I.I.M. 2009 Questions
linked to audio files
Will the world of mankind in the Millennial age need to make a profession of their faith by water immersion? In other words will there be baptisms during the mediatorial reign?
Concerning the 10 Commandments:
a) In Ex. 20:2-17, there are commandments given: 9 “thou shalt”s; 1 “Remember” together with 4 verses; and there is 1 “Honour”; totaling eleven in all. Please explain how there are only TEN?
CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON:
Concerning the 10 Commandments:
b) In Ex. 19:9,19, & 20:1, & Deut. 4:12,13,15, tell of God speaking to the people. How is this explained, and what might this portray in the Kingdom setting?
c) In Mark 12:29-31, Jesus appears to divide the commandments into two parts. What might that division reasonably be in number, if the Ten Commandments were being referred to?
d) In Mark 12:29-31, Jesus quotes Deut. 6:4,5 and Lev. 19:18, which are NOT one of the Ten Commandments. Why is that? Are those quotes also “commandments” ? Do these increase the number of commandments? How many more “Commandments” are there, besides the “TEN”?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Concerning the 10 Commandments:
e) Will all these additional “Commandments” be included as firmly in the Kingdom instructions under the New Covenant implementation, as the Ten?
Is the “robe of righteousness” applied individually (each member) or collectively (the entire body)?
Tabernacle Shadows, Page 27 — “Though even the type had not yet come in his day, Abraham, as a justified believer, was a member of the ‘household of faith,’ typified by the Levites.” Does this mean that the Ancient Worthies are all represented in the typical picture of the Levites? (This thought is repeated in the first paragraph on page 28.) Please explain.
The Scriptures focus heavily upon the primary role of the Bride as assisting Jesus in the reformation of mankind. Are there any scriptures or ideas as to what they will do after that work is done?
What is the meaning of the original Abrahamic promise in respect to natural Israel? Some Brethren say that it merely means they are to receive the blessings first. Other Brethren say that Israel is to have a part in the actual blessing work, and that this is shown on the Chart of the Ages in the completed pyramid in the Messianic age. Which thought is correct?
In the Mosaic Law animals apportioned for food or sacrifice were to be killed in a quick and painless fashion. Why then did the Lord prescribe stoning as the preferred method of human execution?
Was Adam created with an adult body? What Scriptural proofs might we have for this thought?
How can we reconcile Amos 3:2 with Acts 10:34, Rom 2:11, and James 2:9?
Is it possible for Satan and/or the Fallen Angels to put thoughts into our heads? Can they affect our dreams? To what extent is this possible? How can we tell? What can we do against this?
How much freedom of individual thought and action will perfect mankind have after the “little season”? For example, would people be allowed to have different opinions on a topic, or choose their own activities, and so on.
With increasing financial problems globally, Brethren may start to face new challenges with employment. What types of jobs/occupations would be inherently inappropriate for a Christian and why?
Pastor Russell said that the Volumes were practically the Bible in topically arranged form. Why did he say this? Does that view in any way show disrespect to the Bible as the sole word of God?
Since the book of Revelation is written in signs and symbols, what proofs do we have that the number 144,000 is not symbolic?
On A146:1 alludes to the Ancient Worthies as having been “called”. What Scriptural proof do we have that the Ancient Worthies had a separate “calling”?
A166 “If, then, these [modern inventions] be evidences of increased brain power, the ‘Brain Age’ must be only beginning, and the logical deduction is that another century will witness every form of miracle as an everyday occurrence; and at the same ratio of increase, where would it eventuate?” Since more than a century has now passed since this was written, how do we view the arguments of the Pastor in the context?
Anastasis (Strongs G386) is commonly understood among Bible Students to mean a “re-standing”. This thought is appropriate to the fallen world of mankind who must reach perfection under the Mediatorial reign. How does the thought of “re-standing” apply to Jesus in his resurrection? 1 Pet. 3:21, etc.
Concerning Heb. 12:26-29 — A322:top “Thus we see this apostle uses a storm to symbolize the trouble of this Day of the Lord…” Why does it say “a storm” when in the context it is speaking about an earthquake? [See also R5516:6]
Exod. 33:7 speaks of the “Tabernacle of the Congregation” which was “without the camp”, but this was before Moses received the instructions for building the Tabernacle. What is the Tabernacle in this verse?
The war phase of the Time of Trouble was/is global. The anarchy phase is to be global. What about the revolution phase? So far this seems to have been mostly in the Eastern world. What about the U.S., U.K., E.U., etc?
The Gentile Times are specifically a period of chastisement of natural Israel. How does this 2520 year period of chastisement compare to the 1845 years of disfavor? More specifically:
(a) What is the difference during the two periods regarding the chastisement and disfavor?
(b) What is the difference after the expiration of each period, regarding God’s dealings with natural Israel?
Jer. 31:33 talks about the making of the New Covenant, and uses the expression: “…after those days…” What days are being spoken of here? After what days?
When Adam and Eve sinned, God’s chosen mechanism for redeeming fallen men was through the death of Jesus. Why and by what means then, do repentant fallen angels (having sinned willfully) regain their standing with the Lord? Why is the duty of judging these angels assigned to the glorified Church instead of to Jesus or God? (Rom 16:20; 1 Cor 6:3)
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
When Adam and Eve sinned, God’s chosen mechanism for redeeming fallen men was through the death of Jesus. Why and by what means then, do repentant fallen angels (having sinned willfully) regain their standing with the Lord? Why is the duty of judging these angels assigned to the glorified Church instead of to Jesus or God? (Rom 16:20; 1 Cor 6:3)
A152:3 — “…experimentally learn of the liberty wherewith Christ makes free those who accept of his ransom…” What does this mean? Who learns experimentally and how?
B213:top — “For where this call ends, where this door of opportunity and favor closes, another door begins to swing open–the door of opportunity to enter the highway of holiness…” In the context this is talking about 1881. In what way does the “door of opportunity to enter the highway of holiness” begin to “swing open” after 1881?
CARRYOVER DISCUSSION:
If the actual number of those who lay their goals and desires upon the heavenly hope exceeds the pre-assigned number of 144,000 then what is to become of these in relation to their hope — heavenly or earthly?
There are several scriptures which talk about Israel’s relationship with God being restored: “When I shall take away their sins.” Is this to be understood only in a personal, individual way (under the New Covenant) or is there a broader sense in which it could be understood? (i.e. nationally, after 1878) B211:1,2
C133:3 “…the parable shows that each one, as soon as examined, tested, is caused to ‘enter into the joys of his Lord,’ before he receives the dominion promised. Now we see that parable fulfilling, and that before our share in the reign begins.”
(a) In what way does each faithful one “enter into the joys of his Lord” before receiving the promised dominion? When and where is this?
(b) What is meant by the phrase: “…before our share in the reign begins…”?
The concept: “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first” is found in several scriptures: Matt. 19:30; 20:16; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30 (see also Mark 9:35) and in a variety of contexts. What is the common lesson given by our Lord in these verses?
Matt. 5:17 — Jesus came to fulfill the Law of Moses.
Matt. 5:18 — The Law of Moses cannot pass away until it is all fulfilled.
Matt. 5:19 — This verse applies to the followers of Jesus. How does it relate to verses 17 & 18 in the context? Is there some way in which we “fulfill” the Law of Moses? If so how?
B162:2 (Dan. 3:19-25) Mentions the three Hebrews who were cast into the fiery furnace: “The faithful children of God shall be counted worthy to escape…possibly by being rendered fire-proof…” What does fire-proof mean in a practical sense? Please give examples.
A152:1 Says that the Ransom “…releases the accepting sinner from the first condemnation and its results, both direct and indirect…” What are direct results versus indirect results of the first condemnation?
The prophetic seven times in Daniel chapter 4 are usually applied to the 2520 years of Gentile Times. However, on B93:1 and B94:1 it also relates the dream to “man’s original dominion” without giving further explanation. Three questions:
(a) How do we know the length of Nebuchadnezzar’s literal madness? Was it seven days, seven months, seven years, etc.?
(b) Is there a symbolic application of seven times from Adam’s fall?
(c) Is there a connection with the “Times of Restitution”?
On B99:2-B100:top it quotes Dan. 2:44 and applies the “set up” concept to the entire Gospel Age. But on B101:1 it applies this “set up” to 1878. Some Bible Students say it is 1874. Which thought is correct?
On C140:1 It is talking about binding the tares into bundles. “And this work is in progress all around us. Never was there a time like it for Labor Unions, Capitalistic Trusts and protective associations of every sort.” Why does Brother Russell use three secular examples instead of religious ones?
Many claim that the King James translation of the Bible has been uniquely blessed by God. How can one know that any other translation or obscure manuscript fragment has God’s equal blessing? Is it acceptable to use any Bible translation? Related to this: Why would God allow textual errors or omissions in His divine Word?
Do the scriptures show that the trouble will be worse after the Church is complete? What scriptures would they be? From the context can we determine what other events may be connected to the completion of the Church?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Do the scriptures show that the trouble will be worse after the Church is complete? What scriptures would they be? From the context can we determine what other events may be connected to the completion of the Church?
Are there scriptures that show a general time of trouble since 1914 AND a climax to the time of trouble near the time of the completion of the church?
What is the most important or urgent issue Brethren face today or are likely to face in the near future?
What is the time setting for “Jacob’s Trouble”? Will the Church be on the earth during this time? Will the Great Company be on the earth during this time?
(a) Was Jesus genetically related to Mary, or was she just used, by God, as a surrogate?
(b) Is the science of Vol. 5, Chap. 4: “The Undefiled One” still accurate today?
From the 9 references in 1 Jn 1 & 2 that refer to ‘a beginning,’ we have 11 other references indicating these clearly point to the beginning of Jesus ministry.
In 1 & 2 Jn, the ref’s are: 1 Jn 2:7(2x), 2:13, 14, 2:24(2x), 3:11; 2 Jn 1:5,6; & the others are: Mk 1:1; Lk 1:2, 23:5; Jn 2:11, 6:64, 8:25, 15:27, 16:4; Acts 1:22; Ph’p 4:15; 2 Thes 2:13.
The questions are in re: to 1 Jn 1:1 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;”
“That which was from the beginning”
1) Is John here referring to the Logos’s beginning or to when Jesus began his ministry?
2) Is “That which” an ‘Old English’ manner of expression, as G3739 could read “He who”?
3) Does John’s qualifiers – which we have heard, seen with our eyes, looked upon, and our hands have handled – change the application of his opening remark “That which was from the beginning”?
Could we have some in depth discussion on why there are three pyramids on plane “K” namely: “k”, “l” & “w”, during the Gospel age and as to what each shows?
Finish discussion on:
Could we have some in depth discussion on why there are three pyramids on plane “K” namely: “k”, “l” & “w”, during the Gospel age and as to what each shows?
Added Question: When we consider pyramids “k”, “l”, and “w”, is it possible that these pyramids relate more to the WORK of our Lord during these time periods than to the glory of office that our Lord had during these time periods?
(LITV) Exo 23:19 The first, the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring to the house of Jehovah your God. You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk.
(LITV) Exo 34:26 You shall bring the first of the firstfruits of your ground to the house of Jehovah your God. You shall not boil a kid in the milk of its mother.
Could there be spiritual applications to these verses? If so:
1) Would the “first of the firstfruits” apply only to Jesus, as of one, or include the all of the first of the firstfruits of the earth, the Church?
2) Who would be the “young goats” (kid), and what is the “mother’s milk”?
3) Why the reference to “young goats” (kid) being not being boiled in their mother’s milk was included with this?
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Finish discussion on:
(LITV) Deu 14:21 You shall not eat of anything that died of itself. You may give it to the alien who is within your gates, that he may eat it. Or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people to Jehovah your God. You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk.
4) What might we spiritually consume this “thing” that “died of itself” and we should stay clear of?
5) Who might be the “alien who is within your or our gates”?
6) If we “Buy the Truth and sell it not,” what should we “give” or “sell” to him or them, and why?
7) How does that make or keep us “holy people”?
8) What connection could there be to the previous part, spiritually, to not boiling “a kid in its mother’s milk”?
John 14:2-3 — Are we to assume that in heaven there consists a main house in a vast heavenly realm where Jehovah abides, and smaller separate homes for others of his heavenly family in this same area of heaven?
Isa. 45:1; 60:18; 62:10 — What is the symbolic significance of the two-leaved gates?
Manna, June 28: Our Lord, who had none of the imperfections of the fallen race, but was holy, harmless and separate from sinners, needed to take from men their sicknesses and infirmities in order that He might be touched with a feeling of our infirmities and be a faithful High Priest. How did Jesus do this? We are told that virtue went out of Him each time he healed someone. Did he feel that person’s pain in some way? How can that be explained when Jesus was perfect and separate from sinners and had no sickness such as the descendents of Adam have.
There are 20 verses in the Old Testament referring to “My sanctuary”. What is the symbolic application of this expression?
Does the Bible or the known plan of God in any way eliminate the possibilty that there is intelligent life on other planets at the present time? Or to put it another way, is there any way to know definitely one way or the other? Does it matter, and if so, why?
God commands that we not have any jealousy or envy. Why then does God say that He is a jealous God?
Why is God portrayed in the Old Testament as violent and vengeful, but in the New Testament as loving and merciful?
In 2 Peter 3:3-4 it is said that scoffers will doubt we are in the last days because war, suffering and trouble have always plagued mankind. How do we give an acceptable answer to one who scoffs honestly?
To what extent does God, our Father, control the lives of His spirit-begotten?
(a) To what extent did the Father control Jesus’ life during the 3-1/2 years?
(b) Is consecration asking the Father to take control of our lives?
(c) Is Sanctification part of this? If so, to what extent?
(d) Are the foregoing modified by: “According to your faith, be it unto you”?
(e) Does: “Thy will be done” signify “take control”, “let it be according to your design” or something else?
(f) When God “works all things together for our highest benefit” is He thus “taking control”?
The city of Tyre or Tyrus in Scripture (Isa 23; Ezek 26-28; Zech 9) is connected with worldly wealth, materialism, pride and ambition. In Ezek 28:2, 12, 13 Satan is pictured as the “prince of Tyre”. Why is the “daughter of Tyre” in Psa 45:12 connected with this marriage of the King and his Queen? What possible “gift” could the daughter of Tyre bring to this celestial celebration?
If Satan blinds the “mind” of unbelievers, and if those without the holy spirit cannot “understand” the truth, how does receiving the holy spirit allow one to see and understand it? For example, is it a change of brain chemistry, or an altering of perception in some way? Just what is the mechanism that unlocks the mind to produce this unique form of enlightenment which is called “receiving the holy spirit”? Would this mean that receiving a greater measure of the spirit is a more pronounced altering of perception? (for example, more brain cells triggered, or a stronger change in chemistry, etc…)
(TO BE CONTINUED)
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
If Satan blinds the “mind” of unbelievers, and if those without the holy spirit cannot “understand” the truth, how does receiving the holy spirit allow one to see and understand it? For example, is it a change of brain chemistry, or an altering of perception in some way? Just what is the mechanism that unlocks the mind to produce this unique form of enlightenment which is called “receiving the holy spirit”? Would this mean that receiving a greater measure of the spirit is a more pronounced altering of perception? (for example, more brain cells triggered, or a stronger change in chemistry, etc…)
Psalm 89:27 — Is there evidence in the New Testament that this verse applies to Jesus?
The Scriptures are clear that Solomon lost the privilege of being progenitor of the Messiah. What role does the mother play in the lineage?
(a) What Scriptures show specifically that Nathan was to take up the privilege that Solomon lost?
(b) The original promise was given to Abraham, the father, but had to come through Sarah, the Mother. (Gen. 17:18-21)
(c) Likewise, the promise was repeated to David, and both Solomon and Nathan were born of Bathsheba. (1 Chr. 3:5) Is this significant?
(d) Finally, Jesus was born of Mary whose lineage goes back to Nathan. This is significant, but how, related to the foregoing?
1) What effect have right wing, conservative news organizations had on the Brethren in America?
2) Since Christians are to remain neutral politically, what should our reaction be toward:
(a) Brethren who adopt a more extreme right-wing leaning? (ultra-conservative)
(b) Brethren who adopt a more extreme left-wing leaning? (ultra-liberal)
3) In addition, is there a danger of Brethren becoming so much like the right wing of the Nominal Church that they begin identifying with it?
4) By contrast, what dangers are associated with going to the left?
5) Do brethren in other countries notice a rightward tilt amongst the American brethren?
The spirit of fear:
(a) Why is fear considered one of the most serious foes of the New Creation?
(b) How does fear kill the fruits of the spirit?
(c) How can we fight against the spirit of fear?
In Exod. 23:20-23 God has appointed an angel to go before Israel, and one that they should answer to.
1) Who is this “angel”? Could it possibly be the Logos? Could there be a symbolic application?
(a) To Jesus at his first advent?
(b) To Jesus at his second advent?
2) What is “the place which I have prepared”?
(a) Was this literally the “promised land”?
(b) Could it apply symbolically to Christ’s Kingdom?
3) What is represented by the six tribes that were to be cut off?
4) What is the meaning of the expression “for my name is in him” in verse 21?
E199:2 — Brother Russell calls New Creatures “dual beings” but quickly adds we are not of two natures. Please explain the difference.
When does a Christian receive their crown? (Compare Rev. 2:10 with Rev. 3:11.)
Could Melchisedec have been the Logos?
BRIEF WRAPUP ON:
Could Melchisedec have been the Logos?
If the trees were at first only in the Garden of Eden, and outside was left unfinished and barren, How did God spread trees and vegetation around the world?
Which was created first, the SEED? Or the TREE? Same for all vegetation.
Did the FLOOD destroy all the trees and vegetation when waters prevailed for a year plus over the land?
If so, how was the earth replenished with vegetation? Did Noah face a denuded and barren landscape?
What would happen to vegetation inundated for a year?
Ezek. 33:2-6 — What does being a Watcher entail? Does watching the news, reading the paper, and taking note of what is going on in society/politics mean the same as dabbling? Do these things help us make our calling and election sure or hinder us? When are they appropriate to discuss?
E464:1 “So then, so far as Jehovah is concerned…a knowledge of the fact enables us to reason with God…” In what sense are we enabled to reason with God?
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E464:1 “So then, so far as Jehovah is concerned…a knowledge of the fact enables us to reason with God…” In what sense are we enabled to reason with God?
F110-111 — (Regarding justification by faith of the Ancient Worthies.)
As a parent I have always marveled at the calm acquiescence of both Abraham and Isaac in the preparation of Isaac as a sacrifice, even to the point of raising the knife to actually kill Isaac. This paragraph says Abraham did it because they both believed that God would resurrect Isaac. This bothers me on several levels. Firstly, there seem to be a lot of conclusions jumped to without adequate proof. Secondly, if all the Ancient Worthies received “revelations”, then their actions were not so much as a result of faith, but from knowledge. Thirdly, I no longer have so much respect for Abraham’s obedience, if he actually thought Isaac would be coming back to life soon. Please help me work through this.
In Hymn 223A, the saints are said to “Cast down their golden crowns”, while Rev. 4:10,11, says it was the 24 elders.
In the same Hymn, it says “Only thou art Holy” as in Rev. 15:24; if so then there are no Holy Angels, Holy Prophets, Holy Saints, nor: Mar 1:24 (…I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.)
Which thought is right?
F124 — Please explain the two consecrations of the Levites. Are we to all go though a process of two consecrations? In Numbers 3, the male Levites numbered 22,000; did they all go through this first consecration? If so, what class do they represent now? Also, who are all these true believers in this age that become reckonedly justified? Is this justification life-long and what sort of privileges does it give them in relationship with God; for instance, does He hear their prayers?
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FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
F124 — Please explain the two consecrations of the Levites. Are we to all go though a process of two consecrations? In Numbers 3, the male Levites numbered 22,000; did they all go through this first consecration? If so, what class do they represent now? Also, who are all these true believers in this age that become reckonedly justified? Is this justification life-long and what sort of privileges does it give them in relationship with God; for instance, does He hear their prayers?
Will those who die during the time of trouble upon the nations forever be nonexistent in death?
Regarding “The Law”:
(a) In Rom. 5:13 & 14, can we explain how “sin” was not “imputed” before the law?
(b) In Rom. 7:14, is all of the law spiritual or only part? Which part? To what “law: does the Apostle refer to? How was the Apostle Paul “carnal”?
(c) In Rom. 8:1-4, comparing with Rom. 7:14, if the law is “spiritual,” how do we separate it from “the law of sin and death”?
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FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Regarding “The Law”:
(a) In Rom. 5:13 & 14, can we explain how “sin” was not “imputed” before the law?
(b) In Rom. 7:14, is all of the law spiritual or only part? Which part? To what “law: does the Apostle refer to? How was the Apostle Paul “carnal”?
(c) In Rom. 8:1-4, comparing with Rom. 7:14, if the law is “spiritual,” how do we separate it from “the law of sin and death”?
Sometimes it is said when we have a difficult experience or are treated unjustly or misunderstood that if our feelings are hurt it is an indication of pride. Is that always true? Shouldn’t we have some “smarting of feelings” when justice is violated? Did Jesus have hurt feelings when he rejected the nation of Israel? Did Jesus have hurt feelings when he heard Peter’s denial?
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