Chapter 22 - Hosea

[SusanB]

Here's the relevant paragraph:

Hosea 3:4-5 says:

Let's think about this a bit. The issue I have is the part, "spiritual Israel is yet to become estranged". Then when is the period prior to "pre-estrangement"? Between beginning of Bible students and Great Tribulation? Between Apostles and now? If it's the Bible Students then they are not be estranged until the GT? Does that mean the paragraphs in Hosea only applies partially, meaning we haven't had king/prince, but had sacrifice/pillar etc until then, or maybe like I said current anointed are Kings/Princes?

Alternatively, maybe it's talking about even greater things and the pre-estrangement lasts all the way from fall of ancient Israel all the way until sometime in the future, rather than JWs in general. Ok, this sounds problematic too. Because the activity was nearly zero from death of apostles until basically now.

Susan: Many days referring to GT doesn't harmonize with me considering what the Bible considers it short. Few years under distress as with the GT feels like a long time during those moments, but only. GT is "cut short". The "hour" of tribulation. Yet we know those are probably going to be more than few days, maybe more than few weeks even! The GT that started with desolation starting in 66 AD likely lasted months. In fact the JW video about Israel's destruction shows how Christians weren't able to escape for few months until the Romans suddenly retreated and that was their chance(backed by historical sources too).

I like the way you think, very deep. I enjoy how you ask scriptural questions. Wonderful conversations to engage in.

 

[DR75 less 1]

Joel 2:1-25. As Hosea points out Israel has a mention, but he is specific when he uses the phrase" Final part of the days" which is the time when the "Kingdom" provides a "residence" for the Israel of God. I've not worked out yet what Hosea is saying when he said "...many years..."? But I suspect he means similar to what Joel means when he uses the term "final part of the days" According to Joel there is going to be a scattering of Jehovah's people and then a re-gathering of Jehovah's people during a stressful time. However comma Jehovah will make "...compensation..." v 25.

 

[DavidCJ]

In this chapter, it talks about not following any man, but Jehovah and his son Jesus. We are Christians, or at least we strive to be. Christian means literally a follower, or imitator of Christ.

(Those believing in Trinity may be reminded that the ultimate goal of being a Christian is to be like Jesus as a human. Saying he is God you are being blasphemous, as saying all Christians want to be God)

I will note while reading this chapter, I remind myself the same. But I still need help. Here's the way I view it:

Being with Jehovah's Witnesses: Kindergarten to Grade 12
Knowledge brother King is imparting: Post-secondary, University education which better prepares us for the real world

I like the way you think, very deep. I enjoy how you ask scriptural questions. Wonderful conversations to engage in.

Heh. Thank you. I can say likewise.

 

[DR75 less 1]

Knowledge brother King is imparting: Post-secondary, University education which better prepares us for the real world

For the "real world " that is to come.

(Those believing in Trinity may be reminded that the ultimate goal of being a Christian is to be like Jesus as a human. Saying he is God you are being blasphemous, as saying all Christians want to be God)

Keep in mind the "WORD" was/is a God. but trinitarians have not had the secondary and tertiary training. If they had, maybe they are not taking note prehaps.

We are Christians, or at least we strive to be. Christian means literally a follower, or imitator of Christ.

Strictly speaking true Christians are "Chosen" Only they can follow the Christ wherever he goes, even into death and ultimately into the heavenly Kingdom. The rest of us can only do our best to follow the teachings of the Christ and to meet the criteria set out for us.

Claiming to be Christian might not nesacarily be blasphomous but.