Another semester of ministry at the University of Cincinnati has come to a close and I’m already looking forward to the next semester! While there aren't many that stop by for the weekly Bible Study, I still need to be prepared every week to teach anyone that attends.

Starting in January, I’ll be teaching about various world religions and cult groups during the Bible Study time and showing why these false worldviews don’t line up with the Bible. We'll go over religions like Islam and Buddhism, while also discussing cultic beliefs from Mormonism and the International Church of Christ.

I’m praying that this theme will draw students who may follow these lies to the Bible Study, so that the Gospel can be presented to them clearly. Hopefully, they’ll turn away from their false beliefs and follow the source of truth, Jesus Christ! I also desire that real Christians will attend so that they can be equipped to share their faith when they run into someone with an unbiblical worldview.

As always, you do not have to be a student to attend the Bible Study. If you want more information about my ministry with Christian Collegian Network (CCN), please visit the CCN@UC page. You can also sign up to receive weekly campus ministry updates!

"And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, 'Man, your sins are forgiven you.' And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, 'Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?'" 

"When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them,'Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins'—he said to the man who was paralyzed—'I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.' And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God." (Luke 5:18-25)

The next time you have some Jehovah Witnesses (JW) ring your doorbell, don't feel like you have to duck behind the couch! Use the above passage to cause doubt in their mind regarding everything they've been taught by the Watchtower Society. (Make sure you're polite, humble, and loving while talking with them.)

This passage of Scripture has not been tainted (yet) in the New World Translation (NWT) so have them use their own bible. As you begin reading, emphasize verse 21, where it says, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 

The JW's will probably try to stop here to twist what Jesus was saying or attempt to leave. Share some verses with them that DO show God forgives sin, but return to Luke 5 and continue reading the passage. It is very important to finish the passage from Luke (Mark 2:6-12 is the same account and can also be used).

When you get to verse 24, put emphasis on "the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." They should begin making the connection and a seed of doubt will be planted inside their head. Will your visitor drop to their knees and cry out to God in repentance at this point? Probably not. In fact, you probably won't notice any difference, but as they leave, pray that these misguided people will think about what you've shared with them.

Remember, you must be loving and humble in your interactions with them. "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20). Your actions will speak louder than your words. Try putting yourself into their shoes and imagine how you would want someone to correct your beliefs.

OTHER HELPFUL VERSES:
Isaiah 43:25
Psalm 103:2, 3
Psalm 130:3, 4
Mark 2:6-12