Hello everyone,
Dedalus: I did enjoy your comment about the
microphones!!!
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
MacHislopp
JoinedPosts by MacHislopp
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Watchtower says JW meetings follow the 1st century model
by ozziepost inmodern dub meetings follow the format of the first century christian meetings, or is that vice versa?
subliminal messages reinforce the message found in the watchtower of november 15, 2002. page six shows a picture of st paul's basilica in rome with the message that this is not the place for "spiritual refreshment".
the facing page (p7) shows an illustration of what is purported to be a meeting of first century christians.
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Watchtower says JW meetings follow the 1st century model
by ozziepost inmodern dub meetings follow the format of the first century christian meetings, or is that vice versa?
subliminal messages reinforce the message found in the watchtower of november 15, 2002. page six shows a picture of st paul's basilica in rome with the message that this is not the place for "spiritual refreshment".
the facing page (p7) shows an illustration of what is purported to be a meeting of first century christians.
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MacHislopp
Hello Ozziepost,
thanks for this brilliant piece of observation.
I do remember reading what C.T. Russell
wrote about "meeting" together for study and
free discussion...!
Bona Dea: thanks for the excellent research.
It really prove that the WTBS Inc. is really far
away ...from the 1st century meetings' model!
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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WTBS Inc.s ideas/ opinions/ viewpoints or Gods teaching???
by MacHislopp inoften the wtbs inc. has claimed to be made of imeprfect men
yet their official and public teaching demonstrate something
within the past 50 years.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
thanks for the appreciative comments.
Be wise: as youhave notice it is all material
from the WTBS Inc.!
Ozziepost: all the best to you and your wife.
(Have a sip of the nice one..)
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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The everlasting enigma!
by MacHislopp instill in the memorial season and the usual puzzling question:
anointed or not anointed ??
just take a look at what, in mho, i do consider amazing ex.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Thanks for your appreciative remarks and you interesting comments.
Greven:
“ It seems from the Scriptures that God was specially taking out the spiritual class up until 1931 ,
Yet no scripture are provided.”
Well on target!
Francois:
“Don't forget the other weasel phrase "in the main," which really loads up that statement with dishonesty. “
We know how the WTBS Inc. speaks…very, very clearly!
Gumby :
“We came to realize that we did not have the hope of heavenly life, but that our hope was of life on a paradise earth.—Isaiah 11:6-9; Matthew 5:5; Revelation 21:3, 4.
No they didn't.....Rutherford came to realize it for them........just like he realized everything and expected others to REALIZE it with him.”
Again, right on target!
Observador :
“ At one moment it was in 1935; in another moment it was in "mid-1930's"; in yet another it was in "1931-35". I presume that Jehovah would have informed them of the exact date, if any. If he didn't then what kind of "food" is that?”
A very pertinent observation…because Jehovah is a God of
Revelations…dreams included and yet picks wrong dates!
ThiChi
“Is there not a newer GB member that was baptized well after 1935? If so, what are the implications?
For “your eyes …” here below a few things that might interest you.
Dutchie wrote, on this board , on 2 nd April 2002 that:
“During the mid-1990s … appoint a few younger men who had earlier declared themselves to be of the Anointed. It was explained that these men, although baptized after 1935, were exceptions that God had allegedly chosen after 1935 to replace members of the Anointed who became unfaithful and lost their salvation. But with five out of the thirteen Governing Body members now among these exceptions, adding a couple more would put the exceptions in the majority. With more following the exception than the rule, the ruling doctrine would have been called into question.”
And :
“Rather than change the doctrine, the Witnesses have restructured the organization. Since the Governing Body is no longer connected to the corporate Board of Directors, the Watchtower corporations can be run by a new generation of younger men.”
By the way , the latest informations on the ‘governing body’
are from this link:
http://www.geocities.com/osarsif/gb.htm
Carey W. Barber (1905-) ...he is called to the Brooklyn Bethel, to be a Governing Body member in the autumn of 1977. Source: w82 11/15 10-14 (French).
John E. Barr (1913-) In September 1977 is called to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses and from then on lives in the headquarters of the organization, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
Source: w87 7/1 26-31 (French).Samuel F. Herd (1935- ) On October 2, 1999, Samuel Herd was appointed to the Governing Body. He is the only Afro-American in the Governing Body. Source: w2000 1/1 29.
Theodore Jaracz (1925-) On November 28, 1974, he was appointed to the Governing Body. Sources: w75 5/1 284; w77 2/1 95; w96 6/1 25; yb83 103-105 (French).
M. Stephen Lett (1949- ) On October 2, 1999 was appointed to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. Source: w2000 1/1 29.
Gerrit Losch (1941 -) On July 1, 1994 he was appointed to the Governing Body.
Source: w94 11/1 29 (French).Guy H. Pierce (1934-) On October 2, 1999, Guy Pierce was appointed to the Governing Body. Source: w2000 1/1 29.
Albert D. Schroeder (1911-) On December 18, 1974 Schroeder was appointed to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. Sources: w83 3/1 10-17; w85 12/1 26 (French).
David H. Splane (1944 - ) In 1998 he was appointed "helper" of the Writing Committee.
On October 2, 1999 he was appointed to the Governing Body. Source: w2000 1/1 29.Daniel Sydlik (1919-) On November 28, 1974, he was appointed to the Governing Body. Source: w85 6/1 21-26 (French).
Well thanks again, greetings,
J.C.MacHislopp
P.S. I'm sorry for the ...mixed editing.
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25 years of anointed remnant
by MacHislopp injust as a bit of personal reasoning.
from the wtbs inc. official figures and statistics,
25 years later, for the year 2002, the total is 8,760 members.-
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MacHislopp
Hello NeonMadman
thanks for your comment. very interesting.
I do entirely agree with this:
"So, if the Watchtower's interpretation is to be believed,
the vast majority of today's "anointed" must have been
replacements of those who fell away since 1935.
And, to make matters worse, the numbers keep increasing!"
And on top of it I have given in other topic the numbers of
"anointed" increase in the last 50 years.
For this reason too, I have posted today ...the enigma.
Thanks again,
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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When a JW Comes to My Door?
by JamesThomas ina resent thread has got me thinking.
the question is: when a jw comes to my door what reaction of mine would have the best chance of motivating that person to ponder or question their beliefs?
what will help them open, rather than shut down and fortify their shell of exclusivity?
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MacHislopp
Hello James Thomas,
thanks for the rather unusual post.
Allow me a small suggestion:
The next time show the JW's a copy of this
recent article:
From this link:
Those like Calvin Simpson, a representative of the Jehovah's Witnesses, say it's not a significant milestone, rather a part of a composite sign that the end is near. On the other end of the religious spectrum, others like Archbishop Edgerton Clarke say they'd rather not use the scriptures that way.
"I know that there are certain groups of Christians that believe in war in the name of God," says Clarke. "I don't want to be judgmental of these groups, but in the Catholic Church we don't use the scriptures that way, not with the new covenant God has made with his people."
Archbishop Clarke, who described war as "the evidence of man's injustice to man", says it is not the instrument to bring healing. "It's something we are against, except in cases of self-defence. Jesus teaches forgiveness and reconciliation and as far as I'm concerned, peace is what we need to pursue."
All well and good to want peace, says Pastor Leighton Smith of the Faith Evangelical Ministries located on Wall Street in New York. But that's where they part company.
"We are supposed to pursue peace and all that, but sometimes we are called to warfare as a means to peace. For nations to be free, thousands of people have to die, blood must be shed, we don't like it but that's how it is," he told the Sunday Observer in a telephone interview from his residence in New York yesterday.
In a move that undermined the United Nations Security Council, United States president, George W Bush, initiated military action against Iraq last Wednesday with a view to pushing President Saddam Hussein, the dictator who has controlled the country for almost two decades, out of power.
The war, which Bush said was necessary to free the people of Iraq and defend the world from grave danger, increased anti-war protests worldwide, some of the largest taking place in the US and its chief ally, Britain.
Smith described these protests yesterday as tools -- albeit futile -- of the devil.
"No amount of praying could have stopped this war," he said. "It is a direct fulfilment of biblical prophesy.... Isaiah chapter 13."
Isaiah, one of the ancient prophets whose writings make up the compilation of scriptures in the Bible's Old Testament, wrote extensively, like his counterpart, Jeremiah, about a devastation that the Almighty would bring upon Babylon, now known as Iraq, as a result of atrocities perpetuated against Israel.
Israel is characterised throughout the Bible as a special nation, chosen by the Almighty to set an example for other nations.
Today, many still believe that it is a blessed nation, destined to prosper.
"Israel will not be put down. Israel will flourish," said the Quakers' Pastor Eugene Woollery. "That's not to say I'm against the Palestinians."
Like the Reverend Dr Sheila McKeithen of the Universal Centre of Truth, a non-denominational organisation that describes itself as a 'new thought Christian teaching Church', Woollery's primary concern isn't with a blow for blow link between current world events and the scriptures.
"I have not gone into that phase of it, to be truthful," he said. "I really don't know what will happen as a result of this war. I don't know if it will raise the ire of the Muslims, I really don't know," he said.
Woollery and McKeithen spoke with much more certainty however, about the need for a halt to the destructive course on which mankind seemed to be embarked.
"I think that this war is calling all of us to love, love being the idea of oneness," said McKeithen. "My prayer is that people everywhere will get a deep sense of submitting themselves to the Holy Spirit to see how we can work together for peace."
But Smith, in a harsh condemnation of the "oneness argument", said the Bible didn't point in that direction.
"I know Christians will chew me up for this, but I have to say it as I see it. It's like this. Israel is the city of God, Babylon -- Iraq -- is the city of Satan," Smith said. "What happens physically in both countries is always paralleled by similar activities on a spiritual level. For instance, the rebirth of Israel in 1948 was paralleled by positive developments in the Christendom. Billy Graham, Oral Roberts' healing waters ministry... Then in 1958 Israel was attacked through the Suez Canal, Roberts had to shut down his ministry and the church faced other tribulations, so the trend continued right up to today where we see Israel again being attacked by suicide bombings and similarly the church is being bombarded by a spiritual Babylon which takes the form of a religious theory of inclusiveness."
The theory described by Smith is taught by an organisation called the United Religious Initiative. That theory encourages a oneness among religions. This, according to Smith, will be destroyed, but only after its physical counterpart goes. "The Bible says first the physical and then the spiritual," he said.
In the 13th chapter of his contribution to the Bible, Isaiah says that the world will be punished for the evils of Babylon and that the ancient city would be destroyed to the extent that it would become totally uninhabitable.
Just days after the war started in Iraq, troops began to surrender, giving hope that the war will be short. However, Smith said that more war would be visited on the country.
"Iraq has not experienced that total devastation yet," he said. "So there will be more war to come... there will be radioactive activity there, making it uninhabitable."
In a brief overview of his take on the issue, Smith said that the war on Iraq was triggered by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in which hijacked commercial jets were used to bomb and destroy the World Trade Centre twin towers in New York and damage the Pentagon building in Washington, D C.
Approximately 5,000 lives were lost in the attacks which sent psychological, emotional and economic shocks to many countries around the world.
Smith said that the bombing was also a fulfilment of Bible prophesy on a spiritual level in that it represented the destruction of the commercial aspect of Babylon.
"Revelation chapter 18 verses 10 and 9 speak about it," he said.
The book of Revelation, the last of the 66 comprising the King James version of the Bible, speaks of the destruction by fire of Babylon taking place within an hour.
"Read it," urged Smith. "You'll see it's a reference to the commercial aspect of Babylon which is represented by the World Trade Centre right here in New York. It had to happen, because if there was no 9/11, Bush would not have been moved to go against Iraq in this way, but I don't think that he is even aware of the religious significance of his actions. The war started on March 19, which is celebrated by the Jews as the feast of Purim, the day on which Queen Esther began to fast for the saving of her people. In 1991, the Gulf War led by a coalition of armed troops against Iraq as a result of its invasion of Kuwait ended on the feast of Purim. I'm sure neither Bush, nor his father were aware of the significance of these dates. He is being used by God to fulfil prophesy," Smith added.
Based on Smith's interpretation of the scriptures, peace doesn't seem to be on the immediate horizon. On this point, at least, other members of the clergy, while not sharing Smith's interpretation of the scriptures, are agreed.
"I don't see it (peace) too soon, but I haven't totally given up hope," said Clement 'Sepie' Dawes, a founding member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Linstead. "But until the nations of the world can meet around the conference table and iron out their differences, there will not be peace. The United Nations can't facilitate it, they have lost all credibility and should resign. As for this thing about America being used to destroy Iraq as Babylon as a fulfilment of the Bible, that is just a little thing that people are saying because they are afraid to talk out against America's genocidal behaviour and lose their visas and other little things that they throw down to us from the West."
Dawes said his church was "not putting any religious significance to the war at this time". However, they regard it as one in a long line of conflicts that will continue until the end of time.
"Each is clear indication that the coming of the Lord is near," he said, "and we should do all we can to preserve peace."
Princess Lowers, the director of communications, public affairs and religious liberty at the Seventh-day Adventists Union, feels that Christians should not be the perpetrators of war.
Additionally, religious leaders agree that there's no time like the present for people to prepare themselves spiritually.
"That is the most important thing right now," said Simpson, whose sect's most defining characteristic is the emphasis placed on door-to-door evangelising.
He told the Sunday Observer that Jehovah's Witnesses would be intensifying their campaign to spread the scriptures by putting even more hours into their evangelical ministry.
"We have three categories of members, the publishers, who spend about 10 hours each month; pioneers, who give about 70; and auxiliary pioneers, who we will be asking to give about 50," he said.
Their message will involve an analysis of world events to support the theory that Armageddon, the battle described in the Bible, is at hand.
"Definitely, we are saying Armageddon -- a spiritual battle which will see the forces of evil being destroyed by Jesus Christ -- is near, we don't know when, no man knows the day nor the hour, but just like a woman about to have a baby, we are at that stage when it can happen any time," said Simpson.-"
As you can see Armageddon is ...near, really is near.
Greetings J.C.MacHislopp
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Just a few words on your comments:
Maverick : " The Governing Body and their inside crowd, the other annointed who are impotent, the other sheep who are slaves, and the dead who God has not killed yet!"
You are giving away part of a… next Watchtower article.
Minimus: "I propose that you do a Blondie for the Book Study."
Thanks, but there are already hundreds of bright and very capable
people on this board.
Cruzanheart : "My dad "professed to be of the anointed"
I wonder what he would have said on this matter of "ever growing number of the 'anointed ones'!
Gamaliel : " When you go rip open the heart of the JW problem, the authority of the FDS, you'll find the real problem with JWs."
It was always a huge problem and it will remain …until smashed to pieces!
Setfreefinally : " That was awesome research"
I do believe is more an ex. of logical and factual collection of WTBS Inc…. lies and contraddictory statements, just on one specific subject.
Heathen : ".. is trying to keep people from deviating from what the
deams accurate knowledge that is being made exclusive to those in Brooklyn."
You comment reminds me of the scripture concernin " exclusive devotion.." that the WTBS Inc. has modified in " exclusive knowledge "!
Room 215 : " The supposed members of this class in the hinterlands have no more input in the formulation of policy and doctrine than the newest convert.."
You are straight on target! I do believe like you that at least 8,740… " anointed remnant " living on this planet have absolutely nothing to say in the writing, shaping and editing of articles, rules, doctrines, brought forward by the ' small group' at the HQ of the WTBS Inc. , in Brooklyn New York.
Artful: be careful with the ammunitions...
Again, many thanks for all your comments .
Greetings, J.C. MacHislopp
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WTBS Inc.s ideas/ opinions/ viewpoints or Gods teaching???
by MacHislopp inoften the wtbs inc. has claimed to be made of imeprfect men
yet their official and public teaching demonstrate something
within the past 50 years.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Often the WTBS Inc. has claimed to be made of imeprfect men…
yet their official and …public teaching demonstrate something
quite different. Look at some ex. within the past 50 years.
1) *** w52 4/15 p. 253 Aids for Understanding Prophecy ***
“ Jehovah’s witnesses themselves are not nor can they be interpreters of prophecies. But as fast as the “superior authorities” Jehovah and Christ Jesus reveal the interpretations through their provided channel that fast do God’s people publish them the world over to strengthen the faith of all lovers of righteousness.”
2) *** w54 10/15 pp. 638-639 Questions from Readers ***
• How does Jehovah’s spirit help the “faithful and discreet slave” arrive at the truth of a matter? The Society does not claim infallibility or inspiration. How much is dependent upon the written Word? How can we be sure that this is the organization Jehovah is using when some things are published and later changed?—C. P., United States.
In regard to how the truth is brought forth through Jehovah’s organization, please note that if the Watch Tower Society were infallible there would be no need for future correction of viewpoints held; but because it is not infallible and has never claimed to be, from time to time corrections are necessary. If Jehovah’s spirit operated in the way it did upon Bible writers, inspiring them to write according to Jehovah’s thoughts, then no future corrections in matters would ever be necessary. But because the spirit does not operate in this way today some corrections are made from time to time.
°This is a progressive process, food being continually provided, and as we advance in the stream of time and observe further fulfillment of prophecy new truths are discerned and brought forth and constitute fresh and nourishing food for our day. Some truths were not essential for us prior to the time of their discernment, otherwise Jehovah would have caused them to become known earlier.
°Even the erroneous viewpoints held by Jehovah’s witnesses during the first world war served their purpose in contributing to the fulfillment of prophecy, for Jehovah had long ago foretold a condition of spiritual uncleanness upon his people at that particular time and the cleansing work that would be done
°He is bringing the increase. He is using this organization to preach the good news of the established Kingdom in all the inhabited earth
.°It is this organization that is enjoying that fulfillment and it is through this organization that Jehovah sends further light and spiritual food that rectifies any erroneous conceptions previously entertained, as well as adding to the rich storehouse of spiritual food available for those devoted to him and willing to exert themselves in his service by telling it to others.”
3) *** w60 7/15 p. 444 Staying Awake with the “Faithful and Discreet Slave” ***
“Truly the Society as directed by God’s holy spirit merits our deepest respect and wholehearted obedience.”
4) *** w62 12/15 p. 762 We Need Jehovah’s Organization ***
“God’s spirit operates upon his dedicated servants today, not to inspire them, but to move them gently in the direction of increased understanding. It permits them to make mistakes as they grow in understanding of God’s Word, but in time it helps them to see their mistakes, which they gladly correct.”
5) *** w64 5/1 p. 277 Building a Firm Foundation in Christ ***
“ It is through the columns of The Watchtower that Jehovah provides direction and constant Scriptural counsel to his people, and it requires careful study and attention to details in order to apply this information, to get a full understanding of the principles involved, and to assure ourselves of right thinking on these matters.”
6) *** w72 8/15 p. 501 God Readjusts the Thinking of His People ***
“God leads them progressively so that the truth constantly grows brighter, they reflect more fully God’s glory, and they are transformed more and more into his image. (2 Cor. 3:18).-
7) *** w88 3/1 p. 17 My Life in Jehovah’s Spirit-Directed Organization ***
“ Jehovah is simultaneously feeding all his people spiritually through The Watchtower and other Biblical publications.”
8) *** w95 2/1 pp. 12-13 A Great Crowd of True Worshipers—From Where Have They Come? ***
“ During the following years, Jehovah progressively drew these important details to the attention of his servants. These included clearly understanding, in 1927, that “the faithful anddiscreet slave” is the entire body of spirit-anointed Christians on earth;
9) *** w01 8/1 p. 14 Make Your Advancement Manifest ***
“Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and “the faithful and discreet slave.”
10) *** ip-2 chap. 15 p. 228 The Barren Woman Rejoices ***
Since 1919, Jehovah has given the anointed an ever clearer understanding of the boundaries—the lines of spiritual demarcation—setting them apart from false religion and ungodly elements of the world. (Ezekiel 44:23; John 17:14; James 1:27)
So …who is acting? Jehovah…Jesus Christ , the holy spirit?
Who is revealing matters? How is this revealing performed?
But it not finished, because the WTBS Inc, makes another
claim/ analogy : their ‘ voice’ Is like “Jehovah’s voice” :
11) *** it-2 p. 1161 Voice ***
Hearing the Voice of God. To ‘hear the voice of God’ does not necessarily mean the hearing of a literal, audible voice. It more often means recognizing and hearing with obedience what God has caused to be written in his Word and transmitted through his earthly servants who represent him. (1Jo 2:3, 4) Thus, “voice” is used as applying to “every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth,” his commands whether presented to the individual verbally by God himself or by angels or men, or in inspired writing.—Ps 103:20; Mt 4:4; see OBEDIENCE
*** w57 6/15 p. 370 Overseers of Jehovah’s People ***
7 Let us now unmistakably identify Jehovah’s channel of communication for our day, that we may continue in his favor. Listen to the inspired answer to the situation, in Matthew 24:45-47 (NW): “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” And has he? Yes, particularly since 1919 has it been true that he has appointed the collective body of the anointed remnant over all the visible interests of the Kingdom. The “slave” then became responsible not only for ministering to the needs of the anointed body members but also for taking on the responsibility of preaching the good news of the established Kingdom to people of all nations. (Matt. 24:14) 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.”
*** w88 4/1 p. 31 Is Obedience Always Proper? ***
When our heavenly Father, Jehovah God, speaks , whether through his Word, the Bible, or through his earthly organization, it is all the more important for us to listen and obey, thus proving that we are obedient worshipers who do not ignore the loving reminder: “Did you hear me?”
*** w98 7/15 p. 14 Beware of a Lack of Faith ***
20 If we do not respond positively to Jehovah’s “voice,” clearly expressed in the Scriptures and Bible-based publications, we will soon find ourselves “drawing away from the living God”
I hope that this research will be of help to some of our guests!
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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The everlasting enigma!
by MacHislopp instill in the memorial season and the usual puzzling question:
anointed or not anointed ??
just take a look at what, in mho, i do consider amazing ex.
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MacHislopp
Hello Gopher and Englishman,
thanks for your comments and appreciative remarks.
The all thing it's really...cloudy and I'm sure that many
will find it rather confusing and opened to a variety
of options .
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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The everlasting enigma!
by MacHislopp instill in the memorial season and the usual puzzling question:
anointed or not anointed ??
just take a look at what, in mho, i do consider amazing ex.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Still in the “ memorial season” and the usual puzzling question:
“anointed “ or “ not anointed “ ???
Just take a look at what, in mho, I do consider amazing ex.
of this …enigma.
1*** w88 3/1 p. 11 My Life in Jehovah’s Spirit-Directed Organization
( As told by Albert D. Schroeder)
THE first Sunday in June 1934, Alex Jones and I were preaching from door to door in Jersey City, New Jersey. Suddenly, police officers rushed into the apartment house where we were, arrested us, shoved us roughly into a car, and took us off to jail!
Three days later, a judge pronounced us guilty of peddling without a license and sentenced us to ten days in jail. We were taken to the Hudson County Prison, required to undress, go through a sterilizing bath, and put on prison clothes. Then we were marched to a cell.
Here I had time to reflect. I was only 23 and was happy with my life as a full-time minister at Brooklyn Bethel.
We began our pioneer service before we were baptized because at that time it was not clearly understood whether those with the earthly hope needed to be baptized or not. However, after I was baptized in Vandercook Lake, Michigan, July 24, 1932, it became evident that my hope had changed to that of an anointed one, which was confirmed by the ‘witness of the spirit.’—Romans 8:16.
He understood quite “quickly” about his “ heavenly hope”
2*** w88 9/1 p. 20 A Pioneer Partnership for Life ***
In 1913, when I was 17, I traveled to London for a sight-seeing vacation. Happily, this coincided with a visit by Brother Russell to an assembly held at the Kingsway Hall. There I expressed my desire to be baptized. The colporteur sister who worked in Cardiff approached Brother Russell to ask him if he thought I was too young. He asked me how old I was and questioned me to see if I understood the Scriptures and to determine whether I had dedicated my life to Jehovah. As a result, I donned a long black gown and joined the other candidates for immersion at the London Tabernacle. I remember so well the words we sang as we came out of the water:
“Buried with Christ
and raised with him too,
What is there left for me to do?
Simply to cease from
struggling and strife,
Simply to walk in the newness of life.”
Afterward, a brother approached me and said: “You must be the last one of the 144,000 to come in; you only have such a short time left to make your calling and election sure.” Such were the thoughts of many who viewed the approaching year, 1914, with great expectation. For me, though, this proved to be a time of testing as I put up with great opposition at home.
This sister was only 17, and it was a brother who “informed “ her about the “election…”, just
after her baptism! Notice that she makes no comments about the matter.
3*** w89 4/1 p. 29 A Wonderful Career ***
Two Personal Adjustments
When I was baptized in 1930, there was little understanding regarding those who would have everlasting life on earth. So both John and I partook of the emblems at Memorial time, as did everyone then. Even in 1935, when the “great crowd” of Revelation chapter 7 was identified as an earthly class of “sheep,” our thinking was not altered. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) Then in 1952, The Watchtower on page 63 (°) published a clarification of the distinction between the earthly hope and the heavenly hope. We came to realize that we did not have the hope of heavenly life, but that our hope was of life on a paradise earth.—Isaiah 11:6-9; Matthew 5:5; Revelation 21:3, 4.
This couple, needed more than 22 years to realize that eventually they had the “ hope of life on a paradise earth.”
What about the …”closing time” for the …” heavenly call “ ???
(°)*** w52 1/15 pp. 63-64 Questions from Readers ***
• How can one determine whether he is of the anointed class, and hence should partake of the Memorial emblems?—E. B., California.
After Pentecost in the first century any who had the spirit of God, as evidenced by his having one or more gifts of the spirit, would have no difficulty deciding whether he was of the anointed class, for that was a time set aside exclusively for begetting heavenly heirs. On this firm foundation he would entertain heavenly hopes. Today the circumstances are altered. One may have dedicated himself to doing God’s will, symbolized that dedication, and demonstrated that he has the spirit of God by doing Jehovah’s will, doing it in the love of God and trying to imitate him and his dear Son; but how would he know that his having the spirit of God was assurance that he was going to heaven? The spirit of God is also on the “other sheep”, and not just on the anointed remnant. So how can we determine the matter today?
It seems from the Scriptures that God was specially taking out the spiritual class up until 1931 , in a general way, and this does have some bearing on the matter. However, it is not conclusive. Since 1931 there are those who have entered the service and who give evidence of being begotten by the spirit and who have their hopes set upon being of the heavenly heirs. So there is evidence of some coming into the heavenly class since 1931; though not on a general scale, but only individuals here and there who are taken in to fill up the places of some who may turn unfaithful.”
So, it seems that after you have inspected the matter of time, the possession of God’s spirit, his dealings with you, then you have to take into consideration, “What are my real, sincere, heartfelt hopes in this matter?” Then you decide your position; no one else can decide for you. Decide whether you have the consuming spiritual aspirations. If so, then follow through with those. That is in your system and you cannot get it out, so act accordingly. Participate in the Memorial emblems. Whereas, if you do not have that hope, if you are divided and uncertain, then it appears that you are of the earthly class, and hence should not partake of the emblems at Memorial time.
(°°) w91 3/15 p. 19 Who Really Have a Heavenly Calling? ***
But what has happened in recent times? Since 1931 the Kingdom message has focused more attention on the “other sheep,” and from 1935 onward God has been drawing “a great crowd” of such sheeplike ones to himself through Christ. (John 10:16; Revelation 7:9)
(°°°)*** w96 8/15 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
Questions From Readers
The reports for some years show that the number partaking of the Memorial emblems increased slightly. Does this suggest that many new ones are being anointed with holy spirit?
There is good reason to believe that the number of 144,000 anointed Christians was complete decades ago.
.But it seems that in the mid-1930’s, the full number of the 144,000 was basically completed. Thus there began to appear a group of loyal Christians with the earthly hope. Jesus termed such “other sheep,” who unite in worship with the anointed as one approved flock.—John 10:14-16.
(°°°) w99 2/1 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
Box on page 19]
“No More Additions!”
At a Gilead graduation in 1970, Frederick Franz, then vice-president of the Watch Tower Society, told the students of the possibility that they, who were all of the other sheep with earthly hopes, might baptize someone who might claim to be of the anointed remnant. Could this happen? Well, he explained that John the Baptist was of the other sheep, and he baptized Jesus and some of the apostles. Then he went on to ask whether there still was a call for gathering in more of the remnant. “No, no more additions!” he said. “That call ended way back there in 1931-35! There are no more additions. Who, then, are the few newly associated ones who are partaking of the Memorial emblems? If they are of the remnant, they are replacements! They are, not additions to the ranks of the anointed, but replacements for those who may have fallen away.”
(°°°°) w02 2/1 page 20 § 6 :
“ This “heavenly calling “ began at Pentecost 33 C.E. and, in the main, appears
to have ended in the mid-1930’s (Hebrews 3:1) .”
Please do notice also : ” appears “ … “it seems “…!
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp