How do we apply Hebrews 10:24, and 25 ? Exelders and others, please respond

by codeblue 23 Replies latest jw friends

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  codeblue

  As a newbie, and one that hasn't been to a meeting since June, I have lately been thinking about this scripture at Hebrews 10: 24, and 25. You know that's is the one the Org. quoted when they told us why we need to be at the meetings. I guess I have been feeling a little guilty and wonderering how we are to fulfill this scripture. Well, I would welcome anybody's idea about what this scripture is REALLY talking about. The only thing I can understand is this: we as a group meet here from this board and encourage one another...does that count???

  Codeblue
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  amac

  The scripture says not to forsake the gathering of yourselves together. First off, to forsake means to give up, to abandon or leave altogether. It does NOT mean that you must go to 5 meetings a week. You could go once a month and still say that you are not forsaking it. The second argument is as long as two or more or gathered than it doesn't matter if it is an official meeting at the hall.
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  Joyzabel

  Running ahead of yourself there, Codeblue????

  The answer to that question by Ray is in In Search of Christian Freedom.

  hugs, j2bf
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  codeblue

  Joy2brfree....just something I have been thinking about for 2 weeks...but thanks for where to look for the answer...I am gonna order it NOW!!!

  Hugs to you....and Can't wait to party with ya...lol (hope it is soon..)

  Codeblue
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  codeblue

  Hey...why aren't any exelders responding???? Just want to know????
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  wheres caleb?

  This is a scripture that is commonly misapplied by (elders) witnesses. You mentioned Hebrews 10:24 and 25. You hear it applied to meeting attendence which is mentioned in verse 25 as, " not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together". I can't stand the elder who emphasizes the, "as some have the custom" part. Elders who pontificate the scriptures mention this and act as if they are the only one's who get it. Go ahead and pat yourselves in the back! You completely missed the point you pontificating hacks! (Those being the pontificating elders).

  They completely ignore the scripture before it that puts everything in perspective and exposes them. They read the words and attribute something to themselves that they have no understanding of because their actions prove it. Verse 24 says, "let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works". How many times did 'just going' to meetings make you feel encouraged? If you allowed yourself to think that just going to meetings made Jehovah happy, you bought into the JW mindset.

  Their incessant need to honor routine distorts their ability to grasp simple scriptures. I had been thinking of starting a thread on this myself because I have always hated their application of these scriptures.(Amongst other things)
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  Odrade

  Yeah, that's what I've always said Caleb.That "gathering together" is not, and should not, be limited to the Kingdom Hall. Yet it was so hard to arrange any socializing at all. For me, that turned out to be a good thing. If I had still (ever?) had many sincere friends in the "Truth" who actually had time to socialize with me, I might have gone on excusing all the wrong I saw but wouldn't acknowlege, for years longer. (Whew, run-on much? haha)

  Odrade
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  mouthy

  First of all -we are told where two or three are gathered in my name _JESUS he is in the midst!!!So we can be with others ( I believe >belivers in Christ) I also believe Jesus is the HEAD of the church.. We his followers are the "bricks" to build the temple .Which the HOLY Spirit indwells. SO I dont need to go to a building .Especially the Kingdom Hell- We are part of the body- You may be the hands, ( that help folks) you may be the caregiver( that tends folks,) the feet (that aids folks) the heart (that loves folks ).Or even the Mouth ( cough ,cough, (that upsets people) lol...

  I can understand how you feel-I know when I first began to miss meeting - You start thinking "am I wrong?"But I know NOW-I dont have to go anywhere to have a PERSONAL relationship with MY GOD.Into my bedroom. !!the car!! ANYWHERE he is there.!!!! Once you start meeting folks -workplace- groups- anywhere- & the conversation come up about each others beliefs ---I find HE is there-If it is conducted lovingly... ( that is fellowship....Many dont agree with me. But that is my two cents!!!
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  Navigator

  I agree with you Mouthy! Most of the witnesses I know cannot feel God's presence because they are so exhausted from all of the "gathering together". They are so wrapped up in magazine sales and "counting time" that they neglect the inner urging to "be still and know".
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  LittleToe

  Codeblue:
  I suspect the reason you've had few ex-elders replying is because they are either at work (like me)or asleep

  It applies to Christians and is a warning not to "isolate" yourself.
  Human's are gregarious, and need fellow, like-minded company.
  In other words "keep in touch", and encourage one another.
  The verses that you quote explain what it's supposed to be about, and it isn't for regular indoctrination sessions!!!