823.htm

(Cont. from Page 822).

823.

Imagine three men of the same name, though not related, for whom unsealed 'elders' of a congregation have sent letters recommending them for the position of unsealed 'elder', as is done by the sect of JWs today. Imagine that two of these men were appointed, but one was not. In replying to that congregation, how could they distinguish between the two they had appointed and the one they had not? How could reference to the individuals concerned be made? This example is given to show that those making the recommendations are effectively those doing the appointing. And in all cases, they do not have the spiritual qualifications to do so. (2 Cor 3:1).

Any man appointed to a position of oversight in Christ's congregations must have an anointing by Holy Spirit from God and fulfil the spiritual requirements of Titus 1:5-9. Such ones are spiritually qualified to facilitate the appointment of others to the position of congregation elder in like manner. This is in accord with the faith they share in common with all the holy ones. (Titus 1:4). It is Jehovah who anoints and teaches them as future members of His heavenly government. (1 John 2:27).

THE IDENTITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF "OLDER MEN".

"Therefore, to the older men among you I give this exhortation, for I too am an older man like them and a witness of the sufferings of the Christ, a sharer even of the glory that is to be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God's inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, you will receive the unfadable crown of glory." (1 Peter 5:1-4).

Peter conveys that an elder is a sharer in the glory to be revealed, "the unfadable crown of glory" that is the incorruptible everlasting spirit life to which they are called. (1 Peter 1:3,4).

Anointed elders are of the spiritual "seed" of God. There are 144,000 "crowns" to be given to those of this "seed".

Anointed elders do not have the authority to lord it over any of God's inheritance.

"OLDER MEN" MUST ALSO BE PRIESTS.

"But you are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies" of the One that called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9).

Underpriests will not offer such sacrifices as the Aaronic priesthood did, but offer up spiritual sacrifices in the heavenly government of God on behalf of God's beloved people. Their work now is to "declare abroad the excellencies" of God. (Rev 5:9,10).

THOSE WHO "SAY" THEY ARE "JEWS" BUT ARE LYING. (Rev 3:9).

The words of The Christ Michael to the angel of the congregation in Revelation 3:9 are addressed to anointed ones alive on earth during the "Lord's day". (Rev 1:10). They are certainly not directed to anointed ones in Christendom, for there are none there. (James 4:4). Those who "say" they are spiritual "Jews" but are lying are acting the part by the impression they give in word and deed. They do not have the "seed" of God: Holy Spirit. The Christ says he will make these liars "come and do obeisance before your feet and make them know I have loved you." Their obeisance will be an act of homage to those who truly are spiritual "Jews". When Christ makes these liars know he loves only those who truly are "Jews", their submission will be to express their guilt, that they were acting in the place of "Jews", and in the "time of the end" will realize who truly are anointed spiritual "Jews" appointed to administer the Lord's instructions. As confirmed "drunkards" in the blood of the holy ones they are corrupt beyond repentance. (Rev 17:6. Matt 24:49). They corrupted themselves with the works and deeds of "Jezebel" offspring and belong to the "synagogue of satan", for they remained in "her" teachings. (Rev 2:20-23).

19/8/77.