The Watchtower’s “Kingdom of God” Examined

One thing I will commend Jehovah’s Witnesses for is their persistence in spreading their beliefs. Every Saturday morning, many of them go door to door in various neighborhoods. In recent years, I’ve seen JW’s standing by portable displays of their literature near libraries, stores, restaurants, bus stops, and on street corners. Unfortunately, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society promote another gospel based on works (Galatians 1:6-9). Their teachings can put undiscerning followers into religious bondage, eventually resulting in them being lost for eternity.

Recently after I led a young man to the Lord at McDonald’s, a Jehovah’s Witness who overheard our conversation placed a brochure on my table as she was leaving. “What is the Kingdom of God” lists several Bible verses and then asks, “What will life be like under the rule of God’s Kingdom?” That question is answered by referring to two passages of Scripture…

“The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.” - Psalm 37:29

“They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them.” - Isaiah 65:21-23

I agree life on earth will be wonderful when the Lord sets up His millennial kingdom. However, this brochure doesn’t instruct a person how to become part of God’s kingdom. This is probably to lure potential converts into having home Bible studies based on Watchtower doctrine and attend Kingdom Hall meetings. Jesus said in John 3:3, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

This same brochure makes reference to Matthew 24:3, 7 and declares, “Jesus foretold that just before the Kingdom brings peace to the earth, our world would be plagued with wars, famines, and earthquakes…We see those very conditions today. So we can be confident that God’s Kingdom will soon bring an end to all such problems.” Jesus also said in Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” I’ve never heard Jehovah’s Witnesses talk about how they plan to survive the seven-year tribulation period prior to Christ’s return. How will JW’s respond when the Antichrist pressures them to take the mark of the beast?

Thank God I’m already part of His kingdom…as a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). My citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). While the earth is tribulating, I’ll be enjoying the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. An invitation is waiting for you as well if you haven’t already accepted it. All you need to do is receive the free gift of salvation.

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” - Mark 1:15

Inherit the Earth

Jehovah’s Witnesses are among the most difficult people to witness to. The Watchtower has indoctrinated them with false interpretations of Scripture. One of which is only 144,000 people will get into heaven. All other Jehovah’s Witnesses will supposedly live forever in an earthly paradise. This is a gross misinterpretation of God’s word.

Revelation 7 identifies the 144,000 as Jewish evangelists, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel that will minister during the seven-year tribulation period. Verse 9 from that same chapter refers to “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues” standing before God’s throne clothed with white robes. In case you have doubts as to where this is taking place, Psalm 11:4 says, “The Lord’s throne is in heaven.” The Bible clearly shows there is room for more than 144,000 people in heaven.

To defend their paradise doctrine, Jehovah’s Witnesses often quote what Jesus said in Matthew 5:5; “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Yet there are verses in this same chapter that promises eternity in heaven. Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Verse 10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

Wherever the Bible appears to contradict itself, it’s helpful to look up Scripture in other translations. The Message paraphrase of Matthew 5:5 reads, “You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.” The phrase “inherit the earth” is basically a slang term meaning people who live for the Lord will receive blessings in this life. Psalm 25:13 and Psalm 37:9, 11, 22 also talk about inheriting the earth. Both the American Standard Version and the English Standard Version use the term “inherit the land.”

While God wants us blessed on earth, we should be more concerned with heavenly rewards. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” The New Living Translation of this verse reads, “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.”

There is coming a time when God’s people will literally inherit the whole earth but not before the tribulation. During which, I’ll be enjoying the marriage supper of the Lamb up in heaven. What about you?

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them.” - 1 Samuel 2:8

Princely Encounters

In the fall of 1985, I moved to Minneapolis to pursue a career in the recording industry. One thing that inspired me to do so was a local musician who had become a superstar. Prince put the Twin Cities on the musical map by pioneering what was known as the “Minneapolis sound.” 

Although I never sought assistance from the Purple One, we had a very brief encounter in 1990 when I was cast as an extra in his movie “Graffiti Bridge.” Initially, I wore sunglasses on the set until Prince approached me in between takes and asked me to take them off. After I removed my sunglasses, Prince said, “You look better without them.”

There were other memorable encounters I had with individuals associated with Prince. The previous year I worked at a music store selling keyboards and other pieces of sound equipment. One day a pastor and his wife stopped in to buy a synthesizer. They mentioned Prince’s former bodyguard "Big Chick” Huntsberry attended their church and offered to introduce me to him.

The following Sunday I drove out to this church but Big Chick couldn’t be there. That night the church hosted a Peters Brothers seminar, which exposed the evils of secular rock music. Although I agreed with some of the things they said, I walked out near the end of the seminar. I was disturbed with the Peters Brothers quoting portions of song lyrics to where I thought they were taken out of context (years later I learned that was done to avoid lawsuits from record companies).

A few days later, I heard Big Chick speak at a different church. After former Prince guitarist Dez Dickerson sang a couple of Christian songs, Chick gave his testimony. I was pleased to hear he got delivered from drug addiction but couldn’t relate to his declarations of loving Jesus Christ. I thought, How could you love somebody you can’t even see? Back then I had a hard time believing in the supernatural. Fortunately, I recognized my need for the Lord in 1991 and committed my life to Him.

Then in February 1995, I attended a business presentation in downtown Minneapolis. Three men took turns describing a new software program being released. One of them was referred to as “Chris” and soon I recognized this man with a British accent. Chris Moon had previously owned a recording studio where Prince made a demo tape that eventually helped him land his first recording contract. When the presentation was over, I chatted with Chris who gave me his business card.

Two years later, I called Chris Moon to see if he would listen to a demo tape I had put together since becoming a Christian. To my surprise, Chris invited me over to his house. What I thought would be a brief meeting lasted 2½ hours. Because I didn’t know what Chris’ spiritual beliefs were, I originally planned on being quiet about mine and let my music do the ministering for me. However, Chris kept asking me questions and we talked for about 90 minutes before he would listen to my music.

After hearing my demo and giving me some suggestions, Chris said he always thought of himself as a godly person. I asked Chris, “Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?”

He replied, “Well, I’d like to.”

So I offered to pray with Chris and he repeated the prayer of salvation with me in his living room. The next night at church, I shared this praise report with a friend of mine named Wendy. She dated Chris ten years before and since then had been praying for his salvation. Wendy was literally dancing around in circles when she found out her prayers were answered!

A few weeks later, I was doing volunteer work at a Christian nightclub called the New Union. Before the start of a new band tournament, Dez Dickerson (who was one of the judges) shared his testimony of coming to know the Lord in 1980. During the next three years, his performing Prince songs with sexual themes began to trouble his conscience. Dez left Prince after the “1999” tour and attempted a solo career before starting a Christian record company. I talked with Dez about my meeting with Chris Moon. He was pleased to hear Chris had become a brother in the Lord.

On his album covers and at awards shows, Prince gave thanks to God despite writing lyrics that were often profane (the Peter Brothers suggested the god Prince served was his genitals). After I got born again, I often prayed for Prince’s salvation. He did become a Jehovah’s Witness in 2001 and stopped performing his more explicit songs. Unfortunately, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society does not acknowledge the deity of Jesus Christ.

This past Thursday Prince died at the age of 57. His death surprised me since I heard he was very health conscious. Ironically one of Prince’s last tweets was “I am #transformed.” I hope he really knew the Prince of Peace.

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” - Psalm 146:3 (NIV)