Page 5: The early Christians thought differently. "Waiting God's good time" was to them the only realistic option. They were convinced that nothing but divine intervention would permanently end "the sufferings of the present season" and bring true, lasting freedom.
Correction: The early Christians had true lasting internal peace!
Romans 8:14-15 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
Page 5: Here the word, "creation," says Benjamin Wilson in The Emphatic Diaglott, does not mean "the brute and inanimate creation" as some suggest but, rather, " all mankind."
Correction: The Greek word "ktisis" translated "creation" means original formation.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen,
Page 6: As Jehovah's adopted sons, they will have a glorious privilege. They will be "priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth" alongside Jesus Christ as part of God's heavenly Kingdom, or government. (Revelation 5:9, 10; 14:1-4)
Correction: True Christians will rule on the earth when we return with Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
Revelation 19:6-8 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Revelation 19:14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
Page 6: The apostle Paul says that these sons of God are associates of Jesus, the long-promised 'seed of Abraham.' (Galatians 3:16, 26, 29) As such they play a key role in fulfilling a promise God made to his friend Abraham. Part of that promise is that by means of Abraham's seed (or, offspring), "all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves." - Genesis 22:18.
Correction: Jesus Christ is the Seed not Watchtower "anointed ones."
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
Page 6: What blessing do they bring to mankind? The sons of God share in liberating the whole human family from the terrible consequences of Adamic sin and in restoring mankind to perfection.
Correction: Jesus will liberate the earth from Adamic sin not Watchtower "anointed ones."
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Page 6: People "out of all nations and tribes and peoples" can bless themselves by exercising faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ and by submitting to his benevolent Kingdom rule.
(Revelation 7:9, 14-17; 21:1-4; 22:1, 2; Matthew 20:28; John 3:16)
Correction: True Christians are blessed through sincere trust in Jesus and His name.
John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
John 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Page 6: No wonder the apostle Paul could say that "the sufferings of the present season do not amount to anything" in comparison with the glorious service that faithful ones will perform!
Correction: Paul is talking about the resurrected bodies that true Christians will have.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
1 Corinthians 15:42-43 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
Page 6: When does "the revealing of the sons of God" begin? Very soon now, when Jehovah makes it clear to all who the sons of God are. This will be when these "sons," resurrected to the spirit realm, share with Jesus Christ in cleansing this earth of evil and oppression at God's war of Har-Magedon. (Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14, 27; Revelation 2:26, 27; 16:16; 17:14; 19:11-21)
Correction: True "sons of God" will be revealed at the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.
Jude 1:14-15 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
Page 7: The wise course is to get to know Jesus' "word" through a study of the Bible. (John 17:3) Like the early Christians, actively associate with the congregation of Christ's true disciples. By doing so, you can benefit from the liberating truths Jehovah makes available through his organization today. - Hebrews 10:24, 25.
Correction: True Christians will know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
John 14:7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."
Page 7: God's love guarantees that soon - very soon now - we "will be set free from (all) enslavement ... and have the glorious freedom of the children of God."
Note: True Christians recognize God's love as the love of Christ.
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
Page 8: Since the days of C.T. Russell, God's people have progressively gained a clearer understanding of the prophecy Jesus there gave. In the last few years, The Watchtower has clarified yet further their view of this prophecy.
Note: The Watchtower "great crowd" has better understanding than their "sons of God."
Page 9: Jesus foretold that there would be wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, hatred and persecution of Christians, false messiahs, and a widespread preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. Then the end was to come. (Matthew 24:4-14; Mark 13:5-13; Luke 21:8-19)
Note: True Christians will suffer persecution for the name of Jesus.
Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."
Page 9: Yes, history proves that the sign had a fulfillment at that time, leading to a conclusion of the Jewish system of things at the hands of the Romans in 66-70 C.E.
Note: The Watchtower practices "double-speak."
Page 14: In a prophecy with implications for us today, Jesus outlined a composite sign that included wars, food shortages, earthquakes, pestilences, and persecution of Christians preaching about God's Kingdom. (Matthew 24:4-14; Luke 21:10-19)
Page 10: The true chosen ones back then were those Jews and non-Jews who exercised faith in Jesus as Messiah and Savior.
Note: Have you placed your hope in Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Page 10: God had chosen such ones, and on Pentecost 33 C.E., he had formed them into a new spiritual nation, "the Israel of God." - Galatians 6:16; Luke 18:7; Acts 10:34-45; 1 Peter 2:9.
Correction: The "Israel of God" refers to believing Jews.
Galatians 6:15-16 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them (Gentiles), and upon the Israel of God (Jews).
Page 11: In the years leading up to 66 C.E., Christians would have seen many of the preliminary elements of the composite sign being fulfilled - wars, famines, even an extensive preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. (Acts 11:28; Colossians 1:23)
Correction: The good news of the Kingdom is about Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:27-28 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Page 11: Rather, Jesus had in mind the opposing Jews back then who would experience the fulfillment of the sign he gave. Regarding the reference to "this generation" at Luke 21:32, Professor Joel B. Green notes: "In the Third Gospel, 'this generation' (and related phrases) has regularly signified a category of people who are resistant to the purpose of God .... (It refers) to people who stubbornly turn their backs on the divine purpose."
Correction: Some of that "generation" will be redeemed!
Luke 21:28 "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
Page 12: However, that was not the finale. Earlier, Jesus had indicated that after the city was devastated, he would come in Jehovah's name. (Matthew 23:38, 39; 24:2) He then made this clearer in his prophecy uttered on the Mount of Olives.
Note: Jesus returns after the sun, moon, and stars are darkened not before or 1914.
Mark 13:24-26 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory."
Page 13: This greater fulfillment of Jesus' words has been occurring since World War I erupted in 1914.
Note: 1914 is based on the bogus date of 607 B.C.E. for the destruction of Jerusalem.
Page 13: Referring to the tribulation just ahead of us, Jesus said: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days (the destruction of false religion) the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." - Matthew 24:29, 30.
Note: Jesus Christ did not return invisibly to the Watchtower in 1914 or 1919.
Matthew 24:26-27 "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be."
Page 13: Jesus repeats these elements in the parable of the sheep and the goats. (Matthew 25:31-46) Hence, we can conclude that this parable deals with the time, after the opening outbreak of tribulation, when Jesus will come with his angels and sit down on his throne to judge. (John 5:22; Acts 17:31; compare 1 Kings 7:7; Daniel 7:10, 13, 14, 22, 26; Matthew 19:28.) Who will be judged, and with what results? The parable shows that Jesus will give attention to all nations, as if they were assembled right before his celestial throne.
Correction: Jesus Christ will into the judgment of all nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat.
Joel 2:31-3:2 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls. "For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land."
Page 13: Sheeplike men and women will be separated to Jesus' right side of favor. Why? Because they used their opportunities to do good to his brothers - anointed Christians, who will share in Christ's heavenly Kingdom. (Daniel 7:27; Hebrews 2:9-3:1)
Correction: Are you helping people in the name of Jesus?
Mark 9:41 "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
Page 13: In line with the parable, millions of sheeplike Christians have recognized Jesus' spiritual brothers and have been working in support of them. As a result, the "great crowd" have the Bible-based hope of surviving "the great tribulation" and then living forever in Paradise, the earthly realm of God's Kingdom. - Revelation 7:9, 14; 21:3, 4; John 10:16.
Correction: There can only be one flock if everyone of that flock is in one place.
John 10:16 "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd."
Correction: The "great crowd" is before the throne of God in heaven and Jesus Christ.
Revelation 7:9-10 After these things I looked, and behold, a great crowd which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
Note: Only Jesus Christ can keep you from "the great tribulation."
Revelation 3:10 "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."
Page 13: What at different outcome there will be for the goats! They are described at Matthew 24:30 as 'beating themselves in lamentation' when Jesus comes. And well they should, for they will have built up a record of rejecting the Kingdom good news, or opposing Jesus' disciples, and of preferring the world that is passing away.
Correction: The "goats" will be condemned for rejecting Jesus Christ and His name.
John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Page 15: The Jews thought that this applied to the profanation of the temple by Antiochus IV about 200 years earlier. However, Jesus showed otherwise, urging discernment because "the disgusting thing" was yet to appear and stand in "a holy place." It is apparent that Jesus was referring to the Roman army that would come in 66 C.E. with distinctive ensigns.
Correction: It will be a future world ruler who will stand in a rebuilt temple.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
Page 15: When, though, would they 'stand in a holy place'? That happened when the Roman army, with its ensigns, attacked Jerusalem and its temple, which the Jews considered holy. The Romans even began to undermine the wall of the temple area. Truly, what had long been disgusting now stood in a holy place! - Isaiah 52:1; Matthew 4:5; 27:53; Acts 6:13.
Correction: The Roman army never stood inside the temple before it burned down in 70 A.D.
1 Kings 6:19-20 And he prepared the inner sanctuary inside the temple, to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there. The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid it with pure gold, and overlaid the altar of cedar.
1 Kings 8:6 Then the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the temple, to the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the cherubim.
Page 15: Since World War I, we have seen the larger fulfillment of Jesus' sign recorded in Matthew chapter 24. Yet, recall his words: "When you catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation ... standing in a holy place, ... then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains." (Matthew 24:15, 16) This aspect of the prophecy must have a fulfillment in our time too.
Note: The "disgusting thing" will be a future Antichrist or world ruler.
1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.
Page 15: So in 1919 "the disgusting thing" appeared. In time, the League gave way to the United Nations. Jehovah's Witnesses have long exposed these human peace organizations as disgusting in God's sight.
Correction: The "disgusting thing" will be a future Antichrist or world ruler called the "beast."
Revelation 13:4-6 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
Page 16: God's people once understood that the first phase of the great tribulation began in 1914 and that the final part would come at the battle of Armageddon. (Revelation 16:14, 16; compare The Watchtower, April 1, 1939, page 110.)
Note: The Watchtower "great crowd" has better understanding than their "sons of God."
Page 16: Then a significantly adjusted explanation was offered: "To correspond with the events of the first century, ... the anti-typical 'great tribulation' did not begin in 1914 C.E.
Page 16: So we can understand why it was once thought that the latter-day "disgusting thing" must have stood in a holy place soon after World War I. However, in later years we have come to see things differently.
Note: The Watchtower does not represent God.
Malachi 3:6 "For I am the LORD, I do not change;"
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Page 16: In reviewing the previous understanding of Jesus' prophecy, Brother Franz said: "The explanation was given that the 'great tribulation' had begun in 1914 C.E. and that it was not allowed to run its full course then but God stopped World War I in November of 1918.
Note: 1914 is based on the bogus date of 607 B.C.E. for the destruction of Jerusalem.
Page 16: Note this key point: In the ancient pattern, 'the disgusting thing standing in a holy place' was linked to the Roman attack under General Gallus in 66 C.E. The modern-day parallel to that attack - the outbreak of the great tribulation - is still ahead.
Correction: The ancient pattern was linked to Antiochus IV.
Page 15: The Jews thought that this applied to the profanation of the temple by Antiochus IV about 200 years earlier.
Correction: The modern-day parallel to Antiiochus IV will be the Antichrist. (1 John 2:18)
Page 17: Chapter 17 outlines God's judgment against "Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots" - the world empire of false religion. Christendom plays a central part and claims to have a covenant relationship with God. (Compare Jeremiah 7:4.)
Note: True Christians have a everlasting covenant with the Father through the Son.
Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Page 17: As first-century followers of Christ must have keenly watched to see how the "standing in a holy place" would develop, so do present-day Christians. Admittedly, we will have to wait for the actual fulfillment to know all the details.
Correction: True Christians look to Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Titus 2:13-14 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Page 18: We have divine assurance that the Lamb and those with him will be victorious.
Correction: Jesus Christ will be victorious with no help from anyone else at His return.
Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Isaiah 63:3-6 "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with Me. For I have trodden them in My anger, and trampled them in My fury; their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have stained all My robes. For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come. I looked, but there was no one to help, and I wondered that there was no one to uphold; therefore My own arm brought salvation for Me; and My own fury, it sustained Me. I have trodden down the peoples in My anger, made them drunk in My fury, and brought down their strength to the earth."
Page 19: By leaving Judea and fleeing to the mountains across the Jordan, they showed that they were no part of the Jewish system, politically or religiously. They left fields and homes, not even gathering their possessions from their houses. Confident of the protection and support of Jehovah, they put his worship ahead of everything else that might seem important.
Note: Have you put the name of Jesus ahead of everything else?
Mat 19:29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. "
Page 19: We can be sure, though, that when flight is necessary, Christians will have to continue to maintain a clear distinction between themselves and false religious organizations.
Note: Are you into Jesus Christ or a religious organization?
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Page 19: Yes, our fleeing may involve some hardships and deprivations. We will have to be ready to do whatever it takes, as did our first-century counterparts who fled from Judea to Perea, across the Jordan.
Note: Will you be faithful to Jesus Christ even unto death?
Revelation 2:10 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Page 19: We must be certain that our refuge continues to be Jehovah and his mountainlike organization. That is where we will find protection.
Correction: True Christians will find protection in Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Page 19: We will not imitate the masses of mankind who will flee to "the caves" and hide "in the rock-masses of the mountains" - human organizations and institutions that may remain for a very short while after Babylon the Great is desolated. (Revelation 6:15; 18:9-11)
Correction: After all cities are laid waste, people will be living in caves for protection.
Revelation 16:18-20 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
Page 19: Let us even now reinforce our reliance on Jehovah and his Son, now reigning as King of the Kingdom.
Note: Your reliance on Jesus Christ can only be reinforced through love.
Colossians 3:14-15 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Page 20: After all, obedient Christians will not be punished when destruction comes on false religion and the rest of this wicked system. They will be discerning and heed the warning about 'the disgusting thing standing in a holy place.'
Note: True Christians will obtain salvation through Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
Page 20: John was among the apostles who had asked Jesus: "When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence (Greek, pa-rou-si'a) and of the conclusion of the system of things?" Yes, John confidently looked forward to Jesus' future presence. - Matthew 24:3.
Correction: The Watchtower bases its theology on the ignorance of the disciples question.
Matthew 24:30 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
Page 20: Many churches have an official doctrine about Jesus' "coming," but few of their members really expect it. They live accordingly. The book The Parousia in the New Testament notes: "There is little positive integration of the Parousia hope into the life, thought and work of the church .... The intense urgency with which the church should undertake its tasks of repentance and of missionary proclamation of the gospel, is weakened if not entirely lost." But not to everyone!
Note: About half of Christendom is lost according to the parable of the "ten virgins."
Matt. 25:1-2 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish."
Matthew 25:11-13 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
Page 22: To obey the command " keep on the watch" requires constant vigilance. Five virgins let their oil run out and went to buy more. A Christian today might similarly be distracted so that he is not fully prepared for Jesus' imminent arrival. It happened to some first-century Christians. It can happen to some today. So let us ask ourselves, 'Is it happening to me?'
Correction: Only Jesus Christ can give you Godly righteousness.
Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Page 22: Again, details of this can be understood in a symbolic sense. For example, Jesus, pictured by the man traveling abroad, would leave his disciples, go to heaven, and wait a long time until he received kingly power.
Correction: All authority in heaven and on earth were given to Jesus before His accension.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
Page 23: Whether our hope is that of immortal life in heaven or of everlasting life on a paradise earth, it is clear from Jesus' parable that we should be exerting ourselves in Christian activities. In fact, the message of this parable can be summed up in a word: diligence. The apostles set the pattern from Pentecost 33 C.E. onward.
Correction: True Christians will be Jesus Witnesses.
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Page 23: Bear in mind the context of this parable - a prophecy about Jesus' presence. We have ample confirmation that Jesus' pa-rou-si'a is in progress and will soon reach a climax.
Correction: As Jesus was physically taken into heaven, He will physically return to the earth.
Acts 1:9-11 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
Page 23: Recall the connection Jesus made between "the end" and the work Christians need to do: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)
Note: Are you forbidding children from falling in love with Jesus?
Mark 10:14-15 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."
Note: Have you received the kingdom of God into your life?
Note: Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?
Colossians 2:6-7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Page 23: With this in mind, which sort of slave do we resemble? Ask yourself: 'Would there be reason to conclude that I am like the slave who hid what was entrusted to him, perhaps while he took care of his own personal concerns? Or is it clear that I am like those who were good and faithful? Am I totally committed to increasing the Master's interests on every occasion?'
Note: True Christians are slaves of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant (slave) of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
Pages 23-24: Jesus' half brother James was not on the Mount of Olives to hear Jesus' prophecy; but he later learned of it, and he clearly grasped its import. He wrote: "Exercise patience, therefore, brothers, until the presence of the Lord. Look! The farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until he gets the early rain and the late rain. You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close." - James 5:7, 8.
Correction: The presence of Jesus should never be confused with His return to the earth.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?