I don't think they'd reprise the pre-1960s teaching as well (which was partly based on Paul's tendency to sometimes refer to Jesus as "the Christ"). But adding the "the" is significant, as it is the first time (at least since 1950) that they've talked about following "the Christ". Instead, they've always talked about following Jesus or following Christ (in addition to following God and following Jehovah). So I wonder if there is a reason for this novel expression that will have prominance as the convention theme.
"Follow the Christ " conventions...is it me?
by Gordy 57 Replies latest jw friends
-
-
InquiryMan
And I wonder how they would translate this into languages that do not have the possibility of adding the definite article to this title in a natural way. In such languages it will most likely be translated into a term equivalent with "Follow Christ".
-
AK - Jeff
These few paragraphs sum up the way they will instruct the Jw's on how to "Follow the Christ";
This was taken from the 9-15-2005 Watchtower article "Go on Walking and Jesus Christ Walked" Page 21,22
ChristLeadsHisFollowersHow
5
Before ascending to heaven, the resurrected Jesus Christ appeared to his disciples and assigned them an important work. He said: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations." On that occasion the Chief Leader also promised to be with them as they fulfill this assignment, saying: "Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things." (Matthew 28:19, 20) How is Jesus Christ with his followers in this time of the conclusion of the system of things?6
"The helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name," said Jesus, "that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you." (John 14:26) The holy spirit, sent in Jesus’ name, guides and strengthens us today. It enlightens us spiritually and helps us to understand "even the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10) Moreover, the godly qualities of "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control" are "the fruitage of the spirit." (Galatians 5:22, 23) With the help of the holy spirit, we can cultivate these qualities.7
As we study the Scriptures and endeavor to apply what we learn, Jehovah’s spirit helps us to grow in wisdom, discernment, understanding, knowledge, judgment, and thinking ability. (Proverbs 2:1-11) Holy spirit also helps us to endure temptations and trials. (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13) Christians are exhorted to ‘cleanse themselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness.’ (2 Corinthians 7:1) Can we really measure up to God’s requirement of holiness, or cleanness, without the help of the holy spirit? One of the means Jesus uses to lead us today is the holy spirit, which Jehovah God has authorized his Son to employ.—Matthew 28:18.8
Consider another means by which Christ leads the congregation today. Commenting on his presence and the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus said: "Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings."—Matthew 24:3, 45-47.9
The "master" is Jesus Christ. The "slave" is the group of anointed Christians on earth. This slave class is entrusted with caring for Jesus’ earthly interests and with providing timely spiritual food. A small group of qualified overseers from among the composite "faithful and discreet slave" form the Governing Body, serving as the representative of the slave class. They direct the worldwide Kingdom-preaching work and the supplying of spiritual nourishment at the right time. Christ thus leads the congregation by means of the spirit-anointed "faithful and discreet slave" and its Governing Body.10
Still another manifestation of Christ’s leadership are the "gifts in men"—Christian elders, or overseers. They have been given "with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ." (Ephesians 4:8, 11, 12) Concerning them, Hebrews 13:7 states: "Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith." The elders take the lead in the congregation. Since they imitate Christ Jesus, their faith becomes worthy of imitation. (1 Corinthians 11:1) We can show our gratitude for the elder arrangement by being obedient and submissive to these "gifts in men."—Hebrews 13:17.11
Yes, Jesus Christ leads his followers today through the holy spirit, "the faithful and discreet slave," and the congregation elders. Our walking as Christ walked involves understanding his way of leading and submitting to it. It also requires that we imitate his manner of walking. "To this course you were called," wrote the apostle Peter, "because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely." (1 Peter 2:21) In what way should following Jesus’ perfect model affect us?They make the same sickening leap from, this is what we say that Jesus is doing [with little or no scriptural proof thereof], and this is how you imitate him - by obedience to the slave and the GB. Nothing will change - they are just using Christ like they always did, to get obedience for themselves.
Jeff
-
Mary
Gordy asked: Looking at the convention invitation,. Does anyone get the feeling this is a ploy by the WT to project themselves as "Christian".
It's a feeble attempt that's for sure. Anyone wanna see the program? Here it is. It was on the back of the June Awake! Take note of Saturday afternoon's rant that I underlined. Hmmm.....something tells me the words 'apostate' and 'internet' are going to be highlighted:
-
Jeffro
Leolaia put it well, though most adherents of the 'JW's aren't Christian' rhetoric will have missed the point.
Their publications have indeed always promoted them as a Christian religion; they have said "follow Jesus" and "follow Christ" quite a lot - even more than "follow Jehovah", and their beliefs are plainly Christian, regardless of how incorrect their own beliefs, or those of other Christian religions, may be.
But no, they probably won't revert to the 'Christ' = 'anointed' thing. -
carla
I adhere to the 'jw's are not Christian' thinking, how will they get around Jesus is Michael/angel thing in a public venue? If any outsiders attend.
-
InquiryMan
Funny the drama is not from at least NT backdrop. Instead another OT dramatization.
-
heathen
how will they get around Jesus is Michael/angel thing in a public venue?
I bet they don't even mention the jesus is Michael the archangel dogma at the convention. They are probly hoping to get people that don't know about it to at least investigate the convention , just using the name christ or jesus is sure lure some newbies in .
-
sass_my_frass
It's a big hint that the convention isn't called "Follow Jesus" or "Follow The Example of Jesus" or "Follow Jesus Christ". The Christ will turn out to be Jesus married to the governing body, with the GB as the living voice, or something. Keep em bored and bewildered for another year, that'll help.
-
Jeffro
It's a big hint that the convention isn't called "Follow Jesus" or "Follow The Example of Jesus" or "Follow Jesus Christ". The Christ will turn out to be Jesus married to the governing body, with the GB as the living voice, or something. Keep em bored and bewildered for another year, that'll help.
It is ignorant to imply that the JWs don't regard and promote Jesus as the Christ. Whether or not they happen to mention Jesus as Christ at that convention (though it is extraordinarily unlikely that they won't) is irrelevant, because they have elsewhere stated it innumerable times. Why not focus on the real problems with their religion instead of making up propaganda built on half-truths?
