₦airaland Forum

PoliteActivist:
See another big lie o!
You know full well I've defeated you in every single argument discussion we've had on this forum - with clear precise logic and reasoning (I'll find some of the arguments and post them here). While you just robotically regurgitate whatever it is JW higher-ups put in your head, with no iota of thought!

Guy i don't argue rather i TEACH so that when you refuse to agree with my teaching i will ask you to present a practical application of what you're saying after all whatever we're saying supposed to be applicable among believers.
So can you present any discussion you had with me that you actually proved to be a better Bible student by presenting where what you're saying is practiced among true believers?
For instance our last discussion on this forum is about prophecies failure on the February presidential election in Nigeria

https://www.nairaland.com/7787399/may-29-2023-why-did

I boldly told you that the gift is no more but you're insulting that that's not true yet you're complaining why all the prophecies of your church people failed.

madegreatbygrace:
Oga Max, you’ve a ridiculous way of interpreting the Bible.
The Bible is a sacred book and as a result it shouldn’t be read carelessly. I asked you show me from the scriptures, then you brought up the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem as if your grandparents witnessed it. Yes, we know tongues will cease at a point in time. That will happen in another age and not this dispensation. As students of the Bible, we don’t “figure out” things. We persuade and convince by proper Bible exegesis.

Well i've given the scriptural answer to your question because Paul told the Christians in Corinth that Miracles, Prophecies, Tongues and Special Knowledge apart from what we can found it's references in the scriptures will all seize! 1Corinthians 13:8

What a Christian need to figure out is when and where did all these things began?

For your information God poured out His Holy Spirit on Jews in Jerusalem the city where His name has been established as the Almighty God. So after that city was destroyed along with it's temple there occur no more miracles, Prophecies, Tongues or Special Knowledge except within surviving apostles chosen by Christ Jesus himself that's why Jesus specifically told John that he has a special assignment for him and it was spread among first century Christians that John the apostle will not die until Jesus return but that's not what Jesus meant he only has a special assignment for John which he later delivered when all his fellow apostles have all died {John 21:22-23} John later wrote his gospel account, three letters and Revelations after the destruction of Jerusalem around 96-98 c.e.

But if you're doubting can you please remind me any miracles performed after the destruction of Jerusalem?

madegreatbygrace:
@MaxinDhouse, Kindly tell us when this cessation of tongues started using the scriptures o.

If the scriptures say speaking in tongues will seize {1Corinthians 13:8} it's left to each student of the Bible to figure out when that will be but since you directed the question to me i will remind you of what Jesus said about the church @ Matthew 13:25 there Jesus clearly stated that Satan will implant his agents right in the midst of Jesus' disciples, this actually happened in the first century after the Roman government destroyed Jerusalem and it's Temple the apostles and other disciples of Christ Jesus were scattered. The speaking in tongues began in that city and ended when that city was destroyed from that time onwards all believers must show love for the things written before then! 1Corinthians 13:13
Do you know that John wrote his gospel, letters and Revelations far away from Jerusalem?
Well he confirmed that the Antichrists have joined the church at that time {1John 2:18} which wasn't allowed when the Apostles were still very much alive and active! Romans 16:17

madegreatbygrace:
Also and FYI Paul is not saying that speaking in tongues doesn’t make sense in a congregation. He says that prophesying in an unknown tongues makes no sense. Finally, in Matthew 6:6, Jesus was addressing those who show off by praying publicly. The motive is important here
Understand the context!

If Christ said each believer must go into his private room when they want to talk to God alone {Matthew 6:6} will such be appropriate within the congregation using strange tongue?
Well Paul emphatically told them that such makes no sense, if you're speaking in tongues it should be either prophesying which involves the whole congregation or a message and both must be interpreted right there for the benefit of all in the congregation but if it's between you and God alone then we have to revert to Christ's admonition which says do so in your private room!

Righthussle:
I stopped having those silly dreams when I stopped practicing Christainity.

So in other words you can only dream of what you're used to no wonder people don't dream about aliens from space!

PoliteActivist:
Just don't lie or fudge the Bible. Example, don't quote the Bible as saying Caine took his sister to Nod when the Bible never said nor implied any such thing. God works in mysteries, if you don't know or understand something, say so. Don't answer authoritatively then try to lie or fudge to justify the answer. If you notice, I've only HONESTLY discussed circumstances provided by the Bible, without saying that now proves anything, because in actuality it doesn't!

According to the above commentator since the Bible never stated that Cain married his sister you have lied!

Shokoloko:
The Bible is clear on this matter. This is not an issue that should cause unbelief.
The bible records that Eve had sons and daughters. Cain apparently married one. In those days marrying close relatives was not a problem. Sarah was Abraham's half-sister. Only when the Israelites got into the promised land was consanguine marriages banned.
Gen 4:19 mentions that Lamech married two women. Where did he get them from? Their names were not mentioned as daughters to anyone but apparently they were.

Now once upon a time there was a place on the outskirts of PH. It didn't have a name because there weren't many settlers. The first set of people who settles there said they were living close to Obigbo.
But now anyone writing about that area will call it Igbo Etche.
Note that Genesis was written several centuries after the events occurred. At the time Cain went there, the land had no name. Cain descedants made it a city called Nod. The bible gives a couple of accounts of men coming to an empty spot and giving it a city name and voila! it becomes known as that name years later.
Before Nigeria was named, the land existed, people lived here, but someone putting our events in written form has to call our space Nigeria for ease of understanding.

Lastly the bible also gives accounts of brothers taking revenge on brothers. I believe 2 sons of Solomon died because some sons took revenge against what was done to their sisters. Till date in the middle east they have honor killings between family members.
The people Cain was running away from were his own brothers.

He knew there's no better explanation but he's holding a grudge against me because i have silenced him several times with efficacy on scriptural topics and he doesn't know how to get back at me now he's expecting everyone else to support him after all i'm just one of Jehovah's Witnesses so they must criticize whatever i say!

madegreatbygrace:
@Joxxy01 You need to read the entire 1 Corinthians 14 in context to have a better understanding of what Paul is teaching.
Also, you need to know the difference between speaking in tongues and prophecy . The difference is the audience. For the man that speaks in an unknown tongue the audience is God. However, for the man that prophesy, his audience is men. 'For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. ' I Corinthians 14:2-3
So from the above, the man that is speaking in tongues is talking to God and so he doesn’t need to interpret since he’s not addressing man. In this case, he’s building himself up. On the other hand, prophecy is an inspired message to men and so must be delivered in a way that man must understand, that is, in a known tongue . Simply put, prophecy is speaking in tongues plus interpretation.
'He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. '
I Corinthians 14:4
So if I need to deliver a word or message to a brother in a Christian gathering, or to the entire church or gathering , I’ll need to deliver in a known tongue so they may understand. This is where and why interpretation is necessary. 'So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 'I Corinthians 14:9
This is why in some churches, while addressing the congregation, some will speak in an unknown tongue, while same or others may interpret so the church may understand.
I hope this helps.

Paul was telling his audience that speaking in tongues makes no sense when it can not be understood by nobody in the congregation so if the speaker is talking to God then he supposed to do that in his private room {Matthew 6:6} after all he or she is speaking to God not man but all that is in the past because the Holy Spirit no longer does that so speaking in tongues among true Christians has seized today:

Love never fails. But if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with. 1Corinthians 13:8

The only thing God's Holy Spirit does for Christians today is reminders through a diligent study of God's word {John 14:26} that's why Paul said knowledge (special) will be no more {1Corinthians 13:8} but among true believers LOVE will help them to continue as a family of faith. 1Corinthians 13:13

PoliteActivist:
More like ridiculous. Where do you see the Bible say or imply anybody followed Cain into banishment? Actually quite the opposite: HE and he alone was given the mark of Caine so HE won't be killed. Nobody else!

So you've not seen beautiful ladies getting married to men with man-made mark of Cain today shey?
I tell you that many young girls in your church will wholeheartedly marry men having Cain's mark as long as money is involved.
Meanwhile Cain was the first child that Eve referred to as the one who will bring a relief it's through God's help that he was born according to his mother {Genesis 4:1} and as for the mark on his head God never disclose to anyone what that mark stands for it was only revealed to Moses thousands of years later.
So the beautiful girl that followed Cain can't know why her brother suddenly had a mark and Cain will never tell her what transpired between him and God!

PoliteActivist:
Just don't lie or fudge the Bible. Example, don't quote the Bible as saying Caine took his sister to Nod when the Bible never said nor implied any such thing. God works in mysteries, if you don't know or understand something, say so. Don't answer authoritatively then try to lie or fudge to justify the answer. If you notice, I've only HONESTLY discussed circumstances provided by the Bible, without saying that now proves anything, because in actuality it doesn't!

Now you're behaving like the Judaists in the first century!

They always argue over anything that's not clear to them whereas they have no better answer than what Jesus and his disciples provided.

God created just Adam and Eve: two humans

Adam and Eve had children who got married to themselves: the beginning of mankind

Cain ran away from home and later had a wife.

So where did Cain got a female to marry?

Me: since God created only one couple in the beginning and instructed them to multiply then Cain must have taken one of his sisters to where he ran to.

You: no definite answer God's word is mystery so nobody should say anything on that since it was written.

Now what is the work of God's Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to teach us other things?

“I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now. However, when that one comes, the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own initiative, but what he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things to come". John 16:12-13

If believers in Christ can't give a definite answer as to where Cain got a wife then what confidence do they have in the first chapter of the Bible where it's documented that God only created a pair of humans: Adam and Eve?

Ọmọ just humble yourself and learn the Bible is complete word of God there's no mystery in that unless you're contemplating Agnosticm that says nobody knows the truth about God!

DJInfluence:
Why be say sex na sin for only humans?

Killing and eating the prey is also sin for humans!

PoliteActivist:
Exactly what I said about putting yourself in a position where you have to lie. No where in the Bible is it stated or even implied that one of Cain's sisters or even brothers for that matter, followed him into exile.
Neither was it implied that he was in any way married when he left - hence God put a mark on him and him alone, to protect him in his wanderings so outside people would not kill him (HIM, nobody else!).
Lord Jesus or St. Paul commented on biblical matters authoritatively because they could back them up biblically. Don’t assume their authoritativeness when you have to back yours up by lying or forging what the Bible says! Like I said, it is not by force, you don't have to comment on every biblical topic raised!

Ọmọ that's not a lie but the work of God's Holy Spirit {John 16:12-13} that you can't refute since God never created any other human elsewhere apart from Adam and Eve!

PoliteActivist:
So you avoid intellectual discussions on biblical matters. Don't give a categorical answer you're then unable to defend or have to defend by lying or forging things not in the Bible (eg: Cain left with people).
It is not a must to comment on every biblical topic. Or if you must comment, preface your answer NOT arrogantly state it with absolute certainty and authority, and then when biblically challenged, run to "all Christians must have one voice"!

It's you who is feeling inferior simply because you lack wisdom regarding God's word, the highlighted is your own assumption because God's word said "Cain slept with his wife" this means that he was with just one woman {Genesis 4:17} the same way his father (Adam) started the family with only one woman! Genesis 4:1

I am a disciple of Christ so like my Master, Lord and King i speak with authority when Bible topics are raised {Matthew 7:28-29} we are not like those who can't speak convincingly when handling scriptural topics. 2Timothy 2:15

So once again God's word made us understand that only a couple started the reproduction process that led to a global human race but if you disagree with that just come out plainly nobody is going to flog you for what you don't know!

joxxy01:
This is a questions that has been bothering me for quite some times now and yet to get any satisfying answer... According to Apostle Paul in (1 Corinthians 14: 1- 19) tonguing should be done privately except there is someone to interpret.. But in our present day Church gatherings , members can blow in tongues for hours without any one to interpret it as taught by Paul and it has become a norm. Please I need and enlightenment is this not abnormal?

Today the church of God has been separated from Satan's agents claiming Christians such can't happen in our midst.
God's Holy Spirit enabled believers in the first century to speak in tongues for three reasons:

[1] At Pentecost people from different nations visited Jerusalem and that's the day God's Holy Spirit was poured out on the BORN AGAIN Christians so in order for them to preach God's word effectively the Holy Spirit permitted each of them to speak the language of his or her listener! Act 2:4-6
[2] Secondly after the establishment of the church many people began associating both those who are sincere believers and impostors planted among them to get informations on how to implicate members of the church so God's Holy Spirit will enable a BORN AGAIN Christian to speak in a strange tongue that only another BORN AGAIN Christian can interpret. Imagine one brother standing in front of the congregation delivering a speech while an agent of the Pharisees is among the brethren God's Holy Spirit will possess a BORN AGAIN brother who will alert others that the message being delivered mustn't continue but since only BORN AGAIN Christians understood it then one can go to the platform to stop the brother from further speech.
[3] Lastly the Bible hasn't been completed it was only frown Genesis to Malachi that was known back then so if any inspired expression is to be delivered during meetings of Christians God's Holy Spirit will possess a BORN AGAIN Christian to reveal the information while only BORN AGAIN Christians can understand what has just been revealed.


But after the completion of God's word all these things have seized {1Corinthians 13:8-10} because there is NO ADDITION NO SUBTRACTION regarding what's to be revealed {Revelations 22:18-19} so today if anyone isn't contented with what has been revealed in the Bible it simply means such one can't love God because it's love for God that can make us obey the one we can't see! 1Corinthians 13:13

If you have further questions on the subject please feel free, i am Maximus one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
God bless you and may you have PEACE!

PoliteActivist:
The question is, why is a human being that God created and gave a brain INCAPABLE of any type of independent thought or any type of questioning of what he is taught or reads??!!

Because he is one of the disciples of the young first century Jewish teacher who prayed:

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: John 17:22

Note your first response to the OP:

PoliteActivist:
Wow, what an original question! The first person to ever ask this since creation. And he bolded it too, then called on nlfpmod to rush it to FP. You be real genius my friend.
Why not tell us, the genius you are, who did they marry?

Any disciple of Christ supposed to tell the OP directly what has been concluded upon by the BODY of Christ {Ephesians 5:23} on the subject so that the BODY could speak regarding the book they believe with one voice! Ephesians 4:12-13
But since it has ever been inconclusive among you people claiming BORN AGAIN Christians that's why you can't find anyone to agree with you because God's word specifically told us that Adam and Eve are the only two humans created on this planet.
So my guy CHRISTIANITY isn't about what each person feels regarding such serious topic because interested ones (like the OP) may ask questions and disparities among so called believers will mean disunity.
We aren't atheists who can't come to terms on what is written if the Bible is God's word it should be used to set matters straight among believers {2Timothy 3:16} that's what Jesus prayed for! John 17:17

PoliteActivist:
😅 Spoken just like an unthinking automaton fed some info. Where in the Bible does it say anyone followed Cain into banishment? Also, how many children could one woman, Eve, have had. Sooo, Cain had to go to the land of Nod to meet his sister, who mysteriously, without any explanation or logical reason, was already there waiting for him to be banished and come and marry her!🤣

What exactly is your problem?

Are sure you still believe in the Bible?

Well according to that book God created only two humans a couple and they are the people that brought about all the humans on this planet. So whether you like it or not Cain took one of his sisters when leaving home God did not create any other human apart from the first couple!

PoliteActivist:
Well, let's really THINK through this popular notion that Cain married his sister.
After Cain was banished for killing his brother, he settled in the land of Nod. Since no other person had been banished before Cain, we can assume no other person went to the land of Nod before him, and no person went with him.
The Bible tells us that upon his banishment, Cain was afraid that in his wanderings “anyone who meets me may kill me”. Remember, no one left before him and no one was going with him. Sooo, where would the "anyone" come from??
The Bible then says Cain marries in the land of Nod - says it in the manner of someone marrying from a foreign land...
Well, you know where this is headed. His mother could only have had so many children, it would be a very important detail indeed to leave out - that Cain was sleeping with his sister!
Now, try to THINK FOR YOURSELF for a change instead of regurgitating things fed into you, do you still think Cain married his sister that he met in the land of Nod??😆

I don't wish to argue with you but the fact that Cain married one of his sisters is indisputable what you should have asked is:

How can someone follow Cain knowing fully well that he has killed his brother who happens to be her own brother too?

But today we all know how women follow men despite knowing their criminal records so it's definitely one of his own sisters who is also cunning that followed him.
Moreover remember that there are just few humans back then and to enjoy s€x one must get hooked to a partner and Cain is a prospective husband for that matter.

Thanks for asking, may you have PEACE!

Hanndye:
I beg to disagree with you on this with 3 main points.
(1) The name Jehovah Witness- Like many other churches, that name is not associated with the early Christians. Though on differ times Jesus asked his disciples to go and witness on His behave but they never adopt the name Jesus witness as would have been more appropriate than Jehovah Witness.

The group name "CHRISTIANS" was borrowed in Antioch {Act 11:26} back then it was meant to vilify the disciples of Christ not to honor them but Jesus' disciples were ready to endure anything for the love they had for their leader.
Being Witnesses of Jesus doesn't mean calling themselves by that name rather it means they will always do things the way he does and that's exactly why the inhabitants of Antioch began calling them "CHRISTIANS" for imitating the man from Nazareth.
However you need to read what God said in that Bible book of Isaiah 65:15 there God told Satan and his agents:

And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: Isaiah 65:15

Satan is the same person behind the vilification of first century disciples of Christ and he is the same person who initiated his own agents right in their midst to turn away many from bearing the reproach brought upon that group as his own agents picked up weapons to fight against critics unlike Jesus' real disciples who must not use weapons against anyone be it friends of the faith or foe {Matthew 5:43-48} so after bearing the group name "CHRISTIANS" for almost 2000 years the true God fulfilled His promise in the year 1931 by calling His worshipers the hidden name: JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES.
You may have wondered how will people like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham until John the baptist should be called since they were never followers of Christ but faithful servants of God?
Well the name God hid for thousands of years from Satan and all his agents is "JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES" you can read Hebrews 11:4-32 and see how Paul proved that all these people were WITNESSES of someone {Hebrews 12:1 compare to Isaiah 43:10-12} even Jesus himself is one of JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES! Revelations 1:5

Hanndye:
(2) The prophecy on Jesus second coming. The Bible let us know that on Jesus second coming, all eyes shall see Him.
Rev. 1:8:9 'Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.'
Acts 1:11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Seeing Jesus in the clouds doesn't mean what will be experienced literally rather it simply means his disciples will bear thorough witness throughout the earth regarding God's kingdom being the only solution to mankind's problem. You yourself can testify to it today that throughout the earth there no place where people aren't saying "we are living in the last days" for your information that's what the presence of Christ truly means.
Since the year 1919 Jesus has been working with the International Bible Students Association globally known today as Jehovah's Witnesses by our preaching and teaching that no human government can bring betterment except God's kingdom just as Jesus of Nazareth taught in the first century.
That's what seeing Jesus in the sky TRULY means! Act 1:8

Hanndye:
(3) Your policy on baptism is wrong. The early Christians never told anyone to embark on any session of study before they could be baptized. Rather, Jesus says anyone who comes to Him has learned from the Father. After all, who taught the woman with the issue of blood what to do to be healed, who taught the thief on the right what to say to be saved, etc? They do what they had to do or say by FAITH and Jesus healed them.

Hmmmmmmm you need to meditate on what the scriptures say not just reading it.
All those people have been worshipers of the God of Israel all their lives so they know what the scriptures say through the study of God's word as taught by their religious leaders in their synagogues that's why Jesus told them:

“The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the seat of Moses. Therefore, all the things they tell (taught) you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but they do not practice what they say" Matthew 23:2-3

So the first century Jews only need to identify the Christ whom all the scriptures was talking about in order for them to apply everything they've learned that's why Peter could refer to those Jews listening to him on the day of Pentecost that all what the scriptures they knew was talking about is the man from Nazareth whom they killed! Act 2:14-36

Do you think anyone without a Bible study could grasp all what Peter said from verse 14-36 of that chapter?

Well after listening to Peter those Jews were pained to the heart that they've missed out in identifying the promised Messiah (Christ) when he walked in their midst so they asked Peter and the apostles remorsefully:

“Men, brothers, what should we do?” Act 2:37

Of course most of them had been baptised by John the baptist because they all recognized John as a prophet of God {Matthew 21:26} so what else do they need other than to be baptized again but this time in the name of the resurrected Christ: Jesus of Nazareth. Act 2:38

So my friend it's appropriate that we study the Bible thoroughly with any interested person for then to have accurate knowledge of what they're going to do for Jesus which is becoming one of his disciples who are zealously preaching and industriously teaching about God's Kingdom in their neighbourhood! Matthew 28:19-20

May you have PEACE!

VBCampaign:
I will also request that good-hearted Christians should pray for Mr. T and his family, that God will open them to the truth of the gospel.

The founder of Christianity Jesus of Nazareth followed God's standard when talking about "PRAYERS"
According to God's standard servants of God must NOT pray in behalf of unbelievers who aren't interested in knowing the truth about God's laws {Proverbs 28:9; Jeremiah 11:14} so when Jesus walked this planet he was really discreet with his partner of prayer his disciples noticed that Jesus prays to God always {1Thessalonians 5:17} but Jesus refused to pray with them!
So they approached him:

Now he was in a certain place praying, and when he stopped, one of his disciples said to him: “Lord, teach us how to pray, just as John also taught his disciples". Luke 11:1

Jesus' disciples are going from house to house today paying their neighbours uninvited friendly visits, whoever refuse to welcome or listen to them has been judged already! Matthew 10:11-15

There's no need praying for them!

EmiDon11:
We were told in genesis that God created adam and eve. They later gave birth to cain and abel. Now, my question is: Who Did They Marry? Nlfpmod

And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters: And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died. Genesis 5:4-5

Adam actually had daughters simultaneously but the Bible's Author doesn't mention names of females unless the female did something noteworthy.
You can verify by reading and trying to figure out the names of wives of all the men mention from Genesis chapter 1-11 the first time females were mentioned by name after the first woman is the wives of Lamech {Genesis 4:19} even the most historical figure in the Bible Jesus had sisters but their number or names weren't mentioned! Matthew 13:55-56

So Cain married one of his own sisters born by his parents Adam and Eve!

There are two categories of people:
The Conscientious
The Desperate
The conscientious always think of how life could be better for everyone to have a fair share of whatever is available for all mankind so whatever they have means nothing to them no matter how much neither are they worried no matter how little the can achieve they're just hoping everyone should be happy. The true God made it a point of duty for His worshipers to search for such ones {Matthew 10:6} because they already have God's thought in their brains no matter the religion they may be practicing presently! Romans 1:20

The desperate are selfish individuals who don't care whatever happens to their neighbours as long as they're able to flaunt what they have in the presence of the needy so even if they have much they're not contented because they won't be noticed in the midst of neighbours who also have what they have that's why such ones seek MYSTERIOUS POWERS so they can do and undo without being questioned.

It's really difficult to differentiate between these two categories most especially when they're both found practicing the same religion but by chatting tactfully with each person we always know them through their response to God's plan {Luke 6:45} of a better future when all humans will have a fair share in all there is on this planet.

The desperate will always think selfishly about themselves never contented no matter what they have but the conscientious are ever happy within as they're contented with whatever they have whether little or much! Matthew 7:13-14

Hanndye:
Well, that's a pass by me, you can go on.

©Where is the church today?

Immediately after the establishment of the church Satan began fighting {Revelations 12:17} he used everything within his power to prosecute, persecute and execute as many as he could among the first century Jewish disciples. But just as Jesus has said the gates of hell can't prevail sending believers to untimely grave (hell) never stopped them from multiplying in number!

So Satan devices another technique "if you can't beat them, lead them" he began initiating his agents right in their midst {1John 2:18 compare to Matthew 13:25, 38,39} that was how Christianity became faceless as Satan's agent gained the support of worldly politicians to suppress and intimate anyone who wants to uphold the real teachings of Christ so when Jesus looked into the future of Christianity he asked:

When i return, will i meet Christianity the way i left it? Luke 18:8

So falsehood overshadowed the truth about Christianity for ages as Satan's agent were going from city to city, town to town and village to village forcing their doctrines on people. That was what is called the "DARK AGES" you can Google it.

But during the 20th century Jesus finally returned to restructure his group for the final work. Precisely in the year 1919 Jesus began working with a small group in America known back then as International Bible Students Association (IBSA) that was the only group willing to accept correction from the spirit King all other religions were upholding their man-made doctrines as they keep referring to the teachings of their human founders but this group was making correction upon corrections until the year 1931 when they have met the requirement God prophesied about His worshipers in the last days:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:2-4

From then till today the true God began calling this group by another group name:
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES! Isaiah 65:15

Despite all the fine works of this group the world has hatred with passion against them {John 15:19} yet that's the world's most peaceful group befitting the Prince of Peace {Isaiah 9:6} and the whole world could testify that they have LOVE among themselves! John 13:34

That's the CHURCH today!

Hanndye:
Jesus says in Matthew 16:18. 'And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.'
©What is your take on this verse?
©What is the Church?
©Was it ever established?
©if so, where is it today?

There are four questions in the highlighted so i will address one then if you're satisfied you can signify and i will take the second question.

After the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ Jesus God fulfilled His promises which was spoken by Joel the prophet {Joel 2:28-30} at Pentecost God's Holy Spirit rushed in with a loud noise and distributed itself on the heads of all the 120 Christians in attendance {Act 2:1-6} they remembered everything Jesus taught them so vividly that day but how are they going to pass the message to visitors in Jerusalem who aren't Jews? So while they were speaking their own language trying to convey the message God's Holy Spirit turned their tongues each one into the language of his own listener!
Thousands among the Jews who heard Peter's speech that day became believers even though they were regretting all they had done to Jesus of Nazareth! Act 2:37-41
So the Church was established that very day as thousands of Jews became OBEDIENT to the apostles who are serving as the GOVERNING BODY of the church from then onward {Act 2: 42} whatever the apostles decrees stands just as Jesus of Nazareth had said:

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Matthew 16:19

From that day onward the CHURCH was founded and the apostles began acting as the BODY that must not be disobeyed by anyone who joined the group, the GOVERNING BODY wasn't perfect because they erred by trying to eradicate poverty in their midst {Act 4:34-35} even though Jesus had told them that there will always be poor ones amongst them {Mark 14:7} but whoever disobeyed or lied to the GOVERNING BODY despite their imperfection will be exposed! Act 5:1-11

Fididiguy:
Christians or Born-again means same.

It is not the same!

A Christian is one who is willing to put on the new personality which is required to live forever in Paradise so any imperfect human who is striving to imitate Christ in thought, word and action is a Christian.

A Born Again is a Christian anointed with God's Holy Spirit to rule with Christ Jesus anywhere he stationed his government. Revelations 14:1-4; John 14:1-3 compare to Matthew 20:20-23

All faithful humans from Abel till today have the privilege to become Christians but whoever refuse to put on that new personality can't have everlasting life because God made Adam in His own image that's what quantify Adam to live forever before he chose to die and ever since then all his children are dying {Romans 5:12} but God in His infinite mercy decided to redeem mankind that's why He sent Jesus to live among us as a model for us to follow his footsteps closely. 1Peter 2:21
Anyone who is willing to be like Jesus will be forgiven all his past errors. Luke 23:41-43

All faithful servants of God before Christ will be given the same opportunity like billions of nice people who died as pagans {Act 24:15} because they don't know God's righteousness all of them will live with Christians on this planet for 1,000 years {Revelations 20:5-6} there we will teach them what Christ taught us so that anyone who accept the model (Christ) will live but whoever think it's his niceness that can earn him everlasting life will die again for good! Revelations 20:13-15

Pastoshizzy:
You're welcome bro.

Thanks.
I would have spoken regarding INDIVIDUALS if the topic says:

Each Individual And The Less Privileged

There will be no reason mentioning a church

But since the topic says:

The Church And The Less Privileged

That's why i mentioned the Church i know where such is been practiced.

Please do enjoy your weekend and may you have PEACE!

Pastoshizzy:
As a believer I'm indifferent about any one or Church that preaches undiluted doctrines in the Bible. I'm a Christian first and it wouldn't matter what Church you're from except we agree on the tenents of the Bible especially these end times.

Romans 14:4, states:

"Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand."

This verse highlights the idea that individuals should refrain from judging or condemning others who are accountable to a higher authority, in this case, their Master or Lord. The passage emphasizes that it is not our place to judge the actions or decisions of someone else's servant, as they ultimately answer to their own Master.

I just spoke from my understanding respecting the church that's PRACTICING what you asked i'm not judging anyone, so if someone should raise the topic:

The Church And The Less Privileged

I will direct him to the one and only church that is doing well in that regard!

True Christians (Jehovah's Witnesses) are doing just so!

Jesus commanded his disciples to love their neighbours {Mark 12:31} but most especially their fellow believers! John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:10

At the same time Jesus taught them that the love they have can't eradicate poverty among believers, because there will always be poor ones amongst us {Mark 14:7} but Jesus' first century Jewish disciples failed to grasp what he meant, they tried to eradicate poverty by means of equity {Act 4:34-35} but it all ended in tragedy as they lost a couple in the process! Act 5:1-10

So in what way can the Christians take the best care of their fellow believers in this wicked system of things?

Well what's the greatest NEED of all Christians whether rich or poor?
Jesus made them realized that no matter how poor any of them may be he must have a personal SWORD of his own {Luke 22:26} this is not a literal WEAPON rather it simply means a complete copy of the Bible {Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12} that's the weapon we must used to procure our unity! John 17:17

Go throughout the world today you can't find a member of Jehovah's Witnesses no matter how poor the country each of us have the best quality of SWORD (Bible)

paxonel:

Out of all the religions carrying the Bible today the OP could only think of the highlighted below:

Jayses:
The book of Revelation has always
presented the interpreter with challenges. The
book is steeped in vivid imagery and symbolism
which people have interpreted differently
depending on their preconceptions of the book as
a whole ,so what is ur own take regarding the figure , is it really what the Witnesses says it is ? Rev 7:4..........

Just as Jesus Christ said our works will stand as a WITNESS to all unbelievers like you:

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come".
Matthew 24:14

So keep denying what is obvious to all sincere people at least you and your pastors are still abusing, insulting and cursing yourselves as you've been doing here with all your fellow churchgoers {Luke 11:23} while true disciples of Christ (Jehovah's Witnesses) are speaking in harmony globally! John 17:22

paxonel:
Charles Russel who deceived them that the world was coming to an end in 1914 deceived them that they are the 12,000

Just as John the baptist DECEIVED his disciples that Christ will begin ruling in the first century but ended up in prison then confused as to whether Jesus is the Christ shey? Matthew 11:2-3

Well Jesus told his listeners:

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11

Know today that among them that are claiming preachers of God's word since 1914 there has not risen a greater than Charles Taze Russell.
That's why his name keeps ringing a bell in the minds of all your pastors as the group that emerged through his works has proved to be the global family of peace loving worshipers as prophesied {Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-3} they are the world's most zealous preachers and industrious teachers of God's word till today! Act 1:8

God's people are progressing so whoever wants to be saved has the opportunity now that the door is opened!

paxonel:
jw isn't among the 12,000 per tribe??

The names of tribes in Revelations 6:5-8 shows most part of the tribes will be selected among first century Christians.
"Manasseh" made the list while Dan's name was removed, this means some members of first century Christians won't make the list as they're not anointed Christians but that chance will be given to those anointed later during the last days.
So anointed members of Jehovah's Witnesses today are part of the Manasseh tribe who wasn't a direct son of Jacob!

EnvyandHate:
MaxInDHouse
According to the Jewish writer Josephus who lived in the first century, there were alot of claimants to the Messiah people not of the royal lineage. Even today alot of people claim to be Israel and want to steal our inheritance.

Pure worship is the heritage of God's people!
But you people are thinking it's all about Israel whereas God only used that nation as means to communicate with the world that's why He singlehandedly rescue the Israelites from Egypt to prove that He is the most high God who is invincible.
After the Messiah that heritage becomes the inheritance of faithful people throughout the world as in anywhere a faithful man or woman could be found he must be called into that family of FAITH.
So stop thinking that it's about your people if you're not part of the global family of peace loving worshipers today as prophesied in that Bible book of saiah 2:2-4 & Micah 4:1-3 know today that the true God have no business with you whether you're Abraham's descendant or not.
John the baptist told your people in the first century:

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.Matthew 3:9

Adding:

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Matthew 3:10

And that's exactly what has happened to the nation of Israel after rejecting Jesus of Nazareth so you have no right to claim pure worship based on your bloodline anymore rather accept what God has approved, God's people today are fulfilling Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-3 but if you feel nepotistic or sentimental about your bloodline then fulfill what God said about His worshipers in the last days that's the only way you can disprove those fulfilling it now!

Aemmyjah:
Let him bury his head in the sand
The way Jesus revealed himself to me and others is by means of the Bible
The olodo does not understand what reveal means
He thinks revealing something is by seeing it

He is not interested in knowing the truth all he enjoys is exchange of words with JWs that's all!

paxonel:
deligently,like Charles T. Russel a primary school drop out of the 19th century in the US who Illiterately misinterpreted scriptures to form your doctrines? No now!

This is not about Western education remember that Jesus' disciples weren't learned according to the standard of people in the first century yet they're the first to be anointed by God's Holy Spirit:

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

So Jesus doesn't work with worldly standards!

paxonel:
so, what has this got to do with Jw?
notwithstanding, one is yet to see Jw among these tribes

At least you know now that you're wrong Jesus wasn't referring to the natural Israelites!