I.I.M. 2013 Questions
linked to audio files
Brother Russell makes it very clear that the Church has no part in providing the Ransom-price. How do we harmonize this with the statement on T76:2 quoted below?
Jesus and “his Body,” the Church (by virtue of the redemption and consequent justification), make sacrifice to Justice, in full satisfaction of the Adamic sin.
For someone who is counting the cost, how should we best describe to them the “risks” of the consecrated walk?
In the New Testament Jesus is referred to by many titles, such as Jesus, Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Lord (in various combinations), the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Man Christ Jesus, etc.
(a) Matthew, Mark and John use the title Jesus Christ, but Luke simply uses the title Jesus. Why?
(b) Is there a special time, reason, etc. for using different titles?
(c) Is there a meaning, hidden or not, for each title?
Regarding the Great Company:
(a) Can God call someone in Babylon?
If they are there:
(b) Will we come to know each other?
(c) Are they doing a similar witness work to our own?
(d) Do they know about the writings of Brother Russell?
(e) Were all of the Great Company called to be part of the Church Class?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Regarding the Great Company:
(a) Can God call someone in Babylon?
What does “in Babylon” mean?
Could this include the JWs organization?
Where is Babylon shown on the Chart?
Is this shown in the Tabernacle?
If they are there:
(b) Will we come to know each other?
(c) Are they doing a similar witness work to our own?
(d) Do they know about the writings of Brother Russell?
What about the sealing?
(e) Were all of the Great Company called to be part of the Church Class?
The total days of Mary’s purifying would have been 40. (Lev. 12:1-4) Which days of purification are referred to in Luke 2:22? If this was the 40th day after Jesus’ birth, does that fact carry any special significance?
Manna of January 27: What are practical examples of things sinful for which someone might have a desire if only they were not condemned?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Manna of January 27: What are practical examples of things sinful for which someone might have a desire if only they were not condemned?
E471: “…for our Heavenly Father never created anything imperfect.”
1) How would we apply that to the animals? Before and since Eden?
2) Or to the unfinished earth?
3) Or to the earth’s oval orbit around the Sun?
4) Or to all the universe bodies?
5) Could the emphasis on “perfect” be on “whole or complete”?
6) In Genesis, each day God saw that it was “good” – not perfect? Does this reflect on the questions?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
E471: “…for our Heavenly Father never created anything imperfect.”
1) How would we apply that to the animals? Before and since Eden?
2) Or to the unfinished earth?
3) Or to the earth’s oval orbit around the Sun?
4) Or to all the universe bodies?
5) Could the emphasis on “perfect” be on “whole or complete”?
6) In Genesis, each day God saw that it was “good” – not perfect? Does this reflect on the questions?
In Heb. 12:23 – Why is the term “Church” applied to all the firstborn, including the Great Company?
In the Passover type, the firtsborn represent those who are spirit-begotten. Are two possibilities of second death shown?
(1) Those without the blood on the doorposts
(2) Those who leave the house
Moses was not a firstborn. Who does he represent in the Passover picture?
Vol. 6, pag. 459:1 says that the antitypical Levites will be teachers of their Brethren.
(a) Does this mean all the antitypical Levites?
(b) When does the antitype apply?
(c) How will this apply (practically) in the antitype?
a) At what point was God obligated to complete His plan?
b) Which of God’s attributes was the obligating factor?
c) Why did God confirm this obligation with an oath to Abraham and to all the families of the earth?
Was Judas at the Memorial? Please compare Matt. 26:21-26, Mark 14:18-20, Luke 22:21 and John 13:21-30
How can we reconcile the following scriptures?
Jesus – 2 days before Passover anointed at Bethany [Matt. 26:2,6-7]
Jesus – 5 days before Passover entered Jerusalem as king [10 Nisan]
Jesus – 6 days before Passover anointed at Bethany [John 12:1-3]
Brief Review:
How can we reconcile the following scriptures?
Jesus – 2 days before Passover anointed at Bethany [Matt. 26:2,6-7]
Jesus – 5 days before Passover entered Jerusalem as king [10 Nisan]
Jesus – 6 days before Passover anointed at Bethany [John 12:1-3]
Is Rom. 8:28 conditional?
“…those who love God…” Is the “working together” proportional to our love?
“…called according to His purpose.” Who is included?
Is there an antitypical meaning in the fact that Moses was Israel’s mediator, and that Aaron and his sons were also Israel’s Priest and Mediator?
How do you pray for the Brethren worldwide? By name, by group, etc.?
Luke 22:70 – which is the correct translation of Jesus reply?
NASB: “Yes, I am.”
All other translations give the thought: “You say that I am.”
Regarding the “Marriage Supper” of Rev. 19:9 – Spirit beings and Divine beings do not need food and water like humans. What “Supper” consumption might be referred to? Could this relate to” Gods Supper” in verse 17?
Who or what are the “fowls of heaven” in Rev. 19:17?
Are they related to Ezek. 39:17-22, Joel 2:24-27, or Jer. 19:7?
Are there any other related texts?
In Psalms 98:9 it states that the LORD God will be judging the World and the people. But, in John 5:22 it states that God has committed all judgment unto the Son. These 2 scriptures seem to contradict each other. Please explain.
Jer. 12:9 speaks of a speckled bird. The Comments identify this bird as “The Saints”. What is the symbolic meaning of this verse? Why is this symbology used? What other texts might be related?
In Jeremiah 30:11 it states that the LORD will make a “full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee” yet, in many places in the scriptures it mentions the Nations worshiping God in the Millennial Age. For example: Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:2; Malachi 3:12; Psalm 82:8; Psalm 108:3; Psalm 67:4; Psalm 72:11, 17; Isaiah 43:9; Isaiah 52:10,15. Please explain what it means: to make a full end of all nations and yet they will all worship God in the Millennium.
Please discuss the use of Psa. 50:5 in the Morning Resolve and its context in Psa. 50.
What does it mean to “walk in newness of life”? Romans 6:4
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
What does it mean to “walk in newness of life”? Romans 6:4
Ezek. 44:17-18 – Verse 18 mentions sweat and verse 17 mentions wool. So what is the meaning of SWEAT and why is it so bad?
Are the Mind, the Heart, and the Will different from one another, or are they all the same thing? Please Explain. (Phil. 2:5; Romans 7:23,25; Isaiah 26:3; Jeremiah 17:9,10; Romans 2:29; Psalm 26:2; Proverbs 23:26; Matthew 6:21; Matthew 6:10; Matthew 7:21; 1 Thess. 5:18; John 4:34; Psalm 40:8)
Regarding Matthew 6:33: (a) What does it mean to seek the Kingdom of God? (b) Why are Christians to seek the Kingdom of God FIRST, when they also have other responsibilities, such as Family, Jobs. etc.? (c) How do we seek His Righteousness? (d) What are All These Things that will be added to you?
Galatians 5 presents God’s challenge to His children to:
(a) WALK in the Spirit
(b) Be LED by the Spirit
(c) LIVE in the Spirit
What is the meaning and significance of each phrase?
Why is it imperative that we do these things as God’s children?
What positive results should be expected?
The Apostle Paul said: Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. (Phil. 2:17) How would we differentiate between sacrifice and service in our own lives. Please give examples of these two categories.
Concerning the Nephilim referred to in Gen. 6:4-6
(a) Were they subject to the Adamic curse?
(b) Will they have redemption?
Gen. 6:9 – In what sense was Noah “perfect [margin: upright] in his generations”?
Could we discuss the character and structure of online meetings? What are some guidelines that we could all apply to make these meetings the biggest possible blessing to all concerned?
Concerning the word “Abba”
(a) What is the origin and original meaning of this word?
(b) Why does the New Testament always use two-words: “Abba Father”?
(c) What relationship between God and Jesus is shown by this expression?
(d) What relationship between God and the Spirit-begotten is shown by this expression?
What use did Israel have for the Tabernacle on the other days besides the national holidays?
What constitutes the Doctrines of Christ? This is an expression found often in the Harvest Message
Likewise, what constitutes the Doctrines of the Apostles or the Apostle’s Doctrines?
In Hebrews 11:3 what is meant by the framing of the worlds?
How do we understand Amos 9:11-14 as interpreted in Acts 15:14-17?
Who are the “people for His name” and when does this apply?
Who are the “residue of men” and when does this apply?
What is the significance of the title Shiloh?
Regarding Isaiah 26:3, and the Manna Comments for July 17th: What are some ways that we can seek and achieve this peace in our everyday walk?
John 9:4 – “A night is coming wherein no man can work.” Are there any updated thoughts on this since the time is getting short?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
John 9:4 – “A night is coming wherein no man can work.” Are there any updated thoughts on this since the time is getting short?
Is vegetarianism recommended in the Bible? How do we understand Gen. 1:29 together with Gen. 9:3? What will be the rule in the peaceable Kingdom?
What is the difference between “the keys of death and hell”; “the keys of the bottomless pit”; and “the key of David”?
Regarding Matthew 10:26: Please explain what this is referring to, and what time period is involved? How far-reaching could this text be?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Regarding Matthew 10:26: Please explain what this is referring to, and what time period is involved? How far-reaching could this text be?
Did Moses have a successor as Mediator of the Law Covenent?
Why is the word “fear” used when in many texts of the Old and New Testament, the meaning is really “REVERENCE”? A few examples: Deuteronomy 13:4; 2 Kings 17:28; Psalm 2:11; Psalm 25:14; Psalm 60:4; Psalm 118:4,6; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 28:14; Hosea 3:5; Malachi 4:2; Romans 11:20; 1 Peter 2:17,18.
Could someone be part of the Church who believed Jesus’ 2nd Advent would be in his fleshly body? See 1 John 4:2,3; 2 John 1:7 and discussion on E298 “(2) This claim…”
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Could someone be part of the Church who believed Jesus’ 2nd Advent would be in his fleshly body? See 1 John 4:2,3; 2 John 1:7 and discussion on E298 “(2) This claim…”
If the line to Messiah was to go through Judah why was Saul chosen as King?
How do we understand Lev. 27:29 in connection with willful sin? Does this verse indicate that Adam sinned willfully, and if so will he come under the Ransom of Christ and be resurrected?
Many scriptures refer to Christendom as having a special role before God prior to 1878. (Such as it had been a “golden cup” in the Lord’s hand, that it was falling from favor, needed “healing”, was spewed out in 1878, etc…) Prior to the various divisions the only representative of Christendom was the Roman Catholic Church. What does this mean in regard to the Lord’s dealings with the Roman Catholic Church, both prior to and following its becoming an antichrist system? Does this mean for example that Councils prior to 539 CE had God’s blessing? That the Church was being blessed and guided? etc… How might it parallel the way God dealt kindly with Israel even when unfaithful?
In “The New Creation” on page 650 the Pastor suggests that Jesus was capable of experiencing illness (from mild to chronic – treatment for which would require use of medicines). How do we square such a thought with the understanding that Jesus’ body was perfect, without flaw, and could have fathered a perfect race?
The Manna of August 25th talks about sharing the epiphania glory of the kingdom and also sharing the apokalupsis glory of the kingdom. Are these two different things? When do they apply?
Please explain 2 Thess. 1:8-10, especially the meaning of “everlasting destruction” and when this applies.
Please explain Matt. 24:45-47
When is the servant put in charge of Jesus’ household?
When is the servant put in charge of all his possessions?
1 Cor. 2:9 – There are 90 cross-references to this verse in HTDB Version 8. Could we have a discussion / study on the full meaning of this text for all God’s intelligent creatures, both now and in the future?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
1 Cor. 2:9 – There are 90 cross-references to this verse in HTDB Version 8. Could we have a discussion / study on the full meaning of this text for all God’s intelligent creatures, both now and in the future?
Does Psalm 49:14 have some significance for the Church?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Does Psalm 49:14 have some significance for the Church?
Did the trees in Eden have some special nutriments for the perfect man?
In John 11 and the account of Jesus raising Lazarus why did Jesus weep? What does it mean “he groaned in the spirit” (vs 33) or “groaning in himself” (vs 38) The Greek has the thought of anger, indignation, agitated.
In Reprint 5704 Pastor Russell says “We may not be able to judge of the heart, but we do know of their attitude – their feeling of self-sufficiency.”
a) What is the difference between judging the heart and judging an attitude?
b) How do we know if we have crossed the line and gone too far?
Why do some translations render Dan. 12:4 differently as regards running to and fro?
How can we harmonize John 7:7 “the world cannot hate you” with John 15:19 “the world hateth you”?
If Brother Russell is the man described in Ezek. 9, who continues that work today? He finished his earthly course in 1916.
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
If Brother Russell is the man described in Ezek. 9, who continues that work today? He finished his earthly course in 1916.
Luke 17:5 – How can we increase our faith?
Col. 2:14; Rom. 10:4 – If Jesus by his death on the cross abolished the Law covenant how we can say that covenant is still in operation today?
We know that a belief in the Lord’s Second Presence since 1874 is important, but what practical difference does it make if we believe this or not?
If the uplifting of mankind requires a 1000 years, does that mean that mankind is now in that process because we are in the beginning of the Millennial age?
Regarding Jewish Synagogues:
(a) When did they get started and why?
(b) Who had them built, especially in Israel?
(c) Who controlled and maintained them?
(d) Were they open to use by any sect?
To whom does the Apostle Paul apply the prophecy about the New Covenant in Heb. 10:15-19?
When did the Pharisees come to be called Rabbis?
Does Isa. 42:6 have some significance for the Church and the world also?
What proportion of the general populace will actually participate in anarchy? When the scripture says “every man’s hand against his neighbor” should we understand that literally?