(Having studied before many points concerning the history and errors of this cultic movement, we now continue our series on what is now known as the Jehovah's Witnesses.)

WITNESSES TEACH:  That part of our Bible is not inspired -- "Mark 16: 9-20 is spurious.  These verses are admitted by all scholars to be an interpolation.  They are not found in any of the early Greek MSS., and are certainly not genuine" (Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 6, page 649).
THE BIBLE TEACHES:  "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..." (II Timothy 3:16).  "The text of the New Testament is derived from three sources -- Greek Manuscripts, ancient Translations, and Quotations of the Fathers and other ancient writers" (A Comp. to the Greek Testament and English Versions, Phillip Schaff, page 85).  We have three manuscripts from the fourth century, as well as statements from the Fathers and Versions of the 2nd century.  Irenaeus, Papias, and Justin Martyr, each from the second century, used it as though inspired, and that before the MSS. we now have.  We also have five versions from the second century, each of which has Mark 16: 9-20 as inspired.  Hyppolytus and Cellsus, writers of the third century, both make reference to the passage as being a part of the Scriptures.  In the fourth century one of the three MSS have the whole of Mark as we do, that is the Washington MSS.  Three versions came out in that century with it, and seven fathers used it as inspired Scripture, and it was never disputed by any real scholar in any century following.  "The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, HE IS THE TAIL" (Isaiah 9:15).  Where is the tail?

WITNESSES TEACH:  Apparently they are against civil government, that which protects them.  They refuse to recognize the stars and stripes, the American Flag, and thus they have caused people to believe that they are not loyal citizens.
THE BIBLE TEACHES:  "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God:  the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:  and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.  Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  For he is the minister of God to thee for good.  But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain:  for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil" (Romans 13:1-4).  "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:  whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well" (I Peter 2:13-14).  Now, when the laws of the land conflict with the laws of God we are to leave the laws of the land and cling to the laws of God (Acts 5:29), but if we may obey the laws of the land without violating the laws of God we must.

WITNESSES TEACH:  That it is sinful to "eat" blood:  "What about the use to which human blood is put today?  Medical doctors, realizing the life sustaining power of blood, use blood transfusions freely in their treatment of patients.  Is this in harmony with God's will?  Some persons may reason that getting a blood transfusion is not actually "eating".  But is it not true that when a patient is unable to eat through his mouth, doctors often feed him by the same method in which a blood transfusion is administered?...So, too, abstaining from blood means not taking it into our bodies at all."  "Does this put God's servants at a disadvantage in comparison with persons who ignore the Bible and take blood transfusions? No, it works no real hardship on them.  Do not forget that, immediately after telling christians to "keep themselves from blood," the Scripture says:  "If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper.  Good health to you!" (Acts 15:29)."  "...thousands die every year as a direct result of (blood transfusions)" (Tr. E. L. -- pp. 167-168).
THE BIBLE TEACHES:  There is no place in the Bible which forbids blood transfusions.
Answer to "abstaining for good health" -- QUOTE:  "Chicago.  A 9-day-old baby boy died in Chicago early Thursday after his parents, members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, refused to authorize blood transfusions which doctors said would have saved the infants life" (International News, Published in the HOUSTON TEXAS DAILY CHRONICLE, January 14, 1954).  There are accounts of them burning draft notices, neglecting families, causing disturbances, burning oppositions homes, and one man took a knife and cut off his physical hand in order to be true to his faith.

WITNESSES TEACH:  They teach the Calvanistic doctrine:  "All of Adam's offspring were born after his disobedience.  Thus his offspring inherited sin and death from him.  All men inherit imperfection, because all come from Adam and Eve...If one is truly repentant over mistakes he makes because of inherited weaknesses, he can expect merciful forgiveness from God..."  [They cite I John 4:9 in which it mentions Jesus coming into the world as a literal being;  QUESTION:  How did Jesus get here born of a woman if he was to be perfect?  Would he not be corrupted?]
"The effect of Adam and Eve's sin upon their offspring can be compared with what often happens when people who ignore God's law and live immorally bring forth children.  Such people may get diseased in the sex organs that God gave them to bring forth their children.  The children of such "unclean" parents may be born physically or mentally damaged because of the sin of their parents."
THE BIBLE TEACHES:  "The soul that sinneth, it shall die..." (Ezekiel 18:4).

WITNESSES TEACH:  That their name is scriptural.
THE BIBLE TEACHES:  That there is no other name than that of Christ whereby we may be saved (Acts 4:12).  That the disciples were called "christians" first at Antioch (Acts 11:26).  Where do we read of "JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES" in the Bible?  That is like Grape-Nuts, neither grapes nor nuts, and they are neither Jehovah's nor Witnesses.

WITNESSES TEACH:  That there will only be 144,000 saved [At least they used to, before their number exceeded this.  Now they say that there will be 144,000 in heaven, and the rest of the "saved" will be here, on a renovated earth].
THE BIBLE TEACHES:  This figure in Revelation 14:1-3 is used symbolically to represent all the martyred souls of the first century.  It is calculated by taking the twelve tribes of Israel, and the perfect number, 12, (it was so recognized by them), and multiplying the two together, and then by a more perfect or complete number, that of 1000.  This indicates that all of the martyred saints will be in heaven, not that only the martyred saints will be there.

(Space is gone for now, but we plan to conclude these thoughts in a future issue.)

VOLUME XIX                       June 30, 1996                Number 26

HOSPITAL NEWS:  Floyd Turk was released from SAMC on Tuesday of last week, however he is to return for surgery in the coming weeks.  Adolphus Knight was admitted and released from SAMC last week.

HOMECOMING AND GOSPEL MEETING:  Our meeting with Allan Ammons is July 21-26 is just around the corner.  Let us talk it up, invite our friends and acquaintances, and do all that is within our power to get ready for it.

BAPTISM:  One of our readers in Missouri, BARBARA GOTT, Freda's brothers wife, was recently baptized into Christ.  We rejoice with this family and wish them the best.  Let us remember them in our prayers.

CARD ACKNOWLEDGED:  The church received a card from DONZELLE and DORIS GRANGER, expressing their appreciation for the calls, cards, visits and prayers during both of their recent hospitalizations.  Let us continue to remember them in our prayers.

CALL ACKNOWLEDGED:  We received a call from LILLIE GAYLORD expressing her appreciation for the prayers on behalf of her nephew, JAMES E. JOHNSTON, in Florida.  She also expressed appreciation for the ENON ENDEAVOR and our weekly article in the ASHFORD POWER.

MONTHLY MEAL:  Our monthly meal for June is scheduled for this Sunday, 6-30, after the morning worship service.  Everyone is invited to attend.  Mary Kirkland is the hostess.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?  You may become a New Testament christian by hearing and believing the gospel (Hebrews 11:6, Romans 10:10, 17); repenting of sin (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30-31); confessing Christ (Romans 10:10, Acts 8:37); and being immersed into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16).  May we assist you?