by Ring Wielder 3 Replies latest watchtower bible
Hi...Can someone post me a couple of paras from Awake 1st of Mar 2004....Its the first study article and its paras 6 and 7...The subject matter is about Christs return (i believe). Thanks...I only have the cd rom to 2001.....
Oh..hold on...is it the first article if it has an A after it in the days text? If not, its the second article... just to confuse you....
*** w04 3/1 pp. 14-15 ‘The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test! ***
6
After speaking of "that evil slave," Jesus gave two parables to show why some anointed Christians would prove to be faithful and discreet while others would not. To illustrate discretion, he said: "The kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them, whereas the discreet took oil in their receptacles with their lamps." (Matthew 25:1-4) The ten virgins remind us of anointed Christians before 1914. They had calculated that the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, was about to make an appearance. Hence, they "went out" to meet him, boldly preaching that "the appointed times of the nations" would end in 1914.—Luke 21:24.
7
They were correct. The appointed times of the nations did end in 1914, and God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus went into operation. But that was in the invisible heavens. On earth, mankind began to suffer foretold "woe." (Revelation 12:10, 12) A time of testing ensued. Not understanding things clearly, anointed Christians thought that "the bridegroom was delaying." Confused and facing hostility from the world, generally they slowed down and virtually stopped the organized public preaching work. Like the virgins in the parable, spiritually speaking they "nodded and went to sleep," even as unfaithful professed Christians did after Jesus’ apostles died.—Matthew 25:5; Revelation 11:7, 8; 12:17.
8
Then in 1919 something unexpected happened. We read: "Right in the middle of the night there arose a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Be on your way out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and put their lamps in order." (Matthew 25:6, 7) Just when things seemed darkest, there was a call to get active! In 1918, Jesus, "the messenger of the covenant," had come to Jehovah’s spiritual temple to inspect and cleanse God’s congregation. (Malachi 3:1) Now, anointed Christians needed to go out and meet him in the earthly courtyards of that temple. It was time for them to "shed forth light."—Isaiah 60:1; Philippians 2:14, 15.
9
But wait! In the parable, some of the young women had a problem. Jesus continued: "The foolish said to the discreet, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are about to go out.’" (Matthew 25:8) Without oil, the lamps would not give light. Lamp oil thus reminds us of God’s Word of truth and his holy spirit, which empower true worshipers to be light bearers. (Psalm 119:130; Daniel 5:14) Before 1919, discreet anointed Christians had diligently sought to discern God’s will for them, despite their temporary weakened state. Hence, when the call came to give forth light, they were ready.—2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 10:24, 25.
10
Certain anointed ones, however, were unprepared to make sacrifices or expend personal effort—although they earnestly desired to be with the Bridegroom. So when it was time to get active in preaching the good news, they were not ready. (Matthew 24:14) They even tried to slow down their zealous companions, asking, in effect, for some of their oil supply. In Jesus’ parable, how did the discreet virgins respond? They said: "Perhaps there may not be quite enough for us and you. Be on your way, instead, to those who sell it and buy for yourselves." (Matthew 25:9) Similarly, loyal anointed Christians in 1919 refused to do anything that would diminish their own capacity to bear light. Thus, they passed inspection.
11
Jesus concludes: "While [the foolish virgins] were going off to buy, the bridegroom arrived, and the virgins that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterwards the rest of the virgins also came, saying, ‘Sir, sir, open to us!’ In answer he said, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you.’" (Matthew 25:10-12) Yes, some were unprepared for the Bridegroom’s arrival. Thus, they failed inspection and lost the opportunity to attend the heavenly marriage feast. How tragic!
Hi...Can someone post me a couple of paras from Awake 1st of Mar 2004....
Does not exist Watchtowers are 1st and 15th of the month = AWAKES are 8th and 22nd
Also if it is from todays days text it is July 1st Watchtower
Thank you ...it was the Watchtower of course...senior moment...I was only in for 40 years..LOL.
This is the correct article...It contains another barefaced lie by the org.
The ten virgins remind us of anointed Christians before 1914. They had calculated that the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, was about to make an appearance. Hence, they "went out" to meet him, boldly preaching that "the appointed times of the nations" would end in 1914.—Luke 21:24.
They had 'calculated' no such thing...they believed he had already arrived in 1874....or was that 1873? Why didnt they go out to meet him in 1874? Surely when Christ takes up Kingdom power, that is when the appointed times of the nations end?
*** Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 4, page 621 1897 ***
Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874.
*** The Time Is at Hand, page ii, (forward) 1916 ***
The Bible chronology herein presented shows that the six great 1000 year days beginning with Adam are ended, and that the great 7th Day, the 1000 years of Christ's Reign, began in 1873.
