![]() ![]() ( 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1:5-9) Further, Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders apply to all elders: “Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God.” ( Acts 20:28) Yes, the elders are appointed by holy spirit, which comes from Jehovah God. Why can it be said that Christian elders are appointed theocratically?ħ All appointed older men, whatever their position of authority, fulfill the qualifications outlined in the Bible for the office of overseer, or older man. Such cooperation works for unity and order worldwide in “the whole association of brothers.” ( 1 Peter 2:17) In turn, this pleases Jehovah, who is “a God, not of disorder, but of peace.”- 1 Corinthians 14:33.ħ. Around the world, the Governing Body is represented by Branch Committees, traveling overseers, and congregation elders.Ħ Cooperation with theocratic organization is a vital part of submitting to theocracy. Since then, as represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it has been the center of theocracy on earth. ( Matthew 24:45-47 Isaiah 43:10) In 1919 that slave was identified as the remnant of anointed Christians. Rather, Jesus said that during his royal presence, he would identify a faithful body of followers, a “faithful and discreet slave,” and would appoint it over all his belongings. Today, that is no longer the case there are no inspired prophets or apostles. How does Jehovah deal with mankind today, and in what does cooperation with this arrangement result?ĥ In the past, Jehovah ruled and revealed truths through individuals, such as prophets, kings, and apostles. Samuel told him: “To obey is better than a sacrifice, to pay attention than the fat of rams.” ( 1 Samuel 15:22) Is it theocratic to follow Jehovah’s will to a certain extent, perhaps by being regular in the preaching work or in meeting attendance, and then to compromise in matters of morality or in some other way? Of course not! We strive to ‘do the will of God whole-souled.’ ( Ephesians 6:6 1 Peter 4:1, 2) Unlike Saul, we submit totally to God’s rule.ĥ, 6. ( John 5:30 Luke 22:42 Romans 12:2 Hebrews 10:7) Saul, the first king of Israel, did obey Jehovah-but only partially. He said: “I seek, not my own will, but the will of him that sent me.” Christians seek the same thing. What wrong attitudes were manifested by Adam and Eve and Saul, and how do Christians show a different attitude?Ĥ Adam and Eve lost Paradise because they wanted to make their own decisions as to what was right and what was wrong. ![]() ( Ephesians 5:3-5, 22-33 6:1-4 1 Timothy 5:8 Titus 3:1) Thus, they act theocratically, in harmony with God.Ĥ. They view as immoral what Jehovah says is immoral, and they avoid it like the plague! They also care for their families, obey their parents, and remain subject to the superior authorities. Jesus said: “He that does what is true comes to the light, in order that his works may be made manifest as having been worked in harmony with God.” ( John 3:21) Today, there are endless debates over moral standards, but these disputes have no place among Christians. How do Christians submit to theocracy in matters of morality?ģ In conduct, too, Christians submit to God’s rule. ( Matthew 28:19 Mark 13:10 Acts 1:8) In doing so, they are also fellow workers with Jehovah, the Great Theocrat.- 1 Corinthians 3:9.ģ. Christians support their King in this great work by zealously preaching the good news and making disciples. For example, in the time of the end, this direct command from the Great Theocrat is conveyed to Jesus: “Put your sickle in and reap, because the hour has come to reap, for the harvest of the earth is thoroughly ripe.” ( Revelation 14:15) Jesus obeys and undertakes the harvesting of the earth. And they follow the lead of Jesus Christ, the one whom Jehovah has enthroned as King. What is one way that Jehovah’s Witnesses submit to Jehovah’s rule?Ģ How can we say that Jehovah’s earthly organization is a theocracy? Because those who belong to it do indeed submit to Jehovah’s rule. Christians then could honestly say: “Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King.” ( Isaiah 33:22) With the anointed remnant as its nucleus, Jehovah God’s organization today is similarly a real theocracy.Ģ. The first-century congregation was a genuine theocracy. It involves accepting Jehovah’s authority and following his guidelines and instructions in the large and small decisions we make in life. How can it be said that first-century Christians and Christians today are a theocracy? “Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King he himself will save us.”- ISAIAH 33:22.ġ. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |