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Your beloved sister Linda from Sardinia, Italy has passed away. https://jwtalk.net/profile/1052-lindal/

10 years today I got baptised 🥰

The talk about giving "more teeth".

My new dp

Oh dear. This could grow into a long text. One of the talks I am currently working on involves the events that happened in 66 C.E. I only recently realized how strongly Matthew draws parallels between those events and Jesus’ prophecy about the “last days.” In Luke 19, Jesus openly weeps over Jerusalem. He sees the future destruction of the city, and in that moment he pronounces a prophecy against it. However, just a couple of days later, Jesus was back in Jerusalem with his disciples. He noticed the poor widow contributing her two small coins, and the disciples began marveling at the temple and its beauty. It seems clear that they did not fully grasp what Jesus had meant earlier when the crowds tried to make him king. So Jesus repeated the prophecy again; this time in the temple itself. This leads directly into the scene preserved especially vividly in Matthew 24. However, it seems that the occasion is somewhat different from Matthew’s perspective. To him, he wrote When Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, his disciples approached him privately and 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?” But Luke says, “When will these things actually be, and what will be the sign when these things are to occur.” Here, “when will these things be?” clearly refers to the destruction of Jerusalem. The disciples seem to be trying to understand why Jesus wept over the city, and why he repeated the warning at the temple. They were curious and confused. But then they asked two more questions: the sign of his presence and the conclusion of the system of things. This is significant. Jesus’ answer blends the destruction of Jerusalem with the sign of his future presence. Why? Because the disciples asked about both, and Jesus gave an answer that addressed their time and ours. There are indeed strong parallels between the experience of early Christians and the conditions Jesus said would mark his presence. Here is what I deduced: The “sign” and the “conclusion” appear to be two distinct phases. In Matthew 24:6, Jesus said that “these things” — the signs — must occur, but the end is not yet (Luke 21:9). If we follow that, then most, if not all, major features of the sign have already appeared. So we are either near the conclusion or in the final part of the sign of Jesus’ presence. Another important detail: Jesus said that when Jerusalem was surrounded by armies, its desolation was near. That surrounding was the final sealing of the prophecy, marking the beginning of the end for the city. In our time, the proclamation of “peace and security” seems to act as a similar final marker, an event that signals the beginning of the end. My personal opinion — and I acknowledge it could be wrong — is that the proclamation of “peace and security” may overlap with the destruction of Babylon the Great. Here is why: In 66 C.E., various Jewish factions overthrew the Roman fortresses, killed High Priest Ananias, and drove the Roman governor out of the city. Then the Romans tried to capture Jerusalem not once, but twice. But the days for meting out justice started when they surrounded the nations in 66 C.E. And it triggered the beginning of the end. But the prophecy was fulfilled in 70 C.E. So I think the cry of “peace and security” may be tied to the removal of false religion. And I think the cry of peace could happen in intervals too. I believe a series of peace and security could trigger a final assault on False Religion, which will lead the mission to be finally fulfilled. Since Jesus’ presence in 1914, we have seen the peace accord with the League of Nations, and the United Nations and countless peace accords. Maybe the finale of that peace and security is the end of the mother of the disgusting things (Babylon the Great) Again, I know I may be wrong, but I found this comparison interesting and worth exploring as part of my research. Wow. I didn’t know this would be too long

I'm grateful for Jehovah's patience with me.

Way back when I was in High School the motto of the New York Times was "We print all the news that's fit to print". I was on the staff of our HS newspaper and, due to our limited budget that limited the number of pages we could print, our motto was "We print all the news that fits"

I'm very sorry to hear about this, as I am always sorry to hear about one of our friends passing. On Sunday I was at a funeral close to home, a former brother I knew when I attended a French congregation. I only went for the sake of his daughter, the only one in his family still in the truth. I'm hearing a lot about friends, and friends of friends, passing, and it's so much to bear. It looks like Linda was only about 66, so not really that old. So it reminds us: any of us could become a victim of death, which is a sobering thought. I see that Linda wrote one of her earlier posts about herself shortly after joining the forums. https://jwtalk.net/topic/3790-new-members-introduce-yourself-warm-welcomes-d/page/6/#comment-65670 We look forward to seeing her in the new world.

We dont know the hour but we know the season. "This generation wont pass away until all these things take place." The 2nd group are advancing in age. Nevertheless, Im planning what if I still can retire in this system. Ill turn 43 next month.

This highlights an important point people seem to be overlooking when they compare the destruction of Jerusalem with the great tribulation. The Bible does not say thar every aspect of the destruction of Jerusalem has an equivalent to the great tribulation. Years ago when discussing our new understanding on types and anti-types our thinking was adjusted on trying to fit each and every detail from a past event to a future event. Unless the scriptures specifically state there is a connection to a past event to a future event, we should not try to make prophetic connections. When the scriptures do present a past event as a warning or type/anti-type to what is in store for us, we limit our connections to what the Bible says. Where the Bible is silent, we are silent. This raises the question in what way does the Bible connect the destruction of Jerusalem to the great tribulation?

Now that the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) has come and gone, the Global Temperature increase is once again assured to go higher and faster. Limiting Global Temperature at 1.5C is no longer feasible, we are headed to 2.0C now. At the COP 30, world leaders were not able to agree on ending forest destruction and the cutting out of Fossil Fuels which are two big contributors towards Global Warming right now. Not only do extreme climate events, like droughts, floods, fires and heatwaves grow in number and severity, impacting billions of people, we are also approaching tipping points for large Earth regulating systems like the Amazon rainforest and the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets. Everything is connected to AMOC, once these Earth regulating systems fail, AMOC will shutdown. Humanity is on a suicide run and cant be stopped. Jehovah will have to step in. A Great Tribulation is coming soon.

Since 2003 I’ve been producing free 3D Bible animations as part of my personal Bible study. My first project was Solomon’s temple: ( https://www.bibliaprints.com/free-bible-animations). For the last two years I’ve been preparing for another personal Bible study project: The Photo Drama of the Bible The goal is to illustrate, in 4K resolution, all 31,100 verses of Scripture and to create a cinematic video for each verse. The videos will be bundled by Bible chapter. I’ve started with the book of Isaiah and am releasing the visuals in step with our weekly Bible reading. As a bonus, you can watch the videos with NWT audio streaming from a link from jw.org. The NWT audio is NOT hosted on our servers: Here is the link: https://www.bibliaprints.com/bible/isaiah/chapter-1/ Please Note: "The Photo Drama of the Bible" is hosted on bibliaprints.com, that is my Bible micro-printed on one poster business website. All content for "The Photo Drama of the Bible" videos and images are FREE to download. (Just as a preview, I've just attached a sample quick-time video and sample images of Isaiah Chapters 1 and 2. The full resolution images and full video at normal speed can be found at the same link as above: https://www.bibliaprints.com/bible/isaiah/chapter-1/) Isaiah Chapters 1 and 2 in 30 seconds.mp4

Hello Everyone, I hope all is well. I made a post last week about feeling like I "can't catch a break," referencing the challenges I've been facing for some time now. But I wanted to make this post also, to give a more balanced view of things. Because theres many things that I'm grateful for and appreciate as well. I'm grateful for: Jehovah's loyal love, as well as the peace and protection He gives me. (Jerimiah 31:3) I have loved you with an everlasting love. That is why I have drawn you to me with loyal love. Jehovah sending Jesus to set the example for me to follow, and the ransom to give me a future and a hope. (John 3:16) (Jerimiah 29:11) For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you, declares Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Choosing me to be His servant. (Isaiah 41:9, 10) (Two favorite scriptures of mine of many) My biological family, and my spiritual family (the world wide brotherhood) which includes my jwtalk.net family. His Word the Bible. (My favorite book, all time) (2 Timothy 3:16) (Psalm 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light for my path. My physical needs (necessities like shelter, food, and clothing.) A job that I enjoy doing (Videography & Photography) Allowing me to be a publisher in His organization so I can praise and glorify His holy name. (Psalm 96:2) Sing to Jehovah; praise his name. Proclaim the good news of His salvation day after day. There's so much more that I'm grateful for, but I don't want to write a whole book and put you to sleep lol If anyone wants to share what they're grateful for... whether spiritually- related... or just things in general... please do.💙

I don't think the initial video is during the GT, it's just a difficult message to preach. Why would they have the JW logo visible if religion is banned? This was in the October 2023 broadcast, which was before we had the clarification that people might be able to return to Jehovah during the GT. Why would he call it "good news" if the listeners had no hope?

Jeffrey Winder: "And it was heartwarming to see that 304,643 were baptized during the service year. This is a 2.8 percent increase over last year. Wow! Let's repeat that "304,643 were baptized during the service year" - this is the biggest number of baptisms for 26 years 😮 - since 1999. and only six previous years have had a higher number of baptism .... 😎 As the phrase goes: "Quality over quantity" - Yes Bible studies may be down, compared to pre-Covid, and increasing slower .... but those studies are leading to more baptisms .... 😁 (Note: baptism figures for 1956 and 1961 are not available)

I went to read it again. https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-august-2025/questions-from-readers/ Questions From Readers When will the current preaching work end? Jesus stated: “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.” (Matt. 24:14) The Greek word translated “end” in this verse, as well as in verses 6 and 13, is teʹlos. It refers to the final end of Satan’s world at Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14, 16) Thus, we will continue to preach the good news until just before that final end. This adjusts our earlier understanding. Previously, we understood that we would stop preaching the good news when the great tribulation began with the destruction of Babylon the Great. (Rev. 17:3, 5, 15, 16) This event, we believed, would mark the end of the figurative “year of Jehovah’s goodwill.” (Isa. 61:2) We also felt that those who would survive the great tribulation would prove their devotion to Jehovah before that event. We compared them to the Jews who survived the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. These individuals had been marked for survival earlier because they worshipped Jehovah and hated wickedness. (Ezek. 5:11; 9:4) That comparison, however, does not harmonize with Jesus’ words found at Matthew 24:14, which indicate that people may have the opportunity to respond to the good news until just before the final end at Armageddon. Our clarified understanding of Matthew 24:14 also adjusts our understanding of the hailstonelike message foretold at Revelation 16:21. Further examination has revealed that the two scriptures complement each other. How so? The answer lies in how people respond to the Kingdom message. To “those who are being saved,” wrote the apostle Paul, the message is good news, “a fragrance of life.” But to God’s enemies, it is bad news, “an odor of death.” (2 Cor. 2:15, 16) They hate the Kingdom message because it exposes their world for what it is—wicked, ruled by Satan, and headed for destruction.—John 7:7; 1 John 2:17; 5:19. Note, too, that the symbolic hailstorm will be “unusually great.” This suggests that during the great tribulation, the preaching work may become more hard-hitting, that is, Jehovah’s name will be made known as never before. (Ezek. 39:7) At that late point in time, after the destruction of Babylon the Great, will some be drawn to the message as to a sweet fragrance? This is quite possible. Perhaps they may recall or learn that for many years Jehovah’s Witnesses had announced the end of false religion. By way of comparison, consider what happened in ancient Egypt following the Ten Plagues. After Jehovah “[executed] judgment on all the gods of Egypt,” his people were joined by “a vast mixed company” of non-Israelites. (Ex. 12:12, 37, 38) These foreigners may have turned to Jehovah when they saw Moses’ warnings about the Ten Plagues come true. Any who turn to Jehovah after the destruction of Babylon the Great will have the privilege of doing good to Christ’s brothers who will still be on earth. (Matt. 25:34-36, 40) Of course, that opportunity to be judged as sheep will end shortly before Armageddon when the remaining anointed ones receive their heavenly reward. This clarified understanding powerfully illustrates Jehovah’s great love and mercy. Yes, he “does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.”—2 Pet. 3:9

I really hate when I see an old person and then realize we went to high school together.

I happen to know a former congressman from Florida. I have known him for more than 40 years. We have worked for each other at and/or in each other's homes. I used to have the key to his house and home office. He was in DC when Trump gave that speech. He was also a Trump supporter who felt the election was "stolen". We spoke the very next day on the phone as he called me a couple hours after he was back home - mostly to say "Hello" and let me know he was OK. While, in the view of many, Trump did not "call" for violence, there was the "expectation of violence" in the admonition to stop the vote count. From a legal perspective, if you incite a group to action that has the "expectation of violence", even if you do not call for violence, you can still be held legally actionable if violence does happen. Keep in mind, this aspect of what happened "on the ground" comes from someone who was actually there and on Trump's side. He told me he was glad to get out of DC and didn't care if he ever went back because his political experience in DC was not what he thought it would be. The shame is, even though he can see that man does not have the answers, he is too Catholic to accept the truth.

Thursday, November 27 The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers.—Phil. 4:7. The original word for “guard” was a military expression and was used to refer to soldiers who guarded a city and kept it safe from attack. The inhabitants of a guarded city slept in peace, knowing that troops were posted at the gates. Similarly, when the peace of God guards our hearts and minds, we feel calm, knowing that we are safe. (Ps. 4:8) As in the case of Hannah, even if our situation does not change immediately, we can still feel a measure of peace. (1 Sam. 1:16-18) And when we feel calm, we often find it easier to think clearly and make wise decisions. What can we do? When you are troubled, summon the guard, so to speak. How? Pray until you feel the peace of God. (Luke 11:9; 1 Thess. 5:17) If you are facing a crisis, persevere in prayer, and you will experience Jehovah’s peace as it guards your heart and mind.—Rom. 12:12. w24.01 21 ¶5-6

For the last few years. I have been posting the Global Temperature Updates to have an understanding of where we are at in our warming world and where we are going. As you know recently, the US Federal Government has cut funding which triggered a shutdown of non-essential operations, to which affected data needed for these updates. The last update that was obtainable was August. NASA was always the preferred choice for data to use as it seemed more realistic when it came to accuracy and consistency. Hansen recently just stated in his correspondence that he has recruited two graduates to replace a key person on these updates. So will see what updates he will use and will start posting updates again.

50% Yes 50% No 100% We really don't know, yet 😆🫢

I think he's the same guy in the WT that came out later. If it is, it's nice that they are continuing the storyline. He goes from needing courage to face the tough times ahead to smiling in prison. 💜 broadcast: 13:44-18:54 https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/StudioMonthlyPrograms/pub-jwb-106_1_VIDEO WT: https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-june-2024/Remember-That-Jehovah-Is-the-Living-God/

Wednesday, November 26 Let us rejoice, based on hope of the glory of God.—Rom. 5:2. The apostle Paul wrote those words to the congregation in Rome. The brothers and sisters there had learned about Jehovah and Jesus, had exercised faith, and had become Christians. God thus “declared [them] righteous as a result of faith,” and he anointed them with holy spirit. (Rom. 5:1) Yes, they gained a valid, wonderful hope. Paul later wrote to anointed Christians in Ephesus about the hope to which they were called. That hope included receiving “an inheritance for the holy ones.” (Eph. 1:18) And Paul also indicated to the Colossians where their hope would be realized. He called it “the hope that is being reserved for you in the heavens.” (Col. 1:4, 5) The hope of anointed Christians, then, is that they be resurrected to everlasting life in heaven, where they will reign with Christ.—1 Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:6. w23.12 9 ¶4-5

There are many lessons and similarities and also many points that are for our time. That being said notice this footnote in the 1999 WT: [It should be noted that while the fulfillment of Jesus’ words in 66-70 C.E. can help us to understand how they will be fulfilled at the great tribulation, the two fulfillments cannot be exactly parallel because the fulfillments occur against different backdrops.]

Sad news 😭 that sister LindaL from Sardegna Italy passed away. She was on this forum. She will be remembered for her quiet generosity. She loved the world wide family of brothers and sisters dearly.

There have been some great comments so far. I just want to mention that what the Swedish government is contemplating is to stop giving the branch money. I think "persecution" is a bit too strong word for that, they are not banning Jehovah's Witnesses or sending us to prison. While it's convenient for the branch to receive those funds, we have managed many years without them, in fact in most countries we don't receive any funds from the government. In Spain where I live, Jehovah's Witnesses don't receive any grants from the government, while the Catholic Church and others do. Unfair, sure, but not really persecution.

A bloke rang me today to sell me a coffin. I said, that's definitely the LAST thing I need.

And they were a year behind you

I remember once when some JW-hater in one of Russia's anti-cult groups said something like: 'if we throw enough JWs in prison, all the rest will get scared and leave their religion.' When are they going to learn it doesn't work like that?

From JW.org: Over 257 of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide are imprisoned for their faith as of November 2025. Russia: Currently, at least 156 of Jehovah’s Witnesses are either being held in pretrial detention, serving sentences of forced labor, or serving prison terms. I was thinking about the brothers and sisters in Russia who are being convicted, on what seems an almost weekly basis, but then I remembered the total number mentioned above, and it helped me put things in perspective. Let me first say, that even one brother or sister being arrested for their faith, is one too many. However, if I remember correctly, the total number of publishers in Russia at the beginning of the ban in 2017 was approximately 175,000. Statistically, the 156 who are presently being held in pretrial detention, serving sentences of forced labor, or serving prison terms, as mentioned above, is a rather small percentage when you think about it. In other words, if my math is correct, 156 is less than 1/8 of 1% of 175,000. That means that more than 99% of our brothers and sisters have either evaded arrest while continuing to live in Russia or have fled from Russia to avoid arrest. So, once again, while even one arrest is one too many, and is a travesty of justice, I think it's encouraging to see the big picture as we continue to pray for all 156 of our brothers and sisters who are suffering this injustice and proving Satan a liar by their endurance.

The “end“ or the “time of the end” starts on verse 40. that verse 27 was fullfilled decades ago

Beautiful and insightful. One brother here mentioned this scripture over the Ukraine and Gaza talks: (Daniel 11:27) “As regards these two kings, their heart will be inclined to do what is bad, and they will sit at one table speaking lies to each other. But nothing will succeed, because the end is yet for the time appointed."

I admit, this scene was one of the most fun to write.

download.mp4

I heard that everyone feels peaceful and secure now based on what they're reading in the news. Or maybe I misread that....

We got our tracts this week at the midweek meeting. And yes, we are in Britain!

What do escalators do when they stop? I will not take escalators.

I am grateful that I can stand on a hill and see a small section of what Jehovah has created, and think that, soon, he will invite his human family to take over the responsibility of caring for this planet and all its amazing wonders.

This is absolutely incredible!! What a beautiful way to harness the power of AI for GOOD!! WELL DONE, I look forward to using these as a study aid!!

If a Knight in Prague Dons his armor, does that mean the Czech is in the mail?

Sadly we are losing ones from our generation. We(as in me) always thought we would definitely survive into the paradise but now that we are losing friends it is beginning to be a worry. I’m 69 still fit and healthy gratefully. A good friend recently had a heart attack and he was lucky to have survived as he had (unknown to him) 2 x blocked arteries. 1 90% the other 80%. Had 2 stents put in. A wake up call for him.

Hi Igor I actually just had another request for French audio. If there is a big enough demand in the future, multiple language options will definitely be provided! It would involve adjusting the video duration of each verse to suit the timing for each different language. And then making a new dropdown option on the website for different language options. It can be done, but I will need a team to help me as I wouldn't be able to manage it on my own. I'm looking for ways to get extra brothers involved in this project. I'm thinking of getting another team to start at Genesis. (Any volunteers on jwtalk?)😉 What language were you thinking of Igor?

My deep love for my heavenly father and his confirmed love for me seems to be the only thing keeping me going lately. Picturing being reunited with my earthly father again; seeing the happiness versions of ourselves bring comfort to my scarred, broken heart. I love you, even when I haven’t met many of you. Keep enduring friends, paradise is just around the corner... Hebrews 10:23-25

I distinctly remember at the Pioneer Meeting at the District Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1963 when Brother Knorr announced that in April, 1963, there were 1,040,000 publishers worldwide. I was at that pioneer meeting. It sticks in my mind since I can remember programs for District Conventions showing in the 1950s where the 500,000 and 750,000 numbers of publishers landmarks were passed. I had been really waiting for that number to get over 1,000,000. We passed the 1,000,000 mark (at least as a one month peak) in 1963, not 1969. Thanks, Jim

Putting the pieces together (based on Revelation and Matthew 24): Start of the great tribulation It begins when the political powers (symbolic “ten horns” on the wild beast) turn against Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion (Rev. 17:16–17). That will be a massive, coordinated attack on false religion worldwide. “Cut short” before God’s people are destroyed After false religion is attacked, the political powers will naturally be hostile toward true worship as well. However, Jehovah will not allow them to wipe out his people. The tribulation is “cut short” in the sense that the political system is not permitted to go as far as it wants against the chosen ones. A “brief respite” That Watchtower explains that there will be a short pause in which the political powers are not actively destroying God’s people. It doesn’t mean life becomes easy or “normal,” but that total annihilation is prevented. During that interval, Jehovah’s people are still under pressure but are preserved—very much like the period between 66 and 70 C.E., after Christians left Jerusalem but before final destruction.

The reason why I post this so the topic keeps on rolling.

Sunday, November 30 I have approved you.—Luke 3:22. Jehovah gives his holy spirit to those whom he approves of. (Matt. 12:18) We can ask ourselves, ‘Have I been able to display some aspect of the fruitage of God’s spirit in my life?’ Do you notice that you are more patient with others than you were before you came to know Jehovah? Actually, the more you learn to display the fruitage of God’s spirit, the more evident it will be to you that you have Jehovah’s approval! Jehovah applies the value of the ransom to those whom he approves of. (1 Tim. 2:5, 6) But what if our heart resists the idea that Jehovah approves of us, even though we have faith in the ransom and are baptized? Remember, we cannot always trust our own feelings but we can trust Jehovah. He considers those who have faith in the ransom to be righteous in his eyes and promises to bless them.—Ps. 5:12; Rom. 3:26. w24.03 30 ¶15; 31 ¶17

Sneak Preview for Isaiah 9:17...it involves a little brat... Isa 9_17.mp4

Here is a simple, direct, no-fantasy explanation of how the UN could theoretically gain power — and why that is not happening. ⸻ 1. The only real way for the UN to gain power is: → For States to give it that power. The UN has no power of its own. It only has what countries allow. For the UN to have more authority, deep reforms would be required, such as: ✔️ Changing the Security Council • removing or limiting the veto power • creating new permanent members • giving the Secretary-General more room to act ✔️ Allowing the UN to impose obligations on countries (things like automatic sanctions, a permanent international force, authority over conflicts) ✔️ Creating a permanent UN military force (a UN Army → only possible if countries give troops and control) ✔️ Centralizing global systems (for example: migration, climate response, pandemics) But none of this is being negotiated in 2025–2026. Zero. ⸻ 2. Why is this not happening? ➤ Because major powers will never give up power. The US, China, and Russia use the veto and have no interest in losing control. ➤ Because of geopolitical rivalry. A fragmented world (US vs. China, Russia vs. the West) makes any power-increasing reform impossible. ➤ Because smaller countries are also afraid. They fear that a stronger UN would mean losing sovereignty. ➤ Because the UN Charter does not allow for a world government. The 1945 Charter was deliberately written to avoid that. ⸻ 3. What do current reforms actually do? They aim to simplify, not to gain power. ➤ Reduce bureaucracy ➤ Merge departments ➤ Cut costs ➤ Make the UN work better internally ➤ Help the organization survive its financial crisis Nothing here creates: • additional political power • global control • authority over States • a military force ⸻ 🟪 4. If the UN ever gained real power, what would cause it? Historically, that only happens when: ✔️ there is a major world war ✔️ the international order collapses ✔️ countries desperately need a neutral arbiter ✔️ global populations demand a common authority But 2025–2030 so far is not moving in that direction. The world is more divided, not more united so the UN becomes weaker, not stronger. ⸻ 🟧 Super simple summary • The UN is not gaining power. • UN80 is just an internal restructuring plan. • Major powers will never allow a stronger UN. • The global environment is too fragmented for such a shift. So … giving the power to UN will have to be an act of Jehovah, fast and unexpected