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May Day!
This is also celebrated in Communistic countries as "Worker Day."
Reinventing the Wheel
By Fred Schwarz, M.D.
For over 50 years I have been teaching that mass murder, or classicide, is inherent in Communist doctrine and practice. At long last this is becoming widely acknowledged as the following statements from an article by Tony Judt, director of the Remarque Institute at New York University, demonstrate. (Seattle Post Intelligencer, December 30, 1997)
"Le Livre Noir du Communisme" ("The Black Book of Communism") was published in Paris last month and immediately has aroused controversy.
"Edited by Stephane Courtois, a respected historian of French communism, it is an 800-page compendium of the crimes of Communist regimes worldwide, recorded and analyzed in ghastly detail by a team of scholars.
"The facts and figures, some of them well-known, others newly confirmed in hitherto inaccessible archives are irrefutable. The myth of the well-intentioned founders-the good czar Lenin betrayed by his evil heirs-has been laid to rest for good. No one will any longer be able to claim ignorance or uncertainty about the original nature of communism, and those who had begun to forget will be forced to remember anew.
"Those very features of Nazism that we find most repellent have now been proved endemic to communism from its inception.
"It is now estimated that in the Soviet Union about 20 million deaths, in Communist China perhaps 65 million deaths and in Cambodia, North Korea, Vietnam and Eastern Europe a further 6 million deaths can be attributed directly to the actions of Communist governments.
"These mass murders were not the accidental by - product of misguided policies but the outcome of willful, sometimes genocidal calculation and intent. By March 1918, Lenin's Bolshevik regime, then just five months old, had knowingly killed more of its political opponents than czarist Russia had in the whole preceding century. In 1932-33 the famine engineered by Stalin in the Ukraine destroyed about 6 million men, women and children.
"A permanent civil war of party-state vs. society was inaugurated; its goal was a Gleichschaltung - an atomized oneness - different from that of Nazism only in its invocation of 'class' instead of 'race' and in its distinctive euphemisms: Nazis applied 'special treatment' to the people they murdered, Communists 'liquidated' those whom history, in their eyes, had already condemned.
"Mass murder, then, was not an unintended consequence but part of the project from the start. 'The archives, and numerous witnesses' Courtois writes, 'confirm that terror was from the outset a basic feature of modern Communism.
"'The fact is that Communist regimes committed crimes affecting about 100 million people, against some 25 million for Nazism.
"In the sorry story of our century, Communism and Nazism are, and always were, morally indistinguishable."
The appalling ignorance of the murderous nature and history of Communism is inexcusable. More than two decades ago the Internal Security Subcommittee of the Justice Committee of the U.S. Senate issued reports of the numbers killed by the Soviet and Chinese Communist Parties. Their estimates of the number of victims were very close to those published in "Le Livre Noir du Communisme." The Crusade newsletter published the Committee's estimates.
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.
6 The LORD sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.
8 He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of a man;
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
12 Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion,
13 for he strengthens the bars of your gates
and blesses your people within you.
14 He grants peace to your borders
and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
15 He sends his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16 He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
18 He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
19 He has revealed his word to Jacob,
his laws and decrees to Israel.
20 He has done this for no other nation;
they do not know his laws.
Praise the LORD.
The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.
''There is no God."
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
there is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven
on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
4 Will the evildoers never learn—
those who devour my people as men eat bread
and who do not call on God?
5 There they were, overwhelmed with dread,
where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
you put them to shame, for God despised them.
6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.
Psalm 119: 137 Righteous are you, O LORD,
and your laws are right.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
141 Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands are my delight.
144 Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding that I may live.
The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.
Cinco de Mayo
Psalm 150 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!
2Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his exceeding greatness!
3Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
4Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
5Praise him with sounding cymbals!
6Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Galatians 5:19-24
Now the works of the flesh are plain: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Webster's Dictionary defines vice as - "depravity or immoral conduct; blemish or defect in character, etc.; failing or bad habit." The word is derived from vicious defined as "depraved; wicked; spiteful; not well broken, as a horse."
Webster's defines virtue (found on the same page, by the way) as - "moral excellence; merit; good quality; power or efficacy." virtuous "upright; dutiful." Virtue comes from the Latin word virtus which means manly strength, or power.
Let's take a look at the vices and virtues that Paul ennumerates in this Bible passage over the next few days, and see how we as Christians might be aware of the vices in our lives and ask our Lord Jesus to forgive and cleanse us of these sins; and then seek to grow in these virtues, becoming more like Christ in our life.
"Immorality, Impurity, Licentiousness" It's interesting that Paul begins with the vices that condemn all human - kind rather than the virtues. What's even more interesting is he begins this list with sexual perversions. He doesn't beat around the bush. He doesn't hide or cover up what's really getting at the soul of human life. Another translation reads: "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery." These three go hand-in-hand with sexual sins. The original Greek words are "porneia," "akatharsia," and "aselgeia."
Porneia means prostitution, harlotry from which we get the English word "pornegraphic."
Akatharsia means uncleanness. We have an English word catharsis which means purging or cleansing. Akatharsia means not cleansed.
Aselgeia means wantonness. These three sins were particulary devastating to the early Christians who were of nonJewish ancestry because these were so pervasive in the heathen society of the day.Why are these sins so devastating today? I believe that these sins pervade every part of our society today. Television, media, advertising, all "play" on these unholy desires to entrap us. We need to be on the lookout for how destructive these things can be to relationships, families, individuals.
"Idolatry, Sorcery" Paul continues with these two vices: idolatry and sorcery. Idolatry is the worship, adoration, glorification of something that in not God. Sorcery, of course, is all that is contained in the "black arts:" fortune telling, horoscopes, tarot cards, "psychic-hot lines" on television, etc. The Greek word for sorcery or witchcraft is "pharmakeia" from the Greek word "pharmakon" which we get the word pharmacy or drug store. Those sorcers of Paul's day used drugs to work their magic rites. And he places these two vices together because each in their own way, look to someone or something other than the Eternal, Everlasting God as a source for knowledge and truth. Idolatry says that there is something other than God that is important. Sorcery says there is something or someone other than God that we can turn to for the information about the future that God is withholding from us.
God wants us to call upon him in prayer. He is, after all our Heavely Father. We can approach him in Jesus Christ his son, using a very simple prayer: Lord God, please help me, forgive me when I turn from you to listen to other voices. Enlighten me with your Holy Word, the Bible, in Jesus' name. AMEN.
"Enmity, Strife, Jealousy, Anger" These vices stem from personal relations that have gone bad. These first four vices are ones that actively pursue breaking down those relationships we have with each other. A person who uses enmity, strife, jealousy, anger in his life is actively trying to destroy a relationship.
Have you ever had someone in your workplace seeking to destroy the working relationships that were established there? What did it take to calm things down? Were you successful?
In my experience, it very difficult to develop or rekindle good relationships after they have been destroyed by someone actively seeking to tear apart those relationships. Only God can heal those wounds.
"Selfishness, Dissension, Party Spirit, Envy" Paul continues with four more personal relationship vices that I would see as hidden or passive actions that take place to destroy relationships. None of these sins are really overt and out in the open.
Take, for example, selfishness. A person becomes to overtly concerned with his own needs that he doesn't look out for anybody else's. This is a subtle thing. Dissension, too, can be very low key, and hidden behind the scene. Dissension says, "I just won't help out, when I know that I ought to - I just don't go along with the program - I'm going to do my own thing." Party spirit is very similar: I'm for my side, my buddies, but not any other. Envy is the result of someone's else's success. It can be hidden (as it is most of the time, in the person's heart) or it can manifest itself as back-biting, gossip, libel.
"Drunkenness, Carousing, and the Like" These two sins: drunkenness and carousing go together because one comes from the other. The original Greek has "methai" for the word drunkenness. "Komoi" or carousing is a word that means drinking parties like those in honor of the god Bacchus. Surely, these are the spawning grounds for all kinds of problems later on. Habitual drinking and doing it in groups with many others can lead to many other kinds of sin: adultry, promiscuity, drug use, and other things. Paul reminds us to watch about all these things! and even at that this is not an exhaustive list, because Paul says, "...and the like."
Mai-Britt Puttler, 1982
"Love, Joy, Peace" Galatians 5:22-23. Beginning with these verses there is a definite contrast here. As verse 16 indicated, there is no need for a believer to display the works of the flesh. Rather, by the Spirit's power he can manifest the nine graces that are now listed. It is important to observe that the fruit here described is not produced by a believer, but by the Holy Spirit working through a Christian who is in vital union with Christ (cf. [cf. confer, compare] John 15:1-8). The word "fruit" is singular, indicating that these qualities constitute a unity, all of which should be found in a believer who lives under the control of the Spirit. In an ultimate sense this "fruit" is simply the life of Christ lived out in a Christian. It also points to the method whereby Christ is formed in a believer (cf. [cf. confer, compare] 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:21).The first three virtues are habits of mind which find their source in God. Love (agapeµ) is listed first because it is the foundation of the other graces. God is love and loves the world (cf. [cf. confer, compare] 1 John 4:8; John 3:16). Such self-sacrificing love that sent Christ to die for sinners is the kind of love that believers who are Spirit-controlled manifest. Joy (chara) is a deep and abiding inner rejoicing which was promised to those who abide in Christ (cf. [cf. confer, compare] John 15:11). It does not depend on circumstances because it rests in God's sovereign control of all things (cf. [cf. confer, compare] Rom. 8:28). Peace (eireµneµ) is again a gift of Christ (cf. [cf. confer, compare] John 14:27). It is an inner repose and quietness, even in the face of adverse circumstances; it defies human understanding (cf. [cf. confer, compare] Phil. 4:7).
Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.
"Patience, Kindness, Goodness" The second triad reaches out to others, fortified by love, joy, and peace. Patience (makrothymia) is the quality of forbearance under provocation (cf. [cf. confer, compare] 2 Cor. 6:6; Col. 1:11; 3:12). It entertains no thoughts of retaliation even when wrongfully treated. Kindness (chreµstoteµs) is benevolence in action such as God demonstrated toward men. Since God is kind toward sinners (cf. [cf. confer, compare] Rom. 2:4; Eph. 2:7) a Christian should display the same virtue (cf. [cf. confer, compare] 2 Cor. 6:6; Col. 3:12). Goodness (agathoµsyneµ) may be thought of both as an uprightness of soul and as an action reaching out to others to do good even when it is not deserved.
Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.
"Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control" The final three graces guide the general conduct of a believer who is led by the Spirit. Faithfulness (pistis) is the quality which renders a person trustworthy or reliable, like the faithful servant in Luke 16:10-12. Gentleness (prauteµs) marks a person who is submissive to God's Word (cf. [cf. confer, compare] James 1:21) and who is considerate of others when discipline is needed (cf. [cf. confer, compare] "gently" in Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:25; "gentle" in 1 Cor. 4:21; Eph. 4:2; "gentleness" in Col. 3:12; 1 Peter 3:16). Self-control (enkrateia; this noun is used in the NT [NT New Testament] only here and in Acts 24:25; 2 Peter 1:6) denotes self-mastery and no doubt primarily relates to curbing the fleshly impulses just described. Such a quality is impossible to attain apart from the power of God's Spirit (cf. [cf. confer, compare] Gal. 5:16). As a final summary statement Paul affirmed that there are no prohibitions (lit. [lit. literal, literally] , there is not a law) against such virtues. In a litotes (understatement) he asserted that obviously no one would make laws against people who practice such things.
Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.
"REAL HEALING"
READ: HEBREWS 2:1-9WE CAN'T PUT GOD IN A BOX. HE SHOWS THE WORLD HIS SUPERNATURAL POWER ACCORDING TO HIS OWN WILL, NOT OURS - AND SOMETIMES IN WAYS THAT DON'T LOOK MIRACULOUS.
IN THE FILM BASED ON THE NOVEL THE ROBE, A ROMAN CENTURION NAMED MARCELLUS WAS MYSTIFIED AS HE WATCHED A CRIPPLED WOMAN PLAYING A LYRE AND SINGING PRAISES TO GOD. HE WAS TOLD THAT WHEN SHE WAS 15 SHE WAS STRICKEN WITH PARALYSIS AND BECAME SEVERELY EMBITTERED. WHEN SHE MET CHRIST, THOUGH, SHE WAS TRANSFORMED INTO A JOYFUL WOMAN. "BUT SHE STILL CAN'T WALK," MARCELLUS PROTESTED ANGRILY. "IF JESUS HAD SUCH GREAT POWER, WHY DIDN'T HE CURE HER?" "HE DID!" WAS THE REPLY.
A MODERN-DAY DISCIPLE NAMED MICHAEL HAS A SIMILAR TESTIMONY. ALTHOUGH PARALYED AND BOUND TO A WHEELCHAIR, HE TRAVELS THE WORLD IN THE ENERGIZING POWER OF CHRIST AND FOR HIS CAUSE. WHENEVER PEOPLE ASK WHY GOD HASN'T HEALED HIM, HE REPLIES, "I AM HEALED. I JUST CAN'T WALK!"
IN THE PAST, GOD AUTHENTICATED HIS MESSENGERS WITH SIGNS, WONDERS, MIRACLES, AND GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (HEB. 2:4). TODAY, THE GREATEST DEMONSTRATION OF GOD'S POWER IS THE MIRACLE OF NEW BIRTH AND CHANGED LIVES. DOES A WATCHING WORLD SEE IN US THAT HE IS A MIRACLE-WORKING GOD?
NEW LIFE IN CHRIST - MIRACULOUS
THAT WE'RE NO LONGER BOUND BY SIN;
THE POWER OF GOD - HOW GLORIOUS
THAT WE'VE BEEN HEALED AND CHANGED WITHIN!
WHEN JESUS MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN YOU YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR WORLD.
"OF PIGS AND SHEEP"
READ: Psalm 104:24-30WHEN AUTHOR AND PREACHER DAVID FIELD ARRIVED AT THE COUNTRY CHURCH WHERE HE WAS TO BE THE GUEST SPEAKER, HE WAS INTRODUCED TO A CHOIR MEMBER. HE ASKED HER WHAT SHE DID. "I KEEP PIGS," SHE REPLIED. "HOW MANY DO YOU HAVE?" HE INQUIRED. WITHOUT HESITATION SHE ANSWERED, "A HUNDRED AND NINETY-TWO AT THE MOMENT." LAUGHINGLY HE RESPONDED, "REALLY? ARE YOU CERTAIN OF THAT?" WITH INDIGNATION SHE RETORTED, "OF COURSE I'M SURE. I'VE GOT NAMES FOR ALL OF THEM, HAVEN'T I?"
IMAGINE KNOWING THE NAMES OF 192 PIGS! BUT WHY NOT - IF YOU REGARD THEM WITH THE FONDNESS THAT WOMAN HAD FOR HER HERD?
WHAT ABOUT THE CREATOR, WHO HAS A NAME FOR EACH OF THE COUNTLESS STARS IN THE SKY? (ISA. 40:26). THAT CREATOR IS ALSO OUR GOOD SHEPHERD, WHOSE LOVE FOR US RISES FAR ABOVE THE LEVEL OF OUR HUMAN AFFECTION. AND THAT GOOD SHEPHERD CALLS HIS SHEEP BY NAME (JN. 10:3).
WE MAY BE TEMPTED TO THINK THAT ALMIGHTY GOD, WHO UPHOLDS GALAXIES UPON GALAXIES, CAN'T POSSIBLY BE CONCERNED ABOUT US AND OUR PROBLEMS. BUT JESUS SAID THAT THE HEAVENLY FATHER NOTICES AND CARES FOR THE NEEDS OF EVEN THE SMALLEST ANIMALS, AND THAT WE ARE OF MUCH GREATER VALUE (MT. 6:26). HE KNOWS OUR NAMES AND MEETS OUR NEEDS.
THE KING OF LOVE MY SHEPHERD IS,
WHOSE GOODNESS FAILETH NEVER;
I NOTHING LACK IF I AM HIS,
AND HE IS MINE FOREVER.
GOD IS BIG ENOUGH TO CARE FOR OUR SMALLEST NEED.
FROM: "OUR DAILY BREAD"
RADIO BIBLE CLASS MINISTRIES
Norweigian Independence Day
"LOOKING GOOD"
READ: 1 SAMUEL 16:1-13TO A GREATER OR LESSER DEGREE, ALL OF US HAVE SOMETHING ABOUT OUR LOOKS THAT WE DON'T LIKE. WHEN WE BECOME PREOCCUPIED WITH IT, THOUGH, THERE'S A FANCY NAME FOR IT: BODY DISMORPHIC DISORDER. IT AFFLICTS PEOPLE WHO ARE SO DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR APPEARANCE THAT THEY HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME FUNCTIONING NORMALLY.
ALTHOUGH WE CAN ALL FIND SOMETHING ABOUT OURSELVES WE WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE, HERE ARE A COUPLE OF BIBLICAL TRUTHS TO HELP US BE SATISFIED WITH THE WAY WE ARE PUT TOGETHER.
FIRST, WE HAVE THIS COMFORTING ASSURANCE: "THE LORD DOES NOT SEE AS MAN SEES; FOR MAN LOOKS AT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART" (1 SAM. 16:7). GOD IS FAR MORE CONCERNED WITH HOW OUR HEART LOOKS THAN HOW WE LOOK IN THE MIRROR.
SECOND, PSALM 139 REMINDS US THAT GOD FORMED US (VV. 15-16) AND THAT WE ARE "FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE" (V. 14). GOD MADE US THE WAY WE ARE FOR A REASON TO THANK HIM.
WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT IS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD. IF OUR HEART HAS BEEN CLEANSED FROM SIN THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS AND WE'RE BECOMING MORE CHRISTLIKE IN CHARACTER, IN GOD'S EYES WE'RE LOOKING GOOD!
GOD LOOKS NOT ON THE OUTWARD FORM
BUT WHAT IS IN THE HEART;
THE BEAUTY HE IS PLEASED TO SEE,
HIS SPIRIT CAN IMPART.
RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE HEART CAN MAKE ANY LIFE BEAUTIFUL.
FROM: "OUR DAILY BREAD"
RADIO BIBLE CLASS MINISTRIES
Victoria Day - Canada
"OH GOD WHY? "
READ (JOB 1)SEVERAL YEARS AGO, THE GROWING SEASON HAD BEEN UNUSUALLY GOOD IN EASTERN MICHIGAN. FARMERS WERE ELATED AT THE THOUGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL PROFITS. THEN, JUST BEFORE HARVEST, THE RAINS CAME-AND STAYED.
POTATOES ROTTED IN THE GROUND; BEANS MOLDED IN THEIR PODS. THE ENTIRE HARVEST SEASON REMAINED WET. ANTICIPATION OF A RECORD YIELD QUICKLY FADED. ONE DISCOURAGED FARMER WAS QUOTED AS SAYING, "YOU ASK YOURSELF, 'WHY? WHAT HAVE WE DONE WRONG?"
PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS ASKED WHY WHEN FACED WITH REVERSAL AND HARDSHIP. THEIR QUESTION IS SIGNIFICANT BECAUSE IT REFLECTS THE FACT THAT NOTHING HAPPENS BY CHANCE. GOD IS IN CONTROL. NEITHER SATAN NOR MAN CAN GO ANY FURTHER THAN IS ALLOWED BY THE ALMIGHTY.
THE STORY OF JOB, HOWEVER, MAKES IT CLEAR THAT WE SHOULD NOT BECOME TOO PREOCCUPIED WITH THE QUESTION WHY. GOD'S REASONS ARE OFTEN KEPT TO HIMSELF. HE MAY HOLD THEM HIGH ABOVE OUR UNDERSTANDING AND FAR BEYOND OUR NATURAL FIELD OF VISION IN ORDER TO DEVELOP OUR FAITH. OUR RESPONSE TO TROUBLE SHOULD BE LIKE THAT OF JOB AT THE BEGINNING AND AT THE END OF HIS PROBLEMS (JOB 2:10; 42:1-6).
OBEDIENTLY TRUST GOD IN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES-EVEN WHEN YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT HE'S DOING.
WHEN THROUGH LIFE'S DARKENED MAZE I GO
AND TROUBLES OVERWHELM MY SOUL,
O GRANT ME, LORD, YOUR GRACE TO KNOW
THAT YOU ARE SURELY IN CONTROL.
WHEN GOD CONCEALS HIS PURPOSES, HE CONSOLES WITH HIS PROMISES.
FROM "OUR DAILY BREAD"
RADIO BIBLE CLASS MINISTRIES
THE SON Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction, as his only child became an experienced art collector.
The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world. As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action.
The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season -- a season that he and his son had so looked forward to -- would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."
As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man's son had told everyone of his father's love of fine art. "I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this." As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace.
A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy's life would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.
As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation. With the collector's passing, and his only son dead, those paintings would be sold at an auction.
According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift. The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim: "I have the greatest collection."
The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke.
From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son. Let's forget it and go on to the good stuff." More voices echoed in agreement.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?" Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have it."
"I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone." The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these treasures!"
The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that you explain what's going on here!"
The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son ... gets it all."
Puts things into perspective, doesn't it? Just as those art collectors discovered on that Christmas day, the message is still the same -- the love of a Father -- a Father whose greatest joy came from his Son who went away and gave his life rescuing others. And because of that Father's love ...whoever takes the Son gets it all. Romans 8:32 "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
"BEYOND THE GRAVE"
READ: HEBREWS 11:1-4ONE OF THE BIBLE'S PRIME EXAMPLES OF ENDURING INFLUENCE SEEMS AN UNLIKELY CHOICE. ABEL WAS MURDERED BY HIS BROTHER BEFORE ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING WE WOULD CALL SIGNIFICANT (GEN. 4:2-8). YET HIS "PICTURE" HANGS IN THE BIBLE'S HALL OF FAITH WITH THIS CAPTION: "BY FAITH ABEL OFFERED TO GOD A MORE EXCELLENT SACRIFICE THAN CAIN, THROUGH WHICH HE OBTAINED WITNESS THAT HE WAS RIGHTEOUS, GOD TESTIFYING OF HIS GIFTS; AND THROUGH IT HE BEING DEAD STILL SPEAKS" (HEB. 11:4).
PHILLIPS BROOKS, A 19TH-CENTURY MINISTER, SAID: "THIS IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN WHOSE POWER STOPS WITH THEIR DEATH, AND THOSE WHOSE POWER REALLY OPENS INTO ITS TRUE RICHNESS WHEN THEY DIE. THE FIRST SORT OF MEN HAVE MECHANICAL POWER; AND THE SECOND HAVE SPIRITUAL POWER. AND THE FINAL TEST AND WITNESS OF SPIRITUAL FORCE IS THE ABILITY TO CAST THE BODILY LIFE AWAY AND YET CONTINUE TO GIVE HELP AND COURAGE TO THOSE WHO SEE US NO LONGER; TO BE LIKE CHRIST, THE HELPER OF MEN'S SOULS, EVEN FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE."
HOW CAN WE SPEAK FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE? THROUGH FAITH AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN THE SIMPLE MATTERS OF DAILY LIFE. WHAT SEEMS INSIGNIFICANT AND MUNDANE TODAY MAY BE THE MEGAPHONE THROUGH WHICH GOD AMPLIFIES YOUR VOICE LONG AFTER YOUR JOURNEY ON EARTH IS DONE.
LORD, TAKE MY LIFE AND MAKE IT WHOLLY THINE;
FILL MY POOR HEART WITH THY GREAT LOVE DIVINE.
TAKE ALL MY WILL, MY PASSION, SELF, AND PRIDE;
I NOW SURRENDER, LORD - IN ME ABIDE.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS THE KEY TO LASTING INFLUENCE.
FROM: "OUR DAILY BREAD"
RADIO BIBLE CLASS MINISTRIES
What About The Small Catechism?
What is the Small Catechism?
The Small Catechism, written by Martin Luther in 1529, is a collection of questions and answers on six topics: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Our Father (the Lord's Prayer)) the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar. Luther wanted the Catechism to be used by the head of the household to teach the family the Christian faith and life.
Also included with the Small Catechism are daily prayers, a table of duties for Christians in their various callings in life, and a guide for Christians to use as they prepare to receive Holy Communion. Most editions of Luther's Small Catechism also come with an explanation of the Catechism, which is a longer collection of questions and answers with extensive quotations from the Bible. These explanations have a long history and were added during Luther's lifetime.
Why did Luther write the Small Catechism?
Luther answers that question in the preface to the Small Catechism: "The deplorable, miserable conditions which I recently observed when visiting the parishes have constrained and pressed me to put this Catechism of Christian doctrine into this brief, plain, and simple form. How pitiable, so help me God, were the things I saw: the common man, especially in the villages, knows practically nothing of Christian doctrine, and many of the pastors are almost entirely incompetent and unable to teach. Yet all the people are supposed to be Christians, have been baptized, and receive the Holy Sacrament even though they do not know the Our Father, the Creed, or the Ten Commandments and live like poor animals of the barnyard and pigpen. What these people have mastered, however, is the fine art of tearing all Christian liberty to shreds" You can tell how strongly Luther felt about the need for a clear explanation of the Christian faith and life!
Luther also wrote what is known as the Large Catechism. The Large Catechism is yet another excellent resource that most adults find very helpful after studying the Small Catechism. Your pastor can help you obtain a copy of the Large Catechism.
More about the Small Catechism later....
SOME TIME AGO, I READ ABOUT AN AMERICAN NAMED ARTHUR REED, WHO WAS 123 YEARS OLD. THE FACTS ABOUT ARTHUR ARE ASTOUNDING. HE MARRIED FOR THE THIRD TIME WHEN HE WAS 92, TOOK 5-MILE WALKS WHEN HE WAS 100, AND RODE A BICYCLE UNTIL HE WAS 116. WHEN HE WAS ASKED THE SECRET OF HIS LONG LIFE, HE REPLIED, "THEY MADE ME OF GOOD DIRT."
THE WRITER OF PSALM 90 SUGGESTS THAT ANYTHING BEYOND 70 IS AN EXCEPTION TO THE RULE. NO MATTER HOW GOOD THE "DIRT" WE ARE MADE OF, OUR BODIES WILL EVENTUALLY GO THE WAY OF THE FAST FADING FLOWERS, THE FLEETING MORNING MISTS, AND THE DISSIPATING CLOUDS. EVEN THE LONGEST LIFE EVENTUALLY BECOMES LIKE A QUICKLY PASSING YESTERDAY BEFORE THE EVERLASTING GOD (PS. 90:4). THE PSALMIST WANTED HIS READERS TO SEE HOW SHORT OUR TIME ONE EARTH IS IN CONTRAST TO ETERNITY.
THIS REMINDER SHOULD CAUSE US TO PONDER THE SECRET OF THE LIFE THAT IS TRULY LONG-ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN. IT'S TO NUMBER OUR DAYS. IT'S TO MAKE SURE OF OUR SALVATION THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST AND TO LIVE EACH DAY FOR HIM.
DON'T MISS EVERLASTING LIFE BY ASSUMING THAT EVEN THE LONGEST LIFE GIVES YOU PLENTY OF TIME TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY. TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.
WHAT WE WEAVE IN TIME WE WILL WEAR IN ETERNITY.
What is the benefit of the Small Catechism?
The Small Catechism is an excellent summary of what the Bible, God's Word, teaches us. The shape of the Catechism is the shape of the Christian life: Repentance (Ten Commandments), Faith (Creed), Prayer (Our Father), Forgiveness of Sins (Baptism, Absolution, Lord's Supper), then dally prayer and our dally worship. It is very important for us to learn by heart the truths of God's Word as summarized and beautifully explained in the Small Catechism.
God uses the precious truths of His Word to keep us strong and growing in our faith in Jesus Christ The Catechism helps us understand God's Law, which shows us our sin, and how we are to live as His people. The Catechism beautifully articulates the Gospel, the good news of Jesus' life, death and resurrection for our salvation.
Luther realized that the truths of God's Word, as summarized by the Small Catechism, were matters of eternal life and death. They are the most important truths we can ever know. It is genuinely unfortunate when people think they no longer need the Small Catechism and say to themselves, "That's enough of that; now I can move on to more important things"
How can the Small Catechism be used in the life of the individual Christian?
Luther offers us good advice when he writes in the Large Catechism, "Every morning and evening, and whenever I have time, I read and say word-for-word the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Psalms, etc. I must still read and study the Catechism daily, yet I cannot master it as I wish, but must remain a child and pupil of the Catechism, and I gladly do it' The Small Catechism is intended to be a prayer book for individuals and families. As we meditate on the various portions of the Catechism, we look for instruction from God, then look for what we can thank God for, then for what we need to confess to God and, finally, we finish our prayerful meditation by asking God for His blessing and mercy so we may live according to His Word. It is in this way that daily use of the Catechism is a powerful tool for the Christian life.
How can the Small Catechism be used in the home?
The Small Catechism was designed to be the family's Christian handbook. In fact, some have referred to the Small Catechism as the "layman's Bible" because it provides such an excellent, brief, clear summary of God's Word on the essentials of the Christian faith. Families can use the Catechism in their daily devotions. Luther provided suggested prayers for the family to say at the beginning and end of meals, and for each member of the family to pray when they go to sleep and when they wake up.
Families that use the Catechism find it helpful to pray the Lord's Prayer together and then say the Apostles' Creed together. Then they continue to work on the explanation of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession and Holy Communion. Gradually, over the months and years, the entire family will be able to recite the Catechism from memory and discuss together its meaning.
How can the Catechism be used in congregations?
The Catechism is a key resource in confirmation instruction for both children and adults. The Catechism can be used in so many other ways as well. It is an important resource for Bible classes and other groups that meet at the church. Wouldn't it be good for every group that meets regularly in a Lutheran congregation to begin their meeting by reviewing a part of the Catechism and then concluding that review with prayer?
Many congregations make it a practice to print out a portion of the Catechism and recite it during the Sunday worship service. Other congregations devote the seasons of Advent and Lent to a careful review of the Catechism's six chief parts during their mid-week services. Still other congregations will spend time during the non-festival half of the church year devoting special attention to reviewing the Catechism. There are pastors who use the Catechism as the subject of children's talks during the worship service. That is certainly a fine practice.
Other congregations have been richly blessed by using the Catechism and its explanation in adult Bible classes) or other study groups. Study groups have found much to discuss and learn by working their way carefully through the Catechism.
Many people have discovered that the Catechism is also a very helpful resource for witnessing to others about Jesus Christ and all that He means for us. Being able to repeat the explanation to the Creed is a good way to tell others what Jesus is all about and how one receives salvation in Christ
What is the benefit of learning the Catechism by heart?
There is a great deal of benefit! The Catechism is learned by regular and repeated reading, discussion and prayer. The head of the house should lead the rest of the family in speaking the various parts of the Catechism and so, slowly but surely, learning the Catechism by heart. One week) for instance, the family can work on the First Commandment and its meaning, or the First Article of the Creed and its meaning, and so forth.
Learning the Catechism by heart is vital for teaching the Catechism. Perhaps every word will not make sense at first. That is not a problem. Just keep working on learning them. Understanding will come in time, but learning the words must begin right away. We are making a serious mistake if we wait to have children memorize the Catechism until they can understand every word. We need to learn to speak the language of our faith before we can understand it. Families might be surprised at how quickly children can memorize the words of the Catechism and then learn to understand them.
Martin Luther was very concerned that this be done. He wrote in his Preface to the Small Catechism, 'Adopt whatever form you wish, and then stick with it at all times ... keep to a single, fixed and permanent form and wording, and teach them first of all the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, etc., according to the text, word for word, so that they can repeat it after you and commit it to memory.
Where can we obtain copies of the Small Catechism?
You may purchase copies of the Small Catechism from Concordia Publishing House by calling their toll-free number, 800-325-3040.
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number Si 4947.
© 1999 The Office of the President
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63122
What About Islam?
What is Islam and who are the Muslims?
The word "Islam" comes from an Arabic word, salama, that has a double meaning: "to surrender" and "to be at peace" A "Muslim" is a person who surrenders his entire life to the will of Allah. A sincere, devout Muslim is a person of deep religious conviction and faith, not unlike a devout Christian. Negative stereotypes of Muslims in the Western world are partially due to the fact that our culture has become so secular that people have a hard time understanding anyone who holds to religious beliefs strongly. As of 1995, there are approximately one billion Muslims in the world. There are about five million Muslims in the United States.
How did Islam begin?
Muhammad, an Arabian trader, became familiar with Christianity and Judaism as a result of his work as a camel driver. Muhammad was deeply troubled by the status of religion and morality among his people. In the year 610 A.D., he claimed that the angel Gabriel revealed to him the name of the one and only true god, 'Allah" At that point, Muhammad's career as the founder of Islam began. Islam spread rapidly through Muhammad's military conquests.
What do Muslims believe?
Above everything else, a Muslim believes that: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet" This motto, called the Shahadal:, is used in every aspect of Muslim life. The sacred book of Islam is the Koran (often spelled Qur'an), which is believed to be the record of Allah's revelations to Muhammad Muslims believe in Allah's angels, in Allah's books and in Allah's messengers and prophets (Jesus is considered one of Allah's prophets). Most Muslims also believe that Allah predestines people to go either to heaven or hell. Muslims believe in a paradise after death for those who are worthy, that is, those who have adequately fulfilled Allah's requirements and are chosen by Allah. They believe that Muslims may spend some time in hell, but will eventually end up in paradise. Muslims believe all who do not worship Allah, following the five "pillars" of Islam, will be cast into hell when they die.
What are the five most important practices of Islam?
Everyone who claims to be a Muslim is expected to follow the "Five Pillars of Islam" and therefore to:
More about Islam to follow.
Are there differences among Muslims?
Each national group of Muslims has a distinct culture and traditions. While the five pillars of Islam are common throughout Islam, there are three major groups of Muslims. Ninety percent of the world's Muslims are either Sunni or Shia Muslims, who believe that Allah is eternal and that the Koran, is also eternal. They believe that Allah's most important characteristic is omnipotence. They believe that because man has a free will, Allah rewards and punishes according to man's behavior.
The other group of Muslims are Shi'ite Muslims. While by far a minority group within Islam, Shi'ite Muslims have captured much media attention because most major terrorist organizations that claim to be Muslim are associated with the Shi'ite branch of Islam. For instance, Shi'ite Muslims predominate in the country of Iran. Shi'ite Muslims trace their origin to the death of Muhammad's son, Ali. They have added to the creed of Islam, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet,' the phrase, "And Ali (the first Immam) is Allah's confidant" They have also added a sixth pillar to Islam, namely, "Jihad" or "holy war" This concept is understood to refer not just to literal warfare, but also to the effort to spread the Koran, and hence Islam, throughout the world.
Are there any similarities between Christianity and Islam?
Like Christians, Muslims have a profound sense of the presence of the Deity in their lives. They believe that Allah is totally in control and believe it is their duty is to submit completely to his will. Like Christians, Muslims try to live according to dear moral codes of right and wrong, and want the same for their children and for their societies. Muslims are interested in supporting traditional morality in regard to issues such as marriage, sexuality, abortion, homosexuality and the break down in the family. In these ways, there are similarities between Christians and Muslims.
Do Christians and Muslims believe in the same God?
Christians know and believe in the Holy Trinity, that is, one God who has revealed Himself as being three equal, yet distinct, persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Islam rejects the Trinity and insists on belief in 'Allah.' Muslims believe that the doctrine of the Trinity is blasphemous idolatry. Therefore, it is important to understand that when Muslims use the word "God,' in English, they are referring to Allah, the subject of the Koran, and are most certainly not referring to the Holy Trinity, when they use the word "God" One must be a bit cautious in making this point, simply because among Arabic speaking Christians, "Allah" is the word used for "God" in Arabic translations of the Bible. The point to be made is that Christians and Muslims may use similar words, but don't mean the same thing when they speak of God.
More about Islam next...
What do Muslims believe about Jesus?
Muslims have great respect for Jesus, believing Him to be the prophet who announced the coming of Allah's greatest prophet, Muhammad. Muslims even believe that Jesus was sinless, born of a virgin and did many miracles, but only because he was one of Allah's prophets.
Christians believe, teach and confess that Jesus was not just a prophet, but actually the Son of God, true God and true Man, sent by the Father to be the world's Redeemer. Muslims do not believe that Jesus died and rose again from the dead to win our salvation. Muslims generally respect Christians as "People of the Book" and do not view them with the same displeasure that they view persons who are atheists or agnostics.
How do Islam and Christianity differ over salvation?
Above all other differences, this is the most important. Christians believe that salvation is a gift of love from God-a gift earned for us by our Savior, Jesus Christ, who willingly came into this world of sin and death, living perfectly in our place, fulfilling all of God's demands, giving up His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, and then finally rising from the dead as the complete victor over sin, death and Satan. Forgiveness of sins is a gift from Cod and cannot be earned. Christians know Cod to be their loving heavenly Father) a concept that is nearly unknown among most Muslims, who do not speak of a personal relationship with Allah, even though they are very much aware of his constant presence and his control over their lives.
Muslims believe that they can be saved if they follow the five pillars of Islam well enough, and thus earn the favor and blessing of Allah. But they can never be certain or confident of their eternal salvation. Christians who have converted from Islam describe how liberating it was for them to come to know and believe in the true Cod of love and kind-ness, who gives them forgiveness, life and salvation as a gift because of what His Son, Jesus Christ, did for them.
How can Christians reach out to Muslims?
Discussions about religion with Muslims should not be one-sided. Christians must be willing to listen respectfully and learn about the faith of Islam. Christians should pray that Cod will touch the heart of their Muslim friends and neighbors and make them open to the Gospel. In many cases, the best opportunity for outreach comes when Muslims move into our communities and neighborhoods. Rather than trying to engage Muslims in heated debate (which generally is unsuccessful), Christians can reach out through meaningful friendships and relationships with Muslims, demonstrating what Christian love, compassion and forgiveness is all about. As is usually the case, a Christian's lifestyle can go a long way toward helping Muslims at least to consider the possibility of the Christian faith. On the other hand, if Muslims witness behaviors that are unloving and reflect a prejudice against them this can turn them away from Christianity.
When opportunities for discussion about religion arise, Christians need to stick to the most important issues. God is a God of love and mercy, who gives us forgiveness freely, as a gift, because of Jesus, who is the Son of Cod, not merely a human prophet. Encourage Muslims to read the New Testament for them-selves. Most Muslims know Jesus only from what little is said about Him in the Koran.
What resources are available to help us reach out to Muslims?
A short presentation on Islam is How to Respond to The Muslim, by Ernest Hahn. A longer treatment of Islam is available in the respectful and sensitive presentation of the Muslim world view by Roland Miller in his book Muslim Friends, Their Faith and Feelings: An Introduction to Islam. Both books are available from Concordia Publishing House.
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number Si 4948.
© 1999 The Office of the President
The Lutheran Church-Missoun Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63122
What About the Jehovah's Witnesses?
Perhaps you have answered a knock at your door and found two people wanting to talk to you about various social concerns, or at least they say they do. From there they hand you material printed by the "Watchtower." As you speak to them, you find out that they are Jehovah's Witnesses. The purpose of this pamphlet is to help you understand who the Jehovah's Witnesses are and what they stand for.
Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses?
The Jehovah's Witnesses are persons who are members of the organization known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society headquartered in Brooklyn, NewYork. It is very important for Christians to understand that the Watchtower Society is un-Christian. In fact, it is decidedly anti-Christian. The Jehovah's Witnesses are definitely not merely a different Christian denomination.
How did the Jehovah's Witnesses begin and grow?
The founding father of the Jehovah's Witnesses was Charles Taize Russell (1852~916). Russell came to the conclusion that Christianity was not the correct way to understand the Bible. He made contact with groups (known as Adventists) who emphasized the immediate return of Christ Russell began a series of Bible Studies and started to gather followers. Russell agreed with the Adventists' predictions that Christ would return during 1873-1874. When that did not happen, Russell predicted more times for Jesus' return-all of which proved to be false, of course.
Eventually, in 1884, Russell officially incorporated the "Zion's Watchtower Bible and Tract Society" Twelve years later, the word "Zion" was dropped. In 1908, Russell moved his organization to Brooklyn, New York Toward the end of his life, Russell lost considerable respect among his followers because of a number of slander cases he lost in court.
After Russell's death in 1916, leadership of the Watchtower Society passed to Judge Joseph Franklin Rutherford. Rutherford was largely responsible for the rapid growth of the Watchtower Society. He spread the Jehovah's Witnesses' message via phonograph machines, which he used to play his recorded sermons. These sermons were more often than not harsh attacks against denominational Christianity, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, with vivid descriptions of the judgment to come against anyone who did not embrace Jehovah's Witnesses' views.
After 1944, the Watchtower Society no longer used media but instead emphasized personal visits, marked by aggressive techniques to gain entry into homes in order to share their message. This has been the approach of the Watchtower Society since that time. Rutherford increased his control over the Watchtower Society and devised what he termed the "theocratically controlled" organization of the Jehovah's Witnesses movement. In 1931, the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" was officially adopted to distinguish the followers of Rutherford from those who had left to form their own organizations.
When Rutherford died in 1942, Nathan Knorr took over (1905-1977). Knorr worked tirelessly to create a better image of the Jehovah's Witnesses in the public mind. Knorr spearheaded a massive printing effort, which continues to this day. The two magazines widely distributed in multiple languages that the Jehovah's Witnesses are most known for are Awake! and The Watchtower.
More about the Jehovah's Witnesses, later...
Under Knorr's leadership) the Jehovah's Witnesses produced their own Bible translation, The New World Translation. From 129,000 members in 1942, the Jehovah's Witnesses grew to 410,000 members in the United States alone by 1971. They number nearly 900,000 members in the United States alone, with about 3.5 million members in 200 different countries.
What is the key emphasis of Watchtower teaching?
The Jehovah's Witnesses' movement's primary concern is the end-time (eschatological) renewal of human society. They believe that Jesus Christ will return to establish a New Kingdom, which they call a "theocracy" in which Jehovah God will bring total tranquility to the earth. They believe this utopia will come only after the Battle of Armageddon, in which the present world order will be destroyed. The Jehovah's Witnesses view all earthly institutions, organizations and governments as evil. They believe that only the Watchtower Society is capable of speaking truthfully about God in the world today.
What do the Jehovah's Witnesses believe about Jesus?
The Jehovah's Witnesses movement is surprisingly similar to the ancient heresy known as Arianism. The Christian church rejected this false teaching about Jesus. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is "a,' god, but not the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. They believe there was a time when Jehovah God actually created him. They do not believe Jesus is true God, as does historic Christianity. They do not believe the Holy Spirit is God, but only an impersonal force. Thus, they do not believe in the Holy Trinity.
The Jehovah's Witnesses' Bible, The New World Translation, goes out of its way to mistranslate various verses of the Greek New Testament. An example of this type of mistranslation is found in John 1:1. The Greek text says, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." The New World Translation translates the Greek this way: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was a god." You can see how through such deceptive translating, the Jehovah's Witnesses attempt to mislead people.
More about the Jehovah's Witness.....
How do Jehovah's Witnesses believe that people are saved?
Based on misinterpretations of passages from the Book of Revelation, the Watchtower Society believes that Jehovah God extends salvation to two different groups of people. First, there are the 144,000 who shall inhabit heaven. The rest of those saved will inhabit earth in the New Kingdom that Christ will establish when he returns after the Battle of Armageddon. They believe that the only persons who will be numbered among the 144,000 are those who have adequately met specific requirements and have lived well enough in imitation of Christ.
For Jehovah's Witnesses, salvation is not an accomplished fact by Jesus Christ, given as a free gift, but only something that is earned by doing good works. Chief of these works is aggressive personal visitation of non-members. This explains in large part why the Jehovah's Witnesses are so zealous for personal visitation.
What are some other distinct Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs and practices?
Many people hear about Jehovah's Witnesses when they learn that a Jehovah's Witness has refused a blood transfusion. The Watchtower Society forbids members from receiving blood transfusions because they believe this is a form of "eating blood," which was forbidden to the old Testament people of God.
Jehovah's Witnesses also believe it is wrong to serve in the military, to vote, to salute the national flag, or to express any sort of citizenship in this world, since they believe the world will be destroyed and replaced by Christ's kingdom.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not observe Christmas, Good Friday, Easter or family birthdays, believing these celebrations to be pagan festivities. Most Jehovah's Witnesses also avoid dancing, movie-going and watching television.
The average Jehovah's Witness makes personal visits on people in their homes for an average often hours per month. There are some 900,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in this country making calls like this. Those Witnesses who are "pioneers" devote 100 hours a month to this work of calling on homes. Since their record of calls is the only record kept of their membership, this work is vital for them.
How can Christians reach out to Jehovah's Witnesses?
We need to recognize that Jehovah's Witnesses are besieged by the Watchtower Society with literature that trains them in how to share their false theology and to contradict Biblical truth. They immediately have many Christians at a disadvantage, since they are well prepared and ready to speak to you, while their visit takes you by surprise.
Entering into an extended and detailed discussion with Jehovah's Witnesses is best done by those Christians who have carefully prepared to do so. It is possible, however, for all Christians to give a clear and simple witness to their faith when speaking with a Jehovah's Witness. It is important not to permit them to sidetrack you when you speak to them.
While every conversation is definitely going to be unique, here are some things that need to be said to Jehovah's Witnesses: "I trust in Jesus, not in an organization (John 3:16). I know I have eternal life (1 John 5:13) and that I will be saved by Jesus forever. I am not saved by what I do. I do good works out of love for God (Ephesians 2:~10). I will pray that you too come to know the peace and joy I have been given in Christ Jesus my Lord (Romans 5:1)"
You may also be able to plant a seed of doubt in the mind of a Jehovah's Witness about the Watchtower Society Invite them to your church and invite them to speak to your pastor. Urge them to read the Bible, and not to rely on their Watchtower Society materials. Challenge them to lay these materials aside for one week or one month and read only the Bible.
After you have shared the Word with them, pray for them, asking God the Holy Spirit to work faith in their hearts, so that like Thomas, they may look to Jesus and say, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).
For further study: An excellent short book on the Jehovah's Witnesses is How to Respond: The Jehovah's Witnesses. It is available from Concordia Publishing House.
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number Si 4950.