I.I.M. 2018 Questions
linked to audio files
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
The terms infidelity and spiritism occur often in the Harvest Message. (See A239:1)
(a) What do these terms mean?
(b) What is the relationship or connection between them?
(c) What evidences do we see of these today?
John 10:3 – R2441; R2672 and R4157 apply this illustration to the Jews under the Law Covenant. Is there an application for the Gospel Age Church as well?
Regarding the Great Company:
(a) Will the Great Company be surprised or dismayed when they find out they are Great Company? Why?
(b) On a personal level, how would you react if you found yourself in the Great Company?
Gen. 2:24 – How can we understand this verse, since Adam had no Father and Mother to leave?
Lev. 16:14 – The blood was sprinkled seven times upon the mercy-seat, and before the mercy-seat. Was it on the ground in front of the Ark, or was it on the front of the Ark itself? Or was it sprinkled on both?
Vol. 6, page 234 (The New Creation) states that Christ and his body are still wearing white linen robes of sacrifice. Can Christ our High Priest be in sacrificing robes and in the Holy robe of Blessing the people at the same time, or does he have to wait until the sacrificing of his body is complete?
In other words can he reign in glory before his body is completed and sacrificing is complete? Can Christ rule as a king before he is glorified completely?
Are the lyrics of hymn 203 in agreement with our understanding of water immersion?
In Num. 19:14-22, it is critical that the unclean person have the purification for sin sprinkled on him both the third day and the seventh day. Anti-typically, is this a chronological timing? If so, when, why, and what for? How do we understand these verses?
In Num. 19:14-22, it is critical that the unclean person have the purification for sin sprinkled on him both the third day and the seventh day. Anti-typically, is this a chronological timing? If so, when, why, and what for? How do we understand these verses?
What’s the difference between God’s Kingdom on earth and the Dominion of earth?
What is the meaning, and how may we apply the words, of 1 Cor. 7:29-31?
How do we understand the timing of Luke 4:23? “And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.” Why is Jesus referring to Capernaum as if he had already done works in that city? The context shows this incident as happening right after his 40 days in the wilderness.
Please discuss how the Second Death is a “friend”. See: R1219, page 4 “The trial in the end of that age…”; R1511, page 105 “It was an easy matter…”; R3175, page 110 “This utter destruction ….”; R4999, page 108 “Then the Kingdom will be turned over…”; Q260:3; Q623:3
If a Christian commited a serious sin – perhaps a sin as categorised in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – yet, this sin did not involve fellow Christians (and the transgression was not generally known), would the Christian be required to confess such sin to others, or could forgiveness be obtained by asking for forgiveness through prayer to God alone?
And if such sin (perhaps a one time falling into temptation and sin, and not a continued practise of such sin) did become known publicly (immediately or years later), should an ecclesia take action? If so, what sort of action?
In Luke 21:18 Jesus said: “But there shall not an hair of your head perish.” Yet some of the Lord’s people have died horrible deaths.
Who was he talking about, and why did he say this?
What does it mean to us?
In the account of Deborah and Barak in Judges 4 and 5 Barak is reluctant to go to battle and asks Deborah to go with him. She agrees but says (4:9) “I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Sisera did die at the hands of Jael. Yet in Hebrews 11:32 Barak is mentioned, not Deborah. Why?
Memorial Questions
What are some of your favorite parables of the many given during this final week?
MEMORIAL QUESTIONS:
CONTINUE DISCUSSION:
What are some of your favorite parables of the many given during this final week?
How did the designation of the Hebrew calendar/days relate to the first Passover and also to Jesus’ last day?
In John 13:31 Jesus says: “Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.” What was the importance and meaning of this exclamation? [This was immediately after Judas went out.]
MEMORIAL QUESTIONS:
How did Jesus know what the result of his final week would be? Matt 20:18
How many Marys are there in the Gospels and Acts?
Who was at the cross?
Who was at the tomb on resurrection morning?
Who were they related to?
Was Mary Magdalene an immoral woman before her acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah?
Does Psa. 41:9 suggest that Jesus did not know that Judas would betray him at the beginning when he chose him?
MEMORIAL QUESTIONS:
The Lamb is mentioned from Genesis to Revelation. Please discuss its great significance and why an option of a goat is made in Exod. 12:5
R5869 – What is the primary significance of the bread and the cup? (R5870) What is the deeper (secondary) significance of the bread and cup? (R5871)
Does John 6:48-58 relate to the Memorial?
John 12:5 and John 13:29 – Does this mean Jesus and the Apostles had a custom of giving to the poor?
How can we remain neutral in a highly politicized world?
We are reckoned righteous because of our faith in the sacrifice of Christ. The merit of that sacrifice is imputed to us. If blood was not actually released on our behalf, on what basis do we obtain our resurrection and eternal life on the highest plane?
Are there specific scriptures for each of the “four quarter marks of love”
What are the characteristics of a false prophet?
How does this term apply to a system compared to an individual?
In Deuteronomy 32:8 we read, “…he established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel.” In what sense?
What constitutes Restitution Blessings versus blessings from the increase of knowledge?
Everyone seems to be busy to the point of stress these days, especially Brethren.
(1) How can we give a helpful answer to our Brethren when they tell us they are under stress?
(2) How can we deal with stress in our own lives?
(3) How can we make sure we are not adding to the stress of our Brethren?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Everyone seems to be busy to the point of stress these days, especially Brethren.
(a) How can we give a helpful answer to our Brethren when they tell us they are under stress?
(b) How can we deal with stress in our own lives?
(c) How can we make sure we are not adding to the stress of our Brethren?
Revelation 13 and related:
(a) What is the Two-horned Beast? Does it belong to the past?
(b) What constitutes the vitalization of the Image of the Beast?
(c) What is the False Prophet?
Regarding the nature of Sin and the Mediator:
(a) Did Adam sin in his heart first, and then prove it with his actions?
(b) Since no harm can be committed in the kingdom, will “sins” be mental rather than physical?
(c) How will the Mediator mediate such sins? (i.e. the will; the intent; the bad thought; etc.)
(d) What will constitute, in a practical way, the after Atonement Day sacrifices?
(e) What will be the practical difference between converting human hearts to righteousness, as opposed to punishment for wrongdoing?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION:
Regarding the nature of Sin and the Mediator:
(a) Did Adam sin in his heart first, and then prove it with his actions?
(b) Since no harm can be committed in the kingdom, will “sins” be mental rather than physical?
(c) How will the Mediator mediate such sins? (i.e. the will; the intent; the bad thought; etc.)
(d) What will constitute, in a practical way, the after Atonement Day sacrifices?
(e) What will be the practical difference between converting human hearts to righteousness, as opposed to punishment for wrongdoing?
Dxvi “…prophecy requires an evidently larger number of wealthy Hebrews to be there [Israel] before the Armageddon crisis be reached…” On what prophecy or prophecies is this expectation based?
Please discuss the meaning of the “Penny Parable” Matt. 20:1-16. There are several suggestions of interpretations in the Expanded Comments Book.
1 Samuel 3:3 seems to be saying that Samuel slept in the same room as the Ark of the Covenant, the Most Holy. How that was possible?
How does one become sanctified during the kingdom?
Is consecration A WAY or THE WAY to be sanctified?
Israel vowed to God, to whom do they consecrate during the kingdom?
Will Christ only mediate for the consecrated during the kingdom?
The nations that “come” to Israel, to Israel’s God, to learn of His Ways, does that “coming” indicate consecration – to gain access through the Mediator?
To “Walk-up the Highway of Holiness,” is consecration first needed? Are vows first needed?
Why are three Kings missing from the geneology given in Matthew? Are there other “gaps”?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Why are three Kings missing from the geneology given in Matthew? Are there other “gaps”?
Romans 8:15,23; 9:4; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5 and R4166:page 139 to end of article.
(a) How do we understand the concept of “adoption” in these citations?
(b) In what way did Jesus partake of the “adoption of the holy spirit”?
(c) How does this concept differ from that of the World of Mankind in the Kingdom?
On Reprint page 5887 it states: “We might see in an individual certain traits which would seem more or less unjust, unrighteous. But we are not to judge. We cannot see into the heart. We might suppose a certain one to be an overcomer, and he might not be. Or we might suppose him not to be an overcomer, and he might be one. Therefore we are to ‘judge nothing before the time.’ We should avoid judging the brethren.”
It seems that there may be a tendency to immediately refer to our brethren being with the Lord when they finish their course, whereas we used to be more inclined in our comments to leave that to the Lord. Do we have thoughts to share on this concept?
Based on Genesis 12:3 “I will bless them that bless thee” should the United States, Guatemala and Paraguay expect a special blessing since these three countries moved their embassies to Jerusalem? Does the current economic prosperity in America have any relationship?
What do bones represent as a symbol? (Character?)
What is the antitype of 1 Kings 19:15-17?
What is the mystery of godliness? Why is it a mystery?
Regarding Numbers 7:89
Where was Moses when the voice spoke unto him?
Why did Moses go into the Tabernacle on this occasion?
Who did Moses represent on that occasion?
What is the antitypical picture indicated here?
Are the plagues mentioned in Rev. 18:8 the same as those in Rev. 16?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
Are the plagues mentioned in Rev. 18:8 the same as those in Rev. 16?
Regarding the anointing of Saul in 1 Samuel 10:
There are many details given in this account. What is the Lord picturing there for us?
Are the numbers of people and objects symbolic? (1,2,3,4)
Has the call from Revelation 18:4 ended?
Are we called and begotten to the divine nature?
What things might keep us from attaining to the Divine Nature. What must we therefore do?
Can we define the term Harvest more precisely?
T91:2 – Where do the Scriptures tell of Aaron going into the Most Holy repeatedly during the year?
When will Babylon finally fall? Will it be before or after the final Battle of Armageddon at Israel?
R3135 “The divine arrangement is full of order as well as full of liberty; and, rightly understood, liberty can best be conserved by order; and order best be maintained through a reasonable recognition of personal liberty.”
(a) Could we have a discussion and practical examples of the proper and improper application of liberty and order in the ecclesia arrangement?
(b) What is a “reasonable recognition of personal liberty”?
FINISH DISCUSSION ON:
R3135 “The divine arrangement is full of order as well as full of liberty; and, rightly understood, liberty can best be conserved by order; and order best be maintained through a reasonable recognition of personal liberty.”
(a) Could we have a discussion and practical examples of the proper and improper application of liberty and order in the ecclesia arrangement?
(b) What is a “reasonable recognition of personal liberty”?
When we quote Acts 3:21 regarding prophecies of restitution we, rightly so, quote from the Old Testament as that’s what the Apostle Peter was referring to. Could we have a list of scriptures on restitution from the New Testament?
Could we have a list of scriptures that have both Ransom and Restitution within a few verses of each other?
Is the smiting of the image in Dan. 2:44 connected to Armageddon in Rev. 16:14-16?
We frequently hear brethren say, “I can feel the prayers of the brethren.” Some cannot understand or relate to this phrase. For those who have had that experience could they elaborate?
What do the Scriptures say about our position in prayer (i.e. standing, sitting, kneeling, etc.)?
Is the Bible Student Movement now part of Babylon? If not, why not? If yes, why so?
Could the Bible Student Movement ever become part of Babylon? If not, why not? If yes, how and why?
Practically, what does it mean to “claim the promises”?
In what time frame can we put the slaying of the prophets of Baal in the fulfillment of the prophetic picture of Elijah?
Manna Sept. 16 mentions prayer for release from all trials that would do no good, but which would injure. If “all things work together for good” what kind of trials are not included?
Considering the literal person Job and the upright reverent person he was (Job 1:1)
(a) How did the experiences he went through change him?
(b) How did God instruct him?
(c) What can we learn from this?
About Eagles:
(a) Why are the consecrated compared to or referred to as Eagles in the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 40:31)?
(b) What are the characteristics of Eagles that make them such a good example of Christ’s followers? Please explain.
(c) Can we cite other Scripture texts that refer to Eagles being like or displaying Christlike or Godlike characteristics?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Eagles:
(a) Why are the consecrated compared to or referred to as Eagles in the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 40:31)?
(b) What are the characteristics of Eagles that make them such a good example of Christ’s followers? Please explain.
(c) Can we cite other Scripture texts that refer to Eagles being like or displaying Christlike or Godlike characteristics?
We often hear it said of 1878 and the return of favor to the Jews that they could buy land in what became Israel, yet Montefiore bought land outside of Jerusalem (Mishkenot Sha’anim) in 1860. He also purchased an orange grove near Jaffa in 1855. (See https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/quot-the-redeemers-of-the-land-quot) Is there a more accurate way to express what changed in 1878?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
We often hear it said of 1878 and the return of favor to the Jews that they could buy land in what became Israel, yet Montefiore bought land outside of Jerusalem (Mishkenot Sha’anim) in 1860. He also purchased an orange grove near Jaffa in 1855. (See https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/quot-the-redeemers-of-the-land-quot) Is there a more accurate way to express what changed in 1878?
God made a separation between the Jews and the Egyptians. Does this picture contain lessons for us as Christians?
a) Israel being chosen by God
b) Regarding the worship of false gods
c) In connection with the plagues
d) Concerning the SPIRIT of Egypt
e) Did some Egyptians join the Israelites in the Exodus? If so, what could that symbolize?
What is symbolized by the Grand Gallery in the Great Pyramid?
a) What are the chronological features?
b) What features are not related to chronology?
c) How does the ending of the General Call fit into the overall picture?
In Joel 2:11,20 (KJV), a great army is mentioned. Also in Joel 2:2, “a great people and a strong” (KJV) is mentioned.
(a) What is this army or great people, and what is the time frame for this army?
(b) Why is it called “The Lord’s Great Army”?
(c) What groups or what individuals make up this army?
(d) Most importantly, what is the mission, purpose, or goal of this great army?
(e) In Joel 2:20 it speaks of a “northern army” (KJV). Is this a different army or the same one, and why does it mention a “northern” army? What is significant about this northern army?
(f) What are we to learn from studying about this army and its mission or goal?
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
In Joel 2:11,20 (KJV), a great army is mentioned. Also in Joel 2:2, “a great people and a strong” (KJV) is mentioned.
(a) What is this army or great people, and what is the time frame for this army?
(b) Why is it called “The Lord’s Great Army”?
(c) What groups or what individuals make up this army?
(d) Most importantly, what is the mission, purpose, or goal of this great army?
(e) In Joel 2:20 it speaks of a “northern army” (KJV). Is this a different army or the same one, and why does it mention a “northern” army? What is significant about this northern army?
(f) What are we to learn from studying about this army and its mission or goal?
ADDED QUESTION: Is there any connection with the “valley of Jehoshaphat” mentioned in Joel 3:9-14? In the actual battle, Israel was told to send “singers” before their army, and the enemy destroyed itself. (2 Chronicles 20:17-23) If this is prophetic, who would the “singers” represent?
Volume 5, page ii: How is it shown in the Bible that the Ransom-price was “laid in the hands of Divine Justice as a deposit” when Jesus ascended to the Father, rather than being paid at that time.
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON:
Volume 5, page ii: How is it shown in the Bible that the Ransom-price was “laid in the hands of Divine Justice as a deposit” when Jesus ascended to the Father, rather than being paid at that time.
The Jewish Age began with the death of Jacob which eventually led to Israel’s slavery and bondage in Egypt. Were they being punished? What purpose did God have in allowing the slavery/bondage even though it was a time of favor?
R5346-7 “…the Congregation, in turn, is bound not to force its preferences…” What preferences are referred to here?
We sometimes hear, “You need to forgive yourself.” Is this a correct thought? Is there a better way to express this thought?
Can we elaborate on Revelation 8:1,2 in some detail regarding the meaning, timing, and the relationship of one verse to the other?
Can we elaborate on Revelation 8:1,2 in some detail regarding the meaning, timing, and the relationship of one verse to the other?