I.I.M. 2007 Questions
linked to audio files
Which Bible versions/translations do we consider most reliable/favorable in terms of accuracy? Which did Pastor Russell favor? Please discuss the differences between various versions/translations.
From 1 John 2:13,14
(a) Who are the “fathers” referred to?
(b) What or when is the “beginning” referred to?
Concerning our Lord’s return:
(a) Did he return in glory?
(b) If so, what glory?
(c) If so, to whom is this glory manifested?
(d) Is there more than one manifestation of glory?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION:
Concerning our Lord’s return:
(a) Did he return in glory?
(b) If so, what glory?
(c) If so, to whom is this glory manifested?
(d) Is there more than one manifestation of glory?
Tabernacle questions:
(a) In Lev. 9:23, Moses went in with Aaron into the Tabernacle, yet in Lev. 16:17, it clearly states that “there shall be no man in the Tabernacle”. How can this be reconciled?
(b) What types are shown?
(c) After Moses died, who “went in” with the High Priest, or was that requirement no longer necessary?
(d) And, if so, and if a type, why was this not continued?
Concerning the Judges:
(a) Was Moses a Judge of Israel?
(b) If so, did that judgeship transfer to Joshua?
(c) Did this continue to the end of his 110 years?
(d) How long did Joshua live after the division of the land?
(e) How long was Samuel’s judgeship? Did his judgeship overlap with the reign of King saul? When did Samuel die?
(f) Where does the anointing of Saul fit into this time context? Was he anointed more than once? Where was he anointed?
Since Brother Russell was the messenger to the 7th Laodicean Church what do we make of the words to the angel CTR?
Rev 3:14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth.’ ”
Is this meant to be understood to apply to all since 1874? If so what are the implications in regards to Rev 7:13-14?
“Then one of the elders asked me, ‘These in white robes — who are they, and where did they come from?’ I answered, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation.’ ”
Was Adam the first Man? What scriptural references will bear out the answer?
John 8:56 — “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” What did Abraham see? (Please be specific and not general.)
(a) Whose day?
(b) When does that day begin?
(c) What did Abraham see?
2 Cor. 5:16 — “…henceforth know we no man after the flesh…” What does this mean? How should we apply this in our dealings with one another as Brethren?
“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition …” Titus 3:9, 10 NKJV
How do we apply this today? What are considered “Foolish disputes” (Questionings) What exactly is a “divisive man”?
In a number of places Brother Russell mentions that there is a special Kingdom Work (after 1874) for the living saints on this side of the veil to engage in. Does this concept still apply today? If so, what is that work?
See: Biblical Comments on Psalm 149:5-9; D622:1
The promise to Abraham was to the Star and the Sand classes. We know that the Star class is the Little Flock.
(a) Who constitutes the Sand class?
(b) Does this include the Ancient Worthies?
(c) If so, how could those who lived prior to Abraham be part of that Sand class?
(d) If not, who is the Sand class, and how will they be “instruments of blessing to the world?” (A292:2)
On B83:3 Brother Russell states that the Covenant Promise to Abraham was eventually restricted to: “only such as would fully and perfectly obey the Law”. What is the Scriptural proof for this statement?
If thoughts out of harmony with the Harvest Message are presented at a Convention we attend, how should we react? What is the balance between Love for the Truth and Love for the Brethren in such cases? Should we state our disagreement to the Brother who gave the talk? If so, how should we do that?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
If thoughts out of harmony with the Harvest Message are presented at a Convention we attend, how should we react? What is the balance between Love for the Truth and Love for the Brethren in such cases? Should we state our disagreement to the Brother who gave the talk? If so, how should we do that?
On B93 (top) Brother Russell states that the “barren fig tree is about to put forth” [leaves]. Does this mean that the fulfillment of this prophecy is properly applied to 1948 when Israel became a nation? If so, what are the prophetic implications?
On B29:1, John 1:46 is quoted, as though it came from “the worldly-wise and prudent”. The individual who said this in verse 47 was called by Jesus “an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.”
(a) Is it proper to portray Nathanael as a “worldly-wise and prudent” one?
(b) How should we view this?
Why would Jesus, in Matt. 24:45, pose the question of who really is the Faithful and Wise Servant if those of his disciples at that time had no clue? And for that matter, did Jesus himself have the answer?
On F460, near the bottom, it reads: “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 first-born in each family represented the Christ, Head and Body, the New Creation.”
It has been suggested that it should simply read: “represented Christ’s Body” because Christ is represented in the lamb, and that he was not under his own blood.
Question: Should we make this change?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
On F460, near the bottom, it reads: “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 first-born in each family represented the Christ, Head and Body, the New Creation.”
It has been suggested that it should simply read: “represented Christ’s Body” because Christ is represented in the lamb, and that he was not under his own blood.
Question: Should we make this change?
About Gethsemane:
(a) Why did Jesus take the apostle’s with him? Why didn’t he go there alone?
(b) What did Jesus want from the apostle’s when he said “watch with me”? What could they give him that he did not already have?
(c) What emotions did Jesus experience when the apostle’s kept falling asleep? Was he angry?
(d) R2467:page 116:p2 suggests that Jesus did not know all the details concerning his final experiences until Gethsemane. What details did he not know?
Concerning the exchange of the Firstborn for the Tribe of Levi:
(a) Why were the Firstborn exchanged for the Tribe of Levi?
(b) When did this exchange take place?
(c) Was the Tabernacle set up before this exchange?
(d) Were the Priests installed in office before this exchange?
[TO BE CONTINUED]
Concerning the exchange of the Firstborn for the Tribe of Levi:
[CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK]
(e) Who were redeemed with money in this exchange? Who paid this money and to whom?
(f) What is the meaning of all the above to us?
Concerning the olive tree as a symbol:
(a) Does the olive tree always picture the same thing?
(b) During what period of time does the olive tree apply as a symbol?
(c) Is fruit-bearing part of the symbol? If so, how?
(d) Does the olive tree picture the Little Flock? If so, how?
(e) Does the olive tree picture the Nation of Israel? If so, how?
(f) What does the olive tree symbolize in Romans 11? How does the Abrahamic promise fit in?
(g) Are individual branches broken off as replacements are grafted in? Or were they all broken off at the same time?
(h) In Exodus 19:5-6, what is God promising Israel, and how does it fit into this study of the Olive Tree?
Pastor Russell speaks, like no other man, as did our Lord, yet he claims no inspiration. If he was not inspired, but yet had this authority to explain the deep things of God to the Church, then by what authority, did he claim the authority (or are we just to presume it was given him) to speak with authority? And if not inspired, was he taught directly, like our Lord, so he could claim the authority, but not the inspiration?
Marriage ceremonies are initiations into a union. Should baptism ever be considered as such? Also, could we discuss the relative importance of water immersion, since it is just a symbol?
What is the timing and significance of the events of Revelation 11:15-18?
TO BE CONTINUED
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
What is the timing and significance of the events of Revelation 11:15-18?
Is it unscriptural for a brother who is NOT an elder to serve a class or convention by way of a talk? What do the Scriptures and Harvest Message say in this regards?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Is it unscriptural for a brother who is NOT an elder to serve a class or convention by way of a talk? What do the Scriptures and Harvest Message say in this regards?
Isaiah 6:2 — We understand this picture is symbolic. Why has the seraphim covered it’s face and why has it covered it’s feet?
In reference to Luther’s 95 Theses, is there any proof in this document that Luther renounced the Trinity?
Ezekial 21:26 & 27 shows that the power to rule (crown) was removed from Israel until he whose right it is comes (Christ). We know that the sceptre was given our Lord so he had the right to rule, however having the right to rule without the power is of little value. So the question is: was the power given at his return in 1874, or in 1914 when the Gentile rule was over, or when the Kingdom is established? Or is this a graduated power?
At what point will the Lord turn unto the people “a pure language”? What does this term mean?
“Greater works than these shall ye do”. What are some of those works? When is this accomplished?
When did the Seventh Trump start? What is proclaimed by it and who does the proclaiming?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
When did the Seventh Trump start? What is proclaimed by it and who does the proclaiming?
What is the difference between:
a) the Fruits and Graces of the Spirit
b) the Gifts of the Spirit
c) Talents
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
a) the Fruits and Graces of the Spirit
b) the Gifts of the Spirit
c) Talents
How do we reconcile 1 Cor. 14:33-35 with 1 Cor. 11:3-10? In the case of 1 Cor. 14, it seems pretty clear, no matter which translation one checks, that women were to be silent at meetings. But in the 11th chapter, it presents a much different picture. How can one be expected to be silent on the one hand while praying and prophesying in public on the other?
In 1 Cor. 11:16 there are apparent opposing views in the KJV, the Amplified Version and others. How do we reconcile this?
What are the events leading up to the fulfillment of Revelation 19:6,7 — particularly regarding the closing of the door to the high calling?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
What are the events leading up to the fulfillment of Revelation 19:6,7 — particularly regarding the closing of the door to the high calling?
Quotation from Covenant Book, page 13: “Those tribulations coming upon the Great Company class, the Levite class, are not tribulations for wilful sins, but tribulations for the destruction of the flesh, in harmony with the Covenant entered into by this class, a Covenant of Sacrifice, which they failed to keep. The sufferings of this Great Company class, we understand, therefore, go as a credit to the world to square the account of the world’s sins against light and especially against God’s people.”
Please explain:
(a) What is the difference between wilful sins and sins of the flesh.
(b) What is the reasoning to come to the conclusion that these sufferings go as a credit to square the world’s sins, with scriptural proof, if possible.
On the assumption that once the last member of the Little Flock has been called home, the events of the Marriage of the Lamb, and the application of the sin offering take place soon after, please explain:
(a) Quotation from “Alive Again”, Foreword, page x, “Shakespeare said, ‘The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.’ However, because of the resurrection, the good that men do will return with those who live again–and so will the evil! The resurrection will give ‘evil’ an even longer life.” Does that mean that sin will be allowed to continue after the sin offering has been applied?
(b) Will the general resurrection begin before the nations have been subdued, which would mean the perpetuation of sin and death?
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK
On the assumption that once the last member of the Little Flock has been called home, the events of the Marriage of the Lamb, and the application of the sin offering take place soon after, please explain:
(c) Some believe that babies will continue to be born all through the Millennium–how could this be if the sin offering had already been applied–how would the new births be covered under Christ’s death?
Volume IV Foreword, iii — The first paragraph talks about Armageddon and relates it to the Time of Trouble (Matt. 24:21; Dan. 12:1). Does that mean Armageddon began in 1914? What is Armageddon? Is it a process? Many Brethren seem to apply the term exclusively to the climax of the Time of Trouble. Dxv “Not Yet But Soon” seems to support the latter thought. How do we harmonize all this?
C237:1 Speaks of the Church in the flesh as “agents of the Kingdom” who “will have left such records of that Kingdom…as will be most valuable information to the world…” and the Great Company. This paragraph also alludes to other aspects of the “mission of the feet”. What is this mission “as agents of the Kingdom” in more detail? What kind of records will be left behind?
There are many places in the Bible chronology where a seeming half-year problem occurs. Could we please discuss these?
(a) Concerning (Edgar chart #4) the 2081 year arcs:
6000 years – 1873.75 = 4126.25 (Fall to Fall)
4126.25 – 2081 = 2045.25
35.75 A.D. – 2081 = 2045.25
When the Law was given in the Spring of 1615 (1614.75), it was from “the self-same day” to the self-same day from the Covenant with Abraham
1614.75 + 430 = 2044.75 B.C.
How do we explain the half-year difference?
(b) Concerning the Times of the Gentiles, the Exodus, the Covenant with Abraham:
1913.75 – 2520 = 606.25 (Fall of 607 B.C)
The Exodus would be determined thus:
606.25 – 513 – 450 – 6 – 40 = 1615.25 (Fall)
Then to the Covenant with Abraham:
1615.25 – 430 = 2045.25 (Fall)
Both the Exodus and the Covenant with Abraham should be in the Spring, not the Fall. How do we explain this?
(c) Concerning Gen. 15:8-10 where the ages of the animals is used to achieve a figure of 3960 years:
3960 – 1914.75 = 2045.25 (Fall)
The Covenant with Abraham should be in the Spring, not the Fall. How do we explain this?
What about prayers directed to Jesus? John 17:3 says it means life eternal to come to know Jesus and the father. How does one come to know someone without speaking to them? Are we simply to ignore him except when praying “in his name”?
Who do the angels refer to in 1 Cor. 11:10? Br. Russell says in F272 “‘…because of the angels,’ seem to refer to the chosen elders.” How do we make sense of this in the context of the discussion?
Is there any difference in the way we perceive Br. Russell, or in the way he fulfills Scripture, as the 7th Messenger to the Church and that of the Wise and Faithful Servant?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Is there any difference in the way we perceive Br. Russell, or in the way he fulfills Scripture, as the 7th Messenger to the Church and that of the Wise and Faithful Servant?
“Doing good unto all men…” (Gal. 6:10) — practical application discussion please.
(a) Some say, we should only help Brethren, and to help the world is a waste of time.
(b) Some say, we need to do more to help the world, like building orphanages, or such.
What is the balance? What are examples of what we may and should not do?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
“Doing good unto all men…” (Gal. 6:10) — practical application discussion please.
(a) Some say, we should only help Brethren, and to help the world is a waste of time.
(b) Some say, we need to do more to help the world, like building orphanages, or such.
What is the balance? What are examples of what we may and should not do?
Many people in the world recommend the Harry Potter books. There is much talk about how these books are encouraging kids to read. It is looked at as a good thing. What should our answer be to them?
In Num. 8:5-22, found that the Levites were offered for an Atonement for the people of Israel, by Aaron, the priest. Moreover, the Levites were “offered as a wave offering” before the Lord; And they were given to Aaron & his sons, by the people; For service in & of the Tabernacle.
Question a: How could this be, and it means what to us?
Question b,c,d:
Is there a connection to Lev. 16: ? and the Atonement there ? And how does this connect to the Great Company Class – being “offered”?
Judges 16:26-31 — Are there lessons for the last members of the church in Samson’s last experiences?
1 Samuel 21:10-14 — Was David right to feign madness and flee to the enemies of Israel?
Revelation 9:3,7-11 — How can we understand or interpret the symbol of the scorpions?
In Leviticus 16:21-22, all the iniquity and sins of the Children of Israel were confessed on the head of the Sacapegoat before it was sent away into the wilderness. How can we understand this matter when the real sin-offering was paid by the Lord and by the Lord’s goat whose blood was sprinkled on the Mercy Seat?
What sins are covered by the Scapegoat?
Amos 9:13
(1) Who is the “plowman” and who is the “reaper” (or the “treader” and the “sower”)?
(2) What is the plowing work and when does it begin and end?
Since the Church is filling up that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ, what sufferings would that be? Is it the sufferings of the Body of Christ? Jesus, himself, has suffered all anyone could. What sufferings are counted as sufferings of Christ?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Since the Church is filling up that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ, what sufferings would that be? Is it the sufferings of the Body of Christ? Jesus, himself, has suffered all anyone could. What sufferings are counted as sufferings of Christ?
Is Tentative Justification a teaching/doctrine? Please explain.
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Is Tentative Justification a teaching/doctrine? Please explain.
Explain Malachi 3:8 — are we robbing God?
When we look at the brotherhood, and see the schisms (PBI, Dawn, Laymen’s, New Covenant, Associated Bible Students, Independent Bible Students, Divine Plan, etc. how are we to understand the Apostle’s words at 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; “Is Christ divided?”
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
When we look at the brotherhood, and see the schisms (PBI, Dawn, Laymen’s, New Covenant, Associated Bible Students, Independent Bible Students, Divine Plan, etc. how are we to understand the Apostle’s words at 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; “Is Christ divided?”
Doctrine/knowledge is a gift of the Spirit — a grace from God — would not deviating from the Truth (the doctrine that we first learned and came to love — Gospel Truth) and pursuing a different doctrine, be treating Christ’s atonement value as something as “ordinary”? Would that not be a sin against God’s Spirit?
What is the “Body of Christ”? Is it inclusive or exclusive?
Regarding the current Climate Changes or Global Warming, is this prophetic? What does Brother Russell have to say on this controversial topic?
Manna for August 28th — What does the following expression mean in the context? “It is the chief business of our lives, to which life itself even is subservient, and hence, no opportunity for service must be laid aside.” What does this mean in practical terms?
There are four ways of learning: Intuition, experience, observation, from information received from a reliable source. Adam had a reliable source in God to instruct him and he was perfect both mentally and physically but he failed to learn and to follow God’s rule. Looking at this and speculating some — as Brother Russell did as to the population of other planets — how can the ones who will populate other worlds be able to not fail like Adam did?
1 Cor. 15:25,26 reads: “For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Which death is that — Adamic or Second?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
1 Cor. 15:25,26 reads: “For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Which death is that — Adamic or Second?
What should our expectations be concerning a 7th Volume in the Scripture Studies series?
The group of Magi who visited Jesus as a young child are thought to be Zoroastrian Priests who traveled from Persia. Is the Gospel account in Matthew to be considered an endorsement of Zoroastrianism in some way? Would this indicate God’s blessing on the ancient interpretation of the stars, constellations, their names, etc.?
Numbers 4:3 and 8:24 and 1 Chron. 23:27-28 each give different ages for when a man was able to do work in the tabernacle (30, 25 and 20 respectively). Is there a reason for the difference in ages, and is one more reliable than the others?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Numbers 4:3 and 8:24 and 1 Chron. 23:27-28 each give different ages for when a man was able to do work in the tabernacle (30, 25 and 20 respectively). Is there a reason for the difference in ages, and is one more reliable than the others?
If one of the brethren has fallen into a grievous sin such as adultery, as a result of fleshly weakness, do they automatically lose their crown even if they repent and fight the flesh? Or is this the same thing as being “finally incorrigible” and automatically results in the second death?
Why is Dan not mentioned among the twelve in Rev. 7:4-8? And connected to this, which twelve names will be on the stones in Ex. 28:9-12?
Both the Apostle Paul and Jude quote from the Book of Enoch. Does this mean: (1) That Enoch’s words are inspired prophecy? (2) That our Lord and Jude are endorsing the Book of Enoch? (3) That we should also read and study its various prophecies and symbols?
The meeting of November 26th, 2007, was a special 10th Anniversary commemoration of the first online meeting.
R5284, par. 1 Doctrines More or Less Important refers to “features…not essential to membership in the Body of Christ.” In the next paragraph it refers to the “meat in due season” and says: “These latter are not necessarily essential to our membership in the Body of Christ”. How do we understand these statements?
Questions on circumcision:
(a) Exod. 12:48 — Will the world be circumcised in the Kingdom, in order to partake of the Lamb?
(b) Circumcision has been viewed as barbaric and inhumane by some. They say that such a practice is out of harmony with God’s character. How do we answer such concerns?
Was Isaac supernaturally begotten in Sarah’s womb?
Some historians claim that a “love feast” was traditionally held prior to the Memorial in the first and second century Church.
(a) Is this claim true?
(b) If so, should we do the same?
Why was there to be “no man” in the Tabernacle – Lev. 16:17; “no man” in the temple – Rev. 15:8; compared with 1 Kings 8:10,11; 2 Chron. 5:13,14; and Ezek. 10:3,4, when the man (clothed in linen) “went in”?