FORWARD The following is from the perspective of a regular Christian, neither a Bible Student nor a Jehovah's Witness and not agreeing with either group on all things, but pointing out things simply to show that after Charles Taze Russell's death, the Watchtower Society over Jehovah's Witnesses did things that have misled people about Russell and the Bible Student groups.  The Bible Students are groups independent from Watchtower and Jehovah's Witnesses, most having formed after Russell died on Halloween in 1916, that is in 1917.  For example after Russell's death Watchtower put some extremely ridiciulous, silly statements in The Finished Mystery book, and also Watchtower put a huge pyramid with Masonic symbols on it near his grave misleading many to think Russell was a Mason himself.  It's clear that he was comfortable about the Masons and his father and father-in-law had been Masons, but there is no definitive proof that he was one himself, although it is also definitely not ruled out.   Some say that Russell approved of the pyramid that was erected some years after his death at his gravesite across the road from a huge Masonic temple complex.  However modern Bible Students have sometimes denied this and noted that in any case even if he did they themselves do not approve of Masonry as it is a secretive organization.  They also do not believe The Finished Mystery book was all written by Russell but instead was re-written by Russell's successor, Joseph F. Rutherford and his men, with wild and silly statements mixed into it to make Russell and those who still continued to back his views look bad.

SOME OF THE WAYS IN WHICH BIBLE STUDENTS DIFFER FROM WATCHTOWER'S  JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES C.T. Russell predicted gradual positive Global Warming as early as 1883 From Joseph Rutherford's time on the Watchtower heads have taught Jehovah's Witnesses that the Bible Students which Charles T. Russell spearheaded are "the evil slave class," a group or groups that no longer exist, etc.  All such claims are untrue.  Bible Students are by and large peaceful, kind people who exist all over the United States and around the earth.  Most groups are small, few meet in buildings of their own.  Instead they meet in homes and some also jointly share in renting other facilities.  This contrasts with Watchtower which has Jehovah's Witnesses to not meet in homes and which owns most all of the meeting properties. Bible Students do not have a centralized ruling board of directors, unlike with Watchtower's Governing Body.  Each group is independent although many share some common publishing houses.  Bible Student groups freely decide who their own servants are, what they will study, sing etc.  Unlike with Watchtower there is tolerance and freedom to dissent without reprisal.  Use of one's own conscience is also permitted. Watchtower has all Jehovah's Witnesses considered in "good standing" to preach at house after house including those who may pose a danger to the Little Ones, the children.  More in line with scripture, Bible students may teach at a house where they are welcome then later at another house, for example, in another town as Christ and the apostles actually did; but they also preach or "witness" a whole lot more by kindly laying on their hands in active love to help older ones, widows, orphans, the blind, lame and poor.  Some have also had or supported retirement homes, summer camps for their children, etc.  At times they have gathered food and clothing to sent to Bible Students hard hit by poverty in eastern Europe, Africa and Asia.  Watchtower, in contrast, stresses constantly that Jehovah's Witnesses must take their children with them to bang on all the doors and preach, and acts of kindness and charity are rarely ever initiated by Watchtower although some individual members do act out of kindness.  Paul said Christians are to not let others judge them over if they celebrate holidays, but Watchtower has Jehovah's Witnesses to do exactly that, outlawing all celebrations, even though many of those can also upbuild and strengthen family ties.  Watchtower also enacts severe shunning (called disfellowshipping) against not only those with fleshly weaknesses but persons who outloud dissent or who admit that inside their minds they quietly disagree with Watchtower views or policies.  A Bible Student is free as 1 Samuel 14:31-35 and Matthew 12:7 show is scriptural to take an emergency transfusion of blood, but Jehovah's Witnesses are pointed to only those scriptures speaking of not taking blood.  So Jehovah's Witnesses and their children all too often bleed to death in emergency situations such as child birth complications and automobile accidents. The main thing that bothers exiting Jehovah's Witnesses who want to stay with Christ and the Bible instead of Watchtower and its publications, is that some Bible Students talk a lot about Russell and his publications.  However, many other groups do similarly and are still Christians as when, for example,  Lutherans also talk about Martin Luther and his writings.    Most Bible Students speak of Russell as simply being admirable for the good things that he did and taught; few could be said to go beyond that.  Some Bible Student groups adhere pretty closely to what Russell taught; others do not. It is mostly what they teach about the trinity that has caused some anti-cult groups to classify the different Bible Students along with Watchtower as a cult; namely, that they teach that God is not three persons in one God, or one God in three persons, the belief also called the trinity doctrine.  The Bible Students direct their worship solely to Jehovah (or Yahweh) God Almighty the Father through His Son Jesus Christ.  Most if not all can and do agree that the three are equally 100% holy, that is they have absolute holiness, and to have absolute holiness can also be called being divine.   Most also think of Holy Spirit as God's power rather than a being. Bible Students teach God resurrects either a literal or symbolic 144,000 anointed Christians to heaven but other people will be resurrected with perfect health and live upon earth become beautiful as was the Garden of Eden.  Most also teach that hell is not a place of fiery suffering but is symbolic of the sleep-like condition of death.  They also stress that many scriptures in Old and New Testaments say God will bless ALL humankind through Abraham's seed, Christ in particular, although even after offered a second chance to repent and be good, some resurrected persons will choose to be destroyed and stay dead forever.  Some other large Christian groups have similar teachings. Congregations range from two people to many.  There is no definite census telling how many Bible Students there are although there are likely many.  For example photos and accounts from those who have visited conventions of the True Faith Jehovah's Witnesses in Romania note that the group has members in the thousands, possibly 30,000 if all were gathered at a single location.  God's Kingdom Society in Nigeria is believed to be up to three million although it too takes no formal census.  Possibly 1500 are in India.  In the U.S. and Canada there may be 2000 in the diverse groups, some of the largest being the Dawn Bible Students and the Dawn Bible Students from which many other groups have developed. A house-meeting congregation is often called an Ecclesia among Bible Students, a word from Biblical Koine or Bible Greek, basically meaning a congregation or assembly of people called out of the world of wrongdoers in order to instead gather for Christ and fellowship.  Although free to differ, most groups freely associate at times in larger gatherings such as an international convention, the one for 2010 being in Romania. Not all but most Bible Student groups do little to actively find and inform Jehovah's Witnesses that they exist, are not an "evil slave class," don't worship pyramids, etc.  Instead those who have exited and are exiting from Jehovah's Witnesses are in the best position to do so and have had a big role in doing so.   Christ and Bible focused Free Christians or Free Witnesses can also hold fellowship anytime.  Such groups have come and gone in places such as Canada, Greece, etc; doubtlessly around the world.  However, they are now more likely to stay in existence and grow because of the internet, Skype international phoning and other modern communications.  Individuals and groups do not have to be told they have "permission" to form into and maintain fellowships, for the Bible authorizes such, but can simply do so right now. In the interest of clarification, the writer here is not and never was affiliated with the Associated Bible Students, Dawn Bible Students etc.  He is free to associate where he may please but always with the understanding that Christ comes first. Christianwitnesses.com has much helpful literature.

BIBLE STUDENTS' 1874 DATE VERSUS WATCHTOWER'S 1914 DATE Most who are still with the original Bible Students movement that Watchtower separated from to form Jehovah’s Witnesses have always believe 1874 not 1914 was when Christ returned, although they also felt 1914 was significant in that it began a times of woes brought upon people on the earth. The Bible Students including Charles Taze Russell felt that events going on in their time indicated the invisible presence of Christ.  For example, they felt that the book of Daniel had foretold a speeding up of communications and transportation such as happened in the latter part of the 1800s. The year 1799 also seemed significant in that it was when the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte had captured the Pope, ending the kind of papal power that had begun long before with Pope Leo I.  The Bible Students also recalled for example that the book of Daniel had spoken prophetically of 1,260 day periods and 1335 day periods.  From 1799 they subtracted 1260 and got 539.  They equated each prophetic day to a prophetic year.  Similarly when they added 539 to 1335 they got 1874. Next they looked up historical events in the year 539 A.D.  It was in the same time period as when the Roman Catholic Pope Leo I was strengthening the power of the Roman Catholic Church.  For example Leo I had been able to intercede with both Attila the Hun and the Ostrogoths (also known as the Vandals), thus enhancing the Church’s hand in political matters until 1799. Instead of going by 1874, the Watchtower Society has claimed that Christ returned in 1914.  In fact for decades they also taught that many in the Generation alive in 1914 would never die but see the end of the world or worldwide civilization followed by Armageddon and then paradise on earth.  However in 2010, as persons in the generation alive in 1914 were almost all dead and 100 years had also almost passed since 1914 (100 + 1914 = 2014), Watchtower's Governing Body men were lamely forced to switch to saying that not those alive in 1914 would see the end but some in an "Overlap" generation would.  They also stopped teaching many now living would "never" die, which in any case goes against Paul teaching that all sin and so all die, which is why the hope for resurrection in heaven or on earth is the Good News not living "forever" on earth restored to paradise.

CLICK THE PHOTO TO SEE MORE ABOUT THE WEBSITE AND TALK RADIO SHOW OF THESE BIBLE STUDENTS FREELY MAKE AND SHARE COPIES: Bible Students are loving Christians in autonomous (self-governing, independent) Bible study groups around the earth.  HOW MANY Bible Students are there?  Romania has possibly 35,000 True Faith Jehovah’s Witnesses and some smaller groups.  Nigeria and other African nations has many small groups as well God’s Kingdom Society which may have millions.  India likely has thousands.  Some are in the U.K. and European Union, Australia, India, Pakistan, Japan, China, Russia, the Ukraine etc. No overall census exists but in the U.S. there may be thousands of 5,000 regular Bible Students, many associating with larger Ecclesias (congregations) on the east coast and in northern Illinois, also in many small Bible study groups sometimes as small as just 2-3 persons located in all or almost all the U.S. states and Canadian provinces.  MEETINGS for Bible study and fellowship are usually in private homes (Ro 16:1); larger regional conventions and bi-annual international conventions in rented facilities.  There is no compulsory tithing or passing of collection plates.  Conventions are free and open to the public. BELIEFS: All sin and therefore die but God will lovingly resurrect some to heaven thanks to Christ’s ransom sacrifice and many others upon our planet earth returned to edenic paradise.  Christ’s reigns will bring blessings for ALL people ALL will clearly know God’s will so those who still want to cause harm will be destroyed a second time forever. We believe in being “Free” Christians,  exercising our Bible trained conscience to enjoy great freedom in Christ regarding, for example, holidays, health concerns, diet, education, science, donations, personal dress and association.  We believe that dead loved ones sleep peacefully in death until resurrected.  God, His Son Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit are absolutely holy the Father greatest.  Bible Students call God our Father in heaven, by respectful titles such as Lord, and sometimes use a formal name such as Jehovah or Yahweh.  In 1914 World War I was clearly visible everywhere heralding Christ’s invisible return (parousia) as a spirit and starting a period when Israel would be restored, earth and humanity tossed into turmoil such as WWII etc that will end in a major battle where foes unsuccessfully attack Israel and allies (Armageddon), followed as said, by paradise and other blessings for not only Christians but Jews, those of other beliefs and indeed all of humanity.  STRUCTURING: Each ecclesia group is autonomous (self-governing, independent) although many share useful publishing-houses.  Each group decides what it will study in or about the Bible, etc.  Groups are free to associate and work together as when holding their regular conventions and many do.  SERVANTS: These are older reputable Bible Students serving without  requiring salary or perks.  When necessary for weddings, funerals etc, groups can record who one or more of the ministering servants are and apply for an official license.  EARLY HISTORY:  The main spearhead for the Bible Students movement was evangelist Charles Taze Russell, active in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Traveling worldwide, Russell wrote and gave talks sometimes including a prediction that 1914 would also bring Israel’s return as a nation although that did not completely happen until 1948 and so he admitted he had been incorrect.  After his death in 1916 attorney Joseph Rutherford seized control of properties, restructuring the Watchtower Society into his own dictatorial centralized organization.  Almost all the Bible Students left him.  Russell told followers to witness (preach) at every house instead of just at homes expressing interest.  Rutherford made several Armageddon mispredictions and did not admit them.  His organization erected a large pyramid by Russell’s grave misleading some to think Russell was into the occult although he was opposed to such even as are modern Bible Students.   His staff also wrote some silly, even laughable statements in a sixth book they misclaimed Russell had written.  In 1931 Rutherford named his followers Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Watchtower told followers that Bible Students are a “wicked” or “evil” slave class against God.  Some Watchtower elders have also implied Bible Students became totally insignificant or even non-existent. LATER HISTORY: As from the start Bible Students have quietly moved ahead preaching the Good News of God’s kingdom around the globe, including via radio, telephone conferences; websites, forums, emails; printed and other literature etc. (Mt 28:19)  Watchtower misled its followers and the Public to think Armageddon would be in 1975.  Those exiting the Watchtower have increasingly associated with Bible Students.  Watchtower also severely shuns and calls those who peacefully dissent evil “apostates.”  It labels highly reputable news sources Tools Of Satan because of articles and documentaries showing Watchtower has shielded pedophiles including some elders.  Also, Jehovah’s Witness adults and children sometimes bleed to death after following Watchtower’s teaching them to even refuse emergency whole blood transfusions.  (Contrast 1 Samuel 14:31-35; Matthew 12:7!)   In 2010 Watchtower stopped teaching the Generation alive in 1914 would see paradise.  This confused and greatly upset many.     THIS IS TO help better inform the general public of the Good News of God’s Kingdom as well as to lovingly remind those who are still Jehovah’s Witnesses that as many seek to avoid losing family and friends, Bible Students do indeed exist as caring friends anytime you may have need of or desire for new Christian fellowship.  Not a human organization but Jesus Christ himself is the way, life and the real Truth.  Again, readers are welcome to fellowship, and some may wish to start their own Christ-focused Bible Student ecclesias.  Feel free to make and distribute copies of this; please see more at friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com and other Bible Student websites.

IN FAIRNESS TO RUSSELL AND THE MODERN BIBLE STUDENTS Made Public Domain with acknowledgement requested by Paul Blizard 6-14-2010 Across the road from the cemetery is the huge buildings complex of the secretive Free Masons.  Not Russell or the Bible Students erected the pyramid, but rather their Watchtower opponents headed by Joseph Rutherford did so in 1921. Photo of the Russells before they split Russell's wife Maria Francis Ackley Russell wrote much of the early material for the Watchtower although her husband did not give her any credit for it and alleged she just wanted to take control of the magazine from him.  Made Public Domain with acknowledgement requested by Paul Blizard 6-14-2010 This is an uphill photo far from the huge pyramid monument near which also stands a smaller tombstone for Russell.  The tombstone says he was "The Laodicean Messenger."  Watchtower publications have explained that the Laodicean Messenger was the seventh and final spokesman to the Christian church.  Russell's biggest message or prophecy had been that 1914 would be The End, and he lived about two years beyond that embarrassing, failed prophecy, although he could rightly note that 1914 was nevertheless significant in history as the start of World War I.  Although Russell admitted the misprediction, after his death Joseph Rutherford seized total power, misprophesied other dates and never admitted having been wrong, a pattern other Watchtower heads have followed. Nobody is "perfect," only Christ was.  Bible Students do not "worship" Charles Taze Russell and admit that like the rest of us he was also imperfect.  However, they find much to admire that he did.  Also, foes and those who know little of him generally speak poorly of him only because they have some common misperceptions.  Read on and you will learn many other interesting things.  For example he made a prediction that the environment would warm up leading to a melting of the ice caps.

FRIENDS OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES IS A BIBLE STUDENTS WEBSITE FOR HELPING JW'S IN PARTICULAR

CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL HIMSELF Charles Taze Russell was born February 16, 1852, and he died on Halloween, October 31, 1916.   He was the main spearhead of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society organization which fell to Rutherford's machinations after his death, and Watchtower still interprets the Bible etc for the offshoot, that is Jehovah's Witnesses, worldwide.   Some have wondered if his death was wholly natural or even the result of murder over organizational control. The website watchtowerdocuments.com of researcher Barbara Anderson offers numerous copies of manuscripts in the handwriting of Maria (Ackley) Russell, the wife of Charles Taze Russell.  They help show that she, not her husband, actually wrote a good portion of the very earliest Watchtower publications.  This may tend to parallel his saying she later was wanting to have equal control of the Zion's Watchtower magazine. Some say Russell was an "humble" servant of Jehovah God upon Earth.   Interestingly, The Finished Mystery (53) says of Russell: "The special messenger to the last Age of the Church was Charles T. Russell.... He has privately admitted his belief that he was chosen for his great work from before his birth."  (The Four Presidents Of The Watch Tower Society by Edmund Gruss)  He did do some good things such as preach tolerance by Christians toward Jewish people at a time in history when anti-Semitism was wide-spread.  Being imperfect he may or may not have had a weakness for women other than his wife Maria as some have written, but there is no record that he claimed perfection in that regard either. Former Watchtower Society Governing Body member Raymond Franz on page 67 of his Crisis Of Conscience" says "In the October 1, 1909 issue of the Watch Tower Russell described as his 'opponents' those who would apply the term 'faithful and wise servant' to 'all the members of the church of Christ" rather than to an individual.  Nor does it tell its readers that the special issue of the Watch Tower of October 16, 1916 stated that, while not openly claiming the title, Russell 'admitted as much in private conversation.'" You can interpret this in either of two ways.  One would be that he was arrogant.  The other would be that from childhood he always had the feeling that he had great things to do.  In any case, the MOST Faithful and Discreet or "Most Faithful And Wise Servant" of God is Christ himself.  Russell did not seem to contest this. He predicted many things some of which did happen and others that did not.  For example, he predicted the Jews would return to Palestine to form a new Israel by the year 1910.  Before dying he used the Jewish press to stress that beginning with 1914 the time period during which Gentile (non-Jewish) nations had had authority all to themselves over the nations of the earth was at an end and that from then on God was letting and guiding the Jews to gather in Palestine to reclaim it.   Controversial at the time, Russell also said the Jewish people did not have to convert to Christianity to receive God's blessings.   Today many world famous Jewish leaders such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netahyahu and former United Nations ambassador Jean Kirkpatrick have praised him as a man of great peace and foresight. For a long time Russell had believe that Christ had returned invisibly in 1874 ruling from the heavens since that date, but then he incorrectly predicted that by 1914 the world as we now know it would end with Armageddon, the rapture to heaven and later paradise on earth.   When this did not happen he proclaimed that Christ had in 1914 returned invisibly as a spirit, the proof that Christ had then returned however being clear from all over the world by the events flashing forth.  Indeed 1914 did significantly bring World War I which catapaulted humanity into World War II, the atomic bomb, emergence of Jewish modern Israel in 1948, and many other major events including wars in the Middle East.  Although dying in 1916, Charles Taze Russell believed the first world war was at least the beginning of Armageddon, which would be a gradual decline in society followed by a number of nations attacking an Israel that had been restored to the Jews.  If not by dint of Bible study then possibly based upon his keen reading of newspapers, Russell was also able to predict well in advance that Russia would become a socialist or communist nation.    Of great interest to readers today, from 1883 on Russell said the earth's climate would gradually but significantly change before returning to Eden-like conditions. He added that the Greenland ice sheet, the Arctic and Antarctic polar ice caps would warm and melt, and the planet become warmer in general. Russell wrote that he thought the Great Pyramid might contain some clues in it predictive of future events, and he took measurements inside it.  Despite his interest his never placed it on a par with the Bible.  He felt that it might for example fit scriptures such as Isaiah 19:19, 20 which says: "In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border. It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them."  The Great Pyramid was in the midst of Egypt but the name Giza means "border."  The Watchtower Society has published a story, and JWs have told it orally that make it look like his wife was an overly ambitious woman who neverthess continued to have feelings of true love for him.  Allegedly she came to his funeral and put lilies of the valley or roses on his casket saying "To My Beloved Husband."  Another account is that she was unable to attend but sent a big wreath or ribbon saying the words on it. Of timely interest for our own days, he also predicted Global Warming published in the Zion's Watchtower in September 1883 on page 8; September 1886 on page 1; August 1896 on page 189; May 1903 on page 131; and January 1913 on page 11.  He believed the warming would be gradual and beneficial.  Hopefully this helps explain why not all but many modern Bible Students still put a lot of credence in his writings and efforts to tie ongoing world events with what the Bible says.

Charles Taze Russell misprophesied that the world would end in 1914.  In this photo Russell, Joseph Rutherford and others of Watchtower's main heads along with family members are on the Mount Of Olives in Jerusalem.  Why?  Because they believed Christ was about to return and start resurrecting people there.  They wanted to be present for the resurrection and hoped to go on up to heaven that very year.   Russell and the Bible Students learned the hard way that they should have paid more attention instead to the fact that Christ says nobody knows when the end will come except for the Father.   But, at least, they did learn the lesson. That was to their commendation, but Joseph Rutherford in 1931 named and began his own group which he called Jehovah's Witnesses and he did not take into account the earlier failed prophecy.  Almost all the Bible Students quit his dictatorship and he tried different gimmicks to get new growth.  Besides having them knock at all doors, he tried to excite them to more activity by misprophesying Armageddon before and during World War II.  Later, after Rutherford died, Nathan Knorr became President of the Watchtower Society over Jehovah's Witnesses.  He and his assistant Frederick Franz also misprophesied a specific date for Armageddon, that is, 1975.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL BLIZARD. NOTE RUSSELL'S PYRAMID MONUMENT AND THE MASONIC BUILDING COMPLEX.

Wife Maria authored many early Watchtowers Russell's wife left him in 1897, and he alleged it was because she wanted equal management of the organization's main publication.  It was then named Zion's Watch Tower magazine.  In 1903 Maria Russell filed for legal separation alleging mental cruelty, forced celibacy and callous treatment.  In the trial it was brought out that his wife was told by one Rose Ball that Russell had taken liberties with her and sometimes other women.  However, Maria did not charge him formally with adultery.  Instead, beginning in 1906 Russell was court-ordered to pay her alimony.   He sought to deflect blame and criticism by saying she was a woman "poisoned" by the women's suffragist movement.  So who was "right"?  As true in many such cases, the final true judging is known for sure only to God.  Both were imperfect humans.  In any case, again, from Luther to Calvin and Tyndale, no one has been perfect, only Christ has been and is perfect.  Russell's personal life is no particular reflection upon or against either the Bible Students or the Jehovah's Witnesses.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND FELLOWSHIP Still other countries with Bible Students are said to be Slovenia, Moldova, Bulgaria, Finland, Sweden, Holland, Ireland, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Cameroon, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Israel, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Guyana, West Indies, Sri Lanka.  This shows how international they have grown. The first international Convention for the Bible Students was organized in 1982 and additional conventions have been held every two years since then.  Locations for these have included Kufstein and Obsteig in Austria; Willingen in Germany; DeBron in Holland; Poitiers in France; Miskolc in Hungary; and Polanica Zdroj and Nowy Sacz in Poland.  In 2010 the international convention will be during August 8-13 at Baia Mare in northwestern Romania.  More about the city can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baia_Mare The 2008 convention drew some 900 Bible Students from Australia, Austria, Canada, England, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia and the Ukraine.  The 2010 international convention may draw many times beyond that number given the number of Bible Students in Romania.

Pyramid memorial with crown-cross-wreath emblem "gift" from Rutherford and company

The "Modest" gravestone of and from Russell himself

View of gravestone and off in the distance, the pyramid

Watchtower's Proclaimers history shows Russell's tiny gravestone but not the enormous pyramid-shaped monument by it.  The gravesite is across the road from an enormous Masonic building complex.  There is no known conclusive proof that Russell was a Mason although his father and father-in-law were and he may have found some things admirable about some of the Masons who included not just negative persons by any means but also George Washington and other promiment, decent men.  Specifically, Charles Taze Russell is buried at Rosemont United Cemetery, 226 Cemetery Ln. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (U.S.A.)

Malachi 4:2 is the origin for the winged sun-god symbol on this early Watchtower publication In 1913 in a Masonic hall in San Francisco Charles Taze Russell stated: "Although I have never been a Mason...Something I do seems to be the same as Masons do, I don't know what it is; but they often give me all kinds of grips and I give them back, then I tell them I don't know anything about it except just a few grips that have come to me naturally." Whether he was a Mason himself is not known either way, although he was definitely around,  familiar with and spoke friendly about the Masons, plus their symbols sometimes appeared in his publications.  However, it is also a fact that regardless, the Bible Students have a vow in the Daily Manna book of scriptures to not be part of any secret organization such as the Masons: "I vow to Thee that I will be on the alert to resist everything akin to Spiritism and Occultism, and, remembering that there are but the two masters, I shall resist these snares in all reasonable ways as being of the adversary."  On the other hand, they also vow to stay faithful to Jehovah and His Son Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Malachi 4:2 says "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall."  Therefore, based upon this scripture, Russell had a picture of the sun with wings put upon some later editions of his educational book series, and critics claimed it meant that he was a Mason or some occult group using the symbol for a winged sun-god.  The allegation was ironic and untrue for from early on in his career he had become well-known for his opposition to the occult and spiritism. It is said that no man who did something great failed but to stir up some enemies.  Taking on Christian organizations with hierarchies of clergy officials, speaking up for Judaism, etc, brought Russell many enemies always looking for a way to make him look bad.  Nonetheless, many to this day also think highly of what he did, especially so those called The Bible Students.

RUSSELL AND THE "ALLEGED" MIRACLE WHEAT SCAM, ETC In the following video the narrator mentions the long-time allegation that Russell tricked others into buying shares for a "miracle" wheat priced then at about a dollar but what today might be equal to about $60 a bushel.  It appears that Russell himself was duped, and he offered to repay people who had bought the wheat although they did not take him up on it.  Notice that the following video also speaks of Watchtower selling other things too, but those sales occurred after Russell had died.  Russell was not the founder of Jehovah's Witnesses, but rather spearheaded the "Bible Students," allied Bible study groups who did and do meet in houses.   It was Rutherford who founded Jehovah's Witnesses and who sold many things such as mentioned in the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgW0mGL0EEw

BIBLE STUDY METHODS Two common basic methods for Bible study are described farther below.  Both methods teach people to enjoyably come to know more about the Bible.  However, beware that being a Christian isn't just a matter of having such head knowledge.  What also matters is showing love and consideration and not just by words but in a hands-on real way.  As Paul once said, telling someone to stay warm and well-fed are nice words.  However, what pleases God is not words that anyone can easily say, but actually helping the person to stay "warm" by getting him or her some blankets and also helping him/her to stay "well-fed" by giving him/her a sandwich or bowl of beans. "Learning about the Bible" is great and a goal we all need to strive after constantly, but we are enriched immeasurably more by seeking to "Live the Bible."  May God bless all who work hard to do what is right.  We are imperfect, but He loves us anyway, and we love Him too and wish to draw closer via Bible reading and study, too. THE SIMPLE "CHAPTER/BOOK METHOD" Your group thoughtfully reads a chapter in a book of the Bible each meeting and each participant is free to discuss how s/he feels that the chapter (or a portion of it if only part is read) can be applied in his/her own life or possibly may be remind of and then share some experience(s) that the reading reminds him/her of.  There are 1,189 chapters in the Protestant Bible.  Each year has 52 weeks.  This means that if you use if for the whole Bible, it will take 1189 divided by 52 or almost 23 years to study the whole Bible by doing a chapter a week.  Also remember that some chapters are extra long or short. The earliest Christians sat and heard at least a part of a letter read that an apostle had sent.  They did not have concordances, encyclopedias etc that would allow them to do the more involved Topics method of study.  So this was the original reading or study method.  The earliest Christians had no television, internet etc to take them away from the Bible so much; and they were accustomed to doing more memorizing, too. THE MORE INVOLVED "TOPICS" METHOD For this each person or participant looks up an assigned word or subject.  For example, the group might choose to look in the Bible itself as well as for example concordances, encyclopedias, etc for information to research then share about topics such as for categories like People, Places, Things, Fruits of Holy Spirit, etc.  For example:   FRUITAGE: anger, joy, love, patience, peace,.......;  PEOPLE: Abraham, Bathsheba, David, Ezekiel, Gabriel, Gideon, Jairus, Jesus, Joseph, Moses, Naomi, Paul, Rachel, Ruth, Samson, Sara, Uzziah.........  TYPES: Angels, Animals, Apostle, Demons, Foods, Music, Musical Instruments, Plants, Saints, Teacher, Women;....... SUBJECTS: hell/after-death/grave/soul, preaching/evangelism, voting/vote,.........  PLACES:  Ai, Beersheba, Bethlehem, Capernaum, Jerusalem, Nazereth, Tyre,.....  THINGS: altar, ark of covenant, urim   This is a more modern method which is enabled by there being, as alluded to, Bible indices, concordances, encyclopedias, etc WHICH METHOD IS BEST? People and groups differ as to needs and interests, and therefore there is no way to say which method is best for yourself or your group.  Also, each has its advantages and disadvantages.  When a group of two or more are involved it would be a good idea to try to come to a consensus for example by discussion, or if necessary by voting or perhaps drawing lots. WHICH METHOD IS MOST USED BY "BIBLE STUDENTS"? Most Bible Student groups and individuals prefer the Topics method.  Since Russell wrote some publications with a topic approach to them, they tend to use those although people are free to vote instead to use the Bible chapter/book method etc.

THE BIBLE STUDENT GROUPS IN GENERAL Groups of Bible Students still exist although there are differences in their beliefs.  Although welcoming of former Jehovah’s Witnesses and, indeed, some former Jehovah’s Witnesses have become elders or servants, some Bible Students have seemed hesitant in accepting them as teachers or servants.  Many, although not all of the various groups, use Watchtower magazines dating from July 1879 to October 1916.  Most also still teach that Charles Taze Russell was the Faithful and Discreet Slave of Matthew 24.  The Free Bible Students are notable in differing about that, though.  Most Bible Student groups study Russell’s series of books called "Studies in the Scriptures" for Class meetings in their groups called Ecclesias (congregations).  They hold several Conventions annually. They oppose any efforts to have an overall organization headed by any one living human.  They are against trying to compel everyone to believe the same against their own conscience, but some who have contacted them say they try to mold those who disagree by molding, for example avoiding them when they are presented with questions they find too uncomfortably different from the Bible Student teachings that derive from Russell.  They stress that Joseph Rutherford, not Charles Taze Russell, founded Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Watchtower Society.  Unlike Jehovah’s Witnesses the Bible Students are free to celebrate birthdays and commonly do so as well as Christmas and Halloween.  Members freely decide if to take blood transfusions.  Most live compartively normal lives although the degree of involvement may be too much of those who were Jehovah's Witnesses and left not feeling refreshed so much as burnt out from the many, long meetings etc. Bible Student ministries are active in many African nations such as Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Ghana.  There is also much activity in Romania, the Ukraine, India and some in Japan.  There are retirement homes for seniors among Bible Students as well as many youth camps.

ASSOCIATED BIBLE STUDENTS Associated Bible Students (ABS) teach some people are still going to heaven, that the 144,000 Anointed have not all been called, gathered and had the chance to finish their lives proved faithful unto death.  They are very adamant about upholding Russell and his teachings.  For example, as with Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists, they believe that hell is the condition of being asleep in death without the feeling of literal fire or anything similar. The Associated Bible Students, LHMM and many others believe in contrast to Watchtower that Adam and Eve will be resurrected, along with past inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, Tyre and Sidon.  Further all humans will be resurrected once thanks to Christ and thus have an opportunity to the total Truth about Jehovah before the 1,000 year reign ends  with Satan being let loose a short time to test the loyalty of humans.  Those who stay loyal to Jehovah at that time will live past the last battle of that time into everlasting life on a paradise earth.  Those who instead follow Satan die a second time and without any prospect for being resurrected.  The first resurrection releases all humans from the sin leading to death that comes from Adam, but the Second Death if final.

FREE BIBLE STUDENTS (OR: BEREAN BIBLE STUDENTS) This group of Bible Students is increasingly nowadays called the Berean Bible Students, but has also been called the Free Bible Students, called after their New Covenant Fellowship which teaches that the New Covenant is already active, also been known as the Millennial Bible Students Church, and Christian Millennial Fellowship.   Berean Bible Students organized in 1926 when there was no resurrection of Ancient Worthies.  Most of the first were Ukranian Bible Students.  Later came some young people from Polish Bible Students in a Chicago suburb.  In 1928 many came from the Italian Bible Students Association in Hartford, Connecticut, quit the Watchtower Society. The Free Bible Students or Bereans say the 144,000 Anointed is only a figurative number, meaning more than 144,000 can be anointed.  They also say the gathering of the Anointed is still happening around the earth.  They do not go by all the teachings of Russell but can be rigid about some other beliefs such as that Jehovah God is going to make earth into a paradise.  They are a small group of four congregations and thirty home groups in or mostly in the United States for example in Illinois, Chicago and Connecticut. They say individual Christians should freely believe and worship according to their own consciences but yet try to mold those who attend with them into only believing as they do on things such as earth’s future, afterlife, God’s nature etc. They also speak of “respect, love, patience, tolerance” but when views are presented different from their own may quietly excuse themselves from further discussion, saying they have to go take care of urgent family matters and the like.  Associated Bible Students have done the same.  The assumption that those with questions or differing views are out to subvert, stumble and divide is a major reason why Bible Student groups do not grow much, tend to splinter and shrink.  It is also a reason why most former Jehovah’s Witnesses who value Christian freedom may not stick long with this and other Bible Student groups, although some who have switched have done so successfully. To their credit, the Free Bible Students or Bereans operate some youth camps at their own center at Camp Blessing.  This is close to Wausau, Wisconsin but there are other such camps in Vermont and California.   Other Bible Student groups also have youth camps for example starting in 1965 in Petersburg, Ontario;  various parts of Michigan, the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, the Midwest Youth Camp, camps in the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest; and Chicago.  This probably helps the  Free Bible Students and other Bible Students keep many youths as members.  In contrast the Watchtower Society has been losing most of its youth who feel it is impossible to live due to its high control atmosphere and lack of care shown to Jehovah's Witness youths.

LAYMEN'S HOME MISSIONARY MOVEMENT (LHMM) Laymen's Home Missionary Movement (LHMM) consists of Bible Students who teach that 144,000 have already gone to heaven although five classes of people will live again upon the New World, that is our planet the Earth restored to paradise.  Those are called the Little Flock, the Great Company, the Ancient and Youthful Worthies and also the Consecrated Ephiphany Campers who are right now being called out of the world into a consecrated relationship with God.  The LHMM have worldwide yearly conventions in about fifty countries including Poland, the U.K., France, Germany and some areas of Africa.  They use additional teachings from Paul S.L. Johnson out of his multi-volume set of "The Epiphany Studies in the Scriptures."  LHMM believers call Johnson the "Ephiphany Messenger” who brought New Light.  He died in 1950.  They claim he was the last of the Anointed on earth and after his death no more anointed have been here. Johnson made many false or certainly inaccurate predictions about himself, society and the coming of God’s Kingdom.  Read about those by clicking here: http://bible-standard.blogspot.com/2008/03/more-on-paul-johnson-and-lhmm-history.html  LHMM says after Johnson died it was led by those of the Great Company, a spirit begotten class until Raymond G. Jolley died in 1979.  LHMM believe Revelation 7:14-17 refers to Jolly dying and a Great Crowd being raised into heaven with him.  They say his 1979 death also fulfills or coincides with what Revelation 8:1 says about a seventh seal being opened. As said, after Jolly died the Youthful Worthies took the lead but now they themselves are slowly dying off, being replaced by the Ephiphany Campers who rule until the Highway of Holiness' opens into the New World believed about to come.  LHMM publishes Russell's six volume series, Johnson's 17 volumes set, the magazines called The Bible Standard and The Present Truth. Their traveling ministers visit homes and are called Pilgrims as in Russell’s time.  As do many other Bible Student groups, LHMM believe the Millennium or thousand year kingdom reign of Christ began in 1874 with Christ's parousia or invisible presence.  However they add that humans are more than 150 years into the Millennium in a Transition Period that may last another 150 years.  They teach the 1,000 year reign may not end suddenly but slowly over many years while Christ removes the wickedness of this system via anarchy, World Wars etc.   They and other Bible Students speak less of Armageddon than the end of this current system of things, that is, they say civilization worldwide as we now know it is fazing out. LHMM has a booklet on their website which uses scriptures to examine what Watchtower is falsely teaching to Jehovah’s Witnesses and through Jehovah’s Witnesses to the public.  The LHMM website is http://www.biblestandard.com  As did Russell, they still believe the Great Pyramid teaches things.  See   http://www.network54.com/Search/view/89087/1221893243/LHMM+did+have+God%27s+advancing+truth?term=LHMM+Jolly  There are some who do not like that women can be LHMM elders.  There being so many different classes has also caused divisions. LHMM has also been known as Bible Standard Ministries. http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/198132/1/Ready-to-bail-Have-been-for-a-while  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laymen's_Home_Missionary_Movement

PARTIAL LIST OF CURRENT BIBLE STUDENT GROUPS (PLUS: THE CROSS, A SYMBOL OF RESURRECTION HOPE NOT MURDER WEAPON) Symbolic of the resurrection hope due to Christ's ransom As you look at some Bible Student websites you will see most groups use the cross with crown and wreath emblem.  Jehovah's Witnesses are taught by Watchtower that the cross is to be regarded as an evil symbol that is comparable to Christ and killed him; Bible Students are taught that as the apostle Paul taught it is the positive symbol of the resurrection hope we have due to Christ's ransom sacrifice.  Another point is that the listings here are by no means complete.  In some locations there are only small groups; in others a lot.  In the United States most sizeable Bible Student groups are on the east and west coast, elsewhere the groups tend to be smaller.   ONLINE INTERNET FORUM http://www.biblestudents.net/forum/ Allentown, Pennsylvania: http://www.truthpage.com/  http://www.webspawner.com/users/biblestudents/ Argentina: Estudiantes de la Biblia. Argentina. Calle Almirante Brown 674, Monte Grande 1842, Buenos Aires Conductor: Avel Lupsor Tel. 011-4296-0157; Calle 144 n° 565 entre 5 y 6, Berazategui 1884, Buenos Aires http://www.edlbargentina.com/   http://ar.oocities.com/edlbargentina/  edlbargentina@yahoo.com.ar Associated Bible Students, New Haven, Connecticut http://absonh.net/about.html Mailing address for Christian Questions Talk Radio Program Christian Questions, P.O. Box 1837, New London, Ct. 06320 Contact@christianquestions.net CQrewind@christianquestions.net Associated Bible Students Of Central Ohio, Westerville, POB 813, OH 43086 Australia: Christian Bible Students Association; Box 797F GPO; Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.  http://www.cbsm.org.au/ New Covenant News magazine.  enquiries@cbsm.org.au Austria: http://www.bibelforscher.at/index.php?form=UserLogin  The website requires a password. Baltimore Bible Students: Associated Bible Students; P.O. Box 44; Jarrettsville, Maryland  21084; toll free: 1-877-596-9791; Baltobible@comcast.net, Baltobible@aol.com  http://www.baltimorebiblestudents.org/ Berean Bible Students Church; 535 East Maple Street, Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 426-9055; http://www.bbschurch.org/ Bible Students Of Oakland County (Associated Bible Students); 6324 Tutbury Ln; Troy, MI 48098-2151 Bible Students Retirement Center.  1801 N.E. 201st Avenue; Fairview, OR 97024; 503-661-7045, Fax: 503-491-1556 http://thebsrc.org/contact.cfm TheBSRC@gmail.com Brazil: Movimento Missionario Epifania http://biblejskoe-znamia.ru/ Brasil: Estudantes da Biblia Associados no Brasil Aurora, Classe de Estudos Belford Roxo, Rua Beco do Sossego 221, Parque Sao Vicente, Belford Roxo, RJ; Av. Rui, Barboza 1178, Sao Jose Pingais, Parana Chicago Bible Students http://chicagobible.org/ Chinese Bible Students; P.O. Box R1340; Royal Exchange; Sydney NSW 1225; Australia Christian Millennial Fellowship.  Elmer Weeks, Editor and General Director. P.O. Box 31; Port Murray NJ 07865-0031 U.S.A.  http://www.cmfellowship.org/docs/home.htm  ejweeks@comcast.net Colombia: Calle 20 B N° 82 B108, Barrio Belén Altavista, Medillín – Antioquía; Transver AL 34 DD Sur N°3009, Barrio Manuel Uribe Angel, Envigado – Antioquía Columbus Bible Students (Ohio) http://www.columbusbiblestudents.com/ (at last look still being constructed) Czech Republic: http://sdmh.sweb.cz/ The Dawn Bible Students Association; 199 Railroad Avenue; East Rutherford, NJ  07073;  1-888-440-DAWN  (toll free) DawnBible@aol.com  In 1966 their booklet Oh, the Blessedness  rejected much of Russell's views about Bible prophecy and end time predictions: http://www.dawnbible.com/booklets/blessedness.htm  http://www.dawnbible.com/ (See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_Bible_Students_Association) Detroit Bible Students; P.O. Box 51, Southfield, MI 48037-0051; http://www.biblenewsletter.org/ ; Bible Studies and Devotions are on Sunday mornings at 10 am and 11:30 am at the Meininger-Mahany Senior Community Center, Royal Oak, MI Forth Worth Bible Students http://www.divineplan.org/  1-800-8DIVINE France: Le Mouvement Missionnaire Interieur Laique (Laymen's Home Missionary Movement) Free Bible Students.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Bible-Students/156662146649  (They have discarded most of Charles Taze Russell's teachings.  See more at  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Bible_Students) Germany: http://www.bibelstandarte.de/index2.php Germany: Bibelforscher (=Bible Researchers).  http://bibelforscher.heim.at/  The Divine Plan Of The Ages in numerous languages: http://www.godsplan-today.com/  Herald Of Christ's Kingdom magazine.  http://www.heraldmag.org/  ThePBI@aol.com toll free: 1- 888-7-ThePBI or 1-888-784-3724,  phone answered Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Houston Bible Students.  Houston, Texas.  India Bible Students Association.  No internet website found so far although some emailings; and also photos of IBSA meeting in the city of Bangalore, India, at http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1093085885011005945RKAAZw Italy: Chiesa Cristiana Millenarista; Viale Gabriele D'Annunzio, 259 - 65127 Pescara; Comunità Cristiana; Piazza Indipendenza 26 - Borgalino - 92027 Canicattì (AG); Associazione Studenti Biblici; Via Dei Borboni - Cannatello - 92100 Agrigento  http://www.chiesamillenarista.net/ Japanese Bible Students -- they are mentioned but no current website or other contact information was found Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement.  1156 St. Matthews; Chester Springs, PA 19425-2700 Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425-2700 (Active in over 50 nations including in Europe.) http://www.biblestandard.com/  (See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laymen's_Home_Missionary_Movement) Lithuanian Bible Students: http://biblijos-veliava.lt/ Los Angeles Bible Students; 406 Irving Drive. Burbank, CA 91504 (At the corner of Irving Drive and Glenoaks Blvd.) Info@LABibleStudents.org http://labiblestudents.org/index.htm  Macomb County Bible Students; Warren, Michigan  redesign@inbox.com http://www.pastor-russell.com/legacy/intro.html  The Miami Valley Bible Students Ecclesia; Dayton, Ohio area. http://www.godsplan.org/ Middletown New York Bible Students Milwaukee Bible Students; 1235 E Howard Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 http://www.milwaukeebiblestudents.org/ Nambour Bible Students.  Australia. (Their convention is mentioned) New Albany-Louisville Bible Students, P.O. Box 197, New Albany, IN 47151-0197. New Brunswick Bible Students http://www.bible411.com/ New York Bible Students; P.O. Box 295 E Rutherford, NJ 07073 http://www.nybiblechurch.com/ general@nybiblechurch.com          Nigeria: Nigeria Bible Students.  They held a convention on  August 21- 23, 2009 at Emmanuel College Owerri, Imo State Nigeria.  Their website has many photos of them: http://africanbiblestudents.com/nigeria/august09_ConvPics.htm Nigeria: God's Kingdom Society.  http://www.mountaingks.org/  The GKS began in 1934 when Nigerian Gideon Urhobo quit the Watchtower Society.  No census exists but members are believed to very likely be in the millions, most in Nigeria but also in Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, other nations of Africa, some in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. North Seattle Bible Students.  http://www.nsbible.org/ webmaster@nsbible.org Northwest Indiana Bible Students; PO Box 767 Hebron, IN 46341; 1-888-306-6742; (Ask for Blessed Bible); BlessedBible@aol.com  http://www.blessedbible.com has some items and advertisements in Spanish and Korean Oakland County Bible Students http://www.bibletoday.com/ Orlando Bible Students.  Orlando, Florida. http://www.live365.com/stations/gospel_kingdom?play&site=live365 Orlando Bible Students.  Orlando, Florida. http://www.live365.com/stations/gospel_kingdom?play&site=live365 Peru: Francisco Pizarro 970, Trujillo E-mail: fduenasi@hotmail.com Bible Students of the Philippines.  Includes information in English, Tagalog and Cebuano. http://www.philippinebiblestudents.com/ Phoenix Bible Students; Arizona http://www.phoenixbiblestudents.org/ Poland: http://www.epifania.pl/ Polish Bible Students Association; 5 Aberdeen Street; Blackburn South, Vic 3130; Australia  http://www.polishbiblestudents.com/ Portland Area Bible Students; PO Box 23232; Tigard, OR  97281-3232 http://www.portlandbible.com/ PortlandBible@Comcast.Net Puget Sound Bible Students. http://www.biblestudentfiles.org/conventions/PSBS_05_10.pdf Romania: True Faith Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Str. Negoiului, no. 75, 540461 Tg. Mures, Romania  email: http://the-true-jw.oltenia.ro/   the-true-jw@oltenia.ro  Estimations of their numbers vary greatly anywhere from about 2000 to possibly 30,000 members.  This may be because their conventions are split into different cities and some residie in other surrounding countries such as Hungary and the Ukraine.  They go mostly by the teachings of Rutherford.  Besides the TFJW, there are also many smaller Bible Student groups in Romania.  Their website has many photos showing conventions and group witnessing: http://the-true-jw.oltenia.ro/ Russia: http://biblejskoe-znamia.ru/  Bible Students are located across Russia including in Siberia.  Salem Bible Students.  Salem, OR.  http://salembiblestudents.com/images/salem_conv_program_2010.pdf San Diego Bible Students; P.O. Box 15701; San Diego, CA 92175-5701; 760-752-7754 http://sdbible.org/ dbible@aol.com Southwest Bible Students of Phoenix, Arizona.  http://www.southwestbiblestudents.net/ Toronto Bible Students.  There is a small but very active ecclesia (congregation). Ukraine: Bible Students.  http://biblijnyj-prapor.com.ua/   smre@biblijnyj-prapor.com.ua United Kingdom: Bible Fellowship Union (1917 - Present); active somewhere in or near London  United Kingdom:  Bible Standard; P.O. Box 612; Oldham OL3 7WG; UK. http://www.biblestandard.co.uk/  bs@biblestandard.co.uk United Kingdom: Birmingham Bible Students.  Based in Erdington.  Website not working. United Kingdom: http://ukbiblestudents.co.uk/ Vancouver Bible Students.  Mentioned but website yet to be found. Victoria Bible Students (Canada).  http://www.members.shaw.ca/merlin1874/  merlin1874@shaw.ca Washington Bible Students http://washingtonbiblestudents.com/links.html Winnepeg Bible Students;  P.O. Box 217, Station Main; Winnipeg, MB R3C 2G9; (204) 799-2670 http://winnipegbiblestudents.com/ Young People: http://www.BibleStudentKids.com You may have noticed that no addresses were given for example for Mississippi, Missouri, Colorado, Iowa, Alabama, Wyoming etc; but, yes, there are Bible Students in those and the other unlisted states; also in Mexico, Belgium, Switzerland and China.  The structure and many beliefs of the house church movement movement in China resemble those of the Bible Students.  The two main leaders of the "Little Flock" house-church movement in China have been "Watchman" Nee and later "Witness" Lee.  There may be 50 million or so Chinese Christians. In the United States the Worldwide Church of God bore some similarities which may be due to the initial founder Armstrong borrowing some from the Bible Students and or the Watchtower Society.  It eventually grew to harsh and splintered.

Bible Students Founder C.T. Russell Shaking Hands

Likely during his last train ride, looking weak; died 1916

Bible Students still meeting and being baptised--these in Nigeria

Malachi 4:2 is the origin for the winged sun-god symbol on this early Watchtower publication The book The Finished Mystery was edited and published in 1917 by the Watchtower Society, headed by foe Joseph Rutherford, a year after Charles Taze Russell had died. The Watchtower, not Russell, actually wrote it, many things in it instantly upsetting not only the Bible Students who mostly quickly quit association with Watchtower and Russell but the Catholic and Protestant churches and even the government.  Some of the things put in the book were obviously intended to make people angry; others were to get readers to see Russell as if stupid or silly.  For example on pages 84 and 85 the book made the silly statement that the enormous creature called Leviathan in the Bible was specifically the steam locomotive.   Page 230 proclaimed a relationship to what the Bible says at John 6:60, 61 and Matthew 20:11 to calculations of distance from Scranton, Pennsylvania to Brooklyn, New York by way of the Hoboken Ferry – this also sounding and being silly. Page 188 said when the Bible speaks of Michael it means the Pope of Rome and also the angels are Michael’s bishops.  Page 485 said in 1918 that God was going to destroy the churches wholesale and their members by the millions.  Such comments upset Roman Catholic and Protestant churches and their members at once. There were changes to predictions and given by Russell when he lived.  For example, page 128 said no doubt Satan believed the Millennial Kingdom was due to be set up in 1915 and God’s kingdom would instead come in the Middle East in 1925. Early into the book, page 53 claimed, as apparently some other people had, that Russell had privately admitted a belief that he was chosen to play the role of the “Laodicean messenger” noted in the book of Revelation.  This made him look arrogant and false. Russell had had the winged sun symbol that Malachi 4:2 speaks of printed as a book emblem before,  however, some readers likely were stumbled into thinking the symbol might have come from the occult or spiritism which have sometimes used such a symbol indicating a goddess.   Rutherford had Watchtower make a point of sticking the winged sun symbol on the front cover of The Finished Mystery, no doubt very upsetting to the Bible Students. Although the use of “Theocratic Warfare” strategy appears to have been powerful, it backfired.  As said, almost all of the Bible Students quit associating with Rutherford’s Watchtower.  Further, the U.S. government threw Rutherford and his board of directors into prison!

I.B.S.A. IS PART OF WATCHTOWER NOT THE BIBLE STUDENTS The International Bible Students Association (I.B.S.A.), based in the United Kingdom, is controlled by the worldwide Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, and there is no benefit from it to the various Bible Student Groups.  I.B.S.A. was founded in 1914 when Charles T. Russell, the founder of the Bible Students was alive, but the Watchtower Society led by Joseph Rutherford grabbed control of it, and ever since then it has been one of Watchtower's many sister corporations.  Read more about it here: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/ScannedAccounts/Ends47/0000216647_ac_20090831_e_c.pdf

PREACHING OR WITNESSING Most Associated Bible Students (in particular those using Russell's study materials) believe it is important to witness and make new Christians but they do not feel the sort of pressure that Jehovah’s Witnesses feel under to get it all done right now for they believe that God will give even non-Christians another chance to understand what He wants during a coming one thousand year period of time also known as the Millenium of the Kingdom come upon earth.   Bible Students' witnessing or preaching is rarely at the doors of people’s homes and apartments, although they sometimes for example will go to a home or apartment, etc, if they have been invited there to speak about the Bible or a Bible topic.   In contrast Watchtower pushes Jehovah's Witnesses to knock at and preach at house after house.  People more often find Bible Student tracts or leaflets at truck and rest stops.  You may also hear some of their radio shows while driving about.  Unlike Jehovah’s Witnesses, they generally do not try to start a Bible discussion but if you bring up a subject or topic concerning the Bible then they are happy to witness about it and their Christian hope.  Thus their witnessing is not only in a natural rather than contrived or artificial context, but it is also relatively easy and agreeable, something especially important for those with a lot of shyness, nervous condition, anxiety or panic disorder.  They recall that Christ said his way is gentle and refreshing, and they generally shy away from unproductive word fights. As said, besides inviting people to a Bible study, Bible Students like to leave about tracts (leaflets).  They get these from various publishing houses for Bible Students and of course are free to produce their own literature.  In contrast Watchtower insists Jehovah's Witnesses must use only Watchtower's tracts etc. Of course matters can and do differ among individual Bible Students and the groups they attend.  For example some in Romania do conduct formal witnessing or preaching with people in general including those they do not know.  However, no Bible Student in his or her right mind would use Watchtower's most extreme preaching or witnessing methods which for example have been to push Jehovah's Witnesses to even go over and preach to people visiting their family members' gravesites! Which approach to preaching or witnessing do you yourself find most refreshing and like that of Christ and the apostles?  That of the Bible Students or that of the Watchtower ruling over Jehovah's Witnesses?

PUBLICATIONS IN NUMEROUS AND MANY RARE LANGUAGES INCLUDING FOR AFRICA AND INDIA Russell's "Divine Plan Of The Ages" is presented at the following link in Afrikaans, Arabic, Armenian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Kiswahili (Swahili), Korean, Lithuanian, Luganda, Malayalam, Marathi, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Twi, Ukranian, Zulu.  The "Chart Of The Ages" seen above was one of Russell's tools for trying to help people to better understand and remember what could otherwise be complications about Bible chronology.  http://www.bibletoday.com/dpal.htm

Another of Russell’s efforts to teach about the Bible and its blessings for Christians and Jews was the very first major screenplay which brought together sound, film and color slides.  Called The Photo-Drama of Creation, it was eight hours in length and produced from 1912 to 1914 at a cost of $300,000 which in modern money would be more like $6 million.  It gave viewers stunningly beautiful to awesome views of events going from before the creation of the universe into the times of the patriarchs, Christ, the apostles, the Dark Ages and the future.  A book by the same name was sold and it included spectacular slides and photos. ONLINE PHOTO DRAMA OF CREATION SLIDES ETC The movie premiered in January 1914 in New York, an instant hit.  That summer it also played to crowds in Germany.  All in all, more than 9 million people in North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia would see the enormously popular movie or else an abbreviated version called the Eureka-Drama.  Its sometimes very negative depictions of Roman Catholicism's handling of foes aroused a lot of controversy and opposition.

WHY CALLED THE LAODICEAN MESSENGER

Charles Taze Russell's series of Bible study books called Studies In The Scriptures includes a discussion of persons in modern times compared to the messengers or angels of the seven churches of Asia Minor in the book of Revelation.  Not all but many Bible Students consider Russell to have been the seventh of the modern human messengers: 1 the apostle St. John, 2 Arius, 3 Peter Waldo, 4 John Wycliffe, 5 Martin Luther, 6 St Paul and 7 Charles Taze Russell The seven churches, as listed and noted in wikipedia.org, were the following: 1. Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) - the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4). 2. Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) - the church that would suffer persecution (2:10). 3. Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) - the church that needed to repent (2:16). 4. Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) - the church that had a false prophetess (2:20). 5. Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) - the church that had fallen asleep (3:2). 6. Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) - the church that had endured patiently (3:10). 7. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) - the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16). Russell has been compared by some to Revelation’s “seventh messenger,” that is the Laodicean Messenger.  Although he is highly regarded, he is not venerated or worshipped any more than are Martin Luther, Billy Graham or other modern church leaders.  John and Paul wrote books of the Bible with messages, Arius wrote thoughts or messages; Waldo, Wycliffe and Luther wrote their ideas or messages.  Russell, of course, also wrote messages which Bible Students believe have been helpful for Christians around the earth, including because many of his publications are in different languages.  In recognition of his energetic efforts done to promote Christianity but also helpful toward Jewish people and others, a modest-sized tombstone at Russell’s grave has on it “The Laodicean Messenger.”  Thod high by many for Russell's activities is probably a major reason why there are not more of them in the United States since people tend to think of any group that is or was headed by any man other than Jesus Christ as indicative of a cult, though, again, strangely few say that of Luther or Billy Graham.  Another reason is that people including ministers sometimes confuse Bible Students with the Watchtower Society over Jehovah's Witnesses due to both having a "paradise earth" teaching as the Watchtower Society is almost universally now seen to be a dangerous cult due to deadly policies about child molestation and bleeding deaths.

SAMPLES OF BIBLE STUDENT POEMS The following are a few excerpts from HYMNS AND POEMS originally known as HYMNS OF DAWN which date back to 1915.  You may find more at http://www.ctrussell.us/ POEMS OF DAWN "A bending staff I would not break, A feeble faith I would not shake, Nor even rudely pluck away The error which some truth may stay, Whose sudden loss might leave without A shield against the shafts of doubt." DEDICATED to The Household of Faith "Brethren, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue (steadfastness); and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness LOVE: For if these things be in you and abound, they shall make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."-- 2 Peter 1:5-8 GREAT TRUTHS. GREAT truths are dearly bought. The common truth, Such as men give and take from day to day, Comes in the common walk of easy life, Blown by the careless wind across our way. Great truths are dearly won; not found by chance, Nor wafted on the breath of summer dream; But grasped in the great struggle of the soul, Hard buffeting with adverse wind and stream. THE WORD OF TRUTH THE Word of Truth is like a stained-glass window rare, We stand outside and gaze, but see no beauty there, No fair design, naught but confusion we behold; 'Tis only from within the glory will unfold, And he who would drink in the rapture of the view Must climb the winding stair, the portal enter through. The sacred door of Truth's cathedral is most low, And all who fain would enter there the knee must bow In deep humility. But once inside, the light Of day streams through and makes each color heavenly bright, The Master's great design we see, our hands we raise In reverent ecstasy of wonder, love and praise! THE WORD OF GOD. OH, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord! True wisdom its pages unfold; And though we may read them a thousand times o'er, They never, no never, grow old! Each line hath a pleasure, each promise a pearl, That all if they will may secure; And we know that when time and the world pass away, God's Word shall forever endure. HOW READEST THOU? LUKE 10:16 'TIS one thing now to read the Bible through, Another thing to read, to learn and do; 'Tis one thing now to read it with delight, And quite another thing to read it right. ..... Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed, Thus understand but little what they read; And every passage in the Book they bend To make it suit that all-important end. Some people read, as I have often thought, To teach the Book, instead of to be taught. JESUS ONLY. JESUS only! In the shadow Of the cloud so chill and dim, We are clinging, loving, trusting, He with us and we with Him; All unseen, though ever nigh, Jesus only--all our cry. Jesus only! In the glory, When the shadows all are flown, Seeing Him in all His beauty, Satisfied with Him alone; May we join His ransomed throng, Jesus only--all our song! TO JESUS ALWAYS. I ALWAYS go to Jesus, When troubled or distressed; I always find a refuge When I with Him can rest. I tell Him all my trials, I tell Him all my grief; And while my lips are speaking He gives my heart relief. HE LEADETH ME. IN pastures green? Not always; sometimes He Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me In weary ways, where heavy shadows be. Out of the sunshine, warm and soft and bright, Out of the sunshine into darkest night; I oft would faint with terror and with fright, Only for this--I know He holds my hand; So, whether in the green or desert land, I trust, although I may not understand. HAVE FAITH IN GOD. WHEN the stormy winds are blowing, And the angry billows roll, When the mighty waves of trouble Surge around thy stricken soul, Have faith in God, Who reigns above; Yea, trust in Him, For He is love. IN MY NAME. THERE were only two or three of us Who came to the place of prayer-- Came in the teeth of the driving storm; But for that we did not care, Since after our hymns of praise had risen, And our earnest prayers were said, The Master Himself was present there, And He gave us the living bread. I'LL DO MY VERY BEST. I MAY perform no deed of great renown No glorious acts to millions manifest; Yet in my little labors up and down, I'll do my best. I may not paint a perfect masterpiece, Nor carve a statue by the world confessed A miracle of art; yet will not cease To do my best. My name is not upon the rolls of fame, 'Tis on the page of common life impressed; But I'll keep marking, marking just the same, And do my very best. Mine may not be the beautiful and grand, But I must try to be so careful, lest It fail to be what's put into my hand-- My very best. COURAGE! MORNING DAWNS. THOUGH the night be dark and dreary, Though the way be long and weary, Morn shall bring thee light and cheer; Child, look up, the morn is near. Though thine eyes be sad with weeping, Through the night thy vigils keeping, God shall wipe thy tears away, Turn thy darkness into day. Though thy spirit faint with fasting Through the hours so slowly wasting, Morn shall bring a glorious feast. Thou shalt sit an honored guest.

BIBLE STUDENT SONGS Bible Students sing Christian hymns, sometimes appropriate folk songs or easy-going modern Christian songs.  At regional, national or international conventions the songs are often sung by Bible Student choirs of adults or the children.   Below are fragments or samples of songs from Bible Student song books going back into the late 1800s and early 1900s.  They in turn came from song books of various mostly noted composers and groups.   More songs and full copies of the extract here are at http://www.ctrussell.us/ and other Bible Student websites. Abide, Sweet Spirit   1Abide, sweet Spirit, heav’nly Dove, With light and comfort from above; Be thou our guardian, thou our guide; O’er ev’ry thought and step preside.   All For Jesus   1All for Jesus! all for Jesus! All my being’s ransomed pow’rs; All my thoughts and words and doings, All my days and all my hours. All for Jesus! all for Jesus! All my days and all my hours.   2Let my hands perform his bidding; Let my feet run in his ways; Let my eyes see Jesus only; Let my lips speak forth his praise. All for Jesus! all for Jesus! Let my lips speak forth his praise.   3Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus, I’ve lost sight of all beside— So enchained my spirit’s vision, Looking at the crucified. All for Jesus! all for Jesus! All for Jesus crucified. Moses And The Lamb   1Awake! and sing the song Of Moses and the Lamb; Wake ev’ry heart and ev’ry tongue, To praise the Saviour’s name.   2Come, pilgrims on the road To Zion’s city, sing: Rejoice we in the Lamb of God— In Christ, the eternal King.   The Sweet By And By   1God has promised a glorious day, And by faith we now see it draw near; Our Redeemer has opened the way, And soon will its glory appear.   Chorus In the sweet by and by, We shall meet to be parted no more; In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on eternity’s shore.   2There the dead shall arise from the tomb, And the living to health be restored; And away from all sorrow and gloom, They’ll be led by the life-giving Lord.  Guide Me   1Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim thru this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty; Hold me with thy pow’rful hand. Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more. Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more. The Song Of Moses And The Lamb   1Have you heard the new song, that most beautiful song, The song which the saints now may sing— How the old harp of Moses and sweet flute of John With harmonious melody ring? With harmonious melody ring? How the old harp of Moses and sweet flute of John With harmonious melody ring?   He Leadeth Me   1He leadeth me, O blessed thought! O words with heav’nly comfort fraught! Whate’er I do, where’er I be, Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.   Chorus He leadeth me! he leadeth me! By his own hand he leadeth me. His faithful foll’wer I would be, For by his hand he leadeth me.   2Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom, Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom, By waters still, o’er troubled sea— Still ‘tis his hand that leadeth me. The Old, Old Story   1I love to tell the story Of gracious heav’nly love How Jesus left his glory That wondrous love to prove. I love to tell the story, Because I know it’s true; It satisfies my longings, As nothing else would do.   Chorus I love to tell the story! ‘Twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story Of gracious, heavn’ly love.   2I love to tell the story! More wonderful it seems Than all the golden fancies Of all our golden dreams, I love to tell the story! It did so much for me; And that is just the reason, I tell it now to thee. Joy To The World   1Joy to the world! the Lord is come! Let saints rejoice and sing! He comes to claim his virgin bride, Her triumph soon to bring, Her triumph soon to bring, Her triumph, her triumph soon to bring.   2Lift up your heads, ye fainting souls! The signs long promised read, Messiah’s chariot onward rolls; He soon the world will lead, He soon the world will lead, He soon, he soon the world will lead. Our King Is Marching On   1Mine eyes can see the glory of the presence of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage, where the grapes of wrath are stored; I see the flaming tempest of his swift descending sword: Our King is marching on.   Chorus Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Our King is marching on.   2I can see His coming judgments, as they circle all the earth, The signs and groanings promised, to precede a second birth; I read his righteous sentence in the crumbling thrones of earth: Our King is marching on. Millennial Glory   1Rejoice! Rejoice! the promised time is coming; Rejoice! rejoice! the wilderness shall bloom; And Zion’s children soon shall sing; The deserts all are blossoming. Rejoice! Rejoice! the promised time is coming; Rejoice! rejoice! the wilderness shall bloom. The gospel banner, wide unfurled, Shall wave in triumph o’er the world, And ev’ry creature, bond or free, Shall hail the glorious jubilee. Rejoice! Rejoice! the promised time is coming; Rejoice! rejoice! the wilderness shall bloom. Rock Of Ages   1Rock of Ages, cleft for me, I am hidden safe in thee: Hidden here from all my foes, None can harm though all oppose; For though justice once condemned, Love did this blest shelter send. What A Friend!   1What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to him in prayer! O, what peace we often forfeit! O, what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry Ev’rything to him in prayer. Holy, Holy, Holy   1Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee: Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in The Highest, blessed Majesty.   2Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wast, and art, and evermore shalt be. Onward, Christian Soldiers   1Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before! Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See His banners go!   Chorus Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before!   2At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, On to victory! Hell’s foundations quiver At the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise! It Came Upon The Midnight Clear   1It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold; “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, From heav’ns all gracious King,” The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.   2Still thro’ the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heav’nly music floats O’er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hov’ring wing: And ever o’er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing. Silent Night   1Silent night! holy night! All is calm, all is bright! ‘Round yon virgin mother and Child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.   2Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar, Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia; Christ, the Savior, is born, Christ, the Savior, is born. O Come, All Ye Faithful   1O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.   Chorus O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord. Tell Me The Old, Old Story   1Tell me the old, old story, Of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love; Tell me the story simply, As to a little child, For I am weak and weary, And helpless and defiled.   Chorus Tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, Of Jesus and His love.

A BIBLE STUDENTS CONVENTION IN PENNSYVLANIA  www.biblestudentsweb.com/general10 IN PENNSYLVANIA - JUST ONE OF THE VARIOUS CONFERENCES HELD IN THE U.S. AND OTHER NATIONS Speaking of conventions, one was held and televised via the internet July 17-22, 2010 at Johnstown, Pennsylvania.   A morning business session was not televised one morning but televising resumed at the afternoon session starting at 2 PM.   You clicked and went to the website which asked you to sign-in/log-in but instead you could just click again.  Seen at the convention was the cross emblem used because Paul says to boast of it for it is the symbol of Christ's victory over death.   Besides talks, there was group singing, a choir sang, an adult choir and groups of children sang.  Experiences were related (testimonials), greetings were read or told coming from some who had been unable to attend,, there was regular group singing with music, an ice-cream social etc.   Some of the speakers had themselve been Jehovah's Witnesses or else spoke of others who had previously been so.   The convention was held at a rented university auditiorium.  Bible Students are very kind, nice Christian people, men and women young and old, children and babies -- nothing like the "evil slave" image that Watchtower has mistaught about them.

FOR READERS TO PLEASE REMEMBER Doubtlessly some former Jehovah’s Witnesses find or will find the Bible Students a positive alternative to the Watchtower Society, but some will prefer other groups or wish to stay independent Christians not beholden to any particular group’s beliefs.  If they act in good conscience and always put Christ first so that they can walk out the door on any group that becomes a dangerous cult, then they should normally be okay.   The sheep know their true Shepherd’s voice and will also remember that the Bible says that Christ is the Way, Life and also...... The Truth.  Truth is seen in Christ’s life and conduct, not in the pronouncements of mere imperfect men. Revelation14:4, 5 says "These are those that did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered from among men and offered as first fruits to God and the lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless."  Here the Greek word that is used for women applies to a good women such as beloved wives, not to women who are in any sense impure.  Therefore, although those totally faithful to God have fellowshipped in various groups or churches, they must always put only Christ first even in regard to the best of the various groups or churches (good, bad, and average) in the one Christian faith.   Again, affiliation is okay, but the devotion stays where it belongs and if a true Christian is called upon to choose between an organization and Jesus Christ of Nazareth, then Christ will win everytime no matter what. Best Wishes To All Of Good Will Reading This, Yours As A Servant In Christ, Joe

I’m a general Christian but the invitation from Bible Students to Jehovah’s Witnesses is worth sharing with you and encouraging you to also share with others.  Watchtower's Governing Body members aren't going to like this, but then who cares!  People's safety and happiness are more important than their egos and desire to keep Watchtower's image above the real needs of the real people.   BIBLE STUDENTS’ INFORMATION FOR JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (More is at friendsofjehovahswitness.com)   1. Besides up to 3,000 in the U.S., the Bible Students in Europe (TFJWs etc), Africa (GKS etc), Asia, the Pacific and elsewhere now number millions.  Though free to differ most believe due to Christ’s ransom sacrifice, God will lovingly resurrect 144,000 people to heaven and bless ALL humans regardless of their different races, languages, tribes, nations etc.  God loves this planet and will orderly resurrect people on it in paradise conditions such as Eden had.  God will teach His will during 1,000 years then let people be tested.  Those then unfaithful get eternal 2nd death. (Re 20:14; 21:8) God, His Son Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit are one in absolute holiness; the Father is greatest. (Titus 2:13) He is called Our Father, sometimes by respectful titles such as Lord, occasionally a formal name such as Jehovah or Yahweh. (Ps 83:18) 1874 on heralded notable inventions, growth in knowledge and travel. (Da 12:4) 1914 showed Christ’s return or presence (parousia in Greek) as an invisible spirit.  Signs of this (Mt 24) include WW I, deadly flu, WW II, Israel restored as a nation in 1948, more wars, diseases, quakes, space travel, travel and knowledge by internet.  After foes unsuccessfully attack Israel and its allies in the place or condition called Armageddon, blessings will soon come upon earth for ALL. The one faith for Christians (Ep 4:5) is general Christianity with good, average and bad branches but God cares for all humans. (Jn 3:16)    2. Groups meet in self-governing groups to study or thoughtfully read the Bible earthwide mostly in homes (Ro 16:1) but regional conventions and a bi-annual international convention are usually in rented facilities.  Romania has some 35,000 in one group, millions may be part of God’s Kingdom Society in Nigeria, India has thousands, small groups are in the U.K., E.U., Australia, India, Pakistan, Japan, China, Russia, the Ukraine, Poland, Germany etc, The U.S. may have up to 3,000, many in larger Ecclesias (congregations) in the Northeast and Chicago, groups as small as 2-3 persons in all or most all parts of the U.S. and Canada.  China’s “Little Flock” home churches movement of up to 50 million, founded by Watchtower Nee, has many similarities but no proved direct connections.  Many study groups share literature publishing houses such as at dawnbible.com.  There are summer camps for youths, retirement fellowship homes, e.g. in the U.S. and Israel.  Members exercise Bible trained conscience about holidays, health, diet, science, donations, personal dress and association etc. Bible Students are pro-education noting examples such as Luke, Joseph and Moses.   3. Each ecclesia (congregation) decides what it will study in or about the Bible, etc.  Groups freely associate and can work together as with conventions.  Anyone feeling led by Holy Spirit can start a new group.  It’s as easy as inviting people to read a chapter in the Bible, enjoy a meal, sing, talk or give upbuilding testimonials, pray etc.  Elders among Bible Students are older reputable ones serving without requiring salary or perks.  When necessary for weddings etc groups can decide who one or more of the ministering servants are and apply for official licenses.  The main founder was evangelist Charles Taze Russell, active in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  He wrote many publications, traveled widely, preached, debated and made a few predictions.  One was that earth would warm, melting the ice-caps and becoming a tropical paradise.  He predicted Israel’s return as a nation would be in 1914 but admitted he was wrong.  Bible Students preach the Good News of God’s kingdom globally via radio, phone conferences, websites, forums, email, print etc. (Mt 28:19) 4. AFTER C.T. RUSSELL DIED IN 1916 attorney Joseph Rutherford seized properties, had guards keep away board of director members loyal to C.T. Russell.  Rutherford restructured Russell’s “Watchtower Society” from a publishing house into a centralized organization with dictatorial control.  Almost all the Bible Students left Rutherford so he had remaining followers preach at every house to get new members for donations of money and energy.  He made Armageddon mispredictions without apology, and in 1931 named his group Jehovah’s Witnesses. (JWs)  Rutherford also had a big pyramid erected near Russell’s small gravestone misleading some to think Russell was into occult pyramidology although Russell opposed the occult.  In one chapter of one book Russell had discussed pyramid features helpful for learning Bible topics, a topic many Christians in general then found interesting.  Rutherford’s staff included silly statements and highly inflammatory comments against other Christians in The Finished Mystery, a so-called 7th book in a 6-books series, misclaiming it was as Russell wanted when alive. Watchtower has also mistold JWs that Bible Students are a “wicked” or “evil” Slave Class; misclaims stated that Bible Students are insignificant or no longer in existence!  Another false claim is that Bible Students worship Russell.  Bible Students know Russell was imperfect but yet many appreciate what he did as Lutherans do Luther and his writings.  For example he spoke against religious bigotry.  In any case some Bible Student groups do not study Russell’s writings at all unless for history or barely, use only the Bible and distribute their own publications like this.    5. Watchtower denies the cross was a cross saying it was a stake and teaches JWs the cross represents a heinous murder weapon not to be worn even though Paul said to boast of it, and it is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death.  Bible Students and many JWs are concerned Watchtower’s Governing Body men teach JWs to die rather than take emergency blood transfusions despite 1 Samuel 14:31-35 and Matthew 12:7 proving God’s mercy and reasonableness.  Watchtower heads order shunning so harsh that it has caused some JWs to suicide, destroyed countless marriages and families. Policies hiding and sheltering pedophiles have helped those; harmed children! Their misleading JWs to think Armageddon would come in 1975 ruined lives. (See youtube.com videos)  They talk JWs into building expensive Kingdom Halls and assembly buildings for them instead of using the money to help JWs and others in need; do little to help youths and seniors. They misclaim only JWs thinking Watchtower is God’s “only true organization on earth” will survive Armageddon, get God’s blessings.   6. In 2010 Watchtower stopped teaching the Generation alive in 1914 would see paradise, redefined it as an Overlap Generation possibly continuing years ahead.  This disappointed many long-time JWs who stayed despite 1975.  Watchtower’s Governing Body misteaches Christ is mediator for only 144,000 anointed Christians but Bible Students say he’s the Mediator for ALL mankind and most regular JWs agree.  (See Watchtower magazine Feb 15, 1991, p 18) The Sept 15, 2010 Watchtower on p 23 says: "The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ.” Bible Students and most JWs don’t equate those men to Christ! The strongest bond of Unity is love (Col 3:14) not forcing people to attend Watchtower meetings or lose family and friends by Watchtower’s severe shunning!  JWs wanting to break from Watchtower can stand at any meeting’s end and say “Read jehovahswitnesses.com.”  Or say, “Come worship Jehovah at my house!”  Please make and mail copies of this.