Sunday, December 30, 2018
The Preacher: MUST YOU GIVE "AKONHOMA" IN MARRIAGE?WILL YOU SURV...
The Preacher: MUST YOU GIVE "AKONHOMA" IN MARRIAGE?WILL YOU SURV...: MUST YOU GIVE "AKONHOMA" IN MARRIAGE?WILL YOU SURVIVE NEXT 10 YEARS IN MARRIAGE? Financial Management in Marriage This is un...
MUST YOU GIVE "AKONHOMA" IN MARRIAGE?WILL YOU SURVIVE NEXT 10 YEARS IN MARRIAGE?
MUST YOU GIVE "AKONHOMA" IN MARRIAGE?WILL YOU SURVIVE NEXT 10 YEARS IN MARRIAGE?
Financial Management in Marriage
This is undoubtedly one of the big problems in marriages. The Bible gives a clue as to how finances should be managed in marriage though not deep. Let me stress here that there is no biblical bases for the word "AKONHOMA" in the Ghanaian parlance meaning money the man must daily give in the home whether the woman works or not, the man must provide daily while the wife uses her income for what she deems fit. If it happens that the woman is a good christian, then she might give a little to support the home. The word of God in Gen.2:25b states that "...And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed". In the marriage, there must be transparency in all our dealings which includes our financial life, our bank account details, your gross and net salary or income etc. Nakedness by extension in Gen 2:25 means transparency in all things.
This is undoubtedly one of the big problems in marriages. The Bible gives a clue as to how finances should be managed in marriage though not deep. Let me stress here that there is no biblical bases for the word "AKONHOMA" in the Ghanaian parlance meaning money the man must daily give in the home whether the woman works or not, the man must provide daily while the wife uses her income for what she deems fit. If it happens that the woman is a good christian, then she might give a little to support the home. The word of God in Gen.2:25b states that "...And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed". In the marriage, there must be transparency in all our dealings which includes our financial life, our bank account details, your gross and net salary or income etc. Nakedness by extension in Gen 2:25 means transparency in all things.
If partners are financially opened to each other, they can make prudent plans concerning their finances which really takes financial stress away from the man or the woman or both. That primitive financial management scheme must be taken out. If both partners work, the money is called "OUR" money not "MY" money. It belongs to us hence, we must bring it together and make plans for the home, children, rent etc. In this case, whether the woman gets a higher income than the man or vice versa, it is insignificant. It makes the relationship healthy. The wife however must give the respect to the husband as the head of the family. The man should also not be a bully but a prudent and God fearing manager of these resources. The couples must sit to make decisions about their finances. Even gifts of money from parents, friends even extra income from work must be made known to the other partner. Secrecy in marriage kills the marriage slowly. Trust is however lost.
Depending on the net income that comes to the home, we must plan accordingly. Never depend on loans to survive. Use what you have not what you dont have. Manage what you have. Don't allow the standard of living of other couples to influence your standard of living. Example, you dont buy dresses when you have a few and have nothing to eat. It surprises me to see that, the rich rather wears few dresses meaning they have a few but the poor will rather prefer to buy alot of dresses to proof a point and live rich while they go hungry and look for financial support to survive.That is rather a foolish decision. The liitle wears you have, keep them neat and wear, it is best than wearing expensive dresses but hungry.
Are you managing your finances well? Are you been transparent in with your finances? 10years from now do you see an improvement or a collapse of your marriage because of your finances?
Extract from WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MARRIAGE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS
BY APOSTLE ELIKEM JOSHUA AVOTRI
The Preacher: The Preacher: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MARRIAGE NE...
The Preacher: The Preacher: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MARRIAGE NE...: The Preacher: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MARRIAGE NEXT 10YEARS...D... : You May Be Destroying Your Marriage-IS THERE A FUTURE FOR YOUR MARRIAG...
The Preacher: WILL YOUR MARRIAGE SURVIVE MENOPAUSE?
The Preacher: WILL YOUR MARRIAGE SURVIVE MENOPAUSE?: Your marriage might not survive menopause if you see these signs and dont work on it AN EXTRACT FROM "WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MA...
WILL YOUR MARRIAGE SURVIVE MENOPAUSE?
Your marriage might not survive menopause if you see these signs and dont work on it
AN EXTRACT FROM "WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MARRIAGE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS
The Couple Stops Dreaming Together.
When a couple is dating they have lots of dreams together. They discuss their future. They dream about where they will live and travel. They dream about family and adventure. It’s an energy which fuels the relationship. When it stops, the fuel it brought stops.
Most times, we get so distracted with life stuff like the kids, work, paying the bills, rent etc. It becomes all we have to talk about anymore. Those things we once dreamt about are replaced with current demands. This is natural, but it can de-fuel a marriage.When is the last time you spent time talking about the future as a couple? When was the last time you took some time off just to go on a marriage vacation to tourist sites? What happened to all you said concerning your future before you got married? What is going to happen t your marriage in the next 10YEARS? Arise!!!
Most times, we get so distracted with life stuff like the kids, work, paying the bills, rent etc. It becomes all we have to talk about anymore. Those things we once dreamt about are replaced with current demands. This is natural, but it can de-fuel a marriage.When is the last time you spent time talking about the future as a couple? When was the last time you took some time off just to go on a marriage vacation to tourist sites? What happened to all you said concerning your future before you got married? What is going to happen t your marriage in the next 10YEARS? Arise!!!
Poor sexual lives
Sex is one of the key things in marriage that must never be underestimated. It is what ties the soul of the couples together. It is not a sin inside marriage.When your sexual lives are coming down or no more interesting, it is a sign that your marriage is gradually deteriorating. Make a frantic decision to work on it before it works on you. Most marriages are suffering from unfaithfulness because the partners are not getting sex or sexual satisfaction.Can you imagine that a couple can stay for two months without sex not even a kiss. Disaster!! Even a week or two is disastrous. Others don't also make sex interesting.It becomes one way with no appetite. When the desire for sex always comes from one side it becomes boring. Other aggressively interesting and demonic men and women are waiting to lay ambush on what you are rejecting, your partner. Any partner that denies or starve the partner of sex is equal to a murderer. Never use sex as a punishment for your partner. You might think you are doing harm to your partner by denying him or her of sex but the truth is happy and making his plans. He came to steal, kill and destroy. Many couples are staying together but cannot look their partners in the eye passionately because what bonds them together is no more practiced. Some couples even see their partners as strangers and enjoy the company of others outside though not necessarily to have sex. Kiss your partner almost every day. Hug daily. When was the last time you passionately told your partner, "I LOVE YOU"? Are you at fault? Wake up to reality
BOREDOM.I’ve long said this is one of the leading causes of marriages unraveling. Couples quit dating, quit laughing, quit having fun together. They get caught in the routines and busyness of life. Boredom sets in and the closeness they once shared begins to drift. The enemy loves this and suddenly one or both spouses seek excitement elsewhere. Dangerous.
Do you remember when you once couldn’t wait to see your spouse again? You were newly involved and they were the first person you thought about in the morning and the last person at night? What was it about them which captured your attention about them? Chances are it’s still there but you simply haven’t noticed in a while.When is the last time you belly laughed with your spouse? When was the last time you remember the marriage being “fun”?
8. The Couple Lives Separate Agenda.
It’s OK to have separate identities. It’s OK to have separate interests. I would even encourage it. It keeps things interesting. But, it’s not OK to have separate agenda. The agenda of a marriage should be one. When this is not happening, the strength of the marriage will slowly or quickly fade. How can couples begin to build separate houses ? That is separation in disguise. Very soon when they are left alone, because they didnt work on their marriage, to joy no more exist therefore they are not divorce by law but separated. Each staying in their own houses or even in their family house. That looks like the end of that marriage. Is it time to get back on the same page with each other? We have found sometimes (many times) we need to set aside time just the two of us to reconnect and get realigned with where we are as a couple and where we are going.
I pray that as the year comes to an end today, we shall all work on our marriages, commit to our marriages and re-confess our love for each other. I pray that the Lord pours fresh fire on all marriages. In this year 2019, the childless shall give birth, the poor shall be rich, the jobless shall be with a lucrative job, the sick are healed in the name of Jesus Christ. I command all plans of the enemy to cause confusion to burn by fire in the name Jesus Christ. Amen
I remain indepted to Churchleaders.com
BY APOSTLE ELIKEM JOSHUA AVOTRI
OVERSEER, LOVEFIELDS CHRISTIAN CHAPEL, AHINSAN-KUMASI, GHANA
The Preacher: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MARRIAGE NEXT 10YEARS...D...
The Preacher: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MARRIAGE NEXT 10YEARS...D...: You May Be Destroying Your Marriage-IS THERE A FUTURE FOR YOUR MARRIAGE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS Have you asked yourself this questio...
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR MARRIAGE NEXT 10YEARS...Danger looms
You May Be Destroying Your Marriage-IS THERE A FUTURE FOR YOUR MARRIAGE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS
Have you asked yourself this question? What will happen to my marriage in the next 10years? Your parents cannot solve for you. Not your Pastor, counsellor or friend. Not even your children. Reason up. The rate at which marriages are breaking up is very alarming. Many are also crowded in our churches, at prayer camps, at prophetic meetings and even tonight as we enter the year 2019 with marriage prayer requests desperately for husbands and wives.
Same way, good marriages are falling apart because of several reasons from finances, childlessness, impotence, carriers, lack of understanding, inlaw intrusions etc. I will want to share with us especially the married, some of the ways we may be destroying our marriages which might not survive the marriage in the next 10years. How does a once good marriage fall apart? A big question indeed.
A good marriage doesn’t deteriorate overnight. It diminishes gradually. Many times couples destroy their own marriages, some intentional others unintentional but before they wake up from their sleep, everything has fallen apart. In fact when it happens like that, the devil is mostly happy.
Let me share with you a few of the causes even as we prepare to enter the new year 2019 so we can really make new resolutions and commitments to work on our marriages. Note that to be successful in marriage is not cheap and easy but demands the effort of those involved that is the husband and wife.
Let share a few scriptures with us first concerning God plan for a successful marriage.
Genesis 2:24-25 "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed".
Eph 5:22-31" Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
With these Biblical texts, the some of the things you might be doing to destroy your marriage are;
1. Fellowshipping as a couple.
For the marriage to be strongly bonded together, we must have frequent fellowship together, praying and studying the word together. Most partners in marriage don't like to participate in this kind of fellowship. Either one sees him or herself as not prepared or there is an unresolved misunderstanding or one seems highly religious than the other. The institution is to help each other accomplish the God-given purpose on earth. The strong must help the weak. Some will either prefer to pray alone and study the Bible alone. That is one great sign of a gradually deteriorating marriage. God never established this institution of marriage as a one-man institution but an institution of two people becoming one. Anything short of that is disastrous to the future of the marriage. If you are the one who do not want to join your partner to fellowship, repent now because danger looms. The more you fellowship, the better you cleave together. It tightens the bond.
2. Other Interests Come Between You.
Typical dangerous scenario: The couple hasn’t been communicating well, life is stressed, and suddenly a friendly voice or a pretty smile says an affirming word at the office. Happens every day. Many relationships are suffering because priorities have changed. It could be a relationship even good relationships like children, parents or other friends or a hobby, or work, but something gets a higher priority than the marriage. The attention you used to give to your partner before the children came has reduced or even stopped. You now almost always talking with your parents, visiting them very frequently neglecting the gift God gave you to nurture which is your partner in marriage. There was probably once a time when the two of you could “take on the world.” Nothing could come between you. You were inseparable. But, other things began to grab one or both of your attention slowly, over time. Outside distractions will destroy a good marriage.You used to attend church programs together, you used to eat together but all these have stopped because of work or children. My friend, danger looms. Do you see yourself together in the next ten years or more? Reason up my dear.Are there distractions coming between you and your marriage? Take care of them before they take care of you.
3. Financial Management
This is undoubtedly one of the big problems in marriages. The Bible gives a clue as to how finances should be managed in marriage though not deep. Let me stress here that there is no biblical bases for the word "AKONHOMA" in the Ghanaian parlance meaning money the man must daily give in the home whether the woman works or not, the man must provide daily while the wife uses her income for what she deems fit. If it happens that the woman is a good christian, then she might give a little to support the home. The word of God in Gen.2:25b states that "...And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed". In the marriage, there must be transparency in all our dealings which includes our financial life, our bank account details, your gross and net salary or income etc. Nakedness by extension in Gen 2:25 means transparency in all things.
If partners are financially opened to each other, they can make prudent plans concerning their finances which really takes financial stress away from the man or the woman or both. That primitive financial management scheme must be taken out. If both partners work, the money is called "OUR" money not "MY" money. It belongs to us hence, we must bring it together and make plans for the home, children, rent etc. In this case, whether the woman gets a higher income than the man or vice versa, it is insignificant. It makes the relationship healthy. The wife however must give the respect to the husband as the head of the family. The man should also not be a bully but a prudent and God fearing manager of these resources. The couples must sit to make decisions about their finances. Even gifts of money from parents, friends even extra income from work must be made known to the other partner. Secrecy in marriage kills the marriage slowly. Trust is however lost.
Depending on the net income that comes to the home, we must plan accordingly. Never depend on loans to survive. Use what you have not what you dont have. Manage what you have. Don't allow the standard of living of other couples to influence your standard of living. Example, you dont buy dresses when you have a few and have nothing to eat. It surprises me to see that, the rich rather wears few dresses meaning they have a few but the poor will rather prefer to buy alot of dresses to proof a point and live rich while they go hungry and look for financial support to survive.That is rather a foolish decision. The liitle wears you have, keep them neat and wear, it is best than wearing expensive dresses but hungry.
Are you managing your finances well? Are you been transparent in with your finances? 10years from now do you see an improvement or a collapse of your marriage because of your finances?
4. There’s Unresolved Conflict.
Every couple is different. Every marriage is different with different individuals. Never compare your marriage with any other marriage.You are peculiar. I have found out that, the partner you married will never be the same partner you were dating. The reason being that, in the marriage, there are going to be fresh discoveries. Some may shock you while others may comfort you. Some pretended while dating and so you didnt see the fullness of character. Dont giveup. That is the partner God gave you. It might be the wrong choice by human standard but in the sight of God, you both are a perfect match created for each other. In the marriage relationship,there may be one who little things bother and one nothing seems to phase. How toothpaste are pressed could be a big problem to some. How food is served could be another. Leaving clothes on the floor can prove to be a major problem if never addressed. And, there are all kinds of combinations in between. But, when conflict develops at some point it must be addressed. Hidden pain never disappears on its own.
In some marriages, some partners decide to either punish the other by keeping mute on an issue without voicing it out. How then will you expert your partner to know that there is a problem. You no longer treat your partner well, your dont smile to your partner, no more kisses and good sex thinking that with all these your other partner will realise the problem. Mostly they dont. Open up and treat the matter
Conflicts left unattended sometimes sits like it never existed. But, oh it did. And, it does. Someone is holding on to it. Trust me. And, the longer it sits the deeper the wedge it causes. Someone reading this may be allowing an injury from years ago to continue to haunt you. Your spouse may not even know the hurt is still there. Talk about it and let go. Forgive each other and move on. Let this be done before you enter the year 2019.
5. Poor sexual lives
Sex is one of the key things in marriage that must never be underestimated. It is what ties the soul of the couples together. It is not a sin inside marriage.When your sexual lives are coming down or no more interesting, it is a sign that your marriage is gradually deteriorating. Make a frantic decision to work on it before it works on you. Most marriages are suffering from unfaithfulness because the partners are not getting sex or sexual satisfaction.Can you imagine that a couple can stay for two months without sex not even a kiss. Disaster!! Even a week or two is disastrous. Others don't also make sex interesting.It becomes one way with no appetite. When the desire for sex always comes from one side it becomes boring. Other aggressively interesting and demonic men and women are waiting to lay ambush on what you are rejecting, your partner. Any partner that denies or starve the partner of sex is equal to a murderer. Never use sex as a punishment for your partner. You might think you are doing harm to your partner by denying him or her of sex but the truth is happy and making his plans. He came to steal, kill and destroy. Many couples are staying together but cannot look their partners in the eye passionately because what bonds them together is no more practiced. Some couples even see their partners as strangers and enjoy the company of others outside though not necessarily to have sex. Kiss your partner almost every day. Hug daily. When was the last time you passionately told your partner, "I LOVE YOU"? Are you at fault? Wake up to reality
6. The Couple Stops Dreaming Together.
When a couple is dating they have lots of dreams together. They discuss their future. They dream about where they will live and travel. They dream about family and adventure. It’s an energy which fuels the relationship. When it stops, the fuel it brought stops.
Most times, we get so distracted with life stuff like the kids, work, paying the bills, rent etc. It becomes all we have to talk about anymore. Those things we once dreamt about are replaced with current demands. This is natural, but it can de-fuel a marriage.When is the last time you spent time talking about the future as a couple? When was the last time you took some time off just to go on a marriage vacation to tourist sites? What happened to all you said concerning your future before you got married? What is going to happen t your marriage in the next 10YEARS? Arise!!!
Most times, we get so distracted with life stuff like the kids, work, paying the bills, rent etc. It becomes all we have to talk about anymore. Those things we once dreamt about are replaced with current demands. This is natural, but it can de-fuel a marriage.When is the last time you spent time talking about the future as a couple? When was the last time you took some time off just to go on a marriage vacation to tourist sites? What happened to all you said concerning your future before you got married? What is going to happen t your marriage in the next 10YEARS? Arise!!!
7. BOREDOM.
I’ve long said this is one of the leading causes of marriages unraveling. Couples quit dating, quit laughing, quit having fun together. They get caught in the routines and busyness of life. Boredom sets in and the closeness they once shared begins to drift. The enemy loves this and suddenly one or both spouses seek excitement elsewhere. Dangerous.
Do you remember when you once couldn’t wait to see your spouse again? You were newly involved and they were the first person you thought about in the morning and the last person at night? What was it about them which captured your attention about them? Chances are it’s still there but you simply haven’t noticed in a while.When is the last time you belly laughed with your spouse? When was the last time you remember the marriage being “fun”?
8. The Couple Lives Separate Agenda.
It’s OK to have separate identities. It’s OK to have separate interests. I would even encourage it. It keeps things interesting. But, it’s not OK to have separate agenda. The agenda of a marriage should be one. When this is not happening, the strength of the marriage will slowly or quickly fade. How can couples begin to build separate houses ? That is separation in disguise. Very soon when they are left alone, because they didnt work on their marriage, to joy no more exist therefore they are not divorce by law but separated. Each staying in their own houses or even in their family house. That looks like the end of that marriage. Is it time to get back on the same page with each other? We have found sometimes (many times) we need to set aside time just the two of us to reconnect and get realigned with where we are as a couple and where we are going.
I pray that as the year comes to an end today, we shall all work on our marriages, commit to our marriages and re-confess our love for each other. I pray that the Lord pours fresh fire on all marriages. In this year 2019, the childless shall give birth, the poor shall be rich, the jobless shall be with a lucrative job, the sick are healed in the name of Jesus Christ. I command all plans of the enemy to cause confusion to burn by fire in the name Jesus Christ. Amen
I remain indepted to Churchleaders.com
BY APOSTLE ELIKEM JOSHUA AVOTRI
OVERSEER, LOVEFIELDS CHRISTIAN CHAPEL, AHINSAN-KUMASI, GHANA
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The Preacher: Did Jesus Christ descend into Hell according to th...: As professing believers we must try as much as possible to always be consistent with scripture. It is rather a blessing to the church if ...
Did Jesus Christ descend into Hell according to the Apostle's Creed?
As professing believers we must try as much as possible to always be consistent with scripture. It is rather a blessing to the church if we realise a part of the doctrines of the church is inconsistent with scripture and then we accept it and correct it. I believe confessing Christ is rightly dividing the word of truth, affirming our faith in him and publicly declaring so regarding his redemptive work and trust in him.
Apostles creed on the other hand is an extract from various parts of scripture declaring our faith in Him.
I have no problem with the creed except that a part of it is inconsistent with scripture. Example is the part that reads "He descended into hell ".
Let me post here the Apostle's Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.
It cannot be true and is inconsistent with scripture that He descended into hell but rather Hades. . Even till date hell is empty.
I therefore wish that portion of the creed is corrected to be in line with scripture.
On February 7,2000 a document cited on "Christian Today(CT) " posted a research by 12 theological professors who disagreed on the statement "He descended into Hell". It said " Yet a few years back at one Christian college, a series of chapel messages on the Apostles' Creed had to omit this item, because none of the 12 professors of Bible and theology believed it. Actually the statement is not found in the earliest form of the Apostles' Creed. It echoes Acts 2:31, and seems to be there simply to make the point that Jesus' death was real and complete. Jesus went to hades, which in the Greek signifies the world of the departed—paradise for some, pain for others".
We must also note that you cannot find anywhere in scripture in full, all the creed in one chapter named "the apostles creed ". They are from various parts of scripture put together to summarise the faith of the followers of Christ.
The most commonly cited biblical passages are Acts 2:31; Ephesians 4:8-10; 1 Peter 4:6; and, most importantly, 1 Peter 3:18-20.
Let me state here that Jesus Christ is the only saviour of the world and non beside him. No man can be saved by any person except Jesus Christ by putting your trust in him believing in his redemptive work on the cross for all. Just believe.
Jesus however desires to save all and take us to the place of peace and joy where there is no pain, weeping but joy.
Those who do not however believe in him and put their trust in him are going to spend eternity in a place prepared for the devil, his demons and angels called Hell. Hell is the final destination for unbelievers including the devil and his demons, fallen angels, Hades and death.
When an unbeliever dies his soul goes to hades a place called the place of torment where the rich man in the story of Lazarus went.
The bossom of Abraham is also empty hence believers of Christ who die go to be with Jesus Christ till the end of time when they shall be taken to the final place prepared by Jesus for his children.
We must understand that, Hades is different from Hell though most of the versions mix the two words.
Hell in the root word is Gehenna which is equal to the lake of fire.
Let's check these scriptures
Matthew 25:41 "Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.' " (NLT)
Revelation 19:20 And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. (NLT)
Revelation 20:10 ... and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (ESV)
From these scriptures, it is clear no one is in hell. Unbelievers who have died are in Hades, a place called the place of torment. Once a person dies, that marks the end of the opportunity to repent. Scripture says it is appointed unto man once to die and after that judgement.
There is nothing called indulgence, purgatory etc. where a second chance can be given to another person by offering or prayers offered for people to make things right with God if they didn't do that before their death.
Christians or believers of Christ however go to be with Christ in heaven awaiting the end of time to be taken to the final destination called the new heaven and new earth forever. Let's check these scriptures concerning the final destination of Christians ;
Isaiah 65:17
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.
Hebrews 12:26-27
And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN." This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
2 Peter 3:12-13
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
Revelation 21:1
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.
Isaiah 66:22
"For just as the new heavens and the new earth Which I make will endure before Me," declares the LORD, "So your offspring and your name will endure.
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
Revelation 21:3
And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
Revelation 21:4
and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
In conclusion, I will want to encourage today Christians to cultivate the habit of the Berean Christians in Acts 17:10-11. Scripture says "
"Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:10-11)
We must not just accept what we came to meet but must find and search through the scriptures to gain personal understanding. We will then be growing in faith and full knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless you and shalom.
Written by Apostle Elikem Joshua Avotri
Overseer of Lovefields Christian Chapel Int. Ahinsan-Kumasi, Ghana
The Preacher: This is what non-Christians think about Christians...
The Preacher: This is what non-Christians think about Christians...: What Non-Christians Really Think About Christians What Non-Christians Really Think About Christians One of my greatest joys in researc...
This is what non-Christians think about Christians
What Non-Christians Really Think About Christians
What Non-Christians Really Think About Christians
One of my greatest joys in research is talking to and listening to those who clearly identify themselves as non-Christians. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not celebrating their absence of faith in Christ. My joy comes from listening to those who don’t believe as I do, so I might be better equipped to witness to them.
Over the past several years, my research teams and I have interviewed thousands of unchurched non-Christians. Among the more interesting insights I gleaned were those where the interviewees shared with me their perspectives of Christians.
In this article, I group the seven most common types of comments in order of frequency. I then follow that representative statement with a direct quote from a non-Christian.
Read these comments and see if you learn some of the lessons I learned.
1. Christians are against more things than they are for.
“It just seems to me Christians are mad at the world and mad at each other. They are so negative, they seem unhappy. I have no desire to be like them and stay upset all the time.”
2. I would like to develop a friendship with a Christian.
“I’m really interested in what they believe and how they carry out their beliefs. I wish I could find a Christian who would be willing to spend some time with me.”
3. I would like to learn about the Bible from a Christian.
“The Bible really fascinates me, but I don’t want to go to a stuffy and legalistic church to learn about it. I would be nice if a Christian invited me to study the Bible in his home or at a place like Starbucks.”
4. I don’t see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.
“I really can’t tell what a Christian believes because he doesn’t seem much different than other people I know. The only exception would be Mormons. They really seem to take their beliefs seriously.”
5. I wish I could learn to be a better husband/wife/dad/mom, etc., from a Christian.
“My wife is threatening to divorce me, and I think she means it this time. My neighbor is a Christian, and he seems to have it together. I am swallowing my pride and asking him to help me.”
6. Some Christians try to act like they have no problems.
“Harriett works in my department. She is one of those Christians who seems to have a mask on. I would respect her more if she didn’t put on such an act. I know better.”
7. I wish a Christian would take me to his or her church.
“I really would like to visit a church, but I’m not particularly comfortable going by myself. What is weird is that I am 32 years old, and I’ve never had a Christian invite me to church in my entire life.”
Do you see the pattern? Non-Christians want to interact with Christians. They want to see Christians’ actions match their beliefs. They want Christians to be real.
In one study we conducted, we found only 5 percent of non-Christians are antagonistic toward Christians. It’s time to stop believing the lies we have been told. Jesus said it clearly: “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Luke10:2, HCSB).
Satan is the author of excuses. There is no reason to wait to reach those who don’t know Jesus Christ. We must go now. The harvest is waiting. And the Lord of the harvest has prepared the way.
Source
Churchleaders.com
Thom Rainer
http://www.thomrainer.com
Thom S. Rainer is the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources (LifeWay.com).
What Non-Christians Really Think About Christians
One of my greatest joys in research is talking to and listening to those who clearly identify themselves as non-Christians. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not celebrating their absence of faith in Christ. My joy comes from listening to those who don’t believe as I do, so I might be better equipped to witness to them.
Over the past several years, my research teams and I have interviewed thousands of unchurched non-Christians. Among the more interesting insights I gleaned were those where the interviewees shared with me their perspectives of Christians.
In this article, I group the seven most common types of comments in order of frequency. I then follow that representative statement with a direct quote from a non-Christian.
Read these comments and see if you learn some of the lessons I learned.
1. Christians are against more things than they are for.
“It just seems to me Christians are mad at the world and mad at each other. They are so negative, they seem unhappy. I have no desire to be like them and stay upset all the time.”
2. I would like to develop a friendship with a Christian.
“I’m really interested in what they believe and how they carry out their beliefs. I wish I could find a Christian who would be willing to spend some time with me.”
3. I would like to learn about the Bible from a Christian.
“The Bible really fascinates me, but I don’t want to go to a stuffy and legalistic church to learn about it. I would be nice if a Christian invited me to study the Bible in his home or at a place like Starbucks.”
4. I don’t see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.
“I really can’t tell what a Christian believes because he doesn’t seem much different than other people I know. The only exception would be Mormons. They really seem to take their beliefs seriously.”
5. I wish I could learn to be a better husband/wife/dad/mom, etc., from a Christian.
“My wife is threatening to divorce me, and I think she means it this time. My neighbor is a Christian, and he seems to have it together. I am swallowing my pride and asking him to help me.”
6. Some Christians try to act like they have no problems.
“Harriett works in my department. She is one of those Christians who seems to have a mask on. I would respect her more if she didn’t put on such an act. I know better.”
7. I wish a Christian would take me to his or her church.
“I really would like to visit a church, but I’m not particularly comfortable going by myself. What is weird is that I am 32 years old, and I’ve never had a Christian invite me to church in my entire life.”
Do you see the pattern? Non-Christians want to interact with Christians. They want to see Christians’ actions match their beliefs. They want Christians to be real.
In one study we conducted, we found only 5 percent of non-Christians are antagonistic toward Christians. It’s time to stop believing the lies we have been told. Jesus said it clearly: “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Luke10:2, HCSB).
Satan is the author of excuses. There is no reason to wait to reach those who don’t know Jesus Christ. We must go now. The harvest is waiting. And the Lord of the harvest has prepared the way.
Source
Churchleaders.com
Thom Rainer
http://www.thomrainer.com
Thom S. Rainer is the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources (LifeWay.com).
Friday, December 28, 2018
The Preacher: The wrong view of being “Born Again” & the doctrin...
The Preacher: The wrong view of being “Born Again” & the doctrin...: The Jehovah’s Witness view of being “Born Again” & the doctrine of the“144,000” By Jason Wright In this essay we will examine the W...
The wrong view of being “Born Again” & the doctrine of the “144,000”
By Jason Wright
In this essay we will examine the Watchtowers interpretation and teachings on being “born again” and the doctrine of the “144,000”. If you have ever discussed either of these subjects with a JW you will know how debates can quickly become a frustrating game of Bible Ping-Pong. What I believe is a better approach is to understand the historical development of these doctrines from embryonic form to solidified doctrine.
Hence I will present not just what the current WT doctrine is on these subjects but how and why these doctrines were developed. Hence we must engage in a Historical survey. Only by unraveling the paper trail of doctrinal development can we truly equip ourselves to help modern Watchtower adherents.
To begin with let us remind ourselves of the pericope under discussion. Firstly the text which refer to being “born again”:
John 3:3-7 “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”
1Pe 1:3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. “
1Pe 1:23 “…since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God”
And secondly the text which refer to the 144,000:
Rev 7:4-8 “And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, 12,000 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,12,000 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.”
Rev 14:1-3 “Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.”
THE 144,000.
We will begin our Historical survey by examining the doctrine of the 144,000. The first mention[1] of the 144,000 is found in the June 1880 edition of “Zion’s Watchtower & Herald of Christ’s Presence” Under the heading “Casting away and receiving” which is a brief discussion of Romans 11:15 by B.W.K.[2] We read:
“Bible students of the past, as well as those of the present day, have noticed that the dispersion, and ultimate restoration of the Jewish nation–literal Israel–is the subject of considerable portions of both old and new testament prophecies… various attempts have been made, by those who discard the millennial reign of the kingdom of God,[3] to show that these prophecies would never have a literal, but a mystical fulfillment. Some have taken the position that they were conditional, and that the conditions have not been met; and others affirming that they were all fulfilled at the restoration from the Babylonian captivity.”
Having explained his position the writer concludes:
“When such a vast amount of prophecy becomes a fact, it will prove the scriptures true; and when they are proved true by fulfillment, it can but be a terrible blow to skepticism and infidelity. Jesus said: I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he- -John 13:19… that the return of the Jews, and the time of trouble are becoming apparent facts; and it is believed that the two facts will be the means, in the next 35 years, of the conversion of the 144,000 Jews, and the great multitude of all nations, who will come up out of or after the great tribulation, with their robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb–Rev. 7.” (page 5).
Please note that a literal interpretation of Revelation chapter 7 was preferred over the mystical interpretation, consequently the expectation was of 144,000 literal Jews who would become believers and go through the Great tribulation on earth. Like so many predictions the restoration of Israel within 35 year failed! [4]
Over subsequent years the position changed wherein the literal interpretation was discarded for a spiritualization of the 144,000. The April 1st 1899 issue of “Tabernacle Shadows of the better sacrifice” under the heading “Blessing God and Cursing Men” reads:
“the “twelve tribes” of Israel had promises made to them which apply not merely to themselves, but also and specially to Spiritual Israel, whom they typified; while the original election or predestination of God, respecting the Abrahamic seed, that it should be 144,000, or 12,000 from each tribe, still stands; and consequently that each one accepted from amongst the Gentiles, and engrafted into this root of Abrahamic promise, is counted as taking the place of one of these broken-off branches of the various tribes. By the time the Gospel age shall have finished its work, a Spiritual Israel will have been found--“a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people,” (Page 67).
Under the heading the “Great Company” Russell further clarified the WT position:
“At the first advent spiritual Israel was started with those of each tribe who were Israelites indeed in whom there was no guile. There were not enough of these to fill the elect number, 144,000, and hence the Gospel call was extended to the Gentiles to bring in from the Gentiles a sufficient number to complete 12,000 to each tribe.”[5]
Incredibly Russell takes His literal interpretation relating to the sealing of 144,000 Jews, then spiritualises the number by claiming God could not locate enough faithful Jews and thus the shortfall was to be made up by Gentiles. This gathering of the “remnant” is a predominate feature of early WT theology. Russell’s adherents viewed him as the Laodicean messenger “calling” the remnant Church out from Christendom.
Herein we trace the WT theological development of the “144,000” starting from early literal formulations in 1880 to the codification of the doctrine which persists to the present. In summary the WT teaches:
1) The 144,000 are a literal number of elite Christians.
2) The 144,000 are made up of Jew & Gentile.
3) The 144,000 are chosen from earth to form a heavenly “Government” to rule over earth’s inhabitants[6] in the “Kingdom of God”.
4) The 144,000 are synonymous with the “little flock” (Luke 12:32).
5) Only the 144,000 are spirit anointed or “born again”
In Russell’s soteriology only 144,000 are predestined to salvation. We may well ask is this salvation secure? Russell explains:
“He [God] clearly intimates that unfaithfulness will cause that the crown set apart for the faithful [144,000] will, if he prove unfaithful, be given to another.—Rev. 3:5,11.”[7]
“The faithful class is pictured to us in Revelation 7:3,4 and 14:1-5. These are the 144,000 who have the Father’s name in their foreheads. They sing the new song, which none can sing but these 144,000. Oh, we long to be among them! We cannot afford to be anywhere else. The outcome is all in our own hands whether we succeed or fail, after God has given us His Holy Spirit. It will be our own fault if we miss the Kingdom.”[8]
Thus each member of the 1444,000 must prove themselves worthy by works. How then could such ones be eternally predestined and eternally saved? They cannot and are not. This notion plays into the hands of the WT leadership in that any of the 144,000 who leave the organization, just like unfaithful Jews of the past, need replacing. Hence even today young people are still partaking of the emblems claiming they are replacements for a previously unfaithful 144,000 member!
This works oriented salvation promoted by the Watchtower emphatically denies the biblical doctrine of salvation by faith alone. Paul actually declared:
“For by grace you have[9] been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. (ESV).
The natural consequence of creating an elite class of 144,000 heavenly Christians is to separate mankind into two classes, heavenly class and earthly class. In turn this limited view of salvation paints “nominal Christians”[10] outside of the Watchtower organization as false:
“Christendom” today–the vast, vast majority of professed followers of Christ are strangers to the truth, but thoroughly familiar with the fictions of human invention –“traditions of the elders,” which “make void the Word of God.” It is in full accord with this that the angel declares to the Revelator that no man can learn to sing this song except the elect–the 144,000, the “little flock.” (Rev. 14:3.)”[11]
Russell like so many false teachers suggests that he alone has the “truth” and all other views are “fictions of human invention”. We can see here how Russell percieves himself and his followers as the only ones who can “sing the song of the 144,000”. Russell’s insistence that planet “earth” will exist forever plays into the hands of his elitist heavenly ideology. For if earth remains forever, inhabited by adamic humans then naturally a ruling class must exist – hey presto the 144,000! – and guess what Russell is one of them!
However, Russell died in 1916. Up to his death he believed that mankind had entered the Great tribulation and that the Millennium was soon to be established. However with the passing of time beyond 1918, history itself plainly testifies that Russell’s forty years of prophetic speculations amounted to naught. Russell’s “Divine plan” had miserably failed. Honest, Godly reflection should have brought deep repentance and contrition from the WT leadership, however, honest assessment of failures are not a trait of the WT society – they have a different agenda.
As the decades passed the second president J.F. Rutherford decided to move the prophetic goal posts[12]. In his historic book “Salvation”[13] a “textbook for the Jonadab’s” Rutherford expanded on the idea of an earthly company of “good people” who, while not destined to rule in heaven, were being called to make up a “new earth”. It was thus perceived that the end had not come in 1914 because the ingathering of the Jonadab class was still future. Obviously this gave impetuous to the WT evangelists who now moved their attention from gathering the remnant 144,000 to gathering the Jonadab’s who incidentaly are without number.
By the 1930’s the WBTS was heralded as the “City of refuge” the “Mother Organization”. In the book “Salvation” Rutherford uses various types and antitypes to drive home his views. He wrote:
“The “other sheep”…the Jonadab’s the people of goodwill…have fled to the city of refuge the Lord Jesus and his capital organization…the direct command to the Jonadab’s to take up the glad message of the Kingdom and join the remnant of Jehovah’s witnesses” [144,000] [14]
Thus Rutherford postulated that the Great Crowd or Jonadab’s made up the “other sheep” class who were to be gathered to help the “144,000 – little flock” thus playing a supportive role to the remnant “anointed” class. Their reward for loyalty and obedience would be salvation from annihilation at Armageddon and the opportunity[15] for “life everlasting” in the New World order.
The modern WT publication “Organized to do Jehovah’s will” highlights further the development of this two-fold system which over time has resulted in a totalitarian control of members by the enigmatic “144,000” also known as the “faithful slave”.
“The faithful steward/slave…must symbolise the composite body of Christ’s spirit anointed footstep followers who live on earth at any given time…the [faithful] slave serves as God’s instrument to gather into association with the congregation “a great crowd”…who will survive the great tribulation”[16]
Interestingly the WT taught that only members of the “144,000” could serve in the highest echelons of their ecclesiastical system. However over time this requirement has been dropped and today members of the “other sheep” or “Great Crowd” serve as close “helpers” to the Governing Body. The WT explains:
“The year 1992 saw still another refinement, one that is comparable to what happened after the Israelites and others returned from exile in Babylon. Back at that time, there were not a sufficient number of Levites to care for temple service. So non-Israelite Nethinim were given more to do in helping the Levites. Accordingly, to assist the faithful and discreet slave class in caring for its increasing earthly interests, in 1992 some of the “other sheep” received added service responsibilities. They were appointed as helpers to the Governing Body committees.” (Watchtower article “Walking in the path of increasing light” February 15th 2006).
This is an ironic move as the whole point of limiting the inner circle to members of the 144,000 was because they were supposedly in closer relationship with Jesus viz. being part of the New covenant. The rhetorical excuse is that Jehovah is training “other sheep” to replace the “anointed class” ready for world domination. The WT is riddled with similar inconsistency’s, which are brushed aside, by spin-doctors and clever rhetoric.
Interestingly in the May 1st 2007 WT the publishers blur the differences between the “Great Crowd” and the “Anointed” – Quote: “They (the anointed) do not believe that their being of the anointed gives them special “insights,” beyond what even some experienced members of the great crowd may have. They do not believe that they necessarily have more holy spirit than their companions of the other sheep have; nor do they expect special treatment or claim that their partaking of the emblems places them above the appointed elders in the congregation.”
What a curious statement? The “Anointed” have no more “Holy Spirit” than some of the “experienced, Great Crowd” class. Could this be a way of slowly slipping members of the Great Crowd class into ever higher positions of authority? After all once all the anointed have died off who replaces them? On the other hand according to the May 1st 2007 WT article there will always be new “anointed” ones appearing to replace unfaithful “anointed ones” – a convenient loophole to maintain absolute power at the top.
In JW circles to meet a person who belongs to the 144,000/anointed Class is a great honor and privilege. By “anointed” I mean a person who is genuinely believed by fellow JW’s to be of the heavenly calling. They are normally elderly people who have served the society faithfully for decades. Many times I have heard stories about how “spiritual” these “anointed” are, which for me raises the question of idolatry? Contrastingly younger people who claim to be of this class are usually marginalised as deluded. Why? Because young people claiming to be anointed does not comply with WT policy.
Sadly, for the average JW member the highest hope they have is to, maybe, if they are faithful, survive Armageddon. Never is a JW presented the hope of heaven. Newly interested ones are told early in their studies that the 144,000 Class is sealed and the door was closed back in the 1930’s. However over time it became necessary to revise this “closed door” statement. Today the WT teaches that anointed ones will continue to appear. Why? – to replace formally unrepentant unfaithful anointed ones (see May 1st 2007 WT). However generally speaking new members are naturally seen as part of the earthly class (that’s why young members who claim to be of the 144,000 are dissuaded from that position). The seeds of dissuasion are sown early. Those teaching new students allude to the fact they can never be “born again” after all its the wrong time in History! I recall when I asked the question “how do I know if I’m born-again“? – I was told I would “just know at baptism“. I expected great things on the day of my JW Baptism! but all I got was wet, I felt nothing, thus I concluded I was not “born-again” and resigned myself to life on earth – if I was good enough.
The terrible result is that when a JW reads the NT documents he/she interprets these as having been written primarily for the 144,000 NOT for them personaly. Only in a secondary way does the NT relate to those of the “Great crowd” and interpretation is seen to be the sole privilege of the 144,000, or more precisely those at the very top of the power structure i.e the “Governing Body”. Independent study is frowned upon and oftentimes tantamount to heresy. This keeps all nominal members in check as they each tow the party line.
This cosmic chasm between the 144,000 and “Great crowd” classes can be highlighted during the annual celebration of the last supper, known to JW’s as “Memorial” – or in church language communion. During the ceremony both the bread and wine are passed from member to member without any participation. No member of the “Great crowd” partakes of the emblems; they are not seen to be in the new covenant. Can you believe that millions of JW’s each year “let Jesus pass bye” – they just pass him bye. Thank the LORD that we are seeing more and more witnesses get free of this jejune hoax.
Please note the disparity between the elite 144,00 and those on earth. The WT teaches that the 144,000 become immortal “divine spirit creatures” at death, whereas those destined to a life on earth inherit through obedience “everlasting life”. This “everlasting life” is not immortality and thus not eternally secure. Rather everlasting life on earth is dependent on everlasting obedience. While witnesses believe they can attain to human perfection this is gradual process accomplished at the end of the Millennium. That means 1,000 years of walking on egg shells! No slip-ups or “Zap” your annihilated! The most distressing thing of all is that according to this teaching those who live eternally on earth will never see the face of their savior, the earthly class are eternally cut off from the Lord Jesus, they have no personal relationship with him, they will never see him “face to face”. What a tragic and diabolical consequence of false teaching.
WHO ARE BORN AGAIN?
This really leads us to the question of “being born again” Is this spiritual rebirth limited to the 144,000 “anointed” class as Russell and his subsequent followers claim? Are the 144,000 predestined to rule over an everlasting earth inhabited by perfect but mortal humans? Is this Gods great plan of redemption?
Let us go back to Jesus words to Nicodemus.
John 3:3-7 “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.‘”
My focus here is on the term “born again”. I don’t want to get bogged down here with terminology. Christians reading this essay will differ in eschatological perspective. Therefore some Christians will understand the Kingdom to be fully realized in the present age, while others will view the Kingdom as inaugurated but yet future. Whichever view you take does not really matter because ALL Christians agree on the mechanism for salvation and all Christians agree that the number called is unspecified. This is at odds with the Watchtowers teaching so we need to examine the pericope to ascertain who is right.
Nicodemus was told he could not see, let alone enter the Kingdom, unless he was “Born again”. The JW’s will emphasize the Kingdom is heavenly and thus limited to the 144,000. They would argue that God’s plan is to restore the earth and fill it with faithful humans thus earth needs rulers and these rulers are limited in number to the 144,000. Notice the logic of the argument. They have already laid out their presuppositions, namely that God’s plan is to restore the earth, and therefore logic determines their theological conclusions. A two-tier system is the only solution and this interpretation fits into the Watchtowers historical meta-narrative acting as a self-affirming illusion.
Let us quickly debunk this argument. The Bible is clear that Adamic sin has entered the human race (Romans 5:12) and the result is death. Redemption from Sin is offered to all humans who put faith in Jesus Christ. In other words not only was Jesus showing Nicodemus he must be born again, but that all who claim to follow Jesus must be born again.
That begs the question; Are the so-called anointed class of 144,000 truly “born-again”? I do not hesitate to conclude they are not. How can I be so sure? Because they simply do not know Jesus. If they were truly born of the Spirit then the Holy Spirit would confirm in their hearts Jesus deity, they would proclaim him as LORD (YHWH) yet they deny this fundamental truth. Secondly we would see true fruit both morally and spiritually. The reality is those of the 144,000 still need salvation! They are still as Paul put it “living in the flesh”. The 144,000 may partake of the emblems once a year but in affect they are worshipping a false “Jehovah” – they are as Walter Martin once said “serving Jehovah of the Watchtower” not the Jehovah of the Bible.
Let us remind ourselves of Jesus invitation;
John 3:15-18 “that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
Joh 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Whoever believes has eternal life! Who are the “whoever’s”? Are the “Whoever’s” limited to 144,000? The Greek word Jesus uses is: πᾶς: ‘any, anyone, anything.’[17] The language in no way limits the invitation of heavenly life to 144,000. Rather Jesus tells all who will put faith in Him:
John 6:47 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever (: πᾶς: ‘any, anyone, anything) believes has eternal life.”
Likewise Paul never limits salvation to 144,000, nor does he teach about two classes of believers. Rather Paul explains that all who believe are justified by faith.
Romans 3:22-24 “through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”
Notice Paul said there is “no distinction” surely this suggests that no distinction exists between a heavenly and earthly class? Rather, salvation is a gift of grace secured by Jesus death, burial and resurrection for all who would believe.
1Timothy 4:9-10 “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”
Paul also makes clear that pseudo-Christians will rise up as enemies of the cross. He warns that such false teachers will have their hearts and minds set on the earth, whereas those who are truly born-again look to glorification and immortality as a citizens of heaven:
Philippians 3:18-21 “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
So to be born-again is to receive by faith the glorious free gift of eternal life. Re-birth takes us from darkness to light; we are immediately transferred into the Kingdom of God. Calvin called this “unio mystica” or a mystical union. Our union is with Christ through the Holy Spirit. This union furnishes the basis for union with all believers who form part of the family of God. No earthly organization or false doctrine can dislocate us from this union, for Christ unites us supernaturally with himself. Every true believer is part of the New covenant.
Rom 8:1-9; 15-17 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God[18]. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Hallelujah! Thank you Lord for this truth, which slays the erroneous teachings of the Watchtower!
WHO ARE THE 144,000?
But how are we to understand the 144,000? Who are they? Well we can categorically say they are NOT a élite heavenly class. The interpretive options are two-fold and depend on your hermeneutical approach and theological presuppositions.
If your hermeneutical approach is to read the pericope literally then the 144,000 are literal Jews who make up a literal restoration of Israel at the eschaton (cf. Genesis 13:15, Matt 19:28, Acts 1:6-8, Romans chapter 11). Or if your hermeneutical approach to the pericope is allegorical then the 144,000 can be interpreted as representative of the complete universal “Church” or “Spiritual Israel”. Whichever view you hold the point to remember is that the 144,000 are NOT a élite heavenly class as taught by the Watchtower.
Finally what of the Watchtowers syllogism – the claim that God’s divine plan involves preserving planet earth forever? The orthodox understanding from scripture is that both the earth and the cosmos will be “burnt up” giving way to “New heavens & a New earth”.
2 Peter 3:10, 12-14 “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”
Rev 21:1 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more”
How exactly this will play out in the divine drama remains to be seen. The point to remember is that God’s plan is to reconcile his lost children to himself through his son. God wants fellowship restored with his children! In stark contrast the Watchtower by shifting the emphasis from heaven to earth actually teaches a type of eternal separation from Jesus not in Hell but on planet earth! How pathetic is this “strange doctrine” which would attempt to separate us from our beloved Jesus.
So to summarize the scriptural position:
1) To be “born-again” into the Family of God is not limited to 144,000 people but encompasses an unspecified number which God alone knows. Rebirth is a supernatural transaction between God and the individual Christian and is not dependent on works. (John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:3-5, 23; Romans 8)
2) The Bible does not teach a two-tier salvation where the majority live on earth eternally. According to scripture the current cosmos will give way to a “New Heavens & a New Earth” at the end of the age. (Isaiah 34:4, 51:6; Revelation 6:14, 21:1; 2 Peter 3:10-14)
3) Whoever “believes” in Jesus as Lord and Savior receives the free gift of eternal life in heaven, indeed wherever Jesus resides, is where his saints will be gathered. (John 3:15-18, 36, 6:47; Romans 3:22-24; Philippians 3:18-21; Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 3:1, 12:22-24; Ephesians 2:18-22)
4) The 144,000 can be exegeted as 144,000 literal Jews or symbolic of the universal Church (Spiritual Israel). (Revelation 7:4-8, 14:1-3)
I hope you have found this survey helpful. I have only really scratched the surface and I would encourage you to plumb the depths further.
Brethren let us pray for the equipping of the saints in the battle for the mind, hearts and souls of the lost, in particular Jehovah’s Witnesses. May the LORD empower us by his Spirit to help us engage the lost with the true Gospel. May we collectively pray for the LORDS guiding hand and for his will to be done.
Lord we pray that those trapped in the Watchtower each receive a divine touch from you the King of glory – that alone sets one free unto salvation. Amen, Amen.
God bless – Shalom – Jason Wright
[1] This is the earliest reference I could find but their maybe earlier ones?
[2] I could not locate a name, only the initials of the writer. However this article is a good example of how interactive and open the early WT magazines were to theological discussion among the “Bible students”.
[3] Amillennialism.
[4] This interpretation is not dissimilar to the theological position of dispensational Christians, however it should be noted that Russell’s theology is derived from formulations made by William Miller as opposed to Nelson Darby. C.T Russell also believed that fleshly Israel would be restored to Palestine in 1914 after 2,520 years of punishment, Jerusalem being the capital of the millennial age. Note also the early watchtowers were entitled “Zions Watchtower” hinting at Russell’s Zionist position.
[5] SEMI-MONTHLY. VOL. XXV. OCTOBER 15, 1904 No. 20. Page 314.
[6] Russell’s soteriology asserted that Jesus as the second Adam had purchased, through his ransom sacrifice, the opportunity of everlasting life. He called this the “trial for life” In other words the Millennial age would give opportunity to both Armageddon survivors and the resurrected dead to prove by works their worthiness to receive everlasting life.
[7] VOL. XXI. FEBRUARY 1, 1900. No. 3. “The New Song of Moses and the Lamb” Page 37.
[8]VOL. XXXVII JULY 15 No. 14 1916 “Careless ones unfit for the Kingdom” Page 213.
[9] Second person plural present indicative of G1510; ye are: – be, have been, belong. Thus, the work of salvation is completed by God, not ourselves.
[10] Herein lies a warning for all Christians to be very careful not to fall into the trap of accusing brethren of being “unsaved”. Sectarianism is to be avoided in the body of Christ. Saved Christians in my opinion are spread throughout the body of Christ and are representative in all denominations. No one group represents the “true Church” for the true Church is a spiritual entity.
[11] Ibid., Page 37.
[12] Much of Russell 1800’s chronology was abandoned including zionism. The date of Jesus invisible return was moved from 1874 to 1914, and the terminus date for Armageddon i.e 1914 was now heralded as beginning the last days. Emphasis thus shifted to collecting from the nations the “Jonadab’s” or “great crowd” The end had not come because more work was yet to be done!
[13]“Salvation” by J F Rutherford, 1939.
[14] Ibid., page 167-168.
[15] Russell termed this opportunity the “Trial for life” thus everlasting life was dependent on abject obedience in contrast to salvation by faith alone.
[16] Organized to do God’s will, WBTS 2005, page 16.
[17] Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1: Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (596). New York: United Bible Societies.
[18] Jehovah’s Witness remain unsaved walking in the “Flesh”
Source:
https://watchtowerinvestigated.wordpress.com/2013/11/14/the-jehovahs-witness-view-of-being-born-again-the-doctrine-of-the-144000-by-jason-wright/amp/
Thursday, December 27, 2018
The Preacher: Why Even Go to Church? The Truth About Those Sunda...
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The Preacher: Prepare for 2019, "Year of harvest "- Archbishop D...
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The Preacher: He teaches Bible Knowledge but does not know Jesus...
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The Preacher: Fallen from grace
The Preacher: Fallen from grace: "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace." Gal. 5:4 Fallen ...
The Preacher: THE BATTLE of THE HOLY GHOST and THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Preacher: THE BATTLE of THE HOLY GHOST and THE HOLY SPIRIT: Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I wish to address the issue of Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit. Many have propounde...
The Preacher: HOLY SPIRIT is 100% GOD not an ACTIVE FORCE
The Preacher: HOLY SPIRIT is 100% GOD not an ACTIVE FORCE: In Matt. 18:20 , the Bible says "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.". It ...
The Preacher: The Preacher: DON'T BE DECEIVED, COMMUNION IS NOT ...
The Preacher: The Preacher: DON'T BE DECEIVED, COMMUNION IS NOT ...: The Preacher: DON'T BE DECEIVED, COMMUNION IS NOT FOR ONLY 144,0... : Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen There has bee...
The Preacher: Lay hands on the sick
The Preacher: Lay hands on the sick: “To say that we cannot lay hands on the sick today is to say that one of the fundamental principles of the doctrine of Christ has been do...
Lay hands on the sick
“To say that we cannot lay hands on the sick today is to say that one of the fundamental principles of the doctrine of Christ has been done away with. If laying on of hands for healing has been done away with, no one would have a right to believe in the doctrine of repentance. I'm not going to take anything away from the doctrine of Christ. I believe all of it. I am a follower of Christ. I am a stickler for the doctrine of Christ. And one of the doctrines is laying on of hands.” - Kenneth E. Hagin
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Gratitude :The Brain's Amazing Fertilizer
Gratitude: The Brain’s Amazing Fertilizer
By Charles Stone -
I live in Canada and we celebrated Thanksgiving in October while the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving in November. Although a few other countries celebrate similar holidays, Canada and the U.S. make a big deal of it. Many people in both countries approach Thanksgiving with a desire to be more grateful, at least on those holidays. It’s great that we highlight gratefulness through a holiday, but did you know that gratitude is actually good for your brain and your body? Consider what science has discovered about this amazing brain fertilizer.
Gratefulness…
Can give you more energy. In one research study participants kept a daily journal listing what they were grateful for. Another group recorded what annoyed them. Those who kept a ‘gratefulness’ journal had more energy and enthusiasm and were happier than the other group (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
Can help you become more other-centered. In a study by the same researchers, participants also daily journaled what they were grateful for. In addition to similar results to the above cited study, they discovered an interesting side effect. Those in the ‘grateful’ group reported that they were more inclined to help others with a personal problem. They became what is called more “pro-social” (Emmons, 2006).
Can help you sleep better. Our brains and bodies need adequate sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep, our brains can’t consolidate our experiences from the day into our long term memory. So, without refreshing sleep, our memory and cognitive function suffers. A Chinese study discovered that not only did gratitude improve sleep, but decreased depression and indirectly lowered anxiety (Korb, 2012). So, start and end your day with a grateful heart for more rejuvenating sleep.
Can make you physically feel better. When we are grateful, we activate brain regions associated with the feel good transmitter, dopamine. Gratefulness also increases the mood neurotransmitter serotonin and the trust hormone, oxytocin. When dopamine is released, it evokes a “do that again” response. So, a grateful heart can feed on itself and help us want to repeat it. It’s called the ‘virtuous cycle.’ We simply have to start the process by choosing to be grateful.
Can help you become less materialistic. Several studies have shown that people with higher levels of gratitude are more likely to have lower than average traits of materialism (McCullough, 2002). This finding reminds of Jesus’ words, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20.35).
Can help combat negativity and the negative emotions that follow. Because our brain has five times more negative circuits than positive ones, we naturally tend to focus on the negative. It’s called the brain’s ‘negativity bias.’ When we are grateful it forces our brain to think about the positive. The Apostle Paul understood this when he wrote Phil. 4.8. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Not only does science speak to gratefulness, it also fills the pages of Scripture.
1Th. 5.16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Psa. 100.3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Col. 3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God
If you want to learn even more ab
Prepare for 2019, "Year of harvest "- Archbishop Duncan Williams
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