Podcasts about watchtower bible

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Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 80:04

Part 13 Every cult without exception denies the doctrine of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Although they may utilise concepts such as grace and faith, what is written outside the box is never what's inside. In the world of cults, grace becomes synonymous with payment because when everything has been said and done, the cult member is working to earn salvation. At the very best Jesus died on the cross to give mankind the possibility of obtaining salvation. He has merely opened the narrow gate but now it's left to those who would obtain it to labour. It is for this reason that whether Jehovah's Witness or Seventh-day Adventist; whether Mormon or Roman Catholic, when the question is put to them; “If you die tonight, do you have 100% assurance that you are saved”? The answer that one will be met with again and again is; “I can't say for sure, it's up to God”. With this one simple question and the answer returned, the futility of the cult's works-based system of salvation is revealed for what it is, vanity of vanities!! There is a world of difference between what the Bible teaches about how a man is saved, and what the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society teaches. In this final teaching part, these differences shall be discovered and the way of truth exposed. Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/13_The_Way_of_Salvation.pdf

11. Paradise Earth – Paul M. Williams

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Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 69:12

Part 11 If one has ever been greeted by a Jehovah's Witness at the door, after the short and brief courtesies of “Hello, my name is… etc.”, the conversation will inevitably begin with a question like; “What do you think of all the wars in the world today?” or, “Do you think the world is a nice place to live in with all the evil that is in it?”. These questions are leading and are designed to provoke a response of sympathy from the hearer. From this point on, the Witness at the door will proceed to tell of a coming kingdom of peace on earth where wars will cease, and death will be no more. For Jehovah's Witnesses, Paradise Earth is what the Millennial will be for Christians, except for a few major differences. Firstly, Paradise Earth in Watch Tower eschatology is not restricted to a thousand years but is forever! Secondly, and more importantly, Jesus will be nowhere present on Paradise Earth, He will be in heaven with Jehovah and the angels, governing over the affairs of the earth with the 144,000! I have a question for Jehovah's Witness: "How can paradise be paradise without Jesus being there?”. Furthermore, what about the new heaven and the new earth which the Bible speaks of, along with the new Jerusalem wherein shall dwell the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb forever, and the Saints shall come in through the city gates? These things along with more shall be the focus of this eleventh teaching part as the beliefs of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society are compared with the Bible. Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/11_Paradise_Earth.pdf

10. The Doctrine of Hell – Paul M. Williams

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Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 78:40

Part 10 Jehovah's Witnesses have long been a cult that has aggressively opposed the doctrine of hell, as can be seen in their literature and publications. Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, was himself an ardent opponent of this doctrine, as has been every presiding president over Jehovah's organisation since. Though beginning within the ranks of conservative orthodoxy, by the time Russell had outgrown his teens, he had left both Presbyterianism and Congregationalism because he could not reconcile the idea of a loving and merciful God sending billions to an eternal hell. To this day, after nearly a century and a half, Russell's disciples continue to hold to his beliefs and teachings. In this teaching, we examine the beliefs of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society as they relate to the doctrine of hell and contrast this with what the Bible teaches. Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/10_The_Doctrine_of_Hell.pdf

8. The Person of the Holy Spirit – Paul M. Williams

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Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 74:29

Part 8 So far, the studies in this series have largely focused on the person of Jesus Christ. Whilst Jehovah's Witnesses are monotheistic in belief, they are aggressively antitrinitarian in expression. They, like us, believe in one eternal God. The point of divergence comes however when they maintain that the singular being of God is without a plurality of persons. The doctrine of the Trinity affirms that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society denies this truth and attacks this position throughout its written literature. The purpose of this teaching is to address the heresy of the Watch Tower as it relates to the person of the Holy Spirit. Jehovah's Witnesses deny the person of the Holy Spirit and instead teach that the Holy Spirit is God's active force. Journey with us as we examine this heresy in light of Biblical truth. Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/8_The_Person_of_the_Holy_Sprit.pdf

5. Is Jesus Michael the Archangel?

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Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 76:28

Part 5 To deny the deity of Jesus Christ is to be left with a question of paramount importance that demands an answer. If Jesus is not God, then who is He? The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society have their answer to this question as do the Muslims and the New Agers. However, when one looks at the alternatives being offered, it becomes deplorable. Heretics think that by robbing Christ of His place in the Triune Godhead and stripping Him of His deity, they automatically disqualify themselves from needing to provide a rigorous argument for their claim. When one puts the question to Jehovah's Witnesses, “Who was Jesus Christ before coming to earth” the answer that they will give is Michael the Archangel. In the absence of any meaningful biblical support, we shall weigh this claim against a mountain of evidence to the contrary and demonstrate that Jesus is none other than God. Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/5_Is_Jesus_Michael_the_Archangel.pdf

3. The Doctrine of the Trinity - Paul M Williams

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Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 71:37

Part 3 Jehovah's Witnesses, like all true Christians of every denomination, are monotheistic in their expression of belief. They, like us, believe in one eternal God. The point of divergence comes however when they maintain that the singular being of God is without a plurality of persons. The doctrine of the Trinity affirms that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society deny this truth and aggressively attacks this position in its written literature. In this teaching, we take to task the literature of the Watch Tower and counter its heretical claims with Biblical truth. For Jehovah's Witnesses, the name of God which it maintains is Jehovah is everything. But is His name Jehovah? Does history bear this out? How should the divine name of God (Tetragrammaton) be transliterated? What if, from the Watch Tower's own Bible, one could prove that Jesus is Jehovah? We endeavour to answer all these questions, proving conclusively that Jesus Christ is God. Download PDF notes: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/3._Doctrine_of_the_Trinity.pdf

2. History of the Jehovah's Witnesses - Paul M Williams

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Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 72:15

Part 2 As one traces the history of the beginnings of Jehovah's Witnesses, two names are indispensable to the formation and development of this cult: Charles Taze Russell and his successor, Joseph Franklin Rutherford. In the 1830s, a Baptist minister from New York by the name of William Miller began sharing his new-found belief, that Jesus Christ was going to return around the year 1843. This belief began to gain momentum across denominations, and by 1840 it had become a nationwide campaign. This was the birth of what became known as Adventism and it was from this influence that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society would emerge. In this teaching, we examine the history of the Watch Tower cult from its beginnings until the present day. We review some of its teachings that have changed during this period and critique its peculiar version of the Bible, the New World Translation. Download PDF notes: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/2_History_of_Jehovahs_Witnesses.pdf

Kittridge Compromised: Part 8

ExplicitNovels

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024

Kingdom Hall TribunalIn 8 parts, based on the works of Bardot1990. Listen to the ► Podcast at ExplicitNovels.Eldon Kittridge gathered his family that Thursday night to attend a Ministry School meeting at his local Kingdom Hall. During that meeting, various members of the congregation prepared and delivered sermons based upon the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society’s interpretation of scripture. Male members stood at the podium unassisted to expound upon Watchtower doctrine. Younger males were groomed by reading directly from the Bible. More experienced males used intricate and often complicated logical stretches to drive their points home. Jehovah’s witnesses practice a rationalistic religion.Female members did not address the congregation standing at the podium. Rather, two or more females took the stage to demonstrate various persuasion techniques. One female would pretend to be a random homeowner in the field. The other female would demonstrate how to explain JW eschatology and or, how to handle various doctrinal objections.Men always ran the meetings. These men were called ‘elders’. Typically, they were the more experienced Christians in the group, it being their job to 'shepherd the flock’. These men strove to set a fine moral and spiritual example for the congregants. Too, they were tasked with keeping the congregation clean of sin.Eldon Kittridge was an elder. On this particular Thursday, Eldon was in charge of the Service Meeting. He gave a fifteen-minute talk. He also was in charge of introducing the other speakers. Typically, these consisted of other elders and deacons working their way up through the church hierarchy.As a young man, before his ex-communication James was a critical cog in this hierarchy. He had congregational privileges that included giving talks, passing microphones around during Bible discussions and proselytizing.James’ sudden ex-communication stained his family’s reputation in the congregation. Whereas, at one time the Kittridge family was held as a model of Christian values, now the family harbored an unrepentant sinner.Eldon Kittridge was torn about this loss of face. Eldon did not grow up in 'the Truth’. He was a convert. Eldon’s wife Abby grew up as one of Jehovah’s witnesses, but left the fellowship just months before meeting Eldon. Both of them were now fervent adherents to the faith. James’ sin was a slap in the face. Technically, he was a grown man now, even though he was still a high school student. Eldon Kittridge could set a fine congregational example by emancipating James. This would be viewed by the congregation as appropriate discipline, and necessary to bring James back into the fold. James knew that he was being considered for emancipation, a nice way of saying he might get kicked out of the house.James did not attend Kingdom Hall that night. Fanny did. She sat through the meeting in moral horror, knowing that she, too, existed in the midst of great mortal sin. Fanny bore the weight of guilt, believing that her brother were incestuously fornicating. It was a case so shocking that, even as a participant, Fanny was taken aback.The siblings had not been intimate since the prior Sunday, which left Fanny both hurt and perplexed. She’d tried everything to bring James back to his penile worship between her thighs. Nothing seemed to work. As the meeting droned on and on, Fanny shuffled in her seat. Her panties were wet. She was ashamed of her wetness in this holy place.Fanny looked over at her mother Abby. Abby Kittridge locked onto each speaker with a laser-like focus. Every word spoken from the podium came straight from Jehovah’s organization and, as such, was worthy of her strict attention. Abby Kittridge was as hardcore a disciple as there was. If the Society said it, she believed it, and that settled it. Periodic changes in their doctrinal stance didn’t bother her; New Light was God’s method of advancing truth. Old Light was God’s method of weeding out malingerers.Abby Kittridge was no malingerer.The meeting adjourned around nine thirty p.m. Various families got up to socialize. Absences were noted and asked after.(No one asked about James. He was dis-fellowshipped.)Of the fellowshipped, the time taken to renew the bonds of family and friendship is often noted as the best thing about Jehovah’s witnesses. Eldon Kittridge and the other elders made it their business to connect with as many congregants as possible.On the ride home Abby and Eldon interrogated their children about major points of the meeting. Abby made sure that her children were properly indoctrinated.Each meeting, to Abby, was a spiritual feast of information, none of which could be wasted or taken for granted.If the truth is told, just as Fanny’s panties were wet with lust for her brother during the meeting, Abby’s panties were wet with spiritual lust afterward. There were no Thursday night meetings where Abby’s middle-aged libido did not require her husband’s attention. She and Eldon exercised their marital due on each such occasion.Upon arriving home, the Kittridge parents asked after the younger children’s homework, though homework was a secondary consideration to meeting attendance. Fanny and James could and should have completed their homework on a non-meeting night. Neither of their parents could have helped much. The youngsters bathed and dressed for bed. Fanny cleaned the kitchen. Eldon Kittridge checked James’ room and found him languidly searching the Internet.“Brother Morgan gave a fine talk tonight. You should have been there,” he said.Bob Morgan was a close friend of James’, that is, until James 'left the Truth’. They hadn’t spoken since. Eldon Kittridge’s comment constituted a reproach. James nodded his head in acknowledgement.By eleven p.m. the younger Kittridge children were in bed. Abby Kittridge checked her refrigerator for breakfast supplies. Eldon checked to see that all the doors were locked. Fanny retreated to her downstairs bedroom. The family’s natural Thursday rhythms were intact.Eldon Kittridge climbed the stairs to his second floor bedroom. He closed the bedroom door behind him, turned, and found his wife standing there in her see-thru negligee.At the age of forty-seven, Abigail Kittridge was still fine. Four children had exited her womb; Abby retained a goodly number of her youthful assets. Her breasts stood nicely. Yes, she was a little thicker around her mid-section and some side bacon, but she could still look down between her tits and see her pubic mound. Her skin was a nice shade of cocoa. Her waist dimpled nicely before spreading into a dowager black woman’s ass. There was no sag in her cheeks or chin, nor was there any cottage cheese pitting in her behind.She stood in the midst of her bedroom, almost naked, posing for her husband. They fucked every Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday without fail, and had done so for the past twenty-three years.Eldon Kittridge had seen this woman fully naked on thousands of occasions. The vision of her cunt no longer aroused him. He still looked forward to fucking her. Abby crawled into bed while Eldon doffed his clothing. Her negligee remained in place; she preferred to have him take it off her.In bed together, they did not kiss or fondle. They were far past these pedestrian pursuits. Instead, they lay side-by-side, each using one hand to masturbate the other. Abby jacked Eldon erect; Eldon fingered Abby wet. Neither option took very long.With his phallus only partially turgid, Eldon mounted his wife in missionary. She directed his pliable phallus into her port. Starting slowly, Eldon’s phallus firmed up as they went. Abby always looked forward to this initial stiffening. Once they got started, Eldon was very longwinded. He regularly fucked her through any number of orgasms. Abby wasn’t shy about expressing herself sexually. When she really got going, she would often slip and verbalize vulgar expletives of joy.Missionary sex comprised the bulk of their repertoire. Eldon licked Abby’s tits and cunt from time to time. Abby never sucked his dick. Nor was anal sex an option. They followed the unspoken rules of Christian sexual behavior. What Would Jesus Do? Abby’s devolution into scatology while cumming was as far as they delved into freakiness. Once, she’d even uttered the phrase “Fuck me!” Eldon chastened her immediately. That type of talk smacked of the world.Tonight, Eldon’s uncircumcised phallus lengthened as it hardened. Abby always looked forward to this phenomenon. He started out at one thickness, improving under the impetus of her cunt until he was exponentially thicker. Abby began to groan in conjunction with his endless thrusts.“Oh! Oh! Oh! Ah! Uh! Oh! Shit!”Her groans amplified in intensity and loudness as Eldon worked himself into a lather. He knew the clasp and the slide of his wife’s Cunt well. He knew that it worked best after a spiritual reckoning at the Kingdom Hall. This was “old” cunt. Eldon was never in danger of capitulating before her wiles. Rather, he counted her orgasms, actively seeking amplification, and ready to inseminate her at any moment on his own terms.For years after the birth of their last child, Abby Kittridge relied upon birth control. But she’d abandoned those artificial methods of late, even though she was still capable of pregnancy.Tonight, Eldon's strident thrusting tippled her sensual triggers early on. She climaxed loudly twice. Abby Kittridge was climbing Jacob’s Ladder to a third orgasm when she sensed an anomaly in the Force. There was a low, thumping noise, almost imperceptible, driving in the background. At first she thought it was the sound of her headboard bouncing against the wall. She slowed her pelvic gyrations. The sound persisted abnormally before quieting.Abby and Eldon went back to work. Gradually, the low, thumping hum returned, continuing until just after Abby and Eldon quieted again.She looked at her husband. He’d heard the sound, too. Parents have antennae for unnatural, late night sounds in their home. Inasmuch as the sound died out, Eldon continued the task at hand, that is, stroking a hot piece of cunt.On five separate occasions the low, thumping sound came, out of rhythm with the couple’s efforts. Each time they sought to identify it, the sound disappeared.Finally, Eldon withdrew his phallus from its place of honor. He threw on his bathrobe and stepped to his bedroom door, intending to seek the source of the sound. Slowly, he turned the doorknob and stepped into the hallway. Pausing, he heard nothing. He waited. The house was silent.Eldon retreated to his bedroom. He stepped of his bathrobe. Abby would see that his tumescence remained. He mounted her again, but before they could pick up where they left off, the low, thumping sound returned.Aggravated, Eldon clambered from the bed and eased back out into the hall. Nothing. This time he waited, suspecting he knew the source. James was masturbating in bed.Normally, a father with an eighteen-year old son concedes that his boy masturbates. All boys do it. Eldon himself had been a ruthless masturbator as a teen.As an elder, however, Eldon Kittridge had to consider the spiritual cleanliness of his home. James, already disfellowshipped for sexual immorality, was on thin ice anyway. Eldon put his ear to James’ bedroom door. Initially, he heard nothing. Slowly the thumping noise returned.Eldon turned the knob slowly so as not to be detected. James’ door was locked. The room had one of those Spam key locks. Eldon reached up to get the key from the doorframe. Even more slowly than before, Eldon unlocked the door. He hoped to catch his son in the act, embarrass him and add this incident as another straw for the camel’s back.Bursting suddenly into James’ room, Eldon was astounded to find his daughter Fanny, ass naked, mounted atop his son James. They were fornicating.Eldon’s sudden entrance caused the naked siblings to explode in an effort to dive under the covers. This effort was largely wasted. Grown people know sexual activity when they see it. Eldon was shocked speechless. He didn’t need a second look This was not masturbation. This was sin, the likes of which he’d never considered possible.Fanny burst into tears.Abby Kittridge now joined Eldon Kittridge standing shocked in James Kittridge’s doorway. Fanny’s tears became an outright wail. She and James were cold busted.James and Fanny Got Busted.Eldon Kittridge took his wife into his arms. She was distraught. Slowly, the two of them stepped away from James’ doorway, closing the door behind them. Eldon suppressed the urge to kill both his eldest children. Instead, he deterred Abby’s urge to do the same. They waited.Fanny burst from James’ bedroom, fully clothed now. She raced past her parents down the stairs, intending to hide in her room.“Hold it, young lady,” came Eldon’s stentorian voice.Fanny expected this. She paused at the foot of the stairs without turning to face her parents. The family was in a moment of crisis. Hiding in her room was not going to erase her sin.James didn’t wait to be called. He trudged to his doorway in his underwear, knowing that recriminations and consequences (all bad) were imminent.Eldon led his wife and the incestuous James downstairs to the dining room table with a heavy heart. Abby Kittridge’s measured breathing bespoke her rage. Fanny continued to cry. James just looked downward, unable to brook his parent’s gaze.“How long has this been going on?” Eldon Kittridge demanded.It was not a question. It was an accusation.Fanny began to gag. James didn’t reply.“How long has this been going on!” Eldon Kittridge reiterated brusquely.“A week or two,” James mumbled.Several issues were in play here. Firstly, the Kittridges now harbored two sinners, not just one, in their home. Of these, one was newly initiated into the genre. Fanny was still a golden member of the congregation, entitled to a hearing in lieu of her statement of repentance and, it must be said, the presumption of innocence. The other sinner had proven that he was not on the path to restoration. Worse, he’d inveigled a formerly pristine member of their family into his nefarious web of sexual filth.It was this last sin that put James most at risk. By Jehovah’s witness doctrine, Fanny could still be redeemed. James, already dis-fellowshipped, stood in need of further, harsher discipline.“Fanny, you’re aware of the scriptural prohibition against pre-marital sex. And yet you committed this act anyway. Can you tell us how this happened?” Eldon sternly inquired.Eldon Kittridge was not in dad mode now. In dad mode he might want to physically attack the man who’d imperiled his daughter’s hopes for eternal life in God’s New System of things. (Jehovah’s witnesses believe in a future paradise on Earth under a heavenly government). Eldon might want to curse and fight. Eldon was operating in elder mode now. By that standard he had to view the situation dispassionately. Fanny would have to be brought up before a council of elders. James was entirely Eldon’s problem.Fanny could not answer her father. She existed in terror and shame. Her Cunt’s trenchant needs had led her astray.Eldon Kittridge quickly realized that he would get nothing from his daughter that night. She was incapable of dealing with her mortal sin in the moment. He’d known immediately what needed to be done with James.“Fanny, go get in the bed. We’ll deal with you tomorrow,” he announced.Fanny bolted the table, disappearing down the hall, into her room.Eldon and Abby Kittridge stayed behind with James. Eldon allowed an uncomfortable silence to settle over the proceedings. He had something to say, something that all of them knew was coming.“James. You’re a grown man now. We have stood by you even though other members of the congregation have advised us otherwise. We have fed and clothed you. We’ve put a roof over your head. And this is how you’ve repaid us? By bringing your; your Filth into your own family? It’s one thing to fornicate with worldly girls. You’ve brought this disease into My home! You’ve inveigled your own sister into mortal sin! She may get dis-fellowshipped because of you! Who’s next? Little Jill; or Jayce?Eldon Kittridge allowed his rage to build and double."James, I cannot allow this to continue. You will have to leave my home. You will have to find your own way in the world that you have chosen. Do you understand me?”James understood. He’d expected this. He didn’t expect what came next.“Gather your things. It’s time for you to leave.”James was taken aback.“Now?” he asked incredulously.“Yes. Now.”It was one o'clock in the morning.“Where am I supposed to go at this hour?”“That’s your problem, James. Don’t let the sunrise find you here. I’ll throw your things into the street.”“Dad! I;”“Don’t 'Dad’ me. You’ve betrayed me as a man. You’ve soiled my daughter. I cannot have you here. It’s all I can do to refrain from whipping your ass. GO!”James’ Dilemma.Tony Gilbert hadn’t had a decent piece of cunt in several days. His last sexual encounter (with long-time girlfriend Margaret Cameron) consisted of more-of-the-same. Of late their sex had become marital, that is, on schedule and without variety. Tony was well acquainted with Margaret’s primary sexual orifices by now. Both of those holes soaked in gallons of his seed.Like his friends, Tony had some cunt on the side, indeed, at one point Margaret had been a member of Tony’s other-snatch harem. Now, as his regular girlfriend, Tony took every opportunity to step out on her. In this wise he was little different than his contemporaries. Tony’s seraglio consisted of Margaret, Chiya Sakai, Rosanne Peraino, Donna Dennison and GeorgeAnn Vachetto. Occasionally, Tony hooked up with Dana Chandler and Jonna Kindler, though these latter trysts tended to be few and far between. Both those girls had seraglios of their own.Margaret knew Tony was cheating. She did her best to drain him, leaving him without the time and/or energy for othersnatch. At the same time, Margaret tended to her duties as a part of Delphia’s crew. She fucked other boys at Delphia’s behest. Margaret didn’t consider this behavior to be “cheating”. To her, this behavior was merely paying dues for membership in the club.On the Thursday in question, Margaret, Chiya and Delphia triple-teamed Kurt Kuhlmann in the school auditorium. Delphia bet both her friends that they couldn’t make Kurt cum. She offered a twenty to the girl that managed it. None of them did.Delphia assured her two friends that she would successfully take Kurt away from his girlfriend Denise. She bet a twenty on that, too. Margaret didn’t say anything, but she doubted it. She’d seen Kurt and D

Why Do People Become Jehovah's Witnesses?

The Conquering Truth

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 78:09

If you've lived in the US for long, you've probably had members of the Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door at some point. How much do you know about them and what they believe? And what does their continued existence tell us about the world and the church today? Similar to the Mormons in that they are a cult formed in the wake of the Second Great Awakening, the Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870. Today, they are mostly known for their door-to-door witnessing and their booklets and other publications distributed by the “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania”, the parent organization of most Jehovah's Witness denominational ministries.In this episode, we want to talk about Jehovah's Witnesses, what they believe, and why they have continued to have some measure of success in the world. Joining us for this episode is Je'quan Underwood, a member of our church who has spent a fair bit of time talking to and witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses. Similar to Mormons, it's easy to dismiss their claims as crazy, but the simple truth is that false religions exist because people are seeking to live in the world and to deal with their own sin and the sin of others without accepting the truth about Jesus Christ, Godhood, and the way of salvation. And while there are specific things that are useful to point out if you talk to a Jehovah's Witness, there is no magic phrase or piece of information that you can give them to cause them to turn away from their false religion. The issue is spiritual, not intellectual. But at the same time, it's useful to understand what they say they believe as false religions in each age of the church push against specific doctrines that offend the mind and heart of man. Please join us as we discuss this topic. . Production of Reformation Baptist Church of Youngsville, NCHosts - Dan Horn, Jonathan Sides, Charles Churchill and Joshua HornTechnical Director - Timothy KaiserTheme Music - Gabriel Hudelson

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Why Do People Become Jehovah's Witnesses?

Reformation Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 78:00

If you've lived in the US for long, you've probably had members of the Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door at some point. How much do you know about them and what they believe-- And what does their continued existence tell us about the world and the church today---Similar to the Mormons in that they are a cult formed in the wake of the Second Great Awakening, the Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870. Today, they are mostly known for their door-to-door witnessing and their booklets and other publications distributed by the -Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania-, the parent organization of most Jehovah's Witness denominational ministries.In this episode, we want to talk about Jehovah's Witnesses, what they believe, and why they have continued to have some measure of success in the world. Joining us for this episode is Je'quan Underwood, a member of our church who has spent a fair bit of time talking to and witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses. Similar to Mormons, it's easy to dismiss their claims as crazy, but the simple truth is that false religions exist because people are seeking to live in the world and to deal with their own sin and the sin of others without accepting the truth about Jesus Christ, Godhood, and the way of salvation. And while there are specific things that are useful to point out if you talk to a Jehovah's Witness, there is no magic phrase or piece of information that you can give them to cause them to turn away from their false religion. The issue is spiritual, not intellectual. But at the same time, it's useful to understand what they say they believe as false religions in each age of the church push against specific doctr

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Why Do People Become Jehovah's Witnesses?

Reformation Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 78:00

jesus christ pennsylvania witness mormon similar witnesses jehovah underwood second great awakening godhood tract society watchtower bible

Why Do People Become Jehovah's Witnesses?

Reformation Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 78:10

If you've lived in the US for long, you've probably had members of the Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door at some point. How much do you know about them and what they believe? And what does their continued existence tell us about the world and the church today?Similar to the Mormons in that they are a cult formed in the wake of the Second Great Awakening, the Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870. Today, they are mostly known for their door-to-door witnessing and their booklets and other publications distributed by the "Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania", the parent organization of most Jehovah's Witness denominational ministries.In this episode, we want to talk about Jehovah's Witnesses, what they believe, and why they have continued to have some measure of success in the world. Joining us for this episode is Je'quan Underwood, a member of our church who has spent a fair bit of time talking to and witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses. Similar to Mormons, it's easy to dismiss their claims as crazy, but the simple truth is that false religions exist because people are seeking to live in the world and to deal with their own sin and the sin of others without accepting the truth about Jesus Christ, Godhood, and the way of salvation. And while there are specific things that are useful to point out if you talk to a Jehovah's Witness, there is no magic phrase or piece of information that you can give them to cause them to turn away from their false religion. The issue is spiritual, not intellectual. But at the same time, it's useful to understand what they say they believe as false religions in each age of the church push against specific doctr

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A Catholic Response to Jehovah's Witnesses (pt. 3)

The Faith Explained with Cale Clarke - Learning the Catholic Faith

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 27:15

Will only 144,000 people be saved? Is Hell eternal? Cale responds to false teachings that Jehovah's Witnesses profess. Why don't Jehovah's Witnesses receive blood transfusions? Cale also looks at failed prophecies put forth by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.

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CRE Legend Bob Knakal: Lapping the Competition, Cold Calling, and Networking

The Source of Commercial Real Estate

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 39:39

Enjoy this conversation with CRE legend, Bob Knakal, who has sold more properties in New York than any other broker in history. We discuss his keys to building Massey Knakal, his competitive advantage today, networking, cold calling, and staying top of mind. Connect with Bob:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobknakal/https://www.us.jll.com/en/people/bob-knakalTakeawaysBuilding relationships and networking are crucial in the commercial real estate industry.Market presence and information are key to success in the industry.Cold calling is an effective way to generate new business and build relationships.Servant leadership and empowering people can lead to long-term success and a positive company culture.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:57The Story of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Transaction06:33Formation and Growth of Massey Nackle08:11Servant Leadership and Empowering People12:32The Importance of Information and Market Presence19:39The Nackle Map Room and Building a Data Set24:14The Value of Cold Calling and Building Relationships28:57Expanding Professional Networks31:15Advice for Young CRE Professionals35:10Expanding Professional NetworksSupport the podcast by making a monthly donation through Patreon. When you contribute, you'll get access to bonus content not available anywhere else. If you enjoyed this episode, you would probably enjoy reading my weekly newsletter. Every Friday, you'll get a behind the scenes look at my investing, including current events in commercial real estate, deals I'm working on, and random personal things going on in my life. It's a super quick read and you can unsubscribe anytime. - Jonathan Subscribe to the newsletter here: www.thesourcecre.com/newsletterEmail Jonathan with comments or suggestions:podcast@thesourcecre.comOr visit the webpage:www.thesourcecre.com*Some or all of the show notes may have been generated using AI tools.

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Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Need "40 Billion Pieces of Literature?"

Surviving Paradise

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 75:17

At 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 Jehovah's Witnesses are told that reading the Bible makes them "fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." It raises a question: If Jehovah provided a perfect book, claiming it was all they ever needed for a relationship with him, why did he create the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society? Why have book carts? Was Jehovah kidding when he had that put in the Bible? Is there a reason Watchtower & Awake magazine are piling up in laundromats? Listen in...TWITTER: @exjwpodcastINSTAGRAM: survivingparadisepodcast

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Hawaii Fires; Jehovah's Witnesses; the Vicar of Moscow

Sunday

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2023 43:48

Most of the town of Lahaina, which served as the first capital of the former Kingdom of Hawaii has been destroyed, along with many of the sacred sites of Hawaii's indigenous religion as wildfires ripped through the region. Mokihana Melendez, who teaches aspects of Hawaiian traditional culture, talks to William Crawley about the significance of the religious and cultural heritage that has been lost. St Andrew's looks like a typical Victorian English parish church but it's only 10 minutes from the Kremlin. Rev Malcolm Rogers talks about what like was like living in Russia during the ongoing Ukraine war. After 9 years and a series of legal challenges the Charity Commission has finally published its report into the child protection and safeguarding policies of the Jehovah's Witnesses' Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain. We hear why a former Elder is "shocked and disappointed". As we mark the second anniversary of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, a group of British Imams and scholars give a different picture of what life in Afghanistan is like - but are they right? Heavy metal and pipe organs are not normally associated together but Mark Deeks, leader of the band 'Arth' and Leeds Diocesan organist David Pipe performed 'Organic Doom'. They told William Crawley how this unusual collaboration came about. Producers: Amanda Hancox and Peter Everett Editor: Tim Pemberton

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Jehovah's Witnesses: The Watchtower's Controversial Housing Decision Revealed

Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 10:45

In this episode, we uncover a significant revelation surrounding the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society's recent housing acquisition for former Governing Body member, Anthony Morris, and his wife. Public records have brought to light the organization's purchase of a brand new home for the couple, with a unique arrangement allowing them to reside there for their lifetime before ownership reverts back to the Watchtower.We delve into the concerning disparities between this treatment and the experiences of rank and file Bethelites. While Anthony Morris received this apparent generosity, many others were asked to leave without any monetary support, raising questions about fairness within the organization.Join us as we discuss this sensitive topic and examine the implications of such actions. The episode offers an insightful exploration of the perceived double standard within the Watchtower, providing a platform for viewers to reflect on the situation and share their perspectives.Remember to like and subscribe to stay informed about the Jehovah's Witnesses community and other thought-provoking content. Your engagement helps foster open discussions and awareness. Let's explore these complex issues together, shedding light on the matters that deserve our attention.ReferenceOriginating Video - Blue Envelope https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW4IDrB0xG4&t=285sSupport the show

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Jehovah's Witnesses - Courageous Journey: Lucille's Account of Reporting Child CSA

Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 22:19

In this powerful video, we share the compelling story of Lucille, a brave individual who took decisive steps to report a case of Child CSA (Child Sexual Abuse). As a former Jehovah's Witness, Lucille faced an incredibly challenging situation but demonstrated unwavering determination to protect the innocent and advocate for justice. With immense courage, Lucille first contacted Child Protective Services, knowing the gravity of her responsibility in safeguarding the vulnerable child involved. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, she sought professional intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the young victim. Additionally, Lucille also felt compelled to address the matter and decided to approach the Elders at the local Kingdom Hall to raise awareness and demand appropriate action. This decision was a significant step in holding those responsible accountable and reinforcing the importance of protecting children within the congregation. Furthermore, Lucille's journey did not end there. She realized the necessity of reporting the incident to the higher authorities within the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. Understanding the significance of collective efforts in combating such issues, she reached out to The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, seeking transparency, accountability, and changes to prevent future occurrences. Lucille's experience serves as an inspiring example of how individuals can take proactive measures to protect children from the horrors of abuse, even within complex institutional structures. Her unwavering commitment to justice and child protection resonates as a beacon of hope and encouragement for others who may find themselves in similar circumstances. Join us in watching this empowering video as Lucille recounts her journey of courage, resilience, and advocacy, inspiring viewers to be part of the solution and work towards a safer environment for all children. Let us stand united in the fight against Child CSA and create a world where every child's innocence is safeguarded.Support the show

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Episode 182: JW Escape! [Part 2] Former Jehovah's Witness Elaine Bales shares her story with James Walker

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 38:49

182 JW Escape! [Part 2] Former Jehovah's Witness Elaine Bales shares her story with James WalkerJehovah's Witnesses are presently experiencing a tremendous institutional and public relations crisis as never before in the history of their organization. Many members have grown tired of the fear, intimidation, and unceasing, impossible demands of trying to earn favor with the wrathful and implacable god in whom they profess to believe. Here on Part Two of James Walker's conversation with former Jehovah's Witness Elaine Bales, you will hear of the crisis facing the organization and what you can do to be a compassionate ambassador for Christ if ever you had the opportunity to engage them about what they believe. Most of all, Elaine reminds us that members of Jehovah's Witnesses are not the enemy. They know little or nothing about the love of Christ and the person to whom God brings to your doorstep might be just in a similar position as Elaine was decades ago. Your seed of kindness to them could go a long way.Elaine Bales was born a JW kid, Elaine came to believe she could never do enough. She finally escaped Jehovah's Witnesses after 23 years and struggled for nearly 20 years to find her way. She finally found the truth in Christ and the Scriptures and now lives to shout it from the rooftops. Resources from Elaine Bales include: JW Escape YouTube channel: Youtube.com/@JWEscape, JW Escape Facebook Page: Facebook.com/groups/2771104329797580 and Elaine's website: JWEscape.com.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower Watchman Fellowship articles on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/JW Podcast Part 1: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God by former Jehovah's Witness and Watchman Fellowship board member Daniel Grissom: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-12-04T23_00_00-08_00 Podcast Part 2: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God by former Jehovah's Witness and Watchman Fellowship board member Daniel Grissom: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-12-11T23_00_00-08_00 Book - Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.apologetics, Apologetics Profile, Elaine Bales, ExJW, former Jehovah, jw.org, Watchtower, WTBTS, Jehovah, Jehovah's Witness, Kingdom Hall, Christianity, spiritual abuse, JW Escape, James Walker, Watchman Fellowship,

Episode 181: JW Escape! [Part 1] Former Jehovah's Witness Elaine Bales shares her story with James Walker

Tucker Presbyterian Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 40:50

This week and next, President of Watchman Fellowship James K. Walker sits down with Elaine Bales, a former Jehovah's Witness, to discuss her experiences as being a member since childhood, and her difficult escape from it to embrace the real Jesus and His gospel of grace. Our very own Daniel Ray had a recent encounter with two Jehovah's Witnesses at the Dallas/Love Field Airport. On his phone, he pulled up Watchman Fellowship's digital four-page profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society just before approaching their information table. And as Daniel attests, it was an incredibly helpful reminder. And it's something you can do too, should you ever encounter Jehovah's Witnesses in public or at your front door. Instead of walking past a table or slamming the door on them, be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in you. We hope the next two episodes of the Profile will help you do just that.Elaine Bales was born a JW kid, Elaine came to believe she could never do enough. She finally escaped Jehovah's Witnesses after 23 years and struggled for nearly 20 years to find her way. She finally found the truth in Christ and the Scriptures and now lives to shout it from the rooftops. Resources from Elaine Bales include: JW Escape YouTube channel: Youtube.com/@JWEscape, JW Escape Facebook Page: Facebook.com/groups/2771104329797580 and Elaine's website: JWEscape.com.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower Watchman Fellowship articles on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/JW Podcast Part 1: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God by former Jehovah's Witness and Watchman Fellowship board member Daniel Grissom: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-12-04T23_00_00-08_00 Podcast Part 2: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God by former Jehovah's Witness and Watchman Fellowship board member Daniel Grissom: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2022-12-11T23_00_00-08_00 Book - Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

2 John 1:7-13 The Truth about Deception (Rev. Erik Veerman)

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2023 27:51

2 John 1:7-13Rev. Erik Veerman5/7/2023The Truth about DeceptionOur sermon text this morning is 2 John verses 7-13. You can find that on page 1214 In the church Bibles.Last week we considered the first half of this short letter. Even though it's written to the elect Lady, we discussed how John was likely writing to a specific church. Given the letter's emphasis and language, that understanding makes sense.John opens the letter with a warm salutation. It's very focused on truth and love. And it turns out that truth and love are the main themes of the first half. He calls on them to walk in truth and love. Not just truth, alone, and not just love, alone, but both truth and love. God's truth and agape love, which comes from God's unconditional covenant love for his people.And that brings us to verse 7… where John makes a shift to now address a specific situation. False teachers, whom he calls deceivers, had been traveling around spreading false beliefs about Jesus. In these verses, he gives this church guidance about their teaching and what they should do about it.Let's now come to God's Word.StandReading of 2 John 7-13.PrayerA few years ago, a famous Vermeer painting was on display at the High Museum of Art. So, we went to see it. It's named The Girl with a Pearl Earing. It's probably Johannes Vermeer's most famous painting. He painted it in 1665. It's worth something like $100 million dollars. One of the reasons is that there are only 36 known Vermeer paintings in the world.In fact, back in 1937, a new painting was found. They named it Supper at Emmaus. Art critics were amazed. One well known famous expert called it “the masterpiece of Johannes Vermeer.” A famous art society purchased it for a very large sum of money – millions in today's dollars.The interesting thing is that over the next few years, 5 more Vermeer paintings were found. And all of them found by the same person. Han van Meegeren. But it all came crashing down. Van Meegeren had sold one of the paintings to a high-ranking Nazi official. Because of that, the Dutch government arrested him. At which point he confessed that that they were all forgeries. Van Meegeren had duped all the art experts. The paint was authentic to the period. He had perfected the style. He slightly baked the paintings in an oven and rolled them on a roller to make the paintings appear old with cracks.It's known as one the greatest art forgeries in history. In a word, Van Meegeren was a deceiver. The thing is, the paintings looked so real. People swore that they were authentic. When you compared the brush strokes, the colors, the style, the lighting and shadows on the painted faces, the background, and the paper, it all looked authentic, but it was a great deception.And that is the warning that the apostle John is giving this church. There were teachers who claimed to be Christians. They sounded good, looked good, and had an aura of authenticity. In fact, many of the words they spoke were probably true. But in the end, they were merely deceivers peddling false teaching…. Or to use John's words, their “wicked works.” verse 11.And I would say, this is still very relevant to us today. Every generation, false teachers arise who claim to be teaching truths about Jesus or the Bible or Christianity, yet the heart of their teaching is a false Gospel.These verses answer two questions for us:1. How do we determine when someone's teaching is true or false? And just to be sure, John is not talking about secondary matters. No, John is referring to essential matters. How do we evaluate when someone's teaching undermines the heart of Christianity? That's the first question.2. The second question is, how should we relate to these false teachers? You see, John doesn't just give them a warning about false teaching, but he also gives them clear guidance. So, what should they do? That's the second question these verses answer.To give us some organization this morning, we'll take those questions in that order. First, how do we identify false teaching? And second, how should we deal with false teachers?Identifying False TeachingThe reason John had just emphasized walking in truth and love is because these teachers were not walking in truth and love. They claimed to be a part of the church, but their teaching contradicted their claim.So, how should we determine whether someone's teaching strikes at the heart of Christianity? That's what we are talking about: a perversion of the central truths of Christianity. Beliefs that invalidate the teaching and the teacher. Notice the words that John uses to describe them at the end of verse 7. They are deceivers and antichrists. In fact, those words are not plural. He writes, “such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” He's basically calling them the devil. He's not saying there's just one deceiver, he's already said there are many. Rather, their deception originates from the great enemy of the faith. They are each the anti-Christ. He could not use a stronger word to describe them.That word, in fact summarizes their false teaching: anti-Christ. Opposed to Christ. Their teaching undermines the Christian faith – Christ himself. This is the main problem with their teaching.Look down at verse 7. It says, “many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.” Right there, he hones in on exactly the problem. These teachers do not confess that Jesus is the Christ. In other words, they do not believe that the man Jesus is the promised Messiah. Oh, they believed in Jesus, the man. They believed he was a good teacher. After all, they identified themselves as part of the church. But they did not believe in Jesus' deity.We talked a little bit about this in 1 John. At the time, Gnosticism was on the rise. That was a human philosophy that focused on higher spirituality. To a gnostic, all matter was evil, which included our bodies. For that reason, they did not believe that Jesus was the Christ in the flesh. How could God become something evil – flesh and blood. That was their line of thinking. Therefore, they rejected Jesus as the promised Messiah. They rejected the incarnation, God becoming flesh. They did not believe that Jesus was the son of God in the flesh.Let's go back up to verse 3. In the salutation, John gave a preview of this central issue. Notice in that verse 3 blessing, he emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ and that he is God the Father's Son. That's very intentional because the truth and love of God centers around Jesus as the Son of God - God in the flesh. If you take that part away, you strip the Gospel of its power. In other words, redemption from sin requires Jesus' fullness as God. In order for the death of Jesus on the cross to be effective as a payment for sin, Jesus needed to be fully and truly God. He also needed to be fully and truly man. Being the mediator between God and man for our sin requires a God man. Able to atone for us as a perfectly righteous man, and able pay the depth of the penalty for sin, as God himself. That is the heart of the Gospel.Notice in verse 9… that is the teaching of Christ himself. It says, “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God.” Jesus himself testified over and over that he was God's son, in the flesh. He demonstrated that. It's why the religious leaders hated him. Jesus claimed to be God, claimed to be the Christ. Therefore, to them, he was a blasphemer and deserved death.Let me put it this way, when someone claims to be teaching the truth of God, but denies or twists an essential element of the Gospel, that teaching is not just false in that one area, rather the whole Gospel is undermined.Let's set aside forged paintings. Let me give you a real example.You've probably never heard of Charles Taze Russell. He grew up in the 1850s and 60s in a Presbyterian church in Pennsylvania. As a teenager, he was described as loving the Bible. When he was 18, he started a Bible study with his father. But soon thereafter, Charles Russell began questioning central tenants of the Christian faith, including questioning the validity of the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He still considered himself to be a Christian, but he denied that the Holy Spirit was God and he denied that Jesus was God in human flesh. To be sure, he believed in Jesus the man – a special created man, at that, just not Jesus' divine nature. Russel began teaching these things. He also started a magazine and an association called The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Maybe you've heard of that. These false teachings began to spread rapidly. By the 1880s, 16 million copies of his literature had been published. He became very well known all throughout the eastern and northeastern United States. The movement grew. Even after Russell's death, his disciples and other false teachers continued on. In 1931, The Watchtower Society was renamed the Jehovah's Witnesses. It continues today with about 8 million adherents. They have a presence in Tucker.The teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses are the modern-day parallel to the deceivers in John's day. They claim to have the truth, but they do not believe that Jesus is the incarnate eternal Son of God. Rather, they believe Jesus is a created being with special powers given but not the eternal God. For that reason, as John puts it, “they do not have God.” They are deceivers. Their works are wicked. That is strong language! That's because it is anti-Christ, as John says. The apostle Paul said it this way in Galatians 1, “if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” He repeated that twice in Galatians 1.The Jehovah's Witnesses are just one example today. How can these deceivers be identified? The answer is if any part of their teaching undermines the person or work of Christ. • That would include denying either Jesus as truly God or truly man. • A false teacher would also include anyone who denies the need for the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross• …or who denies the bodily resurrection of Jesus • …or who denies that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.• it would also include any kind of denial of the Trinity.Any one of those denials, just one, would go against the teaching of Jesus himself and the apostles as recorded in the Scriptures.And what does the apostle John warn? He writes, “watch yourselves,” verse 8, “so that you may not lose what we have worked for.” They were in a fragile time. The church was in the first few decades of growth. John was the last living disciple of Jesus. And the New Testament was not yet available. In other words, this antichrist teaching threatened to unravel the work which had begun. That is what John is referring to. These false teachers, often unknowingly, were being used by the devil to attack the church. Besides the content of their teaching being heresy, it threatened the unity and spread of the church, which they had worked for.So, this was a matter of utmost importance. In summary: These teachers were denying core beliefs about Jesus and true faith in him, and they therefore threatened the church.Dealing with False TeachersAnd the natural next question is this: what should they do about it?That is the second question this morning. How should they, how should we, deal with these false teachers?Well, John answers that. But before considering what he says, a little context would be helpful. In that time, it was very common for pastors to travel around to different congregations in their region. Small churches didn't have the means to have full-time pastors. These churches were scattered around in villages and towns. Remember, this was before the New Testament was complete. They had some New Testament letters and Gospel accounts but it was limited. At that time, the teaching of Jesus and the apostles was passed down orally. Apostles like John, Peter, and Paul taught their disciples, who would then teach the people. In other words, there were more congregations than there were trained pastors and elders. So, they shared. It was a common thing for a teacher to come into town. The church was expected to greet them and provide for their needs.And by the way, that happens today all over the world. Especially in rural settings. In fact, the seminary that I went to, RTS, has a campus in Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson is a decent size town, but when you get outside the city, it becomes very rural very fast. It's not like Atlanta. And one of the ways that the seminary supports the smaller churches in the area is to send their divinity students to preach. It both helps the small churches and gives the students experience.So, there's nothing wrong with the idea of preachers or teachers travelling around. The issue was the content of their teaching.That background helps us understand verse 10. It says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting.” They should not be supporting these travelling false teachers. The word “house” could either be hosting them (not giving them a place to stay), or it could be referring to the houses where they worshipped. Whatever the case, the church was not to accommodate them. Don't help them. Don't even greet them with the customary greeting as a brother. Doing either would be supporting their deception. Instead, they were to make a very clear statement that these teachers were not teaching the truth about Jesus nor his Gospel.Now, maybe you're thinking, “ok, but how is that loving? After all, John just said to walk in truth and love. But now he's telling them to not do loving things!” That's a legitimate question. I think the answer is, it would be unloving to receive them. By doing so would cause confusion among the believers. Remember, these were false teachers travelling around. He's not talking about your regular person on the street who is not a Christian, or who may have beliefs contrary to true faith. For them, the call would be to sit down and teach the truth of the Gospel… to reveal Jesus in the fulness of who he is and in the Gospel of grace.But for the teachers, they were propagating false beliefs. In the book of James, chapter 3, it says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” That is a humbling and dauting reality for any teacher of God's Word and truth.Perhaps the Holy Spirit would use the rejection to shake them. To reveal to them their wicked words that they may come to know the true truth of Christ. But the main purpose in rejecting these deceivers is to protect and love the church and clearly call out their deception.What would that look like today?Well, here's one example. Maybe you've seen the two Jehovah's Witnesses women who are often on Main Street. They are there a couple of times per month. Sometimes right outside our office. If I were to invite them in and let them use our office as a base of operations, that would be a problem. In other words, if we support them in any way, we are participating in their false teaching. Now, that's different than wanting to talk to them and open up God's Word and share the truth in a loving way.Another example would be platforming false teachers. That could be inviting a false teacher to teach or preach. It could be endorsing them, or encouraging people to read their books or listen to their podcasts and sermons. We should not do those things. Instead, we should give clear guidance on what is faithful and true versus unfaithful and false.In fact, over the last few months, our youth group has been studying just that. They've been guided through false teaching in the broader American church. That has included a comparison and a contrast of faithful Biblical teaching verses teaching that has gravely strayed from the truth. The thing is, to go back where we started, false teaching can look and sound authentic. It can be packaged in the latest cultural words and ideas that may come across as winsome and relevant and good, but which merely lead people astray.Do not receive them or greet them or platform them. Call out their wicked works.ConclusionBeloved, instead, “abide in the teaching of Christ,” end of verse 9. Believe in Jesus as the “Son of the Father,” verse 3. Confess that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh,” verse 7.Why?• Because as the author of Hebrews put it, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”• As we learn in Colossians 1, “For…all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” And then it says this: “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.”• As John writes in his Gospel. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” And “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”• As Jesus himself declared, “I and the Father are one.”• As the Angel declared in Luke 1 at Jesus birth, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”• As the Lord himself revealed in Revelation 1 “I am the Alpha and the Omega… who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”• Really, all of the book of Revelation declares that Jesus is reigning as Lord. Seated on the throne. The heavenly hosts declared day and night, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” He is the great victor. The multitude rejoiced over the lamb who was slain but who is now reigning. They sang, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” On his heavenly robe and thigh, written “King of kings and Lord of Lords”This is who we worship! Christ Jesus, the eternal God who has come to us in the flesh. As the apostle Paul writes in 1 Tim 2, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” He is our hope, our mediator, he has accomplished in his death as God and man, redemption.Beloved, May we lay hold of the precious truth of our Savior. May we reject anything that maligns him or twists the truth about him or his Gospel. Instead, may we believe and confess him in truth and love. Amen

Livestream: Watchtower, Bible & Tract Society - Legal Woes with Guest Mark O'Donnell

Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2023 108:52

Guest, Mark O'Donnell will provide us with updates about the legal issues the Watchtower if facing in the state of Washington.Mark O'Donnell YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRedwoodChannel https://www.jwchildabuse.org/Senate Bill 5280 Hearing - Washington State. January 24th, 2023. RE: the duty to report child abuse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiM7IaoROfEhttps://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/Home/Documents/30460Support the show

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Witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses

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Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 27:58

Why did Matthew, a college student raised as a Jehovah's Witness leave the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? How did Matthew's friend, Daniel show love and help him learn more about what Christians believe and teach? And how did Daniel ... More The post Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses appeared first on Family Shield Ministries.

Episode 156: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God! Ex-Jehovah's Witness Daniel Grissom Shares His Story (Part 2)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 37:57

Please consider a tax-deductible end-of-year donation at watchman.org/Give.Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. By God's grace, Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. In this episode (Part Two), we conclude our discussion. Daniel talks about the importance of discipleship and how to talk with the Jehovah's Witnesses when they knock on your door: Is the average Christian church equipped to help former Jehovah's Witnesses transition to the true gospel of the grace of Christ? What is one of the best questions we can ask a Jehovah's Witness? How can a "SEE" (significant emotional event) be a catalyst for spiritual transition? Besides the Bible, what one book helped Daniel clearly see the Jehovah's Witnesses errors? Why did Daniel join the leadership team as a board member at Watchman Fellowship? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower Watchman Fellowship articles on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/JW Video: Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf Book - Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis Video: Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

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Episode 155: From Kingdom Hall to Kingdom of God! Ex-Jehovah's Witness Daniel Grissom Shares His Story (Part 1)

NTEB BIBLE RADIO: Rightly Dividing

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 35:50

Please consider a tax-deductible end-of-year donation at watchman.org/Give.Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. Daniel's testimony is a rebroadcast first published in 2020. In part one of this discussion, Daniel shares his journey from the Kingdom Hall to the Kingdom of God: When he first got the knock at his front door, what attracted Daniel to listen to the Jehovah's Witnesses and initially embrace their teachings? What caused Daniel to mistake the Jehovah's Witnesses sincerity for their accuracy? Why is it difficult for former Jehovah's Witnesses to believe in Jesus even after they learn their religion was wrong? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower Watchman Fellowship articles on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/JW Video: Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf Book - Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis Video: Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

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NTEB RADIO BIBLE STUDY: Why Jehovah's Witness Is Not Compatible With Biblical Christianity

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2022 123:10

On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we are concluding our current series comparing well-known and popular religious movements with the doctrines and teachings of biblical Christianity, rightly divided and dispensationally correct. Journey with us to the founding of the Jehovah's Witnesses group, formed in the shadow of the ‘Great Disappointment' of 1844. It is here that a young Charles Taze Russell, spellbound under the false teachings of William Miller, waits in vain for the end of the world to occur on October 22, 1844. But young Charles remains upbeat and optimistic, trudging ever onward to create his own religion movement today known as the Jehovah's Witnesses. On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we show you more than you ever wanted to know about the JW's, their teachings, their literature, and their accuracy on the volume of prophecies they've made over the years. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society was founded in 1886 and quickly became the vehicle through which the “Millennial Dawn” movement began distributing their views to others. The group was known as the “Russellites” until 1931 when, due to a split in the organization, it was renamed the Jehovah's Witnesses. The group from which it split became known as the “Bible students.” So the question comes up, are the doctrines and teachings of Jehovah's Witness compatible with biblical Christianity?

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A Catholic Response to Jehovah's Witnesses (pt. 3)

The Faith Explained with Cale Clarke - Learning the Catholic Faith

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 27:15

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Episode 124: Is Jesus the Only Way? [Part 2] Lindsey Medenwaldt and Daniel Ray discuss pluralism

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 38:23

What would you say to a skeptic who asks you to describe the differences between your faith and the faith of a Muslim or a Hindu? Would you be able to explain the basic differences between your faith and that of a Mormon or Jehovah's Witness who knocks at your door? In our ever-increasingly religiously diverse and pluralistic society, we cannot afford to ignore the ideas, beliefs, and practices surrounding us. But we also do not need to become scholars in comparative religions to be able to give a defense for the hope that is in us as Christians to those who believe differently than we do. On part two of our conversation about religious pluralism, Mama Bear Apologetics world religions specialist Lindsey Medenwaldt gives us more practical advice about how to engage with those of other faiths. Knowing what others believe and giving a defense to them of your faith in Christ is not as overwhelming as it might first seem.Lindsey Medenwaldt is Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics, and she is their resident worldview and world religion specialist. She has a master's degree in apologetics and ethics from Denver Seminary, as well as a master's in public administration and a law degree. She's also a full-time children's pastor, an editor and writer for the Christian Research Journal, and a member of the Pelican Project. She recently contributed a chapter about the Jehovah's Witnesses to the Harvest House Popular Handbook of World Religions (March 2021). Lindsey and her husband, Jay (who is also an apologist), have been married for 14 years. They have three daughters and live in Texas. In her spare time, Lindsey loves watching British reality television, especially The Great British Baking Show, and she's an avid reader (Jay and Lindsey have an at-home library of more than 2,000 books!).LINDSEY MEDENWALDT RESOURCES: Lindsay's blog on other religions: www.mamabearapologetics.com/author/lindsey-medenwaldt/ Meet the Mama Bears Apologetics Team: www.mamabearapologetics.com/about/meet-the-mama-bears/ Lindsay's Watchman Fellowship Profile on Religious Pluralism: watchman.org/Pluralism ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Watchman Fellowship article "The Key to Effective Religious Dialogue" by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Dialogue Watchman Fellowship article "Just Two Kinds of Religion" by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/2Kinds Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Hinduism by C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/Muslim Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) by Tim Martin: watchman.org/Mormonism Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeProfile Notebook: Get the full collection of 4-page Profiles published by Watchman Fellowship (over 600 pages!) here: watchman.org/DigitalNotebook.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 123: Is Jesus the Only Way? [Part 1] Lindsey Medenwaldt and Daniel Ray discuss pluralism

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Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 32:59

Increasingly our neighborhoods, schools, workplace, and culture at large have become much more religiously and ethnically diverse. We also have instantaneous access to a plethora of information about other religions through the internet and social media. We meet all kinds of people who accept a wide variety of different beliefs and practices related to God. These present significant challenges to the exclusivity of Jesus being the only way to the Father. What is the difference between religious diversity and religious plurality? Do all paths lead to God or is there finally only one way, as Jesus proclaimed? What are we to make of the multiplicity of other religions by which we are surrounded? How do we best equip ourselves as Christians to understand the times and ideas in which we live? How do we reach out to our religious non-Christian neighbors?On the next two episodes of Apologetics Profile we offer some down-to-earth advice from a "Mama Bear" about how we can effectively engage our non-Christian religious friends and neighbors without having to become an expert in comparative religious studies! World religion specialist Lindsey Medenwaldt shares with us her wisdom and experience and offers some great insights you can begin applying immediately to your conversations with people of other faiths.Lindsey Medenwaldt is Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics, and she is their resident worldview and world religion specialist. She has a master's degree in apologetics and ethics from Denver Seminary, as well as a master's in public administration and a law degree. She's also a full-time children's pastor, an editor and writer for the Christian Research Journal, and a member of the Pelican Project. She recently contributed a chapter about the Jehovah's Witnesses to the Harvest House Popular Handbook of World Religions (March 2021). Lindsey and her husband, Jay (who is also an apologist), have been married for 14 years. They have three daughters and live in Texas. In her spare time, Lindsey loves watching British reality television, especially The Great British Baking Show, and she's an avid reader (Jay and Lindsey have an at-home library of more than 2,000 books!).LINDSEY MEDENWALDT RESOURCES: Lindsay's blog on other religions: www.mamabearapologetics.com/author/lindsey-medenwaldt/ Meet the Mama Bears Apologetics Team: www.mamabearapologetics.com/about/meet-the-mama-bears/ Lindsay's Watchman Fellowship Profile on Religious Pluralism: watchman.org/Pluralism ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Watchman Fellowship article "The Key to Effective Religious Dialogue" by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Dialogue Watchman Fellowship article "Just Two Kinds of Religion" by Timothy Oliver: watchman.org/2Kinds Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Hinduism by C. Fred Smith: watchman.org/Hindu Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/Muslim Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Zen Buddhism by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Zen Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on Atheism by Robert M. Bowman: watchman.org/Atheism Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) by Tim Martin: watchman.org/Mormonism Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreeProfile Notebook: Get the full collection of 4-page Profiles published by Watchman Fellowship (over 600 pages!) here: watchman.org/DigitalNotebook.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (JW): Is it Spiritual?

Let's Get Spiritual

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 42:34

Brother T and Doctor D continue their series on Christian cults. This week they explore Jehovah's Witness movement. We think you will find the discussion informative and enlightening. And as always, you're bound to have a laugh or two.

Episode 105: Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses [Part 2] with David Henke and Daniel Ray

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 35:47

David Henke, the founder of Watchman Fellowship, has over 45 years experience in witnessing and sharing the gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses. In part two of this podcast, David wraps up his conversation with Daniel Ray about controversial history and theology of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, some of his unusual experiences through the years, and what motivates him to pursue apologetics and evangelism as his life's calling. This podcast was recorded on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary during the 2022 Defend apologetics conference. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Watchman's 4-page Profile on Jehovah's Witnesses by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower Watchman Fellowship Articles on Jehovah's Witnesses: watchman.org/jw Watchman's 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: watchman.org/Abuse Spiritual Abuse Recovery Notebook by David Henke: watchman.org/SA SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

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Episode 104: Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses [Part 1] with David Henke and Daniel Ray

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 32:08

David Henke, the founder of Watchman Fellowship, has over 45 years experience in witnessing and sharing the gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses. In this two-part podcast, David sits down with Daniel Ray and talks about the controversial history and theology of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, some of his unusual experiences through the years, and what motivates him to pursue apologetics and evangelism as his life's calling. This podcast was recorded on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary during the 2022 Defend apologetics conference. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Watchman's 4-page Profile on Jehovah's Witnesses by Jason Barker: watchman.org/Watchtower Watchman Fellowship Articles on Jehovah's Witnesses: watchman.org/jw Watchman's 4-page Profile on Spiritual Abuse by David Henke: watchman.org/Abuse Spiritual Abuse Recovery Notebook by David Henke: watchman.org/SA SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

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Episode 99: Stranger in the Manger - Was Jesus Creator or Created? James Walker at an ExJW conference [Part 2]

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 30:08

On part two president of Watchman Fellowship, James Walker, concludes his keynote on the nature of God and the Trinity presented at the Witness Now for Jesus Ex-Jehovah's Witness conference. We examine the history behind some of the classic heretical teachings that confronted the early Christianity, how they reappear in our time and how you can recognize them. We hope these insights will give you practical and edifying truths as you give a defense for the hope that is in you to friends, family, and loved ones who don't know Jesus. As we learned last week, the doctrine of God as Three-in-One, the Trinity, is absolutely central to our faith. Any deviation from understanding this teaching inevitably results in false doctrines and heresy. Historical councils of the Church throughout history have rigorously addressed the aberrant views of the Trinity, such as the Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) and the Council of Chalcedon (451 A.D.). Yet despite these efforts, heretical doctrines regarding the nature of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit resurface in non-Christian religions and cults. How might you address objections to God as Three-in-One? Are you prepared to give a defense of the Trinity? What would you say to a Mormon who might object that the word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, or a Muslim who says it is blasphemy to refer to God as three distinct Persons? What might you say to someone who argues Jesus is not God? Or that only the Father is God? How might you answer someone who would claim God is not really three Persons, but just appears to us in three different modes?James Walker is a former fourth-generation Mormon who is currently president of Watchman Fellowship, an evangelical apologetics ministry focused on interfaith evangelism. He is author of The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality (watchman.org/ConciseGuide), What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus (watchman.org/Quran), and coauthor of The Truth Behind The Secret (bit.ly/TruthSecret). He is the cofounder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club (AtheistChristianBookClub.com) and cohosts Mormons in Transition Meetup in north Texas (ExMoDFW.com).ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/Watchtower Watchman Fellowship articles on Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower: watchman.org/JW We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free This message is also available in video format from the Witness Now For Jesus (WNFJ) YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/4uTOEMkYXNQ SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Episode 98: Stranger in the Manger - Was Jesus Creator or Created? James Walker at an ExJW conference [Part 1]

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Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 33:17

Was Jesus the creator of all things or was He actually a created being? Creator or creature? God with us or the angel Michael with us? These are foundational questions for Jehovah's Witnesses and other controversial religions. This two-part episode of Apologetics Profile features Watchman Fellowship president, James Walker, sharing a keynote message given at the Witness Now for Jesus Conference of former Jehovah's Witnesses. This message provides helpful reminders and insights about the uniqueness and wonder of seeing God as One God and as three distinct Persons. The doctrine of the Trinity can be difficult to wrap our minds around, but it is absolutely foundational for our faith. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, we hope this presentation will be helpful and edifying to you this Christmas season as you reach out to those who don't know Christ. So come and see! Come and celebrate the incarnate Immanuel, God with us, the Babe lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes who is also Creator and Lord of the heavens and earth. James Walker is a former fourth-generation Mormon who is currently president of Watchman Fellowship, an evangelical apologetics ministry focused on interfaith evangelism. He is author of The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality (watchman.org/ConciseGuide), What the Qur'an Really Teaches about Jesus (watchman.org/Quran), and coauthor of The Truth Behind The Secret (bit.ly/TruthSecret). He is the cofounder of the Atheist & Christian Book Club (AtheistChristianBookClub.com) and cohosts Mormons in Transition Meetup in north Texas (ExMoDFW.com).ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Watchman Fellowship's 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: watchman.org/Watchtower Watchman Fellowship articles on Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower: watchman.org/JW We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free This message is also available in video format from the Witness Now For Jesus (WNFJ) YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/4uTOEMkYXNQ SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

188 - When the Watchtower Knocks

Basic Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 23:14

You hear that knock on the door and you know its not a salesman. Two well dressed men with pamphlets and Bibles are trying to talk to you about your soul. Yet, far from preaching the truth, these men are spreading the deceitful lies of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Are you ready for this encounter with Jehovah's Witnesses? Joining us once again on the podcast is fellow podcaster and author Daniel Mynyk. In his latest book, Daniel and his brother John detail their doorway encounter and give you some tips about how to not only defend the truth, but to spread it.Recommended Resources:When the Watchtower Knocks: Discussing an Encounter with Jehovah's Witnesses by Daniel and John MynykThe Truth Hub See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Catholic Response to Jehovah’s Witnesses (pt. 3)

The Faith Explained with Cale Clarke - Learning the Catholic Faith

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2021 27:15

Will only 144,000 people be saved? Is Hell eternal? Cale responds to false teachings that Jehovah’s Witnesses profess. Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses receive blood transfusions? Cale also looks at failed prophecies put forth by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. All show notes at A Catholic Response to Jehovah’s Witnesses (pt. 3) - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

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A Catholic Response to Jehovah's Witnesses (pt. 3)

The Faith Explained with Cale Clarke - Learning the Catholic Faith

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2021

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Who Are Jehovah's Witnesses? History and Organizational Structure [2021]

The Lost Mission Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2021 37:03

Who are Jehovah's Witnesses? Was Charles Taze Russell a false teacher? Why do Jehovah's Witnesses go door to door? All of these are legitimate questions when we think of the group. JW's are among the most recognizable groups when we consider cults. But most do not know their history., Where they came from, and their tendency to completely change their beliefs when they no longer fit their agenda. This is video number one of four, where we will discuss the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, otherwise known as...Jehovah's Witnesses. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/don-vanzant/support

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Episode 46: 46 Ex-Jehovah's Witness Daniel Grissom Shares His Story with James Walker (Part 2)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 37:47

Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. By God's grace, Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. In this episode (part two) we conclude our discussion. Daniel talks about the importance of discipleship and how to talk with the Jehovah's Witnesses when they knock on your door: Is the average Christian church equipped to help former Jehovah's Witnesses transition to the true gospel of the grace of Christ? What is one of the best questions we can ask a Jehovah's Witness? How can a "SEE" (significant emotional event) be a catalyst for spiritual transition? Besides the Bible, what one book helped Daniel clearly see the Jehovah's Witnesses errors? Why did Daniel join the leadership team as a board member at Watchman Fellowship? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Frans, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give. Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

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Episode 44: 44 Ex-Jehovah's Witness Daniel Grissom Shares His Story with James Walker (Part 1)

Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 34:04

Daniel Grissom was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he first connected with James Walker and the Watchman Fellowship ministry team. Daniel left the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for the grace of Jesus Christ and now serves on our Board of Directors. In part one of this discussion, Daniel shares his journey from the Kingdom Hall to the Kingdom of God: When he first got the knock at his front door, what attracted Daniel to listen to the Jehovah's Witnesses and initially embrace their teachings? What caused Daniel to mistake the Jehovah's Witnesses sincerity for their accuracy? Why is it difficult for former Jehovah's Witnesses to believe in Jesus even after they learn their religion was wrong? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our free 4-page Profile on the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society by Jason Barker: www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdf Jesus Is Not Your Mediator by Daniel Grissom (YouTube): https://youtu.be/upJtFKKw2vA Watchtower documentation for Jesus Is Not Your Mediator: www.watchman.org/mediator.pdf Crisis of Conscious by Raymond Frans, former Governing Body member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (594-pages): www.watchman.org/Crisis Ministry update from the Board of Directors by Daniel Grissom (video 2-min.): www.watchman.org/video FREE: We are also offering a free subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give. Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman FellowshipFor more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

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Riding the Waves on a Sinking Ship

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2020 14:06

Numbers don’t lie, but you can lie with numbers, and the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society has done their share of number crunching over the years. With their “do-more, do-more campaigns,” they kept Jehovah’s Witnesses busy. They heaped a lot of responsibility on their members, and they jumped through a lot of hoops to satisfy […]

Building a Positive Relationship with a Jehovah’s Witness

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Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2019 28:00

How do we build a positive relationship with a Jehovah’s Witness? What about family members and loved ones that become involved in the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society? How can we keep the communication lines open but also be ready to share our faith in Christ with them when God ... Read More & ListenBuilding a Positive Relationship with a Jehovah’s Witness The post Building a Positive Relationship with a Jehovah’s Witness appeared first on Family Shield Ministries.

#90 Joey Velasquez: Words of A Former Jehovah’s Witness

BRIDGE Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2019 99:10

Ex Jehovah's Witness, Joey Velasquez, joins us to share his journey on becoming a Christian. He not only shares his experience being brought up as a Jehovah's Witness but also exposes the false teachings and beliefs of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Amazon Smile BRIDGE Ministries Giving

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Part 1: Leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses: Vol. 2

Cultish

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2019 62:02

These are the stories of those who have left and survived the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. In this volume, Nathan Todd Fisher shares with us his experience growing up in the watchtower, from going door to door with his parents as a young child, to being disfellowshipped, to ultimately finding what he could never attain in the Watchtower. Grace, Mercy & Forgiveness. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like growing up in the Watchtower, and what it’s like to be on the outside after being disfellowshipped and shunned, this is definitely a series you need to listen to!

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Part 2: Leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses - Vol. 2

Cultish

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2019 57:49

In the second part of this volume, we continue our conversation with Jehovah’s Witness Nathan Todd Fisher discussing what the cultish mindset of one loyal to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and how to interact with their New World Translation interpretation of the bible. Finally, we discuss some of the shortcomings that well-known commentators on cults like Steven Hassan, Leah Remini & Mike Rinder have in regards to their dealing with Cults specifically that of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

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Part 1:Leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses - Vol. 1

Cultish

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2019 46:43

This will be the first of many stories of those who have left & survived the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. We begin with Clay Frye was a Jehovah’s Witnesses for 32 years before being disfellowshiped.

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JT’s First Day at Bethel – the Watchtower, Bible & Tract Society Headquarters

Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2019

This podcast goes into more details about my Bethel experience by discussing what it was like on my first day. I discuss: Advice from the elders prior to leaving Reporting to the Bethel Office Hanging out with fellow Bethelites The importance of having a mentor The impact of having the right social circles can […]

JT Goes to Bethel – Watchtower, Bible & Tract Society Headquarters

Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2019

This podcast is the beginning of a series where JT chronicles his life at Bethel. He provides an in-depth account about the good, bad and ugly pertaining to Bethel’s culture, rules, institutional living, and the impact it has on the lives of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. In this podcast, he discusses those that influenced […]

Being Disfellowshipped from the Jehovah’s Witnesses

Cult Life with Robin Jackson

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2019 27:57

What does it mean to be disfellowshipped from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? How does disfellowshipping divide families from one another? The post Being Disfellowshipped from the Jehovah’s Witnesses appeared first on Family Shield Ministries.

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Watch Tower vs Faithleaks.org

Robin Jackson

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2019 13:44

On the afternoon of Monday December 31, 2018, the Truth and Transparency Foundation was issued four separate takedown requests with a total of 63 documents. The request came from the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. It is the third time the Truth and Transparency Foundation has received such a request, this being the first regarding withdrawal of documents not related to Mormonism. All the documents included in the requests are currently hosted on the website of TTF project FaithLeaks, which serves as a site to host confidential documents from religious institutions. The entirety of the documents was published in late April or early May 2018, eight months before the requests. How did FaithLeaks.org respond? #FaithLeaks #WatchTower #Takedown

truth religion pennsylvania documents litigation mormonism watchtower jehovah's witnesses ttf tract society watchtower bible transparency foundation

Watch Tower vs Faithleaks.org

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2019 13:44

On the afternoon of Monday December 31, 2018, the Truth and Transparency Foundation was issued four separate takedown requests with a total of 63 documents. The request came from the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. It is the third time the Truth and Transparency Foundation has received such a request, this being the first regarding withdrawal of documents not related to Mormonism.All the documents included in the requests are currently hosted on the website of TTF project FaithLeaks, which serves as a site to host confidential documents from religious institutions. The entirety of the documents was published in late April or early May 2018, eight months before the requests.How did FaithLeaks.org respond?#FaithLeaks #WatchTower #Takedown

truth religion pennsylvania documents litigation mormonism watchtower jehovah's witnesses ttf tract society watchtower bible transparency foundation

Watch Tower vs Faithleaks.org

Robin Jackson

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2019 13:44

truth religion pennsylvania documents litigation mormonism watchtower jehovah's witnesses ttf tract society watchtower bible transparency foundation

Watch Tower vs Faithleaks.org

Cult Life with Robin Jackson

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2019 13:44

On the afternoon of Monday December 31, 2018, the Truth and Transparency Foundation was issued four separate takedown requests with a total of 63 documents. The request came from the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. It is the third time the Truth and Transparency Foundation has received such a request, this being the first regarding withdrawal of documents not related to Mormonism.All the documents included in the requests are currently hosted on the website of TTF project FaithLeaks, which serves as a site to host confidential documents from religious institutions. The entirety of the documents was published in late April or early May 2018, eight months before the requests.How did FaithLeaks.org respond?#FaithLeaks #WatchTower #Takedown

truth religion pennsylvania documents litigation mormonism watchtower jehovah's witnesses ttf tract society watchtower bible transparency foundation

Interview w/Melody on Hurting to Healing w/Melissa

Healing X Outreach: Where X-Cultists Speak Out!

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2018 68:00

VOICE ~ Compelling Voices ~ Courageous People with Melody LIVE INTERVIEW with Melody on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13! LISTEN LIVE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, when MELODY will give VOICE to her journey out of the Jehovah's Witness Organization. Melody will share her Disassociation letter that she gave to The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society in 2016. You can listen LIVE at 347-934-0379 4:00PAC/5:00MT/6:00CT/7:00ET OR STREAM LIVE AT: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/healingxoutreach/2018/11/14/interview-wmelody-on-hurting-to-healing-wmelissa Contact Melissa at: genesis5020ministry.org, 719-355-7164 ext. 284

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How Jehovah's Witnesses Became "Extremists": Religious Freedom in Russia — Emily Baran (11.1.18)

CREECA Lecture Series Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2018 42:56

The Russian Supreme Court recently declared the Jehovah’s Witnesses to be an “extremist” organization. The April 2017 decision has placed the Jehovah’s Witnesses on the same legal footing as terrorist groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda. Witness publications can no longer be imported or printed domestically, and the organization’s administrative center outside of St. Petersburg has been shut down and its assets liquidated. The court ruling has also had immediate implications for the more than 170,000 members of this Christian minority community in Russia. With their faith now officially classified as extremist, individual Witnesses have faced increasing harassment as they continue to conduct evangelism among their neighbors. The international organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, has appealed the decision to the European Court of Human Rights. In the meantime, the fate of Witnesses in Russia remains uncertain. This talk reconstructs the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Russian soil and what led to this court decision. In doing so, Baran considers the implications of the Witnesses’ ban for the state of religious freedom in Russia today. From the lecture titled "How Jehovah's Witnesses Became "Extremists": The Strange State of Religious Freedom in Russia."

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The Watchtower, Bible & Tract Society Lost at $35 Million Lawsuit

Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2018

https://exjehovahswitnessct.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/watchtower-35-million-dollar-lawsuit.mp3 https://exjehovahswitnessct.wordpress.com/2018/10/07/the-watchtower-bible-tract-society-lost-at-35-million-lawsuit/feed/ 0 exjwct no exjwct Not True-2 Jehovah,Witness,Watchtower,JWOrg,Bethel,Kingdom,Hall,Apostate,Elders,Jehovah,Shunning,apostate,c

Responding Effectively to Jehovah’s Witnesses

responding witnesses jehovah tract society watchtower bible

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2018 28:10

Have you ever tried to witness to a Jehovah's Witness? If you have, you probably became confused about their beliefs. Maybe the discussion got heated and you became frustrated or angry. If you have a loved one involved in the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society it can even be more difficult. The post Responding Effectively to Jehovah’s Witnesses appeared first on Family Shield Ministries.

Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Leave?

jesus christ bible witness witnesses jehovah charles smith watchtower bible

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2018 28:00

Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses leave the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? Join us today as I interview Charles Smith, an ex Jehovah’s Witness. We’ll learn what it was like growing up as a Witness, and how knowing the Christ of the Bible has changed his life. We’ll also learn about ... Read More & ListenWhy Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Leave? The post Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Leave? appeared first on Family Shield Ministries.

Best of BAM: Boko Haram, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Q&A

The Best of the Bible Answer Man Broadcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2018 55:01

On today's edition of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank discusses a USA Today article, "Schoolgirl kidnapped by Boko Haram refuses to convert to Islam, family says." Leah Sharibu was the only Christian among the 110 girls kidnapped on February 19, 2018, and was not released as she refused to deny Christ and convert to Islam. During this discussion, Hank notes the failure of main-stream media to identify as Islamic terrorism, those Muslims who attack "infidels" around the world. Hank also discusses the reliability of the resurrection of Jesus Christ using the acronym F.E.A.T. Also, Hank discusses the Jehovah's Witnesses who teach that the historic Christian Church apostatized, and taught heretical doctrines that were countered by the Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and their publishing organization, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Hank also answers the following questions: There are many that claim to be Christians, but the Lord said the road is narrow that leads to eternal life. What assurance of salvation do we really have?Who wrote the 119th Psalm? Moses? Also, could you describe the new covenant with Jesus. Are we required to live according to the 119th Psalm?When I hear theologians of high caliber say that God hates sinners, it drives me crazy. I believe God loves everybody. What are your thoughts?Do you think Christians should be celebrating Passover?When Pontius Pilate asked the crowd what to do with Jesus, and they said, "Crucify him," and "His blood be upon us and our children," was that actually a blessing upon them, instead of being a curse?

“God Is Not Partial”

Beroean Pickets – JW.org Reviewer

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2018 2:57

In the April Broadcast on tv.jw.org, there is a video given by Governing Body member Mark Sanderson at about the 34-minute mark, wherein he relates some encouraging experiences of brothers under persecution in Russia back in the 1950s, showing how Jehovah provided the support they needed to endure. When we become disillusioned with the organization, it is very easy for us to see everything that comes forth from it in a negative light. This can be caused by our own disillusionment, by the sense of betrayal we feel by men in whom we invested the utmost trust. Anger may cause us to lose sight of the many good things that we gained from our association with Jehovah’s Witnesses. On the other hand, when we hear about such positive experiences, we may become confused. We may question our own decision, thinking that there is in fact evidence that Jehovah has blessed the organization. What we have here are two extremes. On the one hand we dismiss all that is good, utterly rejecting the Organization; while on the other hand, we might see these things as proof of God’s blessing and be drawn back into the Organization. When a brother like Mark Sanderson uses examples of Christian faith under persecution (the organization often uses the faithful example of the Earnest Bible students in Nazi Germany who did not call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses, but were affiliated with the Watchtower Bible and Tract society in New York) he does not do so to build our faith in Jehovah God as the rewarder of individuals who love him (Heb 11:6), but rather to build our faith in the Organization as the one place where such rewards from God are dispensed. We are not expected to watch this video and conclude that this is yet another example of Jehovah helping Christians in any and every denomination who are undergoing persecution for the name of the Christ. Witnesses will be inclined to believe that this type of thing happens only to them. Yet, there are many cases of Christians undergoing persecution around the world, many far worse off than what JWs are experiencing. A simple google search will reveal this. Here is a link to one such video. We can be seduced by such stories and read into them far more than is intended. I think Peter expressed it best when he said about the Gentile Cornelius: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, 35 but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (Acts 10:34, 35) It is not our religious affiliation that counts in the end, but whether or not we fear God and do what is acceptable to him. Sooner or later, that fear (reverent submission) will lead to obedience when those in our church, synagogue, temple, or Kingdom hall ask us to do something that conflicts with what our Father tells us to do.

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“Religion Is a Snare and a Racket!

Beroean Pickets – JW.org Reviewer

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2018 21:18

This article started out as a short piece intended to provide all of you in our online community with some details into our use of donated funds. We have always intended to be transparent about such things, but to be honest, I hate accounting and so I kept pushing this off for other more interesting topics. Nevertheless, the time has come. Then, as I started to write this, it occurred to me that another topic I’d been wanting to write about might dovetail nicely into the discussion of donations. They may seem unrelated, but as I've asked before, please bear with me. Over the past 90 days, this site—Beroean Pickets – JW.org Reviewer—has had over 11,000 users opening 33,000 sessions. There were almost 1,000 page views of the most recent article on the Memorial. Over the same period of time, the Beroean Pickets Archive has been visited by over 5,000 users opening over 10,000 sessions. Of course, numbers are not a measure of God's blessing, but it can be encouraging, as it was to Elijah, to learn that you are not alone. (Romans 11:1-5) As we look back on where we have been, the next logical question is, where are we going? Jehovah’s Witnesses—and members of most other religions, whether Christian or otherwise—cannot conceive of any form of worship being acceptable to God unless made within the framework of some religious group. Such thinking stems from the idea that worship of God is achieved through works, formal practices, or ritualistic procedures. This overlooks the fact that for about half of human existence, the only form of organized religious worship involved the worship of demons. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Job, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did very nicely on their own, thank you very much. The Greek word most translated as "worship" in English is proskuneó, which means “to kiss the ground when prostrating before a superior”. What this refers to is complete and unconditional obedience. Such a level of obedience should never be granted to sinful men, as they are unworthy of it. Only our Father, Jehovah, merits such worship/obedience. That is why the angel rebuked John when, overcome with awe at what he saw, he performed an inappropriate act of proskuneó: At that I fell down before his feet to worship him. But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing to Jesus. Worship God; for the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.” (Revelation 19:10) There is little from J.F. Rutherford's body of work with which I can agree, but the title of this article is one notable exception. In 1938, "The Judge" launched a new preaching campaign with the theme: “Religion is a snare and a racket. Serve God and Christ the King.” The moment we subscribe to some particular brand of Christianity, we are no longer worshipping God. We must now accept the commands of our religious leaders who claim to speak for God. Who we hate and who we love, who we tolerate and who we eradicate, who we support and who we trample on, is all now determined by men with their own sinful agenda. What we have is the very thing that Satan sold to Eve: Human rule, this time clothed in the robes of piety. In the name of God, man has dominated man to his injury. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) If you want to get away with doing something that is wrong, one successful tactic has proven to be: to condemn the very thing you practice, while extolling the very thing you fail to do. Rutherford condemns religion as "a snare and a racket" while urging people to "serve God and Christ the King". Yet this campaign was launched after he had carefully worked to craft a religion of his very own. In 1931, he created it under the brand name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” by consolidating the Bible Student Associations still affiliated with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society into a single entity with himself as their leader.[i] Then in 1934,

Jehovah’s Witnesses