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The belief that an invisible presence of Christ began in 1914 is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the Watchtower Society’s teachings. The importance of the parousia doctrine to the theology of Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot be understated. It is,  in fact, the basis for the Watchtower Society's ecclesiastical authority, as well as the organization’s very existence.    It is a compelling notion, to be sure. After all, what [...]

In the Revelation the apostle John was transported by inspiration to the Lord's Day not only to witness, but also to directly participate in a dramatic prophetic vision with Christ, similar to his transfiguration experience. In the 10th chapter of Revelation, John witnessed a powerful angel coming down from heaven and standing astride the earth and the sea. The angel that John envisioned can be [...]

In the Revelation chapter of Jehovah Himself Has Become King the idea was put forward that the opening of the seventh seal and the blowing of the first four angelic trumpeters has to do with the judgment upon the house of God, after the final sealing has taken place.  That all of the chosen ones have been sealed and the calling and choosing is over before the [...]

Although Jesus indicated that the desolation of Jerusalem in the 1st century would result in a great tribulation unlike any before, he also went on to say that the tribulation will be a time of unprecedented distress upon all the nations of the earth (not just Jerusalem), of such severity that the continued existence of humanity will hang in the balance. The great tribulation will necessitate divine intervention [...]

It is not uncommon for persons to suppose that living forever in paradise would be boring. This is an edited reprint of a previous Mailbag question from the week of April 20th, 2003, discussing the topic. I feel really depressed and mixed up because I have this feeling that maybe the New World after Armageddon will not live up to expectations. I know [...]

Whether or not you believe in the Second Coming of Christ, most people throughout the world at least know something of the concept—even those who do not even consider themselves to be Christians. Perhaps even more widespread than the various forms of Christian eschatology, though, is the knowledge of Noah’s Flood.   Again, whether persons believe there really was a global deluge is not the point. [...]

When Jesus walked the earth during his brief three and a half year ministry he explained to his closest followers that although the Hebrew prophecies foretell that the Messiah would reign forever, and Jesus was indeed the appointed Messiah, or Christ, he must first 'go away.' But later he would return. The disciples did not immediately understand what Jesus was saying. But later they did.  Jesus’ [...]

A consideration of a portion of the prophecy of Zechariah   The temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem was one of the grandest structures of the ancient world. It also had the unique distinction of being the only edifice on earth (other than the portable tabernacle) where God maintained a visible manifestation of his presence. There, within the temple’s Most Holy chamber, God’s presence was manifest in [...]

A subliminal image is a picture within a picture – a graphic cleverly imbedded within another image that is intended to bypass the conscious mind undetected, but which is perceived on a subconscious level.  How a person might be affected subconsciously is a matter of debate. I first became aware of subliminals back in the early 1970’s, having become acquainted with the prevalence of the techniques through [...]