Speaker: David Splane
TYPES AND ANTI-TYPES
Type: representation of something that will happen in the future (tabernacle/copper serpent Jn 3:14,15)
Anti-type: the reality (the temple)
Why do our publications no longer refer to types? Who decides this?
Only if a type is referred to specifically in the bible then we refer to it. Scholars have tried to make types of bible accounts.
Our aim is to look for practical application. We Cannot go beyond what is written, Romans 15:4 "For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope."
Speaker: Geoffrey Jackson
WHO WILL SOON ATTACK GODS PEOPLE?
The closer we get the finer our understanding is tuned to bible. Soon after the outbreak of the great tribulation and before anointed are taken to heaven, there will be an attack on gods people. Ezekiel 37.
Who really is Gog of Magog? In the past we said and understood it was Satan after being ousted from heaven.
Let us consider following:
Ezekiel 39:4 “On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the peoples who will be with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of birds of prey and the wild beasts of the field.”’
Ezekiel 39:11 “‘On that day I will give Gog a burial place there in Israel, in the valley of those who travel east of the sea, and it will block the path of those passing through. That is where they will bury Gog and all his hordes, and they will call it the Valley of Hamon-Gog.”
Revelation 20:7,8 “Now as soon as the 1,000 years have ended, Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and he will go out to mislead those nations in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Maʹgog, to gather them together for the war. The number of these is as the sand of the sea.”
How is Gog to be buried in the earth? If Satan is Gog how will he gather himself?
Are these all different attacks? Or one attack? It is more likely to be one attack under different names.
Gog of Magog is not Satan but a coalition of nations. Gog and Magog represent more than one nation. This raises the question: Is it this coalition related to attack of king of the north?
Ezekiel 38:6, 25 vs Daniel 11:44, 45, 12:1
Can't say but likely could be the same identity.
Speaker: Stephen Lett
WILL YOU KEEP ON THE WATCH?
10 virgins Matthew 25:1-13
1. What is basic message?
As an example let us look into Luke 11:5-12 it talks about a man who persisted to borrow loaves from his neighbour at midnight.
What does this mean? Do we need to make comparisons to every detail? Why midnight? What does 3 loaves mean? Who are the children? If we over-analyse we will miss the point. The point is clear here, if we go to Jehovah in prayer he will always listen to us.
Going back to the parable in Matthew 25:1-13
We thought: lamps, oil, flask, etc. meant something.
Who is bridegroom? Jesus (Luke 5 Jesus identifies himself)
Who are the virgins? (2 Co 11:2 Paul identifies anointed as virgins)
Time frame? Verse 10 mentions that the bridegroom came (during the great tribulation)and it must apply during the last days climax at the great tribulation.
What is the basic message?
The warnings in these parables apply to both classes anointed and other sheep.
2. How does this apply to anointed?
The 5 discreet virgins counted cost of faithful service. They gave up material advantages and continued shining as illuminators. In verse 5 it shows all virgins fell asleep, spiritual drowsiness is a danger to all. If you sleep momentarily we need wake up and remain prepared especially during the Interval between the shout in verse 6 and arrival of bridegroom.
This refers to the Interval between Jesus presence, 1914, and his arrival at great tribulation. Then the verses talk about verbal exchange between foolish and wise virgins, when this happened? During and near end of great tribulation.
Some anointed who have slept will not receive sealing, thus will be shocked and the faithful anointed will not be able to help them. They will not receive reward and will realize they have been replaced.
So does this mean half of the anointed are foolish? No, half of anointed will not become unfaithful. All the anointed have the choice to remain faithful.
3. How can we all benefit? Mark 13:37 "But what I say to you, I say to all: Keep on the watch." Foolish virgins asked discreet for oil for their lamps, this was a vain request. No one can keep on the watch for us, it is each ones responsibility to keep on the watch and be prepared. The Bridegroom is coming very soon!!
Speaker: Anthony Morris
THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
Matthew 25:14-30
1. What do talents represent? (Kingdom Book, page 37 par 18)
Jesus mentions 8 talents, each talent is 6,000 denarii. Before Jesus ascended to heaven he expected business to be done on the earth. So the talents he is referring to represent the responsibility to preach and make disciples.
2. How have talents been used?
First century Christians did Jesus', the kings, business. In year 1919 it was the harvest time. So who has the 5 talents? or the 2 talents? Nobody! The slaves just doubled their efforts. That's all what Jesus was trying to get across.
3. When does master come?
In the past we said 1919. And then will be great tribulation. If we look at the context in Matthew 24:3 and what was the disciples question. Jesus answer is found in rest of Matthew 24 and all of 25. All of these scriptures are talking about his coming at great tribulation.
4. Who does wicked slave represent?
He deliberately worked against masters interests. Jehovah and Jesus do not tolerate sluggish. In the past we said it was a class of anointed who refused to preach. but now we understand it is just a warning.
5. What two lessons do we learn?
Commission to preach is most important! Do you cherish privilege to preach and make disciples? Jesus Christ expects everyone to be diligent in our preaching work, both anointed and other sheep.
In summary of the Highlights from the AGM:
Two new understandings of the Matthew 25
Gog and Magog is not Satan, it represents a group of nations.
New songs. The song book will be updated and songs will be available online as they become ready.
New world transaction now available in pocket size
Launch of jw TV broadcasting station (tv.jw.org)
New jw language app to learn languages.
New long caleb and Sofia video
Da Furious