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THE NEW CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION IS TESTED (Why should we expect Jehovah’s…
THE NEW CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION IS TESTED
Why should we expect Jehovah’s worshippers to be organized?
Surely, then, we should expect that Jehovah wants his worshippers to be well-organized.
In fact, to that end God has provided the Bible for our guidance.
The universe truly is a marvel of organization.
Living without the help of God’s organization and his standards would result in unhappiness and misery.
What shows that the first-century Christian congregation was organized?
ACTS 6:1-6
Jehovah’s own Book directs all of us to be obedient and submissive.
A critical or rebellious spirit has no place in God’s organization, (...)
(...) for such an attitude could disrupt our loving, peaceful, and united congregations.
How should appointed men respond to the direction they receive from God’s organization?
The first-century Christian congregation was organized, and it benefited from the direction of the governing body.
Counsel and instructions were also provided by means of inspired letters (...)
(...) written by men who were members of or closely associated with the first-century governing body.
We might well ask ourselves:
Am I quick to accept and support the direction given by the brothers taking the lead?’
We need to follow the Bible-based direction we receive from the elders.
ACTS 6:7
The apostles appointed spiritually qualified brothers to care for this “necessary business.”
So the primary responsibility for the spiritual feeding work remained with the apostles.
This arrangement resulted in Jehovah’s blessing (...)
Supporting the body of the elders, we can allow the Holy Spirit to bless our congregation.
Do I contribute to the spirituality of those around me?
Being faithful worshipers of God is not easy, and it was not at that time.
When he was on trial, that same spirit was operating on him, both as a comforter and as a remembrancer.
As Stephen made his bold defense, recorded in Acts chapter 7, (...)
(...) holy spirit brought back to his mind some 20 or more passages from the Hebrew Scriptures.
Before he was dragged before the Sanhedrin,(...)
(...) Stephen had been fully immersed in his ministerial work under the powerful influence of God’s spirit.
As we read in Acts, verses 3 to 7.
We may one day find ourselves facing threats and persecution.
We will also find the strength to withstand opposition while maintaining our inner peace.
When the persecution came, the first-century brothers were ready!
Ready to obey the divine dispositions.
Ready to preach joyfully everywhere!
By feeding regularly on God’s Word and by being active in the ministry, we allow Jehovah’s spirit to be at work in us.
How could the disciple Stephen remain so calm when being persecuted?