Governing Body member Jeffrey Winder on JW dot org:
“We are not embarrassed about ‘adjustments’ that are made; nor is an apology needed for not getting it ‘exactly right’ previously. WE UNDERSTAND: THIS IS HOW JEHOVAH OPERATES.”
VIDEO:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FNolBv8hq3q5gFzC1Pfbpo94VAt-b73i/view?usp=sharing
WHAT DOES THE RECORD SHOW ABOUT “Not getting it exactly right…”
WILL THE MEN OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH BE RESURRECTED?
1920 YES, they will be resurrected -
"The Scriptures distinctly tell us that the Israelites and the Sodomites will be sharers in that work of restoration, restitution."
(Watchtower 1920 Oct 15 p.316 )
1941 NO, they will not be resurrected
"Sodom and Gomorrah were reduced to complete desolation, from which there is no possibility of recovery; and so likewise the modern Moabites, Ammonites and Edomites shall be destroyed, and the place where they have inhabited shall be, as prophesied, "even the breeding of nettles, and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation." The religious-totalitarian rule and rulers,the commercial robbers and those who have defied Jehovah God and his Theocracy, shall perish for ever at the battle of Armageddon, as the prophecy declares." (Watchtower 1941 p.367 )
1952 NO WT 6/1/52 p.338
1965 MAYBE they will be resurrected
"As in the case of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus showed that Sodom, bad as it was, had not got to the state of being unable to repent... So the spiritual recovery of the dead people of Sodom is not hopeless" (Watchtower 1965 Mar 1 p.139)
1967 NO WT 1/7/67 p.409
"How will these, having been caught, be disposed of? Will they be preserved alive? Will they be killed and buried in Hades or Sheol, which is the common grave of dead mankind, from which resurrection is possible? No, these political organizations are slated to be "hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulphur." This the Bible describes as the "second death." (Rev. 20:14) It means the death from which there is no resurrection. They will be burned up root and branch, as completely gone forever as the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which Jehovah God burned up by a rain of fire and sulphur from heaven, never to be rebuilt. It is destruction in Gehenna in which God destroys both body and soul (any right or possibility of living)."
(Watchtower 1967 Jul 1 p.409)
1974 YES Awake! 8/10/74 p.20
"Moreover, God's undeserved kindness and care are so great that he will bring back the people of Sodom by a resurrection, with opportunity to learn and turn around to the way of life, even as his Son stated." (Awake 1974 Oct 8 p.20)
1988 NO WT 6/1/88 p.31
1988 SOME WILL Insight On The Scriptures, Vol.1, p.616
1988 YES Insight On The Scriptures, Vol.2, p.985
1988 NO Revelation - Its Grand Climax p.273
1988 YES You Can Live Forever... p.179 (Old Edition)
1988 NO You Can Live Forever... p.179 (New Edition)
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ROMANS 13:1 - WHO ARE THE "SUPERIOR AUTHORITIES?"
1886 - Earthly governments - Divine Plan of the Ages, 1886, p.266
1889 - Earthly governments - Time Is At Hand, 1889, p.81
1929 - God and Christ - Watchtower 1929 Jun 1 p.163
1932 - God and Christ - Vindication, Vol. 3, 1932, p.13
1943 - God and Christ - The Truth Shall Make You Free, 1943, p.312
1951 - God and Christ - w51 1/1 p. 21 "a heavy weight was lifted from his people"!
1959 - God and Christ - Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, p.91
1963 - Earthly political governments - WT 1/1/63 p.31
1975 - Earthly political governments - 1975 Yearbook, p.238
1980 - Earthly political governments - WT 5/15/80 p.4
– Charles Russell in Zion's Watch tower, Feb. 1881, p.3 –
"A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth.
'New light' never extinguishes older 'light' but adds to it."
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SHOULD WE WORSHIP JESUS?
Up to 1954 "YES" - Pastor C.T.Russell taught that Jesus was to be worshipped:
-- w1880 March p.83 "To worship Christ in any form cannot be wrong ... "
-- Zion's Watch Tower 1898 Jul 15 p.216
"Question. The fact that our Lord received worship is claimed by some to be an evidence that while on earth he was God the Father disguised in a body of flesh and not really a man. Was he really worshipped, or is the translation faulty?
Answer. Yes, we believe our Lord Jesus while on earth was really worshipped, and properly so. ... It was proper for our Lord to receive worship in view of his having been the only begotten of the Father and his agent in the creation of all things, including man."
Judge J.F.Rutherford also taught that Jesus was to be worshipped:
-- Watchtower 1939 Nov 15 p.339
"Jehovah God commands all to worship Christ Jesus because Christ Jesus is the express image of his Father, Jehovah, and because he is the Executive Officer of Jehovah always carrying out Jehovah's purpose (Heb.:3–6)."
Nathan Knorr continued the policy of teaching that Jesus was to be worshipped by all:
-- Watchtower 1945 Oct 15 p.313
"Since Jehovah God now reigns as King by means of his capital organization Zion, then whosoever would worship Him must also worship and bow down to Jehovah's Chief One in that capital organization, namely, Christ Jesus, his Co-regent on the throne of The Theocracy."
In 1945 Knorr amended the Watchtower Charter. Included within the new Charter is the statement that the purpose of the Watchtower Society is to promote the worship of Jehovah and Jesus. This charter is a legal document that continues to be the Watchtower Charter to this day.
From 1954 "NO" -
WT 1954 Jan 1 p.31 Questions from readers: "Should we worship Jesus?"—G. B., Ethiopia.
...the answer to the above question must be that no distinct worship is to be rendered to Jesus Christ now glorified in heaven. Our worship is to go to Jehovah God.
*** Hebrews 1:6 *** [As published in New World Translation, 1961, p.1293]
But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: "And let all God's angels worship him."
Compare with:
*** Hebrews 1:6 *** [as published in New World Translation, 1971, p.1293]
6 But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: "And let all God's angels do obeisance to him."
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Gal 2:18 warns "If I rebuild something that I tore down,
I demonstrate that I am a wrongdoer." (ISV)
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VACCINATIONS?
NO
1921 - "Vaccination never prevented anything and never will, and is the most barbarous practice"
- Golden Age Oct 12 1921 p.17
1923 - "Vaccination, summed up, is the most unhygienic, barbaric, filthy, abhorrent, and most dangerous system of infection known. Its vile poison taints, corrupts, and pollutes the blood of the healthy, resulting in ulcers, syphilis, scrofula, erysipelas, tuberculosis, cancer, tetanus, insanity, and death"
- Golden Age Jan 1 1923 pg 214
1929 - "Avoid serum inoculations as they pollute the blood stream with their filthy pus."
– Golden Age 11/12/1929 p.107
1931 - Prohibited as being a "direct violation of the everlasting covenant."
"Quite likely there is some connection between the violation of blood [vaccines] and the spread of demonism"
- Golden Age 2/4/31 p.293
1934 - "It is better to be jailed 12 times instead of let your child be vaccinated"
- Golden Age March 28, 1934
YES
Permitted in September 1945 Consolation-
"When we lose our life because we refuse vaccinations, that does not bear witness as a justification of Jehovah's name. God never issued regulations which prohibit the use of drugs, inoculations or blood transfusions. It is an invention of people, who, like the Pharisees, leave Jehovah's mercy and love aside."
-- Watch tower 11/15/1963 –
"The true religion of the one God does not disagree with itself, deny itself or get divided with itself. If it had internal disagreement, contradiction and disunity, it could never stand "
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DISFELLOWSHIPPING: Scriptural / UNscriptural?
UNSCRIPTURAL! -- w47 1/8 p.27 Are You Also Excommunicated?
The authority for excommunication, [the Romans Catholics] claim, are based on the teachings of Christ and the apostles... In fact, it is altogether foreign to Bible teachings. The Encyclopaedia Britannica says that papal excommunication is not without pagan influence... Thereafter, as the pretensions of the Hierarchy increased, the weapon of excommunication became the instrument by which the clergy attained a combination of ecclesiastical power and secular tyranny that finds no parallel in history.
SCRIPTURAL -- w57 5/1 p. 280 par. 3 Trust Your Proved, Faithful Brothers
If you think one of the mother's children needs a spanking, do not try to do it behind his back with your own tongue. Take it in the right way to our Father through his organization and let Him administer what correction may be necessary.
UNscriptural -- w59 3/15 p. 179 par. 26 Helpers Toward Walking Wisely
Disfellowshipings are subject to appeal by the ones disfellowshiped who persist in believing that the committee exceeded itself. Appeals have been made to the Society at Brooklyn and some disfellowshipings have been reversed. This fact proves that some committees have been too eager to excommunicate.
Either they have not had the needed witnesses with substantial testimony or have magnified the wrongdoing out of all proportions and have disfellowshiped oppressively and on unscriptural grounds.
SCRIPTURAL-- w61 7/15 p. 435 par. 19 Become Activated by the Spirit of Jehovah
19 Other manifestations of holy spirit from Jehovah involve the disfellowshiping and executing of criminals, as, for example, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, Achan, Judas Iscariot, Ananias and Sapphira.
-- w71 6/15 p. 359 Fear of God's Anger is Wisdom
Still another human agency God uses at times to express his anger is the judiciary committee of a local
Christian congregation, such committee being responsible for the spiritual welfare of that congregation.
When this committee, in the discharge of its duties, excommunicates a willful wrongdoer, it is expressing God's anger against a wrongdoer.
-- Paradise Restored (1972) chap. 20 p. 353 par. 21 A "Third Part" Preserved in a Purged Land
As a consequence any uncleanness as to religious teaching or as to moral behavior would be forced to pass out, under the driving force of God's holy spirit. Persons spiritually and morally unclean must be disfellowshiped therefrom.
-- w88 9/1 p. 16 par. 12 Stand Firm Against Satan's Machinations
Others are emboldened by Satan not only to commit gross sins worthy of disfellowshipping but even to resort to lies and deception in order to try to fool the congregation elders. Like Ananias and Sapphira, they think they can deceive the angels and God's holy spirit.
UNSCRIPTURAL -- w89 9/15 p. 18 Elders—Treat God's Flock With Tenderness!
A person can appeal a decision to disfellowship him if he believes that a serious error in judgment has been made.
SCRIPTURAL -- Shepherd the Flock of God (2012)
p.6 When the body of elders discusses a matter, Christ, by means of the holy spirit, can influence any elder to make an expression that results in a wise decision.
p. 82 "Preparing Your Mind and Heart to Judge" 3. Serving on a judicial committee is a heavy responsibility. You are judging for Jehovah and areaccountable to him for the judgment you render. 5. You can render a good judgment with Jehovah's help.
(Matt. 18:18-20) Pray for wisdom, discernment, and God's holy spirit.
– Things in Which it is Impossible for God to Lie p. 2 –1965
"Truth does not contradict itself or deny the facts. It does not go contrary to reality… It does not change because of location or time. The truth is provable by actual fact. The truth endures, persists, because it is genuine, actually existing, in harmony with reality."
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DISFELLOWSHIPING ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE SIN DETAILS?
YES - w54 10/1 p. 595 par. 17 Christians Live the Truth
If announcements are made to congregations concerning someone who refuses to pay debts or who is going around taking money or other things from individuals in the congregation, the congregation servant should be the one to make the announcement and he should be careful to avoid wording something in a slanderous way but merely report the facts as they exist or that a person has been disfellowshiped for dishonesty or fraud. Then those who are in the congregation can be aware of what is going on and will be
able to protect their own interests and the interests of their brothers.
"His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly."
NO - w96 1/15 p. 19 par. 17 Jehovah's Sheep Need Tender Care
When this action seems necessary, the body of elders will choose a judicial committee. If expulsion occurs, this brief announcement would be made: " . . . has been disfellowshipped."
CAN YOU PRAY FOR DISFELLOWSHIPPED ONES?
No - w71 6/15 p. 384 Questions From Readers
Would it be proper to pray for him? In loyalty to Jehovah and his arrangements the Christian would refrain from praying for him.
Only if it's not a 'deadly' sin - w79 10/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers
So he may conclude that it seems she has not committed 'deadly sin' and he may be moved to pray for her.
Only if they are repentant - w01 10/1 p. 17 par. 15 How Can You Help a "Prodigal" Child?
If a disfellowshipped youth gives evidence of repentance but does not have "freeness of speech toward God," the parents might pray that if God finds a basis for pardoning the child's error, that His will be done.
Yes, but not publicly - w01 12/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers
While some may be in a position to observe sufficient evidence to believe that the sinner has repented, this may not be the case with the congregation in general. They would be puzzled, troubled, even stumbled if they were to hear someone praying publicly about the erring one. For this reason, those who feel moved to pray about the sinner should do so only in private.
Not if they are unrepentant - jr (2013) chap.11 p.139 par.20 "Shepherds in Agreement With My Heart"
In that case, elders do not pray publicly for one who is expelled and is pursuing a sinful course; it would be pointless to do so.
Matthew 5:43-45:
' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.)
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ANY HOPE FOR A DISFELLOWSHIPPED PERSON WHO DIES?
NO HOPE - w65 12/15 p. 751 par. 15 "We Should Not Neglect the House of Our God"
Disfellowshiping means the casting of a member out of God's household; and if one should remain in this disfellowshiped condition till he died, it would mean his everlasting destruction as a person who is rejected by God.
RESURRECTION HOPE - w05 7/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers
...the expression 'lying down with one's forefathers' is another way of saying that the person went to Sheol.
What happened to Solomon [who became apostate and would have been disfellowshipped today] when he died?
The Bible answers: "The days that Solomon had reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel were forty years. Then Solomon lay down with his forefathers, and was buried in the City of David his father."
Hence, it seems reasonable to conclude that Solomon is in Sheol, or Hades, from which he will be resurrected.
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ISAIAH 11:6 (LIONS WILL EAT STRAW) LITERAL OR FIGURATIVE?
Literal - w50 10/15 p. 399 Questions From Readers
If that outstanding carnivorous animal, the lion, is to "eat straw like the ox", surely no others will be meat-eaters.
Figurative - w67 4/15 p. 240 par. 12 The Benefits of Mankind's Millennium
these formerly divided peoples cultivate and display the peaceful Christian spirit toward one another, instead of beastliness. This was prefigured in the following Messianic prophecy:
Literal - w70 5/1 p. 267 par. 8 Keep Close in Mind "The Conclusion of the System of Things"
Even the animals will be peaceable... In fact, the scripture at Isaiah 11:6-9 pictures a wolf and a lamb living together peacefully.
Both Literal and Figurative - w71 4/15 p. 245 par. 21 How "Restoration of All Things" Is Made
The beauty of that peace and harmony, besides now fulfilling the further words of the prophet Isaiah in a spiritual sense, will become more concrete in a literal fulfillment of those same prophetic words, which we read in Isaiah 11:6-9:
Literal - w71 2/15 p. 106 Family Study a Blessing
teacher called the mother, who through a friend explained the child's desire to play with a lion in Paradise.
Figurative - Man's Salvation book (1975) p 191/2
here these potentially harmful animals must be used as illustrations in the prophecy
Both Literal and Figurative - w75 10/1 p. 607 par. 13 Flight to the True Kingdom Refuge
The harmless relationship between beast and man that will then prevail will correspond with the description of Isaiah 11:6-9, which has already found its fulfillment in the spiritual paradise now enjoyed by Jehovah's Christian witnesses.
Figurative - w76 2/15 p. 127 Isaiah—A Book Overflowing with Good News!
In Jehovah's spiritual paradise today persons who formerly had dispositions like a wolf, a leopard, a lion or a bear have become docile.
Literal - w77 10/1 p. 592 Changing Personalities in Kenya's Paradise
in God's new order, it can be expected that even the most vicious of the wild animals will be tamed, to live at peace alongside mankind
Figurative - w79 10/15 p. 9 What Blessings on Earth During the Millennium?
Irenaeus recognized that these words are a fitting description of how God's truth can make personality changes in "savage men".
Both Literal and Figurative - w80 1/15 p. 14 par. 22 God's Government—Mankind's Only Hope
Even today persons with animalistic tendencies, by applying God's Word in their lives, are learning to live at peace with others. God's Word indicates that, under Kingdom rule, even the animals will live in peace
Literal - w81 4/15 p. 5 Origin of the Millennial Hope
The lamb will not dread the wolf, nor will the leopard harm the kid (xi. 8 [6]); that is, as the following verse explains, tyranny and violence will no longer be practised on God's holy mountain
Figurative - w83 12/15 p. 15 Do You Remember?
This is a foretaste of how humans will live together peacefully on this earth in a physical Paradise during the Thousand Year Reign of Christ Jesus
Both Literal and Figurative - w83 12/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers
"It would be inconsistent for God to inspire such a prophecy as that of Isa 11:6-9, Eze 34:25 and Hos 2:18 to have only a figurative or spiritual meaning and not have a true copy of these things in actual life
Literal - w83 11/15 p. 30 par. 18 Abound in Hope!
why, "even the lion will eat straw just like the bull," as no doubt it did in Eden
Figurative - w83 10/1 p. 7 Can You Enjoy a Paradise Now?
there is only one force in the universe that can cause people to make such drastic changes in their disposition.
Literal - w83 10/1 pp. 4-5 Can You Enjoy a Paradise Now?
This would restore the Paradise conditions that existed in the garden of Eden when animals and humans lived in that garden in perfect harmony.
Figurative - w85 1/1 p. 14 par. 20 Unified In Publishing the Word of Jehovah
It is illustrated at Isaiah 11:6-9, which tells of the spiritual paradise now existing among Jehovah's restored people
Literal - w88 11/15 p. 6 The New World—Paradise Regained!
Think of children being able to play safely with animals now so dangerous.
Figurative - w88 6/1 p. 7 Why Some Have Changed Their Religion
People with personalities formerly as different as sheep are from wolves are now getting along peaceably in the Christian assembly.
Literal - w89 11/15 p. 13 par. 16 Do All Things for the Good News
she showed me Isaiah 11:6-9 about animals living in true peace
Figurative - w92 10/1 p. 19 par. 19 The Messiah's Presence and His Rule
the subjects of his Kingdom are learning to live peaceably together, fulfilling Isaiah 11:6-9
Literal - w96 12/1 p. 15 par. 1 Youths Who Remember Their Creator
Then I dream about how beautiful Paradise will be in the future and about how I can touch the animals then.
Figurative - w96 2/15 p. 25 Spreading Bible Truth in Portugal
Truly a case of 'the wolf residing with the lamb'!
Both literal and Figurative - w98 7/15 p. 6 What Future Do You Want for Your Children?
Try to envision the grand fulfillment of this prophecy: "The wolf will actually reside for a while with the male lamb, and with the kid the leopard itself will lie down, and the calf and the maned young lion and the well-fed animal all together; and a mere little boy will be leader over them." (Isaiah 11:6) Even today, the spiritual security described in these words has a figurative fulfillment
Figurative - w01 9/15 p. 18 par. 11 Jehovah's Blessing Makes Us Rich
This "fruitage of the spirit" is part of "the new personality" that Christians put on in place of any rapacious, beastlike traits they may formerly have displayed.
Literal - w03 11/15 p. 6 You Can Believe in a Paradise Earth
Animals will pose no danger to man.
Figurative - w03 4/1 p. 19 par. 18 Mildness—An Essential Christian Quality
The Bible likens this transformation to the change of vicious wild beasts—wolf, leopard, lion, bear, and cobra—to peaceful domestic animals—lamb, kid, calf, and cow.
Literal - w03 1/15 p. 6 Has Evil Won?
Their peace will not be threatened from any source—human or animal.
Figurative - w04 11/1 p. 7 Who Is the Right Leader for Today?
Those men who today attack others like voracious lions or who act like ill-tempered bears toward their neighbors will have changed their dispositions completely.
Literal - w04 10/1 p. 6 "The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth"—How?
They will enjoy peace even with the beasts of the field.
Figurative - w04 5/1 p. 8 par. 1 Be Courageous Like Jeremiah
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES dwell in a spiritual paradise.
Literal - w07 9/1 p. 7 "Written for Our Instruction"
What a beautiful prospect!
Figurative - w08 5/15 p. 28 Pursue "Holiness in God's Fear"
Figuratively speaking, people who are violent and aggressive in action and speech are compared to wild beasts.
Literal - Wt 2012 9/15 p10
So we should not be surprised when we read in the Bible that peace will come to prevail between humans and animals. (Read Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25.)
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DO WE HAVE GUARDIAN ANGELS?
(Exodus 23:20) I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you on the way
YES - w50 10/15 p. 381 "Be Fruitful, Multiply, Fill the Earth"
To assist [Adam and Eve] to continue in the way of righteousness and obedience and to protect them
from evil, God provided them with a guardian angel.
YES - w58 8/1 p. 455 Why Many Doubt Satan's Existence
The Bible also tells us that God created many righteous spirit creatures, angels, among whom was one that God appointed as covering cherub or guardian angel of the first human pair.
NO - w76 4/1 p. 224 Questions From Readers
it appears that there was a widespread belief, though not based directly on the Bible, that an angel was assigned to watch over each Israelite, as a sort of guardian angel.
NO - Reasoning From the Scriptures book page 69
The Greeks believed that everyone had a protective spirit or daemon who attended his birth and watched over him in life. This spirit had a mystic relation with the god on whose birthday the individual was born. The Romans also subscribed to this idea.....This notion was carried down in human belief and is reflected in the guardian angel. "
YES - it-1 (1988) pp. 107-108 Angel
God's servants are assured of the ever-present, invisible protecting armies, as real as those that surrounded the prophet Elisha and his servant. "He will give his own angels a command concerning you, to guard you in all your ways." Yes, "the angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues them."
YES - w98 11/15 pp. 6-7 How Angels Can Help You - Guardian Angels
Do angels care for people and protect them? The apostle Paul asked: "Are they [angels] not all spirits for public service, sent forth to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14) Clearly, the answer to Paul's question is yes...
Present-day servants of Jehovah God are fully convinced that God's invisible angelic forces are real and are able to provide protection, as they did for Elisha and his attendant.
YES - w02 10/15 pp. 17-18 par. 16 Jehovah Cares for You
Are you convinced of Jehovah's saving power? Are you aware of his angelic protection?
NO - w05 6/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers
It appears that there was a belief among some Jews that each servant of God had his own angel—in effect, a "guardian angel." Of course, this view is not directly taught in God's Word.
YES - Bible Teach (2005) p.97 para. 4
Since angels have such deep concern for the welfare of those who serve God, it is no wonder that Jehovah has repeatedly used angels to strengthen and protect his faithful servants on earth. (Hebrews 1:7, 14) Consider some examples.
NO - w08 9/15 p.9 What About Physical Protection?
8 As individuals, we know that our immediate physical protection is not guaranteed. We take the position expressed by the three faithful Hebrews who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's image of gold. Those God-fearing young men did not presume that Jehovah would miraculously protect them from physical harm. (Read Daniel 3:17, 18.)
As matters turned out, Jehovah did deliver them from the flames of the fiery furnace. (Dan. 3:21-27) Even in Bible times, however, miraculous deliverance was the exception rather than the rule. Many faithful servants of Jehovah died at the hands of opposers.
NO - w09 5/15 pp. 22-23 par. 10 The Angels—"Spirits for Public Service"
The Scriptures do not teach that each person on earth has a guardian angel
YES - w10 1/15 p. 10 par. 13 Belonging to Jehovah—An Undeserved Kindness
How does Jehovah protect his people from these spiritual dangers? The psalm says: "He will give his own angels a command concerning you, to guard you in all your ways." (Ps. 91:11) Heavenly angels guide and protect us so that we can preach the good news.
NO - w10 11/1 p. 16 How Spirit Creatures Affect Us
Jesus did not necessarily mean that each of his followers has a guardian angel assigned to him
YES – 2013 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, page 30.
"'If we had been at home,' said Chinyere, 'we would surely have died. After the disaster, we were left with only our meeting clothes, but we have our lives. The circuit overseer immediately set up a relief committee, and the brothers took good care of us. We are very grateful.'
Collins said: 'My relatives who had been opposed to my being a Witness have changed their minds. One of them told me: 'Your Jehovah answers prayers. Hold on to your God because he helps you.' Another person said: 'Whatever you have been doing to serve God, continue to do it whole-souled.' We have truly seen Jehovah's hand in our case. I am very happy.'"
YES - w2013 3/15 p.22
(Caption: God's angels support and protect his servants)
Note: The official stance is that Jehovah will protect individuals as he sees fit, and there are many accounts in the WT publications where people have prayed and been saved from death.
However we do not have guardian angels, only the tease of them for when we are facing persecution etc.
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WHO REPLACED JUDAS AS THE 12TH APOSTLE?
Paul - w51 12/15 p. 763 Questions From Readers
Paul - w57 7/15 p. 423 Do the Apostles Have Successors?
Matthias - w71 11/15 p. 688 par. 3 Appointed Officers in the Theocratic Organization
Matthias - w71 5/15 p. 320 Questions From Readers
WHO IS THE 'LORD' AS MENTIONED IN ROMANS 10:12-16
1903 - 'Lord' refers to Jesus.
1940 - 'Lord' refers to Jehovah.
1978 - 'Lord' refers to Jesus.
1980 - 'Lord' refers to Jehovah.
IS JEHOVAH OUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER?
FATHER - w98 12/15 pp. 18-19 par. 12 This Is the Day of Salvation!
Jehovah's anointed ambassadors and his envoys, the "other sheep," do not accept their heavenly Father's undeserved kindness and miss its purpose.
GRANDFATHER - w95 8/1 p. 13 par. 19 Jehovah—A God Who Teaches
Even though the other sheep are not directly included among the "sons" spoken of at Isaiah 54:13, they are blessed with being taught by Jehovah. Therefore, they properly address God as "Father" because he will, in effect, be their Grandfather through the "Eternal Father," Jesus Christ.
FATHER - w92 2/1 p. 15 par. 8 'In the Name of the Holy Spirit'
However, all new disciples—whatever their hope—are baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit.
CORRECT VIEW OF WEDDING RINGS?
PAGAN ROOTS - w50 6/1 p. 165 par. 13 A Mind Freed for Godly Combat
"... the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the [song] Kyrie Eleison, are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church."—Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, by Cardinal Newman.
NOT IN THE BIBLE, BUT IT'S OK- w69 1/15 pp. 58-59 Christian Weddings
A study of the subject would likely leave you confused as to the origin and meaning of the wedding ring; the claims are many, the facts muddled. Even if the Bible does not directly mention wedding rings, it
is plain that Jehovah's servants could wear rings... It is not improper for a Christian to give evidence of his or her married status by wearing a wedding ring.
PAGAN ROOTS, BUT IT'S OK - w72 1/15 p. 63 Questions From Readers
Catholic prelate John H. Newman wrote: "...the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison, are all of pagan origin."
... Even if it were a fact that pagans first used wedding rings, would that rule such out for Christians?
Not necessarily. Many of today's articles of clothing and aspects of life originated in pagan lands. The present time divisions of hours, minutes and seconds are based on an early Babylonian system.
A PAGAN THING CAN BECOME UN-PAGAN - w92 9/1 p. 30 Questions From Readers
Some customs that were once religious in nature no longer are in many places. For example, the wedding ring once had religious significance, but in most places today, it no longer does. Hence, many true Christians accept the local custom of wearing a wedding ring.
DOESN'T MATTER THAT IT WAS ONCE PAGAN - w07 2/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers
the fact that an object, a design, or a practice has roots or parallels in ancient false religion does not always rule such out for a true worshipper... the wedding ring at one time had religious significance. Yet, most people today do not know that, considering a wedding ring mere evidence that someone is married.
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RESURRECTED ONES CAN MARRY?
Women may be turned into men - Golden Age 1930, April 2. P. 446 Bible Questions and Answers
Whether the identity of the sexes, as such, will be preserved, we do not know. There have been some well authenticated instances in which women have been transformed into men, and it is possible that this transformation may become general and we shall all be brothers together.
NO - w1938 11/1 p. 325 para.10
Under this Scriptural rule all those who were in the marriage relationship before dying will, if brought back in the resurrection, come forth as unmarried persons. Such will be subjected to the will of "the Everlasting Father", Christ Jesus, who ministers life to all, as God commands. (Rom. 6: 23) It is the right and privilege of the Everlasting Father" to arrange or not arrange marriage for such awakened ones as it pleaseth him.
The divine rule is for the father to arrange for the marriage of his children. There is no plain Scriptural evidence, however, that those who are awakened out of death will marry and bring children into the world.
YES - 1943 "The Truth Shall Make You Free" p.362 - 364
[Evil ones] will not come forth [in the resurrection] to take part in the divine mandate [filing the earth], because that will have been completed by the Lord's "other sheep".
NO - w50 10/15 p. 381 "Be Fruitful, Multiply, Fill the Earth"
Nor will the resurrected multitudes be privileged to do so, for Jesus plainly stated that such will not marry nor be given in marriage
Even survivors won't marry - w54 9/15 p. 575 Questions From Readers
After that final test there will definitely be no marrying or being given in marriage then by those counted worthy of the new world and having the right to eternal life, just as angels have that right
YES - w54 9/15 p. 575 Questions From Readers
It is even reasonable and allowable to entertain the comforting thought that those of the other sheep who now die faithful will have an early resurrection and live during the time when the procreation mandate is being fulfilled and when paradise conditions are being spread earth-wide and that they will share in this divinely given service.
NO - w56 10/1 p. 601 par. 9 'He That Marries Not Does Better'
She died single, and that without the hope of enjoying married life in God's new world after she is resurrected from the dead.
NO - w61 11/15 p. 704 Questions From Readers
for dead ones with spiritual, heavenly hopes and for dead ones with earthly Paradisaic hopes the rule enunciated by Jesus Christ stands unaltered: "In the resurrection neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage"
NO - w67 10/15 p. 638 Questions From Readers
Jesus' words apply to the earthly resurrection, and they indicate that those resurrected will not marry or be reunited in a marriage relationship with former mates.
NO - g99 10/8 p. 11 Crossword Puzzle
8. Jesus said that resurrected ones will not do this (Luke 20:35)
YES / MAYBE - w14 8/1 page 29+30, questions from readers
"Could Jesus be referring only to the heavenly resurrection?" "It is possible"
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MATTHEW 24:14 HAS BEEN FULFILLED?
YES - w51 10/1 p. 601 par. 7 Laying the Stone in Completion
The Gentile times ended in 1914 and the prophecies were fulfilled exactly as foretold at Matthew 24
and Luke 21, but have not been heeded by these millions.
NO - w55 10/15 p. 621 par. 1 The Triumphant Message of "The Kingdom"
Today, in this year 1955, the temple of Jerusalem is no more, as he foretold that it would not be, but his prophecy concerning "this good news of the kingdom" is being fulfilled.
YES - ws chap. 7 p. 61 par. 9 Settling Accounts Over the Use of Christ's Funds
To mark his return, two wars of world proportions, accompanied now by many other wars of lesser proportions, have bloodied our earth. As predicted, these have been accompanied by famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, and by the increasing of lawlessness and the preaching of "this good news of the kingdom" in all the inhabited earth. This has fulfilled the details of what Jesus said would be "the sign of [his] presence and of the conclusion of the system of things."—Matthew 24:3-15.
IT APPLIES TO THE 1ST CENTURY - w92 6/15 p. 14 par. 14 Serving as Fishers of Men
For the needs of the first-century Christians, Jesus' prophecy at Matthew 24:14 was fulfilled before Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 C.E.
YES - w92 5/1 p. 22 par. 19 Keep Awake in "the Time of the End"
As we look back over three quarters of a century, we can see how one prophecy after another has been fulfilled—the restoration of true worship; the deliverance of the anointed remnant, along with their companions, into a spiritual paradise; the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom on a global scale; the appearance of the great crowd.
NO - w93 5/1 p. 12 par. 7 Shedding Light on Christ's Presence
Each Yearbook of JW's adds to the evidence that these aspects of the sign are being fulfilled.
YES - w95 9/1 pp. 17-18 par. 17 Christian Witnesses for Divine Sovereignty
Jesus 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." Has this prophecy been fulfilled? Indeed, it has.
NO - w97 8/15 p. 14 par. 11 Living for Today or for an Eternal Future?
11 There is also Jesus' prediction that "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) Today, Jehovah's Witnesses carry out their work in 233 lands, island groups, and territories. True, untouched territories still exist, and perhaps in Jehovah's due time, a door of opportunity will open.
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What did it show?
-- Awake, Oct. 8, 1968 –
"True, there have been those in times past who predicted an 'end to the world,' even announcing a specific date. Yet nothing happened. The 'end' did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing? ...Missing from such people were God's truths and evidence that he was using and guiding them"
-- g70 4/22 p. 8 Changes That Disturb People –
"Yes, millions of persons have been shocked to learn that things they were taught as being vital for salvation are now considered by their church to be wrong. Have you, too, felt discouragement, or even despair, because of what is happening in your church?"
(Mal 3:6 "I am Jehovah; I do not change".
Jas 1:17 "the Father... does not change like shifting shadows")
“This is how Jehovah operates”
????????
w13 02/15 p.12, par 18:
"We benefit from balanced consideration of the history of Jehovah's organization.
Moreover, we do well to examine our history, learn from it, and plan for the future."
-- w72 4/1 p.197–
"it is easy to say that this group [Jehovah's Witnesses] act as a 'prophet' of God. It is another thing to prove it.
The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?"
WHAT DOES the record show?
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To WHOM does “This generation”apply?
1897 - A group of contemporary people
"Other uses of this Greek word (genea) prove that it is not used with the significance of race, but in reference to people living contemporaneously.... In other words, the signs mentioned will occur within a generation - epoch in the close of the age."
Studies in the Scriptures Vol 4 pp.602,603
1927 - The anointed
"The irresistible conclusion therefore is that Jesus referred to the new creation [the anointed] when he said: This generation shall not pass until all these things be fulfilled. This then would be a strong indication that some members of the new creation will be on the earth at the time of Armageddon." Watchtower 1927 Feb 15 p.62
1951 - A fixed period of time from 1914 applied to worldly people
"The actual meaning of these words is, beyond question, that which takes a generation in the ordinary sense, as at Mark 8:12 and Acts 13:36, or for those who are living at the given period. So it was on this generation that the accumulated judgments were to fall. (Matt. 23:36) This therefore means that from 1914 a generation shall not pass till all is fulfilled, and amidst a great time of trouble." Watchtower 1951 Jul 1 p.404
1995 - A group of contemporary worldly people
"Jesus was not departing from his established use of the term this generation, which he consistently applied to the contemporary masses with their blind guides who together made up the Jewish nation. ... Jesus refers principally to contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying characteristics." Watchtower 1995 Nov 1 
pp.14,20
2008 - The anointed
"As a class, these anointed ones make up the modern-day "generation" of contemporaries that will not pass away "until all these things occur." This suggests that some who are Christ's anointed brothers will still be alive on earth when the foretold great tribulation begins." Watchtower 2008 Feb 15 p.24
2010 - A fixed period from 1914 applied to the anointed
"He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation." Watchtower 2010 April 15 p.10
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Governing Body member Jeffrey Winder on JW dot org:
“We are not embarrassed about ‘adjustments’ that are made; nor is an apology needed for not getting it
‘exactly right’ previously. WE UNDERSTAND: THIS IS HOW JEHOVAH OPERATES.”
VIDEO:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FNolBv8hq3q5gFzC1Pfbpo94VAt-b73i/view?usp=sharing
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-- g70 4/22 p. 8 Changes That Disturb People –
"Yes, millions of persons have been shocked to learn that things they were taught as being vital for salvation are now considered by their church to be wrong. Have you, too, felt discouragement, or even despair, because of what is happening in your church?"
(Mal 3:6 "I am Jehovah; I do not change".
Jas 1:17 "the Father... does not change like shifting shadows")