Pastors John Sherwood and Peter Simpson, and Mr Graham Parkhouse from Epsom, were proclaiming Jesus Christ crucified for sinners in Slough High Street on February 20th.
A passing lady was offered a leaflet. She was not keen on receiving one, saying that she was a Jehovah’s Witness (JW). Pastor Simpson asked her if she was going to heaven. She replied that she was not, because only a special designated 144,000 people (who are JWs) would reach heaven! It was so sad to hear this abuse of the concept of 144,000 in the book of Revelation, which is a symbolic number referring to those who are truly saved out of the tribes of Israel.
Among other errors of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their belief that “Jesus was created as the archangel Michael billions of years ago … (they) concede that Jesus is ‘a mighty god’, but deny that he is God almighty like Jehovah is (appearing in human form. JWs also believe that) when Jesus died, He became non-existent and was raised recreated three days later as a spirit creature, that is, as Michael the Archangel” (1).
Two men the worse for war because of drinking were told by Pastor Simpson that they were engaged in sinful activity and needed to repent. They sadly appeared not to respond with any seriousness about the folly of what they were doing.
There was an encouraging moment, when a man walked past and said to Pastor Simpson. “Keep up the good work, mate!”
One of the Bible texts on display was, “The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from every sin” (1 John 1:7). Upon reading this, a passer-by approached the witnessing Christians and asked about paedophile priests. Are they cleansed from their sins? They were of course informed in response that people are only cleansed, if there is heartfelt repentance and a resolve never to return to the sin, along with a trusting in Christ who alone can grant mercy.
In any case, of course, those witnessing have nothing to do with such priests. Bible-believing Christians maintain that every single believer is a priest unto God with direct access to the Father through their great high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a accordingly no need whatsoever today for any earthly human mediator, such as a priest, to take on that role, and no earthly priest can forgive sins.
During one of his preaching sessions Pastor Sherwood emphasised the necessity of the new birth through faith in Christ in order to become a true child of Abraham, one of God’s true people. Man’s sinful nature, until he is born anew, is at the root of all problems.
Prayer is being offered up that many who heard about the birth and the way of salvation from sin, and also who read the word of God on display, might see their great need of coming to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith without any delay.
- Handbook on Cults and New Religions, Ron Rhodes, Harvest House, p101