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Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-27-07 WT Study (April 15, 2007, pages 20-24)(CONGREGATION PRAISE JAH)Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
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LET THE CONGREGATION PRAISE JEHOVAH
"I will declare your name to my brothers; in the middle of the congregation I will praise you."-HEBREWS 2:12.
Opening Comments
When the WTS speaks of the “congregation” is it speaking of the Israelite nation, the first century congregation of only anointed Christian members, of the WTS group of “anointed” JWs or Christians in every group?
Notice how the WTS defines “Congregation of God.”
*** WTS Index 1930-85 Congregation of God ***
CONGREGATION OF GOD
(Also called 144,000; Anointed; Body of Christ; Bride of Christ; Chosen Ones; Elect; Holy Nation; Israel of God; Kingdom Class; Little Flock; New Creation; New Nation; Royal House; Royal Priesthood; Sanctuary Class; Sons of Levi; Spirit Begotten; Spiritual Israel; Spiritual Sons)
Where is the “great crowd” or “other sheep” in these descriptions?
*** Paradise Everlasting book (1989) chap. 14 pp. 125-126 Who Go to Heaven, and Why? ***
THE CONGREGATION OF GOD
17 The Bible tells us that Christ is the head of God’s congregation, and that its members are subject to Jesus. (Ephesians 5:23, 24) So the word “church,” or “congregation of God,” does not refer to some building. Rather, it refers to a group of Christians. (1 Corinthians 15:9) Today we may speak of the congregation of Christians with whom we associate. In the same way, we read in the Bible about “the congregation of the Laodiceans,” and, in the apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon, about “the congregation that [was in his] house.”—Colossians 4:16; Philemon 2.
18 However, when the Bible speaks of “the congregation of the living God,” it is referring to a particular group of Christ’s followers. (1 Timothy 3:15) They are also called “the congregation of the firstborn who have been enrolled in the heavens.” (Hebrews 12:23) So this “congregation of God” is made up of all Christians on earth who have the hope of heavenly life. In all, only 144,000 persons finally make up the “congregation of God.” Today only a few of these, a remnant, are still on earth. Christians who hope to live forever on earth look for spiritual guidance from members of this “congregation of the living God.” The Bible also refers to this congregation of 144,000 members by such terms as “the bride, the Lamb’s wife,” “the body of the Christ,” “the temple of God,” “the Israel of God,” and the “New Jerusalem.”—Revelation 21:9; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 6:16; Revelation 21:2.
Q1, 2) Why is the congregation so beneficial, and what is its key role?
1) Throughout history, individuals have found companionship and security within the basic family unit. However, the Bible identifies another unit in which count¬less individuals around the globe today are enjoying exceptional companionship and se¬curity. That is the Christian congregation. Whether you are part of a close, support¬ive family or not, you can and should ap¬preciate what God has provided through the congregation arrangement. Of course, if you already associate with a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, you can likely testify to the warm fellowship that you enjoy there and the sense of security that you have.
Countless individuals—only JWs
Exceptional companionship and security—implying that all other religions do not show companionship and security.
Think back to your days in the WTS group: if people needed food would the congregation bring it or would individuals do it; would the body of elders help those in need?
Christian congregation—only JWs and only “anointed” JWs
2) The congregation is no mere social group. It is not a community association or a club where people with a similar background or similar interests in a sport or a hobby come together. Rather, the congregation ar¬rangement is primarily for the praise of Jeho¬vah God. That has long been so, as the book of Psalms emphasizes. At Psalm 35:18, we read: "I will laud you in the big congregation; among a numerous people I shall praise you." Similarly, Psalm 107:31, 32 encourages us: "0 let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness and for his wonderful works to the sons of men. And let them extol him in the congregation of the people."
No mere social group—yet it is the forbidding of social association that is used to punish JWs who do not support every doctrine wrong or right put forth by the WTS.
For the praise of …God—Where’s Jesus in this picture? Is it no wonder that the general public do not think of JWs as Christians?
Didn’t the angels praise Jesus?
Didn’t the children praise Jesus?
And we can’t be praising Jesus too much!
*** re chap. 7 p. 36 Rekindle That First Love! ***In the songbook produced by Jehovah’s people in 1905, there were twice as many songs praising Jesus as there were songs praising Jehovah God. In their 1928 songbook, the number of songs extolling Jesus was about the same as the number extolling Jehovah. But in the latest songbook of 1984, Jehovah is honored by four times as many songs as is Jesus.
*** w89 11/1 p. 9 Christ’s Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem ***How vital is it that the crowds praise Jesus?
OT reference—Psalm
Q3) According to Paul, what does the congrega¬tion do?
3) The Christian apostle Paul highlight¬ed another essential role of the congregation when he referred to "God's household, which is the congregation of the living God, a pillar and support of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15) About which congregation was Paul speaking? In what ways does the Bible use the term "congregation"? And what bearing should this have on our life and prospects? To see, let us first examine uses of the term "congregation" in God's Word.
More specifically how does and has the WTS applied the term “congregation” in its literature and teachings.
*** w50 7/15 p. 214 par. 8 Organized Testimony to the New World ***
He has appointed Christ Jesus the Head of his visible organization and his associate interpreter for the organization, “an interpreter, one among a thousand.” (Job 33:23) So Jehovah’s visible organization under Christ is a channel for bringing the divine interpretation of his Word to his devoted people. What then? An organizational instrument must be provided to help all lovers of truth and life to gain a progressive understanding of God’s Word and for freeing themselves from all the confusing, faith-destroying religious doctrines and creeds of Christendom. Such an educational instrument this journal The Watchtower was meant to be and has proved to be. Not fettered by any man-made religious creed, it has been free to advance in the truth as the divine Interpreter has led the way by Jesus Christ.
http://www.premier1.net/~raines/newlight.html
Q4) How is the word "congregation" most often used in the Hebrew Scriptures?
4) The Hebrew word often translated "con¬gregation" is from a root meaning "call to¬gether" or "congregate." (Deuteronomy 4: 10; 9:10) The psalmist used "congregation" regarding the angels in heaven, and it can be used about a group of evil men. (Psalm 26:5; 89:5-7) However, most often the Hebrew Scriptures apply it to the Israelites. God indi¬cated that Jacob would "become a congrega¬tion of peoples," and that occurred. (Genesis 28:3; 35:11; 48:4) The Israelites were called out, or selected, to be "Jehovah's congrega¬tion," "the congregation of the true God." -Numbers 20:4; Nehemiah 13:1; Joshua 8: 35; 1 Samuel 17:47; Micah 2:5.
However, most often the Hebrew Scriptures apply it to the Israelites
Most often—but not always and only when the WTS “interprets” it.
But keep in mind who the WTS associate with the Israelites, the great crowd?
The Israelites were called out, or selected, to be "Jehovah's congrega¬tion
In the WTS doctrinal system, who is described as being “called out” or “selected,” the great crowd?
*** w06 7/1 p. 30 par. 19 Youths, Make It Your Choice to Serve Jehovah ***Young Israelites were born into that nation. Since Pentecost, Jehovah has a new “nation” on earth, spiritual Israel, “a people for his name.” (1 Peter 2:9, 10; Acts 15:14; Galatians 6:16)
Millions of people throughout the world, including many young ones, have become convinced that the anointed remnant of Jehovah’s Witnesses constitute that “righteous nation.”
Q5) What Greek word is usually translated "congre¬gation," and how can this word be applied?
5) The corresponding Greek word is ek•kle-si'a, from two Greek words meaning "out" and "call." It can be applied to a secular group, such as "the assembly" that Demetrius stirred up against Paul in Ephesus. (Acts 19:32, 39, 41) But the Bible generally uses it for the Christian congregation. Some trans¬lations render this word "church," but The Imperial Bible-Dictionary reports that it "nev¬er ... signifies the actual building in which Christians assembled for public worship." Interestingly, though, in the Christian Greek Scriptures, we find the word "congregation" applied in at least four different ways.
According to the WTS who only is really called out, the great crowd?
(Romans 1:6-7) 6 among which [nations] YOU also are those called to belong to Jesus Christ— 7 to all those who are in Rome as God’s beloved ones, called to be holy ones:. . .
Who is Paul talking about? The great crowd?
(1 Thessalonians 2:12) 12 to the end that YOU should go on walking worthily of God who is calling YOU to his kingdom and glory.
Notice how the WTS skillfully throws in a strawman statement regarding “church” and it not meaning “the actual building.”
[Picture on page 22] Jesus was the foundation of which congregation?
The Anointed Congregation of God
Q6) What did David and Jesus do in the congrega¬tion?
6) Applying David's words found at Psalm 22:22 to Jesus, the apostle Paul wrote: "`I will declare your name to my brothers; in the middle of the congregation I will praise you with song.' Consequently [Jesus] was obliged to become like his `brothers' in all re¬spects, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God." (Hebrews 2:12, 17) David had praised God in the midst of the congregation of an¬cient Israel. (Psalm 40:9) However, to what was Paul referring when he said that Jesus praised God "in the middle of the congrega¬tion"? Which congregation?
OT reference—Psalm 22:22
Was Paul speaking of the earthly Israelite nation, the one the WTS says was condemned when they killed Jesus and ended as a nation in 70 C.E. when the Romans destroyed them?
Q7) In what primary way do the Christian Greek Scriptures use the word "congregation"?
7) What we read at Hebrews 2:12, 17 is sig¬nificant. It shows that in an inclusive sense, Christ was a member of a congregation where he declared God's name to his broth¬ers. Who were those brothers? Those form¬ing part of "Abraham's seed," the spirit ¬anointed brothers of Christ, "partakers of the heavenly calling." (Hebrews 2:16-3:1; Matthew 25:40) Yes, the primary sense of "congregation" in the Christian Greek Scrip¬tures is the composite group of spirit-anointed followers of Christ. These 144,000 anointed ones constitute "the congregation of the firstborn who have been enrolled in the heavens."-Hebrews 12:23.
Are the great crowd really Christ’s brothers as the WTS interprets the Bible? Do the great crowd or “other sheep” ever attain that status of a “brother of Christ”?
Are they ever “adopted” into the family of God? If so, when according to the WTS interpretation?
*** w85 12/1 p. 18 pars. 19-20 Declared Righteous as a Friend of God ***19 Immediately after the Millennium, Christ will hand over to his Father a perfect human race. (1 Corinthians 15:28) “Satan will be let loose” for a decisive test of mankind. (Revelation 20:7, 8) The names of any who fail under test will not be “found written in the book of life.” They will symbolically be “hurled into the lake of fire,” which “means the second death.”—Revelation 20:15; 21:8.
20 Those who prove loyal to Jehovah will have their names indelibly written in the “book of life,” as being perfect in integrity and worthy of the right to everlasting life on earth. Jehovah himself will then declare them righteous in the complete sense. (Romans 8:33) They will have been justified to life eternal. God will adopt them as his earthly sons, and they will enter into the promised “glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:20, 21)
*** w90 5/15 p. 9 When Christ Arrives in Kingdom Power ***“Truly I say to you,” the King replies, “to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Christ’s brothers are the remaining ones on earth of the 144,000 who will rule with him in heaven. And doing good to them, Jesus says, is the same as doing good to him.
Q8) How did Jesus point forward to the formation of the Christian congregation?
8) Jesus indicated that this Christian "con¬gregation" was to be formed. About a year before his death, he told one apostle: "You are Peter, and on this rock-mass I will build my congregation, and the gates of Ha¬des will not overpower it." (Matthew 16:18) Both Peter and Paul correctly understood that Jesus himself was the foretold rock¬mass. Peter wrote that those who are built as "living stones" of a spiritual house on the rock-mass, Christ, were "a people for special possession [to] declare abroad the excellen¬cies" of the One who called them.-1 Peter 2: 4-9; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
Who are the living stones? The “great crowd” or only the “spirit-anointed” JWs?
*** w93 1/15 p. 26 par. 3 Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort ***These 144,000 sealed ones are “living stones” being “built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood.”—1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 7:4; 14:1.
Who were the “people for special possession”? The great crowd?
*** Man’s Salvation chap. 18 p. 347 par. 45 On Whose Side Are We When World Distress Climaxes? ***His “people for special possession,” the anointed remnant of spiritual Israel, along with the “great crowd” of God-fearing persons who do good to that “people for special possession.” (Revelation 11:18; 1 Peter 2:9)
Q9) When did the congregation of God begin to be formed?
9) When did this "people for special posses¬sion" begin to be formed into the Christian congregation? It was at Pentecost 33 C.E. when God poured out holy spirit on the dis¬ciples assembled in Jerusalem. Later that day, Peter gave a masterful discourse to a group of Jews and proselytes. Many were stabbed to the heart over Jesus' death; they repented and were baptized. We find in the historical report that three thousand did so, thereupon becoming part of the new and growing congregation of God. (Acts 2:1-4, 14, 37-47) It was growing because more and more Jews and proselytes accepted the fact that fleshly Israel was no longer the congre¬gation of God. Rather, anointed Christians constituting the spiritual "Israel of God" had become the true congregation of God.-Galatians 6:16; Acts 20:28.
Congregation began to be formed “at Pentecost 33 C.E. when God poured out holy spirit.”
Was the great crowd which did not exist then according to the WTS interpretation of the Bible, receive holy spirit at any time?
Could anyone become part of “the true congregation of God” without this anointing per the WTS?
Q10) What is Jesus' relationship to the congregation of God?
10) The Bible often makes a distinction be¬tween Jesus and the anointed ones, such as in the phrase "with respect to Christ and the congregation." Jesus is the Head of this con¬gregation of spirit-anointed Christians. Paul wrote that God "made [Jesus] head over all things to the congregation, which is his body." (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:23, 32; Colossians 1:18, 24) Today, there remains on earth only a small remnant of the anointed mem¬bers of this congregation. We can be sure, though, that their Head, Jesus Christ, loves them. His feelings toward them are de¬scribed at Ephesians 5:25: "Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it." He loves them because they actively offer to God "a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name," even as Jesus did when he was on earth.-Hebrews 13:15.
Today, there remains on earth only a small remnant of the anointed mem¬bers of this congregation.
So in the “PRIMARY” sense of the WTS interpretation only anointed members are part of the congregation and specifically only JWs.
How will the WTS integrate its interpretation of a two-tiered class of Christians to make the great crowd or other sheep feel they are part of the “true congregation” and before the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ where the quote above says that the other sheep are finally adopted as Christ’s brothers.
"Congregation"--In Other Senses
Q11) The Christian Greek Scriptures use "congrega¬tion" in what second way?
11) At times, the Bible uses the term "congregation" in a more limited or defined sense, not applying it to the entire group of 144,000 anointed ones making up "the con¬gregation of God." For instance, Paul wrote to one group of Christians: "Keep from be¬coming causes for stumbling to Jews as well as Greeks and to the congregation of God." (1 Corinthians 10:32) Obviously, if a Chris¬tian in ancient Corinth acted improperly, that might be a cause for stumbling to some. Would it, though, have the potential to stumble any and all Greeks, Jews, or anoint¬ed ones from that time down till today? Hardly. It thus seems that in this verse "the congregation of God" applies to Christians living at a certain time. Accordingly, one can speak of God's guiding, providing for, or blessing the congregation, meaning all Christians at a given time, wherever they are located. Or we can speak of the happiness and peace prevailing in God's congregation today, meaning among the whole Christian brotherhood.
Is Paul really speaking about some general congregation of God in 1 Corinthians 10:32? Doesn’t the WTS explain the congregation of God as being a cohesive group that starts in 33 C.E. and continues to exist down to this time? Is this a “generation of 1914” end run?
Q12) In what third sense is "congregation" used in the Bible?
12) A third way that the Bible uses "congre¬gation" applies to all Christians in a geographic area. We read: "The congregation through¬out the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria entered into a period of peace." (Acts 9:31) There was more than one group of Christians in that considerable area, but all of them in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria were spoken of as "the congregation." In view of the number baptized at Pentecost 33 C.E. and soon thereafter, there may even have been more than one group that regularly assem¬bled in the Jerusalem area. (Acts 2:41, 46, 47; 4:4; 6:1, 7) Heron Agrippa I ruled Judea until his death in 44 C.E., and it is clear from 1 Thessalonians 2:14 that at least by 50 C.E., there were a number of congregations in Ju¬dea. Thus, when we read that Herod was "mistreating some of those of the congre¬gation," it may refer to more than a sin¬gle group that gathered in Jerusalem.-Acts 12:1.
But weren’t all the Christians in a geographic area in Acts 9:31 anointed?
Another strawman statement, was the congregation only “a single group that gathered in Jerusalem”?
Q13) What is a fourth and common way that the Bi¬ble uses "congregation"?
13) Fourth, a still more limited and com¬mon use of the term "congregation" refers to Christians making up a single local congrega¬tion, such as in a home. Paul mentioned "the congregations of Galatia." There was more than one such congregation in that sizable Roman province. Paul twice used the plu¬ral "congregations" regarding Galatia, which would include those in Antioch, Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium. Qualified older men, or overseers, were appointed in these local con¬gregations. (1 Corinthians 16:1; Galatians 1:2; Acts 14:19-23) Scripturally, all those were "congregations of God."-1 Corinthians 11: 16; 2 Thessalonians 1:4.
But weren’t all the “Christians making up a single local congregation” anointed?
[Picture on page 23] Local groups of Christians met as "congregations of God"
Q14) What can we conclude from the use of "congre¬gation" in a few texts?
14) In some cases, the groups at Christian meetings must have been small, able to fit into a private home. Still, the expression "congregation" was applied to some such groups. Those that we know of were congre¬gations in the houses of Aquila and Prisca, Nympha, and Philemon. (Romans 16:3-5; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2) This should be a source of encouragement to local congrega¬tions today that are quite small and that may even meet regularly in a private home. Jeho¬vah recognized such small congregations in the first century, and he certainly does today, blessing them by means of his spirit.
In some cases, the groups at Christian meetings must have been small, able to fit into a private home. Still, the expression "congregation" was applied to some such groups
But weren’t all the “groups at Christian meetings” anointed?
Congregations Praise Jehovah
Q15) How was the operation of holy spirit manifest¬ed in some early congregations?
15) We noted that in fulfillment of Psalm 22: 22, Jesus praised God in the middle of the congregation. (Hebrews 2:12) His faithful followers were to do likewise. Back in the first century when true Christians were anointed by holy spirit to become sons of God and thus Christ's brothers, some received an ad-ditional, special operation of the spirit. They received miraculous gifts of the spirit. Some manifestations of such gifts were special speech of wisdom or knowledge, the power to heal or to prophesy, or even the ability to make utterances in tongues unknown to them.-1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
True Christians—even today interpreted by the WTS as meaning only JWs
Sons of God and thus Christ’s brothers—when does the great crowd or other sheep become sons of God and thus Christ’s brothers?
Some received an additional, special operation of the spirit…miraculous gifts of the spirit…power to heal or to prophesy….tongues.
Why is the WTS bringing in this point of not ALL the anointed receiving miraculous gifts? Could it be that the WTS shows no evidence today of having received holy spirit in the way the true Christian congregation did in 33 C.E.?
Q16) What was one objective of miraculous gifts of the spirit?
16 Regarding speaking in a tongue, Paul said: "I will sing praise with the gift of the spirit, but I will also sing praise with my mind." (1 Corinthians 14:15) He saw the importance of others' understand¬ing his words and thus being instructed. It was Paul's goal to praise Jehovah in the congregation. He urged others who had the gifts of the spirit: "Seek to abound in them for the upbuilding of the congrega¬tion," meaning the local con¬gregation where they manifest¬ed the gift. (1 Corinthians 14:4, 5, 12, 23) Clearly, Paul was inter¬ested in the local congregations, knowing that in each of them, Christians would have opportunities to praise God.
He (Paul) say the importance of others’ understanding his words and thus being instructed.
Do you think JWs today have understood the words of the WTS when they said the “superior authorities” were the secular authorities up until 1929 and then changed it to Jesus and God and then in 1962 changed it back to secular authorities?
Organ transplants
Okay—1967
DF offense—1967-1980
Okay—1980 till now
People of Sodom and Gomorrah resurrected, then not, then yes, then not…
Should a woman who is being raped scream or be liable to disfellowshipping, yes, no, yes, no…
[Picture on page 24] Like Christians in Benin, we can praise Jehovah among the congregated throngs
Q17) As to local congregations today, of what can we be certain?
17) Jehovah continues to use and support his congregation. He is blessing the compos¬ite group of anointed Christians on earth to¬day. This can be seen from the rich supply of spiritual food that God's people enjoy. (Luke 12:42) He is blessing the worldwide brother¬hood as a whole. And he is blessing the local congregations, where we praise our Creator by our actions and upbuilding spiritual com¬ments. There we receive education and train¬ing so that we can praise God in other settings, when we are not physically in the midst of our local congregation.
Support his congregation—only the anointed, Christ’s brothers—Isn’t this Christ’s congregation? Are the anointed Christians or JWs?
Anointed Christians—only anointed JWs
Worldwide brotherhood—only JWs
Local congregations—only JWs
Q18, 19) What do devoted Christians in any local congregation want to do?
18) Recall that the apostle Paul urged Chris¬tians in the local congregation in Philippi, Macedonia: "This is what I continue praying, that [you] may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God's glory and praise." That would include their speak¬ing to others, to outsiders, about their faith in Jesus and their wonderful hope. (Philippi¬ans 1:9-11; 3:8-11) Accordingly, Paul urged fellow Christians: "Through [Jesus] let us al¬ways offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declara¬tion to his name."-Hebrews 13:15.
Urged (anointed) Christians in the local congregation (of anointed Christians)
19) Do you find delight in praising God "in the middle of the congregation," as Jesus did, and in using your lips to praise Jehovah before those who have yet to come to know and praise him? (Hebrews 2:12; Romans 15: 9-11) To some degree, our personal answer may depend on how we feel about the role of our local congregation in God's purpose. In the following article, let us consider how Je¬hovah is directing and using our local con¬gregation and what its role should be in our lives today.
Do you find delight in praising God “in the middle of the congregation”
But what if you are not anointed and the congregation means the anointed?
Are JWs who say they have been out “preaching” but never seen doing so truly preaching? Those who never call back on placements or to continue conversations with those they talk to? Those who never call back on those who aren’t at home? Especially, when the WTS says that everyone does not have to receive a personal witness.
*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare Matthew 10:23.
Is the WTS finding that less and less are showing up for group meetings for WTS publication distribution? Are they finding more and more phantom hours being turned in? Because they are not finding DELIGHT in this?
Do You Recall?
• How did "the congregation of God," made up of anointed Christians, come to be?
• What are three additional ways that the Bible uses the term "congrega¬tion"?
• Regarding the congregation, what did David, Jesus, and first-century Christians want to do, and how should this affect us?
Concluding Comments
This is a segue article…without any substance…just a lead into how the elders are the congregation and how every individual JW must support it.
Sounds like attendance and participation are dropping.
I have improved some but many of you know that you gain in one area and lose in another. I am thankful for my supportive husband and all the fine comments from you here on JWD and other DBs I visit.
While leaving the WTS we may have gone on to different beliefs, we still have in common our WTS experience and can share how we coped or are still coping with the spiritual injury done to us by their lies.
My hubbie will be planting more flowers. It is still a challenge to find those that aren’t blown over by the wind or roasted by the western sun.
It’s a 3-day weekend for many or most in the US. Yay!
Love, Blondie (I had to put this back into Notepad again to be able to post)
