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Any Reaction To Psalm 73:3?

james bond

Well-Known Member
Psalm_73_3-3840x2160.png


The poster is interesting. My first reaction is life isn't always fair, but we see this kind of thing or meet these kinds of people once in a while, e.g. Carl Icahn. BTW "arrogant" can be thought of as "foolish." I'm envious of one who can explain it as follows:

"The Biblical Illustrator
Psalms 73:3

I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

A popular fallacy exposed

The position I wish to lay down is this:--that the condition of the godly poor even in this world, is far superior to that of the ungodly rich. Public sentiment, I am aware, is against this doctrine; hence the universal struggle to be rich. Hence, too, the popular disregard of goodness as goodness, and the almost contempt for it if found in connection with poverty. Hence the current cant in some districts of the religious world that God’s “dear people “ have the worst portion in this life; that as a rule their situation here is not comparable to that of those who forget God.


I. The wealth of the one is in his hand; that of the other in his heart.

1. The one is of contingent value; the other is of absolute worth.

2. The one is essentially virtuous; the other is not.

3. The one is essentially a blessing; the other often a bane.

4. The one is alienable; the other is not.


II. The greatness of the one is in his circumstances; that of the other in his soul.

1. The one is respected for what he has; the other for what he is.

2. The respect rendered to the one is in proportion to the low state of moral education among the people; not so with the other.


III. The happiness of the one is from without; that of the other is from within.

1. The happiness that springs from without is sensational; the other spiritual.

2. The happiness that springs from without is selfish; the other generous.

3. The happiness that springs from without decreases; the other is ever heightening. (Homilist.)

Our wealth is proportionate to our content

Our incomes should be like our shoes; if too small they will gall and pinch us, but if too large they will cause us to stumble and trip. Wealth, after all, is a relative thing, since he that has little and wants less is richer than he that has much and wants more. True contentment depends not upon what we have, but upon what we would have. A tub was large enough for Diogenes, but a world was too little for Alexander. (The Quiver.)

Psalms 73:3 - For I was envious... - Verse-by-Verse Commentary
 

2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
The poster is interesting. My first reaction is life isn't always fair, but we see this kind of thing or meet these kinds of people once in a while, e.g. Carl Icahn. BTW "arrogant" can be thought of as "foolish." I'm envious of one who can explain it as follows:

"The Biblical Illustrator
Psalms 73:3

I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

A popular fallacy exposed

The position I wish to lay down is this:--that the condition of the godly poor even in this world, is far superior to that of the ungodly rich. Public sentiment, I am aware, is against this doctrine; hence the universal struggle to be rich. Hence, too, the popular disregard of goodness as goodness, and the almost contempt for it if found in connection with poverty. Hence the current cant in some districts of the religious world that God’s “dear people “ have the worst portion in this life; that as a rule their situation here is not comparable to that of those who forget God.


I. The wealth of the one is in his hand; that of the other in his heart.

1. The one is of contingent value; the other is of absolute worth.

2. The one is essentially virtuous; the other is not.

3. The one is essentially a blessing; the other often a bane.

4. The one is alienable; the other is not.


II. The greatness of the one is in his circumstances; that of the other in his soul.

1. The one is respected for what he has; the other for what he is.

2. The respect rendered to the one is in proportion to the low state of moral education among the people; not so with the other.


III. The happiness of the one is from without; that of the other is from within.

1. The happiness that springs from without is sensational; the other spiritual.

2. The happiness that springs from without is selfish; the other generous.

3. The happiness that springs from without decreases; the other is ever heightening. (Homilist.)

Our wealth is proportionate to our content

Our incomes should be like our shoes; if too small they will gall and pinch us, but if too large they will cause us to stumble and trip. Wealth, after all, is a relative thing, since he that has little and wants less is richer than he that has much and wants more. True contentment depends not upon what we have, but upon what we would have. A tub was large enough for Diogenes, but a world was too little for Alexander. (The Quiver.)

Psalms 73:3 - For I was envious... - Verse-by-Verse Commentary

You forgot about their end. This is with respect to the "wicked" (Psalm 73:3), and not God's chosen.

Psalm 73:16-20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

16When I pondered to understand this,
It was troublesome in my sight
17Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
Then I perceived their end.
18Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19How they are destroyed in a moment!
They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!
20Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
@james bond

It's a shame that people have swallowed the propaganda....."things make you happy". If you're not happy, then it means "you haven't got enough things". This is the mantra of the commercial world.

Owning "things" and being able to do whatever you like because you can afford it is a trap. Many rich people are miserable but they don't know why. Psalm 73 talks about that kind of prosperity.

We see the wealthy buying bigger and better mansions....more expensive cars and "toys" in an endless quest for happiness....but they never quite 'catch the butterfly'.

The Bible explains why......

Matthew 6:19-20....

“Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Jesus said quite simply that "there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving". So the best way to find happiness is to give to others.....unselfishly expecting nothing in return.

We have two kinds of bank accounts....one on earth and one in heaven. The one on earth might be overflowing, but overnight, we could lose it all.

If our bank account in heaven is continually overdrawn, then nothing on earth will contribute to our happiness. Spiritual bankruptcy will mean continual unhappiness, no matter how many toys we have.

Luke 12:15-21....

"Then he said to them: “Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of greed, because even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.” 16 With that he told them an illustration, saying: “The land of a rich man produced well. 17 So he began reasoning within himself, ‘What should I do now that I have nowhere to gather my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my goods, 19 and I will say to myself: “You have many good things stored up for many years; take it easy, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your life from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’ 21 So it goes with the man who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Practicing the art of "contentment" is the key to happiness. (1 Timothy 6:7-8)

It means "wanting what you have....not having what you want"

Selfishness is not a good quality to cultivate in ourselves or our children.....ever. Don't ever envy the rich.....their things are not buying their life....when they die, they become like everyone else.
 

2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
@james bond

It's a shame that people have swallowed the propaganda....."things make you happy". If you're not happy, then it means "you haven't got enough things". This is the mantra of the commercial world.

Owning "things" and being able to do whatever you like because you can afford it is a trap. Many rich people are miserable but they don't know why. Psalm 73 talks about that kind of prosperity.

We see the wealthy buying bigger and better mansions....more expensive cars and "toys" in an endless quest for happiness....but they never quite 'catch the butterfly'.

The Bible explains why......

Matthew 6:19-20....

“Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Jesus said quite simply that "there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving". So the best way to find happiness is to give to others.....unselfishly expecting nothing in return.

We have two kinds of bank accounts....one on earth and one in heaven. The one on earth might be overflowing, but overnight, we could lose it all.

If our bank account in heaven is continually overdrawn, then nothing on earth will contribute to our happiness. Spiritual bankruptcy will mean continual unhappiness, no matter how many toys we have.

Luke 12:15-21....

"Then he said to them: “Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of greed, because even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.” 16 With that he told them an illustration, saying: “The land of a rich man produced well. 17 So he began reasoning within himself, ‘What should I do now that I have nowhere to gather my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my goods, 19 and I will say to myself: “You have many good things stored up for many years; take it easy, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your life from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’ 21 So it goes with the man who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Practicing the art of "contentment" is the key to happiness. (1 Timothy 6:7-8)

It means "wanting what you have....not having what you want"

Selfishness is not a good quality to cultivate in ourselves or our children.....ever. Don't ever envy the rich.....their things are not buying their life....when they die, they become like everyone else.

You cut off your quote too soon. Luke 12:33,"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys" . Do you not want to become "perfect"? (Matthew 19:21)
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
You cut off your quote too soon. Luke 12:33,"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys" . Do you not want to become "perfect"? (Matthew 19:21)

Matthew 19:21...."Jesus said to him: “If you want to be perfect, go sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come be my follower."

Luke 18:22...."After hearing that, Jesus said to him, “There is still one thing lacking about you: Sell all the things you have and distribute the proceeds to the poor, and you will have treasure in the heavens; and come be my follower.”

Acts 2:45..."and they were selling their possessions and properties and distributing the proceeds to all, according to what each one needed."
[URL='https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070148/27148']
Acts 4:34-35..."In fact, no one was in need among them, for all those who owned fields or houses would sell them and bring the value of what was sold, 35 and they would deposit it at the feet of the apostles. In turn distribution would be made to each one according to his need"[/URL]

Who is "perfect"....you?....me? Did Jesus say it was a requirement or a recommendation for those who can find it in their circumstances to do that?

Who are the "poor"? How we you give to them? Through organized "charities"? Do you realize that organized "charities" are businesses creaming money off the plight of the poor? Do you know how much money is wasted on administration costs?

True charities are run by volunteers. True servants of God don't don't serve their brothers by earning a good living off them. Jesus said...."you received free, give free".

What did Jesus mean? He meant having a brotherhood who takes care of each other by simplifying their own lives to offset the need of their fellow Christians....both physically and spiritually. Do you do that?
 
.
.
The most obvious thing about Jesus’ 40 (do not judge) commandments at the sermon on the mount
is that they contain no principles for the judiciary, law enforcement, or armed defenders in any form, or for the daily decision makers of commerce and politics,
or the administrators and support services of civilization



Because of this, most church attenders view this teaching as a wildly impractical hippy philosophy
that may be used to influence our personal attitudes
but with no larger, practical application
And because of this, church modernists have decided not to make it central to the faith



In fact the larger application is the direction you and civilization have chosen to take
Every new invention, whether of engineering or software, adds another layer of prosperity to human life AND adds another layer of complexity
Each additional layer of complexity breaks the minds of the weakest social layer



You have chosen to push into higher and higher levels of technology, knowing these will bring more and more prosperity, but you have given no thought to social cost
The average human, in quiet moments of reflection, would forego the latest advance in return for peace (cool) and contentment. But unless you make a deliberate effort to pull back, then peace & contentment will continue to elude you



Jesus’ new path to Heaven revolved upon control and reduction of ego (do not judge)
and placing the interests of the weakest members of society above your own
Until you have these two principles at the forefront of your life
you are wasting your time phariseeing verses in the bible
or making any type of political sacrifice of yourself or the church
.
.
 

2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
What did Jesus mean? He meant having a brotherhood who takes care of each other by simplifying their own lives to offset the need of their fellow Christians....both physically and spiritually. Do you do that?

Matthew 19:21 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
Matthew 19:21 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

And the question is....have you done that yourself? Whilst concentrating on the straw in your brother's eye, have you even noticed that there may be a rafter in your own?

How do you personally give to your poor brothers? Who are they?
 

2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
And the question is....have you done that yourself? Whilst concentrating on the straw in your brother's eye, have you even noticed that there may be a rafter in your own?

How do you personally give to your poor brothers? Who are they?


How else do you think I have become complete? Matthew 19:21 has nothing to say about “brothers”, it refers to the poor. And what may I ask is the “rafter” in your eye, other than you don’t seem to be able to tell the difference between “brother” and “poor”, which possesses you to try and take a splinter out of my eye? Pray tell, what is my “splinter”? Please answer both questions.

New American Standard Bible Mt 19:25
Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
 
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2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
The average human, in quiet moments of reflection, would forego the latest advance in return for peace (cool) and contentment. But unless you make a deliberate effort to pull back, then peace & contentment will continue to elude you

From appearances, it seems that "peace and contentment" has passed you by. Going back to the forest and rubbing sticks together, was not the message of Yeshua. I am sure he used tools and the wheel while working with Joseph as a child. In the future, he will apparently use an euphemistic "iron rod" (Revelation 19:15). How more advanced can you get than iron tools. If you are using a computer, I can't imagine using a more futuristic piece of equipment.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
How else do you think I have become complete?

I don't know that you are. I have only the words of an anonymous internet user.
17.gif
You could be a deluded legend in your own lunchbox for all I know.....
169.gif


Matthew 19:21 has nothing to say about “brothers”, it refers to the poor.

The Poor in Israel. It was not Jehovah’s purpose that any of the Israelites suffer poverty. The nation was given an inheritance of land. (Numbers 34:2-12) All Israelite families, with the exception of the Levites, who received a tenth of the produce of the land for their service at the sanctuary, shared in that inheritance and therefore had a means of supporting themselves. (Numbers 18:20, 21) Landholdings were secure. Laws of inheritance ensured that the land would continue to be held by the family or tribe to which it belonged. (Numbers 27:7-11; 36:6-9; Deuteronomy 21:15-17) It could not be sold in perpetuity. (Leviticus 25:23) In the Jubilee year all hereditary lands that had been sold were restored to their rightful owners. (Leviticus 25:13) Thus even if a man squandered his substance, the inheritance could not be forever lost to his posterity.

Faithful adherence to God’s law would largely have prevented poverty among the Israelites. (Deuteronomy 15:4, 5) However, if disobedient, they would not have Jehovah’s blessing, and this would lead to impoverishment due to such calamities as invasions by enemy armies and severe drought. (Judges 6:1-6)

Poor — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

When Jesus mentions "the poor" he is speaking mostly about fellow Jews...his spiritual brothers. Foreigners were not treated like Jews unless they were proselytes. Charity begins at home you know. (1 Timothy 5:8)
In Christianity too, the poor were mostly fellow Christians. (Acts 6:1-6) Yet for Christ's followers it was an obligation to look after anyone who needed immediate help (e.g. the Good Samaritan)....but they especially were to help out fellow believers in an ongoing way.

"So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10)

If all religious organizations took care of their own, there would be very little poverty.
 

2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
I don't know that you are. I have only the words of an anonymous internet user.
17.gif
You could be a deluded legend in your own lunchbox for all I know.....
169.gif




The Poor in Israel. It was not Jehovah’s purpose that any of the Israelites suffer poverty. The nation was given an inheritance of land. (Numbers 34:2-12) All Israelite families, with the exception of the Levites, who received a tenth of the produce of the land for their service at the sanctuary, shared in that inheritance and therefore had a means of supporting themselves. (Numbers 18:20, 21) Landholdings were secure. Laws of inheritance ensured that the land would continue to be held by the family or tribe to which it belonged. (Numbers 27:7-11; 36:6-9; Deuteronomy 21:15-17) It could not be sold in perpetuity. (Leviticus 25:23) In the Jubilee year all hereditary lands that had been sold were restored to their rightful owners. (Leviticus 25:13) Thus even if a man squandered his substance, the inheritance could not be forever lost to his posterity.

Faithful adherence to God’s law would largely have prevented poverty among the Israelites. (Deuteronomy 15:4, 5) However, if disobedient, they would not have Jehovah’s blessing, and this would lead to impoverishment due to such calamities as invasions by enemy armies and severe drought. (Judges 6:1-6)

Poor — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

When Jesus mentions "the poor" he is speaking mostly about fellow Jews...his spiritual brothers. Foreigners were not treated like Jews unless they were proselytes. Charity begins at home you know. (1 Timothy 5:8)
In Christianity too, the poor were mostly fellow Christians. (Acts 6:1-6) Yet for Christ's followers it was an obligation to look after anyone who needed immediate help (e.g. the Good Samaritan)....but they especially were to help out fellow believers in an ongoing way.

"So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10)

If all religious organizations took care of their own, there would be very little poverty.


Judah and Israel were “crushed in judgment”(Hosea 5:11) with regards to them having gone “deep into depravity” (Hosea 5:1) Israel was removed from their inheritance, and would not return until they “acknowledge their guilt and seek My face “ (Hosea 5:15) It is the widows and orphans, as well the as the “strangers” that the LORD wants protected (Psalms 146:9-11).

As for your ”shepherds" who have no understanding”, and have “turned to their own way and each to his unjust gain” (Isaiah 57-11), to whom you give your tithes, the Lord doesn’t appear to care too much about them, and the “executioners” will start with the leaders.(Ezekiel 9:1-6). As for your “Christian” Paul's Galatians 6:10, it was he who supposedly collected the money for the widows and orphans of Jerusalem.

As for selling your possessions and giving to the poor, that is only the beginning of becoming “perfect”/”complete”. Your “religious organizations” are simply the leadership of the “daughter of Babylon” (Zechariah 2:7), in which you are supposed to “escape”. Did you know that Franklin Graham earns around $650,000 as leader of his “religious organization’s charity.

Samaritan's Purse reported gross receipts of $414,031,085 during the 2010 federal tax year. According to 2014 data, Graham is the highest paid Samaritan's Purse employee at $622,252 annually and leads other charities in compensation.

Franklin Graham - Wikipedia

Franklin Graham - Wikipedia


But then I digress. The term “brothers” is not included in Matthew 19:21. That term has been substituted in order to make sure the money is going through the “proper” hands, the leaders and teachers of your church, who have replaced the true leader and teacher (Matthew 23:8-10).

Psalms 146:9, The LORD protects the strangers.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
Judah and Israel were “crushed in judgment”(Hosea 5:11) with regards to them having gone “deep into depravity” (Hosea 5:1) Israel was removed from their inheritance, and would not return until they “acknowledge their guilt and seek My face “ (Hosea 5:15) It is the widows and orphans, as well the as the “strangers” that the LORD wants protected (Psalms 146:9-10).

One of the cross references for Psalm 146:9-10 is....
  • Deuteronomy 10:18
    18 He executes justice for the fatherless child and the widow and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing.
So it is apparent that God wants the disadvantaged taken care of. Can I ask how you do this personally?

As to the "strangers" or "foreign residents".....who are these?

From Strongs H1616 is translated....."stranger" or "sojourner" or "alien".....so obviously not Jewish.

Exodus 12:48
“But if a stranger H1616 sojourns with you, and celebrates the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near to celebrate it; and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat of it."

Exodus 12:49
"The same law shall apply to the stranger H1616 who sojourns among you.”

Leviticus 24:22
"There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger H1616 as well as the native, for I am the LORD your God.’”

From these it is apparent that many of these "strangers" who lived amongst the Israelites had to follow Israelite laws.
Hospitality was also extended to 'strangers' who were just passing through.

"When the Bible refers to a person of non-Israelite origin in relation to the Israelite commonwealth, the designation “alien resident” sometimes applies to one of these who had become a proselyte or a full worshiper of Jehovah. At times it refers to a settler in the land of Palestine who was content to live among the Israelites, obeying the fundamental laws of the land but not fully accepting the worship of Jehovah. The context determines to which class the term applies.

The Greek Septuagint translates ger as proselyte (Gr., pro·seʹly·tos) more than 70 times. Some suggest that often the alien resident attached himself to a Hebrew household for protection and was somewhat of a dependent but still distinguished from a slave. This is inferred from the expression “your alien resident.”—De 5:14; compare Deuteronomy 1:16; also Leviticus 22:10, where the term toh·shavʹ, meaning “settler,” is used."

Alien Resident — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

As for your ”shepherds" who have no understanding”, and have “turned to their own way and each to his unjust gain” (Isaiah 57-11), to whom you give your tithes, the Lord doesn’t appear to care too much about them, and the “executioners” will start with the leaders.(Ezekiel 9:1-6). As for your “Christian” Paul's Galatians 6:10, it was he who supposedly collected the money for the widows and orphans of Jerusalem.

In case you are not aware JW's are not part of Christendom and do not adhere to their teachings. We do not tithe but we are organized......so was Israel. Jehovah is a God of order. Nothing he does is haphazard, nor is the responsibility for shepherding to be taken lightly. Just because some shepherds in Israel were failures doesn't mean that all shepherds have to be failures. "By their fruits", Jesus said we would see a distinction between "one serving God and one not serving him" (Malachi 3:18)

As for selling your possessions and giving to the poor, that is only the beginning of becoming “perfect”/”complete”.

May I ask how you fulfill that requirement yourself? Have you sold all your possessions and given to the poor? Who are the poor to whom you give all your possessions?

Your “religious organizations” are simply the leadership of the “daughter of Babylon” (Zechariah 2:7), in which you are supposed to “escape”. Did you know that Franklin Graham earns around $650,000 as leader of his “religious organization’s charity.

I don't even know who Franklin Graham is......I have nothing to do with Christendom's charities and institutions.
I know that my own brotherhood follows what Jesus said...."you received free, give free".

Samaritan's Purse reported gross receipts of $414,031,085 during the 2010 federal tax year. According to 2014 data, Graham is the highest paid Samaritan's Purse employee at $622,252 annually and leads other charities in compensation.

Franklin Graham - Wikipedia

Franklin Graham - Wikipedia

God knows.

But then I digress. The term “brothers” is not included in Matthew 19:21. That term has been substituted in order to make sure the money is going through the “proper” hands, the leaders and teachers of your church, who have replaced the true leader and teacher (Matthew 23:8-10).

Psalms 146:9, The LORD protects the strangers.

But you do understand that Christ made reference to his "brothers" in Matthew 25:40....in reference to those whom Christ deems to be "sheep" he said...... "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

In the Mounce Interlinear it says....."my egō brothers adelphos".

So it is apparent that there are the "sheep" and there are Christ's "brothers" who give support to them.

The situation in Judaism and in first century Christianity was that those who received physical assistance were not the ones who fell into poverty by their own laziness or who were not willing to work for their food. Those who received assistance qualified for it by being part of God's family of worshippers....either Jew or Gentile and by following God's laws and principles.
 
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2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
One of the cross references for Psalm 146:9-10 is....
  • Deuteronomy 10:18
    18 He executes justice for the fatherless child and the widow and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing.
So it is apparent that God wants the disadvantaged taken care of. Can I ask how you do this personally?

As to the "strangers" or "foreign residents".....who are these?

From Strongs H1616 is translated....."stranger" or "sojourner" or "alien".....so obviously not Jewish.

Exodus 12:48
“But if a stranger H1616 sojourns with you, and celebrates the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near to celebrate it; and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat of it."

Exodus 12:49
"The same law shall apply to the stranger H1616 who sojourns among you.”

Leviticus 24:22
"There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger H1616 as well as the native, for I am the LORD your God.’”

From these it is apparent that many of these "strangers" who lived amongst the Israelites had to follow Israelite laws.
Hospitality was also extended to 'strangers' who were just passing through.

"When the Bible refers to a person of non-Israelite origin in relation to the Israelite commonwealth, the designation “alien resident” sometimes applies to one of these who had become a proselyte or a full worshiper of Jehovah. At times it refers to a settler in the land of Palestine who was content to live among the Israelites, obeying the fundamental laws of the land but not fully accepting the worship of Jehovah. The context determines to which class the term applies.

The Greek Septuagint translates ger as proselyte (Gr., pro·seʹly·tos) more than 70 times. Some suggest that often the alien resident attached himself to a Hebrew household for protection and was somewhat of a dependent but still distinguished from a slave. This is inferred from the expression “your alien resident.”—De 5:14; compare Deuteronomy 1:16; also Leviticus 22:10, where the term toh·shavʹ, meaning “settler,” is used."

Alien Resident — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY



In case you are not aware JW's are not part of Christendom and do not adhere to heir teachings. We do not tithe but we are organized......so was Israel. Jehovah is a God of order. Nothing he does is haphazard, nor is the responsibility for shepherding to be taken lightly. Just because some shepherds in Israel were failures doesn't mean that all shepherds have to be failures. "By their fruits", Jesus said we would see a distinction between "one serving God and one not serving him" (Malachi 3:18)



May I ask how you fulfill that requirement yourself? Have you sold all your possessions and given to the poor? Who are the poor to whom you give all your possessions?



I don't even know who Franklin Graham is......I have nothing to do with Christendom's charities and institutions.
I know that my own brotherhood follows what Jesus said...."you received free, give free".



God knows.



But you do understand that Christ made reference to his "brothers" in Matthew 25:40....in reference to those whom Christ deems to be "sheep" he said...... "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

In the Mounce Interlinear it says....."my egō brothers adelphos".

So it is apparent that there are the "sheep" and there are Christ's "brothers" who give support to them.

The situation in Judaism and in first century Christianity was that those who received physical assistance were not the ones who fell into poverty by their own laziness or who were not willing to work for their food. Those who received assistance qualified for it by being part of God's family of worshippers....either Jew or Gentile and by following God's laws and principles.


Per your Matthew 25:40 Those naked and sick were “strangers”. They were brothers to “Me”, which is not directed to your “brother’s” as “Christian” followers of the false prophet Paul’s, church. Zechariah 2:7 directs you to “escape” from the “daughter of Babylon”, which would be the Roman church and her daughters, which would include the JWs. But don’t worry, it is the “leaders” who the “executions” will seek out first. (Ezekiel 9:1-6)

Matthew 25:38-40 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

Franklin Graham, is the son of Billy Graham, the religious leader to presidents. You need to get out more often. Franklin would be a leader of what you called “religious organizations” who take care of the poor. While he apparently does take care of some of the poor, his salary is a little bit outrageous.

The “foreign strangers” in my life, are immigrants under hard times, and foreign students who need support. It has nothing to with religion, and the help is more by way of cash, hands on help, or paying for needed medical services. And while I may have sold my car and cleaned out my bank account to donate to the Salvation Army, and went from a relatively high paying job to washing dishes, that does not make me poor. And I don’t even like Salvation Army because they do Christmas, but they said they would not spend the money on Christmas. God has multiplied what I donated by much more than a hundred fold, and at the time, the donation was a good chunk of change. As for your receiving free, and giving free, that pertains to knowledge and understanding, not food and clothing. You are mixed up, because you follow men and not the testimony of Yeshua, which states you only have one leader and one teacher. (Matthew 23:8-10)
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
Per your Matthew 25:40 Those naked and sick were “strangers”. They were brothers to “Me”, which is not directed to your “brother’s” as “Christian” followers of the false prophet Paul’s, church.

Jesus was speaking about his own brothers. He is the judge separating the "sheep" from the "goats". He judges them based on how they treated his "brothers".....who are those anointed co-rulers who will rule with him in his Kingdom.

Zechariah 2:7 directs you to “escape” from the “daughter of Babylon”, which would be the Roman church and her daughters, which would include the JWs. But don’t worry, it is the “leaders” who the “executions” will seek out first. (Ezekiel 9:1-6)

"Babylon the great" is the world empire of false religion manufactured by the devil to keep humans spiritually enslaved. One needs to "get out of her" because it will be the first of the devil's weapons against God and humanity to be destroyed....and it will come from her former lovers who will turn on her, suddenly and unexpectedly. Starting at God's sanctuary means that all who claim to worship the true God will be the first in line. It will not be a pleasant encounter for the "many" whom Jesus mentions in Matthew 7:21-23.
I believe that you have things muddled.

As for Matthew 25:38-40 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

Here Jesus addresses the "sheep" who have assisted his "brothers" in their trials. You can't make it say anything else.

Franklin Graham, is the son of Billy Graham, the religious leader to presidents. You need to get out more often. Franklin would be a leader of what you called “religious organizations” who take care of the poor. While he apparently does take care of some of the poor, his salary is a little bit outrageous.

What the leaders in Christendom do is of no interest to me. Organized religion is not the problem...its the organizers. The Jewish religion was organized at God's command. Jehovah is an organized God.

The “foreign strangers” in my life, are immigrants under hard times, and foreign students who need support. It has nothing to with religion, and the help is more by way of cash, hands on help, or paying for needed medical services. And while I may have sold my car and cleaned out my bank account to donate to the Salvation Army, and went from a relatively high paying job to washing dishes, that does not make me poor. And I don’t even like Salvation Army because they do Christmas, but they said they would not spend the money on Christmas. God has multiplied what I donated by much more than a hundred fold, and at the time, the donation was a good chunk of change.

So you help out people in need through the Salvation Army? You hate organized religion but use them to do your good deeds? These are the people you condemn, are they not? Sounds a trifle hypocritical to me. How is that helping people in other parts of the world? Who of your 'brethren' are holding down the fort in other nations? Surely Jesus has "brothers" in all parts of the world besides your locality?

As for your receiving free, and giving free, that pertains to knowledge and understanding, not food and clothing. You are mixed up, because you follow men and not the testimony of Yeshua, which states you only have one leader and one teacher. (Matthew 23:8-10)

To "give free" means to take "the good news of the kingdom" to all who will listen on your own time and at your own expense. (Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19-20).....are you doing that single-handedly?

It means not to charge for spiritual services to the brotherhood, or to make a profit off the plight of those less fortunate. If you render service to your brothers, and to your neighbors as Jesus did, then don't expect a salary...volunteer your time and resources. This is what we do.

I can see that your motive is good, but because you do this alone, it can't be from God. Who ever served Christ's interests all by themselves? The job requires a small army....all volunteers, to make sure no one misses out on an opportunity to hear the Bible's life saving message.

Christianity is not a one man band.
 
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2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
Jesus was speaking about his own brothers. He is the judge separating the "sheep" from the "goats". He judges them based on how they treated his "brothers".....who are those anointed co-rulers who will rule with him in his Kingdom.



"Babylon the great" is the world empire of false religion manufactured by the devil to keep humans spiritually enslaved. One needs to "get out of her" because it will be the first of the devil's weapons against God and humanity to be destroyed....and it will come from her former lovers who will turn on her, suddenly and unexpectedly. Starting at God's sanctuary means that all who claim to worship the true God will be the first in line. It will not be a pleasant encounter for the "many" whom Jesus mentions in Matthew 7:21-23.
I believe that you have things muddled.

As for Matthew 25:38-40 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

Here Jesus addresses the "sheep" who have assisted his "brothers" in their trials. You can't make it say anything else.



What the leaders in Christendom do is of no interest to me. Organized religion is not the problem...its the organizers. The Jewish religion was organized at God's command. Jehovah is an organized God.



So you help out people in need through the Salvation Army? You hate organized religion but use them to do your good deeds? These are the people you condemn, are they not? Sounds a trifle hypocritical to me. How is that helping people in other parts of the world? Who of your 'brethren' are holding down the fort in other nations? Surely Jesus has "brothers" in all parts of the world besides your locality?



To "give free" means to take "the good news of the kingdom" to all who will listen on your own time and at your own expense. (Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19-20).....are you doing that single-handedly?

It means not to charge for spiritual services to the brotherhood, or to make a profit off the plight of those less fortunate. If you render service to your brothers, and to your neighbors as Jesus did, then don't expect a salary...volunteer you time and resources. This is what we do.

I can see that your motive is good, but because you do this alone, it can't be from God. Who ever served Christ's interests all by themselves? The job requires a small army....all volunteers, to make sure no one misses out on an opportunity to hear the Bible's life saving message.

Christianity is not a one man band.


Your quote:

Deuteronomy 10:18
18 He executes justice for the fatherless child and the widow and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing.

“Foreign residents” are not “people in other parts of the world”. They are “foreigners” in my part of the world.

As for the Salvage Army, they provide food, housing, and clothing to those in need, and their over head is minimal. On the other hand, the JWs are known to pawn their tracts for money, and they apparently have little or no understanding, and no power. The poor know quite well that they can go to the Salvation Army for food, clothing, and shelter, whereas the poor will think twice about opening their door if a JW comes a knocking. Both organizations follow the pied piper Paul, put one actually feeds, clothes, and houses the needy, whereas one simply makes a general nuisance of themselves, and call themselves the called of God. Who is the tare, and who is the wheat? Who do you think gets assigned to a place with the hypocrites” where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth”? (Matthew 24:51) & (Matthew 13:42)

Your “house” is built upon a foundation of the blather of Paul, and his assigned leaders, and apparently from the posts on this forum, some Greek reference books. Greek books may help confuse people, and may have some relevance to Paul’s blather, but Yeshua spoke in Aramaic, so unless you are using a Pe****ta bible in tandem with a Pe****ta reference book, then you are blowing smoke. Being in a smoke filled room, you simply don’t notice your own contribution to the haze. As for the JWs fruits, I have yet to see them, maybe you should take them out from under the basket. Your church is not spreading the gospel of Yeshua, but the false gospel of the false prophet Paul, which is reflected in your posts. How are you preaching repentance, when you haven't repented of transgressing the Law which you have deemed "obsolete".

As for “one man”, one man will put a thousand to flight, because of a perverse and crooked generation. (Deuteronomy 32:5 & 30). You might want to consider not twisting what Yeshua said in favor of your false prophet Paul and the leaders Paul has set over you. The basis of your false gods is the canon of the Roman “daughter of Babylon”. Your mentioned Matthew 7:21-22, is about the false prophets of Matthew 7:15, of whom your Paul, is the “foremost” . Paul’s followers would be on the “broad” “way” to destruction (Matthew 7:13). You can come “out of her”, or continue in her plagues.
 

Hockeycowboy

Witness for Jehovah
Premium Member
Our incomes should be like our shoes; if too small they will gall and pinch us, but if too large they will cause us to stumble and trip.

That is a good way to look at it.

This really becomes an issue when a person "loves" money (1 Timothy 6:9-10), and even the poor can have this love for it.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
Your quote:

Deuteronomy 10:18
18 He executes justice for the fatherless child and the widow and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing.

“Foreign residents” are not “people in other parts of the world”. They are “foreigners” in my part of the world.

As for the Salvage Army, they provide food, housing, and clothing to those in need, and their over head is minimal. On the other hand, the JWs are known to pawn their tracts for money, and they apparently have little or no understanding, and no power. The poor know quite well that they can go to the Salvation Army for food, clothing, and shelter, whereas the poor will think twice about opening their door if a JW comes a knocking. Both organizations follow the pied piper Paul, put one actually feeds, clothes, and houses the needy, whereas one simply makes a general nuisance of themselves, and call themselves the called of God. Who is the tare, and who is the wheat? Who do you think gets assigned to a place with the hypocrites” where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth”? (Matthew 24:51) & (Matthew 13:42)

Your “house” is built upon a foundation of the blather of Paul, and his assigned leaders, and apparently from the posts on this forum, some Greek reference books. Greek books may help confuse people, and may have some relevance to Paul’s blather, but Yeshua spoke in Aramaic, so unless you are using a Pe****ta bible in tandem with a Pe****ta reference book, then you are blowing smoke. Being in a smoke filled room, you simply don’t notice your own contribution to the haze. As for the JWs fruits, I have yet to see them, maybe you should take them out from under the basket. Your church is not spreading the gospel of Yeshua, but the false gospel of the false prophet Paul, which is reflected in your posts. How are you preaching repentance, when you haven't repented of transgressing the Law which you have deemed "obsolete".

As for “one man”, one man will put a thousand to flight, because of a perverse and crooked generation. (Deuteronomy 32:5 & 30). You might want to consider not twisting what Yeshua said in favor of your false prophet Paul and the leaders Paul has set over you. The basis of your false gods is the canon of the Roman “daughter of Babylon”. Your mentioned Matthew 7:21-22, is about the false prophets of Matthew 7:15, of whom your Paul, is the “foremost” . Paul’s followers would be on the “broad” “way” to destruction (Matthew 7:13). You can come “out of her”, or continue in her plagues.

The ignorance displayed in your condemnations is appalling IMO. You have your very own religion which apparently has no other members....who else believes what you believe? I see so much judgment in what you post.....all the best with that because you know that you will receive the same judgment back. (Matthew 7:1-5)

Go your own way, as I believe we will all face the same judge. Further conversation with you is pointless.
 

2ndpillar

Well-Known Member
The ignorance displayed in your condemnations is appalling IMO. You have your very own religion which apparently has no other members....who else believes what you believe? I see so much judgment in what you post.....all the best with that because you know that you will receive the same judgment back. (Matthew 7:1-5)

Go your own way, as I believe we will all face the same judge. Further conversation with you is pointless.


We all face the day of judgment, but your false prophet says that you have already been saved by simply believing his story, whereas you shall not die. That is a lie (Jeremiah 31:30), which you apparently hold, as you remain a minion of Paul. And it is you who stated that I must have a beam in my eye, yet you never pointed out what that beam might be. I would suggest you might want to stop perverting what Yeshua said into what you want him to say. That way you can stop running.(Deut 32:5&30). As for the great white throne judgment, that is 1000 years away. The coming “day of the LORD” is done in concert with the angels and saints of God, led by the Word of God, who you have apparently thought was“obsolete”. (Matthew 13:39-41) & (Revelation 19:14-15).

New American Standard Bible Deut 32:30
"How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the LORD had given them up?

New American Standard Bible Deut 32:5
"They have acted corruptly toward Him, They are not His children, because of their defect; But are a perverse and crooked generation.
 
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