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The Holy Trinity in Creation- Part 6
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture, we continue our discussion on Proverbs chapter 8. Furthermore, we discuss what it means to call the Son of God the firstborn of creation and the beginning.
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/The-Holy-Trinity-in-Creation-Part-5.mp3|titles=The-Holy-Trinity-in-Creation-Part-5]
The Holy Trinity in Creation- Part 5
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture, we discuss Proverbs 8 in which the Second Person of the Holy Trinity is called the Wisdom of the LORD.
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/The-Holy-Trinity-in-Creation-Part-4.mp3|titles=The-Holy-Trinity-in-Creation-Part-4]
The Holy Trinity in Creation- Part 4
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture, we discuss how to properly read Isaiah 44, 45, 48 in light of Hebrews 1. Likewise, look at learning to make a distinction in persons when we are taught that the Father speaks of the Son in Psalm 45 and 102. Here the LORD is speaking to the LORD. Also, we look at how Paul teaches Isaiah 48 in Romans 14 and Philippians 2.
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/The-Holy-Trinity-in-Creation-Part-3.mp3|titles=The-Holy-Trinity-in-Creation-Part-3]
The Holy Trinity in Creation- Part 3
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture, we discuss a little more Hebrew grammar with the use of plural nouns to testify to the plurality of persons in the Godhead. Also, we discuss some guidelines for finding passages that testify to the Trinity. In addition, we address the reason why some do not see the Trinity in such passages. We compare such objections to the True Rabbis, that is, the Apostles who teach us how to read the Old Testament scriptures.
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Currently, Redeemer Theological Academy is broadcast on Pirate Christian Radio every Monday at 9:30 am and on KNGN Radio 1360 AM in Nebraska every Saturday at 12:30 pm and every Sunday at 7:30 pm.
We are in the process of expanding to the airwaves of Tucson, Arizona and Miami, Florida, but we need your help. If you are interested in making this process a reality, please contact Pastor Kachelmeier: pastor@redeemerlosalamos.org
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The Holy Trinity in Creation- Part 2
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture, we discuss a little Hebrew grammar with plural nouns in connection to God. Elohim is a Hebrew plural noun literally meaning “Gods” thus testifying to the plurality of persons in the Godhead. Likewise, we are taught to rejoice in our “Makers,” that is God, the Word of God, and the Spirit of God who were in the beginning.
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/The-Holy-Trinity-in-Creation-Part-1.mp3|titles=The-Holy-Trinity-in-Creation-Part-1]
The Holy Trinity in Creation- Part 1
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
The Bible teaches us that God alone created all things and that God alone is eternal. How does the Bible teach us the doctrine of the Holy Trinity in creation?
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Learning-to-Confess-the-Trinity-Part-3.mp3|titles=Learning-to-Confess-the-Trinity-Part-3]
Learning to Confess the Trinity- Part 3
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
Who was Nestorius? Who was Eutyches? Why does it matter?
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The Three C’s for Confessing the Trinity
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are coessential, coeternal, and coequal.
Coessential
Coeternal
Coequal
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Learning-to-Confess-the-Trinity-Part-2.mp3|titles=Learning-to-Confess-the-Trinity-Part-2]
Learning to Confess the Trinity- Part 2
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
Who was Sabellius? Who was Arius? Why does it matter?
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Learning-to-Confess-the-Trinity-Part-1.mp3|titles=Learning-to-Confess-the-Trinity-Part-1]
Learning to Confess the Trinity- Part 1
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
Is the word “Trinity” found in the Bible? Does it matter? How can we properly confess who God is?
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The Watchtower Society teaches that the person of Jesus is not the person of Jehovah. This teaching is the foundational building block upon which all of their assertions are made. They believe that Jesus is not divine and they boast in their proof-texts to support their dogma. They explain that Jesus is a lesser god like the demigods of Greek mythology.
However, their deception is made manifest through the way in which they perform exegetical somersaults in order to prove this teaching from the Holy Scriptures. The Bible clearly reveals that there is only One God and Jesus is God. Over the years, the Watchtower organization has developed a method of explanation in order to refute these clear passages. Understand that the organization has been knocking on doors for over one hundred years. They train their witnesses to bear witness to the organization’s teachings.
First, they admit that the Greek word for god (theos) is used for Jesus. Thus, they can proudly say that Jesus is a god. Note the indefinite article and the lower case letter. Here they make a false dichotomy between the God and a god. The Society falsely teaches that Jehovah is the God while Jesus is a god. They define the term theos as a mighty one. Therefore, Jesus can be called a mighty one just like Jehovah or others can rightly be called mighty ones.
Second, they create a false dichotomy between Almighty God and Mighty God. After all, Jesus is given the title Mighty God in Isaiah chapter nine. Due to their false teaching, they have invented a dishonest contrast between almighty and mighty that can easily be exposed. The Hebrew word for almighty (shadday) is not even related to the Hebrew word for mighty (gibbor). There is absolutely no etymological connection between these two Hebrew words. The Watchtower organization is using a difference that is found in English vocabulary. They are treating the word almighty as the superlative of mighty. In this way, one that is almighty is mightier than one that is mighty. This line of logic is rather comical considering that Jehovah is called the “Great God” (Ezra 5:8; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 95:3; Daniel 2:45; Titus 2:13) If there if an Almighty God that is mightier than a Mighty God, then there must be a Greater God who is greater than a Great God.
This magician’s trick is complete nonsense. Recall, that their working definition for theos is “a mighty one”. Now if the word god merely means “mighty one,” then why on earth would there be a need for clarification that Jesus is a Mighty God since gods are mighty. It would be redundant to say that Jesus is a mighty one who is a mighty one. On the other hand, if Jesus was a demigod, like the Watchtower teaches, then He would never be called merely a mighty one. There would need to be a distinction between Jesus the mightier one and all other mighty ones. He could only be called Mighty God. Likewise, if Jehovah is the Almighty God, then He would never be called Mighty God let alone God. He could only be called Almighty God to distinguish Him between Jesus the Mighty God and all other mighty ones.
The Spirit of Truth leads us into all truth through the prophetic and apostolic scriptures. Throughout the Bible the Hebrew word for God (el/elohim) and the Greek word theos is used for the One True God. Jehovah is called God and Jesus is called God. Sometimes there is a definite article and sometimes there is not. Psalm 18 teaches, “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?—” (Psalm 18:31, ESV) Isaiah 45 teaches, “Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me.” (Isaiah 45:21, ESV) Psalm 91 teaches “I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”” (Psalm 91:2, ESV) John 20 teaches, “Thomas answered him [Jesus], “My Lord and my God!”” (John 20:28, ESV) Romans 9 teaches, “To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.” (Romans 9:5, ESV)
We should not play games like the Watchtower and say that Jesus is a god and Mighty God, but not Almighty God. The title Mighty God is used for both Jehovah and Jesus. Again, if Jehovah is Almighty God, then He cannot be called Mighty God or god (mighty one). In Isaiah chapter nine, Jesus is called Mighty God. In Isaiah chapter ten, Jehovah is called Mighty God. Isaiah teaches, “In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.” (Isaiah 10:20–21, ESV) Bible teaches us to confess that Jesus is Jehovah. The Watchtower teaches that Jehovah is a person. However, the Bible does not teach that Jehovah is a person. Instead, the Bible teaches that God is One in divine essence. Moses teaches us, ““Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God, Jehovah is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4, ESV) Likewise, the Bible teaches us to make a distinction in the plurality of persons of the Blessed Holy Trinity. The Father is a person. The Son is a person. The Holy Spirit is a person. The Father is Jehovah. The Son is Jehovah. The Holy Spirit is Jehovah. Yet, there are not three Jehovahs. There is One Jehovah and three divine persons. Jesus teaches us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19, ESV) There is only One Name, yet there are three persons that are named. Each person of the Holy Trinity is given equal honor, glory, and praise.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/The-Written-Word-and-Fellowship-with-the-Apostles.mp3|titles=The-Written-Word-and-Fellowship-with-the-Apostles]
The Written Word and Fellowship with the Apostles
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
How does the written word correspond to remaining in fellowship with the Apostles? Is there such thing as once in fellowship with the Apostles always in fellowship with the Apostles?
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The Written Word and Fellowship with the Apostles
Study Questions- The Written Word and Fellowship with the Apostles
Watchtower Deception on the Worship of Jesus
On the Watchtower ONLINE Library, one can read an article entitled, “Is It Proper to Worship Jesus?” In this article, the Watchtower organization teaches their students the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” that it is not proper to worship Jesus. The organization teaches in this article, “THROUGHOUT the centuries, many in Christendom have worshiped Jesus Christ as if he were Almighty God. Jesus himself, however, directed attention and worship only to Jehovah God.” Take note of the way in which the organization argues. They start off with a teaching that Jehovah is Almighty God and that Jesus is not Jehovah. Instead, Jesus is Mighty God. Yes, they declare Jesus to be a lesser god like the demigods of Greek mythology. As a demigod, they believe that Jesus is the Son of the person of Jehovah Almighty God and Mary the human giving Jesus more powers than a mortal, but less power than Almighty God. Similar to Greek mythology, the Watchtower believes that Jesus is a half-god who can receive only half-worship. Thus, they make a false dichotomy between worship being given to Jehovah Almighty God and obeisance given to Jesus Mighty God.
Therefore the article states, “Is Jesus worthy of such obeisance? Most decidedly, yes!” And then it goes on to proclaim, “The Bible clearly indicates, however, that our worship—in the sense of religious reverence and devotion—must be addressed solely to God… …Accordingly, true Christians do well to direct their worship only to Jehovah God, the Almighty.” Now to say that the “Bible clearly indicates” is a typical trick of the Watchtower organization. This means that their translation clearly indicates their teaching. In their “New World Translation” efforts in the 1950’s, they translated the Greek word “proskyneō” as “worship” if it is directed to Jehovah Almighty God, but as “obeisance” if it is directed to Jesus Mighty God. Thus, the New World Translation has Jesus say to the devil, “It is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” (Luke 4:8) Then in Hebrews 1:6, the Watchtower translation has the Father say to all the angels, “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.” Both passages in Greek use the same word proskyneō.
This is the same type of scam that they play with the Greek word for Lord (kyrios) in the New Testament Scriptures. They teach that Jesus is not Jehovah Almighty God, thus every time the word kyrios is used for Jesus Mighty God in the New World Translation of the Greek text it is translated as Lord. Yet, every time that the word kyrios is used for Jehovah Almighty God it is translated as Jehovah. In this way, a student using the New World Translation can blindly say that the Bible clearly indicates that Jesus is not Jehovah. These followers of the organization don’t even realize that the Greek text of the scriptures never makes such a false dichotomy. This translation is pure human cunning and craftiness.
It must be understood that the students of the Watchtower are not following the teaching of the Holy Spirit revealed in the written text of the Holy Scriptures. They have become dunk on the doctrine of an organization that has changed its own teachings over the years. In fact, Charles Taze Russell, the original founder of the Watchtower religion, never made a false contrast between obeisance given to a demigod and worship given to a god. Russell taught that the same worship that is given Jehovah is the same worship that is given to Jesus. In the January 1880 edition of Zion’s Watch Tower, Russell quotes Hebrews 1:6 as, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” (p. n57)
Russell goes on to teach his students, “There is and ever has been but one Christ. A change of nature does not change identity. Whether as the pre-existent One, as the Word mad flesh, or as the High Priest who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, He still is Lord, and as such we worship Him…. And again, “The wise men came at His birth to worship Him. (Matt. 2) The leper worshiped Him. They in the ship worshiped Him, as did also the ruler and woman of Canaan. Yet none were ever rebuked for it.” (p. n83)
Russell declares, “To worship a false Christ would indeed be sin, but to worship Christ in any form cannot be wrong, for when He bringeth the first Begotten into the world, He sayeth, Let all the angels of God worship Him.” (p. n89)
Furthermore Russell says that Jesus, “…never reproved any one for acts of worship offered to Himself, but when Cornelius offered such service to Peter—the leading apostle—“he took him up, saying, stand up: I myself also am a man.” Acts 10:26. (p. n320)
Russell goes on to say, “Had Christ not been more than man the same reason should have prevented Him from receiving worship.” (p. n320)
Now as students, that is, disciples of Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior, we do not follow the teachings of a man like Russell or an organization like the Watchtower; instead, we learn from the revealed knowledge of salvation given to us in the word of God. The Holy Spirit gives to us the gift of the written scriptures so that we can be certain and sure that our teachers are teaching the very word of God. In the written scriptures we are warned about false teachers like Russell and the Watchtower who teach the doctrines of false spirits and not the truth of the Spirit of Truth. The Apostle Paul warns us, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:13–15, ESV)
The written word gives to us the assurance that our teachers are teaching the same prophetic doctrine of the Old Testament and the same apostolic doctrine of the New Testament. We are cautioned throughout the written scriptures that the devil comes to peddle his false teaching supported by misquoting the written text itself. The devil loves to proof-text. The devil’s trick is to ask the question did God really say that. His inquiry leads to doubt, disbelief, and despair. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit comes to us in and with the word of God to enlighten is in the truth affirming that God really did say that. His instruction leads to certainty, faith, and hope.
The Old Evil Foe uses his teachers to question if Jesus is really the Only Begotten Son of God. To be begotten is to be of the same essence. A human father begets a human child. The child is of the same human essence as the human father. On the other hand, a human father can make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that would not be of the same human essence as the maker; rather it is the work of his hands.
The written scriptures clearly reveal that the Son of God is begotten, that is, of the same divine essence as God the Father. The Son is not a created being. He is very God of very God. There are no demigods like there are in Greek mythology and the imagination of the Watchtower organization. The Father speaks clearly that Jesus is His Son with the affirmation of the Holy Spirit in the waters of the Jordan River. The devil immediately questions this truth in the wilderness and says, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” (Luke 4:3, ESV) The devil then goes on to say, “If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ ”” (Luke 4:7–8, ESV) Now the Greek word used in this text for worship is proskyneō which means to bow down. The devil is instructing Jesus to bow down to him. Jesus then quotes from the written text of Deuteronomy chapter six which declares that the devil should bow down to God alone. Later in the last chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we are told that the disciples bowed down to Jesus. “And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Luke 24:52–53, ESV) Again, this is the same Greek word proskyneō which is translated as “worship.” The written text teaches us that Jesus will not bow down to the devil for one should bow down to God only and then the disciples bow down to Jesus and this is proper.
Later on in the book of Acts, Luke will use the same Greek word proskyneō when Stephen rebukes the idolatry of the people of God in former days. Idolatry is false worship. In particular, Stephen is referring to the worship of angelic beings which is the precisely what the devil tempted Jesus to do. Stephen quotes God who said through the mouth of the prophets, “You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’” (Acts 7:43, ESV) Rather than bow down to the God who created them, they bowed down to angelic beings created by God. Throughout word of God we are warned about the direct correlation between false spirits, that is, fallen angels and false worship.
The Prophet Moses warned the people of God about the temptation to fall down before fallen angels in a song. Moses wrote, “They sacrificed to demons that were no gods, to gods they had never known, to new gods that had come recently, whom your fathers had never dreaded.” (Deuteronomy 32:17, ESV) Rather than fall down before these fallen angels, all the fallen angels are commanded to fall down before God. In the same song of Moses we are taught to sing, ““Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people’s land.”” (Deuteronomy 32:43, ESV) These so-called gods are really not gods at all. It is fallen humanity that bows down to them as if they were God.
In Psalm 97 God proclaims, “All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!” (Psalm 97:7, ESV) In the Greek text of this psalm the verb for worship is proskyneō and the word for gods is “angeloi” which we typically transliterate as angels. Thus, all the angels, including the fallen ones, are to bow down to God. Now in the New Testament book of Hebrews, we learn that the speaker in Psalm 97 is God the Father and He is talking to all the angels who are created beings. We read, “And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”” (Hebrews 1:6, ESV) The person of the Father tells all the angels to bow down to the person of the Son. Again, this is the same Greek verb proskyneō. Thus, the Father tells the devil, who is one of the angels to bow down to the Son. Both the Father and the Son receive the same worship (proskyneō), honor, and glory.
Jesus says, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” (John 5:22–23, ESV) When the followers of the Watchtower do not give the Son the same worship, they do not worship the Father at all.
And again Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”” (John 10:27–30, ESV) In this passage, Jesus claims that He and the Father are one in divinity. Jesus is Jehovah and the Father is Jehovah; yet, there are not two Jehovah’s for Jehovah is One. When Jesus says that no one can take His sheep out of His hand, He claims to be Jehovah who said, “I, I am the LORD [Jehovah], and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and I am God. Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?”” (Isaiah 43:11–13, ESV) These same words Jehovah spoke through the mouth of the prophet Moses in his song saying, “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.” (Deuteronomy 32:39, ESV)
The True God makes it clear that there is no other god beside Him. There are no demigods like there are in Greek mythology and the imagination of the Watchtower organization. There is no truth to the lie of the Devil that Jehovah is Almighty God while Jesus is Mighty God. The True God also makes it clear that there is no Savior beside Him. Yet, the Watchtower teaches that Jehovah Almighty God is a savior and Jesus Mighty God is a different savior. The reason why the followers of Russell and the Watchtower do not believe Jesus at His word is because they are not His sheep who listen to His voice. They listen to the words of demons. They have fallen for the tricks of the fallen one.
As Paul writes, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:4–5, ESV) To proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Jehovah the only God and Savior. There is no god or savior beside Him. For this reason, no one can say that Jesus is Jehovah without the Holy Spirit.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/As-it-is-written-in-Paul-and-Psalm-44.mp3|titles=As-it-is-written-in-Paul-and-Psalm-44]
As it is Written in Paul and Psalm 44
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
How does the Apostle Paul use the written word from Psalm 44 which states, “…we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered”? In this lecture, we discuss Paul’s use of the written word which will take us from Psalm 44 through Psalm 119 to Isaiah 53.
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/As-it-is-Written-in-Paul-and-Habakkuk.mp3|titles=As-it-is-Written-in-Paul-and-Habakkuk]
As it is Written in Paul and Habakkuk
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
How does the Apostle Paul use the written Word from Habakkuk the prophet? In this lecture, we investigate Paul’s use of Habakkuk 2:4 in Romans 1:17.
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/The-Purpose-of-the-Written-Word.mp3|titles=The-Purpose-of-the-Written-Word]
The Purpose of the Written Word
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
What purpose did the Apostles have in mind when they wrote down their teachings?
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Vocation-The-Society-Part-3.mp3|titles=Vocation-The-Society-Part-3]
Vocation: The Society Part 3
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture we discuss the fourth commandment, and the third and fourth petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. What is the proper role of the “church” and “state”? What is the Christian to do under a corrupt government?
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The following post is a reprint of the pamphlet “What About the Jehovah’s Witnesses?” from the ” What About?” series of 27 pamphlets, written by former Synod President Rev. Dr. A.L. Barry, that address doctrinal topics, moral issues and concerns in the church to help Christians grow in their understanding of these important questions.
Note: permission is granted to copy any part of this series, as long as there is no sale of the copied material and no change in content.
What About the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Written by A. L. Barry, President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Perhaps you have answered a knock at your door and found two people wanting to talk to you about various social concerns, or at least they say they do. From there they hand you material printed by the “Watchtower.” As you speak to them, you find out that they are Jehovah’s Witnesses. The purpose of this pamphlet is to help you understand who the Jehovah’s Witnesses are and what they stand for.
Who are the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
The Jehovah’s Witnesses are persons who are members of the organization known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. It is very important for Christians to understand that the Watchtower Society is un-Christian. In fact, it is decidedly anti-Christian. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are definitely not merely a different Christian denomination.
How did the Jehovah’s Witnesses begin and grow?
The founding father of the Jehovah’s Witnesses was Charles Taize Russell (1852—1916). Russell came to the conclusion that Christianity was not the correct way to understand the Bible. He made contact with groups (known as Adventists) who emphasized the immediate return of Christ. Russell began a series of Bible studies and started to gather followers. Russell agreed with the Adventists’ predictions that Christ would return during 1873—1874. When that did not happen, Russell predicted more times for Jesus’ return-all of which proved to be false, of course.
Eventually, in 1884, Russell officially incorporated the “Zion’s Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.” Twelve years later, the word “Zion” was dropped. In 1908, Russell moved his organization to Brooklyn, New York. Toward the end of his life, Russell lost considerable respect among his followers because of a number of slander cases he lost in court.
After Russell’s death in 1916, leadership of the Watchtower Society passed to Judge Joseph Franklin Rutherford. Rutherford was largely responsible for the rapid growth of the Watchtower Society. He spread the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ message via phonograph machines, which he used to play his recorded sermons. These sermons were more often than not harsh attacks against denominational Christianity, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, with vivid descriptions of the judgment to come against anyone who did not embrace Jehovah’s Witnesses’ views.
After 1944, the Watchtower Society no longer used media but instead emphasized personal visits, marked by aggressive techniques to gain entry into homes in order to share their message. This has been the approach of the Watchtower Society since that time. Rutherford increased his control over the Watchtower Society and devised what he termed the “theocratically controlled” organization of the Jehovah’s Witnesses movement. In 1931, the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” was officially adopted to distinguish the followers of Rutherford from those who had left to form their own organizations.
When Rutherford died in 1942, Nathan Knorr took over (1905—1977). Knorr worked tirelessly to create a better image of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the public mind. Knorr spearheaded a massive printing effort, which continues to this day. The two magazines widely distributed in multiple languages that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are most known for are Awake! and The Watchtower.
Under Knorr’s leadership, the Jehovah’s Witnesses produced their own Bible translation, The New World Translation. From 129,000 members in 1942, the Jehovah’s Witnesses grew to 410,000 members in the United States alone by 1971. They number nearly 900,000 members in the United States alone, with about 3.5 million members in 200 different countries.
What is the key emphasis of Watchtower teaching?
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ movement’s primary concern is the end-time (eschatological) renewal of human society. They believe that Jesus Christ will return to establish a new kingdom, which they call a “theocracy,” in which Jehovah God will bring total tranquility to the earth. They believe this utopia will come only after the Battle of Armageddon, in which the present world order will be destroyed. The Jehovah’s Witnesses view all earthly institutions, organizations and governments as evil. They believe that only the Watchtower Society is capable of speaking truthfully about God in the world today.
What do the Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about Jesus?
The Jehovah’s Witnesses movement is surprisingly similar to the ancient heresy known as Arianism. The Christian church rejected this false teaching about Jesus. The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus is “a” god, but not the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. They believe there was a time when He actually was created by Jehovah God. They do not believe Jesus is true God, as does historic Christianity. They do not believe the Holy Spirit is God, but only an impersonal force. Thus, they do not believe in the Holy Trinity.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible, The New World Translation, goes out of its way to mistranslate various verses of the Greek New Testament. An example of this type of mistranslation is found in John 1:1. The Greek text says, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” The New World Translation translates the Greek this way: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was a god.” You can see how through such deceptive translating, the Jehovah’s Witnesses attempt to mislead people.
How do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that people are saved?
Based on misinterpretations of passages from the Book of Revelation, the Watchtower Society believes that Jehovah God extends salvation to two different groups of people. First, there are the 144,000 who shall inhabit heaven. The rest of those saved will inhabit earth in the new kingdom that Christ will establish when he returns after the Battle of Armageddon. They believe that the only persons who will be numbered among the 144,000 are those who have adequately met specific requirements and have lived well enough in imitation of Christ.
For Jehovah’s Witnesses, salvation is not an accomplished fact by Jesus Christ, given as a free gift, but only something that is earned by doing good works. Chief of these works is aggressive personal visitation of non-members. This explains in large part why the Jehovah’s Witnesses are so zealous for personal visitation.
What are some other distinct Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs and practices?
Many people hear about Jehovah’s Witnesses when they learn that a Jehovah’s Witness has refused a blood transfusion. The Watchtower Society forbids members from receiving blood transfusions because they believe this is a form of “eating blood,” which was forbidden to the Old Testament people of God.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also believe it is wrong to serve in the military, to vote, to salute the national flag, or to express any sort of citizenship in this world, since they believe the world will be destroyed and replaced by Christ’s kingdom.
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not observe Christmas, Good Friday, Easter or family birthdays, believing these celebrations to be pagan festivities. Most Jehovah’s Witnesses also avoid dancing, movie-going and watching television.
The average Jehovah’s Witness makes personal visits on people in their homes for an average of ten hours per month. There are some 900,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in this country making calls like this. Those Witnesses who are “pioneers” devote 100 hours a month to this work of calling on homes. Since their record of calls is the only record kept of their membership, this work is vital for them.
How can Christians reach out to Jehovah’s Witnesses?
We need to recognize that Jehovah’s Witnesses are besieged by the Watchtower Society with literature that trains them in how to share their false theology and to contradict Biblical truth. They immediately have many Christians at a disadvantage, since they are well prepared and ready to speak to you, while their visit takes you by surprise.
Entering into an extended and detailed discussion with Jehovah’s Witnesses is best done by those Christians who have carefully prepared to do so. It is possible, however, for all Christians to give a clear and simple witness to their faith when speaking with a Jehovah’s Witness. It is important not to permit them to sidetrack you when you speak to them.
While every conversation is definitely going to be unique, here are some things that need to be said to Jehovah’s Witnesses: “I trust in Jesus, not in an organization (John 3:16). I know I have eternal life (1 John 5:13) and that I will be saved by Jesus forever. I am not saved by what I do. I do good works out of love for God (Ephesians 2:8—10). I will pray that you too come to know the peace and joy I have been given in Christ Jesus my Lord (Romans 5:1).”
You may also be able to plant a seed of doubt in the mind of a Jehovah’s Witness about the Watchtower Society. Invite them to your church and invite them to speak to your pastor. Urge them to read the Bible, and not to rely on their Watchtower Society materials. Challenge them to lay these materials aside for one week or one month and read only the Bible.
After you have shared the Word with them, pray for them, asking God the Holy Spirit to work faith in their hearts, so that like Thomas, they may look to Jesus and say, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
For further study: An excellent short book on the Jehovah’s Witnesses is How to Respond: The Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is available from Concordia Publishing House.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Vocation-The-Society-Part-2.mp3|titles=Vocation-The-Society-Part-2]
Vocation: The Society Part 2
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture we discuss the God given role of government as taught by God. In particular, we review Romans 13, 1 Peter 2, the book of Judges, and 1 Samuel and then look at passages from Psalm 10, 29, and 145 showing forth that God is the King forever. We also discuss Paul’s words in his first epistle to Timothy, the promises of Christ being the perfect earthly king, and the instructions for a king found in Deuteronomy, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Vocation-The-Society-Part-1.mp3|titles=Vocation-The-Society-Part-1]
Vocation: The Society Part 1
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture we discuss the God given role of government as taught in Romans 13. Also, we look at our role as the baptized regarding government as taught in 1 Peter 2 and 1 Timothy 2. Furthermore, we review the thinking of Thomas Paine regarding monarchy and the American experiment.
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Vocation: From Occupation to Opportunity Part 3
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture we continue to examine the difference between the understanding of an occupation as presented by the world and the the understanding of an occupation as revealed in Holy Scripture. In particular, we discuss the letters to the baptized in Ephesus, Rome. Also, we look at the teaching of the priesthood of the baptized as presented in Peter’s first letter, the Revelation of John, and the letter to the Hebrews. Plus, we discuss praying for others including those who persecute the church.
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Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 3
Study Questions- Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 3
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Vocation-From-Occupation-to-Opportunity-Part-2.mp3|titles=Vocation-From-Occupation-to-Opportunity-Part-2]
Vocation: From Occupation to Opportunity Part 2
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture we continue to examine the difference between the understanding of an occupation as presented by the world and the the understanding of an occupation as revealed in Holy Scripture. In particular, we discuss the letters to the baptized in Galatia and Ephesus.
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Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 2
Study Questions- Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 2
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Voctation-From-Occupation-to-Opportunity-Part-1.mp3|titles=Vocation-From-Occupation-to-Opportunity-Part-1]
Vocation: From Occupation to Opportunity Part 1
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture we examine the difference in the understanding of an occupation as presented by the world and the the understanding of an occupation as revealed in Holy Scripture.
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Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 1
Study Questions- Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 1
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Vocation-The-Family-Part-2.mp3|titles=Vocation-The-Family-Part-2]
Vocation: The Family Part 2
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture, examine the institution of marriage as it is related to the Sixth Commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.”
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Vocation-The-Family-Part-1.mp3|titles=Vocation-The-Family-Part-1]
Vocation: The Family Part 1
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture, we begin to examine the vocations given to us the family. First, we will discuss the vocation of child. Then we will work backwards from their through the vocation of parents to the vocation of husband and wife.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Vocation-The-Family-Part-1.mp3|titles=Vocation-The-Family-Part-1]Download this lecture and study questions by clicking on the links below:
The Doctrine of Vocation Part 2
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this lecture, we examine how priesthood of the baptized serve God by loving their neighbors in the place in which they have been placed. We note the common pattern found in Ephesians, Colossians, Titus, and the First Letter of Peter.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/The-Doctrine-of-Vocation-Part-2.mp3|titles=The-Doctrine-of-Vocation-Part-2]Download this lecture and study questions by clicking on the links below:
The Doctrine of Vocation Part 2
Study Questions- The Doctrine of Vocation Part 2
The Doctrine of Vocation Part 1
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
God teaches us to serve Him by loving our neighbor. He does not leave this instruction in the realm of ambiguity. Instead, He places us in a variety of vocations through which we love our neighbor in acts of service. A vocation is a “calling.” Every Christian is called to specific offices and tasks through which God works to govern and care for His creation.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/The-Doctrine-of-Vocation-Part-1.mp3|titles=The-Doctrine-of-Vocation-Part-1]Download this lecture and study questions by clicking on the links below:
“Serving GOD by Loving Your Neighbor in Your Vocations”
God teaches us to serve Him by loving our neighbor. He does not leave this instruction in the realm of ambiguity. Instead, He places us in a variety of vocations through which we love our neighbor in acts of service. A vocation is a “calling.” Every Christian is called to specific offices and tasks through which God works to govern and care for His creation. In this five week lecture series, we will discuss and investigate the teaching of vocation as it is related to the church, the family, and the society. All lectures are FREE and open to anyone interested in learning more about the teaching of vocation. Lectures start at 7 PM.
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 2000 Diamond Dr., Los Alamos, NM.
Lecutre 1 (Sept. 30) — Vocation
Lecture 2 (Oct. 7) — The Church
Lecture 3 (Oc.t 14) — The Family
Lecture 4 (Oct. 21) — The Society
Lecture 5 (Oct. 28) — Christian Love
The goal of the Redeemer Theological Academy is to enable the saints to confess the Christian Faith handed down to us from the Apostles. In this age of competing religions and spiritualities, it is the special gift that each Christian has the opportunity to confess the Faith in the midst of an unbelieving world. These courses are designed to help you articulate what you believe and why you believe it.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/The-Holy-Spirit-Proceeds-from-the-Father-and-the-Son.mp3|titles=The-Holy-Spirit-Proceeds-from-the-Father-and-the-Son]
The Holy Spirit Proceeds from the Father and the Son
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
Jesus says, “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27 (NKJV) After hearing such a passage, the question may arise, “Why do some churches say that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father” while other churches say that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son”?
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/The-Holy-Spirit-Proceeds-from-the-Father-and-the-Son.mp3|titles=The-Holy-Spirit-Proceeds-from-the-Father-and-the-Son]
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The Holy Spirit Proceeds from the Father and the Son
Study Questions- The Holy Spirit Proceeds from the Father and the Son
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/God-Sends-the-Word.mp3|titles=God-Sends-the-Word]
God Sends the Word
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
In this Lecture, we explore the sending of God’s Word. God sends the Son giving us the word. The Son sends the Spirit giving us the word. The Son sends the apostles giving us the word. We focus on passages from John’s Gospel and his first epistle.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/God-Sends-the-Word.mp3|titles=God-Sends-the-Word]
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[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-5.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-5]
Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 5
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-5.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-5]
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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 5
Study Questions- Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 5
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Timothy-Titus-Succesors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-4.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Succesors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-4]
Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 4
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Timothy-Titus-Succesors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-4.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Succesors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-4]
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Timothy, Titus, Succesors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 4
Study Questions- Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 4
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-3.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-3]
Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 3
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-3.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-3]
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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 3
Study Questions- Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 3
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-2.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-2]
Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 2
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-2.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-2]
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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 2
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-1.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-1]
Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 1
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-1.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-1]
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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word – Part 1
Study Questions- Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 1
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Sending-Out-the-Apostles-to-the-Jews-and-Gentiles.mp3|titles=Sending-Out-the-Aposltes-to-the-Jews-and-Gentiles]
Sending the Apostles to the Jews and Gentiles
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
As the Father sent Jesus so too Jesus sent the Apostles. They were sent out in order to reveal the mystery of salvation in the name of Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles. Through baptizing and teaching, the Lord makes disciples. As disciples, they were students of theology. As students, they were to continue to learn and treasure all that Jesus had said.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Sending-Out-the-Apostles-to-the-Jews-and-Gentiles.mp3|titles=Sending-Out-the-Aposltes-to-the-Jews-and-Gentiles]
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Sending Out the Apostles to the Jews and Gentiles
Study Questions- Sending the Apostles to the Jews and Gentiles
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Revealing-the-Mystery.mp3|titles=Revealing-the-Mystery]
Revealing the Mystery
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
The language of mystery is the language of revelation. A person does not know a mystery until it is revealed. And even when it is revealed, a person continues to grow in his understanding of it. A mystery is something different from a secret. A secret can be discovered on accident. A secret can be decoded by the efforts of trial and error. A mystery on the other hand needs to be revealed by someone else.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Revealing-the-Mystery.mp3|titles=Revealing-the-Mystery]
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Lecture 17- Revealing the Mystery
Study Questions- Revealing the Mystery
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/The-Continuity-of-the-Prophets-and-the-Apostles.mp3|titles=The-Continuity-of-the-Prophets-and-the-Apostles]
The Continuity of the Propehts and the Apostles
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
The Apostles were taught by Jesus Himself and then they were sent out to teach others that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Prophets. They did not make up stories themselves nor did they take stories from other people. No, they knew firsthand what the Lord had said and it was the Holy Spirit who was with them as they taught.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/The-Continuity-of-the-Prophets-and-the-Apostles.mp3|titles=The-Continuity-of-the-Prophets-and-the-Apostles]
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Lecture 16- The Continuity of the Prophets and the Apostles
Study Questions- The Continuity of the Prophets and the Apostles
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/The-Apostles-Teach-Us-About-the-True-Christ.mp3|titles=The-Apostles-Teachs-Us-About-the-True-Christ]
The Apostles Teach us About the True Christ
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
The key to salvation is not your personal opinion about Jesus. Rather, Jesus Himself is the key. He taught His Apostles the truth of who He is and what He does for the life of the world. He sent out His Apostles to proclaim His name to the nations. Because of the Apostolic message, we too have life in Christ’s name.
[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/The-Apostles-Teach-Us-About-the-True-Christ.mp3|titles=The-Apostles-Teachs-Us-About-the-True-Christ]
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Lecture 15- The Apostles Teach Us About the True Christ
Study Questions- The Apostles Teach Us About the True Christ