight the noise on that larger forum, I ran across this one, and think, so far, that it has a fair balance, and that even ex-JW and non-JW "opposing" voices are fairly good at self-moderating here. Someday, this forum will probably no longer meet the same standards it meets now and I'll either go back to silence, or go looking around for another outlet. Many won't agree, but I think that sharing openly and honestly is a loving thing to do for those who might be looking for a sympathetic or empathetic ear. That goes for those concerned about issues of justice and issues of doctrine and healthful teaching. I think this is why the Bible reveals the flaws, even of people at the highest levels of responsibility. (Noah, Moses, Jephthah, Saul, David, Solomon, . . . Paul, Peter, James, and John).
I'm sure some are annoyed that not everyone here spends 100% of their time encouraging loyalty to all the long-standing traditions, and bureaucratic processes. Some apparently only want to encourage complete obedience to any and all suggestions from the Governing Body and apparently think anything less is some kind of apostasy. We have congregations for that kind of encouragement. We have meetings where we specifically study the current thinking of the Governing Body and support it through prepared questions and answers and reading of published material. The congregation is no place for open questioning of current doctrines and procedures.
Well put! 

My XFriend, an Elder, Pioneer and well liked in the Congregation showed this attitude to me. As a Health Counselor and Bible Student for over 60 years I tried my best to see his wrong attitudes. I saved his life once unknowingly. Yet, as you see many will manifest more so in this time of the end. Sadly, he left Jehovah was expelled. Knew the Truth over 24 years yet his attitude towards those in authority was very wrong for he said he "knew to much." Who is perfect? Yet, Jehovah is using imperfect men to fulfill his will and purpose. We live for Jehovah or we die for Jehovah. Many will come and go especially now so close to the end. Hear news? Disregard it if not Up building as we KNOW this may get worse. Let Jehovah expose those wicked as he did this man. As Christ is the Head of the Congregation we need not worry but let go, have patience and matters will be discovered and dealt with. Trust in Jehovah the God of Tender Mercies and Christ the Exemplar of our faith. Times will get worse, take your stand now! Yes, it was very hard for me with this ExFriend and ExElder. 
Jehovah rewards the faithful. If they repent and turn back Jehovah will wait. If not read the rest of 2 Peter 2. My favorite Moto is; "Have no fear, Jehovah is near." May you have Peace and Blessings from Jehovah! 
 
The Second of Peter 2:1-3, 8-22.
2 However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you.These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2  Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively.     3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping."
 
 8 for day after day that righteous man was tormenting his righteous soul over the lawless deeds that he saw and heard while dwelling among them. 9 So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment, 10 especially those who seek to defile the flesh of others and who despise authority. Daring and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak abusively of glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, out of respect for Jehovah. 12 But these men, like unreasoning animals that act on instinct and are born to be caught and destroyed, speak abusively about things of which they are ignorant. They will suffer destruction brought on by their own destructive course, 13  suffering harm as their reward for their own harmful course. They consider it pleasurable to indulge in luxurious living, even in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes who revel in their deceptive teachings while feasting together with you. 14 Their eyes are full of adultery and are unable to desist from sin, and they entice unstable ones.They have a heart trained in greed. They are accursed children. 15  Abandoning the straight path, they have been led astray. They have followed the path of Baʹlaam the son of Beʹor, who loved the reward of wrongdoing, 16  but was reproved for his own violation of what was right. A voiceless beast of burden speaking with a human voice hindered the prophet’s mad course. 17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a violent storm, and the blackest darkness has been reserved for them.18 They make high-sounding statements that are empty. By appealing to the desires of the flesh and with acts of brazen conduct, they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for if anyone is overcome by someone, he is his slave. 20 Certainly if after escaping from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, their final state has become worse for them than the first. 21 It would have been better for them not to have accurately known the path of righteousness than after knowing it to turn away from the holy commandment they had received. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire.”
How the Voice of Strangers Is Heard Today
Deceptive reasonings. The apostle Paul states: “Do not be carried away with various and strange teachings.” (Hebrews 13:9) What sort of teachings? Since they can ‘carry us away,’ it is clear that Paul refers to teachings that undermine our spiritual balance. Who are voicing such strange teachings? Paul told a group of Christian elders: “From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:30) Indeed, today as in Paul’s day, some individuals who were once part of the Christian congregation now attempt to mislead the sheep by speaking “twistedthings”—half-truths and outright lies. As the apostle Peter puts it, they use “counterfeit words”—words that resemble truth but that are actually as worthless as counterfeit money.—2 Peter 2:3.
Peter further exposes the methods of apostates by stating that they “will quietly bring in destructive sects.” (2 Peter 2:1, 3) Just as the thief in Jesus’ illustration of the sheepfold does not enter “through the door but climbs up some other place,” so apostates approach us in stealthy ways. (Galatians 2:4; Jude 4) What is their aim? Peter adds: “They will exploit you.” Indeed, no matter what apostates may say to the contrary, the real aim of intruders is “to steal and slay and destroy.” (John 10:10) Beware of such strangers!