I.I.M. 2004 Questions
linked to audio files
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How do we blend (1) doctrinal “purity” with (2) respect and love for those who differ from us in doctrinal thinking?
Is the doctrine of Restitution understood correctly by any other religious group outside of Bible Students?
What major doctrines separate Bible Students from the nominal church systems? How should we approach these subjects when discussing them with those who disagree?
It has been suggested that we are now living in the time when “the consecrated will be separated from the consecrated”.
a. What does this mean?
b. What would cause this separation?
Do we have Scriptures or Volume references about what a spirit body might be like, or if spirit beings do in fact have bodies?
What is the spirit of the world? The spirit of Antichrist?
Who was allowed into the Court on days other than the Atonement Day?
Concerning the time period between Pharaoh letting the Israelites go and being drowned in the Red Sea: What does this period represent, if anything.
In R5854:2 and A256:2 the Pastor equates the stone of Dan. 2:34 with the completed 144,000 — Does this create a problem with applying the striking to 1914? Should we be held to this previous application? Must this striking be future?
What role does combativeness play in our Christian development — both good and bad? What practical advice do we find in the Scriptures concerning this character trait?
When the Great Company will have washed their robes and died during this time, will they still be on the narrow way? If not, on which way will they finish their course after the Little Flock will be gone? Please give proofs from the Bible and also from Br. Russell’s writings.
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When the Great Company will have washed their robes and died during this time, will they still be on the narrow way? If not, on which way will they finish their course after the Little Flock will be gone? Please give proofs from the Bible and also from Br. Russell’s writings.
When brethren begin to suffer mental illnesses or challenges which affect their thinking and reasoning abilities (such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, etc…) what affect does this have on, and what does this imply in regards to, their consecration responsibilities and relationship with the Lord?
In R5950:2 — “Elijah’s smiting of the river Jordan pictures a mighty work yet to be accomplished in the very near future.” What is or was the “smiting” and has it happened yet or is it still future?
Br. Russell took advantage of modern techniques and styles when witnessing, yet brethren today seem to follow those older styles. Should we be updating our witnessing style to reach the public more effectively?
What constitutes a Bible Student class?
(a) Do the members have to be consecrated to the High Calling or only to righteousness?
(b) Is one member a class? Are two members a class if husband and wife? Are two unrelated brothers a class?
Please explain Col. 1:23 “preached to every creature” when we often say that the world does not have an opportunity to know the gospel now?
Please explain John 6:62 in its context.
How will people come forth in the resurrection? Will those who died in their old age come forth as young people?
C331 mentions the “basal line” of the Great Pyramid. Does this refer to the “point of intersection” or to the “platform level” or to something else? Why is it called the “basal line”?
Comparing C321 with C327:2-C328 it seems that C321 says that the ascending passage pointed to the Pleiades, while C327:2-C328 says that the Pleiades were directly overhead. How do we explain this?
Please explain the meaning of Heb. 9:26. What age is referred to here?
How do we understand Exod. 4:22 in light of the significance of the First-born in the night of the Passover and the significance of the First-born of the Church?
Do we know what Herod and Herodias typified? What if anything did Salome typify or represent?
If, as the 4th Volume points out, all the nations have no real financial status and are all essentially bankrupt, how do they continue to exist? What is keeping things afloat and how long can it continue?
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If, as the 4th Volume points out, all the nations have no real financial status and are all essentially bankrupt, how do they continue to exist? What is keeping things afloat and how long can it continue?
James 3:17 – “…first pure then peaceable…” Most brethren apply this to pure doctrine, but Br. Russell seems to apply it more to personal behavior. (F98, F538:2, R2446, R2263) What is the proper emphasis?
Should brethren make efforts to provide for their families in case of their own death? If so, how?
E234: “As our Lord was chastened for our transgressions, not his own, when he bore the sins of many, so his followers in many respects suffer, not for their own wrongdoings, but by reason of the wrongdoings of others…Col. 1:24” Please give practical examples of the Church’s share in the sin-offering as described in this expression: “by reason of the wrongdoings of others”.
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E234: “As our Lord was chastened for our transgressions, not his own, when he bore the sins of many, so his followers in many respects suffer, not for their own wrongdoings, but by reason of the wrongdoings of others…Col. 1:24” Please give practical examples of the Church’s share in the sin-offering as described in this expression: “by reason of the wrongdoings of others”.
Where are the Great Company pictured when the church is complete? What “plane” of existence will they be on?
Were only the males of the firstborn in jeopardy on the first passover night? If so, why only males?
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Were only the males of the firstborn in jeopardy on the first passover night? If so, why only males?
How do we bless our heavenly Father?
The emblems have always given me a problem. I don’t know why, but I find them very confusing. The bread is the body of Jesus broken — sounds like the ransom. The cup is the shed blood of Jesus — also sounds like the ransom. Do we partake of the bread? Yes. Do we have a share in the ransom? No. Do we partake of the cup? Yes. Do we have a share in the sin offering? Yes. Do we have a share in the ransom? No. See the confusion? And many reprints have many different words describing the same thing as to the meanings of the cup and bread.
So the question is: Exactly what do the emblems mean and what are the differences between them?
In John 13:27 the scripture states that Satan “entered into him” (meaning Judas.) Do we think this was an actual possession?
Concerning sanctification, what is our part and what is God’s part? Please give practical examples.
Please explain the “Holy” typically and antitypically. When, what does it represent? Also, what conditions had to be fulfilled before the High Priest could enter into “The Most Holy”?
Please explain the prophetic significance of Jeremiah 1:10 in detail.
Will the Elisha class meet with success? Will they ultimately be killed [those who remain after the church is completed]?
People say, “I have a feeling that God is telling me to do so and so”. Does God do this? Or is it just a “feeling” that we have cultivated ourself? Aren’t His instructions only from the Scriptures?
Please give examples of “the deep things of God” that are not intellectually deep (I.E. All spirit begoten should understand).
What is the “sin of Judah” that we must avoid? (examples please)
What is meant by the “First Love” mentioned in Rev 2:4? Is it love of the brethren or love of the Lord? What are the “first works” mentioned in the next verse?
Scripturally, what obligations do we have if there is something medically wrong with us? For example if we contract cancer or a heart condition or something potentially lethal, are we obligated (biblically) to have it fixed or is it a violation of divine law to just let it go and overtake us? What is our scriptural obligation?
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Scripturally, what obligations do we have if there is something medically wrong with us? For example if we contract cancer or a heart condition or something potentially lethal, are we obligated (biblically) to have it fixed or is it a violation of divine law to just let it go and overtake us? What is our scriptural obligation?
In Isa. 35:8, re: the “Way of holiness”:
(a) The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for those. Therefore only the “clean” will pass over it. How do we regard them as being “clean”? At what point do they cease from being unclean, as they will not pass over it “unclean”?
(b) Are those who go-up the “way of holiness” only “clean” on a gradual basis? Or are they reckoned “clean” at the beginning of their way, when they consecrate and come into the condition of the new arrangement, the new temple, the new city ? And who reckons them “clean”?
At what point is the New Covenant made with each individual, who is willing and obedient, and consecrates? And between what and what or who and who does Jesus mediate? Does he do this only at/or near the end? Or does he mediate throughout the Mediatorial Age? Or only at the beginning of each individual’s “journey”?
In John 15:15 we read: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
Here we have the Lord tell his disciples that we are no longer his servants (slaves) but we’re now his friends. Yet we read in Matthew 12:48-50 in answer to who his mother and brothers, “And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
So now the Lord refers to us as his brethren. I have always been under the impression that the term brethren was the highest term. Yet we read in Proverbs 18:24 that “… there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” So now we’re back to the term “friends”.
How do we reconcile these these terms?
How are the billions who have gone before us in all those years, going to be “taught and trained in just a mere thousand years…of which we are already into about 100 and there will be a little season?
Did Jonah die for three days and was resurrected in the stomach of the great fish, as a type of Jesus death and three days in the tomb and resurrected?
What is the covenant of salt and why is it so important?
Heb. 12:23: Explain the latter part of the scripture concerning “spirits of just men made perfect”. Who are they? Where are they? Also explain verse 26.
1 Cor. 9:24. Please explain the meaning of this verse. It seems to say that only ONE will win the race. How do you explain this?
Are trials, temptations and difficulties necessary for our Christian development?
Which is correct. We are in the Millennial age. We are in the Messianic Age. We are in the Harvest of the Gospel Age. The Kingdom is in progress [ if so, how].
When one enters the Court, can we term them Levites? If so, how long do they remain Levites?
Do you think the Great Company will be a much larger class than the little flock? What will be their position and work?
In the Garden of Eden, was that a snake speaking to Eve? How could that be?
Mention some ways or methods that Satan employed to prevent the birth of our lord [The seed of promise].
In Numbers 20:8-12 God took away the privilege from Moses of going into the promised Land. It was a judgment against Moses. In 1 Samuel 13:14, God refers to King David as “a man after my own heart.” Yet David committed a grievous sin and was severely punished as well. The question is about God’s judgments and how we can judge ourselves: Both sinned and treated God horribly with their actions. Yet it seems Moses got the harsher judgment. How do we reconcile this if we doubt or dispute God — how can we judge ourselves?
Does the land of Israel belong to the Jews — or is it God’s and they are in the land, but do not actually possess it (which is why their land for peace deals are causing them all sorts of grief.)?
Concerning the Messianic Age:
a) How can we have a Messianic Age without messianic “works”?
b) How can Messianic works begin without the Messiah, Head & Body?
c) Although he expected more to be accomplished with 1914, the Pastor (B363) realized only it’s (the Messianic Kingdom) establishment was currently (1889) in progress; hasn’t it been still progress?
d) Can we see (Hab. 2:3) that the phrase “though it tarry” applies directly to the 2nd Harvest dotted-line on the Chart? And that we are instructed to “wait for it”, nor run-on ahead of it? And that the entire Christ (H & B) is complete & glorified before we leave that dotted-line?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Concerning the Messianic Age:
a) How can we have a Messianic Age without messianic “works”?
b) How can Messianic works begin without the Messiah, Head & Body?
c) Although he expected more to be accomplished with 1914, the Pastor (B363) realized only it’s (the Messianic Kingdom) establishment was currently (1889) in progress; hasn’t it been still progress?
d) Can we see (Hab. 2:3) that the phrase “though it tarry” applies directly to the 2nd Harvest dotted-line on the Chart? And that we are instructed to “wait for it”, nor run-on ahead of it? And that the entire Christ (H & B) is complete & glorified before we leave that dotted-line?
In Genesis 9:20-27 is the account of Noah getting drunk by accident and his son Ham disrespecting him. Why then, if it was Ham who disrespected his father, was it Ham’s son Canaan who got cursed because of that? (See verses 22, & 25-27.) Why wasn’t Ham cursed for his own bad deed?
Noah awoke from his wine and came to know what his youngest son had done to him and said, accursed be Canaan (Ham) a servant shall he be to his brethren. What had Ham done wrong? Gen 9:24-25
The clean beasts and birds Noah was to house on the ark by sevens; male and his female = 6; why the 7th? Gen 7:2
In Matthew 27:52 specifically, who were the “saints” who had fallen asleep? Could this incident be a type of the Millennial Age Harvest?
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In Matthew 27:52 specifically, who were the “saints” who had fallen asleep? Could this incident be a type of the Millennial Age Harvest?
Who were the first six messengers, and why?
Please explain Hebrews 5:8 — “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” How is it Jesus learned obedience from the things he suffered when he was obedient from the beginning?
We have an advocate with the Father in Jesus Christ our Lord. Exactly what does that mean in terms of our consecration and prayer life? Does that mean that when we fail or are steeped in trials that we pray to Jesus? Or do we pray to the Father in Jesus’ name, without ever talking to Jesus? Or do we pray to both? How does this work?
Are there legitimate “diversions” that help reduce stress or help in dealing with stress? If so, what might they be? Do we have scriptural examples?
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Are there legitimate “diversions” that help reduce stress or help in dealing with stress? If so, what might they be? Do we have scriptural examples?
In the Great Pyramid chapter of Volume III it says that the north wall of the Grand Gallery marks the true birth of Jesus (C362-363). In Great Pyramid Passages, Vol. II, page 56, (and many other places) it says that the north wall of the Grand Gallery marks the year 33-1/2, or the death of Jesus. How can these two thoughts be harmonized?
At what point in the Tabernacle and on the Chart of the Ages is someone considered a human “son of God” during the Gospel Age?
Are TV programs about aliens, space creatures, and science fiction part of Satan and the demon’s influence or control in the world today?
How would we define a Universal empire in the Daniel 2 picture? Since the Ottoman empire had control of the land of Israel from 1517 to 1917 would that include them in image of Daniel 2? Would they then be part of the toes? Does the picture fit the facts of history, was the Ottoman empire ever influenced by or a part of the Roman Empire?
In Acts 21:17-40 Paul was persuaded to shave his head and perform a ritual of purification hoping to clear up a misunderstanding, which lead to his arrest. Paul doesn’t comment as having done the wrong thing. Was this bad advise? How far do we go to clear up a misunderstanding? What’s the main lesson we’re to get from this episode?
What do the small numbers (1-11) signify on the Chart of the Ages? Also, where is this information located in The Pastor’s writings?
In Ezra 3:11-13 is there a typical or other lesson for us?
When we are undergoing very hard experiences, could we ever expect “angels of mercy” to minister unto us in some way as they did for Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane? How might that be?
NOT Glorifying God in all things:
(a) What are practical examples of not glorifying God in all things — things that do not glorify God — and what are the consequences?
(b) What are practical ways in which we can glorify God in all things?
(c) What are the benefits to us as brethren if we try to practice this principle?
How can we hold firmly to hope? (Heb. 3:6) What should we do if we find our hope growing dim due to discouragement?
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How can we hold firmly to hope? (Heb. 3:6) What should we do if we find our hope growing dim due to discouragement?
Prayer — Does God hear the prayers of the world? For example we read in Exodus 22:21-24: “Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; and my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.”
What is the silence in heaven about half an hour? (Rev. 8:1)
What is the one hour of Rev.14:7; 17:12 and 18:10,17,19
In Judges 7:5 it speaks of the people “lapping the water as a dog” and in 7:6 “lapped, putting their hand to their mouth were 300.” Brother Russell speaks of the 300 as maintaining their erectness, lifting their heads, and being alert, as representing the Little Flock. This doesn’t sound like a dog lapping as suggested in verse 5. Please explain.
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
In Judges 7:5 it speaks of the people “lapping the water as a dog” and in 7:6 “lapped, putting their hand to their mouth were 300.” Brother Russell speaks of the 300 as maintaining their erectness, lifting their heads, and being alert, as representing the Little Flock. This doesn’t sound like a dog lapping as suggested in verse 5. Please explain.
In the context of Hebrews chapter 1, does Hebrews 1:5 apply to Jesus as the Logos, at his consecration at Jordan, or at his resurrection?
Matt. 12:37 — “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” — What is the practical application of this verse?
Concerning the Holocaust:
a. Was it a punishment upon the Jews or an attempt by Satan to destroy the earthly seed?
b. Did it have any connection to Jacob’s Trouble?
c. Is Jer. 16:16 related?
How are we to understand the “cloven tongues like as of fire” (Acts 2:3) that came on the day of Pentecost? Was it literal like a little flame above their heads? Why was this form of expression used, how is it an appropriate expression of the Holy Spirit?
On page 178 of Volume 5 it states the operation of the Holy Spirit during the Gospel Age is both “explanatory and sympathetic” in contrast to mechanical during the previous ages. What would sympathetic mean in this context?
09-20-2004
What was the basis of God’s blessing the family of Shem over Noah’s other sons?
What is the genealogy of the Canaanites and Philistines? And why were they such enemies of Israel and objects of God’s judgments?
What are some needs or opportunities among the brethren that are not being met or not adequately met?
When is it appropriate to confess our weaknesses and failings to the brethren and when is it appropriate to keep them to ourselves? What principles should guide us in this matter?
From Malachi 3:8, how do we as New Creatures “Rob God”?
Those who have “converted” to the religion of Judaism, are they also partakers of the Abrahamic promise to the Jews?
What is the basis for choosing not to vote in political elections?
How many Watchtowers after Pastor Russell’s death contain his approved writings? Also, when did these approved articles end?
1 John 2:20 According to a better rendering: “and ye all know it.” Does this understanding of our “unction” come at spirit begettal or quickening or another point in the Christian life?
Is it proper for a sister to “manage” a Truth project? If so, under what guidelines should this be done?
What are practical examples of tools and resources we have — on a daily basis — to help us make our calling and election sure?
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What are practical examples of tools and resources we have — on a daily basis — to help us make our calling and election sure?
Matt. 6:13 — Br. Russell’s preferred translation is “…abandon us not in trial…” What is the basis for using the word “abandon” in this text?
R5731 Question: “It Will Surely Come…” asks about the meaning of Hab. 2:3. In the answer Br. Russell says: “This is explained on the first page of every issue of THE WATCH TOWER.” In what way is the meaning of Hab. 2:3 explained on the first page of every issue of the Watch Tower? Also, what is meant by the term “first page”?
Is there a difference between a “type” and a “shadow”, and if so, what is the difference?
Regarding Pilgrim Brothers:
a. What is a pilgrim brother?
b. Can any brother be a pilgrim or are there distinct limitations?
c. Who determines who is a pilgrim brother? Does an ecclesia choose a brother to be a pilgrim? If so, why and how is it decided to send out a pilgrim? How is it decided where he is to be sent?
d. Does a pilgrim brother represent the class which sent him?
e. If a pilgrim brother spends most of his time away from his home ecclessia how can a class still retain responsibility for what he does?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Regarding Pilgrim Brothers:
a. What is a pilgrim brother?
b. Can any brother be a pilgrim or are there distinct limitations?
c. Who determines who is a pilgrim brother? Does an ecclesia choose a brother to be a pilgrim? If so, why and how is it decided to send out a pilgrim? How is it decided where he is to be sent?
d. Does a pilgrim brother represent the class which sent him?
e. If a pilgrim brother spends most of his time away from his home ecclessia how can a class still retain responsibility for what he does?
It is generally accepted that the Tabernacle cubit was 18 inches. However, in the Pyramid, the generally accepted cubit is 25 pyramid inches. Please explain.
On T81,82 the subject of the peace-offering is explained. Of the three chapters picturing the Church, why is the peace-offering used only in Chapter 9? Br. Morehouse relates this account to the New Covenant in which the Church is mediator. How does this fit the type and antitype of chapter 9?
In addition to the Ransom, which doctrines should be considered fundamental — proved by Scripture and Br. Russell’s writings?
If a brother is married to someone (whether consecrated or not), and the marriage breaks up for a reason other than adultery, but the former wife later remarries, is the brother then at liberty to remarry?
Suffering as a busybody:
(a) 1 Peter 4:15 tells us not to suffer for being a busybody. What constitutes busybodying?
(b) If the heart motives are pure, could actions still be considered as busybodying?
What occupations would be inherently inappropriate for a consecrated individual?
The Morning Resolve mentions a “sacrifice of the flesh and its interests.” Just what are the “interests” of the flesh that are to be sacrificed?
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The Morning Resolve mentions a “sacrifice of the flesh and its interests.” Just what are the “interests” of the flesh that are to be sacrificed?
In considering the Church as the antitype of Elijah, what time in her career would 1 Kings 19:5 refer to?
Many of the consecrated have unconsecrated loved ones. Once they are born on the spirit plane, will they ever have any contact with their human loved ones in the Kingdom or in the Ages to Come?
On D550 Brother Russell explains Ezek. 7:13-24 and the expression “The Worst of the Heathen”. Three possibilities are mentioned. One suggestion is: “an uprising of the peoples of India, China and Africa” as exemplified by “the uprising of the millions of Mahometans”. Does this relate to current events?
Prior to the Law Covenant individuals such as Abraham and Jacob had multiple wives and/or concubines.
Does the Law Covenant require only one wife?
What was the situation when Jesus was on the earth?
When did the change to one wife take place?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Prior to the Law Covenant individuals such as Abraham and Jacob had multiple wives and/or concubines.
Does the Law Covenant require only one wife?
What was the situation when Jesus was on the earth?
When did the change to one wife take place?
Is it possible to make a map of the final boundaries of Israel from the Bible? If so, what would it look like?
The January 23 Manna text speaks of the marriage contract as a first mortgage. What is the full meaning of this concept? Where does a first mortgage fit in with our consecration priorities of (1) The Lord, (2) The Truth and (3) The Brethren?
How are we to put into practice the scripture: you will know them by their fruits? (Matt. 7:16,20)
If a consecrated couple is married and has a baby boy, are they obligated to have him circumcised in the flesh?