I.I.M. 2006 Questions
linked to audio files
01-02-2006
ANNUAL REVIEW MEETING — No audio or questions
In Romans 14 the Apostle Paul advises us to be sensitive to the views and feelings of our brethren when exercising certain unsinful liberties. What should we do if, in the private exercise of what we feel is our liberty, brethren likely to take offense observe us, unexpectedly?
Regarding the forgiveness of sins.
(a) Who forgives the consecrated Brethren’s sins, God or Jesus?
(b) Who forgave King David’s sins?
(c) Is this forgiveness the same in both cases?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Regarding the forgiveness of sins.
(a) Who forgives the consecrated Brethren’s sins, God or Jesus?
(b) Who forgave King David’s sins?
(c) Is this forgiveness the same in both cases?
John 20:23
Could we have a review of the “three Rs” — Ransom, Redemption and Restitution? How does each of these affect the Church and the World?
2 Chron. 5:10 says: “There was nothing in the Ark save the two tables which Moses put there in Horeb”. What happened to the Manna and Aarons’s rod which were in the Ark when it was in the Tabernacle? Is there any significance to their absence in the Temple?
2 Peter 1:10 — Making our “calling and election sure”
(a) What does this term mean?
(b) What is our part?
(c) What is God’s part?
(d) What is Jesus’ part?
The 70 weeks of Daniel 9 are described in Vol. II as a time of “favor” to Israel. During that time period, they were dominated by several other nations, including Persia, Syria, Greece, Egypt and Rome. They weren’t even considered a nation. In what way does this harmonize with the idea of “favor”?
Other than time prophecies, what texts connect our Lord’s personal return with certain events, activities or works?
A89 — Why does Br. Russell use the term “Pre-Millennial”? It reads: “Our Lord’s Second Advent Personal and Pre-Millennial.”
With what baptism was the Apostle Paul baptized?
Regarding taking “a wrong step” the Manna of January 13th says: “no time should be lost in retracing the steps.” What does this mean? How is this done? What are practical examples?
In 2 Chron. 9:13 it says that Solomon received 666 talents of gold in a particular year. This is a significant number used in Rev. 13:18 to represent the Anti-Christ. Does it have a significance in Solomon’s case?
What kind of entertainment (for example films, games, etc.) is proper for:
a) a single Christian
b) a Christian family (both parents consecrated.)
c) a Christian family (same as “b” but the father is an elder)
Are there limitations to such entertainment?
When a consecrated person is tired after a long day’s work and can’t concentrate on anything “deep” what would be profitable things for them to do?
Could we discuss the possibility of the Ancient Worthies receiving a spiritual reward at the end of the Millennium?
Heb. 5:11,12 “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”
a) Who are these scriptures referring to?
b) Has anyone in class here tonight, ever thought they were among the ones these scriptures are talking about? Please mention why you felt this way.
c) How do we make sure that we are not the ones mentioned in these scriptures?
B266:1,2 — who is this “Elisha Class” that the Pastor states will serve in the Millennium with healing power?
The Manna for February 8th mentions the concept of “claiming” the promises. How do we “claim” the promises?
When trying to determine the Lord’s will in pursuing something, how do we know the difference between a roadblock and a hurdle? In other words, how do know when difficulties are designed to test us, as opposed to stopping us from going a certain way?
Where does the climax of the sheep and goats parable take place? Is this before the “Little Season” and separate from that picture? If these are separate, what is the difference between the two pictures?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Where does the climax of the sheep and goats parable take place? Is this before the “Little Season” and separate from that picture? If these are separate, what is the difference between the two pictures?
In Daniel 10:13, was the “prince of the kingdom of Persia” who delayed Gabriel for twenty-one days Cyrus, or one of the fallen angels? Who were the “princes”?
Is there ever a wrong time to witness to the truth?
What are the measurements for the length of the King’s chamber from the north to the south wall? Also for the Queen’s chamber from the north to the south wall? Is there a significance to these measurements? Are the entrances to these chambers in the center of their northern walls?
What do Jews of today officially believe about Jesus? Do they believe he really existed? Do they believe he was a prophet?
How do we apply the principle of Matthew 18:16 when the brother who has erred is located in another state, region, or country?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
How do we apply the principle of Matthew 18:16 when the brother who has erred is located in another state, region, or country?
What specific scriptures authorize us to make types from the Jewish Passover? What are the details of type and antitype shown in the Passover?
What is the practical application of Jesus’ request “Do this in remembrance of me?” Is this something more than partaking of the symbols?
What is the difference between the primary and secondary significance of the Memorial? Please give examples.
Why do we use the Jewish method for determining the date of the Memorial? Why not pick a date like April 3rd, and use that every year?
What is the full meaning of the word “communion”? Does this “communion” affect our relationship to the brethren? To the world of mankind?
What are special trials of the Memorial season? Are these different for each of the Lord’s people? Are there common aspects to these experiences?
Will the members of the glorified Church ever materialize for the Ancient Worthies, or will communication with them be audible, or simply through impressing upon the mind?
Questions on the Great Pyramid:
(a) Do we expect that the capstone will someday be placed on the top of the Great Pyramid? If so, does that imply that the outer casing stones will also be put back into place? (Otherwise the capstone would jut out on all four sides.)
(b) Someone has said that there were 144,000 casing stones. Do we have any way of knowing that number?
(c) Why do the time measurements stop at the “step” of the Great Pyramid? Is time only to be measured by the inclined passages and not the horizontal passages?
What does the phrase “Church Militant” mean? Brother Russell uses this expression several times in the Harvest Message.
The Manna of April 4th says that we should be honest especially in: (1) our confessions respecting our God, and (2) respecting our faith. How can we do this? What are ways in which we might fail to do this?
After the little flock is taken and the great company is manifest as a class (the Elisha class), if they are still on the earth at the time for Memorial, would they still partake of both symbols, or only the bread?
Had the Shekinah light been appearing in the Most Holy up until the time Christ said: “Behold your house is left unto you desolate.” (Matthew 23:38)? If it had not been appearing, when did it cease?
Vol. 3, page 208:1 — “…there will be a grand reversal of public sentiment in favor of the truth and justice, we have no intimation whatever that such a condition of affairs will obtain until after the harvest period is fully ended.” Since anarchy follows the harvest does this statement mean that during anarchy truth and justice will prevail?
Vol. 3, page 219:1 — “Hence the general call, the true one, is ended. None can extend it. Some cannot because they do not understand it and could not give it, and some because they know it to be at an end.” Please explain this concept.
Vol. 3, page 284:5 — Please explain the expression “brazen forehead.”
Vol. 3, page 321:1 — Do the “upward passage angles” and the “ascending passages” refer to the same thing?
Vol. 3, page 332:1 — Please explain, “On a level with the floor of the ‘Grand Gallery.'”
Vol. 3, page 336:1 — Please explain, “Close to the lower end…and just behind the sealing stone.”
Vol. 3, page 347:3 — Please explain, “being only six feet broad anywhere, but contracted to three feet at the floor and less at the roof.”
Vol. 3, page 351:1 — Does “forty-four inches high” refer to pyramid inches or to the normal linear inch?
If angels are sexless, neither male nor female, not given in marriage, etc. how was it possible for the fallen angels to come to earth and have children with the women here on the earth before the flood?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
If angels are sexless, neither male nor female, not given in marriage, etc. how was it possible for the fallen angels to come to earth and have children with the women here on the earth before the flood?
Is believing in the presence of Christ since 1874 necessary in order to understand God’s Divine Plan of the Ages?
Gen. 31:41 in Rotherham says: “This hath been my lot twenty years in thy house.” In the Biblical Comments at Gen. 32:1 the Pastor says: “AND JACOB – Being at this time 97 years old and having been absent 40 years.” What else did Jacob do for another 20 years to have been absent 40 years total? R1634:3
Exod. 4:27 in the Biblical Comments says: “Moses reparesented the future work of Christ as the leader and commander of the people. The Church was also typically represented in the body of Moses.” Now Jethro the Midianite surely was favorable to Moses and was impressed. (Exodus 18:7) He was a decendant of Keturah (Gen. 25:1) Yet God used him to give counsel and wisdom to Moses and Moses heeded the advice which carried on through to the British and USA Governments today. Keturah represents the New Covenant; what are these illustrations saying? Can we say that sometimes God gives wisdom to the people for us?
Exod. 19:1 in Rotherham says “In the third month, by the coming forth of the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt on this day came they into the desert of Sinai.” Exod. 18:25 in the Biblical Comments says: “During nearly a year at Mt. Sinai.” Can we put this into context?
Gen. 22:17 shows a spiritual and an earthly part to the seed, while Gal. 3:16 only seems to show a spiritual. How do we harmonize this?
The record of the 70-years desolation is clearly indicated in 2 Chron. 36:18-22. Dan. 9:2 refers to Jer. 25:11; 29:10 for his support of the 70 years, and Dan. 9:13 refers to the law of Moses (likely Lev. 26:34-35) for these judgments. Leviticus speaks of the land resting in desolation to pay back or satisfy for the Sabbaths or Jubilees that did not have rest while Israel dwelt upon it. Is there anything in this text or elsewhere where Jeremiah might have determined before the desolation that the number was to be 70?
How did God preserve the holy Scriptures?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
How did God preserve the holy Scriptures?
Questions on consecration:
a) How can someone know that their consecration was accepted?
b) Should comparing our depth of understanding the Truth with that of other brethren be a test of the acceptance of our consecration?
[to be continued]
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Questions on consecration:
c) What should our advice be to those who become discouraged with their progress and believe they have fallen into the Great Company?
d) What should our advice be to those who become discouraged with their depth of understanding and change their hope from a heavenly reward to an earthly reward?
More questions on Volume III (translation issues)
(a) In volume 3, page 29:1 there is a quote from Dan. 11:20, What translation is it taken from?
(b) On page 31:1 there is a quote, “forecasting devices.” Where does it come from?
(c) Page 39:1 there is a quote from 2 Thess. 2:8, “Whom the Lord shall destroy with the bright shining of his presence.” Which translation does this come from?
(d) On pages 45-46 Brother Russell changes the order of the verses in Daniel 11:44-45. What justification did he have in doing this?
(e) In the 1917 original at the bottom of page 83 there is a footnote concerning the translation of Dan. 12:12-13. It says “Concerning this translation see remarks in preface.” In the preface however of this volume there is no mention of translations. Does anyone know if the original volume from 1891 explained anything about this?
Some Brethren say that some of mankind will not suffer death, but will pass through the Time of Trouble and try to prove themselves worthy of eternal life in the earthly Kingdom. The scriptures state “…the wages of sin is death…”; “…the soul that sinneth, it shall die…”; “all have sinned…”, and other like scriptures. Are there any scriptures that support the thought that not all of mankind will undergo death?
Ezekiel 20:34,37-38 speaks of the Lord regathering Israel, but purging the rebels and transgressors from the land of their sojourn, and that these “shall not enter into the land of Israel.” How do we account for rebels and secular Jews in Israel today?
What proofs do we have that the period of the Judges was 450 years?
Concerning Proper Decorum:
(a) What are the most important aspects of decorum?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Proper Decorum:
(b) Is decorum different at meetings compared to conventions?
(c) Should social customs be allowed to modify decorum from place to place?
(d) Who has the responsibility of “enforcing” proper decorum, and how should this be done?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Proper Decorum:
(e) Internet meeting/convention Decorum
Phil. 4:13 says: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” What is included in all things?
What are the sure mercies of David? (Isa. 55:3; Acts 13:34)
The consecrated suffer all the ills that are common to mankind as a result of the curse as applied to each person. How can we think of our illnesses and suffering as being different from the world? Does God apply our suffering as being part of the sin-offering of the Christ? If so, what is the spiritual reasoning on this?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
The consecrated suffer all the ills that are common to mankind as a result of the curse as applied to each person. How can we think of our illnesses and suffering as being different from the world? Does God apply our suffering as being part of the sin-offering of the Christ? If so, what is the spiritual reasoning on this?
The Manna of July 3rd says: “It is one of the evidences of reaching the graduating condition of heart, when we are able to take the oppositions of the great Adversary and of the world and of our own flesh patiently, uncomplainingly, unmurmuringly, ‘joyfully’–as a part of the disciplinary experience meted out to us by our all-wise and all-loving Lord.” In way does this apply to our own flesh? How are we to deal “patiently, uncomplainingly, unmurmuringly, joyfully” in respect to the oppositions of our own flesh?
In Gen. 22:19 it says that Abraham dwelt in Beersheba. In Gen. 23:2 it says that Sarah died in Kirjatharba. Does this indicate that Sarah and Abraham were separated — did not live together — in their last years?
In Habakkuk 2:3 we read: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.” How do you understand this vision, in other words, what is the vision spoken of here and why?
(a) Could there be any exceptions to the Adamic Curse of death, before Christ? Enoch? Elijah?
(b) Is there a picture, a spiritual lesson in Gen. 5:24 / Heb.11:5 re: Enoch being taken / translated?
In Matt 24:45-46 It says that the master would appoint a servant and reward him upon his return. If Jesus returned in 1874 when Pastor Russell was 22, at what age was he appointed?
when our Lord is referred to as God’s only begotten son, which begettal is being referred to?
(a) When he was originally created as the Logos
(b) When he was begotten to the human nature in the womb of Mary
(c) When he was begotten to the Divine nature at Jordan
In regards to our Lord’s Parousia:
(a) The thought of the Pastor is that our returned Lord returns to the earth’s atmosphere, there is a segment of brethren, like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who take the view that the Lord did not return to the earth’s atmosphere, but that he simply “turned his attention to the affairs of earth.” This reasoning seems flawed, as it seems to negate the concept of an actual presence. Can we discuss the actual “manner” of our Lord’s return in this respect?
(b) Can it be said that those who hold to such a view are believers in the Presence?
In 2 Thess. 2:11,12, the Apostle writes; “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be condemned [as unfit for the honors of the high calling] who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” In what way does God send “strong delusion” and why? What are some examples of these “strong delusions”?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
In 2 Thess. 2:11,12, the Apostle writes; “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be condemned [as unfit for the honors of the high calling] who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” In what way does God send “strong delusion” and why? What are some examples of these “strong delusions”?
ADDED POINT: What is “THE lie” [Greek] of verse 11?
How does Reprint 1648 “Who Hath Heard Such a Thing” apply today? It speaks about the Great Company coming out of Babylon during the Great Tribulation (Armageddon).
The term regeneration occurs twice in the Bible [Strong’s Greek: 3824]. Titus 3:5 applies to regeneration for the Church and Matt. 19:28 to regeneration for the World. How do we understand this concept? What is the difference between regeneration for the Church and regeneration for the World?
Regarding health and insurance:
(a) We know a consecrated individual should not pray for physical healing. How should prayers or requests for prayer for the sick be worded?
(b) To what extent should a consecrated individual endeavor to prolong their life?
(c) What guidelines should we follow in using our financial resources for health related issues?
(d) How should our faith and trust in God affect such decisions?
Concerning the Lord’s Great Army:
(a) Who or what is it?
(b) Does Islam fit into this category?
In Genesis 1:28 [KJV] Adam was told to replenish the earth. What does this mean?
What is the “sin which doth so easily beset us” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1?
Acts 17:31 says that the world will be judged by “that man” — referring to Jesus after his resurrection. How is Jesus a man after his resurrection?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Acts 17:31 says that the world will be judged by “that man” — referring to Jesus after his resurrection. How is Jesus a man after his resurrection?
Why did Brother Russell change the wording on the Chart of the Ages from Millennial Age to Messianic Age?
Jesus said in Matthew 12:30 “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”
And in Mark 9:39 Jesus said: “Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.”
And again in Luke 9:50 “Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.”
How can these be reconciled with each other?
How do we understand Romans 2:14,15? What is the “law” that the gentiles have in this context?
In Gen. 7:2 it reads: “You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean.”
What did that mean then, to be clean in God’s eyes and what does it mean now? Of course this was before the Law Covenant and there were other things that pre-dated the Law that we pretty much ignore. Are these things simply conscience matters?
In 1 Cor. 10:3-4, how could newly delivered Israel eat of spiritual meat and drink of a spiritual rock? What is a “Spiritual drink”, and how could that “rock” be Christ to them?
Heb. 2:15 says: “And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
This is generally applied to the Great Company. What is meant by the expression: “all their lifetime?”
We know that the head covering is a symbol of subservience to Jesus as the head. What is the symbolic significance of a sister removing or not wearing a head covering?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
We know that the head covering is a symbol of subservience to Jesus as the head. What is the symbolic significance of a sister removing or not wearing a head covering?
When was Lucifer expelled from heaven? (Rev. 12:7-9)
Romans 3:25 in the Greek refers to Jesus as the propitiatory. How is Jesus both the price of satisfaction as well as the place of satisfaction?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Romans 3:25 in the Greek refers to Jesus as the propitiatory. How is Jesus both the price of satisfaction as well as the place of satisfaction?
Concerning the Cross and Crown:
(a) Why do we Bible Students include the cross — a pagan implement of death — in the symbol of our faith?
(b) Many nominal Christians — especially Catholics — use the cross in many ways. Could this be part of the “mark of the Beast”?
(c) Did Brother Russell borrow the Cross and Crown symbol from the Masons?
(a) Have we overcome all the things that plagued the first century brethren, or do those problems still exist today?
(b) If those problems still persist, what should be done? Who bears the responsibility for this, and how?
What are some of the unique provisions of the Abrahamic Covenant? How does it differ from the other covenants?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
What are some of the unique provisions of the Abrahamic Covenant? How does it differ from the other covenants?
Could we discuss answers to the V.D.M. questions? The questions are found on R5983.
(Questions #1 – #6)
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Could we discuss answers to the V.D.M. questions? The questions are found on R5983.
(Questions #7 – #10)
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Could we discuss answers to the V.D.M. questions? The questions are found on R5983.
(Questions #10 – #15)
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
V.D.M. questions — R5983 — supposed objections.
Brother Ranger’s answers are located within Other Resources in the right hand column.
Regarding the replacement process:
(a) How can we be sure that every consecration and/or spirit-begettal since 1881 is a replacement of someone who has “lost their crown” since we are now 125 years beyond that date?
(b) Is this a crucial and necessary belief to sustain our faith?
(c) How should this make the consecrated (living today) feel, seeing that we have replaced someone or that our own position may have been replaced by another?
Do we believe that Solomon — David’s successor as King — will be an Ancient Worthy? Why or why not?
Concerning the Diaspora:
(a) When did it begin?
(b) Was James written before or after this?
(c) What is the relationship, if any, of James 1:1 “the 12 tribes which are scattered abroad” to this event?
Should a Sister lead the Ecclesia in prayer when a Brother is available?
Our Lord has been in the earth’s atmosphere since 1874. The first resurrection took place in 1878. At what point do the resurrected saints meet the Heavenly Father? Do they have to wait until the Church is complete?
Manna, December 25th — R3289 — Christmas Review
Concerning December 25th:
(a) How do we know this is not the anniversary of Jesus’ birth?
(b) What should our attitude be toward this celebration of Jesus’ birth?
(c) Is there any other possible significance to December 25th?
(d) What spiritual advantages can we gain at this time of year?
Concerning the giving of little gifts:
(a) In what way is this especially appropriate?
(b) What is the spirit of giving that we should have?
(c) How can we use the occasion of gift-giving as a possible witness?