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1914 607 BCE Examining Doctrines

When Was Jerusalem Destroyed by Babylon?

Both historical data and the Watchtower Society agree that Babylon fell in 539 BCE. In fact, it is regarded as a pivotal date on which reliable Bible chronology can be determined. But what about Jerusalem’s destruction? Is there any evidence that Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 BCE or that the Jews returned from exile in […]

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Apostasy

Beware of Deceit

This is the title of a morning worship talk given by governing body helper Kenneth Flodin. Let’s listen to a clip of that talk: So according to Kenneth Flodin, apostates, by that he means former members of the organization, never try and explain their beliefs using the scriptures but instead only seek to twist the […]

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Examining Doctrines Organized Religion The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Sincerity Alone Not Enough to Please God?

It is absolutely essential for religions that make the claim of being God’s one true church to convince those outside of its membership that sincerity alone is not enough to please God. Unless you accept their interpretation of scripture and live in harmony with what they teach, you have no hope of salvation. In order […]

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Child Abuse

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Becomes Law in Australia

During Geoffrey Jackson’s testimony in the Australian Royal Commission, Angus Stewart tried to determine whether or not Jehovah’s Witnesses would consider changing their policy toward reporting allegations of child sexual abuse to the authorities. Let’s analyze this exchange: Stewart. Mr Jackson, let’s make it a little more concrete, then, in a very specific example. You […]

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Examining Doctrines Memorial of Christ's Death

How Many Anointed Christians Have There Been Throughout History?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to believe that there are two classes of Christians. A little flock of anointed Christians having the hope of ruling with Christ in heaven numbering 144,000 and a great crowd of other sheep having the hope of living on earth in paradise under the rulership of Christ and the 144,000. According […]

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Examining Doctrines Organized Religion

Iglesia ni Cristo – The Only True Church?

Iglesia ni Cristo (“Church of Christ” in Tagalog) is a Philippine-based Christian religion, like other restorationist groups, it professes that it is the one church founded by Jesus. Adherents hold that the Iglesia ni Cristo is the only true church of Jesus Christ as restored through Felix Manalo. However, the church recognizes Jesus Christ as […]

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1914 Examining Doctrines

Types and Anti-types – 1914

At the October 2014 Annual Meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses, David Splane, member of the governing body, gave a talk entitled “Types and Anti-types”. In his closing remarks he stated: We deeply appreciate the spiritual heritage that was passed on to us by the early Bible Students. In harmony with Zechariah chapter 4 and verse 10: […]

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The Faithful and Discreet Slave

Are You Discreet?

Are You Discreet? In appointing judges over Israel, Moses strove to find “wise and discreet and experienced men.” (Deuteronomy 1:13) Experience, which came with age, was not the sole criterion. Wisdom and discretion were also important. A person who is discreet shows good judgment in speech and in conduct. According to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate […]

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Child Abuse

A Public Service Announcement from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society

We Protect Our Children This public announcement was made in 2015. According to Anthony Morris, the Watchtower society has been proactive in alerting its members about the problem of child sexual abuse since 1987. In the same year in Australia The Royal Commission held a public hearing in Sydney. The hearing ran for 7 days from Monday […]

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Examining Doctrines Heaven Ministry Revelation

Is the 144,000 a Literal Number?

And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel: Revelation 7:4. Then I saw, and look! the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who have his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. I heard a […]