Q/A: I recently came into contact with several young men from the Mormon Church.  They have taught me about the Church of Jesus Christ and that there is a prophet and twelve apostles today.  Just like in the time of Jesus Christ.  Are they lying to me?  Why are they saying that prophets exist?  I honestly think that we need prophets today to guide us, like in the days of Noah, but I don’t know if their prophet is the one.   Please help me.  I’m considering joining their church but wanted to ask you what you thought. - Gus

Q/A: My wife used to attend the Mormon Church.  However, our neighbor and her family are involved and some young missionaries have talked to us a few times.  When I talk to them I can’t help but poke holes in their statements.  One was their statement that after the original 12 disciples, the church ceased.  I quoted Christ stating that the gates of hell would not prevail against his church.  Is it correct to interpret this statement of the Lord to mean that his church would continue uninterrupted forever?  Is there not historical and scholarly evidence to substantiate the continuation of the original 12 disciples through men like Polycarp and others?  They also state that humans existed as angels before being born as humans, which I also disputed.  I realize that these are peripheral issues, but I sense them trying to make their organization unique and “the only true church”.  I have been down this path before and don’t intend to repeat that experience. Is the book of Mormon considered valid or concocted by sensible Christian scholars or even secular scholars?  I appreciate your response. - David

Q/A: I have family members (specifically my brothers and parents) who belong to a cult.  I’m searching for information or anything that would help me witness to them.  I was in the cult years ago, but God rescued me.  My heart goes out to my family.  What is the best way to approach this?  They all think I’m crazy. - Tim

Q/A: I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints back in 1981.  I have noticed some comments in the Q and A section about “Mormons” having an imperfect idea of Jesus Christ.  Please explain where we depart.  We believe he was the same as the God of Abraham who came to earth in the flesh, was crucified, died and rose on the third day.  I realize we differ on many other issues, but essentially, Christ is Christ, Lord God and Savior. ... “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”  (John 1:1-3) This quote from the Bible draws a lot of consternation from many, but our faith believes that Jesus Christ was Jehovah and he was the Creator.  Is this where we disagree? - Gina

Q/A: Since Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs are founded in unbiblical teaching, what would be the best way to help a Jehovah’s Witness when a Christian’s foundational approach begins with the Bible? Since Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that Christ is God, but instead “a god”, how does this affect their salvation? - Tony

Q/A: I have struggled with alcoholism but conquered it with God’s help, strong prayer, self-discipline and some counseling.  I have siblings that struggle badly--for example, my older brother is homeless.  Please pray for him.  He has been struggling with alcohol and severe depression for 25 years. My question: a colleague at work is a Jehovah’s Witness.  Her basic belief seems to be the same as mine.  She believes Jesus is our Savior and died on the cross to save us from sin’s consequences.  We started a “weekly Bible study” about three weeks ago.  I know her Bible is different from mine in some ways.  Should I continue having this weekly Bible study? - Deborah

Q/A: Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult?  They have predicted the coming of Christ three times.  They deny the deity of Christ. - Robert

Q/A: Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult?  What is a cult?  I am not a Jehovah’s Witness, but I do not believe they are a cult.   The apostles were sent out to preach from house to house, door to door in two’s.  Who still carries that out as Jesus instructed?  Who preaches the good news of the Kingdom as Jesus instructed?  Which organization is doing this all over the earth for a witness to all the nations before the end comes? It is not you.  It can only be one of two organizations: Mormons (L.D.S.) or Jehovah’s Witnesses. - Francis

Q/A: I have been reading through the questions and answers that you have provided.  It’s great that you are doing this.  I read a question from another lady who asked about blood transfusions and how the Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t accept them.  I have a hard time believing that God would not allow us to have blood transfusions if needed to save lives.  But in studying the Bible, I did run into a verse—Acts 21:25.  It mentions to abstain from blood.  Can you explain this to me, and what does it refer to when it says abstain from blood?  I think it means from literally drinking blood, but I’m not sure.  Your help is greatly appreciated. - Marie

Q/A: What are the differences in Christianity and Mormons?  I had two young men knock on my door to tell me about Mormons, but I am a Christian.  Please help me with some of the differences so I can be prepared to witness to them instead of them to me. - Aaron

Q/A: I appreciate your ministry. Presently I am discussing various beliefs with a “Jehovah’s Witness”.  Denying Christ’s divinity (as it seems these folks do) in my view comes close to “taking the name of the Lord thy God in vain”—not recommended!!  ... One of their main sticking points is the Trinity doctrine, and I have supplied him with various articles in an attempt to explain this to him.  He writes:  “I am interested in your comments on Bible verses relating to the time after Jesus’ resurrection, such as 1 Corinthians 15:24,28.” He later writes: “…does the Father have more knowledge than the son, or does this apply only when Jesus was on earth?  (Matthew 24:36)” Could you please help me to provide authoritative answers for him? - Ian

Q/A: I hear that Jehovah Witnesses don’t believe in blood transfusions.  Where in the Bible does God forbid it?  Where does God draw the line for born-again Christians concerning medical needs? - Angie

Q/A: Due to personal reasons, my wife and I haven’t been able to attend church for a while. During this time, women from JW have been visiting our home, mostly my wife. She attends church with them. They provide a ride. I’ve met most, if not all of those who visit. They seem very nice. My wife says they DO NOT deny the divinity of Christ. They offer help in many instances and I’m very impressed overall with those I’ve met and talked with. Is there a problem with attending church with them? Is there anything I should be concerned about? Has their doctrine changed lately? I don’t know all the questions to ask so address anything you feel is important. Please excuse my spelling and as time permits, I would appreciate a personal reply. What do you know about the beliefs they now teach and practice? - Mike

Q/A: I have come under heavy influence from the Hare Krishna movement which is challenging my beliefs. - Mark

Q/A: I was baptized Mormon 5 years ago. But I no longer go there. My question is: If I were to get baptized into another church would I be committing sin? - Marion

Q/A: I have started receiving a magazine from the Philadelphia Church of God. I have some reservations about this group but can’t put my finger on it. What do you know about them? - Kirsten

Q/A: I have some questions that I have not been able to understand about Armstrongism.  It is my experience that Armstrong followers will tell you that you must “prove all things with scripture”, “test everything”, and that the Bible is not open to “human interpretation”.  However, most of their religious doctrine is based upon  human interpretation.  This is especially true when you consider the main reason for their following some of the ancient Israelite customs and Mosaic laws—they believe that they are descendants of the lost tribes of Israel, but cannot prove it using Scripture. There are 613 laws of the Old Testament but they pick and choose which ones they keep.  They criticize other Christians for celebrating Christmas because they say scripture does not support it, yet they cannot support their Anglo/Israelism.... I would really like to have a better understanding of how such intelligent and reasonable people can be so blinded to the obvious false doctrine of the Armstrong teaching and the hypocrisy.... - Whitney

Q/A: Having studied many of the questions and answers in “Ask Greg”, perhaps you could help me.  How would you advise a person like myself who has been strongly influenced by what you term ‘Armstrongism’?  I’m afraid I find myself with a certain amount of innate hostility against your views, which I tell myself is wrong.  Can you suggest where I might start to overcome any prejudice I may have? - Victor

Q/A: I have a friend who still follows the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong (very sad).  My friend explains that Mr. Armstrong taught that the Feast of Tabernacles is when Christ will return again, but I can’t find anywhere in the Bible where Tabernacles depicts the time when Christ will return.  How does Armstrongism teach this? - April

Q/A: I was reading an e:mail that listed in excess of 20 different dates that men have set for the 2^nd coming of the Lord. One of the date-setters listed was Herbert W. Armstrong for 1975. Please confirm the allegation for me or tell me that there was no date set by Mr. Armstrong. - Darreth

Q/A: First of all, are Herbert Armstrong’s views on heaven and hell correct? Secondly, my church, New Covenant Fellowship, is doing a play called Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames." Many different scenarios are shown when people die and they either end up in heaven or in hell. The ones that go to hell are shown being carried off by the devil screaming into hell and ones that go to heaven are shown being welcomed into the arms of Jesus. Obviously, there are a few things in this play that are incorrect but many people are lead to Christ through this play. Is my church doing the correct thing by doing this play? - Taryn

Q/A: I have a question. Who started this magazine and organization? My boyfriend used to get this magazine and he told me about it but couldn’t remember who founded it. He said he thought it was Herbert Armstrong. Is that right? Thanks for your help! - Mary

Q/A: I really enjoy your Q & A section. I am so glad I found it! My question (probably won’t be the last) – what did H. W. Armstrong teach exactly and how was it "unbiblical"….he was way before my time. I ask because one friend says it was "a cult" and another says his teachings were far from it. Help! Hope you can help me with some answers so I can refer to Bible passages to back them up also. - Sheila