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792. "DO NOT HANDLE NOR TASTE, |
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There were during Jesus literal presence on earth certain men of a kind who exist in societies today, known by their works, who traverse sea and dry land to make a converted one, but who have themselves lost sight of true love, justice, mercy and faithfulness. When they make a converted one, they then make them ready for everlasting death. This obviously takes time. Firstly, to convert another's heart away from their own acquired beliefs and living examples. Next, to prepare him by hypocrisies to inherit a condition meriting GEHENNA. This slow organized progression is according to the operation of satan, going to such trouble to achieve such extreme deception. (2 Thess 2:9). What evidence of these things should we look for, so that this kind can be recognized? In Colossians 2:21-23 it says they teach commands and teachings of men, which gives them an appearance of wisdom of a self-imposed form, and mock humility. Men of this kind like to delegate their responsibilities to others and show only a form of mock humility themselves; when they greet people at congregation meetings or some other activity, to seem righteous and with an appearance of wisdom. (Matt 23:6. Col 2:21-23). These 'commands' are their teachings, and sadly take away the opportunity for persons to develop and show true love voluntarily from their own hearts, causing them to be enslaved to the ones delegating these so-called works of humble obedience. (2 Peter 2:19). In truth, brothers should be living examples themselves and want to perform helpful, loving deeds from their own hearts, certainly not with a view to gaining authority to pass on to others, as this would be stopping up the "Kingdom of the heavens before men". The veiled teaching that calling on people with the "good news" is the showing of love to others is wrong, for this was a command given to Jesus disciples, and one that is saving us. (Matt 28:19,20. Rom 10:10). It can be clearly understood by reading 1 John 3:17,18. It teaches us that we cannot love in word (the written word) or with the tongue (preaching) (which includes of course, the written Word), but in deed and truth. The Word of God shows us many ways and deeds in which we can show love, but having this knowledge and passing it on to others is not showing love. Verse 17 teaches us that the love of God is not in us if we see a brother having the need of essentials for supporting his life (necessities). You should not shut the door on his needs, but help him, and if you cannot, then seek help for him. There are many ways of showing love. It would be of no use to say, "Go in peace, keep warm and well fed", for if "you do not give them the necessities for their body, of what benefit is it?" (James 2:16). (Cont. on Page 793). 14/1/77. |