barry
05-16-2007, 09:01 AM
You were once not a people, but are now God’s people.—1 Pet. 2:10.
In line with Jehovah’s “administration,” or way of managing things, the gathering of “the things in the heavens” was to begin “at the full limit of the appointed times.” (Eph. 1:10) That due time arrived at Pentecost 33 C.E. That day, holy spirit was poured out on the apostles and a group of disciples, men and women. (Acts 1:13-15; 2:1-4) This gave evidence that the new covenant had come into operation, marking the birth of the Christian congregation and of the new nation of spiritual Israel, “the Israel of God.” (Gal. 6:16; Heb. 9:15; 12:23, 24) The Law covenant did not produce “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” that would serve forever in heaven. (Ex. 19:5, 6) As Jesus had foretold, the privilege of being a part of the Messianic Kingdom was taken from fleshly Israel and given to the 144,000 members of spiritual Israel.—Matt. 21:43; Rev. 7:4-8. w 2/15/06 4, 5a
In line with Jehovah’s “administration,” or way of managing things, the gathering of “the things in the heavens” was to begin “at the full limit of the appointed times.” (Eph. 1:10) That due time arrived at Pentecost 33 C.E. That day, holy spirit was poured out on the apostles and a group of disciples, men and women. (Acts 1:13-15; 2:1-4) This gave evidence that the new covenant had come into operation, marking the birth of the Christian congregation and of the new nation of spiritual Israel, “the Israel of God.” (Gal. 6:16; Heb. 9:15; 12:23, 24) The Law covenant did not produce “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” that would serve forever in heaven. (Ex. 19:5, 6) As Jesus had foretold, the privilege of being a part of the Messianic Kingdom was taken from fleshly Israel and given to the 144,000 members of spiritual Israel.—Matt. 21:43; Rev. 7:4-8. w 2/15/06 4, 5a