Jehovah rules11/30/2023 ![]() 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? The name Jehovah's Witnesses was adopted in 1931.“Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King he himself will save us.”- ISAIAH 33:22.ġ. Members of the movement were originally called Bible Students. However, normal, day-to-day household dealings and activities within the family are permitted (other than religious activities). This rules out going shopping or to a theatre with disfellowshipped persons, or even having a meal with them. They also avoid social fellowship with an expelled person. Witnesses will not have spiritual fellowship with anyone who has been expelled from a congregation. The consequences of being disfellowshipped are that the person concerned is 'shunned'. Each year, however, 30,000 to 40,000 are reinstated having "come back to their spiritual senses". But Witnesses also see disfellowshipping as a loving act that may cause offenders to repent so that they can eventually be readmitted to the faith.ĭisfellowshipped persons can be reinstated into the congregation after demonstrating that they are repentant.Įlders disfellowship 50,000 to 60,000 Witnesses around the world every year. Witnesses believe it is necessary to take this action to preserve the moral integrity and cleanliness of their faith. The punishment is based on 1 Corinthians 5, which directs believers to "remove the wicked from among yourselves". It is reserved for deliberate apostasy or unrepentantly practising serious sins such as drunkenness, stealing or adultery. If they are found guilty they can be punished by spiritual restrictions, public reproofs or expulsion from the congregation, which is called 'disfellowshipping'.ĭisfellowshipping is the Witnesses' highest form of discipline. When someone either confesses to or is accused of a sin or spiritual transgression, he or she is questioned by elders. Serious transgressions are dealt with by quasi-judicial local hearings. If they act in a way that is incompatible with such beliefs and practices, they may be disciplined.īut for an allegation to be proved against someone, that person must confess or, in line with the Bible's teaching, there must be two witnesses: Jehovah's Witnesses are expected to accept the movement's core beliefs and practices. Witnesses believe that missionary work should take priority over career, so many will choose lower-paid jobs with limited hours so as to have more time to devote to their faith. Witnesses do this work without pay and some, called pioneers, spend 70 hours a month in door-to-door witnessing. True conversion is a slow intellectual process which gradually convinces a non-believer that Witness beliefs are true and rational, and that they should commit themselves to a spiritually rewarding life that will bring eternal benefits. Witnesses place little emphasis on sudden, dramatic conversion experiences. The aim is to persuade a non-believer of the rightness of their cause so that they eventually become a Witness themselves. ![]() A successful discussion will lead to return trips, and possibly to home Bible studies. Much missionary work involves visiting door-to-door to discuss scripture with people they meet. All Witnesses who are physically capable of it engage in missionary work. ![]() ![]() In 2005 Jehovah's Witnesses around the world spent over 1.2 billion hours on missionary work. The time spent on missionary work to non-believers prevents Witnesses from becoming significantly separated from the rest of the community. Certain civic obligations, such as jury service, are seen as a matter for individual decision according to the dictates of conscience. In countries with compulsory national service most Witnesses will accept civilian service as an alternative to military service. They also refuse military service, voting in elections, and taking part in most religious festivals and secular celebrations like birthdays. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |