How do you deal with the Jehovah witnesses

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MaryJane May 3, 2010

When they come to the door and are insisting you let them in and take their literature? I tried to be really friendly and polite with this older gentleman but he was so insisting that I read his watch tower tracts. I told him that I was a christian and I was not interested in reading his material but he would not let up. He said if I did not read his things I would not know what God is doing now in this day and kept on going. I tried several times to tell him that I follow the Lord and that I believe Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. He said that God was Jehovah and insisted I needed to know about him. Finally I just said as lovingly as I could that the only way to God was through His son Jesus and with that the man got angry and told me that if I did not want to read his things than it was at my own risk. I told him I hoped he had a nice day as he stomped off.

I feel like I handled it all wrong but he was really pushy and insisting made me feel really nervous and uncomfortable. I was home alone so I was not going to invite him into the house but I did try to talk to him politely on the front porch.

How does everyone here handle these kinds of situations.

God Bless
maryjane

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Miccah May 3, 2010

It is a bit different for me, since I am male. If my wife was home alone, I would advise her to do the exact same thing that you did. Praise God that it seems like this guy didn't have much luck with folks in your area :-)

As a man, I always invite them in or talk to them where they are. I pull out my Bible, and I go through point by point with them until they get sick of me and leave. I always invite them back, but they never come.

I just speak truth over them. Try my best to love on them, and I am never harsh with them. They are greatly mislead and unsaved. In fact, I have an easier time talking to those who don't know Christ and act like it, then I do with those who act like they know Christ, yet don't. At least I expect the unsaved to act as such.

1 Corinthians 9:16 (NKJV)

"... Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!"

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Fuegodedios May 3, 2010

1.In Jn 20:28, Thomas refers to Jesus in Greek as "Ho kyrios moy kai ho theos moy". This translates literally as "the Lord of me and THE God of me". Why does Jesus, in Jn 20:29, affirm Thomas for having come to this realization? If Jesus really wasn't the Lord and THE God of Thomas, why didn't Jesus correct him for making either a false assumption or a blasphemous statement?

2.If Christ will not have a visible return to earth, then how will he be seen by "ALL the tribes of the earth" (Mt 24:30) and by "EVERY eye" (Rev 1:7) when he returns?

3.If the Holy Spirit is God's impersonal active force, how could he: Be referred to as "he" and "him" in Jn 16:7-8 and Jn 16:13-14; Bear witness - Jn 15:26; Feel hurt - Isa 63:10; Be blasphemed against - Mk 3:29; Say things - Ezek 3:24, Acts 8:29, 10:19, 11:12, 21:11, Heb10:15-17, Rev 2:7; Desire - Gal 5:17; Be outraged - Heb 10:29; Search -1Cor 2:10; Comfort - Acts 9:31; Be loved - Rom 15:30 ; Be lied to and be God - Acts 5:3-4?

4.What is the meaning of Rev 14:9-11, which says, "... If anyone worships the wild beast ... he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur ... And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever ...". Where could "anyone" be "tormented ... forever and ever"?

5.If the name "Jehovah" is so important, then why does Acts 4:12 say, "There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name [v10 Jesus Christ] under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved"? Would this not have been the logical place for God to have used the name "YHWH"?

The main thing to remember is, speak the truth in love. I have had some JW's stop by my house and they usually get turned off when you start quoting scripture to them and giving clear answers to their questions most leave after a while. They prey on people who do not know their bibles( not saying you don't dear friend :) just being general. So the first defense against heresy is truth devour the scriptures and meditate upon them let them dwell in you richly. there is also a good verse in John 17:5 christ said he had glory with God before the world began but in Isaiah 42:8 it says God shares his glory with none but himself. So what does this mean? when you ask questions do it with care and love. and also use the law on them to show them the exceeding sinfulness of sin and hopefully by Gods grace they will be pricked to the heart. JW's have a real works righteousness attitude when it comes to salvation all the tracks and door to door tactics the employ salve the conscience and give them assurance instead of trusting in christ alone. The law exposes sin and leads one to see the need for the God man Christ Jesus who is the sum total of the gospel. The Law is the hammer to crush the gospel the medicine to heal.

Soli Deo Gloria
Demetrius.

L

Lysa May 3, 2010

I knew a guy in college that used to go to Jehovah's Witness's meetings to get to know them on a basis where he could "witness" to them but it didn't work. I told him to be careful, I don't know where he is now.

Anyway, he told a group of us one day that they have a platform in the middle of the meeting hall with two chairs facing each other and one acts like the person answering the door and the other is "learning" to GET IN. This literally goes on the entire meeting time with people critiqing each other and what they did 'wrong' during last weeks visits.

Fuegodedios is right, "They prey on people who don't know their Bibles." They are on a mission, and it's not to love you or pray for you or help you; they are on a mission to convert you, period. This sounds cold and callous but they are like stray dogs, as long as you talk to them and invite them in, they will keep coming back. It's entirely up to you.

Personally, I do not let them in. They are there to beat down your defenses and years ago I thought if I told them, "I'll give you 15 minutes if you give me 15 minutes" but then they wanted to argue about who goes first because of course, they wanted to go last (formulating their whole argument while you talked). So I just told them (in love and with a smile), that I speak in tongues and if they want to come in I'll pray with them! Thankfully, no one comes to my house anymore!!

T

twayneb May 3, 2010

Lisa is right. They do prey on those who are weak in the word. I had a very humorous encounter. I was in the back yard studying the word when two elders and a young girl apparently learning to be a witness showed up at the door. My wife told them I would love to talk to them and sent them around back. As they walked up and saw me reading the Bible, they made a comment about my being in the "good book". They then asked me some question about Jesus. Without even thinking about what I was saying, I replied, "Well of course, He was God you know." The reaction was to puff up, huff around a bit looking for words, and say, "Well we could discuss that some time.", and hurriedly usher this young girl out of my yard. I felt later that I should have warned that young lady that she did not know what she was getting herself into. I had unintentionally brought out the "big gun" fighting words by saying that Jesus was God.

Those who are strong in the Word and know their Bible can ask the witnesses to explain their doctrines. Listen closely, and then simply ask them questions as though you don't know. "So what does this scripture mean then", pointing to a verse that obviously refutes their point of doctrine. It is never about winning an argument with a Witness, but rather about helping them to see that there may be error in their belief. Often just asking them questions about scriptures that refute their doctrine will cause them to begin thinking. Trying to argue and convince is rarely if ever successful.

Travis

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ginnyrose May 4, 2010

I have had so many JWs come to our door...

We had Watchman's Fellowship come into our community and they presented a seminar on how to deal with cults, presenting their main doctrinal points. Having talked with a lot of them plus studying Ted Denchers lit on JW's their material made a lot of sense.

What does not work is to give them lit from an organization that works to inform JW's their error.

I have one good story. A very nice young, handsome Hispanic fellow came alone to our door. We got to talking but he was very different: he was NOT confrontational. He was thoughtful. I felt in my spirit that somehow the LORD was working with him and I was pleased with the conversation. I never saw him since, nor do I know whatever happened with him.

My point? If you know doctrine and know how to listen to the Holy Spirit you can talk. But do not go into a confrontational mode nor enter into a debate. If you want to read a book that is very helpful this one is it: "Apostles of Denial" by Edmond Charles Gruss. I do not know whether it is still available. You may have to go to www.bookfinders.com to find a copy.

Today when JWs come to our door we have no discussion to speak of. We have a small plaque on our front door with a Bible verse on it. This seems to deter any aggressive discussions. Or, maybe they have learned they are wasting their time with me...

Blessings,
ginnyrose

sermonindex May 4, 2010

The first time JW's were ever encountered was when they had a national convention in Nashville TN. (early 80's, 1981 if recall is correct.)

A whole group of them came in the store i was working at. I was working the register, and one of them got the bright idea to witness to me. (i overheard them talking and prayed that our Lord would give me the opportunity to "be witnessed to":it was immediately GRANTED.)

At that point in time, their watchtower bible did not have the verse regarding saints getting out of their graves and going about the Holy City. (It really threw this guy witnessing to me for a loop, and he called everybody in that roving group into the discussion. They had no answers as to why, but would have to ask their leaders). They tried walking off, but i asked how many of them really knew their Bible because i had a question. They all eagerly returned to the cash register,

The fellow who started 'witnessing' at the onset, looked at me, and intrigue was in his eyes. He asked what the question was. Everybody was standing their wondering what was next.

He was asked to explain Zech. 12:8,9,10.

They all were dumbfounded again.

i really did not know how i would deal with them when the desire and prayer came upon me in the first place, but following the Holy Spirit's lead, it all unfolded so amazingly.

They all left the store in silence.

Later that day, 3 of them came back and were asked where the group was. They said that several of the leaders could not come up with answers as to why their Bible cut out that verse. As well, they had no explanation for particularly Zech. 12:10, nor the other verses in relation to it. They said that none of them were allowed to be found near my store, but they wanted to talk to me.

Following His lead, they were told that their leaders were either afraid of losing some very faithful followers, or their leaders were lying to them and did not want them to know the truth about Jesus.

3 more days passed and they returned to talk through many different things... talk about convoluted dogmatics.

At the end of the week, it was just me and that fellow who confronted me in the first place. (They had all been told to read and re-read the book of John, starting at chapter 2, skipping ch. 1 altogether. Often they were repeatedly asked, if a son of man is called man, what is the son of God called?)

The fellow who started witnessing to me in the first place did get saved, and the other two lost faith in the Watchtower society. All three were kicked out of the convention for talking about what we continued talking about at the store.

i really do not think that it is an issue of fight or flight. They just have different views that are wrong...but how many, even those who claim to be saved, do not have views that differ from the scriptures?

Currently, over the past year, paths have been crossed with a leader who trains converts to witness. This occurred 5 times before i finally prayed and asked God to lead me to his house so that i might share Jesus with Him. After our first meeting, he always told the new recruit trainees to go on to other houses while he talks with me... and the Lord is changing His heart.

A few weeks ago, while riding bike down a road i seldom wandered, guess who was in his front yard fixing barbeque?

I was instructed just to wave and proceed.

He has been brought up before me by God while interceeding at various times. It has been revealed to me that this is going to require prayer and fasting to reach Him as the Lord desires...then this thread is seen today.

Now, this should be in miracles that follow the plow, but anybody willing to join in prayer so that this fellow may see clearly that YHShVH in the New Testament is YHVH of the Old Testament, contact me via my email and details can be arranged after this is prayed about regarding direction as to next steps.

He is already clear that Jehovah is a perversion of Yahweh's real name, and in order for Him to talk with me, he has to lay aside the name Jehovah, and call Him Yaweh or Adonai in order to talk with me about "The True Faith" of the Bible (as i call it). He is confused as to what an angel is via explanations of the word angelos and where it is used to refer to ministers and messengers.

Since dealing with Tony, the Watchtower Bible has been read and researched. Though they do not say where they get their O.T. text for translation, through comparison to the septuagent, it seems that this is their source. Though he does have some knowledge of Greek (according to what the 'Russelites' want him to know) he is at a near total loss regarding Hebrew.

He now has that intrigued look i first noticed of the first one who tried witnessing to me over 30 years ago.

Anyway, how do i deal w/JW's?

According to the Spirit's lead, as with any other human being.

God is just so awesome!
He doesn't just tell you to do something; but shows you what to do , when, and how.

Praise the Lord God Almighty, our Rock, our shield and buckler.

Got so excited seeing the thread,started in writing w/o reading through any posts. Maybe it might be good to retrace back to square one, read em' all, and re-comment?

...perhaps...

When we gonna' talk regarding Mormon's?

Wind blown,
g
Acts 20:32

edited:
second mentioned verse Zech. 12:9 was changed to Zech. 12:10, which it should have been written as in the first place. Typing too fast and not checking references, then sending posts without rereading should not be done; but, this post was sent in just such manner. i have got to quit doing that. Sorry friends. (i'll work on it.)

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ginnyrose May 4, 2010

Awesome testimony, Gregg.

I love it!

ginnyrose

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MaryJane May 4, 2010

Thanks everyone for sharing with me on this. I think I was so taken aback by this older gentleman because he was so insistent and so pushy. I told my husband it did not matter how polite I tried to be or how I told him I was not interested in reading his literature he would not give up. I don't think he was even really listening to me he was just so wanting to push his agenda. I often wonder about things like this after they happen, I wonder if I came across as being rude because I was uncomfortable being home alone. I wonder if I should have said things differently or handle them better??? Sometimes I feel guilty because I know that I am not very good when it comes to talking with people that I don't know. Reading through every ones posts on their experience tells me that he probably was pretty typical of the JW that go around from door to door and that is why he got so offended when I told him that I was not interested in his tracts.

I do try to share my love for the Lord and about my walk with the Lord Jesus with others but I am not very good at debating, when people begin arguing I tend to get uncomfortable.

Well anyway thanks for sharing.

God Bless
mj

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mguldner May 4, 2010

My one and only experience with JW was when I was a young, my mom was taking a nap and I was just hanging out when a older woman and a very young girl guessing grandmother and grand daughter came to the door. I didn't know ANYTHING about JW at the time nor their teachings I went to tell my mom she told me not to answer the door but they were pretty presistant on knocking since they could see I was home. I answered the door and they showed me a bible verse told me a little bit about "god" and handed me some reading material. They were very polite and respectful probably because I was little and ignorant but they never came back. When I came back inside from talking with them my mom said "those are JW they don't teach good things" I said okay and threw away the literature. Since then I really haven't ran into anyone and can't say I really know the flaw in their doctrine other than denying Christ Jesus and I would have to turn to 1 John 2:22 "Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son."

Maybe someone could get me up to date on the dangers of what they actually teach. It would be much appreciated. :)

God Bless,
Matthew

sermonindex May 4, 2010

They err in several areas of scripture, placing their own spin on it, and are 'brainwashed' to believe that they alone are God's true church... so, granted, any other ideas about what the Bible is saying are suspect. They only will listen to their leaders.

More often than not, they bring people in by having 'bible studies' in YOUR home. (my wife invited one in one time to talk to me once, and by the time i got downstairs, this woman and man's caged were so rattled, they were ready to run out the door. Pamela collects crosses, so every room but the kitchen has them. To me it seems like a strange hobby, but i could think of alot worse things to do with ones time: looking for differently designed crosses. JW's believe the cross to be both pagan and demonic, stating Jesus died on an 'execution-stake', which is what the greek literally says.

i usually use a Messianic Bible when dealing with them (the "Complete Jewish Bible"), as this is their rendering given for the word 'cross'. (What throws the JW's when looking at that Bible, is the arrangement of the O.T. when they try showing me a passage from it. The Books are arranged by Jewish, and not Westerner's Latin

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mguldner May 4, 2010

Hum that is interesting thanks for posting helped a bunch, I have already started to think of many scriptures that would blow some pretty big holes in their theology with just what you have posted :) Everything must be done in love. Something that we can do is just what everyone is saying to do ask them how they would intrepret certian scriptures and let the Holy Spirit open up their eyes to the Love of Jesus Christ. Ultimately it has to be God to do this if its something else it generally either won't be geniune or lasting.

God Bless,
Matthew

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Lysa May 4, 2010

Where I worked about 20 years ago, several of us took breaks at the same time (and I worked with a JW), so I started asking him what they believed, I don't remember much, except this one time when we were walking back to work and he said, "Do you know how many mistakes are in the King James Version of the Bible????"

Shaking my head no, he continued with, "1500!!! 1500 mistakes!!" This just flew out of my mouth, "And I bet I believe every one of them!" And laughed and he was like, "Nooooo, it's not funny!" I just patted him on the shoulder, smiling and said, "Don, it will be alright. Maybe it's not me who's deceived," he looked at me weird and walked away. I heard his life fell apart a few years after that. I don't know how he is now.

(edited for clarity)

sermonindex May 4, 2010

If they are versed at all in JW doctrine, something they spend hours at every Saturday at their local "Kingdom Hall",
if you do not listen to God's voice leading you what to say and how to say it, they can blow holes in most scriptures given them, if not, it's usually an: "I'll check into that and get back with you" kind of thing.

Every town i have lived in since 81, except this one, 6 of em' in all, after a few of their indoctrinated ones have left the fold, or leaders catch wind of what is going on, they put my residence on some kind of blacklist.

That's ok, because if God wants me to talk with any of them, somehow, some way, we end up crossing paths.

If you have time on your hands and see any of them canvassing, ask God for the go ahead,and if for nothing else but to hinder satan's progress, go say hi and start in asking alot of questions.

Always keep a proper perspective continually trusting the LORD what to speak. If He tells you to stay away, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Though i was obeying God in one encounter about 9 years back, another 'brother?' who was with me when we were approached was astounded. He asked like, "how did you...?"

It was explained to him that these people are decieved by fallen angels. Then they are hoodwinked, bound, and gagged by demons. He was also told that my wits had nothing to do with it, except the Spirit bringing scripture to rememberance (and obeying his voice). The smartest thing any christian can do is listen to God's voice; but, if you are aren't even hearing it, stay away from anything like this (that is clearly unsettling within you).

That 'brother?' tried copying me and now he is one of them.

Kults are nothing to be playing around with.

You are right in preparing beforehand with scripture. More of His power to you. Be ready to meet anyone before they show up.

If you are hearing, God will tell you ahead of time about what is coming up, whether JW's or GS -(grocery shopping), as well as the best way to do what should be done -which is oftimes to get on your knees.

Agapeo,
g
Jn. 16:13

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dspks May 4, 2010

Be persistant and simply say, "I know you are searching for the truth... I too, am seeking truth... let's bow in prayer and seek Jehovah's guidance." My experience is that they will RUN away!!! They do NOT want you to lead them in ANY prayer.

R

RoseM May 4, 2010

My husband and I have had a fair bit of contact with the JW's. We like to take two tactics. Firstly, We like to tell them that we have the same problem with them that I have with most regular churches, that they don't teach people radical self-sacrifice that Jesus spoke of. We then bring out Matt 25 about the sheep and the goats and point out how their church doesn't teach people that they need to serve the least of the brothers of Christ with zeal. There are many other similar passages (like 1 John 3:16-18) but this one allows you to discuss the judgement of Christ.

We've found that the JW's really squirm over this because it's not something that they're trained in refuting. It also knocks the pedestal out from under the Watchtower Society.

Another tactic that we use is to refute their use of the New World Translation. They all assume that their translation is trustworthy but it can easily be shown that they should question it. We like to show them that the WT society has made several changes over the years and point out that if they can make these changes why should they be trusted not to make fundamental changes again. If their pope has been proven fallible once then their pope is still fallible today. Here is one of their changes:

"But when he again brings his First-born into the inhabited earth, he says: "And let all God's angels worship him." Heb 1:6 1961 NWT

"But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: "And let all God's angels do obeisance to him" Heb 1:6 current NWT

The JW's don't consider obeisance to be worship. Since they believe that Jesus is not God they have changed many verse that call people to worship Jesus to read as obeisance instead. We point out that if the 1966 NWT actually commanded people to worship Jesus and that that was a mistake then perhaps there are some other huge errors in their translation (such as John 1:1!).

One thing that I think really helps is to realise that they are not fundamentally any different than lukewarm Christians of any stripe. They are simple ignorant of the demands and God and his fundamental character.

God's blessings to you and all your future interactions with the JW's.

G

ginnyrose May 5, 2010

MaryJane,

This is a very edifying thread AND so very interesting to hear other people's testimonies. (But I had to laugh at Lysa's most recent one about believing all 1500 errors in the KJV...her answer was right on! Loved it!)

Anyhow...what I wanted to say is this - and I do not think anyone mentioned it, if they did I missed it.

When speaking with a JW, or likely any one caught in a cult, refrain from using any theological terms because they give different meanings to them then what evangelicals do. You may be talking for a long time, using theological terms and think you are on the same page when you are not. You agree and still in your spirit feel something is not quite right. To remedy this problem use two dozen words - if needed - to describe a concept instead of one - this will prevent confusion on your part. Words like incarnation, trinity should not be used. They do not appear in the Bible although the concepts are there. So just discuss the concepts in clear, simple language - so simple a child can understand - so they understand what you mean.

God bless you as you share with them...

ginnyrose

EDITED for clarification

sermonindex May 13, 2010

I thought I'd throw my two shekels in the pot here. I have a friend who spent years in the Jehovah Witnesses. His family will never speak to him again, because he apostatized; he got saved. He was a chief and faithful door knocker. They had a system of canvassing entire neighborhoods; every single house and apartment. There were three marks on the sheet you turn in at the end of the week; not home,return visit, and goat. Goats were strong Christians and violent rednecks and the like.

JWs study Christian comebacks; even probable scripture we may use, especially the ones that glorify Jesus as God. Some are very, very good at it. I can't remember if I thought it up all by myself, or whether I picked it up from another, but I received a strategy that seemed to be from the Lord, concerning these lost souls...[ often seekers too.]

1.] My idea is always to try to see them saved; not blow them out because I'm right, and they are a cult.

2.] I kept in mind that some planted, some watered, and some reaped. I didn't need to go for the jugular, but just minister loving truth.

Revelation 12:10-12 (New King James Version)
10. "Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

I want to emphasize "THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY!" It is a very, very powerful tool, weapon if you will, given to us. When anointed by the Spirit of TRUTH, it showers down conviction upon the listeners. It cannot be refuted! [ consider Stephen's discourse upon his martyrdom..]

So, I avoid arguing scripture with them; wrangling away to endless disputations. What I have done is give my testimony. Like...." I was a God hater, and filled with every immoral sin known to man. I was filled with it, and miserable, yet I hated on. etc..

"And then one day, I knelt down on a street corner, and confessed these sins, and prayed that Jesus would forgive me, and fill me with Himself. I was then flooded with a SPIRIT, that brought love to me for the first time ever, and I began to love."

"That very same spirit that entered me then on that day, is yet with me, comforting me, convicting me, illuminating my ways, and opening up the Word of God to me, with understanding. I understand that the Spirit in me is a PERSON, and now, right now, as always He testifies in me of the Lordship and Godhead of Jesus of Nazareth."

I have witnessed the power of the holy spirit stun them, even render them speechless. They try to grasp a handle of contention, but there aren't any. In a way, the tables are turned...and I refuse , again, to try and convince them through scripture. They are hardened by that. It even reinforces their cause by proving your deception, in their mind.

I have had the chief wolves return to my home to vindicate the "wounded sheep" that returned to the HALL shaken. I refuse them entry to my door, and ask them to leave. these are those who would chew the pearls up and vomit them back to you just to justify their own wicked deception.

The anointed word of our testimony will not return back to the Lord void.....Also, try this when witnessing. I think it is a very powerful and scriptural path to evangelize the lost.

J

jwlassi May 13, 2010

Brother, that was so encouraging.

T

twayneb May 13, 2010

You are right Brothertom. The chief goal is the salvation of souls, not the vindication of doctrine through debate. It was the same with the young lady accompanied by the eldership who came to my house. I unwittingly stepped directly into the area of Jesus being God, although in a friendly way, and they were really quick to run from my back yard with this new convert in tow. They were hardened and wold have been the swine that I cast my pearls before, but she on the other hand...I wish I had been more prepared to share something that could have impacted her in a powerful way. Something that comes straight from the hear of the love of God for that person and manifesting the power of the Holy Spirit in its delivery. We all need to be prepared to give an answer.