Today, points are shared on diversity among believers and congregations, sacred knowledge, and that believers and followers of Jesus Christ still are called his “sheep”. The essential things from GOD are immutable and unchanging, yet, the appearance of change and movement are fostered by diversity. Similarly, the holy writings do not change in spirit, yet, are displayed in letter using multiple presentations, translations, and versions. The “voice” of Christ as our master is to be “heard” and obeyed by believers using discernment to recognize and respond to the divine spirit content in doctrines, events, messages, practices, prophecies, etc. Where the need is for sacred knowledge, only having an abundance of secular knowledge results in spiritual confusion, ignorance, and unawareness. When guided by the holy writings, acquiring, expressing, and nourishing faith within others goes forward on the basis of tested and enduring truth. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Juli” (a member since March 04, 2016) posted the following:
Christians, are the Jehovah's Witnesses' leaders right in their interpretation of the "Sheep and the Goats" referred to in Matthew 25:31-46?
According to the March 2015 Watchtower (Study Edition), the sheep are those who show loyalty to the JW leaders. This article titled "Loyally Supporting Christ’s Brothers" actually refers to this scripture to support their claim, “To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”—MATT. 25:40.
There is not enough room here to go over every point, but here are a couple of quotes from the article and the link to it's entirety.
There is not enough room here to go over every point, but here are a couple of quotes from the article and the link to it's entirety.
"And what of the reason why people will be judged as either sheep or goats? The outcome hinges on how they have treated the remaining ones of Christ’s spirit-anointed brothers on earth."
"He describes the sheep as “righteous” because they recognize that Christ has a group of anointed brothers still on earth, and the sheep loyally support the anointed during these critical last days."
"The growing number of prospective sheep count it a privilege to support Christ’s brothers not only in the preaching work but also in other practical ways. For example, they give financial contributions and help to build Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilities, and they loyally obey those appointed by “the faithful and discreet slave” to take the lead."
Update: JW anonymous, how is quoting straight from the watchtower and sharing the link to the article"spreading lies" about your organization? I refrained from giving my own opinion here because you JWs are always crying "Persecution". These are your leaders' words, not mine. LOL!
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. (John 10: 23-30, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Bible and Salvation (09/14/2016); Sheep of His Pasture (09/09/2016); Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); From Cover to Cover? (01/04/2016); Many Forms of Christianity? (04/30/2015); The Sheep Who Lost Their Way? (11/18/2014); Restoring The Lost? (11/19/2014)
“Juli”, there are many assemblies and denominations promoting diverse expressions and practices on the basis of belief in Christ and his apostles. While sinners are to come together as “sheep”, and the flock of GOD, members of the body of Christ (the church) are made in his image, are to serve as an appearance (manifestation) of his divine presence, and are not to behave as dumb (speechless) animals living in ignorance. In the early church, believers depended on the truth spoken directly and plainly by Jesus Christ, by those specially prepared and taught by him, and by operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). In addition to the oral tradition carried out and provided through praise, prayer and preaching, believers were gradually given sacred documents and holy writings that require some careful memorization, reflection, and formal study. Even so, among modern Christians, there are many believers and congregations that do not value the Scriptures. In place of that sacred knowledge provided from GOD, such believers seek to acquire greater secular knowledge and express genuine faith by relying upon carnal reason, emotions, and forms intended to abbreviate, embody, or symbolically preserve and convey the things of ancient truth (e.g., ceremonies, church history, good works, liturgy, the music ministry, rites, rituals, practice of the sacraments). Consider again the following:
(1.) Ezekiel 34: 30-31, King James Version (KJV): 30 Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD. 31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.
(2.) John 10: 1-6, KJV: 1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
(3.) 2nd Corinthians 4: 1-7, KJV: 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
(4.) 1st Corinthians 12: 27-30, KJV: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) 1st Peter 5: 2-7, KJV: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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