I.I.M. 2002 Questions
linked to audio files
01-07-2002
The Apostle Paul advises us to remove all malice and strife from our hearts in preparation for the observance of Memorial. What are some practical ways we can do this in ourselves?
If there is some disagreement or ill-feeling between ourselves and another of the brethren, how do we follow the first step of Matt 18 if the other party does not want to talk about it? Does this invalidate step one, and mean that we proceed to step two?
To what degree are we responsible for bearing one another’s burdens?
Is it likely that Keturah had children by Abraham while a concubine as suggested by 1 Chron. 1:32 compared to Gen. 25:5,6 versus when she later became his wife? Gen. 25:1,2
Regarding the end of the 2300 days…to what extent was the Sanctuary cleansed in 1846? (See Daniel 8:14) Are there other scriptures which point to this same cleansing?
In volume 3, pg 118 Br. Russell states, “When we say that the Sanctuary was cleansed of this defilement, we must remember that in Scripture a part of the Church not infrequently stands for the whole.” Please give some scriptural examples that show this.
On page B265 at the bottom half of the page, in the 1917 edition it gives a Scripture reference, 1 Kings 19:16. In the New Brunswick edition this was changed to 2 Kings 2:9-16. The context of the paragraph leading to this reference is about Elijah’s calling Elisha to which the 1 Kings 19:16 text applies. Is there any justification in your mind for changing this reference from that of the original?
On page B266:1 there is a string of references from 2 Kings. In the 1917 edition, the fourth reference reads 5:1-10. In the NB edition it is 5:1-14. The question is the same as above. Is there justification for this change?
Question Book page 105 top half of page: “Generally a good plan…it shows there is something wrong.” What “it” shows there is something wrong?
QB page 106 first answer: “I expect to see the Father before very long after I am changed.” Does this mean that there will be an interval of time between his change and the time when he would see the Father? Or could it mean that he soon expects to see the Father when he is changed?
D325 (and many other places) mention “selfish competition.” Is there such a thing as “unselfish competition” or is all competition a trait of fallen humanity?
01-28-2002
Was September 11 just another spasm in the Time of Trouble, or do we see lasting effects of that event?
1 Cor 11:26 seems to indicate that we should partake of the Lord’s Memorial ” ’til He come” (Greek erchomai)…since we believe that the Lord has returned should we stop partaking of the Memorial emblems?
Question Book page 119 first question 2nd paragraph speaks about “random range work,” can someone explain what this means?
Does anyone know of the history behind standing for the last verse of the hymn and the prayer? Is this similar to showing respect when we are asked to stand for the National Anthem? Is this an expression of reverence we should try to maintain or should practical considerations be taken into account, such as the elderly having difficulty getting up and standing or the room being crowded?
02-04-2002
In the 5th Volume, Page 40, (The Author of the Atonement, “The Self-Existing One”), Exodus 6:3 is quoted in the paragraph, “And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” Why did God make His Name known in two different ways (Exodus 6:3 & Exodus 3:13-15) to those ancient worthies prior to Moses and then to Moses and the nation of Israel.
How do we understand Matt. 5:31-32 and Matt. 19:8-9 in connection to the consecrated remarrying? Scripturally speaking, could the consecrated who have divorced after their consecration be free to remarry?
Is Romans 7:3 to be taken literally in any case?
How much (if at all) should personal preferences affect our voting for brethren qualified to be elders and deacons? That is, if someone is Scripturally qualified to serve as elder or deacon, are we obligated to vote for them?
Was Maria Russell involved in writing the Volumes? If so, was this scripturally proper?
Does one fall into the Great Company due to lack of works, or lack of heart development?
02-18-2002
What are some practical ways of learning how to love the unloveable? (especially amongst our brethren)
Historically speaking, the “Holy Roman Empire” with the rule of the Papacy dominated Europe longer, and with a firmer hand, than any other of the 4 preceeding beast governments prophesied in Daniel. Therefore, why are they only referred to as a “little horn”?
Should the church participate in community service projects and activities?
From R5879, question and answer #29, please clarify the church’s role in the Ransom?
In Daniel 4:13-17 it refers to the watchers, coming down with the Holy One. Who are the watchers? Are they angels, men, 7 messengers?
Eph 4:11-16 seems to indicate that there are “specialties” in the school of Christ (verse 11). Does this mean that we should find a specialty and stick with it? Also, what is the best way to attain to the unity of the faith? Practical examples would be appreciated.
R2917 “Christ our passover was sacrificed for us” on R2918 at top, first proposition “It was in the night following the fourteenth day that the lamb was to be eaten…” Does this mean the lamb was to be eaten the night of the 14th or 15th?
Were the Israelites always free from captivity to celebrate their Jubilees?
Lev. 25:27-30 — Why weren’t houses in walled cities restored through the jubilee system and could only be redeemed in the first year? Does this typify or picture anything?
Please explain Mat 13:52 “…every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.”
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Please explain Mat 13:52 “…every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.”
R2943, Col. 2, Line 10 — What are the “THREE SIGNS” of the Lords presence?
1 Sam. 16:14,16; 19:9: What is the meaning of the phrase: “An evil spirit from the Lord”?
Difficult experiences could be tests of faithfulness or they could be chastisements for wrongdoing. How can we know the difference?
SPECIAL MEETING: MEMORIAL MEDITATIONS
“One Loaf One Body” (1 Cor. 10:16,17; R2272; etc.)
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
Another suggestion is for brethren who attend to be prepared to share their blessings from personal and ecclesia studies conducted this Memorial season.
Since we have so many signs showing where we are on the time stream of God’s Plan, do Bible Students need Bible chronology any longer?
What Scriptures are there that state we should joyfully sacrifice? What really is sacrificing?
Please discuss Tentative Justification. What are its benefits? What is tentative? What Scriptures support this concept?
Ezek 38:10-11,19-20 — Some comments on the “unwalled villages” (verse 11) and in verse 20 “every wall will fall to the ground” in light of recent events in Israel (NAS version). What is the wall spoken of in verse 20 and why does it need to fall if it was already unwalled? Or, is this something entirely different?
SPECIAL MEETING:
Br. Jerry Leslie’s 60th Birthday
Please explain Prov 6:16-19, specifically “one who sows discord among the brethren.”
Luke 17:3-4; Matt. 18:22 — Are there special requirements attached to granting forgiveness for public sins?
C22, last paragraph — Pastor Russell uses the wording: “various stages of the preparation of the nominal church and the world for the Kingdom”. In what way is the nominal church as well as the world in preparation for the Kingdom?
Prov. 23:23 — “Buy the Truth and sell it not.” How do we buy the Truth? What is the price? What constitutes selling the Truth?
Are the Ancient Worthies shown on the Chart of the Ages as “Israel Restored”?
When will the fallen angels (incorrigible ones) be destroyed — after the resurrection of the spiritual class, or at the ending of the Millennial Age?
(a) After the church and the great company go beyond the veil and the dead start to be raised, what plane are they raised on?
(b) Does the church deal with the raised dead and those that were at plane R on plane N when bringing the all mankind individuals toward atonement with the heavenly father?
(c) Please define the highway of holiness in the millennial age? Please refer to the chart of the Divine Plan.
“The Book of Revelation has the word throne mentioned 31 times. Whose throne is it in Revelation 20:11? (As a point of interest, Rev 3:21 makes it sound like there are two thrones. Rev 22:1 makes it sound as if it is the same throne).
In Ezra 3:3 the scripture says that “they were terrified because of the peoples of the lands …(NAS)” Why were they afraid of the peoples of the land? Weren’t they to rebuild the temple because of the decree from Cyrus?”
In Jer. 31:34 we read, “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” When we speak of the resurrection of the world, when will the Lord forgive their iniquity, and when will he remember their sins no more? Are these personal sins or are they Adamic sins? At what point in time does our Lord purchase the world of mankind?
In Vol. 5, foreword we read, “it (the ransom) was not paid over as a price in settlement of Adam’s account, else Adam and the entire sinner race would then and there have been turned over to Jesus.” When is the price applied in settlement of Adam’s account? Before their resurrection, after their resurrection, at the end the meditorial reign, etc?
In Psa. 2:8 we read, “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” When does this take place?
When does our Lord become the mediator of the new covenant?
According to Vol. 2, page 160, para. 2, Matthew 24:15-22 is applicable to the end of the Jewish and the Gospel age. The question is: How is verse 15 applicable to the end of the Jewish age?
Vol. 2, page 237, para. 2, the last sentence, speaking about the nominal church today it says: “We will accept Christ as our Deliverer, but reject Him as our Redeemer or Ransomer”.
(a) Please explain in what way this is true about the nominal church now.
(b) Does the Book of Ruth point out these three differences between Deliver, Redemption and Ransom?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Vol. 2, page 237, para. 2, the last sentence, speaking about the nominal church today it says: “We will accept Christ as our Deliverer, but reject Him as our Redeemer or Ransomer”.
(a) Please explain in what way this is true about the nominal church now.
(b) Does the Book of Ruth point out these three differences between Deliver, Redemption and Ransom?
(c) Concerning the words Ransomer and Redeemer as they were discussed, I understand Redeemer contains in it the additional thought of restitution, besides that of purchasing. (Have I understood correctly?) In that case, could Redeemer be used instead of Savior? Redemption = Salvation? Redeem = Save?
Mat. 8:12; Mat. 13:42; Mat. 13:50; Mat. 22:13; Mat. 24:51; Mat. 25:30; Luke 13:28
“Gnashing of teeth”, who, when and where?
“Outer darkness”, who when and where?
FINISHED: Mat. 8:12; Mat. 13:42;
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Mat. 13:50; Mat. 22:13; Mat. 24:51; Mat. 25:30; Luke 13:28
“Gnashing of teeth”, who, when and where?
“Outer darkness”, who when and where?
FINISHED: Mat. 8:12; Mat. 13:42; Mat. 13:50; Mat. 22:13; Mat. 24:51; Mat. 25:30;
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Luke 13:28
“Gnashing of teeth”, who, when and where?
“Outer darkness”, who when and where?
The Apostle Paul stated, “I keep under my body.” What does this phrase mean? And how do we do this? 1 Cor. 9:27
Present troubles throughout the world seem to have taken on a new trend with discontents of all kinds making greater use of terrorism to disorder stable society and cause destruction and disruption especially in Christian-Judeo oriented societies practicing economic and other human freedoms. Is this a new phase of the “Time of Trouble” and if so, do we have Scriptures or CTR quotes that apply to it in particular? How are we to view these events? Is it God’s punishment and just retribution, or is it Satan’s effort to thwart God’s plan and interfere with our Lord’s incoming Kingdom work?
In Lev. 16, what is the significance of the high priest changing his garments from the sacrificial garments to the garments of glory and beauty? Why does this occur after the scape goat is released into the wilderness? What, if anything, does this tell us about the length of the Gospel Age and the Harvest of the Gospel Age?
Who among the earthly class will receive the revealment of God’s plan first? What does this tell us about the tare bundles and individual tares as well.
Consider texts like Nahum 1:8-10 and Jer. 51:24-26,44-45,61-64. Do these and similar texts preclude the re-forming of a church-state union?
Do the recent experiences of the Catholic church, including the sex scandals, reduced donations and attendance, relate to the sixth plague found in Rev. 16:12? If so, how long has this process been going on?
Psa. 45:7: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” To whom are these two words “God” referring. Are both referring to Jesus, to God, or one to Jesus and the other to God?
Vol II, page 239, mid-paragraph, the sentence starting “The year A.D. 1878…” “This consecrated or temple class in the nominal church…” Does this mean there are consecrated in the nominal church?
Hebrews 6:1-8: If someone falls away, when does it become impossible to renew them again to repentance?
Is the binding of the tares to be a sudden thing or is it gradual? (e.g. they suddenly realize their church system is not the proper or true church.) Matthew 13:30
What are some of the primary features for the consecrated to consider when seeking a helpmate and are vows to not marry acceptable to the Lord?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
What are some of the primary features for the consecrated to consider when seeking a helpmate and are vows to not marry acceptable to the Lord?
Does the Bible predict events such as the World Trade Center bombing? What about the “Bible Codes” that seem to fortell many events in history?
If God deals with the Gentiles, why is only Europe the center of most prophecy, and South America, Africa and Asia left out?
In Zechariah 5 and 6 it talks about a flying scroll. What does
this mean?
Paul in Romans basically proves the justification (#1347, aquittal) of the New Creature. In Romans 4, he speaks of Abraham being justified based on his belief, and likens it to the New Creature’s justification. What scriptures show us the difference between the two?
(a) using the scriptures as a whole,
(b) within the context of Paul’s argument in Romans
After the church is completed and during the remaining part
of the millennial age will the completed church be judging the
heart or the outward appearance of mankind? If they are judging
the heart, how would there be any left to fail during the little
season? Isa. 11:1-5
What does the temple represent in Rev. 14,15,16? How does it compare with the temple of Rev. 21:22?
Why does Br. Russell say the Apostle’s choice of Matthias to replace Judas went ahead of the Lord, since it’s mentioned in Acts 1:20-26 as a positive step undertaken with prayer?
In the act of justification, the spirit-begotten are said to receive in advance the share of Christ’s merit they would have received in the kingdom. Does this mean that the merit of Christ’s blood is individually apportioned out to mankind in the kingdom?
If the chronology adopted by Pastor Russell is correct, then why has the Time of Trouble, and the church’s walk in the flesh, continued for almost 100 years longer than he anticipated?
Has the Lord’s due time for a new Bible chronology finally come?
The parable of the penny:
(a) Why did the first workers complain when the last workers got the same pay as they did even though they worked all through the long day?
(b) Who are the workers?
(c) Who complains?
(d) Could there be a connection to the JW’s or those who say the door is shut?
Is the Church being developed under the unilateral feature of the Abrahamic Covenant?
Is there a difference between the Law (old) Covenant and the New Covenant other than the difference in mediators?
2 Ki. 14:23 states that Jeroboam (Israeli king) began reigning the 15th year of Amaziah (Judean King).
2 Ki. 15:1 states that Uzziah (Azariah, Amaziah’s son) began his reign the 27th year of Jeroboam. In other words, Amaziah reigned 42 years. (27 + 15 = 42)
2 Ch. 25:1 states that Amaziah only reigned 29 years. B50
(a) Please clarify and harmonize these scriptures
(b) Should we feel comfortable disregarding scriptures that Br. Russell doesn’t use (and don’t fit, as in the example above) in Volume II?
We know that the 70 weeks prophecy was 490 years forwarded from 454 B.C.: 454 B.C. to year 0 = 454 years, year 0 to year 36 = 36years, totaling 490 years. However, we’ve counted 1 B.C. to 0 as a year, and 0 to 1 A.D. as a year equaling two years where there should only be 1 year. Isn’t this a total of 489 years?
Does God dwell in a place called heaven, or is heaven a condition or dimension rather than a place?
How can our Lord’s reign begin in 1874, when dominion was given to the Gentiles until 1914?
How is the attribute of power developed in the new creature?
How would you describe the head piece worn by the High Priest?
Did Jesus requirement to fulfill the Law as a perfect man end at Jordan?
How often was the consecration of the priesthood as shown in Lev. 8 performed?
Why are the first six Gospel churches developed in the Gospel age, and the seventh church (Laodicea ) developed in the Millennial or last thousand years?
We have known that offerings were made to God by the early patriarchs. These indicated their desire to serve God. They could not be sin-offerings such as were made after the Tabernacle services were set up when only priests could perform the sacrifices. How does this fit into the picture of God’s Plan?
What is the Ecclesia (Class) responsibility when a faithful brother or sister takes a leave of absence when apparently there is no conflict and there is seemingly no sign of their return nor of fellowship elsewhere?
Why the importance of loving righteousness and hating iniquity? Psa. 45:7, Hab. 1:9
What does hating iniquity entail?
Is there some significance in the division of Jacob’s children or the meaning of their names?
Leah – Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulon, Dinah
Bilhah – Dan, Naphtali
Zilpah – Gad, Asher
Rachel – Joseph, Benjamin
Is there any significance for the church in Leah’s “hiring” of Jacob from Rachel with mandrakes in Gen. 30:14-16. Is it similar to Jacob’s buying Esau’s birthright with pottage?
How is the merit of Jesus used in relation to mankind once it is no longer encumbered by the Church and Great Company classes?
Explain the operation of the advocate (Gospel age Church class) and mediator (Millennial age resurrection class) roles as they relate to the merit of Jesus.
Who wrote the book of James?
Please explain what Br. Russell meant on F37, para. 2 regarding the completion of his creative work. Was it on the sixth or the seventh day?
Are we called and begotten to the divine nature?
What is spirit begettal and how is it obtained?
Is the new mind at spirit begettal actual or reckoned?
Explain the difference between the millennial age, the messianic age and the reign of righteousness.
Are there two sets of 1,000 year reigns?
In the 8th Chapter of Leviticus in verses 14-17, it states that the bullock was to be slain and his hide, flesh, and dung was to be burned with fire without the camp. Verse 33, reads: “Ye shall not go out of the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation for 7 days.” Therefore, who took the hide, flesh and dung out to be burned without the camp?
Who were the twelve apostles?
11-11-2002
Did our Lord sit at the “right hand” of the father prior to his first advent?
Describe the curtains around the court. What were their function, composition and what did they represent?
Explain the scape goat and it’s function and what did it represent?
What did the red heifer portray?
Describe the “garments of glory and beauty”.
Explain the significance of each item.
Explain the difference between “ransom” and “sin-offering”.
How does the Law Covenant come to an end, or does it?
Will the New Covenant come to an end?
Why is the New Covenant spoken of as the Everlasting Covenant?
In the Law God gave to Israel a certain acts were punished with death. Today many people do bad things and they recognize they did. Would you agree that also today the same acts to be punished with death?
Today Israel is having a hard time. What do you think, according to the Scriptures, Israel must do with the Palestinians in order to have an easier time?
(a) Should Israel give them a State?
(b) or Autonomy?
(c) or Transfer them to other Arab countries?
WHO HAS THE POWER NOW?
Beginning in 1914 AD with the end of the Gentile Times, the once almost absolute power of Europe’s kings to govern, claiming to rule by divine right, was speedily lost and never regained by them.
(a) How do we define the power the kings once had for 2520 years by God’s permission and arrangement?
(b) Can it be broken into categories? If so, what are they?
(c) Since mankind continues under more or less orderly government, who now exercises these categories of power (control)?
(d) Do they have this power by right or by default?
(e) Who will exercise this power when the kingdom is fully established in the earth?
(f) What is our returned and invisible Lord’s (Earth’s rightful King) role in this matter of power and control of Earth’s affairs at the present time?
In Num. 18:10 we have the priest eating the sacrifice in the Most Holy. Br. Russell also describes this in the Tabernacle page 91-92. In comparison with Heb. 9:25 how do we explain this?
In practical terms how was the eating in the Most Holy done? The priest having food in his hands passes under the second vail and stood in the Most Holy by himself to eat?
In class studies is it proper for a participant (not the leader of the study) to ask a question to which the participant already considers he has the answer to?
How do we understand Deuteronomy 22:6-7? “If a bird’s nest happens to be before you along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, with the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall surely let the mother go, and take the young for yourself, that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” (NKJV)
We’re used to calling our Heavenly Father “Jehovah”. Is this custom proper, knowing that “Jehovah” is apparently not the best way of reading YHWH, but “Yahveh” or “Yeushuah” which is seemingly the closest way? As humans, we all dislike when someone “tortures” our name. How about our Perfect Divine Heavenly Father…The people of Israel didn’t pronounce this Name at all. As children of God, shouldn’t we just refer to God as our Heavenly Father?
Is there any relation between the ten tribes and the two tribes (2 Samuel 2?) and the 10 spies and the 2 spies? (Num. 13.)
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Is there any relation between the ten tribes and the two tribes (2 Samuel 2?) and the 10 spies and the 2 spies? (Num. 13.)
At the time of Moses birth all the male children were being put to death and Moses was saved by being put in a basket and floated on the water. How is it that Aaron his brother was allowed to live?
Vol. 1 p. 179 top. A perfect man was tried, (and failed), and was condemned; the previous paragraph speaks of Jesus having to be perfect for the corresponding price and that he was. Now we have the thought that Jesus failed and I cannot see or understand how he failed? The Jews of the day failed to understand and had him crucified but Jesus didn t fail as he kept the law perfectly.
Towards the end of F101:1 it says this:
“…Actual justification will start with the beginning of our Lord’s Millennial reign, and will progress step by step until “every man” shall have had the fullest opportunity for return to all that was lost through father Adam–with added experiences that will be helpful.
Question: Does Actual Justification really start at the Beginning of our Lord’s reign as stated? Does Acts 3:19-20 help us any here as to seeing the process of actual justification starting in 1874? Or is there more to this than meets the eye? And finally, Can actual justification start before the blood is applied?
F97:2 “In order to have a hearing ear for the wisdom that cometh from above, an earnest condition of heart is necessary. We must possess a measure of humility, else we will think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think…”
Question: Does this mean that we need to have HUMILITY beforebwe can have THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE. Where do we get this HUMILITY?
(a) When is it proper for the chairman or speaker at a convention or meeting to state matters which cause the brethren to laugh?
(b) Is it showing reverence to the heavenly Father for a speaker to continually state different matters throughout the discourse which cause the brethren to laugh?
Is it showing reverence to the heavenly Father for someone to make light of the speech or customs of another person from a different country or area than their own?
Is it proper to clap the hands after singing or the playing of a musical instrument or the reading of a poem, etc. at a vesper service?