"Its really quite simple what I think about Deut.18:20-22. I don't.
Translation: I have no defense for the fact that the WTS fits the description of a False Prophet perfectly, therefore, I don't think about it lest reasoning and logic steep into my brain.
The hebrew scriptures describing aspects of the original Law convenent ended when the new convenent came into place by means of Christ's death.
If that is the case, then why does the Organization use the Hebrew scriptures to support their view on blood, tatooes, the requirement for 'two eye-witnesses' or even the use of God's name? Besides, Deut. 18:20-22 is not part of the "Law"; it is simply a means of being able to identify what constitutes a 'false prophet'. Since Jesus specifically warned us in Mark 13:21-22 about False Prophets, how are Christians supposed to identify them if the scripture in Deut. 18 is no longer relevant? (Mark 13:21-22 . . ."Then, too, if anyone says to YOU, ‘See! Here is the Christ,’ ‘See! There he is,’ do not believe [it]. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the chosen ones.)
But thats not even the point. It comes back to my first response to you. What else are you promoting Matt? Have you found an alternative to 'the truth'? One that teaches us God's name and the importance of it?
Is your friend aware that other Christian religions also use God's name? Just not to the extent that the Witnesses do. I would ask him where we find God's name in the bible. He's reply "In the Hebrew Scriptures of course." Oh, is that the same Hebrew scriptures that he just told you in a previous sentence, is no longer binding upon Christians? Plus, the Israelites were specifically told not to use God's name "in vain" or "in a worthless manner". By using it virtually every time they mention Him, aren't the Witnesses doing just that? By not keeping His name holy, by using the name "Jehovah" in the same way you would "John, Bob, Ted or Paul", is that not deminishing it and putting it on the same level as every other name? Besides, as everyone knows, this isn't even a close rendition of the Tetragramaton. Witnesses say it doesn't matter, as long as they're using it, even if it's not the correct pronounciation. Ah, but wouldn't that fall under "a worthless manner"?? If you don't even care about the pronounciation, how is that honoring God's name?
I find it hypocritical that they use the exact same argument against celebrating Christmas. They always ask "is it right for us to celebrate Christ's birth on a false date?" Yet they don't use the same logic when it comes to using God's name.
How about Christ's death and what it actually means? Or Jesus himself for that matter? The Kingdom?
Tell your friend that he may be surprised to discover that other Christian religions also teach that Christ died for our sins, that they believe in the Kingdom of God and that this is not something privy to Witnesses.
What happens when we die, why Jehovah God permits suffering... these undeniable CORE TRUTHS.
Well, depending on how much you want to get into this with him-----there are tons of scriptures that indicate life goes on when we die. The scriptures the Dubs use promoting 'soul sleep' require alot more indepth reasoning, so I'd avoid this for now.
Thats what I meant when I mentioned the more important things, like we are instructed to do Phil.1:10. Theres nothing wrong with making sure of those things.. like Acts 17 talks about, but what YOU need to ask yourself is WHY you are doing so? Is it because you feel the Watchtower has made mistakes so it cannot be used by Jehovah?
I would point out the double standard in his statement above. On one hand, he admits that the bible says we should "make sure of all things" but in the very next breath, he's promoting that this should only be done with the pre-fixed idea that the WTS is correct. Ask him if a Catholic or a Protestant or a Buddist or a Muslim were trying to make sure that they had 'the truth' but were told that they could only use literature approved of and written by their religion, how accurate a view would they get? Ask him why the WTS openly tells every non-Witness around to check in to their religion's past, ask their leaders some tough questions and think outside the box, and yet deny the average Witness the same thing. If this is indeed, the Truth, then it should be able to stand up to any scrutiny, would he not agree? Moses, Abraham, David all made mistakes
I'm not aware of what Abraham did (maybe ask him what mistake he's referring to with Abraham), but yes, Moses and David both made mistakes. And guess what? Jehovah PUNISHED them big time for it. It was only when they repented and publically admitted their mistake that Jehovah used them again. When has the WTS ever publically acknowledged that they've made some serious mistakes, ruined hundreds of thousands of lives, and publically apologized for it? Giving them the benefit of the doubt by saying Jehovah had been using them at one time, what makes him so sure He still is? The nation of Israel apostacized, and God cast them off, first century Christianity apostacized apparently less than 60 years after Jesus died. What makes it so impossible to believe that the same thing hasn't happened today?
What is your motive Matt? Are you worshiping Jehovah with your whole heart, soul and mind? Are you striving to live your life by His standards? I know a group of people that collectively do that.
Your motive is that you are trying "make sure of all things" and that you are "testing to see if this really is the truth---just like the scriptures tell us to." Does he have a problem with you trying to live by bible standards? As for this 'group of people' that's living by His standards, I'd ask him to please point to a scripture that commands we meet 5 times a week. When he points to the scripture saying "do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together", tell him that that could mean either a social gathering as well as getting together to discuss scriptural matters. It does not say that our salvation depends on attending 5 meetings a week. Ask him if he's aware that the early Christians were still allowed to use the Synogogues (before Jerusalem was destroyed in 70CE) and that they would have met there most likely once a week on the Sabbath or "in their homes" as Acts 20:20 says. Press him to show you one lousy scripture that commands we meet 5 times per week.
Instead of trying to think of some counter argument, seriously ask yourself those questions. Without getting wrapped up in minor details. "
Minor details? I would hardly consider false prophecying, date-setting, flip flopping on doctrines that have cost Christians their lives over the years, as "minor details". Ask him if he thinks Jehovah would view these things as "minor details".
You're probably wasting your breathe though. As it's already been pointed out, his "thought-stopping" process kicks into gear whenever someone mentions something to which they have no defense.
