We feel that "the hand on the shoulder" and "the knock on the door" could be imminent. Question - If we become a Christian rather than a JW how do we view Hebrews 10:23-25 "do not forsake the gathering of ourselves together....... as the day draws near". This is a question that is bugging us at the moment. How have ex JWs coped with this.
Do not forsake the gathering together ?
by KAYTEE 10 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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minimus
There's more ways to gather together than at Kingdom Halls. When Christians were in catacombs, where did they gather. When disciples were arrested and thrown in jail, where did they gather. Could this place be a gathering? Could 2 or more together be a gathering?
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SYN
Well, the day has been "drawing near" for over 2000 years now, so really, there's no rush.
Rather go out, get a brewskie, and enjoy your family instead of heckling about the Kingdom (TM).
Minimus: Theoretically, this place is more like a Convention where everyone can speak at once if they want to! We even have some Attendants here and there!
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Elsewhere
I think it's all Hocus-Pocus ... Jesus said "this generation will by no mean pass away until all these things occur ." Well, that was 2000 years ago. If that is not a failed prophecy, then what is?
I wouldn't worry about it.
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DazedAndConfused
Matthew 18:20
Jesus said:
"For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst."
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ozziepost
G'day Kaytee and welcome aboard!
Mrs Ozzie and I are very happy, no thrilled, exultant even! in celebrating in Christian freedom.
What does it mean for us? Well, we are free to gather together wherever others are gathered, and we do regularly. (That's why the Borg DA'd us!)
I was always troubled by that text when I was a Dub. You may find that strange since the WTS constantly uses it, but they use it to coerce the R&F to be at all five meetings. I used to sit in the Kingdom Hall and think "That doesn't make sense. The way the WTS interpret it, if they arranged ten meetings a week, they'd use the text to force attendance at all ten meetings. Likewise if they reduced the number of meetings to just one a week, they'd do the same."
"Whenever" you meet together, seems a much more logical reading of the text, don't you think?
Of course, the Borg would have you believe that you have to "belong" to an organisation, to have a relationship with it, whereas we've come to appreciate that the Bible doesn't speak in those terms, but instead a relationship with the Father is highlighted.
Nowadays, Mrs Ozzie and I mostly meet at one church, but do at times go to others. The thing is, it doesn't matter. Oh, the joy of freedom!
Cheers, Ozzie
Edited by - ozziepost on 8 September 2002 20:47:23
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hillary_step
Elsewhere,
I think it's all Hocus-Pocus ... Jesus said "this generation will by no mean pass away until all these things occur ." Well, that was 2000 years ago. If that is not a failed prophecy, then what is?
Unless he meant what he actually said, then it would become a remarkable prophecy outlining the coming destruction of Jerusalem.
As to Hebrews, in view of the persecution that the early Christians were undergoing at this time, coupled with the fact that they expected the dissolution of all things with Jerusalem's fall shortly to occur in 70CE, it is understandable that the purpose for meeting together was to instill courage in a complacent people. One thing is sure, the meeting suggested by Paul bears little resemblance to a JW meeting. I suspect that if the early Christians realized that their descendants would still be meeting together two thousand years later, they would have given up living and gone shopping instead.
Best - HS
Edited by - hillary_step on 8 September 2002 21:21:44
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ozziepost
One thing is sure, the meeting suggested by Paul bears little resemblance to a JW meeting.
Exactly!
...or perhaps we should say "NO resemblance"?
Cheers, Ozzie
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KAYTEE
It was very good to hear of your comments, thank you.
I thought that the comment made by Hillary-step re: christians around the 70ce time, was very interesting, and of course the two or more gathered together.
Thanks Mr & Mrs Oz, it was reassuring to hear your thoughts too.
best wishes from a worn out old pommie :)
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ISP
'as the day draws near'............LOL (written 2000years ago......need I say more?)
Do you really think Paul would be a Christian believing that now?
ISP