I.I.M. 2001 Questions
linked to audio files
There are only five (5) audio files for 2001:
07/16, 11/19, 11/26, 12/03 and 12/17
Please see the links below.
01-15-2001
Questions concerning the Jubilees:
Why 50 x 50?
What does restitution really include? Has it begun?
What further evidence do we have that the 2nd Volume presentation of the Jubilees is correct?
Our meeting has started to prepare for elections and is studying chapter 5 of the 6th Vol. The following questions will reflect our study.
1. On page 240:1 “(3) Aside from these essentials, upon which unity must be demanded, there can be no Scriptural fellowship…” Please explain what is meant by “there can be no Scriptural fellowship.”
2. Are there no more essentials to fellowship besides those mentioned in points 1 and 2? If so, what are they?
3. On page 243, last sentence of the top paragraph. “Likewise also all the various blemishes which hindered the typical priesthood would represent various moral and physical or intellectual disabilities amongst the antitypical Royal Priesthood.” Would this mean that someone without a finger could not serve as an elder? To what extent would we define the physical disabilities?
01-22-2001
For those of you who are elders, were you elected the first time you were nominated?
Was there any time when you were later not re-elected? If so what were the lessons you learned from this experience?
Along another line, Romans 11:25 in Romanian gives a different thought than the English King James. The Romanian renders it “a part of Israel has fallen into hardness which will continue until the fullness (in a footnote – full number) of the Gentiles come in.” The main difference being that in the English all Israel is partly blind. The phrase “a part of Israel” gives the idea that some of Israel did not fall into hardness which some brethren here explain to be the fact that the early church was made up of Jews. What would be the correct understanding to this verse?
01-29-2001
Isa. 8:20 “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” In Romanian it is: “If they will not speak according to this word, mornings will no longer dawn upon this people.” Green renders this last part “because there is no dawn in them.” These would intimate a much stronger application than “there is no light in them.” The Romanian suggests a rather harsh judgment. Which is right?
Vol. 1 pg. 339 “To these the saints should be a notable exception.” What does “these” refer?
Vol. 6 pg. 108:2 “Fifthly, this class, now justified by its faith, must not expect to deny its fdaith by wilfully.” Is this saying that “this class should not be expected to deny its faith”? Please explain if otherwise it is understood.
Vol.6 pg. 116:2. “In view of this, what shall we say of those who come to the standpoint of faith in God and a measure of justification, and who, seeing that further progress in the Lord’s way means self-sacrifice, self-denial, etc., nevertheless hold back, declining to enter the strait gate and narrow way of so full a consecration – even unto death?” The problem is with the word “nevertheless”. Are we to understand that “those” have come to an understanding of everything but nevertheless hold back? Or could nevertheless mean “and”?
02-05-2001
Vol. 1 pg. 239:1 “The glorified Christ, Head and body, is shown by figure w.” Then on page 241:2 “…then the world of men, (w).” Shouldn’t this last “w” be a “W”?
Vol. 6 pg 35:2 “washed over them…by tidal waves” does this refer to the large tidal waves or the regular tides?
Vol 6 pg. 245:2 “As elders of the Church are all overseers…some locally and some in the broad and general sense,” What is meant by the broad and general sense?
Continuing in the same sentence, “so also each” Does “each” here refer to each member or each elder?
Vol. 6 pg 247:1 (bottom) “They should have charity and sympathy for the weakest…” Who does “they” refer to? elders or members?
Vol. 6 pg 636 (top paragraph) We are not to be understood to advocate the use of drugs…Drugging can undoubtedly…” Is “drugs” and “Drugging” referring to narcotics?
Please explain the full meaning of the following statement marked with (( )) and explain what it means in practical terms:
“We are not to be in sympathy with any of the present institutions, which are based upon selfishness, and, in greater or less degree, are in opposition to the divine law, the Golden Rule. ((It may be necessary for us to conduct our affairs considerably along the lines of selfishness prevalent in the world;)) but without stopping to dispute the question continually, our hearts should be kept in that attitude in which we would be out of sympathy with selfish principles [F607] and longing for the reign of the Golden Rule absolutely in all the affairs of life, and, so far as possible, in our own intercourse with the world.” F606-607
Is the “seed” of Gen. 3:15 that bruises the serpent’s head, the 2-part Abrahamic seed, “stars” and “sand”–or just “the Christ”?
02-12-2001
Question: F460, middle of paragraph: “…Thus each house of Israel represented the household of faith, and each lamb represented the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world, and the firstborn in each family represented the Christ, Head and Body, the New Creation…”
We wonder if the firstborn in each family really do represent Christ, Head and Body. For one reason, in the question book we see:
PASSOVER–Who Typified by Firstborn
QUESTION (1912) Did the “Firstborn” who were passed over on account of the shed blood of the Lamb typify the HEAD AND BODY of the Church, or the CHURCH ONLY?
ANSWER: Why! the Church only NOT our Lord Jesus. He was not passed over by anything. He died. In the full sense of the word He was the Lamb. His blood makes us “The Church of the First Born.” Where would be the Lamb for His Own Justification if He were passed over? He did not need a Lamb. He passed over by Himself. He passed over by His obedience even unto Death. Now that enables Him to pass us over as the Church of the First Born through His blood applied to us.
So what is Brother Russell saying in the statement in volume 6?
What do we consider to be foundation Truths other than “the man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time?
Is it wrong to study with those who are not in FULL agreement with any of the foundation doctrines?
How should we apply the scripture “forsake not the assembling of yourselves together and so much more as the day approaches” in connection with the previous question.
If “controversial” speakers are invited to serve a class where we are not a voting member, but where we usually attend when outside speakers are serving, do we have a responsibility to take some action, and if so, what?
On page 630 of Vol. 6, Br. Russell talks about those who have become blinded to the Lord’s presence. In the context he makes reference to Heb. 6:4-6 as applicable to this class. Does this mean that those who deny the Lord’s presence (after believing it for a time) are (a) subject to disfellowship and/or (b) subject to second death?
Is denying the Reign of our Lord, the same as denying the Presence?
02-19-2001
How do we understand in other words the sentence in the middle of the first paragraph on A126 which begins “God’s foreknowledge of what man would do…machine-being;”
A250 the end of the second sentence: “Their imperfection…even to his own satisfaction”. What is the sense of “satisfaction”?
A289, footnote, second paragraph, almost to the bottom “And since anything short of perfect life is a condition of partial death” does it apply in general even to the fallen angels or only to mankind?
What is represented by the firstborn of cattle in the last plague on Egypt?
Does Bro. Russell indicate anywhere in his writings about how business meetings are to be conducted?
Is the method of voting at such meetings described anywhere?
Is there a written description of parliamentary rules?
If the method is not described how does a class decide on what procedure to use?
When someone makes a motion/proposal, how do you proceed with discussion about it?
Must a motion be seconded before it is discussed?
Should votes be counted both for and against a motion?
Can those voting choose to abstain and if so how would you know if a motion has enough votes?
Is it the custom in the US and Canada to vote for the class’s program of studies at the same time that they elect elders, viz. once a year, or does the class vote only as the class finishes one volume or study and should begin another?
03-05-2001
Vol. VI, pg. 197 subtitle: “The Nominal vs. The Real New Creation” does this “versus” here mean “against” or “in comparison with?”
Vol. VI, pg. 297: last sentence in top paragraph. The phrase, “sure to lead into darkness for light,” would this mean that they go into darkness thinking that they will find light there? Please express this in different words.
Vol. VI, pg. 303 bottom of page, “nor seek their confidences, nor as New Creatures give them ours.” The word “confidences” means friendship or trust?
Vol. VI, pg 324:1 “thus danger of personalities and wrangling may be avoided,” what does personalities mean here? Offending allusions?
Vol. VI, pg. 358:2 “may by a possible obedience have restitution,” what is meant by possible obedience? Does it meant that obedience will be possible? or something else?
1 Tim. 2:12 says “I do not permit a woman to teach” — Does this also include children’s classes?
03-12-2001
In 2 Kings 24:2-4 God punished the entire tribe of Judah because of the sins of King Manasseh. Is this because the nation of Israel was under a covenant relationship with God?
Matthew 12:31 indicates that sins against light must be expiated with stripes–individually. How does this compare with the concept of the great company (a class) suffering to offset the sins of the world at large?
How does suffering by stripes differ from Jesus’ sufferings for us?
Why do we have to suffer? Why did Jesus and why does the great company have to suffer? How does it offset the sins of whoever they are suffering for and why are those who committed those sins not being dealt with as individuals with stripes?
03-19-2001
How would we apply the principles of I Corinthians 11 in regards online meetings? Is it a violation of the Scriptural principle for a sister to NOT wear a head-covering during online meetings?
Is it proper to go about daily tasks when we are listening to a live broadcast of a study or convention? Could this be a form of making that which is holy a common thing (i.e. a form of disrespect)?
From F341: “Hence, if one found himself possessed of a talent for presenting the Truth, and also a talent for legitimate money-making, our advice would be that he should preferably exercise the money-getting talent to a limited degree only, so as to give as much time and attention and energy as possible to the exercise of his still higher talent of ministering the Truth.” If full-time service was possible by moving to another area, what factors should be considered in making such a decision?
03-26-2001
If a brother hears (involuntarily) an argument between two other brethren, how is he to proceed? What is his duty? Does Mat.18:15-18 apply here?
The Manna text for March 15 includes this sentence: “The life of faith is an individual matter, as well of the heart as of the head.” What is the relationship of heart to head? What is the ratio of heart to head? How is faith affected by both heart and head?
04-02-2001
1 Cor. 11:14 seems to say that men should not wear long hair, could we discuss this?
In connection with Purim, the Jews say that Moses was born and died in the same day Haman planned to destroy the Jews (Adar 13). Is this in the Bible?
Vol. VI, pg. 102 middle of page, “and fortified by the experience…”, who or what was fortified, the “world”? “all the families of the earth?” or “Father Adam?”
Vol. VI, pg. 125:1 “…why he called us and accepted our consecration and yet seemingly had not made this possible…” What is not been “made possible?” His calling us? Our consecration?
Vol. VI, pg. 154:2 “Holiness people”, is there some other word for this expression or title?
Vol. VI, pg. 256 “colporteuring”, this word does not exist as a verb in the dictionary. What word can we use as a substitute?
Vol. VI, pg. 267 top of page, “adapting each to the other,” what is adapted? sexes? qualities?
Vol. VI, pg. 545:1 “The religious organs of the human mind lie on the top of the head…” Please explain what is meant by “the top of the head.”
04-09-2001
Vol. VI, pg. 277 top of the page, the point Bro. Russell is making about the word “also”, does the context of 2 Cor. 8:19 mean that the apostle was also elected? Note verse 18.
Vol. VI, pg. 289:1 “If the reproved one fails to clear himself.” What does it mean to CLEAR himself? To demonstrate his innocence or repair his wrong or something else?
Vol. VI, pg. 294 top — What does “contumacy” mean here? Please give another word. The dictionary defines this as “stubborn resistance to authority” which doesn’t seem to fit here. Would you take 2 or 3 others to be witnesses of some one else’s stubborn resistance to authority? Whose authority?
Vol. VI, pg. 324:1 “after each speaker has presented his findings on his phase of the subject it should be open to the entire class…” Wasn’t the subject opened to the entire class when the speaker started? Would it be OK to say the subject REMAINS OPEN for discussion of the entire class? Or the subject is turned over to the class for discussion?
04-14-2001 (SAT)
Vol. VI, pg. 434:1 “With the Gentiles the matter was altogether different, and their acceptance of Christ would properly signify all that was covenanted by the Jew…” Please explain how only accepting Christ would be the same as the covenant of the Jews.
Vol. VI, pg. 496-7 “The divine order was disregarded in such a marriage,” Is this saying the divine order was disregarded in the fact that they married?
Please discuss the three points mentioned in Vol. 3, pages 189-190: “The scourge of small cords used in that typical act represented the various truths, used in the present harvest among the temple class, to correct and prove, and to separate the unclean. The truths now made manifest reveal so clearly the perfect will of God, the import of full consecration to his service, and the narrowness of the way which must be traveled by those who walk in the Master’s footprints…”
Please discuss the concept of giving up our earthly (restitution) life rights in exchange for the heavenly. Note the following references:
Vol. 5, foreword page v, para. 1 & 2:
“The Church’s Covenant is to sacrifice all their earthly life and rights, that they may become New Creatures in Christ and joint-heirs with Him on the spirit plane.
“It was on the basis of this imputation of our coming Restitution blessings, and our own personal consecration to the Lord, that our Redeemer, acting as our great High Priest and Advocate, brought us into that relationship with the Father’s Plan which permitted us to receive the begetting of the holy Spirit…”
Vol. 6, page 637, para. 1:
“…our covenant, by which we gave all our earthly advantages and rights as men (in the restitution privileges purchased by the precious blood) in exchange for the privilege of running as New Creatures the race…”
Vol. 6, page 652:
“…these human rights they offered, consecrated, devoted, laid upon the altar, in exchange for the heavenly, spiritual…”
R4547, “DRINKING THE LORD’S CUP”:
“The cup symbolizes the means of our sanctification, by which we exchange our justified earthly rights for the heavenly inheritance and joint-heirship.”
R3949, para. 1:
“We do lay down or exchange justified earthly rights, earthly interests, for heavenly ones…”
R3668, Question: “PRAYING FOR PHYSICAL HEALING”:
“…a completion of the work in the resurrection of the spiritual body. This is what we get in exchange for the surrender of earthly rights of restitution.”
R3310, Subtitle: “WE ARE TO WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT”:
“As for the Lord’s saints, have they not taken their physical, human, earthly rights and privileges, secured through the death of Christ, and exchanged these with the Lord for heavenly things, the heavenly body that is to be received at the First Resurrection, the heavenly hopes and heavenly joys which are already the first-fruits of the Spirit in us? Yea, verily, they have. Have they not sacrificed thus the earthly interests, hopes, rights, privileges, for the heavenly ones?”
04-23-2001
F467:1 “Who that understands…and the consequent participation in the sacrifice…” — Is the sense of consequent here “the participation that follows?”
F526 Hasty blows are mentioned twice. Does “hasty” mean fast or not thought out?
F541 The title Church Standard — does standard mean flag?
F604:1 “man’s own definition of Justice…” Wouldn’t this be the same as man’s own law. Isn’t a law a definition of justice?
F640:2 “Suppose, however, says one,…?” Why is this a question?
F681:1 “The Apostle Paul…enter into the holiest by the blood…” What is meant by entering the holiest if we don’t do that until we pass under the veil of death?
04-30-2001
F695 Why does Bro. Russell change to “all in Adam” instead of “in Adam all die?” What is the difference? Is the sense that the ALL in Adam is not the same as ALL in Christ?
F702-3 Does the standing part of “restanding” mean standing up on our feet again? Or regaining the condition originally held?
Why would we be promised “houses” and “lands” if we leave house or lands for Jesus’ sake? (Mark 10:30)
In what way is God working with the government of Israel at this time? (Ezek. 20:33-37)
Hebrews 8:6 How is Jesus now the “mediator of a better [new] covenant” which “was established” (past tense) upon better promises?
05-07-2001
Moses wearing the veil, when off and on what does this represent? QB134 no veil? Veil off in most holy? Why didn’t he cover his face until after he gave the 10 commandments? Exodus 34:30-33, How long did Moses wear the veil?
In Vol. I the first (title) page is the following:
THE PLAN OF THE AGES
A Vindication of the Divine Character and Government: Showing, by a Recognition and Harmonizing of all the Scriptures, that the Permission of Evil, Past and Present, is Educational and Preparatory to the Ushering of Mankind Into THE GOLDEN AGE OF PROPHECY In Which All the Families of the Earth Will Be Blessed with a Full Knowledge of God and a Full Opportunity for Attaining Everlasting Life Through the Redeemer, ((Who Then Will Be the Great Restorer and Life-Giver.)) Acts 3:19-21
QUESTION: WHY and WHEN did the last part of the last sentence get changed?
From: ((Who Then Will Be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.))
To: ((Who Then Will Be the Great Restorer and Life-Giver.))
Possibly a thought on this would be: When was Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
What are proofs that the door to the high calling is not yet shut?
05-14-2001
Taking into consideration Matt. 25:10, Psa. 45:13,14 and Rev. 19:7, are these scriptures out of harmony when considering whether the Great Company is present at the Marriage feast.
05-21-2001
In looking at Vol 5 and Page 386 the following statement is made. “This everlasting life will be granted only to those who when they learn of it and the terms upon which it will be granted as a gift, seek for it, by living according to the spirit of holiness. They shall reap it as a gift-reward.” Gal. 6:8 Is this referring to the Church, and if so how is this everlasting life achieved?
What scriptural passages specifically mention all 4 of God’s attributes (wisdom, justice, love and power)? or 3 of the 4? or 2 of the 4?
What is the book of life and whose names are written therein? Daniel 12:1 and Revelation 20:12
05-28-2001
Considering the expression Eccl 9:6 “…neither have they any more a portion forever in any thing that is done under the sun…”, what does the Hebrew word translated “forever” in this passage mean? Does it mean that these would not have a resurrection? Why or why not? (Scriptures) (Also note R3725 on “OLAM”)
Further considering the Hebrew word “olam”, what do the following example scriptures really mean? Define “olam” and explain how we best prove its meaning in whatever text that it occurs.
Psa. 136:1 (R3283, Oct 31 Songs In The Night)
Gen. 13:15
Is there in any sense in which Jesus is now a mediator on behalf of the church?
06-04-2001
CANCELLED
06-11-2001
Vol. IV, starting on page 552, “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble.” We would like to focus on the linkage established in this section by Br. Russell between Ezek. 38:11,12; Jer. 16:14-17,21 and Exod. 12:31-36.
06-18-2001
Are there proper reasons for an elder or other class servant to take a sabbatical? What might this mean in a practical sense?
06-25-2001
What constitutes proper affection between brethren?
Is it always necessary to have a visiting elder serve an ecclesia just because he is going to be present at one or more meetings?
Would it be unloving NOT to ask a visiting elder to serve but just to visit?
Are there occasions when it would be inappropriate to ask a visiting elder to serve?
07-02-2001
Since we understand the Law Covenent continues in effect (Heb. 8:13; 9:15-23) until the New Law Covenant is inaugurated, how do we understand this reference from Vol. 2? “When the scepter (the right) under the covenant passed to our Lord Jesus, that Law Covenant ended; for how could God continue to offer to others, on any conditions, the prize which had already been won by Shiloh? Hence, as the Apostle declares, ‘Christ made an end of the Law [covenant], nailing it to his cross.’ Col. 2:14” B85, par. 2
If a member of an ecclesia does not agree with a decision of the brethren in respect to a problem–because of conscience–is this member obligated to keep this decision, or is he free to follow his conscience? What happens in this case? What about respecting the decision of the majority?
Where do we get the 2 year period of Adam in the garden before he sinned?
Does the fact that the children of the consecrated are “born” in the court condition indicate that the Lord is calling them?
07-09-2001
Do we find the Russian or Greek Orthodox Church in prophecy? What is its relationship in prophecy to Babylon and the Antichrist? We see now demonstrations of the Orthodox in the Ukraine against the Pope. Are they going to unite?
Gen. 25:29-34; chapter 27 — If the birthright legitimately belonged to Jacob after Esau sold it to him for a mess of pottage, then why did Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac in order to gain the blessing? Did God reprove them in any way for this? Is there any significance in this picture for us?
Do we understand the great company will recognize when the Church has all finished their course? If so, please provide scriptures and discuss how they give this understanding.
In Acts 6:4 – 7:50: Stephen was stoned and died as a martyr. We know he saw Jesus standing up to greet him. Did he, Stephen, make his calling and election sure in 6 months time or was it because he was martyred for his faith that his calling and election was made sure?
What does consecration mean? What is involved in making a consecration?
07-23-2001
How does someone know if they are being called to make a consecration to the high calling?
What are the duties of elders beyond leading meetings? Are all elders expected to perform all duties? (For example: Should all elders be required to give discourses? Should all elders be required to give counseling? Etc.)
What do online meetings mean to you?
(a) Are they a blessing?
(b) What do you see in the future concerning the online meetings?
(c) Why do you think The Lord is allowing these online meetings?
(d) Any suggestions to make them better?
(e) Any criticism about the way they are being done now?
07-30-2001
Was David the 7th or 8th son of Jessie? 1 Sam. 16:10 2 Chron. 2:13-15
What is the historical, genealogy or ancestor connection of Arabs, Palestinians or other Muslims to the land of Israel?
08-06-2001
When do the typical features of the Jewish nation and Law come to an end? Are there types that still continue today?
Will the nation of Israel ever become an antitype? If so, in what way?
Lev. 16:3 “Thus shall Aaron come into the Holy [and Most Holy] with a young bullock for a sin-offering, and a ram for a burnt-offering.” KJV (see T55:2) Does this mean that these animals were taken into the Holy and Most Holy or was it just the blood?
08-13-2001
How does the sin of Adam affect all other aspects of creation? Though animals were never created or intended to have eternal life, can we say that the suffering, disease and painful death of animals is directly related to the sin of Adam? If so, why should innocent animals who are unable to reason suffer because of Adam?
If the entire earth is to become a paradise, and be perfect, can we say that for either scientific and/or biblical reasons there has to be some form of a restoration of a canopy? If not, and since God always works through natural means, what other logical and natural ways could the entire earth become temperate in order to facilitate it becoming a paradise?
08-20-2001
We’ve heard while witnessing that the theory of evolution is different from Darwin’s theory or that the theory of evolution has “evolved” since that time. Evolution has come up in many of our witness opportunities and we were wondering if any of the brethren knew the current theory and how to respond to it in a witness situation.
Documentation on Darwin’s position toward evolution at the point of his death — research for next week.
You can read some about Darwin’s “conversion” before his death at this link:
http://www.carm.org/evo_questions/deathbed.htm
Good reference work: “Darwin’s Black Box” by Michael J. Behe
Concerning the Binding of Satan–as related in R4976–is Satan already bound? If so, does this mean the fallen angels are responsible for all of the trouble going on now?
Based on scripture, the writings of Br. Russell, and consecrated reasoning, how might we expect the fallen angels to manifest themselves at the end of this age when their restraints are lifted?
Are there any circumstances under which one who is consecrated and spirit-begotten would audibly hear direction or instruction from the Lord (or his angels) in the present day?
08-27-2001
In Eph. 4:30 it speaks of “grieving the holy spirit.” Is it possible for us to cause another to “grieve the holy spirit?”
How might the close of the harvest be manifested, and as the harvest draws to a close (before the church is complete) do our responsibilities change in any way?
Do we have a responsibility to spend more time encouraging those who need it, or are we to allow personal preferences to guide our fellowship?
09-03-2001
How can we prove the Kingdom on Earth from the Scriptures?
Following are Romanian translation questions from the Question Book:
pg. 25 ques. 1 in the answer near the end. “Getting more like our Redeemer and more like our Heavenly Father.” Should it be ‘We’ are getting more like…?
pg. 240 answer at the bottom of the page, “give discussion to those who are candidates” is “to those” mean “about those?”
pg. 246 in the first answer, is there a difference in the term “class” and “congregation?” The thought seems to be that there were more classes in the same congregation. Also in this paragraph does the term “colored” refer only to negros?
09-10-2001
In volume 4 page 149 a short paragraph reads: “Thus we are assured that the Lord’s overruling providence in the final catastrophe shall bring deliverance to the oppressed. The lives of multitudes will not then be sacrificed nor will the inequalities of society that now exist be perpetuated.”
Question: He says that the oppressed will be delivered, also multitudes will not be sacrificed. However, Since there will likely be much trauma at the very end of the age, please explain in what sense is Br. Russell speaking regarding “deliverance” and “not being sacrificed.”
For example, does it suggest:
a) a paradox “not being sacrificed” vs. “unless those days be shortened”
b) do the multitudes merely represent a portion of all humanity, many of whom will lose their lives in the period when the LORD will “punish the world for their evil and the wicked for their iniquity” (previous paragraph)
c) or is it simply a reference to man’s situation in the Millennium as compared to their oppressed situation now?
d) Other
Following are Romanian translation questions from the Question Book:
pg. 247 “and if it did not go my way it would be all wrong,” Is the sense that “if it did not go my way NOT TO THINK it would be all wrong?”
pg. 250, answer from previous page, “I would like to have some show, too.” What does “show” mean?
pg. 251, the sentence beginning with “I might be of sharper practice, more experience, and twist them all up,…and they didn’t know they were doing it that way,…?” What is the sense of the last phrase?
pg. 256 second question, what does “nominating vote” mean? Was there a pre-vote taken before the election?
pg. 341 “No matter what you have…give yourself just whatever you have.” Is the sense here that “you should give” instead of giving to yourself?
pg. 580 last paragraph “Does this signify that we are to forget all of these things? No, the thought would be that whatever we…” Should this “No” be “Yes?”
09-17-2001
SPECIAL MEETING discussing the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001
In the following areas consideration will be given to several subdivisions as applicable:
Local affects (U.S.A.) versus Global affects
Short term versus long term affects
Personal (as brethren) versus the world of mankind
Suggested outline for the discussion:
Create a list of FACTUAL INFORMATION concerning what has taken place, what decisions have been made by the powers that be, etc.
What turning point (if any) was reached on Sept. 11?
How did/will the events of Sept. 11 affect LIBERTY, FREEDOM and SECURITY?
What are/will be the effects in each of the following areas:
Israel
U.S. Jewry
Political
Financial
Ecclesiastical
Environmental
Where does Islam and where do the Arabs fit into prophecy?
Conscientious Objector issues
Speculation: what did the fallen angels hope to accomplish by this tragedy?
OTHER
09-24-2001
In view of recent events, what are the most important subjects for us to be studying now from the Volumes and why? (Personal and/or Ecclesia study.)
Gen. 27:40 The promise to Esau “when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.” — has this been fulfilled yet? Is it possible that the current inhabitants of Israel who call themselves “Palestinians” are the decendents of Esau? And if so, is there any possibility that this will still be fulfilled?
Probing a little more about the Islamic Religion — as to their historical development, and religious motivations for currect actions:
(a) What does the Koran REALLY say?
(b) To what extent are they the bullies that are running current world politics?
(c) Where are they talked about in Scripture? (in addition to Psa. 83)
10-01-2001
FURTHER DISCUSSION REQUESTED:
In view of recent events, what are the most important subjects for us to be studying now from the Volumes and why? (Personal and/or Ecclesia study.)
10-08-2001
CANCELLED
10-15-2001
Since Zion is often used symbolically in prophecy, is Jerusalem also used symbolically? If so, what does it symbolize?
Based on 1 Tim. 2:1-12, are we to specifically pray regarding President Bush, etc., in with the peace of the church?
10-22-2001
What scriptures can we suggest for those making a conscientious objector stand regarding military service?
If a brother desires to be elder, but has minimal support from an Ecclesia along this line, what is the proper course of action for this brother? And for the Ecclesia?
If the Gentile Times ended in 1914, then why were the Jews still burdened by Gentile dominion until the re-establishment of the nation of Israel in 1948?
10-29-2001
When praying for the world of mankind, is it proper to pray specifically for an unconsecrated individual?
When we consecrate our all to the Lord, it is unto death. We thus lay down our lives in serving the Lord the Truth and the Brethren. Nevertheless, is it proper to have a fear of death? How do we deal with such a fear?
When the true church shall have all been taken “beyond the veil”, how will this situation be so manifest as to lead those remaining to a point of “weeping and gnashing of teeth”?
11-05-2001
We have already discussed the events of 9/11 in regard to Jerusalem and Israel but there has been a new request to address this subject. Are there any additional thoughts?
We are all “looking” for the passing away of the old heavens, replaced by the “new” 2 Peter 3:12-13. But what is meant by “hastening” in verse 12 and is there something we can do to hasten it?
11-12-2001
2 Samuel 6:1-7 Are there some lessons for us in David transporting the Ark to Jerusalem and Uzzah’s death?
In 2 Kings 2:11-12, do the “chariot of fire and horses of fire” and “horsemen thereof” have a significance for us in the end times?
2 Peter 3:8: “With the Lord one day is AS a thousand years and a thousand years AS one day.” In discussing with people they say that it doesn’t say that the day of the Lord is a thousand years, but that a day is only COMPARED with that length of time. What would be the reasoning from the scriptures that it is 1000 years?
Zechariah 11.
– Verse 7, What meaning have the two staffs?
– Verse 8, Whom represent the three shepherds?
– Verse 8, What is the meaning of the expression “in one month”?
– Verse 10, When was broken the first staff?
– Verse 14, When was broken the second staff?
– Verse 16, Whom represent the shepherd?
Is it or was it ever appropriate to invest in the Stock Market or any risky investment. Is it gambling?
Is the title of Vol. 2 — “The Time Is At Hand” — taken from Rev. 1:3 and / or 22:10?
In these and other Scriptures what is the meaning of the expression “at hand?”
Vol. 3 pag 165 paragraph 2. Here Br. Russell is saying that between the time when Babylon is cast off and the time when the plagues comes is a brief interval. How big did think Br. Russell this interval would be.
Vol. 3 pag 165 paragraph 2. What is the meaning of the last sentence of the paragraph — that the classes have to be separated before the plagues come?
On page 26 in Vol. 6 there is a reference to a Sir T. W. Dawson. Should this be Sir J. W. Dawson? The same referred to on page 17 in the subtitles and page 43?
Was Eve created on the 6th or the 7th Creative Day? (See Photodrama page 9 and compare to Gen. 2:2 and R5140: “Not Two Creation Accounts”)
Were the Atonement Day sin-offerings for the previous or past year and what proof do we have?
When advanced decisions are made regarding health issues what guidelines may we use in regard to such things as heroic methods, intravenous feeding, etc., or interventions that may delay our death? Is it good to complete health care directives in advance?
12-10-2001
Should newly consecrated individuals be “voted in” as members by the ecclesia?
Should consecrated individuals who move into an area and attend meetings be “voted in” as members?
Is a declaration of their desire to be members sufficient to be accepted by the ecclesia as such:
(a) For the newly consecrated?
(b) For consecrated who move into an area?
Gen. 7:11 and Gen: 8:13 indicate that the flood lasted about a year. Gen. 11:10 says that Arphaxad was born “two years after the flood.” Does this two years date from the beginning of the flood or when the waters were dried up?
Moses lived before Christ. How did he appreciate the reproach of Christ, since he didn’t know Him? (Heb. 11:26)
Hebrews 8:7 — What was the flaw of that covenant?
There was discussion at an earlier meeting and a thought was given that the United States was not a Babylonian Nation. How can we harmonize this with reprint 3392, under the heading “God’s interest and Care and Ours” 1st paragraph, sentence starting “The Title ‘Christian nations,’ is…”
Can the Adversary read the New Creatures mind, in thought or prayer? Or does he need to depend on the spoken words of an individual to know what they are thinking or praying?
12-24-2001
CANCELLED
12-31-2001
WATCH-NIGHT SERVICE
Reprint #2737
“THOU CROWNEST THE YEAR WITH THY GOODNESS.” — PSALM 65:11
Study Objective: To share some scriptures and experiences from 2001 to help in our spiritual growth.
1. Did I appreciate fully the blessings, which I received from the Lord in 2001?
2. Did my experiences help me to get along with others?
A. In my family?
B. In the ecclesia?
C. In the world?
3. Did daily review of blessings contribute to the development of the fruits of the spirit? Gal. 5:22
4. Did ecclesia meetings help me to attain “that rest” and provide strength for the weeks which followed? Heb. 4:3-9
5. When I look back can I identify steps — which have been proper — as I determined to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?
6. Are the goals that I would like to attain for the New Year well defined?
7. What failures and successes in the race marked 2001?
8. Did these experiences help me to overcome bitterness, envy, malice, hatred, etc. and develop faith, love, patience, etc.?
9. In 2001, did I submit to the chiseling and polishing as stones in the temple that God is preparing?
10. Did I rejoice in the spirit by fellowshipping with others?
11. Has my understanding of the Truth become more advanced?
12. Is my love of the Studies stronger at the end of this past year?
13. Is my desire to serve others being maintained?
14. Is my heart filled with “praises” for God’s benefits? In what ways can I express this more clearly?
15. Have the experiences of 2001 stimulated my faith and confidence in the Lord? How can I apply further experiences in the New Year?
16. Do I have assurances that the Lord’s love will continue in 2002?
17. Is my love for all the Brethren, the world, and even my enemies, closer to the Fourth Quarter Mark?