would we be able to claim that we were preaching the good news of the kingdom?...per Jesus example.
2007-06-30 17:52:18 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sasi...I loved yor answer...Good points.
2007-07-02 03:32:34 · update #1
If they did, it would put to rest the misleading claim of the Watchtower Society that only JWs are busy preaching the good news. However, as it's not a competition, or a requirement for salvation, no Christian should be required to report their time. Indeed, that idea runs contrary to the whole spirit of the Christian faith.
Paul said that even if others were preaching Christ out of a sense of envy or rivalry, or of causing him trouble, he didn't mind - just as long as Christ was preached, he would rejoice (Phil 1:15-18). He also reproved those in his day "who want to make a good impression outwardly [via compulsory circumcision]... yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ... Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation" (Gal 6:12-16). If only JWs would concentrate on pointing to Christ (instead of a paradise earth), and ensure they personally were 'new creations' in Christ, we could rejoice with them at their activity.
Yet JWs have been told, "Actually, without such witnessing there is no salvation for Christians", followed by the absurd claim, "Do you try to witness to your neighbors or to your associates at work about the good news? Actually, very few who profess to be Christians do this." (The Watchtower 15 July 1972 p423) Yesterday a Christian friend phoned me to say she'd spoken to a stranger in the shopping precinct, specifically to share the gospel with her (and others). It turned out the stranger was a JW and she was not happy at my friend questioning whether she truly believed in the Christ of the Bible, walking away. Interesting how JWs react when someone tries to share the gospel with them, isn't it? But my friend would never dream of checking her watch to see what time she'd clocked up. Matters of eternity are beyond mere time.
2007-07-01 23:47:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes because reporting the progress of the ministry work have been in affect even when Jesus was on Earth. His own disciples reported to him.
Mark 6:30 "And the apostles gathered together before Jesus and reported to him all the things they had done and taught."
The Good News of the Kingdom is now being done around the globe and it must continue until Jehovah says, "The work is done."
Therefore, reporting (not just) hours, # of Bible Studies, literatures placed, etc, will enables us Christians to carry out our commission to preach the Kingdom good news more effectively because reports being provided will show which part of the world (which country for example or islands) are progressing or may need more help spiritually.
When Jesus sent out his disciples to preach the word of God, yes, Jesus welcomed the report.
2007-07-01 02:05:49 · answer #2 · answered by Agape 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
LP, I don't think you really believe Christians should keep track of the "fruitage of lips' , but if someone does, I would like to say that the Bible doesn't in any way, shape or form recommend that the apostles or disciples should write down the number of hours they spent preaching and report it to anyone. The report the apostles made had nothing to do with "hours", but with the results of their preaching. Even the number of those who became believers is presented as an estimate, usually only within a thousand. (Acts 2:41)
The reporting of one's "hours" puts the emphasis, not on the preaching work, but of the individual's "works" in that regard. It serves no purpose in the preaching of the good news to keep track of an individual's hours, or as a whole. It is totally unnecessary and brings into question the true motivation of a person sharing his faith - out of love or out of a desire to look good to others by being able to report a lot of "hours".
Reporting one's hours sounds more like something the Pharisees would require than the Christians of the Bible.
2007-07-01 13:37:00 · answer #3 · answered by steervase 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I believe that there is ministry on this forum, some are planting seeds and therefore God would be pleased with us for sharing the gospel.
2007-07-01 00:55:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you avoid the petty arguing and the baited questions which mock Jesus and God, and reply to those that are earnestly searching for answers or understanding, then I think it qualifies. We are instructed to ediy one another.........
This is just one of many medias in which we can do that.
2007-07-01 01:55:07 · answer #5 · answered by †LifeOnLoan† 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately I don't think it would be too many hours to report and that is so unfortunate. Why are we so ashamed of the greatest love that we ever received!
2007-07-01 00:55:34 · answer #6 · answered by af 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What a nice, positive thought!
2007-07-01 12:54:33 · answer #7 · answered by Suzanne 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋