Hello again, Minimus: Thanks for your comment and appreciation. You are one of the “pillars” in this forum. As for the vast majority I do agree , but there are still Many, that won’t take it so easily. As was commented already, quite a number of JWs remain in the organization for a variety of …good reason and yet they do not agree with many teachings, procedures, rules etc. Time will tell. Just to add a recent a Society's reminder: 2011 YEARBOOK page 13 § 1 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. Using the evidence of the above claim and the recent “new understanding “ given at the Annual Meeting , on October 6th 2012, how many of the 1675 references to the term “the faithful and discrett slave “ will be: “ accurate and truthful, even regarding seemingly insignificant details “ ? The ..easy answer is ONE i.e. Matthew 24:45 Greetings for now , J.C. MacHislopp
MacHislopp
JoinedPosts by MacHislopp
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34
The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.
by MacHislopp inat the 128th annual meeting of the watch tower bible and tract society of pennsylvania, on october 6 th 2012 .
during this meeting “food at the proper time” was given and the most important, was given during a symposium of six talks by members of the governing body—brothers jackson, lösch, pierce, herd, lett, and splane— which analyzed and discussed the meaning of jesus’ words recorded at.
" (matthew 24: 45, 46) it must be conceded, then, that at the end ot the world, at the "time of the end", during the presence of the lord, during the harvest, he would have in the earth a servant who would be faithful and wise.
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34
The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.
by MacHislopp inat the 128th annual meeting of the watch tower bible and tract society of pennsylvania, on october 6 th 2012 .
during this meeting “food at the proper time” was given and the most important, was given during a symposium of six talks by members of the governing body—brothers jackson, lösch, pierce, herd, lett, and splane— which analyzed and discussed the meaning of jesus’ words recorded at.
" (matthew 24: 45, 46) it must be conceded, then, that at the end ot the world, at the "time of the end", during the presence of the lord, during the harvest, he would have in the earth a servant who would be faithful and wise.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Just to add some more problems to the “faithful & discreet slave class “ saga. The Society recently claimed that:
Watchtower July 15 th 2011 page 12 paragraph 8 (Simplified English Version)
"The organization has never disappointed us and always gives us an abundance of pure waters of truth from God's Word."
So in the same theme let’s see some more:
1950
*** w50 10/1 p. 347 The Way of Success ***
The Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society is not the great mother organization of Jehovah’s witnesses who have received the Kingdom truth through it and who cooperate with it world-wide, using it as their legal and business servant and advisory governing body ....
However, what we see exemplified in God’s woman, his heavenly universal organization, we should look to see in his visible organization. Why? Because his higher, greater universal organization uses it as her earthly instrument. That is why we do see those motherly traits, those traits and acts of a virtuous woman, in the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead and in the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, because these profess to represent and serve God’s woman. We thank God for providing and using them. "
1954
*** w5410/15p.639QuestionsFromReaders***
In fact, this ability to discard the erroneous as the light increases marks the difference between Jehovah’s true worshipers and the false religions of Christendom . When it can be clearly shown from the Bible that an idea once held does not have sufficient Scriptural support and that a different viewpoint has the weight of Bible testimony behind it, then the new viewpoint is adopted and the former understanding is set aside. To be too proud to do this is to have a pride that would presage a fall. (Prov. 16:18) Increased understanding of the Bible itself and growing proof from the Bible itself are the basis for altering the viewpoint. This organization is always probing and studying to find solid foundations in the Scriptures for its beliefs and as the light increases the foundations of our beliefs become stronger and stronger. We have ears to hear a clarified truth, not ears that refuse to hear. We have eyes to see the increased light, not eyes that refuse to see. We are anxious for new light and for new “food at the proper time.”
1960
*** w60 7/15 p. 437 par. 24 The Awake “Faithful and Discreet Slave” ***
24 Properly, then, to this 1900-year-old “faithful and discreet slave” with its thousands of cleansed “domestics” Jesus next says: “Truly I say to you [plural, collectively], He will appoint him over all his belongings.” (Matt. 24:47) Those belongings are the interests of Christ’s kingdom on earth. With practical wisdom Jesus entrusts these Kingdom interests to his veteran, proved “slave” class.
1964
*** w64 5/15 p. 305 Maintaining Unity in Difficult Times ***
" Jehovah’s witnesses in all the world receive their teaching based upon the Bible. The Bible explanations are given out by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, representing the "faithful and discreet slave" as mentioned in Matthew 24:45. This centralized and uniform teaching has very much contributed toward the unity among Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the earth."
1975
*** w751/15p.46HowAreChristiansSpirituallyFed?***
WHEN THE“SLAVE”CLASSBEGAN
When did this faithful “slave” come into existence? At Pentecost, 33 C.E. The first 120 persons upon whom holy spirit was poured out immediately set to work feeding the others invited to God’s spiritual feast, namely, the Jews, 3,000 of whom accepted the spiritual “food” offered and got baptized. After this the 3,000 continued to take in spiritual food until they were well strengthened. Many then went back to their homes in other lands, establishing congregations and continuing to associate together and to keep in harmony with the true teaching of the apostles.—Acts 2:1-4, 37-42.
1981
*** w813/1p.24DoYouAppreciatethe“FaithfulandDiscreetSlave”?***
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that this parable pertains to the one true congregation of Jesus Christ’s anointed followers. Beginning with Pentecost, 33 C.E., and continuing through the 19 centuries since then, this slavelike congregation has been feeding its members spiritually, doing so faithfully and discreetly. Especially has the identity of this “slave” become clear at the time of Christ’s return or presence. The “slave” is identifiable by its watchfulness and by the fact that it is faithfully and discreetly providing spiritual food as needed by all in the Christian congregation. Indeed, this “slave,” or spirit-anointed congregation, is the one approved channel representing God’s kingdom on earth in the “time of the end.” (Dan. 12:4) Witnesses of Jehovah understand that the “slave” is comprised of all anointed Christians as a group on earth at any given time during the 19 centuries since Pentecost. Accordingly, the “domestics” are these followers of Christ as individuals.
1988
*** it-1p.273Beating***
Jesus foretold that at the time of his presence he would appoint “the faithful and discreet slave . . . over all his belongings.” God’s Son also spoke of an evil slave that would not be alert and anxiously watching for his master’s arrival. Such an “evil slave” would say: “My master is delaying.” Not only would he eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards but he would go further by beating his fellow slaves and opposing their work of providing the spiritual food at the proper time for God’s faithful slaves.
*** it-1p.806FaithfulandDiscreetSlave***
Thus the entire anointed Christian congregation was to serve in a united stewardship, dispensing such truths. At the same time the individual members making up such composite body, or the “domestics” making up the “house” of God (Mt 24:45; Heb 3:6; Eph 2:19), would also be recipients of the “food” dispensed. (Heb 5:11-14; compare 1Co 12:12, 19-27.) Expanded responsibility would result from faithfulness maintained until the master’s promised ‘arrival.’—Mt 24:46, 47; Lu 12:43, 44.
*** it-2p.1035Steward***
Jesus describes his body of faithful anointed ones on earth as “the faithful and discreet slave,” but as a slave they also serve as a steward for him, having had committed to them in these last days “all his belongings”—including the preaching of “this good news of the kingdom” throughout the earth, teaching those who wish to hear, and serving as God’s instrument to gather into association with the congregation the international “great crowd” that would survive the great tribulation.
1989
*** pechap.23p.195God’sVisibleOrganization***
THEOCRATIC DIRECTIONTODAY
13 God’s visible organization today also receives theocratic guidance and direction. At the headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York, there is a governing body of older Christian men from various parts of the earth who give the needed oversight to the worldwide activities of God’s people. This governing body is made up of members of “the faithful and discreet slave.” It serves as a spokesman for that faithful “slave.”
2000
The Watchtower August 1 st , 2000, p. 6, par. 3
As Head of his congregation, not only did Jesus keep a watchful eye on his anointed footstep followers on earth but, since the outpouring of the holy spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E.,he has also used them as a channel of truth, as a "faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47; Acts 2:1-36)
By the look of it , the Society will need more …corrections/clarifications/adjustement of understanding etc. etc.
Greetings for now ,
J.C. MacHislopp
P.S The Society’s 2011 CD Rom contains 1675 ref toi the term “faithful and discreet slave” Only one in the Bible Matt. 24:45
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34
The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.
by MacHislopp inat the 128th annual meeting of the watch tower bible and tract society of pennsylvania, on october 6 th 2012 .
during this meeting “food at the proper time” was given and the most important, was given during a symposium of six talks by members of the governing body—brothers jackson, lösch, pierce, herd, lett, and splane— which analyzed and discussed the meaning of jesus’ words recorded at.
" (matthew 24: 45, 46) it must be conceded, then, that at the end ot the world, at the "time of the end", during the presence of the lord, during the harvest, he would have in the earth a servant who would be faithful and wise.
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MacHislopp
Hello again to everyone,
This few lines to rectify an error. The second quote beginning: “The evidence points to the following…”
is not from the year 2004 but from the yeart 2012 ,when the statement was made at the Annual Meeting . I do apologize.
2***Was the slave active in 1914?,
Year 2004
***w043/1pp.11-12A“Slave”WhoIsBothFaithfulandDiscreet***
The“Slave”19CenturiesLater
16 What about today? When Jesus’ presence began in 1914, did he find a group of anointed Christians who were faithfully dispensing food at the proper time?He certainly did.This group could be clearly identified because of the fine fruitage that it was producing. (Matthew 7:20) History since then has proved this identification to be correct.
17 At the time of Jesus’ arrival, some 5,000 domestics were busy spreading Bible truth. The workers were few, but the slave used a number of ingenious methods to spread the good news. (Matthew 9:38) For example, arrangements were made for sermons on Bible topics to be published in up to 2,000 newspapers. In this way, the truth of God’s Word reached tens of thousands of readers at once. In addition, an eight-hour program combining color slides and motion pictures was prepared. Thanks to this innovative presentation, the Bible’s message, from the beginning of Creation to the end of the Thousand Year Reign of Christ, was conveyed to audiences totaling over nine million on three continents. Printed literature was another avenue that was used. In 1914, for example, some 50,000 copies of this journal were published.
18 Yes, when the Master arrived, he found his faithful slave conscientiously feeding the domestics as well as preaching the good news. Greater responsibilities now awaited that slave. Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” (Matthew 24:47) Jesus did this in 1919, after the slave had passed through a period of testing. Why, though, did “the faithful and discreet slave” receive greater responsibilities? Because the Master had received an increase in his belongings. Jesus was given the kingship in 1914.
Year 2012
The evidence points to the following conclusion: “The faithful and discreet slave” was appointed over Jesus’ domestics in 1919. That slave is the small, composite group of anointed brothers serving at world headquarters during Christ’s presence who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food . When this group work together as the Governing Body , they act as “the faithful and discreet slave.”
Greetings to all, J.C.MacHislopp
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34
The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.
by MacHislopp inat the 128th annual meeting of the watch tower bible and tract society of pennsylvania, on october 6 th 2012 .
during this meeting “food at the proper time” was given and the most important, was given during a symposium of six talks by members of the governing body—brothers jackson, lösch, pierce, herd, lett, and splane— which analyzed and discussed the meaning of jesus’ words recorded at.
" (matthew 24: 45, 46) it must be conceded, then, that at the end ot the world, at the "time of the end", during the presence of the lord, during the harvest, he would have in the earth a servant who would be faithful and wise.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Just a few lines to answer directly some of our friends on this board:
** james woods:
‘ they do not know who the "faithful and discreet slave class" is
Well , please just read … this:
*** w64 5/15 p. 305 Maintaining Unity in Difficult Times ***
" Jehovah’s witnesses in all the world receive their teaching based upon the Bible. The Bible explanations are given out by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, representing the "faithful and discreet slave" as mentioned in Matthew 24:45. This centralized and uniform teaching has very much contributed toward the unity among Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the earth."
**Black Sheep :
Thanks for the correction. Here below the quote you’ve mentioned.
“THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE”BECOMES“ABUNDANT”
14 “The true knowledge” has become abundant through the many who are proclaiming the good news. It has also become abundant through the printed word. In July 1879, the Bible Students published the first issue of this magazine, which bore the title Zion ’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. That issue, printed by a commercial firm, had a printing of 6,000 copies in English only. Twenty-seven-year-old Charles Taze Russell was chosen to be the editor, with five other mature Bible Students serving as regular contributors.
PART 1 T HE W ATCHTOWER— A UGUST 15, 2012 page 15 par.14
(from the Large print Issue) In the regular format, the quote is on page 7 par. 14 .
**Listener : …the WTBTS has printed that is now garbage.
Yes , quite a few thousand of pages.
**Wannabefree , ArbolesdeArabia, Vanderhoven7 :
Thanks for your appreciative remarks.
***designs: maybe not, possibly the opposite as the “older” publications i.e. 1970’s ,1980’s ,1990’s , even the 2000’s can be used
as written evidence of the Society ever changing and shifting opinion,teachings, ..ideas.
**St George of England : True, but I wonder why the Society did not mention his name in their own written Report, like this brother /sister did, in a very accurate report, which included also a few pictures.
When the new GB member Mark Sanderson gave a most heartfelt concluding prayer, the auditorium was a buzz with appreciation for one of the most memorable AGM’s ever.
Konceptual99: Thanks for your appreciation and the interesting comments. We are “eagerly” waiting for afollow up on this matter.
Greetings to all,
Bats in the belfry : just to answer you :
*** w64 6/15 365 Jehovah, the God of Progressive Revelation ***
The holy spirit of Jehovah is working mightily today! How thankful we should be for the provision God has made of this slave class, the modern spiritual remnant, as they faithfully dispense the revealed truths of Jehovah!
Furthermore as it was claimed by the Society ….years ago:
*** g848/22p.28FromOurReaders***
We surelywerenottryingtotakecheapshotsatthepopeortheCatholicChurch,norwerewecriticizingCatholics.TheCatholicChurchoccupiesaverysignificantpositionintheworldandclaimstobethewayofsalvationforhundredsofmillionsofpeople.Anyorganizationthatassumesthatpositionshouldbe willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism.Allwhocriticizehavetheobligationtobetruthfulinpresentingthefactsandfairandobjectiveinassessingsuch.Inbothrespectswetrytoliveuptothatobligation.—ED.
and we must not forget:
*** w57 6/15 370Overseers of Jehovah's People ***
Such is true not by their determination of it, but because God himself has so directed. "God has set the members in the body, each one of them, just as he pleased," is the way it is pictured in 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NW). It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the "slave" as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision.
Greetings to all for now,
J.C. MacHislopp
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34
The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.
by MacHislopp inat the 128th annual meeting of the watch tower bible and tract society of pennsylvania, on october 6 th 2012 .
during this meeting “food at the proper time” was given and the most important, was given during a symposium of six talks by members of the governing body—brothers jackson, lösch, pierce, herd, lett, and splane— which analyzed and discussed the meaning of jesus’ words recorded at.
" (matthew 24: 45, 46) it must be conceded, then, that at the end ot the world, at the "time of the end", during the presence of the lord, during the harvest, he would have in the earth a servant who would be faithful and wise.
-
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
At the 128th annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, on October 6 th 2012 . During this meeting “food at the proper time” was given and the most important, was given during a symposium of six talks by members of the Governing Body—Brothers Jackson, Lösch, Pierce, Herd, Lett, and Splane— which analyzed and discussed the meaning of Jesus’ words recorded at
Matthew 24:45-47. 45 “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. 47 Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings. .-
( Full text of the report from : http://www.jw.org/en/news/events-activities/annual-meeting-report-2012/)
With this new understanding or ‘ adjustement in understanding’ many questions come to those …thousands and thousands with inquisitive minds.
With the help of t some material scattered on the web and on this board I have tried to make an analytical summary of the major points together with quotes of previous and recent Society’s teaching.
Here we go:
1***Was a slave class present between the 1st century and the 20th century?
Year 1922
**w22 3/1 pp. 72-73 Who Is Wise? ***
The indisputable facts, therefore, show that the "time of the end" began in 1799; that the Lord’s second presence began in 1874; that the harvest followed thereafter and greater light has come upon the Word of God. In this connection, then, let us note the words of Jesus: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." (Matthew 24: 45, 46) It must be conceded, then, that at the end ot the world, at the "time of the end", during the presence of the Lord, during the harvest, he would have in the earth a servant who would be faithful and wise. The physical facts show that Brother Russell met every one of these requirements. This prophetic utterance, then, has been fulfilled. Therefore fulfilled prophecy, or physical facts, and the circumstantial evidence are conclusive proofs that Brother Russell filled the office of that faithful and wise servant."
Year 1992
***w92 12/1 pp. 13-14 Bring All the Tenth Parts Into the Storehouse” ***
7Who, then, was the faithful and discreet slave? In the first century, it began with the small group that responded to the witness work of John the Baptizer and of Jesus, the messenger of the covenant.
In our century, it was the few thousandswho responded to the preparatory work of the Bible Students during the years leading up to 1914.
Year 1995
The Watchtower May 15, 1995, p. 16, par. 2
This slave could not be just one individual because he was to provide spiritual food from when the Christian congregation began at Pentecost until the Master, Jesus Christ, came to make an accounting. The facts indicate that this faithful and discreet slave class comprises all anointed Christians as a group on earth at any given time.
Year 2000
The Watchtower August 1 st , 2000, p. 6, par. 3
As Head of his congregation, not only did Jesus keep a watchful eye on his anointed footstep followers on earth but, since the outpouring of the holy spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E.,he has also used them as a channel of truth, as a "faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47; Acts 2:1-36)
Year 2004
*** w043/1pp.8-9A“Slave”WhoIsBothFaithfulandDiscreet***
An IndividualoraClass?
4 “The faithful and discreet slave” cannot be one person. Why not? Because the slave began serving spiritual food back in the first century, and according to Jesus, the slave would still be doing so when the Master arrived in 1914. That would represent some 1,900 years of faithful service for one individual. Not even Methuselah lived that long!—Genesis 5:27.
5 Well, might the term “faithful and discreet slave” apply in a general sense to each individual Christian? It is true that all Christians must be faithful and discreet; however, Jesus clearly had something more in mind when he spoke of “the faithful and discreet slave.” How do we know that? Because he said that the “master on arriving” would appoint the slave “over all his belongings.” How could each individual Christian be placed over everything—over “all” of the Lord’s belongings? Impossible!
6 The only reasonable conclusion, then, is that Jesus was referring to a group of Christians as “the faithful and discreet slave.
Year 2012
Although they were anointed by holy spirit, the apostles and other first-century Christians were not “the faithful and discreet slave” prophesied by Jesus.
It is reasonable to conclude, then, that Jesus appointed “the faithful and discreet slave” over “his domestics” during his presence, “the conclusion of the system of things.”
2***Who then constitute the “the faithful and discreet slave”?
Year 2007
*** w0711/1pp.29-30pars.12-13SearchingInto“theDeepThingsofGod”***
12 A second example of deep things that have been revealed to us concerns God’s purpose to select 144,000 from among mankind. (Revelation 14:1, 4) We accept the teaching that all of the anointed onesliving on earth at any given time constitute“the faithful and discreet slave” that Jesus said would provide timely “food” for his domestics. (Matthew 24:45)
and
*** w0711/1pp.29-30pars.12-13SearchingInto“theDeepThingsofGod”***
13 …
The apostle Peter gave the answer when he told the congregation of anointed Christians: “You are . . . ‘a holy nation, a people for special possession.’” (1 Peter 1:4; 2:9) That spiritual nation, “the Israel of God,” became Jehovah’s new slave. (Galatians 6:16) Just as all members of ancient Israel formed one “servant,” so also all anointed Christians on earth at any one time form one “faithful and discreet slave.” What a privilege it is for us to receive “food” through God’s slave!
Year 2012
The evidence points to the following conclusion: “The faithful and discreet slave” was appointed over Jesus’ domestics in 1919. That slave is the small, composite group of anointed brothers serving at world headquarters during Christ’s presence who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food. When this group work together as the Governing Body, they act as “the faithful and discreet slave.”
NB *** How can anyone trust a small group of men, within a religious organization - to correctly interpret the Bible – for millions and millions of people - and yet the same small group cannot even be sure of their own identity?
Can we really imagine for a moment “ God's channel of communication” that is not able…sorry .. that takes almost 100 years to realize who is part of “God’s channel of communication. Do we have to believe that it took so long for Jehovah God to inform them on this matter?
2***Was the slave active in 1914?,
Year 2004
*** w043/1pp.11-12A“Slave”WhoIsBothFaithfulandDiscreet***
The “Slave”19CenturiesLater
16 What about today ? When Jesus’ presence began in 1914, did he find a group of anointed Christians who were faithfully dispensing food at the proper time?He certainly did. This group could be clearly identified because of the fine fruitage that it was producing. (Matthew 7:20) History since then has proved this identification to be correct.
17 At the time of Jesus’ arrival, some 5,000 domestics were busy spreading Bible truth. The workers were few, but the slave used a number of ingenious methods to spread the good news. (Matthew 9:38) For example, arrangements were made for sermons on Bible topics to be published in up to 2,000 newspapers. In this way, the truth of God’s Word reached tens of thousands of readers at once. In addition, an eight-hour program combining color slides and motion pictures was prepared. Thanks to this innovative presentation, the Bible’s message, from the beginning of Creation to the end of the Thousand Year Reign of Christ, was conveyed to audiences totaling over nine million on three continents. Printed literature was another avenue that was used. In 1914, for example, some 50,000 copies of this journal were published.
18 Yes, when the Master arrived, he found his faithful slave conscientiously feeding the domestics as well as preaching the good news. Greater responsibilities now awaited that slave. Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” (Matthew 24:47) Jesus did this in 1919, after the slave had passed through a period of testing. Why, though, did “the faithful and discreet slave” receive greater responsibilities? Because the Master had received an increase in his belongings. Jesus was given the kingship in 1914.
Year 2004
The evidence points to the following conclusion: “The faithful and discreet slave” was appointed over Jesus’ domestics in 1919. That slave is the small, composite group of anointed brothers serving at world headquarters during Christ’s presence who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food. When this group work together as the Governing Body , they act as “the faithful and discreet slave.”
3***Who ist the "evil slave" (Mat 24:48-51)?
Year 2004
*** w043/1p.13‘TheFaithfulSlave’PassestheTest!***
“That EvilSlave”
2 Jesus spoke of the evil slave immediately after discussing “the faithful and discreet slave.” He said: “If ever that evil slave should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, and will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his part with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.” (Matthew 24:48-51) The expression “that evil slave” draws our attention to Jesus’ preceding words about the faithful and discreet slave. Yes, the “evil slave” came from the ranks of the faithful slave. How?
Year 2012
- not mentioned yet -
4***Will the parables of the virgins and the slave with the talents apply to the “governing body”?
Year 2004
*** w043/1p.18par.21‘TheFaithfulSlave’PassestheTest!***
21 Thus, although these two parables shed light on events in 1919 or thereabouts, they apply in principle to all true Christians throughout the last days. In this way, while the exhortation that Jesus gave at the end of the parable of the ten virgins applies in the first place to anointed Christians before 1919, in principle it still applies to every Christian. May all of us, then, take to heart Jesus’ words: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.”—Matthew 25:13.
Year 2012
- not considered yet -
5***Who are the “ domestics”?
Year 2004
*** w043/1p.10par.9A“Slave”WhoIsBothFaithfulandDiscreet***
9 …
Who, though, are the “domestics,” who receive spiritual nourishment from the slave? In the first century C.E ., every Christian cherished the heavenly hope. Consequently, the domestics were also anointed Christians, viewed, not as a group, but as individuals. All, including those who held responsible positions in the congregation, needed spiritual food from the slave.—1 Corinthians 12:12, 19-27; Hebrews 5:11-13; 2 Peter 3:15, 16.
Year 2012
Jesus said that “his domestics” would receive “food at the proper time.” All genuine followers of Jesus are fed by “the faithful and discreet slave.” Therefore, all of Christ’s disciples—both individual anointed Christians and members of the “other sheep”—are “his domestics.”—John 10:16.
and
"What does all of this really mean? The great crowd and the anointed are all domestics. We are all domestics . And brothers, we love this teaching - we love this idea."
(by brother David Splane - a GB member- )
6***What are the belongings over which the newly crowned Master appoints his “faithful slave” ?
Year 2004
*** w04 3/1 p. 12 par. 19 A “Slave” Who Is Both Faithful and Discreet ***
19 What are the belongings over which the newly crowned Master appointed his faithful slave? All the spiritual things that belong to Him here on earth.
Year 2012
Jesus said: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.” (Matthew 28:18) Jesus’ “belongings” thus include more than just his earthly interests. They include the Messianic Kingdom.—Philippians 2:9-11.
Consequently, Jesus will reward “the faithful and discreet slave” by resurrecting the individual members of that group to heavenly life and by giving them royal authority over all Christ’s belongings in heaven and on earth. This is the same reward promised to all faithful anointed Christians.—Luke 22:28-30; Revelation 20:6.
In conclusion , according to this latest “ adjustement in understanding” it is established that Jesus Christ, the Master returned in the year 1914 and appointed a “faithful and discreet slave class “ .
(Matthew 24:45-51)45 “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. 47 Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings
Since the the appointment of “the faithful and discreet slave “ was made after 5 years were elapsed, i.e. in the year 1919, there are more questions without an answer:
***Was the Master gone again?
***How can that be if he returned invisibly and appoints a slave?
***Did he invisibly leave and then return invisibly again to appoint the FDS?
***Did the Master come back just to place the slave in authority?
***How can a true Christian be sure of the events?
***ho witnessed the event?
**How can anyone prove invisible events?
(NB Please keep in mind that Brother Joseph Rutherford, taught that “god’s people “ realized the event of Jesus Christ’s inspection in the year 1922)
I do hope that the material ll be useful to someone.
Greetings,
J.C.MacHislopp
(P.S. Two more points :
In the official report no mention of Brother Charles Taze Russell – the last time he was mentioned in the publications was in the year 2009; Second point, no mention in the official report of the latest “Governing Body” member Mark Sanderson.
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34
Your reaction if they drop the shunning policy?
by jam inhow would you react toward those family members that.
have treated you like you had leprosy.
for years didn,t.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
allthough they could make a "minor change" soon, I do agree with undercove:
"It will be easy enough to forgive individual members, depending on my history
with them. They were victims, same as us. Forgive the WTS, though? Never."
For the simple reason that it is a deliberate action/attitude/teaching for
the last 60 years .
Greetings, J.C. MacHislopp
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30
How would you feel about this and would you steps to change the situation
by troubled mind innext week i am having surgery at the local hospital .
one of my old jw 'friends ', that no longer considers me worthy of even a hello ,is a surgical tech there .. would you take steps to ask she not be on the operating team ?
it was brought to my attention today that i do have the right to ask for that person not to be present because of personal issues .. what would you do ?
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MacHislopp
Hello troubled mind,
as you have presented the situation so clearly...do not trouble any further your mind,
just ask the hospital's directio/administration, to make sure that the person you are referring to
will not be part of the surgery team or any other kind of treatment/hospital care given to you.
Simply, it is your undeniable patient's right.
Take courage...you will have peace of mind and you'll succeed,
Greeting, J.C. MacHislopp
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20
Watchtower desperation and Mind Control...
by DATA-DOG innotice the latest " biblical " view of education promulgated by the governing body/ slave.
this is from the september 15, 2012 study edition.
paragraph 16 of the " learn from the patience of jehovah and jesus ", had this to say.. 16 something that interferes with our manifesting godly patience is a wait and see attitude.
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MacHislopp
Hello DATA-DOG,
Thanks for your appreciative words. I'm very pleased that " the compilation" taken from my data base files ,
can be useful to you and maybe to others too.
Greetings,
J. C. MacHislopp
PS With your wife...patience is one of the quality needed.
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20
Watchtower desperation and Mind Control...
by DATA-DOG innotice the latest " biblical " view of education promulgated by the governing body/ slave.
this is from the september 15, 2012 study edition.
paragraph 16 of the " learn from the patience of jehovah and jesus ", had this to say.. 16 something that interferes with our manifesting godly patience is a wait and see attitude.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
To continue one the same line of thought, I waold like to add the following.
Just 13 years have gone since , once more, the Society blamed “ a few dedicated Christians “ i.e. brothers and sisters for slowing down spiritually and adopting for their “ship of faith” a “cruising speed”.
As if it was not enough the Society gave two reasons for such attitude.
The first was because the brothers and sisters were:
***Drawn by the hope of “Paradise soon”
The second reason was given as :
***thinking that the realization of their hopes is farther off than they anticipated
That again was not enough and the Society exposed herself by giving the result of such an attitude:
“This is evident in reduced preaching activity, irregularity at meetings, and willingness to miss parts of assembly or convention programs. Others are devoting more time to recreation and to obtaining material comforts.”
Here below the entire quote:
*** w997/15p.18par.9AnchoredbyHope,ImpelledbyLove***
9 A few dedicated Christians in some parts of the world appear to have reefed the sails of their ship of faith. The ship is still afloat, but instead of forging ahead in full faith, they have adopted a cruising speed.Drawn by the hope of “Paradise soon,” some were prepared to spare no efforts to attain it—zealous in the preaching work and regular in attendance at all meetings, assemblies, and conventions. Now thinking that the realization of their hopes is farther off than they anticipated, they have lowered the price they are willing to pay. This is evident in reduced preaching activity, irregularity at meetings, and willingness to miss parts of assembly or convention programs. Others are devoting more time to recreation and to obtaining material comforts. These facts lead us to consider what should be the driving force in our lives in line with our dedication to Jehovah. Should our zeal in his service be dependent on the hope of “Paradise soon”?
Most of us here know that, rather than blaming brothers and sisters worldwide,the Society herself was behind it al – for the last 138 years - by promoting, advertising, promising, preaching, publishing - as God’s channel on earth -
***w10 9/15 p.13 par. 8 Unity Identifies True Worship***
8 ….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 message :
“deliverance by God's Kingdom is at hand!”
Now here we start …refreshing memeories:
2008 …four years ago
*** w08 5/15 p. 15-16 §20 The Last Days Soon to End !
May you experience great joy in your ministry as you declare this good news and help those " rightly disposed for everlasting life " to realize that deliverance by God's Kingdom is at hand! - Acts 13:48
2006… six years ago
g 6/06 p. 32 Millions Will Be Going—Will You? ***
The morning program will continue with a talk that introduces a convention highlight, the full-costume drama based on chapter 13 of the Bible book of First Kings. The convention’s final session Sunday afternoon features the public talk “Deliverance by God’s Kingdom Is at Hand!”
1997…fifteen years ago
*** w97 4/1 p. 11 Take Courage as Deliverance Draws Near ***
Deliverance Near—For Whom?
12 The increasingly difficult conditions on earth are striking evidence that a vast change—indeed, a grand deliverance—is near at hand! For whom? Deliverance is nearing for those who pay attention to the warning signals and who take appropriate action.1982…thirty years ago
*** w82 10/1 p. 28 par. 14 Be as Men Who Are Facing Har–Magedon Unafraid ***
14 … .The “deliverance” that is now at hand for persons of such faith is not initially the heavenly glorification of the remnant of the spirit-begotten disciples of Christ and their being taken away from the earthly scene of tribulation, although that is in store for them finally.
1972 …forty years ago
*** w72 04/15 p. 233
Mankind desperately needs a Liberator from these ruinous demonic heavens. Jehovah God has raised up the needed Deliverer! Jehovah’s marked time for the desired deliverance is at hand!
1954 …fifty- eight years ago
*** w54 10/15 p. 624 Why Prayers Go Unanswered ***
They rejoice because they know deliverance to a new world is at hand, that this present evil world must end in that “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again,” namely, the war of Armageddon. This is Jehovah’s decree.
1941… seventy- one years ago
The Watchtower, October 1st, 1941. page 303
As his witnesses these faithful ones the great Jehovah God bids to go and tell the glad news to the sorrowing world, and to advise mankind that Jehovah is God, that Christ Jesus is the King of kings, and that the day of deliverance is at hand.
1930…eighty- two years ago
The Watchtower, September 15th 1930 page 281
God has now given his people an understanding of The Revelation which he gave to Jesus Christ to show unto his servants. The publication of the two books called Light, giving the explanation of The
Revelation, will greatly anger the Devil and all who have not the spirit of Christ. We may therefore expect the opposition to the kingdom to quickly become stronger than ever. It will be of short duration, however, because the day of deliverance is at hand.1921… ninety-one years ago
The Watchtower, January 1st , 1921 page 13
Behold, the evidence daily increases that the old world has ended! The kingdom of heaven is here! Let the saints look up and lift up their heads. Let them sing aloud for joy because the day of deliverance is at hand.
1910… one hundred and one years ago
ZION 'S WATCH TOWER and Herald of Christ's Presence SEMI-MONTHLY VOL. XXXI JUNE 1 No. 11
A.D. 1910--A.M. 6038...[R4627 : page 188] …
Through his lie our race has gone down into sickness, mental, moral and physical, and is going down rapidly to the tomb. Thank God for the great Deliverer; thank God also, for his great day of deliverance, the Millennial Age, now nigh at hand!
1892… one hundred and twenty years ago
Zion 's Watch Tower November 15th , 1892 page 326 , ( R1464)
It is therefore his will rather that we should suffer injustice than that we should spend our strength in fruitless efforts to interrupt the present order of things. And so the kingdom of heaven suffers violence now, but such will not always be the case; for the time of her deliverance is at hand.
1881… one hundred and thirty-one years ago
Zion 's Watch Tower December , 1881
page 3 (R302)
Let us, dearly beloved, see to it, that we not only bury ourselves and our wills in Christ's, but also keep our bodies under--dying daily until fully delivered into the blessed kingdom --which deliverance we believe to be so very nigh at hand.
1880… one hundred and thirty-two years ago
Zion's Watch Tower September , 1880
page 2 (page R134)
Let us, dearly beloved, live up to our covenant, and not only bury ourselves and our wills in Christ's, but also keep our bodies under--dying daily until fully delivered into the blessed kingdom--which deliverance we believe to be so very nigh at hand.
As the Society loves to claim: “facts speaks louder than words”.
Greetings,
JC. MacHislopp
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20
Watchtower desperation and Mind Control...
by DATA-DOG innotice the latest " biblical " view of education promulgated by the governing body/ slave.
this is from the september 15, 2012 study edition.
paragraph 16 of the " learn from the patience of jehovah and jesus ", had this to say.. 16 something that interferes with our manifesting godly patience is a wait and see attitude.
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MacHislopp
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.