Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Russell -- The "Faithful Slave"?

My reply to a "Bible Student"...
The sacred secret is brought to a finish, as the 7th trumpet is about to blow (Rev.10:7), and is associated with the arrival of the Kingdom (Rev.11:15). Do you believe that occurred over 100 years ago?
Daniel is explained, interpreted and revealed, through the scroll of Revelation…and Revelation is explained when Jesus receives that scroll (Dan.7:13; Rev.5:1,5,7), opens it’s seals, and gives that information to his slaves (plural) (Rev.1:1-3). The scriptures tell us that these increasing living waters of revealed truth, happen gradually as the Temple’s living stones are added, and the Temple is nearing completion (Eze.47:1-6,12). Each additional living stone adds their witness to established truth…not just one stone. Jesus tells us at Rev.11:3, that the correct understanding, not only of Daniel and Revelation, but of all the “scrolls” ...will be, “opened” (Rev.20:12) by the testimony of his “Two Witnesses”, which according to a comparison of Rev.11:3,7; and Rev.13:7, are proven to be “the saints”…not the scrolls themselves.
This occurs near the very end, so I believe according to much scriptural evidence, this is not a century ago through one man, Russell.
The “steward” is one of the servants/slaves of the Master also 
[see Luke12:42,43,44,45,46,47. His "steward" position is still a part of Christ body, as expressed in "abilities to direct"/"administration"/"guidance" (1Cor.12:28)]. 
Just as a house steward can not provide food for all, without the other servants to tend the garden, cook, etc…a steward needs the contribution of the other slaves to offer provisions. All take part in feeding the body of Christ (1Cor.10:17; 12:21,22,25; Eph.4:11-12,16). 
("Discerning the Body / A God of Order")
Any slave not bearing edible fruit, is to be cut down and thrown into the fire (John15:1,2,6; Matt.7:19). In fact Jesus says that his true disciples are recognized by their fruit (Matt.7:20; John15:4,5,8,16). Their fruit, is spiritual food…their teachings/sayings (Matt.12:33,37; Luke6:45,44). All the Chosen Household of God (Eph.2:19,20; 1Cor.3:16), have a stewardship over the Word of God (Matt.25:14; 28:19,20; Acts1:8) to provide spiritual food/fruit at the proper time. You will see at 1Cor.4:1,2, that “stewards” are plural (Gal.4:2).
Yet again I say...
there is within that "Body of Christ", an overseeing steward. He is one of the servants/slaves of the Master also 
[see Luke12:42,43,44,45,46,47. His "steward" position is still a part of Christ body, as expressed in "oversight"/"abilities to direct"/"administration"/"guidance" (Depending on which translation of 1Cor.12:28)]. 
While all slaves contribute to the provisions as stewards of God's Word ,
the Steward over the household of slaves, manages/oversees/coordinates, the feeding program for all. 
Would you not agree that the “apostles” were under obligation to provide spiritual food? The Prophets? The teachers? (1Cor.12:27-29) All must give the proper food at the proper time. The very anointing (1John2:20,27) gives knowledge among "Body" members. All those given knowledge, are under command to feed Christ’s sheep (1Pet.2:9; Matt.5:14). Jesus said that the “greatest” (the steward, if you like) would be minister of all (Mark9:35). ALL Christ’s brothers should serve the others (John13:12-15). When they all share the provisions given them by the master (Matt.10:27), that water/bread of life cleanses/feeds them all (Eph.5:26; John7:38; 4:14; 13:14; 1Cor.10:17)
Although all the Chosen have this responsibility, it does not follow that they are all present on the earth at once. There are specific anointed that the end-time prophecies apply to. They are few in number…yet “no man can number them” (Rev.7:9 pearl-greatcrowd.blogspot.com ). Although a slave is sometimes referred to in singular, they are also referred to as plural…just as the “Beast”, “Harlot”, and “Man of Lawlessness” are not really a single person. You can read about this in depth, at (http://pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com/)
The scriptures cited there also help to clarify the responsibility of all 144000 to provide spiritual “food”.
The “seven times” are not literal.
As long as they are viewed as such, understanding will remain illusive.
Revelation is symbolic. The “seven”, and all the numbers (including 12), have symbolic meaning. [Example: Jesus does not have 7 horns and eyes in a physical sense (Rev.5:6)]
The twelve stars represent the 12 tribes of spiritual Israel [ALL 144000 of her "sons" (Gal.4:26)], and the woman who wears that crown, is the “woman” Covenant. (pearl-thewoman.blogspot.com)
Luke12:36 is plural, and Rev.3:20 speaks to “anyone” who “hears My voice” (Matt.10:27; Isa.50:4,5). The opportunity to be served/fed by Christ, is open to any such one found awake when he returns (Rev.3:20; Luke12:37; Matt.25:10; 22:8,9,10; Rev.21:6; 22:17; 19:9).

I have been called to serve those who are hungry…not those who are already full.
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