Sunday, December 30, 2012

Who is Michael the Archangel?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Michael the Archangel is the only begotten Son of God, creator and Lord of all.

Let's examine this belief in light of the scriptures.

Daniel 10:13 calls Michael "one of the chief princes". God's only Son- one of a group of princes?

Is Michael the Archangel an angel? One of God's angels?

After you answer that question,

Read through Hebrews 1:

For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”?
Or again,
“I will be to him a father,
and he shall be to me a son”?
And again, when he brings othe firstborn into the world, he says,
p“Let all God's angels worship him.”
Of the angels he says,
q“He makes his angels winds,
and his ministers a flame of fire.”
But of the Son he says,
r“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
10 And,
u“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11 they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
12 like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.1
But you are vthe same,
and your years will have no end.”

I have left the cross references in for a reason, so that you may take a look at those scriptures as well. Take your time, then read Hebrews 1 and 2 all the way through. May your search be blessed.

13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
   
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8h ESV)


Saturday, December 29, 2012

Are you ready for the great tribulation?

"Jesus saves us from the wrath to come"-- 1 Thessalonians 1:10

For some more insight on the great tribulation I recommend that you read Luke chapter 21 all of the way through, paying close attention with an open mind.

May God's Word be a lamp to your step.

Jehovah's Witnesses say that Jesus is not your mediator.

"Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is … to only 144,000 members" Worldwide Security under the Prince of Peace, p10

“There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus.” - 1 Timothy 2:5 “Christ is a mediator of a new covenant.” - Hebrews 9:15

Moses was the mediator of the Law covenant between Jehovah God and the nation of Israel. –Insight on the Scriptures under Mediator
Then who is your mediator? 

God’s prophet and channel of communication to the nation of Israel was Moses… Later, the anointed faithful followers of Jesus Christ were to serve as a “faithful and discreet slave” in communicating to Jehovah’s people how to apply Bible principles in their lives. Watchtower 1993 2/1 p. 15

Moses helped the nation of Israel to keep the covenant and to receive its benefits…–Insight on the Scriptures under Mediator The “great crowd” of “other sheep” that is forming today come under benefits that flow from that new covenant … by associating with the “little flock” of those yet in that covenant. Watchtower 1979 4/1 “No one comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6


The scriptures state that Jesus is the one and only mediator. Can you reconcile this with the doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

"The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ." (Watchtower, Sep. 15, 2010)

"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord"-- 2 Corinthians 4:5

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Advent and Christmas: My thoughts after a year and five months of freedom from the Jehovah's Witness religion.

"Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me." says Yahweh of Armies. (Malachi 3:1) John the Baptist was "The voice of one who calls out, 'Prepare the way of Yahweh!'" (Isaiah 40:3) Advent is a time for us to reflect on this preparation, knowing that the Lord is coming back, we need to be ready, repenting and believing that when He returns, He will give us eternal life.

May we never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” As we await His return. (Revelation 4:8) “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done." (Revelation 22:12, Isaiah 40:10, 62:11) Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)

These are my reflections today.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

My thoughts on Christmas 5 months after being saved

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas.

We have decided in my family the important thing to remember, and what I emphasize to my kids when so many are celebrating the birth of a baby, is this:
Christ was Lord and King at birth, before having done anything on earth. Luke 2:11

I was also surprised that this Christmas carol, and most that I have heard, are Biblical:
 

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Glory to the newborn King!

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! (Revelation 5:13)
Hail the Son of Righteousness! (2 Peter 1:19; Malachi 4:2)
Light and life to all He brings (John 1:4; 1 John 5:12)
Ris'n with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2)
Mild He lays His glory by (Hebrews 2:9)
Born that man no more may die (John 3:16; Romans 6:23)
Born to raise the sons of earth (John 6:54, Philippians 3:21)
Born to give them second birth (Titus 3:5, John 1:18)
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!" (Luke 2:11)

Christ by highest heav'n adored (Hebrews 1:5,6)
Christ the everlasting Lord! (Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:10,11)
Late in time behold Him come (John 5:40)
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see (Colossians 2:9)
Hail the incarnate Deity (John 5:23)
Pleased as man with man to dwell (John 1:14)
Jesus, our Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23)
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Disassociation Letter


Dear Jehovah’s Witnesses, 

You may be wondering why you haven’t seen us recently. We have been working through some things and thought we would let you know what they are. We know how important it is to “make sure of all things” and “always make a defense for the faith that is in you”. 

1. Who is my mediator?  Who is your mediator? 


"Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is … to only 144,000 members" Worldwide Security under the Prince of Peace, p10 “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 “Christ is a mediator of a new covenant.”Hebrews 9:15

Moses was the mediator of the Law covenant between Jehovah God and the nation of Israel. –Insight on the Scriptures under Mediator  God’s prophet and channel of communication to the nation of Israel was Moses…  Later, the anointed faithful followers of Jesus Christ were to serve as a “faithful and discreet slave” in communicating to Jehovah’s people how to apply Bible principles in their lives. Watchtower 1993 2/1 p. 15

Moses helped the nation of Israel to keep the covenant and to receive its benefits…–Insight on the Scriptures under Mediator The “great crowd” of “other sheep” that is forming today come under benefits that flow from that new covenant … by associating with the “little flock” of those yet in that covenant. Watchtower 1979 4/1 “No one comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6

We have decided to accept Christ as our one and only mediator, as the scriptures state. Can you reconcile this with the doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

2. Believing or Exercising?


Another discrepancy: “It is for the reward of eternal life that every last person on earth should now be working… [Jehovah’s Witnesses] are working hard now for the reward of                        eternal life… making themselves eligible to receive the reward of eternal life.”  WT, Aug. 15, 1972

When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. Romans 4:4,5

It is clear that Paul wrote to the Galatians, people who had already accepted Christ’s sacrifice, in order to correct them of their erroneous view of adding works as a requirement for righteousness. “You are parted from Christ, whoever you are that try to be declared righteous by means of law; you have fallen away from his undeserved kindness. How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying that a person has life.” For such freedom Christ set us free. Therefore stand fast, and do not let yourselves be confined again in a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 3:3,12; 5:4;1 
Upon using the Kingdom Interlinear translation I found that at John 3:16,18,36 and similar Scriptures, the Greek word is “believing”. The word “exercising” has been added in the New World Translation.

3. The Anointed and the Other Sheep Class

 



Romans 8:8… “So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God. However, you are in harmony, not with the flesh, but with the spirit, if God’s spirit truly dwells in you. But if anyone does not have Christ’s spirit, this one does not belong to him. You received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: “Abba, Father!” The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children. Everyone who practices righteousness has been born from him. See what sort of love the Father has given us, so that we should be called children of God; and such we are. Everyone believing that Jesus is the Christ has been born from God, Romans 8:8,9,161 John 2:29; 3:1; 5:1 A Watchtower recently admonished us to walk in spirit as in Romans 8:1-8. Look at scriptures in context!

The Watchtower says: "Only a limited number are born again. The great crowd does not need to be born again. Their life is earthly, not heavenly." - Watchtower 4/1/1988, p. 4
But wait, the Kingdom of God is not just in heaven!!!
"Manifestly, God’s kingdom comes to earth and his will is then done on earth "-- Watchtower 1/1/1959 p.25-29

Look at the parable of the wheat and the weeds. When the wheat are left over: “At that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matthew 13:43 Only righteous children of God are allowed in the Kingdom, whether in heaven or on earth.  There is no other sheep class in Romans 8, Matthew 13, or 1 John 3 only two classes of people are mentioned and if they are not Children of God, being led by Holy Spirit and guaranteed a reward then they are not part of God's people at all. I think that apostate doctrines are dooming the Great Crowd of Jehovah’s Witnesses to the fate of no mediator, no Heavenly Father, and no hope. “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.” Psalm 37:29 “Everyone who practices righteousness has been born from him.” 1 John 2:29


I also see that if one is a Child of God, then one is part of the kingdom covenant as well. Romans 8:17; There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for YOU are all one [person] in union with Christ Jesus. Moreover, if YOU belong to Christ, YOU are really Abraham’s seed, heirs with reference to a promise. Galatians 3:28,29

4. Is Michael the Archangel Jesus, the only begotten Son of God?


I think that the identity of Jesus Christ is the most important doctrine one must get right. If you do not believe that I am you will die in your sins. John 8:24 Everyone that denies the Son does not have the Father either. 1 John 2:23     I  am    γώ εμι,  John 8:24  Kingdom  Interlinear.    

Who is Jesus Christ? The Apostle John has this to say about Jesus Christ: he was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God. Look at the context with the quotes. This was John speaking, not the Pharisees, but John saying this at John 5:18. John also has this to say: He that confesses the Son has the Father also. Whoever has the Son has eternal life  Jesus Himself said: in order that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He that does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.. 1 John 2:23; 5:11,12; John 5:23

‘Michael the great prince’ is none other than Jesus Christ himself.Watchtower 12/15/84 I cannot agree, after reading Hebrews chapter 1 and 2 that Jesus is Michael the Archangel. To which one of the angels did he ever say: “You are my son; I, today, I have become your father”? But with reference to which one of the angels has he ever said: “Sit at my right hand, until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet”? Michael the Archangel? For it is not to angels that he has subjected the inhabited earth to come, about which we are speaking. But we behold Jesus, who has been made a little lower than angels, crowned with glory and honor.
 
Insight on the Sciptures, Under Michael: Scriptural evidence indicates that the name Michael applied to God’s Son before he left heaven to become Jesus Christ and also after his return.” To which name should every knee bow? Michael? No, it is to God’s name. Is it not I, Jehovah, besides whom there is no other God; a righteous God and a Savior, there being none excepting me? By my own self I have sworn—out of my own mouth in righteousness the word has gone forth, so that it will not return—that to me every knee will bend down, every tongue will swear. It is to Jesus. so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord Isaiah 45:21-23 Phil 2:10, 11

“I, Jehovah, am doing everything, stretching out the heavens by myself, laying out the earth. Who was with me?” Isaiah 44:24 But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.” Hebrews 1:8-10

“You are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “even my servant whom I have chosen, in order that you may know and have faith in me, and that you may understand that I am the same One. Before me there was no God formed, and after me there continued to be none. I—I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no Savior.” Isaiah 43:10,11 In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. John 1:1 Hmmm…


This is what Jehovah has said, the King of Israel and the Repurchaser of him, Jehovah of armies, ‘I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God. And who is there like me? Isaiah 44:6 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. I am the Al´pha and the O·me´ga, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Happy are those who wash their robes, that they may gain entrance into the city by its gates. Outside are the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie. I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you” Revelation 22:12-16

5. Destroys families and deceives 


In contrast to “No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family.” of Awake! July 2009 p.29, “Does the study of the Bible lead to family breakup? No.” We have examples in the Watchtower of parents deciding to obey the organization instead of allowing their natural feelings for their children:  But they love their son so much! Strong emotions might cause them to reason: ‘How can we help our boy return to Jehovah if we severely limit our association with him? Would we not accomplish more by maintaining regular contact with him?’ But what will those dear parents do? Will they obey Jehovah’s clear direction? Or will they rationalize that they can have regular association with their disfellowshipped son? July 15 2011 However, because he did not receive even the slightest communication from any of his family, the burning desire to be with them became one motivating factor in his restoring his relationship with Jehovah. Think of that if you are ever tempted to violate God’s command not to associate with your disfellowshipped relatives. April 2012 Page 12, paragraph 17

No where in the Bible do I see these commands. Once again I remember to obey God: “For men will be having no natural affection, and from these turn away. 2 Tim 3

6. False Christs:

 

I have decided to listen to the Bible and to Jesus, rather than to men, to the writers of the Jehovah’s Witness literature. “But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts.”--1 Peter 3:15 His name should therefore be sanctified, or set apart as holy. -- Watchtower 1991 9/15 p. 7
…the title “Christ” means “Anointed One” --Watchtower 1969 1/1 p. 29 "First, though, these anointed Christians needed cleansing. As Malachi 3:1-5 had foretold, Jehovah God and his 'messenger of the covenant,' Jesus Christ, came to inspect the spiritual temple in the spring of 1918." Watchtower 1993 5/1 p. 15

Religious history is also full of charismatic leaders who inspired people to be devoted to them but who brought disaster upon their followers. “Be careful that no one misleads you,” warned Jesus, “for many men will come in my name saying ‘I am the Christ’, and they will mislead many.” (Matthew 24:4, 5, Phillips)—Watchtower 1998 2/15 p. 23

At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time. Matthew 24:23-25

"The book You May Survive Armageddon into God’s New World, released last June, and the article “Jehovah Is in His Holy Temple,” published in the November 15 English issue of The Watchtower, prove that Jehovah came accompanied by his Angel of the covenant, Jesus Christ, to the spiritual temple in the spring of 1918."--Watchtower 12/15/55 p. 748

How could we listen to this instead of Jesus Christ? So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:26,27

God, who long ago spoke on many occasions and in many ways to our forefathers by means of the prophets, has at the end of these days spoken to us by means of a Son, For if the word spoken through angels proved to be firm, and every transgression and disobedient act received a retribution in harmony with justice; how shall we escape if we have neglected a salvation of such greatness in that it began to be spoken through [our] Lord. Hebrews 2:1-3For one is your teacher. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ. Matthew 23:8-10 And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but, as the anointing from him is teaching you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in him. 1 John 2:27

If you are reading this, we want you to know that we love you. It is our sincere hope that Christ may dwell in your hearts and you will know the breadth and length and depth of His love. We will be bowing our knees before the Father asking for His intervention in your lives. Ephesians 3:14-21; Matthew 5:43-44

We will no longer associate ourselves with an apostate cult.



Saturday, December 8, 2012

Jehovah's Witnesses replace Christ

"The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ." (Watchtower, Sep. 15, 2010)

Who is Jesus? Is the God of Jehovah's Witnesses his Father?

He is the image of the invisible God, for no one has seen God but the only begotten God has revealed Him. Colossians 1:15; John 1:18

For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. John 12:47

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28


“Drink, for this is my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:28

Does the Jehovah that Jehovah's Witnesses worship give rest? Does he save the world, or judge it? Is he humble enough to wash his followers feet?

Friday, December 7, 2012

If we die and go to heaven, why do we need a resurrection? After all, would it not be better for us to all stay in heaven? And what are we going to be doing all day?


Good question. Jesus says, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life" -John 6:54. And He makes it clear that this includes Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Matthew 22:32) "I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven." --Matthew 8:11 "By faith Abraham... But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one." --Hebrews 11:8-16

2 Corinthians 5:8 "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

Acts 7:59 "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" -Stephen

Christians' desire is to be with the Lord, because we love Him so and desire Him more than anything. "Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. He is mine forever." Psalm 73:25; Song of Solomon 6:3; Psalm 73:26

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ... with minds set on earthly things." Colossians 3:2; Philippians 3:18-21

As we see Stephen says above, the Christian's Spirit goes to heaven. But this is not our final destination. For if we finish John 6:54 Jesus goes on to say of the Christian who HAS eternal life, "and I will raise him up at the last day." We see what happens on that last day in Revelation: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. I saw also the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. and thus we shall always be with [the] Lord." Revelation 19:1; 21:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Thursday, December 6, 2012

What is the good news?

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. -- Titus 3:4-7

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

“The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers”


The last time I talked to my mom she said, “Satan has blinded your mind”. So I told her to quote me the rest of the scripture. She of course, could not, since cults will pull scriptures out of context.

Here it is, 2 Corinthians 4:4:
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,


I am not the one blinded from the gospel of the glory of Christ. Those who stay in the cult are.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Do Christians go to heaven when we die? part 2

In part one we saw that Paul was looking forward to death, so that he could be with Christ.

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that most faithful Christians have no hope of going to heaven. This also includes all faithful who died before Christ's resurrection. Is this what the Bible says?

I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. --Matthew 8:11

By faith Abraham... lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah... All these died in faith... and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. --Hebrews 11:8-16

But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. --Philippians 3:20-21

Jehovah's Witnesses are right that the Bible speaks of a new earth. And since the Bible does mention it, why don't Christian churches talk about it much?

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

So why do Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize the teaching of a new earth?
"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. --Philippians 3:18-21

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life...

Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, both low and high, rich and poor together!

Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life,
for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
that he should live on forever and never see the pit.

 

But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,

for he will receive me. Psalm 49

Do Christians go to heaven when we die?

John 6:58 "Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."

1 John 3:14 "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." 

1 John 5:13 "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." 

John 8:51"I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!" 

Romans 8:2 "because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." 

Romans 8:11 "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you."

2 Corinthians 12:2 "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows."

2 Corinthians 5:8 "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

Philippians 1:22-23 "If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."

Acts 7:59 "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" 



My next question is then.... The Bible speak of the meek inheriting the earth, so why does Paul wish to depart from his body to be with the Lord? 

 

And why do Jehovah's Witnesses seem to be the only ones who talk about a paradise earth?

Saturday, November 10, 2012

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God. --Romans 4:5


But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—your minds may well put be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ! --2 Corinthians 11:3,4


When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. - Romans 4:4,5  "But the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23


"How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying that a person has life.” But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, He has perfected those who are being sanctified. That through his death... he might emancipate all those who for fear of death were subject to slavery all through their lives.- Galatians 3:3,12; Hebrews 10:12-14;2:14,15


It is clear that Paul wrote to the Galatians, people who had already accepted Christ’s sacrifice, in order to correct them of their erroneous view of adding works as a requirement for righteousness:

“You are parted from Christ, whoever you are that try to be declared righteous by means of law; you have fallen away from his undeserved kindness. How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 



For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying that a person has life.” For such freedom Christ set us free. Therefore stand fast, and do not let yourselves be confined again in a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 3:3,12; 5:4;1

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised.-- Romans 4:1-3, 10-11



Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." John 7:37-38; 4:10

Then he said to me, 'It has already happened. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give water from the well of life free to anybody who is thirsty; whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 21:6; 22:17

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." --Titus 3:3-6


At John 3:16,18,36 and similar Scriptures, the Greek word is “believing”. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9

But we can all think of examples of people who simply say that they believe or think they are saved with nothing to show for it, can we not?


Then what is the catalyst, what distinguishes a person from being either saved or not saved?
The Spirit.

"Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." --Romans 8:8,9



The guarantee of that salvation is the mark of the Spirit:

you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. (Ephesians 1:14 compare 2 Corinthians 5:5)

"If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." –Romans 8:10-11


And the fruit of the Spirit are things that the Spirit causes us to have, and by their fruits you will know them. The scripture does not say to work on these things. On the contrary these things are fruit, and the works of the flesh are opposed to this fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23)



Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God,  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5


http://wolfmueller.wordpress.com/2011/10/30/oh-yeah-jesus-died-a-summary-of-reformation-teaching/

Monday, November 5, 2012

"I cannot. I cannot atone for my sin; I cannot earn heaven; I cannot make things right. I cannot please God. I cannot."

If you have been confused by all the religions of the world; if you have despaired of finding anything resembling absolute truth, you may be at peace. Listen as Luther points out why Christianity is unique and why Christ is the only Savior this world will ever see. In the Small Catechism, the simple book he wrote so fathers and mothers might be better able to share the Savior's story of salvation with their little ones,...listen again to the first two words: "I cannot." That's it. Those two words, "I cannot" is the confession which sets Christianity apart from all the other religions of the world.

Please, investigate the hundreds of religions, the thousands of belief systems, the tens of thousands of divinities which have appeared and faded from the pages of human history. If you do, you will find that they all say, "You must try. You must try to bridge the gulf sin has created between you and god. You must try to pay the price for all you have done wrong. You must try to find a way that will transform your god's frown into a smile." "You must try" is what these faiths say and try is what their followers do.

Understand, I share these things not as a mockery of other faiths. Not at all, I stand in awe at their sincerity, the loyalty, the lengths to which people will go to win the favor of their divine.

Luther confessed, "I cannot. I cannot atone for my sin; I cannot earn heaven; I cannot make things right. I cannot please God. I cannot."

This would indeed be a dark and dreary message if those words were the final thought I had to share with you. Thankfully, there is more to be said; there is good news to be delivered. God's good news is this: "While we were yet sinners, Christ came to die for us." Another passage underscores God's good news when it says, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life which comes through Jesus Christ." God's good news assures, "By grace are you saved, through faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior." Luther was led to believe, as millions believe, as you need to believe: even though we sinners cannot fix things, God can. In other words: "Although I cannot, God can and God does."

quoted from a sermon by Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Are you afraid to know who Jesus really is because you will be put "out of the synagogue"? (John 12:36-43)

Are you afraid to know who Jesus really is because you will be put "out of the synagogue"?

"While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. Though he had done so many signs before them,
they still did not believe in him, so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

 
“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,
“He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them.”

 
Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.-- John 12:36-43 ESV

Monday, October 29, 2012

How can I pray to Jesus?

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.... That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father." Matthew 28:18; John 5:23

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in Christ's bodily resurrection: Is it really that important?

John 2:18-21 says:
'Destroy this temple and in three days, I will raise it up." The Jewish leaders said, "It took 46 years to build this temple and you're going to raise it again in three days?" But He was speaking of the temple of His BODY.

But the Watchtower says:
"According to the inspired Scriptures, Jesus Christ was not raised to life in the flesh " (Watchtower 8/1/1975 p. 478)

Why is this important? 


We can see why at 1 Corinthians 15:14-17:
If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 
Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, ...
And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

and Romans 4:25:
Jesus our Lord was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. (New King James Version)

He was delivered up for the sake of our trespasses and was raised up for the sake of declaring us righteous. (New World Translation)

If you need more information on the term justification please look up the Greek word dikaiósis: http://biblesuite.com/greek/1347.htm

Once again, lets compare the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses with God's Word:


Chapter 17 of "You can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth" talks extensively of Jesus resurrection, saying:   "Having given up his flesh for the life of the world, Christ could never take it again and become a man once more... when Christ was raised from the dead, his fleshly body was no longer in the tomb. (Mark 16:5-7) Also, after his death Jesus appeared to his disciples in a fleshly body to show them that he was alive. Once He even had the apostle Thomas put his hand into the hole in His side so that Thomas would believe that He had actually been resurrected. (John 20:24-27) Does this not prove that Christ was raised alive in the same body in which he was put to death? No, it does not."


Luke 24: 34-40: “While they were speaking of these things [the Lord] himself stood in their midst ...But they were imagining they beheld a spirit. So he said to them: “Why are ​YOU​ troubled, and why is it doubts come up in ​YOUR​ hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; feel me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones just as ​YOU​ behold that I have.” [[And as he said this he showed them his hands and his feet.]]

 

Will you believe God's Word over that of man's?




Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Sin and Redemption

Men are not condemned because they have not followed the law, no, they are condemned already and the law is set up to show them that... St. Cyril of Alexandria explains,

"The Law entered in so that the many-sided nature of the fall of those who were under the Law might be made clear. Nobody could ever be made righteous because of the weakness of human nature. Rather, everyone condemned themselves by their own crimes of transgression. The Law came as the revealer of our common weakness, so that the human race would appear even more clearly to need the aid of the medicine of Christ."

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already" John 3:18

 John Wesley saw sin as a malignant disease. "Salvation" means, in the original, "healing".

In orthodox thought God did not angrily punish Adam and Eve for their sin, but rather he was moved with compassion. He immediately covered their shame with animal skins and revealed His plans for their redemption. Expulsion from the garden was required that all men did not live forever in the state of sin, separation from God. The day of judgment is also required to remove those who would continue in this state rather than availing themselves of the cure, the Spirit of God, to the separation from Him that causes sin and death, in order that God's children can realize His full purpose for them.

"for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:56

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Monday, October 22, 2012

There is a great misunderstanding of what a Christian preaches. We actually do not expect anyone to live up to the laws in the Bible.

We know that no one can live up to the laws in the Bible.That is why we need a Savior.


"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." 
2 Corinthians 5:21;  Hebrews 10:14;

"Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word," 
(the church means all believers) 
Ephesians 5:25-26

http://onemediator.blogspot.com/2012/10/who-does-god-save.html 


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

“Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life." John 6:68

 Why did Peter say this? Let's look at the context of the chapter:

Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to ​YOU, Unless ​YOU​ eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ​YOU​ have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day; for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said: “This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?” Owing to this many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him. Therefore Jesus said to the twelve: “YOU​ do not want to go also, do ​YOU?” (John 6:53-67)

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life...Unless ​you​ eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ​you​ have no life in yourselves.

(John 5:39-40; 6:53)

Coming soon: What does the Jehovah's Witness organization have to say about this?

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

To Whom Do You Belong?

"To whom do you belong? Which God do you obey?
For just the one to whom you bow Your master is, you serve him now.

You cannot serve two gods; ..."

This is Song 207 in the book Sing Praises to Jehovah that I used when I was an active Jehovah's Witness. It is titled "To Whom Do We Belong?" and 1 Corinthians 6:20 is cited.

So let's answer the question. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says "for ​you were bought with a price."

Who is the Lord that bought us? Romans 14:8-9 answers:

"So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord*. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.”

I have also noticed that Colossians 3:23-24 says to "do everything whole-souled as to Jehovah... slave for the master, Christ."

and Ephesians 6:5-7 "You slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters ... as to the Christ, not by way of eye‐service as men pleasers, but as Christ’s slaves, ... Be slaves with good inclinations, as to Jehovah,"

The New World Translation also says that Jesus is "a god". Notice what the song says, "You cannot serve two gods; two Masters cannot share". The song is correct. Matthew 6:24, Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 5:7.

To whom do you belong?






(*Keep in mind that the New World Translation says Jehovah instead of Lord when the Greek word kupiw and kupiou are translated in the first 3 instances of the word in these verses. Luke 17:5, John 20:2, Romans 14:14, and Romans 16:18 are a few examples of the same Greek words translated by the New World Translation as Lord and referring to Jesus. Please consider getting a Kingdom Interlinear Translation from Jehovah's Witnesses so that you can verify the Greek yourself.)


Song 207 To Whom Do We Belong? (1 Corinthians 6:20)

To whom do you belong? Which God do you obey?
For just the one to whom you bow Your master is, you serve him now.

You cannot serve two gods; Both masters cannot share

The love of your heart in its every part. To neither you'd be fair.

To whom do you belong? Which God will you obey?
For one is false and one is true, So make you choice; it's up to you.

Shall Caesar of this world Claim your allegiance still?
Or will you obey the true God today and vow to do his will?

To whom do I belong? Jehovah I'll obey.

This God of truth I'll gladly serve; From paying my vow I'll not swerve.

He bought me at great cost; I've ceased from serving men.

The death of his Son my ransom has won; I'll not turn back again.

To God we do belong! There's no uncertainty.

The unity that he foretold We now experience in his fold.

Just like the fragrant oil Upon the high priest's head,

We find it so sweet together to meet and with his truth be fed.

(Sing Praises to Jehovah, songbook, Jehovah's Witnesses)