What Do My Neighbors Believe and How Can I Help Them?

What Do Our Neighbors Believe and How Can We Help Them

In this next section, we are going to briefly study what various religions teach and compare what God’s Word, the Bible, says concerning these teachings. Before we begin, it will be a help to see a timeline when these religious organizations began in comparison to the beginning of Christianity with Jesus Christ.

      33AD                  300AD         610AD                                                1830AD  1870AD

          I———————–I—————-I————————————————-I———–I—————-

     Jesus              Catholicism       Islam                                                 Mormon Jehovah’s

(Christianity)                                                                                                             Witness

When Jesus began His church, we were instructed that are authority for knowing truth and all matters of faith and practice, was the Scriptures, and ONLY the Scriptures. It was to be what we have come to know, the Bible plus NOTHING.According to (Mark 7:13), what were the religious leaders trying to add as an authority other than the Word of God?  

Traditions 

According to (Matthew 15:9), what were the religious leaders trying to add as an authority other than the Word of God?  

Commandments and doctrines of men

What is very clear, all the above religions that were formed after the church Jesus started, followed the same corrupt pattern. They took the Bible and then added something.  

• The Roman Catholic Church used the Scriptures and added 

Traditions and Commandments and doctrines of men

• The Muslims used the Scriptures and added 

Commandments and doctrines of men

• The Mormons used the Scriptures and added 

Their prophets and apostles, a Mormon’s feelings, and Mormon scriptures including the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price

• The Watch Tower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) used the Scriptures and added 

Their prophets and failing prophecies, the New World Translation which was published in 1950. For about 100 years, the Jehovah’s Witnesses used the AV 1611 KJV Bible. They created the NWT for the purpose of agreeing with their doctrines that they were creating which were contrary to the doctrines of the AV 1611 KJV Bible. Rather than conforming their beliefs to Scripture, they altered Scripture to agree with their beliefs.

As we go through this section, let us keep in mind that it is our Lord’s desire that we should be motivated by love for our lost family, friends and neighbors to know the truth. We are to Build Bridges Not Barriers. See them as Victims, Not Enemies.  

What do Catholics believe and how can we help?

No One Can Know for Sure That They Are Going to Heaven

What does God’s Word say in:

(1 John 5:11-13)

(John 3:16-18, 36)

I Think I Am Going to Heaven Because I Am Doing the Best I Can

What does God’s Word say in:

(Ephesians 2:8-9)

(Titus 3:5)

(Galatians 2:16, 21)

I have Been a Good Person; I Have not Killed Anybody

What does God’s Word say in:

(Romans 3:10, 23)

(James 2:10)

(1 John 1:8)

I Believe in God but I Live the Way That I Feel is Best for Me

What does God’s Word say in:

(Titus 1:16)

(James 2:14, 17)

(1 John 2:3-5)

There Are Many Roads That People Take, But They All Lead to The Same God

What does God’s Word say in:

(John 14:6) There is ONLY ONE WAY – and that one way is JESUS

(Matthew 7:13-14) 

We Are All the Children of God

What does God’s Word say in:

(Matthew 7:19-23)

(John 8:44)

What Is Wrong About Praying to Mary and The Saints?

What does God’s Word say in:

(1 Timothy 2:5) There’s ONLY ONE MEDIATOR between God and us

Jesus Doesn’t Have Time, That’s Why We Pray to Mary

What does God’s Word say in:

(Matthew 10:29-31)

(Matthew 11:28-30)

(Matthew 28:19-20)

What About Praying the Rosary?

What does God’s Word say in:

(Matthew 6:7) Do not use vain repetitions

Note: In 1090 A.D., Peter the hermit invented the rosary.

What About Praying to Statues?

What does God’s Word say in:

(Exodus 20:1-5)

(Psalm 115:4-8)

I Believe I Am Receiving Christ and Also God’s Forgiveness of My Sins When I Take Communion

What does God’s Word say in:

(1 Corinthians 11:23-26) Do this in REMEMBRANCE of Christ

A common mistake that is made by Roman Catholics is that they interpret what Jesus said in (John 6:47-63) to mean physically eating His body and drinking His blood. The context is talking about believing in Christ, not eating him!

In 1215 A.D., Pope Innocent III proclaims, “Transubstantiation” and in 1220 A.D., adoration of the wafer was decreed by Pope Honorius III.  “Transubstantiation” means “a change of substance.” According to the Roman Catholic church, they believe that during the mass, the bread and wine they use are “changed” by a power they believe the priest has, into the actual body and blood of Christ. They believe that they are offering it up as a sacrifice for sins each time they perform mass.  

But what does God’s Word tell us in:

(Hebrews 9:26-27; 10:10-14) Christ only had to be sacrificed ONCE

I Do My Penance So That I Will Be Forgiven and Not Punished for My Sins.

The Roman Catholic church believes penance is a sacrament by which the sins people commit are forgiven by means of the prescribed formula of penance given by the priest. They believe it is to satisfy God so He will forgive and not punish us for our sins.

But what does God’s Word tell us in:

(1 John 1:7-9) All we have to do is confess and truly ask for forgiveness

Purgatory

In 593 A.D., the Roman Catholic church established the doctrine of “purgatory”. This was done by Gregory 1^st.  He claimed it is a place between heaven and hell where a person must go to pay for their sins so they could one day gain entrance into heaven.

But what does God’s Word tell us in:

(2 Corinthians 5:8)

(Philippians 1:23)

Confessional Booths

In 1215 A.D., Pope Innocent III instituted the practice of confessing sins to a priest, (confessional booths).  

Why is this wrong?

(Matthew 6:6)

Who is David praying and confessing to: (Psalm 5:1-3; 32:5; 65:2)

Pertaining to The Office of a Priest or Bishop

We are not to give them the title of what?

(Matthew 23:9) Father

In 1079 A.D., “celibacy,” (the forbidding of priests to have a wife), was decreed by Pope Gregory VII. The decree states that no man that is to serve in the office of a priest is to be married.  

What does God’s Word say in:

(1 Timothy 3:1-4) Marriage is allowed by God for church leaders

Religion Is a Personal Thing, You Should Keep It to Yourself

What does God’s Word say in:

(Acts 1:8; 20:20) 

(Matthew 10:27; 28:18-20) 

Roman Catholic Doctrinal Evolution:

Introduction of New Doctrines Not Found in the Bible

The key-word that describes the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church is: CHANGE

Roman Catholic Man-made Rules and Regulations Over the Course of Time
200 AD	Immersion of infants who are dying, but considered sinless. (Tertullian V.12)
250 AD	North Africa region is first to practice infant baptism and reduced the age of baptism from minors to all newborns. This is opposed by other regions.
257 AD	Baptism by sprinkling for adults instead of immersion first used as an exception for those on sick beds, but it caused great dispute.
300 AD	Prayers for the dead
320 AD	Special dress code of the clergy in worship
325 AD	At the general council of Nice, 325, it was proposed indeed, probably by the Western bishop Hosius, to forbid entirely the marriage of priests; but the motion met with strong opposition, and was rejected.
325 AD	The date for Easter was set.
379 AD	Praying to Mary & Saints. (prayers of Ephraim Syrus)
385 AD	In the West, the first prohibition of clerical marriage, which laid claim to universal ecclesiastical authority, proceeded in 385 from the Roman church in the form of a decretal letter of the bishop Siricius to Himerius, bishop of Tarragona in Spain.
389 AD	Mariolatry begins with Gregory Nazianzen, who mentions in a eulogy, how Justina had besought the virgin Mary to protect her virginity.
400 AD	Impossibility of apostasy or once saved always saved, (Augustine XII.9)
416 AD	Infant baptism by immersion commanded of all infants (Council of Mela, Austin was the principal director)
430 AD	Exhalation of Virgin Mary: “Mother of God” first applied by the Council of Ephesus
502 AD	Special dress code of the Clergy all the time.
500 AD	The “Habit” of Nuns (Black gowns with white tunics)
519 AD	Lent
526 AD	Extreme Unction (Priest anoints those who are sick with oil to forgive their sins)
593 AD	The Doctrine of Purgatory popularized from the Apocrypha by Gregory the Great
600 AD	First use of Latin in worship (Gregory I)
Beginning of the Orthodox/Roman Catholic church as we know it today in its present organization.
607 AD	First Pope: Boniface III is the first person to take the title of “universal Bishop” by decree of Emperor Phocas.
608 AD	Pope Boniface IV. turns the Pantheon in Rome into a temple of Mary ad martyres: the pagan Olympus into a Christian heaven of gods.
670 AD	Instrumental music: first organ by Pope Vitalian
709 AD	Kissing of Pope Constantine’s feet
753 AD	Baptism by sprinkling for those on sick beds officially accepted.
787 AD	Worship of icons and statue approved (2nd council of Nicea)
787 AD	Rome (Latin) and Constantinople (Greek) part ways and begin the drift towards complete split, resulting in two denominations emerging in 1054 AD.
965 AD	Baptism of bells instituted by Pope John XIII
850 AD	Burning of Holy Candles
995 AD	Canonization of dead saints, first by Pope John XV
998 AD	Good Friday: fish only and the eating-red meat forbidden
1009 AD	Holy water
1022 AD	Penance
1054 AD	Roman Catholic church breaks away from the Orthodox church
1054 AD	Roman Catholics officially embrace instrumental music, Orthodox reject instrumental music down to the present time.
1079 AD	Celibacy enforced for priests, bishops, presbyters (Pope Gregory VII)
1090 AD	Rosary beads: invented by Peter the Hermit
1095 AD	Instrumental music
1190 AD	Sale of Indulgences or “tickets to sin” (punishment of sin removed)
1215 AD	Transubstantiation by Pope Innocent III, Fourth Lateran Council
1215 AD	Auricular Confession of sins to priests instituted by Pope Innocent III, (Lateran Council)
1215 AD	Mass a Sacrifice of Christ
1217 AD	Adoration and Elevation of Host: i.e., communion bread (Pope Honrius III)
1230 AD	Ringing bells at Mass
1251 AD	The Scapular, the brown cloak worn by monks invented by Simon Stock
1268 AD	Priestly power of absolution (forgiving sins)
1311 AD	Baptism by sprinkling accepted as the universal standard instead of immersion for all, not just the sick. (Council of Ravenna)
1414 AD	Laity no longer offered Lord’s cup at communion (Council of Constance)
1439 AD	Purgatory a dogma by the Council of Florence (see 593 AD)
1439 AD	Doctrine of Seven Sacraments affirmed
1480 AD	The Inquisition (of Spain)
1495 AD	Papal control of marriage rights
1534 AD	Order of Jesuits founded by Loyola
1545 AD	Man-made tradition of church made equal to Bible (Council of Trent)
1545 AD	Apocryphal books added to Bible (Council of Trent)
1546 AD	Justification by human works of merit
1546 AD	Mass universally said in Latin (see 600 AD)
1547 AD	Confirmation
1560 AD	Personal opinions of Pope Pius IV imposed as the official creed
1864 AD	Syllabus Errorum [Syllabus of Errors] proclaimed that “Catholic countries” could not tolerate other religions, (no freedom of religion), conscience, separation of church and State condemned, asserted the Pope’s temporal authority over all civil rulers (Ratified by Pope Pius IX and Vatican Council) condemned
1870 AD	Infallibility of Pope (Vatican council)
1908 AD	All Catholics should be christened into the church
1930 AD	Public Schools condemned by Pope Pius XII (see 1864 AD)
1950 AD	Sinners’ prayer, invented by Billy Sunday and made popular by Billy Graham. (Some Catholics now use this)
1950 AD	Assumption of the body of the Virgin Mary into heaven shortly after her death. (Pope Pius XII)
1954 AD	Immaculate conception of Mary proclaimed by Pope Pius XII
1995 AD	The use of girls in the traditional alter boy duties
1996 AD	Catholics can believe in Evolution (Pope John Paul II)

 

What does the Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) believe and how can we help?

What does God’s Word warn of in (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)?

A true prophet of God must be 100% correct all the time. If not, he is a false prophet to be avoided.

The prophets of the Watch Tower Society predicted the following. Please check “FAILED” or “FULFILLED” concerning their predictions.

• Their prophets predicted that the end times began in 1799.

FAILED ___       FULFILLED ___

• Their prophets predicted that Christ would return in 1874.

FAILED ___       FULFILLED ___

• Their prophets predicted that the Battle of Armageddon would take place in 1914.

FAILED ___       FULFILLED ___

• When the prophecy in 1914 failed, Rutherford, one of their prophets, then predicted Armageddon would happen in 1918.

FAILED ___       FULFILLED ___

• When the prediction of 1918 failed, Rutherford then moved the date up to 1925.

FAILED ___       FULFILLED ___

• In 1929, they built in San Diego, California, a house called, “Beth Sarim.” They predicted that Abraham and other Old Testament patriarchs would resurrect at that time to dwell in this house.  

FAILED ___       FULFILLED ___

• Fred Franz, another one of their prophets, predicted that Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ would happen in the autumn of 1975.

FAILED ___       FULFILLED ___

Did God’s Word warn, according to (Deuteronomy 18:21-22), to disregard and avoid these false prophets?

YES ___       NO ___

The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) do not believe that Jesus is God. 

• Does God’s Word say in (John 1:1-14) that Jesus is God and Creator?

YES ___       NO ___

• Did the apostle Thomas say in (John 20:26-28) that Jesus is his Lord and God?

YES ___       NO ___

• Does God’s Word say in (Hebrews 1:8-10) that Jesus is God and Creator?

YES ___       NO ___

• Does God’s Word say in (Isaiah 9:6) that Jesus is God?

YES ___       NO ___

• Does God’s Word say in (John 8:58-59) that Jesus is “I AM”?

YES ___       NO ___

• Does God’s Word say in (John 5:18 and Phil. 2:5-8) that Jesus is “EQUAL” to GOD?

YES ___       NO ___

The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) does not believe the following;

Concerning the Trinity or Godhead, the Scriptures absolutely compel us to believe that there are three distinct persons, and the being of each person Is equal to the whole being of God. 

God is three persons 

Each person is fully God 

There is one God

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Trinity is unbiblical because the word is not in the Bible and because the Bible emphasizes that there is one God.

Concerning the following, check YES or NO;

In (Genesis 1:1), the Hebrew word used for “God” is “Elohim” which is the plural of “Ĕlōah” and is a Hebrew word meaning “gods” or “godhood”. Throughout God’s Word, we are taught that Elohim exists as three persons, the Father, the Son (Word), and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one 

(1 John 5:7); “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”  

God’s Word compels us to believe that God is a “Trinity.”

YES ___       NO ___

Biblically, while it is true that there is only one God (Isa. 44:6; 45:18; 46:9; John 5:44; 1 Cor. 8:4; James 2:19), it is also true that three persons are called God in Scripture:

• The Father (1 Peter. 1:2)
• Jesus the Son (Jhn 20:28; Heb. 1:8)
• The Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4)

YES ___       NO ___

Throughout the entire Bible, all three persons of the Godhead all have the same attributes that only an Almighty God can possess which include;

• omnipresence (Ps. 139:7; Jer. 23:23-24; Matt. 28:20)
• omniscience (Ps. 147:5; John 16:30; 1 Cor. 2:10-11)
• omnipotence (Jer. 32:17; John 2:1-11; Rom. 15:19)
• eternality (Ps. 90:2; Heb. 9:14; Rev. 22:13)

YES ___       NO ___

Still further, each of the three is involved in doing the works of deity—such as creating the universe:

• the Father (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 102:25)
• the Son (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2)
• the Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:2; Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30)

YES ___       NO ___

The Bible indicates that there is three-in-oneness in the godhead (Matthew. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14, 1 John 5:7).

Thus, doctrinal support for the Trinity is compellingly strong.

YES ___       NO ___

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was created by Jehovah as the archangel Michael before the physical world existed, and is a lesser god.

Biblically, however, Jesus is eternally God (John 1:1; 8:58; Ex. 3:14) and has the exact same divine nature as the Father (John 5:18; 10:30; Heb. 1:3)

Indeed, a comparison of the OT and NT equates Jesus with Jehovah (compare Isa. 43:11 with Titus 2:13; Isa. 44:24 with Col. 1:16; Isa. 6:1-5 with John 12:41)

Jesus himself created the angels (Col. 1:16; John 1:3; Heb. 1:2, 10) and is worshiped by them (Heb. 1:6)

YES ___       NO ___

Throughout God’s Word it shows us;

• We are to call Jesus our Lord and our God (John 20:28), and we will be held accountable if we refuse to do so. 

YES ___       NO ___

• We are to worship Jesus as God and hold Him in highest adoration that is only worthy for an Almighty God (Hebrews chapter 1), and we will be held accountable if we refuse to do so.

YES ___       NO ___

• God’s Word compels us to believe that God (Elohim) manifests Himself in three distinct persons, all three being fully God and yet ONE God (1 John 5:7), and you will be held accountable if you refuse to believe it.

YES ___       NO ___

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the second coming of Christ was an invisible, spiritual event that occurred in the year 1914

Biblically, however, the yet-future second coming will be physical, visible (Acts 1:9-11; cf. Titus 2:13), and will be accompanied by visible cosmic disturbances (Matt. 24:29-30). Every eye will see him (Rev. 1:7)

YES___       NO ___

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that salvation requires faith in Christ, association with God’s organization (i.e., their religion), and obedience to its rules (as defined by the Watchtower organization).

Biblically, however, viewing obedience to rules as a requirement for salvation nullifies the gospel (Gal. 2:16-21; Col. 2:20-23). Salvation is based wholly on God’s unmerited favor (grace), not on the believer’s performance. Good works are the fruit or result, not the basis, of salvation (Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-8)

YES ___       NO ___

About the Afterlife: They believe that no soul remains after death. At some point in the future, Jesus Christ will return to resurrect the dead, restoring soul and body. 

Biblically, however, God’s Word declares at the point of physical death, we will immediately be in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). And to add to that, long before the return of Christ, the apostle John saw multitudes upon multitudes of believers in Heaven from every nation. (Revelation 7:9-10).

YES ___       NO ___

What About The 144,000?

One of the major thrusts for increasing their membership was an effort to convince people that those who join their organization will become part of the special group of the 144,000 mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Again, like a judge in a court of law, we must examine all the evidence and facts, not being prejudice in our view, but rather letting the evidence and facts bring us to the decision of whether their elders were being truthful or deceiving in this matter.

Fact #1: As their efforts began, both men and women, along with married couples and children, from all different nationalities, joined the organization, being told that they have become part of the 144,000 mentioned in the book or Revelation. With this in mind, let us now go to the Scriptures;

In (Revelation 7:4-8), God’s Word tells us that those 144,000 that will be sealed are of the people of what nation and nationality?  

Israel…Jewish…of their 12 tribes

Did the Jehovah Witnesses organization lie and deceive their own members?

YES ___       NO ___

Fact #2: the elders of this organization promised women, along with married men who are no longer virgins, that they have become part of the 144,000.

In (Revelation 14:1-4), God’s Word tells us that these 144,000 will be;

(Please check the correct answer)

MALE ___

VIRGINS ___

ALL THE ABOVE ___

Did the Jehovah Witnesses organization lie and deceive their own members?

YES ___       NO ___

Also, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe there are two peoples of God: (1) the Anointed Class (144,000) will live in heaven and rule with Christ; and (2) the “other sheep” (all other believers) will live forever on a paradise earth.

Biblically, however, a heavenly destiny awaits all who believe in Christ (John 14:1-3; 17:24; 2 Cor. 5:1; Phil. 3:20; Col. 1:5; 1 Thess. 4:17; Heb. 3:1), and these same people will also dwell on the new earth (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1-4)

Did the Jehovah Witnesses organization lie and deceive their own members?

YES ___       NO ___

In their attempt to deceive us concerning the truth that Jesus is fully God, they ask “Who raised Jesus from the dead?”  What they were trying to do was have us see that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead according to verses like (Romans 6:4) and (Acts 2:32).

According to (John 2:19-21), who will raise Jesus from the dead? He raised Himself

In another attempt to deceive us concerning the truth that Jesus is fully God, they will take you to (Colossians 1:15) and tell you that verse is saying that Jehovah created Jesus Christ before any other creation, making him the “firstborn of every creature.” But according to the very next verses (v,18), God’s Word explains that Jesus is not the first created being, but that Jesus was the first born from what?  

First born FROM THE DEAD

In Old Testament times, when those who were faithful to God died, they were not allowed to ascend up to the presence of the Father. Their soul and spirit descended to the heart of the earth where there was a “paradise,” (Luke 16:22-26). It was there, where they had to wait till the way to the Father was opened through the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Christ was crucified, He descended to the heart of the earth and after three days and three nights, He arose FROM THE DEAD to the Father, becoming the FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD! Those that were in “paradise” were raised after Him to Heaven on high, (1 Peter 3: 18-19), (Ephesians 4: 8-10).

Did the Jehovah Witnesses organization lie and deceive the people again?

YES ___       NO ___

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that the spirit is everlasting; they do not even agree with the existence of the spirit and they say that when a person dies, that person neither senses, nor feels, nor knows; having neither life nor consciousness. 

According to (Luke 23:43), what did Jesus say to the repentant thief on the cross? 

This day you will be with me in paradise 

According to (1 Thessalonians 5:23), what does the apostle Paul pray for, that would be preserved blameless in the lives of the early Christians at Thessalonica? 

Our BODY, SOUL, and SPIRIT

Jehovah’s Witnesses also say that Christ did not rise in flesh, and did not ascend to heaven in flesh, but that His crucified Body was taken out from the tomb and hidden by the angel and that He arose in spirit only. 

According to (Luke 24:39-43), what did Jesus, after He arose from the dead, tell His disciples what He had that a spirit does not have?  

FLESH and BONES

And, what did Jesus eat? FISH and a HONEYCOMB

According to (John 20:27-29), what did Jesus allow Thomas to touch? 

HIS WONDS IN HIS HANDS and SIDE

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the annihilation of the wicked and not in their eternal torment. They believe that even Satan will be annihilated (cease to exist) and not be tormented forever.

According to (Revelation 19:20), just prior to Jesus’ 1000-year reign on earth, where does He cast the beast and false prophet into?  

LAKE of FIRE

According to (Revelation 20:7-10), when the 1000 years are finished, Jesus casts the devil into the Lake of Fire. Who is still in the Lake of Fire at that moment, after 1000 long years?  

The BEAST and the FALSE PROPHET

How long does the torment of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet last? 

DAY and NIGHT, FOREVER and EVER (See also Mark 9:43-48) (Luke 16:19-31)

What is one of Satan’s greatest deceptions? One of Satan’s greatest deceptions is to fool people into thinking that hell does not exist. This deception encourages people not to fear God and continue in rebellion and unbelief towards God.

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that the Holy Spirit is a ‘Person’ of the Holy Trinity, but that He is merely a power or force.

According to (Acts 13:2), what person told the disciples to separate Paul and Barnabas for the work that this person called them to do?  

The HOLY SPIRIT

• In (John 14:26), what personal pronoun is used to describe the Holy Spirit? HE
• In (John 16:7-8), what personal pronoun is used to describe the Holy Spirit? HIM, HE
• In (John 16:13), what personal pronoun is used to describe the Holy Spirit? HE, HIMSELF
• In (Acts 5:1-3), who did Ananias and Saphira lie to?  The HOLY SPIRIT
• In (Acts 8:29), who told Philip to go to the Ethiopian eunuch?  The HOLY SPIRIT
• In (Romans. 8:27), what does the Holy Spirit have that a person has?  MIND
• In (Ephesians 4:30), what does the Holy Spirit have that a person has?  EMOTIONS
• In (1 Corinthians 12:11), what does the Holy Spirit have that a person has?  WILL
• In (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29), how do we know the Holy Spirit is a person? 

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that God’s one true name—the name by which he must be identified—is Jehovah.

Biblically, however, God is identified by many names, including:

• God (Hb. ‘elohim; Gen. 1:1),
• God Almighty (Hb. ‘El Shadday; Gen. 17:1),
• Lord (Hb. ‘Adonay; Ps. 8:1), and
• Lord of hosts (Hb. yhwh tseba’ot; 1 Sam. 1:3).
• I AM (Exodus 3:13-14)
• In NT times, Jesus referred to God as “Father” (Gk. Patēr; Matt. 6:9), as did the apostles (1 Cor. 1:3).

How many names and titles are ascribed to God in the Bible by which He is identified? 

Over 650

What do the Mormons believe and how can we help?

Questions and Answers

Question: Mormonism teaches that there is more than one God.

Answer: True.  This is a direct conflict with what God Himself says on this subject in the Bible (Isaiah 44:6, 45:5-6, 18, 21, 22). This also mysteriously contradicts the Book of Mormon (Alma 11:22, 26-31, 35).  

Question: Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ is the spirit-brother of Lucifer.

Answer: True.  See Journal of Discourses, Volume 13, page 282. This doctrine goes hand-in-hand with their teaching that Christ is a created being and not eternal God, the Creator as we see in (John 1:3,10) (Nehemiah 9:6). This, too, contradicts the Book of Mormon (Helaman 14:12, Mosiah 3:8, 5:15).

Question: Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ was born after sexual intercourse between God the Father and Mary (thereby denying the Virgin Birth).

Answer: True.  See Journal of Discourses, Volume 4, page 218, for an example. Many Mormons are unfamiliar with this doctrine of their church, but this is nonetheless a cardinal teaching. This contradicts both the Bible (Matthew 1:23) and the Book of Mormon (Alma 7:10). 

Question: Mormonism teaches that God the Father has a body of flesh and bones.

Answer: True.  See Doctrine and Covenants, Section 130. The Bible, as usual, disagrees with both Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church (John 4:24) (Luke 24:39) (Jeremiah 23:24).

Question: Mormonism teaches that God the Father was once a man.

Answer: True.  Joseph Smith, prophet and founder of the Mormon Church, taught this in the “King Follett Discourse,” his last major address, and the Mormon Church teaches it to this very day (Journal of Discourses, Volume 6, page 5-6). This is a violent contradiction with not only the Bible, but with the Book of Mormon as well (Moroni 8:18, Mormon 9:9).

Question: Mormonism teaches that we can become gods, and rule over our own planets.

Answer: True.  (see reference cited in answer 5 above; see also Doctrine and Covenants, Section 132, in order to understand the direct connection between Mormon godhead and the practice of polygamy in the LDS Church prior to 1890).

Question: Mormonism taught for a half-century that Adam is our Father and our God.

Answer: True.  See Journal of Discourses, Volume 1, pages 50-51; Volume 4, page 1; and Volume 5, page 331, for examples. Whether Mormons deny it or not is immaterial; that it was taught is historical fact.

Question: Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ is a polygamist.

Answer: True.  See Journal of Discourses, Volume 4, page 259.

Question: Mormonism teaches that Africans have dark skin because they are cursed by God, and are an inferior race.

Answer: True. See Journal of Discourses, Volume 7, page 290. (See also Mormon Doctrine, 10th printing, pages 526-527, in which the general inferiority of the African is explained. This basic doctrine has not been changed – the only difference between the African’s situation in Mormonism now and prior to June 9th, 1978, is that he is entitled to certain privileges which were formally withheld).

Question: Mormonism teaches that one “should not strive for a special and personal relationship with Christ.”

Answer: True.  See “Church News,” March 20, 1982, page 5. This statement was given at a Brigham Young University Devotional Match 2, 1982 by Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie. McConkie also made an attack on those who stress a personal relationship with Christ on November 18, 1981 according to Seventh East Press. Such teaching is out of harmony with the Bible, (Matthew 11:28) (Revelation 3:20) (Philemon 3:8-10) as well as the Book of Mormon (III Nephi 11:16, 17; 19:18).

Question: Mormonism has admitted that they worship a different Jesus and have a concept of the Godhead foreign to Historic Christianity.

Answer: True.  Elder Bernard P. Brockbank of the First Quorum of the Seventy stated…“It is true that many of the Christian churches worship a different Jesus Christ than is worshipped by the Mormons or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These two concepts of the Trinity and their attributes are completely different.”  May 1977 Ensign Magazine, page 26. In light of (2 Corinthians 11:3-4) we urge Latter-day Saints to come to the REAL Jesus.

The following might help from our personal experience when we were talking to one of the Mormon elders. His name is Kaleb:        

First conversation:

Us:  Kaleb, Jesus, in (John 8:58) declared to be “I AM”.

Kaleb:  Yes, I believe Jesus is the “I AM” of the Old Testament.

Us:  The Mormon church teaches that “Elohim” is a “greater” God than Jesus. When Jesus (I AM) told Moses in the very first commandment, that Moses, or anyone else is to have no other Gods before Him (Jesus), how would a Mormon explain that he is not breaking the first commandment?

(Kaleb did not answer)

Second conversation:

Kaleb:  I have found that I needed more than the Bible. I found that the Book of Mormon has given me what I need.

Us:  For 1800 years, long before Joseph Smith, the Mormon religion, and the book of Mormon, the true Church of Jesus Christ existed. These are those who have accepted the Scriptures that are all included in what we call today, the Bible. And these are they who have accepted the Scriptures of the Bible plus NOTHING, for all matters of faith and practice. Since then, it is the same old story that has happened repeatedly. The Roman Catholic church came along and took the Bible plus their man-made rules and doctrines and religious practices. Then came the Muslims and took the Bible plus their Quran. Then the Russellites came along and took the Bible plus their manmade rules and doctrines. Also came the Mormons shortly before that with the same old familiar pattern taking the Bible plus their Pearl of Great Price, the book of Mormon, etc. We chose the Bible plus NOTHING because the Bible is all we need and is all that God has given us. For 1800 years, long before Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon, it is absolutely INCREDIBLE and OVERWHELMINGLY WODERFUL, the list of things that millions upon millions have received because they have put their trust and faith in the Scriptures of the Bible. Kaleb, these are a few of the things that Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, the Holy Bible, have done, are doing, and will do for me;

• He forgave me of all my sins (Colossians 2:13)
• He saved me (Romans 10:9)
• He gave me a new spiritual birth (Ephesians 2:1-5)
• He has raised me up to sit in heavenly places in Him (Ephesians 2:6-7)
• He has given me access to His throne in Heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16)
• He has made me a son of God (1 John 3:1)
• He has given me eternal life (1 John 5:11-13)
• He has Justified me (Galatians 2:16)
• He has sanctified me (1 Corinthians 6:11)
• He has clothed me with His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• He has given me peace with God (Romans 5:1)
• He has given me power over sin, death, and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
• He will clothe me with immortality (1 Corinthians 15:35-53)
• He has given me His Holy Spirit and I have become His temple (1 Corinthian 3:16)
• He has made me part of His Bride that He will love and cherish for all eternity (Eph. 5:24-32)
• I have become His “Song of Solomon” and He mine (Song of Solomon)
• He has made me His king (Revelation 1:6)
• He has made me His priest (Revelation 1:6)
• He has made me part of His chosen generation (1 Peter 1:9)
• He has made me part of His royal priesthood (1 Peter 1:9) 
• He has made me part of His holy nation (1 Peter 1:9)
• He has called me out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 1:9)
• He has made me joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:16-17)
• He has chosen me to rule and reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12)
• He has chosen me to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3)
• He has changed my life and made all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• He has prepared an unimaginable place in Heaven where I will dwell with Him forever (Rev. 21 & 22)
• He has given me the privilege to fight by His side against the spiritual darkness of this world (Eph. 6)
• He has given me all the wisdom that I will ever need (Proverbs)
• And if I desire more, all I have to do is ask Him (James 1:5)
• He has filled my heart with praise of Him in all that He is to me and for me (Psalms)
• He has promised me that if I ask any thing according to His will, He will give it to me (1 John 5:14-15)
• He has given me an Abundant Life (John 10:10)
• He has given me of Himself in so much, “that I shall not want” (Psalm23)
• He has made me to lie down in green pastures (Psalm23)
• He has led me beside the still waters (Psalm23)
• He has restored my soul (Psalm23)
• He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake (Psalm23)
• Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for He is with me (Psa. 23)
• He prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (Psalm23)
• He anoints my head with oil (Psalm23)
• My cup runs over (Psalm23)
• Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Psalm23)
• And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm23)
• He has given me the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)
• He has promised me comfort (Matthew 5:4)
• I shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5)
• I shall be filled (Matthew 5:6)
• I shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7)
• I shall see God (Matthew 5:8)
• I shall be called the child of God (Matthew 5:9)
• I have been given the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10)
• I have a great reward in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12)
• He has made me the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)
• He has made me the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
• He has blessed me with Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12) 
• He has given me Power, Love, and a Sound Mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
• He has given me Beauty for Ashes (Isaiah 61:3)
• He has given me Peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) 
• He has given me Victory to overcome the world (1 John 5:4)
• He has promised to never leave me nor for sake me (Hebrews 13:5)
• He has given me strength to do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13)
• He has given me the Comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26)
• He has promised me that all things work together for good in my life (Romans 8:28)
• I have Jesus in me Who is greater than that which is in the world (1 John 4:4)
• I now have a high priest which is Jesus (Hebrews 4:15)
• I now have a promise that God will supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19)

I am so excited Kaleb, about doing this list. I have just begun. I will continue to give you updates. This is why I keep pleading with you that we do not need Joseph Smith or the book of Mormon. All we need is the Bible, plus NOTHING! We have EVERYTHING we can ever hope for and dream in the promises of Jesus Christ and His Holy Word, the Bible. Long before Joseph Smith, all this we have just saw from above, AND SO MUCH MORE, has been given to countless numbers of people who have fallen in love with Jesus Christ. All to His glory. Amen!

(Kaleb’s heart was hardened, but Lord willing, we pray the above Scriptures and truth will one day work their way to his heart)

Below is another conversation that took place between a Christian and a Mormon which might help you in your witness for Christ to them. 

A Question Mormons Can’t Answer – By Clay Jones

When the Mormons (also known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) come to my door, I always ask them the same question because it is a question Mormons cannot answer.  do this because this question is essential to their beliefs. This comes from the advice of Sandra Tanner, one of the most respected missionaries to Mormons. What she told me is the reasoning I have used ever since.

The question I ask has to do with why Mormons believe Mormonism is true. They believe it to be true because they had a “subjective personal inward witness of the truth of it.”

The book of Moroni encourages seeking this inward witness; 

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things…. that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

This is also known as the “burning in the bosom.” In their Doctrine and Covenants which Mormons also consider to be inspired scripture it says,

But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

Now obviously if any person believes that they have received a personal revelation—directly from God—that something is true, then that can trump just about any other arguments about the truth of whatever they believe. Therefore, if a Christian chooses to argue with a Mormon about any other doctrine, it is unlikely to change their minds because they have received what they believe is a “subjective personal assurance directly from God” that Mormonism is true. Therefore, my question concerns the trustworthiness of their subjective personal experience. I always ask them this question;

Christian: Why do you think Mormonism is true?

Mormon: Because our lives are improved since we became Mormons.

C: My life is better too since I became a Christian.

M: Well, our church does a lot to help the poor.

C: My church does that too.

M: We send missionaries out all over the world.

C: We Christians do that too.

M: We emphasize family values.

C: We do too.

(Basically, whatever a Mormon says about this kind of thing I am always able to say “we Christians do that too” because, well, we Christians do that too. This may go on for some time but sooner or later)

C: So why do you believe Mormonism is true?

M: I asked God if Mormonism is true (or if Joseph Smith is a prophet, or if the Book of Mormon is inspired—something along those lines) and I received an inward witness that it was true.

C: So, you are saying that you believe that Mormonism is true because you had a subjective personal experience. But Catholics have visions of Mary, some in the New Age movement say they have flown over rooftops through astral projection, some people born biological males or born biological females believe they were born in the wrong body. A subjective personal experience is not very reliable, is it?

M: Well, that’s all you have! Your faith is also based on subjective personal experiences.

C: No, my faith is based on the objective evidence that Jesus was actually raised from the dead. It’s true that I also have had subjective experiences that encourage me that Christianity is true, but those experiences are absolutely not the foundation of my faith in Jesus. Again, my faith in Jesus is based on the historical fact that Jesus was raised from the dead. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” So, if someone could prove that Jesus wasn’t raised from the dead then I would absolutely stop being a Christian.

There are many verses testifying to the resurrection of Jesus, but I’ll only give two:

1 Corinthians 15:3-8: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”

Acts 17:31-32: “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”

Our faith is based on this evidence. So, how could it be wise for you to believe that Joseph Smith received a direct revelation from angels based on a subjective personal experience? Paul even warns specifically in Galatians 1:8-9 that even if “an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you” that he was accursed but seeing an angel is exactly what Joseph Smith claimed.

M: I can see that this is not getting anywhere so we are going to go.

C: Okay, and if you ever can answer this question then please come back and let us talk!

We want them to walk away questioning the trustworthiness of their subjective personal experiences. If we can do that then this shakes the foundation of their belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that Mormonism is true.

With all this in mind, the following might be of some help to you when engaging in conversation with a Mormon. 

Focus On Mormon Stress Points 

This is absolutely critical, but it’s done so rarely. Christians commonly want to talk about everything in Mormonism which bothers them. Things like its’ additional scriptures, its’ rejection of the Trinity, and its’ teaching that people can become gods. The problem with these and similar topics is that the vast majority of Mormons aren’t bothered by them. And if they are not bothered by them, they will not bother discussing them with you. In fact, they will want to get away from you as quickly as possible.

Stress Points to Mormons

Most react quite differently when you talk about the things in Mormonism which cause them stress. Instead of trying to end the conversation, they are eager to continue it.  You could try focusing on these three areas:

A person’s worthiness before God. The themes of worthiness and perfection are common in Mormonism. They must be worthy to receive any and all blessings. Thus, worthiness is on the minds of most Mormons. And many, even many active members, frequently have doubts about their worthiness. Perfectionism causes great stress for many. It is engrained in Mormons that they have “divine potential” and thus can be worthy before God on the basis of their own merits. To show the impossibility of this, we need to talk about how even one sin makes us guilty of everything (i.e. James 2:10). Only after they have come to grips with the severity of even one sin can we share how Jesus has earned our worthiness for us and gives it freely to us. In this way, we strive to make this stress point a rest point in Christ.

Forgiveness from God.  Most of the time when forgiveness is talked about in Mormonism, it focuses on a person’s duty to forgive another. Rarely does it talk about God’s forgiveness of people. And when it does, it must be earned. It is obtained only after a person has gone through the “painful process” of repentance. Many Mormons have a hard time believing God forgives us freely and completely in Christ.  Even though they struggle to believe it, most do not mind talking about it – especially those who are troubled by their sinfulness. And the more we can talk to them about it, the more chance the Holy Spirit has to work through the powerful gospel to change this stress point into a rest point in Christ.

Living eternally with Heavenly Father. We word it this way very intentionally. Mormonism teaches that almost everybody goes to heaven, but only those who go to the celestial kingdom will live with Heavenly Father. So, talking about going to heaven with a Mormon is a pointless exercise. On the other hand, focusing on living eternally with Heavenly Father is often quite productive. It is productive because it too is a stress point for many Mormons. A Mormon leader recently related how he asked a gathering of a couple of hundred Mormons, “who wants to live eternally with Heavenly Father.” All raised their hands. He then asked how many thought they were going to achieve it. Only one raised his hand. The best most Mormons can say about living with Heavenly Father is that they hope they will. Very few are confident they will because, again, it all depends on their worthiness. Here too we can strive to make this stress point a rest point in Christ.

Witness Christ Rather Than Debate Mormonism

There are many problems with Mormonism: embarrassing episodes especially from its early days which it then inaccurately reports, changes in the Book of Mormon, and exotic teachings contradicting the Bible. Mormonism gives us a ton of material which should be extremely troubling to many Mormons.

The key phrase in the previous sentence is “should be”. It is true such things do bother some Mormons. But they do not trouble the vast majority of Mormons because they are not their stress points! Countless are the Christians who have laid out all these facts to their Mormon friends only to have their friends quickly dismiss them. The Christian leaves the conversation totally frustrated. “How can this not bother them!”

Understanding Your Mormon Friends & Family

Frustration for the Christian is not the only negative result. This threatens, usually damages, and sometimes even destroys the relationship. Rarely does it improve it. The Mormon immediately becomes defensive and remains wary of future “attacks”. To better understand this, put yourself in their shoes for a minute. Imagine how you would feel if your Mormon friend “attacked” Christianity. How much credibility would you assign them? How open would you be to give serious consideration to their position? How eager would you be for future discussions?

Using the Bible

Most importantly, when you evaluate the above ineffective approach from the viewpoint of the Bible, it becomes clear it is not the best strategy. It does not bring to bear our greatest weapon, the two-edged sword of God’s Word (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12). Rather it utilizes the butter knife of human reason. Nor does it tap into the greatest power on earth, namely, the gospel which is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe (Romans1:16).

Instead of Debating Mormonism with Mormons, Witness Christ to Them.

Clearly sharing what Jesus has done for us and the effect it has on us often serves as a magnet drawing Mormons to us. Here are some key thoughts to keep in mind when talking about Jesus;

• Stress Jesus as our substitute (i.e. Isaiah 53:4-6). Mormons primarily see him as their example. Point out the huge difference between the two. A substitute does it for us. An example shows us how but we must still do it.
• Stress Jesus as our righteousness, as our law-keeper (i.e. Romans 5:19, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Isaiah 61:10). Mormons are bombarded with the thought that they must obey the laws. The biblical truth that Jesus kept the law for us is totally foreign to them.
• Stress the assurance you have that you know you are completely forgiven (i.e. Hebrews 10:14-17) and are accepted by God (i.e. 1 Peter 2:9).
• Stress the joy you experience knowing God is with you, providing and protecting you (i.e. Romans 8:31-39, Psalm 23). Mormonism says we are on earth to be tested. As a result, many Mormons think of God as constantly evaluating and grading them. It is like having your boss constantly look over your shoulder as you work.
• Stress the confidence you have that you will live eternally with Heavenly Father (i.e. Philippians 1:23). As stated above, only a few Mormons have this confidence. Emphasize that you have no doubts because your acceptance by God depends entirely on Jesus’ work for you and he has already accomplished it (John 19:30).

What do Muslims believe and how can we help?

A Quick History of Mohammed and Islam;

Mohammed, the founder of Islam, was born in 570 AD and grew up in a society that worshipped many idols and false gods. At the age of 25, Mohammed interacts with Arabs who rejected idol worship and were searching for the true religion. They looked to the religion of the Jews and Christians as being close to the goal because both taught that there is only one God.

At age 40, Mohammed claims to have his first vision from God. His wife’s uncle, Waraca, then declares Mohammed to be a prophet to the Arab people. Mohammed proclaims Allah as the one true god and rejected the idol worship of Mecca.

By 624 AD, Mohammed has developed an army that began robbing the caravans heading toward Mecca. Mohammed and the Muslims also attacked the Jewish tribes. The Jewish men were killed and the women and children were sold into slavery.  in January 630, Mohammed wages Jihad on the surrounding cities forcing them to accept Islam as their religion and Mohammed as their prophet.

In 632, Mohammed died unexpectedly but his army and followers continued their cruel and forceful campaign to spread their religion.

Islam today is in conflict, between western secular culture and traditional Islamic culture. The growth of Islamic Fundamentalism is an attempt to reach back to the glories of Islamic history. Many Fundamentalist (Muslim) ask themselves the question, If Islam is the religion of Allah, why are we being defeated by the West (United States) and Israel. The fundamentalist sees the problem with the failure of Islamic nations to live as the Quran commands. This view of not living the life required by Allah, as specified in the Quran and traditions and therefore being defeated by the West, is the spark of fundamentalism. Today in Islam there is a struggle between moderate and fundamentalist ideology.

The Quran was written by Mohammed’s followers.  According to the Quran, Mohammed was illiterate. Much of what he learned was by listening to the teaching and preaching of Christian and Jewish teachers. This is where the Quran gets much of its Biblical content from. It is only about one third the size of the New Testament. Different versions of the Quran began to appear. Around 633 AD, Umar, Zayd ibn Thabit, one of Mohammed’s most trusted secretaries was appointed to the task of collecting the Quran into one book. Still later, after different versions of the Quran began to appear, Zayd was put in charge of collecting all the Qurans throughout the Muslim world and issuing an authorized copy in the place of the ones collected.  

Fundamentalism of Islam is a hard-line literal view of the world through the eyes of the Quran. Islam is at war with Jews and Christians for world domination in the cause of Allah. As the earlier Muslims were at war with cities refusing to accept Mohammed as the prophet, Fundamentalist see themselves involved in a Jihad or Holy War against the West. Fundamentalist see the United States as Satan’s power in the battle with Islam. Television, movies, alcohol, carnal lifestyles, and their influence on Muslim countries pits the US and the West at war with Islam. Furthermore, the United States support for Israel enrages Muslims. Israel is seen as Enemy No.1 to Muslim nations for three main reasons;

• There is great deal of hostility toward Jews within the Koran and Hadith (a collection of stories and sayings of Mohammed).They view Jews as the killers of prophets and are enemies of God. Muslims who are strict students of the Koran see themselves at war with Jews.
• The nation of Israel occupies land formerly held by Muslims and Fundamentalist see themselves as solders in a battle to regain the land.  Palestinian suffering is a rallying cry to Muslim nations for Jihad.
• Jerusalem and The Dome of the Rock: The location of Solomon’s Temple is the 3rd most Holy Place to Muslims. And Jerusalem has been a Holy Muslim city for the last 13 centuries. The Dome of the Rock was built on the Temple site to demonstrate Islam as the final religion in the world. Jewish talk of rebuilding the Temple infuriates the Muslim world.

There are five pillars of faith in Islam, which are foundational practices or duties every Muslim must observe.

The Five Pillars of Faith:

• The Confession – “La ilaha illa llah” “There is no God but God.”  The Shahada, (Testimony) Kalima There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah.
• Salat Prayer 5 times a day facing Mecca
• Zakat Almsgiving
• Fasting during the month of Ramadan, from sun-up till sundown.
• Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca once a lifetime

There are also Five Articles of Faith

• God: There is only one true God and his name is Allah. Allah is all knowing, all-powerful and sovereign judge. Yet Allah is not a personal God, for he is so far above man in every way that he is not personally knowable. The emphasis of the God of Islam is on judgment and power, not grace and mercy. To the Muslim mind, calling God father means God connotes sexual relationship.
• Angels:  Angels in Islam serve Allah’s will such as Gabriel delivering the Koran to Mohammed. Angels do not perform any bodily functions (sexual, eating., etc) as they are created of light. Angels serve different purposes; each person has two recording angels who record his/her good or bad deeds.           

Jinn : Are spiritual beings created out of fire….who are ranked between angels and men and can be either good or bad. Satan was a Jinn and not a fallen angel according to Islam.

Satan: A Jinn who refused to fall prostrate before Adam after he was created. He is the leader of evil ones in the world. 

• Scripture: There are four inspired books in Islam: Quran, Torah, Injil and Zabur. The Torah, Injil and Zabur: “Books of Moses, The Gospel of Jesus, and Psalms of David” These are books mentioned in the Koran as God’s Word but most Muslims feel the current books are corrupt. For this reason, Allah gave Mohammed the “Quran”. Many Muslims try to find Mohammed in the Bible and feel he is referred to in Deuteronomy 18:16, John 14:6.
• Prophets: In Islam God has spoken through numerous prophets down through the centuries, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The greatest prophet and the last prophet is Muhammad, he is the seal of the prophets.
• Last Days: The last days will be a time of Resurrection and judgment.

Resurrection: Everybody will be resurrected to stand before Allah to be judged in the Last Day. Those who follow Allah and Mohammed will go to Paradise others will go to Hell. Everybody will pass through Hell and even some Muslim will spend time in Hell till their sins are burned away and Mohammad intercedes for them. 

Hell:  Hell is a place of Allah judgment where Muslims will spend some time before entering paradise, unbelievers will have no escape. Muslim’s believe Mohammed will intercede for them and deliver them from Hell.

Paradise: Described in the Quaran as place underneath the Earth that flows with rivers of wine and “wide eyed” virgins of beauty.

“And round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness): If thou seest them, thou wouldst think them scattered Pearls.”

Jesus: Jesus is just a prophet and not the Son of God. He is only a prophet to the Jews who was not crucified but was caught up into Heaven. God placed a substitute in his place on the cross. Many Muslims feel the substitute was Judas. Jesus is the Messiah who is coming at the end. He will kill all the Jews, Christians and pigs, break all crosses, get married and die 40 years later and be buried in Medina next to Mohammed. The Resurrection will follow.

Holy Spirit:  The angel Gabriel is recognized as the Holy Spirit within Islam, or as some commentators think angels in general. 

Salvation: The Muslims believe in salvation by obedience to Allah. Mohammed will intercede on the behalf of Muslims before Allah. In a scale, Allah will weigh the sins and good deeds to determine the punishment. Time in Hell will be necessary to pay for sins that outweigh good deeds. After which the “Muslims” will be accepted into Paradise. Non-Believers will go to Hell with no hope of escape. Those who die in Jihad or Holy War will go directly to Paradise where 72 virgins will be awaiting him.

A letter to a friend I wrote to, telling of an encounter I had with a group of Muslims.

Thanks, John, for all the encouraging emails you send. This one reminded me of an encounter I had with three Muslims up in Montreal. They came to one of our church services on a Sunday and afterwards approached me and claimed that they believed that the Koran was superior over the Bible and asked if I was willing to debate this with them. I agreed to sit down and discuss this with them. They asked if I have ever read the Koran and I responded, “No” but I was willing to read one and then afterwards set up a time to meet again. One of them gave me his own personal copy and I took it home with me. That night I prayed and asked the Lord to help me understand if the Koran had any merit to it. After reading it, I put a short report together and met with them once again. There were many things I could have brought up at that meeting but I wanted them to just consider a few. The following is what I brought to their attention and their response to each point. I started off by reminding them that they claimed the Koran was superior over the Bible. They responded, “Yes.” 

I began by stating the fact that the oldest writings of the Bible (the Book of Job) date back to 2000 BC and the writings of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy), 1500 BC, and the completion of the Bible in the days of the apostles, 60 – 80 AD making the Bible 2,600 years older than the Koran which was written around 650AD by Mohammed’s followers, (Mohammed was illiterate. He did not know how to read or write)

I then stated the fact that Mohammed lived in a society where people believed in many gods. He believed there was only one God and that is why he sat under the preaching and teachings of Christian and Jewish preachers. He took what he heard from them and went out telling others. I then told them that after reading over 200 pages of the Koran, it immediately dawned on me that the Koran did not say anything new of importance than what the Bible has already said. It talked about Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, etc. but nothing really new than what Mohammed has learned from the Christian and Jewish teachers.

John, you are not going to believe their response! They immediately told me these exact words, “True. Mohammed said that he did not bring forth any new doctrine.”

I looked at them and said “Stop! Think of what you just said. You came to me to tell me that the Koran is superior over the Bible when it has in fact got most of its information from what was already in the Bible! That is like you writing a book today and it becomes a best seller and then 2600 years later, someone picks up a copy of it, is inspired by it and then takes the information from your book, puts it on paper and then makes the claim that “their” book is superior over yours!”

All three of them just sat there silent, heads down and not saying a word.

I then asked them if they believe that the Koran implies that when you die all your good works are going to be placed on a scale alongside your sin and evil deeds and whichever way the scale tips, that determines whether one is allowed to enter Heaven or not. Their response was, “Yes.” I then told them, “Then no one is going to Heaven because the truth is, just one sin is so heavy that all the good deeds you can do in your entire lifetime would never even slightly move the scale. It took our Creator to come from Heaven to die for that one sin to “move the scale in our favor.” All Adam and Eve did was bite into a piece of fruit and look at the consequences of that one sin!

Lastly, before I handed them the full report to take home and study, I asked them, “Is it not true that the Koran states that Moses is a great prophet of God and we should heed his warnings and teachings?” Their response was, “True.” I then asked them, “Well then, where is your Lamb?” After looking at me with a puzzled look, I asked them again, “Where is your Lamb? Did not Moses state in His writings in the Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy that in order to be able to approach God, you must have a sacrifice. Did not he tell the Jewish people and anyone else, if they wanted to come to God, they must bring a lamb for a sacrifice before God as an offering for their sins?

John, these were their exact words, “The people in our old country sometimes sacrifice chickens and goats.” 

I responded, “I am not talking about them. I am talking about you here in Montreal, Canada! Where is your sacrifice? Where is your Lamb?….. The truth is, you do not have a lamb! But I do, and His name is Jesus!!!” 

I asked them to take the short report I put together for them which included these quick points and more, study them out, then call me to make a time when we can get together again and they can show me where I was wrong. 

They never called me back.

Keys to Witnessing

Urge them to compare the Quran with the Bible.

Muslims believe a true reading of the Quran can only be done in the original Arabic, so non-Arabic reading Muslims rarely know what the Quran actually teaches.

The following is a testimony by an ex-Muslim from Iran who calls herself Fars:

I left Islam for several reasons… I finally bought an English translation of the Quran; I was appalled. No wonder the Mullah did not want me to know what it all meant. When I read some of the passages in English to my mother she was shocked with disbelief. “That can’t be right!” She could not believe it and she had been a Muslim all her life and never knew exactly what the Quran said. She and my sister have both also left Islam…”

Urge a Muslim to read the Quran in their own language and then the Bible. Islam teaches that Allah was the source of both the Bible and the Qur’an, so they are willing to listen to passages from the Bible. Mohammad in Sura 5:46,68 permits Muslims to read the Bible, which opens the door for the Holy Spirit to move on their hearts. Once Fars could read both the Quran and the Bible in her own language, she gave her life to Christ.

Emphasize to them the life of Christ.

The following is the testimony of a Moroccan named Ibn Zakaria:

By reading the Bible and comparing the life of Mohammad to that of the Lord Jesus Christ, I found myself far from Islam and enlighten by the Gospel and the truth of the Word of God.

When you compare the life of Mohammad who was a murderer, wife stealer, child molester and a liar with Jesus Christ who is sinless, loving, holy and self-sacrificing, the Muslim is shocked at the differences. The Jesus taught in the Quran isn’t at all the Jesus of the Bible. They are amazed that anyone would lay down their own life for them, so share the life of Christ.

Point them to the love of God.

Abdel Masih of Egypt shared how he became saved:

When I began to study, I saw that the Quran was very filled with hate and not enough on love. Christianity seemed so much more familiar and the Sermon on the Mount is a teaching after my own heart. There is nothing like it in the Islamic literature.

Muslims receive no love from Allah whatsoever and their mullahs spew anger and hate. A Muslim, like any person, wants to be loved, and you can reach them by telling them about the love of God.

Stress to them there can be assurance of Salvation.

Mounif of Morocco writes in his testimony:

My father was and still is an imam in a mosque. I had many questions about my place in Paradise, but there was no answer.

Muslims have no assurance of going to Paradise except by one act — to kill infidels through suicide. Share how Jesus Christ died for their sins once and for all, and when they accept that in faith and repentance, they can have the assurance of Heaven.

Explain to them the meaning of Grace.

Sinbad of India shared his story:

I had of course gone through the whole process of learning about Islam and the do’s and don’ts, and had always tried to practice it but always was struggling as if I was forever carrying a great load on my back, as if I was in a prison. After I left [Islam] I felt as if I had just been released from prison.

Islam feels like shackles to a Muslim toiling under the great burden of a works-based religion. When you teach them about the grace of God, how there is no work they can do in order to be saved because Jesus Christ already paid for their sins on the cross, then they are released. The weight is lifted.

Assure them they can have a relationship with God.

Cynthia from America shared:

My fear of Allah became so intense that I hoped to get cancer and therefore be punished for my sins on earth instead of after death…Then I did something that I told my parents and myself I would never do. I rented the movie The Passion of the Christ. I held back tears that threatened to fall from my eyes until the short scene in the movie when Mary Magdalene reverts back to the day when Jesus was the only person who would accept her and love her. I began to cry… Finally, I understood that God loved me and was not out to get me or do me harm. It was also at that moment that I knew that Allah was not God.

Learning one can have a personal relationship with a loving God touches a Muslim’s heart. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, God offers—and true disciples of Jesus have received—that which everyone in the world, including every Muslim, needs and many long for: forgiveness for their sins, a loving heavenly Father with whom they can communicate personally, and assurance that eternal happiness awaits them beyond this life. The key to witnessing to a Muslim is getting him to understand that Islam does not offer these things and that Christianity most certainly does. In fact, Christianity is the only religion that does.

May God help us all to free Muslims of their burden of sin and judgment by sharing Jesus Christ! Of course, no one comes to the knowledge of the truth solely by good apologetics. The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14), and the Holy Spirit is the only one who can open the eyes of the spiritually blind. Therefore, any witnessing efforts should be bathed in prayer that hearts and minds will be opened so that when we speak the truth in love to a Muslim, it may please the Lord to grant him or her salvation through Jesus Christ.