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Everyday Apologetics

First Christian Church of High Point Jehovah's Witnesses. Everyday Apologetics.

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Everyday Apologetics

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  1. First Christian Church of High Point Jehovah's Witnesses Everyday Apologetics

  2. This week we begin to address Jehovah‘s Witnesses...Where are we likely to face conflicting theology?The answer is our own front door.We live in an area where it is likely everyone of us will receive a knock on our door by someone carrying a Watch Tower Flyer, wanting to speak to us.

  3. It is easy in this moment to take the flier and get the door closed as fast as possible... Or not to open the door at all. How can we prepare ourselves to turn this moment into an opportunity for us to witness? 1) Know something about the JW before they arrive. 2) Know where they are similar to our beliefs, and the key/important differences. 3) Be prepared to present/ back your theology.

  4. History of the JW • Founder: Charles Taze Russell • Tenants: Disbelief in Hell • Disbelief in the Trinity & the person of the Holy Spirit • Works Based Faith • Placed ‘Reason’ on the same level as scripture

  5. Charles Taze Russell • Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1852 • Presbyterian Background, Highly Influenced by Adventists • Russell rejected the doctrine of Hell at an early age and began organizing and teaching a Bible Class in Pittsburgh in 1870 at the age of 18. • In 1876 Russell was elected Pastor of this group. • In 1879 Russell began publishing The Herald of the Morning which became today’s The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.

  6. Charles Taze Russell • Russell believed that man could not understand the Trinity and therefore the Trinity was false. His philosophy was only that which man could understand could be true. (His objections to Hell followed a similar thought process.) • Believed Jesus returned in 1874 and Armageddon began in 1914. • Russell had several legal issues, one of which involved a product he sold called ‘Miracle Wheat’.

  7. Character of Russell • While on trial Russell’s character was put on display. He had claimed to have the ability to translate Greek. When questioned on the stand, he could not even identify the letters of the Greek Alphabet. • Russell’s character has been so called into question, that modern Jehovah’s Witnesses will do everything they can to deny that Russell was their founder.

  8. The Russell Root • While JW will claim that they didn’t spring from Russell’s theology, the leader they adopted their current name under was J.F. Rutherford. Rutherford was a devout follower of Russell and structured the society on Russell’s theological teaching.

  9. What do Jehovah's Witnesses Say About the Trinity? Yes. We believe in Jesus, who said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) We have faith that Jesus came to earth from heaven and gave his perfect human life as a ransom sacrifice. (Matthew 20:28) His death and resurrection make it possible for those exercising faith in him to gain everlasting life. (John 3:16) (from JW.org the official Jehovah's Witness Website.)

  10. We also believe that Jesus is now ruling as King of God’s heavenly Kingdom, which will soon bring peace to the entire earth. (Revelation 11:15) However, we take Jesus at his word when he said: “The Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28) So we do not worship Jesus, as we do not believe that he is Almighty God. (from JW.org the official Jehovah's Witness Website.)

  11. Instead, Jesus said, in effect, ‘My Father and I are so close-knit that no one can take away the sheep from me, just as no one can take them away from my Father.’ It is much like a son saying to his father’s enemy, ‘If you attack my father, you attack me.’ No one would conclude that this son and his father were the same person. But all could perceive the strong bond of unity between them. (from JW.org the official Jehovah's Witness Website.)

  12. Jesus and his Father, Jehovah God, are also “one” in the sense that they are in complete agreement as to intentions, standards, and values. In contrast with Satan the Devil and the first human couple, Adam and Eve, Jesus never wanted to become independent of God. “The Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds the Father doing,” Jesus explained. “For whatever things that One does, these things the Son also does in like manner.”—John 5:19; 14:10; 17:8. (from JW.org the official Jehovah's Witness Website.)

  13. This strong bond of unity, however, does not make God and his Son, Jesus, indistinguishable from each other. They are two individuals. Each one has his own distinct personality. Jesus has his own feelings, thoughts, experiences, and free will. Nevertheless, he chose to submit his will to that of his Father. According to Luke 22:42, Jesus said: “Let, not my will, but yours take place.” These words would have been meaningless if his will could not differ from his Father’s. If Jesus and his Father were really one person, why did Jesus pray to God and humbly admit to not knowing things that only his Father knew?—Matthew 24:36. (from JW.org the official Jehovah's Witness Website.)

  14. Members of many religions worship gods that are depicted as quarreling and fighting with their own family members. In Greek mythology, for example, Cronus overthrew his father, Uranus, and devoured his own children. How different this is from the oneness based on true love between Jehovah God and his Son, Jesus! And how this unity endears them to us! In fact, we have the incomparable privilege of being in union with these two highest Persons in all the universe.

  15. Regarding his followers, Jesus prayed: “I make request . . . that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us.”—John 17:20, 21. • Thus, when Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” he was speaking, not of a mysterious Trinity, but of a wonderful unity—the closest bond possible between two persons.

  16. If the Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in the Trinity, what do they believe?

  17. Michael = Jesus? THE spirit creature called Michael is not mentioned often in the Bible. However, when he is referred to, he is in action. In the book of Daniel, Michael is battling wicked angels; in the letter of Jude, he is disputing with Satan; and in Revelation, he is waging war with the Devil and his demons. By defending Jehovah’s rulership and fighting God’s enemies, Michael lives up to the meaning of his name—“Who Is Like God?” But who is Michael?

  18. Michael = Jesus? • At times, individuals are known by more than one name. For example, the patriarch Jacob is also known as Israel, and the apostle Peter, as Simon. (Genesis 49:1, 2; Matthew 10:2) Likewise, the Bible indicates that Michael is another name for Jesus Christ, before and after his life on earth. Let us consider Scriptural reasons for drawing that conclusion.

  19. Michael = Jesus? • Archangel: God’s Word refers to Michael “the archangel.” (Jude 9) This term means “chief angel.” Notice that Michael is called the archangel. This suggests that there is only one such angel. In fact, the term “archangel” occurs in the Bible only in the singular, never in the plural. Moreover, Jesus is linked with the office of archangel.

  20. Michael = Jesus? • Regarding the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 states: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice.” Thus the voice of Jesus is described as being that of an archangel. This scripture therefore suggests that Jesus himself is the archangel Michael.

  21. Michael = Jesus? • Army Leader: The Bible states that “Michael and his angels battled with the dragon . . . and its angels.” (Revelation 12:7) Thus, Michael is the Leader of an army of faithful angels. Revelation also describes Jesus as the Leader of an army of faithful angels. (Revelation 19:14-16) And the apostle Paul specifically mentions “the Lord Jesus” and “his powerful angels.”

  22. Michael = Jesus? • (2 Thessalonians 1:7) So the Bible speaks of both Michael and “his angels” and Jesus and “his angels.” (Matthew 13:41; 16:27; 24:31; 1 Peter 3:22) Since God’s Word nowhere indicates that there are two armies of faithful angels in heaven—one headed by Michael and one headed by Jesus—it is logical to conclude that Michael is none other than Jesus Christ in his heavenly role. *

  23. JW and the Holy Spirit According to .www.JW.org Jehovah's Witnesses do no believe in the Holy Spirit as either part of the Trinity or a separate being. Instead, they believe that the Holy Spirit is God sending out his energy or power. They deny the Holy Spirit as any kind of an entity. • Summary: JW believe in God Do not believe in the trinity or the HS. Believe Jesus is an angel (Michael)

  24. Understanding Now the Position of the Jehovah's Witness, let us look at the defense of our Christian Beliefs.

  25. Defense of the Trinity The Word TRINITY is found no where in scripture. Basis of the Trinity • There is one God (monotheistic) (Duet 6:4) • God exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit

  26. Scriptural Basis for the Trinity One God 1 Cor. 8:6-7; Exodus 20:3 Multiple Persons in the Godhead Psalm 110:1; Genesis 11:7 Now let us look at the scriptural basis for each person of the trinity.

  27. God the Father Matthew 6:9 Matthew 6:32 Hebrews 12:9 John 4:23 Romans 1:7 John 5:45 John 6:27 2 Corinthians 1:3

  28. Jesus as God the Son John 8:58 in consideration of Exodus 3:14 Consider Exodus 20:1-4 & Deut. 5: 6-9 in light of: Matthew 8:2; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:17 Mark 5:6 John 1:1 Philippians 2: 5-8

  29. Titles Reserved for God in the OT ascribed to Jesus in the NT • The First and Last • The true light • Bridegroom • The Chief Shepherd • Great Shepherd • My Lord and My God • The one in whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily • Our Great God and Savior

  30. Jesus God in Deed-- consider Duet 32:39 & 1 Sam 2:6 Mark 2:5-7 & John 11:43 Jesus claims His Deity-- Mark 14: 61-62

  31. The Holy Spirit Omnipresence: Psalm 139:7-12 Omniscience: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 As Part of Creation: Genesis 1:2 Redemptive Power: John 3:5-6; Romans 8:9-17,27; Titus 3:5-7 Trinity Laid Out: 2 Corinthians 13:14 John 14:26; 16:13

  32. The Trinity/ 3 in 1 Each person of the trinity performs a separate function. Each equal in importance. • Father: planned salvation (John 3:16; Eph 1:4) • Son: salvation accomplished (John 17:4; 19:30). resurrection (Rom4:25; 1 Cor 15:1-6) • Holy Spirit: applies it to lives of believers (John 3:5; Eph. 4:30; Titus 3:5-7)

  33. The Son submits to the Father & the Holy Spirit glorifies the Son. (1 Cor 11:3; 15:28; John 16:14)

  34. Many have difficulty wrapping their mind around the trinity! Not only do Jehovah's Witnesses and Muslims deny the trinity but Mormons see each person of the trinity as completely separate beings. Conceptualizing the trinity can be a major hurdle and point of contention for those who seek Christ from these differing backgrounds. Thus, the ability to explain the trinity in an understandable way is vital for both defending our views and evangelizing these groups.

  35. Some ways to describe: God is 1 What and 3 Who's. Mathematically God is 1³= 1x1x1=1 One Father, One Son, One Spirit each individual, each fully God which total 1 God. One essence with multiple personhoods.

  36. ▲ The triangle can be used as an example of the trinity. Three separate angles with their own identity, but together they form a single complete triangle. So it is with God, each angle (person) may be different, but they are all three present at all times, and together they form the entirety of God. Without one angle it would be less than a triangle. Without one person, God would be less than God.

  37. Augustine said it like this... God is Love: Think of God as Love To have love their must be: A Lover The Beloved The Spirit of Love Between the two. • Remove any element and you may have infatuation, but not reciprocated love.

  38. Still not 100% Clear? If Christianity was something we were making up, of course we would make it easier. But it is not. We cannot compete, in simplicity, with people who are inventing religions. How could we? We are dealing with fact. Of course anyone can be simple if he has no facts to bother about. --C.S. Lewis

  39. The Trinity is not the only point of contention. JW claim Jesus did not raise his physical body. • http://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/jesus-body/#?insight[search_id]=0d580ea1-240b-4b83-b870-9d905bdc1c98&insight[search_result_index]=0 We know Jesus was raised in his physical body. • https://carm.org/jesus-resurrection-was-physical

  40. What about Hell? • JW have a very different view of Hell. • http://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/who-goes-to-hell/#?insight[search_id]=a88f164b-e40c-4357-9f8a-6e1dc3993848&insight[search_result_index]=0

  41. New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures • Finished and released in 1961 • Commissioned by Nathan Knorr, third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society • Varies substantially especially in areas where the deity of Christ is substantiated.

  42. The JW claim that their version of the Bible (NWT) was translated from the original Greek. However, their translation is done anonymously by a “committee of anointed witnesses of Jehovah.”

  43. Not only did they create their own Bible… • Jehovah’s witnesses believe that it is impossible for the average person to read the Bible and correctly interpret scripture. • According to JW it is better to not read the Bible and only read the JW material than it is to read the Bible on your own.

  44. According to the JW only their leaders are equipped to properly translate the Bible. Any JW who reads the Bible on their own and has a different interpretation must conform or else be in danger of being excommunicated. • They claim that their interpretation is angel inspired and this is why it is the correct interpretation.

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