Beautifully explained Scott, thank you. I try to keep these things as simple as possible for me, a simple soul. Having studied the Bible under the guidance of JW, (which I didn't join for various reasons), I discovered some inconsistencies. One was JW claiming that the sacrament is to be taken only once a year - upon the Ransom at Easter (a pagan festival, no less!).
Yet Jesus tells us to do "this often in my name". Jesus spoke of the spirit (an unearthly thing) that the priests did not understand:
" There was a man of the Pharisees named Nic·o·deʹmus, a ruler of the Jews. This one came to him in the night and said to him: “Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher, for no one can perform these signs that you perform unless God is with him.” In response Jesus said to him: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nic·o·deʹmus said to him: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter into the womb of his mother a second time and be born, can he?” Jesus answered: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. What has been born from the flesh is flesh, and what has been born from the spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed because I told you: You people must be born again. The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born from the spirit.” [John 3: 1-8]
"When they heard this, many of his disciples said: “This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were murmuring about this, said to them: “Does this stumble you? What, therefore, if you should see the Son of man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that is life-giving; the flesh is of no use at all. The sayings that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. [John 6: 60-63]
I was aware of my eternal spirit at an early age choosing to dwell in my Creator's house; His angels were sent to protect me all my life; I have reached the ripe old age of 80 this year [Psalm 91]. I know that I have been blessed, not with material riches but enough to go without suffering hunger or thirst, but to preach the Good News.
Jesus had great difficulty in trying to explain the nature of the spirit when most were consumed in the low-vibration, earthly material world which, as Jesus says, is of no count.
I understand that my Earth-walk is a learning curve to draw closer to my Creator through the guidance of Jesus's wisdom and His angels who bring strangers to me every day as I grow towards His Light. There's more to tell of my remarkable journey - for another time.
Thank you for sharing part of your journey. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and share what Christ has done for you. May God continue to bless you in your 80th year.
Beautifully explained Scott, thank you. I try to keep these things as simple as possible for me, a simple soul. Having studied the Bible under the guidance of JW, (which I didn't join for various reasons), I discovered some inconsistencies. One was JW claiming that the sacrament is to be taken only once a year - upon the Ransom at Easter (a pagan festival, no less!).
Yet Jesus tells us to do "this often in my name". Jesus spoke of the spirit (an unearthly thing) that the priests did not understand:
" There was a man of the Pharisees named Nic·o·deʹmus, a ruler of the Jews. This one came to him in the night and said to him: “Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher, for no one can perform these signs that you perform unless God is with him.” In response Jesus said to him: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nic·o·deʹmus said to him: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter into the womb of his mother a second time and be born, can he?” Jesus answered: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. What has been born from the flesh is flesh, and what has been born from the spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed because I told you: You people must be born again. The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born from the spirit.” [John 3: 1-8]
"When they heard this, many of his disciples said: “This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were murmuring about this, said to them: “Does this stumble you? What, therefore, if you should see the Son of man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that is life-giving; the flesh is of no use at all. The sayings that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. [John 6: 60-63]
I was aware of my eternal spirit at an early age choosing to dwell in my Creator's house; His angels were sent to protect me all my life; I have reached the ripe old age of 80 this year [Psalm 91]. I know that I have been blessed, not with material riches but enough to go without suffering hunger or thirst, but to preach the Good News.
Jesus had great difficulty in trying to explain the nature of the spirit when most were consumed in the low-vibration, earthly material world which, as Jesus says, is of no count.
I understand that my Earth-walk is a learning curve to draw closer to my Creator through the guidance of Jesus's wisdom and His angels who bring strangers to me every day as I grow towards His Light. There's more to tell of my remarkable journey - for another time.
Blessings
AP
Thank you for sharing part of your journey. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and share what Christ has done for you. May God continue to bless you in your 80th year.