The Gospel and Jehovah’s Witnesses

-We are approaching the conclusion of the series entitled “What’s the Difference;” a study to hold up the New Testament Gospel of Jesus and then compare it to other religions and religious thoughts.

-On the first Sunday of this series, Pastor Frank walked us through the Gospel – “Jesus Plus Nothing.” This study was the basis for all sermons in this series. If you missed it, catch this message from January 10 via the website at http://www.woodbridgecommunitychurch.org/sermons/.

-This week Pastor Frank continues in the series, speaking on the difference between the Christian Gospel and the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Verses used: Galatians 5:13-25; 1:11-12; 2:5-7; 2:15-16; 3:1-2; 3:5; 3:11; 3:26-28; 5:6-7; 6:14-16;

John 1:1-2, 2 Peter 1:1-2, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:5-8, Mark 12:35-37, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 22:13-16.

Key verses: Galatians 1:6-8 (NIV)

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!

Galatians 1:11-12 (NIV)

11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:5-7 (NIV)

5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

6 As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. 7 On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.[b]

Galatians 2:15-16N (NIV)

15 “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

Galatians 3:1-2 (NIV)

3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?

Galatians 3:5 (NIV)

5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?

Galatians 3:11 (NIV)

11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”[a]

Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV)

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:6-7 (NIV)

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

Galatians 6:14-16 (NIV)

14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.

Sermon Notes:

The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in a different Jesus.
They believe that Jesus is a god but not The God.
They believe in a different gospel.
It is a works-based salvation.
It is Jesus plus religious activity.
Some questions to consider this week:

Icebreaker Question related to Civil Servant Sunday (Palm Sunday) March 20:

1. Considering Civil Servant Sunday celebrated at WCC, was there ever a time when you had to call 911 and was helped by a police officer, fireman or EMT? How were you helped? What do you think our world would be like if they weren’t around?

Discussion Questions:

2. Read Gal 1:6-7. Jehovah’s Witnesses say that they believe in the Bible. How are the JW’s teaching a different gospel? (Note: What do they teach about Jesus, the Trinity or the Holy Spirit?)

3. Read Gal. 2:15-16 and Gal. 3:11. Compare what the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach on how to get saved/justified versus what the Bible teaches on how to get saved/justified?

4. So many Christians start out by believing in Jesus by faith, but eventually focus on works. That’s why legalism thrives. Why do you think people are attracted to a works-based salvation?

Concluding Question:

5. How has this message series broadened your understanding of the gospel? What message stands out in your mind, and why?

6. During this series of studying the Christian Gospel and the differences of other religions and religious thought, have you come to see the Gospel differently? If so, how? What message stands out in your mind the most, and why?

Thoughts to consider this week:

You aren’t God, but you can know and walk with Him through the cross!

In learning about other faiths in this recent teaching series entitled “What’s the Difference,” how might you re-consider the value you place on spending time in the Bible, knowing more about what you believe, and being able to defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Galatians 6:14-16 (NIV)

14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.