Expert: Brenda Martin - 7/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: Now before we get started im not going to get into some mud slinging about what Church is false what is right, i believe that every Church that believes in Jesus Christ or at least God may still be heard by Him if not then why do they cast out demons in the name of God?

But in your opinion and studies what Church is the true Church? Agelicans? do you believe the Orthodox Churches are true when they say they are the first Church they say that they have doctuments of baptism leading all the way back to the tax collector Jesus ate with and he said ill give back four times what ive taken. Do you believe protestantism is correct? Or what i mean is Churches that follow only the Bible? What about catholicism?

ANSWER: "IN YOUR OPINION AND STUDIES WHAT CHURCH IS THE TRUE CHURCH?"

I was a Protestant for 19 years & I have been one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 30 years now, so in all these years of studying the bible I have no hesitation in saying; Jehovah’s Witnesses are the one & only “true religion”

"DO YOU BELIEVE THE ORTHODOX CHURCHES ARE TRUE"

The religious teachings of the orthodox churches; Protestant, Catholic and Jewish are based on traditions of men, not on the bible, so no they are not true.

By contrast; at the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses the Bible is studied, in conjunction with Bible study aids. There are upbuilding discussions in which all can participate. No one is looked down upon either because he is a beginner in Bible knowledge or because of economic circumstances. There is no clergy-laity distinction. At the meetings all—men, women and children—learn how they can walk in the footsteps of Christ, sharing their faith and hope with others.

"DO YOU BELIEVE PROTESTANTISM IS CORRECT?"

If I did I would have remained a Protestant :¬) so no I do not believe they are correct at all.

"CHURCHES THAT FOLLOW ONLY THE BIBLE?"

Religious commentator M. J. McManus wrote this about church attenders: “Few trends in religion so threaten to undermine organized religion as does the sorry state of Biblical knowledge.” He noted that “the Bible remains an unread, foreign document” for most churchgoers.

Many religions use it to some extent. But do they really teach and practice what it contains? Consider:--

(1) From most of their Bible translations they have removed the name of the true God thousands of times.

(2) The Trinity doctrine, their concept of God himself, is borrowed from pagan sources and was developed in its present form centuries after Bible writing was completed.

(3) Their belief in immortality of the human soul as the basis for continued life is not taken from the Bible; it has roots in ancient Babylon.

(4) The theme of Jesus’ preaching was the Kingdom of God, and he sent his disciples out to talk personally to others about it; but the churches today seldom mention that Kingdom and their members are not doing the work of preaching “this good news of the kingdom.” (Matt. 24:14)

(5) Jesus said that his true followers could be readily identified by their self-sacrificing love for one another. Is that true of the religions of Christendom when the nations go to war?

(6) The Bible says that Christ’s disciples would be no part of the world, and it warns that whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God; but the churches of Christendom and their members are deeply involved in the political affairs of the nations. (Jas. 4:4) In view of such a record, can it honestly be said that they really adhere to the Bible?

WHAT ABOUT CATHOLICISM?

Without hesitation definitely not.

Here is why I believe Jehovah’s Witnesses are the true religion—

(1) Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs.

(2) God: They worship Jehovah as the only true God and freely speak to others about him and his loving purposes toward mankind. Anyone who publicly witnesses about Jehovah is usually identified as belonging to the one group—“Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

(3) Jesus Christ: They believe, not that Jesus Christ is part of a Trinity, but that, as the Bible says, he is the Son of God, the first of God’s creations; that he had a prehuman existence and that his life was transferred from heaven to the womb of a virgin, Mary; that his perfect human life laid down in sacrifice makes possible salvation to eternal life for those who exercise faith; that Christ is actively ruling as King, with God-given authority over all the earth since 1914.

(4) God’s Kingdom: They believe that God’s Kingdom is the only hope for mankind; that it is a real government; that it will soon destroy the present wicked system of things, including all human governments, and that it will produce a new system in which righteousness will prevail.

(5) Heavenly life: They believe that 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom, ruling as kings with him. They do not believe that heaven is the reward for everyone who is “good.”

(6) The earth: They believe that God’s original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled; that the earth will be completely populated by worshipers of Jehovah and that these will be able to enjoy eternal life in human perfection; that even the dead will be raised to an opportunity to share in these blessings.

(7) Death: They believe that the dead are conscious of absolutely nothing; that they are experiencing neither pain nor pleasure in some spirit realm; that they do not exist except in God’s memory, so hope for their future life lies in a resurrection from the dead.

(8) Last days: They believe that we are living now, since 1914, in the last days of this wicked system of things; that some who saw the events of 1914 will also see the complete destruction of the present wicked world; that lovers of righteousness will survive into a cleansed earth.

(9) Separate from the world: They earnestly endeavor to be no part of the world, as Jesus said would be true of his followers. They show genuine Christian love for their neighbors, but they do not share in the politics or the wars of any nation. They provide for the material needs of their families but shun the world’s avid pursuit of material things and personal fame and its excessive indulgence in pleasure.

(10) Apply Bible counsel: They believe that it is important to apply the counsel of God’s Word in everyday life now—at home, in school, in business, in their congregation. Regardless of a person’s past way of life, he may become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses if he abandons practices condemned by God’s Word and applies its godly counsel. But if anyone thereafter makes a practice of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, drug abuse, drunkenness, lying, or stealing, he will be disfellowshipped from the organization.

The above list briefly states some outstanding beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses but by no means all the points on which their beliefs are different from those of other groups.

Please get back to me with any further questions.

All the best
Brenda


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sir a protestant is someone who is not a catholic. Just letting you know that. And in my old Church thats all we did was read the Bible and it was not a JW Church. Seventh day adventists also read alot about the bible and they are protestants but they celebrate the sabbath. Having a tradiction in the Church is not a sin as long as you dont force others to believe in it as though it was Gods Word at least thats what i think, i think that there are SOME poeple in these Churches who have true faith in the Lord and will be saved. If not then how do they perform exorcisms. Let me ask you another question according to your beliefs. Is baptism nessacary?

ANSWER: HI Raul you said--"IN MY OLD CHURCH WE READ THE BIBLE & SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS ALSO READ A LOT ABOUT THE BIBLE"

Yes I agree many churches “read” the bible; however what the Bible says is very different from the teachings and practices of most churches.

Throughout the world, evidence mounts against the world’s religions, evidence that they have not been a genuine force for morality and the security and peace it brings. More and more religious leaders today are saying publicly that fornication, adultery and homosexuality are not necessarily wrong. You yourself may have read news items to that effect. These represent the trend in the world’s religions. But they do not represent the Bible, which says:

“Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom.”—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

"HAVING A TRADITION IN THE CHURCH IS NOT A SIN"

To religious leaders in his day, Jesus said: “You have made the word of God invalid because of your tradition.” (Matthew 15:6) So if we want God’s approval, it is necessary that we make sure that what we believe is in agreement with the teachings of the Bible & not tradition.

"I THINK THAT THERE ARE SOME POEPLE IN THESE CHURCHES WHO HAVE TRUE FAITH IN THE LORD AND WILL BE SAVED"

If there are honest hearted truth seekers in these religions, then yes they will come in touch with Jehovah’s servants & be taught how to please God correctly & put themselves on the “road to life” (Matthew 7;13,14)

"IS BAPTISM NESSACARY?"

According to the Bible yes-- To be among those who enjoy that precious relationship with God, one must make a dedication to Jehovah and symbolize it publicly by water baptism. This is in obedience to Jesus’ direct command to his disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20)

"EVEN IN THE BIBLE IT HAS AUTHORITY FIGURES SUCH AS PAUL AND PETER AND OF COURSE JESUS".

Yes; but none that acted like Ministers or Priests--Jesus set out the principle: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister.” (Matthew 23:8-11) A congregation of brothers precludes having a proud clergy class that honors itself with high-sounding titles and elevates itself above a laity. (Job 32:21, 22) Those shepherding the flock of God are told to do so “not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2, 3) Genuine Christian shepherds refrain from trying to make themselves masters over the faith of others. As fellow workers in God’s service, they simply strive to set a fine example.—2 Corinthians 1:24.

"I DO BELIEVE IN USING THE CROSS AS A SYMBOL"

There is no evidence that for the first 300 years after Christ’s death, those claiming to be Christians used the cross in worship. In the fourth century, however, pagan Emperor Constantine became a convert to apostate Christianity and promoted the cross as its symbol. Whatever Constantine’s motives, the cross had nothing to do with Jesus Christ. The cross is, in fact, pagan in origin.

The New Catholic Encyclopedia admits: “The cross is found in both pre-Christian and non-Christian cultures.” Various other authorities have linked the cross with nature worship and pagan sex rites.
Why, then, was this pagan symbol promoted? Apparently, to make it easier for pagans to accept “Christianity.” Nevertheless, devotion to any pagan symbol is clearly condemned by the Bible. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) The Scriptures also forbid all forms of idolatry. (Exodus 20:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 10:14) With very good reason, therefore, true Christians do not use the cross in worship.

"I ALSO BELIEVE ITS OK TO USE HOLY WATER SINCE PETER'S SHADOW HEALED POEPLE AND EVEN PIECES OF CLOTH FROM SAINT PETER".

Indicating the non-Christian origin of many of apostate Christendom’s doctrines, ceremonies, and practices, 19th-century Roman Catholic cardinal John Henry Newman wrote in his Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine: “The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occasions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, and candles; votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water; asylums; holydays and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison [the song “Lord, Have Mercy”], are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church.”

Rather than sanctify such idolatry, “Jehovah the Almighty” admonishes Christians: “Get out from among them, and separate yourselves, . . . and quit touching the unclean thing.”—2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

"I MET A GIRL WHO SUPPOSEDLY HAD A DEMON IN HER........OTHERS SAY THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO PERFORM AN EXORCISM THAT WAY BUT JESUS DID SUCH THINGS"

Jesus did expel demons, and when this took place the person returned to a normal state of mind. Did Jesus perform some special ritual in order to expel the demons? Was a séance or any form of magic employed by Christ, his apostles or his other disciples when bringing relief to the demon-possessed?

No. Neither Jesus nor his first century followers possessed or used any “book of exorcism.” Moreover, nowhere in Holy Scripture does one find words, phrases or formulas that are supposed to be especially effective in expelling wicked spirits.

During the infancy of the Christian congregation, Jehovah God often enabled Jesus’ disciples to perform miracles under the power of His holy spirit. But such miraculous gifts of the spirit were no longer needed once it had been proved that the “hand of Jehovah” was with the followers of Jesus Christ. (Acts 11:21) Consequently, the miraculous gifts of the spirit and unusual demonstrations of its power passed away.—1 Cor. 13:8-13.

Modern-day exorcism with its ritual is not the answer to demon possession. Rather, Jehovah God has lovingly provided protection from wicked spirit forces, and prudent persons will avail themselves of it. No, Christians should not practice exorcism rites. But they should keep their minds and hearts fixed on the worship and service of their heavenly Father.

You can also get further information at www.watchtower.org

All the best
Brenda







---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No offense sir but all Churches even the old ones had a tradiction. Ever heard of the feast of polycarp? He was a great man and they held a feast in service of him i guess they were sinning? You obviously didnt read about what i said about the Cross now did you? was jesus crusified on a cross or not? Yes then obviously its a symbol. Holy water hurts demons. Oh and your rediculous answer on exorcism makes me wonder what youd ever do if someone came to you with a demon in them..........i guess we should just let them die of demon possession huh? There are experts out there who do investigate demonic hauntings. Faith is what drives out a demon maybe you never heard Jesus saying this type comes out with prayer and fasting? Waht exactly do you think the exorcism rites are? THERE PRAYERS OR ASKING GOD TO DO SOMETHING If people knew the true Church we wouldnt have all these devisions so your saying that God stoped doing this and that is rather silly who actually told you God stoped doing this and that? i dont remember reading anywere in the bible that God would suddenly stop showing people visions or is it that you have no faith? i hope to goodness you never meet someone woh is possessed and does unnatural things and has been medically cleared because you wont know what to do for them but i have friends who have to deal with such people may God help you if you ever meet one such possessed person. Your close mindedness is rediculous. And as for the bible maybe you should read it harder it talks about bishops, deacons, elders, and it talks about how the people obayed paul and timothy. There is no word such as president in the bible either i guess obama is not president, did you know that most japanese or chinese cars are blessed according to there traditions? I guess you better get rid of yours brother lol. Oh and people like you talk about this is a sin thats a sin you say halloween is evil and christmas yet you probaly still celebrate your own kids birthday. You talk about whats allowed whats not allowed, there is no mention of a toilet in the bible i guess thats unbiblical? How about statues? Or did not paul like art...........God gave you common sense.......USE IT and if you have a problem with that well your a jehovahs witness and believe ill burn and then cease to exist so we all win in the end have a good day sir God be with you in all you do for Him

Please send no reply

Answer
"NO OFFENSE SIR BUT ALL CHURCHES EVEN THE OLD ONES HAD A TRADITION".

Firstly I am not a “sir” you sent this question to BRENDA Martin, & yes religions had traditions back then, hence why Jesus condemned them.

Think of the harm that traditional beliefs caused some of the Jews of Jesus’ day. They fervently believed that their traditions were true. When they protested that Jesus’ disciples did not keep the traditions, Jesus challenged them with the question: “Why is it you also overstep the commandment of God because of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:1-3) What had gone wrong? Jesus identified the problem when he quoted the words of the prophet Isaiah: “It is in vain that they keep worshiping [God], because they teach commands of men as doctrines.”—Matthew 15:9; Isaiah 29:13.

EVER HEARD OF THE FEAST OF POLYCARP?

Of course; the world honours famous men. Still others honour and exalt nations or worldly organizations. But the Bible warns against giving worshipful honours to humans, or trusting in human organizations to accomplish what only God can do. (Acts 10:25, 26; 12:21-23; Revelation 19:10; Jeremiah 17:5-7) So holidays that tend to exalt a man or a human organization are not in harmony with God’s will, and true Christians will not share in them.—Romans 12:2.

WAS JESUS CRUSIFIED ON A CROSS OR NOT?

NO; As Jesus looked down from that implement of torture and death, he saw “the disciple whom he loved,” the apostle John. To him Jesus committed the care of his mother, Mary. (John 19:25-30) So, John was there. He knew whether Jesus died on a cross.

To designate the instrument of Christ’s death, John used the Greek word stau•ros′, (John 19:17, 19, 25) In classical Greek, stau•ros′ denotes the same thing that it does in the common Greek of the Christian Scriptures—primarily an upright stake or pole with no crossbar.  

MAYBE YOU NEVER HEARD JESUS SAYING THIS TYPE COMES OUT WITH PRAYER AND FASTING? I DON’T REMEMBER READING ANYWHERE IN THE BIBLE THAT GOD WOULD SUDDENLY STOP SHOWING PEOPLE VISIONS ?

Obviously you’ve missed the part where it says—

Such powerful works, or gifts of the spirit, passed away with the death of Jesus and the apostles and any to whom they passed on the gifts. The apostle Paul wrote: “Whether there are gifts of prophesying, they will be done away with; whether there are [miraculously spoken] tongues, they will cease; whether there is [divinely revealed] knowledge, it will be done away with.” (1 Corinthians 13:8) Why? Having accomplished their purpose—identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah and the Christian congregation as favoured by God—such powerful works, including healing, are no longer needed; they are “done away with.”

Each recorded case of outpouring of God’s spirit accompanied by miraculous gifts took place in the presence of one or more of the apostles of Jesus. (Acts 8:9-20; 10:44-46; 19:6) Evidently the transmitting of these God-given powers ceased with the death of the apostles; and when those who had received them died, such gifts ceased altogether from the Christian congregation.

THE BIBLE TALKS ABOUT BISHOPS, DEACONS, ELDERS

Elders’ yes-- “All you are brothers,” Jesus had said to his disciples. “Your Leader is one, the Christ.” (Matt. 23:8, 10) So there was no clergy class within Christian congregations of the first century. As spirit-anointed brothers of Christ, all the early Christians had the prospect of being heavenly priests with Christ. (1 Pet. 1:3, 4; 2:5, 9) As to organization, each congregation was supervised by a body of overseers, or spiritual ELDERS. All the elders had equal authority, and not one of them was authorized to ‘lord it over’ the flock in their care. (Acts 20:17; Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3) However, as the apostasy unfolded, things began to change—quickly.

Among the earliest deviations from the TRUTH was a separation between the terms “overseer” (Gr., e•pi′sko•pos) and “older man,” or “elder” (Gr., pre•sby′te•ros), so that they were no longer used to refer to the same position of responsibility. Just a decade or so after the death of the apostle John, Ignatius, “bishop” of Antioch, in his letter to the Smyrnaeans, wrote: “See that you all follow the bishop [overseer], as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery [body of older men] as if it were the Apostles.” Ignatius thus advocated that each congregation be supervised by one bishop, or overseer, who was to be recognized as distinct from, and having greater authority than, the presbyters, or older men.

How, though, did this separation come about? Augustus Neander, in his book The History of the Christian Religion and Church, During the Three First Centuries, explains what happened: “In the second century . . . , the standing office of president of the presbyters must have been formed, to whom, inasmuch as he had especially the oversight of every thing, was the name of [e•pi′sko•pos] given, and he was thereby distinguished from the rest of the presbyters.”
The groundwork was thus laid for a clergy class gradually to emerge.

YOU PROBABLY STILL CELEBRATE YOUR OWN KIDS BIRTHDAY.

No I don’t actually :¬) Given the known origin of celebrating birthdays, and more important, the unfavourable light in which they are presented in the Bible, Jehovah’s Witnesses have ample reason to abstain from the practice.

YOUR A JEHOVAH’S WITNESS AND BELIEVE ILL BURN

Not at all, the bible doesn’t teach hellfire, that’s another false doctrine or “tradition” of counterfeit Christianity.

All the best
Brenda