Jehovah's Witnesses or True Witnesses for Jehovah?

"'You are My witnesses,' declares the LORD,..." (Isaiah 43: 10, NASB).

I well remember conversing with a Jehovah's Witness friend on the above Scripture text earlier this year. He passionately argued his point that this verse refers to Jehovah's Witnesses, because they are among the only one's who faithfully go door to door "witnessing" to people. I reminded him that Mormons claim the same thing as well, that they are also among the only ones who faithfully "witness" door to door as well. The truth be told, both religions cannot be right, due to the fact that they differ on so many doctrinal points. However, more importantly is the fact that Paul warns the Church today that they preach a "different gospel" as well as"another Jesus" (2 Cor. 11: 4; Gal. 1: 6).

Now as for the above Scripture text that my witness friend shared with me. I pointed him to verses 8-9 and explained to him that these verses tell us plainly that among "all the nations" in the world, Israel was the "chosen" nation to be the true "witnesses" for Jehovah. This of course totally contradicts Watchtower teachings that claim Jehovah's Witnesses as the so called true "witnesses." The very context of the passage here in Isaiah 43: 8-13 speaks for itself. Another important key point to consider is God states that Israel (as well as the Church as a whole) "are My witnesses." The Jehovah's Witnesses cannot be the Lord's true "witnesses'' on the grounds that they falsely represent God, by denying the deity of Christ (see John 1:1, 14, 18; Acts 20: 28; Col. 1: 19; 2: 9, NASB).

In the New Testament, we see the phrase "My witnesses" being used again (Acts 1: 8). So we learn the truth here that:
(1.) Jews were to be the chosen witnesses (see Isa. 43: 10, 12).
(2.) the Church consisting of both Jews and Gentiles are the chosen witnesses (see Acts 1: 8; 2: 32; 3: 15; 4: 33; 5: 32; Rom. 10: 12; Gal. 3: 28; Col. 3: 11).
(3.) finally, Christians are the Lord Jesus Christ's "witnesses" (Acts 1: 8; Isa. 43: 10, 12).
This of course lends further proof that Jesus is also Jehovah, even though both are distinct Persons, yet both are one God.

To add fuel to the fire of deception, my witness friend tried to apply Acts 5: 38-39 to my opposition against the Watchtower Society, which states, "So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God! So they took his advice" (ESV). The truth is the above Scripture text, particularily the phrase in verse 38, "for if this plan [doctrine; teaching] or this undertaking is of man, it will fail." Of course, I have faithfully showed my witness friend over and over again the Scripture texts that condemn the false Watchtower teachings. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to discover that the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses "is of man," and has failed time and time again. Their history reveals this in their number of false prophecies. So the truth is, they are found to be the ones "opposing God!"

Struggling to Believe in God?

"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14: 1; 53: 1, NASB).

We are presently living in such difficult times that it is hard to believe in a God who appears so indifferent to the many real struggles that people are going through. During such times of trial. It will do one of two things to a person. It will either make them "bitter" or "better." Sadly, many choose to be bitter rather than better. I have met many such people over the years that claim themselves to be "atheists." Such people at first, appear normal and happy, Not at all bitter, until you bring up the subject of God or prayer.  Then their bitterness comes out in their mocking God as nothing more than a "Cosmic Santa Claus" or some "Pie-in-the-sky, by'n by, when I die." They will argue passionately with you to why they believe God to be nothing more than a "Fairy tale" you read to children. However, I have found when I patiently focus and listen to what's really behind their bitter words of anger against a God who supposedly does not exist. I see a person who has been deeply hurt in heart over the loss of a loved one, an unanswered prayer, or over the numerous evils and injusticess in the world. For such people, my heart goes out to them.

To make matters worse, such noted atheists as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Hitchens and others have published books and articles that have done more harm than good for those who are struggling to believe in God. In today's Scripture text, the Lord calls such a person who claims there is "no God" a "fool" (Psalm 14: 1; 53: 1). Such popular atheists in the media spotlight today, really have no answers for the real traumatic struggles people go through. All they have to offer is to tell people to have faith in themselves, and in what they can do to make a better world by stamping out any belief in God. For they believe that belief in God and other religions in the world are the primary cause of the many troubles and social ills in the world today. They ignore the many horrible evils and injustices that have been done in the past and at present under the atheistic world view. Untold millions have been put to death under the dark banner of atheistic unbelief and dictatorship.

Here below is a partial list of the consequences of atheistic unbelief:

(1.) Unbelief in God is sin (see Gen. 3).

(2.) Unbelief in God leads to not believing His Word.

(3.) Unbelief in God leads one to become their own god (see Gen. 3: 5; Ps. 14:1; 53:1).

(4.) Unbelief in God leads one to erecting gods of their own choosing (1 Cor. 6: 9-10; Gal. 5: 20).

(5.) Unbelief in God leads to moral and spiritual corruption (see Psalm 14: 1b-6).

(6.) Unbelief in God leads to persecuting believers.

(7.) Unbelief in God leads to emptiness and dissatisfaction.

(8.) Unbelief in God can lead to the Unpardonable Sin of Unbelief (see Heb. 3: 12; 12: 25).

(9.) Unbelief in God leads to judgment (see Rev. 20: 11-15).

(10.) Unbelief in God leads to eternal death (see Rev. 21: 8).

For the "faith" of many atheists, it is primarily in themselves, or in someone, or something else. The truth remains: what happens to such atheists when the help of themselves, others, and in things melt away in the heat of really traumatic experiences? Where then is the compassionate hand for them to hold onto, when there is no hand to be seen to help? Yet, how wonderful to know that the same God who atheists refuse to believe in, still has His hand of grace and mercy outstretched to them amidst their unbelief.

Opened Eyes to the Fact of Original Sin

"Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves lioncloths" (Gen. 3: 7, ESV).

The verse above records the sad truth that "the eyes of both" Adam and Eve "were opened" to the reality of their guilt and sin before God; whereas the Devil said, "your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (3: 5). Yeah, their eyes were opened alright, in three ways: (1.) to the lie of being God, (2.) knowing good from evil, (3.) and to the fact of their disobedience to God's command (see Gen. 2: 16-17). "They knew they were naked," naked and exposed by their conscience to their guilt and shame before God; whereas, originally they "were both naked and were not ashamed" (2: 25). As to their past, they knew not sin, but their acquaintance to it brought great consequences (see Rom. 5: 12).

The man and his wife knowing they were "naked" went and "sewed fig leaves together and made themselves lioncloths," which was an attempt on their part to hide their sin and shame before God.  Adam and Eve soon learned the fact that God's eyes are opened to all things, even to their sin, "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Heb. 4: 13; and see Prov. 15: 3). Next, we read of Adam and Eve hiding themselves from the very "presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden" (3: 8).

Interesting, man's association with the trees in the garden can be seen in a threefold manner:

1. Man's partaking of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil--resulted in man's firstfruit of disobedience.

2. Man's wearing of the fig leaves of a tree--resulted in man's first self-righteous act to redeem himself from his sin.

3. Man's hiding himself among the trees of the garden--resulted in man's first attempt to hide [or separate] himself from his consequences and accountability to God for his sin.

Man's threefold reaction to God's presence and call to him (see Gen. 3: 9):

1. "I was afraid," --Adam's fear as a result of his sin.

2. "I was naked," --Adam's guilt and shame as a result of his sin.

3. "I hid myself" --Adam's separation from God as a result of his sin.

What is so wonderful about the law of first mention in the book of Genesis is the truth that the Lord gives the first man and his wife, the remedy for his sin. "And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them" (Gen. 3: 21). "Fig leaves" representing man's work of salvation will never do to remedy the problem of man's sin (see Prov. 14: 12; 16: 25; 1 Cor. 2: 14). No, not even the sacrifice of animals for man's sin under the Old Covenant will do either, though it did point to the One who would be the supreme sacrifice that would remedy man's problem of sin. Only the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross at Calvary will ever remedy man's sin (see Heb. 10: 1-4, 11-14). Of course, today, many look by faith to what Christ has accomplished for man's sin on the cross at Calvary in the past as a means for Salvation (see John 3: 3, 7, 16; 19: 16-42).

The Woman of Worth!

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies" (Prov. 31: 10, KJV).

Proverbs 31 is one of the key chapters in the Bible that outlines what characterizes a true godly woman [or wife]. The term "virtuous" (KJV) is rendered "excellent" in the ESV and NASB version. The question here from the author in the above Scripture text is posed as a challenge, "who can find a virtuous woman?" The truth implied here is that such a woman is rare. For the author, King Solomon knew this all too well, for he had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11: 3)! Not only is such a woman of worth rare, "but a faithful man who can find?" (Prov. 20: 6, KJV) "Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be, for the faithful disappear from among the sons of men" (Psalm 12: 1, NASB).

Now the second half of Proverbs 31:10, "...for her price is far above rubies." tells us that such a woman is of great value to the man of God. "She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life" (31:12, KJV). Now the word "rubies" (KJV, Darby) is translated "jewels" in the ESV and NASB versions. According to the references Job 28: 18; Proverbs 8: 11 to the main text, Proverbs 31: 10b the truth is conveyed that the "virtuous" woman's worth is far above ALL jewels.

It is interesting to note that the translators of the KJV version uses the "ruby" among jewels to compare the godly woman's worth to. Her worth being far above that of rubies. Since the colour of a ruby is red, this would remind us of the blood of Christ that was the price that was paid for her redemption, even the redemption of the bride of Christ the Church (See Eph. 5: 25)!

In one of my recent devotionals. Author, L. M. Grant wrote this insightful comment about the woman of worth:

"How refreshing to see in any good measure these qualities in a woman. But it is impossible apart from the grace of God having wrought in her heart. No material price can possibly give a recompense for her. The precious red ruby, or many of them together, have no comparison to her worth. But in the mention of the ruby is their not a veiled hint that her value is only measured by the precious blood of Christ, the price of her redemption? It is He Himself who has placed this value upon her." (The Lord is Near 2011, Wed., Nov. 2; by: L. M. Grant).

Contending with Adversity

Let's face it, nobody enjoys going through times of difficulties. But as much as we hate it, it is necessary for the building of our character and spiritual development in our walk with Christ. James even goes so far as to say that we should face trials with an assured joy. Why, you might ask? Well, this is what James says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4, NASB).

Adversities in life are the tools God chooses to use in building and maturing our character. It may even at times appear that such difficult circumstances have gained the victory over our bruised and battered lives. How can joy be found in such brokenness and defeat?  We may wonder what can possibly be gained from such hardships? Friend, look again. Try to learn from the experience by looking away from what seems tragic and learn to focus instead on triumphing through it! Do not complain over what seems to be the loss, but smile at the infinite possibilities of what can be gained from such sufferings!

For every thorn that causes you to bleed, there is the beauty of the rose; for every fire that consumes a forest in part, there is always the first green signs of life poking up through the ashes of death; for every raging storm of doubt, there is the sunshine of hope; for every dark valley of despair, there is the mountain top of victorious joy! For whatever trial we face in life, the Lord Jesus Christ is more than sufficient to meet our need: "No temptation has overtaken you such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13, NASB).

Living life for Christ is about loving to live, even in the midst of deep turmoil (see Luke 14:26-33; 9:23 cf. Mark 8:34; Matt. 10:37-39;16:24-26). For therein is found the secret to true strength of character! Having the Lord Jesus Christ in our life makes contending with adversity worth it.

Gifts or Judgments?

It is interesting to note that three (3) of the most common practices held by most Charismatic and Pentecostal churches--baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and being slain in the Spirit phenomenon--all speak of God’s judgment in some way.

1. Baptism of Fire (Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16)
2. Speaking in Tongues (Gen. 11:1-9; Isaiah 28:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:21)
3. Slain in the Spirit (1 Samuel 4:18; John 18:1-6)

These seven (7) scripture “proof” texts (Gen. 2:21, 17:3; Matt. 28:4; John 18:6; Acts 9:3-4, 10:9-10; Rev. 1:17) do not teach, or support in any way, the false teaching of the "slain in the spirit" phenomenon as advocated by over-zealous Charismatic preachers who are missionaries for their own cause. As in the words of Jesus, "except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe" (John 4:48). I believe our Pentecostal and Charismatic brothers and sisters in Christ have good intentions in seeking for a much deeper and meaningful relationship with God. However, such a close relationship with the Lord eludes them, because they are seeking spiritual fulfillment in an experience rather than in the Lord Jesus Christ! True spiritual fulfillment comes from obedience and daily yielding to the Lord's will, which will result in having a close relationship with God. (see Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21)

1. Spirit Baptism – adoption into body of Christ as universal church (1 Cor. 12:13)
2. Spirit Sealing – eternal security in God’s salvation and guarantee of it’s claim on us (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13, 4:30)
3. Spirit Filling – daily yielding to the Spirit’s leading in our lives (Acts 4:8, 13:9; Eph. 5:8)