Reaching Out to JW's

Virbate · Rattlesnake Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 436

I find myself studying the types of errors that people make, which separate them from understanding of God's word, and the ability to make it a part of their lives.

I am starting this thread for anyone who would like to discuss methods and approaches for teaching JW's about the inherent flaws in their reverence for the organization they follow. Generally speaking, the main flaw is that it is not the way of Jesus, from God. Naturally, this lack of foundation will come out in the teachings of the organization, which will eventually be shown to be ungrounded fabrications.

Our job as teachers will be to examine the organization so that we can effectively uncover the cracks in its foundation, and demonstrate where it goes wrong. We need to be able to discern where they went wrong so we can point out to the JW specific points where what they teach contradicts common sense, logic, reason, and correct moral judgment, which all belong to the realm of spiritual discernment and guidance.

The whole reason why lies are a problem is that they are contradicted by reality. So we need to keep the conversation focused around the truth. When we do this, our own thoughts are words are founded in the solid foundation - the rock of God's word. No false teaching can maintain a conversation when we are so grounded. So the key to displacing false teachings is to stand up to them and shine God's light on them.

Virbate · Rattlesnake Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 436

JW's claim that Jesus taught the way, as did his apostles and disciples. However since then apostasy crept in, and the churches that taught about Jesus were teaching lies. So it is beneficial to ask them, how is it that apostasy was able to creep in, and how can you be so sure that apostasy has never crept into your organization?

The key to JW is that they put trust in an organization, and not in the natural faculty of discernment, which God has given them - reason, common sense, and ultimately the Holy Spirit. By asking the above question, we focus in on a crack in their foundation, because in order to be sure that apostasy doesn't creep in, they must have some test outside of the organization itself as a means of verification.

If all you have is the organization, then apostasy is possible because you are following a name, and not some essential substance that you know personally in your heart. But if you follow what you know, then you cannot be deceived by any "organizational coup" that may go on behind the scenes.

To minister to a JW you must constantly remind them of the authority of Christ, who speaks in their heart and minds, with sound thinking. We must encourage them to test what they have been taught against this true authority, so that they will learn not to rely on what they have been taught. This way, we also are able to keep our grounds.

I suggest not getting caught up in doctrinal debates, but instead sticking to the heart of the matter. In the end, if you are successful they will realize that you are requiring a deeper analysis and foundation than what they have received from the organization, and they will do away with the organization.

holly102869 · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:24 am Post subject:

Virbate,

I can see that you really have a good heart. You want to help the lost souls of the world. This is a great thing. My advice don't just focus on the JW's their are many people that need your help to understand and learn what salvation really means. Infact I am nowhere near the place I wish to be. Hearing so many differences in religions can make the strongest believer confussed at times.

A thought to remember; Only when the person is ready will they see the truth. Remember Waco, Texas too many fell into the trap of believing in someone that wasn't truthful. They unfortunatly lost their lives and did so still believing that this man was Jesus returned to them. Also remember the deciever know the words of God better than any man. Therefore he is very powerful throughout all types of religion. May God bless what you are trying to acomplish and may you succeed in your journey to help the ones decieved by Satan.
May God light the way for your cause.Amen
_________________
Bless you,
Holly
Ask,Seek,Knock

For only you can Save yourself.

TBax · King Kong Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 2124

Prov 3:5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness,

If you wish to ask people to disregard the scriptures to look into themselves for truth then your starting point is untrustworthy. Embarassed

Do you trust in God, or do you trust in you? Confused or disgusted

_________________
Agape,
TBax

Virbate · Rattlesnake Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 436

Thanks Holly. You're right about not focusing on one group or one problem. But this is just one thread for this one topic. I think it can be a good way for us to organize our discussions; I'm always trying to promote an atmosphere of University, so we can study and build together. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Thanks for your comment TBax. Is there anything in particular you were referring to, or is it just a general statement?

TBax · King Kong Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 2124

You seem to prefer to not discuss scripture but a "truth" you find within you. How many scripture did you use in this thread? Zero? How are you going to help people?

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and [their] marrow, and [is] able to discern thoughts and intentions of [the] heart.

Confused or disgusted

_________________
Agape,
TBax

Virbate · Rattlesnake Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 436

Thanks for your post TBax.

Please explain if your statement has any relevance to the topic. If you have an interest in contributing to the discussion, please do so. The purpose of this thread has been stated clearly. It is to discuss methods for reaching out to people who have been deceived by the JW organization.

If you have any meaningful contribution to make towards that purpose, then please feel free to cite any scripture that you feel is relevant, and feel free to explain your views according to any other references that you deem appropriate.

It may be that this thread is not one in which you have any interest in participating. If that is the case, I hope that you can allow the thread to proceed according to its natural course, without interruption. I believe that you have agreed to this rule by participating on this forum.

TBax · King Kong Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 2124

Virbate,

You want people to leave the truth of scripture so they can be deceived by you? Appearently you cannot see the connection of my posts. Here it is: You have displayed you have nothing meaningful to offer this group. Sad

Your conclusion that they are deceived is a common fiction this world chooses to believe. #evil

_________________
Agape,
TBax

Virbate · Rattlesnake Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 436

Thanks for your response TBax.

The purpose of this particular thread is to discuss ways of reaching out to JW's. Clearly you believe this purpose in and of itself to be incorrect, but obviously there are many who do not share your trust in the JW organization.

Since the thread is created to discuss failings of the JW system, then it is right that you should be able to defend your claim that JW does not fail.

So, please feel free to provide any evidence that you feel may be pertinent to demonstrating why you believe as you do. Please also allow others the opportunity to present their views, so that we can all freely examine all views. Anyone who supports the JW organization, as well as those who do not should feel free to support their positions with clear arguments on this thread.

james · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 6:30 am Post subject:

One of my best friends at this moment use to be a JW. We met in prison and through sports became friends, it took time but once he seen that I also was sincere in what I believed ( Just as sincere as he was) he wanted to start discussing scripture with me. Through multiple studies and some questions that came up that clearly showed a contradiction in scriptures, concernong the JW, he left JW organization.
My point to this is I feel we need to try to show we care about the people themselves and not try to show them their wrong doctrinally. That is why I do not believe going house to house as they and the mormons do, really works. When we usually see them coming we either have to build ourselves up to be defensive or we get ready offensively. What I feel works best, is as with my friend, just invite them to church and build a friendship, let them know we truely care about them and their souls.
After all, is it not all about saving souls and NOT about who's right or wrong doctrinally (I like to leave this to God)

TBax · King Kong Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 2124

Virbate,

TBax · King Kong Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 2124

james,

How did you meet in prison? Why were you there? Was he locked up as well? If so why? From what you have shown he wasn't very strong in the truth. If people are looking for a way out they will find it. Sad

Virbate · Rattlesnake Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 436

James, I really appreciate what you said here:

Virbate · Rattlesnake Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 436

Zathrus