We had a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses come to our door a few days ago with this invitation, which reads:
"Do This in Remembrance of Me"
What are Jesus' disciples to commemorate?
Why is this something that is important for you to do as well?
We cordially invite you to come and find the answers to these questions this Thursday, April 9th 2009
Personally, I was overwhelmed, amused, and incensed, all at the same time.
After all, this is historically a Christian country, with a strong tradition that speaks of the Triune God permeating many aspects of national culture. (Even if we have heard people mistakenly identify the holy Trinity as Jesus, Mary, and St. Nikolai. Seriously.)
Still, many folks are open to listening to the Jehovah's Witnesses heresy out of simple curiosity, and don't know enough to ask the simple question, "but WHO is Jesus Christ to you? The Eternal Creator God... or NOT?"
That was Phyllis' question to the women who rang our doorbell. "Do you believe that Jesus is GOD? Did God Himself live a sinless life in a human body on this earth, the Perfect God/Man? Was not Jesus' resurrection the ultimate proof of his Godhood? "
It MUST be more than what the Jehovah's Witnesses say, stating that "we, JW's, celebrate his death in order to obtain God's favor and an approved position before Him, obeying Jesus' command in Luke 22."
"If Christ (the Messiah and God in the Flesh) has not been raised, our faith is mere delusion, and we are still under the control and penalty of sin;
And further, those who have died in Christ are eternally lost!
If we who are in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied."
(1 Corinthians 15:12-19)
The absurdity and sheer brazen audacity of advertising a false gospel and false christ during this season of preparation leading up to the greatest celebration in the Christian year is just staggering. (For us, tomorrow is Palm Sunday, and here the Great Fast is drawing to a close.)
Please pray for us and all our fellow Christians, who know and celebrate the true wonder of Easter, - our Savior Redeemer God who out of love for us died and rose again. Pray that we would continue to boldly proclaim this miraculous truth throughout this Easter season.
4 comments:
I received this same paper at me door last week, well, in English of course.
Standing at my front door with a naked child in my arms, I barely gave it all more than a thought in the moment. I felt annoyed and saddened, but am disappointed to say that I did not spend more time mulling it over or even talking with the woman at the door.
Your post brought it back to my attention. Thank you.
-Misty
TheUnaverageJoesWife.xanga.com
Thank you, Will. Well done. A challenge to be aware and ready to share the simple, yet profound, Gospel of salvation by faith alone in Christ(Jehovah GOD!!)alone. He is Risen! In His Love, Mom
A few days ago, we had JW visitors who knocked at our door and gave us pamphlet exactly like this except it was in English. It's funny, but they were so fast that I couldn't even put a word. Our garage door has a writing that says: Pray for our President, our nation and our neighbors. I think they knew whose door they were knocking and made sure I didn't have time to object to their invitation or ask any questions. They just said: here is an invitation for you, you'll see details on the back, have a nice day!. I thought that was funny. :-)
Leana
Will for many Orthodox your presence in an Orthodox country would be looked upon the same way. Although I feel like I know you and especially Phyllis personally I couldn't help but think that some would say the same thing about you and your ministry.
"The absurdity and sheer brazen audacity of advertising a false gospel and false christ during this season of preparation leading up to the greatest celebration in the Christian year is just staggering. (For us, tomorrow is Palm Sunday, and here the Great Fast is drawing to a close.)"
Don't take what I said as a personal attack, just food for thought.
I do, as always, wish you, Phyllis and your children well. Wishing you a blessed Palm Sunday and Holy Week!
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