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Thursday, March 10, 2016

VIDEO: Jehovah's Witnesses' MEMORIAL of Jesus' Death - 23rd March 2016

Jehovah's Witnesses' MEMORIAL of Jesus' Death - 23rd March 2016

Each year, Jehovah’s Witnesses remember the death of Jesus in the way that he asked. (Luke 22:19, 20) We warmly invite you to be present with us on this important occasion. You will learn how Jesus’ life and death can benefit you.

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Sunday, November 8, 2015

Is the Paradise Mentioned in the Bible For the Future Earth Literal or Figurative? — What Bible Scholars Have Said

Many Bible scholars maintain that under Christ’s Kingdom, earth will become a literal paradise:

“The whole earth under the Messiah must then ultimately become . . . what it . . . would have been if Adam had never sinned.” - Theologian Joseph A. Seiss

In the commentary The New Testament for English Readers, Henry Alford wrote: “That kingdom of God . . . shall work onwards till it shall become actually a kingdom over this earth, and its subjects shall inherit the earth . . . , finally in its renewed and blessed state for ever.”—Italics his.

Isaac Newton also wrote: “The earth shall continue to be inhabited by mortals [humans] after the day of judgment and that not only for 1000 years, but even for ever.”


- What Bible Scholars Have Said
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102008164?q=What+Bible+Scholars+Have+Said&p=par


Recommended Related Articles:

The Bible’s Viewpoint - Will Earth Be a Paradise? (ip-1 chap. 28 pp. 369-381; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102008164

What is the Paradise that Jesus promised to the evildoer who died alongside him? (Insight-2 pp. 574-577; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003377?q=What+is+the+Paradise+that+Jesus+promised&p=par

Life in a Restored Paradise (JW.ORG)
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g200809/life-in-paradise/

THE BIBLE’S VIEWPOINT - Paradise (JW.ORG)
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201301/what-is-paradise/

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Looking Down on a Shooting Star


























This astronaut photograph, taken from the International Space Station while over China (approximately 400 kilometers to the northwest of Beijing), provides the unusual perspective of looking down on a meteor as it passes through the atmosphere. The image was taken on August 13, 2011, during the Perseid Meteor Shower that occurs every August.

Image Credit: NASA/Ron Garan
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=51754


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Friday, October 2, 2015

What is the "Good News of the Kingdom"? Who is Preaching it? And What Does "For a Witness to all the Nations" Mean? (Mt. 24:14)

At Mt. 24:3, Jesus was approached by his disciples and was asked: "Tell us, When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?" In response, Jesus did not provide a specific time, saying that “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mt. 24:36) However, while the exact time of the coming end of this “system of things” has not been revealed to us, “the sign” that Jesus gave would let us know when we are in the time period known as “the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1)

Telling us what will mark the last days, Jesus went on to say: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be great earthquakes, and in one place after another pestilences and food shortages; and there will be fearful sights and from heaven great signs.” (Luke 21:10, 11) Jesus also said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”(Matthew 24:14)

What is the "Good News of the Kingdom" Described at Matt. 24:14?

The Bible mentions that the entire theme of Jesus’ preaching was God’s Kingdom. For instance, Jesus said,

"I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:43)

Most are familiar with the model prayer. In it, Jesus taught us to pray for God's Kingdom to come:

“Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your KINGDOM come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, ALSO UPON EARTH.” (Matthew 6:9-13) emphasis mine.

Daniel 2:44 says more about this kingdom:

“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”

After that, mankind will be under just one government, God’s Kingdom. The Bible says that that Kingdom will do God’s will and bring great blessings such as removing Satan and his demons. (Revelation 20:1-3) The Bible also mentions that faithful humans will no longer get sick and die. Instead, under Kingdom rule they will be able to live forever. (Revelation 22:1-3) The earth will be made into a paradise.
Also see:
God’s Kingdom - What Is It? When Will It Come? (bh chap. 8 pp. 76-85; Watchtower Online Library)

Who is Preaching the Gospel of God's Kingdom Today?

Some religions have acknowledged the Christian obligation to preach in public places and from house to house Acts 5:42; Matt. 10:11-14; Luke 9:6), although this is often left to a limited group of missionaries or clergy to fulfill... not every member.

However, every member who is identified as one of JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES heeds Jesus' instructions when he told his followers to "make disciples of people of all the nations," and when Jesus himself set the example by "journeying from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God." (Matthew 28:19, 20; Luke 8:1)
Also see:
Ways They Use to Share the Good News (jt pp. 19-21; Watchtower Online Library)
Their Worldwide Organization and Work (jt pp. 25-26; Watchtower Online Library)

Will the Good News Have to be Directly Preached to Every Man, Woman and Child on Earth Before "The End Will Come"?

Notice the wording at Mt. 24:14,

"...will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations..."

Jesus did not specifically say that every man, woman and child on earth will have the good news directly preached to in the last days. He said that the good news will be preached in all of the Earth for a witness to all of the nations. This means that every nation will have the good news preached in it to some extent.

Interestingly, as of the time of this writing, Jehovah's Witnesses are preaching this good news of the Kingdom in 239 lands worldwide.
http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/

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Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Who is Michael the Archangel?


Jewish tradition holds that there are seven archangels named Gabriel, Jeremiel, Michael, Raguel, Raphael, Sariel, and Uriel. On the other hand, Islam believes in four archangels, namely, Jibril, Mikal, Izrail, and Israfil. Catholicism also believes in four archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel.

What Does the Bible Say?

Aside from Michael, no archangel is mentioned in the Bible, nor do the Scriptures use the term “archangel” in the plural. The Bible describes Michael as the archangel, implying that he alone bears that designation.

Michael is clearly an outstanding angel. The book of Revelation shows that Michael wars with Satan and his demons and hurls them out of heaven. (Revelation 12:7-9) No other angel is portrayed as having such great power and authority over God’s enemies.

Who is Michael the Archangel?

According to the Bible, the name 'Michael' was applied to God's Son before he left heaven to become Jesus Christ and also after his return. For much more concerning the identity of Michael the Archangel, please see the informative, Bible-based articles below:

ARCHANGEL - Links to Information (INDEX; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000345

MICHAEL (Archangel) - Links to Information (INDEX; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200273808

The Bible’s Viewpoint - Who Is Michael the Archangel? (g02 2/8 pp. 16-17; Watchtower Online Library )
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102002085

Who Is Michael the Archangel? (bh p. 218 - p. 219 par. 1; Watchtower Online Library )
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102005160

Is Jesus the Archangel Michael? (w10 4/1 p. 19; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2010250

MICHAEL (Insight-2 pp. 393-394; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003035

Is Jesus Christ the same person as Michael the archangel? (Insight-2 pp. 393-394; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989240?q=archangel&p=par

What is an Angel? ( Insight-1 pp. 106-108; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000277

What is the Archangel and is there more than one? ( Insight-1 p. 156; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000345

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jehovah's Witnesses - Not the Only Ones Who Reason That Jesus is Michael the Archangel (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)
http://defendingjehovahswitnesses.blogspot.com/2013/01/jehovahs-witnesses-not-only-ones-who.html
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102002085

Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Conclude That 'Michael' is a Name For Christ in Heaven?
http://defendingjehovahswitnesses.blogspot.com/2013/04/why-do-jehovahs-witnesses-conclude-that.html


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Monday, August 31, 2015

How Did Early Christians and Jews of Bible Times View Birthday Celebrations?

"The notion of a birthday festival was far from the ideas of the Christians of this period in general."—The History of the Christian Religion and Church, During the Three First Centuries (New York, 1848), Augustus Neander (translated by Henry John Rose), p. 190

"The later Hebrews looked on the celebration of birthdays as a part of idolatrous worship, a view which would be abundantly confirmed by what they saw of the common observances associated with these days."—The Imperial Bible-Dictionary (London, 1874), edited by Patrick Fairbairn, Vol. I, p. 225

“Early Christians [from the time of Christ until the 4th century] frowned on [celebrating anyone’s birthday], which was too closely linked with pagan customs to be given the approval of the church.” - How It Started, Garrison, copyright 1972 by Abingdon Press, p. 213

"Christians of the first century did not celebrate the festival honoring the birth of Jesus - for the same reason they honored no other birthday anniversary. It was the feeling at that time by ALL Christians that the celebration of all birthdays (even the Lordâs) was a custom of the PAGANS. In an effort to divorce themselves from ALL pagan practices, the early Christians refused to set aside a date marking Jesus' birth. As a result, the first celebration of Christmas by Christians did not take place until the fourth century." - The Christian Book of Why, by Dr. John C. McCollister (Lutheran minister and university professor, graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary), Jonathan David Publishers, Inc., 1983, p. 205

The Jews themselves never celebrated birthdays until long after the death of Jesus. They considered it a purely pagan custom and detestable to the God they worshiped. Jesus and his Apostles continued this belief and so did their followers for centuries.

“As late as 245 [A. D.] Origen (hom. viii. on Leviticus) repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ, ‘as if he were a king Pharaoh [Gen. 4:19-22].’” - Encyclopedia Britannica, 14th ed., p. 642, Vol. 5

ALSO SEE:

How did early Christians and Jews of Bible times view birthday celebrations?
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989214?q=How+did+early+Christians+and+Jews+of+Bible+times+view+birthday+celebrations&p=par

Birthday 
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000749#h=8:0-8:989

Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Celebrate Birthdays?
http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/birthdays/

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Articles From JW.ORG That Refute Trinity 'Proof'-Texts


The following are links to information from JW.ORG that refute virtually every main so-called Trinity 'proof'-text that is used. Starting from Genesis to Revelation:

Gen. 1:26 

Gen. 1:26 - "Let Us Make Man in Our Image" (Insight-2 pp. 52-72; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002451?q=Logically+firstborn+Son&p=par

Gen. 1:26 - The Word (Insight-2 pp. 1200-1203; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004625?q=This+Word+or+Logos&p=par


Isa. 6:3

Isa. 6:3 - “Holy, holy, holy,” is no evidence of a Trinity.
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102000028?q=Holy+holy+holy+is+Jehovah+armies+Isaiah+6%3A3&p=par


Isa. 9:6 

Isa. 9:6 - God at Isa. 9:6 (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276?q=Mighty+God+at+Isaiah+9%3A6&p=par

Isa. 9:6 -“Mighty God” and “Eternal Father” (ip-1 chap. 10 pp. 117-132; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102000030#p34


Isa. 43:11

Isa. 43:11 / 2 Pet. 3:18 - Savior (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276?q=Savior&p=par


Isa. 44:6

Isa. 44:6 / Rev. 1:17 - To whom do the titles “the Alpha and the Omega” and “the First and the Last” refer? (w09 1/15 p. 30-p. 32; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009046?q=the+first+and+the+last&p=par


Micah 5:2

Micah 5:2 - Does that make him the same as God? (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=22:0-22:509


Mt. 28:19

Mt. 28:19 - Scriptures that mention together the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276?q=Scriptures+mention+Father+Son+Holy+Spirit&p=par

Mt. 28:19 - Is the Trinity a Bible teaching? (w12 3/1 p. 23; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2012173#h=3:0-6:465

Mt. 28:19 - Holy Spirit - How baptized in its “name.” (it-2 pp. 1017-1027; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004211?q=How+baptized+name&p=par

Mt. 28:19 - Baptized in the Name of Whom and What? (w10 3/15 pp. 10-14; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2010204#h=0:0-22:312

Mt. 28:19 - What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father”, ‘in the name of the Son’, and ‘in the name of the holy spirit’? (w02 4/1 pp. 10-15; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2002243#p14

Mt. 28:19 - What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father”, ‘in the name of the Son’, and ‘in the name of the holy spirit’? (wt chap. 12 pp. 110-119; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102002072#h=10:276-13:1162


John 1:1

John 1:1 - Was the Word “God” or “a god”? (w08 11/1 pp. 24-25; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2008812

John 1:1 - "The Word Was God" (bh p. 201-p. 204 par. 2; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102005153#p6

John 1:1 - “Those Who Are Called ‘Gods’” (g05 4/22 pp. 8-9; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102005283

John 1:1 - Is Jesus God? (THE WATCHTOWER APRIL 2009)
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20090401/is-jesus-god/


John 5:18

John 5:18 - What is the meaning of John 5:18? (rs p. 209-p. 220; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989240?q=What+meaning+John+5%3A18&p=par


John 8:58

John 8:58 - "The question of the Jews (John 8 verse 57) to which Jesus was replying had to do with age, not identity." (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=64:0-68:61


John 10:30

John 10:30 - In What Way Are Jesus and His Father One? (w09 9/1 p. 28; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009652

John 10:30 (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=107


John 10:33

John 10:33 (it-2 pp. 996-1001; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004182?q=False+charge+blasphemy&p=par


John 20:28

John 20:28 - What did Thomas mean when he said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God”? (Insight-2 pp. 52-72; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002451#h=26:0-27:1235

John 20:28 - Three verses after the account about Thomas, John explained that he wrote so that people “may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God”—not that he is God. (g05 4/22 pp. 8-9; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102005283?q=Thomas+exclaim+resurrected+Jesus&p=par

John 20:28 - Does Thomas’ exclamation at John 20:28 prove that Jesus is truly God? (rs p. 209-p. 220; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989240?q=Thomas+exclamation+John+20%3A28&p=par


Acts 20:28

Acts 20:28 (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=69:0-72:54


1 Corinthians 8:4-6

1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (it-2 pp. 5-20; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002391#h=26:184-27:971


2 Cor. 13:14

2 Cor. 13:14 - Scriptures that mention together the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276?q=Scriptures+mention+Father+Son+Holy+Spirit&p=par


Philippians 2:5, 6

Philippians 2:5, 6 (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=78:0-81:448


Col. 2:9

Col. 2:9 - "Trinity" (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=82:0-86:417

Col. 2:9 - "Divine" (Insight-1 pp. 638-639; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200001201?q=Colossians+2%3A9+apostle+Paul&p=par


Titus 2:13

Titus 2:13 (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=87:0-91:61


Heb. 1:3

Heb. 1:3 - Has Jesus always reflected his Father’s likeness to the same degree? (it-1 pp. 1184-1187; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002149?q=Jesus+reflected+Father%E2%80%99s+likeness+degree&p=par

Heb. 1:6

Heb. 1:6 - Is It Proper to Worship Jesus? (g00 4/8 pp. 26-27; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102000250#h=4:0-12:464

Heb. 1:6 - Does the fact that worship is given to Jesus prove that he is God? (rs p. 209-p. 220; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989240#h=33:0-36:388

Heb. 1:6 - Obeisance to the glorified Jesus Christ (it-2 pp. 523-524; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003293?q=Obeisance++Glorified+Jesus+Christ&p=par


Heb. 1:8

Heb. 1:8 (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=92:0-95:888


1 John 5:7, 8

1 John 5:7, 8 (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276#h=96:0-99:90

1 John 5:7, 8 - Spirit (Insight-2 pp. 1017-1027; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004211#h=17:0-17:958

1 John 5:7, 8 - How did water, blood, and spirit bear witness to the fact that “Jesus is the Son of God”? (w08 12/15 p. 27-p. 29 par. 13; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2008926?q=How+did+water+blood+and+spirit+bear+witness&p=par


1 John 5:20

1 John 5:20 - Who Is “the True God and Life Everlasting”?
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2004768#h=0:0-13:205


Rev. 1:8

Rev. 1:8 - Alpha and Omega (Insight; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000208

Rev. 1:8 - Alpha and Omega: To whom does this title properly belong? (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276?q=Alpha+and+Omega&p=par


Rev. 22:13

Rev. 22:13 - Alpha and Omega (Insight; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000208

Rev. 22:13 - Alpha and Omega: To whom does this title properly belong? (rs p. 405-p. 426; Watchtower Online Library)
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989276?q=Alpha+and+Omega&p=par


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