Expert: Brian Thompson - 2/3/2009

Question
We are Assembly of God. Our church is doing a segment on how to respond with Love to different religions by knowing what they believe and scriptures to prove otherwise.  My question is:
What is the difference between Assembly of God and Jehovah Witnesses?

Answer
Hi Sarah

I find it quite strange that as members of a pentecostal chruch you are unaware of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

The Assembly of God has it's roots in the Azusa Street revival in the early twentieth century. As a result of this outpouring, a movement started which focused on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The Members of the Assembly of God believe the same truths as many Christians in particular Jesus as part of the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, however our experience also encompasses the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer. Members of the Assembly of God should witness by listening to the Holy Spirit and presenting Jesus clearly. Quoting Scripture to prove your point is often not a good idea unless the person you are speaking to is seeking instruction.

Jehovah's Witnesses arose in the nineteenth century as the Bible Student Movement. it has a particular focus on promoting the publications of the Watchtower Society and in particular they deny the existence of the trinity and the godhood of Jesus. To the JW Jesus is the archangel Michael. The Jehovah's Witnesses are regarded as a cult because of their restrictive attitude towards non members and the families of their members. The Jehovahs Witnesses rely very heavily on being able to quote and reference Scripture to prove their point of veiw. If you want to respond in love to a Jehovah's Witness you will tell that person that Jesus is God and avoid getting into any debate particularly on intrepretation of Scripture. I have seen Christians become confused by confronting a Jehovahs Witness.

You could therefore say that the Assemblies of God and the Jehovah's Witnesses are diametrically opposed in their teachings about Jesus