By Ron Halbrook
Introduction
The Church in West Columbia, Texas has a newspaper column called “New Testament Christianity.” We ran the following article to let people know that we are ready to help them. An honest Jehovah’s Witness would agree to the proposed study and the proposal helps people get dishonest Jehovah’s Witnesses off their doorsteps.
When talking with a “Jehovah’s Witness” at your door or anywhere else, be kind, considerate and courteous. Treat them as you wish to be treated (Matt. 7:12). Do not curse at them or persecute them in any way. Losing control of your temper or tongue only rein-forces prejudice in their heart. “Let your speech be always with grace” (Col. 4:6). “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men” (Gal. 6:10). Remember with compassion that the “Jehovah’s Witness” has an eternal soul, though his doctrine denies it, and that he will spend eternity in heaven or hell (Matt. 25:46).
Give them this article to explain a proposal for a fair and balanced study. Dear friend of the “Jehovah’s Witness” religion, the person handing you this article wants to study with you in a format of open discussion. Ron Halbrook will be invited into our home to share in the study sessions. He will be present at each study with the representatives of the “Jehovah’s Witness” religion, so that both sides of each subject or issue can be fairly presented. Ron Halbrook and the “Jehovah’s Witness” representatives must agree to conduct each study directly from the Bible, rather than studying the literature of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Everyone agrees to be patient and courteous in these studies.
The subjects for study are: (1) The full deity of “the word” who came in the flesh as Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:1-14; Heb. 1:1-14). (2) Did God give his people in the gospel age the name “Christian” or “Jehovah’s Witness”? (Acts 11:26) (3) Is God’s only name “Jehovah”? (Isa. 9:6; Matt. 28:19) (4) What must I do to be saved? (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38) (5) Does the soul or spirit survive death? (Matt. 10:28; Lk. 16:19-31) (6) Will all Christians go to heaven or must some stay on earth forever, and is punishment in hell eternal? (Matt. 25:46; 1 Pet. 1:1-5) (7) Did God ordain the “Jehovah Witness” organization and has it made false prophecies? (Deut. 18:21-22; Phil. 1:1)
When the true prophets of God pled, “Come now, and let us reason together,” they invited their opponents, “produce your arguments” (Isa. 1:18; 41:21, NWT). God’s true people are interested in the same open study today.
Dear friend of the “Jehovah’s Witness” religion, the person handing you this article believes it would be fair and helpful if a public discussion could be held on the subjects listed above. Such public study is approved by Elijah, Isaiah, Jesus, Paul and Ron Halbrook (1 Kgs. 18; Isa. 43:9; Matt. 22; Acts 17:17; 1 Pet. 3:15).
If the “Jehovah’s Witness” wants to leave some literature, say you will take it if he will be fair enough to read something you have. If our readers will contact us now, we will supply them with tracts to keep on hand to exchange with a “Jehovah’s Witness.” If he wants you to pay or make a donation for his literature, point out that you are not asking any pay or donation for what you are offering in ex-change. If they offer a larger book and want money on that basis, tell them to come back later and you will make an even exchange. Let us know and we will supply what you need.
If they refuse this clipping, refuse a private study of both sides, refuse public discussion, and refuse to exchange literature, kindly close the conversation and gently close the door. You have done what is right and fair, your conscience is clear. You will know they are unfair and dishonest in asking you to examine your beliefs because they will not ex-amine theirs. “The legs of the lame are not equal” (Prov. 26:7; Rom. 2:21).
Clip and save this article for future use. Make copies — distribute them far and wide. Contact us for free tapes and tracts on “Jehovah’s Witness” doctrine.
Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 8, p. 3-4
April 15, 1993