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By admin, on May 31st, 2010 WELCOME TO THIS CITY OF REFUGE AND SANCTUARY FOR STUDIOUS AND INQUIRING MINDS.
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By Peter K. (admin), on March 14th, 2021
By Peter K. (admin), on March 13th, 2021 
“The Lord’s Supper is not for the world, not for merely nominal believers, but only for those who, (1) accepting of Christ as their Redeemer and Sin-bearer, are, (2) consecrated to him and his service. But it is not for us—nor for any man or set of men—to decide who may and who may not partake. It is our duty to point out from the Word of the Lord what are the proper qualifications for participation in the `cup’ and in the `loaf,’ and then to say as did the Apostle. Let every man examine himself, and then, if he thinks proper, let him partake. (1 Cor. 11:28)
“Now that God’s people are emerging from the errors of the Dark Ages, when this Memorial can be more clearly understood, the judging or examining of one’s self can be more thorough than ever before. Let each ask himself:
(1) Do I believe the Scripture teaching that I, as a member of the human family, was under that condemnation to death which passed upon all because of original sin?
(2) Do I believe that my only hope of escape from that condemnation of sin and death was through the Ransom-sacrifice of the man Christ Jesus, my Lord?
(3) Do I believe he gave himself—his flesh and blood, his humanity—as my Ransom-price, pouring out his soul unto death, making his soul a Sin-Offering (Isa. 53:10,12) on our behalf?
(4) Do I see that the consecration of death, made at Jordan when he was baptized, was fulfilled by his sacrifice of himself for mankind, which, beginning there, was finished on the cross when he died?
(5) Do I see that the rights under the law, which he secured by obedience to it (the right of lasting life and the dominion of earth), were what he through that same sacrifice bequeathed to the fallen dying race—to as many as shall ultimately accept the blessings under the conditions of the New Covenant?
(6) Do I see that his flesh and blood, thus sacrificed, stood for, represented, those blessings and favors which they purchased?
(7) Do I see that the partaking of the bread and wine, symbols of his flesh and blood, signifies my acceptance of those favors which the flesh and blood of my Lord bought for me and for all?
(8) And if I do thus heartily accept the Ransom, do I consecrate my entire being—my flesh and blood, justified through faith in that Ransom—to the Lord, to be broken with him, to suffer with him, to be dead with him? “If we can answer these questions affirmatively, we clearly or fully discern the Lord’s
body, give credit to his meritorious sacrifice, and may eat—`Eat ye all of it’.” (R5193:5)
The quote below is taken from Volume 6 of Studies in the Scriptures here:
Who May Celebrate?
We answer, first of all, that none should commune who do not trust in the precious blood of Christ as the sacrifice for sins. None should commune except by faith he have on the doorposts and lintel of his earthly tabernacle the blood of sprinkling that speaketh peace for us, instead of calling for vengeance, as did the blood of Abel. (Heb. 12:24) None should celebrate the symbolical feast unless in his heart he has the true feast, and has accepted Christ as his Life-giver. Further, none should commune unless he is a member of the one body, the one loaf, and unless he has reckoned his life, his blood, sacrificed with the Lord’s in the same chalice, or cup. There is here a clearly drawn line of distinction, not only between the believers and unbelievers, but also between the consecrated and the unconsecrated. However, the line is to be drawn by each individual for himself–so long as his professions are good and reasonably attested by his outward conduct. It is not for one member to be the judge of another, nor even for the Church to judge, unless, as already pointed out, the matter has come before it in some definite form, according to the prescribed regulations. Otherwise the elders, or representatives of the Church, should set before those who assemble themselves these terms and conditions–(1) faith in the blood; and (2) consecration to the Lord and his service, even unto death. They should then invite all who are thus minded and thus consecrated to join in celebrating the Lord’s death and their own. This, and all invitations connected with this celebration, should be so comprehensively stated as to leave no thought of sectarianism. All should be welcomed to participate, regardless of their faith and harmony on other subjects, if they are in full accord in respect to these foundation truths–the redemption through the precious blood, and a full consecration unto death, giving them justification.
It is appropriate here to consider the words of the Apostle:
“Whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh condemnation to himself, if he discern not the Lord’s body.” 1 Cor. 11:27-29
The Apostle’s warning here seems to be against a careless celebration of this Memorial, which would make of it a feast, and against inviting persons to it in a promiscuous manner. It is not such a feast. It is a solemn Memorial, intended only for the members of the Lord’s “body”; and whoever does not discern this, whoever does not discern that the loaf represents the flesh of Jesus, and that the cup represents his blood, would, in partaking of it, properly come under condemnation–not “damnation” as in the common version, but a condemnation in the Lord’s sight, and a condemnation also in his own conscience. Before partaking of these emblems each individual, therefore, should decide for himself whether or not he believes and trusts in the broken body and shed blood of our Lord as being his ransom price; and secondly, whether or not he has made the consecration of his all that he may thus be counted in as a member of that “one body.”
Having noted who are excluded, and who properly have access to the Lord’s table, we see that every true member of the Ecclesia has the right to participate, unless that right has been debarred by a public action of the whole Church, according to the rule therefor laid down by the Lord. (Matt. 18:15-17) All such may celebrate; all such will surely desire to celebrate–will surely desire to conform to the Master’s dying admonition, “Eat ye all of it; drink ye all of it.” They will realize that unless we eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, we have no life in us; and that if they have in heart and mind partaken of the merits of the Lord’s sacrifice really, and of his life, that it is both a privilege and a pleasure to memorialize this, and to confess it before each other and before the Lord.
By Peter K. (admin), on March 13th, 2021  We would like to meditate on Jesus’ last hours, especially the Last Supper and Memorial, but also Gethsemane, His crucifixion and His resurrection. We would like primarily to consider what it means to us, but also for the whole world of mankind.
LAST SUPPER:
John 13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. 5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. … 34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
We continue Jesus tradition of feet washing today when we…
- visit and assist sick and infirmed brethren
- encourage the discouraged
- serve the ecclesia through ecclesia office and committee services
- assist with food provisions, at conventions, at the hall and at camp
- show an interest in and communicate with the children and young people
- open our homes in hospitality to brethren
Matt 26:26,27 Jesus told his disciples that He was troubled in spirit and that one of them would betray Him. It was now time for Him to be glorified and to return to the Father. Peter said that he wanted to follow Jesus and would even be willing to lay down his life for Him. Then Jesus kindly issued to Peter a stunning rebuke, “you will deny me three times before the rooster crows.”
Matt 26:26,27 – 26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you;
The sacred memorial symbols of the bread and the cup show participation and appropriation… our appropriation of the justification through Jesus ransom and our participation in consecration and sacrifice with Jesus. Let’s now examine each symbol, starting first with the bread or the loaf.
BREAD / LOAF
APPROPRIATION
From the standpoint of appropriation, what is represented by the bread?
John 6:51: I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.
The Lord’s unblemished flesh as a corresponding price for Adam’s condemned flesh, constituted the purchase price by which not only father Adam was redeemed, but also all his race which was in his loins at the time of his transgression. The bread shows how we receive life or justification from Jesus ransom sacrifice.
PARTICIPATION
From the standpoint of participation, what is represented by the bread?
1 Cor 10:16, 17 The loaf which we break, is it not, a sharing together of the body of the Christ? Because ||one loaf, one body|| we |the many| are, for we, all, of the one loaf, partake. – Rotherham
From the standpoint of participation, we become a part of the loaf and share with Christ in his sacrifice at consecration.
The word “communion” has the thought in the Greek of sharing or common participation.
STRONG’S 2842: koinonia – ‘partnership, i.e. (literally) participation
THAYER’S – “fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation”
VINES – “partnership, fellowship”… the share which one has in anything, a participation, fellowship recognized and enjoyed; thus it is used of the common experiences and interests of Christian men, Acts 2:42; Gal 2:9”
This word “communion” is the same Greek word used in Phil 3:10 where Paul speaks of having a “fellowship” or common participation in Christ’s sufferings.
Phil 3:10 – the fellowship of His sufferings, NKJV
PURGE OUT THE OLD LEAVEN
1 Cor 5:6-8 – 6 Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. NKJV
Leaven represents sin. The unleavened bread represents Christ’s sinless body. Yet we also are part of the loaf, part of the body of Christ, hence the Apostle warns that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” A little sin might accomplish a great fermentation in our midst. So during this memorial season, let us do the proper house cleaning and clear our minds of thoughts of anger, bitterness, lust, pride, envy, deception, jealousy, idolatry and all the works of the flesh. In our fellowship among the body, let us not tolerate evil speaking and back biting or anything harmful to the Body, but instead let us encourage one another and build each other up in the Most Holy Faith. Yes, let us “purge out the old leaven” because “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
CUP / BLOOD
In terms of Participation, what is represented by the cup?
PARTICIPATION
Matt 20:22 – Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?
Matt 26:39, 42; And He went a little beyond {them,} and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”… He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
Jn 18:11 – So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”
The cup represents the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus life and death. When we consecrate our lives to the Lord, we too join in that sacrificial walk, as symbolized by the cup. It shows our willingness to participate in suffering for righteousness sake. The purpose of these sanctifying experiences is to develop us into merciful priests that can assist Jesus in spiritually healing and rehabilitating mankind in the kingdom.
This participation in sacrifice is also indicated in:
1 Cor 10:16 – The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? KJV
As we recall, the word “communion” has the thought in the Greek of sharing or common participation. Our drinking of the cup represents our participation with Christ in sacrifice.
APPROPRIATION
Drinking of the Cup shows the appropriating of the justification through the ransom
Rom 5:9 – having now been justified by His blood – NKJV
In the Hebrew Passover type, the blood of the Passover lamb pictures justification through the ransom. This blood sprinkled on the doorposts and lintel typifies the antitypical deliverance of the Church of the firstborn from death during the Gospel Age.
APPROPRIATION AND PARTICIPATION
Both thoughts, participation and appropriation, are included in Luke 22.
Luke 22:20 – Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” NKJV
Luke 22:29 – And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; KJV
The word “appoint” is not accurate. It is the same word mistranslated Testator in Hebrews 9:16 (Strongs 1303) and the real meaning of the word is “covenant sacrifice.” That’s what we are; covenant sacrificers with Christ, who ratify the New Covenant.
Rotherham translates closer to the real meaning:
Luke 22:29 And, I, covenant (Strong’s 1303) unto you—as my Father hath covenanted (Strong’s 1303) unto me—a kingdom, (Supported by Vine’s)
In other words as covenant sacrificers, ratifying the New Covenant, the body of Christ makes possible the Kingdom through the New Covenant arrangement.
This verse cannot mean we are under the New Covenant. That comparison does not work since Christ is not Under the New Covenant. The point here is that just as Christ is the sacrifice that ratifies the New Covenant, so we also, who are a part of his body, share in that sacrifice that ratifies the New Covenant.
This concept is clarified in Hebrews 9 where this same word is used.
Hebrews 9:16, 17 – 16 for where a covenant is, the death of the covenant-victim (Strong’s 1303) to come in is necessary, 17 for a covenant over dead victims (Strong’s 1303) is stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth – Youngs Literal Translation (see also Wilson’s Diaglott, Concordant Translation, Vincent Word Studies, Rotherham, Greeen’s Literal Translation, Modern King James Version, New World Translation, Garnier Translation & the Companion Bible)
Just as today a signature is needed to ratify or seal a contract, so in Old Testament times Abraham and others used a blood sacrifice to ratify or seal a covenant. Since the Cup represents sacrifice, our drinking of the cup demonstrates that our relationship to the New Covenant is that of sacrificers. And since sacrifices ratify covenants, the Church’s sacrifice (as a part of Christ’s body) is what ratifies the New Covenant.
From the standpoint of Participation, we have seen that the cup represents the sacrifice of the body of Christ, which ratifies the New Covenant.
From the standpoint of Appropriation, both the bread and cup shows our receiving of justification from Jesus Ransom sacrifice. Yet perhaps the cup shows, as well, something even grander. Upon the faithful completion of our part of the sin offering sacrifice, will we not ultimately receive or appropriate to ourselves the divine nature?
John 5:26 For, just as, the Father, hath life, in himself [Divine Nature], in like manner, unto the Son also, hath he given, life, to have, in himself; [Divine Nature] – Rotherham
John 6:53 Jesus, therefore, said unto them—Verily, verily, I say unto you—Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, AND drink his blood, ye have not life within yourselves. [Divine Nature] – Rotherham
So upon the faithful participation in both the bread and the cup, the ultimate appropriation will be the reward of the divine nature.
Having reviewed the meaning of the memorial symbols, let us see what happened next in the upper room.
AFTER THE PASSOVER MEAL:
Jesus proceeded to comfort his disciples by telling them that in His Fathers house there are many mansions and that He was going to prepare a place for them. He said that he is the way, the Truth and the Life and to know Him is to know the Father. He promised that they would not be left as orphans, but that the father would send the Holy Spirit to guide them to Truth and understanding.
Jesus said,
John 14: 27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
Jesus next discussed the disciples’ relationship with the Father.
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Many people believe that they can have a close relationship with God, without accepting Jesus as their Savior. Yet Jesus is the only way to the Father. No one can come to Father, except through the Son.
§ Jn 10:9 – “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved”
§ Eph 2:18 – “through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.”
§ Acts 4:12 – “there is no other name… among men by which we must be saved.”
§ Rom 5:1-2 – “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand”
VINE AND BRANCHES:
Jesus and his disciples left the upper room to go to the Garden of Gethsemane. Their journey led past the golden gate of the Temple on which there was a large golden vine which Josephus describes. (R3544:1 203544 R2464:3 202464)
He gave his disciples the illustration of the vine and the branches to impress upon their minds the importance of the relationship with Jesus and God in our lives.
John 15:1,2 – 1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.
Vinedresser = God (vs. 1)
Vine = Jesus (vs. 1 & 4), not the world. He provides our sustenance and instruction.
Branches = followers of Jesus (vs. 2)
Fruit (vs. 5, 8-12) = fruits of the spirit which we are to develop (i.e. love, patience, kindness) Gal 5:22,23 & Matt 7:15-20.
Cutting off branches = God’s rejection for those who bear no fruit (vs. 2 & 6)
Pruning = Chastisements & experiences from God to help us grow. (Heb. 12:5-11)
Hebrew 12:5,6,10 – “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; 6 For those whom the Lord loves, he disciplines… He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.
JESUS COMMENTS ON THE WAY TO THE GARDEN
As Jesus and his disciples continued on their way to the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus continued to teach his disciples.
John 15:12 – 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. NKJV
John 15:19 – 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. NKJV
John 16:5-7 – “But now I go away to Him who sent Me… 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. NKJV
GETHSEMANE:
Jesus and the disciples arrived at the Garden of Gethsemane. He took Peter, James & John away from the others, then went a little further to pray. (Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:31-41)
Rep 3885:3 – “While with his disciples, he had sought to be cheerful; but now his thoughts turned inward upon himself and his relationship to the Father and outward upon the public shame, the contemptuous mockery and the public execution.”
The gospel accounts tell us that Jesus began to be “sorrowful,” “troubled” and “deeply distressed”. Matt 26:37,38; Mark 14:33, 34
Luke 22:44 tells us “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Jesus prayed that the Father let his cup of suffering pass from Him, but only if it were the Father’s will. What exactly was Jesus praying for? Was he hoping that he would not have to suffer and die?
Luke 24:44-46 – Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, NKJV (see also Mark 10:33,24 & Matt 16:21)
Clearly Jesus understood from the scriptures what he had been teaching his disciples all along, that He had to suffer and die.
R3886:2 – it had pleased the Father to put his Son, the Redeemer, to the extremest of all tests, laying upon him the ignominy, the shame, of the cross (or torture stake) (or torture stake). Our Lord’s query was, Could he stand this? or would it be possible for the Father to deviate to that extent without interfering with the divine plan or the great work being accomplished? The necessary submission is indicated–“Not my will but thine be done.”
Jesus agony in Gethsemane is further explained in R5585.
R5585 “If Jesus had sinned and had come short in any way, it would have meant failure complete. He would never have had a resurrection. This was typified in the Jewish high priest when he passed under the veil with the blood. The high priest who had not followed every instruction of the Law in the offering of his sacrifices would have died under the veil. This was what Jesus feared in Gethsemane, when “He offered up strong crying and tears unto Him who was able to save Him out of [Greek <ek>] death”–not to save Him from <dying,> but to save Him <out of> death by <resurrection.> And the record is that He was heard and was strengthened, comforted. (`Luke 22:39-45`; `Hebrews 5:7`.) As soon as He had the Father’s assurance that He had not violated any conditions, and that He would not go into eternal death, He was content to suffer any other experience that might come to Him.”
Trusting in the Father’s supreme love and wisdom, Jesus was willing to accept the Father’s will, no matter what the cost to Him.
Jesus asked the disciples to “watch and pray.” Yet in Jesus’ darkest hour, the disciples fell asleep.
If they had watched and prayed with Him, they might have stood stronger when tested and provided some comfort for Jesus. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
It was now too late to provide Jesus with any comfort or support. Sometimes we too may be asleep on the job, when there is some important need of service for the Lord. So we should pray to God for discipline, wisdom and energy to best direct our time and efforts.
Matt 26:47-50 – 47 … Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” 49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.
THE TRIAL OF JESUS:
So, a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came with lanterns, torches, and weapons. At first they drew back in fear and fell to the ground (John 18:6-8). But rather than using this as an opportunity to exit, Jesus simply told them to let the disciples leave. [John 18:9 – that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
NKJV] So they arrested Jesus, bound Him and led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. (John 18:1-13)
John 18:19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 21 “Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.” 22 When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” 24 So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
The chief priests and the whole counsel kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but the testimony was false and not consistent. The high priest asked Jesus to respond to the testimony, but He remained silent. The high priest was getting nowhere and desperate.
Mark 14:61 – Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”
In order to fulfill his mission, Jesus provided Caiaphas with what he wanted to hear.
Mark 14:62-64 – 62 And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” 63 Tearing his clothes, the high priest said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 “You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. 65 Some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in the face.
JESUS BROUGHT BEFORE PILOT
Early in the morning the chief priests and the whole Council delivered Jesus to Pilate, accusing Him harshly. Pilate asked, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him, “It is as you say.” But Jesus would not speak or answer any more questions.
Seeing that the chief priests envied Jesus and that He was innocent, Pilot tried to convince the people to release Him, but they chose instead to release Barabas, a murderer. The religious rulers incited the people to shout, “Crucify Him!” Pilot said, “Behold the Man” and asked, “Why should we crucify Him? What evil has He done?”
But the people yelled again to “Crucify Him!” Pilot washed his hands of the matter.
Why did Jesus remain silent? Why wouldn’t He defend Himself?
These questions are answered in Jesus remarks to Peter, instructing him to put his sword away and to not defend Him.
“…do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? “How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?” Matt 26:53-54
Yes, Jesus had to remain silent. He could not defend Himself. For this was His mission; to suffer in order to provide the Sin-offering and to die in order provide the Ransom. Without the Sin-offering, Jesus and the Church could not become the merciful priesthood, who would bless, guide and teach all mankind in the kingdom. Without the Ransom, there would be not opportunity to resurrect and bless all mankind.
The Passover lamb was a suitable type of our Lord in that it was Innocent and defenseless, “as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Isa 53:7.
After having Jesus scourged, Pilot handed Him over to be crucified.
The soldiers to took Him away into the Praetorium where they dressed Him up in purple, placed a crown of thorns on His head
They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him
and shouted at Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
and kneeling and bowing before Him and mocked Him.
Then they gave Jesus the cross (or torture stake) and led Him out to crucify Him.
Weakened and exhausted from the beatings and scourging, Jesus must have struggled under the weight and strain of carrying the cross (or torture stake).
A large crowd of people followed, and many of the women who loved Him were mourning and lamenting Him.
The Jews pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, to bear His cross (or torture stake).
THE CRUCIFIXTION
Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it
Perhaps He would not drink it because it’s purpose was to numb the pain (R3901:1) and He did not want to escape in any way this awful experience the Father had directed Him to bear. R3370:2; Jn 19:28-30; Matt 27:34 Psa 69:21); an experience which makes Him supremely sympathetic toward mankind’s sufferings.
[They nailed him to the cross (or torture stake).]
“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” Heb 5:8
[… and lifted Him up on the cross (or torture stake)… ]
And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, Heb 5:9
being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Heb 5:10
So Jesus was nailed to the cross (or torture stake), lifted up and hung between two criminals. [And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “He was numbered with transgressors.” Isa. 53:12]
The people, religious rulers and solders all mocked Him, saying:
“He saved others, let Him save Himself.”
“Let this Christ now come down from the cross (or torture stake), and we will believe in Him.”
“He says he is the son of God, so let God save Him.”
“You said you could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. Let’s see you save yourself.”
Even one of the criminals on the cross (or torture stake) next to Jesus ridiculed Him, but the other criminal rebuked the first saying, “we are being justly punished for our crimes, but this man has done nothing wrong. He turned to Jesus saying, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And on the cross (or torture stake), Jesus had compassion on this criminal and assured him that he would join Him in Paradise.
When Jesus then saw His mother, and John standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour John took her into his own household. Although Mary lost a son, Jesus provided a new son to console her; one who was more like him than any other disciple; the closet match possible.
From the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land and about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”
Quoting from Psa 22:1, we think that Jesus cried these words, partly to point the disciples to His fulfillment of the Psa 22 prophecy concerning the manner of His death. These words from the prophecy show that from man’s perspective; it appeared that God had forsaken Jesus.
Yet there is a sense in which God actually did forsake Jesus. In Reprint R2317:1, Bro. Russell says, “An actual withdrawal of the Father’s favor and communion [was] a necessary part of the Lord’s suffering as a sin-bearer. The penalty of Adam’s transgression was not only death, but additionally separation or alienation from God.”
[Psa 69:21 – “for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.”]
In order to fulfill Psa 69:21, Jesus said, “I thirst.” Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. But the others said, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him.”
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, saying “It is Finished! Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”
and breathed His last.
And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.
The centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
The veil of the temple being torn was symbolic of the fact that Jesus death opened up the Christian opportunity for the High Calling & Heavenly Priesthood. (R3371:2; Heb 10:19-21)
“Not from the bottom toward the top, as if it were the result of wear, but from the top to the bottom, indicating a manifestation of divine power.” R3371:2. “Implying the work was God’s.” R2788:5.
Because the Sabbath was approaching the Jews asked Pilot to have the legs of the crucified broken and the bodies removed from the cross (or torture stake). When the soldiers saw that Jesus was already dead, they, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. This was in fulfillment of the scriptures which say that “NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN.” Psa 34:20 And “THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.” Zech 12:10; John 19:37
Bro. Russell said, “Before regenerating the world, God has arranged that first from the wound in Christ’s side, figuratively, an elect Church shall be formed to be his companion and joint-heir in his Kingdom – the second Eve.” R5141:5, 90:1
The blood and water pouring from Jesus side figurative show that the Church would partake of the sanctifying blood of sacrifice and also of the purifying water of Truth.
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council, who was secretly a disciple (for fear of the Jews), asked Pilot for Jesus body. With the help of Nicodemus, they prepared Jesus body for burial and buried him in Joseph’s own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock. He then rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away.
The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees got permission from Pilot to set guards in front of the tomb, so that the disciples could not steal the body and claim Jesus was resurrected.
A severe earthquake occurred and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
JESUS’ RESURRECTION
After the Sabbath, on the third day after Jesus’ death, Mary Magdalene, the other Mary and Salome came to look at the grave.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. The weeping and mourning disciples considered this news as nonsense and would not believe Jesus was raised from the dead.
Next Jesus appeared to two disciples walking on their way to Emmaus. But he “appeared to them in a different form” Mark 16:2 and they did not recognize who he was. Jesus explained how he fulfilled the words of Moses, the prophets & psalms, showing that Christ must suffer, die & rise the third day. He taught the importance of preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins. Luke 24:44-47)
Finally, they recognized Him by his mannerisms. Jesus was “known to them in the breaking of bread” Luke 24:35.
Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.
Jesus made many other faith confirming and instructive appearances to his disciples.
Sometimes He appeared in different forms and was difficult to recognize at first.
Jesus now has a spirit body, having given up His fleshly body as a ransom sacrifice.
Speaking of Jesus, 1 Pet 3:18 says,
1 Pet 3:18 being put to death in deed in flesh, But made alive in spirit Rotherham
1 Cor 15:42-45 So also is the resurrection of the dead… It is sown a natural body [death]; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [Jesus] was made a quickening spirit. (KJV)
Finally, Jesus gave them the great commission. He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them … teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Jesus shortly after ascended to the Father.
He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion – Eph 1:20,21
Find out more about the Memorial by clicking here.
By Peter K. (admin), on January 1st, 2021 Who are the Bible Students? Where do they come from? These are questions frequently asked by those who seek to identify this movement and its origins. This special issue of The Herald is an expansion of an earlier edition and is meant to answer these queries.
Seeking to place the Bible Student movement in a Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on June 21st, 2020
THE RECORDING CAN BE HEARD HERE: DavidSteinInterviewNov12-2011
On Saturday November 12, 2011. Ex-JW and former Circuit Overseer Richard Rawe interviewed David Stein a former JW and Bethelite, who is now a Bible Student Elder. David Stein will tell the story of how he was disfellowshipped from the Jehovah’s Witnesses and how his wife Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on May 26th, 2020 The study begins promptly at 6:00 pm Central time (7:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Mountain & 4:00 pm West Coast). It is best to call in 5 or 10 minutes early to avoid technical delays. If you have any questions, you can contact me at BibleStudents1@GMail.com. Find more information about our studies by clicking here:
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on May 8th, 2020 https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/wp-content/uploads/bs-3-13-11.mp3
CLICK ABOVE TO LISTEN TO THE RECORDING. Host David Stein leads a Panel Discussion with early Watchtower historians Jim Parkinson, Brian Kutscher, Jeff Mezera and Rolando Rodriguez. This interview took place on the Six Screens Tele-network back on March 13, 2011 and apparently was never published on our website. The audience participated with Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 27th, 2019 You can listen to the recording by clicking here
Join us for a Saturday evening conference call. What does the Bible Actually say? Will everyone who is not a Jehovah’s Witness die when Armageddon comes?
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 26th, 2019 Here is what JW.org says about blood transfusions.
http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jehovahs-witnesses-why-no-blood-transfusions/
Here is a quote: ” Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses accept blood transfusions? This is a religious issue rather than a medical one. Both the Old and New Testaments clearly command us to abstain from blood (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10; Deuteronomy 12:23; Acts s the heart, vessels, and so on Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 10th, 2019 Matthew 6:27: (NASB) And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
We all worry and we all get anxious at times. Well, if we are really people of faith, then shouldn’t that faith override our worry? The answer is that in an ideal situation, yes, faith Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 1st, 2019 The influence of Satan, the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4), seem to be everywhere. Entertainment and music promote themes of immorality, magic and violence. If your parents were shocked when the TV show Bewitched first hit the public airways in 1964, just imagine them rolling over in their graves today. Perhaps you Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 2nd, 2019
“I will make man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.” Isaiah 13:12, 13
The struggle Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 25th, 2019
We worship Jehovah. We do NOT worship any false Gods, any idols, any non-scriptural ideologies. We are to worship our Heavenly Father, Jehovah God. Let’s examine briefly Matthew 4:10 and Luke 4:8. “It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
That seems pretty clear – We Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 4th, 2018
Bible Student Elder, David Stein, discusses the doctrine of the Great Crowd (Great Company). Who are they? What does the Bible say about the Great Crowd? Where are they mentioned in the Bible besides Revelation 7. What do the other scriptures in the Bible have to say about this group and how does Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 16th, 2017
The Truth Brings, “Not Peace, But a Sword” “Do not think I came to bring peace to the earth; I came to bring, not peace, but a sword.”—MATT. 10:34.
Above is the title and theme text of an article beginning on page 12 of the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 30th, 2017 What does the Greek word PAROUSIA mean. It is used to refer to Jesus second PRESENCE. Or should it be second COMING? Let’s take a look.
VINE’S EXPOSITIY DICTIONARY COMING (NOUN) 3. parousia ^3952^, lit., “a presence,” para, “with,” and ousia, “being” (from eimi, “to be”), denotes both an “arrival” and a consequent “presence with.” Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 26th, 2017 Peter K. and Anthony Buzzard discuss whether Jesus has already invisibly returned or whether he will return visibly in the future.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
Find more information about Jesus’ invisible second presence by clicking here:
Find out more about Anthony Buzzard by clicking here:
Click here for video explanation of Revelation 12 Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 20th, 2017 CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
Did Jesus pre-exist as Michael the Archangel? Or did Jesus first come into existence when born of Mary?
Find more information by clicking below.
DID JESUS HAVE A BEGINNING? WAS HE CREATED?
THE SCRIPTURAL CASE FOR JESUS’ PRE-HUMAN EXISTENCE
DOES JESUS HAVE A BODY OF FLESH?
WHO Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 25th, 2017
Watch video by clicking here.
Open video with Adobe.Connect
2 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) “But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”
The world’s social order ha been on fire for over 100 years. The Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 1st, 2017
LISTEN TO THE RECORDING BY CLICKING HERE:
Join us Friday evening, September 28th for a conference call on the topic: Dealing with Doubts and Uncertainties When Leaving the Watchtower
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on July 10th, 2017 Would you like to experience a convention where hundreds of Bible Students from all around the USA and even the world meet together? These Bible Students believe what was taught by the early Watchtower in 1916 and prior, in the days of Brother Russell. Envision the feeling of freedom to be able to fellowship openly Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 17th, 2016 Recording now available at link below. This Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 9:00am CST (Chicagoland weather permitting), we would like to invite you to a special service entitled, “In Jesus’ Name”. Together we will examine some of the names and titles of Jesus found in the scriptures such as Emmanuel, Christ, Messiah, The Lamb of Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 9th, 2016 From Religion Section of Time Magazine, February 22, 1982:
Witness Under Prosecution. A secretive and apocalyptic sect shuns a former leader.
By Peter K. (admin), on April 5th, 2016
LISTEN TO RECORDING BY CLICKING HERE:
Bible Student Elder, David Stein led a round table discussion on this topic. Joining him was other Bible Students Jim Parkinson, Ric Cunningham and Jeff Mezera.
Read ” AFTER ARMAGEDDON ” to discover a brighter result of this climatic event than has been reported. Click Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 6th, 2016 We would like to invite you to hear our special Sunday morning service from February 7, 2016, featuring a prophecy-oriented topic about the “days” in the books of Daniel and Revelation. You might get a new perspective on the subject of the rapture, compared to that depicted in the “Left Behind” series. We hope you Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 28th, 2015
A recording of this recent Online Convention is now available. It is a celebration of powerful life lessons of a generation that have gone before us. You can enjoy a day of music, devotions and Talks at the links below.
Session 1 – Music, Devotions and Russell Pollock speaks on – God’s Promised Blessings Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 29th, 2015 The New Creature experiences a joy and rejoicing that the natural mind cannot understand or appreciate. In moments of great trial, when the natural man faints under the weight of human hardship, God’s children call to mind His promises.
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 22nd, 2015 Matt 13: (NKJV) 24 ¶ Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 “but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 “But when the grain had sprouted and produced Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 12th, 2015
Click here to watch baptism service video
TYPES OF BAPTISM PRACTICED IN THE CHURCHES:
There is more than one type of baptism practiced in the Christian world. There is:
Sprinkling or Pouring on the Head Infant Baptism Submersion under water.
Sprinkling or pouring water on the head
There are no scriptures in the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 1st, 2015 The Watch Tower Society originally used the term “governing body” in a strict legal sense, and in fact, used the term quite sparingly. As stated in the Watchtower, it was not until “the year 1944 the Watchtower magazine began to speak about the governing body of the Christian congregation (italics theirs).” (Watchtower, Dec. 15, 1971, Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 17th, 2015 The world is changing. It is changing at an ever quickening pace and it is changing in a more dramatic and fundamental way than ever, as well. Within the last few months, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of gay marriage, changing the definition of a 6,000-year old institution. Okay, so Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on July 1st, 2015
Prophecy indicates that moral behavior and attitudes in the last days will be much like that of Sodom and Gomorrah.“…in the last days… men will be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God…” 2 Timothy 3:1-7
Moral Relativism vs. God’s Standards
We live in an era when moral standards are Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on May 14th, 2015 https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/wp-content/uploads/5172-Carl-Hagensick-Homsexuality-in-Biblical-Perspective.mp3
Are homosexual desires a choice? What should be our attitude toward those who are homosexuals? Does is make a difference if they are promiscuous, have one sexual partner for life or decide to have a platonic relationship (whether or not they desire sex). Is the Bible clear on this topic? Can non-practicing homosexuals be Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on May 8th, 2015 Islam is not only the major religion in Arab countries, but also the fastest growing world religion. This year, it is estimated to surpass the Christian population, as Christianity has been on a steady decline since the 1940s. With the Middle East dominating the news today, Islam has become one of the most sought after Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 9th, 2015 Some argue that the Great Crowd are the same as the World of Mankind. They point out that promises to the Great Crowd are similar to promises that we find for mankind in the coming earthly kingdom. However, these are the same promises made to the anointed (spirit begotten) Bride of Christ (the heavenly 144,000). Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 3rd, 2015 The LEFT BEHIND series of religious novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, and the movie based upon these books promote an overly dramatic and sadistic view of end time prophecy. The authors tell of the horrors of a vindictive God destroying three billion people by fire and earthquakes. The LaHaye/Jenkin’s series places the majority Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 17th, 2015
CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN TO RECORDING
https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/wp-content/uploads/The-True-True-Story_Kuehmichel-Aaron_2015-03-01_D_24k.mp3
During this Memorial season, our thoughts turn to Jesus. He was a man like no other. This one life has had a significant impact upon our own, one so profound that it changed the course of human history and the course of each of our lives Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 10th, 2015 LISTEN TO THE RECORDING BY CLICKING HERE:
Read the handout “Pictures of Jesus’ Sacrifice” by clicking here:
Bible Student Elder, David Stein previously led a round table discussion on this topic. Joining him will be Bible Student Elders Ric Cunningham and Len Griehs.
How did the Early Church celebrate the Memorial? How Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 22nd, 2015
This question might strike the reader as one startling question for a Bible-founded Christian fellowship to pose; after all, did not the Apostle Paul plainly write to the congregation at Corinth that, “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified”—I Corinthians 2. 2?
Still, in the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 10th, 2015 Here is the story of the origin of the Chicago Bible Students.
Read An Eye-Witness Account by Br. Irving Carl Foss (Elder and a founding member) by clicking here:
Watch a video interview of two eye witnesses and founding members of the JW Organization’s move to takeover the Chicago congregation by clicking here:
Watch the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 2nd, 2015 Wouldn’t it be nice to hand people a booklet about God’s kingdom and Armageddon, knowing that there is no hidden message of eternal destruction for those who do not embrace the message. This beautiful full color booklet is a pleasant and easy read that will assure the reader of a genuine hope for all mankind Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 24th, 2015
The Watchtower Society claims that the Jehovah’s Witnesses has maintained a global brotherhood without any divisions, denying any denominational divisions or sects among them: The Watchtower, November 1 (2009) p.19 article “Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Protestant Religion?”
“…unlike the Protestant movement, which has splintered into hundreds of denominations, Jehovah’s Witnesses have maintained a united Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 16th, 2015 “Good it is that one should wait, even silently, for the salvation of Jehovah” (Lamentations 3:26; Titus 2:13)
Translation – “Wait on the JW Organization Leadership to make the necessary changes. Don’t initiate any improvements yourself or you may find yourself in trouble.”
Have you been waiting on Jehovah for years to fix His Organization? Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 15th, 2015 Listen to a recording of Sister Cora Sumdbom telling her story of experiences at the Bethel in the days of Pastor Charles T Russell and the early days of the Watchtower Society. She talks about the brethren’s meals, discussions, studies, work and interactions with each other and with a kind, gentle, funny, engaging, warm and Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 11th, 2015
CLICK HERE FOR AMBER’S STORY
Amber Scorah went to Shanghai as a Jehovah’s Witness missionary. But in one of the most restrictive, totalitarian countries in the world, for the first time in her life, she found she had the freedom to think.
Missionary work is illegal in China, and the government has recently Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 7th, 2015 To the contrary, in the early days (1877-1916), the Watchtower was simply a publishing house and lecture service, making its resources available to the Bible Students worldwide. The Watchtower did not govern or manage any congregations. Each congregation had full liberty in Christ to make their own decisions and elect their own elders annually, by Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 1st, 2015 We Bible Students from this Friends of Jehovah’s Witnesses website would like to wish you and all of our friends around the world a happy and blessed new year.
How was 2014 for you? Are you spiritually growing, thriving, enjoying your Bible Study and liberty in Christ? We pray that you are.
As intended, if Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 18th, 2014
LISTEN TO THE RECORDING BY CLICKING HERE:
On Saturday evening, February 9, former JW and Bethelite, and now a Bible Student Elder, David Stein will lead a round table discussion on this topic. Joining him will be Bible Student Elders Russ Shallieu and Todd Alexander. Todd was part of a research group that spent Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 18th, 2014 WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF AN UPCOMING TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY AND HOPE TO GET YOUR COMMENTS PRO OR CON AFTER IT AIRS. Worldwide online screenings will be held on Christmas Day, accompanied by social media-facilitated discussions (#hereliesthetruth).
“TRUTH BE TOLD is a new feature-length documentary film about growing up in the Jehovah’s Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 12th, 2014
Find more information about Christmas by clicking here:
In 1927, Joseph Franklin Rutherford declared Christmas to be of pagan origin, and the following year its celebration by Rutherford’s Bible Students was condemned as supporting “Satan’s organization” (The Golden Age, December 14, 1927, “The Origin of Christmas”, pp 178–79. 1975 Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 11th, 2014 Listen to the recording of this fascinating broadcast by clicking here: ChristianLibertyDec10_2011
Jehovah’s Witnesses can be disfellowshipped for celebrating Christmas, reciting the pledge of allegiance, taking a blood transfusion to save their life, speaking to a disfellowshipped Witness or reading religious material not published by the governing body just to name Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 15th, 2014 [Watchtower – R5892 : page 137] THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM —MAY 28.—ACTS 15:22-33.—
THE FIRST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCH—”THE SPIRIT OF A SOUND MIND” IN SETTLING DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES —THE YOKE OF THE LAW COVENANT VS. CHRISTIAN LIBERTY—THE DECISION OF THE APOSTLES ON THE QUESTIONS AT ISSUE—LESSONS FOR OUR DAY—LIBERTY IS NOT LICENSE.
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 9th, 2014 Find app in Android Play Store or ITunes Store. Search for “Library for JW – Resources.” Subtext “Christian Resources – Bible Truth”
Share app with friends on facebook. Rate app and help increase our profile to JWs.
This app is a great resource for all Jehovah’s Witnesses, for those that love Jehovah, it answers Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 3rd, 2014
By Peter K. (admin), on November 1st, 2014 CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE BIBLE STUDENTS KIDS WEBSITE!
Your kids can enjoy Bible lesson books, puzzles, videos, music, coloring and more.
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 2nd, 2014 Listen to this 3 Part Study by clicking here: Select “David Doran – Convention Study on Times of the Gentiles” Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3.
Click here for handouts.
David Doran – Study-Gentile Times (Handout 1)
David Doran – Study-Gentile Times (Handout 2)
More notes to consider:
Luke 21:24 – “Jerusalem shall Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 30th, 2014 In the late 1920s, The Watchtower Organization began to identify the Bible Students who had left the organization as the evil slaves (documentation below). Yet in 2013, the Governing Body eliminated the “evil slaves” as a class, instead applying it as a hypothetical danger to the composite Faithful Slave, which they say has never become Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 18th, 2014 ARE THE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES CHANGING THEIR NAME TO “BIBLE STUDENTS?”
Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? In 1931, at a Columbus Ohio Convention, with great fanfare, J. F. Rutherford introduced a name change from “Bible Students” to “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The real reason, we think was to differentiate themselves to the public and brethren from the Bible Students Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 12th, 2014 Letter dated July 27, 1917 to the Bible Students from the majority of the Board of Directors appointed by Brother Russell – J. D. Wright, A. I. Ritchie, I. F. Hoskins and R. H. Hirsh
Dear Brethren,
A situation of such seriousness has arisen in the management of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 1st, 2014 Does the JW Organization believe it is good to extend our worship of praise beyond Jehovah and Jesus and also to the men known as the Faithful Slave (or Governing Body)?
You can find the JW Songbook here: Sing to Jehovah Book
What do you think of these songs? Do you agree with the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 27th, 2014
UPDATED WITH MORE LINKS TO RELATED INFORMATION – Oct 1, 2014
This year (2014) the Jehovah’s Witnesses Organization published a new book, “God’s Kingdom Rules,” which will be studied by JWs around the world starting in early 2015. This new book attempts to harmonize the organizations teachings, mission and activities from the early days Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 22nd, 2014 Followers of Jehovah today are bombarded on every side with agnostic and atheistic philosophies that erode faith. In science, the theory of evolution is embraced by many as the best explanation of man’s existence on earth, of course without the necessity of a supposed mythical creator. However, in recent decades the scientific debate over the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 11th, 2014 What is a Bible Student Baptism service like? How is it different form a JW Baptism Service? What are we baptized into? What questions are asked of the candidate? What requirements are there?
In 1985 the JW baptism questions changed, with the candidate having to announce their desire to become associated with an Organization. The Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 11th, 2014 You can now listen to the recordings of the Associated Bible Students of Central Ohio Topical Study Weekend August 9-10, 2014. The topic for the weekend Convention about “1914 – Its Lessons and Impact.”
The Speakers were Br. John Baker, Br. Ed Bushlus, Br. Wes Cramer, Br. Ric Cunningham, and Br. Steve Palmgren.
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 10th, 2014 Amazing Bible Resources! Contains, eBooks, audio, video, Bible trivia game, Studies in the Scriptures, Expanded Biblical Commentary and much more. All Available on the interment or mobile APPS for Android, Itunes, Ipads, etc. Over 15,000 talks/discourses to listen to – just type a topic or speaker and find. Listen to the Studies in the Scriptures Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 6th, 2014 How would you cope with the rape of your 15 year old daughter? Or how would you cope if you were the victim? Are you a member of a JW family that was struck with the tragedy of sexual assault on yourself or a family member? How did you deal with it? How did your Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 5th, 2014 The 17th International Convention of Bible Students will be held from Tuesday evening August 5 through Sunday August 10, 2014 in Szczyrk, Poland.
The convention will be broadcast live on the Internet.
There is a new website (in English) with the Program, Adobe Connect Broadcast links and General Information for the International Convention Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on July 26th, 2014
CLICK HERE TO READ => JESUS INVISIBLE RETURN
“. . . the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night . . . But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” 1 Thess. 5:2-4.
To many Christians, the second coming of Christ Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on July 11th, 2014 If you thought that by escaping control of the JW Organization, you could finally enjoy free speech without censorship, think again. America, once the land of the FREE and home of the BRAVE, has morphed into the land of Political Correctness and the home of the afraid.
Did you know that Facebook will delete your Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on July 8th, 2014 A common view by many Christians, based on Rev. 20:5, is that the resurrection and a quick judgment of mankind will occur at the end of the 1,000 years. The judgment is considered a formality since it is believed that the trembling sinner is judged hell based on his behavior before he died and he Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on June 29th, 2014
Psalms 16:11 (NASV) “11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
While Psalms 16 primarily applies to Jesus; as His body members, we share in these promises.
Our Lord has Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on June 22nd, 2014
Let’s see what the JW Organization itself says about this question.
“The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ.” Watchtower 2010 Sep 15 p.23
“A mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on June 19th, 2014 Dozens of Bible Prophecies are yet to be fulfilled between now – Armageddon and the setting up of the earthly Kingdom. What are these prophecies? What will happen. Listen by clicking here:
Click here to look at the Prophetic Timeline Chart
By Peter K. (admin), on June 1st, 2014 Listen to this two part talk covering the development of the Church through the early centuries and into the Dark Ages, as the pure Church turns into the Apostate Church. While Christianity converted the world, the world converted Christianity. See how Revelation 12 relates to this topic.
Click here to listen: In The Wilderness part Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on May 28th, 2014 Especially as we enter the Memorial season, our hearts and minds reflect on our relationship with Jehovah, Jesus and our brethren. Have we been faithful? Have we grown in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Have we been able to work out our differences with our brethren or do we harbor bitterness or anger. Have Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on May 25th, 2014
“For thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land.’” Haggai 2:6 NAS
Our world certainly seems to be shaking these days. On every level—whether economic, political, social or religious—conditions are very shaky. Since Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on May 13th, 2014
Listen to Ric Cunningham talk about The Abydos Tablet by clicking here
The Egyptian Abydos Tablet contains the genealogy from Adam to Noah to Ham.
You can find an electronic image of the Abydos Tablet with the genealogy by clicking here:
In ancient Egypt, the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 30th, 2014
Quoting form author Kenneth Rawson, in his book, Pastor Russell the Founder of the Bible Students, not the Jehovah’s Witnesses (2nd Edition), we read the following:
With all the Internet exchange of information, Jehovah’s Witnesses are beginning to realize that the image of Judge Rutherford is a liability and they are out to minimize Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 28th, 2014
The following article is taken from the book, “Pastor Russell: Messenger of Millennial Hope.” Chapter 8, page 227.
The Pastor a Fraud and False Prophet?
Many of the allegations made against Pastor Russell under this category are sweeping and Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 16th, 2014 For the Christian, the Holy Spirit is a sacred part of our faith. It was promised to us in the absence of Jesus as a comforter, a guide, a teacher and even an intercessor. It is a true evidence of one who has been called, chosen and working towards being faithful. So, how does the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 15th, 2014 We can be depressed for various reasons. Perhaps we feel that:
1) Jehovah has withdrawn his favor from me
2) My life is no different than those in the world around me.
3) There is no specific purpose to my individual experiences
4) I no longer respond emotionally to spiritual stimulation
Or maybe there are Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 15th, 2014
A world war unprecedented in history broke out. Another unprecedented event occurred. The film, THE PHOTO DRAMA OF CREATION premiered; making 1914 a year that will never be forgotten!
As the twentieth century dawned many new social and religious changes were being proclaimed. Modernism and humanism were gaining control of theological thinking. The Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 4th, 2014 A coluporter in the days of Bro. Russell, Bible Student Elder, G. Russell Pollock told of how JFR ridiculed character development from the platform, pronouncing it ‘char-AK’-teer’ and saying, “You don’t have a character, you are a character.” The stress Bible Students were putting on character development, JFR evidently felt a need to counter it. Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 1st, 2014
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels” (Revelation 12:7).
Those who have studied the Book of Revelation will recognize this familiar phrase, “War in Heaven,” from the 12th chapter. It is a fascinating Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 20th, 2014 John 14:13: (NASB) “Whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
We live in very touchy times. Whether it is debating political positions or arguing for more of what we believe are our rights or standing against those who want to do us Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 15th, 2014
Here is the true story of a JW aunt that disowned her niece and nephew over a charge of Apostasy. The names have been changed to protect the privacy of the hurt and injured. We have permission to publish the email correspondence. This exchange of emails occurred in September of 2013.
First is the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 6th, 2014
The human psyche, unfortunately, lends itself to all sorts of unreasoned loyalties. Loyalty to groups and loyalty to ideas are two examples. Consider the extreme emotional bonds people can have for their football team, basketball team, etc. Would any of them ever ask what the point of it was?
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 21st, 2014
Keefa contributed and interesting comment that we present below slightly modifed. We do not mean to cause offense to those highly respect and regard the Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body. However, what we do want to do is raise the question, how can any religious group know Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 2nd, 2014 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. . . . And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.—Revelation 16:14-16
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 9th, 2013 Proverbs 24:16: (NASB) For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity.
We have all made mistakes in our lives and we have all had the experience of carrying those mistakes with us often unnecessarily in the form of guilt. Left unattended, guilt like this can Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 14th, 2013 “I will not leave you comfortless [or orphans]: I will come to you.” – John 14:18.
IN THESE words of the Savior we have an “I will not” and an “I will” in close and significant conjunction. One seems to show us the negative, and the other the positive side of Christ’s love. The Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 21st, 2013
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 NASB).
In prayer, we can praise, thank, and make requests of God. Is it proper to ask God to improve our health or to provide us a car so Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 18th, 2013
Fundamentalist Christians take a hard line on setting dates for the second advent of Christ. Failed date-setters are labeled as “false prophets.” What are the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 18th, 2013 In our era of scientific and technological advancement, many question how our Bible written 2000-4000 years ago could possibly be true. However, Biblical Archaeology confirms that the Bible is true. How? The people, locations and events of history in the Bible have, metaphorically speaking, left footprints in the sands of history. Archaeology is the process Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 25th, 2013
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” —Revelation 1:1
The Book of Revelation is a prophetic picture of the experiences and purpose of the Christian Age. Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 9th, 2013 All the Nations Shall Be Blessed
Indeed I will greatly … multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore.—Genesis 22:17, NASB
The Abrahamic promise is one of the most comprehensive covenants in the Bible: “By myself I have sworn, declares the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 1st, 2013
The July 15 2013 “Study Edition” reveals “new light” unveiled at the October 5th 2012 Annual Meeting, at which it was announced that the Governing Body is now considered the “faithful and discreet slave” – the spiritual overlords of the nearly 8 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
You can find the July15, 2013 Watchtower Study Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 31st, 2013
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE RECORDING OF THE CONFERENCE CALL.
On Saturday evening, June 29, Bible Student Elder, David Stein will lead a round table discussion on this topic. Joining him will be other Bible Student Elders Ric Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 30th, 2013 Didn’t Jehovah/Yahweh appear to Moses in the burning bush? What kind of crazy talk is this to ask if maybe Jesus appeared to Moses in the burning bush? Fasten your seat belts guys! Brace yourself for turbulence and excitement! This is an amazing study!
Hebrews 1: (NKJV) 10 And: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 26th, 2013 Michael the Archangel and Satan disputed about the body of Moses. Perhaps Satan was interested in preserving Moses body by like the Egyptian mummies of the Pharaoh’s. Satan could have used Moses body as an object of worship and a stumbling block for natural Israel to bring God’s wrath against them. With such a danger, Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on August 10th, 2013
Listen to “When will Babylon Collapse?” by clicking below:
When Will Babylon Collapse
Rev 16(NKJV)
12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on July 28th, 2013
Here is the publication of the story of Kent from Sweden by his own hand.
Searching for the true God and the meaning of life.
I grew up in the 70s. My childhood was filled with mixed emotions Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on July 21st, 2013 Listen to Recordings of the 2013 General Convention Here:
Find more General Conventions here. Scroll to bottom:
By Peter K. (admin), on July 20th, 2013 Do you and I have a covenant relationship with Jehovah?
Does Jesus make a New Covenant with His followers?
What other covenants did Jehovah make with people?
How do they all interrelate?
The answers to these questions may surprise you. The early Watchtower had this all figured out in the days Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on July 3rd, 2013
Click here for the new and updated article: Who is Michael the Archangel 2014_08_27
Below is the older version of the article which is less complete.
Is Michael the Archangel Jesus or is Michael just a Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on June 14th, 2013
By Peter K. (admin), on June 14th, 2013 Click here for this amazing historical book from 1930 – Desolations of the Sanctuary 1929
This book chronicles the doctrinal and prophetic changes Rutherford made and explains how these changes were all for the purpose of transferring influence from Russell to Rutherford and for consolidating dictatorial power around the new movement, later Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on June 4th, 2013 In 1907, Pastor Russell had executed his Last Will and Testament, which was amended slightly the following year, again in 1910 and once more in 1911. Copies of these Will’s have ever been made available to the public or the brethren. Yes, the 1907 Will was published in a 1916 Watchtower, however, we don’t have Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on June 3rd, 2013 Click here to read the Herald Magazine issue, dedicated to the topic, PRAYER.
Prayer has been defined as the soul’s sincerest desire, either uttered or unexpressed. It is one of the most important blessings and privileges enjoyed by the Christian. It is one of the most powerful tools available to the follower Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on June 1st, 2013 Shame is such a weird emotion. If I’m alone and make a mistake, I might feel aggravated with myself. If the mistake is a sin, I will feel guilty. But if I make the same mistake when I am with others, I will feel embarrassment and shame. The feeling of shame results as a response Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on May 25th, 2013 Many mobile apps are available in different formats. Find them in the Right Panel of this website under the heading “Mobile Aps.”
For example, click here for a Mobile App called “Christian Resources.“
By Peter K. (admin), on May 2nd, 2013 Bible Student Elder, Ric Cunningham talks about Angels and Demons in the World today. What are the Demons doing today? Who are they, fallen angels or the ghosts of dead people? Where do Demons come from? Do the demons have anything to do with influences in our culture, like UFOs, Wicca (white witches), music, movies, Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 29th, 2013
Judgment Day! The very sound of the phrase previews an ominous picture in the minds of most. Judgment day: a day of great regret, great wrath, great sorrow and great reward, both for the righteous and the unrighteous. All will receive what is coming to them on Judgment Day – the question is – Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 13th, 2013
LISTEN TO THE RECORDING BY CLICKING HERE:
On Saturday evening, April 20, Bible Student Elder, David Stein will lead a round table discussion on this topic. Joining him will be the three Early Watchtower Historians below:
Jim Parkinson: Bible Scholar, Translator and early Watchtower Historian
Eric Patterson: Since first going online in 1996, Eric Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 10th, 2013 Mark Twain once said, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” The same can be said of the association of International Bible Students. It has often been reported that we died off back in the days of J.F. Rutherford. Actually, we have existed continuously since the days of Brother Charles Taze Russell to the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 9th, 2013 Talks of Elders who were friends of and knew Charles Taze Russell are available to listen to. CLICK HERE TO SELECT. We want to encourage the friends, by sharing these discourses from faithful brethren of the past who were filled with the Lord’s spirit.
A number of the older recordings have some technical issues which Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 1st, 2013
Click here for this topical Bible Study Aid
Also click here for another aid.
Thy Word is Truth A Reference for Bible Students A classified collection of Scriptures and references on various subjects and helpful charts for handy reference.
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on April 1st, 2013 Listen to JESUS IS RISEN by clicking here:
There have been many world changing events in human history. The printing press made knowledge accessible to the masses. The light bulb literally illuminated man’s course and fed an industrial revolution which brought previously unthinkable invention and convenience to many. Penicillin protected life in a new way. Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 21st, 2013 Matthew 21:5: (NASB) “Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.“ The events of the Sunday before Jesus’ crucifixion were monumental. They not only began the culminating process for the greatest human Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 15th, 2013 “Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 12th, 2013 There is no scripture in the Bible that says that God is composed of three persons. We know that Jehovah/Yahweh is the one true God and this was clearly taught in the Old Testament to distinguish the True God from false gods. This does not mean that Yahweh is the only “elohim” or “theos” (Hebrew Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 11th, 2013 We have all made mistakes in our lives and we have all had the experience of carrying those mistakes with us often unnecessarily in the form of guilt. Left unattended, guilt like this can turn to shame which can bring darkness. How does a Christian overcome deep and debilitating guilt and shame over past mistakes? Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on March 1st, 2013 Read an explanation of Daniel 11 (World History) by clicking here:Daniel_11_JUNE_2005
The prophecy of Daniel 11 is a bridge between ancient Israel and End Times. End time prophecy has three principal sources: the Book of Daniel, our Lord Jesus’ Great Prophecy in Matthew 24 and the Book of Revelation. There are also many Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 22nd, 2013 Click here to check out this link for a very interesting article written by Daniel Torluemke, a Bible Student, in response to Robert C. Hill, ThB’S article “Why I Am Not A Bible Student”
Bible Students are not a sectarian organization. We are organized like the Early Church and the Bible Students at the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 21st, 2013 Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.–Jeremiah 46:28
Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 16th, 2013 Though the Bible does not specifically describe the instrument that Jesus died upon, tradition has it that he was put to death on a cross consisting of a stake and a crossbeam. The Greek stauros is sometimes used to describe a simple stake, and other times a more complex form such as the cross. To Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 14th, 2013 Listen to “Does God Forgive Suicide?” by clicking here:
Psalms 38:4: (NASB) For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me. Life is difficult – it is full of trials, tragedies and trauma. Sometimes it overflows with grief and pain. For most of us, there is Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on February 1st, 2013 Proverbs 13:24: (NASB) He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
Children are people too! Yes they are, but what does that really mean in terms of raising them? After all, they are children, and the object is for them to become adults – real, Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 22nd, 2013 You’re exhausted. The day has just started, and already you’re tired. Everything feels like a burden. Nothing really interests you or makes you happy. Sometimes you eat too much, sometimes too little. Prayer is hard. You really can’t focus on studying. Talking to the brethren is tough because you have nothing much to say. Nobody Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on January 2nd, 2013 Tom Blackwell, National Post Staff | Dec 20, 2012 9:59 PM ET
For years, the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ fiercely held belief that blood transfusions are contrary to God’s will led to emotional and very public disputes, hospitals clashing with parents over whether to infuse sick children.
That long history of messy legal confrontations appears to be Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 17th, 2012
LISTEN TO THE RECORDING BY CLICKING HERE:
On Sunday morning, December 23, the Chicago Bible Students would like to invite you to a live Internet PowerPoint Talk entitled “The Story and Purpose of Jesus Birth.” This heartwarming story has touched all of our hearts like no other story. On different occasions, angels had Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 17th, 2012 Thus says the LORD: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15
The grief of parents in the Newtown area is beyond words. There is no real comfort at the moment, just Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 5th, 2012 Click this link and enjoy
By Peter K. (admin), on December 1st, 2012
Call Phone # 213-226-0400. After connecting dial pin#: 991337
Prepare for the lesson by reading chapter 14 by clicking here or by hearing the audio chapter 14 by clicking here:
The study begins promptly at 7:00 pm Central time (8:00 pm Eastern & 5:00 pm West Coast). It is best to call in 5 Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 1st, 2012
Consider this question: If Jehovah has rejected the Jews (natural Israel) and has cast them out of their land forever, how then, in these end times, have they defied Jehovah and returned to their land establishing a nation, against His will? Is that a reasonable conclusion? No. Had Jehovah been against the Jews, Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on December 1st, 2012 Romans 11:1 (New World Translation)
“I ask, then, God did not reject his people, did he? Never may that happen!”
Let us see how Paul continues to answer this questions in Romans 11.
* In Rom 11:7, 8 shows that the nation of Israel did not obtain what it sought. Paul goes on in Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 23rd, 2012 “… the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings… to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound…” — Isaiah 61:1
No matter what noble struggles the nations have made toward freedom, as long as there is sin and death, we have no real and lasting Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 22nd, 2012
Now available, the video, by clicking here:
Read all about Israel’s tabernacle by clicking on the electronic book here: Tabernacle Book_7-19-12
This book is a guide to understanding the message behind the mystery.
Read more in Brother Russell’s book Tabernacle Shadows by clicking here:
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO RECORDING Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 12th, 2012 For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder.—Isaiah 9:6
One day, in the tiny village of Bethlehem, not far from the old site of the Garden of Eden, a descendant of mother Eve, a young woman named Mary, bears her firstborn son. Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 4th, 2012 Due to several amazing overruling providences, Brothers Todd Alexander and Benjamin Stein were able to distribute 1,512 Chinese Illustrated First Volumes (Divine Plan of the Ages) in Taipei Taiwan during a ten-day period that ended Sunday October 28th. The Volumes are very attractive and the illustrations ensured an unusually high acceptance rate among Chinese Christians Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on November 3rd, 2012
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An Occultic Pyramidologist?
This is an accusation that is not infrequently heard: Pastor Russell, by incorporating the measurements and lay out of the Great Pyramid in his teachings, was thereby guilty of occultic practices. Randall Watters asserts:
“Among the most obvious of Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 31st, 2012 Death of Richard Raw from Barbara Anderson post:
Richard and his wife Frances were very dear friends. Richard had a significant stroke last week and died in his sleep at home last Friday night. He will be sorely missed by his family and hundreds of friends. We know we’ll miss his phone calls. He had Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 22nd, 2012
Find more discussion about the Governing Body by clicking here:
Recently, the Governing Body has modified the definition of the Faithful and Discreet Slave to exclusively apply to themselves and to not include the thousands of other anointed.
In the past, Jehovah’s Witnesses have believed that The Faithful and Discreet Slave is the collective Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 18th, 2012 Bedfellows with Freemasons?
The charge has been advanced that Pastor Russell and the Bible Students are connected With the Free masons and that both groups are to be condemned because they are occult in nature. The occult reference is used to describe both the secrecy aspect of their respective beliefs as well as the Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on October 2nd, 2012
Table of Contents Will Israel Survive the End Times? Replacement Theology vs. God’s Promises Will Only 1/3 of Living Jews be Saved? Anti-Semitism–and the New Anti-Semitism Is there any Hope for Israel? Living in Messianic Times Promise to Abraham to Bless All A Chosen People–with Responsibility A New Covenant with Judah and Israel Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 26th, 2012 Brother Eric – Our prayers are with you as you are going through this very terrible trial. We pray for you and your family and want to encourage you in every emotional and spiritual way possible. We trust the Apostle Paul’s words, that “all things work together for good for those who love God and Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 14th, 2012 A special opportunity has opened up to the general public to purchase deluxe sets of Charles Taze Russell’s “Studies in the Scriptures.” This is a reprint of the original unaltered Watchtower publication. This is the premium edition, constructed of the highest quality materials. They are durable heavy duty sets with wide margins and sewn binding. Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 14th, 2012 Click here to open the book: EXPANDED COMMENTS 1879-1916 New Cover This book is a compilation and summary of C.T. Russell’s comments on the whole Bible, verse by verse. You can purchase a hard copy by clicking here:
In his ministry of some 37 years, from 1879 to 1916, the written material produced by Read more…
By admin, on September 13th, 2012 This 400+ page book, written by a Bible Student author and a consummate researcher, C. Redeker, offers a thorough history of Pastor Charles Taze Russell and the Bible Student movement he founded. His doctrinal and prophetic views are presented. Contemporary Bible Student ministries are examined and their distinctions from the Jehovah Witnesses are explored through Read more…
By Peter K. (admin), on September 12th, 2012 In 2010, a new Elder’s book – “Shepherd the Flock of God” – was released. You can find a copy by clicking here. A large portion of the book is devoted to the procedure for judicial committees and disfellowshipping. This book is for elders only, as made clear in Letter to Elders, August 23, 2010, Read more…
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