Hello DATA-DOG,
I’m pleased that you started this topic, because when you read your quote from
The Watchtower, September 15 th , page 22 paragraph 16 a:
16 Something that interferes with our manifesting Godly patience is a wait and see attitude. What does this mean? Well, a person who lacks confidence that the end is near might start to make alternate arrangements, so to speak, in case things do not work out as Jehovah said they would. .....
One cannot stop a second and say :…what? Let’s take just two small parts :
“..a person who lacks confidence that the end is near..”
and
“…as Jehovah said..”
Remember :
***w10 9/ 15 p.13 par. 8 Unity Identifies True Worship***
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.
The above beg the question: What does the evidence - from the Society’s publications shows , just for the last 8 decades concerning
“ the end is near “?
“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.267KeepCloseinMind“TheConclusionoftheSystemofThings”***
HOWDOWEKNOW?
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 systemunder the god of this world, Satan. Additional evidences include Bible prophecy now in course of fulfillment and the testimony of world leaders ..."
***w705/1p.273par.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."
***w728/15p.505GodReadjuststheThinkingofHisPeople***
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.94-95par.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.23par.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.11par.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.21KeepJehovah’sDayCloseinMind
EagernessfortheEndtoCome
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 endof 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.15par.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.16par.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.18par.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.19par.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 JesusChrist? »
*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.21PayingAttentionSavedTheirLives*
(brochure KeepontheWatch! )
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.24par.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.5God’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”***
WillYouListentotheKingdomMessage?
(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”
MaintainingOurSenseofUrgency
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.5-6WeMustMaintainOurZealfortheMinistry***
6As 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.”
3Since 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.
***w11 9/ 15 p.18 par.12 Run the Rac eWith Endurance***
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.
The Watchtower, September 15 th , page 22 paragraph 16 b:
“Jehovah will not allow this wicked system to exist any longer than is absolutely necessary according to his purpose. (Hab. 2:3) …”
In conclusion , IF the last quote (2012) is TRUE why this constant and steady warning of an impending end …that is always coming but it is not there?
Greetings,
JC Mach Hislopp
(PS) I’ve chosen the year 1934 , because I do have a copy of the 1934 yearbook.
