"Let Him that has Ears, Listen"

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by John S, Jan 20, 2017.

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    John S

    John S Member

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    "Let him that has ears, listen."
    These words of Jesus, recorded several times during his teaching, point up the seriousness and fundamental requirement for learning any truth. especially the truths about God, Christ, and their future purposes.

    Our main concern right now, should be the 'water of life'. Getting it, and drinking it, and sharing it with others.(John 4)

    Reading,... studying the words of Christ and his apostles, should be our focus right now; regarding matters of truth, and important doctrine.


    Not the endless outlook of 'enlightened, modern men and women', who may even hate God, as many do today.

    I see much being bandied about and debated on many forums. This one quoting that language scholar, or some book a college-educated professor wrote, or Ph.D.

    To me, and I know others who are sons of the kingdom....there is no other words spoken that carry the weight our Creator, ....Jesus...spoke. As it says:

    "All things were created through him, and for him." Col. 1:16 see also John 1:3

    "By means of him was life..." verse 4.

    Our future life, and the billions who will be resurrected at the last Judgment Day will depend on this;

    Now ask yourself this question; "How much do I read of Jesus' words, to learn, understand, and obey what is his will for me?"

    This is the water of life Jesus told the Samaritan woman he would give to her. This is life or death for us, those alive right now. John 4

    So, whose will are we seeking? WT's? some preacher, or debaters online who do nothing but argue trivialities compared to just focusing on Jesus' words primarily, and making sure we get those words memorized and obeyed above all else? (John 14:6)

    Our lives depend on it.

    Only those who do the will of God will succeed, and be granted forgiveness, and life.

    It has been my observation about WT, and other religious churches, too....that too little attention is given to Jesus Christ's teachings. Period. How so?

    Well, Baptist and other churches teach 'my Grand Pappy's way', and WT quotes WT publications as doctrine. But who wants to get to the nut? the kernel of truth?

    "Those who are on the side of the truth listen to my voice." Jesus said. The "Buck stops here." Jesus is saying, right?

    Now let's take a for-instance..., John 1, " the Word was God."

    How can we understand this?

    One translation I read a lot is the 'Phillips New Testament in Modern English'.

    "
    In the beginning, God expressed himself." John 1:1

    To me, that just sums it up. In order for God to create a son, friend, companion, whichever....it (or he) would have to be equal to himself almost exactly in order to be compatible, interesting, stimulating, and everything else. Free will? Definitely!

    This is why Jesus describes the relationship in this manner, "I and the Father are one."...and "He who has seen me, has seen the Father." , "no one fully knows the Father but the Son" ...and many other passages that show Jesus never was an angel, but always was a god, indeed he is the God of Creation according to Colossians 1and John 1, is he not? Yet WT makes Jesus out to be an archangel, and on the flip-side, Trinitarians say he is part of a tri-une god. Both wrong. The apostles early on and disciples were not ready for that heavy information while Jesus was on earth, (see John 10 31-38) but Thomas got it; "My Lord, and my God.!" Later, Apostle John was inspired to write to clarify this all-important truth, hence; John 1.

    Just get the scriptural description down, and don't twist it. Jehovah created him, then Christ was given the ability, and the power to create everything else. It appears all the universe may actually be Jesus' idea to create; HIS imagination, purpose, and project. I don't know. But what if it is JESUS saying, "Let us create man in our image." maybe he was God in that passage? It matters not, as we do know Jehovah actually created all things indirectly as he is the Grand Creator. But I do want to see Jesus' glory in the truth, and not denegrate him to a low position, but as Apostle John clarified...."God".

    Maybe Father gave him instructions? But at any rate, "all things were created through him (Jesus), and for him." He is God, as he created us, if we wish to get technical about it. Isn't he? But, he loves his Father, and wishes all glory for him. We can accept Jesus' instructions here, and assimilate his view; worship the Father....yet also our Lord as God of the Creation, too. Do not denigrate Jesus as an angel....please.

    "It is Jehovah your God you must worship." he said to Satan. He wishes all Christians to worship Jehovah, the Father, and go to him at their death or the return of Christ to meet Jehovah, and live in the heavenly abode. There, we will be taught by the Father, as well as the Son. This is the Gospel message Jesus and the Apostles have presented as the Christian way to prepare our thinking. (John 14)

    But, personally, I don't believe ANY dedicated died-in-the-wool JW's are in tune with the gospel truth at all, because WT warped, distorted, and really added to the gospel. This is a serious move, that brings heavy judgment according to Rev. 22:18,19 and Gal.1:9.

    "Let him that has ears listen." Jesus said.

    Listen to who? Jesus and the Apostles, that's who. Let us just get the water of life from them, shall we? It becomes simple, yet powerfully effective medicine for our ills stemming from false doctrines as well as our own sins.

    "It is in vain they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines." Matt. 15:9

    "These things I write you about those who are trying to mislead you. And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but as the anointing from him is teaching you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in union with him." 1 John 1:26,27

    "However when that one arrives,the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak..."John 16:13

    Other translations say God and Christ themselves come inside us; 'abide in us', and through the spirit, they teach us the meaning of the scriptures, and guide our thinking and life-decisions. This is the pattern of healthful teaching; the way to receive truth is read the scriptures and allow the helper...the 'spirit of truth' to teach us.

    Are you wanting the Bible truth to be clarified? Follow this teaching. Read more in John 3:1-6. All Christians can be 'born' of the spirit, and receive true teachings (water) from the scriptures.

    We thus can become 'one' with Father and son by experiencing the 'born-again' adoption as 'sons of the kingdom'. The holy spirit will actually live inside us day by day, protecting our hearts and minds when we harbor it. Wouldn't you love that? To have God's spirit live inside you 24/7?

    You can. (John 17:6-21)

    That is Gospel truth...the best kind, do you agree?
     
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    Joshuastone7

    Joshuastone7 Administrator Staff Member

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    We've discussed this before, we are to direct our prayers to our Father Jehovah, Jesus made that clear.

    Mth 6:9 "You must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified."

    We should keep in mind that although Christ Jesus is god, so is Satan, and just because Christ Jesus created all we see, that does not change the fact the he himself was created.

    Now, with that said, there is a point in which our Lord Christ Jesus is worshiped. In the heavenly realm that began when he returned to heaven, to rule over Gods kingdom, in heaven.

    Heb 1:3,4 " And after he had made a purification for our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So he has become better than the angels to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs."

    He sits on Jehovah's throne until his enemies are placed at his feet, and that is not till the end of the 1000 years.

    Psm 110:1 "Jehovah declared to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”

    1Cor 15:25-27 "For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him.."

    We should also keep in mind that Jehovah's kingdom has not come to this earth yet, therefore he is not worshiped as king over the earthly kingdom, because quite simply it has not arrived here yet. Once it does, then Christ Jesus will be worshiped, just as he is in heaven. But currently this is not what our Lord directed us to do in his model prayer.

    Feel free to read my thread on "Rev 12 / Verse By Verse" and you will see I believe it can be shown Satan was cast out of heaven when Christ ascended after his death, and then Satan will be abyssed the moment Christ Jesus begins ruling here on earth. The key being Christ Jesus rule begins with Satan being removed, whether that was in heaven when Satan was cast out, or on earth when he is abyssed.

    Regardless, until his return, our Lord told us to direct our prayers to his Father, and although he did create us, he was given a name greater then the other angels once he returned to heaven after his sacrifice here, therefore before then one cannot say he was equal to the state he currently has, therefore although he is like his Father, he was never as close to his Fathers status as he is now, but yet he will never be equal to Jehovah.

    This appears to be the balanced view set out in the text, in my opinion of course.
     
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    John S

    John S Member

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    Hey Josh. Thanks for your response.

    I understand what you're thinking. Others have believed this way.

    One point you make: "Satan was cast down in Jesus' time".

    I will point out that Revelation 11 shows the Kingdom of Christ is an event far future from Jesus' earthly ministry, as also his teaching at Luke 19:11-28 shows Jesus goes off on a long journey to 'secure kingly power , and to return." Daniel ch.2 also

    Also, in the parable of the wheat and weeds (Matt.13), Jesus says the sons of the kingdom must be selected only after a long process of planting :good seed from Him, and also Satan oversows wicked seed. This is certainly describing the 2000 year ministry of the selection of anointed kingdom sons of God. Only at the end, when Jesus 'comes in his kingdom', will the destruction of the wicked at the 'harvest'..."conclusion of the system of things" occur.

    It is clear that Revelation 11 describes Jesus receiving his kingdom way future from his earthly ministry. We also see from Rev. 5, when Jesus is crowned as king of the kingdom, he rides forth on a white horse and is to conquer. We have seen the signs on earth and will yet see more, that testify he has received the heavenly throne.

    His first order of 'conquering' is to cleanse the heavens of Satan and the evil influences aligned with him, described as "a third of the stars of heaven".

    Yet before this event, i.e. , Satan and his armies coming to earth...a final "two witnesses" worldwide super-witness for Christ with signs and wonders will occur, also intense Christian persecution. (Rev.11) This persecution of Christ's brothers will escalate into open warfare when Satan returns. ....intent on destroying Christianity , and especially the 'seed'...the "sons of the kingdom" (Matt.13:38)

    It is at that time, when the entire human race is being divided into those who 'take the mark of the beast', and those who take sides with Christ, after having seen the anointed's miraculous displays of power in testimony to Christ's validity as the King of God's Kingdom, that Jesus steps in and with his angels, reap the harvest of the earth.

    As we know, when Jesus returns, he will take the sons of the kingdom to heaven with him, and a Great Crowd of believers in him, who have accepted the truth that he is the real Son of God, and his Christian followers were true sons of God, will also be selected as the foundation of a new world under God's rule by Christ.

    Satan is thus seized, and his supporters who have recently been defeated in the heavenly war. They are incarcerated for 'the thousand years'

    The prophesies concerning the Kingdom of God coming to earth far distant after Jesus' ministry, occurs only after seven kingdoms and 'an eighth king' in total from after the Flood. This can be ascertained from reading Dan 2, 7, and 12.

    Satan's attack on Christians comes after all these kingdoms have ruled (Rev. 12), and only after there has been a huge 'war' in the 'heavens' (universe).

    I only see this as still a future event, as Christians are alive and well at this time world-wide, although it appears we will see much refinement in Christianity as the 'weeds' are becoming evident as the end is nearing. The harvest appears likely to be in our near future.
     
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    John S

    John S Member

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    And I agree with you, brother,

    Jesus said, "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and him alone."

    Jesus does not want to 'seize' glory for himself, being humble, and having total love for his Father.

    And that makes me love him even more, and you no doubt do too, I know.

    But since Jesus is listening to every prayer we say, I am taking liberties, as he did speak in a vision to me directly when I received the spirit some years ago. I since have been developing a rapport with him, and trying to deepen my communication and service to him and those who wish to serve and become 'one' with Him and the Father. (John 17) As I have written in other essays here on this site, the anointing results in both Jesus and Jehovah coming inside the Christian to 'abide in him' (the receiver of the spirit). John 15, 'The Vine' (Reference WT's literal translation from Greek by Wescott and Hort. I have one and used it to learn the real Gospel.)
    As I have shown before and will again if anyone wishes here, WT under Franz, plagiarized the Gospel Message of Christ by mis-translating "in" with "in union with"...everywhere Jesus explains the close association newly anointed sons of the kingdom receive when they are spirit born/adopted. (NW Translation) This is one of the greatest deliberate actions WT clergy has allowed: destroying Witnesses' belief in the adoption and re-birth of all Christians who desire to become "one" with god and Christ. It is in no way ever set forth as an exclusive to only 144,000 believers. Setting the basis for their 'other sheep' doctrine, and accomplishing their elitist, "Faithful and Discreet Slave" hierarchy power play.

    All Christians should and can follow Jesus' instructions to learn from him, and become his brothers; 'sons of the kingdom', and members of his bride in the future at the wedding of the Lamb.

    The Apostles, too, never wavered from this teaching. WT has, single-handedly, claimed Messianic privilege OVER God's Son, by altering his teaching to establish a second class of Christian who does not need to receive holy spirit.

    No wonder we had so many problems in our congregations, and they are still suffering as a result.

    And the JW ministry continues to fall flat world-wide among countries that have Bible-based beliefs, as we do in America, and Europe, and other educated countries. The church-member Christians in these lands do not pay any attention to the message Witnesses give, as they clearly read their Bibles, and have the beliefs Jesus laid down.

    Sadly, in 3rd world countries where Catholics dominate, or pagan beliefs, more converts are made, as the people have no clue what Jesus taught. So, errors proliferate.

    But, in the end, the truth will win out as prophesied, and the sons of the kingdom will be used to clarify all this. (Matt. 13:43 Dan. 12:3,9,10)
     
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    Joshuastone7

    Joshuastone7 Administrator Staff Member

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    I've just come to understand that Jesus began ruling in heaven when he returned there, and begins ruling on earth in the future. It's just what I've come to understand through work in the chronology is all... But yes, he begins ruling in the earthly kingdom in the future.

    Kingdom established in heaven/Satan cast out -(2000 years pass)- Kingdom established on earth/Satan abyssed
     
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    SingleCell

    SingleCell Experienced Member

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    Good stuff JohnS, thank you very much brother!
     
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    Earthbound

    Earthbound Guest

    Thank you, John, for providing the link in another thread, and for sharing your thoughts on what it means for you to be born again. Like you, I cannot help but appreciate the depth of the relationship we can now have as we are guided by our Great Teacher to the Day the apostle Paul speaks of in his first letter to the believers at Corinth:

    When everything and everyone is finally under God's rule, the Son will step down, taking his place with everyone else, showing that God's rule is absolutely comprehensive--a perfect ending! — 1 Corinthians 15:28, The Message (for once, a paraphrase actually nails it here)

    We're not there yet, but we're certainly closer than we were yesterday, and in the meantime, why not continue to grow in spiritual wisdom and insight through the direction of our Father's holy spirit, and why not continue to present ourselves as living sacrifices, vessels that might be used to fill another's vessel.

    Anyhow, I enjoyed hearing your testimony, John.

    ~~Earthbound
     
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    John S

    John S Member

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    Your welcome,

    I hope you all have a good future as I leave you again. I ..again...overstayed my welcome.

    I'll see you all later. Keep digging, and don't be afraid to ask for miracles in any undertaking you really need.

    Don't limit God's ability to perform them because of our own lack of faith. (Matt. 17:20...a talk I heard tonight)

    Aim heaven high. Whatever our needs are. Don't we believe God can perform miracles? If we dont? He won't.
     
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    Baruq

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    I do not have time to go into details because I am preparing to go on a work trip, but in my life I have seen God's miracles at least three times. I have always been reluctant to talk about this because I was afraid that someone would take me for a fool, but when physically impossible events happen at the exact moment where they are needed, one can only see the hand of God. One day I will relate what happened to me.
    When I approached my 50, I asked God: but why do you continue to help me, when I sin and do not give any glory to your name? And soon after I knew Robert's site, and I realized that God had something in store for me. I created my site and decided to put my trust in Jehovah; I did not advertise, and from the beginning, visitors came to visit the website, and the number keeps growing. (the first month I tried to put links on JW’s forums, but they were regularly deleted. So I decided to put my faith in God and ask him that if that site was conform to his will, so in the end of the month there should be a certain number of visitors. I did not look at the numbers for all the month, and at the end of the month, from almost zero there were many visitors, for a site of two months of life and not advertised.) Of course, today I am far from the numbers of jw.org, but I know that I have the approval of God. An anecdote: I started to translate the articles of Robert and Perimeno in Portuguese, while I do not speak this language. For months, I had no visitor on the pages in Portuguese. So one evening I asked Jehovah that if it was his desire that I continue with that language, then at least one person would visit the site the next day. And miracle, during the night I had a visitor from Brazil. And since then, there are regular visitors.
    So yes, I believe God is still performing miracles, contrary to what the publications say. When I have doubt, I go to read that page: http://www.perimeno.ca/DoesGod.htm with Perimeno's experience. Somebody asked him: how do we know that Jehovah answers our prayer and that is not the hazard? At this he answered that we must ask specific things to Jehovah, so if those thing happen, so this is Jehovah's answer.
     
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    marshroanoke

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    How do you reconcile that view with the scripture: "...so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend—of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground..." (Philippians 2:10).
     
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    Joshuastone7

    Joshuastone7 Administrator Staff Member

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    Good question my friend, and thank you for it... I appreciate you being here...

    Scripture (as I'm sure you will agree) is like a painting. If we stand with our nose to it we can describe each brush stroke one by one. Yet if we stand back we can describe all of the brush strokes at once...

    With that said let's go to scripture to understand the whole. The first brush stroke in question;

    "so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend—of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground..." (Philippians 2:10)

    Jhn 14:13,14 "Also, whatever you ask in my name, I will do this, so that the Father may be glorified in connection with the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it."

    Jhn 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you, and I appointed you to go and keep bearing fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that no matter what you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."

    Jhn 16:23 "Most truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything, he will give it to you in my name."

    So here we have a description of what Phil 2:10 is saying. It is saying whatever you ask the Father in Christ Jesus name. Therefore it is talking about prayer. Before this direction to pray this way the Israelite's prayed only to Jehovah, but after our Lords direction, we are to pray in his name, meaning we end our prayers in his name, while bending our knee in prayer. (An act of respect, a metaphor.)

    The proof in the putting is actually in the chronology, where I have presented Satan was cast out of heaven the moment Jesus begins ruling in heaven, and then begins ruling on earth the moment he is cast into the abyss. It is my contention through study of the chronology in scripture, that these two events are separated by at least two thousand years.

    Regardless my dear friend, the chronology is not needed to answer your question, the answer to your question is, "in the name of Jesus" is only denoting our ending of prayer in our Lords name, and has nothing to do with the moment he rules each kingdom, but simply how we ask the Father in the name of Christ.
     
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