PHILIP FACTOR: How do I Have a Christian Influence in the Modern World?

Text: Matthew 5:13-16

 

A Salt and Light Christian

 

Background Scripture: Philip and the Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)

 

I.  The Environment:

 

A.     THE EARTH: “Ye are the salt of the earth.”  The earth is the place where the curse is and this earth may be the representation of the heart of man, lost and corrupted.  But Jesus said in the Lord’s Prayer “Thy will be done in earth…” (Matthew 6:10).  Illustration: Elisha healing the spring of water (2 Kings 2:21).

 

B.     THE WORLD: “Ye are the light of the world.”  You can take the world here to mean the area of man’s intellect.  Without God’s light from His revelation, this world is a world of spiritual darkness.  Illustration: “Driven into darkness” (Isaiah 8:20) Isaiah is writing about Israel how they have turned after witchcraft and idols and have “no light left in them.”  He writes as a result the are driven around and stumble in darkness.

 

C.     PHILIP’S WORLD: He was Committed!

 

1.      He was a man to be trusted: (Acts 6:3) He was one of the seven men appointed over the business. (Honest Report – good reputation).

2.      He experienced the Holiness: (Acts 6:5) Full of the H.S.

3.      He accepted responsibility: (Acts 6:6) Laying on of hands

4.      He faced a time of difficult persecution: (Acts 6- Stephen was stoned and many followers of Christ were imprisoned.  The Church was scattered over Judah and Samaria; “Saul made havoc of the Church… therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word (8:3)

 

II. The Action:

 

A.     IT PERMEATES LIKE SALT:  (lit. filters through) Salt is almost invisible, but is effective in its working.  Salt must first get into touch with the corruption (of ungodliness) before it can heal.  It represents the unconscious influence a Christian can have in the world.  Illustration: “Preach the gospel and if you must, use words.”  The Gospel message is not used alone in the winning of a heart to the kingdom.  But somewhere alone the road of life, that person met an individual whose life radiated Jesus.  People often say “If I ever get religion, I want the kind that they have.”  I want to be that type of Christian!

 

B.     IT ILLUMINATES LIKE LIGHT: There is something to be seen.  The light is not something that is just put on.  The Christian Life is the light.  Illustration: John the Baptist “to bear witness of the light; that all men through Him, might believe” (John 1:7).    Having Christ inside our hearts, means a steady light shining from us.  A Christian is like a lamp with a candle inside.  Alone it is dark, but with the light inside of it, it radiates true beauty.

 

C.     PHILIP’S FAITHFULNESS: He was faithful in sharing the Gospel!

 

1.      Scattered abroad (Acts 8:4): This means lit. to scattered the seed.  God spread His people across the Middle East (Judah and Samaria).

2.      Samaria: Was a wicked city (false gods; demonic worship; diseases); the most wicked city in Palestine. 

3.      Miracle Performed: Acts 8:6 “The people with one accord gave heed unto those things… hearing and seeing the miracles that he did.”

4.      The Great Joy: Acts 8:7-8 – demons were cast out and the sick were healed.  “There was great joy in the city.”

  

III. The Nature:

 

A.     THE SALT MUST HAVE SAVOUR: Salt is good, but savourless salt is good for nothing.  You can have the shape and the same texture, but without its taste it is “good for nothing.”  It is not enough for us to hold the banner up and say “I am a Christian.”  We must also live the life of holiness and godliness.  Without the Holy Spirit in our lives we are “good for nothing.”  We must be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

 

B.     THE CANDLE MUST HAVE LIGHT: A candle is just a ball of wax if it does not have light.  Without a living flame it is worthless and it cannot light itself.  Illustration: The Church sign’s light.

 

C.     SIMON THE SORCERER: A Savourless Person (Acts 8:9-24)

 

1.      He believed and followed Philip’s miracles.

2.      He witnessed Peter and John praying for others to receive the Holy Ghost (He wanted that power and also the power to give it).

3.      He offered to buy the gift.

4.      Peter recognized his thought (lit. plot or scheme)

5.      Peter told him to: 1) Repent – He was not right with God v.21); 2) Full of bitterness and held captive by sin (v.23).

6.      Simon feared the curse (v.20).  He prayed for mercy (v.24), because he feared the loss of his wealth.

7.      Simon desired power.  He wanted what Peter and John had, but was not willing to serve God to experience the same thing.  Instead he wanted it and he also wanted the things of the world.

 

IV. The Purpose:

 

A.     TO SALT THE EARTH: “If Christians lose their savour, wherewith shall it be salted?”  If the world around us does not see Christ in us, where will the see Him?  We want the world to stop and say “He/She is a Christian!”

 

B.     TO GLORIFY THE FATHER: (v.16)

 

C.     PHILIP’S PURPOSE: He was obedient in following God and sharing the Gospel!

 

1.      He left a thriving revival in Samaria to follow God (Acts 8:26-27 “the angel of the Lord spake… and he arose and went.”

2.      The road to Gaza: This was a well fortified city, three miles from the coast and the last city in Palestine, before the desert. (Genesis 10:19 – and old city)

3.      The traveler that he met: An Ethiopian, who was Minister of Finance for Queen Candace’s kingdom.  He was that feared God and went to Jerusalem to worship (probably a proselyte – Deuteronomy 23:1).

4.      Philip and the Chariot: the driver was going the speed that aloud the Eunuch to read aloud.  Philip was easily able to reach him and ask “do you understand what you are reading?”

5.      Invitation for Philip to teach him: (Isaiah 53:7-

6.      Philip preached Jesus to him.

7.      The Baptismal (Acts 8:37) “if you believe with all your heart you may…”

8.      The Confession: “I believe that Jesus is the son of God!”

9.      Philip called away to Azotus: whether bodily rapture (Ezekiel 8:3) or he immediately left.  The Eunuch continued southward rejoicing and Philip northward preaching.

 

V. The Hindrance:

 

A.     IN LOSING THE SAVOUR: “Good for nothing.”  Illustration: Samson (Judges 16:20) “The Spirit, departed from him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 “Quench not the Spirit” – don’t put out the flame).

 

B.     IN HIDING THE LIGHT: Don’t hide the light!  2 Corinthians 4:6 says that the very purpose of the light is to get ride of darkness.  Illustration: What happens when you cover up a flame?  It dies from lack of oxygen.  Don’t let Satan blow it out!

 

C.     PHILIP’S EVER BURNING LIGHT:

 

Philip the Evangelist: Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

 

 Conclusion:

 

Though Satan now maketh the nations his prey,

The dominion of darkness shall soon pass away;

Exalting, we join heaven’s rapturous strains;

Alleluia, the Lord God omnipotent[1] reigns!

 

Commitment: Lets covenant together to be Christians that are salty and ones that our Saviour’s light shines through!

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[1] All-powerful; invincibleè Revelation 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Personal Finances

I.      Keep God First – Honor God out of what He has given you! a.       Give to God first: Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce. (3:9)b.      Giving to God first is rewarded: So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. (3:10); Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. (13:21)II.      Wisdom is more important than money – Ask God for wisdom before doing anything!a.       Wisdom brings wealth: Riches and honor are with me, Enduring wealth and righteousness. (8:18); to endow those who love me with wealth, that I may fill their treasuries. (8:21)b.       Wisdom yields better fruit than money: I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice (8:20)c.       Wisdom helps us to correctly use money: Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, when he has no sense? (17:16)d.      Wisdom gives one guards in the pursuit after money: Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. (23:4) 

III.      Righteousness – More Important than Wealth or Money!a.       Righteous people got their money honestly: Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, but trouble is in the income of the wicked. (15:6)b.      A Poor, blameless man is better of than a rich man: Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich. (28:6)c.      The Righteous are sometimes rewarded by God with financial success: Adversity pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. (13:21)d.      Righteousness vs. Injustice: Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice. (16:

IV.      Fearing God – Remember who will give an Account to someday!a.       Fear God: Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it. (15:16) b.      Humility and fear: The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life. (22:4)

V.      Diligence is Required for Excelling Financially – Plan for your Future!a.       Hard Workers vs. Lazy People: Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. (10:4)b.      Action vs. Talk: In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty. (14:23)c.      Planning: The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. (21:5)d.      Overspending: The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice. (21:7)

VI.      Limitations of Money – Keep it in the proper perspective!a.       Wrath of God – there is punishment for sin: Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death. (11:4)b.      Money doesn’t last: When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. (23:5); for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. (27:24) c.      Trust in God, not money: An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. (28:25); He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.  (11:2

VII.      Using Money for the right reasons:a.       Helping out with problems: The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, the ruin of the poor is their poverty. (10:15)b.      Leaving an Inheritance behind: A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. (13:22)c.      A Wife’s labors: She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night. (31:1

VIII.      Money can cause bad feelings – God made us all, no matter what our pay-stub says! a.       Favoritism of the Rich: The poor is hated even by his neighbor, but those who love the rich are many. (14:20) b.      Friendship: Wealth adds many friends, but a poor man is separated from his friend.  (19:4); all the brothers of a poor man hate him; how much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone. (19:7) c.       The problem with Thieves: The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, But the poor hears no rebuke. (13:8)  d.      A Good Reputation: A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.  (22:1)  e.      Braggingly Rich: The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. (22:7)

IX.      Generous Giving – Give generously to God and to others! a.       Generosity leads to more money: There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. (11:24)  b.      Generosity leads to spiritual refreshment: The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.  (11:25)c.      The Greedy end up with nothing: A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want will come upon him. (28:22)

X.      Honest Living – Earn your money honestly!  a.       Dishonest money: Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it.  (13:11)  b.      Dishonesty leads to poverty: He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.  (22:16) 

XI.      Greed – Don’t be a miser! a.       Family problems: He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. (15:27)b.      Prevailing Justice: He who increases his wealth by interest and usury gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. (28: c.      Asking God: Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion (30:  

Paul: The Teaching Pastor

A Biblical Understanding of Teaching/Preaching according to Pauline Literature 

            Teaching is one of the most important elements that a Christian can utilize in the reaching the degenerated world and discipling the regenerate.  Teaching can take many forms, from a formal classroom means of delivery, to home studies and then even behind the pulpit, which has become the clergies primary method of instruction.   

I. MOTIVATION of Biblical Pastoral Teaching - The Great Commission: 

            A. Command to make disciples of all nations 

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Jesus’ last message to His disciples and indeed to all Christians was to give them their obligation and duty to accomplish.  In the Great Commission, Christ issued an edict to all Christians to “make disciples.”  In making disciples, it doesn’t just mean sharing the Gospel message and leaving it at that, but sharing the Gospel and then training/teaching that disciple (which literally means follower) in the way that he should take.  True discipleship therefore, involves an intensive exercise of Biblical teaching. 

            B. Command to make disciples by means of teaching 

Matthew 28: 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  To make followers of Himself, Jesus was admonishing His disciples to accomplish this task by means of teaching.  The Greek word poreuqe,ntej is a participle of means.  We are to make disciples of all nations, by means of teaching them. 

            C. The power of the Gospel 

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  The power of the Gospel is one of the motivations for teaching and preaching.  It is through this that Paul is proclaiming his dedication to the message of salvation and declaring that it is for “the Jew first and also for Greek.” 

            D. The body of Christ has many members, with unique abilities 

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. ²⁸ And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  The church is made up of many different skilled people.  They are all skilled in different things.  This passage advocates the Christian using his area of strength for the glory of God.  Everyone does not have he gift of teaching, but everyone does have a specific area of excellence that they can use to strengthen the church. 

            E. A true servant of God must teach others            2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.  One of the primary responsibilities of the pastor is to teach.  Paul is writing to his beloved son in the faith and admonishing him on pastoral skills, that all ministers need to sharpen and implement in their ministry.  There are different types of teaching.  Some involve small groups, house visitation and the most used today, preaching. 

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.  One key aspect of the pastor is to be such a true servant of God and able to teach, that he can convince those who wouldn’t hearken.   

II. METHODOLOGY of Biblical Pastoral Teaching: 

            A. The House Church 

In Acts 20 the Apostle Paul, stated that in Ephesus he taught in public and from house to house.            B. The Open Air Services 

In Acts 16 Paul taught Lydia the seller of purple in a part of Macedonia.  Also in Acts 17 Paul taught on Mars Hill, expounding to the people.  He sought out something that they had that he could connect with them.  They had an alter to the unknown God, so he began to teach them about one that they did not know.   

            C. The Jail Ministry  

In Acts 16 Paul and Silas began their jail ministry.  Their method of teaching was to sing the majesty of God.  They sang so well, that they brought the house down. 

            D. The Extended Ministry  

Paul also stayed for extended periods of teaching at certain times.  In Acts 18, he stayed at Corinth for six months, teaching the word of God to them 

            E. Reasoning in the Synagogues  

In Acts 13:5 Paul taught in the synagogue at Salamis, he went to an established place of worship and preached Christ and the gospel to the Jews.  The end result was that the deputy believed, being astonished at the doctrine that Paul taught.  He taught them from the stories of the Old testament (Acts 13 - David, Moses, etc.). 

III. MECHANICS of Biblical Teaching: When, What 

            A. Practice what you teach/preach 

Romans 2:21 you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? In order to be an effective teacher/preacher, one must put into daily practice what one teaches.  Paul is proclaiming that you cannot teach one thing and do another, such actions are called hypocrisy. .   

Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, ⁸ Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.  Teacher must be of such examplatory character that someone that is trying to condemn you cannot do so, because of anything that you have done. 

            B. Preparing the foundation (Building up to more difficult subjects) 

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.  Teachers lay foundation blocks in young children’s mind.  As child developed throughout his life, he has many teachers, each taking their turn to build on that person’s life and aiding them to become the person God wants them to be. 

            C. The world is my class room 

1 Corinthians 4:15-17 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.  The responsibility of teaching is not just something that you present once to an individual but it is a process of accountability as you help that disciple of Christ grow in grace.  This gospel is not just something you preach in one church but to everyone, in every church, so that you may be His witnesses, both in your hometown, neighborhoods, nation, and world (Acts 1:8). 

            D. Comprehendible lecture 

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.  The teaching and proclaiming of the gospel message is not to be so complicated that your students cannot understand.  It is a simple clear message that is important, not the presentation of an exalted vocabulary.  

 

            E. Teach no new doctrine 

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  Avoid those who teach another doctrine than that which has been taught from the beginning.  What is essentially new is essentially false.   

Ÿ         1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.   

Ÿ         Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 

            F. Proper structure of the classroom/what to teach?            1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  There is a proper structure to the classroom.  One must operate the classroom properly and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). 

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. ² I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. ³ For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?  The lesson plans of the teacher should not have to stay on basic Christian doctrine forever, but as a student walks with God, there must be a deepening in their relationship, so that they can change their diet from “milk to steak.” 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  Teaching involves a spirit of admonition, as well as a spirit of worship to the Almighty God. 

IV. MILITANT PURPOSE of Biblical Teaching    

            A. Discipling  

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore into all the world and make disciples… 

            B. Admonishing the Brethren 

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  In teaching of the word, we must be ready and persistent and encouraging our people with good teaching. 

            C. Teaching about Christ 

The heartbeat of the Christian message.  Wherever Paul stopped he preached Christ to them. 

1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified… 

            D. Guarding the weak Believer  

Romans 15:1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.  The teacher also ought to protect the young disciplee until they can “get off the bottle” and start enjoying “the meat of the gospel.”  A teacher ought to place others ahead of his own interest and self-rights.  It comes down to the fact, does the teacher really love the student?  If so the student’s interests will be placed before that of the teacher. 

            E. Establish correct thinking 

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. 

            F. Communicate all good things 

Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 

            G. Perfecting of the saints and edifying of the body of Christ 

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.  The primary work of the teacher is the equipping of the saints.  This equipping is for: 1) The work of the ministry; and 2) The edifying of the body of Christ. 

V. MAGNIFICENT REWARD of Biblical Teaching:                        A. The harkening pupil is no longer the servant of sin 

Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed. 

            B. Pupils that reproduce themselves (prepared for the ministry) 

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 

            C. The firmly persuaded pupil 

Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.   

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 

            D. The development of their individual gifts of the Spirit 

Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: ⁵ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. ⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; ⁷ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; ⁸ Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Conclusion: 

If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. ~ Paul the Apostle

The False Witness

Summary of the Cult 

      The Jehovah Witnesses are a worldwide organization with approximately 6 million members worldwide.  They have approximately 700,000 full-time witnesses and have 5 million bible studies each week.  This organization was founded in 1884 as “
Zion’s Watchtower Tract Society.   The founders name was Charles Russell who was a devious character who suggested his books were better to read than the bible and was divorced by his wife in 1913 for adultery, conceit, egotism and domination. The Jehovah Witnesses also have their own translation of the Bible, called the New World Translation © 1961. 

Errant Teachings and Refutation:

        The first item to exam when studying cult evangelism, is the organization itself and the function of its founder in its history.  This organization is founded upon the principle that they are the only true witnesses of God.  The support this by using their translation, the New World Translation, Isaiah 43:10 “You are my witnesses.”  The refutation for this title that they give themselves if found clearly in the context of this verse.  This verse is not referring to a religious group, but to
Israel as a whole.  The emphasis that the Jehovah Witnesses place upon it is a clear misrepresentation of the scriptures. 

   The second errant teaching of the Jehovah Witnesses is in reference to their biblical version that they “translated.” The Jehovah Witnesses developed their own translation in 1961, called the New World Translation.  This version was supposedly developed as a more clear translation and was supposed to be more true to the Hebrew and Greek text, than the King James Version.  This version has many fallacies in it and this version was clearly written in an attempt to distort passages and to make them conform to Watchtower doctrine.  In the NWT there are many examples of how they have twisted the scriptures in order to mature their doctrinal beliefs.  An example of this is observed in John 1:1 where it says “The Word was a god” rather than “the Word was God.”  There translation is contrary to Greek grammar and is a clear misinterpretation of the definite article.  Also a statement that can be made to a Jehovah Witness to show how this is a misuse of the definite article, is that if they translate John 1:1 the way that they do, they must believe in more than one God.

       Other examples of the misinterpretations of the Jehovah Witnesses translation is seen in their translation of Colossians 1:16 in which they had the word other to the statement about Christ creating the world.  This completely changes the theology of the passage and is a clear misrepresentation of the Greek text.  The Watchtower also adds the name Jehovah in many insistences in the Bible.  In actually this word Jehovah is a made up word.  When the English speaking people of King James’ day translated this they did not know that this word was actually the Hebrew name Yahweh with the vowels of Adonai.  The Watchtower’s translation of the bible is based on bias and the translators, (only one having a college education), were focused only on propagating Jehovah Witness doctrine. 

     The second major mistake in the doctrinal teachings of the Jehovah Witnesses is that there are many fallacies and heresies that are present in their teaching.  The Jehovah Witnesses can be easily discredited by their numerous false prophecies that they have predicted over the last century.  In the book of Deuteronomy 18:17-22 it lists the qualifications of a false prophet and tells us how we can discern false prophets.

   And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. ¹⁸ I       will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my          words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. ¹⁹ And it      shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak    in my name, I will require it of him. ²⁰ But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a             word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the    name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. ²¹ And if thou say in thine heart, How      shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? ²² When a prophet speaketh           in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou             shalt not be afraid of him. 

    The clear definition of a false prophet in this passage is that if the things he predicts does not come to pass, then he is a false prophet.  Some examples of this can be seen in the Watchtower prediction that Armageddon would occur in 1914.  A second prediction that they made was that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would return from the dead in 1925.  A third prediction that they have made is that the end of the 6,000 years of human history would be in 1975.  All of these predictions never came to pass so we know from scripture that the are false prophets. Matthew 7:15 says, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 

     This fallacy in the Watchtower organization is emphasized by Charles Russell who prophesied that Christ would return in 1874.  When that did not occur, he changed the date to 1914.  When that did not happen either, he claimed that Christ had in fact retuned, but in an invisible sense and had begun to reign over the earth through the Watchtower organization.  They believe that in 1874 Jesus caught up the apostles and the dead members of the 144,000; 1914 was the time of the Gentiles ended and Christ began to reign and in 1918 He came to the spiritual temple and begun the judgment of the nations.   

      The third error in the teachings of the Jehovah Witnesses is in their teaching of the trinity.  They believe that the trinity is a doctrine originated by Satan so that the hearts of men would be turned away to follow after a polytheistic god.  The refutation for this is clear.  The Jehovah Witnesses also except the King James Version as a expectable version along with the NWT.  In the King James and even in the NWT the doctrine of the trinity can be proven by examining a number of passages in the scripture.  An example of how one can do this is by starting in Revelations 1:8 (God is the father), Isaiah 44:6 (only 1 God), Revelations 22:7 (I come quickly), Revelations 22:17 (I come quickly), Revelations 22:13 (Alpha and Omega), Revelations 22:20 (Jesus is the one who comes quickly), Acts 5:3 (Holy Spirit is God), and Acts 5:4 (Holy Spirit is a person – can only lie to a person).  Therefore from this we can deduce that there is three persons, one called God the Father, God the son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit. 

     The fourth mistake in the Jehovah Witnesses’ doctrine is found in their understanding of Jesus Christ.  They believe that Jesus is really the archangel Michael, who was the first creation of God, who then created the rest of creation.   They believe that Jesus came in bodily form as a man, died on a stake and then rose from the dead in an invisible form (his body was dissolved in the gases).  They also teach that Jesus returned in 1914 to rule over the earth in an invisible form and use the Watchtower as His mouth piece.  In Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the

kingdom of
God.  Also in 1 Corinthians 15 it also lists the numerous accounts of all that saw Jesus alive after His resurrection (Luke 24:36-40, John 2:19).  Even the point of their beliefs in which they state that Jesus died on a stake is unfounded, for the historical account in secular history is clear on the method of punishment as is the Greek language about this matter of Christ dieing on the cross.   As far as Christ returning in a spiritual sense to the earth in 1914, this is a violation of the prophecies in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 where it says, For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 

      The fifth fallacy presented by this cult is in there misunderstanding of the personage of the Holy Spirit.  They believe that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force or simply God’s active force on this earth.  This is clearly wrong; for the scriptures specifically say that the Holy Spirit has all three components of a personage.  The three aspects of personality that he has displayed overall in Acts 5 where He is showed distinctly as separately as a person is he has a mind, will and emotion.  The mind is also proven by 1 Corinthians 2:10, the will by 1 Corinthians 12:11, and emotion Ephesians 4:30.    

      The sixth error in the Jehovah Witnesses doctrine is in their understanding of the atonement.  They believe that the death of Christ removed the effects of Adam’s sin and that mankind is now placed into a position in which he can work out his own salvation.  In John 14:6, Jesus says to “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” 

     In their belief of the atonement they also have a misrepresented belief of what salvation is.  They believe salvation is earned through their works as found in the epistle of James.  They fail to understand that Jesus fulfilled every part of the redemptive process and that all that we need to do is repent, believe and receive the free gift of salvation (Acts 3:19).  Also in Ephesians 2:8 it says For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 

     A seventh fallacy is found in their eschatological beliefs.  The Jehovah Witnesses have many strange beliefs such as they will fight against the rest of the world with Jesus on their side and that the only ones who will go to heaven are the 144,000 and they will stay here on the paradise earth.  They also believe that there is no hell or lake of fire, but it is the grave and nothing more.  In Matthew 18:8 and Matthew 25:41-46 refer to the fact that there is a hell and a sport prepared for the devil and his angels and for those of God’s creation who reject Jesus as the messiah.        The Jehovah Witnesses have many strange beliefs.  They refuse to celebrate Christmas (it is worldly) and they do not celebrate birthdays because throughout the bible they only have connection with unpleasant events.  They also refuse to take blood transfusions as they believe that it would be like eating blood, which is forbidden by the scripture.                                            The Jehovah Witness also believes that it is alright to lie to a person in order to further their cause.  An example of this was found in Communist East Germany, where they would lie to public officials about who they were.  A more startling example is given by F.W. Thomas in his book Masters of Deception.  He related an account in which he was handing out tracts he had written revealing the fallacies of the Jehovah Witnesses.  He handed one of these to a JW and that man lied directly to him saying that he knew the author of the tract personally and that he was a disgruntled member who had robbed the organization of public funds.  He relates how he confronted the man with his lie by producing his driver’s license to prove that he was the author and that he had never been a Jehovah Witness.  The man refused to apologize and excused it as a means in which the world could be saved at any cost.  Some excuses the give for lying is that Rahab lied about the two Israelites hiding in her house and that Abraham, Isaac and King David lied on several occasions.  Regardless of the out come it is never right to do wrong.   

Witnessing to a Witness:   The Jehovah Witnesses are an organization that reaches out daily to the world with a passion to convince people of their beliefs.  They are also people that need to here the good news of the Gospel.  We can witness to them by simple following the two greatest commandments, love God and love our neighbour, basically let Jesus shine through.   

Here are some ways that Christians can share Jesus with a Jehovah Witness:  

1. Identity with a Jehovah Witness.  Show them that you value them as people and always remember that they were people before they were a cultist.   

2. Discuss persistently with a Jehovah Witness.  Talk with them until they refuse and walk away.  Share the gospel with them, it may be the only time they here it (Isaiah 55:11, Hebrews 4:12). 

3. Answer to the best of your ability every question that a Jehovah Witness asks you.  Also be prepared, study about them and what they believe.  They know very well what they believe and have bible verses and explanations that convince them of it.  This is why it is important to study and for Christians to know their Bibles well.   

4. Allow a Jehovah Witness to back away so that he can save his self image. 

5. Don’t approach a Jehovah Witness with a feeling of resentment and hatred.  If we are going to reflect Christ we must act like Him.  Be patient with a Jehovah Witness.  Listen to what they have to say as well and show them in love and kindness where their wrong and try to reconcile them to Christ. 

Conclusion: 

The Jehovah Witnesses are a growing religion and we as believers must be able to share the gospel with them.  We need to study and be more proficiently so that we can be in a place to do more than just tell them we disagree but prove to them in a loving way through the scriptures that they are following a way which leads to destruction.  Jehovah’s Witnesses are committed people and are people that we as conservative holiness Christians can learn from in the fervor for witnessing and their friendliness to those in the community around them.  We must pray for these six million people and love them to Jesus. 

Purpose of the Law: “Not under Law, but under Grace”

Modern and liberal scholarship has placed great emphasis on the suggestion that the law no longer is applicable in today’s Church world.  Greg Bahnsen, the dominion theologian, emphasizes in his book By this Standard that “a common working assumption is that the New Testament believers are not expected by God to live to the Old Testament stipulations.” This has become an issue of great controversy in current scholarship. 

The viewpoints emphasized by the various theological camps are numerous, with some declaring that a shift in our adherence to Old Testament law has been altered and some declaring that it remains the same.  Bahnsen supports the idea that the Old Testament is linked to the New Testament and together their form a continuance of God’s law.  He said “The Bible teaches that we should presume continuity between the ethnical standards of the New Testament and those of the Old, rather than abbreviating the validity of God’s law according to some preconceived and artificial limits.”

Old Testament Law still has a purpose for the New Testament dispensation: 

In Romans 15:4, the Apostle Paul gives the very purpose of the Old Testament.  Paul said that basically everything that is written in the Old Testament was written to teach us, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  The two testaments are indivisible; they depend upon each other for interpretation and comprehension.  Bahnsen says “the New Testament should interpret the Old Testament for us.”  The testaments are not two separate books, but one book, and with one key purpose: to guide mankind into a personal relationship with God. 

The Law is not just an isolated writing in the Old Testament, but it is also established in the New Testament.  Romans 3:31 says “Do we make void the law through faith?  God forbid: yea we establish the law.”  An individual who proclaims that they “are not under the law, but under grace” is saying that the New Covenant makes void the Old Covenant teachings.  The Old Testament law remains God’s standard and as a result it is “holy, just, good, and spiritual” (Romans 7:12, 14).

The real meaning of “not under the law, but under grace” can be summarized in the eight functions of God’s law.  Only seven of these principles apply to the Christian, because of the act of repentance that justifies us and declares us righteous before God.

1. The law is designed to impart wisdom to us so we can know the truth and please God.

Psalm 119:98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine.  Psalm 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth. 

Deuteronomy 4:6 “So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

2. The law is designed to reveal Christ.

Luke 24:44 Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”  

Galatians 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.

3. The law is designed to teach us how to be saved by faith, not by the works of the law.

Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.   Romans 7:10 and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me.  

Galatians 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.   Galatians 3:21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.  Romans 9:31 but
Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. ³² Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,  

Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

4. The law is designed to encourage faith in God and obedience to His commands.

Joshua 1:7 “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. ⁸ “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  

2 Kings 21:8 “And I will not make the feet of Israel wander anymore from the land which I gave their fathers, if only they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that My servant Moses commanded them.”

5. The law is deigned to teach us how to love God by fearing Him and keeping His commandments.

Deuteronomy 10:12 “Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,   Deuteronomy 11:1 “You shall therefore love the LORD your God, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments.  

Deuteronomy 11:13 “It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul,

6. The law is designed to teach us how to be blessed and happy.

Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.   Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”  

Psalm 119:1 Aleph. How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD.

7. The law is designed to reveal the sinfulness of sin and help restrain man’s sinful tendencies.

Romans 3:20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.   Romans 5:20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.  

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”  Galatians 3:19 Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.  

1 Timothy 1:9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers

8. The law is designed to bring a sense of guilt and condemnation on those who willfully violate God’s law.

Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God. Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.”   Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us– for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE “ 

The context of the term “law” in Pauline writings can have a few different meanings.  In one sense he uses it to refer to the Ten Commandments (Romans 13:8; 7:7).  In another sense he uses it to refer to an individual law (Romans 7:2-3).  A third sense is that he uses it to refer to the whole Old Testament (1 Corinthians 14:21, “In the law it is written…” ).  Paul also uses the term “law” to refer to rule or principle in which he speaks of the “law of faith” in Romans 3:27.  He also uses it as a legalistic term in reference to the misinterpretation of scripture (Romans 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:6).

The Old Testament and the Proper Use of the Law: 

The law, since the time of the fall, has become a means of condemnation and death.  The pre-fall period, would have brought life and well-being for obedience, but the law cannot bring about a means of justification in the life of a sinner.  The law in the hearts of men, can only be lived out through a spirit of obedience and servitude (a personal relationship with God), which results in the law being established through grace, by faith.

a)      The law declares the character of God and so reveals His glory – the kind of lifestyle and attitudes which the Lord requires of His people tells us about our God.

b)      The law displays the demand of God upon our lives as men – The law’s commands show us how we are to be like God, by clinging to His will for us.

c)      The law pronounces blessing upon adherence to its demands – God’s law is for our own well-being (Deuteronomy 10:13) and obedience to them is the pure delight of the righteousness of man (Psalm 1:1-2).

d)      The law provides a definition of sin – The law illustrates a standard of sin.  In 1 John 3:4 it declares that sin is “lawlessness.”

e)      The law exposes infractions and convicts of sin – The law judges thoughts and the intent of the heart.  It brings conviction on our sinfulness.

f)        The law works to incite rebellion in sinful men – It makes a sinner more defined in his rebellion against a holy God.

g)      The law condemns all transgressions as deserving God’s wrath and curse – God’s law brings justice and punishment for those who refuse to adhere to its principles.

h)      The law drives us to Christ for salvation – The lost have no hope if they chose to live a life apart from Christ.

i)        The law guides the sanctification of the believer – The law gives us a pattern in which to live our lives by in faithful service to God.

j)        The law also serves to restrain the evil of the unregenerate – The law is used to restrain the outward evil of ungodly and fallen man.

The Old Testament and Jesus Christ: 

Jesus did not come to cancel out the Old Testament, but He rather came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).  He did not come to perfect the law, for it was already complete (Psalm 19:7; Romans 7:12).  His purpose of His coming was not to make the law more internal, for it was already commanded in the Old Testament the requirement of an internal obedience to God (Deuteronomy 6:5-6; Psalm 51:10).

Jesus never contradicted the law.  In His Sermon on the Mount when He said “you have heard it said, but I say unto you” He was not contradicting the law.  It was rather a contradiction in regards to the tradition of the elders which were not in harmony with God’s law.  “Jesus never contradicted the law during His teaching ministry.”  We must obey all of God’s commandments.  As Bahnsen says “those who are not striving to become rivals to God by replacing His commands according to their own wisdom will endeavor to reflect His moral perfection by obeying all of His commands.”

The holiness of God is reflected in the law.  The character of God is irrevocable, He is a constant, He never changes (Malachi 3:6).  “The law that shows His holiness cannot be changed because His holiness is unchangeable.  The law is a standard for being like Him and for knowing Him intimately.”

In Romans 10:4 it says “For Christ is the end of the law of righteousness to everyone that believes.”  This does not mean that Jesus is the literal end or conclusion of the law.  The word ‘end’ does not mean termination point, but it is the goal toward which the law is directing us.  Everything in the law illustrates some truth about God.

Christ obeyed all of the laws perfectly, therefore not requiring an sacrifice to atone for Himself.  He came to do the will of God (John 6:3 and He obeyed all of the commandments (John 15:10).  Therefore if Jesus kept the spirit of the law, it is certain that the believers today should endeavour to keep the law.

The Old Covenant, The New Covenant and the Law:  Jeremiah 31:31 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, ³² not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. ³³ “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 

 The New Covenant was initiated at the time of the first celebration of the Eucharist, before Christ was crucified.  “We live today under the New Covenant administration of the redemption and are reminded of that every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper.”  The New Covenant and the Old Covenant are the same.  God did not throw away the law when the New Covenant was initiated.  There were some new additions made to the covenant, but it was essentially the same, in that it was now a renewed covenant.  “The New Covenant is a renewal of the ancient promises with new additions.” 

The gospel messages of both covenants are the same.  In Genesis 12:3 and 22:18 it declares, “in your seed shall all the nations of the world be blessed.”  In Hebrews 4:2 it says that the gospel was preached to the children of
Israel in the wilderness, but it did not profit them because they did not exercise the required faith.  Members of both covenants are regenerated the same way, by faith.  Galatians 3:8 says “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.”  Paul clearly denies any significant contrast in the gospel message of the Old and New Covenants.  In Romans 9:31-32 he explains that the reason for
Israel not attaining to God’s standard of righteousness is because they sought righteousness by the works of the law, and not by faith.  Conclusion: The Law represents a large portion of Scripture and is as important today, as it was for the Old Testament believer.  God is unchanging and His law is unchanging, it is the same yesterday, today and forever.  The interpretation of the Old Testament is very important an must be considered in light of the universal principles and specific applications of the testament.  The Law, the Gospel and means of salvation are still the same.  We must obey the commandments, follow the gospel of peace and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour of our lives by faith, through grace.

The Creed: The Hallmark of our Faith

Proverbs 22:28 “Remove not the ancient landmarks, which thy Fathers have set.” 

What is a creed?  It is from the Latin word credo, meaning I believe.  A creed is a statement of faith that confirms the historic doctrines of the Church.  It is what the voices of the past have echoed out with all their might and declared putting all else aside and saying “I believe!”

What is the purpose of the creed?  The purpose of the creed is to summarize the truths of scripture and to defend the Christian faith. 

Why are there a number of different creeds?  No single creed could cover all the basics of faith that needed to be defended.  Creeds were written and pronounced when needs arose to present them.

Why should we study the creeds?  The study of the creeds serves to remind us that we are not alone.  We are not the first ones to ever believe these doctrines.  They are the historic hallmarks of the Church.

 

The Apostles’ Creed: This creed was not written by the Apostles, but written in the 2^nd century, affirming what the Apostles taught. This Creed is used most often at Easter time.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church; the communion of the saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and life everlasting.  Amen.

Ø      This creed was intended to expose the errors of those who denied that Jesus was truly human and virgin born.  There were also some who denied that Jesus truly died, or that He physically rose again from the dead.  It also affirmed that the world is progressing towards a final judgment. 

Ø      The term “Catholic” – means universal and refers to the fact that there is only one true Christianity.

Ø