GB 2025 Update #4

[jwzhang]

9 hours ago, Tortuga said:

"Quick, please, give me some of the red that you have there, for I am thirsty!" Genesish 25:30

br Richard slow down, I think you're starting to slur some of your words there near the end 🍺 😅

[vjohzon]

Having a mother we never really lose the anointed we just can’t see them anymore, but I believe in Jehovah‘s love and that the anointed after Armageddon or after the thousand year reign, they will be able to come and visit us since the judging will be done in the world will be at peace. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. Be that the anointed too have many ties to people on the Earth so visiting would amplify Jehovah‘s love for all of us.

Edited 18 minutes ago by vjohzon

[Ivar]

On 7/4/2025 at 6:21 PM, Jimi-L said:

I wasn't aware that raising a toast was considered a sin. It's probably not a very common custom in Finland.

  

On 7/5/2025 at 2:30 PM, Leslie.m said:

Toasting is considered in the Bible Study:

 

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102021243?q=toasting&p=par

The Bible study books from before "Enjoy Life Forever!" also mention it.
 

How to remain in God's love: https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/in-gods-love/do-celebrations-holidays-please-god/
 

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THE ORIGINS OF TOASTING

 

19, 20. What are the origins of toasting?

 

19 A common practice at weddings and other social occasions is toasting. During a toast, one person expresses good wishes while others raise their glasses. How should Christians view toasting?

 

20 The International Handbook on Alcohol and Culture says that toasting probably comes from an ancient pagan custom “in which a sacred liquid was offered to the gods.” This was done “in exchange for a wish, a prayer summarized in the words ‘long life!’ or ‘to your health!’” In ancient times, people used to raise their cups to ask their gods for a blessing. But that is not how Jehovah provides blessings.—John 14:6; 16:23.

 

 

Keep yourselves in God's love: https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/gods-love/celebrations-holidays-that-displease-god/

 

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TOASTING—A RELIGIOUS GESTURE?

19, 20. What does one secular source say about the origin of toasting, and why is this custom unacceptable to Christians?

19 A common practice at weddings and on other social occasions is toasting. The 1995 International Handbook on Alcohol and Culture says: “Toasting . . . is probably a secular vestige of ancient sacrificial libations in which a sacred liquid was offered to the gods . . . in exchange for a wish, a prayer summarized in the words ‘long life!’ or ‘to your health!’”

20 True, many people may not consciously view toasting as a religious or superstitious gesture. Still, the custom of lifting wine glasses heavenward might be viewed as a request to “heaven”—a superhuman force—for a blessing in a way that does not accord with that outlined in the Scriptures.—John 14:6; 16:23. 

Now we focus more on this principle: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102003687

 

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When considering whether to include a piñata at a social gathering, Christians should be sensitive to the consciences of others. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area. Understandably, opinions may vary from one place to another. Hence, it is wise to avoid turning such matters into big issues. The Bible says: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.”—1 Corinthians 10:24.