No. 418A
At the beginning of the New Year, we again express our gratitude and thanks to God for all His benefits to us, and for His overruling providence in the year just past. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To show forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.” (Psa. 92:1, 2)
Many of our patriotic and loyal young men are stationed in the Middle East waiting for “they know-not-what.” They not only are undergoing rigorous training together with the hardship of desert life, but also the loneliness of being away from family and friends. It is our hope and prayer that they won’t be forced into a bloody war.
Thursday, November 28, 1990, the UN Security Council, led by the United States, issued an ultimatum authorizing the use of force against Iraq if it fails to withdraw from Kuwait by Jan. 15. Some say we are not giving Iraq enough time; that eventually Iraq will have to give up because of the embargo and the shortage of food. Iraq has declared that it will defy the resolution, as it has in previous 11. It will mean war if Iraq doesn’t withdraw, or if the resolution isn’t withdrawn. There has been later talk about trying for a negotiation.
In addition to the Middle East crisis, here at home murder, rape, armed robbery and theft are escalating. This is happening in big cities but has reached small towns as well. People are advised to lock their doors and for women and children not to walk the streets alone at night. Teenagers are responsible for many crimes.
“Eight Boston Youths Charged In ‘Wilding’ Slaying: Boston – Eight teenagers have been charged with raping and killing a young mother in a ‘wilding’ attack that police said rivals New York Central Park jogger case in savagery.
“The eight were arraigned Monday in the slaying of Kimberly Rae Habour, 26, who was beaten with a branch and broken bottle, repeatedly raped, stabbed and kicked. Her body was found in a field near the housing project where she lived. Police said the Boston youths went out as a group on Halloween night looking for women to rob. They bragged about the crime the next day, news reports say.
“Carlos Garcia and Forey James, both 18, and Che Barnes, 17, all of Boston’s Dorchester section, were jailed without bond on charges of aggravated rape, murder and armed robbery. Five juveniles ages 14 and 16 were arraigned in the attack. Their names were withheld.
“‘I haven’t seen anything this bad in 15 years,’ said court probation officer Billy Stewart. ‘You’re not talking about major-league wilding here. You’re talking animal, pure vicious.”’
(The Associated Press – The Orlando Sentinel, November 21, 1990)
“Another Teen Shot To Death In New York: New York – A 13-year-old boy was slain Thursday, the second child to die in gunfire since Sunday. Nine children have been shot in New York City this week.” (Associated Press – The Orlando Sentinel, September 28, 1990)
“In New York Fashion Circles, Safety Is In: New York – Bulletproof back-to-school clothes are the latest thing for New York City children who run a dangerous gauntlet to and from class. School blazers and other jackets fitted with bullet-resistant Kevlar 125 pads are providing a feeling of security to parents who are undaunted by price tags ranging from $250 to $600.
“They are offered by former New York police officer Stephen D’Andrilli, whose security company, Guardian Group International Corp., is fielding inquiries in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Demand comes after a rash of summertime child deaths in New York, often by random gunfire. Four children were slain in an eight-day period in August. New York is on its way to a record number of homicides for the third straight year. There were 1,905 homicides citywide in 1989.” (Associated Press – The Orlando Sentinel, September 11, 1990)
In addition to crime, incurable diseases are causing many deaths – such as cancer, ALZHEIMER, AIDS, etc. Medical science has been diligently researching for these cures, and are still faithfully doing so.
“Latest On Aids Crisis – ‘The Worst Is Yet To Come’: Atlanta – The AIDS crisis is getting worse and not better, with an estimated 8 million people worldwide now infected, international AIDS experts and America’s top health officials said Thursday. ‘This is still a very new pandemic,’ said Dr. Jonathan Mann, director of the International AIDS center at Harvard, speaking to a worldwide AIDS symposium in Atlanta. ‘The worst is yet to come.’... ‘There is clearly going to be a wave that makes the experience of the 80’s look relatively small – at least a 10-fold increase.’
“‘The United States, where 4,000 AIDS cases were reported between 1981 and 1984, reported that same number in just the past four weeks,’ said James Curran, medical director of the HIV-AIDS division at the Centers for Disease Control. ‘Those at greatest risk have to learn to change their behavior or die. It’s that simple,’ Curran said.
“A total of 146,746 AIDS cases have been reported in the United States since the disease was first detected in 1981 and 89,761 patients have died. The U.S. Public Health projects between 390,000 and 480,000 AIDS cases in this country by the end of 1993, with between 285,000 and 340,000 deaths.” (Associated Press – The Orlando Sentinel, September 28, 1990)
“Haifa Researcher Claims Discovery Could Lead To Cure For All Cancers: A Haifa scientist claims to have made a major breakthrough in the development of a cure for human cancer. Rigorous tests carried out on live animals and on human cancer cell cultures have proved overwhelmingly successful, he says.
“The substance used in the experiments is of human origin and marks a totally new approach to cancer treatment, according to its discoverer, Dr. Eitan Barnes, 41, a gynecologist and reproductive endocrinolgist...
“In reporting on his find in an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, Barnea was reluctant to give details. The entire project has been wrapped in secrecy. ‘It appears that we have discovered a form of human-origin material which can combat and eradicate cancer,’ said Barnea. ‘The compound we have isolated, and further developed, has been tested on animals injected with human cancer cells and has been found to prevent the development of cancer in all cases ...’
“‘So far, we can safely say that this has opened up whole new fields and avenues regarding cancer treatment. Nevertheless, a great deal of work remains to be carried out, including tests on human patients, in order to make the cure for cancer a reality for people,’ he said. He added that this extra work would involve tests on human patients. Barnea disclosed that the discovery of the compound had evolved from studies and observations on the process of human reproduction and research into ‘the basic mechanisms of life.”’ (By David Rudge – The Jerusalem Post, November 17, 1990)
“Climate Is Key To Life On Mars: Tallahassee – Scientists searching for life on Mars agreed Saturday at an international seminar that they must focus on learning more about the planet’s environment.
“‘If we’re going to find life on Mars, it’s not going to be just sitting around in the dust someplace,’ said John D. Rummel, who directs life biology at NASA in Washington. ‘We’re going to have to find places on Mars that are more likely to contain life forms than you would find at random.’
“E. Imre Friedmann, a Florida State scientist who organized the meeting, said it is likely that life once existed on Mars. ‘To me,’ said Friedmann, ‘the exciting problem is the following: If life arose on Mars, did it progress along the same lines as on Earth? Or, in other words, is there only one way for life, only one way to heaven, or several roads to heaven?” (Orlando Sentinel, October 28, 1990)
IN FINANCE
As we progress further and further into the Time of Trouble we find the economy in this country and the world deteriorating more and more. In the US the national debt has increased to the point where many economists say that the debt will never be paid. In the recent session of Congress our legislators argued back and forth about taxes, spending, waste, fraud, etc., with no solution to the problem – only a compromise to conclude the discussion with no satisfactory answer to the problem.
In addition to the long standing problem of the unbalanced budget, there is the tremendous problem of the failed and failing Savings & Loan Associations. Where is the money coming from that was guaranteed to be safe by the US government? To further burden the economy we now have the expense of the Gulf Crisis as well as the deterioration of the domestic conditions – monetarily, socially and otherwise.
One of the few consistently accurate US economic forecasters now reveals that at the beginning of 1990 that 41 states out of 50, and 80% of US households within these states, are now into a mild recession. By many yardsticks today’s speculative excesses are at unprecedented high levels. As a result, an economic “deep clean” could occur at any time in the 90’s. While supposedly still in an economic expansion, 80% of US households are already feeling pinched. How then will things turn out when a full fledged recession unfolds and unleashes its destructive force against a debt riddled US economy? The entire world unquestionable sits on a debt time bomb as dangerous as a series of multiple megaton nuclear devices. In this instance reference is being made to our global debt acculturation megalomania [GDA]. At present the world’s GDA stands at a mind boggling 17 trillion US dollars.
It can therefore be conservatively summarized as we enter 1991 the financial underpinnings of the US are in such a fragile state that the following should be considered: (1) The nations entire financial structure is wobbly. Consider the S. & L. crisis which originally estimated to cost the US taxpayers no more than 50 billion US dollars, the latest prudent long term estimates have now reached 500 billion dollars; 200 billion dollars more than the Resolution Trust authorities now admit. Almost incredibly, that sum is ten times more than foreseen only a short twelve months ago. How much of such fantasy accounting can the US economy and the American taxpayer survive? More worrisome still, one study by a leading East Coast University now puts the eventual price tag of the S. & L. mess at one trillion US dollars.
10% of all US banks now could face a major liquidity crunch. Few have more than 15-20% cash on hand to repay all depositors. Even if US bankers themselves admit that a 35% ratio is the more appropriate level, it will make very little difference. As a consequence of the size of this liquidity problem, US banks as a whole have fallen by more than 50% below their own recognized safety levels. Of course in times of crisis FDIC insignia won’t be worth the paper it is printed on.
(3) The entire US residential real estate market is at a risk of further severe devaluation. In California alone, contractually outstanding mortgage debts represent some 400 billion dollars. How badly could this debt edifice be hit by a severe recession? Commercial real estate is fairing no better. As one example amongst many which could be presented is Stamford, Connecticut where more than 50% of the available space is vacant. Similar severe emptiness ratios are now mushrooming throughout the US East Coast.
(4) It appears all too probable that the next institutional financial calamity to befall the American financial system is going to emanate from the US Insurance industry. This may even occur simultaneously with a US banking crisis. It is worrisome enough that the insurance industry should have to cope with its imprudent investment of 399 billion US dollars in Junk bonds. In a study titled “Will the US Life Insurance Industry keep its promises,” the IDS Financial highlighted that the insurance industry’s largest risk, by far, is not Junk bond exposure. It is poorly managed and ill protected capital risk, which will now result from any major swing up or down in US interest rates.
Conditions in the Soviet Union are in a deplorable condition. In a recent issue of the US News and World Report, a lengthy feature article described how Russia is falling apart at the seams and evidences of civil revolt were occurring in many areas. A Soviet prime minister is quoted as saying the economy “is sinking further each month.”
We have given you the report of experts of financial conditions in the world today, which reveal that “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven [the ecclesiastical powers] shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:26) “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28)
In Zeph. 3:8 we have a description of the time in which we are now living: “Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.” Our advice is to “Seek ye the Lord, all the meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment: seek righteousness, seek meekness, it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” (Zeph. 2:3) (Contributed)
IN RELIGION
“BAPTISTS CHOOSING SIDES: – More than 30,000 Southern Baptists are expected to take their seats in the Louisiana Superdome on Tuesday and decide whether conservatives who have been in control for 11 years will maintain their reign. ‘We’re split almost right down the middle,’ said Rev. Charles Horton of Orlando, a moderate and president of the Florida chapter of Baptists Committed to the Southern Baptist Convention. ‘If it swings either way, it depends on who gets their people on election day.’
“The two groups have political and theological differences, sometimes including varied interpretations of the Bible.
“Members of the Pine Hills church aren’t the only ones who won’t attend. President Bush, who was expected to address the convention, cannot attend because of a scheduling conflict.
“There is one topic on which both the conservatives and moderates tend to agree – evangelism. Mitchell, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Winter Park, hopes to make a formal recommendation encouraging the denomination to join other faith groups and mission agencies worldwide in working toward major evangelism goals by the year 2000 and beyond.
“‘If somehow Southern Baptists could get their eyes off fighting one another and be caught up in a vision of reaching the world [by] building churches, that’s the way we’re going to be healed,’ Mitchell said.” (By Adell M. Banks – The Orlando Sentinel, June 9, 1990)
The headlines in The Orlando Sentinel of September 9, 1990, reads, “Rift Widens Between Baptists – Final Split In Denomination Is Uncertain.”
It seems we have enough church buildings and Evangelists to evangelize the world. Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10) Jesus went about preaching the kingdom. Jesus went throughout every city and village, “preaching and strewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him.” (Luke 8:1) The world is full of crime and diseases that are incurable. So the Good News of the Kingdom brings hope to those who are in despair because of poverty and incurable diseases. We are promised a Kingdom in the which our Lord will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). He will heal all diseases at that time – open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf (Isa. 35:5). So we will be following in the footsteps of Jesus if we do as He did – go about preaching the Kingdom.
“Presbyterians Remove Dissident Pastor In Daytona: – The pastor of a Presbyterian church in Daytona Beach has been removed from his position because he plans to join another denomination. The decision concerning the Rev. Howard Chadwick of Southminister Presbyterian Church was made Tuesday at the quarterly meeting of the Central Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
“‘I wasn’t surprised,’ said Chadwick, who until Tuesday was pastor of the 400-member church. Chadwick said he thinks Presbyterian officials were concerned that his desire to change denominations might influence members of his church.
“Chadwick has a number of differences with the Presbyterian Church (USA), which has almost 3 million members. He thinks the Bible is the infallible word of God, while the denomination thinks it is God-inspired, but not necessarily infallible...
“More than 50 members of the Daytona Beach church tried to attend the meeting at Lake Yale Baptist Assembly but were not allowed to hear the one-hour discussion about Chadwick. Jenkins said about 150 members of the presbytery – ministers and lay persons who represent 73 churches – met in executive session.
“Chadwick, his lawyer, and a representative of Southminster Presbyterian Church, were allowed to hear the discussion. Chadwick requested that he be dismissed from the congregation on November 12, but the presbytery decided to remove him immediately.” (By Adelle Banks – The Orlando Sentinel, September 12, 1990)
Rev. Chadwick thinks the Bible is the infallible word of God. The manuscripts, which were used to translate the Bibles we have, are the inspired Word of God; but our Bibles are only translations of the Word of God. There are numerous mistakes in all the translations, and the mistakes are not infallible. The church believes the Bible is God-inspired, but not necessarily infallible. We don’t know what they mean by saying the Bible is God-inspired. If the men who wrote it were inspired of God, they made no mistakes in recording His Words. As said, we are foolish to believe the mistakes of the translators are inspired. How can we know whether the texts are spurious or misinterpreted? A doctrine must harmonize with itself; with all other doctrines and with God’s attributes of Love, Justice, Wisdom and Power.
“Can Catholics Maintain Priesthood And Celibacy Rule? – Though married for three years, Patrick Powers still gushes with the enthusiasm of a newlywed when he talks about his wife, Sandra. In his 18 years as a Catholic priest, Powers had accepted that his life would not include marriage. Powers left the active ministry and is now the executive director of the Christian Service Center in Orlando ...
“Catholic officials view celibacy as the way a priest can give total service to the church and show that love can be real without being physical... ‘To say it’s only a thousand-year tradition is to miss the point,’ said Rev. David Brinkmoeller ... He noted that Jesus was celibate.
“Richard Schroenherr, a sociology professor who has studied the priesthood for more than 20 years, said 13,200 priests in the United States have resigned since 1966. CORPUS’ figures are much higher – 19,000 since 1965.
“Schroenherr, who left the priesthood to marry, said ‘This problem is not at its height. It’s only at its beginning stages, because the shortages of priests is going to get worse.”’ (By Adelle M. Banks – The Orlando Sentinel, November 18, 1990)
Most of Jesus’ Apostles were married, perhaps all of them except the Apostle Paul. Do the Popes think their priests are more saintly than the Apostles because they are celibate? The Apostle Paul said, “Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other Apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?” (1 Cor. 9:5) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith [the truth], giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” (1 Tim. 4:1-3)
The Popes have set aside God’s inspired Word as above quoted for doctrines of their own imagination. “How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart.” (Jer. 23:26)
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18)
“S.C. ‘Freethinkers’ Know Creeds Are Fightin’ Words In Bible Belt – South Carolina’s atheist candidate for governor hasn’t campaigned by sticking out his hand and saying, ‘Hi, I’m Herb Silverman, and I don’t believe in God.’ In fact, prior to launching his principle-of-the-matter campaign, Silverman was something of a closet atheist. His beliefs were a surprise even to his 75-year-old mother, who is Jewish and lives in Philadelphia. ‘That’s the first political fence I had to mend because it’s not too easy to find out through the paper that your son is an atheist,’ said Silverman, who teaches math at the College of Charleston.
“Silverman is one of the ‘freethinkers’ – atheists, agnostics and humanist – who say their god-less creeds are fightin’ words anywhere, but even more so in the Bible Belt. The Freedom from Religion Foundation has 3,700 members nationwide, 30 in South Carolina.
“‘The South is pretty well infested with Baptists,’ said Josie Van Gent Edell ... Humanist believe existence can be reasoned out in human terms... ‘Religion is not fashionable in Europe,’ she said. Ms. Edell said she is troubled by the tax-exempt status of churches and other religious institutions. ‘If they were taxed,’ she said, ‘there would not be a budget deficit.’
“Silverman started his write-in campaign to challenge the state’s constitutional taboo against atheists becoming governor. He doesn’t expect to win (‘I’m an atheist, I’m not a fool,’ he says), but satisfied that his platform of religious tolerance is being heard.
“Someone tacked an obscene sign to Silverman’s door, and he has been called the anti-Christ and a Satan-worshiper. The latter particularly bothers him because he doesn’t believe in a devil either... ‘Religion,’ he said, ‘is the adult version of Santa Claus. I can see why there is a need for inventing a God – to keep people good, because people might not be good just because it’s the right thing to do... Just like with children, you make up a Santa Claus. It keeps children good, at least for a month.’
“‘I would rather have an eternal bliss after I die, but I would also like a Santa Claus, too,’ Silverman said. ‘I know what’s going to happen to me after death. I’m going to medical school. I donated my body.”’ (By Jennifer Nicholson – The State/Columbia, S. C., November 3, 1990)
Silverman knows more about death than many people do. “All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.” (Eccl. 3:20) The dead know not anything (Eccl. 9:5). But what he doesn’t know, there will be a resurrection of all that are in their graves (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15). The dead are “Asleep in Jesus.” He doesn’t believe in a devil or God. However, if he had any faith in the Bible he would know there is a God and there is a Devil. Many religious people – so-called – don’t believe the dead are dead. Silverman says he is no fool, but the Bible calls atheists fools (Psa. 14:1). But in His Kingdom (Acts 17:31) there will be a Highway of Holiness there (Isa. 35:8) and the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
“Unbelievers Not Against Religion: – Don Cameron doesn’t believe in God but regularly attends church. Cameron, 66, has been an atheist since his youth. Because of the social stigma often attached to non-believers, he has maintained a church affiliation. ‘The Christian theme is overwhelming in our society ... It’s a big problem,’ he said. ‘If you don’t go to Sunday school or have some affiliation, you are ostracized. I didn’t want that for my kids.’
“Cameron’s five children are now grown; two are active in religion... “Many people think that if you don’t believe in God, there’s something wrong with you.’ Inconsistencies between religious teaching and practices contributed to Cameron’s early wrestling with religion. ‘I was extremely bothered by the hypocrisy of people who were devout and Christian-oriented in church on Sunday and horses’ asses the rest of the week,’ he said.
“Dale Hagen, a 56-year old art teacher can’t offer a definitive answer either way [whether God exists]. ‘I would have to honestly say I’m agnostic,’ he said. ‘I haven’t seen a good case built either way.’ ... His doubting began as a child. ‘I always thought these stories I heard in Sunday school were nice, but I didn’t separate them from Aesop’s fables,’ he said.
“Hagen thinks many believers accept religious teachings without fully considering the ramifications. ‘I don’t worry about heaven or hell because no one has ever been there and come back,’ he said. ‘I can’t quite understand how someone can believe these things without enough facts to support their belief.’
“‘Attitudes have changed,’ said Anne Nicol Gaylor, president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation ... ‘I grew up understanding that the Bible was a book of myths and fables. Religion was something other people did, and it wasn’t regarded as a very intelligent thing to do. A lot of people are afraid to think about their religion. They’re afraid to question it too closely.’
“‘The most offensive thing is when they start talking about hell,’ she said. ‘The ones you’re apt to hear from are fanatics who want you to rot in hell. Theirs is an unkind religion. But being a freethinker has its drawbacks, too. Namely, the occasional harassment received from believers.’
“James Fetzer describes himself as ‘intellectually agnostic, emotionally atheist.’ Fetzer was an active Episcopalian until college. He attributes his movement from religion to his intellectual development as a philosopher rather than any negative church experience. ‘I don’t claim to know that there is a God, and I don’t claim to know that there isn’t a God,’ he said. ‘I just think that if there were a God then he or she would have made a kinder and gentler world. Individuals who are agnostic tend to become more concerned with the well-being of their fellow humans in this life. They have no expectations or beliefs that there’s going to be an afterlife during which things are going to be set right,’ he said.
“‘Religion has been used to make people such as serfs, slaves and servants, more accepting of a very unhappy lot in life.”’ (By Susan Hogan-Albach – The State/Columbia, November 3, 1990)
We have more understanding why a person becomes an agnostic, than we have for religions that teach that God is more vengeful than the average person is. No one of any compassion would torture a dog much less put him in eternal torment. The Bible tells us that God is love. He is a God of Love, Justice, Wisdom and Power. He is now permitting people to experience evil. Experience is the best teacher. He has appointed a day to “judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). He is plenteous in mercy and compassion. “God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all” (Rom. 11:32) in that Day. He knows that the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not (2 Cor. 4:4) and will rescue all from unbelief, whether agnostics, atheists or religiously misled. “When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness” (Isa. 26:9) in His Kingdom.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: – In the October 15, 1990 Watchtower, p. 13, col. 1, there is this: “The most important reason why God’s Son came to earth was not to save mankind. Rather, it was to settle the slanderous issues raised by Satan with regard to Jehovah’s sovereignty.”
We find no place in the Scriptures that supports the Witnesses’ claim that the “most important reason why God’s Son came to earth was to settle the slanderous issues raised by Satan with regard to Jehovah’s sovereignty.” They imagine anything, without rhyme or reason, to invent something new for their devotees. But we find plenty Scriptural support for His coming to save mankind.
“The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) Christ Jesus “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Tim. 2:6) “Our Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity.” (Titus 2:14)
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Tim. 1:15) “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved [saved from the Adamic death], and come to a knowledge of the truth [in the Kingdom].” (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) God does not save all eternally as some teach. The incorrigible will be destroyed in the Second Death (Rev.20:14, 15).
God is not judging the world now while Satan is blinding the minds of them that believe not (2 Cor. 4:4). All who learn to love righteousness and hate iniquity in the Kingdom (Acts 17:31) will gain eternal life. “For when thy Judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) It is blasphemy to teach that a loving God is so unmerciful that he would judge the individuals of the world while Satan is blinding their minds.
“How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart.” (Jer. 23:26)
On p. 15, col. 1, October 15, 1990 Watchtower, they say: “God’s covenant relationship with natural Israel was to cease before long. Therefore, the future Messianic Kingdom would not be restored to that unfaithful nation. Jesus told his Jewish opposers: ‘The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing fruits.’ (Matt 21:43)”
The Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to offer proof that they are the counterpart of the Papacy. The Pope recently referred to the Jews as that unfaithful nation and claimed God’s promises to the Jews now belonged to his organization. God’s promises to the Jews are unilateral unchangeable. God was referring to the High Calling the elect class – when He said the Kingdom will be taken from you. It was “to the Jew first” in the elect salvation; and it will be “to the Jew first” in Christ’s Kingdom.
There were 3,000 Jews added at Pentecost and 5,000 more, as well as others, added later. The message was given to the Gentiles after selecting from the Jews first.
“Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt; but the Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them.”(Jer. 16:14,15)
“For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and will not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.” (Jer. 24:6,7)
There are many more promises to the Jews in God’s Word, but the above should be sufficient. We are witness to the return of some of the children of Israel from the lands whither he has driven them. “The truth of the Lord endureth for ever.” (Psa. 117:2) The Witnesses must write these Scriptures out of their Bible. It seems impossible for them to twist them around to apply to themselves. When has the Lord driven them out of their country? The Witnesses haven’t been given a special country. At no place has the Lord said the Jews will not have the precedence in His Kingdom. He did say, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” [plural] (John 4:22) The Kingdom will be Israelitish.
In the November 1, 1990 Watchtower, pp. 11 and 12, the Witnesses refer to Rom. 13:1 under the heading of “Identifying The Superior Authorities.” For some years, they say, they taught that the superior authorities in Rom. 13:1 were Jehovah and Christ Jesus. However, in line with Proverbs 4:18, light increased.
It is not “new light” for Bible Students, as Brother Russell taught that Rom.13:1 referred to principalities and powers, and magistrates, the same as Titus 3:1. If the Witnesses would read and study more of his teaching, they would be able to get other “new light,” and hopefully they would correct other errors they teach.
Brother Russell advised the brethren not to accept anything he taught without first proving it by God’s inspired Word; also, not to accept the teaching of others without proving it by the Scriptures. He did not forbid the brethren from reading what others taught. When they received the truth they were free indeed! “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.” (2 Cor. 3:17) “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God.” (Heb. 5:12)