WTBS INC Annual meeting i.e. food for thoughts.

by MacHislopp 38 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  MacHislopp

  Hello everyone,

  Following recent posts, articles, blogs (thanks Cedar and others for their excellent work) I would like to contribute something, to show the hypocrisy and the constant doctrinal changes of the Society.

  To begin:

  “Qualified to be ministers “(1955) p.156 par. 5

  5 The first essential for study is the right condition of mind and heart, appreciating that Jehovah grants understanding only to the meek, and not to the stiff-necked . If we have love

  for Jehovah and for the organization of his people we shall not be suspicious, but shall, as the Bible says, `believe all things,' all the things that The Watchtower brings out, inasmuch as it has been faithful in giving us a knowledge of God's purposes and guiding us in the way of peace, safety and truth from its inception to this present day .

  Now, please take note of this example (no mention of a “ governing body”)

  “Jehovah’s Witnesses in the divine purpose”

  (1959) pages 148-149

  It was suggested, therefore, that the brothers in the various congregations throughout the world consider a resolution presented in The Watchtower and which was similar to resolutions already adopted and submitted to the Society's headquarters by the London, England, congregation,the greater New York congregation, the Chicago, Illinois, congregation, the Los

  Angeles , California , congregation and many others. The resolution reads :

  We, the company of God's people taken out

  for his name, and now at -, recognize that

  God's government is a pure theocracy and

  that Christ Jesus is at the temple and in full

  charge and control of the visible organization of Jehovah, as well as the invisible, and that "THE SOCIETY" is the visible representative of

  the Lord on earth, and we therefore request "The Society" to organize this company for service and to appoint the various servants thereof, so that all of us may work together in peace, righteousness, harmony and complete unity.

  We attach hereto a list of names of persons in this company that to us appear more fully mature and who therefore appear to be best suited to fill the respective positions designated

  for service.Y

  fnote y (w June 15 th 1938 pp.182,183)

  In the year 1965 no longer the “Society” is the visible representative , but the “governing body” :

  *** w656/1p.352QuestionsFromReaders***

  In 1938 Jehovah revealed this correspondency to his servants and it was published in TheWatchtower in a two-part article entitled “Organization.” This appeared in the issues of June 1 and 15 and proved conclusively that Jehovah’s organization must henceforth be guided and directed by Jehovah’s spirit through the visible governing body made up of those servants whom Jehovah himself would appoint. The concluding paragraph in this series stated: “Jehovah’s theocratic government is now in full control of the people of God.”

  Only six years later in 1971 the “governing body” “ is mentioned…as existing from the year 1944 :

  *** w7112/15p.757AGoverningBodyasDifferentfromaLegalCorporation***

  GOVERNING BODY

  According to the apostolic example of the first century C.E., these dedicated, baptized Christians known today as Jehovah’s witnesses have a governing body, as specifically noted from the year 1944 onward. This governing body has through the years been associated with the publishers of the WatchTower magazine and the Board of Directors of the legal religious corporation now known as Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. According to Pennsylvania law, this corporation must hold annual corporation meetings at its registered offices in Pittsburgh, Pa., or elsewhere as duly voted upon, and must elect directors to fill the vacancies of those whose three-year term of office is expiring, and also to transact all necessary obligations. From among the full board of seven directors, all of whom are dedicated, baptized, spirit-anointed Christians, the officers of the Society must be elected.

  In the same year the Society claims that:

  ***w71 12/15 p. 761 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***

  Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania. Whether on the Board of Directors or not, they rendered themselves available for special work of the “faithful and discreet slave” class. They aided in the feeding and directing of the slave class, and thus a governing body made its appearance. This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit. Also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ the Son of God. True, the members of that governing body were not directly appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ. For that matter, not all the members of the governing body associated with the Jerusalem congregation in the first century were thus directly appointed.

  28 years later , in 1999, the Society claims again that 1938 …there was a “Governing Body” :

  *** w992/1p.18par.18OurTreasureinEarthenVessels***

  18 The year 1938 was crucial in clearly identifying the two classes. The March 15 and April 1, 1938, issues of TheWatchtower presented the two-part study “His Flock” and made clear the relative places of the anointed remnant and their companions, the great crowd. Then the June 1 and June 15 issues carried study articles on “Organization,” based on Isaiah 60:17. All congregations were called on to request the Governing Body to appoint local servants, thus bringing in an improved, God-ordained, theocratic arrangement. The congregations did just so.

  Concerning the appointment of the “ Governing Body” as already mentioned in 1971 the Society

  taught:

  ***w71 12/15 p. 761 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***

  Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania.

  …They aided in the feeding and directing of the slave class, and thus a governing body made its appearance. This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit.

  …True, the members of that governing body were not directly appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ.

  Just 20 years later the Society changes the claim:

  *** w919/1pp.18-19par.15JehovahandChrist—ForemostCommunicators***

  15 What of modern times? As foretold at Matthew 24:3, 45-47, the Master, Jesus Christ, has appointed “the faithful and discreet slave,” made up of anointed Christians, to care for all his belongings on earth during this day of his presence. That faithful and discreet slave is represented today by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which has as its publicity agent the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Most appropriately, that faithful and discreet slave has also been called God’s channel of communication.

  In case of … poor memory, another 10 years and the Society publishes a reminder:

  *** w014/15p.29DoYouRemember?***

  How doestheGoverningBodydifferfromalegalcorporation?

  While directors of a legal corporation are voted into office by its members, the Governing Body is not appointed by any man but is appointed by Jesus Christ.

  Of course most of us are curious of the position of brother Charles Taze Russel, well here are two

  Society’s claims:

  *** w7112/15p.760AGoverningBodyasDifferentfromaLegalCorporation***

  HOW THEGOVERNINGBODYCAMETOEXIST

  How did this governing body make its appearance in recent times? Evidently under the direction of Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ. According to the facts available, the governing body became associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. C. T. Russell was patently of that governing body back there in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Being fully dedicated to God through Christ, he set himself to apply his time, energy, abilities, wealth and influence to defending God’s inspired Word and spreading its message.

  Also this one, 22 years later:

  *** jvchap.15pp.228-229DevelopmentoftheOrganizationStructure***

  Then, in 1944, a service assembly was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in connection with the Watch Tower Society’s annual meeting. On September 30, prior to that annual meeting, a series of highly significant talks were given on what the Scriptures say as to the organization of Jehovah’s servants. Attention was focused on the Governing Body. On that occasion it was emphasized that theocratic principle must apply to all the agencies used by the faithful and discreet slave class. It was explained that the legal corporation did not have as members all the “consecrated” people of God. It merely represented them, acting as a legal agency on their behalf. However, inasmuch as the Society was the publishing agent used to provide Jehovah’s Witnesses with literature that contained spiritual enlightenment, the Governing Body was logically and of necessity closely associated with the officers and directors of that legal Society. Were theocratic principles being fully applied in its affairs?

  The Society’s charter set out a shareholder arrangement in which each aggregate contribution of $10 (U.S.) entitled the contributor to a vote in connection with selection of members of the board of directors and officers of the Society. Perhaps it seemed that such contributions gave evidence of genuine interest in the work of the organization. However, this arrangement presented problems. Brother Knorr, the Society’s president, explained: “From the provisions of the Society’s charter, it would seem that the being a part of the governing body was dependent upon the contributions to the legal Society. But according to the will of God this could not be so among his true chosen people.”

  It was a fact that Charles Taze Russell, who for the Society’s first 32 years was foremost in the governing body, was financially, physically, and mentally the greatest contributor to the Society. But it was not a monetary contribution that determined how the Lord used him.

  Well, Orwell’s “ Big Brother” was great but nothing in comparison, with the mighty WTBS Inc!

  Greetings to all,

  J.C. MacHislopp
• 

  therevealer

  That is a lot of "good" research. You have to love it how you can pull up that much evidence from their own material that proves they don't have a clue.
• 

  Atlantis

  MacHislopp: (six-pack for ya)

  Excellent! I just love the way Mac-the-knife cuts their doctrines to pieces! I could read his stuff all day!

  Atlantis
• 

  yesidid

  Excellent! I just love the way Mac-the-knife cuts their doctrines to pieces! I could read his stuff all day!

  Amen and Amen.

  He is one of the truly great contributors to this board.

  Thanks again Mac

  y
• 

  yadda yadda 2

  C T Russell was patently foremost in the Governing Body and started the whole she-bang but, nup, sorry Charlie, you've just been demoted to pretty much the same status as William Miller.
• 

  MacHislopp

  Hello everyone,

  Many thanks to Therevealer, yeadidid,yadda yadda 2 for your comments.

  Thanks also to Atlantis for the great downloads

  provided, a great gold mine of informations, included the latest ones (

  For you)

  Continuing on the same subject at the annual meeting it has been claimed that:

  The Faithful and Discreet Slave was not appointed at Pentecost 33CE, meaning that there has not been a continuous line of members of the Slave Class on the earth down through the ages. The Slave Class was only appointed for the first time by Christ in 1919.

  Yet brother J.F. Rutherford the annual in his book LIGHT, Vol. 1 (1930) wrote on page 70

  Prior thereto the church had been applying the prophecy of Matthew twenty-four to the events that came to pass from 1874 to 1914. Not until after 1918 was it understood by the church that these events apply after 1914; and hence the seals were not open to or discerned by the John class, that is to say, the remnant, until after 1918, and, in fact, very little until after 1922.

  and more precisely,

  LIGHT, Vol. 1 (1930) wrote on chapt. VI page 187

  Such affords an opportunity for the child of God to show his willingness to obey and follow whithersoever the Lord leads.

  It was in 1922 that the people of God first had an understanding that the Lord had come to his temple in 1918. The Lord Jesus, the great Judge, is the One

  The quotes are sufficiently clear.

  But it not finished, because as a result of Jesus Christ’ s inspection, the ‘covenant people’ i.e. the anointed ones are enlighted and as a result :

  ‘The Watchtower’ March 15 th , 1941, page 92, 2 nd col.

  After A.D. 1918 Christ Jesus, at the temple, has gathered unto himself the faithful remnant on earth and has anointed them as Jehovah’s witnesses and sent them forthwith his message of truth to be given as a testimony.

  to Romans 13:1. Prior thereto the people, including the followers of Christ, understood and believed that the "higher powers" mentioned in the Scriptures are made up of the visible rulers of this world.

  The Lord has enhghtened his covenant people, and by his grace they now see clearly and declare to the world that "the higher powers" means Jehovah and Christ Jesus and that the world is serving the Devil, and that the big business, political and religious elements, jointly, rule and demand obedience from the people, yet are not of the "higher powers" but are in fact the agents of Satan and the opposers of Jehovah God.

  Don’t worry the story is not finished:

  ‘The Watchtower’ August 1 st 1933, page 231 § 21 st

  The inspector general of Jehovah’s hosts must have been

  filled with indignation when he surveyed the desolation

  of Jerusalem. Likewise when Christ Jesus came in 1918 to inspect the professed people of God and set up the temple, he would look with indignationupon the desolation of the earthly part of God’s organization,the covenant people of the Most High.

  It’s getting clear:

  ‘The Watchtower’ August 1 st 1933, page 231-32 § 25th

  This corresponds to the condition amongst God’s people from

  1918 to 1922, probably before the general convention of the latter year at Cedar Point, Ohio . It was when the Lord’s covenant people saw that Christ the great Inspector General had come to the temple that they cried out:“Save now, I beseech thee, 0 Lord: 0 Lord, I beseeeh thee, send now prosperity.” (Ps. 118: 25) It was in 1922 that God’s covenant people became aware of their own negligence in connection with the building of the antitypical temple. It was then that the Lord spoke words of comfort to them and they rejoiced, sceing that Jehovah’s anger had turned away from them.(Isa. 12: 1-4; 61: 1-3)

  It’s getting clear:

  from the book: ‘The truth shall make you free’ ’ 1943, page 302)

  ”…the major fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy fixes the spring of A.D. 1918 as the time when the King Christ Jesus came to the temple.

  … Christ’s coming to the temple in 1918 was entirely unexpected, even to his devoted faithful followers. The truth of his coming then was first discerned by the Sscriptures and by the fulfillments of prophecy after the event, namely , first in 1922 .”

  Be patient I’ve told you is getting clear:

  w72 2/1pp.79-80FullyAcceptingtheChallengeofJehovah’sService***

  JEHOVAH ISDISPLEASEDWITHHISWOMAN

  11 …

  The Naomi remnant came into a condition like that, particularly in the year 1918, when they were, in a sense, exiled from Jehovah God’s favor. In that year Jehovah God came to his temple suddenly, accompanied by the messenger of the covenant, the Lord Jesus Christ.He examined the remnant here upon earth; he was displeased with them. ( Mal. 3:1, 2) For a time they were not fully accepting the challenge of Jehovah’s Kingdom service that had opened up to them. They were holding back, through fear of man and were not properly keeping themselves “unspotted from the world.” (Jas. 1:27, AuthorizedVersion) Therefore Jehovah let them go into bondage to Babylon the Great and her political associates.

  And (From the book: God’sKingdomofaThousandYearsHasApproached - 1973)

  ka chap.12pp.234-235pars.50-51IncreasingtheKing’sBelongings***

  50 In September of 1922 these Christian slaves who are in line for the heavenly kingdom were forcefully made aware that they are indeed now under inspection of the King of kings and Lord of lords, the reigning Lord Jesus. In fulfillment of Malachi 3:1, he has accompanied Jehovah God when coming to his spiritual temple for judgment work with regard to his spirit-begotten “slaves” at the temple.

  Be Now, please compare the above with this:

  w93 5/1p.17par.6ExpandedActivitiesDuringChrist’sPresence***

  6 From the time Christ’s presence began and down to 1918, the slave class, despite unpopularity, persecution, and even some confusion, had been seeking to give timely food to the domestics. This is what the Master found when his inspection began. The Lord Jesus was pleased, and in 1919 he pronounced that faithful approved slave class happy. What was the slave’s delightful reward for doing what his Master had appointed him to do? A promotion! Yes, larger responsibilities were given in advancing his Master’s interests.

  With such confusing, non bliblically supported and contradictory statements the actual GB is again like the "king without clothes" .

  That’s all for the moment.

  Greetings,

  J.C. MacHislopp
• 

  yadda yadda 2

  They are ridiculous if they are saying that the FDS did not start in 33CE but only 1919AD. Absolute madness. They would be better saying that the FDS started in 33CE but ceased when the great apostasy started, sometime after the death of the last apostle. Paul said in 2 Thess that there was a thing restraining the man of lawlessness, which the Society says were the apostles. Once they all died, very rapidly the weeds set in and 'Babylon the Great' began to cystallise. Then in 1919 they were released from Babylonish spiritual captivity. That would at least be a bit more reasonable than saying that there was no FDS whatsoever until 1919. Expect more new light in another few years correcting this obnoxious blunder.
• 

  wannaexit

  great research Mc. Where have you been hiding my friiend. I used to look for your posts when I first started to understand. Welcome back and please stay
• 

  MacHislopp

  Hello everyone,

  Just to continue. Jadda I do agree with you. In certain part of the world they would say that the Society shot themselves... in the foot (again)

  Wannaextit : I haven’t been well for quite a while and sometimes posting in the other forum (Support) because I did loose my papers with codes. Now I’m better…slowly but steadily. Thanks for your interest.

  Now the …usual reminders:l

  *** yb11p.13HighlightsofthePastYear***

  In summary, the Writing Department insists on using only material that is accurate and truthful, even regarding seemingly insignificant details. As a result, “the faithful and discreet slave” can consistently supply spiritual food that brings honor to “the God of truth,” Jehovah.—Ps. 31:5.

  ***1992

  *** sgstudy21p.110pars.9-10InformativeMaterial,ClearlyPresented***

  9 Accuracyofstatement.Jehovah’s witnesses are an organization of truth. We should want to speak the truth and be absolutely accurate in every detail at all times. This should be so not only as regards doctrine but also in our quotations, what we say about others or how we represent them, also in matters involving scientific data or news events.

  10 Wrong statements delivered to an audience may be repeated and the error magnified. Inaccuracies that are recognized by an audience raise questions as to the authority of the speaker on other points, perhaps even calling in question the truth of the message itself.

  *** w72 8/15 p. 501 God Readjusts the Thinking of His People ***

  Does this bring into question the basic principles of their teachings?

  Not at all. Jehovah’s witnesses do not claim infallibility. They are being taught by God. (Isa. 54:13) Never will they know all things, but they will continually be learning from the inexhaustible wisdom of God as they walk in his truth.

  *** w109/15p.13par.8UnityIdentifiesTrueWorship***

  8 Similarly today, a Governing Body composed of spirit-anointed Christians contributes to the unity of the worldwide congregation. The Governing Body publishes spiritually encouraging literature in many languages. This spiritual food is based on God’s Word.Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah.—Isa. 54:13.

  and :

  *** w765/15p.298PreachingChrist—ThroughEnvyorGoodwill?***

  It is a serious matter to represent God and Christ in one way, then find that our understanding of the major teachings and fundamental doctrines of the Scriptures was in error, and then after that, to go back to the very doctrines that, by years of study, we had thoroughly determined to be in error. Christians cannot be vacillating—‘wishy-washy’—about such fundamental teachings. What confidence can one put in the sincerity or judgment of such persons?

  Here below, just to prove what a bunch of liars the Society is I’m giving one of the greatest example. (inho) It concerns the various Society’s statements made during 77 years (from 1934 until 2011) about the “ time of the end” . Please keep in mind that :” what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah” :

  “Universal war is absolutely certain to come and that soon, and no power can stop it.... During the few remaining months until the breaking of that universal cataclysm the powers that rule the nations of the earth will continue to make treaties...”

  from the booklet .” Universal War Near” , pages 26, 27 - J.F. Rutherford.- published by the WTB&T Society in 1934

  “Cartons of Children that had been deposited in The Arena were now opened,.... Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon.”

  from The Watchtower, September 15, 1941 page 288.

  "Armageddon is surely near.... Our hope is that within a few years our marriage may be consummated and, by the Lord's grace, we shall have sweet children that will be an honor to the Lord. We can well defer our marriage until lasting peace comes to the earth. “

  From the book “ Children,” page 366 - J.F. Rutherford - published by the WTBT Society in 1942

  *w 1950 1/15 22 Who Will Share in the Final Witness? ***

  MEN say that history repeats itself. The history of past divine warnings and executed judgments will, for God's Word says that "it all happened to them by way of warning for others, and it was written down for the purpose of instructing us whose lot has been cast in the closing hours of the world". (1 Cor. 10:11, Moffatt)

  *w 1950 8/1p.227 Serving with the Servant ***

  Such Kingdom interests must be guarded, watched and increased amid the turbulence of this world's closing years. Nor would any human or demon attraction or the confused events occurring in these fateful days succeed in diverting the faithful stewards from their service.

  *** w685/1p.272par.7MakingWiseUseoftheRemainingTime***

  7 The immediate future is certain to be filled with climactic events, for this old system is nearing its complete end. Within a few years at most the final parts of Bible prophecy relative to these “last days” will undergo fulfillment, resulting in the liberation of surviving mankind into Christ’s glorious 1,000-year reign. What difficult days, but, at the same time, what grand days are just ahead!

  *w 1958 8/1 464 Calling the Members of the Kingdom of Heaven ***

  If any of the remnant now in attendance at the room for the wedding ceremonies fall out for failure to keep on the wedding garment, others will be brought in by the King to take their places. Seeing that we are now in the closing years of this present system of things, that process may be about completed.

  *w 1968 8/15/1968 pages 499-501

  This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that 'concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.' To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end. ".

  *** w705/1p.267 KeepCloseinMind“TheConclusionoftheSystemofThings”***

  HOW DOWEKNOW?

  9 ....There are quite a number of proofs. … We also have Jesus’ testimony and that of other inspired writers regarding the conclusion of this system. Bible chronology indicates the rapid approach of the end for this old system under the god of this world, Satan. Additional evidences include Bible prophecy now in course of fulfillment and the testimony of world leaders ..."

  *** w705/1p.273 par.5AnIngatheringAffectingAllMankind***

  How close we may exactly be to the end of the present divisive system of things cannot be predicted, as Jesus reported that even he did not know the day or the hour at the time of his earthly ministry. (Matt. 24:36) …

  So whatever the date for the end of this system, it is clear that the time left is reduced, with only approximately six years left until the end of 6,000 years of human history. (1 Cor. 7:29) This corroborates the understanding of Jesus’ words that the generation alive in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I would not pass away until the end comes . Only a short time, then, remains for persons who love righteousness to show God that they want to be in his “ark” of protection and live to see the blessings of the new system of things.—Matt. 24:34-42.

  *1971 book "The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah"-How? * *** kj 216-7 12 "Until He Comes Who Has the Legal Right" **

  9 Shortly, within ourtwentieth century, the 'battle in the day of Jehovah' will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom. The ancient 'soil of Israel' pictures the realm in which Christendom has operated. It pictures the standing and relationship that Christendom has claimed to occupy with God by means of his 'new covenant' of which Jesus Christ is the mediator.

  *w 1971 9/15 570-1 God Wisely Selects Earth's Rulers ***

  Then he would proceed to gather together all his prospective Kingdom associates on earth, called a 'remnant,' for testing and final approval. (1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 12:10, 17) World conditions in fulfillment of prophecy indicate that we are in the closing days of this gathering, called the "harvest."

  *** w72 8/15 p. 505 God Readjusts the Thinking of His People ***

  Indeed, the only place of happiness and life is in following Jehovah’s leading. Now, on the threshold of his righteous new order, let us show ourselves willing to let Jehovah readjust our thinking. Doing so, we will strengthen one another to stand against the Devil, “that we may not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs.”—2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11.

  *g 1973 11/8p.6WhyYouShouldBeConcerned***

  Why? Because in so many areas human failure is not just a 'passing phase. It is direct evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy showing that we are living in the closing yearsof this wicked system of things. Long ago the Bible foretold of our generation that "wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled." (2 Tim. 3:13)

  ***1981 trchap.11pp.94-95 par.3TheLastDaysofThisWickedSystemofThings***

  3 ..... This generation is getting up in years now. A great number of them have already passed away in death. Yet Jesus very pointedly said: “This generation will bynomeans pass away until all these things occur.” Some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system . This means that only a short time is left before the end comes! (Psalm 90:10 [89:10, Dy]) So now is the time to take urgent action if you do not want to be swept away with this wicked system.

  *** w8411/15p.23 par.8“TheTimeLeftIsReduced”***

  8 ....The end will come in our day, and all the evidence indicates that it is very near indeed. Hence, day after day our pattern of life should reflect that conviction. Moreover, the fact that we have progressed so far into the final days of this system should fill us with determination to do our utmost in the fine and very urgent work of declaring the good news as Jehovah’s cleansed and zealous witnesses.—Titus 2:13, 14.

  *w 1993 4/1p.18WhoAreFollowingtheLightoftheWorld?*** UrgenttoFollowtheLight

  19 Now, in the final years of this evil system, it is urgent to follow the light of the world. And we need to be on guard, for there is an intense war being waged to keep us from walking in the light. This opposition comes from the powers of darkness-from Satan, his demons, and his earthly organization.

  *w 1994 9/1p.13DespiteBeingMadeofDust,PushAhead!**

  20 Now, during the concluding yearsof Satan's world system, is not the time to slow down-not as far as Kingdom preaching is concerned and not as far as developing more fully the fruitage of God's spirit is concerned. «

  w 1997 8/15p.22"SoundnessofMind"astheEndDrawsClose***

  21How much time is left remaining we do not know. Yet, we can say with confidence that "the end of all things has drawn close." Until that end comes, let us live with "soundness of mind" in our dealings with one another, in the way we care for our families, and in our secular responsibilities

  *** w971/1p.11 par.18LetAllGlorifyJehovah!***

  18 In the early 1920’s, a featured public talk presented by Jehovah’s Witnesses was entitled “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” This may have reflected overoptimism at that time. But today that statement can be made with full confidence. Both the increasing light on Bible prophecy and the anarchy of this dying world cry out that the end of Satan’s system is very, very near!

  *** w979/1p.21 KeepJehovah’sDayCloseinMind

  Eagerness fortheEndtoCome

  14 ....Since the year 1914, we have seen the sign being fulfilled that Jesus gave for “the conclusion of the system of things” as well as the things the apostle Paul mentioned would identify “the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Truly, the evidence is overwhelming that we are living in the time of the end of this system of things!

  *w 1998 1/1p.11DoNotGiveUpintheRaceforLife!***

  20 Today, we know that another great "day of Jehovah" will soon affect this whole system of things. (Joel 3:12-14)We do not know when that day will come. But God's Word assures us that come it will! Jehovah says it will not be late. (Habakkuk 2:3; 2 Peter 3:9, 10)

  *w 1998 8/15 19 Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness

  In the near future,the greatest time of tribulation ever to strike the human race will break forth suddenly. (Matthew 24:21) When it does, servants of God will need as never before to display confidence in Jehovah's righteousness and in the direction provided by his organization

  *** w989/15p.15 par.20TimesandSeasonsinJehovah’sHands***

  20 Like Noah, Moses, and first-century Christians in Judea, we today can confidently leave the times and seasons in Jehovah’s hands. Our conviction that we are living in the time of the end and that our deliverance is drawing near depends, not merely on chronological computation, but on real-life events in fulfillment of Bible prophecies.

  *w 1998 9/15p.13TimesandSeasonsinJehovah'sHands***

  We too are convinced that our deliverance from the present wicked system of things is approaching. We know that we are living in "the last days." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

  *w 1998 9/15pp.18-19Waitingin"EagerExpectation"***

  Their faith does not need to be propped up by time calculations. They keep busy in Jehovah's service, providing a wonderful example for their companions, the "other sheep." (John 10:16) These anointed ones know that this wicked system's end is near, and they heed Peter's exhortation: "Brace up your minds for activity, keep your senses completely; set your hope upon the undeserved kindness that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."-1 Peter 1:13.

  *** w9811/15p.16 par.4WalkingWithGod—WithEternityinView***

  4 Jehovah will bring an end to this wicked system of things, for his name is being reproached in today’s world. The wicked have blossomed. (Psalm 92:7) Through their words and deeds, they insult God, and it pains him to see his servants reviled and persecuted. (Zechariah 2:8) No wonder Jehovah has decreed that Satan’s entire organization will soon be brought to an end! God has determined exactly when this will occur, and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies makes it clear that we are now living in “the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4) He will soon act for the blessing of all who love him.

  *w 1999 4/1p.19LifeAfterDeath-WhatDoestheBibleSay?***

  21 The fulfillment of Bible prophecy shows that we are living in "the last days" of this system of things. (2 Timothy 3:1) Very soon now, Jehovah God is going to intervene in human affairs and wipe out wickedness from the earth."

  *w 2000 12/1p.18DoYouLoveJehovah'sRemindersExceedingly?**

  Since we are living deep in the last days of this wicked system of things, let us keep praying for divine help so that we can continue to observe Jehovah's reminders and thus 'keep on guard according to his word.'-Psalm 119:9."

  *w 2001 3/1p.21SalvationforThoseWhoChoosetheLight***

  17 ...Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25) This is especially true in view of the nearness of the endof this system of things when survival will depend on obedience.-Zephaniah 2:3.

  *w 2001 5/15p.12PraiseJehovahforHisGreatDeeds!***

  To shine forth in giving a final witness before Jehovah brings an end to Satan's wicked system of things in the rapidly approaching "great tribulation."-Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:3; Revelation 7:14.

  *w 2001 6/15p.12LookAfterOrphansandWidowsinTheirTribulation***

  As the end of the present system of things gets closer, the pressures that Christians in general face are certain to increase. (Matthew 24:9-13)

  *w 2001 8/15p.28DoNotGiveUpinDoingWhatIsFine***

  FaithintheThingsUnseen

  11 Another trial may involve the seeming delay of the end of this wicked system of things. According to 2 Peter 3:12, Christians are to be "awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." However, many have awaited this "day" for years, some for decades.As a result, some may become discouraged and lose their sense of urgency.

  *w 2001 8/15p.32CertificateofExcellence***

  Each issue of Awake! "stays politically neutral and does not exalt one race above another." Additionally, the publications build "confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things."

  *w 2001 11/15p.12JehovahShowsUsHowtoCountOurDays***

  « Yes, our life is as transitory as grass that withers in a single day. Therefore, let us not waste this precious commodity. Instead, we should seek God's guidance on how we ought to use our remaining years in this system of things. «

  *w 2001 11/15p.31Noah'sFaithCondemnstheWorld***

  « Like Noah, true Christians today know that Jehovah will soonbring an end to this godless system of things. We do not know that day or hour, but we realize that imitating the faith and obedience of this "preacher of righteousness" will result in "the preserving alive of the soul."-Hebrews 10:36-39.".-

  *** w031/1p.18 par.4“KeepontheWatch”!***

  . In a rather similar way, Bible prophecies clearly reveal that we are living in the time of the end; but they do not tell us the day or the hour of the end itself. (Matthew 24:36) Our belief that the end is coming helps us to stay awake, but if we are convinced that Jehovah’s day really is near, we will have far stronger motivation to be on the watch.—Zephaniah 1:14.

  *** w031/1p.19 par.5“KeepontheWatch”!***

  . So our reviewing from time to time the Scriptural proof that we are living close to the end of this system will help us not to lose sight of the important truths regarding that coming end. It is also good to take note of unfolding world events that fulfill Bible prophecy. One brother in Germany wrote: “Every time I watch the news—the wars, the earthquakes, the violence, and the contamination of our planet—it drives home to me the nearness of the end.”

  *2003 km March page 6 , § 25 , "Take full advantage of the time remaining "

  Today all the evidence indicates that the end of the present global system of things is at hand . Day by day our pattern of life should reflect that conviction. As zealous servants of Jehovah, we should be focused on the urgent work of declaring the good news.- Titus 2:13,14 ."

  *yb 2003 " A Letter from the Governing Body " page 5, §1 :

  "We face similar situation today. As we approach the destruction of this wicked system, we expect increased opposition. Satan is filled with "great anger", and that anger is especially directed against those who serve God (Rev.12:12) "

  *

  w 2003 9/15 2003 p.25

  Unfulfilled expectation are bound to lead to disappointments that make the heart sick. This happens in everyday life. However, this is not the case with the expectations that are solidly based on god's Word. We can have complete confidence that they will be fulfilled. Even apparent delays are less likely to be disappointing. For example, we know that God's new world is imminent.(2 Peter 3;13)

  *w 2003 12/1 page 13 § 17 « Yes, we can confidently

  look forward to the time-now so near- when Jehovah will eradicate from the earth all the corruption and those who are responsible for it ».

  *w 2003 12/1 page 13 § 18 « Just a little while longer

  and the wicked one will be no more ; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be »(Psalm 37 :10) How these words encourage us as we approach the end of this system of things and the culmination of disastrous independence from Jehovah ! Whatever kind of government or authority has been devised by man has failed miserably. And now we are nearing the time for a return to rule by God, true theocracy, the Kingdom of Jehovah in the end of Jesus Christ? »

  *w 2003 12/15 page 15 §§6-8 Our Watchfulness Takes On Greater Urgency

  Warned of Things Not Yet Beheld?

  7 Noah received the warning of the upcoming catastrophe decades in advance, and he wisely used the time to prepare for survival. ?After being given divine warning of things not yet beheld.? Says the apostle Paul, ?[Noah] showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the salvation of his household.? (Hebrews 11:7) What about us? Some 90 years have passed since the last days of this system of things began in 1914. We are certainly in 'the time of the end.' (Daniel 12:4)

  *2004 kpp.21 PayingAttentionSavedTheirLives*

  (brochure Keep ontheWatch! )

  The Bible warns of the end of the present system of things. We now live in the last days. As the end nears, are you keeping on the watch? Are you taking action so as to stay out of the danger zone? With a sense of urgency, are you warning others to do the same?

  *2004 kpp.24 par.3“ThatYouMayNotEnterIntoTemptation” (brochure KeepontheWatch! )

  3 Today, we too are under pressure. Earlier in this brochure, we considered evidence that we are living in the final days of this wicked system. The temptations and stresses of Satan’s world are intensifying. .... We love Jehovah. We want to ‘endure to the end’—the end of our life or the end of this system, whichever comes first. (Matthew 24:13)

  *** w048/1p.5 God’sKingdomGovernment—ARealityToday***

  The time when humans will mass together to fight against God’s sovereignty is fast approaching. Ironically, their “unity” will bring them no personal benefits. Instead, their action will be a prelude to the long-awaited peace for all mankind. How so? In that final battle, God’s Kingdom “will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms [of the world], and it itself will stand to times indefinite.” (Daniel 2:44)

  *** w057/1p.7 “HappyAreThoseConsciousofTheirSpiritualNeed”***

  Will YouListentotheKingdomMessage?

  (Matthew 28:19, 20) “This good news of the kingdom,” he foretold, “will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) That end is fast approaching. How important, then, that honesthearted people listen to the lifesaving good news!

  *** w0612/15pp.18-19 “TheGreatDayofJehovahIsNear”

  Maintaining OurSenseofUrgency

  17 Bible prophecies clearly reveal that we are living deep in the time of the end. As never before, we need to strengthen our sense of urgency. A soldier in peacetime does not feel the tension and danger of battle.

  *** km12/07p.1pars.5-6 WeMustMaintainOurZealfortheMinistry***

  6 As Bible prophecies clearly indicate, Jehovah’s day for the destruction of ungodly men is fast approaching. (2 Pet. 2:3; 3:10) With that clearly in mind, let us work hard at maintaining our zeal for the ministry, having a full share in the worldwide Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work now under way!

  *** w0712/15p.11pars.2-3AreYouReadyforJehovah’sDay?***

  2 ….With the day of Jehovah looming on the horizon, the yeartext of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 2007 has been especially appropriate. Taken from Zephaniah 1:14, it reads: “The great day of Jehovah is near.”

  3 Since God’s great day is near, now is the time to prove yourself ready. How can you prepare for that day? Do you need to take additional steps to get ready for Jehovah’s day?

  *** w0712/15p.12par.8AreYouReadyforJehovah’sDay?***

  8 .....Are you a person of prayer, as Jesus was? Approach Jehovah often, linger in prayer, seek the direction of holy spirit, and be quick to accept that direction when it becomes evident. A strong relationship with our heavenly Father is vital at this critical time when God’s great day is approaching rapidly. By all means, then, draw ever closer to Jehovah in prayer.—James 4:8.

  *** w0712/15p.13pars.12-13AreYouReadyforJehovah’sDay?***

  12 The nearness of Jehovah’s day should move you to attend Christian meetings regularly and participate in them as fully as possible. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

  13 Since Jehovah’s day is imminent, do you need to make a greater effort to “put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty”? (Ephesians 4:20-24)

  *w 2008 1/15p.4 § 4 Why many are Without Hope

  4) World events indicate that we are living in "the conclusion of the system of things" and that the end is very near. Mankind is experiencing the events and conditions that Jesus and his disciples said would mark "the last days." "Pangs of distress," including wars, food shortages, earthquakes, and other calamities, plague humanity. -"

  *

  w 2008 05/15p.15 § 16 The Last Days Soon to End!

  16 ) This world has been in the last days , or “conclusion of the system of things, " since the year 1914.

  (Matt. 24:3 ) Very soon now, what Jesus calles “the great tribulation” will occur. (Read Matthew 24:21.) That unparalleled tibulation will bring Satan’s entire world to its end.”

  *** w093/15p.19par.17“BeVigilant”***

  Those words had an initial fulfillment with the restoration of God’s ancient people to their homeland, giving us confidence in the coming literal fulfillment in the new world. What great joy there will be as resurrected ones are reunited with their loved ones! Yes, the end of Satan’s world is near, and a new world of God’s making is at hand. How vital it is that we remain vigilant!

  *** w104/15pp.10-11par.14HolySpirit’sRoleintheOutworkingofJehovah’sPurpose***

  ? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit.—Mark 13:37.

  *** w119/15p.18par.12RuntheRaceWithEndurance***

  12 Many of the faithful ones whom Paul mentioned had circumstances similar to ours. For example, Noah was living when the pre-Flood world was ending. We are living near the end of the present system of things. Abraham and Sarah were called upon to leave behind their homeland to pursue true worship and await the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise.

  Well, this all for the moment.

  Greetings,

  J.C.MacHislopp
• 

  yadda yadda 2

  Hehe, can you post some more quotes I'm not quite convinced.