OVERVIEW CHART OF GOSPEL OF LUKE Click chart to enlarge Chart from recommended resource - used by permission See another by Charles Swindoll LIFE OF CHRIST IN GOSPEL OF LUKE (shaded areas) Click chart to enlarge Chart from recommended resource - used by permission GENEALOGY OF JESUS IN GOSPELS OF LUKE & MATTHEW Click chart to enlarge Chart from recommended resource - used by permission HENRY ALFORD The New Testament for English Readers Luke Commentary This version has less Greek than the version below. (1810-1871) and James Rosscup writes that Alford's series on the New Testament 'contains much that is valuable in the Greek New Testament though all of the Greek New Testament words have been changed to English throughout.' () Charles Haddon Spurgeon (). Editorial Note: If you are not proficient in Greek, you will find this work considerably more useful than the following work by Alford, because in this volume he translates the Greek and Latin into English.

While the 'The Greek New Testament' is longer (e.g., English version of 1John = 66 pages compared to Greek version = 94 pages in part because the latter includes comments of more technical nature), the substance of the commentary is otherwise similar to that found in the 'NT for English Readers'. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • HENRY ALFORD The Greek New Testament Luke Commentary James Rosscup writes that 'This was the great work in the life of the versatile Dean of Canterbury. An outcome of this production was the New Testament for English Readers (4 vols.).

Alford was a Calvinist, conservative and premillennial, though not dispensational. He takes a literal interpretation of the thousand years in Rev. 20 and has a famous quote there, is strong on sovereign election as in Ro 8:29, 30 and 1Pe 1:2, but, unfortunately, holds to baptismal regeneration in such texts as Titus 3:5 and John 3:5. He shows a great knowledge of the Greek text and faces problems of both a doctrinal and textual nature.' ( or ) John Piper writes 'When I’m stumped with a grammatical or syntactical or logical [question] in Paul, I go to Henry Alford.

Henry Alford comes closer more consistently than any other human commentator to asking my kinds of questions.' Charles Haddon Spurgeon writes that this text 'is an invaluable aid to the critical study of the text of the New Testament. You will find in it the ripened results of a matured scholarship, the harvesting of a judgment, generally highly impartial, always worthy of respect, which has gleaned from the most important fields of Biblical research, both modern and ancient, at home and abroad. You will not look here for any spirituality of thought or tenderness of feeling; you will find the learned Dean does not forget to do full justice to his own views, and is quite able to express himself vigorously against his opponents; but for what it professes to be, it is an exceedingly able and successful work. The later issues are by far the most desirable, as the author has considerably revised the work in the fourth edition. What I have said of his Greek Testament applies equally to Alford’s New Testament for English Readers,* which is also a standard work.'

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • WILLIAM BARCLAY DAILY STUDY BIBLE GOSPEL OF LUKE - Prints the author's own translation. A series of popular studies whose strong point is word study. Contains good illustrative material. Part of the author's interpretation follows a liberal position. Barclay holds that Christ's descent into Hades gave those who there heard Him a second chance. Cyril Barber - Barclay provides helpful word studies, good illustrations and colorful historical data.

Prayers for the Dead. We can tell you this from the Lord's own teaching, that any of us who are left alive until the Lord's coming, will not have any advantage over those. Nearly all of the older rites of grieving, mourning, and shared remembrance are often limited to the day of the funeral. Even among believers, this.

Liberal leanings are evident in several places. Comment: I appreciate Barclay's unique insights on Greek words, but clearly his teaching about a 'second chance' is NOT sound doctrine!

Be an Berean with Barclay. Especially the article '. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • -1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • STEVEN COLE SERMON NOTES GOSPEL OF LUKE Over 1000 pages of Sermons - Excellent Exposition with illustrations, quotes, practical conclusion and discussion questions. Functions like a verse by verse commentary!

Highly recommended to supplement your preaching and teaching in the Gospel of Luke. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHARLES R ERDMAN GOSPEL OF LUKE An Exposition • Rosscup comments: Concise treatments are given to each of the NT books. The main value of the set lies in its clear synthesis which helps the student grasp the flow of thought as he moves through a book. Erdman possessed a lucid writing style.

He was amillennial. () D Edmond Hiebert - A devotional and practical exposition, in paragraph form, by a conservative Presbyterian scholar.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FREDERIC GODET Commentary GOSPEL OF LUKE • • Spurgeon has these comment on Godet: Dr. Meyer says: “To an immense erudition, to a living piety, Godet unites a profound feeling of reality; there is here a vivifying breath, an ardent love for the Saviour, which helps the disciple to comprehend the work, the acts, the words of his Divine Master.” () Cyril Barber - An exhaustive, technical commentary that ably defends the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith while expounding the text. Deserves a place on the shelf of every pastor.

D Edmond Hiebert - An exhaustive, technical commentary by a conservative French theologian of the past century. Godet's theological and critical conservatism is clearly revealed in this work on Luke. Of abiding value in spite of its age.

Rosscup comments: Though old, this work is almost exhaustive in dealing with interpretive problems and shows a wide acquaintance with commentators of all ages up to his day. He is regarded by Greek authorities as weak on textual criticism but strong on exegesis. Bleach Volume 55 Pdf Converter. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • INTERVARSITY PRESS COMMENTARY COMMENTARY GOSPEL OF LUKE Darrell L Bock Rosscup comments: Evangelical comments run quickly to their points, yet the generality causes skipping some key details (cf.

On Anna, Lk 2:36-38) or seem to argue around a more likely view with unconvincing reasoning (Lk 3:16). In other cases, Bock seems to select the most probable view, an instance being in seeing the sermon (Luke 6) as a condensed version of the same sermon in Mt 5–7. One can also find the second and third soils of Luke 8 taken to represent people not actually saved (148–49). One can wonder in Lk 14:34–35 how inability to be worthy disciples is in harmony with salvation as a gift, for the work passes by this.

Bock in most verses touches clearly on key issues and lacks space to deal with every important matter For a work with much application, cf. Darrell Bock, Luke (NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996). • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • J MIKE MINNIX • • • • • • • • • • • • • EDWARD C MITCHELL - from • • • • • • DAVID E OWEN • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • PASTOR LIFE - • Luke 1:1-20 Todd Morris • Luke 1:1-4 Doran Womack • Luke 1:26-38 J. Robert White • Luke 1:26-38 Morris • Luke 1:39-45 James McCullen • Luke 1:46-55 Rick Safriet • Luke 1:8-50 Denis Lyle • Luke 2 Mark Adams • Luke 2:1-20 Mark Adams • Luke 2:1-20 Jay Vineyard • Luke 2:13-14 Paul E.

Brown • Luke 2:16-17 Preston A. Taylor • Luke 2:20 Paul E. Brown • Luke 2:21-38 Todd Morris • Luke 2:41-52 Frank Page • Luke 2:6-11 Kenneth Hendricks • Luke 2:7 Paul E. Brown • Luke 2:8-20 Donald Cantrell • Luke 4:14-21 John Bisagno • Luke 4:14-30 William R. Shively • Luke 5:1-10 Steve Parr • Luke 5:27-32 Frank Page • Luke 6:46-49 Sammy Burgess • Luke 6:6-11 Sammy Burgess • Luke 8:22-25 William F.

Harrell • Luke 8:22-26 Sammy Burgess • Luke 8:40-48 Vince Hefner • Luke 8:4-15 Dennis M. Davidson • Luke 8:41-56 Donald Cantrell • Luke 9:23 Jerry N. Watts • Luke 9:23 Michael A. Guido • Luke 9:23-25 Paul E.

Brown • Luke 9:57-58 Francis Dixon • Luke 9:57-58 Francis Dixon • Luke 9:57-62 J. Gerald Harris • Luke 10:25-37 Frank Cox • Luke 10:25-37 J. Gerald Harris • Luke 10:25-37 Dennis M. Davidson • Luke 10:33 Tom Hayes • Luke 14:15-23 Frank Page • Luke 14:15-24 Vince Hefner • Luke 15:1-10 Dennis M.

Davidson • Luke 15:11-24 Jerry N. Watts • Luke 15:11-24 Steve Wagers • Luke 15:11-24 O.S. Hawkins • Luke 15:11-32 Ron Hale • Luke 15:3-32 Ken Hemphill • Luke 16:1-13 James Merritt • Luke 16:19-31 Johnny Hunt • Luke 16:19-31 Vince Hefner • Luke 17:3 Johnny Hunt • Luke 17:7-10 Paul E. Brown • Luke 18:1-8 Stephen F. Olford • Luke 18:1-8 Sammy Burgess • Luke 18:9-14 James Merritt • Luke 19:41 O.S. Hawkins • Luke 21:15-17 Dennis M.

Davidson • Luke 22:33 J. Gerald Harris • Luke 22:54-62 Frank Page • Luke 22:54-62 Denis Lyle • Luke 23:32-43 Ron Hale • Luke 23:33 Sam Wolfe • Luke 23:33-46 Jack Woodard • Luke 23:39-43 William R. Shively • Luke 24:13-36 Mark Adams • Luke 24:1-9 J. Robert White • Luke 24:1-9 Donnie L. Martin • Luke 24:26 Paul E. Brown • Luke 25:13-35 Calvin Wittman SERMONS - Each link below begins with sermons on verse 1 - click arrow to advance to sermons on next verse These are older, more 'classic' sermons from the Biblical Illustrator. The Gospel According to Luke •.

The Announcement to Zacharias •. The Announcement to Mary •. The Birth and Circumcision of the Forerunner •. When God Became Man •. Angels, Shepherds and the Lamb of God •. Presentation in the Temple •. The Passover Incident •.

John the Baptist •. The Wilderness Temptations •. The Announcement at Nazareth •. Fishers of Men •.

Cleansing a Leper •. Healing the Paralytic •. Legal Liabilities •.

Sabbath Controversies •. The Calling of the Twelve •. The Sermon on the Plain - Teaching to Live By •. The Healing of the Centurion's Servant •. The Raising of the Widow's Son •.

John, Jesus and Judgments on a Generation •. The Proud and the Penitent •. People of the Kingdom •. Stilling Storms •.

Demons and Deliverance •. Deliverance from Disease and Death •.

Sending forth the Twelve •. Feeding the Five Thousand •. The Christ and the Cross •. The Transfiguration •.

After the Fireworks •. Disciples of the Kingdom •. The Sending of the Seventy •. Samaritans and Sisters - A Lesson in Love •.

Lessons on Prayer •. Evidence and Unbelief •. A Warning Against Hypocrisy •.

The Pitfall of Prosperity •. The Readiness of the Righteous •.

When Bad Things Happen •. Kingdom Controversies •. Dinner Invitations •.

Discipleship - A Question of Commitment •. Lost and Found •. Stewards, Scoffers and Second Chances •. Stumbling Blocks and Stepping Stones •. The Coming Kingdom •. Prayer, Pride and People of the Kingdom •. The Rich and the Blind •.

Friends and Enemies of the Kingdom •. The Triumphal Entry •.

The Authority of the King •. Future Things •. The Last Supper •. The Last Tamptation of Jesus •. Betrayed, Denied and Rejected • SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BOB UTLEY Note: Utley is amilennial. Also be aware that he tends to replace Israel with the Church (see ') even in a straightforward passage such as Ro 11:26- 'all Israel will be saved'.

Of that passage He comments that one of the possible interpretations is ' this refers in some sense to spiritual Israel, the Church ( Ed: There is absolutely no justification in the context for this erroneous statement!), then goes on to add ' The question of whether those Jews who were 'hardened' will have an end time chance to respond cannot be answered from this or any text.' ( Ed: This latter dogmatic comment is clearly erroneous! Clearly the context is Jesus' Second Coming and the 'end times' and the subject is the nation of Israel (if the text is read literally). The only way to misinterpret this passage is to postulate that Paul did not literally mean what he said. Utley has some good material in non-eschatological passages but you need to be aware of his interpretative approach which is at times non-literal. • • • • • • • • • • JOHN ANGELL JAMES • H. LIDDON • THOMAS WATSON • OSWALD CHAMBERS • OCTAVIUS WINSLOW • • LANCELOT ANDREWS • THEODOR CHRISTLIEB • LUKE 3 • Luke 3 - LEONARD RAVENHILL • • GREG ALLEN • LUKE 4 • Luke 4 - RAY PRITCHARD • ROB MORGAN • • WILLIAM BARRICK • OCTAVIUS WINSLOW • EDWARD PAYSON • LUKE 5 • Luke 5 - RAY PRITCHARD • • • GREG ALLEN • • ROB MORGAN • LUKE 6 • Luke 6 - GARY MEADORS • () J G BELLET • RAY PRITCHARD • • • • J.

RYLE • LUKE 7 • Luke 7 - SERMONS BY VERSE • - over 160 messages from older writers STEVE ZEISLER • JOHN MACDUFF • GREG ALLEN • • • ROB MORGAN • PENINSULA BIBLE • - Ray Stedman Mp3 only LEONARD RAVENHILL • RAY PRITCHARD • • • OCTAVIUS WINSLOW • JAMES SMITH • LUKE 8 • Luke 8 - SERMONS BY VERSE • - over 160 messages from older writers J C PHILPOT • GEORGE WHITEFIELD • JAMES SMITH • MARTIN LUTHER • RAY PRITCHARD • • G. CAMPBELL MORGAN • LUKE 9 • Luke 9 - BOB DEFFINBAUGH • GEORGE WHITEFIELD • • G.

International headquarters in, New York Classification, Structure Region Worldwide Founder Origin 1870s, Pennsylvania, U.S. Separations Congregations 119,485 Members 8.3 million Official website Statistics from 2017 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses Jehovah's Witnesses is a with beliefs distinct from mainstream. The group reports a worldwide membership of more than 8.3 million adherents involved in and an annual attendance of more than 20 million.

Jehovah's Witnesses are directed by the, a group of in, New York, which establishes all doctrines based on its interpretations of the. They believe that the destruction of the present world system at is imminent, and that the establishment of over the earth is the only solution for all problems faced by humanity. The group emerged from the founded in the late 1870s by, who also co-founded in 1881 to organize and print the movement's publications. A after Russell's death resulted in several groups breaking away, with retaining control of the Watch Tower Society and its properties. Rutherford made significant organizational and doctrinal changes, including adoption of the name Jehovah's witnesses in 1931 to distinguish them from other Bible Student groups and symbolize a break with the legacy of.

Jehovah's Witnesses are best known for their door-to-door preaching, distributing literature such as and, and refusing and. They consider the use of vital for proper worship. They reject, of the, and, which they consider to be unscriptural doctrines. They do not observe,, or other holidays and customs they consider to have origins incompatible with Christianity.

They prefer to use their own Bible translation, the, although their literature occasionally quotes and cites other Bible translations. Adherents commonly refer to their body of beliefs as 'the truth' and consider themselves to be 'in the truth'.

They consider secular to be morally corrupt and under the influence of, and most limit their social interaction with non-Witnesses. Include, their term for formal expulsion and. Baptized individuals who formally leave are considered disassociated and are also shunned. Disfellowshipped and disassociated individuals may eventually be reinstated if deemed repentant. The group's position regarding to military service and refusal to national has brought it into conflict with some governments.

Consequently, some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted and their activities are banned or restricted in some countries. Persistent have influenced legislation related to in several countries.

The organization has regarding biblical translation, doctrines, and alleged coercion of its members. The claims are rejected by the group's leaders, and some have been disputed by courts and religious scholars. The Watch Tower Society has made various unfulfilled predictions about major biblical events such as Christ's, the advent of, and. Their policies for have been the subject of various formal inquiries. (1852–1916) In 1870, and others formed a group in, to study the Bible.

During the course of his ministry, Russell disputed many beliefs of mainstream Christianity including immortality of the soul, hellfire, predestination, the fleshly return of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the burning up of the world. In 1876, Russell met; later that year they jointly produced the book, which combined restitutionist views with prophecy. The book taught that God's dealings with humanity were divided, each ending with a 'harvest,' that Christ had returned as an invisible spirit being in 1874 inaugurating the 'harvest of the Gospel age,' and that 1914 would mark the end of a 2520-year period called 'the Gentile Times,' at which time world society would be replaced by the full establishment of God's kingdom on earth. Beginning in 1878 Russell and Barbour jointly edited a religious journal, Herald of the Morning. In June 1879 the two split over doctrinal differences, and in July, Russell began publishing the magazine, stating that its purpose was to demonstrate that the world was in 'the last days,' and that a new age of earthly and human restitution under the reign of Christ was imminent. From 1879, Watch Tower supporters gathered as autonomous congregations to study the Bible topically. Prison Break Season 5 Torrent Download. Thirty congregations were founded, and during 1879 and 1880, Russell visited each to provide the format he recommended for conducting meetings.

As congregations continued to form during Russell's ministry, they each remained self-administrative, functioning under the of church governance. In 1881, Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was presided over by, and in 1884, Russell incorporated the society as a non-profit business to distribute tracts and Bibles. By about 1900, Russell had organized thousands of part- and full-time, and was appointing foreign and establishing branch offices. By the 1910s, Russell's organization maintained nearly a hundred 'pilgrims,' or traveling preachers. Russell engaged in significant global publishing efforts during his ministry, and by 1912, he was the most distributed Christian author in the United States. Russell moved the Watch Tower Society's headquarters to, New York, in 1909, combining printing and corporate offices with a house of worship; volunteers were housed in a nearby residence he named Bethel. He identified the religious movement as 'Bible Students,' and more formally as the.

By 1910, about 50,000 people worldwide were associated with the movement and congregations re-elected him annually as their 'pastor.' Russell died October 31, 1916, at the age of 64 while returning from a ministerial speaking tour. Reorganization (1917–1942) [ ]. (1905-1977) was appointed as third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1942. Knorr commissioned a new translation of the Bible, the, the full version of which was released in 1961.

He organized large international assemblies, instituted new training programs for members, and expanded missionary activity and branch offices throughout the world. Knorr's presidency was also marked by an increasing use of explicit instructions guiding Witnesses in their lifestyle and conduct, and a greater use of to enforce a strict moral code. From 1966, Witness publications and convention talks built anticipation of the possibility that Christ's thousand-year reign might begin in late 1975 or shortly thereafter. The number of baptisms increased significantly, from about 59,000 in 1966 to more than 297,000 in 1974. By 1975, the number of active members exceeded two million. Membership declined during the late 1970s after expectations for 1975 were proved wrong. Watch Tower Society literature did not state dogmatically that 1975 would definitely mark the end, but in 1980 the Watch Tower Society admitted its responsibility in building up hope regarding that year.

The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments made from headquarters (and later, also by branch committees). It was announced that, starting in September 2014, appointments would be made by traveling overseers. In a major organizational overhaul in 1976, the power of the Watch Tower Society president was diminished, with authority for doctrinal and organizational decisions passed to the. Since Knorr's death in 1977, the position of president has been occupied by (1977–1992) and (1992–2000), both members of the Governing Body, and since 2000 by others who are not Governing Body members. In 1995, Jehovah's Witnesses abandoned the idea that Armageddon must occur during the lives of the generation that was alive in 1914 and in 2010 changed their teaching on the 'generation'. Organization [ ]. Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses are organized, in what the leadership calls a 'theocratic organization', reflecting their belief that it is God's 'visible organization' on earth.

The organization is led by the —an all-male group that varies in size, but since early 2014 has comprised seven members, all of whom profess to be of the 'anointed' class with a hope of heavenly life—based in the Watch Tower Society's Warwick headquarters. There is no election for membership; new members are selected by the existing body. Until late 2012, the Governing Body described itself as the representative and 'spokesman' for God's ' class' (approximately 10,000 self-professed ). At the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Society, the 'faithful and discreet slave' was defined as referring to the Governing Body only. The Governing Body directs several committees that are responsible for administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities. It appoints all branch committee members and traveling overseers, after they have been recommended by local branches, with traveling overseers supervising circuits of congregations within their jurisdictions.

Traveling overseers appoint local elders and ministerial servants, and while branch offices may appoint regional committees for matters such as construction or disaster relief. The leadership and supporting staff lives in properties owned by the organization worldwide referred to as 'Bethel' where they operate as a religious community and administrative unit. Their living expenses and those of other full time volunteers are covered by the organization along with a basic monthly allowance. Each congregation has a body of appointed unpaid male elders and ministerial servants.

Elders maintain general responsibility for congregational governance, setting meeting times, selecting speakers and conducting meetings, directing the public preaching work, and creating 'judicial committees' to investigate and decide disciplinary action for cases involving sexual misconduct or doctrinal breaches. New elders are appointed by a traveling overseer after recommendation by the existing body of elders. Ministerial servants—appointed in a similar manner to elders—fulfill clerical and attendant duties, but may also teach and conduct meetings.

Witnesses do not use elder as a title to signify a formal clergy-laity division, though elders may employ such as confession of sins. Is a requirement for being considered a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses do not practice infant baptism, and previous baptisms performed by other denominations are not considered valid. Individuals undergoing baptism must affirm publicly that dedication and baptism identify them 'as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization,' though Witness publications say baptism symbolizes personal dedication to God and not 'to a man, work or organization.'

Their literature emphasizes the need for members to be obedient and loyal to Jehovah and to 'his organization,' stating that individuals must remain part of it to receive God's favor and to survive Armageddon. Publishing [ ] The organization produces a significant amount of literature as part of its evangelism activities. The Watch Tower Society has produced over 200 million copies of the New World Translation in whole or in part in over 120 languages. And are the most widely distributed magazines in the world. Translation of Witness publications is done by over 2000 volunteers worldwide, producing literature in over 760 languages. Publications are also available online at the organization's official website.

Funding [ ] Much of their funding is provided by, primarily from members. There is no or collection.

In 2001 listed the Watch Tower Society as one of 's forty richest corporations, with revenues exceeding $950 million. The organization reported for the same year that it 'spent over 70.9 million dollars in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.' Beliefs [ ] Part of on. Main article: Sources of doctrine [ ] Jehovah's Witnesses believe their denomination is a restoration of. Of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the, which assumes responsibility for and applying scripture. The Governing Body does not issue any single, comprehensive 'statement of faith', but prefers to express its doctrinal position in a variety of ways through publications published by the Watch Tower Society. Their publications teach that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive, in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose, and that such enlightenment or 'new light' results from the application of and, the guidance of the, and direction from and.

The Society also teaches that members of the Governing Body are helped by the holy spirit to discern 'deep truths', which are then considered by the entire Governing Body before it makes doctrinal decisions. The group's leadership, while disclaiming divine inspiration and, is said to provide 'divine guidance' through its teachings described as 'based on God's Word thus. Not from men, but from Jehovah.' The entire Protestant is considered the, word of God. Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be and accurate and reliable and interpret much of it, but accept parts of it as.

They consider the Bible to be the final authority for all their beliefs, although sociologist Andrew Holden's study of the group concluded that pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower Society publications, carry almost as much weight as the Bible. Regular personal Bible reading is frequently recommended; Witnesses are discouraged from formulating doctrines and 'private ideas' reached through Bible research independent of Watch Tower Society publications, and are cautioned against reading other religious literature. Adherents are told to have 'complete confidence' in the leadership, avoid skepticism about what is taught in the Watch Tower Society's literature, and 'not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding.' The organization makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings and all Witnesses must abide by its doctrines and organizational requirements. Jehovah and Jesus [ ] Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize the use of God's name, and they prefer the form —a vocalization of 's name based on the. They believe that Jehovah is the only true God, the creator of all things, and the 'Universal Sovereign'. They believe that all worship should be directed toward him, and that he is not part of a; consequently, the group places more emphasis on God than on Christ.

They believe that the is God's applied power or 'active force', rather than a person. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that is God's only direct creation, that everything else was created through Christ by means of God's power, and that the initial unassisted act of creation uniquely identifies Jesus as God's 'only-begotten Son'. Jesus served as a and a to pay for the sins of humanity. They believe Jesus died on a rather than the traditional.

Biblical references to the, (Apollyon), and are interpreted as names for Jesus in various roles. Jesus is considered to be the only and between God and humanity, and appointed by God as the king and judge of his kingdom. His role as a mediator (referred to in 1 Timothy 2:5) is applied to the 'anointed' class, though the 'other sheep' are said to also benefit from the arrangement.

Satan [ ] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that was originally a perfect who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship. Satan influenced to disobey God, and humanity subsequently became participants in a challenge involving the competing claims of Jehovah and Satan to universal sovereignty. Other angels who sided with Satan became.

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Satan and his demons were cast down to earth from heaven after October 1, 1914, at which point the began. They believe that Satan is the ruler of the current world order, that human society is influenced and misled by Satan and his demons, and that they are a cause of human suffering.

They also believe that human governments are controlled by Satan, but that he does not directly control each human ruler. Life after death [ ]. Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses believe death is a state of non-existence with no. There is no of fiery torment; and are understood to refer to the condition of death, termed the common grave. Jehovah's Witnesses consider the to be a life or a living body that can die. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that humanity is in a state, from which release is only possible by means of Jesus' shed blood as a ransom, or, for the sins of humankind.

Witnesses believe that a 'little flock' go to, but that the hope for life after death for the majority of 'other sheep' involves being resurrected by God to a cleansed earth after Armageddon. They interpret 14:1–5 to mean that the number of Christians going to heaven is limited to exactly 144,000, who will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over earth.

They believe that baptism as one of Jehovah's Witnesses is vital for salvation and that only they meet scriptural requirements for surviving Armageddon, but that God is the final judge. During Christ's, most people who died prior to Armageddon will be resurrected with the prospect of living forever; they will be taught the proper way to worship God to prepare them for their final test at the end of the millennium. God's Kingdom [ ] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that is a literal government in heaven, ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 'spirit-anointed' Christians drawn from the earth, which they associate with Jesus' reference to a 'new covenant'. The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth, transforming it into a paradise without sickness or death. It is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry on earth. They believe the kingdom was established in heaven in 1914, and that Jehovah's Witnesses serve as representatives of the kingdom on earth.

Eschatology [ ]. Main article: A central teaching of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the current world era, or 'system of things', entered the ' in 1914 and faces imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably. They consider all other present-day religions to be false, identifying them with ', or the 'harlot', of Revelation 17, and believe that they will soon be destroyed by the, which they believe is represented in scripture by the of Revelation chapter 17.

This development will mark the beginning of the '. Satan will subsequently use world governments to attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of, during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's 'sheep' will be destroyed.

After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth, which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the. Most of those who had died before God's intervention will gradually be resurrected during the 'judgment day'. This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection rather than past deeds.

At the end of the thousand years, Christ will hand all authority back to God. Then a final test will take place when Satan is released to mislead perfect mankind. Those who fail will be destroyed, along with Satan and his demons.

The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race on earth. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven as king of God's kingdom in October 1914, and that Satan was subsequently ousted from heaven to the earth, resulting in 'woe' to humanity. They believe that Jesus rules invisibly, from heaven, perceived only as a series of 'signs'. They base this belief on a rendering of the Greek word —usually translated as 'coming' when referring to Christ—as 'presence'. They believe Jesus' presence includes an unknown period beginning with his inauguration as king in heaven in 1914, and ending when he comes to bring a final judgment against humans on earth.

They thus depart from the mainstream Christian belief that the ' of 24 refers to a single moment of arrival on earth to judge humans. Practices [ ]. Worship at a. Meetings for worship and study are held at, which are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols. Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in whose 'territory' they usually reside and attend weekly services they refer to as 'meetings' as scheduled by congregation elders. The meetings are largely devoted to study of Watch Tower Society literature and the Bible.

The format of the meetings is established by the group's headquarters, and the subject matter for most meetings is the same worldwide. Congregations meet for two sessions each week comprising four distinct meetings that total about three-and-a-half hours, typically gathering mid-week (two meetings) and on the weekend (two meetings). Prior to 2009, congregations met three times each week; these meetings were condensed, with the intention that members dedicate an evening for 'family worship'.

Gatherings are opened and closed with () and brief prayers. Twice each year, Witnesses from a number of congregations that form a 'circuit' gather for a one-day assembly. Larger groups of congregations meet once a year for a three-day 'regional convention', usually at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the commemoration of the 'Lord's Evening Meal', or ' on the date of the Jewish.

Jehovah's Witnesses outside the British Museum, 2017. Jehovah's Witnesses are perhaps best known for their efforts to spread their beliefs, most notably by visiting people from house to house, distributing literature published by the Watch Tower Society in 700 languages. The objective is to start a regular 'Bible study' with any person who is not already a member, with the intention that the student be baptized as a member of the group; Witnesses are advised to consider discontinuing Bible studies with students who show no interest in becoming members. Witnesses are taught they are under a biblical command to engage in public preaching. They are instructed to devote as much time as possible to their ministry and are required to submit an individual monthly 'Field Service Report'.

Baptized members who fail to report a month of preaching are termed 'irregular' and may be counseled by elders; those who do not submit reports for six consecutive months are termed 'inactive'. Ethics and morality [ ] All sexual relations outside of marriage are grounds for expulsion if the individual is not deemed repentant; activity is considered a serious sin, and are forbidden. Is considered.

Is considered to be 'self-murder' and a sin against God. Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized., drunkenness, illegal drugs, and tobacco use are forbidden. Drinking of is permitted in moderation. The family structure is.

The husband is considered to have authority on family decisions, but is encouraged to solicit his wife's thoughts and feelings, as well as those of his children. Marriages are required to be and legally. Marrying a non-believer, or endorsing such a union, is strongly discouraged and carries religious sanctions. Is discouraged, and remarriage is forbidden unless a divorce is obtained on the grounds of, which they refer to as 'a scriptural divorce'.

If a divorce is obtained for any other reason, remarriage is considered adulterous unless the prior spouse has died or is since considered to have committed. Extreme physical abuse, willful non-support of one's family, and what the denomination terms 'absolute endangerment of spirituality' are considered grounds for legal separation. Disciplinary action [ ]. Main article: Formal discipline is administered by congregation elders. When a baptized member is accused of committing a —usually cases of sexual misconduct or charges of for disputing Jehovah's Witness doctrines —a judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, provide help and possibly administer discipline., a form of, is the strongest form of discipline, administered to an offender deemed unrepentant.

Contact with disfellowshipped individuals is limited to direct family members living in the same home, and with congregation elders who may invite disfellowshipped persons to apply for reinstatement; formal business dealings may continue if contractually or financially obliged. Witnesses are taught that avoiding social and spiritual interaction with disfellowshipped individuals keeps the congregation free from immoral influence and that 'losing precious fellowship with loved ones may help [the shunned individual] to come 'to his senses,' see the seriousness of his wrong, and take steps to return to Jehovah.' The practice of shunning may also serve to deter other members from dissident behavior. Members who disassociate (formally resign) are described in Watch Tower Society literature as wicked and are also shunned.

Expelled individuals may eventually be reinstated to the congregation if deemed repentant by elders in the congregation in which the disfellowshipping was enforced. Reproof is a lesser form of discipline given formally by a judicial committee to a baptized Witness who is considered repentant of serious sin; the reproved person temporarily loses conspicuous privileges of service, but suffers no restriction of social or spiritual fellowship., a curtailing of social but not spiritual fellowship, is practiced if a baptized member persists in a course of action regarded as a violation of Bible principles but not a serious sin. Separateness [ ]. Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible condemns the mixing of religions, on the basis that there can only be one truth from God, and therefore reject interfaith and ecumenical movements. They believe that only Jehovah's Witnesses represent true Christianity, and that other religions fail to meet all the requirements set by God and will soon be destroyed. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that it is vital to remain 'separate from the world.' The Witnesses' literature defines the 'world' as 'the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah's approved servants' and teach that it is morally contaminated and ruled by Satan.

Witnesses are taught that association with 'worldly' people presents a 'danger' to their faith, and are instructed to minimize social contact with non-members to better maintain their own standards of morality. Jehovah's Witnesses believe their highest allegiance belongs to God's kingdom, which is viewed as an actual government in heaven, with Christ as king.

They remain politically neutral, do not seek public office, and are discouraged from voting, though individual members may participate in uncontroversial community improvement issues. Although they do not take part in politics, they respect the authority of the governments under which they live. They do not celebrate religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, nor do they observe birthdays, nationalistic holidays, or other celebrations they consider to honor people other than Jesus. They feel that these and many other customs have pagan origins or reflect a nationalistic or political spirit. Their position is that these traditional holidays reflect Satan's control over the world.

Witnesses are told that spontaneous giving at other times can help their children to not feel deprived of birthdays or other celebrations. They do not work in industries associated with the military, do not serve in the armed services, and refuse national military service, which in some countries may result in their arrest and imprisonment. They do not salute or pledge allegiance to flags or sing or patriotic songs. Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as a worldwide brotherhood that transcends national boundaries and ethnic loyalties. Sociologist Ronald Lawson has suggested the group's intellectual and organizational isolation, coupled with the intense indoctrination of adherents, rigid internal discipline and considerable persecution, has contributed to the consistency of its sense of urgency in its apocalyptic message. Rejection of blood transfusions [ ].

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses refuse, which they consider a violation of God's law based on their interpretation of:28, 29 and other scriptures. Since 1961 the willing acceptance of a blood transfusion by an unrepentant member has been grounds for expulsion from the group. Members are directed to refuse blood transfusions, even in 'a life-or-death situation'.

Jehovah's Witnesses accept non-blood alternatives and other medical procedures in lieu of blood transfusions, and their literature provides information about non-blood medical procedures. Though Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept blood transfusions of whole blood, they may accept some at their own discretion.

The Watch Tower Society provides pre-formatted documents prohibiting major blood components, in which members can specify which allowable fractions and treatments they will personally accept. Jehovah's Witnesses have established as a cooperative arrangement between individual Jehovah's Witnesses and medical professionals and hospitals. Demographics [ ]. Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries, but do not form a large part of the population of any country.

As of August 2016, Jehovah's Witnesses report an average of 8.13 million publishers—the term they use for members actively involved in preaching—in 119,485 congregations. In 2016, these reports indicated over 1.98 billion hours spent in preaching and 'Bible study' activity. Since the mid-1990s, the number of peak publishers has increased from 4.5 million to 8.34 million. In the same year, they conducted Bible studies with over 10.1 million individuals, including those conducted by Witness parents with their children. Jehovah's Witnesses estimate their current worldwide growth rate to be 1.8% per year.

The official published membership statistics, such as those mentioned above, include only those who submit reports for their personal ministry; official statistics do not include inactive and disfellowshipped individuals or others who might attend their meetings. As a result, only about half of those who self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses in independent demographic studies are considered active by the faith itself. The 2008 US survey found a low retention rate among members of the denomination: about 37% of people raised in the group continued to identify themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses. The study also found that 65% of adult Jehovah's Witnesses in the US are converts. See also: Sociologist, in his 1975 study of Jehovah's Witnesses, classified the group's organizational structure as Totalizing, characterized by an assertive leadership, specific and narrow objectives, control over competing demands on members' time and energy, and control over the quality of new members. Other characteristics of the classification include likelihood of friction with secular authorities, reluctance to co-operate with other religious organizations, a high rate of membership turnover, a low rate of doctrinal change, and strict uniformity of beliefs among members. Beckford identified the group's chief characteristics as historicism (identifying historical events as relating to the outworking of God's purpose), absolutism (conviction that Jehovah's Witness leaders dispense absolute truth), activism (capacity to motivate members to perform missionary tasks), rationalism (conviction that Witness doctrines have a rational basis devoid of mystery), authoritarianism (rigid presentation of regulations without the opportunity for criticism) and world indifference (rejection of certain secular requirements and medical treatments).

Sociologist, in his consideration of five religious groups including Jehovah's Witnesses, noted that each of the denominations: • 'exists in a state of tension with the wider society;' • 'imposes tests of merit on would-be members;' • 'exercises stern discipline, regulating the declared beliefs and the life habits of members and prescribing and operating sanctions for those who deviate, including the possibility of expulsion;' • 'demands sustained and total commitment from its members, and the subordination, and perhaps even the exclusion of all other interests.' A sociological comparative study by the found that Jehovah's Witnesses in the ranked highest in statistics for getting no further than high school graduation, belief in God, importance of religion in one's life, frequency of religious attendance, frequency of prayers, frequency of Bible reading outside of religious services, belief their prayers are answered, belief that their religion can only be interpreted one way, belief that theirs is the only one true faith leading to eternal life, opposition to abortion, and opposition to homosexuality. In the study, Jehovah's Witnesses ranked lowest in statistics for having an interest in politics. It was also among the most racially and ethnically diverse religious groups in the US. Opposition [ ] Controversy surrounding various beliefs, doctrines and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses has led to opposition from governments, communities, and religious groups.

Religious commentator Ken Jubber wrote that 'Viewed globally, this persecution has been so persistent and of such intensity that it would not be inaccurate to regard Jehovah's Witnesses as the most persecuted group of Christians of the twentieth century.' Persecution [ ]. Jehovah's Witness prisoners were identified.

Political and religious animosity against Jehovah's Witnesses has at times led to and oppression in various countries. Their stance regarding political neutrality and their refusal to serve in the military has led to imprisonment of members who refused conscription during and at other times where has been compulsory. Their religious activities are currently banned or restricted in some countries, including, and some Islamic states.

• In 1933, there were approximately 20,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in, of whom about 10,000 were imprisoned. Of those, 2000 were sent to, where they were identified by; as many as 1200 died, including 250 who were executed. • In during World War II, Jehovah's Witnesses were interned in camps along with political dissidents and people of Chinese and Japanese descent. Jehovah's Witnesses faced discrimination in until the, including bans on distributing literature or holding meetings. • In 1951, about 9,300 Jehovah's Witnesses in the were deported to as part of in April 1951. • In April 2017, the labeled Jehovah's Witnesses an extremist organization, banned its activities in and issued an order to confiscate the organization's assets. Authors including, Shawn Francis Peters and former Witnesses, Alan Rogerson and William Schnell have claimed the arrests and mob violence in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s were the consequence of what appeared to be a deliberate course of provocation of authorities and other religious groups by Jehovah's Witnesses.

Whalen, Harrison and Schnell have suggested Rutherford invited and cultivated opposition for publicity purposes in a bid to attract dispossessed members of society, and to convince members that persecution from the outside world was evidence of the truth of their struggle to serve God. Watch Tower Society literature of the period directed that Witnesses should 'never seek a controversy' nor resist arrest, but also advised members not to co-operate with police officers or courts that ordered them to stop preaching, and to prefer jail rather than pay fines. Legal challenges [ ]. Main article: Several cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses have been heard by Supreme Courts throughout the world. The cases generally relate to their right to practice their religion, displays of patriotism and military service, and blood transfusions.

In the United States, legal challenges by Jehovah's Witnesses prompted a series of state and federal court rulings that reinforced judicial protections for civil liberties. Among the rights strengthened by Witness court victories in the United States are the protection of religious conduct from federal and state interference, the right to abstain from patriotic rituals and military service, the right of patients to refuse medical treatment, and the right to engage in public discourse. Similar cases in their favor have been heard in Canada. Criticism and controversy [ ]. Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses have attracted criticism over issues surrounding their Bible translation, doctrines, their handling of sexual abuse cases, and alleged coercion of members. Many of the claims are denied by Jehovah's Witnesses and some have also been disputed by religious scholars.

Free speech and thought [ ] Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body. The denomination does not tolerate dissent over doctrines and practices; members who openly disagree with the group's teachings are expelled and shunned.

Witness publications strongly discourage followers from questioning doctrine and counsel received from the Governing Body, reasoning that it is to be trusted as part of 'God's organization'. It also warns members to 'avoid independent thinking', claiming such thinking 'was introduced by Satan the Devil' and would 'cause division'. Those who openly disagree with official teachings are condemned as 'apostates' who are 'mentally diseased'. Former members Heather and compare the cultural paradigms of the denomination to 's, and Alan Rogerson describes the group's leadership as. Other critics charge that by disparaging individual decision-making, the group's leaders cultivate a system of unquestioning obedience in which Witnesses abrogate all responsibility and rights over their personal lives. Critics also accuse the group's leaders of exercising 'intellectual dominance' over Witnesses, controlling information and creating 'mental isolation', which former Governing Body member argued were all elements of.

Jehovah's Witness publications state that consensus of faith aids unity, and deny that unity restricts individuality or imagination. Historian James Irvin Lichti has rejected the description of the denomination as 'totalitarian'. Sociologist states that Jehovah's Witness leaders are 'not always very democratic' and that members 'are expected to conform to rather strict standards,' but adds that 'enforcement tends to be very informal, sustained by the close bonds of friendship within the group', and that Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as 'part of the power structure rather than subject to it.'

Sociologist Andrew Holden states that most members who join millenarian movements such as Jehovah's Witnesses have made an informed choice. However, he also states that defectors 'are seldom allowed a dignified exit', and describes the administration as.

New World Translation [ ]. Main article: Various Bible scholars, including, former Professor and Bible editor and translator at, have said that the New World Translation 's renderings of certain texts are inaccurate and biased in favor of Witness practices and doctrines. Old Testament scholar and Bible editor, in a November 1953 review, criticized the first volume as 'a shining example of how the Bible should not be translated,' adding in a subsequent review that 'The second volume shows the same faults as the first.' Bible scholar, Professor of Religious Studies at the, in a New Testament study wrote: 'The NW [New World Translation] emerges as the most accurate of the translations compared.' BeDuhn stated that although the general public and 'several important biblical scholars' assume that the differences in the New World Translation are the result of religious bias on the part of its translators, 'Most of the differences are due to the greater accuracy of the NW as a literal, conservative translation of the original expressions of the New Testament writers.' However, he added that the insertion of the name Jehovah in the New Testament 'violate[s] accuracy in favor of denominationally preferred expressions for God'.

Failed predictions [ ]. Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses have been accused of having policies and culture that help to conceal cases of sexual abuse within the organization. The group has been criticized for its 'two witness rule' for church discipline, based on its application of scriptures at Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:15–17, which requires sexual abuse to be substantiated by secondary evidence if the accused person denies any wrongdoing. In cases where corroboration is lacking, the Watch Tower Society's instruction is that 'the elders will leave the matter in Jehovah's hands'. A former member of the headquarters staff, Barbara Anderson, says the policy effectively requires that there be another witness to an act of molestation, 'which is an impossibility'. Anderson says the policies 'protect pedophiles rather than protect the children.'

Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that they have a strong policy to protect children, adding that the best way to protect children is by educating parents; they also state that they do not sponsor activities that separate children from parents. The group's failure to report abuse allegations to authorities has also been criticized.

The Watch Tower Society's policy is that elders inform authorities when required by law to do so, but otherwise leave that action up to the victim and his or her family. The Australian found that of 1006 alleged perpetrators of child sexual abuse identified by the Jehovah's Witnesses within their organization since 1950, 'not one was reported by the church to secular authorities.' The Royal Commission also found that the Watch Tower Society legal department routinely provided incorrect information to elders based on an incorrect understanding about what constitutes a legal obligation to report crimes in Australia.

William Bowen, a former Jehovah's Witness elder who established the organization to assist sex abuse victims within the denomination, has claimed Witness leaders discourage followers from reporting incidents of sexual misconduct to authorities, and other critics claim the organization is reluctant to alert authorities in order to protect its 'crime-free' reputation. In court cases in the United Kingdom and the United States the Watch Tower Society has been found to have been negligent in its failure to protect children from known sex offenders within the congregation, and the Society has settled other child abuse lawsuits out of court, reportedly paying as much as $780,000 to one plaintiff without admitting wrongdoing. In 2014 in the United Kingdom, the opened an investigation into the handling of child sexual abuse cases by the Moston and Barry congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. The Jehovah's Witnesses organisation claimed the Commission was acting beyond its remit and launched several legal actions to stop the inquiry, which were dismissed. The Commission determined that the organisation's actions amounted to 'misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity' by the trustees. In 2017 the Charity Commission began a wider inquiry into Jehovah's Witnesses' handling of allegations of child sexual abuse in the United Kingdom.

A particular concern was the Church's policy of dismissing an allegation unless there were two witnesses to the abuse. There were also calls for the to examine the Church's policy. • Based on • Twelve members as of September 2005 (See The Watchtower, March 15, 2006, page 26) Schroeder died March 8, 2006. (See The Watchtower, September 15, 2006, page 31) Sydlik died April 18, 2006. (See The Watchtower, January 1, 2007, page 8) Barber died April 8, 2007.

(See The Watchtower, October 15, 2007, page 31) Jaracz died June 9, 2010. (See The Watchtower, November 15, 2010, page 23) Barr died December 4, 2010. (See The Watchtower, May 15, 2011, page 6) Sanderson appointed September 1, 2012. (See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, page 26) Pierce died March 20, 2014.

(See The Watchtower, December 15, 2014, page 3) • Raymond Franz ( In Search of Christian Freedom, 2007, p.449) cites various Watch Tower Society publications that stress loyalty and obedience to the organization, including: 'Following Faithful Shepherds with Life in View', The Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 591, 'Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect.' ; The Watchtower, September 1, 2006, pg 15, 'Have we formed a loyal attachment to the organization that Jehovah is using today?' ; 'Your Reminders Are What I Am Fond Of', The Watchtower, June 15, 2006, pg 26, 'We too should remain faithful to Jehovah and to his organization regardless of injustices we suffer and regardless of what others do.' ; 'Are You Prepared for Survival?'

, The Watchtower, May 15, 2006, pg 22, 'Just as Noah and his God-fearing family were preserved in the ark, survival of individuals today depends on their faith and their loyal association with the earthly part of Jehovah’s universal organization.' ; Worship The Only True God (Watch Tower Society, 2002), pg 134, 'Jehovah is guiding us today by means of his visible organization under Christ. Our attitude toward this arrangement demonstrates how we feel about the issue of sovereignty. By being loyal to Jehovah’s organization, we show that Jehovah is our God and that we are united in worship of him.' • 2013 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses.

During the 2012 service year, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent over $184 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments. • A common example given is a baptized Witness who dates a non-Witness; see The Watchtower, July 15, 1999, p.

• Raymond Franz cites numerous examples. In Crisis of Conscience, 2002, pg. 173, he quotes from 'They Shall Know That a Prophet Was Among Them', ( The Watchtower, April 1, 1972,) which states that God had raised Jehovah's Witnesses as a prophet 'to warn (people) of dangers and declare things to come' He also cites 'Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger' ( The Watchtower, May 1, 1997, page 8) which identifies the Witnesses as his 'true messengers.

By making the messages he delivers through them come true', in contrast to 'false messengers', whose predictions fail. In In Search of Christian Freedom, 2007, he quotes The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah—How? (1971, pg 70, 292) which describes Witnesses as the modern Ezekiel class, 'a genuine prophet within our generation'. The Watch Tower book noted: 'Concerning the message faithfully delivered by the Ezekiel class, Jehovah positively states that it 'must come true'.

Those who wait undecided until it does 'come true' will also have to know that a prophet himself had proved to be in the midst of them.' He also cites 'Execution of the Great Harlot Nears', ( The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, pg 17) which claims God gives the Witnesses 'special knowledge that others do not have. Advance knowledge about this system's end'. • In Jehovah's Witnesses Continuity and Change Chryssides states, after discussing the April 1, 1972 Watchtower article, that, 'It would be tedious to comment on each passage in which Watch Tower literature explains the Jehovah's Witnesses' position on prophecy. Some of it may lack the precision that its detractors appear to demand, but the Society's position is quite clear. Jehovah's Witnesses do not claim to have any new revelation or people who are designated as prophets.

As cessationists, they identify the ability to prophesy as a gift that died out with the first generation of Christians, but prophetic utterances remain in the Bible, which serves as the key source of authority. Since the Bible is held to contain predictive prophecy, Jehovah's Witnesses claim to see into the future through the Society's interpretation of scripture.'

References [ ]. For more details on this topic, see. Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Calgary Press..

The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press.. Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. Scarecrow Press.. • Crompton, Robert. Counting the Days to Armageddon.

James Clarke & Co, Cambridge, 1996. • A detailed examination of the development of Jehovah's Witnesses' eschatology. • Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. • An academic study on the sociological aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses phenomenon. • Kaplan, William.

State and Salvation Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1989. • Documents the Witnesses' fight for civil rights in Canada and the US amid political persecution during World War II. Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press..

• Penton, professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge and a former member of the group, examines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and their doctrines. • Rogerson, Alan. Millions Now Living Will Never Die. London: Constable & Co, 1969. • Detailed history of the Watch Tower movement, particularly its early years, a summary of Witness doctrines and the organizational and personal framework in which Witnesses conduct their lives • Schulz, B. A Separate Identity: Organizational Identity Among Readers of Zion's Watch Tower: 1870-1887. Fluttering Wings Press..

• Detailed history of the Watch Tower movement's earliest years written to an academic standard. Based on fresh research into original documents of the era. This is volume one of a planned two volume work.

• Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) • Official history of Jehovah's Witnesses. • Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

Faith In Action (2-DVD series), (2010–2011) • Official history of Jehovah's Witnesses. External links [ ] Wikimedia Commons has media related to. • • —Official video streaming site • • - BBC News Magazine article.