A letter from Jeremy Berg, who sometimes writes posts for this blog... I'm very keen to hear what you do when Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door. Can you tell us what you feel, what you want to do, what you do do?
Scot -I had two very nice Jehovah's Witness women show up at my door this morning. I never
quite know how to approach these encounters. I think these encounters are especially awkward for pastors/Bible teachers who are equipped to engage them in theological debate but don't feel like that is the context (standing at the door freezing). Plus, they are usually just well-meaning laypersons who might not be able or wanting to actually be challenged themselves.
Do I just play dumb, hide the fact that I'm a pastor, take their pamphlets and send them on their way with a smile? Other uncertainties include: Is it appropriate to invite them inside? Can they accept and come in?
(I think Mormons are a different story here -- more willing to sit down and chat.)
Is it wise when they are two women and a guy home alone?
Of course, behind all of these questions is my own sense of obligation to evangelize and try to convert them to the "true faith." Should I feel guilty when I miss an opportunity to "witness" back to them -- even when I don't believe door-to-door evangelism is a very effective or wise approach to personal evangelism?
So, I would love to hear how others in the Jesus Creed community handle such encounters. Thoughts?
Grace and peace,
Jeremy Berg
So, I would love to hear how others in the Jesus Creed community handle such encounters. Thoughts?
Grace and peace,
Jeremy Berg
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I've invited Witnesses into my home a few time and at first it was ok, then the truth came out. They do not believe that Jesus is the savior, but they hide that, they hid the their believe that Jesus is an "angel" and hid the fact that they do not believe in the Holy Spirit of God. They were deceptive. When I told them about my experience in receiving Jesus they said it was from Satan. They deny Christ and the Holy Spirit but they don't tell you that right off. One Witness read the Bible using his finger to follow a passage and actually changed the words as he was reading. Did he think I was stupid? Well I believe the Jehovah's think every is less than they are, not Christ like. So if any Jehovah Witness tells you that they do believe in Jesus, please question them deeply, or, as I do now, walk away.
I have a brother in law who is a Witness, I love him, but he is brainwashed. That is what the Witnesses do to their flock. However just one of many points to be made about this organization, they teach that works will get you into heaven. Wrong, it is belief in Jesus, the Savior, and only that can bring us to salvation. He already died for our sins, without Him we can do NOTHING to see heaven. All we need do is love one another and believe in Jesus with all of our hearts, that is ALL. All have fallen short of the glory of God, and our righteousness is but dirty rags. My brother in law does all sorts of errands for his fellow Jehovah's and leaves his wife alone. There isn't enough works in the entire universe that will allow us to reach God the Father, only His Son.
JWs DO believe that Jesus is our only hope, our savior.
JWs DO believe in the Holy Spirit.
JWs DO NOT believe that works are what is needed to get to heaven.
The Bible does say that faith WITHOUT works is dead.
To JW - I would like to think that this religion believes in what you say it does, but the description on this web site itself tells a different story. Tell me, do the Witnesses believe that Jesus is an angel? Do they believe that He is not God, but something lower than God? Do they believe that God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one, but separate, does that concept enter into your beliefs? If you are honest about your religion people will accept it and not denigrate it as they do.
To JW
JWs Do not believe Jesus is their only hope. They believe he is the archangel Michael. They believe the work of being a baptized member of the Jehovah Witnesses is what saves them. They believe the Holy Spirit is the way God moves on earth, not a part of the Trinity, an intelligent being and God himself. The bible does say that faith without works is dead. The bible also says that Jesus Christ is the way, the Truth, and the life; and that no one comes to the Father except through him. There is no mention made of one religion having the Truth. I know what the Jws teach, I have studied with them when I was in high school. I don't know if you are a JW or if you are studying with them. If you are connected to this organization, I encourage you to do your own bible study. And please be honest about what you learn in your book study. A real witness of Jehovah God should not mislead people about what you believe.
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