Examining Matthew 24, Part 10: The Sign of Christ's Presence

[@UKS12345]

What you say makes sense. I listened carefully as it’s so important to get a clear understanding. I’m 70, baptised in 1965 and I find that I have to keep going over your talks. I feel lonely because I can’t discuss this with any jw, which is sad. Thank you for your food for thought

[@vintage6346]

There are several exjw online groups using zoom. Still, we miss our JW friends. We know that they are afraid to talk to us. Watchtower is such a bully.

[@BeroeanPickets]

@sapphireplays7579 - We have an online meeting where we read the Bible and discuss Bible truths. Our group seeks to worship in freedom and truth. Everyone is free to comment on the reading and share their thoughts. Feel free to visit us anytime: We have a Sunday Zoom meeting where many Brits attend (you mentioned above you are in the UK) beroeans.net/events/

[@UKS12345]

@@BeroeanPickets thank you for your invite to zoom bible reading for UK. I will be glad to attend. Your sister Joanne

[@JonParente]

"Lightning is non-denominational ". Such logic, and 100% scriptural!❤ Beautiful my brother! Thank you for helping us to examine the holy writings exegetically. To you, Eric, and Wendy and the Berean Pickets team, to James Penton, and others like you- thank you for your continued help and support ❤❤❤❤ there aren't really enough words to fully express my appreciation 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@GentleJeremiah-p7l]

I about jumped out of my chair when that lightning struck! Hahaha! Point received 👍

[@BeroeanPickets]

Boom!

[@m.chelle247]

Thank You Brother Wilson ... Praise Jah! 🥰

[@johnshepard9120]

Wow.... You explain things so clearly, things that i as an individual should be able to see and conclude myself but because of the indoctrination i am under its so hard. I am a PIMO JW and have been watching your videos for a while now, but when you explained about the lightening, really that made me think, wow, its really not hard to understand what Jesus meant but still here we are listening to men while Jesus all the time commanded us NOT to listen and follow men. Beautiful stuff Eric, thank you

[@fastlane956]

Have you guys looked into Daniels last week or 7 years? I am also a PIMO JW and have come to understand certain things that I’d like to shed light on

[@m.chelle247]

The lighting got me too. Pretty good Brother Wilson! 😅❤

[@eragonzaroc]

I did agree fully with your concluding comments. I have found all of what you said, confusing by the JW's for years. Clearly you have shown, that it is not all that clear, but, taken as a whole, we are waiting for better times. Bless you Eric, may Lord Jesus keep helping you as you help us.

[@patopatagon]

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!Hallelujah! For sure the Lord will do exactly like he teach us. We already have only to be obedient. If we do that and have faith is his name and power, we will be save. Hallelujah! Thank you Eric for all your work and all others helping doing also.

[@Vanderhoven1]

Well done. I'm a partial preterist. I see Matthew 24 up to verse 34 referring to the destruction of Jerusalem and 35 on "But of that day" referring to the parousia. I appreciate the fact that you included the preterist view of verses 29-31. Thank you.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thanks for sharing!

[@angielavon4034]

Hello Eric my Brother. You made me think of Acts 1: 9~11 ... to further support that we will all SEE him coming with the clouds... and how we have such a great cloud of martyrs encompassing us... very exciting! Can’t wait to meet you in your dear wife in Paradise💜

[@akatheheretic3014]

Oh , how I wish I understood it this way . . 55 yrs. ago!! 😣 Quite a number of Life's mistakes (in my case I was born in this) would have been avoided! 😕 Shame on the WTS! 😡

[@BeroeanPickets]

Amen to that. Ditto for me.

[@johnfreeman8445]

same here .

[@vintage6346]

So, here we are, four "born in" Jehovah's Witnesses. Wild horses couldn't have drug us out of "the truth". Satan and his best friends must have had many a chuckle watching us "faithfully trudge on", denying all the signs that we were going in the wrong direction. But Satan won't have the last laugh.

[@vintage6346]

You've made another wonderful video, Brother Wilson. This one is more difficult for me to process than most of your other videos have been. I should probably read the transcript. That way I can stare out into space until what I've read sinks in. And then I can continue reading. Here's the link to the transcript, in case anyone else needs to slow down and ponder the points made, I as need to do. beroeans.net/2020/05/01/examining-matthew-24-part-10-the-sign-of-christs-presence/

[@arlittleredfox7671]

Thank you Vintage

[@adamseabrook6455]

Thanks Eric for your hard work putting all this together! I particularly appreciated the addressing of the "problematic" return of Christ immediately after the tribulation of those days.

[@markatgem]

You always refresh my faith and strength. Thank you for sharing...

[@BeroeanPickets]

You are so welcome

[@sugarpoppy3946]

Great Job! thank you for the examination of Matthew 24, so much to truly know and understand. I see why many have tried to keep these truths from us...when you read it in context as it was meant to be read, you get a broader understanding more enlightenment of what our role is as christians in believing on our Lord. Excellent! I truly look forward to your videos.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thank you so much.

[@Mr2fatcats]

Wow ! I was with the JW’s for 10 years. I went through the time of The Frantz’s Freddy and his nephew Raymond I read Raymond’s book mainly because it was forbidden 😱. It crushed my world and I didn’t want anything to do with organized religion. I bit and swallowed everything I was being told but I didn’t give up on reading the Bible and trying to look at it with a fresh view. I just want to say thank you for what you’re doing it’s put back in touch with what THE BIBLE SAYS not with a organization’s interpretation. I do have to say this in my own defense that a lot of what the JW’s taught seemed a little far fetched and it did make me wonder. So if there’s anyone out there and you still stuck in The WORLD OF THE JW’s and you’re having second thoughts trust your gut and get away !!!

[@Radrook353]

Do they now inform, people about Disfellowshipping and shunning before baptizing them? I had absolutely no idea that they did those things. I was only informed by this fellow named Samuel Coleman, who had abandoned me as a Bible study, three weeks AFTER I had been baptized. His attitude was one of gloating over the predicament he had gotten me into. Because of this, I now consider my baptism into their cult totally invalid since I was not allowed informed consent.

[@blindear5303]

When I was a teen my parents started studying with the JWs. It did get me into the Bible and my interest peaked. If not for that maybe I would not have been interested in spirituality. They were used like they like to say about the churches, the biblical dragnet. But they quit adjusting their mistakes. In 1970 I visited Cali Columbia where many from here sold everything and moved to ride out the end of this system. Can’t tell me they didn’t push 1975 behind the scenes or they would have discouraged these people. I wonder if they re-examine any of the old ideas. Jesus invisible = he talks to them only and they inform you. Jesus is in our inner room. Enjoyed the video, always looking through fresh eyes.

[@hassanesdaile3671]

I started studying a yr and half ago, best decision I made.. Idk what happened in past, but everything been on point. I’ve learned so much abt the Bible and gain accurate knowledge of the Bible!!

[@JF-thought]

Thanks much for the explanation.

[@nubbytope3513]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Thanks Eric!

[@ifimayspeak2538]

Thank you brother.

[@badassociation4946]

I've had the watch this 3 times. I paused after every statement, trying to better understand what is being taught. I still have so many questions.

[@TellyTingz2000]

Me too he need to do a video for dummies like myself lol

[@fatslapper49]

The simple answer is that the bible is full contradictions and at the end of the day doesn't make any sense. Once you wake up from religion, life gets so much better.

[@hassanesdaile3671]

What ya ?’s

[@hassanesdaile3671]

DaisyLarose what you need help with understanding?

[@TheVelvetteButterfly]

fatslapper49 Can you elaborate on the specific contradictions?

[@zixiswexi]

1 kor 15:22 and 1 peter 1:13 support this too With agape from sweden

[@sarahsapphira777]

Your insight, warmth, and kind words in the face of lies, makes you an exemplary person. I know that the holy spirit moves you. Otherwise you would rail against the deceivers of the watchtower organization. I look forward to your next video. Let us know how we can help you!

[@larrywilliams6317]

Here's my latest article on archaeology and dating: Preliminary Overview: The advent of radiocarbon-14 dating in archaeology has created more specific dates for certain events. The key dated event is Shishak's invasion. RC14 dates that event around 871 BCE, which is year 39 of Solomon (year 5 of Rehoboam). This means the 4th year of Solomon falls in 906 BCE, which in turn dates the Exodus 480 years earlier to 1386 BCE. But the popular dating for Shishak is now occurring 54 years earlier in 925 BCE, based on a single eclipse that occurs on June 15, 763 BCE. However, this eclipse has been questioned since the Assyrian eponym says the eclipse occurred in month 3 and not month 2. Of course, there is an eclipse that occurred on July 17, 709 BCE, which also dates Shishak to 871 BCE, thus obviously the correct eclipse. But this entails lowering the Assyrian timeline by 54 years. When we get to lowering the Neo-Babylonian timeline by 54 years, though, this is done for us by two astronomical texts. One is the VAT4956 and the other is the Strm. Kambyses 400 (SK400). Each of these texts are diaries from the Seleucid Era, meaning after revisions were made to the Greco-Persian timeline by Xenophon. The VAT4956, which is otherwise dated to 568 BCE for year 37 of Nebuchadnezzar II, has two "errors" in the text exactly a day too early, both dating to the year 511 BCE. The SK400 is another diary that does the same thing. Two eclipses are referenced in the text with specific times. The text is normally dated to "year 7" of Kambyses in 523 BCE, but the eclipse times don't match. 18 years earlier in 541 BCE, however, there is a precise match, suggesting the text has implied the original "year 7" occurring in 541 BCE belongs to another king. Of course, that matches the 511 BCE dating for Nebuchadnezzar II's 37th year from the VAT4956. So two texts, both diaries, cryptically specify new dating for the Neo-Babylonian Period some 57 years later than the current dating. That cancels out the 54-year reduction we inherit from the Assyrian Period eclipse correction. The VAT4956 and SK400 both date year 23 of Nebuchadnezzar II to 525 BCE, which is the year per the Bible and Josephus that the 70-year exile began, ending that exile in 455 BCE. The return from Babylon was a special jubilee event, exactly 19 jubilees after the Exodus. 19 jubilees is 931 years (19 x 49 = 931). Add 931 to 455 BCE and you get an absolute Exodus date of 1386 BCE, the very same year you get when you use radiocarbon-14 to date Shishak's invasion of Israel to 871 BCE. These changes would require us to then remove 82 fake years from the Persian Period (537 vs 455 BCE), which of course, is easily done using the Bible and other sources (i.e. Ezra 6:14,15 limits the rule of Darius I to just 6 years rather than 36 years.) Archaeologists using the current timeline, though, will continue to get fraudulent results. In fact, the entire argument of low-chronology versus high-chronology for the Iron Age immediately disappears when we are required to lower Solomon 60 years from 970 to 910 BCE. More specific information about removing 82 fake years from the Persian Period is available on request, of course.

[@rakelmacc5325]

Ok, I am one confused little cookie. I need to rewatch all of these episodes in a quite room. As much as I never could buy into JW doctrine when I was reluctantly in, I still have that crap in there somewhere. So far I totally get this line of understanding, it’s much more logical than the old stuff. The only bit is the transformation part. After spending the better part of my 44 years looking forward to living forever on a paradise earth, which I’d love, i really need to get my head around this.

[@christopherestrada2474]

Nicodemus Ben Gurion Wait. Can i ask you. I understand we will dwell on Earth. But where do you get your understanding that we can live in heaven Too?? Also, I understand that Jesus is the firstborn in the sense that he was the first one to be “reborn” as an immortal human. But where is Jesus now?!! Is he in heaven truly at the right hand of God? Or is he away in the sleep of death and resurrected once more at the 1000 years???

[@christopherestrada2474]

Nicodemus Ben Gurion And thanks for pointing out Eph 4:4 I also read verse 5 and 6!! ❤️

[@rationalrabbit797]

On the subject of the "let the READER use discernment" comment in Liuke, it seems clear that this comment was added by Luke, not said by Jesus, since Jesus would not have said "reader" but "hearer", since it was a spoken conversation - Jesus was not writing this down at the time.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Interesting observation.

[@flylady942]

ENJOY IT , THANK YOU 💞

[@Shami.Hopeful.Lady777]

Outstanding! Halleluyah!

[@dawnemile4974]

Dramatic and exciting lightning.

[@beckyg927]

Wow! This was excellent!!!

[@personnepersonne5843]

Very good demonstration as usual!

[@BeroeanPickets]

Glad you liked it!

[@MarilynNemeth]

The word "transformed, transformation " is more correctly used than rapture. Thank you!

[@Deep.Purple]

That word isn't in the bible -- lets not add to it. Jesus himself say it's a "Vision" not literal. I guess we all hear what we want to hear.

[@truthseeker9360]

Nice job brother

[@tsevaoth]

Thanks brother Eric, is true, only one idea from a bible passage cannot be understanded without other passages, anyway, we today, like gentiles we have a HUGE gap of 2000 years from apostles theology and understanding of what they meant in their time. When I read 2 thessalonians 2:5 I wonder how many explanations was done by apostle Paul for them, I believe much more then is written in his letters. Anyway thanks to our Lord Jesus hwo sent the Parakletos to preserve and teach us today what should we know!

[@rationalrabbit797]

I think the biggest problem understanding the prophesies in scripture is the issue of time. I think the prime intention of these prophesies is to convey what will happen, not when it will happen or how long it will take. For example, when Jesus talks about his presence and says that every eye will see him, does he mean that every eye will see him when his presence begins, or that eventually every eye will see him? His presence will culminate in the ressurection of all those who have died, so eventually all eyes will see him, but not necessarily the moment his presence begins. So his presence could have started when he died as the scriptures seem to indicate, and then at the turn of the 1st century could be the time when he gathered the chosen ones, some still alive at the time (hence the one will be taken, one will be left ccomment), and then some thousand years later the millenial reign will begin, during which time the eyes of all the ressurected ones will get to see him - eventually. Notice that the scriptures do not mention dates, and frequently mention two things together which happened many years or decades apart. When studying Revelation, i get the distinct impresseion that its deliberately written in a manner to obfusticate the sequence of events so that we do not waste time trying to understand in detail what is meant only to present an overview of what will happen, not so much when it will happen, in what sequence, or even why it will happen. This all higlights what is perhaps an even bigger problem, which is the tendency of people to expect the Bible to answer every question, and then looking for the answer, not finding it, and then digging ever deeper to look for it, bending and twisting the scriptures for subtle hints and clues as if the scriptures were the plot of an Indiana Jones movie.

[@UKS12345]

My understanding of 1thessalonians 4:17 is referring to the resurrection of the anointed who have died since 33CE and anointed following. Because, those whom he was speaking to were the anointed ones. ?

[@BeroeanPickets]

Yes, but faithful Christians are all anointed ones. There is no class of faithful Christian that can consider itself as approved by God yet not anointed.

[@UKS12345]

@@BeroeanPickets but the jws who were born just after 33CE where to be classed as other sheep not to rule with Christ in heaven? Otherwise, who would the anointed be ruling over? I’m genuinely interested to know what evidence there is on your statement that all Christians are anointed? I enjoy your videos very much

[@BeroeanPickets]

@@UKS12345 All faithful Christians are anointed. There is nothing to indicate an non-anointed class. Everything points to the hope for Christians being the opportunity to rule in heaven with Jesus. However, I used "faithful", because there are over 2 billions people on earth today who claim to be Christian. Yet Jesus said that to be approved, one has to be willing to carry the cross or torture stake as JWs call it. Few will do that. The anointed will rule over the unrighteous, many of whom call themselves Christians. “21 “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

[@UKS12345]

@@BeroeanPickets it’s very complicated for me now. I’m going to give more thought on this. But it’s good to search for truth. I will try to find one of your videos that discusses this. Thank you for replying

[@irishhomedeemob677]

Jesus has been ruling in the midst of his enemies since his resurrection. The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, "Rule in the midst of your enemies! Psalm 110:2, 1 Corinthians 15:21-28 He has been building a community of Kings and priests since then. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; 1 peter 2 , James 1:18, revelation 7:3;14:6, 21:2 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years (spiritually) When that work is completed aka the New Heavens..it will descend ..to establish a New Earth Revelation 21 and 22, 2 Peter 3:13-15, Revelation 20:11-15 God will be all *in all* 1 Corinthians 15:28 Thanks for the update brother!

[@Freemind_Research]

Very informative thanks for this very well said. In regards to Christ Presence. Something that stands out to me and something that people usually don't think about is this: Possibly this transformation of Christ is personal. It happens personally in accord to each person individually. If it happens this way those scriptures make more sense to me. Because in a transformation being spoken of at 1 Corinthians 15: 51 and 52 He's telling of a "Sacred Secret," we will not fall asleep in death but will be changed in a blink of an "eye." These two phrases, sacred secret, and eye need more research. What I found in researching mystery schools of the Essenes you will find another meaning for these and this transformation causes a person to be Christlike. Just my two cents. I would love to share more of what I have found, I think you would find it interesting and would like to know your thoughts. I joined the website but can't find the discussion area for this video. Thanks:)

[@zakhariahk.8720]

10:35 exactly what i told them but they didn’t believe because GB doesn’t say that...

[@johnfreeman8445]

thanks eric you also touched on another subject im struggling with.the resurection...ive been debating with somone who insists that people like abraham went strsight to heaven when they died..but the scritures you quoted .prove otherwise .

[@gicapetrescu1131]

We should wait for the temple to be built then?

[@larrythepcguy5474]

Which temple ? The Temple in revelation 21 that desends from heaven Or The far right evangelicals dispensenional eschatology temple in Jerusalem?

[@fontybits]

Scriptually & contextually, the "great tribulation" of Revelation 7:14 is the SAME "great tribulation" mentioned previously at Revelation 2:22 IMO. It CANNOT refer to the "great tribulation" of Matthew 24:21. If it DID, it makes Jesus a liar. He said the Matthew 24 G.T. would NEVER occur again. The details of the Revelation 7:14 "great tribulation" are explicitly explained in Revelation chapter 2. Two distinctly DIFFERENT G.T.'s. Acts 7:11 uses the same term, "great tribulation," but clearly it has nothing to do with the OTHER two G.T.'s

[@errolcampbell6985]

Quite logical, as relates to the gathering of the the chosen ones.

[@ilyahart2446]

Hallelujah!!!

[@badassociation4946]

Also, the statement at the end, "Our Salvation depends on our ongoing obedience every day of our lives" is not a Christian view of salvation. Our Salvation depends on our faith in Christ and His finished work in our behalf. His death, burial, and resurrection, according to the scriptures, is the good news of salvation for anyone who believes.

[@LosBereanos]

The demons believe and shudder. Faith without works is dead. The idea is that all you have to do is believe in Jesus is a convenient cop out for those who want to live a life anyway they please while thinking there will be no consequences. Once saved always saved is not a bible teaching

[@amadeus8006]

Hi Eric. An excellent commentary. I find your interpretation of the great tribulation as interesting, however it is one thing I am not entirely sure of. As it is called THE great tribulation and not your tribulation. Just a thought. Thank you so much for your vids. Keep up the great work.

[@fiorini_mochachino]

Lightning is completely nondenominational 😂😂😂

[@gondaimazvure5669]

Actually the prophecies in the letters to Thessalonians were revealed through Silas, not Paul. Silas is the one who was the prophet. Paul was an apostle while Timothy was a teacher and overseer.((1 THESSALONIANS 1:1)) ((2 THESSALONIANS 1:1))

[@JKV84]

Eric -> do you believe in the rapture? And if not, what is the difference between the rapture and your’ belief? Just trying to figure it all out…

[@BeroeanPickets]

The word "rapture" has religious connotations as various Christian denominations define it according to their theology. What I believe in is described in the Bible: “. . .Look! I tell YOU a sacred secret: We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, during the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised up incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52) “. . .For this is what we tell YOU by Jehovah’s word, that we the living who survive to the presence of the Lord shall in no way precede those who have fallen asleep [in death]; 16 because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first. 17 Afterward we the living who are surviving will, together with them, be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with [the] Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)

[@badromenful]

Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.Jude1:9(KJV) When Satan tempted Jesus- “And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. “ Luke4:12(KJV) How could JW religion believe the arch angel Michael could have the power to bear the sin of the whole world,but when Michael is confronted by Satan he must use the name of the Lord to rebuke him, this is something only our God in flesh Christ Jesus could bear

[@BeroeanPickets]

I follow you logic. I only diverge with you in that I don't believe Jesus was God in the flesh.

[@badromenful]

Beroean Pickets How so? By the way I love your work keep it up!

[@vintage6346]

@@badromenful, God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father are two different beings. 2 John verse 3 says, "Grace, mercy, and peace be with us in truth and love from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father."

[@badromenful]

vintage And Jesus said,If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” - John 14:7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.1John5:7 sorry I thought I was speaking with Trinitarians

[@BeroeanPickets]

@@badromenful This is an example of why I don't rely on the KJV very much. Pulpit Commentary Verse 7. - For those who bear witness are three, and thus constitute full legal testimony (Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1). It will be assumed here, without discussion, that the remainder of this verse and the first clause of verse 8 are spurious. Words which are not contained in a single Greek uncial manuscript, nor in a single Greek cursive earlier than the fourteenth century (the two which contain the passage being evidently translated from the Vulgate), nor are quoted by a single Greek Father during the whole of the Trinitarian controversy, nor are found in any authority until late in the fifth century, cannot be genuine.

[@ericwebb9561]

Jesus will be visible to all at the conclusion of the hour of test coming upon the whole world. He won't be visible during the hour of test though. The hour of test is when all people's faith will be pushed to the limit, especially the chosen ones. Faith in Jehovah and Jesus will be challenged quite severely. The time is close, as we can see with current events globally.

[@D4v1ks]

"Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25,26 NWT)

[@D4v1ks]

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts fear out, because fear restrains us. Indeed, the one who is fearful has not been made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18 NWT)

[@D4v1ks]

"No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" (1 cor 10:13)

[@goodstuffohhyeah]

The ultimate test will be resisting the mark of the beast. It's a life and death matter like no other.

[@ericwebb9561]

@@D4v1ks I agree. Satan and his demons know us well and will use any and all information to tempt us, but Jehovah won't allow us to endure anything he knows we can't handle.

[@WideAngleLuis]

Can you please explain the teaching in Matthew 24:14 & 1 Thessalonians 5:3 These are teachings that are misleading from the JW Org

[@BeroeanPickets]

Happy to. Here's the entire playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLyyw76AUJTT2PGs2du-Fjot4r_Ai8Sogw

[@WideAngleLuis]

@@BeroeanPickets hi thank you so much I forgot to delete this comment I’m actually watching your part 3 video right now. Can’t believe this video flew over my head. Thank you!

[@AlanMF00]

Another interesting presentation, although I don't necessarily agree with some of it. The fact is that the three gospel accounts of Jesus' words regarding end times events are ambiguous and confusing, as shown by the many contradictory interpretations made by sincere Bible students over the centuries. One thing I strongly disagree with: your use of "presence" for the Greek "parousia" in Matthew 24:3 and other passages. "Parousia" in koine Greek has several shades of meaning: (1) "presence", as in "a being alongside", which comprises the entire time from the point of arrival through the point of departure; (2) a short period of time within an extended presence (2); and (3) "coming", which focuses on the arrival part of a presence. The exact shade of meaning is determined by context. In some Greek passages it is not possible to pin down an exact shade of meaning. This is so despite the fact that the original meaning in Greek was "a being alongside". Words change their meaning subtly or drastically over time. Tell a 16th century Englishman that you're going to sod your lawn and he'll wonder what you're talking about, since in 16th century English sod means "boil". So it is with "parousia": the original narrow meaning was extended by usage to a broad meaning. The context around "parousia" in Matt. 24:3, along with several other Bible passages, shows that the word there means "coming", "arrival", or "appearance". The use of "parousia" as "presence" largely dates back to the 1870s when certain commentators such as Joseph Seiss were promoting variations of "secret rapture" doctrine, where Christ shows up invisibly at some point, which invisible arrival is followed by an extended "presence". See Carl Olof Jonssion, "The Gentile Times Reconsidered", for an extended discussion. A version of this "invisible presence" notion was adopted about 1874 by Nelson Barbour and some of his followers to explain away the failure of his prediction of Christ's return and "the end of the world" for 1873/1874. Charles Taze Russell adopted it in 1876, which of course continues today in JW doctrine. So from a JW-critical point of view, using "presence" rather than "coming" is wrong on two counts: (1) the translation from Greek is wrong; (2) its origin was rationalization of the failure of an "end of the world" prediction. For an extended discussion of the meaning of "parousia" and of Watchtower Society misrepresentations concerning it, see "Scholastic Dishonesty of the Watchtower Society With Respect to Christ’s Parousia: “Presence” or “Coming”?": www.critiquesonthewatchtower.org/new-articles/2019/02/parousia.pdf

[@earnesthemmingpants7082]

Alan. I will agree with your disagreement on the topic of "parousia". No argument. However, I disagree with this. "The fact is that the three gospel accounts of Jesus' words regarding end times events are ambiguous and confusing," It is a generalized statement based solely on your own experience. I find them to be perfect. And for you to understand MY experience. issuu.com/a.s.o.h./docs/olivetdiscourse

[@AlanMF00]

@@lisapearson6455 Trusting in men who claim to speak in God's name is the standard method of operation of cults like the JWs.

[@AlanMF00]

@@earnesthemmingpants7082 Your latter statements are incorrect. I'm not going solely on my own experience, but on that of thousands of others. As I said, the gospel accounts of the "end times" "are ambiguous and confusing, as shown by the many contradictory interpretations made by sincere Bible students over the centuries." Now, if thousands of smart, sincere people can come up with many contradictory interpretations, then it's a no-brainer to see that the interpreted material is ambiguous and confusing. Were it not, there would be no room for interpretation. While I generally agree with the arguments in your linked article, bear in mind that your paraphrase of the gospel accounts are *your* interpretation. You are not inspired, are you? I've seen many JW apologists paraphrase Bible passages to make them seem to jibe with Watchtower doctrine. Hence, my looking askance at paraphrases.

[@earnesthemmingpants7082]

@@AlanMF00 And neither are you inspired. Correct? I made no mention of "watchtower doctrine", but you have chosen to falsely associate my post to you, and the article, with "watchtower doctrine". Red herring. Nothing in the link I sent you bears any resemblance to "watchtower doctrine", in fact quite the opposite, it shows "watchtower doctrine" to be false. But that didn't matter to you, did it? What you just did here was to practice everything you have supposedly condemned in others. Regarding the link, what is written there does not fall prey to the superstitions and otherwise mind control that all these 'wise men' have fallen prey to over the centuries, of which you speak in the building of your 'model'. And I 'look askance' at your red herring.

[@AlanMF00]

@@earnesthemmingpants7082 You need to learn some reading comprehension. You make false accusations and implications based on no statements I made.

[@ElectricEarth]

_“I came to start a fire on the earth, and what more is there for me to wish if it has already been lit?" (Luke __12:49__)._ "to start a fire: Symbolically speaking, the coming of Jesus brought a fiery time to the Jews. *Jesus started the fire by raising issues that caused heated controversy and resulted in the consuming of many false teachings and traditions.* For example, contrary to the nationalistic expectations of the Jews, while the Messiah was on earth, he did not liberate literal Israel from Roman rule but he suffered a shameful death. By his zealous preaching, Jesus made God’s Kingdom the paramount issue before the people, thus sparking a heated controversy throughout the nation.​-1Co 1:23." (NWT margin note for verse 49). Jesus spoke those words right after the parable of the faithful and discreet slave(s). This is significant because Jesus appoints his slave after he inspects his "temple" (Mal. 3:1-4). Malachi foretold a very fiery time for God's people when Jesus arrives the second time. "Who can stand?" Indeed, who will be able to stand when Jesus lights the fire by "raising issues" that will cause heated controversy and result in "the consuming of many false teachings and traditions." Like the Jews, God's covenant people today have built up false "nationalistic expectations," namely, that Christ began to rule in 1914 and there will be no great tribulation to befall his people at the hands of the wild beast as a fiery refining process. This is because of their stubbornness to acknowledge the many "false teachings and traditions" they have accumilated and mercilessly enforce. Other false teachings and traditions of men include everything ever taught that is connected to 1914, including the identity of the faithful and discreet slave, the false science of Babylon the Great which is sun worship (and her identity), and the brutal disfellowshiping doctrine. Concerning disfellowshiping, Jehovah foretold that if his prophet does not do away with it, he will devote the entire earth to destruction, including his own people! (Mal. 4:6). Powerful words those. A similar fate awaits the disobedient ones among Jehovah's people who refuse to listen to the words of the "prophet like Moses" whom Jehovah will raise up during the "times of the restoration of all things" (Deut. 18:15; Acts 3:21-24). It will not just be a fire "symbolically" speaking when Jesus inspects and cleanses his temple. There will be terrible persecution of God's people during the coming 1260 days of tribulation at the hands of the wild beast and its whorish mount. It will be similar to the destruction of Jerusalem that Jesus famously described. But there _will_ be survivors. It will take some time for the _whole_ of God's people to be regathered and restored. They will be as dead as a valley of dry bones but their regathering (including disfellowshiped and stumbled ones) is foretold by the prophecy of the "two sticks" in Ezekiel...

[@ElectricEarth]

Do you understand the prophecy of the seventieth week of the seventy weeks of Daniel? The seventieth week is a period of seven years of tribulation in which God's people are put to a severe test and refined for 1260 days during the latter half of those seven years (Mal. 3:2-4). Has that week already started? The 70 weeks of Daniel are of immense importance in God's plan for salvation, but few people realise the true significance of the number 70 as found elsewhere in Scripture. Are they connected? Yes! *Numbers! Numbers! Numbers!* _The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 70_ Seventy has a sacred meaning in the Bible that is made up of the factors of two perfect numbers, seven (representing perfection) and ten (representing completeness and God's law). As such, it symbolizes perfect spiritual order carried out with all power. It can also represent *a period of judgment.* _"Joseph’s sons who were born to him in Egypt were two. All the people of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were 70." (Deut. __10:22__)._ What does this represent? Joseph was the faithful and discreet slave who was "sent ahead" by Jehovah and then appointed over all his master's belongings. Not only was he appointed over Potipher's household, the jailhouse, and Pharaoh's entire empire, he was also the one who had life-saving power over the whole house of Jacob (Israel). Jehovah used him to deliver the future 12 tribes of Israel (from whom the Christ came) from a literal famine. There will be a modern-day faithful and discreet slave who will perform a similar role during the "famine" to come upon the whole household of spiritual Israel during the period of desolation at the second half of the week. (Rev. 12:6). Christ will not come before the completion of the life-saving work of this faithful slave who has been "sent ahead" to bring God's household into a _true_ spiritual paradise. Interestingly, the account at Acts 7:14 says that there were 75 who came to Egypt. Who is the "one" pronounced "happy" after 1335 days? (1260+75=1335). (Dan. 12:12; Matt. 24:46). _"and the Egyptians continued to shed tears for him 70 days." (Gen. 50:3)._ When Jacob died he was mourned for 70 days by the Egyptians. What does this mean? During the second half of the 70th week of Daniel the house of Jacob will suffer a desolation. There will be a great mourning among God's house. This time period is known as "Jacob's trouble." Jerusalem was desolated in 70 CE. The Jews were captive for 70 years. Modern-day Israel will also be captive during the 70th week. Jesus sent out 70 disciples with the power to "cure the sick" and authority over the demons. When they returned with joy, Jesus said to them: “I see Satan already fallen like lightning from heaven." Significantly, that event happens during the seventieth week. Is it not true that God's house is currently afflicted with a spiritual sickness? Ezekiel saw 70 elders defiling the temple with idolatry. The same is true today. God's "temple" is defiled with idols. _"Then he said to Moses: “Go up to Jehovah, you and Aaron, Naʹdab and A·biʹhu, and 70 of the elders of Israel, and bow down from a distance. Moses should approach Jehovah by himself; but the others should not approach, and the people should not go up with him.” (Ex. 24:1,2)._ The "prophet like Moses" raised up during the "times of the restoration of all things" will perform a similar role to the ancient prophet Moses as well as functioning in the role of the "two" witnesses (Deut. 18:15; Acts 3:21-24; Rev. 11:6). How so? By Exodus 24, a team of 70 elders had been selected as the "Governing Body" of Israel under the leadership of Moses. In Numbers 11 we read of God’s specific call for this body of leaders to serve with Moses in the wilderness: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you” (v16). The 70 elders were initially only allowed to approach Jehovah "from a distance." Why? Communion sacrifices needed to be made first. What does this signify? This symbolizes the errors of the modern-day Governing Body who will not be allowed to see the glory of Jehovah in the Kingdom until the prophet like Moses intercedes for them. This will take place during the second half of the seventieth week when the house of Jacob is refined "with fire" (Mal. 3:1-4). It is the prophet Elijah "messenger" who prepares the way for this to take place (v1). He is also a part of the two witnesses. *THAT* is the reason why Moses and Elijah are seen with Christ in Kingdom power during the transfiguration. The prophet Elijah will restore all things (Matt. 17:11).

[@5star64]

How do i get a Beroean's study bible?

[@jonathand2999]

bereanbible.com/

[@MarilynNemeth]

Download Bible Hub app on Android. It has different translations with Bereon Bible.

[@larrywilliams6317]

I sent this to JW Escape: You are a very intelligent woman, so I don't have to do a lot of explaining. The night the Jews left Israel was to become a national holiday. They were to have a special assembly to celebrate the night they left Egypt. This special assembly at the temple was holed on the 15th of Nisan. Nisan 15th was to be a special holiday. Each Sabbath day began at sundown. Passover is eaten after sundown. That means from sundown to midnight Passover was eaten and then later during the day they celebrated leaving Egypt on the 15th. The Israelites did leave Egypt on the 15th. How simple of a concept is that? The problem is that Passover is spoken of as being eaten on the 14th, but the celebration is held on the 15th. The reason why was because when the Israelites first left Egypt they followed the Egyptian custom of changing the date at midnight. That is, from sundown to midnight it was still the fourteenth. That's why the first day of unleavened bread, a special high-sabbath began on the fourteenth at sundown. Notice Exodus 12:18: "`In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening." Is this so hard to understand? It was still the fourteenth at sundown. It remained the fourteenth until midnight. Midnight is when the angel of death arrived. After that, Passover was to end. There was no more significance for Passover after midnight. The Israelites were specifically told to end Passover in the morning. But for the Israelites, that meant 12:01 a.m. They called midnight morning for the same reason we call 12:01 a.m. morning. Because it began a new concept of a new day; the 14th became the 15th. But later on, since the sabbath day began at sunset, people began to change the DATE at sunset as well. So instead of changing the date at midnight from the 14th to the 15th, the Jews began to change the date at sunset. So at sunset, they changed the date from the 14th to the 15th. But when you do that, Passover is no longer eaten on the 14th but it is eaten on the 15th. Jehovah's Witnesses think, therefore, that the Jews got this wrong. They see per the Bible that Passover is eaten on the 14th. Not understanding that when the Israelites first left Egypt the date changed at midnight, they decided to change the date at sunset from the 13th to the 14th so that Passover is still eaten on the 14th. But they ignore the fact that the Israelites have to leave Egypt on the 15th and they celebrate that night on the 15th. So regardless of the confusion this all causes, Passover is eaten on the 1st day of unleavened bread and the same day they celebrate leaving Egypt is the same night Passover is eaten. So basically, if you want to change the date at sunset, you must change the date from the 14th to the 15th. If you want Passover to be eaten on the 14th, you must change the date at midnight. When you change the date from the 13th to the 14th at sunset, you are celebrating Passover on the wrong day. After all, is said and done, though, no one can argue that Christ must have been arrested on the 15th if the Israelites left Egypt on the 15th shortly after midnight. That's a given. If Jesus wasn't arrested until the 15th, then how could he have died on Friday, Nisa 14th, as Jehovah's Witnesses teach? Impossible. Besides that, Matthew 12:40 clearly says Jesus was to be in the grave for "three days and three nights," which means he must die on a Thursday. From Friday afternoon to Saturday night is just two days and two nights. Where's the third day and the third night? It is not hard to see where I'm going with this. If Jesus wasn't arrested until Saturday morning then he must have died later that week. He must die on a day of preparation and he must die on a Thursday. Well, guess what? Thursday, Nisan 20th is a day of preparation. That Friday was the 7th day of unleavened bread, which is also a special high-sabbath day. Thus there were two days in a row that following weekend. That is clearly when Jesus should have died. After his resurrection, he appeared for 40 days. But instead of the holy spirit arriving after 10 days, it only took 3 days to arrive when we teach Jesus rose on the 23rd instead of on the 16th. Doesn't that make more sense? So this is clearly a FALSE TEACHING by the Watchtower Society. But others also think Jesus died on a Friday. It costs nothing to correct this false teaching. Are you willing to do so? Can you disprove this from your Bible? No, you can't. Let me know what you think. Thank you for your videos.

[@CanadianLoveKnot]

28:49 Have to considered the possibility that Revelation was written prior to the destruction of Jerusalem, including the entire NT?

[@BeroeanPickets]

Yes. I address that question in part 6 of this series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6qzZIajYp5nr9k

[@paulrosser6249]

Thank you Eric for your clarifiing message.

[@lindalee5806]

I've read Josephus.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Good for you. It's was a bit of a slog for me, but well worth the read.

[@melicahdavid]

Hello Eric!!!

[@BeroeanPickets]

Hello there!

[@UKS12345]

Mathew doesn’t refer to anointed as being 144,000 taken from the earth, but rather he calls these ones chosen ones.

[@aljawisa]

24:00 I disagree. 2 Thessalonians 1: 6-8

[@BeroeanPickets]

That tends to support the point I'm making at the 24 minute mark. “This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those WHO MAKE TRIBULATION FOR YOU. But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (2Th 1:6-8) These ones have been making tribulation for Christians since the time of Christ down to our day.

[@aljawisa]

@@BeroeanPickets But there's also that word "then" their will be great tribulation, which seems to indicate a placement in time after those preceding events, followed by later, 'after the days of that tribulation.' Those other tribulations sound like just a general usage of the term applied towards individuals, not the whole earth, causing anguish of nations, because of the roaring of seas, etc. Something so great that will never occur again. Well at least you don't seem to deny "the end," as others do, which is an undeniable theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

[@chicho8531]

Hermano Wilson, estoy acuerdo al final con usted, no todos tenemos la misma creencia pero lo importante es Creer en Jesus, aplicar los dos mandamientos que Jesus dijo y aplicar la adoracion pura que es misericorida y cuidar de los huerfanos viudas y pobres. Y los apostoles agregaron tener obras del espiritu, y mencionaron que los que practican las obras de la Carne no heredaran el Reino. Pero aun asi me salen dudas como por ejemplo si nos toca en este año la Presencia de Jesus (solo es un ejemplo), todos seremos "transformados" para ir al Cielo junto con los de la Primera Resurrecion? O habra quienes se queden en la Tierra? Porque yo pienso que habra una segunda Resurreccion, no se especifica que pasara con ellos (injustos). Donde queda el "habra nuevos cielos y nueva tierra"? Acaso habra un pueblo de Dios en todo el planeta gobernado ahora si de forma perfecta como lo creian los judios del Antiguo Testamento? Donde queda "el tercer cielo" al cual Pablo ascendio en una vision al parecer, sera que el Cielo se divide en secciones y es donde habitaran los que seran "transformados"? Estas dudas me salen porque soy un PIMO y tengo que analizar las cosas con una mente que no este contaminada de enseñanza de JW. Saludos hermano Wilson, me encantan sus videos y publicaciones en su Blog

[@aljawisa]

They were probably saying peace and security just after 66 C.E.

[@paulbassett6659]

hi dear beroean pickets Consider what it is that singles man out from among created beings, and makes of him a creature apart. Is it not his reasoning power, his intelligence? Shall he not make use of these in his study of religion? I say unto you: weigh carefully in the balance of reason and science everything that is presented to you as religion. If it passes this test, then accept it, for it is truth! If, however, it does not so conform, then reject it, for it is ignorance!

[@paulbassett6659]

It is impossible for religion to be contrary to science, even though some intellects are too weak or too immature to understand truth.God made religion and science to be the measure, as it were, of our understanding. Take heed that you neglect not such a wonderful power. Weigh all things in this balance. To him who has the power of comprehension religion is like an open book, but how can it be possible for a man devoid of reason and intellectuality to understand the Divine Realities of God?Put all your beliefs into harmony with science; there can be no opposition, for truth is one. When religion, shorn of its superstitions, traditions, and unintelligent dogmas, shows its conformity with science, then will there be a great unifying, cleansing force in the world which will sweep before it all wars, disagreements, discords and struggles-and then will mankind be united in the power of the Love of God...

[@aadschram5877]

www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091998_fides-et-ratio.html

[@miroslavmatijevic6185]

Eric, I hope you will not ignore me this time! I wish to make it plain that it is illogical to connect tribulation in Matthew 24:9 with verse 29, the way you did. First, it seems there is no clear distinction between "tribulation" and " great tribulation". Verse 22 makes clear that it affects Christians. Moreover, if I must choose, why I would not choose tribulation which is nearest. " Tribulation" is 20 verses away, but great tribulation only 8! I hope you noticed that great tribulation is connected with "those days" , and verse 9 doesn't make that connection! But the most devastating argument against your interpretation is found in Mark. Mark doesn't mention two, but one tribulation and it is clearly linked with destruction of Jerusalem! Just read Mark 13:19 and verse 24. I can understand why an atheist would oppose stubbornly to proposition there are two fullfilment, but why a Christian would do that, I can not discern clearly!

[@BeroeanPickets]

Whether Matthew 24:29-31 applies to the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the destruction of Jeruslam or whether it applies to the coming presence of Christ, I cannot say for sure. My current understanding is that it likely applies to the first century.

[@miroslavmatijevic6185]

@@BeroeanPickets Well, you are free to believe what you want, but you already rebutted nicely such a view in your video. It is in collision with history and Scripture.

[@LosBereanos]

@@miroslavmatijevic6185 My understanding is growing.

[@cuentayolanda9477]

The word totally manipulated horribly. To the true and just God we will all render an account.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Yes, indeed.