 2007 by David A. Prentice Make Sure to Get the New Notes Make Sure to Get the New Notes

 2007 by David A. Prentice copyright 2003 by David Prentice, M.Ed., M.A.S.T. REVISION DATE 09/05/2009 This material is made available by the author at no charge. It may be reproduced for use in a Christian environment such as Sunday schools or Bible classes, but it may not be used for any commercial purposes.

 2007 by David A. Prentice It Matters What YOU Believe! It Matters What YOU Believe! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 

Jehovah’s Witnesses

 2007 by David A. Prentice n Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians do not have the same Bible: TrueFalse n This Bible passage commands not to take away from or add to God’s Word: Last Book of the Bible, Last Chapter, Almost Last Verses n Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraged to study the Bible by itself: TrueFalse

 2007 by David A. Prentice Bible 1. The Ultimate Teacher: Holy Spirit/Watchtower 2. God’s Word: Church Publications/ Bible Only 3. Bible Emphasis: Jesus is Savior & one with God/ Jesus is NOT one with God Jehovah’s Witnesses 1. Holy Spirit/Watchtower 2. Their church Publications/ Bible Only 3. Jesus is Savior & one with God/ Jesus is NOT one with God

n Jehovah’s Witnesses' pre- founders were false prophets: TrueFalse n The main founder never claimed people could only understand the Bible with his help: TrueFalse n Their first 2 presidents claimed to have more authority than the Bible: TrueFalse

 2007 by David A. Prentice n NASB Bible “Translators”: only 1 took a course in Greek & None knew Hebrew: True False n 1 NWT translator claimed to know Hebrew but could not translate even one verse in court: True False

 2007 by David A. Prentice Let’s Prepare to Teach Others

 2007 by David A. Prentice

With Boldness & Cheerfulness

 2007 by David A. Prentice Review is Over!! Return to pg. 34

 2007 by David A. Prentice Last Episode: That’s it! I’m Fed up! Talk to the Hand, ‘Cause the Ears Ain’t Listenin’

 2007 by David A. Prentice These LEADERS OF THE WATCHTOWER got the hand Charles Taze Russell ( ) - was he the “Faithful and Wise Servant” or not? “Judge” Joseph Rutherford ( ) - false prophet of 1918 & 1925 Armageddon, builder of Beth Sarim Nathan Knorr ( ) - built up the organization. The New World Trans- lation produced during his term. Fred Franz ( ) - lied under oath about his translating skill; false prophet of 1975 Armageddon 2-32

Today on the Bold & the Wrong Milton Henschel & Don Adams Give ‘Em the Hand, Folks

Milton Henschel, one of the “translators,” served as President from Franz’s death until 2000

 2007 by David A. Prentice Who Is He? During his reign: The Board of Directors (people who decide operations) was separated from the secret 13 member Governing Body (people who decide doctrine) Henschel remains part of the Governing Body but turned the presidency over to Don Adams During his reign: The Board of Directors (people who decide operations) was separated from the secret 13 member Governing Body (people who decide doctrine) Henschel remains part of the Governing Body but turned the presidency over to Don Adams 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice Why Change? - 2 Reasons Governing Body Members Have to Have Become Witnesses Before 1935 Why Change? - 2 Reasons Governing Body Members Have to Have Become Witnesses Before : Christ was supposed to return He Didn’t Many of the people who fit this profile died Eventually, the majority of the doctrine-setters didn’t fit the policy Finally, they had to annul it 1935: Christ was supposed to return He Didn’t Many of the people who fit this profile died Eventually, the majority of the doctrine-setters didn’t fit the policy Finally, they had to annul it 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice Why Change? – 2 nd Reason They Wanted to Limit Legal Liability Why Change? – 2 nd Reason They Wanted to Limit Legal Liability The Watchtower is made of several incorporated bodies each of which have limited liability (That means each one can only be sewed for certain things) Ex: If a loved one died because they were taught not to believe in blood transfusions The Watchtower is made of several incorporated bodies each of which have limited liability (That means each one can only be sewed for certain things) Ex: If a loved one died because they were taught not to believe in blood transfusions 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice How Can We Test Them? Many organizations have claimed to be God’s sole representatives on earth How can we know if this one is telling the truth? The Watchtower has made many specific prophecies... not one has come to pass (Some of the following examples are from William and Joan Cetnar’s Questions for Jehovah’s Witnesses) Many organizations have claimed to be God’s sole representatives on earth How can we know if this one is telling the truth? The Watchtower has made many specific prophecies... not one has come to pass (Some of the following examples are from William and Joan Cetnar’s Questions for Jehovah’s Witnesses) 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice Russell’s Prophesies Russell said Jesus would return to earth in Jesus didn’t He changed it to Jesus still didn’t He said Christ would visibly return & Armageddon would happen in 1914 (The Time is At Hand ) and said He HAD come back INVISIBLY in 1874, (Watchtower Feb ) When it didn’t happen, he said that Jesus had come back INVISIBLY in 1914 INSTEAD and was in control of the Watchtower Russell said Jesus would return to earth in Jesus didn’t He changed it to Jesus still didn’t He said Christ would visibly return & Armageddon would happen in 1914 (The Time is At Hand ) and said He HAD come back INVISIBLY in 1874, (Watchtower Feb ) When it didn’t happen, he said that Jesus had come back INVISIBLY in 1914 INSTEAD and was in control of the Watchtower 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice So How Do They Deal With That? & What Does God Have to Say? So How Do They Deal With That? & What Does God Have to Say? They explain that Christ’s INFLUENCE began to be felt in the year He returned invisibly (spiritually) Ask them which one 1874 or 1914? Why would Jesus need to return spiritually? In Mt. 28:20, He promises to be with us always, until the end of the age He doesn’t need to return spiritually because He never left! They explain that Christ’s INFLUENCE began to be felt in the year He returned invisibly (spiritually) Ask them which one 1874 or 1914? Why would Jesus need to return spiritually? In Mt. 28:20, He promises to be with us always, until the end of the age He doesn’t need to return spiritually because He never left! 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice Does God Say More? The Bible says Jesus’ 2 nd coming will be a physical, not spiritual, return His return will not be secret. Every eye shall see Him (Rev. 1:7) Jesus Himself tells us, about those who say His coming is in secret: “Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, in the secret chambers; ____________ ___________!!!” (Mt. 24:26). The Bible says Jesus’ 2 nd coming will be a physical, not spiritual, return His return will not be secret. Every eye shall see Him (Rev. 1:7) Jesus Himself tells us, about those who say His coming is in secret: “Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, in the secret chambers; ____________ ___________!!!” (Mt. 24:26) Pg. 35: Believe / Not

 2007 by David A. Prentice Do They Contradict Themselves? Remember how they said that Russell was the “faithful and wise servant” of Mt. 24:42-47? 31 yrs. Later, in 1927, the Society suddenly decided its members as a whole were the “faithful and wise servant” and that those who regarded Russell as the servant were guilty of “creature worship” Remember how they said that Russell was the “faithful and wise servant” of Mt. 24:42-47? 31 yrs. Later, in 1927, the Society suddenly decided its members as a whole were the “faithful and wise servant” and that those who regarded Russell as the servant were guilty of “creature worship” 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice Yes, They Do So, If the Society was correct for the first thirty-one years, then it has now rejected Jehovah’s messenger and His message If the Society was wrong for the first thirty-one years, then it is guilty of having promoted creature worship for over three decades! So, If the Society was correct for the first thirty-one years, then it has now rejected Jehovah’s messenger and His message If the Society was wrong for the first thirty-one years, then it is guilty of having promoted creature worship for over three decades! 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice 2 nd False Prophesy Ex. 1920: Rutherford predicted the imminent return of many Old Testament patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in 1925 (Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, pp ) He had the Society build a home for them, “Beth Sarim” in San Diego The tenants have still to take possession 1920: Rutherford predicted the imminent return of many Old Testament patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in 1925 (Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, pp ) He had the Society build a home for them, “Beth Sarim” in San Diego The tenants have still to take possession 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice 3 rd False Prophesy Ex. Millennium to Begin in rd False Prophesy Ex. Millennium to Begin in : Society VP Franz wrote a book: - “the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975” Many Witnesses sold their homes, to go into full-time “pioneer service” in anticipation of a 1975 Armageddon, a practice encouraged by the Society (Kingdom Ministry, May, 1974, p. 3) has come and gone, um... Have you happened to see an Armageddon anywhere? 1966: Society VP Franz wrote a book: - “the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975” Many Witnesses sold their homes, to go into full-time “pioneer service” in anticipation of a 1975 Armageddon, a practice encouraged by the Society (Kingdom Ministry, May, 1974, p. 3) has come and gone, um... Have you happened to see an Armageddon anywhere? 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice How Do they Deal With That? They explain, the prophecy didn’t specifically say anything would VISIBLY change nor that Armageddon would occur in that year 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice This is IT? The author of this material, interviewed a Witness leader who told him no one could tell the prophecy came true because the 7 th period is no different than the first 6! Interesting way to deal with a false prophecy - say that it came true, but nobody can tell! The author of this material, interviewed a Witness leader who told him no one could tell the prophecy came true because the 7 th period is no different than the first 6! Interesting way to deal with a false prophecy - say that it came true, but nobody can tell! 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice False Prophet... Its repeated false prophecies plus this glaring self- contradiction show that the Watchtower is a false prophet It cannot be trusted when it claims to speak for Jehovah Its repeated false prophecies plus this glaring self- contradiction show that the Watchtower is a false prophet It cannot be trusted when it claims to speak for Jehovah 2-33 Pg. 36: False Prophet

How Should I Deal With These People? I Peter 3:15 “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence”

 2007 by David A. Prentice What to Think? Think about their spiritual state & pity them A couple human beings at your door believing doom: They must obey the Watchtower without question, selling books & magazines, reporting weekly how they spent their time, etc.) Think about their spiritual state & pity them A couple human beings at your door believing doom: They must obey the Watchtower without question, selling books & magazines, reporting weekly how they spent their time, etc.) 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice What to Think? Their Reward? No heaven Just more earth for eternity They have no way to know if their works are sufficient They fear annihilation for not enough works Their Reward? No heaven Just more earth for eternity They have no way to know if their works are sufficient They fear annihilation for not enough works 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice What Do I Say? Tell them you want to get down to the facts and ask how they are assured of eternal life They may mention Jesus – ask how they EARN eternal life – they have to mention works eventually Their Ephesians 2:8 – 9 is the same as ours: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works that no one should boast” Tell them you want to get down to the facts and ask how they are assured of eternal life They may mention Jesus – ask how they EARN eternal life – they have to mention works eventually Their Ephesians 2:8 – 9 is the same as ours: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works that no one should boast” 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice Tell Them How to Get the Gift John 6:47 “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who believes HAS eternal life” NOT John 6:47 “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who believes HAS eternal life [IF he follows the Watchtower]” NOT John 6:47 “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who believes HAS eternal life [IF he does enough good works]” “HAS” Eternal Life there are no IF’S about it!!! John 6:47 “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who believes HAS eternal life” NOT John 6:47 “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who believes HAS eternal life [IF he follows the Watchtower]” NOT John 6:47 “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who believes HAS eternal life [IF he does enough good works]” “HAS” Eternal Life there are no IF’S about it!!! 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice Tell Them How to Get the Gift John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” 2-33

 2007 by David A. Prentice They need some good news and a message that clearly tells how to have eternal life John 6:47 “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who believes HAS eternal life” 1. If I’m right, then Christ has already made me a special place in heaven 2. If you’re right and I’m wrong, then I’ll probably just stop existing. So, I’ll never know I was wrong 3. If you’re right – you may or may not earn eternal life 4. If you’re wrong and I’m right... You’ll spend eternity in hell 4. If you’re wrong and I’m right... You’ll spend eternity in hell Be a Real Witness to the “Witness” Be a Real Witness to the “Witness” 1-30

To Be Continued... Just Kiddin’ Just Kiddin’ Next Episode We’ll See the Insides of Judaism

 2007 by David A. Prentice WHO? WHAT? WHAT NOT? HOW? GOD? Here’s What the Hand Says Back!!! : Claimed to have a working knowledge of Hebrew 2. Was asked to translate 1 verse in court (Gen. 2:4) 3. Could not even translate the one verse!!! Lied under oath!!! 4. The court tested him for us 5. Even a child could tell you not to follow someone who lies in court HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT? 1-25

 2007 by David A. Prentice Romans 12:3 “For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment as God as allotted to each a measure of faith” “For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment as God as allotted to each a measure of faith” 2-33