A letter I received:
I just need clarity on one thing and I hope you can help, Pearl.
According to the scriptures Jesus had the "Last Meal" with the 11 apostles, faithful men whom he had "chosen" (John 6:70; 15:19,16).
Jehovah's Witnesses across the world commemorate this event on Nisan 14 on a yearly basis and during the evening all are invited and there are "chosen" men and women whom have been baptised with the holy spirit, and non-anointed also with them.
Since we, who know the truth and are progressing in the divine light of truth, who have obeyed Rev 18:4 we should keep in mind the words recorded in Matt.24:15-17 flee to the mountains and not go in to get our belongings as their valuable things might be tainted by false beliefs.
Back to the "Lord's Meal" are there any scriptural basis for non-anointed to be present with the anointed like JWs do? We should bear in mind that Jesus Christ had the opportunity to invite all he met and was with during the day before sunset and yet did not do so.
If we are to follow in Jesus' footsteps 1Peter 2:21 then we must observe the commandment given to the apostles very closely. Anointed should meet and observe this commandment on their own, with Jesus Matt.18:20.
Thank you
Modise
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My response:
Hello Modise,
Not even all those who had put faith in Jesus were in attendance (John 12:11; 7:31; 11:45; 12:18,42) (Luke 22:14-15), but only those whom Jesus had declared as "chosen" members of his Body, as Bride (Matt.19:6; 1Cor. 6:17; John 14:20; 17:23; 15:7,4) (Rev.12:1; Dan.12:3; Rev.7:4; Isa.49:17-18; 52:1; 61:10; Rev.19:8; 3:4) (Rev.12:1; Gal.3:27; Mal.4:2; Luke 1:78; Rev.22:16; 2:28; Isa.60:1; Jer.30:17).
Had the first Memorial been an open invitation, there would have been many attendees (Matt.21:8,11,46). Could a lack of accommodations be the reason why Jesus kept the number, sparse? No. Jesus had no problem accommodating a crowd (Matt.14:19).
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I just need clarity on one thing and I hope you can help, Pearl.
According to the scriptures Jesus had the "Last Meal" with the 11 apostles, faithful men whom he had "chosen" (John 6:70; 15:19,16).
Jehovah's Witnesses across the world commemorate this event on Nisan 14 on a yearly basis and during the evening all are invited and there are "chosen" men and women whom have been baptised with the holy spirit, and non-anointed also with them.
Since we, who know the truth and are progressing in the divine light of truth, who have obeyed Rev 18:4 we should keep in mind the words recorded in Matt.24:15-17 flee to the mountains and not go in to get our belongings as their valuable things might be tainted by false beliefs.
Back to the "Lord's Meal" are there any scriptural basis for non-anointed to be present with the anointed like JWs do? We should bear in mind that Jesus Christ had the opportunity to invite all he met and was with during the day before sunset and yet did not do so.
If we are to follow in Jesus' footsteps 1Peter 2:21 then we must observe the commandment given to the apostles very closely. Anointed should meet and observe this commandment on their own, with Jesus Matt.18:20.
Thank you
Modise
---------------------------
My response:
Hello Modise,
Yes, those to whom Christ offered the unleavened bread and wine, were chosen to enter the covenant which that the wine represented and established (Mark 14:12,17,23-24; John 15:19; 1Pet. 2:9; Rev.17:14) (Ps.91:13; Luke 10:19-20; 1John 5:18; Luke 9:1-2; Mal.2:7; Rev.5:10).
Jesus described those chosen for that covenant, as those who "stuck with me in my trials"
(Luke 22:28-29; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev.3:21,10; Matt.24:22,13; 1Cor. 15:24-25,57).
Such an adherence to Christ, was to his example and path (Luke 22:28; Rom.8:17; 1Pet. 4:13; 2:21; Rev.1:9), which continued to be the standard of victory, for all those to be chosen by Christ; both then, and since (Rev.14:4-5; Ps.91:13; Rev.12:11,10,7-9; 1John 2:14; John 16:33; 14:30; 1Cor. 6:2-3; 15:57) (John 20:29; 17:20; Rev.12:11; 1Pet. 1:8; Eph.1:12-13; Rev.14:12).
As you may reason from the foregoing scriptures, those whom Christ invited to the last supper and inauguration of the New Covenant...
[by virtue of his blood/wine (Luke 22:20; Zech.9:11; Matt.24:22)
(Heb.13:20; Phil.3:10; Rom.6:5; Rev.6:9,11), which they accepted],
...were not of the general public, such as those who are invited to comprise the audience that attend the Kingdom Halls, each year.
Jesus described those chosen for that covenant, as those who "stuck with me in my trials"
(Luke 22:28-29; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev.3:21,10; Matt.24:22,13; 1Cor. 15:24-25,57).
Such an adherence to Christ, was to his example and path (Luke 22:28; Rom.8:17; 1Pet. 4:13; 2:21; Rev.1:9), which continued to be the standard of victory, for all those to be chosen by Christ; both then, and since (Rev.14:4-5; Ps.91:13; Rev.12:11,10,7-9; 1John 2:14; John 16:33; 14:30; 1Cor. 6:2-3; 15:57) (John 20:29; 17:20; Rev.12:11; 1Pet. 1:8; Eph.1:12-13; Rev.14:12).
As you may reason from the foregoing scriptures, those whom Christ invited to the last supper and inauguration of the New Covenant...
[by virtue of his blood/wine (Luke 22:20; Zech.9:11; Matt.24:22)
(Heb.13:20; Phil.3:10; Rom.6:5; Rev.6:9,11), which they accepted],
...were not of the general public, such as those who are invited to comprise the audience that attend the Kingdom Halls, each year.
1Cor. 11:33 makes plain, that those who gather, are gathering to "eat". The occasion therefore, is a gathering of partakers... the actual members of the Body of Christ/Temple of Christ's Body (1Cor. 10:17; 12:27-29; Eph.2:20-22; 1Pet. 2:5,9-10) (John 2:21; 1Cor. 3:16; Eph.1:22-23; 4:11-12; Col.1:18,24; 2:19; John 15:4-5).
Failure to exercise clear perception about our personal inclusion (or exclusion) regarding the Body members of Christ, (including discernment about who gathers and who partakes of that "Body" -1Cor. 10:17), is to be judged (1Cor. 11:29,27-28; Rom.12:5-8).
As is clear from the Bible's first-hand account of the Lord's last Supper, there was not a mix of attendees that included the curious public. Neither were there Romans who officiated over Christ and the apostles, as the Gentile "elders" officiate over anointed partakers, today ("Jews" -Rom.2:28-29; Gal.3:29) (Jew-Gentile) (Dsgstg-thing) (Matt.24:15; 2Thess. 2:4) (who-are-gods?). Failure to exercise clear perception about our personal inclusion (or exclusion) regarding the Body members of Christ, (including discernment about who gathers and who partakes of that "Body" -1Cor. 10:17), is to be judged (1Cor. 11:29,27-28; Rom.12:5-8).
Not even all those who had put faith in Jesus were in attendance (John 12:11; 7:31; 11:45; 12:18,42) (Luke 22:14-15), but only those whom Jesus had declared as "chosen" members of his Body, as Bride (Matt.19:6; 1Cor. 6:17; John 14:20; 17:23; 15:7,4) (Rev.12:1; Dan.12:3; Rev.7:4; Isa.49:17-18; 52:1; 61:10; Rev.19:8; 3:4) (Rev.12:1; Gal.3:27; Mal.4:2; Luke 1:78; Rev.22:16; 2:28; Isa.60:1; Jer.30:17).
Had the first Memorial been an open invitation, there would have been many attendees (Matt.21:8,11,46). Could a lack of accommodations be the reason why Jesus kept the number, sparse? No. Jesus had no problem accommodating a crowd (Matt.14:19).
Next you say that "JWs" hold the Memorial on Nisan 14. Yet this year, that is not true. According to calculations, they actually held it on Nisan 15 this year. I don't understand the basis for that decision. You may also be interested in learning about the original day of the Memorial, and that Jesus did not celebrate it on Nisan 14. To learn about that from the scriptures, please consider this article: (The Memorial - When?)
I appreciate your mention of Matt.24:15-16, and the urgent warning to flee. As you say, Jesus told us not to worry about things we leave behind, as if they had more value than our lives (as Lot's wife did) (Luke 17:31-32).
At Matt.24:18, it tells us to abandon our "cloak", or, our outer garment (Luke 6:29; Matt.5:40). Our outer garment symbolizes our outward appearance to men... our identity and reputation according to their estimation (outer-garment).
But our hidden inner undergarment/"tunic", is our own mind and heart (John 19:23; Ps.86:11; Matt.22:37; John 14:31; Ps.45:7), which is unseen unless we reveal it, to others (1Pet. 3:4). But our inner garment, is always exposed to the eyes of God (Heb.4:13; Jude 1:23; Isa.64:6,10; Mal.3:2).
When Jesus tells us to abandon our cloak, when it is time to flee;
we must be willing to surrender our identity and repute before men (Luke 6:29; Matt.10:28; Rev.2:9-10; Rom.2:29), as Jesus was willing (Isa.53:9; Heb.12:2-3; 13:13; 11:26; 1Pet. 2:23; Mark 13:13; John 16:2; Matt.23:34-35; Rev.18:24; 11:7-10; Isa.57:1).
When it is time to "flee", we must not be concerned about salvaging our reputation among those blind, deaf, and
condemned by God (2Thess. 2:11; John 12:40)... seeking to retain our "outer garment" (Matt.24:18; Mark 8:35).
At Matt.24:18, it tells us to abandon our "cloak", or, our outer garment (Luke 6:29; Matt.5:40). Our outer garment symbolizes our outward appearance to men... our identity and reputation according to their estimation (outer-garment).
But our hidden inner undergarment/"tunic", is our own mind and heart (John 19:23; Ps.86:11; Matt.22:37; John 14:31; Ps.45:7), which is unseen unless we reveal it, to others (1Pet. 3:4). But our inner garment, is always exposed to the eyes of God (Heb.4:13; Jude 1:23; Isa.64:6,10; Mal.3:2).
When Jesus tells us to abandon our cloak, when it is time to flee;
we must be willing to surrender our identity and repute before men (Luke 6:29; Matt.10:28; Rev.2:9-10; Rom.2:29), as Jesus was willing (Isa.53:9; Heb.12:2-3; 13:13; 11:26; 1Pet. 2:23; Mark 13:13; John 16:2; Matt.23:34-35; Rev.18:24; 11:7-10; Isa.57:1).
When it is time to "flee", we must not be concerned about salvaging our reputation among those blind, deaf, and
condemned by God (2Thess. 2:11; John 12:40)... seeking to retain our "outer garment" (Matt.24:18; Mark 8:35).
Although Luke 6:29 and Matt.5:40 may seem like opposite statements; both are applicable.
If our identity in the Congregation of "JW's" is demanded of us through disfellowshipping, we also surrender our inner thoughts in an attempt to profess a thorough witness of truth to our executioners, before our "deaths"
(symbolic-death)
If our identity in the Congregation of "JW's" is demanded of us through disfellowshipping, we also surrender our inner thoughts in an attempt to profess a thorough witness of truth to our executioners, before our "deaths"
(symbolic-death)
(keep-awake).
If our inner thoughts are first requested by such "elders", we must also be willing to surrender our outward standing in the Congregation, as a consequence (Matt.10:32-33; John 14:6; Eze.33:8-9; Eph.4:25; Zech.3:8,3-4; Rev.7:14; 3:18; 19:8).
Neither the treasured "tunic" nor the "cloak" we leave behind, will prove to be of any lasting value, if we esteem them as of greater worth than Christ's command to "Flee" (Isa.51:7-8; 61:10,7; Ps.25:3).
We must do so, as soon as we "catch sight" of the disgusting thing causing desolation to the "holy place"
(Matt.24:15; Dan.8:24,11; 2Thess. 2:4; 1Cor. 3:16; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10,7; 11:2) (dsgstg-thing).
The treasures of Christ, are always worth more than what we leave behind (Col.2:2-3; Matt.6:20).
We must do so, as soon as we "catch sight" of the disgusting thing causing desolation to the "holy place"
(Matt.24:15; Dan.8:24,11; 2Thess. 2:4; 1Cor. 3:16; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10,7; 11:2) (dsgstg-thing).
The treasures of Christ, are always worth more than what we leave behind (Col.2:2-3; Matt.6:20).
Thank you for your faith filled expressions.
I hope in my heart that our Father continue to uphold you in faith, truth, and peace.
Love in Christ,
Pearl
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This comment was left, which I mistakenly erased:
ReplyDeleteanonymous March 30, 2016 at 7:18 AM
Mark 6:7,8 - And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.
Matt 22:37 - Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind
I knew from what you had written about garments that there was an indication made by the two tunics of Mark 6:7,8, I just couldn’t put completely together until reading this article.
It appears by the words in Matt 22:37 that we can’t be limping or wavering between two opinions in the same way Elijah told God’s people they were doing long ago.1 Kings 18:21 Christ has called “to himself” the “two witnesses”, who must strive to become pure in heart and identity with him during this end time preaching of the “good news”. Once we have left behind our old cloak from the organization, we have only one Master whom we slave for, one tunic to wear. Our heart and mind are one in Christ and working in unison, which is made clearly evident in both speech and actions to all whom we speak.
It also seems that if we are one in heart and mind in Christ, we have no other “bread” to bring along, but that of Christ’s living water flowing out of the heart that is faithful toward him, sufficient “food” to accomplish his will. John 4:34 Zech 4:6
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38
Thank you always, Pearl, for your hard work
In Christ,
peely
Thank you my dear sister for such a wonderful explanation. Your posts are so encouraging. I cannot get enough of them. They have helped me to appreciate reading the Word of God without the Watchtower blinders. I get so emotional now when I follow the Scriptures you cite. It feels Jah is speaking to my heart. Thanks again for the comforting words. May He our heavenly Father keep on blessing you so you can transmit such comfort to us.
DeleteYes, Peely. I thought the same thing when I read Mark6:9. It refers to the same subject, as Ps.12:2; 28:3; Jer.9:8; 12:6 and James 1:8; 3:10. There are two sides to such hearts Ps.55:21. They claim to practice the love of Christ. But toward those who are condemned for faithfulness to Christ, they mock with malice and hatred.
DeleteThose who do not take "bread" along with them from where they came (Matt.16:11), have regard for Matt.4:4; 6:25-26 and Deut.8:3. When we are cared for by God and share those provisions with others, we have our "wages" (1Tim.5:18; Prov.11:24; 28:27).
We observe so many in the wilderness now, trying to wear two undergarments, as they vacillate between rejecting various points of erroneous WT doctrine, yet doggedly cling to other learned "Watchtower" perceptions. They sit at meetings, projecting the image that they attend in order to be fed, while their heart secretly rejects some of what they hear, in silence. (Isa.44:20; 57:11; Job 15:31) More is required (Rom.10:10; Eph.4:25).
If we have righteous courage, we will not worship with idolaters (Ps.26:4), no matter how we imagine that decision will cause banishment and hunger. After faithfulness, we discover that we are fed better than ever before (Isa.55:2; 65:13; Luke12:37; 22:27; Rev.2:17; John6:50). We enter a land flowing with "milk and honey" (1Pet.2:2; Ps.119:103; 19:10; Eze.3:3; Prov.24:14), and have no need of what we left behind! (Ps.37:25; Isa.28:16; 41:10; 43:2; Deut.31:6; Matt.28:20; Mark8:35) (Matt.6:25-26)
I also have deep gratitude for your faithful work.
Love in Christ,
Pearl
Dear Anonymous,
DeleteJesus feeds and cares for his Body (Eph.5:29-32) as each of it's parts, does it's assigned work (Eph.4:16). Thank you for appreciating my hard work. During this time of great tribulation, it is a trial for each of the Chosen, to accomplish their ministry (2Tim.4:5; Dan.9:25). Despite our circumstances ("season" Matt.24:20), Christ rightly expects us to be bearing "fruit" (John15:16,8; Mark 11:13-14; Matt.3:10). This we can certainly do, if we return to Christ (John15:4-5).