Where are the dead? Review of Chapter 6 of the “What does the Bible really teach” Book by John Tancock.

Posted on May 18, 2013 by

bible teach

(Apologies everyone, somehow we missed out chapter 6. Here is the belated review. Thanks to all who are visiting.)

Summary of key points.

  • 1. Most religions teach that something survives death. This is impossible.
  • 2.Nothing survives death unless it is in the memory of Jehovah. When a person dies they cease to exist.
  • 3.Death is ‘sleep’  nothing happens, no consciousness.
  • 4. People die because Adams sinful condition and death is passed on to us.
  • 5. The dead  cannot harm us  we cannot speak to them .
  • 6. Saying that people go to a place of fiery torment dishonours God it is a lie. God would never make this happen.

 

It is important to note that some contentious subjects are now put in the appendix. There are two sections of the appendix  that are  relevant.   1. Soul and Spirit what do these terms mean? and  2. What are Sheol and Hades. Possibly a third is relevant Judgment day-What is it?   I think though we should address these when we come to them in our analysis of this book.

Once again SOME of what they say in this chapter reflects broadly the  biblical revelation  one example would be that we need not fear the dead and we shouldn’t seek to contact them.  There is  however much  misapplication of the bible and false logic.

The use of Ecc 9v5  ’the dead are conscious of nothing at all’  is a misapplied verse. The dead do not know of what is happening here  ’under the sun’  is the context. Also many scholars fee that the despairing tone of Ecclesiastes and of the gloomy observations of the ‘man under the sun’ are what is relevant here not the wisdom of God.

On p38 the book addresses the idea that part of us ‘lives on’ after death. It asks ‘how can this be’? Does it provide a biblical explanation ? No , it simply says that the brain dies so it is impossible for anything to continue!!  This is really strange logic.  They go on to use the biblical metaphor for ‘sleep’ showing that the dead cease to be.  ’Sleep’ simply shows that there is no interaction with this world, in ‘sleep’ life continues it doesn’t cease!!   They deftly ignore many indications scattered throughout the Bible of life after death. The appearance of Moses and Elijah on the mount of transfiguration,  the ‘saints under the altar’ in Rev 6, Pauls talk of being ‘absent from the body’   (how on earth is that possible if nothings survives death!) and plenty more.

The evidence being provided here is really feeble and anyone with any knowledge of the bible  would pick up on how weak it is. The chapter goes on to say that any punishment after death  is incompatible with Jehovah a God of Love. This is coming from an organisation that has produced many books  pictures and descriptions of Jehovah punishing men, women and children because they did not enter the Ark of God’s spirit directed organisation and the organisation of which  many  its members often doubt their  own ability to survive Jehovah’s day of judgment because they are not worthy enough. However difficult any of the biblical material will be it cannot be ignored or side stepped. Mthw 10v28  is relevant  but look at 2 Pete 2v9 ‘God knows how to deliver the godly  from  trial and how to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.’  THAT verse cannot be fitted into the Watchtower scheme and it shows that between now and judgment day  the unrighteous are under punishment.

The use of the story of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 would involve some biblical gymnastics by the Watchtower to ‘get around’ as would many passages n the rest of the scriptures.  We know for certain that those trusting in Jesus Christ on death go to be with him Php 1v23 and  2 Cor 5v8.   To await future resurrection and to come with him from heaven at his return. to receive bodies ‘just like his’  The fate of those who do not know God is to go to the common  resting place of mankind Sheol/Hades   to wait until the day of judgement.

As this book builds its case, it only can do so relying on the lack of knowledge of its readers and the wholesale sidestepping of much teaching in the scriptures on the subjects in hand. That however as we know is the Watchtower Way!

John Tancock has been involved with Apologetics for many years, and has appeared on Revelation TV many times discussing various subjects. You can hear more from him at his blog, Jt’s Blogspot.

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What is Gods Kingdom? Review of Chapter 8 of the “What does the Bible really teach” book

Posted on May 14, 2013 by

What does the bible really teach

What is Gods Kingdom?

As Jehovah’s Witness one of the classic things we asked Christians we met on the door is “As Christians, what do you think it means when you pray for Gods Kingdom in the lords prayer? – The reason why as that not all Christians actually know what this means and why as Christians we pray for this. Now they the Jehovahs Witness can go.. “ Well here is the answer!” Do they teach correct doctrine when it comes to understanding the kingdom of God? To help you as the Christian reach the Jehovahs Witness who you are studying with as well as review this chapter, I have put some suggested questions you could ask them when it comes to talking about this subject.

Gods Kingdom has a King who is the Lord Jesus. I 100% agree with this teaching. In paragraph 4 they even sight 1 Timothy 6:15 which calls Jesus the king of Kings and Lord of Lords. Something that could be a good question to now is this….

In Jeremiah 10:10 – it reads that “Jehovah is in truth God. He is the living God and the King to time indefinite” – If Jesus is the King of Kings, and Jehovah is a King to time indefinite is…is Jesus the king over Jehovah?” 

So who reigns with Christ in this kingdom? According to paragraph 6-8 there will be kings and priests that are part of Gods Kingdom in heaven. Once again I agree! However the Watchtowers teaching as to whom these are is some what different to the Bibles view point.

Paragraph 9 now tells you who it is that rule with Christ. They take you to Revelation 14:1,14 – which reads in the New World Translation  1 And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty‐four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. ….14  And I saw, and, look! a white cloud, and upon the cloud someone seated like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. It would be good if you could get them to read verse 4 as well (of chapter 14 which reads 4These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins. These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb,5and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish.

Then you could ask :-

“Are all the 144,000 men? And do none of them have any children?” 

This creates a major issue, because according the verse you have just read they are all virgin men! The Jehovah Witness knows that the 144,000 are actually men, women, married people and single. So now they have a problem because clearly there understanding of these verses is someone different to what the verses actually say.

They also quote Revelation 5:10. If only they quoted verse 9 as well they could see exactly who the kings and priests are. I quote verse 9 & 10 from the New World Translation :-

And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,10and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”

As you can see the people who are ruling with Christ are the ones that are saved from “every tribe nation and tongue”. Yet Revelation 7:4-8 tells us exactly what tribes the 144,000 come from. Therefore Revelation 5 can not be linked at all to the 144,000.

Paragraph 11 which has the sub-title “What will Gods Kingdom do?” Is now going to try and set up the introduction to there ideas about whom the 144,000 are and what they do. They also subtly drop in Revelation 12:7 to introduce the idea of Jesus being the arch angel Michael, I quote again from the New World Translation…

7And war broke out in heaven: Mi′chael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled8but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven.9So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him

You could ask them :-

“Why is this verse talks about Michael, but then later in verse 17 (of Revelation 12) it talks about Jesus? Surely now Jesus has ascended back to heaven this verse should say “Michael”

So they have dealt with the issue regarding the government in heaven they turn to the issue of the earth.

The claim in paragraph 12 is that when Jesus is crowned king, Satan shortly after is thrown down to the Earth of which he now rules –

So now Satan is on the Earth what can we expect? The next few paragraphs answer this. You then have a graphic picture on page 83 that shows what they mean. In other words we will see violence, famine, wars etc. They will likely ask you – Do you think this is what we see in the world today? Now of course you will say YES.

Now God sees what it is Satan has done to World and sees the corruption of man made governments, God at the opportune time wages war against them, this is what is know as Har-magedon, the details of this are in paragraph 18. After which all government world leaders are destroyed and we have one world government that is the one of God.

Although the Watchtower has completely mis-understood the book of Revelation, I personally would not try to discuss things like The Great White Judgment, the rapture, the coming of the saints, the anti-Christ, and the deep things of Revelation, as it is just going to go straight over there head. So from paragraph 16-20 I would just politely nod along until you get to paragraph 21 as they now reveal how you can avoid being destroyed at Armageddon.  “What does this mean? It means that eventually under Gods Kingdom everyone alive will honour Jehovah’s names.” 

You could ask them: -

“Does this mean I should only honour Jehovah? Should I not honour Jesus at all?

The Last few paragraphs then talk about how some Bible students have calculated that Christ returned in 1914 and became King. There are so many questions you could ask at this point, here are some suggestions: -

If Matthew 24:36 say know ones the day or the hour, why are people try to calculate the day? 

Revelation 1:7 says “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him” Did anyone actually see Jesus return in 1914?

1 Corinthians 11:26 says “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” If you believe that Jesus has already returned why do the memorial every year?

Although according to Jehovah’s Witness history, the prophecy actually was that Charles Taze Russell thought that Armageddon was coming in 1914, when it didn’t happen they actually had to change what 1914 meant. Although I would not necessary tell the individual that, you could encourage them to find out/ research who actually came up with this date of 1914.

I hope this has been helpful. It is my hope and prayer that you as a Christian can help the un-saved Jehovahs Witness understand what “the bible really teaches” regarding the issue of Gods Kingdom.

God Bless

Jason Thickpenny

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First and Last Ministries

Posted on May 14, 2013 by

First and Last Ministries

Hi all I just wanted to devote a post to recommending another ministry to you. It’s always exciting to me to come across other ministries, particularly those based in the UK that are looking to achieve the same things we are.

First and Last Ministries is led by Paul Bacon, and Les Kerr and has existed for a number of years, and focuses on putting together literature that can be given to Witnesses directly, or to Christians to teach them more about the issues with the Jehovah’s Witness movement. This can be ordered from them or printed direct from the site, and is of really good quality.

Our very own Jason Thickpenny can be seen on this video putting some of this literature to great use.

So please give this ministry a visit and pray that God will use them powerfully to reach all the more people.

http://www.firstandlast.org.uk/

 

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Awake – Magazine May 2013

Posted on May 4, 2013 by

T H E B I B L E ’S V I E W P O I N T – THE NATURE OF GOD

In the May 2013 edition of the Awake Magazine, there is an article entitled ‘The Bible’s Viewpoint – the Nature of God’. It begins:

 
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS:
The Bible describes God as a spirit being. (2 Corinthians 3:17) As such, he is far superior to us and beyond our physical senses. He is “the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible,” says 1 Timothy 1:17. (p15)

As always what The Watchtower Society says sounds biblical; not least because it adds scripture references in support of its assertions. But is everything it says Biblical truth?

Rank and file Jehovah’s Witnesses so implicitly trust the organisation that they rarely, if ever check the Scriptures cited; whereas the Bible exhorts us to be like the Bereans who ‘were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.’ Acts 17:11

Let’s take a look at the two Bible verses quoted above, 2 Corinthians 3:17 and 1 Timothy 1:17.

1) The Bible describes God as a spirit being. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
We agree with the WTS that God is spirit and this is supported elsewhere in Scripture. Speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well Jesus said: ‘God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth’ John 4:24

That verse, at least to my mind, would have been the obvious one to cite in support of the statement ‘God is spirit’; but rather the WTS chose 2 Corinthians 3:17 why? Here is 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 in the New World Translation:

Therefore, as we have such a hope, we are using great freeness of speech, and not doing as when Moses would put a veil upon his face, that the sons of Israel might not gaze intently at the end of that which was to be done away with. But their mental powers were dulled. For to this present day the same veil remains unlifted at the reading of the old covenant, because it is done away with by means of Christ. In fact, down till today whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their hearts. But when there is a turning to Jehovah, the veil is taken away. Now Jehovah is the Spirit; and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom. And all of us, while we with unveiled faces reflect like mirrors the glory of Jehovah, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, exactly as done by Jehovah [the] Spirit.

Though the name Jehovah is to be found nowhere in the Greek text, the Watchtower Society has no problem adding it in the New World Translation. Their justification for doing so in 2 Corinthians 3 is because Paul is talking about the Old Testament speaking of Moses and his interaction with YHWH (Exodus 34:34). The actual Greek word they have translated ‘Jehovah’ is κύριος (kyrios) which when properly translated is the ‘Lord’.

Paul uses the same word (κύριος) of Jesus in Romans chapter 10:

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord (κύριος) ,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord (κύριος) is Lord (κύριος) of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (κύριος) will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

The context of Romans 10 shows that Paul is speaking about Jesus, but as verse 13 is a quote from Joel 2:32 the New World Translation renders it as ‘everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah (κύριος) will be saved.’ The WTS, in their attempt to hide the real identity of Jesus, incorrectly and misleadingly add the name Jehovah. If they were to be consistent in their translation of κύριος they would have to have Jesus is Jehovah at Romans 10:9.

Every time a Jehovah’s Witness reads the name Jehovah in their Bible it reaffirms their belief that they and they alone, are God’s chosen people. This is possibly why 2 Corinthians 3:17 is cited rather than the more obvious John 4:24.

2) The Bible describes God as a spirit being. (2 Corinthians 3:17) As such, he is far superior to us and beyond our physical senses. He is “the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible,” says 1 Timothy 1:17. (p15)

After convincing the readers that Jehovah God is a spirit being, the article links him with 1Timothy 1:17. Jehovah God is spirit, superior to us and beyond our physical senses. He is ‘the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible’.

This again sounds fine and biblical until we read the context of 1 Timothy 1:17, which reveals to us something the WTS does not want its readers to know.

1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NWT)
12I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry,13although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy, because I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith.14But the undeserved kindness of our Lord abounded exceedingly along with faith and love that is in connection with Christ Jesus.15Faithful and deserving of full acceptance is the saying that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am foremost.16Nevertheless, the reason why I was shown mercy was that by means of me as the foremost case Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his long‐suffering for a sample of those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life.

17Now to the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible, [the] only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

The context reveals that Paul is talking about Jesus. It is Jesus who is… ‘the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible, [the] only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen’.

The New World Translation, in its efforts to mislead people, even separates this verse from its immediate context, to make it look like the preceding verses are speaking of Jesus and then verse 17 is speaking about Jehovah!

What the Bible says:
The Bible also states: “At no time has anyone beheld God.”—1 John 4:12.

Our Creator is so superior to us that we cannot even begin to imagine what he looks like. “To whom can you people liken God, and what likeness can you put alongside him?” says Isaiah 40:18. Even the awe-inspiring physical heavens pale in comparison with the Almighty.—Isaiah 40:22, 26.

There are, however, intelligent creatures who can see God and even speak with him face-to-face. How so? Because they too are spirits, and they live in heaven. (1 Kings 22:21; Hebrews 1:7) Concerning these superhuman creatures, who are also called angels, Jesus Christ said: “[They] always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”—Matthew 18:10 (p15)

The Jehovah’s Witnesses are correct in saying that God is far superior to us and beyond our comprehension. It is a shame that they do not follow what they say in practice. They usually claim that the Trinity doctrine is beyond reason, not logical, it does not make sense. Yet, God is far superior – not only can we not begin to imagine what He looks like – neither can we fully comprehend His nature. How can a finite mind understand the infinite?

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS:
The Bible does not teach that God is omnipresent, or present everywhere at all times, like some impersonal force. (p15)

GOD is fittingly described as omnipotent and omniscient—almighty and all-knowing. Yet, when attempting further to describe God’s greatness, some add a third term—omnipresent. They believe that God is present everywhere simultaneously. (p15)

The Watchtower denies the omnipresence of God as the following quote shows:
‘While none of these descriptive terms are found in the Bible, the first two are clearly supported by Scriptural teachings. (Genesis 17:1; Hebrews 4:13; Revelation 11:17) God is indeed omnipotent and he is omniscient in the sense that nothing can be hidden from him. But is he omnipresent? Is God everywhere, or is he a person with a specific dwelling place?’ (Awake March 8 2005 p20)

Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that God is a person who dwells in heaven. He cannot be everywhere at the same time. This quote illustrates what they believe:
“Consider the far-reaching effects of an electric power plant. A power plant has a certain location in or near a city. But its electricity is distributed over all that area, providing light and power. It is similar with God. He is in the heavens. Yet his holy spirit, which is his invisible active force, can be felt everywhere, over all the universe. By means of his holy spirit God created the heavens, the earth and all living things. … He can send out his spirit, his active force, to do whatever he wants even though he is far away.”
(You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, (1982), p. 37).

Because The Watchtower denies the deity of the Holy Spirit, making Him only an ‘invisible active force’, they cannot understand how God can be omnipresent.

Rather, as Jesus’ words found at Matthew 6:9 and 18:10 show, God is a person—a “Father”—and he resides in heaven, his “established place of dwelling.”—1 Kings 8:43. Toward the end of his life, Jesus said: “I am leaving the world and am going my way to the Father.” (John 16:28) After his death in the flesh and resurrection as a spirit, Christ ascended “into heaven itself, now to appear before the person of God.” —Hebrews 9:24. (p15)

Notice that the verses quoted above speak of God the Father. Jesus (the Son) is leaving and going to ‘the Father’; and when he goes he will send the Holy Spirit.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13

The Watchtower’s denial of the Trinity leaves them with a God who is limited. Theirs is a God who is transcendent but not immanent.

There are a number of verses that prove that God is omnipresent. Here are just a couple:

Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the LORD; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD. Jeremiah 23:24

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10

The article concludes:

How Bible truth can help you. The more we learn about God and imitate him, the more we live the way he intended us to live. As a result, we experience more joy in life, along with genuine satisfaction, inner peace, and contentment. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Yes, God knows that his endearing qualities resonate in the human heart, drawing honest hearted people to him and setting them on the path to everlasting life.—John 6:44; 17:3. (p.15)

‘Bible truth can help you’ and ‘the more we learn about God…’. This means, according to the WTS, having a Bible Study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. A person cannot learn ‘Bible truth’ by reading the Bible alone:

“We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the “faithful and discreet slave” organization,” (Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1981, p. 19).

Concerning the nature of God the Bible says ‘God is Love’ (1 John 4:8). How Jehovah’s Witnesses need to know this God. A God who loves them regardless of how many doors they knock on. A God who longs for them to come to know Him through Christ alone.

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Review of What does the Bible really teach? Chapter 7 by John Tancock

Posted on April 27, 2013 by

bible teach

Much of the early parts of chapter seven ‘Real hope for your loved ones who have died’ particularly the scriptures quoted are actually very acceptable and would be beneficial. The problem is though ‘How much poison in a cake makes it dangerous’? The answer is of course very little.

Firstly a summary of what THEY say in the chapter.

The importance and description of death as an enemy.

The pain of loss at losing a loved one and a look at the Lazarus story showing the compassion of Jesus in this type of situation. The power of Jehovah (not Jesus) to raise Lazarus.

The dead are not conscious and Lazarus’ ceased to be’ temporarily or he would have told us about heaven or Hell.

The reality of resurrection as ‘re creation’ of an individual from Gods memory.

Jesus will have a role in judging the living and the dead, however Jehovah is the final judge (Acts 10v42)

He will not resurrect those who are wicked and unwilling to change.

Two types of resurrection, one of them is to life as a heavenly spirit creature only one example is given of this and that is Jesus! ‘God resurrected Jesus but not as a human’! (1 Peter 3v18 and 1 Cor 15v3-6)

The linking of the little flock Lk 12v32 with the 144,000 Rev 14v1 explaining that those who die now of the 144,000 are instantly resurrected to heaven.

It is amazing how the organisation can smuggle the craziest ideas that have no biblical foundation into the text of this book when even the prooftexts don’t prove the point they are making! I was genuinely surprised by the ‘niggling’ attempts to downgrade the position of Jesus throughout the chapter in a way which wasn’t prompted by the text and was very selective and presented an incomplete picture. p68 gives us two examples ‘God enabled Jesus’, ‘Jehovah was the source’ on p73 it states ‘Jesus will have a role’!! This is in complete contradiction of the passages which say ‘all judgment is entrusted to the Son’ John 5v22 . We recognise the positions of Father and Son but the WT wreck the key NT point that it is ‘The Father’ that Jesus has come to reveal to us. The insertion of Jehovah into the pages of the NT and into this chapter robs the reader of the truth of Gods fatherhood. They also turn the role of Jesus as ‘the servant’ or ‘the Son’ into some kind of subservience. It’s not good to see.

The Watchtower authors use Ecc 9v5 to control all later information ‘the dead know nothing at all’. The passage there is from the perspective of ‘the one under the sun’ just another human being. The writer there says ‘even the memory of them is forgotten’ which of course is not the case for everyone as many people are remembered from generation to generation. The jaundiced view of the writer of Ecclesiastes is to be supplemented for Christians by later Revelation in the Scriptures. This later revelation is not so easily useable by the Watchtower hence the desire to use the earlier verse to control the later. Ecc 6v6 says ‘do we not all go to the same place in the end’ this statement may have been true back then….but things are different now. Php 1v23 ‘I desire to depart and be with Christ which is far better‘ and 1 Cor 5v8 ‘away from the body and at home with the Lord’ both show that for believers things are most certainly different. (see also Rev 6v9-10)

The emphasis in the chapter of Jehovah recreating people from his memory is a piece of fanciful WT footwork just as the chapter goes on to show that ALL will be resurrected (John 5v28-29) but then goes on to say not all will be resurrected ‘ . Most readers of this chapter simply will not realise what is going on….that the WT s fighting hard to make the scriptures fit their own mold and not letting them speak for themselves.

p73/74 talks of the resurrection of Jesus as a ‘mighty spirit creature’ the only type of resurrection of this ever mentioned they say. He was not resurrected as a human the chapter says quoting 1 Peter 3v18 ‘made alive in the spirit’. The verse simply doesn’t prove what they say it does. Firstly it can man ‘in the Spirit’ see most modern versions. If however it is ‘spirit’ then it refers to the fact that in his spirit Jesus went to the ‘spirits in prison’ as the passage says. No one reading Luke 24v36-43 would get the impression that Jesus was a spirit creature. This and other passages show us he was raised bodily, different, exalted, glorious not JUST like us but so much more but definitely not a ghost or spirit.

The chapter moves on to its conclusions and picks verses from everywhere and sticks them together in typical Watchtower fashion the ‘little flock’ of Luke 12v32 and the 144,000 of Rev 7, are joined together and a whole structure of belief is imposed on those passages. The hope of resurrection is held out to the reader but even those distributing the books …active Jehovah’s Witnesses are not sure if they will survive Armageddon. The reader is invited to read on and loyalty to Jehovah, Jesus his organisation is called for with the certainty that they can never be sure of Eternal Salvation.

How much more attractive and of course biblical is the Christian hope. To be certain that after death presence with Jesus is assured, to know that on his return we will come with him (1 Thess 4v14) and at that time certain resurrection resting on the work that JESUS has completed not MINE!

The Christian understanding of these things presents Justice and Mercy. Not everyone has the same ‘judgment’ as the Watchtower says which is non existence, how un just is that! Eternal life is offered to all now and starts now (John 5v24).

 

John Tancock has been involved with Apologetics for many years, and has appeared on Revelation TV many times discussing various subjects. You can hear more from him at his blog, Jt’s Blogspot.

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Tony Brown Speaking On Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Posted on April 18, 2013 by

Tony

Recently Tony Brown who is very active in our ministry spoke on reaching Jehovah’s Witnesses at Shipley Baptist Church. You can see this talk in video (with powerpoint slides) and audio below. This is also on our Podcast.

Tony as an Ex Jehovah’s Witness, and now a Christian Pastor and is well equipped to communicate how and why to share the gospel with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and is available to speak at your church or Christian event. Please feel free to make contact with him at    tony@sunbridgeroadmission.org.uk or on Facebook.

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Review of a shocking new Watchtower Article

Posted on April 9, 2013 by

Watchtower

This Watchtower is officially not due to be studied by the Jehovah Witnesses until August this year, but with the new AWAA group (Anti-Watchtower Activists Association)  this Watchtower highlights why so many people are hurt by the Watchtower’s abuse of power, as seen in the AWAA’s videos.

Out of all the Watchtowers I have reviewed, this is the most disturbing. Although this article is called “Let Jehovah’s Discipline mold you” I feel it may as well be called “Do as the Organisation tells you”. This article is highlighting their authority over all its members.

Like most articles they do not go straight to the point. They first dress it up somewhat, so that when they do make their point you would think it was biblical, had you not checked it against scripture.

From paragraph 1-13 they state that god used the prophets to warn and discipline people and in paragraph 14, they finally come to the reason behind this article.

I quote “Jehovah molds us today primarily by means of his Word, the Bible, and his organization.” They are stating that they are the only prophet of god and that they have the authority to discipline.

It then gives the incredible story of Robert who was dis-fellowshipped at 16 years old. The claim is that dis-fellowshipping is another type of discipline from Jehovah. They then falsely quote 1 Cor 5:6-7, 11 for their reasoning behind throwing people out of the religion and shunning them.

Robert makes this amazing claim “Had my family associated with me a little, say to check up on me, the small dose of association to be a motivating factor to return to God” Is it not obvious why Robert returned?

It was not that he wanted to be forgiven by god or have a chance of surviving Armageddon or even that he agreed with the religion, it was because he wanted to see his family.

This experience has been put into this article to encourage families with dis-fellowshipped members to have absolutely no contact with their loved ones and they are led to believe if they obey this rule their loved one may return, thus giving the family false hope. Notice also that they never relate to stories of people who have come out of this religion and are now happier for doing so, or even people who have come out and found the real Christ.

I found a quote from the July 2009 Awake which says “No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable to choose between beliefs and his family” This is a complete contradiction to this article.

An Ex JW who has recently contacted me had gone to her Grandmother’s funeral and her sister (Current JW) had not seen her in 24 years. Her sister did not even know who she was. Does this not also contradict the above statement?

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.

Do the Watchtower do this? Or is this further evidence of their abuse of power?

If you would like to view this article please click on the link below.

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20130615/jehovahs-discipline/

Jason

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Jason Thickpenny’s testimony on our Podcast.

Posted on April 8, 2013 by

Jason Thickpenny

Hey all just to let you know that Jason Thickpenny’s Testimony is available on our podcast, you can catch this here:

This is an excellent and really moving story where we hear Jason go from a zealous passionate Witness, to a shunned member that is not to be spoken to, and then to being a saved and free new man in Christ.

Having a podcast is a new venture for us and we hope in the coming months to be covering various issues relevant to our ministry in this format, and reach a new set of people. You can subscribe through itunes on our main page.

Please also check out our new and improved ministry website at www.upfc.org.uk

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Jason Thickpenny and Tony Brown talking about the Memorial Meal.

Posted on March 27, 2013 by

2013-Memorial-tract-p1

 

Last night Jason Thickpenny and Tony Brown both ex Jehovah’s Witness Christians and active volunteers in our ministry, went to the  Memorial Meal meeting that is held every year by all Jehovah’s Witness Churches at their local Kingdom Hall.

Straight after this they recorded their thoughts on this on our podcast. Please check this out by clicking here or downloading directly below. We would love to hear any thoughts or comments you have on this.

Jason and Tony discussing the 2013 Memorial Meal.

(left click to listen, right click, save link as to download)

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Review of What does the Bible really teach? Chapter 5 The Ransom —God’s Greatest Gift

Posted on March 25, 2013 by

Here is a basic outline of what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about the ransom sacrifice of Jesus:

• Adam (a perfect man) was destined to live forever on a paradise earth (Eden).
• Adam disobeyed God and therefore lost his right to live forever on paradise earth.
• Adam (as representative head of all humanity) brought sin and death into the world and this was passed on to his offspring – so we are all sinners.
• Jehovah sent his only-begotten son, Jesus, to live a perfect life in order to ‘buy back’ that which Adam lost.
• Jesus achieved this by living a sinless life and by enduring a painful death on the ‘torture stake’.
• Jesus rose from the dead 3 days later to show that he had conquered sin and death, hence he had paid the ransom.
• Jesus bought back for us that which Adam lost and has given us the chance to do what Adam didn’t – obey Jehovah with the hope of attaining everlasting life on a paradise earth
• People need to ‘exercise’ faith in this ransom sacrifice to have any hope of attaining eternal life.

The Watchtower Society teaches its adherents that the ransom Jesus paid only – opened the way – rather than dealt with the problem. They see Jesus’ death as a kind of ‘down payment’ enabling those who exercise faith in the ransom of Jesus and who are obedient to Watchtower decrees, to possibly have a chance of everlasting life. JWs are taught that though salvation is a gift, it has to be earned… which of course means it isn’t a gift!

Imagine receiving a gift on your birthday from a loved one and after you have opened it they put they hand out and ask you to pay for it. This sums up what the Watchtower teaches. Jesus’ ransom sacrifice is not enough he has only given us the opportunity to prove ourselves ‘worthy’ of salvation.

“When a person, on the basis of the Scriptural knowledge he has gained has belief, it would be a mistake for him [one who has belief in Christ] to think that he is now saved and cannot fall. He must show by his endurance in the Christian faith that he is worthy of salvation… Salvation from death is a gift from God to those that obey him, not to those that disobey” (The Watchtower, March 1, 1960, p134)

Of course all of this is contrary to Scripture. None of us are worthy of salvation:
As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” Romans 3:10 NKJV

‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…’ Romans 3:23 NKJV

The Watchtower, like many other groups have a works orientated salvation. So what did Jesus’ death and resurrection actually achieve according to the Watchtower?

Since a perfect human life was lost, no imperfect human life could ever buy it back. (Psalm 49:7, 8) What was needed was a ransom equal in value to what was lost. This is in harmony with the principle of perfect justice found in God’s Word, which says: “Soul will be for soul.” (Deuteronomy 19:21) So, what would cover the value of the perfect human soul, or life, that Adam lost? Another perfect human life was the “corresponding ransom” that was required.—1 Timothy 2:6.
(What the Bible really teaches p50)

The Watchtower believes that Jesus was nothing more than the exact equivalent to Adam. Jesus was a perfect human who did what Adam failed to do; he lived a perfect life. Therefore, Jesus was purely a corresponding (like for like) ‘human’ ransom.

“the ransom must precisely fit that which it is supposed to cover – Adam’s perfect human life”; “the loss of a perfect human life would require the payment of a perfect human life – nothing more, nothing less”; “Jesus…. possessed what Adam had lost – perfect human life. Finally a human who could cover the cost of sin”;“a corresponding ransom” (15th Feb. 1999 Watchtower)

The word ‘corresponding’ used here is taken from the New World Translation rendering of 1 Timothy 2:5. 6 which says:

‘For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all…’

It will be no surprise to learn that the word ‘corresponding’ does not appear in the original Greek and has been added to support the Watchtower’s pre-determined theological position.

The fact that the Watchtower insist that Jesus was only a man as Adam was a man, is further confused by the fact that they teach that Jesus is also the Archangel Michael. Was it a human or an angel that ransomed us?? The Bible is clear that Jesus, though fully human, was also fully God. It was the God/man Christ Jesus who paid the ransom.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NKJV

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28 NKJV

The Watchtower’s denial of the deity of Christ flies in the face of the Bible and severely limits their understanding of what Jesus achieved on the cross.

How was the ransom paid? On the 14th day of the Jewish month Nisan in 33 C.E., God allowed his perfect and sinless Son to be executed. Jesus thus sacrificed his perfect human life “once for all time.” (Hebrews 10:10) On the third day after Jesus died, Jehovah raised him back to spirit life. In heaven, Jesus presented to God the value of his perfect human life sacrificed as a ransom in exchange for Adam’s offspring. (Hebrews 9:24) Jehovah accepted the value of Jesus’ sacrifice as the ransom needed to deliver mankind from slavery to sin and death.—Romans 3:23, 24. (What the Bible really teaches p51, 53)

Here is the classic Watchtower trick of adding scripture references to make their adherents believe that what is being said is biblical. Take Hebrews 10:10 for example. The above quote says: Jesus thus sacrificed his perfect human life “once for all time.” (Hebrews 10:10)

Jesus sanctified his perfect human life? Hebrews 10:10 says:
By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all’

The writer to the Hebrews informs us that we have been ‘sanctified’ (made holy, made righteous) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Through the death of Jesus, we were ransomed and set free, made righteous in His sight. This is not something we can do ourselves, this is not something we earn by good works, and this is purely down to the price that Jesus paid for us; a fact the great Apostle knew all too well:

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. Romans 4:3,4 NKJV

Later in the article, the Watchtower discusses the benefits of the ransom; which they suggest are threefold:

1) The forgiveness of sins.

Because of inherited imperfection, we have a real struggle to do what is right. All of us sin either in word or in deed. But by means of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, we can receive “the forgiveness of our sins.” (Colossians 1:13, 14) To gain that forgiveness, however, we must be truly repentant. We must also humbly appeal to Jehovah, asking his forgiveness on the basis of our faith in the ransom sacrifice of his Son. 1 John 1:8,9
(What the Bible really teaches p53)

Though we would pretty much agree with what is said here, it is what is not said that is to be of concern. To a Jehovah’s Witness ‘sin’ is much more than breaking God’s law, it is disobedience to the Watchtower Society, it is independent thinking, it is failing to fall in line with ALL that Jehovah’s spirit-directed organisation teaches.

“Avoid independent thinking…questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization.” (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1983 p. 22).

“[A] mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbour private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and “the faithful and discreet slave.”
(Watchtower, August 1st, 2001, p. 14).

2) A clean conscience before God.

A guilty conscience can easily lead to hopelessness and make us feel worthless. Through the forgiveness made possible by the ransom, though, Jehovah kindly enables us to worship him with a clean conscience despite our imperfection. (Hebrews 9:13, 14) This makes it possible for us to have freeness of speech with Jehovah. Therefore, we can freely approach him in prayer. (Hebrews 4:14- 16) Maintaining a clean conscience gives peace of mind, promotes self-respect, and contributes to happiness. (What the Bible really teaches p53)

Again, I have no problem with what is said here (other than their constant use of the name Jehovah!). Though as someone who has been involved in this group, I would testify that a guilty conscience is something that ordinary rank and file Jehovah’s Witnesses have to deal with on a daily basis. The guilt is often connected to the demands that the Watchtower places on individuals and families. The pressure to perform, to be doing ‘enough’ to please Jehovah is constant; especially so as ‘the end’ is so near!

3) The hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth.

“The wages sin pays is death,” says Romans 6:23. The same verse adds: “But the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” In Chapter 3 of this book, we discussed the blessings of the coming earthly Paradise. (Revelation 21:3, 4) All those future blessings, including life everlasting in perfect health, are made possible because Jesus died for us. To receive those blessings, we need to show that we appreciate the gift of the ransom.
(What the Bible really teaches p54)

In quoting Romans 6:23, the Watchtower rightly points out that the gift of God is everlasting life because of Jesus ransom sacrifice; but then the wrongly tag on their own belief that everlasting life is to be on a paradise earth. (see Review of Chapter 3). Notice what it says: To receive those blessings, we need to show that we appreciate the gift of the ransom. In the final section of this chapter, the Watchtower shows what you have to do to EARN the FREE GIFT.

The article says that there are 3 things that a person can do to ‘show appreciation’ for the ransom Jehovah provided:

1) Get to know more about the Great Giver, Jehovah. (John 17:3)

A study of the Bible with the aid of this publication will help you to do that. As you grow in knowledge of Jehovah, your love for him will deepen. In turn, that love will make you want to please him.—1 John 5:3. (What the Bible really teaches p55)

In other words, study our publications and find out all that the Watchtower tells you that you have to do to please Jehovah. Then, fear of being rejected at Armageddon, will make you want to please him.

2) Exercise faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.

Regarding Jesus, it is said: “He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life.” (John 3:36) How can we exercise faith in Jesus? Such faith is not shown by words alone. “Faith without works is dead,” says James 2:26. Yes, true faith is proved by “works,” that is, by our actions. One way to show that we have faith in Jesus is by doing our best to imitate him not just in what we say but also in what we do.—John 13:15. (What the Bible really teaches p55)

The quote from John 3:36 from the NWT has the word ‘exercises’ which does not appear in the Greek. This addition is to again endorse the Watchtower view that a person has to ‘work’ in order to receive the ‘gift of eternal life’. James 2:26 does indeed say that ‘faith without works is dead’ but this work flows from faith, out of a love for what God has done for us in Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. 1For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

No one worked as hard as the Apostle Paul to be please God, but he came to believe that salvation is by grace through faith, and no amount of good works will ever be enough to save a person.

It is interesting to note that when asked this question: “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered: “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:28,29 NKJV

3) Attend the annual observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal.

On the evening of Nisan 14, 33 C.E., Jesus introduced a special observance that the Bible calls “the Lord’s evening meal.” (1 Corinthians 11:20; Matthew 26:26-28) This observance is also called the Memorial of Christ’s death. Jesus instituted it to help his apostles and all true Christians after them to bear in mind that by means of his death as a perfect human, he gave his soul, or life, as a ransom. Regarding this observance, Jesus commanded: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) Observing the Memorial reminds us of the great love shown by both Jehovah and Jesus in connection with the ransom. We can show our appreciation for the ransom by being present at the yearly observance of the Memorial of Jesus’ death.(What the Bible really teaches p55,56)

So many things could be said about this but a couple of points will suffice.

The Watchtower are keen to invite the public to the memorial supper and every year millions of invites are given out. Linking gratitude to Jehovah with attendance at this event is just a ploy to make people attend. The memorial supper is a ‘big’ event for Jehovah’s Witnesses, but is what they do, biblical?

Clearly the Bible records Jesus words that we are to celebrate the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19), but where in the Bible does it say that partaking in it is limited to 144,000? Also, Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11 are quite challenging to Jehovah’s Witnesses:

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NKJV

As Paul explains the Lord’s Supper to the church at Corinth, he does not limit the partakers to 144,000. He also says that as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes. The Watchtower teaches that Jesus came in 1914… so why do they continue to have a memorial supper?

To a Jehovah’s Witness Christ’s ransom sacrifice did little more than give them an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of receiving everlasting life. If only they would read and accept what the Apostle Paul said:

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:6-11 NKJV

Please share these verses with the next JW who knocks on your door, and pray that God would deliver them from the kingdom of darkness into the glorious freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ our Lord!

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