Search The Scriptures: October 14, 2001
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH WATCHTOWER FOLLOWERS - 2
INTRODUCTION:
A. Good morning, my friends, and welcome to the bible study program - Search the Scriptures.
My name is J.R. Bronger, and on behalf of the Danville church of Christ I am pleased you
have joined us this morning as we spend a few minutes in a study of the bible. Today is the
second part in a two-part series presenting some tips for dealing with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Inso-
far as so-called Christian denominations are concerned the Jehovah’s Witnesses are perhaps
the most zealous. Whenever we think of religious solicitors going door to door, we immediately
think of these representatives of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, better known to us
as Jehovah’s Witnesses. What should Christians do when these men and women come to our
door? Should we turn them away asking them to vacate the premises? Or should we offer to have
a study with them? And if we do study with them, how should we precede? These are some of
the questions we began to answer last Sunday morning and we will continue to explore today. So
be sure to stay with us.
B. But before we get into that study this morning, let me remind you that if you have any
questions or comments, or if you would just like to browse our web site, you can do so at
www.danvillechurchofchrist.org You can also contact me by way of the web site or by phoning
me at the office at the building of the Danville church of Christ. That phone number is 745-
4708. Please let me hear from you, especially if you have a subject or a text you would like to
have discussed on Search the Scriptures. Also, if you hear a sermon on Search the Scriptures
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that you would like to have, either on cassette tape or CD, just let us know because we will be
pleased to give it to you absolutely free of charge. Just contact us and let us know which sermon
you would like by the date the study aired.
C. Perhaps you are wondering why would we spend our time discussing a particular religious
denomination. I know that most religious bodies preach and practice religious tolerance. That is,
most churches simply teach what they believe to be true and relevant and just leave other belief
systems alone. Furthermore, most churches prefer to hold out an olive branch in an effort to
maintain a peaceful relationship with other churches. However, my friend, what we must
understand is, such indulgence is not authorized in the bible. To the contrary, the bible tells
believers to identify and expose those who would pervert the way of truth. John wrote in 2 Jn. 9-
11, whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He
who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you
and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who
greets him shares in his evil deeds. Christians do not have the luxury to be tolerant of false
doctrine nor with false teachers. Therefore, we must prepare ourselves to expose error, and if at
all possible help those who have been deceived by the false doctrine come to a knowledge of the
truth. And it is to this end last week’s broadcast and today’s study is dedicated.
I. Last week we began by discussing a little of the history of the Watchtower Society. We also
listed some doctrine that is closely associated with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Now, if you missed
last week’s program, I suggest you order a copy of the study so that you can familiarize yourself
with some of the perversions of the Society. We concluded our study last week by focusing upon
the blind dependance the rank and file member of the Jehovah’s Witness has upon the
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organization. Everything the organization does is focused on making their followers’ completely
dependent upon the Watchtower Society and not the bible. The Society absolutely prohibits any
“independent thinking.” These people are told they cannot understand the bible except through
the Watchtower organization. Also, they are taught that all others [including you] are deceived
by Satan. They are taught that the Watchtower’s governing body, is God’s “prophet class”
guided by angels even “in the minutest detail.” Furthermore, if you hope to be successful in
reaching a Jehovah’s Witness, you must break this dependency upon the organization and
encourage dependance upon the bible. The gospel, in the words of Rom. 1:16, is still the
power of God to salvation. And anyone, including a Jehovah’s Witness can learn and understand
the truth of the gospel and be set free. But to do this you must not only know some history and
doctrine of the organization that has a hold upon the one you are studying with, but you must
also know the bible. Paul writes in 2 Tim. 2:15, be diligent to present yourself approved to God,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. If you are not
biblically literate and diligently prepared you might not be able to adequately present the saving
gospel of Christ. Many Christians have had a rough awakening when they have tried to discuss
the bible with representatives of the Watchtower Society - simply because they did not biblically
prepare themselves. It is true these people are totally dependant upon the Society and it is true
that these people are deceived. But they are well trained in their theology and they can exploit
any ignorance they detect. Therefore, to be effective, you need time and preparation. Whenever
they come to your door, be willing to take their literature but never give them a contribution. Tell
them you have your own faith but would be willing to listen to what they have to say at some
other time. If they offer to come back, set up an appointment. Set a time agreeable to you both
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and keep the appointment Now, my friends, whenever you arrange for a study with them be sure
to insist on studying a particular subject with which you are prepared. We ended last week’s
sermon by reminding you that Jehovah’s Witnesses love to control the topic, usually starting
with the Trinity. They choose the trinity because few people [including Christians] have a good
understanding of the subject. But do not be afraid to study the subject of the trinity with them,
however you must be prepared. If they do insist on discussing the Trinity, then you begin by
asking them what a “trinity” is? They will say it is three gods in one. And when they do they
have just built an erroneous foundation, and you must immediately correct them. [My friends, let
me give you a valuable piece of advice. Never let them forge a false statement without you
making an immediate correction. This is not unkind! You cannot afford to let them build upon an
erroneous foundation]. When they tell you that a trinity is three gods in one, they have stated an
untruth, because what they described is not a Trinity, instead it is a “triad.” A trinity is three
persons in one godhead, not three gods in one. Speaking of Jesus, Paul wrote in Col. 2:9 for in
him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. You take charge of the study and discuss the
Godhead and not a triad. Take them to Matt. 28:19 that says in part, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then ask how many “names” are
mentioned. And, be sure to emphasize to them that the verse mentions name [singular] not
names [plural]. Then ask them how many persons are listed in that one name. They will say
probably say two because they deny that the Holy Spirit is a person. But regardless of how they
answer, whether two or three, you have succeeded in getting them to acknowledge at least two
persons [and perhaps three] in one name. It might also be productive here to go on to show them
that the Holy Spirit is a person and not some non-personal force as they teach. This is really
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quiet easily done, because there are many good scriptures which prove this and the Witnesses are
usually poorly prepared to discuss them. Some passages you might use include some verses in
the gospel of John where the Holy Spirit is referred to by the masculine pronoun he. For
example, Jn. 16:13-14 has Jesus promising the apostles, however, when he, the Spirit of truth,
has come, he will guide you into all truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but
whatever he hears he will speak; and he will tell you things to come. He will glorify me, for me
will take of what is mine and declare it to you. Eight times in these two verses the Holy Spirit
is referred to as he or his. My friends, a force is not he, instead a force is an it. The Holy Spirit is
not an it; the Holy Spirit is he. Furthermore, in Acts 5:3-4 Peter calls the Holy Spirit - not God’s
active force, instead Peter calls the Holy Spirit God. Now, to respond to their claim that neither
Jesus nor the Holy Spirit are part of the trinity, go to Gen. 1:26 that records God saying at
creation, let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. Point out to them the use of
the plural pronouns our and us. It is God who speaks and when speaking the pronouns us and
our are used. How can this be? Well, my friends, the word God in the English is translated from
the Hebrew word for God - Elohim, which is plural. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, we are in
the image of a plural Godhead. Compare this with 1Thess 5:23 that says, and may your whole
spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And, my
friends, like God, we have a triune nature. Next, point out to the Jehovah’s Witnesses you are
studying with what John wrote in Jn. 1:1, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God. Now, be careful here, because they are going to try to say that
Jesus was merely “a god” while Jehovah was “the God.” Really what they have is a big god and
a little god. They are - in fact - saying that Jesus is a little god and Jehovah is a big god. When
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they try this, ask to read it from their Greek interlinear. The interlinear Greek has no “a” and
furthermore, the word, “the” is also omitted in the Greek before God in verses 6, 12, 13, 18 of
the same chapter of John. Also, the bible says in Isa. 44:6 thus says the LORD, the King of
Israel, and his redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the First and I am the Last; besides me
there is no God. This is a powerful verse. In it we are assured that there cannot be a little god
and a big God. Jesus cannot be, as the Jehovah’s Witness claim, a god - while Jehovah is the
God. This would make this verse teach a lie. Furthermore, this verse tells us that both the Father
and his redeemer [Jesus Christ] are called Jehovah. My friends, you need not be afraid to discuss
the trinity with Jehovah’s Witnesses, but you must be prepared.
II. When studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses, the resurrection of Christ is another good subject.
When discussing the resurrection of Jesus, tell them that you understand the Watchtower Society
denies the resurrection. They will smile at you and contradict your assertion. Remember, they
are taught that “resurrection” means to be created again from the memory of God. This could be
confusing, but you can counter their misunderstanding of resurrection. Point them to Jn. 2:19,
21, verses showing that Jesus raised his same body that was put to death. Jesus answered and
said to them, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up . . . But he was speaking of
the temple of his body. Then follow this with scriptures where Jesus showed the disciples his
resurrected body. Passages such as, Lk. 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.
Handle me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have. Now, you
must be prepared because they will try to argue that Jesus would not “take back his ransom.”
This is what they say would happen if the same body that was put to death was raised. But, go to
Mk. 10:45 to show that his life (this is Greek word psuche – or soul) is the ransom and that Jn.
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10:17 shows he took it again. Here are the verses in order, the Son of Man . . . come to . . . give
his life a ransom for many. And I lay down my life that I may take it again. According to these
verses whatever he gave (his life) he took up again (resurrected). Use a good concordance and
find the passages discussing the resurrection of Jesus and then make chain references in the
margins of your bible. This is no different from the references in the columns of their bible.
III. My friends, whenever you agree to study with any Jehovah’s Witness, insist on studying the
bible instead of using books of uninspired men. Books, I might add, that they desperately wish to
use. Beware of their “bait and switch” tactics in which they tell you that they will have a “bible
study” with you but in fact they switch you to studying their books. Remember, they are intent
on having a book study instead of a bible study. They will try to convince you that the books
they want to use are actually only guides and helps, but don’t fall for that. They would not let
you use uninspired books to guide the study. Without exception their books take bible passages
out of context and put them into a different setting with clever words that twist what is being
said. This supports them and gives them considerable advantage. Their books are written with
the classic brainwashing tactic of reading a paragraph and then answering a question. This goes
on endlessly until the ideas become so implanted that the prospect [you in this case] begins to
think that what they say is true. Remember, ladies and gentlemen, they do not believe you can
understand the bible without their books. Charles Taze Russell even called his writings, “The
Bible in an arranged Form.” Tell them that you would be willing to read their publications on
your own but you consider the bible to be the primary book to be studied. If they insist upon
studying from a book, suggest that one week the study should be from a book they choose, and
the next from one of your choice. Then come with just your bible and one for each of them to
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read! If they offer you a book, accept it but do not contribute any money for anything they give
you. They tell the IRS their literature is free. Therefore, it better be. Christians, listen to me,
don’t support financially what you do not believe. This is hypocritical and unscriptural. Now,
here is what you can do, offer to trade with them. Tell them you will take their publications in
exchange for them taking some material you would like for them to read. If they will read yours,
you will read theirs. Now, to keep them from throwing the material away without reading it,
make it a loan on the basis that when the two of you get together next time you can exchange
questions about what you read.
IV. And remember this, regardless of the subject you have agreed to study, whether the trinity,
the resurrection or whatever, always use your own bible and keep comparing it with theirs.
Another one of their bait-and-switch tactics is to agree to a bible study but then substitute their
perversion for a legitimate version. I will not go on record as demanding that one version of the
bible be used over another. Personally, I prefer and use the New King James Version. I know,
however, that in addition to its strengths it also has some weaknesses. This is true of all
translations. My friends, a reputable and good translation such as the King James Version is not
a paraphrase. There are some so-called bibles on the market that are not translations, instead they
are paraphrases. A paraphrase is not a word-for-word translation, instead it is accomplished
when some man inserts his beliefs in place of scripture. “Good News For Modern Man” and
“The Living Bible” are examples of paraphrases. You should not use these or any other
paraphrase in your study of the bible. Also, reputable translations always list the translators and
their credentials in the forward. However, this is not the case with the “New World Translation,”
which is translation used by the Jehovah’s Witnesses with whom you might study. Their soPage
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called translation is worse than a paraphrase. It is an out and out perversion of the scriptures. So
twisted is their translation that those who worked as translators are the best kept secrets in the
world. It would be easier to get a list of spies from the CIA than a list of the so-called translators
who gave us the “New World Translation.” Their “bible” has been greatly corrupted. For
example, wherever the bible actually says that Jesus is to be “worshiped,” they have arbitrarily
changed the word to “do obeisance.” Let me show you. I will read Matt. 8:2 first from the New
King James and then from the New World Translation. And behold, a leper came and
worshiped him. Now compare that with this, And look! A leprous man came up and began doing
obeisance to him. My friends, there is quiet a difference in these meanings. They don’t believe
Jesus is to be worshiped, but he was worshiped, thus proving him to be God. Therefore, they
change worship to obeisance (or bow). Also, when the bible says that Jesus “was God” they
translate it, “was a god.” Compare the New King James Version with the New World
Translation in Jn. 1:1. First, the New King James Version, In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Next, their perverted New World
Translation, In the beginning the word was, and the word was with God, and the word was a
god. In your study use your bible and constantly compare it with theirs.
V. Also, my friends, whenever you study with Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t allow yourself to
become a lonely voice. These people are experts at trapping inarticulate and unprepared sheep
that are isolated from their shepherds. They are like well-prepared salesmen who know how to
exploit the inexperienced. Be sure you have knowledgeable resources for information and
materials. It is always good to have help from someone who is experienced and to have access to
someone with a good library of Watchtower materials. There is nothing wrong with telling these
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people that you need more time to study a matter. Tell them you will spend the week (or
however much time between studies) researching and studying a matter. Do not hesitate to ask
someone older in the faith or who’s knowledge you respect to help you prepare.
VI. And be sure that you always even up the odds. There is no reason for you to meet with two
or three or more Jehovah’s Witnesses alone. This is what they wish for you to do. This is why
they often insist upon studying on the spot. They catch you unprepared and there are two of them
throwing things at you and you feel compelled to respond. This is why we stated last week that
you need not drop whatever you are doing and engage them. Prepare and even things up because
their “buddy system” is designed to give them an advantage, both psychologically and in
knowledge resources. It makes it easy for them to switch and bring in someone with more
experience. It allows one person to be looking things up while the other is keeping you occupied.
Sometimes you may be able to get a study with one person instead of two. This really puts a
crimp in their support system. It allows you to communicate with the Witness without them
being watch-dogged by a second Witness. One of the most powerful controls upon their people
is that the second Witness is required to report any sign of weakness to their leaders. Generally,
my friends, the best you can hope to get is to have someone who is experienced present with you
in these studies. Tell them that you will bring a friend. Tell them this is only fair since they have
someone with them. Remind them what is fair for one should be fair for both.
VII Once the study begins, firmly insist that they stay on the subject and the point of discussion.
This is because, whenever the going gets tough, the Witness usually gets going, as far away from
the difficulty as possible. They jump from passage to passage, leading you out through the
bushes on a game of “Catch-Me-If-You-Can.” They hop around in the scriptures like bunch of
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grasshoppers, usually in obscure places like Ezekiel, Daniel and Revelation. Books that are
difficult to understand. This diverts the issue and prevents them from having to confront facts
that are both confusing to them and that contradicts their doctrine. Ladies and gentlemen, never
allow them to jump around or push you into something else. Press them and tell them that you
need your questions answered before going on to something else. Furthermore, don’t let them get
by with answering a question you didn’t ask. Keep them on point! One thing that can help in this
is to use a note pad to organize your thoughts and control the discussion. Whenever they want to
jump, write their question down and tell them you will get to that after your questions about the
immediate passage has been answered. If you do temporarily divert to something else, make a
note of the question under discussion to which you will return. My friends, do not permit them to
continue to lead you farther and farther away from familiar territory. If they bring up something
you are not prepared to answer, write it down and tell them you will check on it for the next
study. This is because you do not have to try to answer everything in one study. Don’t leave the
impression you have all the answers or that you are tense or in a hurry. They back away from
discussions with people who are well informed. Listen a lot. Be a researcher. Check on things
and return with well-documented information concerning questions raised previously and with
more questions to make them have to dig.
VIII. Whenever you engage in a study with Jehovah’s Witnesses it is usually better to approach
things from the standpoint of a student. Take the position of the Bereans in Acts 17:10-11, who
received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether
these things were so. My friends, the Bereans were commended because they wouldn’t just take
someone’s word. They even challenged Paul, an apostle with great authority. Ask questions to
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bring out facts rather than making assertions. Provide evidence and firmly press for sound
answers, not just Watchtower explanations. Do not be argumentative. Avoid flat contradictions.
Instead, say, “I heard” or “I read” or “Isn’t this so?” Also, instead of flatly contradicting them,
when they take a position that is obviously weak, such as their denial that the body of Jesus was
raised, show by your expression that it doesn’t make sense and restate their answer in your
words, expressing the difficulty. For example, questions about Jn. 2:19 might go something like
this: “Are you saying that Jesus did not raise his body that was destroyed? Why would it say he
did if he did not?” Or, “do you mean that when Jesus showed them his hands and feet and said,
‘Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I’ according to Lk. 24:39, that what he showed them
was not real?” “Are you saying that when Jesus showed them the holes in his hands and side
that he misled them? “Honestly, doesn’t it sound like he raised up that which they destroyed?”
Follow questions up at the next study with copies of their teachings, and say to them, “I have a
problem with this,” or “I do not understand how this can be true.” If you represent it as a
problem which - for you - must be solved, they will want to help you solve it. In doing so, they
will have to think for themselves to find the answers. Say to them, “This doesn’t sound
reasonable.” Ask them if they are really sure. Question how they can know it is true. Say, “Let
me think that over and get back to you.” Instead of rolling out the heavy artillery, just keep
poking holes in their claims. Remember, you really have the advantage. The Watchtower Society
must keep their people from being exposed to truth. It is not necessary to get them to agree.
Don’t try to force them. Just keep filling them up with scriptural facts. They have the problem of
keeping their people convinced that they cannot trust what the bible says. They are taught to
cover up their difficulties by jumping to other scriptures where they hope you will not be
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prepared, or just get away from the problem with the hope that in time the answer will come.
You must get the word to them and let that word convict them. Remember, my friends, God’s
word is more powerful then the Watchtower Society.
CONCLUSION:
A. And with this, I will have to close for today. I trust the things we have studied will help you
become more efficient in reaching the lost with the gospel. Be sure to join us next Sunday
morning at 7 as we again Search the Scriptures. Also, stay tuned for some important closing
announcements. Until next time, for the Danville church of Christ, this is J.R. Bronger saying
goodbye for now.