Doug

Good question, because when the disciples asked him for a sign, Jesus mentioned several things, but he added "but the end is not yet". Mt 24:6 The 'sign' he gave was in reference to the 'last days', which are here. But Mt 24:21 does apply to 'the end' because it says the greatest tribulation 'such as has not occurred since the world's beginning until now, nor will occur again". We know that the Romans took money they said was owed to them from the sacred treasury of the temple, enraging the Jews. That sounds like something that might happen to BtG, but we're just talking about what the Bible says, and that incident is historical, not in the Bible. The Bible speaks of the prophesy at 1 Thess 5:3, P&S, but that never happened in 66 -70. The Bible speaks about the good news being preached until the end, but that didn't happen in 66-70. The Bible speaks about the attack of Gog, but that didn't happen in 66-70. We could say that Mt 24:2 "by no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down" applies to the great tribulation, but only to the destruction of BtG, because it stands to reason that essential infrastructure of this system will remain after Armageddon. I don't agree with that cliche'. A search of the Watchtower library shows the words "evidently" , "probably" and "possibly" are used thousands of times (13,125 times). Those words appear in articles that may have nothing to do with our current understanding of scripture, but they DO appear in explanations of current understanding and adjustments from the FDS. And, Br. Lett is known to say "It's reasonable to conclude . . " ❤️

I wouldn't call the entire 3 1/2 years of hell a 'respite'. The respite would have been just long enough for faithful Christians to recognize the fulfillment of Jesus prophetic words and flee as soon as the Roman troops retreated. No delay, no hesitation. Otherwise, they would be trapped.

Take heart, Justinah. Br. Jackson, 2023 AM ~ "Our understanding is clarified according to the proper time and also in a way that will help us not only to endure the great tribulation but also to prosper during that period of time". Regarding Jerusalem 66-70: The Roman procurator Florus seized 17 talents from the sacred temple treasury. Immediately, the Jews rose up in revolt. Rome reacted swiftly. Within three months there were 30,000 troops appeared on the scene. The Roman soldiers began to undermine the outer wall of the temple. Panic is spreading! That well describes how suddenly the nations may go after religion. And how religions may respond, by fighting back. How suddenly the GT may start. Perhaps things will settle down somewhat, after religions have closed down. "On account of the chosen ones, those days will be cut short". This may be compared to when the Roman troops retreated. However, life never returned to 'normal' in Jerusalem. Within the city rival factions quarreled and fought, much of the food supply was destroyed, and those caught attempting to leave the city were slain as traitors. Josephus relates that in time the famine became so grave that the people were reduced to eating wisps of hay and leather, even their own children. Those conditions may not be repeated during the GT. Especially if the proclamation of P&S follows the destruction of BtG. The merchants will say "Too bad, too bad, you great city Babylon", but only because of their loss of business. Br. Jackson said the spiritual food when we need it will not only help us to endure but prosper! The end came for Jerusalem in 4 months and 25 days, from April 3 - 30, 70C.E. Intense, but remarkably short. No doubt, when Gog attacks us, and those who have joined us, Armageddon will happen promptly.

The FDS has been more forthright by saying "We don't know" , even as they present possible scenarios. They are simply letting us know to keep on the watch for the possibility. I see their modesty in that. But, Amos 3:7 says Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants. The time for revealing confidential matters is growing ever shorter. I personally think this explanation is new light emerging, modestly presented. For the following reasons: The article says "Let us now take a close look at 1 Thess. 5:2,3. (This 'close look' apparently prompted by the new explanation of Rev 17:17 and the QFR of November 2025). It continues: "However, after further careful consideration, it seems there is another possible explanation that we cannot rule out". (This sounds like an Amos 3:7 moment. Cannot be ruled out. Definitely possible) Add to the above, in the 2023 AM (thanks to Ysaias for quoting it), Br. Jackson said "We know that the closer we get to the great tribulation the clearer our understanding is of what will occur". _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Consider the preponderance of evidence: Possibility 1 ~ What we have believed for years, first the proclamation of P&S, then the destruction of BtG. Possibility 2 ~ The prostitute has been a force for war and aggression, not P&S. So, would it be logical for the nations to proclaim P&S with the fomentar of war and aggression still riding the wild beast? There will be little or no time between the proclamation of P&S and the destruction that will come up on those making that cry. The destruction of all those nations would follow with striking suddenness. (Powerful point). _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The FDS is presenting two strong reasons for this new possibility versus the other possibility which has always given rise to many unanswered questions. For example: The idea that the proclamation could be a series of claims, rather than one big one. And, some have said they think that 1 Thess 5:3 has already been fulfilled. These speculations are moot if the new possibility is new light and an adjustment of our understanding. Once BtG has been destroyed, the GT has started. Hopefully, the FDS will follow-up on this QFR in an update or broadcast!

I never imagined the governments storming churches with soldiers because they wanted to destroy the religion. However, taxing a religion by revoking their exempt status, would put the religion out of business. The properties and bank accounts could be seized and sold to satisfy tax debt. Religions that might agitate and protest could be held criminally responsible. I imagine the UN plundering the wealth of religions within the framework of existing ,or possibly new, laws. In its Pact for the Future, items 47 - 52 include the statement "We will accelerate the reform of the international financial architecture (ie; religions should pay taxes like other businesses?). Item 54: "We will strengthen the international response to complex global shocks". Complex global shocks have a disproportionate impact on the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world and usually have disastrous consequences for sustainable development and prosperity". While the poor suffer, and every government is in debt, religions sit on vast wealth and resources. Pact for the Future was adopted by consensus. No state objected. The UN is primed for the fulfillment of Rev 17:17. What they will do with their absolute authority will be very interesting to witness.

Not in "a few days", nor "a week or two". But, take note of the statement made: "What, then, may we expect? In the near future, "the 10 horns" and the greatly empowered wild beast will destroy false religion." So, this action by the empowered UN will not be in the typical, sluggish, bureaucrat-heavy, style of the old UN. In fact, putting religion out of business may be the very reason and motivation for the nations to pass their authority to the global organization (Rev 17:17). So, this will be job number 1 for the empowered UN. It could be that the UN unanimously decides to tax religious donations and other revenue. That would naturally be resisted by the religions. But if it's a decree by the UN, what authority can overrule it? One comparison might be 'Operation Warp Speed' when the vaccines were being rushed to market. Red tape and normal procedures were set aside.

I agree that the FDS wouldn't have published this alternative understanding if it was merely a possibility. It does give the impression that it's a probability, and why. Previously, in another thread, I pointed out that the image shows politicians and a military officer, but no religious characters. An interesting contrast to the image of a politician and the pope presenting a united front on the May 1, 2012 Watchtower! Yeah, that's over . .

In the November QFR, it says more directly that the "wild beast" , venting their hatred, will plunder her wealth and expose her wickedness. This has been suggested in the past, but only as a possible reason the wild beast would attack. Other possible reason is meddling in politics. This adjustment answers the question of "Why" the nations give their authority to the UN. To plunder religions vast wealth, as we have long suspected. Rev 17:17 then 1 Thess 5:3 . Will the common person be distraught to see their church closed and their religion go out of business? Maybe some will. But maybe the majority will feel a sense of liberation, because their church has been a burden on them. A reason to proclaim 'Peace and Security'! Notice in the image: Politicians and one military man. No religious characters!!!!!! They are in hiding . . "And people will in fact say to the mountains "Cover us!" and to the hills "Fall over us!" Hosea 10:8, Luke 23:30, Rev 6:16.

Russia and China abstained . . no veto. That's news.

Nor Jehover

Two good points. I'm interested in the US Supreme Court hearing regarding tariffs. The United States has a debt of $38,000,000,000,000. Social security is unsustainable. If the court decides that Trump exceeds his authority by slapping tariffs on foreign nations, it would have a severe impact on any chance of getting the debt to come down. I imagine the scenario where the court decides against the administration and then the government has to consider the tax exempt status of religions. Taxing religion could easily lead to a revolt which could escalate to the destruction of BtG. And, taxing religion could unite the nations on that one topic. Rev. 17:17 Furthermore, if the governments decide to tax religion, won't they be surprised when JW's accept their decision and willingly pay up. Could JW's possibly escape the wrath of the empowered UN simply because we are in compliance with the tax? Nevertheless, when we are the last religion standing, Gog of Magog will attack because we continue to preach that Jesus Christ and his co-rulers are going to put an end to human governments.

This wasn't recent? How did he handle the meeting for field service on his following visit?

Me too. And I remember that campaign like it was yesterday . .

"Worship" is a verb, indicating engagement, participation, action. We will worship Jehovah forever and ever. It's a way of life. "Religion" doesn't seem to fit as well. my $.02

Has anyone attended a memorial service that had an opening prayer? This is the first one I am aware of.