Category Archives: Jesus

Do Jehovah Witnesses Partake in Communion?

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Do Jehovah Witnesses partake in Communion?

Once I attended a “Memorial Service” after being invited by the Jehovah Witnesses. Typically this event occurs on Nissan 14 or Passover, which is the day believed that Jesus had the Lords Supper with his disciples before being arrested and crucified.

The service for the most part seemed normal, until it came time for Communion. While the elders passed around the elements (Bread and Wine) everyone refused to partake in communion. This left me bewildered, and I had to research their reasoning for this. As we see from the JW.org website, only the 144,000 are in the “New Covenant” therefor they are the only ones who can partake in communion

https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/lords-supper/

This obviously brings some questions:

  1. If the majority of JW’s are not in the New Covenant, how are they saved?
  2. Jesus commanded us to “Do this in remembrance of Him”, if they are rejecting communion, are they not rejecting Christ?
  3. Where in the Bible does it state the 144,000 should only take Communion?
  4. Where in the Bible does it state the 144,000 are the only ones in the New Covenant?

Next I would like to take a look at some scriptures and compare it to there NWT (New Word Translation)

16  The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of the Christ?v The loaf that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of the Christ?w 17  Because there is one loaf, we, although many, are one body,x for we are all partaking of that one loaf. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NWT)

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul taught pretty deeply about Communion , mostly referenced 1 Corinthians 10 and 11. Here we see in both translations, we ALL partake in Communion. Even in the NWT this is very clear, there is no teaching here that only specific Christians are to partake in Communion.

Notice the Body of Christ (Christians) are One united body. Communion is an outward expression of that unity in Christ. Refusal to take Communion as a Believer, is almost the denunciation of professing Christ as Lord

And as they continued eating, he took a loaf, said a blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “Take it; this means my body.”x 23  And taking a cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, and they all drank out of it.y 24  And he said to them: “This means my ‘bloodz of the covenant,’a which is to be poured out in behalf of many.b Mark 14:22-24 (NWT)

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Mark 14:22-24 (KJV)

In both translations, Jesus clearly says that his body and blood was poured out for many. Jesus didn’t say his offering was only for the 144,000. Jesus also says the blood is the sign of his New Covenant. Anyone who is saved by Christ is in his New Covenant. Jesus never says that only the 144,000 are in his Covenant. Secondly if you profess to be a Christian and are not in the New Covenant, how are you saved? Are you under the Mosaic Law then?

28  First let a man approve himself after scrutiny,y and only then let him eat of the loaf and drink of the cup. 29  For the one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment against himself 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (NWT )

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (KJV)

Here the Apostle Paul teaches that we should examine ourselves before partaking in Communion. Meaning if we should examine our relationship with Christ or have any unrepented sin, before we take Communion we should make sure we are coming to the Lords Table with pure intentions. Paul never says that only the 144,000 are to partake in Communion. As Paul says “Let them partake”

19  Also, he took a loaf,m gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “This means my body,n which is to be given in your behalf.o Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”p 20  Also, he did the same with the cup after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenantq by virtue of my blood,r which is to be poured out in your behalf.s Luke 22:19-20 (NWT)

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:19-20 (KJV)

Jesus clearly commands us to “Do this in remembrance of Him” Anyone who refuses Communion as a Christian is clearly defying the Lords commands. Nowhere in the New Testament does it state that Communion is optional or only specific to the 144,000

In fact if you truly have a personal relationship with Christ, you would want to partake in Communion to be in fellowship with him

 

 

 

 

Hear and Do

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But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

We heard the old expression “if your going to talk the talk, then walk the walk”, this is what God is saying to us! Its one thing to hear the Word of God, its another thing to actually Do it. Its nice if somebody decides to go to Church, maybe they even profess to be a Christian, however if they don’t ever change or do what God tells them, they are deceiving themselves.

If somebody claimed to be a doctor, but never practiced medicine in their life, were they really a doctor? Or if somebody claimed to be a truck driver and never drove a truck in their life, are they actually a truck driver? Point is , if you claim to be a Christian, but never do anything Jesus told us to do, are you actually a Christian?

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. James 1:23-24

Some of you may ask, well how do I know if I’m a Christian then or not? Well honestly anyone who has answered the calling by Jesus, was never the same again! When you come to Jesus, your life is totally transformed, may not happen overnight, but over time you don’t even recognize who you were before

The scripture says, “Anyone who hears the Word of God, but doesn’t actually do it, is like someone who looks in the mirror and doesn’t even recognize themselves” Why? Because they are hypocritical, their walk doesn’t match their talk

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:25

The perfect Law of God is our mirror, when we look at it we can see our sinful nature. Then we recognize we need a Savior, Jesus Christ! Repent of your sins (Do), Follow Jesus (Do), Read your Bible (Do), Pray to God without ceasing (Do) Let the Holy Spirit teach and sanctify you (Do) Fellowship with other Christians (Do) Go make disciples of Christ (Do)

This is not a work based salvation, its evidence of your transformation in Christ, Amen!

 

 

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

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Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

One of the drawbacks of social media, is often we are slow to hear and quick to speak, which is the opposite of what God advises us to do. Often we get trapped in social media disputes that are fruitless and often cause more harm than good. What if we took Gods advice to be quick to hear and slow to speak?

Think about how different some situations would have gone, if you just held your tongue and kept your mouth shut. The problem is once we say something, we can never take it back. We can apologize however the words have already been spoken, and sometimes those words are ingrained in the others person mind for a long time

However all of this also leads to a confrontation. As the old saying goes, it take two to tangle. When we get in arguments they can quickly escalate, sometimes into violence. This is why God is advising us, slow down! Listen to the person first, even if you don’t agree with them. Try to process what they are saying, try to see if from their perspective. And be very slow to respond to them, if you respond at all. This will help you avoid unnecessary wrath in your life

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

Jesus said “The meek shall inherit the Earth” (Matthew 5:5) We need to learn to develop Meekness! This is something that doesn’t sound very appealing to the world. We live in a world that teaches us “Dog Eat Dog” and “Only the strong will survive” however this is the opposite of what God teaches us

Remember when Jesus was on trial, many times he just kept silent and allowed the Religious leaders and Pilate to make false accusations. We don’t always have to respond to everyone to satisfy them, think about what would satisfy God instead

So next time your involved in a conversation, whether in person or on social media, be quick to hear and slow to speak. This will help you avoid unnecessary confrontations and stay in peace with Christ Amen!

Gifts from God

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Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

What every Atheist and non believer don’t realize, is every good gift they have in life, came from God. Love is from God, therefor without God their marriage would not be possible. Children are from God, therefor without God, they wouldn’t have children. Even those who reject God, he still showers his gifts on them as Jesus said “ The rain falls on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45)

Therefor when we think about eternity, life without Jesus would mean total removal and separation from , not only God, but all these gifts that he has given us also. There is no Love in Hell, there is No Peace in Hell, because there is no God in Hell

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:18

Not only did God give us these gifts here now on Earth, but he gave us the ultimate gift of Eternal Life through his Son Jesus Christ. When the Bible talks about the firstfruits, that’s what its talking about the resurrection.

Because of what Christ has done for us on the cross and defeated sin and death, we will be raised at the resurrection in our immortal bodies as the firstfruits to God. Notice it says because of Gods own will, meaning God loved us before we loved him. He chose to save us and die for us, when you realize this you understand the amazing love and gifts God has given to us!

Think about the gifts you have today in your life, remember to Thank God because every good gift from above , Amen!

 

Crown Of Life

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Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

Often when we are going through temptations, we don’t consider ourselves to be blessed. Think about what your going through with this Pandemic, everyone has suffered something in some way. God is asking you to endure this temptation , put your faith and trust in Him, and you will receive the Crown of Life

Now when we talk about these things, many might not be interested in a Crown of Life. This is because you don’t have a eternal perspective, you are only looking at things from a temporal perspective. Eternity is a long time to be wrong, put your faith in the one who offers eternal life, Jesus Christ!

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:13-14

Often we like to blame God for our sin, we when people fall into the temptations of alcohol or sexual immorality, they will say “God made me this way” However this is a lie from Hell, God actually says the opposite. Whenever you are tempted it did not come from God, it comes from Satan and the sinful nature of your flesh. Blaming God for your sin wont work on judgement day!

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:15

So how can we avoid sin? Well God tells us Sin begins in your mind. We imagine or fantasize about a sin, this is where we need to put a stop to it! When we allow Sin to be planted in our minds, eventually it overcomes us and then it produces the physical act of sin. This is why we should avoid things that will infiltrate our minds with perverse things such as music, movies, pornography ect

Focus your eyes and mind on Christ! This is why a strong prayer life is essential for fighting these spiritual battles, to empower you mind to kill these temptations and avoid sin. Endure the temptations of this world and you will receive the Crown of Life through Jesus Christ! Amen!

Who Did Jesus tell us to worship?

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Who did Jesus tell us to worship?

Talking to a Jehovah Witness the other day, and he quoted Matthew 4:10 as proof Jesus is not God. So lets compare the scripture

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10  (KJV)

Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship,j and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’ Matthew 4:10 (NWT)

When we compare this scripture between the New Word Translation vs other English translations, theres a big difference. Notice in the NWT it seems pretty clear to worship Jehovah only, but is that what the original Greek text says?

The original Greek word is Kyrion which in English always translates to Lord. Jehovah would not be a correct translation here. His response was “Well what scripture is Jesus quoting”? Ok fair enough, as we see Jesus is actually quoting Deuteronomy 6:13 lets compare this scripture

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.  Deuteronomy 6:13 (KJV)

13  Jehovah your God you should fear,m and him you should serve,n and by his name you should swear. Deuteronomy 6:13 (NWT)

So when we look at the original Hebrew , it is Yahweh here so it can be correctly translated as Jehovah. However if we agree that Jesus is quoting this scripture in Matthew 4:10, think about what Jesus is revealing.

Jesus didn’t use the word Yahweh when rebuking Satan, he used Lord. I think we can all agree Jesus is the Lord. So Jesus essentially is mentioning himself where in Deuteronomy Yahweh is. Therefor I actually think by the Jehovah Witnesses exploiting this scripture, there actually proving that Jesus declared himself God

The New Word Translation incorrectly translates Kyrion as Jehovah in Matthew. You don’t have to be a Greek scholar to know that’s an incorrect translation.

Faith Through Trials

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My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-3

As were all going through this trial of the pandemic, you might ask how can we find joy in this? How can we find joy in trials and temptations? Because God is working on you to mold you for eternity! You see we look around the world and see death and despair, but that’s because were looking from a temporal perspective

We need to focus on an eternal perspective, focus on Gods eternal Kingdom to come, focus on Christ. When we understand and realize this is a fallen world under the curse of sin, its not a surprise to us that a pandemic like this would happen

But we can use this moment to strengthen our faith in Christ. Cling to God in all your needs, not anything of this world because its all temporal. Your money may be gone, your health may be gone, but Jesus victory on the cross is forever! Instead of letting this time destroy you, allow it to strengthen your faith in God

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:4-5

Many things have been taken away from us during this time, however we should still feel complete because we abide in Christ. As the scripture said “Wanting Nothing”, nothing can replace the fellowship of God and His love and mercy that he demonstrated to us

Now I know what your thinking, how can I comprehend any of this? Well the scripture says next “If you lack wisdom or understanding, ask God” What a simple concept yet how many fail to turn to God during times of confusion and turmoil?

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James 6-7

However when we come to Jesus, we should come with true faith. We shouldn’t come to Christ, as if he were a genie looking to answer your demands. Come to him as the Risen Savior, the one who has defeated sin and death.

Anyone who comes to him with lack of faith shouldn’t expect anything from him. This faith is developed and endured during the trials and temptations of life, cling to Jesus and you will lack nothing!