many people think those verses are suggesting that the wars, earthquakes, food shortages, etc are all a sign that the end is imminent.
however, a careful examination of the context seems to suggest that jesus was actually forewarning his followers not to draw such a conclusion from such events.
see this interesting article on the subject:.
Island Man,
I agree that the wars etc, were only the beginning of distress and not the "sign" of Jesus presence. Jesus himself indicated what the sign was later in the same chapter: "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory." Matthew 24:30
Pelican
It is obvious that marine life and land animals were created with the ability to kill for food and that among them are also those who do not kill but feed on vegetation. A nice mirror of mankind itself which not only feeds on meat but also his/her own kind, the human grazers.
The Genesis 1 account is a picture of a more perfect world where men and women are equal and where violence is absent. Not there yet.
Pelican
stressed again with my circumstances.
very tiresome, but i need to be positive.
are you an optimistic soul?
Hi Kate,
Positive Vibes to you from a woman who has been there. This may sound simplistic, because it is, but the simple things can sometimes bring a little sunshine into our bad days. I found myself totally down after leaving the Witnesses. Once while washing dishes and thinking about my life's problems I looked out the kitchen window and forced a big smile upon myself. That simple act brightened that moment and for me at that time one good moment ment so much to me.
Many here have sent little bits of sunshine your way, you are fortunate to have so many friends.
Pelican
of course we were all shamed for not having enough faith in god's spirit directed organization, the elder arrangement, the f&ds ....blah, blah, blah.. but what else is there?
.....another organization, faith in jehovah, faith in jesus, faith in the bible?
what precisely is the primary object of faith for a christian?.
Designs,
Jesus lowered the bar for unbelievers. He did not say that at his coming unbelievers who are adulterers or murderers etc, will not have life. No, the bar was lowered to common kindness. If an unbeliever has practiced a kindness, a human decency, then they have entrance into the kingdom. That small kindness stems from a good heart and it is good hearts that Christ is interested in.
The sheep and goats is a lesson nothing more. It does not condemn anyone only holds out hope for all but those who may not have enough compassion to even hold out a cup of water to a thirsting soul then they need to dig deep in their hearts and change that behavior before their heart becomes totally corrupted.
(I'm not sure about the posting limit but I may be reaching it soon. Just so you know.)
Pelican
of course we were all shamed for not having enough faith in god's spirit directed organization, the elder arrangement, the f&ds ....blah, blah, blah.. but what else is there?
.....another organization, faith in jehovah, faith in jesus, faith in the bible?
what precisely is the primary object of faith for a christian?.
Designs,
You refer to the sheep and goats illustration which quite clearly points out why the sheep will gain entrance to the kingdom and the goats will not. Again, plain and simple, the goats have no love for the poor, the sick, those in pain etc. It is love that counts. Who of us will pass by a man or woman dying of thirst while we ourselves are carrying a gallon of water? None here I'm sure!
All Christian religions would do well if they followed Christ and viewed Paul's writings as commentary for his day.
Pelican
of course we were all shamed for not having enough faith in god's spirit directed organization, the elder arrangement, the f&ds ....blah, blah, blah.. but what else is there?
.....another organization, faith in jehovah, faith in jesus, faith in the bible?
what precisely is the primary object of faith for a christian?.
Perry,
My thoughts:
The object of our Christian life is to imitate our Teacher, our Leader, the Son of God. Yes, putting faith or trust in him is vital but that is not the end of it only the beginning. Many "believe" but they do not DO what Jesus taught. Loving our Father and loving our neighbor, not being hypocrites, loving all people with no distinction or regard for their station in life or way of life. Jesus did not shun, he ate with so called sinners, women questioned him, sat as disciples along with the men, and so on. Christ invited and he loved. Inviting and loving...were two irresistible acts that caused love for Christ to spring up in the hearts of many.
It is LOVE that our Teacher taught, the foundation upon which our trust, out faith, in God and his Son is based. Many eat and drink his blood but that in itself means nothing if they do not love their neighbor, all their neigbors, and their enemies as well.
Pelican
i'm new to this site, but i have been following the topics for some time.
initially, it was during a deep search into the history of jehovah's witnesses, and yes, "apostate" sites.
i was born into the organization in 1989. my father was always more inclined to the organization than my mother, and soon after she was df'ed.
Hortenzie,
The NT does not put a time limit on the creation of new Christian congregations. But as you say, this is not the right thread.
Pelican
Edited (trying to save posts) to add that the Greek word for congregation in the NT is also translated as church. Church and Congregation are the same: an Ecclesia.
i'm new to this site, but i have been following the topics for some time.
initially, it was during a deep search into the history of jehovah's witnesses, and yes, "apostate" sites.
i was born into the organization in 1989. my father was always more inclined to the organization than my mother, and soon after she was df'ed.
Hi Hortenzie
Why can't someone start a new Christian religion 1800 years later or 2000 years later? Just wondering.
Pelican
i'm new to this site, but i have been following the topics for some time.
initially, it was during a deep search into the history of jehovah's witnesses, and yes, "apostate" sites.
i was born into the organization in 1989. my father was always more inclined to the organization than my mother, and soon after she was df'ed.
Hortenzie,
Speaking for myself, the JW religion and for that matter all Christian religions have all the same faults and flaws found in ancient Israel and first century Christian congregations. So the argument that the JW religion has done wrong or has changed or has rules or leaders who should not have the position they have and thus is not a decent Christian religion is moot. It is what it has always been.
Having said that I fully agree that most if not all Christian religions do not live up to Christ's teachings and the spirit of his life on earth. All Christian religions deserve what they get from non-believers who know the difference between sincere followers of Christ's teachings and hypocrites.
i'm new to this site, but i have been following the topics for some time.
initially, it was during a deep search into the history of jehovah's witnesses, and yes, "apostate" sites.
i was born into the organization in 1989. my father was always more inclined to the organization than my mother, and soon after she was df'ed.
Startingover13,
I'm in the same situation and feel as you do. The Org. does not define us. We associate with our friends both in and out of the Org. and help them out when we can.
Truly appreciated your post!
Pelican
