Shawnster

Peace, through superior firepower.

That's when the service overseer provides tactful counsel

Meetings for service after the weekend meeting have, for us, always been make groups, say prayer, and go.

We dont have enough money to provide the coverage.

Our memories tend to be very short. We had a very hard hitting campaign on this topic nearly 20 years ago. *** km 9/06 p. 1 par. 1 Special Campaign October 16–November 12! *** 1 “The End of False Religion Is Near!” That is the title of Kingdom News No. 37, which will be distributed around the world beginning next month. During the first half of October, we will offer the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Starting Monday, October 16, through Sunday, November 12, we will engage in an intensive distribution of Kingdom News No. 37. On weekends during the campaign, we will offer it along with the current magazines. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=202006321&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par =2 Here is the text of this Kingdom News 37. You'll notice it covers all the same points - what is false religion? Why should it be destroyed? Who will destroy it and how? While our understanding of what that prophetic "one thought" is has been adjusted, the basic idea, including that scripture, is in this tract. https://www.jw.org/en/library/tracts/The-End-of-False-Religion-Is-Near/The-End-of-False-Religion-Is-Near/ The picture of the tract is not on JW.org

Never heard of her. Good luck next year, Donald.

I'd like to know the reasoning. Beyond religious discrimination, that is. At the risk of my neutrality, the fact this is even proposed is "evidence" that Europeans are hypocritical when they point fingers at the United States and claim or imply they are more open-minded, welcoming, and less bigoted than the US.

I don't know if we can conclude this. Do we have anything that tells us what the first century friends understood regarding this? 1 Thessalonians was written about 20 years before Jerusalem was destroyed. Later, John's gospel and letters were written almost 30 years after that destruction.

According to ChatGPT When Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:3, “Whenever it is that they are saying, ‘Peace and security!’ then sudden destruction will be instantly upon them…”, he was likely echoing a well-known political slogan of the Roman Empire. Here’s the background: “Pax et Securitas” (Peace and Security), or similar phrases like “Pax Romana” (“Roman Peace”) and “Securitas Publica” (“Public Security”), were common imperial ideals. The Roman emperors promoted themselves as bringers of peace and stability after years of civil wars. This message was a key part of imperial propaganda. In inscriptions, coins, and official declarations, Rome often celebrated the gods Pax and Securitas, even depicting them as divine figures who upheld the empire. For example, coins from the reigns of emperors like Augustus, Nero, and Vespasian bear inscriptions such as “PAX AUGUSTA” or “SECURITAS ORBIS” (“Security of the World”). So, when Paul used the phrase “peace and security,” his audience in Thessalonica — a Roman city — would have immediately recognized it as the kind of political assurance the empire often proclaimed. Paul’s message contrasts that imperial boast: while Rome claimed to bring lasting peace and safety, Paul warns that true peace and security do not come from political power but from God’s Kingdom, and that human promises of peace can precede sudden judgment.

This is a wonderful observation. Thank you.

Or, which scriptures?

Furloughed and essential employees will receive back pay after a shutdown ends. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/government-shutdown-2025-air-travel-social-security-impact-rcna234594 So, really, the shut down is just a disruption of people's lives. It's not like the money ran out. Such a stupid waste of time. The only people suffering are people who will miss making Bill payments during the shut down. If they can get the bill collectors to defer payment until the furlough ends, great. Otherwise, it's gonna hurt. Sure — here’s a clear list of common effects of a U.S. federal government shutdown. The exact impact depends on how long it lasts and whether Congress passes temporary funding measures, but these are the usual consequences: 1. Federal Employees & Pay Furloughs: Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are sent home without pay. Essential employees work without pay: Military personnel, TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol must still report to work but won’t get paychecks until the shutdown ends. Back pay later: Historically, Congress authorizes back pay once funding is restored, but during the shutdown, workers face financial hardship. --- 2. Federal Services & Programs National parks & museums: Many close or operate with limited staff, leading to trash buildup, safety risks, and lost tourism revenue. Passports & visas: Processing slows or halts, causing travel delays. Small Business Administration loans: Delayed, affecting entrepreneurs. Federal permits & reviews: Environmental reviews, energy projects, and other regulatory approvals pause. --- 3. Economy & Business Contractors unpaid: Private businesses with government contracts lose money, and their workers may not be reimbursed. --- 4. Social & Public Services Food assistance programs: SNAP benefits continue temporarily but may run into delays if the shutdown is long. Housing programs: HUD may not be able to fund housing assistance or renew contracts. Health & safety inspections: Some FDA food inspections, workplace safety inspections, and environmental enforcement slow down or stop. --- 5. Government Operations Congress & the President keep working: Elected officials continue to be paid. Courts: Federal courts stay open for a while, but if funding lapses too long, staff may be furloughed. Law enforcement & military: Still active, but strained by lack of immediate pay and support staff.

Hasn't the pushing been going on for a very long time before now?

To be fair, Jehovah's going to make them believe it's their own thought. They honestly won't know any better.