WELCOME TO THIS CITY OF REFUGE AND SANCTUARY FOR STUDIOUS AND INQUIRING MINDS.
You are anonymous here. You can speak to other Jehovah’s Witnesses, former Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bible Students and other Christians. When posting your comments, you will be able to use a Pen Name. Your e-mail address and website info are completely optional. No one can identify you. No one can report you. You have a home and quiet place to pray and honestly investigate scriptures. It is not our purpose to indoctrinate you, but merely to provide you with resources for further study of Jehovah’s word. You are not alone. You have friends.
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 historical context, these articles trace developments in the Christian world from the Reformation to the events of the nineteenth century which led to the formation of a small group of sincere Christians who are pleased to associate under the generic term of “Bible Students.”
The opening article, The Reformation and Martin Luther, tracks the advancement of Protestantism from 1517 to 1799. The Midnight Cry picks up the theme in the formation of the Second Adventist movement, focusing primarily on the growth of interest in the return of Jesus Christ aroused by William Miller.
Heroes of Our Faith outlines the rebirth of doctrinal viewpoints largely lost since the days of the Early Church. Those elements of belief that formed an integral part of the framework of the Bible Student movement are emphasized.
The direct origin of the Bible Students is an outgrowth of the ministry of Pastor Charles Taze Russell, the beginning of which is the subject of A New Wine Bottle. The crucial impact of his remarkable ministry is covered in The Harvest Movement. Turmoil and confusion reigned within the fellowship after the death of its founder; this difficult transition is chronicled in The Troubled Years covering the period from late 1916 through 1918 and the immediate aftermath. The events since 1918 are summarized in the treatise Regathering.
His Pulpit Was the World shows the world-wide outreach of the man who was called “the world’s most ubiquitous preacher” by his contemporaries, and gives a sketch of the Bible Student movement throughout the world. The concluding article, A Delightful Inheritance, notes the effect of this history and what it bodes for the future of the Bible Student movement.
History, at best, is incomplete and subjective, but the editors of The Herald hope this sincere attempt to record the origin and development of the Bible Student movement will be helpful to our readers.
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 was warned that their children would die in Armageddon. It all started when David was afraid that his father was turning away from the Truth by talking with the Bible Students and turning to early Watchtower literature. When David turned to a local elder for advice, the next thing he knew was that the organization had disfellowship his father labeling him as an Apostate. Distraught by how things turned out, David labored hard over the next years to win his father back over to the Society. David saw that his father had been influenced by on old Bible Student by the name of Brother Frey. David was determined to talk to this Brother Frey to find a way to put an end to his influence and win his father back to the “Truth.” Find out what happened next. David Stein will also talk about his efforts to reach out to JWs and share with them their early Watchtower roots, Brother Russell’s views on who would die in Armageddon (and the scriptural evidence) and how the Societies main doctrine – the Ransom for ALL – changed 180 degrees.
The program starts at 7:00 pm EST. On the West Coast it begins at 4:00 PST. The Central Time zone is 6:00 CST. You can participate in each of these mega conference call discussions by calling (712) 432-8710. When asked for pin number, use 9925 followed by # (the pound sign). It’s easy to participate. When you come into the conference, you may have to hit *1 to unmute yourself.
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:
Our approach will be topical Bible Study where we examine all the scriptures on a particular topic and harmonize them all. You can find our studybook by clicking here: It is Volume 3 of Studies on the Scriptures, “THY KINGDOM COME”
September 29 we continue the study of Volume 5, “The Atonement Between God and Man. Start next week on page 265 “THE SPIRIT OF THE TRUTH”
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TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL INSTRUCTIONS:
Conference Call Phone #: 1-(302) 202-1110
After connecting dial: 991337
How to participate:
4 * – Self-Mute Line (toggle)
5 * – Raise Hand for Q&A
Prepare for the lesson by reading or hearing by clicking here.
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…
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?
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…
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…
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…
“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
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.”
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
[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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
“. . . 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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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.
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?
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…
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
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…
“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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“… 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…
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…
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…
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:
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
You can watch and listen to the video by clicking here: Video recording of “A God Who Hides Himself.” The Chicago Bible Students would like to invite you to a PowerPoint talk titled “A God Who Hides Himself.” In this presentation various questions that have perplexed mankind for generations will be considered. Why does Read more…
The Greek word rendered “temple” (naos) in the phrase “worship him day and night in his temple” in Rev. 7:15 primarily refers to the Holy of Holies and not to the entire temple complex as the JW’s have mistakenly tried to prove. (See Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon at bottom of this article) Even the New World Read more…
During the struggle between Judge Rutherford and the Bible Students, William Schnell was in the upper echelon of the Watch Tower and made very insightful observations. At the time he finally wrote his book, THIRTY YEARS A WATCHTOWER SLAVE, he was neither a Jehovah’s Witness nor a Bible Student. Schnell noted that further doctrinal changes Read more…
Peter K. (admin): Thanks MilkyWay - Some good thoughts you had. I agree that our relationship is directly with the Father through his Son Jesus Christ. When Church... – Feb 23, 5:01 AM
Peter K. (admin): Jehovah is called God in the New Testament. Are you comfortable with either Jehovah, Yahweh and/or God? – Feb 22, 7:43 PM
: You should be called by his name jehovah – Feb 15, 1:04 AM
MilkyWay: I agree. Like Jesus said to the Pharisees that they shut up the Kingdom before men, like WT they try to narrow the salvation by... – Feb 14, 10:25 PM
Peter K. (admin): Thanks MilkyWay. As we have found, there is NO scriptural evidence that everyone except for Jehovah's Witnesses will be destroyed in Armageddon, nor that those... – Feb 14, 11:54 AM
MilkyWay: I understand that aspect too. WT is unique today in cult scale, and the indoctrination with a fake doomsday has ultimate control objectives in the... – Feb 11, 10:50 AM
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