The purpose of the preaching work

Maybelle said:
Originally the preaching work was to teach people about the truth of the bible, which in past times was done very well and with success
Now…it’s difficult because of the WT teaching and gaslighting. I personally wouldn’t want to bring a interested person to a KH and glorify the GB
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And I think they were gathering the soon-to-be anointed as well. And many of you have said that.

I say soon-to-be because I believe many are called but few are chosen, as Jesus said. I also think the anointed will be anointed in the future and, for some, just before their deaths. Their anointing will become evident and undeniable as they display power of The Holy Spirit in various ways...just like in the first century. So may they continue to make the calling and choosing of themselves firm. 2 Peter 1:10
 
kirmmy said:
I say soon-to-be because I believe many are called but few are chosen, as Jesus said.
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That is what it says. Matthew 22:14

It seems that many may feel 'they' are chosen 'now', but until the sealing occurs, they are not truly anointed now, just hopefuls. Like it says, MANY are called but FEW are chosen. I guess meaning that well over the total number were called but only the exact number from those will end up being who get chosen/anointed.
 
Frank D said:
That seems so. The GT produces the great crowd and the anointed are sealed before the 42-months.
Any idea when the 144 are sealed?


That seems to be the case too.
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KingdomLeast said:
When as to a time frame? I guess when the last of us is gone. Nothing can progress until the last member of the 144,000 is sealed
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I believe they all don't need to die to be sealed

Sealed by the Holy Spirit: Meaning and Significance in the Bible

How can Christians be sure they are saved? Are we protected, or is there a way in which one might lose salvation?
www.christianity.com www.christianity.com

Biblically, to be “sealed” is to be verified as God’s child. Ephesians 1 says “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (v.13) The Apostle John wrote, “I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him, one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads.” By their seals, these believers are protected from Satan.

www.thegospelcoalition.org

What Does It Mean to Be Sealed with the Holy Spirit?

Erik Raymond explains from Ephesians 1:13 and related passages how being sealed with the Holy Spirit is the gracious gift of God.
www.thegospelcoalition.org

The Bible uses this term in a few different ways, and when considered together, they help provide a full picture of what Paul is after here in Ephesians. In the Old Testament, God set a sign on his chosen ones to mark them out or set them apart as his possession and to keep them from destruction (Ezek. 9:4–6). We read in Revelation 7:3 that God places a seal on his people to identify them and protect them from wrath. We also see that the guards put a large stone over the tomb of Jesus to seal it (Matt. 27:66) and of John being told to seal up the words of the prophecy (Rev. 22:10). This communicates security. We also read of God authenticating the relationship with his seal (John 6:27). This is similar to the concept of Abraham’s circumcision serving as a sign and a seal of his righteousness (Rom. 4:11).

If we put this together, we see that in the Scriptures a seal communicates ownership, protection, and a validation of the relationship.

So the idea that one has to die is not completely accurate as when we are talking about sealed, it would mean by both the relationship with Jehovah-measured up and by spirit of life like the 2 Witnesses.
 
Compliment said:
I believe they all don't need to die to be sealed.
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I agree.

The seal of God in the forehead is a symbol (Rev. 14:1, 22:4, Ezek. 3:8-9) of His ties and promises to us evidenced the spirit given to His people as His pledge (Eph. 1:13, 2 Cor. 1:21-22)

The saints were to be sealed with the seal of God, which would show that they belonged to Christ. The four angels are told not to harm the sea or the trees with the four winds, until the saints were sealed in their forehead. The sealing does not mean that the saints have completed their walk here on earth, but it means that they have an intellectual understanding of God’s Plan, and that they are working to implement that plan. This is a good mark, which shows that they are in harmony with God’s Plan.
The mark of the beast is opposite to this mark, in that the mark of the beast shows that they are in sympathy with Satan’s plans.
 
KingdomLeast said:
So at the 2024 annual meeting, Witnesses were told by their Governing Body that they don't have all the answers, particularly regarding judgment. And have admitted that the scriptures give out hope to those outside the Watchtower walls. That those who died during the flood, (Sodom, Gomorrah and others destroyed) will be resurrected.

For 100 years the purpose of the preaching work was to save as many as possible, to bring them into the spiritual ark before the clouds of Armageddon swept them away.

So let me ask ... why are they preaching? Most importantly, what's the purpose of the preaching work?
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The main message is still the same. To preach the good news of the kingdom. The W/T going off the rails don't change anything.
 
KingdomLeast said:
For 100 years the purpose of the preaching work was to save as many as possible, to bring them into the spiritual ark before the clouds of Armageddon swept them away.

So let me ask ... why are they preaching? Most importantly, what's the purpose of the preaching work?
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Your questions left me thinking a little deeper about the objectives of the preaching work vs how, over time, it's been structured and formalized into a less joyful christian duty.

I believe RK highlights how JW's did well in globally sharing bible teachings of which has surpassed 200 countries. The noble and initial intent was to spread bible teachings to as many as possible, and yes, before Armaggedon (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19,20). I believe there is no argument in that this is something Jesus commanded his followers to do. The parts that has been negatively impacted from all the changes in the JW org are what I'd like to highlight.

The preaching work is significantly and consistently pushed on JWs at meetings. So much so, that it becomes burdensome and draining to hear. When you excessively hear that you must or need to be preaching and examples of other's who do way more than you do are constantly presented, it is stressful and emotionally draining. You're never doing enough, never sacrificing enough, or there is always another area you could make yourself available to do. The pandemic presented approved alternative non-physical ways of fulfilling this work; add-in the no time requirement for publishers now; consequently, what do you think publishers are pondering? Oh, so, door-to-door isn't the only way to comply, it can be done remotely, informally, non-verbally, etc? Why the constant push to physically fulfill this work?

Many are feeling tired and worn from dealing with this new normal and unstable economic and political climate to be asked to keep doing more. It is interesting that circuit overseer's rarely have bible study(ies) as they are constantly on-the-move, but yet, they are considered to be full-time minister's?:unsure: Bethel workers as well. So, the org has created a broken record of preach, preach, preach but yet, the majority of the world has no excuse to not be able to read the bible, access spiritual materials and pray to God. What is needed more now than ever is a central point of truth, where all of us can go to and 100% believe & trust... yes... that is the Bible.

Nonetheless, a group of supportive spiritually-minded friends is helpful in keeping up your joy in speaking with other's about God's kingdom and it being the only true solution to everything.
 
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DR75 less 1 said:
The main message is still the same. To preach the good news of the kingdom. The W/T going off the rails don't change anything.
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And what "Good News" would that be? The one taught by Russell? Rutherford? The Governing Body? The "truth" has evolved, what was taught yesterday, is no longer taught today. Or do we just go around telling people; "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!"?
 
How many people will die at Armageddon? Answer.This is the amount of blood spilled at the winepress of God.Rev14:20.It will be 1600 stadia long .(one stadia equals 606 feet)As high as the brildes (est.5 feet tall)of the horses(est.4 feet wide) .Divide by the amount of blood in a human body.Yes there will be blood .Rev14:20
 
KingdomLeast said:
And what "Good News" would that be? The one taught by Russell? Rutherford? The Governing Body? The "truth" has evolved, what was taught yesterday, is no longer taught today. Or do we just go around telling people; "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!"?
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The basics maybe?

Jehovah is God's name. God will use his son Jesus as a judge and savior. Earth will not be destroyed but turn to paradise when the wicked is dead and humans will live healthy and happy, in perfect relationship with Jehovah God for forever. The REST are where the groups diverge.
wth said:
How many people will die at Armageddon? Answer.This is the amount of blood spilled at the winepress of God.Rev14:20.It will be 1600 stadia long .(one stadia equals 606 feet)As high as the brildes (est.5 feet tall)of the horses(est.4 feet wide) .Divide by the amount of blood in a human body.Yes there will be blood .Rev14:20
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It's not a huge number by modern earthly population standards. That equals to 118 million adults.
 
DavidCJ said:
The basics maybe?

Jehovah is God's name. God will use his son Jesus as a judge and savior. Earth will not be destroyed but turn to paradise when the wicked is dead and humans will live healthy and happy, in perfect relationship with Jehovah God for forever. The REST are where the groups diverge.

It's not a huge number by modern earthly population standards. That equals to 118 million adults.
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How did u get that number?
 
KingdomLeast said:
When as to a time frame? I guess when the last of us is gone. Nothing can progress until the last member of the 144,000 is sealed
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Those to be sealed aren’t sealed until the great tribulation is cut short.
That’s the point of Revelation 7:1-3
After this I saw four angels stationed at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the rising of the sun, holding the seal of the living God; and with a loud voice he called out to the four angels to whom it was granted [to have authority and power] to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth nor the sea nor the trees until we seal (mark) the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”
www.biblegateway.com

Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 7:1, Revelation 7:2, Revelation 7:3 - Amplified Bible

An Interlude - After this I saw four angels stationed at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree.
www.biblegateway.com www.biblegateway.com
 
KingdomLeast said:
And what "Good News" would that be? The one taught by Russell? Rutherford? The Governing Body? The "truth" has evolved, what was taught yesterday, is no longer taught today. Or do we just go around telling people; "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!"?
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The preaching work comes to an end when it does. Mt 24:14. "..and then the end will come..." What end? The End of preaching the good news.
 
kenmuldoon55 said:
Those to be sealed aren’t sealed until the great tribulation is cut short.
That’s the point of Revelation 7:1-3
After this I saw four angels stationed at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the rising of the sun, holding the seal of the living God; and with a loud voice he called out to the four angels to whom it was granted [to have authority and power] to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth nor the sea nor the trees until we seal (mark) the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”
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According to Rev 7:1-3. the Great Tribulation ISN'T cut short. It's held back, so it doesn't start until the 144,000 are sealed. When they're sealed, then the four winds are let loose.

Let me ask an additional question If I may. What do the Four Winds represent to you?
 
KingdomLeast said:
Is the end, the end of the preaching work, or is the end when the church is complete?
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The end in 24:14 is the end of the preaching the good news of the Kingdom. Not sure what you mean by the "the church is complete" But Rev 11:1 shows that the spiritual temple is complete. The courtyard was left out it was not to be measured at that time. because it must be trampled on by the nations for 42 months. Preaching the good news of the Kingdom will have come to a halt before then.
 
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KingdomLeast said:
According to Rev 7:1-3. the Great Tribulation ISN'T cut short. It's held back, so it doesn't start until the 144,000 are sealed. When they're sealed, then the four winds are let loose.

Let me ask an additional question If I may. What do the Four Winds represent to you?
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Okay, four winds indicates all of the near extinction level events ( of man’s doing) which the initial phase of the great tribulation will be. The angels being instructed to hold back the four winds couldn’t mean they’re preventing man’s initial headlong plunge into oblivion but rather an intercession of that ongoing event which up to that point threatens all life on earth.
Gods chosen (those to be sealed) have to be refined first in the crucible of Jehovahs anger. How will that refining happen if they are already sealed before the great tribulation (their refinement period) begins
Just wondering..
 
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More food for thought >

Revelation7:​

7 After this I saw four angels+ standing upon the four corners* of the earth, holding tight the four winds+ of the earth, that no wind might blow upon the earth or upon the sea or upon any tree.+​

​

Revelation9:​

9 And the fifth angel blew his trumpet.+ And I saw a star+ that had fallen from heaven to the earth, and the key+ of the pit of the abyss+ was given him.* 2 And he* opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke+ ascended out of the pit as the smoke of a great furnace,+ and the sun was darkened,+ also the air, by the smoke of the pit. 3 And out of the smoke locusts+ came forth upon the earth; and authority was given them, the same authority as the scorpions+ of the earth have. 4 And they were told to harm no vegetation of the earth nor any green thing nor any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.+​


Read - Concerning the “green vegetation” of the Apocalypse> https://e-watchman.com/concerning-green-vegetation-apocalypse/>​

 
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