I.I.M. 2016 Questions
linked to audio files
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Date of the Abrahamic Covenant:
2.) Exodus 12:40-41 – Does this indicate that the Covenant with Abraham was made at the same date as the Exodus Passover? Is there any indication of how Moses might have known that day in Abraham’s life before the institution of the Passover?
What does the expression “the spirit of the Truth” mean?
Luke 14:27-28 – In relation to consecration, what is the “cost”? How is one able to estimate this and whether they have the necessary resources?
In the November 21 Manna Brother Russell comments that testing should be developing us. Among the Christian traits mentioned he lists “mellow.” What does it mean for a Christian to be mellow? Since the word mellow is not in the KJV what scriptures would convey the same concept? Are there any individuals in the Bible that particularly exemplified this quality?
Why do the Brethren keep reading and re-reading the Volumes and Tabernacle Shadows?
1) In classes?
2) and in personal studies?
What qualities does Jehovah God look for when he chooses who will finally become part of the Kingdom as his dear Son’s Bride?
(a) Granted, such qualities as humility, mercy, commitment, loyalty, etc., are necessary. But is there something special that distinguishes the ones that will become part of the Kingdom and those that will become the mercy class?
(b) For example is it more important to pay attention to details regarding what to do and what not to do, or should we focus more on doing things for others and showing love towards God’s little ones?
Please explain the following verses from Matthew 11:
Verse 12 “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Verse 14 “And if ye will receive it…”
Verse 19 “Wisdom is justified of her children.” [KJV] “Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” [NAS]
Was our Lord, after appearing to the Father and having the glory of office, changed so that he could no longer appear as he did those 40 days, just as no man can see Jehovah? (Ex 33:20)
Considering the account of Moses in Exodus 2:11-15 how could he, being a prince, be in such trouble for defending a mere Hebrew slave that he would need to flee for his life?
Volume 3, pg. 183: “If there are tares among the wheat in the congregation of which you are a member, AS IS ALWAYS THE CASE, much will depend upon which is in the majority. If the wheat preponderates, the truth, wisely and lovingly presented, will affect them favorably, and the tares will not long care to stay. But if the majority are tares–AS NINE-TENTHS OR MORE GENERALLY ARE–……publicly withdraw from them.”
a. Does this refer to Babylon (Babylon has already been rejected)?
b. Or does this refer to Bible Student classes currently?
c. Either way, what is our responsibility? R1418:6 states that we are to rebuke anyone that does not follow the Lord’s teachings.
During the 40 years of Israel’s Wilderness Wanderings were they wandering most of the time or did they have long periods of encampment?
1 Cor. 5:5 – What is the difference between the flesh-destroying trials of the Great Company, and the necessary trials of the Little Flock?
Can I tell if I am Great Company or Little Flock?
Could we have a comprehensive list of all the places throughout the Bible that mention the Abrahamic promise/covenant?
List of Scriptures that relate to the Abrahamic Promise
Do our prayers need to specifically mention people and situations? Or can we just be general and let God do the rest?
In Volume 2 when discussing the “7 Times” of Daniel 4, Brother Russell mentions two lines of reasoning:
(a) The removal of the Typical Kingdom of God from Israel in 606 B.C.
(b) The removal of the Literal Kingdom of God from Adam in Eden. [B93 “Another Line of Testimony”]
Does this mean that there are two “7 Times” periods?
(a) 2,520 years from 606 B.C. to 1914 A.D.
(b) From the fall of Adam until ???
Regarding Testimony Meetings:
a) What is the purpose of Ecclesia testimony meetings?
b) What is the purpose of convention testimony meetings?
c) What do the Brethren find most helpful in testimony meetings? What type of things may be inappropriate to share?
What is necessary for someone to posses in order to have fellowship with God? (Past, Present and Future)
Daniel 10:13 – Why did the Angel Gabriel say that the King of Persia hindered him to come to Daniel? It seems as if the King of Persia delayed Gabriel, to go to Daniel directly after his prayer.
Can Christians set limits or do we always turn the other cheek?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Can Christians set limits or do we always turn the other cheek?
R631 states: “We have learned, as heretofore shown, that the coming of Christ for his saints was in the fall of 1874, and that the first work before him was the glorifying of the saints. There, the harvest time began – the separation of wheat from tares, etc. Since the fall of 1881 we learn that ‘Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth’ – blessed because they would not have to sleep, for to them the instant of death is the instant of change….At that time we believe that the resurrection of the dead saints was due…”
Why does it say 1881 instead of 1878?
D147: “Thus from congested wealth, from Romanism and from immigration, we see great dangers.”
Does this statement still apply today?
Who resurrects the Church to the Divine Nature – Jesus or God?
Leviticus 9:
What do the young calf and lamb burnt-offerings represent? (vs. 3)
What do the “peace offerings” represent? (vs. 4)
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Leviticus 9:
What do the young calf and lamb burnt-offerings represent? (vs. 3)
What do the “peace offerings” represent? (vs. 4)
Please explain Ecclesiastes 1:9 – “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
Also see Eccl. 1:10; 2:12; 3:15; 6:10.
What is “better” about the “better resurrection” of the Ancient Worthies? (Hebrews 11:35)
What is the “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1? What other related points are contained in the March 11th Manna?
QUESTIONS ON THE MEMORIAL
Is there a difference between old leaven and the leaven of malice and wickedness? 1 Cor. 5:7,8
In what way do the Levites represent the Household of Faith during the Gospel Age? [F459, par. 2]
If the non-firstborn in each house represent the Household of Faith, in what way do they, in antitype, partake of the “Lamb” during the Gospel Age? [F460, par. 2]
QUESTIONS ON THE MEMORIAL
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
If the non-firstborn in each house represent the Household of Faith, in what way do they, in antitype, partake of the “Lamb” during the Gospel Age? [F460, par. 2]
“The sprinkling with the blood represents justification, while the drinking of the Cup by the Church represents, not only justification, but sanctification.” R5421
In what way does the drinking of the cup both justify and sanctify us?
QUESTIONS ON THE MEMORIAL
The time before Memorial is usually one of careful instrospection and self-examination. Many Brethren become quite discouraged by the high standard presented in the Scriptures and the Harvest Message, to be part of the 144,000. What should be our advice to others, or for ourselves, feeling that “it is too high, I cannot attain to it”?
Do the Brethren have any special questions they would like to ask regarding the Memorial?
Luke 22:28 “Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.”
(a) After the first three and before Gethsemane, specifically, what were Jesus’ “temptations” he spoke of, during his three and half years?
(b) Why did he refer to his final day in Jerusalem as his time to “suffer” (Mt.16:21; Mk.8:31; 9:12; Lk.9:22; 17:25; 22:15; 24:46)? Does this mean, according to Jesus, that he didn’t “suffer” until his last day?
Regarding the Plagues of Revelation:
(a) Since 1914-18, and the cease of “the Divine Right of Kings” thus separating the beastly civil powers and nominal church systems in a major way, have the prophecies against the nations applied separately to them while the seven last plagues have effected the nominal church systems?
(b) Will the Time of Trouble, the Plagues and Jacob’s Trouble all end simultaneously, having finished their effects, being cut short by the Very Elect?
(c) Will neither the resurrection nor any ministry begin until the seven last plagues are fulfilled?
How many generations are there from Rahab to David?
Among Brethren, which is most important: Truth, Harmony, or Peace?
In what order should we rate them?
Why did the eldest son receive a double portion, it doesn’t seem fair? (Deut. 21:17)
Are there any types or parallels in the Bible and in the Harvest Message of unconsecrated individuals, that appreciate God’s Plan? Are the Gibeonites a type? If so, in what way?
The Mosaic Law required that both David and Bathsheba be stoned to death. Was it “wrong” that God did not require the death sentence in this case?
In Psalm 45:16 we read that the Ancient Worthies will be children of the King Jesus. However, they will be resurrected perfect immediately. So why are they not sons of Jehovah?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
In Psalm 45:16 we read that the Ancient Worthies will be children of the King Jesus. However, they will be resurrected perfect immediately. So why are they not sons of Jehovah?
In the New Testament, when entire households were baptized, did it include children?
How should Christians feel towards Muslims or Arabs? What do we do if we find we have feelings of distrust, prejudice or fear? Should we have a measure of distrust?
Were the Levites not under the Law Covenant, being exempted in order to serve the Tabernacle?
In Hebrews 13:9 there is a warning about “strange doctrine” and in 2 Peter 3:17 there is a warning about “the error of the wicked.” Both are followed by admonitions of grace. What is the connection?
Manna, May 1st: “…every sacrifice of our just rights and interests on behalf of ourselves as New Creatures…” What does it mean to sacrifice on behalf of ourselves?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Manna, May 1st: “…every sacrifice of our just rights and interests on behalf of ourselves as New Creatures…” What does it mean to sacrifice on behalf of ourselves?
In Deuteronomy 23:7,8 it mentions that Jehovah allowed Edomites to enter in His congregation, but only in the third generation. Why?
Tabernacle Shadows, pages 14 and 113 says that the Court pillars (posts) were made of wood. Many translations of Exod. 27:10 and Exod. 38:10,11 suggest that the pillars were made of copper. Which is correct?
Matt. 18 says 1 or 2 witnesses. 1 Tim. 5:19 says 2 or 3 witnesses. Why the difference?
“…Should we understand that Adam was included amongst the believers, the household of faith, on whose behalf Jesus, our great High Priest, appeared and made satisfaction for sin when he appeared in the presence of God for us? Most assuredly we should not! St. Paul did not mention Adam in his list of Ancient Worthies in Hebrews 11…” (R 4498)
Does this mean that Jesus appeared before God the first time not only for the Church but also for the Ancient Worthies (in the widest sense – household of faith)?
What is the prophetic meaning of Zechariah 13:7? Who or What are represented by:
The Shepherd
The Fellow
The Little Ones
The Sheep
According to ancient Jewish traditions the reason that God directed the slaying of sacrificial animals should be by the quick slitting of the throat and bled upside down was because it is the most humane and pain-free method when done properly (Kosher). Yet, when it comes to human beings God prescribed stoning as the required method of execution. Why would God ensure that the death of animals would be quick and painless but the death of humans gruesome, violent, and painful?
Since the Mercy-seat represents the throne of Justice, upon which his life-blood was sprinkled, which Jesus arose to sit upon, and designs for his Bride to join him there, wouldn’t his Bride members following in his footsteps, also have their life-blood sprinkled, suffering as he did, in order to join him there?
What Scriptures might be cited?
Matt. 7:25. What class builds upon the sand?
Rev. 16:12
(a) At what point are the “waters” of the great river Euphrates dried up completely?
(b) How does drying up “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues”, prepare a way for the kings of the east?
(c) Since the drying up is under the 6th plague, does this mean that the 7th plague is still future?
(d) When will Cyrus / Jesus go under the great wall and enter the city, if the river is not dried up yet? (Daniel 5)
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Rev. 16:12
(a) At what point are the “waters” of the great river Euphrates dried up completely?
(b) How does drying up “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues”, prepare a way for the kings of the east?
(c) Since the drying up is under the 6th plague, does this mean that the 7th plague is still future?
(d) When will Cyrus / Jesus go under the great wall and enter the city, if the river is not dried up yet? (Daniel 5)
Why did Jesus love the Apostle John more than the other Apostles?
What qualities of John does the Lord desire to see in us?
Why did God especially love David, in spite of his serious failings?
What qualities of David does the Lord desire to see in us?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Why did God especially love David, in spite of his serious failings?
What qualities of David does the Lord desire to see in us?
Manna, June 23rd
“The different measures of fruitage…mark differences in obstacles to be overcome, etc., rather than unfaithfulness in the use of the means of grace.” But later in the comments it seems to say that there is unfaithfulness of some kind (“slips and backslidings”). Is this a contradiction?
Paul indicated that the “mystery of iniquity” was already starting in his day. He stated that once the restraining force (the Roman Empire) was removed then the antichrist could begin to prosper. The Roman Empire collapsed gradually between the 5th and 6th centuries CE. Popes were declared the head of the Church in the 7th century. Popes began to crown kings in the 8th century. The Church began to rule temporally in 800 CE. The Popes weren’t declared to be a god and vicar of Christ until the 10th century. Certain influential dogmas weren’t officially adopted until the 16th century. It seems that the process was very gradual, therefore with so many things happening slowly over a period of centuries at what point then did the established Church *officially* become the *true* antichrist prophesied in scripture? Was there a specific event, or a defining moment? Was there a point where a certain criteria was met, or enough of the changes had been put in place to officially designate them antichrist? If there is, what evidence can we use to back it up from a historical point of view rather than a subjective one?
In Amos 5:19 what do the various symbols there represent? (i.e. bear, lion, house, serpent)
If we suppose that the army from Rev. 19:19 represents the Church in glory in what way will the systems make war against Christ and the Church in glory?
Could it be argued that other races may exist on other worlds so long as they remained perfect and sinless? This would make earth a spectacle for all the universe. Would this view in any way contradict the ransom? If so, why and how?
In Matthew 25:44-46 it says that the goats will be cut off eternally because they did not care for the least of Jesus Brethren.
(a) When is this parable fulfilled?
If it is fulfilled during the Millennium how can the “sheep” do good to Jesus’ Brethren, the spirit-begotten children of God?
If it is fulfilled during the Gospel Age does that mean there are now “goats” who will be cut off forever?
(b) What is the practical difference between the Sheep and the Goats?
(c) What is the “everlasting punishment” of verse 46?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
In Matthew 25:44-46 it says that the goats will be cut off eternally because they did not care for the least of Jesus Brethren.
(a) When is this parable fulfilled?
If it is fulfilled during the Millennium how can the “sheep” do good to Jesus’ Brethren, the spirit-begotten children of God?
If it is fulfilled during the Gospel Age does that mean there are now “goats” who will be cut off forever?
(b) What is the practical difference between the Sheep and the Goats?
(c) What is the “everlasting punishment” of verse 46?
Manna August 19 speaks of evil “whether it have a good form or a bad form”. What kinds of evil have a good form?
John 15:7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Is Songs in the Night for July 21 saying that we only ask for fruits of the spirit?
Genesis 6 teaches that human DNA had become corrupted by the interference of the fallen angels upon the human gene-pool, and that only Noah and his family were genetically pure. What impact does this have upon how many pre-flood people will be resurrected in the Millennial Kingdom? Were most of humanity from that era genetic hybrids that won’t receive a resurrection? If such a potentially large number are not resurrected would this violate God’s justice and mercy? Could they simply be resurrected with a correction of their DNA?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Genesis 6 teaches that human DNA had become corrupted by the interference of the fallen angels upon the human gene-pool, and that only Noah and his family were genetically pure. What impact does this have upon how many pre-flood people will be resurrected in the Millennial Kingdom? Were most of humanity from that era genetic hybrids that won’t receive a resurrection? If such a potentially large number are not resurrected would this violate God’s justice and mercy? Could they simply be resurrected with a correction of their DNA?
What is the distinction between those we accept to fellowship and to eldership?
What Scriptures do we use to determine whom we accept as teachers in the Church?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
What is the distinction between those we accept to fellowship and to eldership?
What Scriptures do we use to determine whom we accept as teachers in the Church?
Rev. 14:14-20; Jer 51:33 What is the vine of the earth?
Songs in the Night for August 12 says that only sons of God are justified and that they have peace with God. What about those in the Court? Are they justified?
Although we have liberty in Christ to choose whether or not to vote in government elections, is it proper or improper for the Lord’s people to endorse candidates, contribute to their campaigns whether financially or through volunteering, trying to convince brethren about the benefits or flaws of a certain political candidate, etc.? Can we become too involved in politics?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Although we have liberty in Christ to choose whether or not to vote in government elections, is it proper or improper for the Lord’s people to endorse candidates, contribute to their campaigns whether financially or through volunteering, trying to convince brethren about the benefits or flaws of a certain political candidate, etc.? Can we become too involved in politics?
Please discuss the meaning of “made perfect” which is used with regard to our Lord, His body members and the Ancient Worthies.
Psa. 91 – who are the ones that fall left and right?
If Satan had chosen a different method of dissenting with God, would God have entertained it? In other words, does God ever allow intellectual dissent and reasonable debate about the way He chooses to do things, or are his creatures expected to unquestioningly obey?
Is it appropriate for the consecrated to pray “Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief.” (See Mark 9:23, 24)
What fundamental truths may we reasonably expect a mature consecrated Bible Student to understand?
Are patriotic feelings appropriate for the World? Are these a result of the Fall? Will there be patriotic feelings when mankind is brought up to perfection? Are any patriotic feelings appropriate for the consecrated?
What are the actual meanings intended within the Ten Commandments of the Mosaic Law? There are many cultural and societal interpretations of the meaning of the words “murder”, “lying”, “stealing”, etc… For example, if a poor hungry man takes a loaf of bread to feed his family many cultures do not consider that stealing or would be very lenient, however some cultures do and therefore would be strict in punishment. If a person in a perilous or life-threatening situation withholds certain information allowing the other person to believe something different many cultures would not consider that to be lying, but some would. Other examples could be multiplied. So what exactly is the “lying” and “stealing” and “murder” et.al. that is being condemned in the Law? What exactly is “lying”, “stealing”, from God’s perspective given the many contradictory elements in the OT where people such as Abraham, David and others might have “lied” or “stolen” yet were still considered holy men?
The world values being “open minded.” Is this a scriptural concept? Is it a danger to the New Creation? What is proper and improper open-mindedness?
R4901 – “This Divine Law [of retribution] operating in the world, rewarding good and evil deeds, save in exceptional cases, now operates only amongst the Jews and amongst Christians.”
How does the Divine Law of retribution operate amongst Jews and Christians?
Are there “exceptional cases” today? If so, what might they be?
Ezek. 47:10 – This is a Kingdom picture. Who are the fishermen here?
“And it shall come to pass, [that] the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a [place] to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”
Manna Sept. 21 “…calling upon their souls with all that is within them to praise and laud and magnify His great and holy name, who loved us and bought us with His precious blood…” Who is being spoken of here in context? Is it Jehovah God or Jesus?
In Galatians 3:8 we read “God would justify the heathen through faith”. In strict interpretation of the context are the heathen the Gentile believers during the Gospel Age, or the world of mankind in the Kingdom?
Prophetically we are informed that when the “great company” are the only ones remaining on this side that there will come a point when they will recognize that the Harvest has ended, that the Church is gone, and they had lost their crown. What event or events will signify this so that it would be so plainly discerned?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Prophetically we are informed that when the “great company” are the only ones remaining on this side that there will come a point when they will recognize that the Harvest has ended, that the Church is gone, and they had lost their crown. What event or events will signify this so that it would be so plainly discerned?
We know that Matt. 24:21,22 had a 1st century application as well. Who then was represented by the flesh and how was that flesh rescued?
When Jesus says: “let this cup pass from me”, could he be asking the Father to allow that he accomplishes the purpose of his coming and then be able to pass it to his disciples that they may also drink of it faithfully and in this way complete what remains of the suffering of Christ? (Col. 1:24) See also Matthew 20:20-23.
According to Daniel 5:17,29 the Prophet finally received the gifts in despite of the fact that at first he rejected them? Why?
What is the source for the questions at the end of the Question Book? It is a separate section, and the year is not given.
Paul said that everything in the OT was written for us for the purpose of teaching various lessons (2 Tim 3:16-17). Does this mean that everything in the OT must be accepted as literal historical events, or are some of the accounts parables and/or embellishments of events and people in Jewish history to teach moral lessons to the reader?