Posts by MacHislopp

41

JWGift.org: New Watchtower Website for Online Donations

by Mark in

jw
friends

here's the latest effort of the wt in the uk to collect donations.. https://www.jwgift.org/.

i was thinking of posting some comments, but the website really speaks for itself.

mark

MacHislopp

Hello everyone,

I would like to add that for decades the Society has criticized other churches for passing collection plates and other fund-raising efforts have also been repeatedly condemned.

Yet the Society has emphasized that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not solicit donations!

Examples of the Society’s claims :

*** w625/1p.278HowMayIContribute?***

WITNESS: Jehovah’s witnesses have never gone begging for finances. For this we are very grateful to God, because we realize that this is his work and that he is seeing to it by means of his spirit that it gets done. The many privileges of supporting the worldwide witness to God’s kingdom have been grasped voluntarily and cheerfully.

*** w718/15p.506HowReligiousExpensesAreMet***

The emphasis in all giving among the Witnesses is that it must be voluntary and spontaneous, from the heart. In fact, ever since the earliest days of the modern witnesses of Jehovah it has been their policy that never should there be any passing of collection plates or similar solicitations for money.

From the book: Jehovah’sWitnesses—ProclaimersofGod’sKingdom (publ. 1993)

*** jvchap.21p.340HowIsItAllFinanced?***

As early as the second issue of the WatchTower, in August 1879, Brother Russell stated: “‘Zion’s Watch Tower’ has, we believe, JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support. When He who says: ‘All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,’ fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication.” Consistent with that, there is no begging for money in the literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

(from Zion ’s Watch Tower, August 1879)

R13 : page 1

VOL. I. PITTSBURGH, PA., AUG. 1879. NO. 2.

=========page 1

ZION'S Watch Tower AND HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE .

----------

PUBLISHED MONTHLY. 101 Fifth Ave., PITTSBURGH, PA.

----------

C. T. RUSSELL, Editor and Publisher.

----------

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS. J. H. PATON, ALMONT, MICH.

W. I. MANN, ALLEGHENY, PA.-- B. W. KEITH, DANSVILLE, N.Y.

H. B. RICE, W. OAKLAND, CAL. -- A. D. JONES, PITTSBURGH, PA.

R20 : page 2

Do You Want "Zion's Watch Tower?

…

Do not suppose these remarks to be an appeal for money. No, "Zion's Watch Tower"

has, we believe JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor

petition men for support. When He who says: "All the gold and silver of the mountains

are mine," fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend

the publication.

Then a change:

(from the The Watchtower December 1 st , 1994 page 19)

How Some Make Donations to the Kingdom-Preaching Work

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLDWIDE WORK: Many set aside or budget an amount that they place in the contribution boxes labeled: “Contributions for the Society’s Worldwide Work-Matthew 24:14.” Each month congregations forward these amounts either to the world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, or to the nearest branch office.

GIFTS: Voluntary donations of money may be sent directly to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201-2483, or to the Society’s office that serves your country. Jewelry or other valuables may also be donated. A brief letter stating that such is an outright gift should accompany these contributions.

CONDITIONAL-DONATION ARRANGEMENT: Money may be given to the Watch Tower Society to be held in trust until the donor’s death, with the provision that in the case of personal need, it will be returned to the donor. • INSURANCE: The Watch Tower Society may be named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or in a retirement/pension plan. The Society should be informed of any such arrangement.

BANK ACCOUNTS: Bank accounts, certificates of deposit, or individual retirement accounts may be placed in trust for or made payable on death to the Watch Tower Society, in accord with local bank requirements. The Society should be informed of any such arrangements.

STOCKS AND BONDS: Stocks and bonds may be donated to the Watch Tower Society either as an outright gift or under an arrangement whereby the income continues to be paid to the donor.

REAL ESTATE: Salable real estate may be donated to the Watch Tower Society either by making an outright gift or by reserving a life estate to the donor, who can continue to live therein during his or her lifetime. One should contact the Society before deeding any real estate to the Society.

WILLS AND TRUSTS: Property or money may be bequeathed to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania by means of a legally executed will, or the Society may be named as a beneficiary of a trust agreement. A trust benefiting a religious organization may provide certain tax advantages. A copy of the will or trust agreement should be sent to the Society.

PLANNED GIVING: The Society has assembled information on “Planned Giving.” Those who are planning to make a special gift to the Society now or to leave a bequest at death may find this information helpful. That is especially true if they wish to accomplish some family goal or estate-planning objective while using tax benefits to minimize the cost of the gift or bequest. This information can be obtained by writing to the Society at the address shown below.

In spite of all things, the Society is pooor :

**1

From: (http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/20524)

Real Deal on Watchtower Properties

By Homer Fink on July 21, 2010 10:52 am in Real Estate, Watchtower

The Real Deal looks at the Watchtower’s Brooklyn Heights real estate holdings and speculates how much the organization could make once it decides to put its remaining properties here on the market:

The Real Deal: Over the next decades, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, as it is officially known, bought up some incredibly valuable real estate as its operation expanded. Today, the organization’s portfolio totals 25 Brooklyn properties — brownstones, Beaux Arts multifamilies, modern high-rises and parking lots — that are said to be worth at least $1 billion.

**2

(Left) The assembly hall in Indianapolis, for sale (when last checked) at $2,895,000;

(right) The Ireland branch office, for sale at an estimated €4.5 million

**3

From: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120103/REAL_ESTATE/120109994

Jehovah's Witnesses sell first property for $7.1M

Price was slightly under the sum that the religious order had sought when it put the property on the market along with seven other buildings last year.

By Amanda Fung @amandafung

January 3, 2012 1:32 p.m.

…

The Jehovah's Witnesses, who have called Brooklyn their home since 1909, are the largest landlord in the Brooklyn Heights area. The group has accumulated 34 properties totaling 3.2 million square feet over the course of two decades and created a self-sustaining community in the Brooklyn area. The Jehovah's Witnesses have been known to keep their real estate holdings in mint condition and all of its holdings are expected to attract a slew of buyers .

***4

From: (http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120604/REAL_ESTATE/120609966)

Witnesses put prime Dumbo site on block

The zoning would allow for a development of up to 150,000 square feet of hotel or residential project. The group still owns nearly 3 million square feet of property in the area.

By Amanda Fung @amandafung

June 4, 2012 12:15 p.m.

***5

(from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watch_Tower_Bible_and_Tract_Society_of_Pennsylvania#cite_note-78#cite_note-78)

In 2004 the society began transferring its printing operations to its Wallkill factory complex.[83][84] The move triggered the sale of a number of Brooklyn factory and residential properties including:

360 Furman St , sold in 2004 for $205 million;[85]
67 Livingston St , (nicknamed the Sliver)[86] sold in 2006 for $18.6 million.[85]
89 Hicks St , sold in 2006 for $14 million.[85]
Standish Arms Hotel, 169 Columbia Heights, sold in 2007 for $50 million.[87]
183 Columbia Heights, bought in 1986 and offered for sale in 2007, under contract in March 2012, sold in April 2012 for $6.6 million.[84][88][89]
161 Columbia Heights, bought in 1988 and offered for sale in 2007, sold in March 2012 for $3 million.[84][88]
165 Columbia Heights, offered for sale in 2007, sold January 2012 for $4.1 million.[84][90]
105 Willow St , offered for sale in 2007 and is sold in April 2012 for $3.3 million. [84][91]
34 Orange St , offered for sale in 2007.[84]
Bossert Hotel , 98 Montague St, for sale since 2008.[73] Media reports in 2008 claimed a deal had been struck for more than $100 million,[92] although the deal later fell through.[76] As of May 2012, discussion was under way for the property to be rezoned for a hotel developer who bought it for an undisclosed amount, estimated at $90 million.[93][94]
50 Orange St , bought in 1988, renovated to sell 2006, and sold December 2011 for $7.1 million.[95]
173 Front St , up for sale in 2012.
177 Front St , up for sale in 2012.
200 Water St , up for sale in 2012.
67 Remsen St , up for sale in 2012.

That’s all for now, more ….later.

Greetings,

J.C.MacHislopp

52

Is 1914 still relevant in WT/JW Theology?

by 00DAD in

) - p. 7 par.

10:12, 13) - p. 20 par.

- p. 25 par.

MacHislopp

Hello again,

Blondie, just to confirm to you that the quote below is the latest mention by the Society on the subject of “the length of the creative days”.

From the brochure: Was Life Created? (published 2010)

*** lc pp. 24-26 Science and the Genesis Account ***

How Long Were the Creative Days?

What about the length of the creative days? Were they literally 24 hours long? Some claim that because Moses—the writer of Genesis—later referred to the day that followed the six creative days as a model for the weekly Sabbath, each of the creative days must be literally 24 hours long. (Exodus 20:11) Does the wording of Genesis support this conclusion?

No, it does not. The fact is that the Hebrew word translated “day” can mean various lengths of time, not just a 24-hour period. For example, when summarizing God’s creative work, Moses refers to all six creative days as one day. (Genesis 2:4) In addition, on the first creative day, “God began calling the light Day, but the darkness he called Night.” (Genesis 1:5) Here, only a portion of a 24-hour period is defined by the term “day.” Certainly, there is no basis in Scripture for arbitrarily stating that each creative day was 24 hours long.

How long, then, were the creative days? The Bible does not say; however, the wording of Genesis chapters 1 and 2 indicates that considerable lengths of time were involved.

Greetings, J.C. MacHislopp

P.S. Blondie just to tell you how much I do appreciate your excellent and valuable work on this board. Many thanks.

52

Is 1914 still relevant in WT/JW Theology?

by 00DAD in

) - p. 7 par.

10:12, 13) - p. 20 par.

- p. 25 par.

MacHislopp

Hello again,

Here below on the same subject some interesting figures:

From the Society’s 2011 CD ROM :

The date of 1914 mentioned in the

magazine Awake

Years 2010- 2011 2 times

(May 2011 p.15 and June 2011 p. 8)

Years 2000-2009 53 times

Years 1990 – 1999 152 times

Years 1980 – 1989 234 times

Years 1970 – 1979 193 times

The date of 1914 mentioned in

Our Kingdom Ministry

Years 2010- 2011 2 times

Years 2000-2009 16 times

Years 1990 – 1999 15 times

Years 1980 – 1989 22 times

Years 1970 – 1979 34 times

Greetings for now,

J.C.MacHislopp

52

Is 1914 still relevant in WT/JW Theology?

by 00DAD in

) - p. 7 par.

10:12, 13) - p. 20 par.

- p. 25 par.

MacHislopp

.Hello everyonje,

I would like to comment as follows:

OODAD ; Thanks for the interesting and valuable WT quotes.

Some figures below that should add something to the thread.

From the Society’s 2011 CD ROM

The date of 1914 mentioned in The Wachtower

Year 2011 5 times

Year 2010 18 times

Year 2009 23 times

Year 2008 17 times

Year 2007 17times

Year 2006 23 times

Year 2005 18 times

Year 2004 52times

Year 2003 14 times

Year 2002 13times

Year 2001 23 times

Year 2000 20 times

In comparison for the period :

Years 1990-1999 493 times

Years 1980-1989 831 times

Years 1970-1979 600 times

Years 1960-1969 895 times

Years 1950-1959 900 times

The figures are quite amazing.

Marvin: on your blog – concerning the year 2014 - dated “Tuesday, June 28, 2011” you wrote:

Short of some world conflagration, experience and exposure lead me to believe:

1. Watchtower will soon organize a new concerted initiative to proselytize via the internet. It is impossible to guess what form this will take. Though such an initiative is inevitable, I think it will come sooner rather than later. The internet is a force too big to ignore and too powerful not to use.

Excellent foresigh Marvin, , because it is just what the Society did, this year and will increase next year.

2. Watchtower’s blood taboo is ripe to dislodge. The teaching has taken a beating and Watchtower knows it is indefensible. Watchtower’s leadership no longer believes in the thing anyway. It is just a matter of time before this rafter-in-the-eye of a teaching is removed so that it is no longer such a hindrance to potential converts. Relegating this teaching may be around the corner.

Marvin, as in point one, will you be right again? I’m inclined to think so, expecially since “the blood fraction” comedy.

3. Watchtower will expand and organize remote meeting attendance.

Here again , you are on the right track, because already during thye Annual Meeting of October 6th 2012, the Society announced that:

“What about next year?” asked Brother Morris in his concluding comments. “Next year’s annual meeting, which is scheduled to be held on October 5, 2013, will be tied in to selected Assembly Halls in the United States and other English-speaking countries.”

This program will be broadcast in English only. It will not be interpreted into other languages.

Let’s see .

Btw, I do appreciate the informative and accurate aspect of the various subjects written in your blog. Verty good and valuable work indeed

Greeting to all for now,

JC MacHislopp

34

The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.

by MacHislopp in

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, 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.

MacHislopp

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 with what you have written: same as before . Yet there are still inside the congregations 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 even if they personally do not agree with many teachings, procedures, rules etc. Time will tell.

Just 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.

In the light of the above claim and the recent “new understanding “ given at the Annual Meeting , on October 6 th 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

P.S. I'm sorry for the double post. It was a keyboard mistake.

34

The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.

by MacHislopp in

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, 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.

MacHislopp

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

34

The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.

by MacHislopp in

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, 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.

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

34

The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.

by MacHislopp in

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, 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.

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

34

The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.

by MacHislopp in

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, 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.

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

34

The everlasting saga of The faithful and discreet slave class.

by MacHislopp in

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, 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.

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.