Posted by a.j.w. [aw] on April 03, 1999 at 05:40:24 {Ed9c7782HMgy8SS8Re/Q9b2GZPq.rk}:
In Reply to: heaven or earth? posted by barney on April 03, 1999 at 04:45:41:
Hi Aussiejoe,
: Firstly, in Genesis it is obvious that Jehovah had a purpose (plan) that people were to live on earth, you know - be fruitful, fill the earth etc. When did his purpose change to having people live in heaven after they died?
His purpose has never changed. "all the earth shall be filled with the glory of Jehovah".
: If the meek are to inherit the earth why would they be going to heaven as described in Rev 7?
Rev 7 does not describe anyone going to heaven from what I can see - perhaps you could be more specific. Oh, I know the Society exegesis but see the throne of God being that described in Rev 5. Here sits the Lamb slain surrounded by the 4 living creatures and 24 elders who sing "you are worthy to take the scroll ... and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth" (NIV - yes, I know NWT says "over" but I have decided this is WTS prejudice). So the ruling happens on earth from what I can tell. The kingdom is on earth - the whole of scripture attests to that. Sure, a heavenly kingdom, by constitution, but not by location.
: Secondly, if Jesus commanded his followers to preach the gospel how are rank and file believers to accomplish this without some organised approach?
Paul spoke to Timothy personally in 2 Tim 4:2 and said to preach the word - all the time. Nothing about organisation - in fact he tells him to be an evangeliser and to fully accomplish HIS MINISTRY. There is no scriptural distinction between rank and file and heirachy - there is no scriptural heirachy excepting the apostles. Peter's approach is to maintain fine conduct amongst the nations that they may glorify God. There are a number of similar examples.
: Are we to stand on street corners calling out to passers by or are your actions in every day life the way to do as Jesus commanded?
I don't see standing on street corners calling out to passers by as being "wise as serpents" and "harmless as doves". Certainly this is the case in Western Countries where you will just be viewed as a crackpot. Perhaps it is more accepted in other countries, and at earlier times. I have done it on a soapbox in Sydney in a place called the domain, where every Sunday afternoon the sorts of discussions that happen on H2O would happen, perhaps with a broader x-section of views - but I know that's not quite what you meant.
There is potentially a middle road, which is private conversations with as many as will hear - "let your light shine amongst men" can be understood in this way, as well as a consistent lifestyle (also Col 4:5)
Or as Peter again: "always ready to make defense before everyone that demands a reason for the hope in YOU, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect".
I think the answer depends on the individual and his conscience/capability.
: These questions are about the last parts of my personal puzzle that I need to solve before I make decisions and take actions that will affect my family enormously.
This sounds ominous - perhaps you could give us a view of the way the puzzle has come together and keep us informed of how things go. I for one am intrigued.
(I'd noticed you had been speaking about JWs in the 3rd person - have you DA'd in some way - did you go to the Memorial?)
Love,
Andrew.