God’s Kingdom—Superior in Every Way ***
God’s Kingdom is a real government "having great power". The prophet Daniel gave us a glimpse of just how powerful it is. Long ago, he foretold: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that . . . will "crush" and put an end to all [human] kingdoms.” Moreover, in contrast with "human governments, which come and go over the course of history, God’s Kingdom “will never be brought to ruin.” (Daniel 2:44)"
God’s Kingdom "has a superior King". Daniel beheld the Ruler of God’s Kingdom as “someone like a son of man” brought before Almighty God and given lasting “rulership and dignity and kingdom.” (Daniel 7:1, 13, 14) That Son of man is none other than Jesus Christ—the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-17) Jehovah God designated his own Son, Jesus, to be King of His Kingdom. When on earth, Jesus said to the wicked Pharisees: “The kingdom of God is in your midst,” meaning that he, the future King of that Kingdom, was among them.—Luke 17:21.
God’s Kingdom has trustworthy representatives on earth. How do we know this? Psalm 45:16 states: “You will appoint . . . princes in all the earth.” “You” in this prophecy is the Son of God. (Psalm 45:6, 7; Hebrews 1:7, 8) Hence, Jesus Christ himself will appoint the princely representatives. We can be sure that they will be faithful in carrying out his direction. Isaiah 32:2.
The Kingdom has righteous "subjects". They are blameless and upright in God’s eyes. (Proverbs 2:21, 22) “The meek ones themselves will possess the earth,” says the Bible, “and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11) The subjects of the Kingdom are meek—teachable and humble, mild and gentle. Their primary interests are spiritual matters. (Matthew 5:3) They want to do what is right and are responsive to divine direction.
God’s Kingdom is governed by superior laws. The laws and principles governing the Kingdom come from Jehovah God himself. Rather than unfairly restrict us, they benefit us. (Psalm 19:7-11) For example, heeding the Bible’s counsel to husbands, wives, and children improves our family life. (Ephesians 5:33–6:3) When we obey the command to ‘clothe ourselves with love,’ our relationship with others improves. (Colossians 3:13, 14) As we live by Scriptural principles, we also cultivate good work habits and a balanced view of money. (Proverbs 13:4; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10) Avoiding drunkenness, sexual immorality, tobacco, and addictive drugs helps us to safeguard our health.—Proverbs 7:21-23; 23:29, 30; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Do these qualities describe something in a person's heart or a real government?
Originally posted by roigam"Princely representatives"
God’s Kingdom has trustworthy representatives on earth. How do we know this? Psalm 45:16 states: “You will appoint . . . princes in all the earth.” “You” in this prophecy is the Son of God. (Psalm 45:6, 7; Hebrews 1:7, 8) Hence, Jesus Christ himself will appoint the princely representatives. We can be sure that they will be faithful in carrying out his direct ...[text shortened]... orinthians 7:1.
Do these qualities describe something in a person's heart or a real government?
"Righteous subjects"
"Blameless and upright"
"Meek ones"
"Teachable, humble, mild and gentle"
Is this robbie carrobie or yourself you are describing?
Originally posted by roigamThe passages you quoted do not state that Christians need to safeguard health. On this topic of health, here is what the Bible says:
.... to safeguard our health.—Proverbs 7:21-23; 23:29, 30; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. (1Tim 4:1-9)
That passage from Paul lays down an important principle which many religions violate - that is to resist the temptation to fabricate petty doctrines which are not clearly stated in the Bible and instead focus on living righteously before God . Paul sites several examples:
- forbidding followers to marry
- commanding followers to abstain from meat (and certain foods)
Many religions and Christian sects are guilty in this regard... JWs in particular
Originally posted by Rajk999Are you or have you ever been a Jehovah's Witness?
The passages you quoted do not state that Christians need to safeguard health. On this topic of health, here is what the Bible says:
[i]Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot ...[text shortened]... tain foods)
Many religions and Christian sects are guilty in this regard... JWs in particular
Originally posted by divegeesterThe direction is reply and QUOTE.
Here is is where you copy/pasted your post from: http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006521
Passing someone else's words off as your own is dishonest and very poor forum etiquette.
That is my quote and my viewpoint.
I believe that is an acceptable post.
Originally posted by roigamNo, there is no "direction". There is only forum etiquette and intellectual honesty, both of which you are sadly lacking. The words you posted in YOUR opening post, which is not a reply/quote of another post in the same thread, are SOME ELSE'S words which you are trying to pass off as your own. Your JW buddy Galveston75 was repeatedly called out over the same issue.
The direction is reply and QUOTE.
That is my quote and my viewpoint.
I believe that is an acceptable post.
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Originally posted by roigam
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Do these qualities describe something in a person's heart or a real government?
The question as it is framed really sets up a false dichotomy.
IE. "real government" verses "something in a person's heart."
The kingdom of the heavens in the book of Matthew is firstly inward in the disciples. It is even hidden yet real. Eventually it is manifested outwardly. It is not only "real" when it is manifested outwardly in government rule. It does not become "real" only at that time.
On the contrary. It has to be "real" government inwardly FIRST, and even that for a long period of time throughout the church age.
The quite real administration and government of God over men inwardly cannot avoid finally being manifested outwardly, unmistakenly, gloriously, and worldwide at the at God appoints.
The Bible speaks of both aspects of the kingdom of God - its critical inward reality and the reward of its outward manifestation.
Originally posted by sonshipTrusting in Jehovah’s power to protect him and grant him success, Jesus entered his public ministry, announcing to Jehovah’s covenant people that “the appointed time has been fulfilled,” resulting in the approach of the Kingdom of God. (Mr 1:14, 15) In determining in what sense the Kingdom was “near,” his words to certain Pharisees may be noted, namely, that “the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Lu 17:21)Do these qualities describe something in a person's heart or a real government?
The question as it is framed really sets up a false dichotomy.
IE. "real government" verses "something in a person's heart."
The kingdom of the heavens in the book of [b]Matthew is firstly inward in the disciples. It is even hidden yet real. Even ...[text shortened]... of the kingdom of God - its critical inward reality and the reward of its outward manifestation.[/b]
Commenting on this text, The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible observes: “Although frequently cited as an example of Jesus’ ‘mysticism’ or ‘inwardness,’ this interpretation rests chiefly upon the old translation, ‘within you,’ [KJ, Dy] understood in the unfortunate modern sense of ‘you’ as singular; the ‘you’ ([hy·monʹ]) is plural (Jesus is addressing the Pharisees—vs. 20) . . . The theory that the kingdom of God is an inner state of mind, or of personal salvation, runs counter to the context of this verse, and also to the whole NT presentation of the idea.” (Edited by G. A. Buttrick, 1962, Vol. 2, p. 883) Since “kingdom [ba·si·leiʹa]” can refer to the “royal dignity,” it is evident that Jesus meant that he, God’s royal representative, the one anointed by God for the kingship, was in their midst. Not only was he present in this capacity but he also had authority to perform works manifesting God’s kingly power and to prepare candidates for positions within his coming Kingdom rule. Hence the ‘nearness’ of the Kingdom; it was a time of tremendous opportunity.
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/bible/nwt/books/luke/17/#v42017021