What do the major world religions believe? | Acts 17:16-34 (Part 1) | Join The Journey Podcast

All right. All right. Join the Journey All right. All right. Join the Journey family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're listening to Join [music] the Journey listening to Join [music] the Journey listening to Join [music] the Journey podcast with your host, Emma Daughter. podcast with your host, Emma Daughter. podcast with your host, Emma Daughter. Thanks [music] for joining. This week, Thanks [music] for joining. This week, Thanks [music] for joining. This week, we're reading Acts 17 16-34. But before we're reading Acts 17 16-34. But before we're reading Acts 17 16-34. But before we jump in, I have a quick announcement. we jump in, I have a quick announcement. we jump in, I have a quick announcement. If join the journey has impacted your If join the journey has impacted your If join the journey has impacted your walk with Jesus this year, even in a walk with Jesus this year, even in a walk with Jesus this year, even in a small way, our team would love would small way, our team would love would small way, our team would love would absolutely love to hear about it. Maybe absolutely love to hear about it. Maybe absolutely love to hear about it. Maybe God has used a particular episode or God has used a particular episode or God has used a particular episode or passage of scripture, a lesson or passage of scripture, a lesson or passage of scripture, a lesson or spiritual practice to encourage you. Has spiritual practice to encourage you. Has spiritual practice to encourage you. Has he grown your love for the word or he grown your love for the word or he grown your love for the word or helped you through a hard season, helped helped you through a hard season, helped helped you through a hard season, helped you overcome a habit or taught you you overcome a habit or taught you you overcome a habit or taught you something new? If so, we want to something new? If so, we want to something new? If so, we want to celebrate what he's doing. Our team celebrate what he's doing. Our team celebrate what he's doing. Our team spends countless hours praying, writing, spends countless hours praying, writing, spends countless hours praying, writing, recording, editing, and preparing these recording, editing, and preparing these recording, editing, and preparing these resources, and getting to hear how God's resources, and getting to hear how God's resources, and getting to hear how God's using them is one of our greatest joys. using them is one of our greatest joys. using them is one of our greatest joys. We also love sharing stories with our We also love sharing stories with our We also love sharing stories with our volunteers and staff team to remind them volunteers and staff team to remind them volunteers and staff team to remind them that their faithful work is making an that their faithful work is making an that their faithful work is making an impact in people's lives. So, if God has impact in people's lives. So, if God has impact in people's lives. So, if God has used join the journey in your life this used join the journey in your life this used join the journey in your life this year, would you consider sharing that year, would you consider sharing that year, would you consider sharing that with us? We'd be so grateful to hear with us? We'd be so grateful to hear with us? We'd be so grateful to hear your story and you can email it to us at your story and you can email it to us at your story and you can email it to us at jointhe journeywatermark.org.

jointhe journeywatermark.org. jointhe journeywatermark.org. We can't wait to read about what God's We can't wait to read about what God's We can't wait to read about what God's been doing. Now in Acts 17:16-34, been doing. Now in Acts 17:16-34, been doing. Now in Acts 17:16-34, moving to today's passage, Paul moving to today's passage, Paul moving to today's passage, Paul carefully observed the beliefs and the carefully observed the beliefs and the carefully observed the beliefs and the values in the people in Athens before he values in the people in Athens before he values in the people in Athens before he spoke. Rather than beginning with the spoke. Rather than beginning with the spoke. Rather than beginning with the Hebrew scriptures, he met his audience Hebrew scriptures, he met his audience Hebrew scriptures, he met his audience right where they were, pointing to their right where they were, pointing to their right where they were, pointing to their altar to an unknown god and even quoting altar to an unknown god and even quoting altar to an unknown god and even quoting their own poets. From there, he their own poets. From there, he their own poets. From there, he introduced them to the one true God, introduced them to the one true God, introduced them to the one true God, called them to repent and proclaimed the called them to repent and proclaimed the called them to repent and proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus. Paul's message resurrection of Jesus. Paul's message resurrection of Jesus. Paul's message never changed no matter where he went. never changed no matter where he went. never changed no matter where he went. But his approach was shaped by the But his approach was shaped by the But his approach was shaped by the people he was trying to reach. A few people he was trying to reach. A few people he was trying to reach. A few weeks ago, as hopefully everyone weeks ago, as hopefully everyone weeks ago, as hopefully everyone listening knows, unless you've been listening knows, unless you've been listening knows, unless you've been living under a rock, the World Cup living under a rock, the World Cup living under a rock, the World Cup recently came to Dallas. Well, to recently came to Dallas. Well, to recently came to Dallas. Well, to America, but games were held in Dallas. America, but games were held in Dallas. America, but games were held in Dallas. And Watermark had the opportunity to And Watermark had the opportunity to And Watermark had the opportunity to host several World Cup outreach days host several World Cup outreach days host several World Cup outreach days where members of our church went out to where members of our church went out to where members of our church went out to engage with people from all over the engage with people from all over the engage with people from all over the world offering prayer with the aim of world offering prayer with the aim of world offering prayer with the aim of starting gospel conversations.

starting gospel conversations. starting gospel conversations. and I went on the very first World Cup and I went on the very first World Cup and I went on the very first World Cup outreach day that Watermark held. I was outreach day that Watermark held. I was outreach day that Watermark held. I was paired with two other gals and our paired with two other gals and our paired with two other gals and our assignment was simple. Walk around assignment was simple. Walk around assignment was simple. Walk around prayerfully, start conversations, offer prayerfully, start conversations, offer prayerfully, start conversations, offer to pray for people, and hopefully engage to pray for people, and hopefully engage to pray for people, and hopefully engage in gospel combos as the spirit led. And in gospel combos as the spirit led. And in gospel combos as the spirit led. And before long, we struck up a conversation before long, we struck up a conversation before long, we struck up a conversation with two offduty Jehovah's Witness with two offduty Jehovah's Witness with two offduty Jehovah's Witness women. and they were just sitting down women. and they were just sitting down women. and they were just sitting down on a ledge enjoying some sunshine and on a ledge enjoying some sunshine and on a ledge enjoying some sunshine and people watching. But if I'm being people watching. But if I'm being people watching. But if I'm being completely honest, as the three of us completely honest, as the three of us completely honest, as the three of us began to engage with them, we quickly began to engage with them, we quickly began to engage with them, we quickly realized we were a little rusty. We all realized we were a little rusty. We all realized we were a little rusty. We all knew that Jehovah's Witness is different knew that Jehovah's Witness is different knew that Jehovah's Witness is different than biblical Christianity. than biblical Christianity. than biblical Christianity. But when the conversation got into the But when the conversation got into the But when the conversation got into the details around what these women actually details around what these women actually details around what these women actually believed about Jesus, believed about Jesus, believed about Jesus, we found ourselves trying to piece it we found ourselves trying to piece it we found ourselves trying to piece it together in real time. The conversation together in real time. The conversation together in real time. The conversation was confusing. One, because these ladies was confusing. One, because these ladies was confusing. One, because these ladies weren't able to clearly articulate weren't able to clearly articulate weren't able to clearly articulate exactly what it is they believed, but we exactly what it is they believed, but we exactly what it is they believed, but we also found them saying things that also found them saying things that also found them saying things that sounded pretty familiar to us, where we sounded pretty familiar to us, where we sounded pretty familiar to us, where we were left wondering, are when we say were left wondering, are when we say were left wondering, are when we say Jesus, do we really mean the same thing?

Jesus, do we really mean the same thing? Jesus, do we really mean the same thing? And what she's saying sounds like what I And what she's saying sounds like what I And what she's saying sounds like what I believe, but is it different? So, as we believe, but is it different? So, as we believe, but is it different? So, as we walked away, all three of us had the walked away, all three of us had the walked away, all three of us had the same thought. I wish I'd been more same thought. I wish I'd been more same thought. I wish I'd been more prepared. I wish I'd understood the core prepared. I wish I'd understood the core prepared. I wish I'd understood the core beliefs of Jehovah's Witness heading beliefs of Jehovah's Witness heading beliefs of Jehovah's Witness heading into that conversation. Or, I'd wish I'd into that conversation. Or, I'd wish I'd into that conversation. Or, I'd wish I'd known what they value. Or, I wish I'd known what they value. Or, I wish I'd known what they value. Or, I wish I'd had a few thoughtful questions ready to had a few thoughtful questions ready to had a few thoughtful questions ready to ask and a clear picture to show them of ask and a clear picture to show them of ask and a clear picture to show them of why the Jesus of scripture is infinitely why the Jesus of scripture is infinitely why the Jesus of scripture is infinitely better than the Jesus that they better than the Jesus that they better than the Jesus that they proclaim. proclaim. proclaim. In other words, we all wished we'd been In other words, we all wished we'd been In other words, we all wished we'd been a little bit more like Paul in Acts 17. a little bit more like Paul in Acts 17. a little bit more like Paul in Acts 17. Paul had taken the time to understand Paul had taken the time to understand Paul had taken the time to understand the people he was trying to reach. He the people he was trying to reach. He the people he was trying to reach. He observed what they believed. He observed what they believed. He observed what they believed. He understood their worldview. He knew understood their worldview. He knew understood their worldview. He knew where to begin the conversation. where to begin the conversation. where to begin the conversation. Not because the gospel changes, but Not because the gospel changes, but Not because the gospel changes, but because he wanted to communicate the because he wanted to communicate the because he wanted to communicate the unchanging gospel in a way his audience unchanging gospel in a way his audience unchanging gospel in a way his audience could understand. So today, my goal is could understand. So today, my goal is could understand. So today, my goal is to help us all become a little less to help us all become a little less to help us all become a little less rusty. We're going to look at several rusty. We're going to look at several rusty. We're going to look at several prominent world religions and ask really prominent world religions and ask really prominent world religions and ask really two simple questions. What do they two simple questions. What do they two simple questions. What do they believe? And how can we lovingly and believe? And how can we lovingly and believe? And how can we lovingly and confidently show those who hold to these confidently show those who hold to these confidently show those who hold to these beliefs that the Jesus of the Bible is beliefs that the Jesus of the Bible is beliefs that the Jesus of the Bible is better? Today, I'm going to be painting better? Today, I'm going to be painting better? Today, I'm going to be painting with very broad brush strokes. Every with very broad brush strokes. Every with very broad brush strokes. Every religion contains countless branches and religion contains countless branches and religion contains countless branches and individual beliefs and nuances. So, our individual beliefs and nuances. So, our individual beliefs and nuances. So, our goal isn't to stereotype people or even goal isn't to stereotype people or even goal isn't to stereotype people or even to try to become experts in world

to try to become experts in world to try to become experts in world religions. It's simply to understand religions. It's simply to understand religions. It's simply to understand some major beliefs well enough to have some major beliefs well enough to have some major beliefs well enough to have thoughtful, loving conversations with thoughtful, loving conversations with thoughtful, loving conversations with those who hold to those beliefs. So, those who hold to those beliefs. So, those who hold to those beliefs. So, let's start with Hinduism. let's start with Hinduism. let's start with Hinduism. When most people think about Hinduism, When most people think about Hinduism, When most people think about Hinduism, they think about a religion with they think about a religion with they think about a religion with millions of gods, which is partially millions of gods, which is partially millions of gods, which is partially true, but it's also a bit of an true, but it's also a bit of an true, but it's also a bit of an oversimplification. oversimplification. oversimplification. At the heart of Hinduism, the Brahman is At the heart of Hinduism, the Brahman is At the heart of Hinduism, the Brahman is the ultimate spiritual reality. While the ultimate spiritual reality. While the ultimate spiritual reality. While Hindus worship many gods, they're often Hindus worship many gods, they're often Hindus worship many gods, they're often understood as different expressions or understood as different expressions or understood as different expressions or manifestations of the Brahman. That's manifestations of the Brahman. That's manifestations of the Brahman. That's why Hinduism can seem both polytheistic why Hinduism can seem both polytheistic why Hinduism can seem both polytheistic and monotheistic depending on who you're and monotheistic depending on who you're and monotheistic depending on who you're talking to. talking to. talking to. Another foundational Hindu belief is Another foundational Hindu belief is Another foundational Hindu belief is reincarnation. The cycle of being born, reincarnation. The cycle of being born, reincarnation. The cycle of being born, dying, and being reborn. They believe a dying, and being reborn. They believe a dying, and being reborn. They believe a person's next life is shaped by karma, person's next life is shaped by karma, person's next life is shaped by karma, meaning their actions in the present meaning their actions in the present meaning their actions in the present life, and dharma, faithfully fulfilling life, and dharma, faithfully fulfilling life, and dharma, faithfully fulfilling their moral duties. The ultimate goal of their moral duties. The ultimate goal of their moral duties. The ultimate goal of life, they would say, is moka or freedom life, they would say, is moka or freedom life, they would say, is moka or freedom from this endless cycle of rebirth.

from this endless cycle of rebirth. from this endless cycle of rebirth. These Hindu beliefs, they're very These Hindu beliefs, they're very These Hindu beliefs, they're very different from Christianity. The Bible different from Christianity. The Bible different from Christianity. The Bible teaches that God is the creator, teaches that God is the creator, teaches that God is the creator, distinct from his creation, that we only distinct from his creation, that we only distinct from his creation, that we only live one earthly life before judgment, live one earthly life before judgment, live one earthly life before judgment, Hebrews 9:27. And that salvation isn't Hebrews 9:27. And that salvation isn't Hebrews 9:27. And that salvation isn't earned by our efforts, but by grace earned by our efforts, but by grace earned by our efforts, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. So if you through faith in Jesus Christ. So if you through faith in Jesus Christ. So if you have a Hindu friend, you could start by have a Hindu friend, you could start by have a Hindu friend, you could start by asking questions before making asking questions before making asking questions before making assumptions. Ask something like, "What assumptions. Ask something like, "What assumptions. Ask something like, "What do you believe about God?" or "What do do you believe about God?" or "What do do you believe about God?" or "What do you think happens after death?" you think happens after death?" you think happens after death?" Listening well will communicate respect Listening well will communicate respect Listening well will communicate respect and create opportunities to share the and create opportunities to share the and create opportunities to share the hope of the gospel that we don't have to hope of the gospel that we don't have to hope of the gospel that we don't have to spend countless lifetimes trying to spend countless lifetimes trying to spend countless lifetimes trying to reach God because in Jesus, God came to reach God because in Jesus, God came to reach God because in Jesus, God came to us. Additionally, their belief in karma us. Additionally, their belief in karma us. Additionally, their belief in karma can be a perfect tea up for the truth can be a perfect tea up for the truth can be a perfect tea up for the truth that salvation is by faith alone, not by that salvation is by faith alone, not by that salvation is by faith alone, not by works. Think about how exhausting your works. Think about how exhausting your works. Think about how exhausting your life would be if you thought that you life would be if you thought that you life would be if you thought that you had to earn God's favor. Ephesians 2:8-9 had to earn God's favor. Ephesians 2:8-9 had to earn God's favor. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved says, "For by grace you have been saved says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith." And this is not your own through faith." And this is not your own through faith." And this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God, not a doing. It is the gift of God, not a doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may result of works, so that no one may result of works, so that no one may boast.

boast. boast. Next up is Buddhism. Many people think Next up is Buddhism. Many people think Next up is Buddhism. Many people think Buddhism is simply about being peaceful Buddhism is simply about being peaceful Buddhism is simply about being peaceful or meditating. And while those practices or meditating. And while those practices or meditating. And while those practices are an important aspect of Buddhism, are an important aspect of Buddhism, are an important aspect of Buddhism, Buddhism is actually centered on Buddhism is actually centered on Buddhism is actually centered on answering one question. How do we escape answering one question. How do we escape answering one question. How do we escape suffering? Buddhism was founded by suffering? Buddhism was founded by suffering? Buddhism was founded by Sedartha Guatama known as the Buddha who Sedartha Guatama known as the Buddha who Sedartha Guatama known as the Buddha who taught that suffering is a universal taught that suffering is a universal taught that suffering is a universal part of life. According to Buddhism part of life. According to Buddhism part of life. According to Buddhism though, the root cause of our suffering though, the root cause of our suffering though, the root cause of our suffering is our own desires and attachments. The is our own desires and attachments. The is our own desires and attachments. The solution is to overcome those desires by solution is to overcome those desires by solution is to overcome those desires by following what Buddhism would call the following what Buddhism would call the following what Buddhism would call the eight-fold path, ultimately reaching eight-fold path, ultimately reaching eight-fold path, ultimately reaching Nirvana, a state of enlightenment and Nirvana, a state of enlightenment and Nirvana, a state of enlightenment and freedom from suffering. Many Buddhists freedom from suffering. Many Buddhists freedom from suffering. Many Buddhists also believe in reincarnation with karma also believe in reincarnation with karma also believe in reincarnation with karma also influencing future lives. These also influencing future lives. These also influencing future lives. These beliefs are found in what Buddhists call beliefs are found in what Buddhists call beliefs are found in what Buddhists call the four noble truths. Their beliefs the four noble truths. Their beliefs the four noble truths. Their beliefs again differ significantly from again differ significantly from again differ significantly from Christianity. While the Bible agrees Christianity. While the Bible agrees Christianity. While the Bible agrees that yes, suffering is real, it teaches that yes, suffering is real, it teaches that yes, suffering is real, it teaches that the deepest problem isn't simply that the deepest problem isn't simply that the deepest problem isn't simply our desires, it's sin. Rather than our desires, it's sin. Rather than our desires, it's sin. Rather than calling us to save ourselves through calling us to save ourselves through calling us to save ourselves through enlightenment or self-discipline, enlightenment or self-discipline, enlightenment or self-discipline, Christianity proclaims that Jesus came Christianity proclaims that Jesus came Christianity proclaims that Jesus came to rescue us from sin and reconcile us to rescue us from sin and reconcile us to rescue us from sin and reconcile us to God through his death and to God through his death and to God through his death and resurrection. So, if you have a Buddhist resurrection. So, if you have a Buddhist resurrection. So, if you have a Buddhist friend or you meet someone who's friend or you meet someone who's friend or you meet someone who's Buddhist, you could ask thoughtful Buddhist, you could ask thoughtful Buddhist, you could ask thoughtful questions like, "What do you think is

questions like, "What do you think is questions like, "What do you think is the cause of suffering?" or "What do you the cause of suffering?" or "What do you the cause of suffering?" or "What do you hope happens after this life?" As you hope happens after this life?" As you hope happens after this life?" As you listen, you'll probably find listen, you'll probably find listen, you'll probably find opportunities to share the good news opportunities to share the good news opportunities to share the good news that lasting hope isn't found in that lasting hope isn't found in that lasting hope isn't found in escaping a human desire, but in knowing escaping a human desire, but in knowing escaping a human desire, but in knowing the one who conquered sin and death. the one who conquered sin and death. the one who conquered sin and death. Next, we have Islam. Many people think Next, we have Islam. Many people think Next, we have Islam. Many people think that Muslims and Christians worship that Muslims and Christians worship that Muslims and Christians worship completely different gods and there are completely different gods and there are completely different gods and there are significant theological differences. significant theological differences. significant theological differences. Muslims believe in one God whom they Muslims believe in one God whom they Muslims believe in one God whom they call Allah, the Arabic word for God. In call Allah, the Arabic word for God. In call Allah, the Arabic word for God. In fact, Arabic Christians also use the fact, Arabic Christians also use the fact, Arabic Christians also use the word Allah when referring to the God of word Allah when referring to the God of word Allah when referring to the God of the Bible. The biggest difference isn't the Bible. The biggest difference isn't the Bible. The biggest difference isn't the name itself, but who God is and how the name itself, but who God is and how the name itself, but who God is and how he has revealed himself. he has revealed himself. he has revealed himself. Islam teaches that Muhammad is God's Islam teaches that Muhammad is God's Islam teaches that Muhammad is God's final prophet and that the Quran is final prophet and that the Quran is final prophet and that the Quran is God's final and complete revelation. God's final and complete revelation. God's final and complete revelation. Muslims honor Jesus as a prophet and Muslims honor Jesus as a prophet and Muslims honor Jesus as a prophet and miracle worker, but they do not believe miracle worker, but they do not believe miracle worker, but they do not believe that he is the son of God or that he that he is the son of God or that he that he is the son of God or that he died on the cross for the sins of the died on the cross for the sins of the died on the cross for the sins of the world. They also believe a person's world. They also believe a person's world. They also believe a person's eternal destiny is determined by Allah's eternal destiny is determined by Allah's eternal destiny is determined by Allah's judgment with faithful obedience judgment with faithful obedience judgment with faithful obedience expressed through practices like prayer, expressed through practices like prayer, expressed through practices like prayer, fasting, giving, and pilgrimage playing fasting, giving, and pilgrimage playing fasting, giving, and pilgrimage playing a central role. These beliefs once again a central role. These beliefs once again a central role. These beliefs once again differ significantly from Christianity.

differ significantly from Christianity. differ significantly from Christianity. The Bible teaches that Jesus is more The Bible teaches that Jesus is more The Bible teaches that Jesus is more than a prophet. He is God the Son who than a prophet. He is God the Son who than a prophet. He is God the Son who died and rose again so that sinners died and rose again so that sinners died and rose again so that sinners could be forgiven. Rather than hoping could be forgiven. Rather than hoping could be forgiven. Rather than hoping our good deeds outweigh the bad, our good deeds outweigh the bad, our good deeds outweigh the bad, followers of Jesus trust entirely in followers of Jesus trust entirely in followers of Jesus trust entirely in Christ's finished work on the cross for Christ's finished work on the cross for Christ's finished work on the cross for salvation. If you have a Muslim friend salvation. If you have a Muslim friend salvation. If you have a Muslim friend or you're engaging with someone who is or you're engaging with someone who is or you're engaging with someone who is Muslim, begin by listening well and Muslim, begin by listening well and Muslim, begin by listening well and asking questions like, "What do you asking questions like, "What do you asking questions like, "What do you believe about Jesus?" or "How can believe about Jesus?" or "How can believe about Jesus?" or "How can someone know that they're right with someone know that they're right with someone know that they're right with God?" could be really helpful. They God?" could be really helpful. They God?" could be really helpful. They often lead to conversations that open often lead to conversations that open often lead to conversations that open the door for sharing the hope and the door for sharing the hope and the door for sharing the hope and assurance of the gospel. Next, we have assurance of the gospel. Next, we have assurance of the gospel. Next, we have Mormonism or Latter-day Saints. Many Mormonism or Latter-day Saints. Many Mormonism or Latter-day Saints. Many people assume that Mormonism is just people assume that Mormonism is just people assume that Mormonism is just another branch or denomination of another branch or denomination of another branch or denomination of Christianity. But while Latter-day Christianity. But while Latter-day Christianity. But while Latter-day Saints use much of the same Christian Saints use much of the same Christian Saints use much of the same Christian vocabulary, including terms like God, vocabulary, including terms like God, vocabulary, including terms like God, Jesus, salvation, and grace, they mean Jesus, salvation, and grace, they mean Jesus, salvation, and grace, they mean some of those terms differently than some of those terms differently than some of those terms differently than bibleelving followers of Jesus.

bibleelving followers of Jesus. bibleelving followers of Jesus. Latter-day Saints or Mormons believe the Latter-day Saints or Mormons believe the Latter-day Saints or Mormons believe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate beings united in purpose rather separate beings united in purpose rather separate beings united in purpose rather than one God in three persons. than one God in three persons. than one God in three persons. Additionally, Mormons also believe God Additionally, Mormons also believe God Additionally, Mormons also believe God continues to give revelation today continues to give revelation today continues to give revelation today through modern prophets and additional through modern prophets and additional through modern prophets and additional scriptures, including the Book of scriptures, including the Book of scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. They believe we Pearl of Great Price. They believe we Pearl of Great Price. They believe we lived with the heavenly father before lived with the heavenly father before lived with the heavenly father before this life, and that through Jesus's this life, and that through Jesus's this life, and that through Jesus's atonement and then repentance and atonement and then repentance and atonement and then repentance and faithfulness to God's commandments and faithfulness to God's commandments and faithfulness to God's commandments and ordinance, we can one day live with him ordinance, we can one day live with him ordinance, we can one day live with him eternally. These differences aren't eternally. These differences aren't eternally. These differences aren't simply disagreements between Christian simply disagreements between Christian simply disagreements between Christian denominations. They touch the very heart denominations. They touch the very heart denominations. They touch the very heart of our faith. Historic Christianity of our faith. Historic Christianity of our faith. Historic Christianity teaches that there is one God. And this teaches that there is one God. And this teaches that there is one God. And this is also what the Bible teaches. That is also what the Bible teaches. That is also what the Bible teaches. That there is one God who eternally exists as there is one God who eternally exists as there is one God who eternally exists as father, son, and spirit. We believe that father, son, and spirit. We believe that father, son, and spirit. We believe that the Bible is God's complete and the Bible is God's complete and the Bible is God's complete and authoritative written revelation and authoritative written revelation and authoritative written revelation and that salvation is received by grace that salvation is received by grace that salvation is received by grace alone through faith in Christ, not by alone through faith in Christ, not by alone through faith in Christ, not by keeping God's commandments and keeping God's commandments and keeping God's commandments and ordinances.

ordinances. ordinances. Because Mormons present a different Because Mormons present a different Because Mormons present a different understanding of God's nature, accept understanding of God's nature, accept understanding of God's nature, accept additional authoritative scriptures in additional authoritative scriptures in additional authoritative scriptures in modern revelation, and teach that modern revelation, and teach that modern revelation, and teach that eternal life involves faithfulness, eternal life involves faithfulness, eternal life involves faithfulness, earning your way in. It is a distinct earning your way in. It is a distinct earning your way in. It is a distinct religion altogether, not another branch religion altogether, not another branch religion altogether, not another branch or denomination of Christianity. or denomination of Christianity. or denomination of Christianity. If you've got a friend who's Mormon or If you've got a friend who's Mormon or If you've got a friend who's Mormon or of the Latter-day Saints, again, begin of the Latter-day Saints, again, begin of the Latter-day Saints, again, begin by listening well and asking thoughtful by listening well and asking thoughtful by listening well and asking thoughtful questions like, "Who do you believe questions like, "Who do you believe questions like, "Who do you believe Jesus is?" or "What gives you confidence Jesus is?" or "What gives you confidence Jesus is?" or "What gives you confidence that you'll spend eternity with God?" that you'll spend eternity with God?" that you'll spend eternity with God?" Now, as with Mormons, many people also Now, as with Mormons, many people also Now, as with Mormons, many people also assume Jehovah's Witnesses are simply assume Jehovah's Witnesses are simply assume Jehovah's Witnesses are simply another denomination because they also another denomination because they also another denomination because they also use the Bible and frequently talk about use the Bible and frequently talk about use the Bible and frequently talk about Jesus. But again, while they share some Jesus. But again, while they share some Jesus. But again, while they share some Christian terminology, they hold several Christian terminology, they hold several Christian terminology, they hold several beliefs that differ significantly from beliefs that differ significantly from beliefs that differ significantly from Christianity, from faith in the Jesus of Christianity, from faith in the Jesus of Christianity, from faith in the Jesus of the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses believe in one true God, Jehovah, and recognize in one true God, Jehovah, and recognize in one true God, Jehovah, and recognize Jesus as the son of God and savior.

Jesus as the son of God and savior. Jesus as the son of God and savior. However, they do not believe Jesus is However, they do not believe Jesus is However, they do not believe Jesus is almighty God or that the doctrine of the almighty God or that the doctrine of the almighty God or that the doctrine of the Trinity is biblical. Let me say that Trinity is biblical. Let me say that Trinity is biblical. Let me say that again. While Jehovah's Witnesses will again. While Jehovah's Witnesses will again. While Jehovah's Witnesses will say that Jesus is the son of God, they say that Jesus is the son of God, they say that Jesus is the son of God, they don't believe that he is also God. They don't believe that he is also God. They don't believe that he is also God. They teach that only 144,000 teach that only 144,000 teach that only 144,000 believers will reign with Christ in believers will reign with Christ in believers will reign with Christ in heaven while the faithful majority will heaven while the faithful majority will heaven while the faithful majority will live forever on a restored paradise in live forever on a restored paradise in live forever on a restored paradise in earth. earth. earth. We believe that Jesus is fully God and We believe that Jesus is fully God and We believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man. That he is the eternal son fully man. That he is the eternal son fully man. That he is the eternal son who alone can accomplish our salvation. who alone can accomplish our salvation. who alone can accomplish our salvation. The doctrine of the trinity is not a The doctrine of the trinity is not a The doctrine of the trinity is not a secondary issue. It's how God has secondary issue. It's how God has secondary issue. It's how God has revealed himself in scripture. So, while revealed himself in scripture. So, while revealed himself in scripture. So, while Jehovah's Witnesses affirm that Jehovah's Witnesses affirm that Jehovah's Witnesses affirm that salvation comes through Jesus, they've salvation comes through Jesus, they've salvation comes through Jesus, they've got the wrong Jesus. And they emphasize got the wrong Jesus. And they emphasize got the wrong Jesus. And they emphasize faithful obedience and baptism as faithful obedience and baptism as faithful obedience and baptism as necessary responses that demonstrate necessary responses that demonstrate necessary responses that demonstrate faith. So, if you've got a Jehovah's faith. So, if you've got a Jehovah's faith. So, if you've got a Jehovah's Witness neighbor or co-orker, questions Witness neighbor or co-orker, questions Witness neighbor or co-orker, questions like, "Who do you believe Jesus is?" or like, "Who do you believe Jesus is?" or like, "Who do you believe Jesus is?" or "Why do you believe he isn't God?" can "Why do you believe he isn't God?" can "Why do you believe he isn't God?" can lead to thoughtful conversations and lead to thoughtful conversations and lead to thoughtful conversations and create opportunities to open the Bible create opportunities to open the Bible create opportunities to open the Bible together and share the biblical picture together and share the biblical picture together and share the biblical picture of Christ. Now, while there are a lot of Christ. Now, while there are a lot of Christ. Now, while there are a lot more religions we could discuss on this more religions we could discuss on this more religions we could discuss on this podcast, we're running out of time. So, podcast, we're running out of time. So, podcast, we're running out of time. So, if you're watching on YouTube or if you're watching on YouTube or if you're watching on YouTube or Spotify, here's a chart to help you keep

Spotify, here's a chart to help you keep Spotify, here's a chart to help you keep track of the differences between the track of the differences between the track of the differences between the ones we've covered today. In this chart, ones we've covered today. In this chart, ones we've covered today. In this chart, you'll see the religions listed out, you'll see the religions listed out, you'll see the religions listed out, their view of God, how they address the their view of God, how they address the their view of God, how they address the problems of the world, the solution they problems of the world, the solution they problems of the world, the solution they propose, and the questions to ask. So, propose, and the questions to ask. So, propose, and the questions to ask. So, before you move on to whatever you're before you move on to whatever you're before you move on to whatever you're doing next after finishing this episode, doing next after finishing this episode, doing next after finishing this episode, I want to challenge you to do two I want to challenge you to do two I want to challenge you to do two things. The first is simply to pray. things. The first is simply to pray. things. The first is simply to pray. Ask God to bring those questions to mind Ask God to bring those questions to mind Ask God to bring those questions to mind the next time you engage with someone the next time you engage with someone the next time you engage with someone from one of those religious groups. And from one of those religious groups. And from one of those religious groups. And the second challenge is to rewind. Pause the second challenge is to rewind. Pause the second challenge is to rewind. Pause this episode, take a screenshot of that this episode, take a screenshot of that this episode, take a screenshot of that chart, spend intentional time memorizing chart, spend intentional time memorizing chart, spend intentional time memorizing the key distinctions and the questions the key distinctions and the questions the key distinctions and the questions to ask. to ask. to ask. Part of following Jesus is living Part of following Jesus is living Part of following Jesus is living missionally. And one way we can grow as missionally. And one way we can grow as missionally. And one way we can grow as followers of Jesus who live missionally followers of Jesus who live missionally followers of Jesus who live missionally is by familiarizing ourselves with other is by familiarizing ourselves with other is by familiarizing ourselves with other belief systems so that we can better belief systems so that we can better belief systems so that we can better engage with those who hold them. But for engage with those who hold them. But for engage with those who hold them. But for today, that's all we've got time for.

today, that's all we've got time for. today, that's all we've got time for. Special thanks to our summer intern, Special thanks to our summer intern, Special thanks to our summer intern, Wesley, for helping prep today's Wesley, for helping prep today's Wesley, for helping prep today's episode. And as always, I'm so glad episode. And as always, I'm so glad episode. And as always, I'm so glad we're all on this journey [music] we're all on this journey [music] we're all on this journey [music] abiding in Jesus together.